Friday's Fancies: College Football Kickoff

We've got something a little different for Friday's Fancies today...instead of going with the Labor Day theme, we wanted to mark the beginning of college football season. Here in Virginia we have two major in-state school rivalries and for most folks you're either die hard University of Virginia or you're hard core Virginia Tech, but we tow the line when it comes to these two teams. We'll happily root for either one of them when they're not playing each other and well, let's just say that when they are playing each other (which is Thanksgiving weekend every year), then we delicately walk a fine line of not stepping on anyone's toes. You see, many of our friends and family don't believe that you can be a fan of both. These fans only see this rivalry as black and white. You're either Team UVA or Team VT and you'll go down swinging for your team. But we won't waver...we want to show our love to both of our Virginia schools and you'll find us any given Saturday proudly rooting them on and possibly wearing either of these cute outfits...

Virginia vs Virginia Tech by herlatenightcravings

Madewell Gold Rush Jean Jacket = $118  //  DV by Dolce Vita Twisps = $129  //  You Azure Are Cute Dress = $48  //  Kate Spade New York Gumdrop Stud Earrings = $38  //  Marc By Marc Jacobs Tomato Red Leather Watch = $200  //  Sangria at Sunset Dress = $45  //  Decolette Semi Precious Stone Drop Earrings = $95  //  La Mer Collections Bali Stud Wrap Watch = $114

And PS ~ If you'd like to join in on future Friday's Fancies, hop on over to Long Distance Loving and sign up to receive {av}'s weekly e-mails for themes in advance, so that you can make your own Polyvore inspiration board. It's so much fun and a great way to meet new bloggers!

Fall Beauty Trends You Can Actually Wear

While thumbing through the August issue of InStyle magazine, we came across a beauty related article titled "10 Trends You Can Actually Wear".  We love to use InStyle as inspiration to get us researching and hunting for fun beauty products. Let's jump in and see what trends they mention that would appeal to you guys.

1. Bordeaux Pout

According to the article, wine stained lips were running rampant on the runways this year. Now with lip stains you can apply heavy for a deep stain or apply lightly and take your finger and smear the color so that you get a slightly softer stain. We chose to show one of the popular Revlon lip stains as an affordable way to participate in this fall trend.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Crush

image via Target

2. Blue Streaks

Not only is bright blue popular in fashion but it has also made its mark in the beauty industry. We think a super easy way to participate in this trend is by incorporating either a bold blue eyeliner or mascara. If you go with blue, then the idea is to keep the rest of your face very natural looking so the focus is on the blue.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner in Deviant (Electric Blue)

image via Sephora

Sephora Collection Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara in 04 Blue

image via Sephora

3. The Reverse French Mani

Say au revoir to the classic french manicure where white tips reigned supreme. According to the article the hot way to go is to use a metallic on your tips like gold. Try a rich fall color on your nails and then tip with a dazzling gold and you are ready for a night out with this sexy updated version of a classic.

Essie 'Stylenomics Collection' Nail Polish in Skirting The Issue

image via Nordstrom

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Nefertiti

image via Neiman Marcus

4. Braidy Bunch

Braids have been a recurring look in the last years beauty trends, but this one is now taking shape in more of a "halo effect". We feel that this look is a little Disney princess/milkmaid but if you've got the hair and the nerve, then go for it!

image via InStyle (Sara De Boer/Retna)

5. Crown Jewels

And we aren't talking about the Queen of England. Instead we want to share with you that decorative head-wear is in and it's not limited to headbands like we have seen in the past. Any kind of decorative/embellished clip, barrette and headbands are great ways to transform your look and make a statement.

image via Modcloth

6. Big Bang

Bangs are still in! According to InStyle "the blunter, the better." Now we've never tried the more straight across blunt cut bang and not sure that we could pull this off, but it does look good on the right person.  We pulled a photo of Rihanna circa 2007 but it just goes to show that so many styles make their way back.

image via InStyle (Jackie Butler/Retna)

7. Brow Wow

This is another trend that has made its way onto HLNC. Anyone can get a brow pencil, whether it's at the drugstore or a high end brand and go to work on their brows. Thick brows were very in on the runways and it's easy to recreate at home if your brows are begging for a makeover. But make sure to keep it as natural as possible. You don't want to scare anyone!

image via Allure

8. Welcome Matte

Matte lipstick is popular for fall, but not just any shade...RED! Bright matte red lips are a way to add some sizzle to those cooler nights of fall. Now as you all know, if you are wearing a matte red then you need to make sure that your lips have been exfoliated and are primed and ready for this bold and beautiful color. Because your lips will get attention!

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Mascate

image via Sephora

9. Winged Out

Another fall trend that is not new to us is the bold cat eye. It's such a fun way to experiment with your makeup! It's easiest to do with a liquid liner, so don't be scared!  

image via InStyle ( AFF-USA; PRPhotos; Getty Images (2))

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in Black

image via Ulta

10. Side-Winders

The french twist...hmmm....have you guys ever worn this updo when it wasn't for a prom/wedding event? It does look pretty for a night out. Be sure to use some good styling products and have plenty of bobby/hair pins on hand.

image via bellasugar (Getty, WireImage)

So that does it for some fabulous fall trends that we all can incorporate into our daily looks. What do you guys think? Any that you can't wait to try? Or are there some that you loathe? Drop us comments and let us know! We always love to hear what you think!

Trip Packing: Toiletries & Cosmetics

It's almost time!! My husband & I are leaving in a week for our 6-day vacation to San Francisco! Can I get a WOOHOO?!?! This will be our first real vacation of the year and we're super excited about getting away. Yes, I know that I pack way ahead of time, but believe it or not this was actually "late" by my standards. If things hadn't been so busy lately, then I would've been packed two weeks ago. Today's video is an inside view of how I pack all of my toiletries and cosmetics...

I plan on posting a video right before we leave to show how I pack my suitcases with clothes and accessories. I'm a tiny bit OCD when it comes to making sure that I have EVERYthing that I would want while away, so if packing isn't your strong suit, maybe you'll get a few tips or tricks out of it. And you can feel free to pass judgement on me...I am aware of the fact that I'm a little bit crazy when it comes to details. I get it from my Mama. (Love you, Mama!)

Have you ever been to San Francisco?? Any recommendations you want to pass my way? I'd love to hear them, so bring 'em on!

Mendi

Love it or Leave it...Kat Von D Shade Shifter Eyeshadow

We'd love for you guys to weigh in on a new product from Kat Von D that's now available at Sephora. The Shade Shifter Eyeshadow in four fun colors with a duochrome effect is more like having multiple shades in one. (And raise your hand if the name of this product beckons up thoughts of True Blood!)

On the Road - brown

Love Letter - purple

Stockholm - blue

Devotion - copper

all images via Sephora

What Sephora says...

What it is:
An innovative eye shadow with a chameleon-like, color-shifting shade. 

What it does:
Change your view and change colors with this bold, multidimensional shadow. Adorn your lids with the lustrous pigment and watch as the hue alters, depending on the angle of view and available lighting. Activated by water, one swipe gives you highlighting, contouring, and deepening possibilities for a sensual, dramatic look with a duochrome effect. 

What else you need to know:
This shadow comes accompanied by a large flat-sponge brush, specially designed for application technique.

Suggested Usage:
-Dampen sponge and wipe off excess water. 
-Coat dampened sponge with eye shadow. 
-Apply along lash line, swiping from inner corner to crease. 
-Blend using clean side of sponge. 
-Repeat for added dimension.

Retails USD: $16.00

 

We can't wait to see these shadows in person and be able to swatch. "On the Road" brown has us intrigued! We hope you'll drop us a comment and let us know your thoughts! It's always so much fun reading what you think on our "Love it or Leave it" posts!

Have a great day!

August Empties!

Products mentioned:

The Body Shop Dreams Unlimited Sun Fresh Eau de Toilette

Philosophy Luscious Lime Foaming Bubble Bath & Shower Gel

Origins A Perfect World Cleanser

Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Treatment

Bath and Body Works Paris Amour Body Lotion

L'Oreal Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+

Aveda Be Curly

LUSH Phoenix Rising Bath Fizz

Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel

GLOSS Moderne High Gloss Hair Masque

Laura Geller Balance-N-Bronze Regular

Drop us a comment to let us know what products you've finished up recently and whether or not you'd buy 'em again!

Thanks for watching!

Friday's Fancies: Road Trippin'

We're going on a road trip today with the Friday's Fancies crew and we're doing it in true HLNC style! Grab your comfiest clothes and your favorite junk food while we turn the music up, because this is how we do it when the rubber meets the road. Oh, and you guys know that no road trip is complete without a little vlogging from the two of us...it's a great way to pass the time.  ;)

Road Trippin' by herlatenightcravings

Road trip attire:
Victoria's Secret Perfect Pullover Hoodie = $45  //  Juicy Couture Watermelon Flash Fitted Tank Top = $50  //  Nike Indy Reversible Strappy Sports Bra = $20  //  American Eagle Aerie Slim Gym Skinny Pant = $25  //  Nike Free Run+ 3 = $100  //  Puma Shine Barrel Duffel Bag = $28

And PS ~ If you'd like to join in on future Friday's Fancies, hop on over to Long Distance Loving and sign up to receive {av}'s weekly e-mails for themes in advance, so that you can make your own Polyvore inspiration board. It's so much fun and a great way to meet new bloggers!

Color Craving: Burgundy

There are so many gorgeous colors emerging from this fall's fashion palette that we thought we'd dedicate some posts to a few of our favorites. First up on our list is burgundy. This color is so rich and bold that it's easy to incorporate this shade into your everyday wardrobe. And don't count out that burgundy is also gorgeous dressed up too. Casual or dressy, we feel that burgundy might just be the number one color to add to your closet for fall and winter.

Color Craving: Burgundy by herlatenightcravings

"Burgundy" from left to right:
Topshop Folded Lapel Jacket = $110  //  Topshop Two Tone Zigzag Snood = $32  //  Yves St Laurent Rouge Volupte in Forbidden Burgundy = $34  //  Dorothy Perkins Burgundy Skinny Jeans = $45  //  TOMS Classic Canvas Burgundy Flat Shoes = $60  //  V-Shape Pendant Necklace = $13  //  Essie 'Stylenomics' Nail Polish in Skirting the Issue = $8  //  Amrita Singh Lenora Earrings = $75  //  NARS Trio Eyeshadow in Douce France = $45  //  'No Lies Only Love' Tee = $20  //  Accessorize Belted Cloche = $55  //  Dorothy Perkins Raspberry Lace Yoke Blouse = $49  //  Madewell Heritage Leather Satchel = $228

"Pairs well with" from left to right:
J.Crew Tortoise-button Sweater in Stripe = $70  //  Mossimo Black Vianca Tuxedo Flat in Leopard = $20  //  H&M Cardigan in Mustard Yellow = $18

As you can see, burgundy is a color that is deserving of lots of love right now! Tell us if you're going to hop on the burgundy train with us. Any other colors that you'd like to see make it into future Color Craving posts? As always, we love to hear from you!

August's Rediscovered Loves!

Products mentioned:
Benefit Sunbeam Highlighter
Laura Geller Double Ended Face and Blush Brush
Graham Webb Making Waves Curl Gel

MAC Cosmetics Surf Baby Cremesheen Lipstick in Hibiscus
MAC Cosmetics Surf Baby Lipglass in Good Lovin'
Origins Once Upon a Shine Lipgloss in Sheer Cola
Fresh Sugar Lipgloss in Sugar Glory
MAC Cosmetics Starflash Eyeshadow in Strike a Pose
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Concealer
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara

What have you guys "rediscovered" lately?

Thanks for watching!!

Mendi's August Photos: Days 1-15

First things first, I want to wish Jayme a very Happy Birthday today!! After a weekend full of birthday festivities, I hope that today includes sleeping in late and doing a little shopping (but not too much without me!), snuggling with your babes and letting Wes spoil you. Your friendship means everything to me and I can't imagine my life without you in it. To many, many more years of making memories and having amazing times...cheers!

Now on to my August photos...

day 1 -- outside

A regular lunchtime stop for Jayme & I. Not even gonna lie, I want it right now.

day 2 -- one

I bought my first pair of Toms this month. I love them AND I love their "one for one" mission.

day 3 -- coin

This is all of the money that I had on me. Wonder what seventy cents could get me? Not much.

day 4 -- somewhere you sat

In the passenger seat, going through the Starbucks drive-thru with the hubz. Oh and that pretty new MK bag...it was a birthday gift from Jayme & I'm kinda obsessed with it.

day 5 -- logo

I love seeing this logo because it means that I'm satisfying my Trenta Unsweet Passion Tea craving. See day 4.

day 6 -- writing

Our post for the 6th, scheduled into our blogging notebook. I don't leave home without it.

day 7 -- 8 o'clock
Wait. What happened to my photo? Oops.

day 8 -- glasses

Gotta have options, people. These are in my car at all times.

day 9 -- messy

The inside of my bag. Lipglosses (a plenty), reading material, a clutch to hold my debit/credit cards, Special K bars, our blogging notebook, coupons and sunnies...it's what I like to call organized chaos.

day 10 -- ring

Other than my wedding rings, I don't wear rings that often, but this pretty little number (when I do wear her) is one of my faves. It's the Albany Street ring from Boutique on Feet and it comes in other pretty colors!

day 11 -- purple

I broke down and got these babies at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale...for only $45!! Come to mama.

day 12 -- spoon

My favorite kind of spoon. Doesn't this pic just make you want to get down there with them and triple spoon?? Don't worry, I did. 

day 13 -- simple

My simple go-to stack here lately. Love, love and love. The Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet was another birthday gift from Jayme. I had wanted it for SO long! It was worth the wait.

day 14 -- arrow

An exit arrow at work. I think it was telling me to GO HOME!!

day 15 -- ready

Waiting impatiently at the dentist office for my six month cleaning. I'm not a fan of having someone all up in my grill. I can't get out of there soon enough.

There you go! That's my first half of August in snapshots. I'm looking forward to next month's Photo-a-Days because I'll be in San Francisco for six of the first fifteen days of the month. Woohoo!!

I'd love to hear (or see) how August has been treating you guys! Be sure to drop us a comment if you're down with this whole Photo-a-Day thing so that we can check out your pics!

Mendi

Summer Beauty VoxBox Review

You can see the blog post where we shared pictures of our Summer Beauty VoxBox here. If you're interested in more information about Influenster, click here.

Products mentioned:

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen in SPF 30

Tampax & Always Radiant Collection

Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in Graphite Gravity

Sally Hansen Nails & Cuticle Hand Creme

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Nourishing Shampoo & Daily Conditioner in Total Care

Did you receive a Summer Beauty VoxBox? Or have you ever tried any of these products?? We'd love to hear what you think.

Thanks for watching!

Friday's Fancies: Meet Me at Sunset

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about "Summer Sunsets" and we knew right away that we wanted something colorful and tropical as our inspiration. It just doesn't get any better than the sun dropping low creating this golden glow paired with a serene ocean and palm trees. And let us just tell you that they don't make sunsets like these here in Richmond! We modeled a perfect summer outfit after the perfect summer sunset. Happy Friday!

Meet Me At Sunset by herlatenightcravings

1 Gorjana Chloe Stud Earrings  //  2 BLUMARINE Top  //  3 Fallon Gold Plated XL Stud Swag Necklace //  4 Karen Millen Limited Edition Colorful Tailored Skirt  //  5 Topshop Cream Chain Crossbody Bag  //  6 Givenchy Biker Wedge Sandals  //  7 Essie Nail Polishes in Camera and Lights

And PS ~ If you'd like to join in on future Friday's Fancies, hop on over to Long Distance Loving and sign up to receive {av}'s weekly e-mails for themes in advance, so that you can make your own Polyvore inspiration board. It's so much fun and a great way to meet new bloggers!

August POTM

This is our ONE year anniversary of our very first Polish Of The Month post!! We have loved showcasing a special polish or polishes (because sometimes two is better than one) every single month. There are just so many awesome polishes out there that they really do deserve their own post! So without further adieu, we bring you...

August Polish Of The Month

Mendi's Pick - China Glaze Sunset Sail, China Glaze Blonde Bombshell (glitter) and Jinx Nail Polish Sticker
I decided to take a walk on the wild side for this month's POTM. I started with two coats of Sunset Sail, which is a gorgeous nude, and then did one coat of Blonde Bombshell. I decided to go with a leopard print accent nail for something a little different. A huge thank you goes out to Amy at Amy Fashion Blog for sending me the nail polish stickers as a birthday gift...so sweet of you, Amy!

Jayme's Pick - Essie Penny Talk

This is the only polish that I allowed myself to buy from Essie's Mirror Metallics Collection and I have to say that I think I got the best color of the group. It's such a great copper/rose gold metallic and I just love it. This is great now and will be awesome to wear into the winter.

Now it's your turn! Drop us a comment to let us know what polish(es) have taken over your digits and piggies this month!

Drugstore Haul!

Products mentioned:

Essie Nail Polish in Penny Talk

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Nude

Garnier Skin Renew Anti Sun Damage Daily Lotion

Garnier Fructis Fall Fight Shampoo & Conditioner

Tresemme Nourishing Rituals Liquid Gold Shine Therapy

Tresemme Moisture Rich Luxurious Moisture Shampoo

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm

L'Oreal EverStyle Alcohol Free Smooth & Shine Creme

Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care

Hawaiian Tropic Broad Spectrum SPF 30 12-Hour Moisturization Sunscreen

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume in Black Brown

CoverGirl Lash Blast Luxe in Black Platinum

Sonia Kashuk Nail Polish in Fairy Princess

Gilette Satin Care Shave Gel

St Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash

Tresemme Tres Two Hairspray

Let us know what you've been hauling lately! Do you have any drugstore products that are your faves?? Drop us a comment. Maybe we'll give them a try too!

Thanks for watching!

Giveaway Winner & Our Current Cravings

Congratulations to Breenah, from the blog By Breenah, for winning our Birthday Giveaway! We look forward to hearing back from you and we'll get your prizes in the mail to you ASAP!!

Now on to the nitty gritty of today's post...

It's that time again. Time for us to divulge our most recent late night cravings to you guys. Who doesn't love to look at a fancy shopping list?!? That's basically what this post is to us. Now obviously we don't go out and buy everything on it, but if we're looking for a little "treat yo'self" action at any point in the month, this little list comes in handy. So have yourself a look...maybe you'll find something you're craving too...

Our Current Cravings - August by herlatenightcravings

Mendi:
1 Tory Burch 'Walter' Logo Stud Earrings Tortoise  //  2 Too Faced The Return of Sexy Eye Shadow Palette  //  3 LOFT Tie Neck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse  //  4 Gap Calf Hair Loafers  //  5 Fossil Natalie Stainless Steel Two-Tone Watch

Jayme:
1 Old Navy Women's NFL Team Tee  //  2 Stella & Dot Lucky Charm Necklace  //  3 Stella & Dot Panther Pendant  //  4 Stella & Dot Camilla Ring  //  5 Sigma Beauty Paris Palette  //  6 Sigma Beauty Essentials Kit Makeup Brushes  //  7 Charlotte Ronson All Eye Need Eye Shadow Palette

Now it's your turn! Let us know what you're craving right now...be it food, fashion, beauty or anything else that your heart desires. Lay it on us!!

Jayme's Pre-Birthday Loot: Outlet Haul

In case you are like me and didn't know, the MAC Rose Ole Special Reserve Highlighting Powder came out in December 2010 as a part of the Cham-Pale collection.

The Estee Lauder eye shadow reminded me of the MAC Semi-Precious Mineralize eyeshadow in Golden Glaze. I new it was MAC but couldn't remember which one. They aren't that alike but the dark undertone with the metallic is similar. So excited to use this!

Hope you enjoyed my latest haul. Are you guys "Back to School" shopping like me? :-)

Thanks for watching!!

Q&A with @HerLateNightCra

We hope you guys enjoyed this type of video from us! Thank you to Funny In My Mind, Personal Perspectives, Meredith from M + B Diaries, Sarah from Total Basset Case and Danielle from Framed Frosting for sending in questions. Anything you'd like to know? Drop us a comment and we'll be happy to answer it in our next Q&A video.

Thanks for watching!!

Friday's Fancies: Go Gingham

We love Rachel Bilson's style, so when we found her hanging out in gingham, we knew that she was the perfect inspiration for this week's Friday's Fancies theme of "Gingham Gorg.". We're loving how she took this classic button up shirt and styled it with a pair of cut off denim shorts and a simple pair of flats. Well done, Zoey Hart!! (any other Hart of Dixie fans out there??) We hope you guys like our take on Rachel's look...so simple and easy to re-create from your own closet!

via

Rachel Bilson Gingham by herlatenightcravings

1 Madewell Silk Gingham Boyshirt  //  2 Lucky Brand Abbey Shorts  //  3 Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses  //  4 Fossil Re-Issue Vintage Crossbody Handbag  //  5 J.Crew Mila Cap Toe Leather Ballet Flats

And PS ~ If you'd like to join in on future Friday's Fancies, hop on over to Long Distance Loving and sign up to receive {av}'s weekly e-mails for themes in advance, so that you can make your own Polyvore inspiration board. It's so much fun and a great way to meet new bloggers!

August Birchbox(es) are Here!

We each just received our August Birchbox in the mail last night and we're really excited to share the details with you guys. In true back-to-school fashion, Birchbox sent us all to Beauty School this month. We really enjoyed this fold-out booklet with useful information like how to read a label, 5 tips to a better shave, makeup quick fixes and a three minute super speedy skin care routine.

Jayme's Birchbox:

Mendi's Birchbox:

To sign up to receive this monthly box of beauty goodies, just click here. If you already receive Birchbox, drop us a comment to let us know what you received!