Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

I used to wear this years ago, but then got distracted by MAC's Viva Glam V lipstick.  I just rediscovered it, and now you can't get me to use anything else. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey looks super dark in the tube, hence the name BLACK honey, but goes on sheer and gives you the perfect natural flush.  It's very moisturizing, so you can use it in place of lip balm, and it leaves a pretty little shine.  It's $14.50, but it lasts!  I'm not about to model it for you here, so just Google images and you'll find lots of before/after lips.

Ashley Pink Christmas Tree

I am in love with this tree.  I would keep it up year round.  But my wallet can't spare $459.99.  I wish I had a sugar daddy.  I want, I want, I want!!!

Bloc Party

Older songs, but you'll get what I give you and like it!

One of my favorite videos, ever:




One of my current favorite songs:




I wish I could have been in this video:




Ending, appropriately, with a beautiful, but sad song that reminds me of someone (no video, just the song):

Phantogram

Phantogram is playing a sold out show tomorrow at Black Cat. Get some scalped tickets (ticket face value: $15) or check them out next time!

The Shakedowns and Alphabet Bombers

What are you doing Friday night?  You should be going to see the Shakedowns with the Alphabet Bombers, Nervous Impulse and The Do Likes at Black Cat.  Doors at 9 PM, $10. 

Atomic Cheesecake Studios Pin Up Photography

There are some things that one should do at least once in a lifetime, and getting a pin up picture of yourself is one of them.  One day, when you're 80, you'll look back at your photograph and remember that you were smoking hot.

Photographer Stacey Barich, of Atomic Cheesecake Studios outside of Baltimore, MD, is phenomenally talented and will make you look--and feel--like a million bucks.  She does your make up and hair in the '40s and '50s style, provides you with era-appropriate flattering attire (you can also bring your own), and will direct you into poses that show off your best assets.  You don't have to have a perfect body, you don't have to be a size 6 or even size 16...she has the magic touch to make your pictures look flawless.  Don't believe me?  Check out her stunning portfolio for a sampling of her work.

Click "read more" for my experience:

Retro Lovely Pin Up Magazine

For all you pin up lovers, check out Retro Lovely Magazine.  Yours truly will be in the 7th edition, with Playboy Playmate of the year, Claire Sinclair on the cover!  For a $5 discount, enter coupon code: Atomic.

Victoria's Secret Purple Lace Merry Widow

This reminded me of a piece of lingerie that Agent Provocateur would carry.  It's Victoria's Secret's lace merry widow in royal purple.  It has hook and eyelet closure in the back, which is a bit tricky to get into without help.  There is a lace-backed thong that is available for purchase separately.

Express Long Wool Fit and Flare Coat

I bought another coat.  Don't judge.  I couldn't pass it up, it was on sale, plus I had a coupon, it was worth it.  I plan on wearing it with the opaque red tights I also got at Express, or the double fishnets. 

Express Lace High Heels

I'm not sure why I can't put multiple photographs on the same blog post, so whatever, I'll just show you this weekend's shopping spoils in several parts.

I walked away with several things from Express, like these lace stiletto pumps.  They have a classic shape, and expose just a little bit of toe cleavage.  They are sexy, without looking stripper-esque, but it takes a woman with confidence to pull off the 5" heel.  I'm 5'8" and love wearing amazonian heels to stand out in -- and see over -- a crowd.  I think they run a little small, so I recommend buying a half size larger and just put a Dr. Scholl's heel pad on the back to prevent slipping out when wearing stockings.

I also bought the same shoe in matte satin.

Dum Dum Girls - Bedroom Eyes

I'm such a huge fan of the 50's/60's girl group sound.  Here are the Dum Dum Girls, with Bedroom Eyes:

Peppered Tofurky and Red Pepper Vegetarian Panini

I love sandwiches and paninis, and Press 195 in NYC is one of my favorite places to get one.  When I can't go there, I make my own!  Here's a quick and easy recipe for one of my favorite panini combos:

Ingredients: 

6 slices of Tofurky Peppered deli slices
1/2 avocado, cut into 4 equal slices
Trader Joes Red Pepper Spread
Cheddar Cheese (I used Veggie Slices, because it's only 40 calories per slice)
Trader Joes Tuscan Pane bread

I like Trader Joes sliced Tuscan Pane bread because it won't get soggy and really toasts up well for a great crunch.  I have a panini press, but I'm sure a grill pan or toaster oven would work well, too.

Directions:

Pre-heat the panini press to 350.  Put cheese, deli slices, and red pepper spread on the bread.  Spray the top and bottom of the panini press with non-stick spray and put the sandwich on.  Heat for 5 minutes, until grill marks start to form and the cheese is all melty.  Once it's ready, open it up and put the avocado slices in.