My Shoes Are So Loud I Can't Hear You

Hiya lovelies!  Who says you can't still wear neons?  I say I don't care, I'll wear them whenever I want!  It's been in the 80s here in Denver, so it's hard to think fall, even with the gorgeous aspen trees' leaves turning gold.  Speaking of aspens, there is this bakery or something, and the back of their trucks say: "How's Your Aspen?"  LMAO I laugh so hard I cry whenever I see it.  

 My neon Manolos. My fave shoes I own.  They are electric, neon yellow, they almost glow in the dark.

Neon Pink Cardigan: Forever 21
Black tank: Norma Kamali
Capris: Old Navy 
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Lucy
Necklace: Walmart
Earrings: Jewelmint
Sunnies: Moschino

Little man kept trying to hijack his way in the pics, so I eventually obliged.

Bella was my photographer for the evening, she did a fabulous job!

PS ~ Have you entered my giveaway yet??

xxooxoxo
Lia

Smart n Snazzy's First Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY ENDED.  CONGRATS, CHERYL FROM         Oh to Be a Muse!!!

Stay tuned, I'll have another giveaway coming soon!  Thanks to all who entered!

Hiya lovelies!!! So, last night I gave a little sneak peek of what I would be giving away...

And Serena said that it looks like Missoni colors... hmmmm.... well...

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She was right!!!!  When I was at Target over the weekend, I found they still had a decent amount of Missoni left.  So, I picked up the laptop case and sleep mask, with the intention of sharing them with YOU!

I've met so many amazing women who I consider some of my closest friends, although I've never "met" any of you!  You all have really helped me be happy and comfortable and confident with myself, not to mention, loooove blogging.  I couldn't do it without the support of each and every one of you and I could never thank you enough!!

Serena also told me that she is JONESING for another DIY, and I couldn't agree more.  But I've been so busy, I'm running short on inspiration.  That said, in order to enter, you need to leave me a DIY idea :)

So of course, it's my turn to thank you :)  Soooo one lucky lady will receive:

Soooo how to win??  Easy peasy!!  But you've gotta help me a little, you see, I'm running low on DIY inspiration....

1) Mandatory: Follow Smart n Snazzy on GFC (box on right!) and leave a comment below, telling me what you'd like to see me DIY!

2) Follow Smart n Snazzy on Twitter (box on right!) and leave a comment below with your twitter handle

3) Like Smart n Snazzy on Facebook (box on right!) and leave a comment below telling me so

4) Follow Smart n Snazzy on Bloglovin (box on right!) and leave a comment below 

5) Follow Smart n Snazzy on Networked Blogs (box on right!) and leave a comment below

6) Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link to your tweet in a comment: "I entered @SmartNSnazzy 's #MissoniForTarget Giveaway, you should too! http://bit.ly/nWYPGs"

So there's 6 ways to enter, that's 6 chances to win!!!  Now, I will pick a winner using random.org at noon, MST on Saturday, October 1.  So what are you waiting for?  I cannot WAIT to hear your suggestions!!

xxooxoxo

Lia

Influensters Naturals Box

A few months ago, I signed up for Influenster, a site that values the feedback of people they feel are influencers in certain fields.  Apparently I'm a Green Influenster, so I recently received the August Naturals VoxBox, full of natural goodies for me to test.  While I haven't tried everything yet, I'm getting there!  I thought I'd share what I did receive:

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner: Sold as a set of 3 products for $29.95.  This is a 5 in 1 formula which is supposed to take the place of shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, and leave in conditioner.  Ummm I'm beyond stoked to try this, since I use all five products regularly!

Derma-e Very Clear Problem Skin Cleanser: Retails for $15.50.  I always switch up my facial cleanser, since I am very prone to breakouts and my skin gets 'used' to cleanser after only a few washes.  So I rotate about 5 different ones and look forward to adding this one.

The Natural Dentist Pleasant-Tasting Healthy Gums Antigingivitis Rinse: Retails for $6.99.  It states it's alcohol free, so this shouldn't have that burning sensation, which I'm all for!  I'm a little scared that it's "pleasant tasting" and not fabulous, or anything better.  :)

Juice Beauty Conditioning Lip Color: Retails for $18.00.  Who doesn't love lipstick?  It's a great plum stain, and I love it!

Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips: Retails for $1.29.  I've tried these before and love them!

Jason Natural Pure Natural Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap: Retails for $9.49.  This is great, I have it in the kitchen and use it regularly.  I love that it doesn't dry my hands out, which happens all too often in the dry CO climate.

Probar - HALO Smores snack bar: Retails for $1.59.  I have this in my bag for work tomorrow!

Avalon Organics - Nourishing Cherry Aloe Lip Balm: Retails for $2.99.  Smells so delicious, isn't the best lip balm ever, but it's very far from the worst!!

Have you tried any of these products?  What product are you looking forward most to my review of?

xxooxoxo
Lia

Disclaimer: I received these products from Influenster for my review.  All opinions are 100 percent my own.

Pink n Coral...One Last Summer Hurrah

Hello my lovelies!  We had some rockin weather here in Denver today!  It was 86* which is so rad!!  I'm trying to enjoy it while we still have it, because we've been known to get snow in early October.  I know.  Blechhhh.  So I spied out of the corner of my eye my coral pumps I got this spring from Kohls.  I figured this may be my last chance to wear them before next spring, so I threw together an outfit around them.  Now this isn't the first time I've worn this top with these shoes, seen here.  I just styled it a little differently :)

Top: Old Navy
Jeans: NY & Company
Shoes: Elle via Kohls
Scarf: NY & Company
Bracelet: DIY
Watch: Nixon
Earrings: Jewelmint

So there ya have it!  Hopefully this isn't summer's last hurrah, but in case it is, I dressed the part.

Now if you don't already, you should follow me on GFC.  Tomorrow morning I'm announcing Smart n Snazzy's FIRST giveaway!!!  Here's a sneak peek.... what do you think it could be?!

xxooxoxo
Lia

My Mani and Proper Professional Interview

Hello lovelies!  I did my nails last night, using two new Sephora by OPI polishes I ordered from Sephora.  I did two coats of My Personal Serpent, a lovely rich navy blue, and did two coats of Traffic Stopper Copper on my ring fingers.  I'm so loving the statement nail right now, you?

via Sephora

via Caryatid Couture

And here's what mine look like:

Sorry for the crappy iPhone pic :)

Also, Melissa from A Working Mom's Closet interviewed me today for her Proper Professionals series.  See what I had to say about professional work attire and check out a few looks!  Let me know your thoughts, I'd love to hear your feedback!

xxooxoxo
Lia

My September Birchbox ~ Unwrapped

Hello lovelies!  By now, I'm sure all of you are signed up for Birchbox.  If not, seriously just click this link and sign up.  For $10 a month, you get 4-5 amazing high end beauty product generous samples delivered to your door every month.  You take a survey when you sign up, so your samples are customized for you!  I've been a member for eight months now, and I would recommend this to everyone!!  Now since I live in CO, my Birchbox takes a little longer to reach me, but it's well worth the wait!  Earlier this week, I received my September box.

Description card, listing all the contents of my box.

Unwrapping the box...

And here's the contents!  Now usually every two-three months, there's a full sized product!  Since we were overdue, there sure was one this month!  The Incoco Nail Strips, which are similar to the Sally Hansen ones we are all familiar with.  These retail from $8-11 depending on the design.  Since this is Birchbox's one year anniversary, we all got an adorable friendship bracelet as well!  I also received Colorescience pro Mineral Powder with SPF 30.  I've never tried mineral makeup before, so I'm excited to try this!  The Jouer Lip Enhancer may be my favorite product ever.  It's like a lip balm, only better!  It hydrates, plumps, and conditions.  I am in love with this!  Now my card said I'd be receiving a sample of some custom face oil by Truth Art Beauty, but I did not.  Instead, I got a sample of Salvatore Ferragamo Attimo.  I usually cannot stand floral/girly fragrances, but this one is sooooo fabulous.  It's bottom notes are more woody, with patchouli, white musk and frangipani flower, which are some of my favorite fragrance notes!

In all, this is a great box with some great products to try out!  I've already fallen in love with one and will be ordering the full size from their website this week, as my sample is running out already!

What was in your box?

xxooxoxo
Lia

My Favorite Things Swap

Recently, Leann at Join the Gossip, hosted a My Favorite Things swap, how cool an idea?!  I signed up and was matched with Lin over at Linny's Vault.  I had never done one of these before, so was wicked stoked and got to work shopping!  I was a little nervous at what I'd get in return, but just hoped my partner would put a little effort into it as well.  So when I got the package last week, I was soooo excited!!!  Let me tell you, Lin hooked it up!!!  Here's what I got!

She enclosed an adorable note card - with an OWL on it!  I friggen love owls!!  The best thing is that everything I received is stuff I absolutely would have bought for myself :)  Here's the list, in Lin's words:

• Vintage looking necklace I love this!  It's so gorgeous!!
• Personal sized popcorn She also said this way she doesn't overeat, which I totally do as well!  I had no idea they had these, and will definitely be stocking up!
• Starburst Who doesn't love Starburst??  And this box is a mindreader, because it is all reds, with one of each other flavor!!
• Note cards with wine glasses How cute are these?!  I love adorable note cards :)
• Pink nail polish Love this and absolutely would have picked out this color for myself
• Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer Such a necessity with flu season around the corner!
• Lip gloss and nail kit ~ A must have for every girl So true!!
• Cute Post-It Notes I have such an obsession with cute post its too!
• Mary Jane slipper socks They have an owl on them!!!!!!  
• Black cherry candle I love this scent for fall sooo much
• Bath & Body Works mango mandarin lotion Actually one of my all time faves, and I had recently ran out of this!

Make sure to jump on over to Lin's blog to see what I sent her!  And stop by Leann's blog to see everyone who participated!

Thanks so much Leann for hosting this, and especially to Lin for sending me such rad stuff!!

xoxox
Lia

My Paper Doll Project Outfit

Hello lovelies!!!  I've missed you all soooooo much!!!  I've been ridiculously busy, Bella's 10th birthday party was Saturday, and all week long at work I've been in intense meetings all day long every day.  Alas it's finally over!!  So now I can kind of relax a little!

So I signed up for Suze from Miss Vinyl Ahoy's Paper Doll Project, and was paired with the amazing Kimberlee from I Have a Degree in This!  I bought a pair of shoes about 2 months ago and have yet to wear them!  I asked Kimberlee to style some outfits around the shoes, and here's what she came up with!

How amazing is this look?!?!!  I wish WISH I had this dress, this is such an amazing look, right?!

Here's look #2, I die.  How killer are those pants, and that blouse?  I really don't know why I don't have any skinny black pants.  There's no excuse, is there?  And that mustard blouse?  I need it too.  Alas, I took a little from look #1 and a little from look #2, and this is what I came up with:

I wore a black wool pencil skirt from Banana Republic with my lace American Apparel top.  I wore a statement ring and bracelet with the outfit.  And since it was chilly this morning, I wore my faux leather jacket.  The look was topped off with my favorite Fendi sunnies.  I'm definitely loving my shoes a thousand times more, and have sooo many ideas how else to wear them now!

Make sure you stop by Kimberlee's blog, I Have a Degree in This!, to see what I styled for her!

What do you think of the looks Kimberlee put together for me?  And how do you like my interpretation?

xoxo

Lia

Missoni for Target Madness...and what I got...

Where were you this morning?  At work?  Home?  Rushing to every nearby Target?  Even if you've been living under a rock, you know that today was the day, the day that the Missoni for Target line went on sale. So anticipated, in fact, that it crashed Target's website.  Us fashionistas rock.  When we want something, we want it.  And when we saw the 400 piece collection lookbook, we all drooled and wanted it all!  The only problem was, we were just going off of pictures and no descriptions.  I went to 3 - three - THREE Target's this morning, and was able to purchase what I thought was some of the best stuff available.  Here's some of what I saw, my thoughts and advice on it, and what I got:

Clothes ~ Pass on them ladies.  I know it's tempting, but that cute sweaterdress that would look so cute layered over a blouse and worn with tights and booties, it's an acrylic rayon blend.  Acrylic.  And it's $55.  For acrylic.  No thanks.  The clothing was cute, but out of polyester, acrylic, and rayon blends - NO COTTON - I'll pass, especially on a $40+ price point, I'd rather go to Gap.  My advice?  Don't waste your money.  Totally not worth it.
Dishes/Kitchenware ~ So friggen cute, right?!  There's the ceramic canisters on the top shelf, plastic glasses on the second shelf, ceramic mugs and a ceramic platter below.  These are great pieces, albeit a little bit overpriced.  I considered the plastic cups ($3.50 for the small and $4 for the large), with the kids and all, but the designs were just painted on {read: they will chip off!}  My advice? Grab a coffee mug! It will look chic on your desk at work!

Scarves ~ I saw four patterns of the silk scarves, and yes I said silk.  At $20 a pop, these are 100 % silk.  My advice?  Buy one or all four!

Luggage ~ Ahhh the highly coveted luggage.  There were sleep masks, way overpriced, and neck pillows whose quality was along the lines of those in Target's dollar section.  Pass on these, ladies!  The laptop sleeve looked too cheap for me, so I passed on that. The travel bags at $50 were of good quality and although a wee bit overpriced, not too bad.  Now the rolling suitcases.  I wanted and wished they were amazing.  Alas, they were so crappy.  $170.  I honestly wouldn't pay more than $30 for one of these.  And the poor souls buying them on eBay now for 3-4 times the retail cost.  Tsk tsk. My advice?  The padded travel bag is the best option out there.

Shoes ~ Remember how excited you were when you saw the zig zag flats?  Yeah, forget about that. They looked so ridiculously cheap.  The knit material was loosely attached to the shoes, begging to rip.  If you were to catch your shoe on anything, there goes the shoe.  The rainboots were so flimsy, I don't know how they could even hold their shape standing up.  Now the diamond in the rough is the suede pumps in front.  They are 100% suede, the only thing manmade on them is the (plastic) heel.  My advice?  Get the pumps, skip the rest.
Cosmetic bags and accessories ~ So, am I the only person not about to pay $8 for some bobby pins?  How about $15 for a headband?  Maybe.  The cosmetic bags looked really cute, but were wayyyy overpriced for the shoddy quality.  The bobo cosmetic bags an aisle over were of the same quality for a third the price.  My advice?  Skip.

So at the end of Round One, I'm out $103 and I got the padded travel bag, that I will be using as a laptop bag/purse for work daily, the coffee mug, and the suede pumps.  Not too shabby, I am happy and feel that I definitely got the best quality pieces that were available at the store from the collection.  Now an aside, I have got to tell you about the hoity toity yoga moms and business women, carrying their LV bags, grabbing the crappy clothing!  UGH.  I totally judged them and said to myself, "I'm better than you are!"
Off I went for Round Two:

Hosiery ~ Cuuuuute!  I really loved the colored zig zag tights, but the material was soooo scratchy.  The solid zig zag tights were soooo much softer.  The socks are so flipping cute, but so flipping expensive!  The tights were (over)priced at $16 and the socks at $6.  My advice?  If you really like them, go ahead and grab a pair.  If you go with the tights, go with the black or dark brown ones.

And here's what I left the store with. I found the zig zag silk scarf, and got a pair of socks and the black tights.  Round Two damage: $45.  Total damage: $148.  Not too bad.  Round Three anyone?

Well the third store I went to, especially by the time I got there, was entirely picked over, and I had already seen everything.  I did see this men's sweater, at $50 and a wool/cotton blend, it was the best article of clothing I saw from the entire collection.  Had it not been a size Large, I would have bought it for myself.  Alas, I left empty handed.

Here's my total haul :)  $148 damage, 6 pieces of Missoni (for Target).  I got the travel (laptop!) bag, the pumps, coffee mug, scarf, tights and socks.  Based on the items I had seen at all three stores, I am confident that I purchased the best quality pieces available from the collection.  Now I'll show you some better detail of the pieces:

The bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap, and the best part of all is the sides are padded!!  Hello, laptop bag/purse!  It's perfect for me to take to work every day!! 

Peek at the inside, fun striped lining and little pockets.

Best part is the little metal feet on the bottom.  Always an important detail!!

My coffee mug.  Meh, it's a mug :)  It's pretty rad though.

I think these are my fave.  I love the subtle striping on the toes, it's perfect to wear to work and will go with pretty much anything.

Nice thick heel, not too high.

Ughhh it's plastic, but oh well, you can't win them all.

The rest of the shoe is all leather, so I'm happy with that.

I had to get the silk scarf, of course!  I love the print, and now I'll need to figure out a way to wear this!  The best part, is that it's 100% silk!

Socks and tights.  I really love the tights, the zigzagging is nice and a little subtle.  These are sooo soft though, compared to the colored ones that were scratchy.  The socks are so cute, and I kinda have a thing for socks, so I had to pick them up!  

And there you have it!  I don't know if I'll go back for more, I'd like to think not, but you never know!  I do know that once all this stuff is on clearance, I'll get all the pieces I thought were too cheap looking to pay the full price for, like the hat, the clutch, and the clothing.

Did you score any Missoni for Target pieces?  Did you go to the stores?  What did you get?

xxooxoxo
Lia