A Holiday Classic
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Sunnies: Ralph Lauren | Jacket: H&M (old) | Pearls: Bloomingdales
Top: Zara (old) | Dress: Vince Camuto
Nothing spells holiday quite like a little splash of red. A beautiful color that'll always be synonymous with the cheerful qualities of the holiday season, red is a color I tend to gravitate towards during this time of year.
Whether it be a swipe of lipstick or a rich red manicure, incorporating this flattering shade into your style routine during the winter season offers a lovely pop of color without looking seasonally inappropriate.
While I'm still on the hunt to find the perfect LRD (little red dress), pairing this fun tone with my favorite lady-like ensembles will do until then.
Here's a look I wore earlier this week. And although I was traveling by car, stepping out bare-legged on a NYC winter day was not a wise move--I've been sick since. I know, the things we do for fashion.
What did you wear this holiday weekend?
A Note To My Dear Readers..
Thursday, December 18, 2014
I'd just like to express my greatest apologies for not posting much in recent months.
Thankfully, I've written up some fun posts on reviews, a little style stuff and exciting projects I've been working on.
So thrilled to be back with regular programming and as usual would love to hear your thoughts.
Stay tuned..
If you're a social butterfly (as I know you all are!)
Keep up with with me on beauty, dating horrors and all that good stuff on twitter:
OR
If you just love photos and want a little beauty or style inspo, head over to instagram:
Also, with holiday season in full swing, you might have a beauty question or two, email me, I'd love to hear from you.
Love you beauties!
Image via Instagram
NYFW Wes Gordon SS 2015 - Nails
Friday, September 5, 2014
New York Fashion Week is back and bolder than ever. However, just our luck, summer finally made its humid and sticky comeback this week with high temperatures and lots of (HOT!) sunshine. While this spells trouble for attendees, a little harsh weather has never been a reason to slow down style.
As usual, things are heating up backstage at the shows (I'm not just talking hot hair tools!) and the pro's are delivering some major looks. As one who loves all things nails, it's no surprise that I start my NYFW coverage with a nail post.
New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014
Designer: Wes Gordan
Manicurist: Rita Remark
Brand: Essie
Drawing inspiration from the muted tones of Gordon's SS 2015 collection, Rita created a look that was both elegant and and unexpected. Designing a delicate lined pattern on the nails emphasized the feeling of the collection and appeared as if linen was resting against the skin.
Offering a creative twist on a classic, sophisticated manicure, Rita's designer manicure reworked a staple look in the best way. Here's how you an recreate this manicure yourself:
PREP: Like all great manicures, a proper foundation is needed. Neatly coat a single layer of Ridge Filling Base Coat to clean, shaped, polish-free nails.
COLOR: Once dried, dress nails in a single coat of Cocktails and Coconuts, following with a layer of Imported Bubbly atop the previous color. Layering this slightly iridescent and sheer gives nails an almost dewy skin-like finish.
DESIGN: As the foundation color dries, it's time to start on the linen design. With a striping brush, dip into Essie's Blanc (the brand's whitest shade) and whip away the excess. Draw the lined pattern by pulling the brush from the cuticle to the tip in one motion, continuing with two more lines. Each should be evenly spaced and look tapper away at the tips. You will use the same method with the lines across the nail, neatly moving to either walls of the nail.
FINISH: To diffuse some of the stark whiteness of the shade, Rita suggests layering a coat of Allure on top of the design. Finish the look with a luxurious top coat (Good To Go Top Coat) which will leave nails looking glossy and luxe.
PEDICURE: To keep the look uniform, Rita picked an neutral shade that works well with a multitude of skin tones and features just enough of a creamy base tone (Sand Tropez).
Images: Courtesy of Essie
Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen Beauty Looks
Friday, June 13, 2014
If you're a 90's girl, you pretty much grew up with Mary
Kate and Ashley Olsen. Growing up in those golden years, my friends and I idolized these two
blondes, loving everything from their perfectly tousled waves to overly glossed
lips. We all rushed to each other’s homes to watch their latest straight-to-video movies and never missed a single episode of their shows. It’s safe to say
that the Olsen sister’s were a major source of beauty and style inspiration.
Looking back now, the looks we once loved are clearly very
dated. However, as the girls (and their devoted fans!) matured, their beauty
routine appropriately followed. As an adult, I find myself looking to this stylish duo for beauty inspiration once again. Their signature wide, bright eyes are often
smoked with earthy brown shades with copper and gold under tones. As a major fan of brown and neutral shadows, it is no surprise that their effortless and
“undone” smoky looks draw me in time and time again.
In honor of their 28th birthday, I thought it was
only appropriate to round up some of my favorite brown and taupe-y eye shadows
that very Olsen-worthy.
Charlotte Tilbury – The Dolce Vita Palette
The Queen of the undone and simple smoky eye, celebrity
makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has finally launched her dreamy cosmetic
collection in the US. While she amazingly knocked it out of the park across
the board, it is her Dolce Vita Palette that is truly extraordinary. Featuring
four shades, this universal palette is ultra-flattering and mistake proof. The
colors offered in this palette can take eyes from dull to mesmeric. Much like
those worn by the Olsen’s, the Dolce Vita palette can help you create a seductive
layered or a dimensional smoked and smudged look.
NARS Eye Shadow – California & Fez
If you’re more a simple shadow girl, I’ll have to suggest
reaching for a NARS shadows. Consisting of softly blended formulas, NARS
expertly created a smooth shadow that glides onto lids. California features
more coppery under tones whereas Fez is a soft brown with a subtle gold iridescence
blended throughout. Both of these colors look lovely on the lid and blended
along the lower lash line. For a more dramatic look, apply a chocolate liner
along the waterline and smudge along the upper lash line.
$25, narscosmetics.com
Tom Ford – Golden Minx
This luxurious palette is must-have for any brown shadow
lover. Featuring lovely neutral shades in matte, satin and shimmered finishes, this
quad has got something for every smoky eye enthusiast. A favorite on the Tom
Ford runway, this collection of shades also happens to be the perfect shades
you need to create that layered Olsen eye look. Best of all, these creamy
shades can easily be layered without looking excessive.
$78, nemainmarcus.com
Images: WWD, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Neiman Marcus
The Best Red Lipsticks For Spring
Friday, May 23, 2014
With the days getting longer and the temperature starting to
warm up, it’s only appropriate to start lightening up your beauty routine. It’s
time to shelf your favorite vampy red lipsticks and start reaching for lighter and
brighter tones of red. As someone who shies away from red lippies, I (secretly) love collecting this shade and racked up quite a collection of seasonally appropriate
blends. While many sported their favorite matte blends this past winter, spring
and summer invite women to try lip options that are lighter and silkier in
texture. I’ve looked through my lovely reds and found that these two lipsticks
are a must for spring.
Of course the tube/packaging is super luxurious but the lipstick itself is a creamy blend of perfection. A true red that glides onto lips and packs an intense dose of color, YSL’s Rouge PUR Couture Lipstick in 1 Le Rouge is a must for any lipstick enthusiast. Best of all, this ultra bold red offers major color in a single swipe. A perfect red lipstick for the warmer months, this hydrating and ultra-light weight red lippie sets in a subtle satin finish.
$34, yslbeautyus.com
Tom Ford Lipstick Cherry Lush
Unlike YSL, Tom Ford Lipstick in Cherry Lush is a multifaceted red lipstick with fuchsia undertones. Blended with a super subtle iridescent pearl, this rich red gives a fresh touch to a classic shade. Featuring nourishing ingredients like chamomilla flower oil, murumuru butter and soja seen extract, TF’s lipsticks are both creamy and smooth. Often with ultra-creamy formulas, product tends to slip and move around quite easily but that is not the case with TF. This richly pigmented product stays put without drying out the lips. If you’re in the market for a lustrous red, opt for Cherry Lush, as it gives lips the perfect amount of luxurious color and luminosity.
$49, bergdorfgoodman.com
A Spring Manicure With Jin Soon
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Every year, I patiently wait out the bitter NYC winter for the beautiful sights of spring. From blocks lined with blossoming cherry blossom trees to city parks filled with blooming tulips, New York City just stuns in the spring.
Tulips (and peonies!) happen to be my absolute FAVORITE flower. From plums to red and every pink peach tone in between, this elegant flower has held a special place in my heart since the elementary years. This season, Jin Soon, the ultimate nail guru and manicure maven, has created an incredibly charming manicure exclusively inspired by this beautiful flower.
This ultra-sweet manicure brings together two of my favorite colors in this simple yet chic manicure. To learn how you can recreate this floral-inspired manicure yourself, here's how:
Prep: Always start with clean, polish-free nails. Once free of polish, files nails to a softened, natural squared shape.
Polish: Begin by coating nails in a single application of JINsoon Power Coat. Once dried, apply JINsoon Dolly Pink to nails.
Design: Make sure nails are dry before applying the next layer of color to avoid smudging. Take a thin nail brush and draw two thin lines 3/4 of the way up from the cuticle using JINsoon Cherry Berry. Next, neatly curve lines to each side of the nail. The tulip petals should mirror one another. Once lined, fill the area with Cherry.
Finish: Seal the manicure with a single coat of JINsoon Top Gloss. This ultra-glossy top coat not only gives impeccable shine but offers lasting, chip-resistant results.
Images: Amna Anwar, JINsoon
Easter Nails With Jin Soon Choi
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Spring is
finally here and we couldn’t be more happy to make the seasonal (and beauty!)
shift. I find myself reaching for lighter moisturizers, poppy lip options and
my favorite pastel polishes. There is something about delicate pinks and
cheerful orange tones that look so perfect in the spring sunshine.
This season,
nail guru Jin Soon Choi choose these tones and vibrant spring blues to create a
chic manicure perfect for the Easter Holiday.
Reminiscent
of Easter egg decorations, this delectable manicure offers a poppy layered look
using her amazing polish range – JINsoon. With a few simple steps, this
manicure maven has detailed the exact way you can recreate this festive
manicure yourself.
Prep
Always begin
with absolutely clean, polish free nails. File and shape nails to either a
natural square or rounded shape. Buff nails if desired.
Polish
After nails
have been properly shaped and cleaned, apply a coat of JINsoon Power Coat as a
base. Once dried,
apply JINsoon Dolly Pink to the entire nail bed.
Design
Once nails
are polished and dried, apply JINsoon Poppy Blue polish 2/3rd’s of the
way from the top of the nails. Create a scalloped or curved edge at the end
closer to the cuticle and fill polish to the tip.
While you
can finish the look off here, Jin offers another tone of color to maximize the manicure.
Grab Formula X For Sephora in Seismic and polish over the poppy blue in the
same manner as the blue.
Finishing
Touch
Once dried,
finalized the look in a coat of JINsoon Top Gloss. This ultra-glossy,
high-shine top coat will leave nails looking professional and super pretty.
Will you be
trying this look for your next manicure?
Images: Courtesy of JINsoon
Sunday Styles -- Dreaming of Summer
Monday, April 7, 2014
Jacket: H&M (Love this!) | Dress: Anna Sui (old) | Pearls: Vintage
Shoes: Tory Burch 'Prescot 2' | Nails: Butter London 'Come to Bed Red'
Can it just be warm outside!
I took advantage of the brief afternoon warmth this past weekend and brought a little summer to NYC with this sweet Anna Sui dress. The cute shell detailing along the belt was such a nice reminder of warm, sun drenched summer days. Although my trip down memory lane was cut short (damn wind!), I found a lovely spot where there was plenty of sunshine.
5 Must Have Mascaras You Need Now
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
While mascara formulation is important, the wand is a major factor is achieving that neat full look. Also, no one said that its a crime to layer mascaras. If you're anything like me, you will find that layering mascaras (or any beauty product) can produce some really lovely results. I have detailed some mascaras that work well layered together below.
Benefit They're Real
The name and packaging was enough to reel me in but boy does this mascara deliver. Those who have used it (myself included) have surely seen a great difference in lash length with this product. Offering a plastic wand of medium fullness with tiny bristles, this mascara really separates lashes and gets every little corner lash. My only concern is that it does not add much volume or thickness. I advise using this a base mascara.
$23, benefitcosmetics.com
$23, benefitcosmetics.com
Layer options -- Benefit 'They're Real' + Too Faced 'Better Than Sex
Too Face 'Better Than Sex'
Dare I say that this mascara is better than the suggested intimate activity? (haha!)Too Face 'Better Than Sex'
This mascara is absolutely amazing. While the name is somewhat controversial, its wand is the stuff of mascara wonders. The hourglass-shaped brush is covered in closely set bristles which pushes up and evenly coats each lash upon application. Offering major volume and thickness. this mascara can be worn by its self or layered over 'They're Real' for maximum effect.
$23, sephora.com
Sephora Outrageous Volume
While the quilted packaging makes this mascara a beautiful asset to your makeup bag, its lash power is what makes it a beauty staple. Its uniform plastic wand features thin compact bristles that evenly coat lashes with a single application. Its deep black and richly formulated texture makes this one of the darkest mascaras I've tired in quite sometime. Delicate enough for those with sensitive eyes, Outrageous delivers some serious volume and length.
$15, sephora.com
Layer options -- If you want added thickness, add a coat of YSL 'Shocking' over a single coat of Outrageous Volume.
YSL Shocking
The name says it all -- this mascara holds quite the shock factor. Featuring a slightly elongated brush, this mascara really adds some drama to lashes. The ultra smooth, silky formula makes it easy to layer and gives lashes both length and thickness without looking clumpy and stiff.
$30, nordstrom.com
Givenchy Noir Couture
I saved the best for last. Much like their couture collections, Givenchy beauty continues to push the envelope. A long time fan of their Phenomen'Eyes mascara, I was over the moon when I tried Givenchy's Noir Couture mascara. All while curling and lifting, this extraordinary product features a unique triple sphere shaped wand that add intense volume to lashes. This mascara is a lash superstar as it tackles each area of fullness and improves the look and texture of lashes with extended use (lash booster expert complex). Noir Couture is my absolutely favorite product for full fluttery lashes.
$32, sephora.com
Sweater: Zara (old) | Skirt: via Variazioni NYC |
Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Collection | Shoes: Vintage
Bangle: Lulu Frost | Watch: Michael Kors
Ok, ok, you caught me -- a couple of my Sunday Styles posts have been going live after Sunday. These past two weeks have been a bit crazed (we've all been there!). Back to scheduled programming, promise!
Onto business ..
Black and white ensembles always seem to go well together. There is something about this combination that reads chic regardless of season. For this Spring look of the day, I opted for a full skirt (such a beautiful embroidered silk!) and sweet sweater adorned with delicate bows.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
Spending The Morning with Dry Idea at Alice and Olivia
Friday, March 28, 2014
I was invited by the amazing Dry Idea team for a morning of shopping at Alice and Olivia (Bryant Park) and testing of their newest stain fighting deodorant.
Formulated in solid, Dry Idea’s latest Stain Clear deodorant is the perfect product to pair with black and dark hued garments. Unlike traditional solids, Stain Clear is features a unique active ingredient which allows the use of less wax. This breakthrough technology causes the product to go on clear and provides powerful sweat and odor production for up to 72 hours.
If you desire a deodorant that packs a stronger punch, Dry Idea has you covered with their clinical option. This noteworthy deodorant is formulated with micro advanced technology which immediately goes to work the moment it is applied to skin. Offering the greatest wetness efficacy, Dry Idea’s Clinical option is an exceptional multifaceted product that protects and truly works.
Continue Reading HereStyle Sundays - Peach Florals
Monday, March 24, 2014
Trench via Variazioni | Dress: H&M (old) | Bag: Vintage
Shoes: C.Wonder | Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Collection
Nails: Zoya 'Neely'
We officially welcomed Spring this past week but NYC completely missed the memo.
While this breezy cold is like an awful party guest that never wants to leave, New York luckily had one semi warm day this past week (warm for New York standards) which was lovely.
Despite the high wind gusts, I threw on one of my fave spring dresses sans tights and paired it with a thicker trench for a little added warmth.
Dial A Dilemma: The Best Beauty Tips To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger
Sunday, March 16, 2014
How do I make my eyes look bigger with makeup?
While we all have different eye shapes, strategically placing eye shadow and a liner can make eyes seem larger and more awake. From shimmer to color -- I've compiled a list of the top universal beauty tips to make your appear larger and brighter.
Liner
Too much dark liner on the upper lash line and water line and close up the eye. Opt for a white or nude colored pencil when lining your waterline. The light color will open the eye and give the eyes a widening effect. This trick also works well for the tired mornings where your eyes feel like they need a little boost.
Shadow
Skip the dark shades -- Like the liner, a dark smokey eye can make eyes appear smaller. Dark colors essentially make the lids look smaller and can become overwhelming.
Light shadows -- Choose shadows in lighter tones and contour a light brown color onto the outer corner/crease (different eye shapes require different blending techniques).
Additionally, take a champagne/gold shimmered shadow and apply it to the tear duct area. Applying a light, shimmery color allows the eyes to look brighter and bigger. You can take the same shimmery tone and blend into the center of the lids for an added effect.
Line/Mascara -- With an angled brush, swipe a chocolate brown shadow under the lower lash line. Keeping the color neatly along the lower lash line widens the eyes further. Finish with mascara and you're good to go.
Bobbi Brown (Sunlight) | NARS Cosmetics (Rue Bonaparte) |
Images: Elle Ukraine, Sephora
Top: French Connection | Dress: Vince Camuto | Shoes: J.Crew
Watch: Michael Kors | Bag: Kate Spade (Classic Quinn, Similar)|
Link Bracelet: Kenneth Jay Lane |
Bangles: J.Crew
NYFW Costello Tagliapietra FW 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
THE MATTE NAIL IS BACK! There is
something about a matte manicure that instantly transforms any ordinary color
to extraordinary. The cool effect that always reads chic made it debut back
stage at Costello Tagliapietr’s Fall/Winter 2014 show.
New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014
Designer: Costello Tagliapietra
Manicurist: Julie Kandalec
Brand: Essie
Inspired by their favorite
fantasy& Sci-Fi heroines, the dynamic duo behind Costello created a modern
collection detailing the story of power and strength. Using gorgeous metallic fabrics
(swoon!) in unexpected shades made the collection pop on the runway. To
compliment this futuristic collection, lead manicurist, Julie Kandalec opted
for a deep berry-colored Essie shade with a matte finish.
Here’s how you can get the killer
manicure yourself:
Prep – As always, make sure clean
and filed nails are properly primed for color. Julie opted for Essie Ridge
Filling Base Coat.
Color – Once fully dried, Julie
applied two coats of Essie Berry Naughty, a rich berry shade that is just
perfect for the season.
Finish – To get that gorgeous
matte finish, Julie coated nails with a final coat on Essie Matte About You
Images: Essie
Tess Giberson’s latest collection
features pieces calling the name of every chic, tough girl around. The dark colors
and interesting fabrics made for a perfect collection for the edgy girl that wants
to dress up a bit.
New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014
Designer: Tess Giberson
Makeup Artist: Dick Page
Brand: Shiseido
In contrast to the collection,
the beauty look created by Dick Page for Shiseido was fresh and youthful. “She’s a girl comfortable living
outdoors, very fresh looking,” says Dick. He was inspired by outdoor elements, camping and
a prairie touch. The result was a freshly flushed cheek, minimal eyes and
fresh, clean skin.
Here
are the products Dick used to achieve this delicate look:
Face -- Cheeks were kept as the focal point of the face and skin was kept clean. To
achieve that perfect flush, Dick blended Shiseido Lacquer Rough (To Launch Fall
2014) Rose Grey atop Viola.
Eyes -- For that perfect “haze of color” he blended Shiseido Cream Eye Color in Shovu,
Sable and Leather with Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment.
Lips
– The perfect pink pout was essential to the look. To get that perfect subtle
hint color, Dick used Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Ophelia (To Launch Fall 2014)
Images: Shiseido
A Decade of Rosy Lips: By Terry's Baume de Rose Celebrates 10 Years
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Becoming a fast favorite by many, By Terry's Baume de Rose has been the leading lip balm choice since its launch a decade ago. The delicate rose scented silky balm not only transforms lips but is a go-to product for nourishing nails. In honor of its tenth year anniversary, this ultra-glamorous, super hydrating creamy pink balm is dressed in new packaging.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Baume de Rose is the perfect give for you or you bestie!
Hydrating, beautifully scented and a major multitasker, what's no to love?
Images: By Terry, Barneys
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