Ipsy in Review-February

There was nothing but LOVE in my Ipsy Glam Bag for February! Let me tell you ALL about it! I was curious to see what I would receive this month. With Valentine's Day being in the same month, I had a feeling the Ipsy creators would intertwine the Holiday and the Bag and I wondered what that marriage would be like! Since Valentine's Day has a red/pink color scheme and pink happens to be my favorite color, I was hoping I would get something in Pink! 

The theme for this Glam Bag was "Staying in is the new going out" type glam and I couldn't agree more. We don't go out much in our household and I just can't imagine why a girl can't get a little fresh face glam on to sit on the couch and binge watch some Netflix.

The actual bag, itself is a soft feeling denim with a laid back vibe!

My hope for something in pink came true with this blush brush by Luxie Beauty! It's a rose color. It's a very easy brush to use and elegant in style. Very easy to look at. A great addition to your "tool" collection!

 I was thrilled to see both a bronzer AND a highlighter in my bag! The WHATUP BEACHES bronzer by Elizabeth Mott made the cut. No orange tones and it wasn't overly dark which are my two pet peeves in a bronzer. The IBY Beauty highlighter in Bubbly is my new favorite highlighter! I did an Ipsy review back in December where I was beaming over a new liquid type highlighter by Josie Maran. This new highlighter from this month would be a similar powder version as far as the shade goes. I fell in love with that shade and now I have a powder version too! 😍

I also got another LIPPIE! You guys should know how much I love lippies by now. NYX is a beauty on a budget brand. It's durable and gets high marks and reviews in it's category. I am such a fan of this Lifeguard shade. It's just exquisite. 

Here I am in the lippie, bronzer, highlighter, and having used the blush brush to apply my blush!

I also got a Resurfacing Moisture Mask by True Botanicals. I finally got around to using it last night and WOW. The difference in my skin right after and on through to this morning was very noticeable. My face has been feeling pretty dry lately, despite my moisturizing efforts. It happens this time of year. But this mask fixed my problem in one use! 

Ipsy for February was another success in my book. As Spring gets closer, I am excited to see how the Glam Bag changes and what's included!

Want to check out the Josie Maran highlighter from December? Read my December Ipsy Review

Want to sign up for Ipsy? Click my referral link and tell 'em I sent you!!

My Ipsy Referral Link

Wishing you many chic and stylish days to come! Until next time, love to you ALL!

Stacey

Center Stage Style of the Week-Volume 4

Here we meet again. Another volume of the Center Stage Style of the Week! I can't believe it's been 4 weeks already! It's been such a lighthearted pleasure to team up with some amazing ladies to bring you their styles and let you get to know them a little. I truly am surrounded by a great tribe. 

A big welcome to The Sassy Grace N Charm Life Blog goes to...Courtney Walker!!

A bit about who she is! She's a former 6th grade English teacher, and former Younique Presenter. While she was working with Younique, she loved creating her own fun games and images for her business and those within her team. As time went on, her images reached hundreds of other women within the company, so it inspired her to start a Facebook group specifically to help Younique Presenters with graphics. She started it with 20 women. It now has over 13,000 members. She had many women ask her to make images for them, wanting to pay her for her work. And because she had such a demand out, she decided to focus on being a graphic designer, and took a step away from doing Younique. She is now a freelance graphic designer and loving it! She designs anything from social media games to wedding/graduation announcements. But most of her work is geared towards direct sellers. She has designed many logos and images for presenters and representatives alike. She is completely self-taught, but has been learning since high school, almost eight years now. She is a work-from-home mom with two beautiful children. She has a daughter who will be 3 in May, and recently had a son 2 months ago. Besides doing graphic design, she loves shopping! She loves seeing what the new trends in fashion are and trying out new looks. She also loves to play video games with her husband of 6 years, who is a software developer.

Her choice from my boutique to star the center stage this week happens to be one of my current favorites and her and I share similar reasons!

She chose the "Broad Daylight" Tee! 

Courtney's thoughts on the tee?

"I LOVE the “Broad Daylight” Tee! I feel like pattern mixing is so trendy right now, especially when you mix stripes with floral. You can wear it casually with jeans, or pair it with a skirt to church. And as a graphic designer, I like clothes that have a bit of a graphic punch, like this shirt! It’s fun and perfect for the upcoming Spring weather!"

Yes Courtney! I chose this tee for the store because I LOVED the mixed patterns and floral is a HOT TREND again this season! This shirt is easy enough to grab and go and doesn't need a lot of accessories added. It stands out on it's own!

Thanks for stopping by the blog this week, Courtney!

Friends, if you need any graphic design work done, Courtney is your gal. She works with integrity and is great at her craft. She just designed some new logos for my boutique and I couldn't be happier! They look GREAT on my new business cards and postcards and represent my social media profiles perfectly!

Check out her Facebook Business Page

Design 29 and tell her I sent you! She will take great care of you!

Miss out on an earlier volume of the CSSOTW?

Click to read Volume 1

Click to read Volume 2

Click to read Volume 3

Get your own "Broad Daylight" Tee in the online boutique

We will see you back here for the next installment of Center Stage Style of the Week! Until then, and as always, love to you ALL!

Stacey

Blog FUSION! A Guest Is Here To Kidnap My Blog! (Warning-It's a Laugh Out Loud Read)

I have a treat for you today! My blog friend and writer extraordinaire is BACK! 

You might remember Susan Leighton. A full time writer with a fabulous blog and a gift for writing. She's an award winning blogger who has been given the Liebster Award and the Versatile Blogger Award so I am THRILLED to have her here at The Sassy Grace N Charm Life. 

She had so much fun participating in the Center Stage Style of the Week that she wanted to come back and give her two cents on the upcoming fashion trends coming from New York. I must issue a warning though. Her writings of this nature tend to make you belly laugh. If you happen to be at work or somewhere that requires quiet, please don't send me a message when you read this and get yourself in trouble. There...warning issued! Here we go....

Woman on the Ledge Takes the Cat Walk at NYFW Spring 2017

Hi everyone! I am Susan Leighton from Woman on the Ledge (https://womanontheledgeblog.wordpress.com/). Stacey was so gracious in allowing me to take over her blog. Since this is an online shop, I thought I would take a look at some of the trends that were featured at New York Fashion Week. The topic is Spring 2017. So, let’s kick back, have a few vodkatinis and take a look at what the designers have to offer.

Apparently, stripes are in! I am okay with this because I like to take risks. I enjoy flamboyant colors. However, I am not on board with these dresses at all. 

Where do I begin? Well, the only dress I can tolerate is the one on the right. It’s simple and looks like an actual woman would wear it. The offering on the left with the Frankenstein sandals is another story. At least I know what to do with my old shower curtains now! Who knew fashion could provide me with a life hack? Oh, and please, just say no to feathered boas on anything. I’m serious. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be spring without flowers. While these dresses look super comfortable and I don’t have a particular problem with the patterns, I feel like these are the results of crossing my Grandmother’s housecoats with Laura Ingalls’ frocks on Little House on the Prairie. I am not feeling like reliving the granny dresses of the 70’s. It was groovy and everything but I’ve moved on. So should the designers. Just say no.

The next category is called “Dressed for Success.” This might be applicable if you are a Kardashian or a stripper. Just try wearing one of these suits for a business meeting. You will capture attention. It might not be the type of attention you are seeking. Nothing says professional like no shirt. 

Now we are down to the fun category of “Bad Girls.” All I can say is if wearing sandals and socks qualify someone to be cool than my Dad would have been the king of awesome. That middle outfit is a hot mess. Honestly, where would you wear it? Oh, right. It would be perfect if you were going for that I am starring in Rob Zombie’s production of Amadeus. The ensemble on the far right looks like Sons of Anarchy meets 50 Shades of Grey. I can just picture me wearing that to the local Kroger. 

I guess the runway gurus have entitled this next effort, “Updated Oxfords.” Now, before you see the actual togs, you may be thinking, “That sounds normal. Maybe I might wear this to meet friends for coffee or to go to the mall.” Well, you would be wrong. All of these shirts and dresses look like the designer got crazy with a chainsaw and decided to randomly cut pieces of fabric for that “I have been ravaged by a gang of pirates” look. Or in the case of the dress in the middle, “I didn’t have a thing to wear so I just whipped something together with old bedsheets. Egyptian cotton is to die for.” 

Well, that wraps it up for my take on New York Fashion week 2017.  My rule has always been wear what makes you comfortable and create your own style. If you like some of the ideas here, great. Use them.

It has been great fun chatting with you guys but I have to motor. A fashionista’s job is never done.  Thanks again to Stacey for stepping aside while I took over her blog. It’s been a blast! 

______________________________________________

My dear girl, Susan. I am taking notes of what NOT to stock in my online boutique, as I read. 😉

Thanks to Susan for stopping by! You should go check out her blog It's always an enjoyable read. Also, if you LOVE horror, she contributes to a horror site called 1428 Elm as well. 

I hope you all enjoyed having Susan here with us again. Until next time, love to you all!

Stacey

Center Stage Style of the Week-Volume 3

Welcome to Center Stage Style of the Week, volume 3! I hope you are enjoying this new series! I have had a blast working with my fashion loving friends to bring this to life for you and I am fired up to introduce my guest star this week. She happens to be one of my very favorite people in the entire WORLD! 

She's one of my BEST FRIENDS. I lovingly call her my "ride or die". 

Introducing, my baby sister Ashley!

She is one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL people I know, inside and out!

She's a proud member of the TEXAS TECH Alumni currently teaching Kindergarten in a school district back in my old hometown area of Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas. Those kids are soooo lucky to have her. She is great with little people. My kids ADORE HER. She's a wonderful Auntie. 

Plus, we have lots in common. We share a common passion for make-up and wardrobe, to start. Which is why she is here this week! She wanted to share her current favorite things from my boutique with you all!

Plus, she has an "IN" with the Beibs, if you're interested. (Ok, the "fake" version but man, this is a pretty good likeness if you ask me!)

What did she choose this week to highlight? It was no shock to me that she chose from the brand new Yoga Life Collection. She is totally in to Yoga and is the one that gave me the idea to try it out and stock related items in my boutique. All props to my smart sister!

The Center Stage for this week goes to...The "Begin Again" Yoga Tank and....

The "Warrior Within" Yoga Pant.

Great choosing, Ash. 

She's been key for me when it comes to advice on what Yoga items to stock in my boutique. She encouraged me to make sure a bulk portion of the items are ready for wear to work out AND run errands before/after as that is what most people these days are having to do. Always on the go. 

Here's what she had to say about this look.

"Yoga active wear is so convenient and comfortable. I can wear it to Yoga, brunch, and shopping without having to go home to change!"

Possibly brunching with JB, sister? Do tell? 

**Disclaimer...if any of you local DFW readers happen to stumble upon a pretty blonde enjoying pancakes on the patio with a cardboard Justin figure DO NOT JUDGE....she's a Kindergarten Teacher...jus sayin**

😜😜😜

Thank you for stopping by to catch this week's Center Stage Style of the Week! Have you missed the previous two? Click here to read Volume 1 and here to read Volume 2.

You can check out the new Yoga Life Collection at my online boutique!

Have a wonderful day and as always, love to you ALL!

Stacey

Center Stage Style Of The Week-Volume 2

Here we are, diving in to Volume 2 of the weekly series "Center Stage Style of the Week". Welcome friends! We sure hope the weekend was good to you. It went by FAST for us! Time to dig in and tackle our week.

I am happy to have a special friend as my guest star. Please welcome Julie Bussey Garrett to the blog!

She is a work from home Mommy of two sweet little girls and a fantastic Sponsor to an entire Team of Younique Presenters. I recommend and use Younique products. Plus, I highly recommend Julie to order from. She's so sweet and friendly. She's also extremely knowledgeable and helpful about the product line.

 Let's see what she chose from my shop to star the series this week!! Without further delay......

We present to you the Neon Pink Hoodie with the "Balanced Life" Yoga Pants! 

One word describes this combination....relaxed.....

Both myself and Vivian own these hoodies and they are the MOST comfortable hoodie I have ever worn. The inside is like a pillow. It's so warm and snugly. I also love it because it's a more oversized fit. You can easily wear it with skinny jeans, yoga pants, leggings and the like and it still covers your "goodies" if you will. 

The leggings are a new addition to the boutique and everyone LOVES them. They are a part of our new line of The Yoga Life Collection. You just cannot lose with a good pair of Yoga Pants! This pairing is a great option for throwing on to run errands, to get in a great work out, or to just relax around the house in. 

Julie has this to say about why she chose this to be featured this week...

"Who doesn't love a comfy sweat shirt with a cute pair of Yoga Pants!"

Our thoughts exactly, Julie.... Great choice!

Here's Julie's link in case you want to check out Younique and the products they offer. 

fancymylashes.com

If you want to take a closer look at the hoodie, click here

And for the leggings, click here

We will see you back next week for another Center Stage Style of the Week! Until then, have a great week and as always, love to you all!!

Stacey

Center Stage Style of the Week-Volume 1

Today, I'm kicking off a new weekly series called Center Stage Style of the Week! It'll be a series starring merchandise from the boutique as chosen by myself and guest stars! I'll be reaching out to friends, family, boutique customers, business contacts and YOU (my blog readers) to help bring this series to life! I can't wait to see WHO stops by and WHAT everyone contributes. 

We will kick things off with an outfit chosen by my blogger friend Susan Leighton. She's a full time writer and part time explorer. She quit her full time job about a year ago and started writing full time and I can't tell you what a joy her blog has been to read! One of my favorites was a "Dear Celebrity" piece she did which included a segment written specifically to Angelina Jolie's LEG. Yes, her leg...You have to read it to believe it and it's a good belly laugh if you need one! 

Check out the post here...

Dear Celebrity

Her and I follow each other on Twitter. She actually saw these two pieces posted at separate times and tweeted me a recommendation to put them together. I could've kicked myself for not thinking of it sooner so THANKS A TON Susan!

The Center Stage this week goes to.....

The "Wish You Were Here" Tunic Dress paired with the "Black and Mint" Aztec Leggings.

This outfit is just fun! 

What does Susan have to say about WHY she picked this outfit?

"You can never go wrong with a multi tasker piece like a tunic. Easily able to go from day to night. Plus, grey is such a such a cool, smart, sophisticated alternative to classic black."

Agreed, Susan! Agreed!

Check out Susan's blog and some of her other very entertaining works at 

https://womanontheledgeblog.wordpress.com/


Click the links below to shop the look! And stay tuned for next week's Center Stage Style of the Week! 

Leggings

Tunic Dress

As always, love to you all!!

Stacey