Pretty Lil' Things

PLT Store Review on Youtube!

2009-11-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

Samantha at samajama27 has kindly reviewed products from the Pretty Lil' Things store! Head over to her Youtube channel to watch the video and more of her other product reviews!

Super Knockoff: Alexander McQueen Motorcycle Bootie

2009-11-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

Another wonderful knockoff worth noting. Earlier Steve Madden created a knockoff version of Alexander McQueen's wonderful Motorcycle Bootie, very in fashion for this season, that retailed for $130. Compared to the original price tag of $1159, the Steve Madden version was already a steal.

The Original

Alexander McQueen Motorcycle Bootie, $1159 from Zappos

Of course good stuff will always be knocked off. I saw this pair of Pink Duchess booties in one of Lulu's email newsletters and is described as "inspired by Alexander McQueen's Faithful Shoe". I would say that it's a pretty good knockoff (except for the chunky heel instead of the stilleto heel), and the price is amazing! If you really want to rock this style but definitely can't afford a four-digit shoe, or can no longer get a hold of the Steve Madden version, why not try this two-digit stunner?

The Super Knockoff

Pink Duchess Vicky Black Zippered and Collared Bootie, $37 from Lulu's

DIY Time: Faux Croc Skin USB Flash Drive

2009-11-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

I haven't done any DIY projects in awhile, but somehow this week I decided to transform my old USB flash drive and turn it into a cute accessory. I visited my local Hobby Lobby looking for something that I can wrap around my flash drive, and I found a really cute croc skin craft paper which was the perfect thing! Then I glued it around the outer covering of the flash drive and ta-da!

I'm putting this cute croc skin USB Flash Drive up for sale for just $10 bucks if anyone needs an extra USB. It was originally a 512MB SanDisk Cruzer Micro, it's good stuff! Visit the PLT Store to get it!

Pink Faux Croc Skin USB Flash Drive (512MB), $10

This Week's Best Dressed 11/7

2009-11-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

From left: Katy Perry at the MTV European Music Awards in a Marchesa gown in Berlin on November 5

Cameron Diaz at the premiere of The Box in a RM by Roland Mouret sheath dress in NYC on November 4

Liv Tyler at the launch of Stella McCartney for Gap Kids Collection in Beverly Hills on November 4

From left: Kim Kardashian at the Kardashian Charity Knock-out event in California on November 3

Kate Bekinsale in a J. Mendel dress at the premiere of Everybody's Fine in L.A. on November 3Olivia Wilde at the Precious premiere at AFI Fest in a RM by Roland Mouret sheath dress in L.A. on November 1

Sales & Coupons Week of 11/6

2009-11-06T10:22:00.003-05:00

American Eagle: 15% off sitewide with code 56289372, offer expires unknown.

Bath & Body Works: $10 off $30 purchase with code TENOFF, offer expires unknown.

Charlotte Russe: Free shipping on orders of $50 or more, no coupon required, offer expires 11/7/09.

DSW: Receive an extra 30% off clearance items with code CLR30, offer expires 11/9/09.

Express: Save 20% off your entire purchase (regular priced items only) with code 4291, offer expires 11/7/09.

Old Navy: Free shipping when you spend $50 or more with code ONSHIP50, offer expires 11/8/09.

Sephora: Free shipping on any order with code S4FM416, offer expires unknown

Victoria's Secret: Free shipping on orders of $50 with code FA919477, offer expires unknown.

Help! Instant Fashion Fixes

2009-11-05T17:29:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a fashion mishap where a strap on your dress broke or you ordered something online for a special occasion but it doesn fit? Here are some instant fashion fixes and some useful tools that you should always have to keep you prepared from wardrobe malfunctions.

Mishap 1: The straps on my top/dress broke.
The fix: Safety pins and fashion tape.

Use the safety pin to secure the broken strap onto the garment and put fashion tape over it to give it double protection.

Mishap 2: I ordered a dress online and it arrived today but it's too big. I need to wear it tonight!
The fix: Safety pins or a sewing kit.

If you really don't have time to do a little sewing, the quick fix version is safety pins. Roughly estimate how much you need to reduce on both sides of the seams, then pin it down on the inside of the garment, parallel to the seams. If you have more time then sew it down with needle and thread just in case the safety pins pop open while you're wearing. The results? You won't even be able to tell from the outside!

Mishap 3: I have a cute party top but the neckline is too low and my bra is showing.
The fix: Fashion tape.

There are fashion tape available that are precut and come in a handy case that you can carry around. Stick it onto the insides of the garment along the neckline, peel of the backing, and secure it onto your skin. Stays intact all night! If not, the tape can easily be replaced.

Mishap 4: My feet hurt from wearing my new heels.
The fix: Band-aids.

You probably already know this one! Since you might need some time to break into a pair of new heels, carry some band-aid in your purse to protect your feet from blisters.

Mishap 5: My tights tore and I don't want the hole to get bigger.
The fix: Clear nail polish.

It's true and it works! Apply clear nail polish around the opening of the hole to prevent it from tearing futher. This is only a temporary fix though, you will probably need a pair of new tights later on.

Bascially the most important things you need to keep in your purse is a box of fashion tape (Victoria's Secret has them in a cute sliding tin box for $9.99), some safety pins, and band-aids for your night out. You can conveniently store these items in the sliding tin box of the fashion tape and no one will ever know!

Do you have an instant fashion fix that you want to share?

Fall Must Haves at Pretty Lil' Things

2009-11-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

I've put together some essentials items for the season from my wardrobe and they're now available at the PLT Store!

The most noticeable new item I've added is this brand new Asymmetric Collar Zip Knit Jacket that came from Japan. It's very fashionable and definitely worth the $28!

Asymmetric Collar Zip Knit Jacket, $28

The moto jacket is also the rage this season. Go with faux leather to save some cash! This one I have has a crinkle effect that makes it oh so special. I bet you won't run into anyone wearing the same jacket since it's imported!

Faux Leather Crinkle Moto Jacket, $30

How about a cute bag to go with one of the above jackets? Make a statement with this Houndstooth patterned bag!

Civate Houndstooth Bag, $25

Keep your legs warm! Wear it with a tunic, under a skirt, or go bold with shorts with these purple ankle leggings! Cute with flats! These leggings are brand new and imported from Japan, you won't find them anywhere else!

Ankle Leggings, $12

Like what you see? For more fall essentials and other affordable stuff check out the Pretty Lil' Things Store!

Super Knockoff: Miu Miu Studded Drawstring Bag

2009-11-03T08:44:00.001-05:00

First saw this Miu Miu bag in summer when the stud trend started becoming popular. It's really cute and very right now but has a whopping price tag of $895!

The Original

Miu Miu Labskin Studded Drawstring Bag, $875 (no longer available)

This Free People version looks really similar to the Miu Miu version, but at a much friendlier price!

The Super Knockoff

Studded Slide Sling Bag, $48 from Free People

This Charlotte Russe version is even more affordable, but not as cute as the Free People version. Also a great alternative though!

The Super Knockoff

Studded Tassel Cross-Body Purse, $16.99 from Charlotte Russe

And the Winner Is...

2009-11-02T22:20:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Jennifer, who will be receiving a pack of special edition of Biore's Strawberry Frappe Deep Cleansing Pore Strips! Her best blackhead fix is "Aveeno".

This Week's Best Dressed 11/1

2009-11-01T12:44:00.001-05:00

From left: Audrina Patridge at the Hollywood premiere of Boondock Saints on October 28 Demi Moore in a Prabal Garung dress at the GQ Gentlemens Ball on October 28 in NYC
Rashida Jones in a Miu Miu dress and a tuxedo blazer at the Courage in Journalism Awards in Beverly Hills on October 28

From left: Reese Witherspoon hosts the Avons Foundation for Women Benefit in Narcisco Rodriguez in NYC on October 27
Kim Kardashian spotted in Miami on October 25
Michelle Monaghan at the Hollywood Awards Gala in Beverly Hills on October 26

October Shopping Roundup

2009-10-31T15:04:00.000-04:00

Looks like I did quite some shopping during October!

1. Ruffle Front Woven Dress, $36 (as mentioned here)

This dress is even cuter in person! But the top is so much bigger than the bottom that I had to sew it a little, even with a small.

2. Indigo Tunic, $24.95 from H&M

3. Knit Dolman Sleeve Top, $29.95 from H&M

4. Cadet Jacket, $39.90 (as mentioned here)

5. Serana Tote, $35.90

6. Cameron Glaidator, $39.90 (both as mentioned here)

7. Rayne Boot, $46.90 (as mentioned here)

These boots are definitely very over the knee. I guess I'm too short because it goes way high, but the top is kinda loose so it slouches down and looks okay.

8. Plaid Wool Flats, $29.50 (as mentioned here)

9. Teardrop Earrings, $2.80 from Forever 21

10. Multi Chain Necklace, $5.80 from Forever 21

Finally, my Halloween costume! Can't wait to wear it tonight. Happy Halloween!

11. Tea Party Princes, $44.99 (as mentioned here)

Free Shipping at Forever 21

2009-10-31T14:29:00.000-04:00

Received this in my email. For 3 days only, receive free shipping at Forever 21 with no minimum using the code F21FRIENDS! Offer ends Monday 11/2/2009 at 11:5 PM PST. Make good use of this code!

Don't Forget to Enter This Week's Giveaway

2009-10-30T11:51:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway, the Biore Strawberry Frappe Deep Cleansing Pore Strips! Contest ends on Monday, November 2 at 6:30pm EST.

Sales & Coupons Week of 10/29

2009-10-30T11:45:00.000-04:00

Aeropostale: Save $20 off $80 with code TREAT80, offer expires 11/1/09.

American Eagle: Buy any 3 items and take 20% off your entire purchase with code 89476523, offer expires 11/1/09.

Hot Topic: Save $10 off your order of $40 or more with code OCTMP1, offer expires 10/31/09.

JCPenney: Save 15% off youronline order with code PCHALLJC, offer expires 11/1/09.

Karma Loop: Save 15% on your order of $75 or more with code OSTRE, offer expires 10/31/09.

Macy's: Free shipping with juniors coat purchase with code TOPCOAT, offer expires 11/1/09.

Shoes.com: 20% off sale items with code SALE 20, offer expires 11/9/09.

Target: Save $5 off your order of $50 ore more with code TCTKST25, offer expires 10/31/09.

Urban Outfitters: $10 off your $75 purchase with code URBANLEGEND, offer expires 11/1/09.

Victoria's Secret Pink Nation B-Town Bash

2009-10-29T08:27:00.000-04:00

I'm a week late, but as promised on Twitter, here are the exclusive pics from last week's Victoria's Secret Pink Nation B-Town Bash at Indiana University! Most of you probably weren't able to attend (unless of course you go to IU), so here are some pics to get you excited :)

The weather wasn't that great. Not too cold, drizzly at first then turning into heavier rain. But that didn't stop the crowd from being at one of the biggest outdoor parties on campus!

The stage was really awesome...it was a lot bigger than I expected! (Like 10 times bigger than the stage when I went to see Soulja Boy during Little 500 weekend) There was a cute Pink blimp in the air, there were games, a pop up store...definitely one of the biggest outdoor parties I've been to on campus. There was a huge crowd, and to my surprise a large number of guys too. Whitney Port from The Hills was there, and there were performances by Cobra Starship and DJ Girl Talk.

The event started at 5pm and I got there at about 7:30pm, thinking that all the fun stuff will come later. I totally regret that! I completely missed Cobra Starship's appearance and performance of Good Girls Go Bad, which is one of my favorite songs of the moment. I still can't believe I missed it!

The pop up store featuring IU gear. It wasn't as cute as I expected, and I blame partly on my school colors. And there wasn't a lot of variety either!

Pink Nation Campus Tour sign! Cute <3

I suspect this trailer was used for storing the merchandise in the pop up store. But it's also a very nice display item.

Cute Pink bicycles! Don't know what they were there for though. For your eyes only?

The bulk of the performances was by DJ Girl Talk (if you can't tell that's him here, the tiny red dot). At first he was jamming on stage by himself, bouncing up and down. Eventually a bunch of people got to go on stage with him (I don't know how, maybe they had backstage passes or something) and eventually the whole thing turned into a huge outdoor dance party in the rain.

The crowd putting their hands up for DJ Girl Talk's jams. Look at all those people!

I was so excited when I heard that Vicoria's Secret Pink was coming to IU, because nothing cool really happens here (except for Little 500 weekend). The event turned out to be awesome and totally made my day despite of the weather!

Go Hoosiers! :)

PLT Pick: The Flats of the Season

2009-10-28T08:54:00.003-04:00

I found the perfect pair of flats for the season! This pair of cute plaid flats is lined with faux fur, which makes the perfect pair of flasts for the cold weather! It's much lighter than fur-lined Ugg boots and also a cute alternative to fuzzy mocassins. I've been wearing them everyday ever since I got them!

PLT Pick

Plaid Wool Flat, $29.50 from American Eagle

Some outfit ideas to go with these flats:

Downtown Military

Jacket: Wool Napolean Coat, $78 from Arden B

Shorts: Double Stitched Denim Short, $16.80 from Forever 21

Tights: Opaque Footed Tights, $5 from Wet Seal

Casual Chic

Top: Necklace Layered Sweater, $28.99 from Charlotte Russe
Scarf: 2890 by Arne & Carlos Intarsia Scarf, $48 from Urban Outfitters Leggings: Zipper Full Length Legging, $14.80 from A'Gaci

Last Minute Halloween Costume Shopping

2009-10-27T07:35:00.000-04:00

It's Halloween this weekend and if you still haven't gotten your costume yet, don't worry because you still have a couple of days left! Here are some places where you can do your last minute halloween shopping quickly and cheaply.

1. The Pretty Lil' Things Store
Allow me to do some promotion here, as I mentioned in earlier posts I have gathered me and my roommates' halloween costumes and putting them up for sale! There are still several costumes still up for grabs (in different sizes). I've lowered the prices and also offering fast shipping via USPS Express Mail Service for $19.50 so you'll definitely receive it if you order now! (Yes quick shipping is expensive but if you consider the total amount of the costume, it's still pretty cheap!) Shopping is convenient through the use of Google Checkout, just one click and you can add the item to your cart! Definitely check out this option :)

From left: Blue Dragonfly Costume (large) $12.99, Nasty Curves Baseball Player Costume (x-small) $12.99, and Gothic Pirate Lady Costume (small) $14.99

Visit the Pretty Lil' Things Halloween Store!

2. Wet Seal
Wet Seal has a collection of cute and affordable Halloween costumes and they are offering $6 2 day shipping (ending today) for last minute shoppers! Most of the costumes are on sale, up to 50% off. They also have great accessories like socks and petticoats at cheap prices to go with your costume if you already have one.

From left: Magic Alice Costume $22.75, Sweet Cowgirl Costume $17.25, Gangster Costume $22.75

Visit Wet Seal's Halloween Boutique!

3. Buy Costumes
Buy Costumes has a large variety of costumes and it's also where I got mine! If you order today, you are guaranteed to receive your costume by Halloween. With purchases of $100 or more, you can get free standard shipping, or $5.99 express shipping, or $11.99 premium shipping depending on how quickly you need it.

From left: Tea Party Princess $44.99, Aladdin Jasmine Costume $57.99, Charm School Dropout $49.99Visit Buy Costumes!

If you haven't already bought your Halloween costume, I'm pretty sure that you'll find something you need in time from one of these three sources. So hurry now and order it today!

PLT Beauty: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (+Giveaway!)

2009-10-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

PLT has been quiet lately, mainly due to exams and such. Perhaps it's time for a giveaway?

Today's feature is something special from Asia! Many of you have probably seen or heard or used Biore's Deep Cleansing Pore Strips that are available at Target or other drugstores. You've probably heard mixed reviews, how they work or don't work, or whether they're bad for your skin or not. Here's my two cents on this beauty tool.

How it works: (directly from the Biore site)
This weekly pore refining treatment for the nose area instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads. In just one use, Bioré® Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting rid of pore-clogging build-up and blackheads. Helps reduce the appearance of pores with regular use.

Does it work?
My verdict is, YES it does work! If you use it correctly, provided that you don't have sensitive skin and you don't use it too often. It instantly removes a ton of black heads, but if you don't follow up with the right stuff (like toner to close the pores), chances are that your blackheads will come back to haunt you.

How to use (+my personal tips):
1. Cleanse and wash your face thoroughly and leave your face wet.
2. Get one of the pore strips out and get ready to put it on your nose. Notice there is some lag time between washing your face and getting the pore strip out- by the time that you ripped open the package, your face would be in the perfect condition to use the pore strip!)
3. Place the pore strip over your nose and smooth it out, making sure that it sticks on tight. Important note: your face cannot be too dry or too wet or it won't work well!
4. Wait for 5-7 minutes, or until you feel that the pore strip has hardened (like it feels kind of stiff when you twitch your nose), then peel it out slowly from starting from the bottom.
5. The Biore site recommends that the product not to be used more often than once every three days, but I say don't use it more than twice a week. (It dries up your skin especially if you have dry or sensitive skin!)
6. To keep black-head free, pat on some toner to close pores.

It's that easy! To prove that it works, I have a picture *after* using the pore pack. It's kind of nasty with all the blackheads, so view at your own risk. But it shows that it works.

Of course it would be boring if I'm just giving away something you can get from your local drugstore. I have here a special edition of the Biore Pore Strips directly from Asia with "Strawberry Frappe" scent! It smells great and works well, so enter now to win it! Just answer the following question, "In your opinion, what's the best fix for blackheads?" Contest ends Monday, November 2 at 6:30pm.

This Week's Best Dressed 10/24

2009-10-24T18:28:00.000-04:00

From left: Charlize Theron attends the OneXOne Gala in San Fransisco on October 22
Blake Lively at the Angel Ball in NYC wearing a peplum frock from the Victoria Beckham Collection on October 20
Eva Longoria at L'Oreal's Star Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood on October 20

From left: Kim Kardashain hosting the launch of Sephora's Fusion Beauty's Infatuation in Hollywood on October 15 Victoria Beckham arriving at the Heathrow Airport on October 19
Eva Mendes wearing a J. Mendel gown at the Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi on October 22

Sales & Coupons Week of 10/23

2009-10-23T16:28:00.000-04:00

80's Purple: Receive 15% off your order with $5 standard shipping with code AW2009, offer ends 10/23/09.

dELiA*s: Save $10 off your order of $50 or more with code DXQW15, offer expires 10/27/09.

E.L.F.: $1.98 shipping for all orders of $20 or more with code SHIP198, offer expires unknown.

Love My Shoes: 15% off hot new arrivals with code S15FALL, offer expires 10/23/09.

Payless: 15% off your in-store purchase or $10 off your order of $60 or more online with code 29402, offer expires 11/2/09.

Sephora: Take 20% off at Sephora's Friends & Family event with code FF2009, offer ends 11/2/09.

Wet Seal: Free shipping with orders of $15 or more with code ENT0809, offer expires unknown.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2009-10-21T18:29:00.001-04:00

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Purchase one of the following items to have a portion of sales donated towards Breast Cancer Research.

1. Pink Ribbon Heart Tee, $10 from Charlotte Russe

2. Clinique BCA Greap Lips, Great Cause, $19 from Sephora

3. Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet, $2 from Payless

4. Mini Pink Pony Bag, $45 from Ralph Lauren

5. Bubble Gum Pink Nail Polish, $1 from E.L.F.

6. Breast Cancer Crusade Strap Watch, $15 from Avon

7. Medium Bow Cosmetic Pouch in Pinwheel Pink, $18 from Vera Bradley

8. Sexy Pink Shirt, $29 from eDressMe

Sales/Coupons Week of 10/16

2009-10-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

Baghaus: Extra 10% off everything plus free shipping for orders $50 or more with code EXTRA10, offer expires 10/18/09.

DSW: $5 off one pair, $15 off two pairs, or $25 off three pairs of shoes with code GETMORE, offer expires unknown.
Fashion Bug: $10 off your purchase of $30 or more with code 776290603, offer expires 10/20/09.

JCPenney: JCP's Friends & Family Event, take 20% off your purchase with code FAMILY20, only valid this Sunday (10/19) and Monday (10/20).

Macy's: $0.99 shipping with any fall fashion purchase with code FALL99, offer expires 10/17/09.

Victoria's Secret: 25% off one item with code SAVE25, offer expires 10/18.

PLT Beauty: Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara

2009-10-14T09:54:00.003-04:00

I've been hearing all the buzz about Maybelline's vibrating mascara, so one day when I was doing my grocery shopping, I decided to give it a try. I always wondered how mascaras could vibrate, until I realized that there was a button on the tip that would turn on when you pressed it.

I have really little, short, and straight lashes and I've had trouble finding a good mascara that would give my lashes both length and volume (my absolute fave is Maybelline's Intense XXL). Being a Maybelline mascara fan, of course I would first go to the Maybelline aisle in the grocery/drug stores for a mascara. They had a little chart there that compares all their mascaras, and there it was, next to my favorite mascara, under the "most dramatic" category, was the new Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara.

I bought it and went home to give it a try. First I curled my lashes with an eyelash curler. (Without curling that my lashes will just be straight and no amount of mascara will make a difference to my lashes) Here you can see my eye completely without makeup after lashes has been curled.

Then I turned on the mascara by pushing the button and started applying it to my lashes. My first reaction was that it's much easier than I thought! Since the button is sitting at the exact spot where I usually hold the mascara wand, it really isn't hard to exert some pressure to turn it on (although I did hear that people are disliking the position of the button and etc). I put the wand to the bottom of my lashes, pushed the button, and moved it in an upward direction. Simple! I repeated several times and here's how it looked after applying the mascara.

It's really hard to say if a mascara is really good or bad because I believe that everyone has different types of lashes and need different types of mascaras. So if one type of mascara doesn't work for you, maybe it works very well for someone else. For me, I feel that Maybelline's Pulse Perfection mascara is pretty good and lengthening, but not as good in giving volume. I suspect that I would look better on someone with thicker lashes. Another thing is that it costs $15 bucks! That's significantly more than their usual mascaras. To conclude, I would say that the Pulse Perfection is not bad and definitely worth a try, but after I'm done with this bottle I'm going to go back to my favorite Intense XXL.

Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara, $15.99 from drug stores

Sequins Galore!

2009-10-13T09:41:00.000-04:00

1. Sequin Tank, $29.50 from Express

2. Sequin Bow Racerback, $22.80 from Forever 21

3. Silence & Noise Shiny Sequin Tap Short, $28 from Urban Outfitters

4. Sequin Legging, $32.90 from Alloy

5. Sequin Mini Skirt, $19.99 from Charlotte Russe

PLT Pick: 5 Fab Fall Finds

2009-10-12T09:54:00.001-04:00

Here are 5 fab Fall items that I recently came across that you should check out!

Headliner Vegan Leather Crop Jacket, $70 from Lulu's

Ruffle Front Woven Dress, $36 from Akira

Alala Woven Skirt, $42 from 80's Purple

Rayne Boot, $46.90 from Alloy

Connected Double Star Ring, $3.80 from Forever 21