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Ellie Little Black Collection


You know you have it bad when you spend more money on workout clothes then every day clothes. I'm not one of those girls who gets all done up to go to the gym, but I do think that when you are comfortable in the clothes you work out in, and like the way they look on you, you'll have a better workout. Look good = Feel good. And that's why I'm totally obsessed with Ellie...

I love that Ellie gives you the option to join as a monthly subscriber or purchase items separately. The best bang for you buck is joining as a member, and you'll get 2 items each month for $49.95. You can cancel at any time. Click the banner to the right for 20% off your order!

I already did one post about my obsession with Ellie gear, but recently I got to try out a new outfit from their Little Black Collection and I'm in love all over again.

I packed my new top and pants for my trip to New Orleans a few weekends ago. The hubby and I woke up super early our first morning there and went for a jog along the Mississippi River, which is where we took these pictures.
ellie
Ellie Black Widow top.

Pictured above is the 'The Black Widow' top, named this because of the strappy back which is spider-like. But don't let this creep you out...this top is contoured, slimming and sleek. It has a built in bra (medium support) and I didn't have to wear another one for my run (but I'm also smaller on top). The back panel is mesh, and there are also breathable panels along the sides. The panels are sheer, but not too sheer that they are see through. The fabric itself is really breathable, made from EllieProText and Power Mesh. I wore this for a jog, but would also wear it to cycling and kettlebell workouts. This top retails at $44.95.
ellie black widow top
Ellie logo detail on Black Widow top

Ellie Little Black Capri pants
Ellie Little Black Capris
The pants I wore are the Ellie Little Black Capris. These fit like a glove. They are super comfortable. I would wear these out and about for errands as well. They are made from wicking fabric that keeps you dry, and are preshrunk so you don't have to worry about washing them. They are also water, wind and tear resistant. I wore these for my run but would also wear them to yoga, kettlebells, cycling and the gym for weightlifting. Little Black Capris retail at $44.95.
Ellie Little Black Capri pants
Ellie logo detail on Little Black Capris

Ellie also has two new lines out: Cosmic Love and Coral Crush. These are a few of the items that are on my wishlist:

Ellie Cosmic Love
Space Cadet top and Galaxy shorts
Ellie Coral Crush
Dynamic Duo Top and To Dye for Capris







Have you tried Ellie gear yet? If so, did you like it? What's on your Ellie wishlist? Don't forgot to click on the banner above for 20% of your order!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep, and affiliate links. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.


Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup


  • Mama Fashionista: Attention Curly Girls! Quinn of Mama Fashionista shares her must have products from curly hair specialists, Ouidad!


  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Looking for a safe, highly effective, and cruelty-free organic facial peel? Then look no further than O.R.G. Skincare Organic Mineral Peel! It's truly amazing!
  • My Highest Self: The Sea Salt line from H2O Plus brings Tina back to her first beauty splurge!
  • TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla is summer-glowin' with Nars blush/bronzer duo in desire/blush.
  • Painted Ladies: Is the Spa Sonic Skin Care System a dupe for the Clairsonic?
  • BeautyTidbits: Need a little help in the eyeshadow department? Eye Majic Instant Eyeshadow may just be the thing for you!
  • Blushing Noir: It's getting HOT in here & the Temperature is Rising with the MAC Bare My Soul Eye Shadow Quad!
  • Pammy Blogs Beauty : Do you need more color to bare your skin for Spring and Summer? Pammy Blogs Beauty reviews Beautisol's Tea Tan Glow.
  • Beauty by Miss L: Miss L did lovely spring mani using Models Own nail polishes in Golden Green and Gold Digger.
  • D.G.S.Beauty: In need of new photography equipment? This Seamless Tabletop Background would be a perfect pick.
  • Beauty Professor: Forever on a foundation hunt, the Beauty Professor weighs in on the Hourglass Immaculate foundation in a review and video tutorial!
  • Lipgloss Break: Get a bronze glow the healthy way with Beautisol Tea Tan Glow.


  • Zoya Nail Polish Stunning Collection


    Loving Zoya nail polish Sunning Summer 2013 collection. Fun, bright colors for fingers and toes. From top left, going clockwise, the colors are:

    Darcy - Bright, yellow (good for future Michigan games!)
    Thandie - A creamy orange
    Josie - A tealish-green
    Rocky - Love the name as much as the color. Will look pretty on toes and paired with denim
    Yana - A bright reddish-pink. Another good one for toes
    Micky - My favorite from the collection. A Pretty coral-pink that will go with most everything.

    For each swatch I did a base coat with two color coats and a quick dry top coat. I always have great wear with Zoya nail polish, lasting in good condition for 3-4 days, and minor touch ups needed after that.

    You can purchase these (and many other colors!) from Zoya.com. You can purchase the entire set in a sampler kit for $48 or buy them individually for $8 a pop.

    Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.


    Beautisol Tea Tan Glow Review

    As I grow older, I think back to my 'tanning' days in high school and college and regret them more and more every year. How did I think that was healthy for my skin? Now, I protect my skin with SPF, but I won't lie, I do still love a little color!

    Instead of hitting up the tanning bed I opt for self tanners. Most recently I tried out Beautisol Tea Tan Glow and I loved it. I brought it with me to Vegas, New Orleans, and on my last trip to NY.

    I've tried Beautisol self tanner before and I'm a huge fan. The Tea Tan Glow is a newer concept. It's a Wash Off Body Bronzer, and if that isn't self explainatory, it means it washes off in the shower.

    At first, I was a little weary of the smell. I usually apply self tanner at night and then shower the next morning to get rid of the smell, but with Beautisol, this won't work since it would just wash off all of my color. It has to be applied the day that you want your color to show. I've used Tea Tan Glow several times and the smell never bothered me. There is a light scent when you first apply it, but it fades fast.

    Tea Tan Glow is great if you only want color for a day. If you don't feel like dealing with the fading color or the maintenance of a longer lasting self tanner, or maybe you're afraid of streaks, no worries with Tea Tan, because it washes right off. And if you're read my blog before, you know I have sensitive skin and eczema on my legs. Beautisol Tea Tan Glow did not bother my skin at all. This is the true test that helps me decide if I'm going to use a product again. I'm sold!

    Tips for applying Tea Tan Glow:
    1 - Wait at least 15 minutes before you dress after applying Tea Tan Glow.
    2 - It may not be a great idea to wear white after applying this!
    3 - Use a light exfoliater before applying. This helps get rid of dead skin and color will go on smoother.
    4 - Put lotion around your ankles, elbows and knees before applying color. This helps the color go on even in these hard to cover places.
    3 - I also like to moisturize after it dries. I think it helps to even out the color.
    4 - Wash your hands immediately after applying. You may need to exfoliate to get all of the self tanner off your palms.

    Do you use self tanner? If so, please share your tips below!

    Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.


    Enter to Win $500 Gift Card!

    The Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work to bring you the latest on all things beauty. This spring we have collaborated to put together a giveaway of $500. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter. Giveaway is open to international participants.

    Here is a list of the member's participating in the current giveaway - be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading:
    The Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work to bring you the latest on all things beauty. This spring we have collaborated to put together a giveaway of $500. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter. Giveaway is open to international participants. Here is a list of the member's participating in the current giveaway - be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading:  
    Blushing Basics 
    PolishGalore  
    Clumps of Mascara  
    Justina's Gems  
    Beyond Beauty Lounge  
    Beauty 101  
    Cosmetics Aficionado 
    Just For Trendy Girls  
    Peek & Ponder  
    Pretty In Pink  
    Aquaheart's Obsessions  
    InTruBeauty  
    Beauty Info Zone  
    Moxie Reviews  
    Prime Beauty  
    Midnight Manicures 
    Geniabeme  
    Blushing Noir  
    Beauty by Miss L  
    Peace Love Lipgloss  
    TheFabZilla polarbelle  
    My Highest Self  
    MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness  
    george&bear  
    Lipgloss Break  
    Painted Ladies
    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Round Up


  • Mama Fashionista: Find out why Quinn has traded in her foundation, now that she's discovered Smashbox's CC Cream!


  • BeautyTidbits: Addicted to your flat iron? Beat the heat damage with the new Agadir Argan Oil Hair Shield 450 plus Spray Treatment!
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you favor luminous foundations or the perfect tinted moisturizers, then say hello to Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15! It is nothing short of perfection!
  • Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: DIY Prom Makeup Tips
  • Beauty Info Zone: Are you looking for an inexpensive but highly effective eye mask? Beauty Info Zone has found the answer.
  • The FabZilla: You've heard it but don't really know much about it. So what is this thing called maracuja?
  • Lipgloss Break: Lipgloss Break is giving away a Modella travel cosmetic bag. Enter to win!
  • The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle: Elixir Collection is a unique new collection from I Colonialim an iconic Italian bath & body brand
  • Beauty 101: Casey knew that she found the perfect way to clean her brushes when she tried the Koren Zander Pro Brush Soap. Check out her review!
  • Beauty Professor: Have a job interview coming up? The Beauty Professor's shares her tutorial on polished interview makeup!
  • Midnight Manicures: Looking for a bronzer that lives up to the hype? See what Jeanie thinks of the Milani Bronzer XL in the new Radiant Tan.
  • Midnight Manicures: Midnight Manicures announces a new Contributor to the team, Jamie, the creator of Sea Lore Polish. Check out Jamie's newest collection Sea Lore "Spring Seas".
  • Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Brushes Review!
  • D.G.S.Beauty: Learn a fun, simple and affordable way to create your very own makeup brush holder
  • The Lacquered Lady: Looking for some lightweight moisture this summer? The Lacquered Lady reviews Vaseline's new Spray and Go Moisturizer
  • Pammy Blogs Beauty : Turn Your Shower into a Spa! Pammy Blogs Beauty tests it out ExfoliKate Body


  • NARS Hearts New York City

    I love this palette more than NARS loves New York! This limited edition gift set features  4 shadows (Biarritz, Nepal, New York & Galapagos) and a blush/bronzer (Amour Blush and Laguna Bronzer). It also includes a compact version of Chinatown Nail Polish and Dolce Vita lip gloss.

    Set is available May 1 at select retailers including Barneys, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Henri Bendel & Bloomingdale's.



    7 Tips for Selling through Consignment Shops

    With Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ running through our heads, my husband and I packed up spring and summer clothes from last year and dropped them off at our local consignment shop. I’ve been doing this for the past year and found it to be an easy and fun way to make a few dollars to put towards new items in my wardrobe.

    Consignment shops will take new and gently used items and sell them for a discounted price. Once your item sells, you get a percentage of the sale. The percentage you earn varies by shop. The consignment shop I go to, Trading Closets in Brighton, MI, offers you 50% of the selling price. They mark down items each month, and then after 60 days, you can either pick your items up if they don’t sell, or they will mark them down to 80% without any commission or donate them.

    The first time I went I really had no idea what to expect. I gathered up about 10 items in my closet I no longer wore and brought them into the store. To my surprise, the store only kept one item! I was floored, and a little insulted, until the consignment shop employee pointed out the reasons she didn’t accept the other items. Slight discoloration…out of season…loose hem….after the run down I totally understood why they didn’t take the rest of my items.


    I took what I learned from that trip and applied it to future drop offs, carefully inspecting every item before I left the house. Now, I usually have a 90% success rate when I drop clothes off!

    Here are some tips to use when going through your closet and gathering items to bring in:

    1. Check the store’s website or call ahead to find out what ‘season’ of clothes they are taking. If it’s March and they only want Spring/Summer clothes, you’ll be wasting your time if you bring your sweaters in. Usually they will be very explicit on what they are accepting.

    2. Steam or iron your items before bringing them in the store. Most consignment stores look for items they can transfer directly to their racks. Presentation is everything.

    3. Bring clothes in on hangers. Usually stores don’t keep them, but again, it’s all about presentation.


    4. Some of the ‘signs of wear’ they look for: deodorant marks on the insides of the arms of tops, fabric balling up (sweaters tend to do this), snags, holes, broken zippers, loose hems, discolorations and stains, just to name a few. Also make sure your items are smoke and pet hair free.

    5. Some stores have a special light they put the clothes under to help spot stains or discolorations. It’s helpful to bring your own clothes outside in the sunlight and inspect them before you bring them in. Sometimes indoor lighting can hide imperfections.

    6. Depending on the store, they may also accept accessories (purses and jewelry), home goods, furniture, DVDs, and beauty products. Check out the website or store before you go in.

    7. Don’t watch over the consignment shop worker while he/she is looking through your clothes. This is just nerve wrecking! Shop around while they are going through your items. You may find some hidden gems!


    And remember, don’t be insulted if they don’t take your items! The consignment shop employees know what sells best in their store. They may already have 20 of the same type of item they can’t get rid of. If you find yourself returning home with items, you can always donate them to your local Purple Heart or Salvation Army.


    ZOYA Earth Day 2013 Nail Polish Exchange


    The nail polish exchange is back! Zoya is helping you with your spring cleaning. Get 50% off Zoya nail polish when you send in your old polish. Check out Zoya.com for details. Hurry and place your order...you have until Friday, April 26th!


    Giveaway Break - Modella Weekender Bag

    Since I already shared with you my top tips for packing my travel cosmetic bag, I thought I'd share with you a giveaway for you to win one!

    Modella wants to give away one Floral Diaries Weekender bag to a lucky Lipgloss Break reader.

    ***Giveaway***
    Enter to win a Modella Weekender bag!

    Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

    This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 23rd. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!