Yeah. I thought it was a joke too. However, after checking the website I was delightfully surprised to find that the e-mail, sent by my mother-in-law, informing me that E.L.F is currently selling makeup items and makeup tools for just $1 is true. YES, GIRL, ONE DOLLAR! So, I had to stop what I was doing to write a quick post to let you know about this opportunity to save big.

Apparently, Nordstrom bought E.L.F.; as a result, they are repackaging the line to reflect the Nordstrom brand, which is why they are trying to get rid of the old stuff for dirt cheap. They are also selling body butter for $4, makeup cases for $15, etc. This is a good time to stock up on lipgloss and makeup brushes. Use the coupon code CAROLINA for an additional savings of $7.50 when you spend $15 or more.

Although I checked Elf's website to see if it was true that makeup was being sold for $1, I did not verify at least two other sources before posting this information because I'm on vacation, which is why I was in a rush to get this posted. But, thanks to Tamara for bringing up the fraud issue. Here is a statement from Nordstrom:

Customer Alert - eyeslipsface.com

We have learned that some of our customers received e-mails from an unauthorized and unknown source regarding the website eyeslipsface.com. We want you to know that Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com are not affiliated with eyeslipsface.com or the e.l.f. product line, nor with any e-mail regarding that website or product line. Nordstrom does not sell e.l.f. products.

In general, you should always use caution and verify the authenticity of any website before providing information over the Internet. Also be aware of e-mails from unknown sources as they may contain a link to a fraudulent website specifically set up to capture and fraudulently use personal or account information. These websites are sometimes called "mirror" sites and may give the appearance of the true website.

Please know that Nordstrom would not ask for your account information through e-mail communication. If you receive an e-mail asking for any personal or account information appearing to be from Nordstrom, or is claiming affiliation with Nordstrom, please forward the information to onlinefraud@nordstrom.com or call us at 1-888-282-6060

I'm still on vacation. I will return to blogging in a week and a half. Until then...live glamorously.

Tracci

My favorite jewelry store in Los Angeles, Tres Jolie, has some of the jewelry that was featured in the movie Sex in the City.

Flat oval hoops worn by Miranda Hobbes.

Flower ring worn by Samatha in the auction scene.

Jennifer Hudson's character held this cute key chain in the movie.

Visit Tres Jolie for other pieces featured in the movie.

I'm currently in Los Angeles, trying desperately to survive the heat by drinking insane amounts of ice cold Arrowhead spring water and by staying off my mother's leather sofas. Mademoiselle is also trying to keep cool by any means necessary. Yesterday, I found Mademoiselle with her diaper off, lying quietly by the front screen door like a cat stretched out in the shade, attempting to hide from the scorching rays of the sun. Seeing my baby girl keeping cool by striping off her clothes wasn't a big deal; however, I didn't want her naked body on display for all the little boys in the neighborhood to see. And so, I took Mademoiselle to the bathroom to wash her up with a soap and water soaked towel before putting on a fresh diaper. My mother was surprised when she saw me grab a towel. She wanted to know why I didn't use baby wipes. Little girls are so delicate and are sometimes sensitive in the vaginal area; as a result, I prefer using a regular towel with a mild soap and water. "That's old school," was my mother's response. "All you need is some cloth diapers," she added. Well the truth is, I still use cloth diapers whenever Mademoiselle is not in training pants; cloth diapers not only save money, they are much better for the environment and the baby's delicate skin. 

Cloth diapers have come a long way since I first began using them on my son fourteen years ago. Now, there are so many options available for parents to choose from. There are also some really cute accessories available like the cute diaper cover and matching headband pictured above. The cover is adorable, and so is the warning: "Don't smell the daisies" embroidered above the flower.

You can find more information on the diaper cover here. 

Spotting five different women wearing a shirt I purchased during the Nordstrom yearly anniversary sale made me regret I even stepped foot into Nordstrom. The thing I most hate is, seeing me walking down the street; it is the bane of my very existence. I told myself that I needed to take my business to small boutiques and specialty shops where the chances of finding one of a kind and unique clothing are far greater.

A desire for unique, cute, sophisticated duds is what first attracted me to Biba, a London fashion boutique founded by Barbara Hulanicki in 1964. Biba’s clothes are stylishly feminine and flirty. Most importantly, one doesn’t have to be concerned about seeing themselves coming or going. Learn more about the Biba experience here.

The orange patent leather shoes can be found here.

I know it's all about the gladiators this season, and I love this pair.

The memory of receiving my first piece of jewelry, at the age of 12, is still so very fresh in mind. It’s as if it was yesterday that I received a pair of ruby and diamond encrusted parrot earrings from my grandmother. Though they were my favorite pair, I was only allowed to wear the earrings on special occasions. I wasn’t satisfied with that because I wanted to wear them every day. It wasn’t until my grandmother swore to god that wearing the earrings daily would increase the chances of a theft stealing them by chopping my ears off that I lost my desire to wear the parrots. I quickly became content with just staring at them in a box after that scary story, which probably explains why the memory is forever ingrained in my mind

I can’t tell you why Marco Bicego’s jewelry made me think of the story I mentioned above. Perhaps it has something to do with the exquisite artistry and eye-catching designs.

The Buzz: - Marco Bicego's jewels are items of contemporary seduction: necklaces, bracelets, earrings and finger rings are fruit of old goldsmithing techniques, the knowledge of craftsmen handed down from generation to generation.

Since the launch of his eponymous jewelry line in 2000, Marco Bicego has redefined the phrase "everyday luxury", with sensuous, extraordinary beautiful jewelry that blend Old World Italian craftsmanship with passion.

Diamond and precious stone cluster ring

Marco Bicego information can be found here and here.

Whenever we are out and about people often comment on how cute Mademoiselle is, especially when we’re wearing matching converse. She loves the idea of wearing shoes like her mother. In fact, if a stranger tells Mademoiselle that her shoes are adorable she makes it a point to let them know that I’m also wearing a pair.

As far as I know, Converse is the only brand that sells kid versions of adult shoes. I too frequently wish there were more designers on the scene doing the same as Converse because there are times when I would love to have the same pair of shoes kid shoes to prance around in like Mademoiselle’s Lelli Kelly floral Mary Janes for example. I guess Chinese Laundry is moving in the right direction since they have created a kids line of shoes called Little Laundry. Though I have yet to spot an adult version of Little Laundry’s kid shoes; they are unique nonetheless.

You can learn more about the metallic sandals here.

In the midst of the chaos, I managed to successfully complete the Fat Smash Diet. I now weigh 115 pounds, which is ideal for my 5’3” frame. I also discovered cheaper mascara – Covergirl’s Lash Blast. Even though I had problems with my lashes clumping together, for years, I was a slave to high-end mascaras. It wasn’t until Mademoiselle misplaced a newly purchased tube of Dior Show that I decided to give Covergirl’s Lash Blast a shot. To my surprise, the Lash Blast mascara worked just as well, if not better, than Dior Show. Although I didn’t notice a significant change in the length of my lashes, the Lash Blast mascara does add volume, giving my lashes the fullness typically achieved with false lashes. Unlike Dior Show, Cover Girl’s flexible silicone brush helps to separate as well as define lashes. I can apply my usual three to four coats of mascara without my lashes clumping together, which is good for someone like me who likes to create dramatic lashes.

Yes. I know. A significant amount of time has passed since I last posted something delightful for your reading pleasure, but I promise to make it up to you with a brand new and, hopefully, a better blog. As you can see, I'm in the process of remodeling a new home, a place where you can come by with a cup of tea and find all the answers to your most pressing questions about fashion, beauty, kids, and so forth. For your convenience, you (those who included an e-mail address with your comments) will receive a special e-mail from me when the site is up and ready.

Until soon,

Tracci