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.