Swanky Sweepin' Volume 96

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Beauty products  50 winners a day, ends 9/6


Single:

3-piece Carita beauty collection  50 winners, ends 10/7

Amazon gift card  $10-510, 50 winners. Ends 11/30

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray  Ends 10/31

$2500  and 10 winners of $250, Pinterest contest. Ends 9/27 

$25 Famous Dave's gift card  100 winners. ends 9/2

$2500 Oscar de la Renta shopping spree  Ends 8/27

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 95

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$20 Melting Pot gift card  500 winners, ends 9/8

Original Andy Warhol art  and other weekly prizes. Ends 9/30

Trip to NYC for the Project Runway finale  plus 201 winners of Belk gift cards, ends 10/25

Ford Escape  and 28 winners of get away packages, ends 8/31

Single:

iPad  4 winners, ends 8/30

$500 Zappos gift card  Pinterest contest, 10 winners. Ends 8/31

$2,500 ASOS shopping spree  Ends 9/8

$1,000 Bergdorf Goodman shopping spree  Ends 9/9

Glamour anniversary gift box  500 winners, ends 9/10

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 94

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$100 Circle K gift card  GONNA DRINK SO MUCH COFFEE. 496 winners, ends 8/31

$25 gift card to Target or Fandango  80 winners a day, ends 8/15

Tablet  55 winners, ends 8/13


Weekly:

A trip to Germany for the Moustache Championship  and over 3,000 other prizes, ends 9/25


Single:

$50 Cheesecake Factory gift card  20 winners, ends 8/12

Beauty stuff  All end 8/31

Aveda bodycare  50 winners, ends 10/7

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 93

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Tablet  2 winners a day, ends 10/31

Single:

Smashbox primer  150,000 winners, ends 7/31

Murad skincare  Pinterest contest, 10 winners, ends 8/31

Trip to NY Fashion Week  Ends 8/9

2013 Ford Fusion  Ends 11/17

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 92

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$10,000  and 148 winners of a Kindle Fire. Ends 9/30

$1,000 Nordstrom card  Pinterest contest, 5 winners, ends 8/4


Single:

Acer Ultrabook  8 winners, ends 9/30

Trip to Switzerland  Ends 7/27

Trip to Hershey Park  Ends 9/9

Trip to Graceland  Ends 9/20

Power Ranger suit  Ends 7/30


photo: vintage Hershey Park

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 91

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Year supply of donuts  Ends 8/19

Mini tablet  One winner a day, ends 12/10

Single:

$2,000 Urban Outfitters shopping spree  Pinterest contest, ends 8/6

Metal detector  So you can find treasure. 30 winners, ends 7/16

$500  and 10 winners of $200. Pinterest contest, ends 8/12

Trip to Barcelona  Ends 8/9

Trip to Dragoncon Ends 7/23.

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 90

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$75  One winner an hour, ends 8/10

Trip to Mexico City  Ends 8/7

$100  100 winners, ends 7/31

Bongos.  One winner a day, ends 7/31

Single:

Roku player  100 winners, ends 7/15

Dodge Dart  Ends 8/30

Beauty stuffs  All end 7/31

$1500 Barneys card  Ends 7/30

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 89

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Teen Vogue  sweepstake still goin' on with daily prizes

Ulta giftcard  $10-500 and coupons, ends 7/13

5-piece Bulgari fragrance collection  30 winners, ends 9/2

2013 Toyota Camry  5 winners plus 2000 other instant prizes. Ends 11/24

Trip to the Bahamas  to be eaten by sharks, plus weekly prizes. Ends 8/1

Single:

Juicer  1 winner a day, ends 7/26

Trip to Holland  Ends 7/3

$1,000 Loft gift card  38 winners, ends 7/31

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 88

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

A fridge that look like an amp  yep. One winner a day, ends 7/2

Mini tablet  150 winners, ends 7/13

2 round trip flights  30 winners, ends 7/7

Single:

Trip to Comic-Con  and other prizes, ends 6/29

Ford of your choice  up to $30,000. Ends 12/31

Trip to meet the good people of Duck Dynasty  Ends 7/31

Trip to a Maroon 5 concert  so you can ask Adam Levine all about American Horror Story: Asylum. 10 winners, ends 9/9

Firmoo Glasses Giveaway!

Firmoo loves you, our readers, SO MUCH they're willing to give me some discount codes to give away! Woohoo!

If you're not familiar with Firmoo... we've written about them a couple times before - cheap (but quality) glasses, no hassle, and fast shipping! Why pay a ton for one pair of reading glasses when you can pick a bunch to go with all your cute outfits at a great price?

If you've never ordered from them before you already qualify for a free pair (just pay shipping). If you are already a customer, no worries - I have six $20 E-vouchers to use on a pair from the classic series AND if we get more than 50 entries one grand prize winner will get a totally free pair of their choice from the line.

How do you enter? All you have to do is visit the Firmoo site and comment on this post telling us which pair of eyewear you'd love to win from the classic series (this entry is mandatory). Want extra entries? Like our facebook page and comment back here with your facebook name, and/or tweet or pin this giveaway (or do both!) and provide us with the link. One comment for each entry and make sure you include your email on at least one so we can contact you if you're a winner!

Ends 6/30!

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 87

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Trip to London to see Les Mis  Ends 7/22

Xbox with Kinect  3 winners a week, ends 7/9


Single:

Trip to London  Ends 6/26

Trip to Paris  Ends 6/30

$250 Delicate Raymond shopping spree  28 winners, ends  7/29

2013 Fiat 500  Ends 6/27

2013 Mercedes C-Class  and other prizes, ends 8/31

Chevy Spark  and other instant win prizes, ends 12/31

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 86

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$50 Live Nation concert cash  100 winners a week, ends 8/29

$500 gas card  1 winner a day, ends 6/26

Vacation  6 winners, various locations, plus instant prizes. Ends 8/4

2013 Fiat and a vacation  Ends 6/30


Single:

$250 Target card and makeup  Pinterest contest, 4 winners, ends 6/30

Beauty stuff  All end 6/30

50 film blu-ray collection  Ends 6/16

CHI flat iron or curler  50 winners, ends 6/24

Trip to Paris  Open to residents of CA, MA, NY, and FL. Ends 9/15

2013 Nissan GT-R  and daily prizes of $50 Ebay credits, ends 7/4

Trip to Vegas and tickets to see NKOTB  Ends 6/13

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 85

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$$$  Lots of winners, ends 7/31

Lots of stuff  1-10 winners a day, ends 6/20

Fancy vacation  4 winners, plus other prizes. Ends 8/9


Single:

Trip to S Dakota  4 winners, ends 6/14

Virginia vacation  4 winners, ends 6/6

Trip to Alaska  2 winners, ends 6/6

Trip to Lollapalooza  Ends 6/23

$1,000 Barneys shopping spree  Ends 6/25

2013 Prius  Ends 7/31

Decleor suncare  50 winners, ends 7/29

Cheap Thrills: Black Magic

We all know I'm the gothic Whoreder, so it comes as no surprise that I love the darker side of life - and that includes my beauty products. What fine lady and dapper gent couldn't do with a little black magic in their beautification routine?

Shampoo/Conditioner
Let's start from the top, my long-time hair care companion, Aveda's Black Malva Shampoo and Conditioner. I've been using Aveda for 20+ years, and although I like to try new products now and then, I've never been without my beloved Black Malva. It's made for dark hair colors, and helps bring out the cooler tones while reducing red & brassy tones. I loathe red in my hair, I want it black as black can possibly be. As mentioned on Aveda's site, "Contains organically grown aloe, black tea and emollient-rich black malva that's been wild-crafted—sustainably gathered by hand in its natural habitat." 

Left: Black Malva Shampoo, Right: Black Malva Conditioner

Black Malva is part of Aveda's Pure Plant collection, and there are other flavors colors available: Blue Malva (for blonde or grey hair), Camomile (brightens blonde highlights), Clove (enriches brown hair), and Madder Root (for red & auburn hair).


Charcoal Skincare

Black Moon Charcoal Sandalwood Soap

Charcoal is another dark and lovely ingredient that can work its black magic on your skin. Activated charcoal can draw out dirt and muck from your pores, leaving you with super clean skin. You can use if for your face, or for your whole body - just don't forget to do your best Buffalo Bill Silence of the Lambs voice while you lather up. The first charcoal soap I ever tried was Shea Moisture, which is available at drugstores (I got mine at Target). But there are so many out there now! Here are some others I've tried and are on my to-try list: Coal Face from Lush, Origins Body Soap, Soapwalla's Charcoal Soap, and Sisters of the Black Moon's Charcoal Sandalwood soap.


Origins Charcoal Mask
 

Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask

Origins introduced me to the world of charcoal years ago, and I still love their Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask. I use it a couple of times a month, and follow their recommendation to use a warm towel on my face right before applying the mask. The warmth will open up your pores and help the charcoal draw out the ick that got all up in your face. The 1.7 oz size is only $16, and will be enough for multiple uses, so treat yoself!

Boscia Black Mask  & Pore Strips
I am having a hardcore love affair with Boscia at the moment, their BB Cream blew my socks off and I've started trying more of their products (and falling deeper in love). I got their Little Black Book kit as a gift, it includes sample size versions of their Black Collection - all products that help control shine and minimize pores.

Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips

Boscia's Pore Purifying Black Strips are like those disgusting but fascinating pore strips you may have tried in the past. Boscia kicks it up a notch by including charcoal powder (to draw out dirt and oil), silica (to control excess oil), witch hazel extract (tightens the look of pores), and willowherb (an anti-irritant to help calm skin and remove redness). Plus, hello, they make you look fabulous!

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

My new favorite Boscia obsession, Luminizing Black Mask! First off, it's a peel-off - so you feel like a mad scientist or Christian Bale in American Psycho.  You apply a coat of the mask on your whole face (I just did my nose in the photos above), avoiding your hairline and brows. You wait for it to dry, about 30 min, and then slowwwwwly peel it off. If feels super weird and kind of gross, but SO GOOD. If you're a real weirdo (like me), you can save the peeled off sections to study later.

Nail Polish

Let's all agree that Karen O is amazing, okay?  That being said, her KnockOut (KO, get it?) Nail Polish is amaaaaazing! I especially love her Flatte Black, a black-black-black no-shine polish that comes in a beautiful bottle. I love flat nail color, hop aboard my crazy train. They also make a Flatte Top top coat that protects your polish while keeping the color matte.

Illamasqua also makes two really nice black polishes, Scorn (flat) and Boosh (glossy). I love their polish, it lasts a really long time and the color selection is gorgeous.

I've missed sharing my Cheap Thrills with you! I promise not to be such a stranger, if you promise to do that thing you told me about that one time.

Until next time, stay glamorous...

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 84

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

no.


Single:

Xbox One console  10 winners, ends 6/2

iPad mini  3 winners, ends 5/31

2013 Honda Accord Sedan EX  Ends 6/10

Polaroid instant digital camera  50 winners, ends 7/29

Oscar de la Renta dress of your choice  Ends 6/5

Trip to Comic-Con  Ends 6/17

Cruiser bike  22 winners, ends 9/2

Bluth's Frozen Banana Stand replica  WANT. Ends 6/2

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 83

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

$1,500 Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree   Ends 6/23

Single:

Smell like Britney  50 winners, ends 6/24

Too Faced makeup  100 winners, ends 7/29

One piece retro swimsuit  50 winners, ends 6/10. Do not subscribe.

Vacation in Utah  ...it's pretty, right? 15 winners, ends 8/30

Ojon haircare set  30 winners, ends 7/29

Zombie apocalypse kit  Ends 8/30

Birthday Freebies - Shopping Discounts

I turned older again. HOWRUDE. Let's just pretend that didn't really happen.

The only good thing about turning older (once you're past 21) is that you can get things for free, even from people who don't know you. WHAAT. We've written about the freebies before (and you should check them out if you haven't already), but I'm here today to tell you that there's also shopping discounts to score. Perhaps not as exciting as completely free, but you could get a good deal on something you've been eyeballing.

Here's some of the discounts I received by email. Let us know if you have any to add to the list!

Free birthday gift set from Philosophy with $25 order
$10 off $50 at Old Navy
$20 off $50 at Alloy
20% off GOjane
25% off Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
10% off Spanx
20% off at LovelySkin.com
$5 off $30 at Hot Topic
20% off $50 purchase at Urban Outfitters
Free shipping, no minimum at Macys

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 82

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Trip to Bordeaux, France  2 winners, ends 12/31

$10,000  and 50 winners of $500, ends 7/31
 
Single:

Nail wraps and a candle  30 winners, ends 5/29

Bunch of beauty stuff  all end 5/30

Cute sunglasses from Quayeyeware  20 winners, ends 5/31

$5,000  Pinterest contest, ends 12/31

$7,500 gift card  Polyvore contest, ends 7/15

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 81

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Teen Vogue sweepstake  STILL going on

Trip to Paradise Island  7 winners and a bunch of instant prizes, ends 8/8


Single:

Trip to Hawaii  Ends 5/26

Trip to SF for the Ghirardelli chocolate festival  Ends 7/31

Trip to St. Lucia  Ends 6/24

Viking Christmas cruise  Ends 6/12

Trip to Sasquatch music festival  2 winners, ends 5/12

Catching up with Rita: The Great Gatsby Inspired Wedding Edition

My mom took this "official" photo of us on our apartment stoop, 

because we fancy like that. 

As I sit down to write this post, I must ask myself: what have I been doing with my life during my most recent hiatus from Whoreders? Well, in addition to a whole lot of nothing, I got a promotion and a 17% raise at work (::waves tiny flag::), I got a root canal, I joined a gym and then managed to gain 5 pounds (how does that happen?), oh yes and I went to Iceland where I ate lots of Skyr (Icelandic yogurt. Get some at your local Whole Foods right now.) and came back engaged to light of my life, fire of my loins, my favorite manboy extraordinaire, Casey O. Oh and I just bought tickets to see New Order this summer. Overall, things are pretty darn good.

Despite the fact that the word fiancé still feels a little weird and that I made all the married women at work wince by wearing my engagement ring on my middle finger and on the wrong hand for a whole week before I finally had it resized, I am slowly settling into this engaged lady thing and that includes my fair share of searching on the internet for all that is vintage, lovely, and (off) white. And while I'm far from an expert on getting married fabulously and inexpensively, I sure do hope to be one day so today I will share some ideas for a Great Gatsby inspired affair on a not so Jay Gatsby budget! First off, if you haven’t seen this trailer yet, you must not have a television and/or the remains of a teenage obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio like I do and therefore are much cooler than me. Whatever the case, watch it now and you won't be sorry. I mean, how much celluloid gorgeousness can auteur after my own heart, Baz Luhrmann, cram into 3 minutes?

Très romantic, right? 

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 80

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Year supply of donuts  100 winners, plus other prizes. Ends 6/30

Lighting by Vanilla Ice  Yes, he now designs lamps. Ends 6/1

Single:

$100 Beautyhabit.com shopping spree  100 winners, ends 6/24

$100 Too Fast shopping spree  2 winners, ends 5/2

Trip to Berlin  Ends 5/17

Trip to CO for Rupaul's Drag Race Tour  Ends 5/14

Gel polish kit  30 winners, ends 5/23

Trip to Germany  Ends 6/30

Trip to Iceland where Game of Thrones was filmed  Ends 5/17

Gas mask  I know you want one. Ends 5/5

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 79

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Trip to Hawaii  Jon Hamm not included. Waaaah. Ends 5/7

Target gift card  56 winners, ends 5/8

Super amazing vacation in New Orleans and Graceland  Ends 5/31

Single:

$200 Amour Vert shopping spree  75 winners, ends 5/13

Diamond Oil  100 winners, ends 4/30

$5,000 Amazon credit  Ends 5/2

Pink Schwinn bike  5 winners, ends 5/20

Soap & Glory set  100 winners, ends 5/24

Trip to Europe  Ends 5/31

$5,000 Neiman Marcus shopping spree  Ends 6/17


Photo: Jon Hamm with a creepster mustache

Celebrity Maternity Fashion: Fergie

It has been brought to my attention that not everyone likes Kim Kardashian or her "sense of style". I have been not-so-gently nudged to post on other pregnant celebrities and how to get their look for less because it really is very hard when you're pregnant to find affordable AND cute maternity clothes.

I chose Fergie this week because she has a hott husband, is a good singer (most of the time), and generally remains out of trouble. That is not to say that she doesn't have her questionable moments, you know, the time she didn't shave her pits, and even better, the time she peed her pants on stage...
However, despite her previous questionable fashion choices, sometimes she gets it right.

Everything in the 1st look is under $50 except for that bag...because I love it, and you're worth it (well I am...)! Fergie werks those faux maternity leggings with a simple tee, jacket, and accessories. Not only is this outfit stylish, but comfy!

Fergie's Casual Maternity Style by charlotte-cubitt-serrano featuring heart sunglasses

Vero Moda aviator jacket / ASOS maternity / Multi colored shoes / Topshop wing tote /

 BP. heart sunglasses / Faux Leather Legging < Leggings/Tights < Unbuttoned Maternity

Fergie's Bohemian Maternity Style by charlotte-cubitt-serrano featuring asos maternity

 

ASOS maternity / Maternity / Kelly & Katie straw tote bag / Circular sunglasses /

Lipstick Queen nude lipstick / Nail polish

This look works because it is perfect day or night, especially with Summer coming up. Plus, this is hands down, the easiest thing to wear while pregnant. It's the one item that you can dress up or down; is well ventilated (gross I know); and it is the coziest thing to wear and still look put together!

Do you have any celebs you'd like to see in here, let us know!

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 78

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Trip to London, Downton Abbey style  Ends 5/27



Single:

Smashbox lipstick collection  100 winners, ends 5/24

Trip to Thailand  Ends 5/6

Trip to LA for the Iron Man 3 premiere  Ends 4/17

Trip to NYC for some whisky  Ends 6/30

24 piece nail polish set  104 winners, ends 5/24

2013 Chevrolet Spark  Ends 12/31

$500 Ben & Jerry's gift card  5 winners, ends 10/31


Photo: Robert Downey Jr being adorable

Vanessa's Obession of the Month: Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

Greetings and salutations, welcome to our newest addition - Vanessa's Obsession of the Month! Because I always seem to be obsessing over something, I thought it would be nice to share my mania with you, my favorite people. I'll try to keep it fresh, introducing things you may not have heard of, but will also reintroduce some classics that may have fallen off your radar. Let's do this...

The inaugural obsession is: Soapwalla's Deodorant Cream! This actually isn't an obsession of the month, since I've been using it for almost a year - but I realized I hadn't told that many people about it. Perhaps because the old pits don't come up in regular conversation, or we shy away from discussing our more intimate rituals? Who knows, but it's high time I shout about this stuff from the rooftops.

I first heard about it from my friend Marie, when she took part in the Deodorant Reviews on Rookie. I was intrigued by the idea of a good natural deodorant, because my previous experiences have (literally) stunk. Although it's still not scientifically proven to be harmful, I want to avoid deodorants with aluminum. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer (she's been cancer free for over 5 years, yay!), so I started being extra cautious about the products I was using. Also, the idea of a natural alternative is just plain nice. I want the things I'm consuming and coming into contact with to be as good for me as possible, and that usually means a little more legwork to find them and a little more money to purchase them.

So let's discuss the one big drawback - Cost. Soapwalla's Deodorant Cream will run you $14, which might drive some of you away immediately. But wait, hear me out! Yes, it's quite a bit more than regular $4 deodorant from the drug store - but think about what you're paying for. Soapwalla uses organic, natural, REAL ingredients. No additives, harmful chemicals, parabens, petroleum, or aluminum compounds. Here's my stance on saving (and Whoreding) - there are some corners I am okay cutting. This isn't one of them - I put more thought about what goes in and on my body, and I'm willing to splurge if it means a better quality product that may be less harmful to me.

Okay, on to the obsession of it all...

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

It's not your usual deodorant, it doesn't come in a stick or tube, but rather in a little screw-top container and looks kinda like frosting. If it's warm, it might separate a bit, no biggie, just stir it up and let it chill in the freezer for a while. You apply it with your fingers, take a little and just smear it on your pits like lotion. Aside from being all natural and all that good junk, it absorbs right in and leaves NO RESIDUE. Do you know how thrilled I am that I never have to worry about white deodorant marks all over my gothic black clothing?! Also, It's a vegan product, and Soapwalla does no animal testing.

The deodorant cream is unisex, so the smell is pretty neutral - I mostly smell the tea tree oil and lavender notes. I've let a couple of men try it, and they agreed it's neither masculine nor feminine. We agreed that overall the smell is best described as clean and fresh.

It contains jojoba oil, and I've learned that some people are sensitive to this ingredient, and it can cause some skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction. I've used it for almost a year without any negative reactions, and my mom (who is so sensitive she can't use any deodorant/lotion/soap with fragrance or dyes) had zero sensitivity to Soapwalla. If I had some sort of rating system, Soapwalla Deodorant Cream would get top marks, I love it and use it everyday!

The Do's and Don't of Maternity Clothes: As Told by Looking at Kim Kardashian vol. 2

Pic from Zap2It

 



Most of Kim's empire is based on her looks including her vampire facials, acupuncture trips, her "accidental" sex tapes ( I REFUSE to link to this), and her lovely KKK brand of clothing, yes, it is seriously called that. However, just because clothing is "designer", doesn't mean it's cute, and just because a "celebrity" wears it, does not mean that you should.

 

This brings us to post #2 regarding the "Do's and Don'ts" of Kim Kardashian's maternity fashion. As usual, let us start with a Kim Kardashian maternity Don't".

Sometimes a baby bump is cute in a fitted outfit, but sometimes, not so much.Kim has been spotted in some maternity clothes that are too TIGHT..like tighter than a nun's va-jay-jay. Take for instance this appalling ensemble below.

Why this outfit doesn't work: The fit, cut, and style are god-awful. Seriously, who the hell invented a peplum pant? Throw into that mix a print better suited for fancy draperies or perhaps my grandmothers couch, and a peplum pant (who knew they even made those) on her preggo frame, and this is what you get:

Little Black Blog

 

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 77

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

Nissan Leaf  and other daily prizes, ends 4/30

Fiat 500  Ends 5/31

Trip to Costa Rica  Ends 5/31



Single:

8-piece Coterie collection  100 winners, ends 5/13

2013 Ford Fusion  Ends 4/19

Makeup bag by Christina Ricci and Skype makeup consultation  5 winners a week, Pinterest contest, ends 4/28

Trip to NY for the premiere of The Great Gatsby  Ends 4/14


Photo: Christina Ricci as "Youth Eternal" in "Face Forward," by Kevyn Aucoin

Pinspiration: Chalkboard Pallet Shelf

Pinspiration

 

This week's post is brought to you by a friend of ours. Rikki runs Day of Diva, which is an event coordination business. Basically, she helps in the month of your wedding and makes a time line for the flow of the wedding, does rehearsal the week of and manages the staff and vendors the day of to make sure that your wedding day runs perfect! She basically prevents you, the bride, from going crazy or throttling any and all of your wedding party and vendors.

By trade, Rikki is an event coordinator, but on any other day when she is not working, she is a bundle of crazy, artistic, sarcastic, ball of energy. She lives in Ventura , Ca and is married to a hottie. We are still friends even though she has a cat. I've known Rikki since the 2nd grade and we used to sing Benny and the Jets together. I think that's all you really need to know.


~Charlotte

From Rikki:

Chalkboard Pallet Shelf

Here are some very simple instructions on how to make a "pallet" shelf. This cost me a total of $22.00 but the feeling of pride in myself for actually making something off Pinterest was priceless, LOL.

The Do's and Don't of Maternity Clothes: As Told by Looking at Kim Kardashian vol. 1

All Hip Hop

 

As you all know, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, more affectionately (or annoyingly) known as Kim-ye, are having a baby. Very few celebrity pregnancies, not just the babies, have been as highly scrutinized as the pregnancy of Kim-ye.

 

The gurl obv has some sort of style or she wouldn't be where she is today, a fashion mogul (or disaster, depending on how you look at it), and don't forget she has been married two times over not to mention linked to numerous "famous" menz.

With all the extra scrutiny from the public right now, you would think Kim would have grabbed herself a professional stylist, or, if she has one right now, fire them and get a new one.

Let's start off with my favorite Kim maternity fashion "Don't" simply because there are more of them to choose from and they are much more fun.

 

Why this look doesn't work: The shape is horrible. The cut is horrible. The placement of the color blocking is horrible. The hair and makeup are too severe...Out of ten stars, I give this a rating of "Shoot me now". 

 

Who Wore It Best?

There are so many questions that need to be answered here such as:

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 76

Sweepstakes of the week:

Daily:

iPad  15 winners, ends 6/19



Single:

Bath & Body Works collection  200 winners, ends 5/13

$500 Target card  and 10 winners of $50, Pinterest contest, create up to 5 boards, ends 4/7

Motorcycle autographed by Ryan Gosling  Can I just have Ryan instead? Ends 4/9

Michaels gift card  8 winners, ends 4/14

Trip to NYC for the Tribeca Film fest  Ends 4/2

Trip to Vegas to meet Johnny Depp  3 winners, ends 4/4

photo: Johnny Depp in "Cry Baby"

Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms of Fashion Part Two

WHERE ARE MY DRAGOOOONNNS.



Daenerys Targaryen, AKA Khaleesi, is one of my fav characters on Game of Thrones and currently my hair role model.
 

I want that hair.

In the beginning she came off as a humble, rejected, ex-royalty fairy princess. Now she's passionate about getting her royalty status back and will baby stomp all over anyone in her way. Just you wait til her dragons are grown - her hair may be angelic, but her temper is not.
 

Khaleesi is a fan of desert vacations, wearing lots of muted colors of the earth, halter tops, flowing dresses, and strappy pieces.

Wet Seal short front long back dress / Astr sheer top / Astr embroidered shirt / Oasis faux leather skinny pants, $43 / Shredded legging / Jeane Blush , $45 / Topshop / Biba halter top swimwear, $46 / Blowfish booties / Jessica Simpson flat / Wet Seal / Resin jewelry / Cara long necklace

Mesh top / Topshop / Long skirt / River Island , $23 / Ecote leather sandals / Ecote / Choker collar necklace / Cuff bracelet

Keep your clothing light and flowy in case you need to walk into fire to birth your dragon babies.


Now, for the men. Hello, men.

Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms of Fashion Part One

Winter is coming... okay, no, it isn't, But the premier of Season 3 of Game of Thrones is! The show is a big hit, and the book series has a huge following, so it goes without saying that countless people are on the brink of losing their minds with sheer excitement about the new season. Heather and I are among those on the edge of sanity, so we decided to channel some of our nervous energy on putting together some looks inspired by some of our favorite characters on the show. In this post, I'm serving up the Stark ladies and Brienne of Tarth. Heather will feature her favorite character (can you guess who that is?) and some of the manly men.

Don't worry, we're not gonna suggest anyone go out and buy suits of armor or raid the Renaissance Fair. These are modern interpretations based on the characters, so put your fur cloak away. We're just going to play a game of fashion make believe and ask, if these characters were alive today, what would they be wearing? Also, what better way to get even deeper into fandom than to work some of your favorite character's look into your wardrobe?
 

Ready? Here we go...