FIRST BLOG GIVEAWAY: Shu Umeru-Me!

In celebration of my first official launch of my blog I've decided to do a fantastic giveaway for all my readers! What better gift to give then something that I absolutely cannot live without? Now this is a product, that even with all its hype, has definitely lived up to its name. I have stick-straight lashes that have gone through countless mascara brands and eyelash curlers in a painstaking trial+error process that I'm glad I'm done with.

Shu Umeru is actually no longer available in the U.S. so if you don't already have one in your beauty arsenal kit, it may be difficult for you to find. I could only find it on Amazon.com and the prices have risen because of their limited availability. So take advantage of my giveaway while you can!

I'll also be including a tube of my favorite Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara.

This is the only mascara that works for my lashes and I love it.

To Enter:

For your entry to be valid you need to be a public follower of My Embellished Life. 

You must also leave me your e-mail address and name in my comments section of this post.

This contest is open only for U.S. residents. Sorry! I will do an international giveaway next time!

*Unfortunately, I will have to disqualify all entries that do not follow any of these above conditions.

Want more chances?

If you leave the FIRST COMMENT below (+2 entries!)

Post this blog giveaway on your Website/Facebook or RT via Twitter  (+1 entry)

Follow me on Twitter @EmbellishMyLife (+1 entry)

GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 28TH at 12:00AM PST. 

Thank you so much for all of your support! I really appreciate it and I love reading all of your messages/emails. This is just a small way for me to say thank you : ) 

Good luck everyone! 

My Gilt-y Obsessions

Need a reason to join Gilt's network? It's hard to believe that not everyone doesn't already know about this fashion site that's been on the rise since they first launched in 2007. It's a luxe website that's invitation-only. Members are offered a selection of merchandise ranging from apparel, lifestyle, to home decor. Their travel packages, events, and designers (Tory Burch flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs, etc...) You want it? Name it and your favorite designers are bound to pop up in some weekly sale. Sales start at noon ET and lasts only 36 hours, but with their deeply discounted items, "Sold Out" is a common sight to see within the hour the sale starts. 

Here's my Gilt-y obsessions for this week's sales: 

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Draped Beaded Cami in rust/grey $129 $359

I love the iridescent beading of this tank. Pair this with a high-waisted skirt for a perfect combo.

I purchased: Ettika & Privileged Jewelry Oval Turquoise necklace $38 $90 

Gilt City L.A: One month membership to her online personal training program $45 $100

Gilt Jetsetter: Studio & One Bedroom Suites @ The Palms, Las Vegas 

from $100-$175/night!

Includes $30 food/beverage credit, 2 spa passes per day, and 2 passes to the Playboy Club.

I just have to rave a little more about Gilt Jetsetter. I just purchased their Studio Suite package at The Palms for $350 (not including tax and misc. fees). This is an amazing deal, because usually it costs about that much for just one night and for that price I got 3 nights. But the thing I'm most excited about? It includes 2 spa passes per day. Insert my squealing and high pitched screams because when I go to Vegas for my upcoming birthday, I'm going to be getting some much needed R&R and come back feeling a year younger rather than a year older ; ) 

Have I convinced you? Indulge in some Gilt-worthy shopping now!

From 9am to 9pm: Military Inspired

When you're working, going to school, and still trying to maintain a social life - multifunctional outfits are key! Saves you so much time and you always manage to look put together; especially in spontaneous after work outings. Like today, me and a girlfriend decided to spice up our ordinarily dull Monday night (the saying Mundane Mondays are there for a reason!) routine with a trip to Twisted Vine (review to come) for a glass of wine and their famous melted Brie Bread-bowl. Luckily I was already wearing this outfit to work!

JCrew Military Jacket | Jcrew Brocade Skirt in gold

Nordstroms Brass Plum V-neck Sweater in black 

I don't typically like to wear v-necks to work. Just because I feel like its in that grey line of what's the appropriate amount of cleavage that's acceptable for the workplace. Instead,  I usually love pairing this skirt with my Mossimo Supply Co. long sleeve tee in black ($10! Can't get better than that!) from Target. 

Modest, comfortable, and cheap = The Perfect Basic. 

Took off the jacket to make it perfect for a Monday's GNO.

Target tights in black | Rachel Leigh ring

 Melinda Maria Mademoiselle earrings in emerald*

*Unfortunately, it's sold out in emerald. I had just recently purchased these from Gilt at the bargain price of $87! Such a steal! If you need an invite please contact me : )

Maloles Black Velvet/Goatskin Pumps from last year's Barneys Warehouse Haul! 

Staying true to my weakness. I love anything embellished, gold, brocaded, aka shiny. Love the detailing on this skirt. I was sold from the moment it caught my eye. 

I love the casual nature of this jacket. I purchased it from the JCrew outlet at a fraction of its retail price.  One thing that I've learned about JCrew is that there merchandise will always always go on sale. There's not that many people that are willing to shell out $100+ for a basic cardigan. No matter how embellished, ruffled, and soft it is. So if you're obsessing over its latest season, don't worry - just give it a couple months.