My office holiday party is this afternoon, so I decided to get a little dolled up for the occasion. Instead of picking something red or green from my closet, I opted for a bright orange dress with pretty detailing at the waist from the H&M Conscious Collection.
Dress: H&M Conscious Collection | Michael Kors tortoise-inspired bracelet watch | Leather and gold cuff bracelet from DC's Downtown Holiday Market
Crystal's nails polished in Vodka and Caviar by OPI.
I love to paint my nails red for the holidays, but it wasn’t until this year that I found the perfect red.
My girlfriends and I hit the nail spa on a recent trip to Massachusetts and Connecticut. I borrowed my BFF’s Vodka and Caviar from OPI. I love it because it is striking and soft, and not too vampy. It’s the prettiest red I’ve ever come across.
All dolled up for a night on the town!
Posted in Fashion Resources
Tagged Christmas, Connecticut, Holidays, mani, manicure, Massachusetts, nails, OPI, polish, Spa, vodka and caviar
by Sherria
McDonalds introduces new McCafe drinks for the holidays (Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate)
This holiday season, McDonalds introduced two new drinks to its McCafe Menu, Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha. I’m usually not one to endorse fast food, but while I was out shopping over the weekend, I stumbled into McDonalds and tried the Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The drink was absolutely fantastic! It was a creamy hot chocolate with a hint of savory mint. I would recommend this drink to anyone who wants to cozy up with a warm sweet drink on a cold day. I know it’s a bit weird, but after I drank the Peppermint Hot Chocolate I couldn’t think about anything else but wanting to buy another one (P.S. I didn’t get another one. I had to avoid getting addicted to McDonalds). The drinks are offered only for a limited time, so get yours while they last.
Posted in Miscellaneous
Tagged Christmas, fast food, Holidays, hot chocolate, hot drinks, McCafe, McDonalds, mocha, peppermint
Guest Post by Christina Ventura
Price: $10 | Size: Net Wt. 1 oz. | Ingredients: Shea butter, honey, sweet almond extract, jasmine, ylang-ylang, vitamin E
I know, I know. The purpose of those bins bordering the line to the register is to swindle you into spending just a little more money. As if you didn’t just pick up $45-foundation and another bottle of nail polish in a color you’re fully aware you have at home. There’s no such thing as too many shades of grey anyway. Please.
As I stood in line in the swelteringly hot Sephora in Times Square, I glanced down at the blotting sheets, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, and roll-on deodorants. All of which I ignored because I’m hip to Sephora’s schemes. Or so I thought! Right before I reached the register, I spotted the L’Occitane Crème Mains in an enticing silver and blue tube. Relevant tidbit about me: I hardly ever buy anything from those bins at any store. I’m not a hand lotion fanatic. I’m very particular about scents; I’ve been wearing the same perfume since I was 14 and I don’t plan on making a change anytime soon. I hate scents that highjack your nostrils and collide with every other product you have on. If you’re as picky (neurotic) as I am, then L’Occitane’s Hand Cream will change your life.
First thing to note is that it’s thick so while the tube is small, you don’t have to slather it on to get the desired effect.
At 20% Shea butter, it has a higher content compared to other lotions that boast this ingredient. It’s also specifically for dry skin so it’s perfect for harsh winters and for people who obsessively wash their hands (me). There’s no oily residue and it absorbs quickly so you don’t have to fan your hands like a lunatic before touching your keyboard at work again. My favorite part is the smell! As I’ve mentioned, I’m pretty particular about how many scents I put on and how they complement each other. This is subtle and light but not generic or boring. It’s a classy, pretty scent that can complement almost any perfume you put on.
I’m completely sold on L’Occitane’s Hand Cream and I will be buying a few more tubes to last through the winter. It’s a great and economical stocking stuffer. There’s a 5 oz. tube for $26 too that’s a great buy and will last a long time. It’s also Made in France. Look at you. Fancy.
For a look at their other products: www.loccitane.com
L’Occitane at Sephora: www.sephora.com/l’occitane
Posted in Steals!, The Water Cooler: Guest Posts
Tagged beauty, Christina Ventura, Christmas, Gift, Gift Guide, L'Occitane, products, Stocking Stuffer
Posted in Events
Tagged Christmas, DC, District of Columbia, events, fashion, Lounge 201, style, Washington DC
ONLINE SALES RISE DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
Looks like holiday shoppers are taking the internet by storm. According to comScore- global leader in measuring the digital world and the preferred source of digital marketing intelligence- online sales in the United States are up “12% to $27.5 billion so far this holiday season” compared with last year.
While some of you may shopped online during Cyber Monday, there are some A*cute readers who are working on buying their gifts at the last minute. Remember to look out for extra online deals such as free shopping and delivery. Also, sometimes the best gifts are the most inexpensive ones because you really have the chance to express your creativity working on a tight budget.
Happy Shopping!
News Sources: AM New York, Newspaper, 12/20/10, pg.10
Picture taken from: http://www.oshoppingdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/online_shopping.jpg
I love Christmas! Family, friends, food…what more can you ask for?! There are tons of Holiday parties, but don’t waste money buying a new outfit for every event. Jazz up what you already have with accessories in the color of the season — RED!
Get the Look!
Jackie stepped into the holiday season with her Steve Madden suede pumps for the office Christmas party.
Posted in Steals!
Tagged accessories, bracelet, Christmas, Forever 21, guess, Holiday Party, Kohl's, loris shoes, purse, sequins, work
Since our launch in April, we’ve been working hard to help you look good at work. We thank you, our readers, for coming back regularly to see what’s new at A*cute. Here’s a list this year’s most popular posts. Make your New Year’s Resolution to be a better version of yourself. We’ll be here to help look and act A*cute along the way.
After a trip to the nail salon, A*cute had to let you all know that your hands should not speak louder than your words. Click here for the latest trends in nail styling that are most appropriate for the workplace.
Per your in-person and email requests, we outlined appropriate workplace behavior. According to your messages, some of you may need to forward this post to your cubicle buddies/officemates.
First Lady Michelle Obama’s official White House portrait caused a stir in the media and the blogosphere when she chose to sport her toned, bare arms in a classic sheath. A*cute tells you how to bear your arms the presidential way in this top-rated post.
Party, Party, Just Don’t Get Wasted
There’s always one office party drunk. Follow these DOs and DON’Ts so that you can keep your dignity, and your job.
If you wear miniskirts to work, this post is for you. If you know someone who shows too much cleavage at work, don’t talk behind her back at the watercooler, send her this post instead. She’ll get the hint. We promise.
With that, A*cute wishes you Happy Holidays and we can’t wait to see you in the fashionable New Year!
Posted in Fashion Resources, Pink Slips: Don'ts
Tagged Christmas, fashion, Michelle Obama, no-nos, workplace
by Jackie
Stumped on what to get your coworkers? Christmas shopping on a budget? A*cute has the perfect gift ideas that will brighten any holiday. With these suggestions, you won’t have to be afraid of your office Secret Santa exchange.
Style is the gift that keeps on giving.
Santa on a Budget (Items pictured above)
Posted in Fashion Resources, Steals!
by Jackie
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, make sure you put accessories on your holiday wish list. A new wardrobe may not fit under the tree, but a signature piece fits in a stocking and will make your old clothes seem fresh off of the rack.
My signature necklace from Ann Taylor Loft instantly revives any old outfit.
They say that love is just a fairytale, but this necklace is a dream come true. It’s elegant, fun, and unique. A*cute finally tracked this piece down after a month of searching. While it is sold out online, don’t give up. It may be available in-store.
A signature piece is an accessory that breathes life into your clothes by elegantly emphasizing your personality.
Forever21.com: belted dress ($13); cardigan ($18). Ann Taylor Loft necklace: ($34.50)
This outfit takes you from day to night for under $70. Add opaque tights for the office and ditch the cardigan for an evening out.
Lace Bolero: Charlotte Russe: $19
Keep the little black dress and the necklace, just add a girly lace bolero and some fuschia lipstick for an instant holiday party hit.
Dress up your casual Friday look with a signature piece.
What's your signature piece? If you're having trouble trying to decide what to put on your holiday list, pick one of these treats. Ranging in price from $8-$44, you won't feel guilty for asking Santa for something pretty.
