2012 New Year Blogging Party

We were excited to join in on the fun gift exchange and link up being held over at The Crowley Party, Casey Leigh and Changing Lanes.

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Two weeks ago, we were happy to introduce you to our new friend and gift exchange partner, Samantha from Petite Femme Jolie.  We received our packages from Samantha last Friday and we couldn't be happier!!  She definitely did her homework and pegged exactly what each of us love!  Check out the goodies below...

Mendi's gifts:

a handmade card, a Kate Spade notepad, a Starbucks gift card and Madeleines, a trio of adorable DIY coasters that Samantha made & a Yes To Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask

Jayme's gifts:

a handmade card, a Yes To Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser, a trio of DIY coasters that Samantha made, a Kate Spade notepad & a Starbucks gift card and Madeleines

And to see what we sent Samantha, check out her post here.  Then be sure to follow this girl to show her lots of blog love and support!!

This was so much fun!  We look forward to participating in more gift exchange/link up parties in the future.  It's a fantastic way to meet another blogger who you may have never come across otherwise.

Thanks again to the ladies who are hosting this party...be sure to check out the link parties going on today at each of their blogs (links above).  Maybe you'll even find some new blogs to follow!!

Have a great day!  We'll be back tomorrow with another link up party, so stay tuned!

January Favorites

Products Featured:
bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 8.0 in The Playlist
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Refillable Purse Spray
Philosophy Peppermint Bark Lip Shine
MAC Lustreglass in Star Nova
Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Baroque
MAC Lipglass in Oyster Girl
MAC Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Carefree
The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask
Sigma Essential Kit Makeup Brushes
LUSH bath goodies
Essie Luxeffects Glitter Topcoat Collection
Deborah Lippmann The Stripper Nail Lacquer Remover

What were your favorite products for the month of January?  Any Christmas gifts that you received made their way to the top of your favorites list??  Drop us a comment to let us know! 

Beauty Battle - "A Woman's Intuition"

As we've mentioned in past Beauty Battles, the purpose of these videos is for each of us to try out the same product, then keep our opinions to ourselves until we can share our thoughts with each other while the camera is rolling.  This Beauty Battle features the Schick Intuition Plus Razor Renewing Moisture with Pomegranate Extract...



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Approx. $8 (however prices do vary)

Jayme's Conclusion:
I did the test between this razor and the trusty Gillette Daisy as mentioned in the video where I shaved one leg with the Schick and one leg with the Daisy and they were the same.  I did not notice one leg hair growing back faster than the other.  I just knew that the Schick was not getting a close enough shave, but I was wrong, they were the same.

Mendi's Conclusion:
I've continued to use the Schick versus my old faithful Venus Embrace and I still think that the Schick isn't giving me as close of a shave as the Venus does.  I'm also still experiencing the slight razor burn feeling right after shaving with the Schick, though it goes away within an hour or so.  Just to get the most for my money, I'll keep using the Schick intermittently until the built-in conditioning solid just isn't cutting it anymore.

Now it's your turn...have you ever tried the Schick Intuition??  If so, what did you think?

No Cramping Her Style: Olivia Palermo

Back in the day (aka: when The City was airing on MTV), we have to admit that Miss Palermo wasn't our favorite person (let's just say that we were 100% Team Whitney), but these days we have to give the girl credit where credit is due...she's got some killer style.  We can barely open one of our favorite magazines without seeing a photo of her grace a page or two.  And she's definitely a style icon for many of our fellow bloggers who live for all things fashion.  Let's take a look at why she captivates us so much...

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While doing some Google searches to find our favorite Palermo pics, we stumbled across a few shots of her with her German born model beau of three years, Johannes Huebl, who has his own amazing style...

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I mean, really?!?!  How is that even fair!!  They're such a HOT couple.  We even came across this really cute, short interview that they did for Elle Magazine two years ago, where you get to see how they interact:

In her spare time, Olivia has launched her own blog/website, http://www.oliviapalermo.com/, and as a Guest Editor for one of our favorite online shopping destinations, Piperlime, Olivia's favorite fashion finds are available for all of us to shop...and most of them are affordably priced (but not all of them!).  Discover Olivia's Piperlime picks, three things she'd never leave home without and her fashion philosophy in this video.

She's beautiful, she has impeccable taste and she's living what many of us would consider to be a dream.  Let us know your thoughts on Olivia Palermo.  Anyone else have a hard time getting past the girl that we watched on The City??  It took us awhile, but we're finally over it!  ;-)  Can't wait to hear what you guys think! 

Skinnytaste Baked Potato Soup

Not long ago I discovered the website Skinnytaste from my friend Tracy at My Best Beauty Buys.  I was so excited because Gina the creator and chef behind Skinnytaste takes full fat dishes and puts her spin on them to make them healthy while keeping them flavorful and tasty.  There are so many recipes I want to try from her site, but so far I've only tried this one...Baked Potato Soup.

I picked a soup because this past weekend in VA it was SO cold.  Cold and rainy days are perfect for something hot and comforting.  And well, I just love soup.  I eat it all year long even when it's 100 degrees out and everyone is making fun of me. :-)  But since I am trying to eat better I chose this to be the perfect time to try one of Gina's creations.

Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients List:

2 russet potatoes, washed and dried
1 small head of cauliflower, stem removed cut into florets (I only used 3/4 of the head below)
1 1/2 cups fat free chicken broth
1 1/2 cups 1% reduced-fat milk
salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup light sour cream
10 tbsp reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 tbsp chopped chives, divided
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled -- you can use turkey bacon if you prefer (I used about 5 slices since my husband was going to eat this too)

Pierce potatoes with a fork (pierced approx. 4 times on each side); microwave on high for 5 minutes, then turn over and microwave another 3 to 5 minutes, until tender.  You can also bake your potatoes in the oven at  400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool.  Peel potatoes.  I actually peeled while the potatoes were still pretty warm, so while my fingers hurt a little the skin came right off with a butter knife.

Meanwhile, steam cauliflower with water in a large covered pot until tender.  I had never steamed veggies in a pot before (I usually saute or buy the bags that steam in the microwave).  But I had a steaming pot and just filled it so that the water was right beneath the steam pot.  Steaming only took about 10 minutes.  Drain and return to pot.

On medium heat, add chicken broth, milk, potatoes and bring to a boil.  Gina's directions say to use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.  Now I don't own an immersion blender, so I thought I could just use a normal mixer on low.  This is where it got fun.  Soup splattered everywhere!  Maybe I'm a bad mixer...who knows?  I mixed for a minute and then used a spatula to mash some of the lumps that were the cauliflower and the potatoes.  Then I had my husband hold a kitchen towel around the pot while I used the mixer for just a little bit longer.  It was a bonding experience :-)  Add sour cream, half the chives, salt and pepper and cook on low another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

See all of the splatter...it also got on me, my stove and wall! Fun! :-)

Remove from heat.  Serve 1 cup of soup into each bowl.  Top each serving with 2 tbsp cheese, remaining chives, and bacon. We actually didn't measure out the cheese, but don't think we went too crazy.

Hope you enjoyed this healthy take on a comfort food favorite!  My husband gave this a a thumps up and says that it is definitely a make again recipe.  I thought it was good, but had to get used to the fact that it wasn't a "traditional" potato soup and that I was eating cauliflower...oh did I mention that I don't like cauliflower?  So happy I tried this and I can't wait to make some more Skinnytaste creations!


What do you guys think?  Would you try this?  What have you been cooking lately?


P.S.  We were recently introduced to an awesome website called All Women Stalk (you will see that we added them to our Blogs We Love list).  They are an amazing source for all of your needs from beauty, fashion, travel, food, health and much more.  They even mentioned us here.  I found a post where they have compiled 7 Low-Cal Soups so I thought I'd share with you guys.  Click here to see for yourself.


Jayme

Bevello Bombshell Bash

If you live in the Richmond, VA area join us on Tuesday night, February 7th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Bevello at Short Pump for a night of shopping, champagne and light refreshments!  Bevello has become our go-to destination for special occasion outfits and with Valentine's Day right around the corner, we need something cute to wear!  One-on-one styling and 20% off your purchase are the icing on the cake!!

If you can join us, please RSVP by Friday, February 3rd to herlatenightcravings@gmail.com.  We hope to see you there!!

And to all of you who don't live in the Richmond area (which is MOST of you), stay tuned for more details on how you can play along!!  Details to come.  *such a tease*  ;-)

Hourglass Product Review

We've been eager to share our thoughts on all of the Hourglass products that we purchased in early December at our Sephora Holiday Girl's Night Out event (see coverage of the event here and our haul here). Josh's enthusiasm for the brand was so contagious that we couldn't leave the event without making our very first Hourglass purchase (or in our case "purchases"). Thanks again to Josh for turning us on to something new (to us!) and fabulous!  Be sure to check out Josh's YouTube channel here.

Products mentioned:
Hourglass Trace Lip Liner in Bare
Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipsticks in Nocturnal & Icon
Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lipgloss in Primal
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush & Petal
Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara in Onyx
Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer in Kohl

We encourage you guys to stop by Sephora to check out everything that Hourglass has to offer!  To learn more about them, including how they're "vegan chic," check out Sephora's Behind the Scenes on the brand here.   Be sure to let us know what you think.

Valentine's Day Cravings

We decided to put together a little Valentine's Day Wish List that you can pass on to your honey...maybe to help him select something sweet (because let's face it, sometimes men might need a general nudge in the right direction) or you can always take this list and just go "Treat Yo Self".  There's nothing wrong with either!!  Obviously, you can never go wrong on Valentine's Day with the usual flowers, chocolate or even a nice dinner, but we've put together a few different kind of options too...

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in #54 Boy - $32.50

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This luxurious and hydrating lip color is a perfect splurge for Valentine's.  In fact, this product launched last year on Valentine's Day in honor of Arthur Edward "Boy" Capel who was the love of Coco Chanel's life.  They never married due to tragic circumstances, but shared passion and love that lasted throughout the ages.  Boy can be ordered online at Chanel or purchased at Nordstrom.

Stella & Dot On The Mark Necklace - $49.00

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We are new lovers of all things Stella & Dot.  We have our very own Independent Consultant who helps satisfy all of our jewelry cravings.  Could this arrow be that of Cupid's bow?  Whether you have a significant other or are in search of one, this is the perfect little piece of jewelry to add to your collection.  A huge bonus with Stella & Dot is that they ship super fast upon placing your order.

Sigma 12 Brush Kit - Make me Blush in Coral - $109.00

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If this kit doesn't strike your fancy, then just hit up Sigma's website to check out what else they have to offer.  They've even taken the guesswork out of it for your significant other, by sending them an e-mail with the direct link to the product(s) on your wish list.  Just click on the "Fill out your Valentine's Day Wish List" button on the left hand side of their page.  Doesn't get much easier than that!

Custom Printable Poster Bon Temps Beignet on Etsy - $25.00

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How about a piece of customized art for your home?   Liz at Bon Temps Beignet can help you tell a story of your life with your partner.  Just pick some meaningful destinations like your hometowns or your favorite restaurant or vacation spots and she will send you a hi-res digital, printable file for you to print and frame.  Just go to her Etsy shop and email her with details.  Per her shop, this whole process should only take a few days.  Not bad for a time sensitive gift!

Bath & Body Works Paris Amour Splish Splash Gift Set - $30.00

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Most women love to pamper themselves and what better way than by a gift set containing shower gel, body lotion, fragrance mist, triple moisture body cream and a loofah.  Ooh la la, Paris Amour...the name alone does it for us!  This set is a foolproof way to make your day!  Gift sets can be ordered online or picked up in a Bath & Body Works store near you. 

Crate & Barrel Brushed Silver 5 x 7 Picture Frame - $24.95

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A picture frame...well not just the frame.  Your partner could easily snag one of your favorite pictures of the two of you or maybe a favorite picture in general, like one of your dog or a flower you love so much in your backyard and insert it into the frame and then give it to you.  How sweet and romantic?  This particular frame can be found online at Crate & Barrel.  And it doesn't have to come from C&B...anyplace where frames are sold will do!

Stila Make Me Blush palette - $8.00

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Perfectly timed for Valentine's Day, Stila has just released this multi-colored blush inspired by conversation hearts.  And talk about a great deal!!  This little blush will give you that perfect pinkish-coral color to your cheeks to emulate the way that your special someone makes you flush!

Do you have any Valentine's Day traditions?  What's on your wish list??  Drop us a comment to let us know!  

And P.S. -- You guys may have noticed the "Find Some Love Fest" button that we recently added to our sidebar.  We first heard about this link party from Allison at Feeding My Temple.  We have never taken part in a link party and this one is Valentine's themed, so we jumped on the opportunity to share some of our gift ideas.  We'll be linking up to the party on February 1st and we'll be sure to remind you guys...it's a great way to find other blogs that you might enjoy.  Why not share the love?!?  It is almost Valentine's Day after all!

The Low-Down: DG Skincare Anti-Aging Products

Age Erase Moisture with Mega 10 for Eyes - $35.00

What is it? Age Erase Moisture for Eyes provides essential hydration and nutrition to the depleted eye area, often the first to show signs of aging.

Who is it for? Anyone looking to redefine the eye area for a smoother, more youthful appearance. 

Why is it different? Formulated with a super blend of Vitamins A through E, this nourishing cream also boasts CoQ10, Phospholipids, and Chelators for daily protection against fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and environmental impurities. 

How do I use it? Tap gently around the eye area. For AM/PM use.

Benefits:

• Vitamins, antioxidants, peptides & Hyaluronic Acid soften & smooth fine lines & wrinkles

Age Erase Moisture with Mega 10 for Face - $48.00

What is it? Age Erase Moisture provides anti-aging hydration with Mega 10 Plus, a complex developed by Dr. Gross which contains 10 essential nutrients for optimal skin health.

Who is it for? Anybody looking for optimal skin nutrition and desires multiple essential vitamins in one product.  Like taking a daily vitamin – this formula contains all the topical nutrition Dr. Gross recommends for your skin.  Appropriate for all skin types, this moisturizer feels luxurious and replenishing.

Why is it different? Formulated with a super blend of Vitamins A through E, this nourishing cream also boasts CoQ10, Phospholipids, and Chelators for daily protection against fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and environmental impurities.  Active Vitamin D enhances the benefits of the vitamins and antioxidants found in the formula.

How do I use it? Smooth over clean, dry skin on face, neck & décolleté. For AM/PM use.

Benefits:

• Active Vitamin D provides supple, glowing, younger looking skin
• Vitamins, antioxidants & peptides target free radicals for cellular defense
• Time-released Hyaluronic Acid helps soften & smooth fine lines & wrinkles 

Age Erase Recovery Mask with Mega 10 - $48.00

What is it? Professional strength Hyaluronic Acid concentrate applied under a heat-release mask allows you
to moisturize from within to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and deliver intense hydration.  To boost the formula, Dr. Gross added Mega 10 Plus, the 10 essential ingredients for skin nutrition to intensely hydrate and erase the signs of fine lines & wrinkles producing a fuller, healthier, younger, and more luscious appearance.

Who is it for? Anyone who wants to appear more rested, improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, and seeks fuller lips along with healthier, silky-smooth skin.  Those interested in feeding their skin with multiple reparative vitamins, proteins and antioxidants.

Why is it different? It is the only heat-released, two-step vitamin-enriched mask to effectively deliver HA concentrate directly into the skin.  For best results, massage Step 1 thoroughly prior to applying second step.  This treatment mask becomes activated with water, heat, and massage.  The second step’s thermal action technology seals the highly-beneficial ingredient into the skin.  You cannot get the same results from any cream or serum containing HA.

How do I use it? Open both packets with dry hands.  Empty contents of Step 1 into hands and massage thoroughly using fluid strokes across face, neck & décolleté.  Empty contents of Step 2 into dampened hands to activate heating action and repeat the same process as Step 1, gently massaging in treatment with upward strokes.  Let mask absorb for 5-10 minutes and then remove any excess with a warm washcloth.  Use once a week or prior to a special occasion.

Benefits:

• Mega 10 Plus provides visible firming & intense moisture
• Multiple anti-aging ingredients are enhanced by Active Vitamin D
• Unique self-heating mask improves product penetration, soothes & promotes relaxation

All products mentioned are:

Visit Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare to purchase.

As we mentioned, these products were sent to us by DG Skincare for our consideration.  We loved the products, so we are sharing the love with all of you.  Have you guys ever tried DG Skincare?  Tell us about your favorite skincare product.  We'd love to hear your thoughts!

New Year, New Work Out Gear

So it's January...and that means for a lot of us that we are starting fresh and dragging our bums back to the gym.  This post isn't going to be about brow-beating you until you go to the gym, as working out can be a very personal decision.  But there is one thing we can push...CUTE WORK OUT GEAR!!!


We've all heard that saying "when you look good, you feel good" and the same holds true when you lace up your sneaks and head off to sweat away the day.  We have to confess that we've gone to the gym in some clothes that we would never admit to owning, much less ever show on our blog.  But it's a new day (well heck, it's a new year for that matter) and we want to change our mindsets.  So we have put together a few options of cute work out wear that is not your hubby or boyfriend's old and oversized t-shirt, but is inspiring and might even entice you want to work out.

Lululemon - Deep Breath Tank - $58.00

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Nordstrom Nike 'Epic' Crewneck Top - $64.00

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Nike Women's Swoosh Cotton Tee - $15.98

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Victoria Secrets Hooded Pullover - $49.50

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Target C9 by Champion Seamless Cami Sports Bra - $16.99
(Don't get too nervous...we personally aren't going to run around the gym in just this, but look at a sports bra how you would your intimates.  Nothing wrong with some cuteness lurking beneath your t-shirt or tank top).

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Under Armour Shatter II Capri - $49.99

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Victoria's Secret Yoga V-Front Pant - $29.50

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Under Armour Women's Braided Mini Headband - $9.99

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Nike Free TR Fit 2 - $90.00

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PUMA Fitness Lux Workout Bag - On Sale $53.99

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What do you think?  Does a cute outfit help to motivate you?  We'd love to know your thoughts!  Hope your next work out is a stylish and sweaty one!

Love it or Leave it...Benefit's sun beam

You guys know how we feel about Benefit and lately for us it has been all about the Watt's Up (check out our Low-Down here). The Watt's Up has been a go-to product of ours since it came home with us back in October.  And now Benefit is up to it again.  They just launched their newest product for Spring and Summer. Meet sun beam...

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Benefit says:
This golden bronze highlighter gives you a natural sunkissed radiance.  Dot & blend over makeup on to cheek & brow bones for a bronzed glow that complements all skintones.  It's liquid sunshine in a bottle!

Benefit Beauty Tip:
Start with hoola, our award-winning matte bronzer, then apply sun beam for a brilliant golden finish.  You'll look sexy & sunkissed!

Retails for $26.00 USD

Team Zoe from The Zoe Report just sent out an email showcasing "10 New Spring Beauty Picks" and sun beam made the list. We can't wait to swatch this one as it might be the perfect product for the warmer weather ahead.  But until then, what do you guys think?  Something you'll check out or something you'll pass on?  Drop us a comment and let us know!

Ulta & Target Haul

Items Purchased
Revlon Lip Butters in Brown Sugar, Cupcake, Creamcicle & Creme Brulee
L'Oreal Colour Riche Balms in Caring Coral, Plush Plum, Nourishing Nude & Pink Satin
Aussie 3-Minute Miracle
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
BareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 8.0 in The Playlist
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Purse Spray
Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
L'Oreal EverCreme Sulfate-Free Moisture System Shampoo & Conditioner
Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadows in Tough as Taupe & Pomegranate Punk

YouTube Mentions
Glam Trotter
Glam Life Guru

What have you guys hauled recently?  Like we mentioned, we are really curious to see if you like the Revlon Lip Butters or the L'Oreal Colour Riche Balms better.  Drop us a comment and let us know what you think!

Oh and by the way, we made a new blogger friend that we wanted to take a minute to introduce you to...meet Samantha from Petite Femme Jolie...



Last week we saw a post on Crowley Party about a 2012 New Year Blogging Party and we jumped on the opportunity to participate in this gift exchange and link up.  We waited in anticipation to find out who would be our assigned blog partner that we'd get to exchange a care package with, but even more importantly find a fellow blogger who we could connect with and share support...gotta love the blogging community!  We're thrilled to be paired up with Samantha and we've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her through her adorable blog.  We encourage you guys to go check it out and show her some love via HLNC! 

Golden Globe Fashion Rundown

So how many of you watched the Golden Globes last night??  Admittedly, an entire awards show is a bit too long to watch, but raise your hand if you love catching up on some red carpet photos!  We know we do!!  There were so many WOW moments last night that we felt that we just had to put in our two cents...or really, our 4 cents (since there are two of us here). Here are a few of the looks that made our Hit list, our Miss list, a few that we feel deserve an Honorable Mention and even a Best Makeup Hit...

HIT LIST

Sofia Vergara

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Evan Rachel Wood

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Shailene Woodley

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Reese Witherspoon

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MISS LIST

Lea Michelle

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Madonna

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Angelina Jolie

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Sarah Michelle Gellar

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

Viola Davis

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Sarah Hyland

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Stacy Keibler

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BEST MAKEUP

Emma Stone

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Did you pick up on any of the major trends??

Headbands certainly were aplenty...

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As were bright yellow dresses...

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What did you guys think?  Who was your pick for Best Dressed?  And who did you think missed the mark?  We can't wait to hear your thoughts!