Coach Kristin Satchel Bag

I love handbags. They are my favorite fashion item. Clutches, hobos, satchels, totes, you name it - I love it.

I needed a new bag for work and had been keeping my eyes peeled for something perfect. My criteria was it has to be large enough to fit files and notebooks, pockets on the outside of the bag for items I need quick access to (keys, lipgloss), neutral color and of course, something with some style.

My budget was limited so, no LVs, Guccis, or anything of that calibre. I "settled" on Coach. After scouring their website (since the Ottawa store has a lousy selection), I chose the large Kristen satchel bag in beautiful taupe pebbled leather. It has unique pale bronze hardware and is pretty substantial in size. While it doesn't have any exterior pockets, it has a large pocket which is easy enough to access under the flap. This purse wasn't cheap by any means, in fact I blew my budget, but I'm super happy with it and even happier about all of the compliments it garners. Yay!

Kardashian Kolors for Nicole by OPI

Hiya!

So sorry I have been MIA for the last little bit. Things have been a little hectic, but I have not forgotten about you!!

Well, I caved while shopping last week and decided to buy a bottle of the Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor nail polish.




The holiday collection of colors is quite nice, but not anything new and exciting. Any make-up fanatic will already have most of the colors featured in the collection (which consists of dark moody colors and some sparkly gems).

Speaking of sparkly, I picked up "Rainbow in the Skylie", which is an awesome super sparkly rainbow color which caught my eye immediately. The sparkle size ranges from delicate to super chunky. Check out the pics below!

Celeb's Fave Lip Balms

Hey Chickadees,

It's that time of year when it seems like your lips are about to shrivel off thanks to the harsh effects of winter (super dry conditions, indoor heating, etc.). I have tried my share of lip balms over the years but I'm loyal to a few, ranging from drugstore cheapies to fabulous department store-quality gems:

• Blistex Regular Lip Protectant/Sunscreen SPF 15
  
• Blistex Medicated Lip Conditioner SPF 15
• La Mer Baume de la Mer the lip balm
  
• By Terry Baume de Rose (I'll devote a post to this a little later!)

I found this interesting article on the Us Magazine website regarding celeb's favourite lip balms. I can personally vouch for the Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick. It's amazing. The entire "8-Hour" line is fantastic. On the other hand, I don't understand the obsession with Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. I find it dry, goes on a little opaque for my liking and the taste is a bit gross, imo (but I've never been a fan of that cheap minty flavouring).

Enjoy!

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-beauty/pictures/celebrities-favorite-lip-balms-2012241/20249

Great NY Times Article!!

Hi all!

One of my favourite sites is the Fashion & Style section of the New York Times. Last Wednesday, a great make-up-related article was featured regarding cartoon-inspired, limited-edition make-up collections. I was immediately reminded of how I did not buy (boo!) the much-coveted Too Faced Smurfette Collection which debuted exclusively at Sephora during the winter of 2008. I desperately wanted the Smurfette Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss. It smelled like delicious berries, turned the perfect shiny pink on my lips and wasn't glue-y and gross at all (I'm speaking to you, clear MAC Lipglass in the squeeze tube).

Alas, the line was ridiculously priced here in Canada (if I recall, the lip gloss was a shade under $29) so I didn't bother getting one. I should have, as I'm still thinking about it almost four years later...

Have a read!! (Courtesy of the New York Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/fashion/cartoon-characters-inspire-makeup-lines.html?ref=fashion

Introducing Bella Moda

I have always wanted to start my own fashion, make-up, and interior-design related blog. Stay tuned for posts on my favourite looks, opinions on fashion trends, fave make-up products and fabulous decor ideas for your home.

Please feel free to comment as you wish - but be nice!

xoxo