Archive for March, 2009

To date there have only been two hair styling tools that I have found to be so complete and effective at what it claims to do that I’ve deemed I can’t live without either one after trying.  The first is the Remington Airwave which instantly made it to many girls top obsession lists according to various boards and blogs.   The second is a new product I learned about called the Clever Clip which is hands down, the best tool I’ve ever used for holding my hair in place.

The Clever Clip claims to work regardless of what type of hair you have.  Personally, I have thick, smooth hair that never stays held up with a regular clip.  My hair texture is also too thick for barrettes which left me no choice but to use an elastic in a pony tail.  I couldn’t do any of those cool messy-chic twisty updos or even get my hair to stay out of the way long enough while brushing my teeth!  The Clever Clip has not only done an amazing job of instantly giving me more updo options but has made hair a non-issue for me in so many daily activities. (more…)

I got a Breville Café Modena Espresso Machine for Valentine’s Day this year and have since been having so much fun making my own coffee creations.  I mean, I drink some weird stuff sometimes that can’t be ordered from the coffee shop so this trusty machine has gotten a lot of good use when I just have to have an almond milk latte or Godiva liqueur americano at 3pm (don’t ask I was experimenting). Originally, I wasn’t so keen with the $200 price tag but have realized that a) it’s a lot cheaper than comparable machines and b) a $5 bag of ground coffee bean from Starbucks lasts a looong time (keep in the freezer). (more…)

J.Crew is always a great source for fabulous fashion and I’m also happy to report that their prices are much more reasonable these days. I’ve been itching to get new sandals and thus, scouted some gorgeous options from J.Crew that I think you would enjoy, too! (more…)

Do you ever wake up in the morning and look at your pictures from the previous night, only to shake your head?  Face shine, smudging eyeliner, and straying eyeshadow are only a few of the beauty sins that I have spotted from reviewing my pictures, but after discovering Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, I have forever repented for two of those sins.

Packaged in a genie like bottle (aptly shaped, because it is truly a beauty miracle), one swipe of this product over your lids keeps your eye makeup intact and creaseless even after the sweatiest, all night dance party.  The formula itself is a smooth, pearlescent white that can be applied using a spongy wand, that dries to a nude so you can apply any colors over it.  I’ve layered eyeshadow and eyeliner after applying this to each of my eyelids to happily find that my eye makeup looks the same at the beginning of the night as it does at the end of the night, preventing that dreaded eyeshadow creep to your eyelids and raccoon eyes.

The Eyeshadow potion retails for a very friendly $17, and can be found at sephora.com.  Just be careful to completely close the tube after using the potion as it dries out easily.

Irregardless of whether you share Blair Waldorf’s opinion of Brooklyn  (“Eeww, going to Brookyln, why?”), there is just one reason to visit Brooklyn and that is to get a chocolate chip cookie from Jacque Torres. A perfect blend of melty chocolatey goodness with gooey sugar and vanilla, this cookie is the ultimate in chocolate chip cookie food love.

One of the many reasons for this food love is that the cookie is always served warm. Every cookie is set on a small warming tray after baking, so that it arrives in your hands, lusciously hot. The cookies are also the ideal mix of crunch and chewiness: I personally love my cookies soft (the gooier the better), and the Jacques Torres cookie is perfectly soft in the middle with the slightest of crunch contrast to the edges. Best of all, every bite of this cookie delivers chocolate. Rather than chips, strata layers of chocolate are distributed throughout the vanilla sugar dough so that you get multiple doses of chocolate in each bite.

Jacques Torres is located in Dumbo Brookyln at 66 Water Street. For those of you that refuse to visit Brooklyn even to experience this cookie, you can also visit his store in Manhattan at 350 Hudson Street at King Street.  For you DIY-ers, the New York Times posted an adapted recipe version of Jacques’s chocolate chip cookie that you can try for yourself at home.

Since I first discovered Maison Belle hand soap in a random gift bag months ago, I’ve stocked up on so many bottles that I’m guaranteed never to run out…at least in the next year.  Using Maison Belle has actually made me a little obsessed with washing my hands (it’s also a good thing the brand has its own line of various house cleaning agents as well, which will hopefully make me an obsessed with cleaning my apartment one of these days).  The first thing I notice about the hand wash is its amazing grapefruit-lemon smell which has turned me into this weird hand smeller after I wash them.  Then I notice that the soap is not at all harsh on my skin.  The difference in the gentleness of the product is really apparent when compared to soaps I use in public restrooms. Maison Belle soaps contain no chemicals, SLS, SLES, parabens or synthetic dyes and the fragrance is derived from 100% essential oils. All the products in the Maison Belle line is eco-friendly and the handwash is no exception. The ingredient list is short and the packaging is completely bio-degradable. It’s also safe for children and the cute design of the bottle brings a Provence-esque feel to any home.  This product is avaliabe in the States at Anthropologie and in Europe at Isabella Smith Apothecary.

If the picture above is making you think, “yummm,” you’re not alone. My girl friend and I recently dined at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge in Lincolnwood, a bit north of Chicago, and now I have another great place to eat on my list. Top 5 reasons for making the drive up from Chicago to L. Woods:

1. Hearty, delicious food (like the BBQ baby back ribs above)
2. Nightly “recession wine” specials - $10 a bottle!
3. A warm atmosphere to enjoy with your family or friends
4. An in-depth menu of salads and fish in addition to meat, which is ideal for Fridays through Lent
5. Did I mention the hearty meals and affordable wine?

We headed to L. Woods on a Friday night, knowing that they had an extensive menu, since my friend couldn’t eat meat that day. The first thing that struck me was the really warm, welcoming ambiance, and the true “pine lodge” feel. The dining rooms were full of big groups of families and friends enjoying their night, and we were ready to start after spotting the $10 bottle of wine specials on the menu! (more…)

I’m always on the lookout for a good foundation and bronzer combo, mainly because even though I live in Los Angeles, I’m naturally pasty white and definitely need bronzer to avoid looking like I’m getting over a week spent in bed with the flu.  A lot of times I end up using foundation from one brand and bronzer from another, but my inner obsessive compulsive likes it when they actually come from the same brand.  (I know it’s a little weird….)  Right now, I’m loving two products from Dior that give my complexion a great, healthy glow.

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 Cameo 022 is great for those people who need to even out their complexion, but don’t want to look like they’re wearing anything heavy on their skin.  (The insert even says that it’s meant to “recreate the illusion of naturally beautiful and radiant bare skin that doesn’t suggest even a hint of makeup.”)  The innovation in this foundation comes from the addition of mineralized water to the formula, which captures and reflects light while hiding any imperfections your skin might have.  What I like about it is that it feels very moisturizing and light when you put it on – I could definitely see using this foundation in the summer instead of a tinted moisturizer, but it’s totally appropriate for the winter, too.  It also comes with an SPF 10 built in.  Normally, I wouldn’t think about wearing a foundation that didn’t have a higher SPF without also wearing sunscreen underneath, but since I’m layering this with a bronzer, I think I’m okay.

Dior Bronze Collagen Activ Smooth Protection Bronzer is one of my favorite recent discoveries.  It’s a powder that gives me nice, even tanned skin, but it also comes complete with Age Defense technology in the formula.  That helps to make your skin look smoother and the UVA and UVB filters protect it from being damaged by the sun and photoaging.  Really, is there anything better than being able to make my skin look like I’ve just been on vacation when actually protecting it from the sun?  I don’t think so…

I have a fondness for shirtdresses, as they straddle the gap between professional and casual. Simply changing the accessories can transform the look.  With the weather warming up, I’m searching for some short sleeved options and one of my top picks is this Roll-Up Shirt Dress from Old Navy.

Surprisingly, I’ve found some of my favorite dresses at this retailer in the past, and with this economy, I’m watching my budget like everyone else – so Old Navy is an easy and logical stop I like to make to see when I’m shopping. This shirtdress can easily become a classic in your wardrobe due to its versatility.  I like that the rolled up sleeves and chest pockets offer a more casual look, which I would dress down with flat sandals.  Also to note, the quality of the fabric is actually pretty fair. (It’s not Theory, but just remember that it’s also about 10% of the price.) I tried this in store and would suggest sizing down if you are in between sizes.  Personally, I would also add a belt for a definition at the waist and for more interesting contrast – though you could absolutely wear it by itself as well.

Right now, it’s on sale for $20 – and if you have a Gap or Banana Republic card, you can save an extra 15% off the entire site with code “CARD” until March 19 + free shipping always. (I ordered mine!)

Launched in 2006, Edward Bess quickly became a name to be known in the world of beauty. Sleek and seductive, all of the Edward Bess products are ultra chic and functional.  Each of the products are coveted by beauty addicts everywhere and are simply gorgeous when worn, enhancing the beauty of your face.  With such impeccable taste, we were excited to share Bess’ obsessions with you. Check them out below! (more…)