I ran across these glasses a long time ago and meant to post a blog about them. There was an article posted in Nylon about the fledgling eye glasses company and I fell in love instantly. The are called Prism London.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
These boots were made for walking...
I was born and raised in Scottsdale Arizona, which is a very luxurious resort city for many famous ball players and 90210 vacationers. The kind of cowgirl in scottsdale was quite lush and usually consisted of True Religion jeans, numerous boob jobs, bleached blonde hair, every article of David Yurman and John Hardy jewelry you own worn at once, skimpy top, and maybe a pair of cowboy inspired Giuseppe Zanotti boots for authenicity. Needless to say, no we didn't ride ponies to school or wear cowboy hats. However, I do remember having a love affair in freshman year of high school with a pair of my mom's black ostrich skin pointed toe Luchese boots. I wore them everyday to school. As my mom often says "Something about wearing boots makes you feel badass." And I couldn't agree more. Ever since I could remember my mom would rock out a kickass pair of boots with crocodile Kieselstein Cord jewelry, a massive jeweled Kippy belt, a pair of cool bootcut levis, and a simple white tee. The great thing about boots is you don't need a complex outfit if you have a pair of great boots. Keep it simple and your boots will be sure to make a statment.
Messenger Bags
When it comes to bags I can't be seen in public with ones that nestle under my shoulder or hang from my wrist without feeling like a Barbie. Plus, its uncomfortable! Try as I might I can't get over my aversion to traditional handbags (which makes me feel guilty for having my mom buy me a Louis Vuitton Speedy 35). However, being that I am a girl, I feel compelled to carry everything I own with me at all times, which is why I LOVE messenger bags. They rest easily on your shoulders, they hold a lot, and they have an urban European feel to them. If the bags above are to masculine (which is not surprising considering they are from the men collections) check out the adorable one from MARC by Marc Jacobs (I just love Miss Marc!)
In order of appearance: J. Crew, Louis Vuitton, J. Crew, and MARC by Marc Jacobs.
Oxfords/Spectators
If you haven't guessed I am a huge fan of menswear for women so it should be no surprise that I am fawning over oxfords this fall. Lucky for me, there is a great selection of them out there right now. I thinking of pairing them with a pair of dressy wool shorts and leggings or boyfriend jeans.
In order of appearance: J. Crew, ShopBop, Frye, and UrbanOutfitters.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Top Cult Classic Beauty Products: Miracle or Myth
Have you ever read an article in a magazine that went on and on about a new "must have beauty product" and rushed out to purchase it only to bring it home and be disappointed? Well I have, and I can only hope that it doesn't happen to other women. In this article you will find my honest opinions on the top beauty products so you can shop smarter in the future.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Often hailed as a makeup artist's must have, this multi-purpose product can be used on cuts, scratches, chapped lips, lashes (to make them appear longer and thicker), and if applied to your face can give a dewy appearance. Being a clumsy child, I received many boo-boos and grew up with the smell of cocoa butter and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, so the scent produces a familiar and comforting effect on me. The cream, which is really like a gel, is cooling and hydrating. This product is more like a tool than a miracle skin care product. It will not erase lines or pores or things of that sort so keep that in mind when you plan on purchasing it. Over all, I give it a thumbs up.
Crème de la Mer: La Mer was created by NASA aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber after he received horrific chemical burns on his face from what was supposed to be a routine experiment. This famous cream contains a highly potent mix of ingredients referred to as the miracle broth, which must be fermented for 2-3 months. The cream is activated by vigorously rubbing the cream between your hands until it is practically liquefied. This product has a famous reputation and a price tag to match. I know you are hoping I will say it is not worth the price and highly over-rated but I am going to have to disappoint you. Being too heavy a cream to apply during the day I apply it at night. I wake up the next morning with dewy, glowing, and hydrated skin. This cream will moisturize the dry patches that everything else cannot. La Mer also has brightened my skin. Whether it claims to do so or not, it has. As for helping wrinkles and such I cannot say. La Mer is another thumbs up from me.
Rodin Olio Lusso: This blend of essentials oils has become a overnight hit with makeup artists and celebs alike. It was created on a whim by a Manhattan stylist. I have heard such rave reviews I could not wait to order a vial at $135 an ounce. My verdict, it is pretty disappointing. It is a simple mix of eleven essential oils put in a pretty glass container. Honestly, anyone could create the same blend for far less money by going to any all natural shop or Whole Foods. The consistency was not too greasy and it smells okay, but I did not experience any amazing glow. I give this an okay rating.
Rosebud Lip Salve: Another multi-purpose product that so many people swear by. This salve comes in a cute tin jar and smells divine. It can be used in cuticles, hands, hair, and just about whatever else. It hydrates lips nicely but in winter when it is really dry I still prefer original Chap Stick. I still give this a thumbs up.
Urban Decay Primer Potion: Affectionately referred to as UDPP, this product pioneered the way for eye primers. It is packaged in a genie-esque bottle with a wand. The product is a nude colored cream that really must be applied with a finger or brush as the wand is not very effective. This primer keeps shadows on all day and prevents creasing. How women survived without this, I cannot fathom. This is an A+.
Dior DiorShow Mascara: The most over-hyped mascara ever, this has the worst smudging formula ever. It drys hard and flakes off, smudges, and produces less than stellar results. Thumbs way down for this mascara.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: While this eyelash curler is the best I have used, I do not find it absolutely necessary to spend this much money on an eyelash curler. While I do verily believe it is perfectly acceptable to settle for a drug store one, I still give this curler a thumbs up.
Elnett Hairspray: Quite possibly of the most famous product in this article, Elnett is one of the highest demanded products, being previously available only in Europe. Elnett has recently started selling in America but the formula has been altered. I was able to buy this at Target and was very excited to go home and experiment with it. I must tell you that I do not ever use hairspray but I wasn't all that impressed with Elnett. It wasn't crunchy or hard which is a plus but I didn't think the hold was that strong. The smell was nice at first but become a bit irritating over the day. I have to give this hairspray a thumbs down.
NARS The Multiple: The Multiple stemmed from an Harper's Bazaar article in 1996 when Francois Nars used lipstick on Carolyn Murphy as a lip color, blush, and eyeshadow. The idea became a hit and The Multiple was produced. The range of colors is great but my personal favorite is Copacabana which is the BEST highlighter ever! A word of advice: you must use an eye primer if you use it on your eyes. The Multiple will crease like there is no tomorrow. NARS gets a thumbs up for this beauty item.
Mason Pearson Brushes: Having over two hundred years of experience in brush making, Mason Pearson has earned the title of premier brush making company. Boar bristle brushes distribute precious oils from your scalp along the length of your hair creating shinier, healthier hair. Getting your hands on one of these brushes will cost you a pretty penny but your hair will thank you. Thumbs up from me.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Often hailed as a makeup artist's must have, this multi-purpose product can be used on cuts, scratches, chapped lips, lashes (to make them appear longer and thicker), and if applied to your face can give a dewy appearance. Being a clumsy child, I received many boo-boos and grew up with the smell of cocoa butter and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, so the scent produces a familiar and comforting effect on me. The cream, which is really like a gel, is cooling and hydrating. This product is more like a tool than a miracle skin care product. It will not erase lines or pores or things of that sort so keep that in mind when you plan on purchasing it. Over all, I give it a thumbs up.
Crème de la Mer: La Mer was created by NASA aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber after he received horrific chemical burns on his face from what was supposed to be a routine experiment. This famous cream contains a highly potent mix of ingredients referred to as the miracle broth, which must be fermented for 2-3 months. The cream is activated by vigorously rubbing the cream between your hands until it is practically liquefied. This product has a famous reputation and a price tag to match. I know you are hoping I will say it is not worth the price and highly over-rated but I am going to have to disappoint you. Being too heavy a cream to apply during the day I apply it at night. I wake up the next morning with dewy, glowing, and hydrated skin. This cream will moisturize the dry patches that everything else cannot. La Mer also has brightened my skin. Whether it claims to do so or not, it has. As for helping wrinkles and such I cannot say. La Mer is another thumbs up from me.
Rodin Olio Lusso: This blend of essentials oils has become a overnight hit with makeup artists and celebs alike. It was created on a whim by a Manhattan stylist. I have heard such rave reviews I could not wait to order a vial at $135 an ounce. My verdict, it is pretty disappointing. It is a simple mix of eleven essential oils put in a pretty glass container. Honestly, anyone could create the same blend for far less money by going to any all natural shop or Whole Foods. The consistency was not too greasy and it smells okay, but I did not experience any amazing glow. I give this an okay rating.
Rosebud Lip Salve: Another multi-purpose product that so many people swear by. This salve comes in a cute tin jar and smells divine. It can be used in cuticles, hands, hair, and just about whatever else. It hydrates lips nicely but in winter when it is really dry I still prefer original Chap Stick. I still give this a thumbs up.
Urban Decay Primer Potion: Affectionately referred to as UDPP, this product pioneered the way for eye primers. It is packaged in a genie-esque bottle with a wand. The product is a nude colored cream that really must be applied with a finger or brush as the wand is not very effective. This primer keeps shadows on all day and prevents creasing. How women survived without this, I cannot fathom. This is an A+.
Dior DiorShow Mascara: The most over-hyped mascara ever, this has the worst smudging formula ever. It drys hard and flakes off, smudges, and produces less than stellar results. Thumbs way down for this mascara.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: While this eyelash curler is the best I have used, I do not find it absolutely necessary to spend this much money on an eyelash curler. While I do verily believe it is perfectly acceptable to settle for a drug store one, I still give this curler a thumbs up.
Elnett Hairspray: Quite possibly of the most famous product in this article, Elnett is one of the highest demanded products, being previously available only in Europe. Elnett has recently started selling in America but the formula has been altered. I was able to buy this at Target and was very excited to go home and experiment with it. I must tell you that I do not ever use hairspray but I wasn't all that impressed with Elnett. It wasn't crunchy or hard which is a plus but I didn't think the hold was that strong. The smell was nice at first but become a bit irritating over the day. I have to give this hairspray a thumbs down.
NARS The Multiple: The Multiple stemmed from an Harper's Bazaar article in 1996 when Francois Nars used lipstick on Carolyn Murphy as a lip color, blush, and eyeshadow. The idea became a hit and The Multiple was produced. The range of colors is great but my personal favorite is Copacabana which is the BEST highlighter ever! A word of advice: you must use an eye primer if you use it on your eyes. The Multiple will crease like there is no tomorrow. NARS gets a thumbs up for this beauty item.
Mason Pearson Brushes: Having over two hundred years of experience in brush making, Mason Pearson has earned the title of premier brush making company. Boar bristle brushes distribute precious oils from your scalp along the length of your hair creating shinier, healthier hair. Getting your hands on one of these brushes will cost you a pretty penny but your hair will thank you. Thumbs up from me.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Common Makeup Mistakes
Another article I wrote for Assiciated Content at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2031902/common_makeup_mistakes.html?cat=69 . Enjoy!
Eyes
Face
Eyes
- You should always begin your makeup with your eyes before applying foundation in case you should get fallout. Fallout is when the dusty pigments from your eyeshadow falls beneath your eyes. Fallout is very difficult to remove and usually requires makeup remover hence the reason you do not want to have your foundation and concealor on when this happens. There is a trick you can do if you must apply foundation first and that is to apply a good amount of loose loose powder beneath your eyes and over your concealor before you apply eyeshadows. Once you have finished with your eye makeup, sweep away the loose powder along with the fallout.
- One of my makeup Holy Grails is an eye primer. Eye primers prevent eyeshadow from creasing while making the colors vibrant and last all day. Two of my favorite eye primers are the cult classic Urban Decay Primer Potion $17 and Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen $24.
- You can keep eyeliner from smudging by setting it with loose powder or powder eyeshadow. This can also amplify any smokey eye look.
Face
- There are also primers for your face. Face primers prevent your makeup from "melting off" as well as filling in pores and lines, creating a smooth canvas for your foundation. I suggest any primer from Smashbox $36-42 or Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse $35.
- Ideally, you have the perfect shade of foundation and don't have to deal with foundation lines, but then again, it's not a perfect world. Many foundations oxidize which turns them orange. Also, the seasons change our tan, or lack of tan. The rule is to apply foundation to your face, neck, AND ears. When your encounter lines, take a small amount of your face moisturizer on a cosmetic sponge and blend outwards.
- If you have a problem with over-applying blush or bronzer you may want to try this. Take your blush brush and dip it into your blush. Then tap the brush bristles onto your hand and then apply it to your face. It is a simple trick to make sure your have the perfect amount of product on your brush. Simply tapping the brush handle will not get off the access blush off the brush.
- Besides lining your lips, you can further prevent your lip color from bleeding by applying concealor around the outside of your lip line. This also cleans up any mistakes and makes your lips look fuller.
- This is an age old trick to ensure your lipstick doesn't get on your teeth. Stick a CLEAN finger into your mouth, wrap your lips around your finger and then pull your finger out.
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