Summer trends & fab SATC dresses for less!

In my attempt to keep the rest of my life balanced, I have neglected my favorite pastime--my blog! It may be fact that my blog is more of a release for me than of much interest to others...but nonetheless, sharing fashion--and where to find the good deals--is something I feel us fashionista gals are obliged to share with each other. . . So here goes!

First and foremost. . .SATC 2 is out! For those of us who have been SATC fans for years this is a big event, and for the fashion scene it's even bigger! Keep an eye out for theses 4 bombshells that each sport a little different style that is unique & ultra inspiring. We can all find a little of ourselves in each of the girls and finding ways to pick up their trends without having to spend a bundle is grand!

To find SATC dresses for $75-$250, check out Light In the Box:

Click here to visit the website

They m

ake the dress to order if you wish--either choose a size or provide your measurements.

Carrie: $79.99 lightinthebox.com Samantha & Miranda: $89.99 lightinthebox.com

On another note, fun summer fashion always includes those boho chic prints and accesories that we may decide to omit the rest of the year yet somehow seem so fun during the sunnier months!

I found a fab dress yesterday at Forever

21 for $22--what a deal!

Paired with fun earrings like those pictured--mark. Brazilian Bazaar Earrings $14 at http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com . . .

This is a great go-to look for a summer evening out!

Let us know your favorite summer fashions & where to find them. . .

Happy Shopping!

Razzleberry-licious!

New Products. . .Easy Looks!

TRY THIS: PURPLE SHADOW & RASPBERRY STAIN

This look is easy & fun for spring.

It's been all over the runways--from Zac

Posen to Michael Kors to Chanel.

It makes a great alternative to the high-impact 'smoky eye'--offering something softer yet still dynamic.

How to get the look:

Eyes:

• Work mark. "Keep it Going" in "Industria"($10) into the lash lines with

the tip of the mark. flat eyeliner brush ($6).

• Smudge a muted lavender-grey shadow, such as mark. "i-mark" in "Saucy"($5), all over the eyelid.
• Highlight the middle of the lid and inner corners with a paler shade, such as mark. "i-mark" in "Rebel"($5).
• For a day look, stop here w/ eyes & continue to Lips.
• For a night look, smudge mark. "Keep it Going" in "Industria" all over the lid and into the creases with the flat eyeliner brush--making the look much more dramatic.

Lips:

• Finish with a lip-marker--mark. "Kissink Lip Marker" in "Red Siren"($7)--to create a gorgeous barely there wash that lasts all day!
• To keep the night look simpler, instead of "Red Siren", use "Berry Bitten"($7) & finish with mark. "Glossgorgeous Stay On Lip Stain" in "Bare"($9).

All Products Available at my mark. eBoutique:

http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Let us know how it goes!

Spring Florals--get the look!

I am so in love with spring. . . flowers in bloom, fresh air, & the promise of summer looming.

What better way to encourage the feelings of spring than with this season's fabulous florals!

Get the look!

H&M

www.hm.com

H&M's new Garden Collection: Made of recycled & organic materials

Bebe

www.bebe.com

Printed Scarf Sandal--$179 (also available in other colors)

mark.

http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Floral Fringe Scarf--$16

Vintage Havana

www.shopvintagehavana.com

(Through April 6--enter "people20" at checkout for 20% off regular priced items)

Fun & Flirty Tank Dress--$47 w/discount

. . .and don't forget to color your lips berry for spring! A soft & flirtatious berry gloss will complete the look. . .

This month's Lucky Magazine suggests mark. glow baby glow Hook Up lip gloss in 'girly girl' and 'pink crush'--only $6 each!

You know where to find that!

Click to visit my mark. eBoutique ------> eBoutique

Sensitive Skin? JUST CALM DOWN!

Super Soothing Moisturizer. . .

Try NEW mark. Calm & Composed with super fruits & super foods:

• Formula enriched with avocado, shea butter and oat--provides instant calming and soothing relief
• Blended with algae extract, visibly reducing the look of redness
• Quick-absorbing , oil-free formula--safe for sensitive skin

**90% of users agree that calm & composed visibly reduces skin redness & blotchiness associated with flushing, blushing & flare-ups

I'm a user of--and firm believer in--this product. My skin is super sensitive and prone to dry spots and redness in certain areas, while often oily in the t-zone. This moisturizer not only evens things out, it feels wonderful on--making my skin feel soft and quenched. I also appreciate the pump style, providing the perfect portion--you press down on the top and out comes the perfect amount of moisturizer. With this product a little does go a long way--Less waste!

Try mark. Calm & Composed moisturizer $16

On sale starting March 30th at my eBoutique!

Click here----> eBoutique Link

Other great calming products available:

Calm Yourself Hydrating Mask: $8

Calming Effect Milk Cleanser: $8

FREE SHIPPING OPTIONS (standard ground shipping):

• First-time customers use code "WELCOME" at checkout for free shipping on orders of $15 or more.
• Otherwise use code "MARK25" for free shipping on any order of $25 or more

Happy Shopping!

SATC 2!! Opens May 28th

For all my gal pals that spent many a college or work night watching Sex and The City episodes in order to find a little sanity in your oh-so-hectic schedule, the theme song most likely brings up a mood of melancholy and nostalgia. Like me, you probably own all seasons on DVD and play them from time to time just to create that mood again... SATC was part of an era for me--one of college fun, dance company days, and late night cosmos/tanqueray & tonics w/ my best pals.

I couldn't wait for the first SATC movie and I was not let down. I laughed, I cried, and I remembered why I love those girls oh so much. Because doesn't each one of the four remind us of little aspects of ourselves? It's comforting to know that someone else goes through the same daily disasters, trials, and (of course) joys that we do as women.

If you are a SATC fan, I expect that you--like me--are also thrilled that the sequel to the first movie arrives in theaters on May 28th! I'm oh-so-curious what the fabulous four are up to now--aren't you?

View the trailer:(click below)

Sex & The City Trailer

So gather your girls together, dress up, down a couple cocktails, and head to the theater!

. . . After all, "Sometimes you just have to get away with the girls"!

Get "Carried away" on May 28th--Sex & The City Movie II

Chick Lit Escapes

At a time when stress is high & a getaway is required that won't require a pricey plane ticket, I turn to Chick Lit--and lately I've read quite a few that I would consider noteworthy.

Now, don't expect to learn something necessarily educational or to be inspired in anyway beyond satiating that part of your female psyche that craves a bit of drama from time to time...a type of drama that--thankfully--doesn't involve your life!

Chick lit is often misconstrued as 'trashy' or "fluff", while in fact Chick lit is defined as a genre comprised of book that are mainly written by women for women. The result is generally a humorous, satirical novel written in a personal tone about realistic ordeals that women can relate to.

If you love movies such as "The Devil Wears Prada", "Sex in the City", "The Notebook", or "The Bridges Over Madison County". . .Chick lit may just be for you.

The following is a partial list of Chick lit that I have recently read & enjoyed:

1. The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine: A little different than normal chick lit, this book is non-fiction & is wonderful for understanding how the female brain is 'wired' differently than the male. Told in a humorous way, I found this book not only entertaining but completely educational--a must read for all women.

2. Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes: (New York Times Bestseller) Fun, witty story of a group of NY socialite gals. I love the satire and humour in this book. Her writing style is fun, allowing the reader to escape into a world that is so over-the-top it's hilarious!

3. The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes: (NY Times Bestseller) Another one of Sykes' witty reads! Had to buy this after reading the first.

4. One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell: (Author of Sex in the City) If you haven't read any of Bushnell's books yet, I advise starting from the beginning. "Four Blondes", "Trading Up", "Lipstick Jungle", & then "One Fifth Avenue". However, "One Fifth" is quite entertaining on its own. A story of high society New Yorkers that all live at one of Manhattan's ritziest buildings, One Fifth Avenue. Easy, breezy, and full of scandal :)

Enjoy these picks and please add your own recommended books by female authors in the comments section below.

We all need a mental break once in awhile!

The September Issue Trailer Is Out With More Unseen Clips!

The September Issue Trailer Is Out With More Unseen Clips!

Posted using ShareThis

A MUST SEE--The September Issue

A documentary on the making of the 2009 September issue of Vogue Magazine & the life of Vogue mastermind, Anna Wintour is now out on DVD--"The September Issue".

The film takes us through the process of assembling the magazine's most important issue of the year--September. I love the way this documentary shows all the behind the scenes photo shoots, editing process, and characteristics of the key people involved in creating the artistry of a magazine that has stood as an icon of fashion for decades.

www.theseptemberissue.com

I adore Vogue for its spreads of gorgeous fashion photography--the not so wearable, but oh so appreciated as art type of clothing, paired with astonishing backdrops. The shots where the models are jumping for a photo shoot in 4.5" heels gives new appreciation to the extent of what goes into such photo artistry.

I highly recommend putting this on your 'to rent' list in the near future. It's not a fast paced movie at all, but thoroughly interesting--watch is solo or with a group of fellow fashionista gal pals.

Let us know what you think, comments would be lovely :)

Beauty Picks...

A list of a few mark. products that are sure to knock your socks off--

and save you a lot of money!

Since I became a mark. rep several months ago, I started sampling more of the products myself in search of replacements for my current department store brands. Not only have I began to save lots of $$$, I have also found some fab products that have replaced the previous brands completely!

If you're at all like me--a beauty conscious gal that is trying to slash expenses in such an economy--this blog is for you :)

1. Scanda-Lash Mascara by mark.: This is a dream mascara for me! It elongates and separates lashes perfectly. I also love that it is part of the 'hook up' line (it hooks up to another product of your choice, like a lip gloss, eyeliner, etc) making it a perfect size for mascara--it is good to go with a small mascara, as it should only be kept 3-6months before being tossed. This mascara has completely replaced my previous favs--DiorShow & Benefit Bad Gal mascaras (which used to cost me $18-$25 each!)

SCANDA-LASH BY mark.: $6 each (comes in black, indigo, wine, and brown)

2. mark. Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint: This is a great replacement for Benefit's Benetint as well as Nars cream blush sticks. It won an award in Allure Magazine's Beauty Picks recently & I can see why. It glides on smooth & blends easily--I love the shade "cheeky", but it also comes in "nude", "berry", & "sunny".

Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint--This is a fab find at only $7 each!

3. mark. On the Edge Liquid Eyeliner: Compare this to Makeup Forever or Urban Decay liquid eyeliners in the way that it has an easy to apply applicator--which is all too important when it comes to applying your own liquid liner. I know that liquid liner is not something most gals use--but it's worth trying for a night-out look to get that 'cat eye' effect or just to add a subtle oomph to your eyes. I started using liquid eyeliner every so often about a year ago & love the effects--On the Edge liner makes it easy with its quick drying, long lasting formula. It comes in the colors Calista (a light blue/turquoise), Cleo (black), & Medusa (a rich brown/khaki shade). **This item is also a "hook up" product--hook it up to your scanda-lash mascara for an easy day to night fix up after work!

mark. On the Edge Liquid Eyeliner: $6 each

I hope you have been inspired to try some of the mark. products!

Reminder: Shipping is FREE on orders of $25 or more.

If you have trouble ordering or prefer not to order online, email me & I'll call you to place the order over the phone. Email: gallardo.greta@gmail.com

Click below to visit my eBoutique:

mark. by Greta Gallardo

Happy Shopping!

Twitter Time!

I had toyed with twitter about a year ago for the shop I work at. . .I hesitated to join as I'm not one to get on the bandwagon right away.

So last night I finally broke down and signed on for my official "SwankyStiletto" twitter account! (Lucky that name was still available!)

The way everything links together now with technology is more than fun! The easiest way to find my tweet is to click on the box you see on this blog. Let's start tweeting! It's a fun way to keep in touch and get the latest updates. . .

https://twitter.com/SwankyStiletto

Hope to see you following soon!

XOXO, GGal

I've been shoedazzled!

In Loooooove with this month's selection from the Shoedazzle* Shoe Club. . .

Out of the five choices that were presented to me (based on preset preferences), I chose these fabulously fun boots!

They are in a deep mocha faux suede with brass studs at the top. I adored them online and when I got them in the mail & tried them on I received a warm & cozy surprise--they are fully lined on the inside with faux fur. LoveLoveLove them!
Can't go wrong for $39.95!

I know I've mentioned this shoe club before, but if you're ready to see what it's all about follow this link. (btw: I do not get any kind of endorsement for this--yes I know what you're thinking!)

http://www.shoedazzle.com/

Membership: $39.95/month, you can opt out of any month as you choose. Shipping to the mainland is free (us Hawaii gals have to pay, but it's still worth it!). I find the selections to be true to size. I normally wear a 6-6.5 & go with a 6 at Shoedazzle. The only problem I've had with a shoe is one not fitting my arch--those who know me will understand why ;)--I sent it back without a problem. (I love the pink shoe bag that comes with every order!)

More fabulous fashion finds to come as we enter the next sensational season of trends--Thanks for following Swanky Stiletto!

You should be able to eat what goes on your face. . .well almost ;)

So here's the deal gals. . .After joining as a mark. rep a few weeks back, I decided I should familiarize myself with the products I hadn't yet tried (in other words, an excuse to shop--as if needed one!).

I must admit that although I knew the lip glosses, lipsticks & eye shadows would be no problem--as a result of the fabulous and on-trend color palettes--I was a bit skeptical in terms of the skincare line. You see, this gal has uber-sensitive skin--which has resulted in my face rejecting essentially every product I've attempted to cleanse and/or moisturize it with.

I was a bit hesitant to try something that could very well have promptly turned my face into a dry, flaky mess after a day or so of use. . .Nevertheless, a venture I decide I must partake in--and what I considered the ultimate mark. test.

Obviously, you can assume there is a happy ending to my trial or I probably wouldn't be sharing this with you. And so, after a week and a half using mark.'s skincare line, I am not only a believer. . .I'm hooked! (FYI: All mark. skincare is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil & fragrance free, & allergy tested).

There are 2 different skincare regimens depending on your skin type.

Step 1: Cleanse--A: mark. "Calming Effect" (which I use) is a milky white cleanser with a unique oat milk protein for sensitive skin requiring a little extra loving care.

B: mark. "That's Deep" is a purifying gel cleanser with black willow bar & Sugar maple extract best for acne prone and/or oily skin. ($8 each)

Step 2: Exfoliate--A: mark. "Go with the Grain" exfoliating beads (which I use)--best for sensitive skin. Enhanced with adzuki bean powder & rice bran for a smoother, softer complexion.

($9 each)

B: mark. "Berry Grand" super exfoliating beads for skin that can handle a more intense exfoliation. Enhanced with cranberry, pomegranate, & apricot seeds to slough off dead skin cells & reveal smoother skin.

Step 3: Moisturize--A: mark. "See things Clearly" (my fav!!!) a brightening moisturizer with a unique brightening complex. I love the silky texture and the way it absorbs with no greasy feeling.

B: mark. "For goodness face" (I use this in the day & 'See things Clearly' at night) includes SPF 30 & antioxidants such as blueberry extract and lemon fruit. ($16 each)

These are just a few of the products that I fell in love with--

visit my eBoutique for more choices!

http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com/

As you can tell, my mark. collection is expanding rapidly. . .

And I love exchanging fabulous finds with my favorite gal pals

The mark. fashion line has me obsessed as well! I wore this fab mark. dress to work today

Only $29!! ("Leader of the Rack" Dress)

Along with my new fav lipstick--mark. Hook Up gleamstick in 'passionate' ($5.50)

Finished off with a coat of 'dew drenched' lip color in "Toffee" ($6, color shown--'wave' )

Happy Shopping!

And remember, a free pro lip gloss is on me after you place your first order :)

Visit my eBoutique at: http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com/

Please post comments, questions, & exciting beauty news/advice below :)

2010--Giving back is a good start. . .GGal needs your help!

It's around the time in which we begin to clean out our closets in order to start the new year fresh. . .

As you rummage through your toss aways this month, consider sending items that could be of use to the people of Haiti by getting together a box to send over. UPS is supposedly offering a deal on shipping. I'm planning to send a box (along with items donated by friends) over next week. So I'll keep you posted on the results of the UPS offer.

In the meantime, the efforts to send donations have been immense! Causing one to realize that people in fact do have a heart in the midst of all our world chaos.

When such disasters occur, we often ask ourselves. . .'What can I do to help?',' What would it be like to be in such a situation myself?' In light of the recent California earthquake--which hit my family and close friends heavily with a shake of 6.5 on the Richter Scale--I began to pose such questions myself.

As you all have probably heard by now, I have recently become a Mark. cosmetic representative. I am having a blast with all of the products--sharing with my friends and family all of my great finds. Although I started this venture as a creative and interesting way to develop my own business, I also envision my new business to help me aid those in need.

Thus, I am donating 10% of all orders made at my Mark. eboutique to the relief efforts in Haiti between now and January 31st.

In addition, all customers placing a first-time order on my eboutique will receive a complimentary gift with purchase--a Mark. "pro gloss" Hook up plumping lip shine in your choice of colors--which I will send to you after your order is placed.

FYI: MARK. also carries cute fashions like the dress below--$29 (I ordered this & love it!)

--Just a reminder that shipping on orders of $25 or more is free!--

Visit my eboutique at: http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Please post any questions to this blog or contact me via my eboutique.

Together we can make a difference--Happy shopping!!

Newsflash! It's official. . .

So. . .after many months of contemplating such a venture (and after the idea was strongly suggested by a favorite pal), I came to the conclusion that I was only really a couple clicks away from having my own business.

Well. . .sort of :)

The name "Mark." ring a bell? The ultra groovy and actually fashionable (yet affordable) offshoot of Avon Cosmetics???

Most of you will know what I'm speaking of by now, but if not---no worries!

Just visit my website: http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com/

It's official: I AM A MARK. REPRESENTATIVE

I'm excited about my new venture and would love your support!

(FYI: Passing this on to your pals is much appreciated ;)

Visit my website to explore all the fun cosmetics, jewelry & fashion finds that Mark. has to offer.

You can place your order straight from my site! http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Happy shopping :)

CHEERS! GGAL

New Year brings new trends

It's been awhile since GGal hit the blog--no excuses I know, but the amount of travel and work lately has kept me from my favorite pastime. . .blogging!

So here's a little sumpin' sumpin' to bring in the new year.

Although I don't normally market on the side for the companies that I am affiliated with. I couldn't help but let my glorious glamour gals in on a secret. . .

According to January's In Style, THE Accessory for spring is CLEAR--as in acrylic (Michael Kors), plastic (Prada), and. . .

LUCITE!! (Mellow Antiques & Estate Jewelry).Yellow Lucite Bracelet $40 (also comes in pink, clear & blue)

I have had the pleasure of rummaging through bin after bin of original 1980s Lucite jewelry direct from Italy. The jewelry is fun, chunky, and--of course--fabulous!

The store I help manage--Mellow Antiques--has an abundance of THE Accessory for spring.

Me wearing one of the Italian Lucite Necklaces at an art opening--

so many people stopped me to ask where I got it!

Just to be clear (pun intended :) The colors of the Lucite Jewelry range from clear, yellow, purple, and orange to red, black, brown, and silver.

Black & White Necklace from the Italian Lucite Collection, circa 1980

The prices usually start around $65 for earrings (clip-on of course, we're talkin' 1980s) and $100 for the necklaces. However, many of these are available now at quite a discount.

Log on to: http://www.cyberattic.com/stores/MellowAntiques/

(I will be putting more pieces on the site shortly)

If you love vintage, here's a chance to own some originals--jealous much? ;)