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Archive for July, 2010

The Quest for Bronze: St. Tropez Spray

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Every beauty insider I know loves St. Tropez tanning products- and now that I have indulged in the ultimate St. Tropez experience- a hand-applied spray tan courtesy of the very amazing Sophie at the brand’s NYC offices in Soho, I can officially attest- the adoration is well-deserved.

I am obsessed with spray tans. Since I plan on being in the beauty biz for a long time, any ACTUAL tanning is a definite no-no. Someone once said to me “Never trust a tan dermatologist.” That stuck with me- and I have personally updated the phrase to include beauty experts. But I have a tendency to become almost Casper-like- and even the slightest bit of bronze really makes all the difference. Especially on my upper arms (or, as I like to call them, my Achilles heel) and legs (which sometimes look like maps as you can see every single vein running through them when things get really bad.) Sexy, I know.

Anyway- when my friend Danielle invited me down to get a St. Tropez tan, I promptly cancelled my plans to attend an evening yoga class- because to be honest, a good spray tan does more for my body in the instant gratification department.  I was coming off of a really stressful week, and stressing about what to wear for my upcoming QVC appearance because I just felt like nothign was looking good coupled with my pasty skin.

The process was pleasant- St. Tropez worked hard to take the scent out of the products so there is none of that tell-tale, headache-inducing fake tan stench. And the results- insanely amazing. The color is deep, but not too dark. And easy for me to maintain at home now that I have the base. Their Self Tan Bronzing Spray can be used upside down so you can easily get the upper back and backs of the legs. And on a daily basis, the Everyday Self Tan for Body happens to be a great skin hydrator and ideal for glow maintenance.

When the going gets tough, the tough spray tans. And everything becomes just a little bit easier to deal with. I promise.

Do tell: What is your faux glow weapon of choice?

Love It: Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Apparently I am in good company on this one- Christina Hendricks and January Jones both wore this amazingly gorgeous rose pink hue on the red carpet for the Mad Men season 4. Check out the lovely Amber’s post on Christina’s look here- she has all the deets.

premiere. Personally, I have been having a major Nars moment for the past few months (so I guess it is officially simply an obsession as opposed to a moment), and every time a package of their product arrives at my door, it is like Christmas came early. I almost skip into my elevator, even my doorman notices an extra spring in my step.

The formula is rich and definitely very matte, and looks best on primed, healthy lips. So I always put a coat of my beloved Nuxe Reve de Miel balm first for a good, smooth base. I have a tendency to bite my lips when I get stressed out, and given my hectic schedule as of late, let’s just say, well, as a “beauty expert” my pout could be a little prettier.

The product isn’t out JUST yet- but it should be soon, so keep an eye out for it when you go to Sephora or keep checking www.narscosmetics.com.

I Gave In: D&G Aviators

Monday, July 26th, 2010

I have always been a fan of aviators. I think they look classic and effortless, and many a pair have graced the bridge of my nose over the years. So when I found myself in Sunglass Hut in Westport, CT a few weeks ago on the search for a pair of sunglasses, I was really making an effort to try something new. These D & G aviators were an instant hit- the gold frame is a bit more substantial that your average Ray-Bans, slightly over-the-top but since the shape is classic, the look overall balances out.

Oh- and the necklace? Dannijo, of course.

Today Show 7/24: What To Pack

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Hope you guys were able to catch my Today Show segment sharing my personal packing essentials. Over the past 5 years of sharing beauty and fashion finds all over the country, I have been lucky (well, in most cases!) to have hundreds of changes to hone my short-trip packing skills. And here are some of my tried and true stand-bys:

  • An oversized Sir Alistair Rai scarf that I use as a blanket on the plane, a sarong on the beach, a dress for post-beach activities and a halter paired with jeans for a night out. Oh- and of course, it makes a great scarf too- love it with a white burnout tee and J Brand 10″ skinnies.
  • Caftans are a huge trend right now-  but when it comes to travel, they are timeless. Right now I love the Completely Me by Liz Lange Long Caftan worn as is to the beach by day (hey, I work in beauty, I gotta cover everything up from the sun- it is in my professional code of conduct or something!) and then, cinched with, yes, you guessed it- a J. Crew Skinny Metallic Belt for sophisticated glamour by night.
  • The more giant Dannijo necklaces I pack, the less clothes I have to bring. They change every outfit you pair them with- and many can also be looped around the wrist and worn as big statement bracelets. I have said it before, and I will say it again- I love love love Dannijo.
  • Any fabric with stretch is going to travel well. Spiegel has a jersey collection that I really like- packs up small, doesn’t wrinkle, and they have an Infinity Dress that is pretty damn cool. On the show this morning, I wore my travel-wear surprise- a Jay Godfrey dress that doesn’t look like it would be the most comfortable, wrinkle free thing in my closet, but it is. I bring it on every work trip I have and never have to so much as faux steam it in the bathroom- it always arrives looking freshly pressed.
  • For packing tools- of course, you gotta have the Victorinox Travel Gear Packmaster Envelopes. I swear by ‘em, you can read more here. Tissue paper is also key- I save it from beauty deliveries I get solely to use when packing to wrap around anything that could potentially wrinkle to keep creases at bay. Simple but effective. Then- you gotta throw in some Shout Wipes and Gal Pal deodorant erasers- nobody wants to have to pack extra just in case you encounter a stain (which I inevitably always do.) These are my version of Fashionable Traveler’s Insurance- and they have not failed me yet.

Ode To: J. Crew Skinny Metallic Belts

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

What a difference a skinny belt can make. Specifically, a metallic skinny belt. It doesn’t HAVE to be metallic, of course. But if you want versatility, it is the way to go.

I was reminded of my love for J. Crew skinny belts twice today. First when getting dressed this morning. My husband looked at my Haute Hippie Tuxedo Shirt Dress and said I looked like I had a sack on. Two seconds later, belt secured around my waist- he loved the outfit. Go figure. Literally. Ha ha.

A few hours later, my producer at Today Show called to see if I could do a segment Friday morning about packing essentials.

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Media Love: Chicago Sun Times

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

I can’t thank the lovely Amanda Barrett enough for this amazing profile all about my MSN Show and all-time favorite product picks for Summer.


Good Outfit Day: Chambray Shirt & Mini

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Chambray & MinisFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore

Today was one of those good outfit days. I got tons of compliments on my get-up, which actually was quite simple to put together and to be honest, something I never thought I would wear. (If only Norman had thumbs, I would have him take a photo of me but the poor little pup doesn’t- sorry! Use your imagination I guess :) )

The Top: Theory Chambray Button Down. Well, I swore I would never wear a denim shirt, no matter how “in” it became. Hmm- does chambray count? Well- if it does, I am hypocrite. But at least a well-dressed one. I got this Theory top a few months ago and I like to think of it as interchangeable with a white tee- the perfect pairing basic.

The Bottom: I went through a big dress phase, and before that, a big pant phase. This is the first time in my life I have been in a big skirt phase. But I am realizing that skirts offer lots of versatility while still being girly and surprisingly easy to wear.  My favorite skirts are the ones I get from Thread Social. Recently I bought this one which is still in stores and a great find- but today’s skirt is from a couple seasons ago and literally season-less.

The Moral of the Oufit: Even though the skirt isn’t around anymore- it is a moot point. Because, the moral of this story is that you can wear a basic chambray button down with ANYTHING. And it looks cool. Woo hoo.

Oh- and here is one more chambray shirt I am a big fan of in case you are in the market:

I Gave In: Clarisonic Mia

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Since the Clarisonic came out a few years ago, I have heard people sing its praises. Since skin was never really my problem (lucky I know- but trust me, there are other beauty issues that nag me which we will get into eventually) I didn’t pay much attention to the fervor. They sent me one to try out and I actually gave it to my mom (she LOVES it to this day, by the way) because I really didn’t see the need for it. It was kind of big, had to be plugged in, and since I washed my face in the shower, having it next to my sink was kind of inconvenient. And the charging station was bulky and none too attractive.

Well, I confess- I am a Clarisonic Mia convert.

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Glam Delivery: Tom Ford Private Blend Lipsticks

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

I am not going to lie- it is fun to come home at night after a long day of work to receive bags full of beauty products from my doorman (no, he doesn’t buy them for me, but he does sign for all the messengers.) As much as I want to rip through the packages the second I get home, some (most) nights I am just too exhausted and I wait for the weekend to roll around so I can relish in the excitement and experimentation.

When this gorgeous giant white box of Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick arrived, however, it was on a night when I was especially beat.  One of those nights where the entire walk home, I was planning what pjs I was going to put on and what blanket I was going to curl up with the second I walked through the front door.

All that was forgotten the second I saw this.  Immediately, I set up camp in my bathroom and tried on a variety of the shades- quickly settling on a favorite- Pink Dusk (image borrowed from London Makeup Girl- her nails are much nicer than mine!)

 

 The color is rich and opaque- but not that heavy matte that scared many of us away from lipsticks in the first place. It is sophisticated and subtle- two things I try to be when I remember :)

One of these days, I will get my husband to take of pic of me wearing it and I’ll add it to this post, in case you are curious to see it in action. (Also- side note- not sure where you can get these online just yet- having a hard time finding, but when I do, will update accordingly.)

A Tribute to YSL Tributes

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Yes, I know they are really expensive. And they don’t appear to be very practical. But they really are the most amazing shoes I have ever owned- which explains why I have amassed 4 different colors of the same style in 2 years. They are comfy- really, they are! Nobody believes me but I swear- I have run through many an airport in them.

The best footwear investment out there, I can promise you that. I can’t pick stocks- but  I can most certainly pick shoes.

(Sorry- I know this post is short, but hopefully still informative :) )

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