Laura Mercier “Spellbound” face illuminator

Laura Mercier’s new fall 2013 beauty collection “Dark Spell” includes a sparkling face illuminator; “Spellbound.” This fabulous pressed powder offers a natural, soft finish to your face which works on light to olive skin tones. The powder leaves the skin “illuminated” without adding shine or an oily effect. Love that!

I was thrilled when Laura Mercier sent me the fall 2013 face illuminator “Spellbound” to sample. When I first opened the compact, the beautiful wavy design took my breath away. I love when cosmetic companies take the time to make their beauty products beautiful; after all, the products are supposed to make us beautiful, so shouldn’t they be beautiful themselves? Yes, of course!

I was very pleased with how Laura Mercier’s face illuminator “Spellbound” worked on my skin. I wore it casually during the day without foundation and it set my blush as well as kept my skin from looking oily during the warm summer weather. I also tried “Spellbound” over foundation and concealer at night. Again, it kept my make-up set without allowing my skin to shine from oil. Perfection!

Laura Mercier’s new face illuminator “Spellbound” is my favorite beauty product. I am wearing it everyday for the perfect finish! I highly recommend “Spellbound” and rate the face illuminator five out of five stars.

Laura Mercier’s fall 2013 face illuminator “Spellbound” is priced at $42 and can be found online here.

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“Spellbound” face illuminator c/o Laura Mercier.

Photo: Cathy/Bay Area Fashionista 2013©

Metallics for fall 2013

Metallic hues have been on trend for the past few years and are showing no signs of slowing down for the fall 2013 season. Designers continued to show metallic accents and accessories for fall/winter 2013/2014 when they sent models down the runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London. Store buyers are continuing to love the trend and have stocked store shelves for fall with the sparkling touch.

Metallics are everywhere for fall 2013. In addition to solid colored pieces, metallics are part of the ongoing color blocking trend. They are being spotted together with bright colors and autumn hues. Metallics are also being paired with fall’s hot animal print trend as part of the blocked print trend.

Every shade of metallic is hot for fall 2013. You have your pick from bright silver, gold, pewter, copper, brass and more. There is a metallic hue for everyone and every ensemble this fall 2013 season. Love that! If you have previously invested in metallic during past seasons, you are set for the fall 2013 season! If not, do not be afraid to purchase a few metallic items this season. The trend is projected to continue into 2014.

The easiest way to wear the metallic trend is through shoes and handbags. Of course, if you are bold, look for a metallic motorcycle jacket or pair of jeans. While a metallic dress is on trend, it is considered overdone. When it comes to apparel, look for separates and incorporate one metallic item into your ensemble.

I found a few fabulous metallic items around the web and assembled them into the shopping widget below. Hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 

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Retro inspired black and gold

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I absolutely adore black and gold together. Not only is this combination classic, it is currently on-trend for summer 2013 and moving into fall 2013. When I saw this top from ASOS, I fell in love with it. The print and cut offered retro flair; and the fact that it is also a jacket (there is a zipper in the back) made it even more fun.

I decided to wear the top over a dress as a cover-up for an evening out recently. I love how it looked over this asymmetrical dress from Ann Taylor I purchased last fall. This top will also work well with black skirts and pants. Can’t wait to mix it up!

Do you have a fun, retro-style top you enjoy styling? If so, join me on Facebook and share!

Outfit details:
Top: ASOS
Dress: Ann Taylor (fall 2012-current style here)
Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Gentle Monica”
Necklace: St. Chris Holiday Boutique 2006-for similar style, see shopping widget below
Bracelets: Kate Young for Target and Tory Burch
Nail Polish: Chanel Paparazzi
Clutch: Chanel (not online) similar styles here and here.
Shoes: Prada

Photos: Rob/Bay Area Fashionista 2013©