SHADES OF GREY

Good morning, Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

I think I mentioned on numerous occasions how much I enjoy the Holiday season! I love Christmas music and decorated tress, sound of jingle bells, wrapping presents, and coffee with eggnog. Granted the latter one is an acquired taste, but I got addicted to eggnog back in Canada, so now I can't imagine Christmas without it:) Yet, what I love about Christmas the most is spending quality time with family and friends. We don't always get to enjoy as much time together through out the year as we would like, but no mater what happens, we always get together during the Holiday season.

Though normally, we all gather together on Christmas Eve, since some of our family and friends are going to be out of town next week, we decided to host our Christmas party a bit earlier and the out-of-this-world amazing dress I 'm wearing in today's post, is what I wore to the party. 

I've actually spent a good part of the past few weeks searching for just the perfect thing to wear. I kept going back and forth between a full-length gown and a cocktail dress, but once I found this amazing pleated perfection of a dress, that was pretty much it. Aside from the fact that I have more that a bit of a weakness for tulle, especially pleated, layered tulle, this dress has one of the most beautiful necklines I have ever seen. There is something so magical about a deep v-neck shaped front, delicate shoulder straps and open back. Of course, the reason why I fell in love with this dress is rather a combination of things like satin top combined with the most amazing full pleated tulle skirt, The kind of skirt that dances and moves with each and every step you take. 

Oh, and believe me when I say I took full advantage and twirled and danced my little heart out. But when you wearing a dress like this, staying still is completely impossible:) 

MILLY v-neck tulle gown | Treesje asymmetry clutch in gunmetal | Rue Gembon Keianna gunmetal rings, Polly rings, Gianna rings & Fie gunmetal rings | Samantha Wills pearl and crystal earrings { similar option here } 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle 

FAVORITE MAKE UP PRODUCTS

Blush: Chanel in Brume D'or| Eye Liner: Christian Dior in black, both via FragranceNet.com | Shimmering Powder: Dior | Glossy Lip Stain: YSL in Rouge Laque | Lipstick: YSL in Spicy Pink | Lipstick: Face Stockholm for J Crew in French Martini | Nail Polishes: YSL in Gris Deco, Beige Leger & Blue Cobalt | Perfume: BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic & Chanel Chance | Rings: mini bow & glitz bow via Ily Couture | Bracelets: Aqua { similar here & here } 

Hey Everyone,

I've been meaning to talk make up for some time now, so I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about some of my current favorites. 

FACE: As I have mentioned before, I am not a big fan of foundation, it just makes me feel like I have a mask on. In stead, I like to use blush or bronzer and a face highlighter. This particular one from Chanel in Brume D'or is my current obsession, because it provides really natural color, with just a hint of sparkle. I also love this shimmering powder from Christian Dior. Usually, I mix all shades together with a big brush and apply it on the apples of my cheeks, then use the lightest shade to highlight brow bones and corners of the eyes. This combination really helps to brighten the face without looking like you have a ton of product on.  

EYES: I hardly ever wear eye shadow, especially during the day. Most of the time I line the upper eyelid with black eye liner, mostly because my eyes are pretty round so the liner helps to elongate the shape. Right now, I'm a pretty big fan of this Christian Dior one. Stays on all day and doesn't smudge, what else can I ask for:)?

Lips: I've heard a million times that there is a right shade of red for everyone out there. But up until recently I haven't been able to find the right one for me. No matter what I tried it just looked weird, either too dark, or way to bright, basically it just didn't feel like me. By chance, I tried this lip stain by YSL and was pretty impressed with the result, great color, stays on and has a hint of gloss. My day-time favorite at the moment is YSL lipstick in Spicy Pink, really natural, soft-looking shade that has a great staying power. 

I suppose the word "natural" keeps coming up whenever I talk about make up. I really am a big believer in beauty products doing what their are supposed to without looking too obvious. So, I think I choose most make up products on the basis of that, red lipstick and black liner of course being the exception:) 

Now, here is the best part, FragranceNet.com would like to gift one lucky VivaLuxury reader with a $50.00 Gift Card! 

All you have to do is follow FragranceNet.com on Twitter by CLICKING HERE, follow VivaLuxury on Twitter by CLICKING HERE and tweet the following message "Awesome giveaway with @FragranceNet & @Vivaluxury, follow them on Twitter to WIN!"

Also, please leave a comment under this post, so I may contact you if you win! I wish everyone the best of luck!

P.S. Receive 15% OFF your entire order on FragranceNet.com with coupon code FBVD3

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Keep on smiling,

Love,

Annabelle

RETRO RENDITION

Laura sandal in Black/White polka dot via Pink & Pepper | Rachel Zoe Lydia dress | JCrew Havana bright red clutch | Crystalized nail ring and Crystal spike necklace via Minusey 

Most of the time my looks start with a single item, whether it’s a pair of jeans, a bag  or a dress, I chose an item I feel like wearing today and then build an outfit around it. Today’s look is no exception it started with a pair of shoes. My favorite pair of shoes at the moment, might I add. Completely obsessed with the black and white polka dot print! Added bonus, they are super comfortable to wear! No purple toes is always great in my book:) And of course, I love shoes that magically work with everything in your closet and can be styled in an infinite number of ways. So, don’t be surprised if you see them on my blog over and over again:) 

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Keep on smiling,

Love,

Annabelle

GAGA FOR GREEN

(Zara sweater & heels, Jeans - old, similar here & here,  Asos spike link bracelet, also loving this one, Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac bag, other cute shades here & here, JCrew bracelets)

Hey Everyone,

I want to take this opportunity to ask for your help because I am facing a true hair emergency. I've been using the same shampoo for the past 6 years. Before I found Fresh Milk & Rose shampoo my hair always looked like a tangled mess, but once I started using it my hair became pretty silky and manageable. Well, about 3 weeks ago I found out it's being, gasp, discontinued!!!!  I am down to my very last bottle and I can't find it anywhere!!!! So, if anyone knows a pretty good moisturizing shampoo I am completely open to your suggestions. 

Oh, and I continue on my quest to wear every shade of green imaginable. I am pretty gaga for green lately:) 

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Have a lovely weekend, 

Love,

Annabelle

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY | JACK GERMAIN BETTE CLUTCH

(Bette Clutch - Jack Germain, Skirt - BCBG, Pumps Sam Edelman, Sweater French Connection)

I am completely obsessed with over-sized clutches at the moment, so I am excited to announce a new GIVEAWAY courtesy of Jack Germain Handbags. This time you have a chance to win this gorgeous Bette Clutch worth $480.00!

THIS GIVEAWAY is open to everyone,

OLD FRIENDS AND NEW and it will SHIP INTERNATIONALLY

As always, the rules are simple:

1. LIKE this post on BlogLovin by CLICKING HERE

2. LIKE Jack Germain Handbags on Facebook by CLICKING HERE

3. Follow VivaLuxury on BlogLovin by CLICKING HERE or via GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT

4. Please leave a comment here including your email address so I may contact you if you win

The GIVEAWAY will last for 7 days until Monday January 2, 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!

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