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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Beauty Essentials

Yesterday I posted a few of my travelling essentials. Today however, is all about what women can truly never leave home without....her beauty products!

Here are some of my favorites:
  1. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation - I've been using this for years. It's water-based, oil-free with a gel-like consistency. It's the only foundation I've found so far that matches my skintone perfectly and doesn't melt in our humid climate.
  2. Chantecaille Aqua Blush - It feel cold on the skin when applied and gives skin a natural dewy look. Again, this is also oil-free and water based.
  3. Obagi - If you've read my previous post, you'd know that I'm currently on the Obagi program. My favorite Obagi product is the cleanser. I love that it foams up and smells so good.
  4. Prada cosmetics case - for storing all my make-up
  5. Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #2 - Its highly pigmented and gives just the right amount of blush.
  6. La Roche Posay Anthelios - I wear sunblock everyday. It protects skin from premature aging and blocks both UVA and UVB rays like no other. I like that this doesn't break me out. It has a fluid-like consistency and doesn't feel mask-y on the skin like other sunblocks.
  7. Laura Mercier Make-up Brush Set - I've had mine for almost 10 years and they're still in good shape. Invest in good brushes! They really make a difference when it comes to application.
  8. Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain - I discovered this last year and instantly fell in love. You don't even feel like you're wearing it at all. It stays put the whole day and comes in 10 awesomely affordable shades!
  9. Laura Mercier HydraTint Lip Balm SPF 15 - Another staple in my bag. The colors are universally flattering and they definitely nourish chapped lips. It also gets plus points for having sun protection.
  10. Clean Provence Perfume - I think this may be an acquired smell for some people. People I know have either loved it or hated it....I personally love the fresh notes on this - I like the CLEAN smell I get from this. The only downside is that it doesn't last very long.
  11. Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Powder - A must for keeping the oilies at bay. It's also translucent so it won't alter the color of your foundation or appear cake-y on your skin. Another product I've been using for years...
  12. Clarisonic - There is NOTHING that will clean your face better than this. The sonic technology ensures that it will eliminate all the dirt, make-up and product build-up from my face. I use this once a day and it keeps my skin free from whiteheads, blackheads, acne. For an extra $30.00, make sure you get the Clarisonic Plus so you'll be able to use the optional body brush head. It will really change the way you clean your face.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Vacation Time!

Today I leave for Madrid...I'm so excited to finally get away from this heat!



Some things I'm looking forward to:


Jamon


Churros con Chocolate....YUM!


Tapas

And finally....Spanish luxury brand......



I'll be visiting a few cities so I'll try to post more pics in the upcoming weeks!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Travel Essentials



Travelling basics that I can't leave home without....
  1. Goyard St. Louis Tote - I love that it's so lightweight. I can easily toss my camera, wallet, etc. Only downside is that it's an open bag so you're stuff can easily fall, out or worse - easy for pickpockets to pick!
  2. James Perse Tees - I love these tees. Soft and figure-flattering. I buy these in multiples.
  3. Lightweight Scarf - This Missoni Scarf goes with everything.
  4. Splendid Cardi - Perfect for layering and oh so versatile!
  5. Tory Burch Sandals - Wear with your favorite shorts or dresses.
  6. Paige Petite Laurel Canyon Jeans - The only pair I've found that fits my petite frame perfectly.
  7. Louis Vuitton Pegase Carry-on - I always bring my carry-on in case my check-in luggage goes missing. Travel the world in style!
  8. Diamond Solitaire Earrings - A girl's best friend....
  9. Chanel Ballet Flats - Dresses up any look!
  10. Prada Sneakers - I feel weird in Converse Chucks. I really feel too old for them. This one fits great, feels great and age- appropriate.
  11. Hermes Pendant - Oh my gosh! Chicness overload!!! I just love love love this. It can always pull a look together. I just love accessories. I need to integrate this into my wardrobe more often.
  12. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shorts - Boyfriend shorts are on trend at the moment...Taking fashion guru Jenna Lyons' advise, "borrow from the boys"
  13. Ray-ban Aviators - Protect your eyes and block the UV's with these babies. Effortless chic.
  14. Last but not least, Teva Ventura Thongs - I have bought the same pair three times! I love them THAT much. They are sooo comfortable you can literally walk for days in these.
There you have it, this is basically what's gonna be going into my suitcase. I like to pack light so I try to put a lot of thought into what I bring with me. Travelling made versatile, practical, and easy!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Look for Less

Hermes Medor Clutch



I love this clutch. I've had on eye on this for awhile now.....If only it weren't so pricey. Fortunately, Miu Miu has something similar at a fraction of the cost.

Much like the Hermes, this Miu Miu Clutch has the same belt thingy that wraps around the clutch. While the Medor retails upwards of 4k, the Miu Miu clutch is a steal at $770.00 thru net-a-porter.com. If you have some extra cash lying around, the Hermes is available at hermes.com (FYI: Even the dimensions are quite similar! the Large Medor and the Miu Miu are practically the same size!!! Score!)

Preppy Weekend


Happy Saturday Y'all! Here's a little something I put together for the weekend. Let me just mention that my fashion guru at the moment is Jenna Lyons' from Jcrew. She was recently featured on Oprah where she presented viewers with a couple of styling tips which I'll definitely be taking some cues from...Some of her tips include: borrowing from the boys, pairing opposites, making a statement with jewelry, and taking something from grandma's closet - Love it!

I kept these tips in mind while I was putting this outfit together.

Outfit breakdown:
1. Striped Shirt - Parisian Chic...need I say more? Nobody executes Parisian nonchalance better than See by Chloe. Buy at net-a-porter for $170.00

2. Jewelry - A simple bracelet like this Roberto Coin goes with everything. I've also had my eye on these pyramid earrings available at shopbop.com. Finally, following Jenna Lyons' advice on borrowing from grandma AND making a statement with jewelry are these three-strand pearls from Stella McCartney available at net-a-porter for $725.00 (hitting two birds with one stone!)

3. Watch - I'm never without a watch. My wrists just feel naked without them. This mid-size Ballon Bleu 'borrows from the boys' and is simply divine! Its on my wishlist at the moment.

4. Shoes - Nothing says summer quite like espadrilles. These orange Tory Burch ones are a summer must. Buy from Tory Burch for $95.00

5. Shorts - Again, borrowing from the boys. These Aeropostale shorts are not only comfortable but they're also affordable. Buy from aeropostale.com for $24.99 Score!

6. Sunglasses - These Ray-bans are a staple. Everyone needs a pair of aviators! Buy from net-a -porter for $139.00

7. Bag - I loooove this bag! I saw this Lanvin Amalia in real life, and let me tell you - it has the softest leather ever! Its roomy and lightweight, perfect for when we just wanna toss all our stuff! Its a little pricey but nobody does leather better than Lanvin. I also love that it's green (one of my favorite colors) since I usually have a hard time buying black bags. This bag is just a standout...Hopefully, it goes on sale soon since its on my radar. Available at Barneys for $1575.00

8. Perfume - Jo Malone's Grapefruit Cologne has just the right amount of citrus notes to perk me up. Buy from Nordstrom for $100.00

Well folks, here's my take on weekend-styling inspired by Jenna Lyons.....How did I do?

Friday, May 7, 2010

Bird Watching






Looks like swallows are a recurring theme this summer....

My personal favorite is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Messenger Bag....The bird hardware adds just the right touch of whimsy....

Dress and Shoes by Miu Miu
Tee by Topshop
Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Necklace available at couturecandy.com
Ija Designs cuff available at Max&Chloe
Earrings from Zoe & Morgan