4 Sexy Kimonos For The Bedroom (Or Just For Yourself)

I'm a firm believer in looking sexy for yourself. If you only dress to impress other people, you actually will never feel that comfortable in what you're wearing -- and you won't actually feel that sexy. But in these four kimonos, looking and feeling sexy is just a given ... no matter what.

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My Friend Jamie's Mani of the Week: Nails Inc. Trafalgar Square Magnetic Polish

While in Boston last weekend, I went shopping at Sephora with my friend Katie. We landed, of course, in front of the Nails Inc. nail polishes, lemming after the magnetic polishes. We each had a couple of them but not the full collection -- so we decided to split the cost of the three-piece set. But, alas, we both already owned Trafalgar Square. What to do? Why, gift our friend and fellow nail polish lover Jamie, of course!

Jamie was thrilled, of course. And she was gracious enough to share a photo of her nails with me and, in turn, with you! I love the way Trafalgar Square looks on her and she did a fantastic job applying.

What's on your nails this week? And have you tried Trafalgar Square yet? Let me know in the comments!

My Birthday Party Mani: Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Misbehaved and Bling It On

My birthday is this coming Tuesday (!!) and I'm having a little get-together at my apartment tonight! I've been running around all week like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get ready, so I finally took a beat yesterday and concentrated on making my nails look amazing. I decided to try out Sally Hansen Salon Effects for the first time, and I'm loving the results!

I chose Misbehaved (a gold and black latticework design that reminds me of my Minx experience) and Bling It On, a fabulous sparkly pink. As you can see, I made each hand different -- one is concentrated around the gold and black with just a hint of pink, the other is the opposite!

These strips were extremely easy to apply and I love that there are so many sizes. Each package comes with 16 strips, in addition to a cuticle stick, mini file and buffer -- and they really do have enough options to fit every single nail! The strips I've tried in the past are always too big to fit my pinky and too small to fit my thumb, but these were all, to quote Goldilocks, just right. Plus, application of all 10 nails took less than 10 minutes and there's no drying time involved, so I was able to go about my day immediately!

If you're looking for a fun way to change up your manicure in a flash, Salon Effects is definitely the way to go. I can't wait to show off my nails at my birthday party tonight!

My New Love: Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Hobo

We all have our passions. And one of mine? Rebecca Minkoff. I think it's fairly obvious that I'm in love with anything and everything Rebecca Minkoff, seeing as I've got nine (yes, nine) of her bags and multiple cuffs. But my latest love? It's the Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Hobo.

I'd been lusting after this bag for quite some time -- at least three years -- and, finally, it went on sale in my dream color! I snagged it in lavender (above) back in December, and I've been carrying it nonstop ever since. I love the minimal hardware and fun O-ring details, and the dogclip details on the sides are such a cool touch.

This hobo is big enough that it even fits up to a 15-inch laptop! But although I can fit my computer, Kindle, gym clothes, an extra pair of heels and my wallet in there on a daily basis, it still doesn't feel bulky or oversized. It's the perfect bag for everyday use or for travel, and it's guaranteed to get you compliments on the street!

Plus, it's one of Rebecca Minkoff's standby silhouettes, so it's always available in new colors. (Lavender is no longer available on Rebecca Minkoff's website, though it's currently available in other colors for $495 here.) Trust me -- this bag is worth it!

Triple the Fun: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

I have a confession to make. I don't deep condition my hair as much as I should. As a result, it's often lackluster, dry and brittle -- and, the worse it gets, the more I know I should be deep conditioning it and the more I just don't. It's a vicious cycle. Enter Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask.

Oh, how my locks were begging for this mask to be slathered all over them the last time I washed my hair. I couldn't even think of the last time I deep conditioned or got a hair treatment at a salon, so they were in pretty dire straits! On the mask went, and there it sat for about five minutes, working its magic.

The formula is rich and thick but not greasy or heavy, which I love. Olive, meadowfoam seed and sweet almond extracts work to moisturize, penetrate and wrap every strand in intense moisture (hence the "Triple Moisture" part of the name).

Immediately after rinsing, my tresses felt smooth, conditioned and moisturized. But I've had that happen with deep conditioners before, only to discover my hair looked just as fried once I blowdried it. Not so with this Neutrogena mask. After I blew my hair out -- and before I even took a flat iron to it -- my strands looked healthy and felt unbelievably soft and lush. And once I flat ironed? Well, all bets were off, because MY. HAIR. LOOKED. INCREDIBLE.

And best of all? This mask is only necessary once a week, which even I can manage!

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask retails for $5.99 at drugstore.com.

My Coworker's Mani of the Week: Essie Chinchilly

My coworker Melissa is sporting one of my very favorite colors this week, Essie Chinchilly. I love that it's part grey, part lavender -- what a gorgeous color for winter, right?

Mani of the Week: Nails Inc. Whitehall Magnetic Polish

Oh, how I love Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish. Seriously, not only are the colors amazing, but what a cool and easy way to do a little nail art! This week I went for Nails Inc. Whitehall Magnetic Polish, a gorgeous rich hunter green that turns a beautiful mix of black and teal once the magnet is applied.

I did realize, once I brought this bottle home from Sephora, that it was without the magnetic top -- but, luckily, I had another bottle that I could use!

If you're looking for a way to get your nails noticed, this is most definitely it. Really, paint your nails with any of the Nails Inc. Magnetic Polishes and see how many compliments you get in a week!

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

Seeing Red in a Major Way: DKNY Marcey Strappy Pump

Have you ever come across something that instantly screamed, "BUY ME!" -- and you didn't do it? Maybe you were lacking funds, maybe you had just bought your 700th pair of shoes and didn't need that 701st pair. But whatever the reason, you kept looking at the item over ... and over ... and over ... and, okay, you get the point. Well, such was the case for me with the DKNY Marcey Strappy Pump.

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First Look Fridays: Stylist Leanne Ford

I had the pleasure of meeting Leanne Ford about a year ago. We were on a flight together from Pittsburgh to New York, and the second I met her -- wearing this fabulous long fur coat and rocking a fedora and oversized shades -- I adored her. Leanne's fashion sense is completely on point and she's brilliant and sweet to boot. Read on to find out which footwear she can't help but rock, the fragrance she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Pittsburgh and went to Ohio University. (Such a fun school!) They didn’t have a fashion program, only retail and merchandising, which was not exactly what I wanted, so I just designed my own major. I took all the classes I wanted to take -- Art, Advertising, PR, Retail -- and combined them to learn everything I wanted. AND a perk was I got out of econ and accounting!

I also did an internship for a full quarter of credits and designed my own line in college for fun, Messandmod, then got school credit for it. Really that started because I was just making all my own clothes in college, or at least spray painting them all! I graduated early, got in my friend's car and moved to this teensy apartment in NYC to work for free for a little (but very well known) fashion line, Heatherette. The stories from that time are wild. And those guys really inspired me to keep following whatever crazy dreams I could think of.

How did you first become interested in fashion, and what led you to become a stylist?
I guess to be honest I was never really interested in “fashion” so much as creating things. I have always loved being creative and clothes are just one way to do that. I don’t care about brands or trends, but I love making things look interesting or clean or crazy based on a mood. I went from design, to PR, to owning a company, to being a fashion editor, to styling.

Let's talk designers. Who are some of your favorites and why?
Love all things Alexander Wang. Clean lines and cool downtown vibe. Love Chloe just simply based on their history and beauty. And I'm really into Etro, I plan to wear that all the time with tons of turquoise and silver. And then buy a place in Topanga Canyon!

Is there a shoot that's stood out as one of your favorites? What made it special?
My favorite shoots are always the travel ones. Mexico, the Bahamas, Alaska, Costa Rica, Argentina ... any shoot that feels like you are all traveling and in it together, it makes for great pictures. At the end of it you feel like you're saying goodbye to all your summer camp friends, hugging goodbye and promising to write! I have made some great friends from those shoots.

What are your top 5 fashion essentials and why?

1) My black leather motorcycle jacket.

2) Boots! Any and all boots. Especially my Frye brown boots that I added some cowboy flair to the back heel.

3) Sequins. But only the vintage kind. And all forms.

4) Vintage fur coats.

5) Long dresses for daytime AND nighttime!

And how about your top 5 beauty essentials?

1) Mascara, mascara, mascara. My go to! My fave is YSL.

2) Now that I'm a (new) blonde I love wearing red lipstick, and then I put some of it on my cheeks so I look rosy.

3) I've been using Booth's moisturizing lotion and eye cream which feel good.

4) I love two go-to perfumes: Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue and Bulgari Au The Blanc.

5) My new favorite secret weapon is Chanel Le Blanc Whitening Concentrate Continuous Action. It feels so good. And I swear the first day I used it I was on set and the makeup artist told me I had amazing skin. Instant results!

What are your top 3 style and fashion tips?
1) Forget sizes! Try things on. Take the bigger and smaller sizes into the dressing room and try on a couple different options and just see what sits and drapes best on you.

2) Get creative. If you surround yourself with creative souls that don't judge and have fun with life and clothes and fashion you will feel more open to trying new things and finding YOUR style. Don't let the squares stifle you!

3) If you really feel it, then wear it. People are so quick to judge style and what's "in" and what's "out." And this may be against all stylist code books but I say, if you really love it then rock it. Ideally, it's flattering or interesting, or something, but ... do your thing! I can go through and tell you exactly what looks good on you and what's on point in fashion, but unless you are feeling good in it there is no reason to wear it!

Being a stylist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
Oh that's when the real fun happens! That's actually why I am a stylist, I believe in living a good life first and foremost. Your job is just a means of facilitating that. I just didn't want to ask anyone for two weeks vacation anymore. I'm constantly traveling, working on the one room school house my husband and I bought (meettheshaffers.com) and writing. I write a lot of songs now with my Nashville friends, Escondido, Jess Maros, Carey Kotsionis, Nikki Lane. That's my newest creative outlet these days.

The Chicest Kindle Cover Around: Henri Bendel West 57th E-Reader Case

I recently became a Kindle owner. I fought it for the longest time, but finally, I just had to succumb to the fabulousness that is an e-reader. I travel so frequently and read so much that I just couldn't live without a Kindle. And what's a Kindle without a fabulous case? I asked myself that very question -- and then I discovered the Henri Bendel West 57th E-Reader Case.

I love everything about this case ... the faux snakeskin cover, the lining with Henri Bendel's signature brown and white stripes, and the fact that it's protecting my Kindle of course!

And here's the best part. It's on sale! This case originally retailed for $68, but now it's $40.80 at henribendel.com. So there's no excuse not to dress up your Kindle or Nook, now is there?

Happy 5th Blogiversary To Me!

I can't believe it, but it's been five fun-filled years here at The Beauty of Life. It seems like yesterday that, as I was looking around my apartment, my eyes settled on this Illume Candle and prompted me to write my first post. From meeting some of the biggest names in the business backstage at Fashion Week to filling my home and office with more lipglosses, eyeshadows and nail polishes than I can count, life (and the beauty of it!) has certainly been anything but boring.

Thanks so much to all of you for reading The Beauty of Life all these years. I look forward to continuing on my journey with you!

Get Real: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

The holy grail of mascaras may have just been dropped in my lap. Seriously, I don't think my lashes have looked this good in forever ... and it's all thanks to Benefit They're Real! Mascara.

In just one coat, my lashes were thicker, longer, curlier and much more lush than before. I did have to comb through them quickly to get rid of a few clumps, but with even application, this shouldn't be a problem. (I was applying the mascara in a rush just before I left the house.)

I really love the brush with this mascara. I's sizable and substantial and really grips each and every lash to perfection -- even the stubbly ones! I have tiny lashes at the inner corners, and even they were instantly transformed once the brush hit them.


My lashes with one coat of They're Real!

Benefit They're Real! Mascara retails for $22 at sephora.com.

Mani of the Week: Zoya Lotus

It had been awhile since I did a purple on my tips. And what better way to get back into the purples than with Zoya Lotus? This shimmery purple treat is one of the six colors from Zoya's new collection for spring, True. I love the dusty blueish purple hue and the shimmer packed within that reflects red, pink and gold. It's definitely a unique color and has made its way into my permanent collection!

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

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Brandalyn Fulton

As soon as I discovered Brandalyn Fulton, I knew I'd happened upon a beauty goldmine. Brandalyn works as a hairstylist and makeup artist for the theater, and this beauty chick -- who grew up doing theater! -- is super excited to bring you today's First Look Fridays. Read on to find out how she creates the look for a character, the serum she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm from Southfield, Michigan. I went to college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated in 2008. I moved to New York in 2009.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist and hairstylist?
I just needed a job in college and so I started working at a makeup counter my sophomore year. I didn't know I had such talent and creativity. I became so consumed with beauty and makeup that I stopped attending my college courses. All I wanted to do was makeup and constantly found myself practicing makeup. I attended the International Beauty Show and the first ever Makeup Show in 2005. I saw makeup brands that were foreign to me. I saw celebrity makeup artists. I saw people having fun and doing what they loved. This was a pivotal moment for me and a clear indicator that I could make a career out of being a makeup artist.

I have always been pretty good at doing my own hair. I wanted to incorporate makeup in my collegiate program so I started working backstage on theatrical productions in the Wig and Makeup Department at the University of Michigan to finish my degree. From there I began to hone my hairstyling skills and became extremely good in wig styling and maintenance.

As a former theater performer, I absolutely love that you've worked everywhere from Juilliard to Carnegie Hall. What do you love about working on shows -- and how do you prepare for them and create various characters' looks?
When creating a look for a character, a number of people are involved in the process: the director, the costume designer, the wig and/or makeup designer, and the actor. Usually there might also be a wig and/or makeup artist or supervisor involved in the mix. This is the person responsible for actually applying the wig and makeup design or could be teaching the actor how to achieve it on their own. The character is developed by the director and the actor in rehearsal. The costume designer and wig/makeup designer create a look that is based on how the character is perceived in their role. Many things can influence this portrayal (i.e. how the characters talks and interacts with other characters, where they are from, their age, socio economic status, time and place). During several production meetings prior to the work hitting the stage ideas and sketches are discussed. Pictorial research is used as a reference and then a decision is usually made based on what is physically feasible to achieve and what makes the actor the most comfortable.

I love working in theater because I am a small part of something so big! Every night we create an atmosphere for people to enjoy, sing along, reflect, be happy, or sometimes sad. I just love being a part of the creative process.

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?
This can change depending on the year...
1) Armour Beauty Lip Gloss: I just love their products. It’s perfect for shoots because it is a high pigmented lip gloss so it lasts longer than usual. The colors are amazing! My favorites are Grace and Ann Margaret.

2) Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum: This is a great serum to use in my kit because it is just enough hydration for someone that is oily. I also use this in addition to a moisturizer for those that are drier. I think everyone should use a serum!

3) FACE atelier Ultra Matte: Works so well when I am on set. I have found that I do not have to powder my clients as much when misting this spray after makeup. Perfect for people with extremely oily skin or for people who find themselves constantly touching up their makeup.

4) Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray: A wonderful all-purpose hairspray! I love to set each piece of hair before curling. It is workable and not extremely drying.

5) Fusion of Color Cosmetics Lip Sass Lip Gloss in Woodbine: It is my new favorite lipgloss. It is the most hydrating gloss I’ve tried in a long time and is a beautiful shade!

What are your top 3 skincare tips?
1) Always moisturize your skin!

2) Always wash your face before bed.

3) Be sure to exfoliate and remove dead skin off your face at least once a week!

How about your top 3 hair tips?
1) Keep your ends trimmed.

2) Condition your hair.

3) I know it's trendy for the fabulous blowout and great flatiron job, but be mindful of how much heat you put on your hair. Too much heat is not a good thing!

Being a makeup artist and hairstylist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I love makeup and beauty and it is hard for me to separate work, but in my spare time I like to have spa nights at home, read and relax. I enjoy discovering new places and restaurants in New York City. I am still very connected to my hometown and friends so I enjoy catching up with them via phone or Skype.

My Coworker's Mani of the Week: Essie Sew Psyched

'Tis the week to covet my coworkers' nails! Up today is my fabulous coworker Janelle, who's sporting Essie Sew Psyched on her tips.

I love the greenish grey hue and the creaminess of the formula. Definitely one of my favorite polishes and it looks fantastic on Janelle!

Liquid Love: Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Pure Chic

Going for the liquid look on your lips? If you want super high shine and oodles of gloss, Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Pure Chic is a must have.

Now, I'm normally not one for clear lipglosses. I like COLOR. But, in the case of this clear gloss, I've made an exception and will actually wear it by itself. That's right -- no color on my lips, just a lot of shine.

I love that this lipgloss easily and smoothly glides onto lips with the slightly curved applicator. There's absolutely no stickiness or tackiness, which I must admit surprised me -- I fully expected for my lips to feel terrible after applying, but it actually feels like a moisturizing lip balm! This shouldn't be that surprising, since it's formulated with nourishing Vitamin E and panthenol.

And, whether you choose to wear it over other lipglosses and lipsticks or by itself, you're guaranteed a heck of a lot of shine. My lips have never been glossier!

And here's the best part. It costs less than $2! Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Pure Chic retails for $1.99 at ulta.com.

My Friend's Mani of the Week: Dior Electric Blue

If you weren't aware by now, I'm obsessed with nails. I'm the girl who's always complimenting my cashiers, waitresses, flight attendants, bus drivers, you name it really, on how awesome their nails look. So when I spotted my friend Christy sporting Dior Electric Blue on her nails this week, I simply had to take a picture for you!

I love the super bright, eye-catching hue and the creaminess of the polish. While Christy and I both commented on the weirdness of the Dior brush -- it's almost like using a paintbrush, as opposed to the normal nail polish brush -- we both are completely in love with this color!

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

My Name Is Mud: WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

I always like to use skincare products that feel a bit like a science experiment. So when I discovered the WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask, which contains individual tubs of mud that you brush onto skin with the included paintbrush, I simply had to give it a try.

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Mani of the Weekend: OPI My Private Jet

Sometimes I just need to do my nails more than once a week. I have so many colors in my arsenal, both new and old, that if I don't do double or even triple manicures sometimes, I'll never get through them all! As it is, I can't even use my favorites -- like OPI My Private Jet, seen above -- more than a few times at most. So this weekend, I decided to go ahead and redo my nails just so I could have a little extra fun.

This is one of the most unique nail polishes I've ever come across. The chocolate brown base is glossy and creamy in only one coat, though I always apply two. And the multitude of colorful sparkles -- it seems like every color of the rainbow shows up in the formula -- means this color goes with absolutely everything! It's one of those colors I just can't help but look at every five seconds whenever I wear it.

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

The Rachel Zoe Minelli Top Makes Me Love Sequins.

Admittedly, I've never been the biggest fan of sequins. A lot of times they just look tacky and overdone -- and, especially on New Year's Eve, are so expected. But then I found the Rachel Zoe Minelli Top, and immediately, all bets were off.

I saw the top online about two months before I actually walked into Bergdorf Goodman to try it on. The second I slipped it over my head, I knew I had found a winner. The shape is slightly boxy but still fitted and supremely flattering, even on a larger bust and bigger middle. The sequins are glamorous but somehow understated, and depending on the light, may not even be extremely visible.

But the major selling point? I just felt so, SO chic the moment I put it on. And it helps that in the few times I've worn it, it's garnered compliments from everyone. Though, honestly, they're just icing on the cake, since I feel like a million bucks -- or, maybe, even like Liza Minelli, for whom the top is aptly named -- once I've worn it out on the town.

Pictured above wearing the Minelli top on New Year's Eve with my gorgeous friend Susan.

The Rachel Zoe Minelli Top is $350 at bergdorfgoodman.com.

4 Beauty Tips I Should Follow (But Don't Always, Shhh)

You know those beauty tips you're always reading in magazines and on blogs like this one? Like wash your face every day, don't take hot showers in the winter, et cetera? Well, I'm here to tell you that while you should be doing them all the time, it's darn near impossible to be that perfect with your beauty routine. And no one is perfect, including this beauty chick! Read on to find out which beauty tips I know I should be sure to do religiously ... but sometimes just fall short.

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Back to Basics: H20+ Bath Basics Shower Gel Favorites Gift Set

I love shower gel. I love H20+. I love gift sets. And I love a good deal. So is it any wonder that I simply had to have the H20+ Bath Basics Shower Gel Favorites Gift Set?

I love that this set contains six of H20+'s bestselling shower gels -- Clearwater, Sweet Berry, Ebb Tide, Blushing Orange, Raspberry Guava and Bath Aquatics. One is more colorful and gorgeous smelling than the next ... not to mention each one is in a conveninet 1 fl. oz. travel size that makes them absolutely perfect for travel!

I bought this gift set at Ulta, but as it's not available on their website, pick one up for $9.45 at h20plus.com.

Mani of the Week: butter LONDON Diamond Geezer

Well, I may be a little late on the sparkle, since New Year's Eve just passed. But I decided it's never too late for a little gleam and glitz! So this week, I went for a super shiny silver shimmer with butter LONDON Diamond Geezer. I love this polish -- it's unbelievably glamorous and makes me want to just keep looking at my nails all day long! With the super shiny gleam, it really looks like Minx, but the staying power is so much better.

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

butter LONDON Diamond Geezer retails for $15 at beauty.com.