Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Teen Choice Awards 2012



Another awards show...another round up of my favorites from the red carpet!



Nina Dobrev


Holland Roden


Victoria Justice


Lucy Hale


Tia & Tamera Mowry


Hayden Panettierre


Taylor Swift




The Teen Choice Awards always delivers fun & fresh looks - so different from the more serious awards shows. While I personally would choose something more along the lines of what the Mowry sisters were wearing (or even Miss Roden's outfit...maybe in different colors?), it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the 'young stuff'!


Who wore your favorite look?


*Photos via The Huffington Post.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Dress-y Stripes


Every once in awhile, I like to put a dress on. It's not usually my go-to uniform (I tend to feel more comfortable in pants), but I don't think there is anything more feminine than a dress. I snagged this dress from J.Crew a few weeks ago (and on sale!) and was pretty excited to throw it on this weekend. Ryan was impressed - he kept on complimenting the outfit throughout the night! Maybe I should wear dresses more often...






Dress: J.Crew (on sale!)
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Aldo (first seen HERE)





Bracelets: old/unknown (first seen HERE)
Watch: Bulova



If you follow me on Instagram (@theprettyfactor), then you probably saw these pics too...




(Isn't my honey a cutie?)



So another outfit post. I am still not sure how I feel on doing these....but alas here it is!


Hope you had a happy weekend!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Tarable Designs




Tarable Designs is a custom design company founded by my friend, Tara. She specializes in paper goods and designs tailored to fit each individual customer's needs. A little while ago I sought her expertise to design some personal stationary as well as for some new cards for The Pretty Factor! Check out what she made!






Tara began the process by asking me different things to help pinpoint what I wanted -  What colors did I like? What colors did I not like? Patterns? Fonts? She took her time to make sense of all the different ideas that I threw at her until she nailed it on the head!



For my personal stationary, Tara used white paper and incorporated a damask print as a side border along with my name in the upper right hand corner. She used a pretty girly font and since purple is my favorite color, she mixed it in with the black print.
This will be perfect for handwritten notes!









I also asked Tara to create a greeting card of sort for The Pretty Factor. I knew some things that had to be part of these cards - a bow & pastel pink. I drew much of the inspiration from the blog button that I also use as TPF's Facebook profile picture. Tara went beyond what I had in mind by using the bow inside and out and duplicated the font as well. She even created mailing envelopes too! These will be great for thank you notes (for shopping my closet!), giveaways & other things!













She even added her stamp to the back of the cards too!





Tarable Designs doesn't just make stationary & greeting cards - Tara has created wedding invitations, graduation announcements, shower invites and more! She also creates custom decor items for your special events. This girl is TALENTED.


The website is currently under construction, so for more information on Tarable Designs, please check out the Facebook page to see photos of her amazing creations!



Thank you Tarable Designs for my fantastic goodies!




Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Handy Dandy: How to Remove Stains from China







Have stained china on your table?

Mix up a paste of baking soda, lemon juice & cream of tarter...
then rub those coffee or tea stains away!

Monday, July 16, 2012

My Girly Weekend


This past weekend was one of the girliest weekends I have had in awhile. Granted, I am usually found doing something girly, but this weekend was non-stop girl stuff.
And I enjoyed it thoroughly!


Most Friday nights for me are nights in. I don't usually make plans for Friday nights because at the end of the work week, all I want to do is veg out at home and RELAX. So I swung by Target to grab some things & picked up Essie's "Ole Caliente" for my at-home mani/pedi.




Saturday morning/afternoon brought about laundry & other house stuff before GIRLS NIGHT OUT! A few of my girlfriends & I were just meeting up for dinner & dessert but I swear I was putting more energy into getting ready for it than I do for a night out with my hubby! ;) Just kidding....I put in effort for him too! But I think it's because when you are married (& all of your friends are married), your schedules aren't as free...so it takes quite the effort to plan a GNO. In any case, I was really excited for it.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you caught a sneak peek of this outfit...


Dress: Forever 21
Leopard Belt: Target



Rhinestone Bracelet: J. Crew
Cuff: Jewelmint "Gehry"
Watch: Guess (first seen here)
 Earrings: (I don't remember!)
Ring: Gift from Husband



Wedges: Steve Madden "Riddgge"



Dinner at Bonefish Grill with Raisa & Cheryl



Sunday didn't start out so hot - I woke up with a killer headache so I stayed in bed for awhile until I felt better. I had breakfast & relaxed because it was storming outside. The other day I shared a picture on Instagram that was so quintessential South Florida - it was sunny as all heck but it was raining at the same time. Typical. Anyways, I had a baby shower for a friend later on in the afternoon so while I was feeling the urge to stay in my pj's, I got it together.


Dress: J. Crew 'Maritime Anchor' (now on sale!)
Sandals: Sam Edelman



Watch: Guess
Necklace: J. Crew via eBay
Cuff: Jewelmint "Gehry"
Chain Bracelet: Spike the Punch
Rings: Jewelmint "Forget Me Not" Trio



My weekend ended with Sarah Jessica Parker...in the form of watching her movie, "I Don't Know How She Does It"...finally! This movie has been out forever!


It was cute. Then again, my opinion may be biased because I just love me some SJP!




Hope you all had a lovely weekend!
What did you do?


Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday's Five



My five favorites this week...



#1 - MAC's "Expensive Pink" eyeshadow - it kinda looks like a dupe for NARS "Orgasm" blush...but for your eyes!


#2 - How cute are these Watermelon Pops?!



#3 - Burberry Brit Sheer - scent of the week


#4 - The son of a fellow coworker is undergoing a critical surgery on Monday, so the company was involved in a big blood drive yesterday.

I hate needles but I hate kids being sick even more.



#5 - Diet Sparkling Green Tea with Strawberry Kiwi by Lipton. Addicted.


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Handy Dandy: How to Keep Cottage Cheese Fresh





Here's a tip to keep your cottage cheese last even longer - store the container upside down in your refrigerator. This helps in slowing down the effects of the oxidation process!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Luxe for Less - Miu Miu Flared Heel Pump



Today's "Luxe for Less" feature is dedicated to Miu Miu's Flared Heel Pump.




I'm sure you have seen this pump before. it's probably one of the better known shoes by Miu Miu. It's famous for it's 'flared' heel. This patent leather pump features a 5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform and retails at just under $600. It's pretty gorgeous.


But not gorgeous enough to blow $600 on!





Aldo's "Worstell" pump instantly reminded me of the Miu Miu pump. While this is comes in rich suede upper, it has a similar flared heel. The "Worstell" features a 4.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform. Oh and it costs significantly less - just under $60!!!



Hmmm....$60 or $600...what's your pick?

Monday, July 9, 2012

Glossybox





After hearing (and seeing!) of Glossybox from Pretty Shiny Sparkly back in May, I have finally received my very first Glossybox!

Glossybox is a monthly subscription service that provides top of the line beauty products in a sample size for just $21 a month. The concept of Glossybox is similar to that of Birchbox, but right off the bat, I have to say that it is much better! (*While Birchbox is only $10 a month, the samples were nothing to write home about. I cancelled my Birchbox membership after a few months because I didn't feel it was worth my $10.*) With Glossybox, each sample size is larger than your typical sample size - I would say they are more similar to travel sizes. And they aren't your run-of-the-mill samples of brands that you can find at a drugstore - these are higher end brands found at pricier retailers.

Glossybox personalizes the items they send you based on your beauty profile - so you aren't receiving items that are sent to everyone. These are tailored just for you!




The interior of the Glossybox looks like this - everything is wrapped in their signature black and pink packaging. Aside from just the pretty packaging, your Glossybox comes to you in a sturdy, well constructed pale pink box. This is definitely a box you can reuse to store pictures, jewelry or other items!




My box included this 'Glossy Mag' which featured summer beauty trends and tips!






The information card features the theme of the box (this month's theme is 'Summer Simplicity') and the back of the card gives you a listing of the items you received, complete with item descriptions and the full sized retail prices. My items retailed from $12 - $150! I love how you get to sample higher end beauty products with Glossybox!






Bottom Row, L-R: Ofra Cosmetics Eye Shadow ICE / vBEAUTE Lite Up, Buying Time & Eye Never / Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment



I am super excited to try these luxe beauty products out. I may not be able to buy them again at their  full retail price but the good thing is that I can have a good handle at what may be worth the repurchase vs not. It's a really great way to try out products that you might not have given a second look just based on their price along!


Glossybox does have a referral program but right now, it's by email invitation only. So if you are interested in trying out Glossybox, please send me an email - theprettyfactorblog@gmail.com - and I will send you the invitation link. Once you register your account, you will take their beauty profile survey - this will help in customizing the box of products that Glossybox will send you each month!


I highly recommend giving Glossybox a try - so send me an email today (theprettyfactorblog@gmail.com) and you can get yourself started!



*This is not a sponsored post. I paid for my Glossybox and now I'm talking about it! :)

Friday, July 6, 2012

Friday's Five



My five favorites this week...



#1 - I signed up for Polyvore awhile ago but never really got into it. Then I was putting together my Anchors Aweigh post and learned how to make my first fashion collage. Now I wonder how I didn't play on it sooner...it's genius! You can follow me on Polyvore HERE.



#2 - Sour Skittles. This is not really just applicable to this week. I love them any week!


#3 - Is anyone as obsessed with the new remake of Dallas as I am?! I am hooked!



#4 - I've always like margaritas. And smelling them is pretty good too - Island Margarita has been burning up at home all week. It smells just like summer. :)


#5 - if you have an iPhone, then you need to add the app, Poshmark. One stop shopping and selling! But I am warning you...it's dangerous! ;)
 Search for me - theprettyfactor

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Bauble Swap by Because Shanna Said So





Can you guess what this is??


If you guessed that it's what I received in the Bauble Swap hosted by Because Shanna Said So, then you are correct!


Tasha from twenty-something. was my partner in this Bauble Swap and she sent me this gorgeous mother-of-pearl necklace!



Isn't it amazing?! Tasha purchased it in China and never got to wear it herself - I am so happy that she chose to send me her treasure! I cannot wait to wear it!


Thank you Tasha for sending this beautiful necklace my way!

And thank you Shanna for hosting such a fun swap!