Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Therapy Session: Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait

I've found the world's greatest orange lipgloss. Seriously, I have! And its name is Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait.
My favorite part? The color is GORGEOUS. It's bright beyond belief, but still looks totally and completely natural. Great on its own or layered over other glosses and lipsticks.
This gloss tastes like honey, and since that's one of my favorite foods, I'm pretty happy about it! Thanks to Vitamin C and a combination of millet, jojoba and apricot kernel seed oils, it makes my pout feel super soft and delightfully kissable. (Now I just need a guy to kiss!)
Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait retails for $16 at urbandecay.com.
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Trend-Spotting: Bright Clutches
It's time to brighten up! One of the hottest trends this season is bright clutches. Think every shade under the sun -- red, orange, yellow, pink, you name it -- and the brighter the better! (And does it get any cuter than this Lulu Guinness Shocking Pink Perspex Lip Clutch?) Check out some of my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.
J.J. Winters Suede Fringe Clutch in Purple
A long layer of fringe lends visual intrigue to this gorgeous purple clutch.
$297 at shopthetrendboutique.com
Miu Miu Polka-Dot Canvas Clutch
White polka dots set against a ground of shocking pink add a touch of whimsy.
$495 at net-a-porter.com
Halston Heritage Susan Watersnake Clutch
Cayenne-hued snakeskin makes a strong visual impact.
$136.50 at shopbop.com
Christopher Kane Laser-Cut Leather Clutch
It just doesn't get more electrifying than neon yellow, does it?
$530 at net-a-porter.comKate Spade Romeo & Juliet Book Clutch
Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Methinks Juliet would have fallen for this adorable clutch in an instant.
$325 at katespade.com
ASOS Portfolio Envelope Clutch
Bright yellow and bold gleamy metal make for the perfect summer evening bag.
$34.48 at asos.com
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Monday, July 25, 2011
Animal, Vegetable or Mineral: M.A.C Mineralize Charged Water
One of the latest collections from M.A.C -- Semi Precious -- includes a product that hasn't left my side since I took it out of the package. I'm referring, of course, to the M.A.C Mineralize Charged Water -- the most recent addition to my prized collection of face mists.
Since temperatures have skyrocketed in the past week, I've been looking for any way possible to bring a little refreshment and reprieve to my skincare routine. This mist most certainly does the trick! A few spritzes across my face and not only am I immediately revitalized and rejuvenated, but my skin looks absolutely incredible -- dewy, fresh and glowy beyond belief.
And the scent of green tea and citrus? Zingy, clean and deliciously zesty.
M.A.C Mineralize Charged Water retails for $22 at maccosmetics.com.
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Sunday, July 24, 2011
Mani of the Week: Zoya Tobey with CND Effects Amethyst Sparkle
It was kind of grey out today, so I decided to brighten things up with a crazy pink hue! I went for Zoya Tobey (confusingly referred to as both Tobey and Tobi on their website, though my bottle very distinctly says the former) -- a gorgeously bright fuchsia that I'm fairly certain can be seen from a mile away!
To spice things up a bit, I painted one coat of CND Effects Amethyst Sparkle on top. The effect, as it were? So much sparkle and shimmer, I feel like a disco ball in the best possible way!
A closeup version of my nails so you can see the sparkle!
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
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Shimmy for Shimmer: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner for Natural to Color-Treated Hair
I think I just fell in love. Not with a boy, but with my shampoo and conditioner. Yes, that may be melodramatic, but I don't care -- and if you tried Shu Uemura Art of Hair Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner for Natural to Color-Treated Hair (say that three times fast), I know you would feel the same way.
Seriously, this duo is pretty amazing. As I'm sure you know by now, I've been going progressively redder with my hair color over the past year and a half. I'm always looking for shampoo and conditioner that will keep me color looking as vibrant as possible, and this duo most definitely fits the bill.
For starters, the bottles are red, which just look so fun in my shower. Add to that the fact that they're formulated with musk rose oil and scented with rose of Japan, and you've got a pretty luxurious duo to treat yourself to every morning. (Or, in my case, every 3-4 days when I wash my hair.) In any case, my hair is shiny, shimmery and bright -- exactly what I hoped it would be.
The Shu Uemura Art of Hair Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner for Natural to Color-Treated Hair are $48 and $58, respectively. They're available at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Exclusive! Awesome Manicure by Celebrity Manicurist Beth Fricke Using OPI!
Have I got a treat for you today! My gal Beth Fricke (for Artists by Timothy Priano using OPI), did an absolutely unbelievable manicure for someone special recently and gave me the exclusive details just for you! Beth did the awesome manicure above using OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Steady As She Rose ... and then put Navy Shatter on top of it.
Steady As She Rose is actually a very pale pink. Don't you just love the deep, darkened hue of the Shatter on top of it and the amazing crackle effect it produced?
Thanks so much to Beth for sharing this photo!
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Trend-Spotting: Tap Pants
I'm in a girly state of mind this week, so I was delighted to discover that tap pants have become one of the season's hottest trends. As the name may imply, tap pants originated from tap dancers who wore them while practicing their routines. And while they often fall into the same silhouette family as running shorts, they're definitely much sexier (just see the Only Hearts Last Rose of Summer Tap Pants, $52 at revolveclothing.com, above for proof). Check out some of my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.
Between The Sheets Sheer Romance Chiffon and Lace Tap Pant
Diaphanous peach silk is tempered by lovely grey lace in this ultra-girly pair.
$87.50 at journelle.com
The Lake & Stars Printed Silk Georgette Tap Pant
The print on this pair is made to look like fingerprints, which is at once charming and just a little bit creepy.
$65 at barneys.com
Julianna Rae Le Soir Dream Silk Tap Pant
Everything about this tap pant, from the deep lavender hue to the intricate crocheted lace trim, is just so incredibly luscious.
$82 at juliannarae.com
Gap Body Love Collection Satin Tap Shorts
Falling leaves pitter-patter so elegantly against divinely fine satin.
$39.95 at gap.comBrulee Tap Pant
A more fitted silhouette teams with intricate chevron seaming, giving this pair a delicate 50's-inspired vibe.
$80 at brulee.com
Anthropologie Ditsy Dahlia Shorts
I'm a sucker for a ditsy floral print -- it's just so cute and flirty. These shorts most definitely fit the bill.
$69.95 at anthropologie.com
Hanro Kiss Tap Pant
The vintage-inspired silhouette, the dreamy inlaid lace panels, the ombre-like hues ... what's not to love?
$75 at journelle.com
3.1 Phillip Lim Tap Pants
Lavender is one of my favorite colors, so is it any wonder that this pair with Swiss dot chiffon trim called to me immediately?
$85 at shopbop.com
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Mani of the Week: Sephora By OPI Don't Go There with Orly Out Of This World
In case you can't tell, I'm really enjoying two-color manicures at the moment! This week I went for two complementary purples that had been sitting in my collection for, well, years. Shameful, I know! I used Sephora By OPI Don't Go There (from 2008's Autumn and Eve Collection), accenting with Orly Out Of This World. Out Of This World is from Orly's famed Cosmic FX Collection.
I love the creamy consistency of the Sephora by OPI color, especially paired with the glittery magic of Orly.
Closeup of Orly Out Of This World
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
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Thursday, July 14, 2011
Trend-Spotting: Red Denim
Denim is certainly red hot this season! Celebs including Hayden Panettiere and Ashley Greene have been spotted wearing red denim while out and about. Check out some more takes on the trend after the jump.
[BLANKNYC] Spray On Skinny Jeans
Faux front pockets and a chic ankle length give these a legging-like look.
$80 at shopbop.com
Rag & Bone Zipper Jean
Cool zip-welt pockets at the hips make these feel totally rocker cool.
$198 at rag-bone.comCurrent/Elliott Cayenne Skinny Ankle Jeans
A faded hue and super skinny fit make these perfect with a blousy white top.
$187 at bergdorfgoodman.comBDG Cigarette High-Rise Jean
The price point on these is so fantastic -- who could say no?
$58 at urbanoutfitters.com
ksubi Super Spray On Narrow Jeans
This jean literally looks like it's been sprayed onto your body -- in the chicest, sexiest way.
$169 at revolveclothing.com
Hudson May Five Pocket Skinny Jeans
Silver hardware makes a bold statement against fiery red.
$165 at hudsonjeans.comJ Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg Jean
The fire-engine-bright jean that started it all!
$176 at ronherman.com
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Customize Your Lip Color with Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss
Being an individual? It's incredibly important to me. So when I came across Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss, a clear gloss which promises to transform your pout into its very own shade of pink, I simply had to try it.
So I slicked on the gloss and watched to see what would happen. Within seconds, my lips had deepened to a gorgeous mauve-rose hue ... definitely different than any other lipgloss I have in my arsenal!
This is due to the gloss's innovative formula -- a combination of Goji Berry-C Complex, ginkgo biloba, pomegranate seed antioxidants, marine botanicals and avocado oil. Not only will your lip color be all your own, but your lips will be so super soft and smooth!
Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss retails for $22 at sephora.com.
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A Friend's Mani of the Week: Chanel Peridot
My gal Daniella is wearing the truly covetable Chanel Peridot on her nails this week! As soon as I saw her mani, I simply had to show you the amazingness. Here's what Daniella has to say about the polish...
It's holding up really well and I love that it goes on SUPER smooth. That's probably more a quality of the polish formula than the color. But the color shines gold/green/teal depending on the light and angle.
Aren't you just LOVING this color? Thanks to Daniella for letting me post her pic and thoughts!
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A Departure from Fashion and Beauty for a Moment...
Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of attending the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends -- coincidentally, also named Jamie! We've known each other for over 20 years! At the end of May, she married her longtime sweetheart. Jamie is part of my nearest and dearest group of girlfriends -- we've all known each other since the 4th grade -- and all of us were in attendance at what was truly a special experience. I borrowed a couple pictures from her photographer and am posting them here -- as you can see from the second photo, we all love to laugh and be silly!

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Mani of the Week: NARS Schiap
Since I've been doing a lot of crazy colors for my manicures recently, I decided to go a little more ... well ... normal this week. If you can call crazy bright pink "normal," that is! I went for NARS Schiap, which is one of the brightest pink polishes I've ever seen! I'm loving the creamy consistency and the ease of application. It looked amazing with only one coat, but I did two to be on the safe side.
What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!
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Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Trend-Spotting: Bloomers
Okay. NOT that I want to go back to being a kid, because I actually really like being a grownup. But there's something so young, easy and carefree about the trend of bloomers, isn't there? They're cute, they're girly, they're adorable ... and no matter how old I get, I always want to be all of those things. (Seriously, just look at this pair by Undrest, $62 at shopbop.com). Check out my favorites after the jump.
Rugby Baden Cotton Voile Bloomer
From the pintucked waist to the crocheted and ruffled hem, these just scream "adorable."
$198 at rugby.com
Quiksilver Girls Boardie Blooomer Shorts
Bright yellow silk combines with a button front and contrast waistband in this super-cute shortie silhouette.
$36.99 at swell.comPret-A-Surf Butterfly Bloomer
Is there anything prettier than a butterfly print? I think not.
$225 at elizabeth-charles.comGIRL Angelika Bloomers in Cream
Open knit detailing and a blousy silhouette make this pair one to watch.
$192 at forwardforward.com
Free People Sateen Ruffle Bloomers
Layered ruffles and sleek sateen make this pair a little bit girly, a little bit sexy.
$68 at needsupply.com
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Sephora Introduces Same-Day Beauty Delivery!
Live in NYC? Love shopping at Sephora? Hate actually lugging the stuff home? Well, you're in luck ... because Sephora has just announced Same-Day Beauty Delivery! Order the products online and you're guaranteed to have them delivered that very day via a chic, iconic Mini.
Why? Because your time is precious.
Click here to find out more.
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Feeling All Tingly: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
If I could only get one facial for the rest of my life, it would be the Bliss Triple Oxygen Treatment. So when I found out that there's now a mask engineered to mimic that facial's effects -- namely, the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask -- I jumped at the chance to try it. Here are all the reasons I'm totally in love with it...
1) The mask works in just 5 minutes.
2) As you massage it into your skin and let it work its magic, it foams and becomes super tingly.
3) It works on even the most sensitive skin.
4) In just one use, your skin will GLOW.
5) Also in just one use, dryness and dehydration disappear.
Fresh, younger-looking skin in just minutes? I know you're thinking it's impossible. But with the combination of oxygen, innovative Fluid02 technology, powerful antioxidants and Vitamin C, this mask really and truly works.
The Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask retails for $52 at blissworld.com.
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Sunday, July 10, 2011
My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at Completely Bare, Volume 4
While I'm a fan of the dark hair on my head, when it comes to my underarms, all bets are off. I despise having to shave every day, and I finally decided to do something about it ... I'm taking the plunge and trying laser hair removal at Completely Bare! Follow my journey over the next several months as I chronicle the progress!
Recently, I had my 4th laser hair removal session at Completely Bare. I went eight weeks in between sessions this time instead of the six I'd had in between the previous sessions. I will say I didn't notice much of a difference in the amount of hair growth from six to eight weeks.
Actually, if I'm being completely honest, I didn't really notice a decrease in hair growth between sessions three and four. I had to shave pretty frequently -- almost every day -- and the growth just didn't really seem to slow down. The strange part is that the growth seemed more frequent on the left side than on the right!
The session itself was super quick and (relatively) painless. Five minutes with Ildi and I was done!
My next session is in August. Check back for Volume 5 of my laser hair removal experience!
Disclosure: This session was provided free of charge by Completely Bare for potential review.
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Friday, July 8, 2011
Yay or Nay: Feather Hair Extensions
How do you feel about feather hair extensions? I know they're all the rage right now, but I just really don't think I want a feather hanging from my head.
What do you think about feather hair extensions -- are they a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments?
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Thursday, July 7, 2011
Marvelously Minty: Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste
Want to give your mouth an amazing burst of freshness? Then let me introduce you to Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste!
If you can't tell, I have a bit of an obsession with fancy toothpastes. I just really like to treat my mouth to the finest when it comes to cleanliness! And Marvis definitely does not disappoint.
A touch of cold mint combines with a puff of sea freshness in this delightfully divine tube ... which loosely translates to a party of epic proportions in your mouth. Seriously, this is one of the best-tasting toothpastes I've yet to come across -- and it's just an added bonus that it leaves your mouth feeling super fresh and clean.
Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste retails for $6-$10 at drugstore.com.
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