Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Metallic Mani Monday

(Yes I know it's Tuesday but I painted my nails last night, so the title totally counts.)

The Polish Possibilities

While I do not know how it was determined that New Year's Eve was the most appropriate time to break out all the glittery and sparkly items in our wardrobe and cosmetics case, since it's pretty much the only thing I like about the holiday, I definitely take advantage in as many ways possible. From my outfit to my makeup and down to my fingertips, I make sure to be decked out in head to toe sparkle.

My first Guess purchase in over 15 years (and on sale!)

After weighing my gilded options (and holding each polish up to my sequined party dress of course), I decided upon Essie's "Hors D'Oeuvres" from the Holiday 2013 collection. I am loving this polish right now 

Holy Shine, Batman!

If you happen to be struggling with what to do for your own NYE manicure, Vogue.com has a slideshow of perfect polish pairings for your predicament. 


Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and glamorous 2014!


Sunday, December 29, 2013

A Right to Choos...and Blahniks, Louboutins, Zanottis...

While it is easy to take issue with many of the story lines in "Sex and the City," and I would never utter the words "I'm totally a Carrie," I can't say there haven't been a few quotes that resonated with me. 
Truth be told, Carrie Bradshaw and I do share some superficial commonalities. I happen to live on the same block her address claims she resided (since we all know that brownstone is actually in the West Village), I daydream about being a writer (different topics of course), and my little Upper East Side rent stabilized studio comes with an over-sized closet stuffed to the brim with shoes. So it won't come as a surprise that the message in Season 6's "A Woman's Right to Shoes" hit a little close to home. 
At the end of the episode, Carrie explains that "The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” 
And because this isn't a dating blog, I will not go into detail about the trials and tribulations of being single in New York City; but it is certainly no secret that I could write an entire book based solely on those experiences. It will suffice to say that Carrie Bradshaw got it right, sometimes an exceptional pair of shoes is just what a single girl needs to put a little extra spring in her step. 
Luckily for me, I was able to combine my patience for a sale and my work discount to snag the perfect pick me up. 
My lovely leopard cobalt creatures
Peek-A-Blue
As the New Year approaches, I have the satisfaction of knowing that whatever 2014 holds, I will be hitting the mean streets of Manhattan in some fierce and fabulous footwear.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

A Crème de Rose by Any Other Name

When it comes to lip products (okay, and nail polish), I hoard. Hoard, perhaps, is even a bit of an understatement. Let's just put it this way, I own a lot of lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm. More than a person would need in a lifetime. I know, I know, trust me. You don't have to say it.

Nevertheless, despite a never-ending supply of color and moisturizer, I am always tempted by a product that offers just a slight variation on a red, or a smoother touch to my dry winter lips. So when I read about Dior's Crème de Rose balm on Runway Hippie, I knew I had to try it, especially knowing I had a discount cosmetic event coming up though work (ah, the perks of working for a department store).

Dior Crème de Rose, front and center

So, a few too many dollars later, I am here to tell you that it was worth it, maybe even at full price. I am usually a Palmer's Cocoa Butter advocate (still am), but for the high end set, this balm is so smooth and rich and, I mean, it smells like roses. Now that's sweet.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

A Plethora of Pleather (& Sweaters)

Cream of the Crop
L-R: H&M, Gap, H&M Men's, Cos (old) 

At the moment, my wardrobe subsists wholly on three things:
  1. Pleather
  2. Ivory knit sweaters
  3. Denim (betcha didn't think I'd be wearing jeans again, eh?)
The source of this new inspiration clearly comes from my excessive consumption of fashion blogs; because apparently everyone looks chic in an over-sized fisherman's knit or a pair of distressed denim (Combine the two? Stellar!). Toughen up by the look by swapping out the denim for some pleather (or real leather if your budget can swing it). Leggings or a flippy skirt works just fine. Smashing, even.

(image: oraclefox)

fishermansweater2


In true sensible fashion (play on words intended), my current rotation includes nothing over $100. Click below to shop some of my favorites!

Cream & Pleather


Fall ain't just for sweaters my friends, it's pleather weather.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Totally Pumped

Despite having a shoe collection exceeding 75 pairs (yes, I know I have a problem), up until recently, I did not own any simple black pumps, as shocking as that may seem. Luckily, after a recent impromptu trip to Nordstrom Rack, I came away with these beauties.



They are Enzo Anglioni, and pretty friggen sophisticated for a mere $59.97. I since tried to search for them, but oddly was only able to find them here on some weird Canadian Nine West Outlet site.

Ubiquitous as the term "Classic Black Pump" may be, they are darn hard to come by without shelling out hundreds of dollars for a Prada, Choo or Blahnik. I have to say, I am pretttty satisfied with my find, proving once again that a bargain hunter must always be on the prowl....






Friday, July 12, 2013

Off The Chain

I am way overdue for a new post and I apologize for my lack of updates. You would think with all my new sale purchases I would be overrun with ideas and excited to share them with you. Unfortunately my affinity for the couch and DVR has overtaken me this summer, and I have completely neglected my blogger responsibilities. So in order to remedy the situation, I bring you--better late than never--my penchant for pouches:

That is right - I am a sucker for the little things in life. You know, actual tiny objects. And holographic anything, of course. So when I was given the opportunity to combine these two loves in purchasing this fabulous little pouch, I jumped at the chance. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Key Pouch 

I had been toying with the idea of a key pouch for awhile, but never felt compelled to bite the bullet. Add in some rainbow brite-ness however, and I am a full fledged fan. If you aren't a fellow holo fanatic like myself, but are looking for some pouch possibilities, check out the pics and click below!

Leather coin purse
J. CREW (on sale!)

Lauren Ralph Lauren Newbury Key Coin Case (also on sale)

Urban Outfitters has some super inexpensive, key ring-less options from Ecote and BDG, and for even more ideas, hop over to Refinery29. Now go forth and prove that good things do come in small packages!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Fast Post Friday: Fingers Edition


Despite another rainy and gloomy day in NYC, my nails reflect the bright blue skies I was hoping to see more of this May. Ignore the mild chipping on my thumb (the side effects from lacking a dish washer). Chips or no chips, Nails Inc Baker Street truly is one of the brightest cobalt polishes out there.

Grab it at Sephora, or Sephora.com for $9.50. Similarly, you can use Essie's Butler Please (linked here at Target).

Happy holiday weekend my friends...I hope yours isn't as cold and wet as mine is going to be.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Jungle Cat

The humidity levels in Manhattan yesterday made the city feel less like the Concrete Jungle, and more like an actual jungle. This meant there was no saving my hair once I left my apartment, but on the upside, it did create the perfect atmosphere for my DIY leopard manicure.
  
Rawr.


Nail Polish: Essie First Time & Haute as Hello. Black accents with Kiss Nail Art Pen

Monday, May 20, 2013

Blue Notes

Elena Perminova : top and trousers are Au Jour Le Jour, shoes are Valentino and bag is by Chanel. (image: vogue)
Gorgeous cobalt via What Do I Wear

Despite the fact wardrobe (mostly black) and apartment decor (red, green, black, and white) may indicate otherwise, blue is my ultimate favorite color. When I was younger I begged for a blue room, but my mother tried told me it would be much too depressing.

A little slice of nail polish heaven

One will certainly find proof of my lapis love in my predominantly blue nail polish collection, and recently the color has found its way into other areas of my makeup stash with the purchase of Chanel's Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Blue Note, a summer 2013 limited edition hue.

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascaras
Blue Note on the right, image courtesy of Beautezine

While the last time I experimented with colored mascara was in high school (in the heyday of face glitter and Bonne Bell, I also regularly wore periwinkle and burgundy mascara by Make Up For Ever), I have now donned cobalt lashes for the past three Saturdays and I don't hate it. I may even need a backup supply because I think Rebs circa 1998 had the right idea.


Blue french tips and lashes are far from solemn - pardon my extreme Photo Booth close-up smirk

I have always been one to embrace bold makeup, and it is unlikely that is going to change...not just yet anyway.


Do you have a favorite color? Would you wear it on your lashes?

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Bling Rings

Balenciaga it-rings Spring 2013 gold
Balenciaga S/S 2013 Rings. Image Courtesy of My Daily Edition

Just as an FYI, H&M is selling some Balenciaga inspired stacking rings at a cool $5.95 a set. I purchased in two sizes to ensure I could cover as many digits as possible.


If you managed to pick up those released earlier in the season, you can come pretty close to the original look, which would otherwise run you up to $750.

In other news, I finally satisfied my dainty ring craving from this summer, as exhibited by yesterday's finger fiesta.

Rings from Ula on Lexington, H&M, random shop on Bedford Ave in Williamsburg

Happy Weekend everyone!





Friday, May 17, 2013

Precisely Right


Apparently this year I have added beauty blogger to my repertoire (nail polish and lipstick costs less than shoes, you know), so I guess it is only fitting that I write a quick post about my favorite black liquid liner. My beauty routine has evolved to a point where my everyday "face" usually means winged liner and a bold lip, and the Maybelline EyeStudio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner is the perfect way to achieve my look of choice.

While a winged eye can take practice, Maybelline's felt tip liner makes it so much easier...and at $8, it doesn't cost too much to experiment. Despite trying to find an even cheaper alternative, after two failed attempts, I happily went back to the Maybelline.

With a nearly fool-proof application at the right price, it is now easier to master the perfect liquid cat eye.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

A Major Score

When wardrobe wants weigh me down, I try to remind myself that patience is a virtue. I believe in clothing kismet - if it is meant to be, it will be.

My desire to own a varsity jacket developed about 6 months ago when the trend first emerged. But, unsurprisingly, as it tends to be in the early stages before an item finds its way into the mainstream, I had trouble spotting a version that struck quite the right chord. (And trust me, I looked) There was a brief moment in November when I thought my search was over, ordering this jacket from Forever21, but it was returned shortly after it arrived.

varsity jacket
Image Credit Where Did U Get That
varsity-jacket-and-skirt-via-pintrest
Image Credit Bloggersmag
Photobucket
Image Credit Because I'm Addicted
As a shopper who never gives up without a fight...or at least a good long hard wait, I kept my eyes and ears open for the item that would soon solve my sporty situation. Then, last Thursday, in my usual Google Reader scroll, I came upon this post by Diana of Dressed Up Alligators.

Not only did her Aeropostale jacket fill the varsity void, it was also majorly on sale. A few clicks and it was ordered, speedily appearing at my office Tuesday morning. So what better way to score a Wednesday win than with a little bit of team spirit. Talk about a cure for the varsity blues.

Aeropostale jacket with grandmother's pin. Super old Miss Sixty sling backs.

Go Rebs!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

In The Clutch

Here's the thing about clutches: They are so perfectly impractical. And frankly, that is what I love about them. The thought of being able to fit all your necessities into a small structured purse just seems so incredibly chic. I want so badly to be that woman, but every time I go to use a clutch, what I need never fits. Even if "what I need" is nothing more than keys, money, phone, and a lipstick. And then I think: How am I going to hold a drink and not fumble? How will I dance? (I love to dance.) But then I see images like the one below and I crush...hard. I mean, are you not drooling over that Emporio Armani in the first pic? I. Can't. Even. Though I would have totally settled for the H&M version below that, if I had managed to get my paws on it...

http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/fashion/slideshows/2013/02/koo-milan/_KOO8315.o.jpg/a_4.5x.jpg
Image Credit: NY Mag The Cut

Zara Studio coat, H&M shirt and bag, Zara trousers, YSL ring and Karen Walker sunglasses  (image: fash-n-chips)
Image Credit: Fash n Chips via What Do I Wear

Friday, March 15, 2013

App Happy

Not soon after I joined Twitter, one of the few people that follow me tweeted that if I like makeup (um, more like love), I should follow BeautyLish. I took her suggestion to heart and did exactly that. From there I downloaded the iPhone application, giving myself access to a seemingly endless supply of images of gorgeous makeup and nails with just simple finger swipe. But for serious people, these users have mad skillz. Yeah, I wrote skills with a "z." That's how much talent the BeautyLish members possess.

Then, just last week, I received an email for $10 off in their recently launched online boutique. Being the beauty junkie that I am, I happily obliged. See, I have this problem with discounts...it is nearly impossible for me to refuse them. Especially on the following items:

- Nail polish
- Makeup
- Shoes

When my package arrived, I expected to find exactly what I ordered: a very pretty lip gloss that I of course totally needed (purchase rationalization is one of my greatest strengths).

But what I actually received was so, so much more.


Personalized notes, free samples, what more could a girl ask for?

Customer service is a big deal, and BeautyLish nailed it. And because it would be selfish to contain my excitement, I felt it necessary to send a little love their way...and perhaps some new customers? It was the least I could do to thank them for the discount, sample, and lovely notes.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go check out their nail community page to see if I can get any ideas for a St. Patrick's Day manicure...

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Hair Apparent

Now for what you've all been waiting for (with bated breath I presume)...

Before: (looking much redder than in reality)
After: This picture shows minimal gradient, but in reality the color is a bit more obvious.

After: Curls, back
After: Curls, side.

Above photos, color and curls by Jamie.

Curls, closeup
Curls, closeup 2

I love love love the finished product. While I made Jamie deviate a bit from the package instructions, it came out perfectly. As my hair was pretty light to begin with, the overall result looks a bit more natural and therefore not so drastic.

Ombré looks better with curls and I have much still to master, but I can't wait to play with my new hair. Boredom averted.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!


Friday, March 1, 2013

Exp-hair-imenting

When it comes to my beauty routine, I get bored easily. This is clearly exhibited by more-massive-than-necessary make-up and nail polish collection. I don't have an everyday "face," (read: I spent a fair amount of time playing with eye and lip colors in the morning) and a few years ago I dyed my naturally blonde hair dark brown on a whim. And while I absolutely loved it, in less than a year I was ready to make another change, slowly finding my way back to light blonde.

Unsurprisingly, I am currently stuck in a hairstyle rut. I wear it straight every day. I have not seen my colorist in almost two years. It is safe to say that I am suffering from complete hair ennui. (Boredom sounds so much more sophisticated en Français, non?)

In an impulsive attempt to remedy the situation, I picked up a curling iron at Target on Sunday. Then, on Tuesday, I marched myself over to CVS and bought the new Feria Wild Ombré for a "DIY Dip Dye" home hair color experiment. I may be light years late on the ombré hair trend, but it seemed like the easiest solution to my hair color conundrum. So many French words! I'm sensing a theme...

The Tools

This weekend I have enlisted my friend Jamie to help me with both the bleaching process as well as to teach me her masterful ways with the curling iron. (I have tried to use it 4 times this week, all complete and utter disasters.)

I am hoping for a final result similar to this:

http://lululuvsmakeup.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/lauren-conrad.jpg
Oh hi Lauren Conrad, I like your hair! Image Credit LuLu ♥'s Makeup




Stay tuned...




Thursday, February 21, 2013

Woo'ed

Since I have been on a bit of a lipstick kick these days, I felt it was my civic duty to point out that cult favorite MAC Ruby Woo (my hands-down, all-time-fave red) has been getting much internet affection recently, and for good reason.

Ruby Woo is the perfect red. It is universally flattering and while it can be a bit drying (it is a matte after all) you can't deny it has staying power -- in more ways than one. I think I am going to let this lipstick stick around. Yup...it is definitely love.









Image credit: Nordsrtom

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

And in Other News...

Just yesterday, Refinery29 posted this little piece about a shiny new accessories trend.

I hate love to say it, but I told you so.


01__55A3561_Preetma
Totally digging Westward Leanings's new Color Revolution in neon green
Image Credit: Refinery29

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Don't Pout

There is nothing like a bright, bold lip to turn a frown upside down.

Brilliantly saturated color was splashed all over the mouths of the fashion set during New York Fashion Week and I could not be more excited. Whether it be, red, pink, or a dark vampy hue - the sultry pout is a beauty trend worthy of giving a try. Trust me on this one.




02__55A386003_02112013_R29_NYFW_-2109__55A144916_02112013_R29_NYFW_-62
 

10__55A1086_Kimberly_Pesch

Images courtesy of The Cut, Refinery29, Garance Doré

Recreate many of the looks above with some of my current matte favorites:
- MAC Ruby Woo
- Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Schiap
- Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu