The Lucky Guide to SWIMSUITS!

Happy Tuesday! :)

It's the first day of August tomorrow, and that always kind of makes me sad because it means the end of summer is just around the corner and we're bound to go back to school. :/

But instead of thinking of that, how about we just talk about swimsuits? ;)

I really want to get a new swimsuit for when I hit the beach again this summer... luckily, here is Lucky magazine's guide to swimsuits:

In splashy prints and insanely flattering cuts, the season's best suits have us wishing for beach weather.

1. TROPICAL - All of these suits inspire that giddy, just-landed, "I'm on vacation!" feeling.

2. OLD HOLLYWOOD - Wonderfully curve-enhancing, these will have you ready for your close-up.

3. STRIPES - Carefree and completely chic, they're summer's signature pattern.

4. DIGI-PRINTS - Colorful techie designs are thoroughly hypnotic (and so very right now).

5. COLOR-BLOCKED - Here's proof you can do the sporty thing and still look totally sophisticated.

I am more of a one-piece kinda girl, so I am gravitating towards the yellow stretch nylon keyhole swimsuit from Old Navy and the Mara Hoffman "Double Twist" swimsuit from ASOS -- the peek-a-boo detail of both swimsuits adds a sexy element to their otherwise conservative style. :)

What about you? Which of these swimsuits caught your eye the most?

Which style do you usually go for -- one-piece, two-piece, halter, bandeau, etc.?

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 9th at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

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Review: Marika Tek Venus Crew Neck Dry Wik Tee

Happy Monday! :)

Do you guys remember my Marika Miracles Slimming Capri Leggings?
I am so happy to have another item from Marika to review for you guys! :)

Marika Fitness
Exceptionally capable, sensibly fashionable, and resoundingly feminine.
Marika is the company’s namesake brand focusing mainly on multi-sport performance active wear.
By combining fitness basics, technical fabrications, and functional fashion pieces with lifestyle elements, the Marika brand has remained popular for over 25 years.

Marika is a wellness brand that strives to promote health, happiness, and success of busy women everywhere.
We know that everyday life can bring the unexpected, so Marika focuses on providing today's resilient women with comfortable, functional, beautiful activewear that carries them through various activities and occasions with polish, without breaking the bank.

Thanks to LiptonPublicity for sending me another excellent product!
Now I have a new shirt to pair with my capri leggings! ;)

My favorite color, haha! ;)

I was sent the Marika Tek Venus Crew Neck Dry Wik Short Sleeve Tee.

A crew neck tee designed to give you that ulitmate fit, comfort, and function so you perform at the highest levels during your workout. Tees have been crafted in high tech fabric for moisture wicking capabilities.

Marika Tek Venus Crew Neck Dry Wik Short Sleeve Tee in Ultra Violet

25" Length
Loose Fit
Crew Neck, Short Sleeve
Contrast Stitching & Panel
Dry Wik Finish

70% Polyester
30% Poly Rayon

Introducing Marika tek, our new performance athletic wear designed exclusively for active women looking for the ultimate fit, comfort, and function. Every one of the products has been crafted in high tech fabric for moisture wicking capabilities to provide the optimum workout.

nice, clean stitching

These shirts are comfortable, super soft, and definitely athletic looking.
They can be mixed and matched with other Marika pieces or basically with any item you already have in your closet.

It's perfect for the gym, yoga, pilates, or jogging -- perfect for both indoor and outdoor activities.

I love how they can also be worn for other purposes -- to run errands or just for plain everyday wear.
I like to wear mine for when I go walking, but I love to wear it more when I'm just at home -- it's super comfy and perfect for the hot weather.


Available in S-M-L-XL

As for sizing, I got a size small -- it hugs your body, so if you prefer more loose-fitting shirts, it's probably best to order a size up.
(You can use the size chart above as a guide.)

Available colors: Ultra Violet and Fandango Pink

Both colors are flattering and fun for sports and for everyday wear.
I also like the stitching -- each shirt has a contrast neon stitched trim and panel (lime green on the violet and neon yellow on the pink).

Price: $28
However, because you guys are special, you get 20% off all Marika Tek clothing and all other products at www.marika.com! Use promo code TEK20 (valid until the end of September 2012)! :D

Do you have a favorite shirt to wear for when you're working out?
Have you bought anything from Marika before?

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your week! :)

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 9th at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

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Apothica Shoutout + Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday! :D

I just wanted to send a special shoutout to our friends over at www.apothica.com!
I made a post about Father's Day, and they sent me a goodie bag of amazing The Art Of Shaving products to give to my Dad! :)


thank you note from Katie

I was so happy to have an additional gift to give to my Dad. :)

Thank you, Apothica! :)

The Art Of Shaving: Unscented Shaving Cream/ Razor Travel Case/ Unscented Pre-Shave Oil

I think it's safe to say that my Dad is now a huge fan of The Art Of Shaving! ;)

To learn more about The Art Of Shaving and other brands, you can check out www.apothica.com.



I hope you are all having a relaxing Sunday! :D

Happy Weekend!
IMATS Spotlight: KollagenX

RedRock Challenge: Go Team USA! :D

Anastasia of Beverly Hills: Update

Let Me Gush: Who's Your Celebrity Crush?

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 23rd at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

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Happy Weekend! :)

Happy Weekend and Yay for the Olympics!!! :D

Hilarious! :D

Go Team USA!!! :D

***images from www.yahoo.com***

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 23rd at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

IMATS Spotlight: KollagenX

Happy Thursday!

Here is my second IMATS Spotlight post! :D

One of the booths at IMATS Los Angeles 2012 that really caught my eye was the KollagenX booth.

They had really interesting and such promising products, I am definitely thinking of saving in order to get some of them next time. ;)

Our mission is to develop and introduce new, safe, more affordable, and eco-friendly NGT® products that will help improve the quality of all our lives. Our unique anti-aging skin care products restore a natural youthful glow and a smoother, suppler appearance. KollagenX® helps bring back the nourishment your skin needs to be healthier and function more effectively.

KollagenX® is a California based cosmetic company that's main focus is Nano Gold Technology, also known as NGT®. KollagenX® was formed by Rondell Fletcher, George Huerta, and Andrew Ancona in early 2008.

A lengthy search for a smart alternative to costly and painful cosmetic surgery turned up with no reliable options. Realizing there was a desperate need for a safe, cost effective solution to cosmetic surgery, our colleague and ourselves decided to develop state-of-the-art techniques for providing Nano Gold Technologies (NGT®) to consumers.

After the successful launch of the Original 24KT Gold Collagen Mask, we set forth to create KollagenX®.

We exclusively catered to the professional sector of salons, spas, and beauty professionals to get a real feel for the needs of their clients. We immediately began to get positive feedback from the results of our masks and we knew exactly where we wanted to go from there. Extremely excited about the results, we decided to plan and launch a complete 24KT line in 2010.

***from www.kollagenx.com***

I wasn't able to take a photo of their booth at IMATS Los Angeles, but here is one courtesy of the awesome Marie from www.allthingsmarie.com! :)

their 24KT line

- 24KT Gold Eye Serum

- 24KT Gold Cleanser

- 24KT Gold Ageless Hydrating Face Cream

- 24KT Gold Collagen Mask 

- 24KT Gold Under-Eyes

- Gloss by KollagenX

I got a sample of their 24KT Gold Eye Serum from their promotional kit. 

I have yet to use it, but I'll definitely keep you guys updated about it if you'd like. :)

The other thing that I really, really want to try is their Gloss by KollagenX.

Introducing Gloss, the newest addition to the KollagenX family. 

Infused with 24KT Gold, Collagen, and Vitamin E, this luxurious lip gloss has been formulated to enhance cell renewal, reduce lip wrinkles, and increase lip volume. This rejuvenating lip treatment promotes fuller, healthier lips, and also glides on smooth for a beautiful, long lasting shimmer.

Sounds amazing, right?!

Have you ever tried anything from KollagenX?

Which of the products mentioned above caught your interest the most?

To learn more about KollagenX and their products, you can check out www.kollagenx.com.

You can also keep up to date with them on Facebook.

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 23rd at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

RedRock Challenge: Go Team USA! :D

Happy Wednesday/ Thursday! :D

I had so much fun doing the £100 ASOS Blogger Challenge, so when I found out RedRock was hosting a similar challenge, I just had to participate again. :)

All you have to do is pick one or more of their items from their website and/or ASOS Marketplace, show how you'd style them, say a little something about the outfit you put together, and make a blog post about it -- easy, right?!

Learn more about the RedRock Challenge here.

So, for my take on the challenge, I picked the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games as my outfit's theme. ;)

I am rooting for Team USA of course, so I was ecstatic to find the GOOD MORNING U.S.A. Shorts (£26). I would pair it with the IMASTAR Cropped Shirt (£21). To continue our Team USA theme, I would wear either red or blue Keds -- representing the American flag and keeping with the sporty spirit of the Olympics. I can't leave the house without my sunglasses, so for this outfit, I would go with red wayfarers. Lastly, I chose the Union Jack earrings not only because London is hosting this year's games, but also because after Team USA, I am rooting for Team GB. :)

I think this outfit is fun and casual -- perfect for watching the games while hanging out with family and friends. :D

Anyone else excited for the upcoming London 2012 Olympics?

Which team are you rooting for?

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 23rd at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Anastasia of Beverly Hills: Update

Happy Tuesday!

Do you guys remember Anastasia of Beverly Hills' Wish You Were Here contest?

Here is a video recapping the winners' awesome adventures here in Los Angeles:

So fun, right?!
I would love to be given the chance to have Anastasia shape my eyebrows -- did you see how amazingly talented she is?

Anastasia of Beverly Hills also sent me some makeup profile images to share with you guys.
Hopefully, these will help you if you are looking to update your look or just wanting to try a daring new Geek but Chic look:

A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY, A LITTLE BIT ROCK N' ROLL --

Do you hear that? We're talking about the "oohs and aahs" you'll be getting when you bring just the right amount of sweet to your big city style. Whether you're more Joan Jett or Jolene, perfect brows and eyes let you change your style from honky tonk to hair band in less time than it takes to tune your guitar.

DIVA AND DEBUTANT -- 

Let's face it. Sometimes, a girl's just gotta let her hair down. Now, that's not to say that evening gowns, opulent affairs, and classic decorum are passé. Just the opposite, in fact. But, every girl's got a wild side just waiting to get out, and with a few flicks of your lip gloss, your look can go from classic to cutting-edge in a second. Here are a few products we love to bring out your alter ego.

GEEK AND CHIC --

Think Love Potion #9. This girl can go from working in the lab to walking the runway in a snap. The trick to balancing this equation is having the perfect makeup to go with any accessory and the confidence to prove a girl with smarts is always in style.

I hope you are all having a great week! :D

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P.S. Win any bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid (worth $80 or less)!

It is open to U.S. residents only and it will end on August 23rd at 11:59pm PST.

To enter, please click here.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and Be friends with Mimi! :)

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Review and Giveaway: Twisted Orchid ***CLOSED***

Happy Monday!!! :D
I am happy to start the week with a review and a giveaway!

A couple of months ago, I received a bag from www.twistedorchid.com to review for you guys.
They had quite a selection (which made it really hard to choose, haha!), and I chose this:


Black Doc Supreme.

Before we continue with my review though, here is a little something about Twisted Orchid:

Twisted Orchid is a premium shopping destination for stylishly chic purses and handbags. 
From the pages of People StyleWatch to Lucky, Elle and Oprah, trendspotters and fashion provocateurs alike are buzzing about our incredible selection. Based in Chicago, it is our committment to supply fashion-savvy women with must-have styles at a great value. Our attention to quality and detail is high, so rest assured you will be impressed with the glamour and luxury that is a cornerstone of every Twisted Orchid handbag and accessory. So whether you're an accessory gal who wants to test out a trend before deciding on a big splurge, or you're a fashionista who prefers to shop for fabulous steals -- Twisted Orchid has the right piece just for you.

Their shipping is reliable and fast -- I received my bag within a week!

I was so excited to see and use my bag! ;)

Their bags are packaged really well, so you can be sure that your order will arrive in perfect condition.
They also come with a white pouch to store your bag in -- it definitely makes storage easier.

Black Doc Supreme

New For Spring 2012! When it comes to fashion, thinking outside the seam is always in good taste.
Designed for the woman who carries her life around in her handbag, this double handled shoulder bag comes with an additional strap in case you want to wear it cross body. The bag has a top zipper closing, an inside zippered compartment, plus two open pockets.

Dimensions : 15.5 L x 9 H x 6.25 W x 10

Price: $72

closeup of the bag's hardware

"Designed for the woman who carries her life around in her handbag" -- that pretty much describes all of us, right?! ;)

There are a lot of things that I absolutely cannot leave the house without, and I love how this bag can carry all of my stuff. The size is just right -- not too small, not too big.

I also love how the Doctor's bag-style keeps the bag structured and standing upright -- it's not flimsy, so I don't have to worry about my things getting all mixed up inside.

strap

I chose this particular bag because I love how classic the look, shape, and style are.
This is a bag that will never go out of style, I just know I will use this for many years to come.

I often carry it as it is (in the same way I carry my Louis Vuitton Speedy bag), but whenever I want a more casual feel or whenever I need my hands to be free (like in school), the strap really comes in handy.
I like how they included the strap to give us more of an option.

At $72, I think this is definitely worth it! :)

Have you bought anything from Twisted Orchid before?
Would you like to?



I really love my Black Doc Supreme bag, and I am ecstatic that one of you will have the chance to receive any bag of your choice (worth $80 or less) from Twisted Orchid!

So, let's get on with the giveaway? :)

To enter:

Mandatory entries -

1. Follow What Mimi Writes via GFC -- let me know you follow in a comment and include your email address. (+1)
2. Follow @WhatMimiWrites on Twitter. (+1)
3. Follow @TwistedOrchids on Twitter. (+1)

Extra entries -

4. Visit www.twistedorchid.com and tell me which bag you would choose. (+2)
5. Tweet about the giveaway, mention both @WhatMimiWrites and @TwistedOrchids -- let me know/leave me a link.
You can use this tweet: #Giveaway: Win any bag of your choice (worth $80 or less) from @TwistedOrchids and @WhatMimiWrites! Ends 8/9! Join: http://tinyurl.com/cdvz29c :) (+2)
6. Like Twisted Orchid on Facebook -- leave your Facebook name in the comments. (+3)
7. Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook -- leave your Facebook name in the comments. (+3)
8. Say Hello! to Twisted Orchid on Facebook and tell them What Mimi Writes sent you there -- leave me a link to your wall post. (+3)
9. Mention this giveaway on your blog, either on a post or on your sidebar -- let me know/leave me a link. (+4)

A total of 20 possible entries!

Please leave one comment per entry or if you choose to put them all in one comment, please clearly list how many entries you have -- either way would be easier for me, thanks! :)

This giveaway is open to residents of the continental United States only.
It will end on Thursday, August 9th at 11:59pm PST.

Good luck!!! :D

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Want to buy your very own bag from Twisted Orchid now?
Use the promo code TWISTED during checkout and 20% will be deducted from your total -- on top of FREE shipping
(within the United States)! :D

Keep up to date with Twisted Orchid on Twitter and Facebook.
They are one of the few Facebook pages that has a fully-operational shopping cart built into it -- cool, right?!

Have a great week, guys! :D

Let Me Gush: Who's Your Celebrity Crush?

Happy Weekend!
I hope you are all having a fantastic one! :)

Since it's the weekend, I thought it'd be fun to have a new Let Me Gush post.
Let's talk about our celebrity crushes... ready to gush?! ;)

10. The boys of Pretty Little Liars --

I was really only supposed to include Ian Harding (more popularly known as Mr. Fitz, Aria's former English teacher/now-boyfriend), but my sister -- who is also a big PLL fan -- convinced me that I had to include all the boys of Pretty Little Liars... and she's right, how can one town have all these good-looking guys?! ;)

9. Phillip Phillips --

I know I know, another WGWG (white guy with guitar) won the latest season of American Idol, but I honestly think that Phillip Phillips was born for this -- he's talented, good-looking, and ever so humble. If American Idol doesn't make it for another season, I think we're all good because they already found P-Squared. ;)

8. Ryan Reynolds --



Women all over the world celebrated when Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson announced that they were getting a divorce. I was personally hoping he'd get together with Sandra Bullock, but nope, it didn't happen, and he is now in a pretty serious relationship with Blake Lively.
***Update: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are now married!***

But anyways, Ryan Reynolds is handsome and hilarious = winner! ;)

7. Ryan Gosling --



Another Canadian Ryan, Ryan Gosling has been stealing women's hearts everywhere since The Notebook, but personally, I think he's never looked as good as he looks now. And to add to that, he is a brilliant actor!

I also gotta say, no one but Ryan Gosling can pull off wearing those colored suits! Am I right or am I right? ;)

6. The Hemsworth brothers -- 

If you haven't heard of Chris and Liam Hemsworth, then you must be living away from modern technology.
The Hemsworth brothers are everywhere! They are both in mega blockbuster movie franchises -- Chris plays Thor in Thor and in The Avengers, while Liam plays Gale in The Hunger Games. Their personal lives have also made headlines -- Chris welcomed his first child, while Liam recently got engaged to girlfriend Miley Cyrus.

I was really only supposed to include Chris Hemsworth, but again, my sister convinced me to add Liam to the list.
Even though I would pick Chris over Liam any day, I gotta say, Liam is pretty good-looking too, especially as Gale, haha! ;)

5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt --



I've loved Joseph Gordon-Levitt since Angels in the Outfield and 10 Things I Hate About You (two movies that my older sister and I used to watch all the time, haha!). I'm really happy he wasn't hit with the "child star curse" because, let's be honest, the world is a far better place with JGL. ;)

4. Hunter Parrish --



I should've listened to my older sister when she said I should watch Weeds, haha! ;)
Hunter Parrish has the classic all-American look. He is soooo handsome! And have you heard him sing?! Bonus points!

3. Zac Efron --

Okay, how many of you got nervous and thought Zac Efron wasn't on this list?! ;)
Like Hunter Parrish, Zac Efron has the classic all-American look. Have you seen the color of his eyes?! Gorgeous!

2. Matt Bomer --



Again, I should've listened to my older sister when she said I should watch White Collar, haha! ;)
I got to take a good look at Matt Bomer when he guested on Glee as Cooper Anderson (Blaine's older brother) -- and thank heavens for that because if he didn't, I never would've known the perfection that is Matt Bomer!

My sister said Matt Bomer looks like a living, breathing Disney prince -- and she is so right!
Who else agrees with my sister's description of Mr. Bomer?! ;)

1. Prince Harry --



From a living, breathing Disney-looking prince, we end our list with a real, living, breathing prince! ;)
Although he isn't technically a celebrity, this list wouldn't be complete without including the World's Most Eligible Bachelor.

The British Royals have been everywhere with last year's Royal Wedding, this year's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, and of course, the upcoming London Olympics! Along with that, it seems like the whole world has now put their focus on the ever-so-dashing Prince Harry.

 Wild partying and womanizing headlines aside (***Update: Add naked Las Vegas pictures to the list...***), Prince Harry is sure turning out to be a real-life prince charming (He's still #1 on my list despite those pictures!) -- he's handsome, charitable, and looking for his princess single. He looks amazing in both a suit and his uniform (as you can see above, haha!). Oh, and have you seen him with children? So cute! ;)

So, that's it for this post... I'm getting the feeling I get whenever I know I'm forgetting something because I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot of people who should be on this list. Maybe I'll make a Part 2 sometime soon, so...

Who are your celebrity crushes? Who else should gain a spot on this list?
Which of these men are also on your list?

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday! And I wish all of you a fantastic week ahead! :D

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