Butter LONDON Fall 2012

Today I have swatches of Butter LONDON's Fall 2012 collection. Butter LONDON has to be one of my favorite nail polish brands because of the amazing quality and gorgeous color selection. The only fault is the price but if you can get them on sale for BOGO it's not too bad. My collection of these polishes has been growing as my wallet shrinks! :/


Dodgy Barnett

This is a beautiful holographic silver grey-ish color. It took three coats and boy is it beautiful!

Gobsmacked

This dark grey almost black color is gorgeous with the generous amount of silver glitter it has. This color definitely satisfies my rocker chic side. Two coats was all it took to even out this manicure.

Lovely Jubbly

This is glitter overload. The majority of the glitter is this beautiful magenta color but it also has some blue, red, and gold glitter added to it. This would be perfect for an accent nail. It took around 4 coats to make this opaque because of the clear base and it was hard to apply the same amount of glitter to each nail. I would have to say this polish is my least favorite from this collection.

Shag

This color is perfect for fall. I know I will be wearing it a lot this coming fall season. I love the orange tone to this burgundy. And the metallic finish makes this two-coater dry in no time at all.

Trustafarian

I love this golden holo. When it isn't reflecting direct light it has a green tint to it that is still very pretty. I couldn't stop looking at my nails when I had this polish on. Holos just attract everyone's attention. They are fascinating. This took three coats for complete opacity.

What do you think of this collection? Do you love it? Do you hate it? Have you picked any of these up already? Which ones do you want? Let me know!

Be colorful! Be trendy! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Birthday Dinner Recipes

As promised here are the recipes for the dishes served at my birthday dinner.

The main course was Chicken Fettuccine Supreme. My mom got the recipe from a Southern Living magazine.

Chicken Fettuccine Supreme

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup chopped green onions
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 cup half & half
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut in 3/4" pieces
1 cup chopped pecans toasted
3 cups fresh mushrooms
1 small red pepper, cut in thin strips
1/2 tsp. salt
10 oz. uncooked fettuccine
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add chick, and cook, stirring constantly, until browned. Remove chicken from skillet, reserving pan drippings in skillet, set chicken aside.
2. Add mushrooms, onions, red pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper to pan drippings in skillet and cook stirring constantly until vegetables are tender.
3. Add chicken; reduce heat and cook 15 minutes or until chicken is tender and mixture is thoroughly heated. Set aside, keep warm.
4. Cook fettuccine according to package directions; omitting salt; drain. Place fettuccine in a large bowl.
5. Combine half & half, melted butter, parsley, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper in small bowl; stir well. Add fettuccine; toss gently to combine.
6. Add chicken mixture and Parmesan cheese to fettuccine; toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with pecans and serve immediately.


This is my mom's adaptation of a mud pie.

Frozen Mud Pie

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup crushed oreos (about 15)
1 1/2 tsp sugar, optional
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 pints coffee ice cream, softened
1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar (if desired). Stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9 in. pie plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spoon 1 pint of ice cream into crust. Drizzle with of the chocolate syrup; swirl with a knife. Carefully top with remaining ice cream. Drizzle with remaining syrup; swirl with a knife. Cover and freeze until firm. Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving.


So there you have it! Two of my all-time favorite recipes. Enjoy!

Be delicious! Be sweet! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Birthday Manicure

Yesterday was my 22nd birthday. It came so quickly that I didn't have time to plan anything so I decided to keep it low key and just  have a small dinner with family. The dinner was fabulous. My mom made all my favorites starting with artichoke dip for an appetizer. The main course was my all time favorite dish that she makes, Chicken Fettucine Supreme, I will post the recipe at a later date because it is to die for. It was coupled with a caesar salad and dessert was her famous frozen mud pie (I'll include this recipe in the post as well.) It was a delicious meal with great company.

Moving on to my manicure, as I didn't have any big plans I decided I wanted to keep my manicure simple but still special. So seeing as the name fit the bill I chose OPI Birthday Babe as my base color and added OPI Crown Me Already! to my ring fingers and thumbs.

I think this manicure is simple but elegant. What do you think? What nail polish will you wear for your next birthday? Let me know!

Be simple! Be beautiful! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine



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Rebecca Minkoff Ostrich Embossed Beau Clutch Look-A-Like

Yet again I have another Target look-a-like and it's another Rebecca Minkoff bag. This time it is not as identical but it is definitely very similar.

Rebecca Minkoff Ostrich Embossed Beau Clutch - $395.00


Here is Target's version:

Target Merona Camel Envelope Clutch - $19.99
The Target option is also available in pink.

What do you think about stores recreating a high-end product for less? Do you consider it to be ripping off the style or do you think it is great that there are affordable options for those with smaller budgets?

Be thrifty! Be savvy! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Michael Kors Chain Link Tortoise Watch Look-a-Like

Target is impressing me with all their look-a-likes lately. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more. Today I have a Michael Kors watch dupe. Michael Kors watches are all the rage lately and I have had my eye on their chain link watch and boy was I surprised when I was looking on Target's website and found this beauty.

Target Geneva Gold/Tortoise Chain Link Watch - $24.99


You can't tell me this is not a dead ringer for the Michael Kors.

Michael Kors Chain-Link Watch, Tortoise - $195.00

 For a fraction of the price you can get the same style watch. I would say that's a great deal!

What do you think? Which would you rather purchase? Have you found any great designer look-a-likes? Let me know!

Be thrifty! Be savvy! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. Look-a-Like

Are you lusting over the cute Mini M.A.C.'s Rebecca Minkoff has been producing? Or do you already have one of your own? I know I have been debating and debating purchasing one but the only thing that has stopped me is the price tag. I wouldn't say the price is outrageous but it's not something you just throwdown for on a whim.

I think I have found something that can hold me over until I bite the bullet. Target has a nearly identical purse for only $19.99. Unfortunately it only comes in one color as of yet and is not sold in stores.

Target Bueno Bronze Mini Bag - $19.99

So tell me:
Would you buy this bag in place of the Rebecca Minkoff or to hold you over until you bought the Rebecca Minkoff? Or would you not buy it at all?

Be thrifty! Be savvy! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Spencer Hastings Masquerade Outfit UnmAsked Episode PLL

Were you excited to find out who A was? Was it who you thought it would be? Are you upset it was the same as in the books? Are you dying for the premiere of season 3 this summer?

I was ogling Spencer's outfit for the Masquerade Ball the whole time. I couldn't wait to find the dress and necklace she was sporting in this episode. Luckily I found the dress. Unfortunately it's not available.

It happens to be a limited edition dress from Free People. With a price tag of $600 this dress is not available for purchase at this time. Sorry girls!

Gianna's Limited Edition Leather and Lace Gown

I'm still looking for a look-a-like and I'll post it if I find one! Keep checking their site if you want it though because I have a feeling it might be for sale soon.

And on with more bad news. The gorgeous necklace the beautiful Spencer donned is by BCBG and it is no longer on their website. You might be able to find it on eBay or another etailer but I was able to find a necklace similar.


Nasty Gal Chainmail Necklace - $18.00

This may not have the glitz that the BCBG one had but it is still the bib style and makes a big statement. And if you really want the bling you could buy this necklace and apply crystals in any color you choose.

If you want me to find any more accessories or items from this episode please leave it down in the comments below!

Be pretty! Be fashionable! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Spiked Heels for Less

Are you as obsessed with the Sam Edelman heels as I am? I love love love them! The booties, the pumps, the sandals! I want them all but my wallet can not afford my desire to have each pair or even one for that matter. I did however find affordable alternatives that achieve the same look without the hefty price tag.

1. Go Jane Glitter Spiky Stud Peep Toe Pump - $60.50

The studs and the spikes on these are the most similar that I found to the Sam Edelman's but they only had glitter pumps. You can find them in silver and I believe black as well.

2. Shi by Journey Rock-N-Roll Heel - $79.99

These are very similar as well but what sets these apart is the stud placement and the leather material. They are still a great substitute.

3. Charlotte Russe Studded-Back Platform Pump - $42.50

This pair is a great alternative to the nude Sam Edelman pair. I think the nude with the edgy detailing is so chic.

4. Lulu's Yoki Chelsea Black Studded Peep Toe Pumps - $33.00

This pair is the least similar but for only $33 I think I would be satisfied rocking these!

Hope you guys enjoyed this post! If you have any items you would like for me to find affordable alternatives for please leave them down in the comments! Thank you!

Be frugal! Be edgy! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Friday Wish List 3/9/12

Hello lovies! Last Friday I did a post on extravagant items on my wish list. This Friday I decided that I would take those wonderful but overpriced items and find cheaper ones because we all love a good deal right? So unless you really want the brand name of an item. It is always best to look for more affordable options for the items you want.



1. Urban Outfitters 7 Chi Studded Tote - $79.00

Savings: $516.00


This bag from Urban Outfitters still has the studded detailing and incorporates the structured styles of handbags that is so popular right now.


2. Gianni Bini "Marilyn" Studded Peep-toe Pumps - $79.99

Savings: $315.01

These nude heels don't have as much sparkle but enough to make a statement and the modest heel makes these babies way more comfortable than their pricey counterpart. Comfortable and affordable? I think so!

3. Windsor Gold Spiked Stud Bracelet - $14.90

Savings: $376.10

I think this bracelet is even edgy than the Pamela Love one. And the elastic band bracelets are always more comfortable.

4. Forever21 Faux Marble Collar Necklace - $12.80

Savings: $162.20

This is a great statement necklace!

5. Lucky Brand Openwork Peacock Feather Earrings - $35.00

Savings: $120.00

I like the rhinestone detail on the Alkemie Jewelry earrings but these are equally as beautiful!

6. Target White Dial Watch - $12.99

Savings: $482.01

Target does a great job with their watches. Most of them are modeled after designer ones but they are almost always under $20. It can't get any better than that!

7. Retro City Black Bellissimo Oversize Sunglasses - $10.99

Savings: $279.01

These are an exact match for the Prada ones and almost $300 less?!?! How often would you wear these things anyways?

8. Forever21 Metallic Bandage Dress - $29.80

Savings: $1,420.20

This dress is a dead ringer for the Herve Leger one. And I don't think I could ever spend $1500 on a dress that wasn't for my wedding but I'm glad I can look like I can!

9. Jessica Cosmetics Iridescent Eye - $7.50

Savings: $18.50

I saw this dupe on Polishaholic.com and I couldn't believe how dead on Jessica's Iridescent Eye was to the Chanel Peridot! Check out the post here!

I hope you enjoyed this! What do you think? Would you buy the original or be satisfied with a cheaper alternative?

Be frugal! Be wishful! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Friday Wish List 3/2/12

Hello lovies! I can't believe it is March already! For this Friday's wish list I have put together some extravagant items. You know how fun it can be to look online at all the beautiful items that you know you would never be able to afford or would never spend the money on it even if you could. I think it is fun to look at expensive things and find cheaper alternatives (hint to next week's wish list). Then I feel fashion forward without breaking the bank! So here are the lavish items I would only dream of owning.

1. Rebecca Minkoff Moonstruck Bag - $595.00

I love the studded detail on this bag. Unfortunately I would have nothing to put in it since I would have spent everything I have just to buy the purse!

2. Alice + Olivia Crystal Platform Pumps - $395.00

These nude pumps are stunning with the crystal detailing. They would be my Cinderella shoes.

3. Pamela Love Sun Cuff - $391.00

Lately I have been into edgy, rocker-inspired jewelry. I love this studded cuff.


4. Fallon Jewelry Bijan Long Horn Necklace - $175.00

Another example of the edgy jewelry style I have been loving!


5. Alkemie Jewelry Peacock Feather Earrings - $155.00

Feathers and leaves are my weakness. I just love the way they look especially in jewelry.

6. Michael Kors Large Dylan Watch - $495.00

I love the statement that a solid white watch makes. It really stands out.

7. Prada Baroque Round Sunglasses - $290.00

I don't know how often I would actually wear these but the funky, retro vibe they give off makes me swoon over them.

8. Herve Leger Metallic Foil V Neck Dress - $1,450.00

What girl could resist a metallic dress? So beautiful and perfect for all kinds of occasions.

9. Chanel Le Vernis Peridot - $26.00

Being the nail polish fanatic that I am, I probably would spend $26 on a nail polish but not very often. The reason I am lusting after this nail polish is because Peridot happens to be my birthstone and I find it would be fitting for me to have this polish.

Hope you enjoyed looking at my "dream" wish list! What products or items are on yours?

Be extravagant! Be wishful! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Guide to Buying Gifts For Him

Today happens to be my man's birthday and it got me thinking about buying gifts for those special guys in our lives. Unless they have told you something specific that they want it can be hard to pick out something that they will enjoy and also isn't the generic gift card. I always try to get my guy something he has mentioned he wanted but wouldn't necessarily buy himself or an accessory to something he already owns and uses frequently.
So I have put together a list of gifts that will help you find the perfect gift for your guy.

1. Playstation/Xbox accessories

I would say a majority of guys play video games. If your guy does pay attention to the games he likes and the accessories he already has for his system. Is there a new game out he wants? Has he complained about his controllers messing up? Did he mention he wished he had a wireless headset? These can clue you in on a great gift he will be happy to receive. For Christmas I bought my guy new controllers for his Playstation because I overheard him and his friends talking about the bad quality of his off brand one has. Quality controllers are not cheap and I would say most guys won't throw down $50 for a good controller (unless its necessary) and that is why they make good gifts.

DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in Urban Camoflauge - $54.99

Note: Make sure you get the accessory that matches his system. I almost bought controllers for Xbox, luckily the guy asked me before I paid. I would double check with the cashier before purchasing just in case.

2. Clothes & Shoes

Guys like to look good but I would say their main concern is comfort. Also, you don't see many guys shopping at the mall all day buying tons of clothes like us girls. I suggest when buying clothes for your guy, do not try to buy things that you know he would look absolutely gorgeous in but he has nothing similar in his closet already. If you buy something out of his comfort zone be prepared for it to sit in the back of his closet or hear him complain about having to wear it. My guy loves V-neck tees. They are his favorite and he says they are the most comfortable shirts for him. They also look great on him and match just about anything so I don't complain. Rue21 has a great selection of v-necks and they are always on sale so my guy receives some for almost every holiday. He also has a favorite pair of shoes. And since he wears them every day, he goes through a lot of them.

Globe Pulse Black and White - $69.00

Note: Make sure to write down his size and any specific colors he likes.

3. Adventure dates

Has your guy always wanted to skydive? Bungee jump? Jet ski? Hillbilly Handfishing? These are all fun things you can plan a date to do together (or watch him do if you're not willing to jump out of a plane with him). They can be expensive or require planning to do which he hasn't gotten around to doing or saved the money for. Whatever activity he has always wanted to do would be a great gift for him.

Note: These activities require planning ahead so Google the activity in your area and set it up in advance so you have no problems the day of the activity.


4. Cologne

Colognes and perfumes are something I believe are a personal preference. I like a lot of perfumes but most of them I would receive a headache if I wore them all day. Also colognes and perfumes mix with your body's chemicals and everyone's are different. The cologne that smells amazing in the bottle may not smell the same when mixed with his body's natural chemicals. Your best bet when buying cologne is one he already owns. If he needs a new one or doesn't own one then you can get him a fragrance set from Sephora and he can choose which one he likes best.

Sephora Fragrance Sampler For Him - $75.00

Note: He not only gets deluxe sample sizes of six colognes he will get a full size of the one he likes best.


A few things to consider when buying a gift for your man: 

If it is a new relationship try to keep the gift simple and inexpensive. Not because the relationship may not last (which could be true but we're being optimistic here) but because you don't want to set the standard so high you can't outdo it the next holiday or feel as though you have to give him lavish gifts for every holiday. I know it is hard to not get him everything he desires but trust me it will pay off in the long run. And you can find perfect gifts without breaking the bank.

Try to mix it up. He may love getting video games every holiday but it will eventually get old and predictable. He will love to be surprised by a gift that shows you really thought about his needs and wants.

Gift cards are in-personal. Unless he specifically states he wants a gift card or wants something from a store and you can not afford to pay for it and you want to help him get it, do not buy gift cards. He may appreciate the gift card but nothing beats your guy's reaction to a gift that is unexpected and personal.

Cutesy gifts are more for you than for him. I know how fun it can be to make a collage of all the pictures you have of the two of you together or some other crafty project that displays your love for each other. If he has any kind of heart he will appreciate the gift to but he would much rather have a DVD or a video game I'm sure. So go ahead and find all the Pintrest crafts you want for him but try and pair it with something he will actually be able to enjoy for fun.

It's all about him. Just remember that this gift should be for him to enjoy. It should be something that shows you care about him and you put thought into it. (Remember its the thought that counts!) He will appreciate anything that shows you sincerely thought about what he would want or need.


Hope this was helpful lovies!

Be generous! Be attentive! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Nail of the Weekend 2/18/12

The outfit I wore included a lot of metal. I wanted a manicure that matched my edgy outfit so I decided on this design I had seen on Pintrest with a few tweaks.

I used a basic black and white nail polish along with Deborah Lippmann's Jewel in the Crown polish that came in a set that was exclusive to Juicy Couture. If you are looking for a pewter nail polish I highly recommend this because it is opaque with one coat and absolutely gorgeous. I taped off my nails with scotch tape in true Chloe's Nails style to create this design. I absolutely love this. I couldn't stop looking at my nails all weekend. The biggest plus is that it was fairly simple to do although time consuming since it is imperative that you let each coat dry before you apply tape.

Hope you guys enjoyed this look! What do you think? Do you want to try it out? Let me know!

Be creative! Be manicured! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Friday Wish List 2/17/12

Happy Friday! Hope you guys are having a good day! Today's wish list is full of things that I just seem to be unable to get my hands on, whether its not available yet, I've been too lazy, or I can't find it at all! Maybe you'll be able to help me out on some of them!

1. French Macarons

Don't these treats look so yummy? I have never tried one before but they look so decadent that I can't wait until I do. Unfortunately I can't find anywhere near me that sells them. And I'm unsure how to go about finding someone that does. I have been tempted to order some online but I feel they would be best freshly baked. If you know of a good site that sells them please let me know! I'm dying to try these colorful treats!

2. Acrylic Lipstick Organizer

I recently bought a drawer unit at Hobby Lobby that is very similar to the Alex 9 Drawer unit from Ikea only it is black, has ten drawers, and came with wheels. I wanted this drawer unit to store my makeup because in my bedroom I have vanity that will not hold all of my makeup (imagine that!) and I was previously storing it in a small plastic drawer unit. I wanted something that was more sturdy that would allow more storage space for my ever-growing collection. The only problem is I need a way to organize my makeup inside the drawers so it is easily accessible. I know where I can buy some drawer organizers but I do not know where I can get these acrylic lipstick organizers in store. I will order them online if I have to but I would prefer to buy in store so I can look at them before and make sure they are exactly what I want. Plus I am too impatient and do not  want to wait for them to ship.

3. Z Palette

I have a few single MAC eyeshadows that are still potted and I hardly ever use them because it is such a pain to see what color they are and I normally have to go through every single one just to find the one I want. I would love to have one of these so I can easily see the colors I have.

4. China Glaze Capitol Colours Collection

I don't know about you but I am loving the Hunger Games series. I was a little late jumping on the bandwagon but now I'm on and shouting, "ALL ABOARD!" These books are amazing; I'm currently reading Mockingjay and I can't wait to see what happens. When I heard that China Glaze was releasing a collection that would coincide with the movie in March I knew it had to be good. China Glaze came up with a polish for each district that represents what that district specializes in. I am hoping these polishes look as good on the nail as in these swatches. These polishes will start hitting stores March 1st.

5. Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules

A week ago I bought the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual and while I have only skimmed through it a bit I could tell it was full of useful tips for using makeup. I think these books make perfect coffee table books.

6. Too Faced Natural at Night

I am getting married in April and I am doing my own makeup. I have been looking for the perfect eyeshadow shades to wear and I think I found them in this palette. The middle row might be exactly what I'm looking for. I hope to find out soon! :)

7. Forever 21 Exclusive Collection Skirt

I got really excited when I saw this picture for the new Forever21 Exclusive Design Collection. The skirt the model is wearing is absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it but upon inspection of the collection the skirt was no where to be found. I have been stalking Forever21.com every day since I saw this picture to see if they would add it at a later date but they have yet to add it. It makes me so mad that they would use this picture for the intro to the collection as well as pair it with tops from the collection on their site but have no intention of selling it. I am in love with this skirt and would do just about anything to get a hold of it but I feel defeated since I have been searching elsewhere as well to find even a skirt that similar to this one but have yet to find one. If you know where I can find this skirt or one like it I would appreciate you letting me know. I know there are plenty of high low skirts out there but this one differs from the rest in that the skirt is fitted all the way around except for the flowing tail.

Have a great weekend my loves!

Be watchful! Be wishful! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine

Rachel Berry / Lea Michele's Dress in the Heart Episode 2/14/12

Are you digging the retro feel fashion is taking a turn towards? Rachel Berry and Zooey Deschanel have been the pilots of this fashion trend in conservative, retro-inspired frocks. I personally love it! I think they always look so sophisticated and put together.

You can get the same dress Lea Michele wore in the Valentine's day episode of Glee at ModCloth.com
It has a polka dot skirt, red patent belt, and sexy black v-neck top.

This dress will run you $212.99 but will be perfect for anytime of the year not just Valentine's Day.
It is by Eva Franco and called What a Debut.

Lea paired it with red flats matching the belt that adds the perfect pop of color.
I found these on ModCloth.com that I thought would pair perfectly with this dress.

I love the bow detail. It adds a flirty touch to this otherwise plain outfit.
Prim the Name of Love Flat - $54.99

You can also find the white dress with red hearts Rachel wore in the same episode at ModCloth.com.

This Movie Moment dress also by Eva Franco is the perfect dress to celebrate Valentine's Day. For $187.99 you can save this dress for next year.

Be loving! Be fashionable! Be you!

xoxo,
Katherine