Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Moving Time?

So, not much time to really post all that has been going on this month! Still living with my parents...yes, I know, 2 weeks turned into 3 months! We're down to the wire and have less than a week to go! YAY! (And then the kitchen fun begins....)

So to sum it up, September brought a lot of humidity, lots of trips to home depot and I turned 31, err, I mean 21.

Be on the lookout for a revision to my last post regarding the best hair product. With the humidity came an EPIC FAIL in the hairspray department. I since then, have tried several different kinds....there will be an amendment soon!

Anyway, stay tuned for some pictures of THE move as well as a couple more fun and exciting things! Happy Fall!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Bad Hair Days...Gone For Good!

So I was determined to get an August post in and I barely made it! As usual, things have been super busy, between trying to finish the house (yes, I know, it's still not done), living at my parent's house, helping take care of my mom (who had intense foot surgery), raising a toddler...and seriously the list goes on!

But with all of these things going on, I have made the time to check out some super fabulous new hair products that I had to share!!  :) Well, some of these I have been using for a while now and they are definitely a must share!

Here's another installment of My Favorite Things...

Last fall, after spending some time growing my hair out, I could not figure out why I still had to cut several inches off, even after cutting back on all chemical processed and not excessively using heat tools. Well, I decided to do a hair product overhaul and get rid of all the crap I had and start over!Well ladies, I'm here a year later to tell you that I've found some amazing products that have given me a total hair makeover!

You may be a HUGE fan of salon shampoo, but spend the big bucks no more! I've tried it all...and L'Oreal's Everstrong Shampoo & Conditioner does what all of the salon shampoos and conditioners do, but better (and half the price too!) Don't need "everstrong?" There's a whole line of shampoos & conditioners that are sure to fit your needs.


I was flipping through one of my favorite magazines (umm...Us Weekly *Cough*) and saw in the beauty section a little "article" about how to get shiny hair just like all the celebs, an no it's not just the lighting. The secret is hair glaze. Now you probably already know all about this, if you're a regular salon goer, but what you might not know is that you can get it at the drugstore and do it yourself! I tried it once and have been hooked ever since! John Frida's Clear Glaze will have your hair shimmering in a matter of minutes and once again, it's a fraction of the price it costs in a salon! Want an extra boost? Try the glaze specifically for your hair color.


The next item is one that I have recently tried and was very skeptical about, but for the price, thought it was worth a try. Boy am I glad I did! This is like an abbreviated version of the Brazilian Blowout. Spray Organix Brazilian Keratin Flat Iron Spray on your hair section by section while flat ironing to get silky, soft, bone straight hair! I've found that it's perfect from going from curled hair to straight in a matter of seconds without having to wash your hair and start over again! Best part about it? It's an Organix product which means it's void of all harsh chemicals and unlike the salon Brazilian Blowouts and Keratin treatments, it's formaldehyde free!


Speaking of not having to wash your hair all over again...I don't know about you, but there are just some days that you want to skip the whole hair washing thing. After all, some hairstyles work better with a little of your scalp's natural oils in it (sorry to any men out there that think this is gross, but it's the price of beauty). Ever heard of dry shampoo? Well, you probably know it's been around for a while now, but I am just SUPER late to join the club! I haven't tried all of the available products out there, but I have recently tried Fekai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo and it's definitely worth the price! It buys 1-2 extra days :)


Okay, so here's my most recent find! I was going to post a completely different product until I tried Alterna's Bambook Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Spray. This product is so amazing that I will most definitely be trying other Bamboo products very soon! This totally gives your hairstyle a sleek glossy finish, minus any frizz, and the best part about it is it does NOT leave your hair greasy! In fact, I've used it days in a row and haven't noticed any oil build up...it's basically magic spray.


Okay, so this last product you can totally take it or leave it, but I feel like you should TAKE IT! My whole life, I've been waiting for a hairspray that HOLDS no matter what, but at the same time, I could totally brush my hair and restyle (at any point of the day) without my hair being crusty or full of hairspray flakes! Here it is...Spray away! I have been ever since I got my hand on this. (Now again, you may already know about this product, but I have been hypnotized by another hairspray, which shall go nameless, for years! UGH). Get L'Oreal Elnett Super Hold Hair Spray now or forever hold your peace.





All of these products can be purchased at your local drugstore OR at Ulta (see the above links). I decided to give you the direct links to Ulta since there is an online (and in store) coupon for 20% off your entire purchase. Normally these coupons have a ton of exclusions, but for the first time it does NOT exclude the Chi 1" flat iron...SO if you don't have one, get one! Put down the cheap flat irons that are not only frying your hair, but not even getting it all that straight! You'll thank me later, I promise!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Fabulously Fall

I've been waiting for the launch of the Stella & Dot 2011 Fall Line for weeks now! Well, it's finally here!

Just a few pieces from the collection...






Check it out! You won't be disappointed! I'm definitely inspired and ready for fall fashion!

Interested in hosting a trunk show and getting your favorite pieces for free? Find out more here or email me!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Father's Day Art

I'm always in search of the perfect father's day gift and birthday gift for my husband, which is NOT easy because he's the type of person who A. doesn't want anything and B. if there was something he really wanted, he'd buy it himself. He recently got a new office at work and I thought what better way to spruce it up then to add some artwork to the wall!

Shutterfly to the rescue!  Not only do they make great photo albums and photo prints at a great price, but they also make mouted wall art. You get to pick the layout and photos and they make the art, ready to be mounted to your wall! Now if you're a last minute person, like I tend to be when it comes to shopping for gifts, then the expedited shipping might break your budget! BUT, seeing as I fell in love with the idea, I had to suck it up... ps. tomorrow is the last day for expedited shipping for father's day, so take a look and see what they have!

Mounted Wall Art
View the entire collection of cards.

I chose a few of his favorite pictures of Maddie from various photo shoots over the last couple years. It's going to look great in his office!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Who doesn't love a Carnival? A free giveaway!

I know I have been promising a giveaway for a while! Well, my last giveaway was so fun, I decided to do another one, except this time there is no purchase necessary in order to be entered to win! YAY!

What will the winner get? These GORGEOUS, brand new Stella & Dot Carnival Stretch Bracelets (set of 3)! Retail Value $69  These bracelets are a definite must have for Summer! Whether you pair it with a turquoise necklace, wear them alone, stack them with other bracelets (my favorite way to wear them) or create your own look, they will be sure to be a wardrobe favorite!




How To Enter:
1. Follow my blog and leave a comment below with your email address letting me know that you did.
2. Leave a comment below with your favorite piece of Stella & Dot jewelry from the website and what you would wear it with along with your email address.
3. "Like" Stella & Dot by Rachel Moon, Independent Stylist on facebook here and leave a comment below saying that you did.

Extra Entries:
4. Tweet this giveaway on Twitter and retweet it to @RachMoon ( 1 extra entry)
5. Write a blog about my giveaway and comment below with the link to your blog! (2 extra entries)
6. Post the link to this giveaway on your Facebook Page (1 extra entry)


This giveaway ends June 12th and the winner will be contacted via email (so make sure you leave your email address...would hate for you to miss out!)


Check out some other Stella & Dot goodies Here!

Congratulations Emmybear411!!! I'll send you an email :)

Memorial Bling!!

I would not and could not let this great sale slip by without letting as many people know about it as possible! Everyone loves Stella & Dot AND everyone loves a great sale...mixing the two is pretty much pure amazingness!

I looked yesterday and was very happy to see some fabulous styles included in this sale! Here are a few of my absolute favs...







And those are really just a few of the fabulous finds to be had!! Make sure you pass this one along to your girlfriends, they will want in on this too!

Get these and more Here!!!


* Memorial Day Weekend: 20% Off Select Styles + Gift With Purchase. May 26 - 30



We're bidding a fond farewell to some of our bestselling styles. For 5 Days Only, May 26 - 30, receive 20% off these select styles. Limited time offer, they're going fast! All remaining items will go back up to regular price on Tuesday, May 31st. This promotion is for US customers only.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Stella Sightings!

Lately, I've seen lots of Stella & Dot sighting on TV and in magazines, which makes me very happy! I think the most obvious Stella & Dot supporters are the Real Housewives of the OC...I mean, I seriously can't watch an episode without some S&D piece making an appearance!

This week's episode was no exception!

Here's Tamra with her seemingly nice boyfriend Eddie. This is not actual footage from the show, but the picture that was taken of her wearing this particular necklace wasn't a great shot. (If you want to go back and see it on the show, it's the clip with her meeting former OC Housewife, Lynn Curtin, for drinks.

A behind the scenes clip from BRAVO tv...Tamra sporting the same necklace!


Get your own 'Nolita' Necklace here

Here's another OC Housewife, Alexis, wearing the 'La Coco Chain Necklace' in Gold during one of her interviews! This is a fabulous necklace that you can wear long, doubled short or layered with other necklaces. There are also brooches that can be purchased, which clip right on for a whole other look!


Get your own here You won't be disappointed!

Tamra again...this time wearing the 'Bardot Spiral Bangle' in BOTH the gold and silver...love them together!


Get one or both here! silver or gold


Don't love the housewives? Okay, but you gotta admit they have great taste in jewelry! :) Also, on this week's Stella & Dot tv appearance was Chelsea Handler on her show Chelsea Lately wearing the 'Starry Night Necklace.' I wear mine layered with other delicate gold chains all the time!


Get yours here!

Okay, now I feel like my blogging week is complete, having done my shameless plugging of Stella & Dot. One the plus side though, it really is fabulous jewelry and if you don't own any...you should! Also, keep your eyes out as I will be doing a really awesome Stella & Dot free giveaway very soon!!! Feel free to give me ideas on what to give away!



Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Nude, Nude and more Nude!

Okay, so this is the second installation of "my favorite things." One of my all time favorite things, whether it's in style or not (which it happens to be right now), is Nude. And by Nude I mean the color! :) Every wardrobe needs it...it's the ultimate neutral!

So need some Nude in your closet? Here's how to incorporate it into your closet without having to buy a whole new wardrobe! AND if you really love the color, or just love to shop, then I suggest you try all of these...you will not be disappointed!


Every wardrobe should have a pair of flats, even if you love and live in heels! If you were to only have one pair of flats in your closet, it must be a nude flat! After all nude is the new black...and black does NOT go with everything, while nude DOES!
Here are my top three picks for you to try! (Also, something to keep in mind when picking out a nude shoe, pick a shade that is closest to your natural skin tone...it's amazing how it helps elongate the leg!)
Corso Como 'Festive' $60 Buy Here



















Steve Madden 'Koool' $66 Buy Here

Tory Burch 'Eddie' $178 Buy Here



Refuse to buy a flat, addicted to heels or want both? Here are my three top picks for Nude heels! (There are probably 20 pairs of nude heels that I could post here because there is such a large selection right now, so you should definitely find what works best for YOU! Just make sure that whatever you pick goes with the majority of things in your closet.)


Nine West 'Woodland' $89 Buy Here


Ivanka Trump (ps. her new line of shoes is fab!) $120 Buy Here



Pelle Moda 'Heat' $145 Buy Here

And I'm going to throw in an extra for all you wedge lovers, especially the preggos out there who don't want to just live in flats for 9 months!


Dolce Vita 'Jade' $180 Buy Here 
I know it's a little pricey for most, but you're paying for comfort as well as style! This shoe will definitely last you! It will take you through the 9 months and beyond! (I'm all about buying things that will work during AND after the pregnancy) Still not sold? Here's a pair for the more thrifty preggo..

Aldo 'Affina' $90 Buy Here
Aldo also has similar styles in a variety of heel heights too!


The Nude Dress...next time you reach in your closet for the same boring lbd (little black dress) consider trying a Nude dress instead! Still a neutral and most times you can wear the same shoes and accessories that you would have used with the black dress!



ASOS BLACK 'Heavy Ruffle Shoulder Dress' $89 Buy Here


Top Shop 'Nude Sleeveless Tuck Detail Dress' $95 Buy Here


Amanda Uprichard 'Mock Wrap Body Dress' $194 Buy Here


Don't worry Preggos! A couple maternity options...


Asos Maternity $63 Buy Here


Asos Maternity $72 Buy Here


 And last but definitely not least is the Nude handbag! Here are three must have styles!


Jessica Simpson 'Katie Convertible Satchel' $69 Buy Here

Top Shop 'Nude Lock Hold All' $75 Buy Here


Rebecca Minkoff 'Large Savage Clutch' $236 Buy Here



As you can see, there's TONS of nude out there, so go out and find what's perfect for you! Happy Shopping!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Spring Fun!

It's Spring! That means that with the warmer weather, we get even more busy with outside activities! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to get outdoors more! We've been taking advantage of each nice day with visits to the park, going for walks downtown and playing outside at Grammie and Granpi's!

Here are some recent pictures! Maddie had a photo shoot for a children's magazine, which was a very looong and tiring day, BUT very fun! We visited Butler's Orchard for their annual Bunnyland event, had some fun outdoor time at my parents AND Maddie had her 2nd birthday party at The Little Gym! Hope you enjoy our pictures and hopefully I'll be better about uploading pictures so that you're not bombarded next time! LOL




















Isn't she yummy?? :)






*Magazine Photo Shoot-
Photography: JaTawny M. Chatmon

Make Up: Joie Hayes
Stylist: Isabelle Philogene
Hair: Creative Images Hair & Makeup Artistry