If The Shoe Fits: Audrey Brooke Paris Flat

For years, Tory Burch's Reva flats (left) have been on my wardrobe wish-list. But every time I work up the nerve to exercise my Visa, something always rains on my fancy footwear parade.

In 2009, I was this close to adopting a pair of the iconic ballet flats - but then I got pregnant and decided to wait until after I gave birth and my feet stopped growing. Then after I had Westley, I put Reva back on my shopping list - only to find that the style runs too narrow for my fat, flat feet.

I was ready to give up the dream until this week, during a routine venture to my neighborhood DSW. I was actually shopping for my son, but after being informed that they don't sell kids shoes in the stores (only online), I decided that it shouldn't be a wasted trip so I took a quick survey of the womens' section before heading on my way.

That's when I saw it...the Audrey Brooke Paris Flat. I was immediately enamored with the Reva doppleganger and rendered positively giddy by the price tag - just $59.95! But would the shoe fit? As I hurriedly removed my Ugg boot and slipped my foot into the shoe, I said a little prayer and...it fit like a glove. Not to sound dramatic - okay, maybe just a little - it was a Cinderella moment.

Alas, I didn't buy the shoe in the store because I figured I could save more if I purchased online. So as soon as I returned home, I got on the Internet and picked up a black pair for less than $30. As I explained in a recent review of the Audrey Brooke Leopard Satchel, the awesome thing about DSW.com is that you can combine coupon codes. By combining some promo codes I researched online and cashing in some coupons I received as a DSW Rewards member (sign up...it's free!), I saved $30 and got free shipping.

In addition to black leather, the Paris Flat is available in a metalic leather and a leopard print haircalf. They leopard ones aren't available online, but I spotted them in the store - just, sadly, not in my size. So I called some other local DSW stores and tracked down a pair in my size - and they're on hold until I can go adopt them on Friday. I can't wait!!!

Update: I scooped up the shoes a few days ago and I am so proud of my purchase. Too cute, right?

Maybe it's a godsend that my feet are so fat...because, for less than the price of Reva, I can pick up all three pairs of Paris.



Remember that early 90's made-for-TV movie with Jennifer Grey and Rob Lowe called If The Shoe Fits? My DSW shopping experience reminded me of that film so I'm taking a trip down memory lane and sharing the trailer with you. Enjoy!

Anthropologie Homegrown Monogram Mug

Last week, I found the cutest gift for less than $10. The Homegrown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie makes the perfect present for someone you want to spoil pretty - without breaking the bank. So if you're still stumped about what to buy your co-worker, kid's teachers, or bring to a holiday party as a hostess gift - this is it. And if you've got a couple more dollars to spend, stuff the mug with a Starbucks gift card or a baggie of chocolate-covered espresso beans!

Skinnygirl Face and Body Gift Set Giveaway

Bethenny Frankel is my CBFFIMH (Celebrity Best Friend Forever in My Head) - along with Kathy Griffin and Wendy Williams.

Bethenny and I were introduced back in March of 2008 when The Real Housewives of New York premiered. She quickly won me over with her unpretentious personality and quick wit, and we've been BFF's (again, in my head) ever since. Bethenny and I even had our children around the same time (Bethenny gave birth to Bryn in May of 2010 and Westley arrived in August of that year). I remember even more of a kinship with Bethenny as I watched her juggle marriage and motherhood, on the first season of Bethenny Getting Married?

Now I learn that me and my gal pal have even more in common. The reality-star-turned-entrepreneur has ventured into beauty, launching her Skinnygirl Face and Body collection.

"I wanted to develop a line that accomplishes what every woman wants for every day and night – smooth, moisturized skin with a healthy glow and lips that are kissable and soft. Affordability, convenience, effectiveness and consistency is what’s most important and what Skinnygirl Face and Body is all about," explains Bethenny. "From a tinted moisturizer to firming night cream, my entire Skinnygirl Face and Body collection is meant to fulfill your everyday skincare needs without putting a dent in your pocket.  My line is meant to nourish, replenish and keep your skin looking and feeling clean."

The collection (which includes 21 products and five fabulous gift sets) is available at Walmart locations nationwide and walmart.com, with prices starting at $4.97. Because Bethenny and I are tight like that, we're teaming up to spoil three lucky readers! We're giving away one Margarita Kit, one Face Solutions Kit and one Mommy Kit.

To enter, leave a comment below. In your comment, tell me A) which celebrity is your BFF (in your head) and B) which Skinnygirl kit(s) you'd prefer. Be sure to post your email, Twitter handle (make sure you're following @spoiledpretty so I can DM you) or some other way for me to get in touch if you win. The contest is open to U.S. residents only. Contest ends on Wednesday, March 14 at 5pm ET. I'll announce the winner then.

Good luck!

OPI I Have a Herring Problem

I Have a Herring Problem (with flash)

After my gorgeous Dutch 'Ya Just Love OPI? manicure started looking a little jacked (after weeks of abuse), I decided to follow it up with another polish from OPI's Holland Collection. It was a difficult choice, as OPI sent me the entire set for review AND every bottle is a beauty. I considered painting every piggy in a different polish, but decided that would look a lil' cray cray. So after much deliberation, the finalists were I Don't Give a Rotterdam! and I Have a Herring Problem - two shimmer-laced blues. I decided on the latter because it's darker and reads a little more gray (gray nails are my everything!) against my skin tone.

Over the years, I've amassed quite a collection of nail polishes (I probably own 200+ shades) and I don't have anything quite like I Have a Herring Problem. In the bottle, it's kind of a green blue. But worn, it's looks more gray. And depending on the light, it either reads more blue or more gray. And the subtle, silver micro-shimmer makes it special without venturing into disco ball territory. It strikes me as a color that would look good on a variety of skin tones. And even though it's techinically a blue polish, I think you could get away with it at work (unless you work in a very corporate environment) - as long as you keep your nails short.


I Have a Herring Problem (without flash)

I've been getting tons of compliments on my mani and, since it's neutral-ish, it compliments just about anything I wear. It's been about 5 days since I painted my nails and there are no chips in sight - despite the fact that I'm pretty rough on my hands. My secret weapon for long-lasting lacquer is to use a Zoya Anchor Base Coat and Zoya Armor Top Coat. But this time, I could only find my bottle of Anchor. So I opted for Essie Good to Go (rapid dry top coat), which turned out to be a great Armor understudy.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Beauty Lovers

No matter how much you plan or how good your intentions, sometimes you get busy and you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to finish your holiday shopping. So for those of you who are still looking for that perfect present, I have some fabulous finds for the beauty lovers on your list.

Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System - Jaguar , $129
If you've got money to splurge on your special someone, I can't think of many beauty gifts that would wow more than the Clarisonic. This limited-edition, Sephora exclusive set includes the Clarisonic Mia One Speed Brush, international charger for worldwide use, Sensitive Brush Head, and Gentle Hydro Cleanser. I don't normally advocate getting catty with the ones you love, but I think that in this instance, the gift recipient would welcome it.

Juicy Couture Nail Polish & Hand Warmer Set, $44.90
Juicy Couture and Deborah Lippmann teamed up on this impossibly chic set of hand warmers and nail polish (available in two colors - black and light khaki). You lucked out by waiting 'til the last minute because it's now 33% off!

Yankee Candles, $2-26
You know what I love most about Yankee Candle? What you expect is what you get. The scent is always spot-on. And they last forever...or up to 150 hours, to be exact. Plus, they always seem to be having a sale (right now, it's buy 1 get 1 50% off of the holiday candles). I shopped the sale last week and picked up Christmas Cookie and Balsam & Cedar. I've been burning them non-stop - but like I said, they last so long, they're still full and look basically brand new. Get on this.

Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set, $48
This set of 18 on-trend, mini nail polishes makes a great gift for any manicure maniac. If you need to stuff a few stockings, you can always split up the bottles between a few of your friends.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio, $28
Whenever someone asks me for a beauty stocking stuffer suggestion, the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio is one of the first things that comes to mind. Shea Butter Hand Cream is the #1 international best-seller from L'Occitane, and one of my personal favorites. Enriched with 20% shea butter, this super-creamy hand balm quickly penetrates to protect, nourish and regenerate dry skin. The scent is light, yet intoxicating. Smooth even the most hard-working hands with a blend of nourishing ingredients including almond oil, honey, coconut oil and antioxidant vitamin E. Keep one tube on your vanity at home, leave the second tube in your desk drawer at work, and stash the third tube in your purse so you're never without this little luxury.

Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler, $20
Oh my, gift recipient - what big eyes you'll have! Tweezerman's ProCurl Eyelash Curler has a sleek body shape, with a larger opening, that is tailored for comfort ease of use. A narrowed top bar adapts to all eye shapes, and a thick, rounded silicone pad ensures intense, crease-free curl. And you've gotta love the color (I can't be the only sucker for anything rose gold). If you've got a couple extra bucks to spend, throw in a tube of my favorite mascara, Maybelline's The Falsies in Blackest Black.

Urban Decay Naked Palette, $48
Whenever I put on makeup and decide to do up my eyes, I always find myself reaching for the Naked Palette. It's my favorite eye kit of all time. With 12 gorgeous neutrals that look gorgeous on anyone, you can mix and match to create office-appropriate eyes or sexy, party-perfect peepers. What makes this even more irresistable is that it also comes with a an eyeshadow brush and travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion (which every girl should own).When I asked Urban Decay Co-Founder and Creative Director Wende Zomnir what inspired this ingenious kit, she told me, "I travel a lot and I created Naked because I wanted a great collection of easy-to-wear shades at my fingertips. It was so fun putting the shadow shades together and getting them in just the right order (you should see all the different iterations on my iPhone camera roll!). My ultimate smoky eye includes Virgin, Naked, Smog, Darkhorse and Creep!" The equally amazing Naked2 Palette just launched but is currently sold out, otherwise it would earn a spot on this list.

ecoTOOLS Alicia Silverstone Brush Set with Bag, $16
There is a common misconception that a set of quality makeup brushes will set you back a pretty penny. I've tried (and own) more brushes than I know what to do with - and my favorites, hands down, can be found at Target! The ecoTOOLS Alicia Silverstone Brush Set with Bag includes five bamboo brushes with incredibly soft and luxurious (synthetic) bristles - nestled in a hemp and cotton bag.

MOR 'Essentials' Honey Nectar Gift Set, $22
Since discovering MOR Cosmetics this summer during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I have been obsessed with their products...so much that two weeks ago during a HauteLook sale, I bought 10 more  MOR products - at 50% off (lucky me!). So my holiday bath and body gift picks are the products that introduced me to the brand. The MOR 'Essentials' Honey Nectar Gift Set includes a full-sized Honey Nectar Soap Bar (6 oz.) and Hand and Body Lotion (11.8 oz.). The Honey Nectar scent is one of the best fragrances I've ever smelled. I'm not a big honey fan, but the scent isn't so literal; it also features notes of brown sugar, candied almonds and warm vanilla milk. If you opt to give this gift, here's a cute suggestion: on the attached gift tag, write "MOR, MOR, MOR...how do you like it, how do you like it?"

Beauty-Inspired iPhone Cases, $28-34
These beauty-inspired cases by Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs dress your iPhone in fabulosity.

Forever 21 Cosmetics Cases, $5-10
This is just a sampling of the super cute makeup cases from Forever 21. For these prices, you can afford to stuff some stockings with these cases - stuffed with more beauty goodies!