Chalk This Up to GENIUS: 3floz.com

You know what I hate more than anything? The restrictions placed upon my beauty products by the TSA. The fact that nothing can be over 3.4 fl. oz. (if I'm carrying on, at least) really cuts into not only which products I can bring, but the amount I can stuff into that tiny plastic bag.

Until now, that is. Because with the introduction of 3floz.com into my life, my travel beauty regimen just got a whole lot chicer. Alterna. Blow. myfaceworks. Ole Henriksen. Lather. Phyto. Oscar Blandi. Weleda. Tocca. The list goes on and on!

But here's the best part. Every single item on the site is small enough to fit inside your carryon. Yes, EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. You never, EVER have to worry that the product you're buying won't fit the TSA's standards! How cool is that?

Shop by brand or shop by product type (and the list is extensive -- antibacterial, first aid, supplements and towelettes are just four of the many different ways to shop here). But no matter what you do, stock up on your favorites before your next trip -- you won't regret it!

My New Favorite Fashion Look: The Cutout Shoulder

I am a firm believer in buying multiples of clothing staples. When I find something that works, I'll buy it in every color. Such is the case, recently, with the cutout shoulder. I've discovered that, while short sleeves or sleeveless tops can call attention to less-than-perfect upper arms, the cutout shoulder always makes that particular part of the body look unbelievably super slim. It stands to reason, then, that I would stock my closet with the stuff! (At last count I had four cutout shoulder tops and dresses, but I'll soon be adding more.) Check out some of my favorites after the jump.

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Everything's Coming Up Roses: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose

If you're a fan of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, you'll most certainly want to pick up the newest iteration -- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose.

This limited-edition scent sparkles within a gorgeously sophisticated pink bottle. The combination of notes held within almost smells like raspberries upon the skin -- fresh, juicy, exuberant. Think tangerine, bergamot, tea, pink pepper, lily of the valley, freesia and Centifolia rose, grounded by a base of amber and patchouli ... so decadent and rich, yet at the same time airy and light.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose is most certainly a fragrance to take you into the warmer months in style. It retails for $80 at sephora.com.

The Luxe List: La Prairie Cellular Hand Cream

It's not often that I recommend a product that's super expensive. But when I do, you'd better believe I absolutely love it and have to share my love with the world. To that end, behold The Luxe List, where I bring you the most luxurious products on the market that are actually worth their salt.

I am constantly on the lookout for hand creams that don't leave behind greasy residue. It's not as easy as it sounds! Luckily, the wonderfulness that is La Prairie Cellular Hand Cream recently came into my life.

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Embracing My Preppy Side: Bass Enfield Oxfords

While I basically left my preppy days behind when my days at Ralph Lauren ended (about three years ago!), once in awhile I just feel the need to go full-out prepster again. Such was the case yesterday when I pulled my Bass Enfield Oxfords in Grey/White out of my closet and paired them with cuffed jeans -- totally the Ralph Lauren look.

I love these oxfords because they're actually so versatile -- they look equally cool with a ruffled dress as they do with a polo shirt and jeans. (Or a neon-striped tee, as I paired them with yesterday.) I will say, though, that they're exceedingly tight across the vamp -- so wear them with caution!

The Bass Enfield Oxfords come in multiple colors and retail for $79 at bassshoes.com.

Get Those Bare Legs Ready with Gillette Venus!

It's going to reach almost 80 degrees in NYC today. And you know what that means ... dresses and skirts with bare legs! If your legs are looking a little worse for wear (read: hairy), you simply must introduce razors by Gillette Venus into your shower arsenal. Check out my favorite razors after the jump!

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Salon and Spa Directory: Rescue Beauty Lounge

If you're looking for a true oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of New York City, look no further than Rescue Beauty Lounge. I'd been interested in Rescue Beauty Lounge for quite some time -- I love the nail polishes, and what better way to experience them than in owner Ji Baek's natural habitat?

So I picked up the phone and made an appointment for this past Friday. I decided upon the Collagen Wrap Manicure and Complete Pedicure -- it had been awhile since my last mani/pedi, and my hands and feet were looking a bit worse for wear!

Rescue Beauty Lounge is tucked away on Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, and it's honestly pretty easy to miss it if you don't know what you're looking for -- there's just a simple sign on an unassuming apartment building! But I have to say I was completely blown away from the second I stepped in the door. Not only was every person working there so incredibly friendly and helpful, but the space is calming and beautiful.

After picking out my colors (Catherine H for my hands, Catherine for my toes -- sadly, both limited-edition colors have sold out!), I was led to a private mani/pedi station replete with pillows, an overstuffed bench and even a miniature built-in table. I had two lovely ladies working on me at the same time, one for my hands and one for my feet, so I felt like a total princess!

The Collagen Wrap Manicure ($50) included a paraffin wrap and a collagen mask in addition to Rescue Beauty's signature hand treatment and a mind-numbing hand massage. The Complete Pedicure ($90) also included a paraffin wrap and collagen mask in addition to an AHA callous peel.

My hands and feet were treated so well that, even days later, they're still totally baby soft! Polish was applied meticulously and hasn't even shown one sign of chipping.

All in all? Manicures and pedicures may cost more at Rescue Beauty Lounge than your typical nail salon, but you really get what you pay for. I couldn't have felt more relaxed or walked out with a better set of toes and tips.

For more information on these treatments and the rest of the treatments offered at Rescue Beauty Lounge (including manicures, pedicures and facials with La Mer products!), visit rescuebeauty.com.

Who's a Redhead? I Am, Thanks to Jan-Marie Arteca!

Every time I go to the salon, I just want my hair to be redder. And, luckily, my fab colorist -- the amazing Jan-Marie Arteca -- always knows just what to do to make my hair look absolutely incredible.

And this past Friday was no different! After two hours in Jan-Marie's chair -- and color on my roots, gloss and a single process color later -- my hair was so gorgeously bright red, I simply couldn't believe my eyes. I am so in love with my hair -- what a great start to spring!

My Latest Mani: Rescue Beauty Lounge Catherine H

Deep, sparkly blue inspired by Henry VIII of England's fifth wife, Catherine Howard? Um, yes please. I took a trip to Rescue Beauty Lounge yesterday (more on that coming soon!) and simply had to go with Catherine H. This limited-edition color has been sold out on Rescue Beauty's site for months now, and unfortunately won't be coming back in stock -- so I simply had to choose it for my latest mani.

I am in love with the color -- it changes based on the lighting, so it can look anywhere from periwinkle to royal. The liberal pink and gold sparkle packed within adds such depth and a gorgeous, glittering finish.

What's on your nails? Let me know in the comments!

Trend-Spotting: The Flat Espadrille

The good news? I’ve found the shoe I absolutely have to have in my closet this season. The bad news? I want about 25 different pairs. So what is this mythical shoe, you may ask? It’s none other than the flat espadrille.

This shoe combines the best of all worlds -- a chic flat, summer-appropriate raffia or jute, cool patterns and vibrant colors -- and voila! Such an amazing shoe for summer that looks good with everything from maxi dresses and miniskirts to leggings and capris. (Just check out the great option from Diane von Furstenberg, above, for proof.)

Check out some of the styles I’ll be adding to my wardrobe after the jump.


3.1 Phillip Lim Espie Espadrille Flat ($275 at bergdorfgoodman.com): The luxuriousness of leather paired with the casualness of jute? Perfection.

Diane von Furstenberg Cadence Espadrille Flat ($98 at nordstrom.com): What a fun graphic print -- so perfect against summer whites.

Rebels Rascal Espadrille Flat ($34.50 at delias.com): Because there's just nothing more glamorous than gleaming silver.

Kate Spade Lido Espadrille Flat ($98 at piperlime.com): There's just no better way to wear a power color.

Lanvin Satin Espadrille Flat ($435 at bergdorfgoodman.com):
With this hand-stitched pair by my side, I'm so ready to be a prima ballerina.

Tory Burch Striped Lace-Up Espadrille ($135 at toryburch.com): I have a thing for stripes! The olive green of this pair evokes such military-inspired cool.

Go for Glaze: Korres Lip Butter Glaze

I've long been a fan of Korres Lip Butter. The tiny tubs contain some of the most moisturizing, delicious lip balms around. So is it any wonder that I've fallen head over heels for Korres Lip Butter Glaze?

This product is pretty ingenious -- it's got the texture of a balm and the finish of a gloss. Plus, it imparts just enough color on your lips to make them appear totally, completely kissable -- never a bad thing!

And, thankfully, Lip Butter Glaze is available in all my favorite Korres flavors:

Jasmine (sheer neutral pink)
Pomegranate (sheer coral)
Quince (sheer rose)
Raspberry (sheer berry) -- my absolute fave!!
Wild Rose (sheer deep red)

And an added bonus? It's free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and phthalates -- so it's incredibly good for you and your lips!

Korres Lip Butter Glaze retails for $14 at sephora.com.

The Luxe List: 80 Acres Blood Orange Hand & Body Wash

It's not often that I recommend a product that's super expensive. But when I do, you'd better believe I absolutely love it and have to share my love with the world. To that end, behold The Luxe List, where I bring you the most luxurious products on the market that are actually worth their salt.

I have a body wash problem. What is it, you may ask? I have way too many in my shower! At any given time, there are no fewer than eight shower gels making their way through my rotation. So when I continue to use one day after day, foregoing all other scents and lathers that may abound, you just know it has to be special. Enter 80 Acres Blood Orange Hand & Body Wash.

Refreshing citrus essential oils, neroli, vetiver and jasmine combine to create a heady fragrance that evokes the citrus groves and wild jasmine growing on the MeEvoy Ranch (where this body wash is created). I've found that about 10 pumps onto a pouf create a lather so rich, so lush, so foaming, you'll be immersed in a veritable wealth of orange-scented bubbles.

Now, this body wash isn't unbelievably expensive -- it's just $20 at mcevoyranch.com. But I do think that's on the high end for a body wash, which is why I've placed it in The Luxe List.

Salon and Spa Directory: Mizu Salon

Are you seeing how shiny and healthy my hair looks in this photo? Well, it's all thanks to the fabulous Ashley Hanna from Mizu Salon.

Over the weekend, I went to the New York location for a blowout. I was immediately impressed by the beautiful open space and the product lines available at the register (think Oribe and Kerastase). After being treated to a luxurious shampoo, conditioning and head massage by Max, I was seated in Ashley's chair -- and this is where the real magic began.

Ashley deftly worked the blowdryer and then a flat iron to transform my kinky, coarse locks into the straightest, smoothest mane I'd seen in quite some time. She even went in with a pair of scissors and evened up some of the horrible, choppy layers I was given about a month ago -- so now they're more blended and my hair doesn't look as terrible while it's growing out! I thought this was so nice of Ashley, since I hadn't booked a haircut.

I was highly impressed by the professionalism exhibited by everyone at the salon. From the receptionist to the stylists, everyone was amazingly friendly and helpful, and could not have made my experience any more pleasant if they tried!

Mizu has locations in both Boston and New York, and blowouts start at $75. For more information, visit mizuforhair.com. You can also follow the New York salon on Twitter here, and the Boston salon here.

Get the Smoothest, Softest Skin with Caudalie

Want skin so soft and smooth, it will feel like a baby's you-know-what? Then you simply must try these two miracle products from Caudalie -- the Crushed Cabernet Scrub and Vine Body Butter.

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Obsession of the Moment: Giles & Brother Tiny Safety Pin Earrings

Back in my teens, I went through a bit of a badass phase. I didn't get any tattoos and I didn't pierce my nose or tongue, but I did pierce multiple holes in my ears. And, while I've forgone putting earrings in them for the past few years, now I'm back to dressing them up ... thanks to Giles & Brother Tiny Safety Pin Earrings, that is.

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Martin Samuel

Pirates of the Caribbean. Burlesque. Evita. Just a few of the movies that featured the work of hairstylist Martin Samuel. Read on to find out how he first got into movies, the hairbrush he can't live without and so much more.

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Video Review: My Skincare Trifecta!

What skincare products do you use to look and feel your best? I decided to do a little video for you detailing My Skincare Trifecta. Take a look below!



The products seen in the video are:
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Firming Serum
Lancome Genifique Eye
Lierac Creme Mesolift

Let me know your skincare essentials in the comments!

Mani of the Week: CND Putty with OPI Don't Mess with OPI

I decided to do another accent mani this week! This time I used CND Putty -- one of the brand’s most popular colors, and always seen all over the runways at Fashion Week -- with an accent nail in OPI Don’t Mess with OPI. I’ve been doing a lot of green nails lately, and while I’m definitely still on the green kick, I wanted it to just be the cherry on top of an otherwise fairly safe manicure.

What’s on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Ravishing in Red: Alterna Caviar Red Leave-In Conditioner with Seasilk

I think it’s safe to say you all know about my ongoing obsession with becoming a redhead. For the past year or so, I’ve gone progressively redder, searching for the shade that will immediately turn me into Christina Hendricks. And along the way, I’ve decided to introduce color safe products into my regimen as often as possible to keep the color vibrant in between dye jobs.

The latest in my quest for the reddest locks imaginable? Alterna Caviar Red Leave-In Conditioner with Seasilk. As my hair is unbelievably thick and coarse when left to its own devices, I need to use both a conditioner in the shower and a leave-in conditioner out of the shower to make it super silky. This one not only makes each and every strand shine like I’m a hair model, but it’s formulated specifically for red tresses!

Within just a few uses (as I only wash my hair every 3-4 days), I’ve found that my color is much more bright and vibrant than before. It actually looks as though I’ve redyed my hair, even though it’s been about 2 months!

I also love that this leave-in conditioner is paraben free and contains UVA/UVB protection – so my locks remain in perfect condition all day and night.

Note: This product is no longer available.

Beauty Question: How Do You Unwind?

When you're having a really stressful week -- or even just a stressful few hours -- how do you unwind? If you're like me, you head to the spa. And while I count Bliss and Exhale among my faves, I like to try new places as well. (Though I will be at Bliss this Friday night for a much-needed facial and deep tissue massage!)

Let me know your tried and true unwinding techniques in the comments!

My Favorite Body Wash of All Time: Caress Daily Silk Body Wash

Do you remember the time before body wash? When there was no such thing and everyone used bars of soap? Well, I do -- and, back in the mid-90s, my life was changed forever. Why? Because I discovered Caress Daily Silk Body Wash.

All of a sudden, my showering world took on new meaning. No longer did I have to try and make a bar of soap adequately lather up on a washrag. No, with Caress, I could squeeze a bit onto a pouf (another new discovery) and voila! Bubbles and lather galore.

Now, I may have strayed from the amazingness of Caress over the years, but I always find my way back. There's something about the creamy, shimmery peach-hued consistency that keeps drawing me in ... not to mention the moisturizing ingredients of sunflower seed oil, orange flower extract, hydrolyzed silk and glycerin. And the fact that it's enriched with white peach and silk blossom? Could there be anything more luxurious?

Caress Daily Silk Body Wash retails for $5.60 at drugstore.com.

Sponsored Post: The AXE Excite Line, Plus a Giveaway!

If there's one thing that gets me excited, it's a guy who smells good. Well, the brand-new AXE Excite -- an alluring, woody fragrance -- does just that.

A combination of coconut, hazelnut and caramel notes are at once seductive and sexy -- but with a homey, delectable feel that just make me want to get closer. And the products' tagline -- "Even the nicest girls sin when tempted" -- well, who among us hasn't sinned at least once when an amazing-smelling man was involved?

The AXE Excite line is available in deodorant bodyspray, deodorant stick, antiperspirant invisible solid, shower gel and (coming in June) shampoo. All but the shower gel retail for $4.99, while the shower gel retails for $3.99.

And guess what? Three lucky winners will have the chance to receive the entire line for free, along with their very own dopp kit. To enter, simply leave your name and email address in the box below. The giveaway ends Wednesday, April 13 at midnight. Three winners will be selected on Thursday, April 14 and notified by email. This giveaway is open to US residents only.



This post was sponsored by AXE. Products were provided for review.

Mani of the Week: Topshop Paint it On

When it comes to nail polish, I'm normally about as far from traditional as you can get. Throw gold, green, purple, blue, brown and copious amounts of sparkle my way, and I'm set. But a berry-crimson-pink hybrid, like Topshop Paint It On? Normally I would walk right by.

But something about this rich hue called to me -- probably because, while it is more on the traditional side, the fact that in some lights it's pink, sometimes it's red and sometimes it looks almost magenta make it stand apart. Add to that the totally adorable bottle (can you EVEN with the polka dots on the cap?) and I'm sold.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Indulging my Inner Child: Paul Frank Lip Smacker This Just Tin Lip Gloss Collection

I'm really a child at heart, so the new Paul Frank Lip Smacker This Just Tin Lip Gloss Collection is pretty high on my list of amazing products!

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My New Favorite Beauty Launch: M.A.C Quite Cute

I'm a fan of the word "cute." Truth be told, I probably overuse it in everyday life! So the new collection from M.A.C -- the appropriately named Quite Cute -- is right up my alley. Pastel shades for eye quads, lipstick, Plushglass and nail polish are -- you guessed it -- quite cute! Check out my favorite products from the new collection after the jump.


Nail Lacquer in Mischievous Mint ($14)
Since I'm a fan of green nail polish in all forms, it's no wonder I immediately gravitated toward this marvelous minty shade.




Mineralize Blush in (from top) Sakura, Miss Behave and Giggly ($23 each)
I already love everything Mineralize, so these gorgeous new blushes -- complete with adorable little hearts in the center -- definitely have my heart all aflutter.


Nail Lacquer in Little Girl Type ($14)
A creamy pale lavender nail polish? Just say yes.


Lipstick in Quite Cute ($14.50)
This lavender lipstick brings me right back to the 90s -- I used to wear purple lipstick all the time. Luckily, this one is a bit more understated.

The M.A.C Quite Cute Collection will be available on April 7 at maccosmetics.com and M.A.C counters nationwide.

So Divine: D.L. & Co. Essence of Green 10 Oz. Candle

If there's a candle out there more divine than the D.L. & Co. Essence of Green 10 Oz. Candle, I have yet to find it.

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