Photo Credit: Style&co. Jeans

Sigh. You know those moments in life when you have a quick instance of regret? Well, I experienced a twinge of regret when I saw the Style&co. promo four fellow Glammies were in. Why? I wish I had participated because they look absolutely gorgeous!  (I couldn’t take part since I had just started a new position–aka a dream job–so I guess it’s all good in the end .)

So here’s a little background behind the video: Glamour and Style & Co. had teamed up with Style expert Lilliana Vazquez to create a new denim video featuring several fabulous Glambassadors! (Shout out to the amazing Stephanie who I met at the Spring 2011 Women of the Year Awards–she’s such an awesome gal!) In this video, Lilliana dishes on her recent video shoot with Style&co. and the head-to-toe jean makeovers she gave to four gorgeous Glamour readers.

For me–someone who’s both vertically challenged and a bit past the plumpalicious realm–jean shopping can quickly turn into a nightmare…and end in disappointment. That’s why I love the advice that Lilliana offers–it’s honest, useful, and helps me see exactly how Style&co. skinny jeans fit and flatter different shapes and curves.

If you’re interested in getting insider denim tips from Lilliana as well, check out her the video here: http://www.glamour.com/cs/promo/stylecojeans/.

Check out The Amazing Bandini Bra by Barely There.

With layering options that never end and straps that change before your very eyes, you’ll love how it magically transforms into stylish looks galore!

Hurry up and visit http://www.barelythere.com/ama​zingbandini/ today for more!

You know who has a truckload of swagger? Mi madre. Mamadukes. My mom. She is only 5’2″ but she’s got enough enthusiasm and pizzazz to legitimize her standing as a force of nature.

Why is girlfriend all that and a bag of potato chips (the Baked variety of course)? Let’s see:

1. Born with chestnut locks, she became a zesty redhead by choice. Her hair is always blown to perfection – shiny, voluminous and full of bounce just like her laugh. (Take a look at her pretty manicure too – you’ll never find any overgrown, dirty nails on this #fabulous lady!)

2. Her hearty laugh. Tremendous with lots of eye crinkling and head thrown backward. When she laughs she means it. She doesn’t hehe hehe shyly behind a fan  like a 1765 lady. She lets the laughter pour out naturally and seep into everyone around her so that soon everyone is laughing as well.

3. Her wardrobe. Sure, she owns the typical “mom” jeans. (I think it’s an unspoken rule that all moms must own at least one pair.) However, if you see her va-va vroom up for a wedding or mirror Jackie-O on Sunday for church, you’ll know that my mom’s got style and LOTS of it. Between her dazzling little black dresses to her simple yet classic cashmere sweaters and well-constructed blazers, my mom understands that the best accessory to any outfit is a sense of confidence.

4. She barely uses any makeup but when she does she embraces a “less is more” policy and chooses to emphasize her Greek beauty with a small dab of Chanel lip color and a brush of Lancome mascara.  A slight spritz of her go-to perfume, Coco, completes her routine.  

5. She’s a smart cookie. She speaks and comprehends four languages. She’s a whiz with numbers. She’s well-versed in Classical Literature. MOREOVER, she’s inquisitive about various topics (unfortunately, one being my whereabouts if I’m ever out late).

6.  She’s got mad culinary and baking skills. Every meal, each dessert is like a small slice of heaven on my plate. (I can only hope that one day I am able to reproduce the same delicious magic in the kitchen!)

7. She’s a strong, independent woman who loves her children and entertains them with hilarious phrasing and jokes (her Greek accent is the key). She showers friends and family with encouraging words and kindness. She takes pride in her home, work, and identity. She came to this country over 20 years ago with no understanding of the English language and pretty much no friends. She was alone in a new place and yet somehow managed to raise a family successfully, make loads of good friends, and begin her career.

She’s beautiful in every possible way and I love her dearly. She’ll always be fabulous to me regardless of her age –she seems to grow sassier with each passing day, to be honest!

–adjective

1.

almost impossible to believe; incredible.

2.

Informal . exceptionally good or unusual; marvelous; superb: a fabulous bargain; a fabulous new house.

3.

told about in fables; purely imaginary: the fabulous exploits of Hercules.

4.

known about only through myths or legends.

 

 

 

That’s how fabulous is described in its first google hit and I’d like to add a fifth definition – my mom – because any woman who has as much as swagger as Beyonce, Meryl Streep,  and Elizabeth Taylor combined needs her own special entry in a lexicon!

So speaking about how much I love Glamour - they have recently partnered with Dior and have provided your homegirl with the ultimate Dior beauty hookup. That’s right. DIOR …as in gorgeous, eye-popping cosmetics. Over the course of three months, I will receive a new Dior beauty product each month to test and provide honest feedback on it.

The first month of the program has been a snow-man building, ice-cream party, vampire boyfriend dream for me. Guess what I received in the mail courtesy of Glamour and Dior? A full-sized DIORSHOW MASCARA! As many of you are probably aware of at this point, I’m pretty enamored with mascara. I mean, what girl doesn’t appreciate long, luscious lushes? And I’ve experimented with many, different mascaras. Some have proven to be amazing going-out staples. Some have been kind to my everyday look and budget.  However, I have encountered a lot of duds that have left raccoon smudges under my eyes, hideously clumped my lashes together so that I looked like I had balding eyelids and, worst of all, some had a stubborn formula that clung to my lashes even when I attempted to wipe them clean with quality eye makeup remover.

DiorShow Mascara as shown on Dior.com

The DiorShow Mascara, thankfully, did not present me with such complications. Initially, I thought it would since its wand is HUGE but surprisingly it was not a clumsy application whatsoever.  What this mascara did to my lashes was pretty stunning – it boosted them up, evenly coated them, stretched them out to a reasonable point (two smidgens before the crazy Daddy Long Legs look), and left them looking long and luxurious without clumps nor flakes. (True story:  When I was at the library about two weeks ago, trying to finish a project, I rubbed my eyes vigorously,  forgetting I had on the DiorShow. When I hurriedly checked for any “damage”, I was elated to see that there were no major smears under my eyes – just a tiny bit under my right eye!) Best of all, the DiorShow Mascara was easily removable at the end of the day (which is a big plus because, frankly, losing lashes in the clean-up battle is never a good thing).  The only setback I’d say is that the DiorShow costs $24.50 which is a bit pricey compared to drugstore mascara but I think that it’s worth the price, especially if you mainly use it as your go-to mascara for a night out or a fancy event. Overall, all it took to achieve a desirable lash look was ONE coat. Yes, ONE. How fantastic is that? Very much so, I’d say!

Just wearing DiorShow Mascara. Does a great job! (Please forgive the super awkward closeup of my weary eyes.)

As an added bonus, Dior and Glamour have provided all participants in this program with a complimentary FREE SHIPPING code to share with friends, family, and readers! Free shipping codes, especially on beauty retailer sites, are definitely perks since usually you have to spend $50 or more to get it. Well, here’s your chance to try DiorShow Mascara, order a new tube, or even try any other Dior beauty product without having to shell out more money in order to avoid shipping charges.  Simply visit Dior.com and enter GLAM1 at checkout! Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: Glamour magazine and Dior kindly provided me with a full-sized DiorShow mascara so that I could provide my honest feedback. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Thomas Kinkade (Christmas Collection)

Hey hey hey…or more appropriately ”ho ho ho”!  The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in style. Hear sleigh bells ringing and bursts of mirthful chatter amongst children. Smell the Christmas cookies browning in the oven and the holly hanging merrily over your home’s threshold. Feel the crisp snow falling gently onto your lashes. Is your Christmas tree up yet, dangling full of shiny, sparkling, magical ornaments? Ours is. My mom did not skip a beat. Thanksgiving morning marked the perfect time to accessorize  her beloved tree (the plump and happy evergreen which is a fake because we don’t kill trees in this house) and string it with white lights. 

The only thing our tree is missing is lots of presents under the tree. Are we sad? No way because we meant for this happen!  Christmas 2010 is going to be an altruistic holiday in our home because, let’s be honest, we have all we can ever possibly need. Food – check. Shelter – check. Health – check. Hugs – check. Warm winter sweaters- check.  Ipod full of Robyn, Joshua Radin, Taylor Swift, Trey Songz, and Sara Bareilles  - check. The HARRY POTTER and HUNGER GAMES boxsets – check check. LOST & BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER dvd collections- check and check. (A beautiful nightingale singing voice- errr I’ll get back to you on that.)

Yes, my blessings are ample and home is filled with care, laughter, and my mother’s marvelous Greek treats. So this year, we are enjoying giving gifts rather than receiving. From donating to our church Christmas drive to granting wishes on the Angel tree to treating neighbors who have shown us so much kindness, Christmas shopping has been a blast so far. Moreover, to top it off, CSN Stores and I have been in communications over the past few weeks and the amazing Caitlin offered me the opportunity to review a product of my choice or to host a giveaway. The final verdict: A CSN giveaway of course for all my fabulous readers and twitter followers!

So what’s it going to be: An adorable Melissa and Doug toy for your little cousin? A whimsical Cloud B Twilight Turtle for your baby’s nursery? A snazzy counter stool for your kitchen? A comfortable pair of Aerosole shoes for your feet? A stunning, handcrafted Novica mirror for your bedroom? A Le Creuset dish for your baking? Or would a fountain for your garden do the trick? Well, CSN operates more than 200+ online stores so your options are clearly plentiful! (Have fun browsing but good luck – trying to choose an item to order is challenging since CSN offers so many wonderful products!)

Now go ahead and enter to win a $35 gift certifcate to CSN Stores! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Must reside in the US or Canada in order to enter.

(International orders to Canadia may be subject to additional shipping charges. Please note that these are the retailer’s shipping stipulations, not mine.)

Mandatory Entry:

Visit CSN Stores and let me know a specific product that you’d love to own regardless of price!

Extra Entries:

+3 (just once) Follow me on twitter @theredcloak and tweet the following message:

Enter to win a $35 gift certificate to @CSNStores over @TheRedCloak! Ends 12/13/10. http://bit.ly/hPqkOz #giveaway #contest #CSN

+2  Fan The Red Cloak on Facebook!

+5 Write a haiku about your favorite winter/holiday memory or activity!

Giveaway ends on December 13, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.

No product was given to me to review nor was I compensated for this post. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this post are my own.

The giveaway prize, a $35 gift certificate to 200+ CSN Stores, is generously being provided by CSNStores.com!

Norah Jones. Two peaceful words that form the name of one of the most wonderful and (seemingly) down-to-earth artists out there.

In 2002, Come Away With Me quickly became my lone solace in a very long, tedious winter. That chorus of “Don’t Know Why” still makes my heart ache with this indescribable longing for simplicity and stark poetic meter.

In 2004, I played “Sunrise” on my Walkman (no worries, joined the iPod crowd later that year) during my beautiful, morning walks.

In 2009, I found myself “Chasing Pirates”, dreaming of the next big step in my life, counting down the clouds.

Al the while, through snow days and crispy fall mornings, multi-platinum selling, multi-Grammy Award winning Norah Jones has been there, adding her pleasant melodies to the soundtrack of my youth. And now she’s back with an extra helping of comfort food for the music lover’s soul. Her recent release “…Featuring” is a slight departure from her previous albums in that it’s more of star-studded collection. From Ray Charles to Dolly Parton, from the Foo Fighters to Outkast, from Bryan Adams to Belle & Sebastian, this album is a legitimate “Who’s Who” in the Norah Jones Encyclopedia of Musical Influence – hip-hop, blues, country, soul, jazz, you name it!

To be honest, I was a bit taken aback. Norah’s certainly collaborated with amazing artists on her other albums but what I’ve always appreciated about her is her solo flights of fancy and her lullaby voice filling the empty crevices of any room with warmth and soul. I just didn’t know if she could recreate the same emotions with a “glorified duets” themed album. Boy was I wrong. Although slightly lacking in the intimacy of previous albums (especially compared to her 2002 debut), “…Featuring” is fun and entertaining and yes, it’s still the same Norah Jones only more versatile. Most of all, the album an 18-track grab-bag treat – you never know what cameos you’ll uncover if you skip ahead, which is a magnificent feat considering how few artists nowadays can surprise listeners with the ability to successfully experiment in a range of genres.

Some of my personal faves include the bluegrass “Bull Rider” (feat. Sasha Dobson) and “Creepin In” (joined by the dazzling Dolly Parton), the soulful “Love Me” (with The Little Willies), and “The Best Part” (with El Madmo) which has more of an indie, edgy vibe to it. Of course, there’s also the winter classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” which she covers wonderfully with one of her inspirations, Willie Nelson. The hip hop tracks with Q-Tip and Talib Kweli are decent as well, especially since Norah does justice to the chorus on each, but I’m just partial to the oldie songs that suit her voice more. (I’m a bit perplexed though why she left out her duet with Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine. Their cover of Love Me Tender is ever so lovely.)

If you want to check out the tracks on  “..Featuring”, you should head on over to Norah Jones official website (or Amazon to properly preview each song before making it a part of your playlist) and do yourself a favor by giving each track a chance. With Norah Jones in the mix, you’ll certainly not be disappointed, even if some the eclectic sounds on this compilation album aren’t totally up your alley. It’s actually refreshing to see artists from different genres joining forces to produce good music. Enjoy!

Many thanks to One2One Network for providing me with a copy of Norah Jones‘ new album “…Featuring” for the purpose of an honest review.  All opinions and sentiments expressed in the post are my own and were not influenced in any way by the providers of this album.

People are baffled as to why I enjoy Taylor Swift’s music so much.  Here’s why – she gets it. She gets what it means to be the girl on the sideline watching the other girls being asked to dance – the Robin who does all the work while Batman reaps the glory, the go-to person for advice but never the first person on the invite list.

I’m not complaining. I can’t sit here and write “oh poor little me” nonsense because truth of the matter is I meet great people, make good friends wherever I go, and have whimsical fun (when I’m not working that is). However, I’m never going to be the “it” girl: The one people crush on. The one who is the life of the party.  The one everyone looks at and thinks ‘she’s really something, ain’t she’.

I’m neutral. I’m Switzerland. A safe, comfortable zone. It’s just all la dee da instead of WOW! Frankly, I’m exhausted. I don’t want this bland title. I don’t want to be  the “oh she’s cute but take a load of her friends” girl. I don’t want to look back on my youthful years and view them just as I do banana peels in the wastebasket. I want to be the belle of the ball for once and not the convenient pal who helps the belle of the ball pick out her outfit. What’s up with that?

Well, I have been undergoing a slow yet steady transformation. Shedding a pound or two per week is the main goal. I exercise, try out new activities, and am eating way healthier if that’s possible. Because I want to be the one who makes a guy feel pleasantly dizzy, to make him breathless.  I’m nobody’s sidekick friend, I’m nobody’s consultant, I’m not kicking it behind the scenes. I’m it – the bling, dazzle, and pop.  And once I drop all this unfortunate college weight and go back to my true form without losing my present self, watch out because I’m taking over (new look same me) and casting my sights only on those who understood me and made the effort to be a true friend.

Yes, I am living in a John Hughes movie. Or Taylor Swift’s ‘Teardrops on My Guitar’ music video. Or perhaps Teen Witch. Not sure. (Probably Teen Witch because Louise gets Brad at the end by being her wonderful self but minus the weird electric blue dress and the prairie window dancing. ) What I am sure of is that my time to shine has not come yet but I’m making it and believe me it will be a marvelous moment, my finest hour.

Snap snap and a big ol’ circle in yo face, you big wet hens.

There’s a new trend on the rise, homies, and it’s not cigarette covered sunglasses (looking at you Lady Gaga). It basically goes against your whole belief  system . It’ll rattle your tonsils with a slap so silly you’ll surely laugh. Desperately wanting to know? Well, I’ll fill you in. Triskaidekaphobia is out. Kick to the arse, see ya lata alligator… goodbye! And guess who is in everyone’s good graces? A lovely, new word called Triskaidekaphilia (a variation on Triskaidekamania). After all, love not fear, people, conquers all.

I love odd numbers. I love their curves and the way there’s always something left over when you try to slice them in half. I love how they don’t bother the other numbers, are not demanding divas (you ruined my math fun, 6) and are easily divisible.

I love 3. I love 5. Most of all, I love 13. Here are 13 (didn’t see that one coming, did ya now? ) reasons why I LOVE 13:

1. It is the favored number of Colgate University, the best, most beautiful campus around …with the creepiest mascot (some sort of grey skin diseased pirate? hmm). Luckily, the campus is literally adorned with 1s and 3s joined together in a happy digit of a union so all’s well. 13 men with 13 dollars and 13 prayers founded the school which later became 13 Oak Drive in the 13346 area.

2. It marks the beginnings of the teenage years aka one of my most memorable, amazing years. I became a teen queen and, complete with an angst-ridden, pop-riddled, ‘shake it loose you crazy ol’ goose’ mix CD, began taking on the world.

3. It is the odd one out, the eccentric painter living on crumbs of bread -the writer with the boisterous curls and big, loopy signature that is only legible to its owner. It is aluminum’s form of identification for when it goes bar hopping on the Periodic Table and anyone who is super duper knows that aluminum is just about the hippest, most versatile, most malleable metal this gal has ever had the privilege of manhandling – heeeeello! to stress-free camping trips, preserved pies, grilled to perfection souvlaki, and sandwiches carefully wrapped and tucked into Beauty and the Beast lunchboxes.

4. It is Taylor Swift’s favorite number too ergo we’re one day going to be besties because loving 13 is like being a red-head with dark eyes, three piercings, and left-handed adroitness. Rare and mysterious and oh so amazing and all enchanted individuals who want to snuggle up to 13 should establish a secret society for triskaidekamania. Just sayin…

5. It’s the number of colonies in existence in the 1700s. And they were rowdy, courageous, we-don’t-take-that-tea-sipping-pinky-in-the-air British bull from anyone! (disclaimer: I love Harry Potter. I love England. Needed a number 5 reason.) Take a peek on the back of any dollar: 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 leaves and berries on an olive branch, and in the left talon of the eagle are 13 arrows. Someone in the minting business sure liked those brave, little colonies!

6. It is a prime number, which happens to be the most considerate kind of number since they do all the work on exams.

7. It is a magikal number (yes with a k and not a c because that’s how I roll). For example, in bridge, 13 cards of one suit (symbols such as diamonds, hearts, etc.) are considered a “perfect hand” and everyone knows a perfect hand is better than a hand with fungus growth on yellowed, hardened nails. Additionally, 13 is one of the glorified numbers in the Fibonacci Sequence aka the numbering system for the golden section which leads to the propagating spiral (which is kinda awesome) which eventually stretches into nature and becomes applicable to all sorts of ish that surround us (pineapple scales, pinecone bracts, girlish daisies, bee hive aka the home of that sweet honey honey… oh my!)  and we wouldn’t have any of this without 13.

8. It is suspiciously excluded from building floor plans and elevator rides thus marking it as a force to be reckoned with. And who doesn’t appreciate a number so bad-ass that it makes wealthy businessmen and presumptuous architects quiver in their knickers at the very thought of naming a floor after it?

9. It is a holy number and the day of Epiphany (13th day after the Lord’s nativity). This is why 13 gets awesome alternate names like theophanicus.

10. It is the amendment in the Bill of Rights which signifies the end of slavery in the US. Wow — abolishing the cruel, disgusting, inhumane practice of owning another person? Thank you, Amendment 13 for adding some truth to the Constitution’s “all men are created equal” proclamation/bs.

11. It’s an inspiration. Any decent story or movie involves some sort of “13-centric” concept. Without 13′s influence we wouldn’t have: Friday the 13th, Sleeping Beauty, 13 Going on 30,  the 13th book in The Odyssey, Catullus’ wry 13th poem to Fabullus (the Roman era spelling of FABOLOUS, the rapper’s name, I daresay), etc.

12.It is a beloved digit in many cultures.  In Mandarin, 13 is pronounced as shisan, which means ‘vibrant’ or ‘assured growth’. In Jewish culture, 13 is the age when a boy becomes a man and a girl becomes a lady. This is obviously a cause for celebration hence leading to out-of-c0ntrol bar/bat mitzvahs where getting invited to an exclusive one ensures your social status and allows to you dance your heart out with all your middle-school friends to Hava Nagila (all while wearing glo-stick bracelets and plastic luaus, and shaking $0.75 cent glitter maracas).

13. It is worthy of its own special day (Friday – weekend time -woohoo), academic discussions, AND post on this blog. All in all, I’d consider 13 a lucky, classy numero. Darn tootin’!

Happy Friday the 13th, world!