“Designer” on a Dime – Shiekh Shoes

I’ve never worn Shiekh Shoes before but I have seen a few cute styles from them. And I was absolutely floored when I came across their Persia shoe, a dead ringer for Giambattista Valli’s Victoria pump which Mary Kate Olsen famously wore a few years ago. Though the shoes are a bit stripper-ish, I’m a sucker for a hot pink platform heel.

And then I saw the Mellina pumps, the lethal stems instantly reminded me of the Chanel pistol heel Madonna wore a few seasons ago. Of course there are several dissimilarities between Chanel and the Shiekh version, but the gun heel is perfect for the fashionista who wants to add an instant bad-ass feel to her wardrobe.

Tags: Chanel, Giambattista Valli, heels, Madonna, Mary Kate Olsen, Shiekh Shoes

Top {Affordable} Beauty Products

It ain’t easy being green a girl. Maintaining hair, makeup, nails, etc can get pretty expensive. But here are some tried and true {affordable} products that solve any beauty dilemma.

Band-Aid Blister Block, $7.49
I started using this about two years ago and it’s literally brought me great comfort. There’s nothing worse than having a great pair of heels or sandals but the straps rub against your skin causing blisters. The wax-like portable stick forms a barrier between your shoes and your skin so there’s no longer a love hate relationship between you and your favorite pair of stilettos.

Bio-Oil, $11.99
A great multi-use product is something everyone loves. This non-greasy oil does everything from aid in healing scars, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and moisturizes dehydrated skin. It doesn’t take much for an insect bite or mark to leave a scar on my skin, but when I had a slight burn from getting my eyebrows waxed (that’s a story for another day), I applied the oil immediately and my skin was like new. And a little of this stuff goes a long way so a bottle will last for a while.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance, $17
This is another product that lasts forever. Every lover of eye shadow has had the dreaded experience of it creasing or fading only hours after it’s been applied. A small dab of the primer keeps shadow looking perfect from day to night. I love this product so much I gave it as part of a Christmas gift.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub, $4.29
Besides the yummy smell, the small granules exfoliate skin without leaving it feeling dry or irritated. Years ago my dermatologist recommended this as a cheap facial cleanser that would even out my skin. I’ve been using it every since.

And an honorable mention has to go to Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner. I just started using this creamy conditioner and my dry strands instantly felt moisturized and soft to the touch. It’s free of sulfates and the top ingredients are all organic. At only $2.99, it’s a product that will be getting heavy rotation in my hair routine.

What are your cheap beauty finds that you swear by?

Tags: beauty products, heels, makeup