Archive for May, 2009

For a few months, I was searching for the perfect narrow (but not too narrow) belt in a cognac color with bronze or gold hardware. Last month, I finally bought one from Urban Outfitters and could not be more happy with my choice.  

The Narrow Belt, available in brown or black, is a one inch wide belt made of leather and has antique-finished bronze hardware.  I really love the simplicity of the belt, which makes it very versatile. Only a month in, I’ve already worn it with a slew of pieces from my closet.  It’s the perfect finishing touch to a slightly loose sundress, giving it instant shape and making me look more polished. I’ve also paired it with wide legged jeans and sandals.  

Best of all? It’s on sale for just under $20, so order now before they’re gone!

I have a confession to make:  I am one of those people who wears makeup to the beach.  I know that the concept seems unfathomable and I promise you that I don’t commit the ultimate beauty sin (wearing makeup to the gym), but hey, I like to make sure I don’t look like a 12 year old child at the beach in pictures so applying some light blush, a little waterproof mascara and a bare dusting of mineral powder has been the way to go.

Because of this, my dilemma has always been finding a sunscreen that has the UV coverage I’m looking for, is waterproof, and doesn’t make my light makeup melt off.  The good news: I’ve found something that solves all of these problems!  The bad news: It’s only sold in Asia.

Allie suncreen from renowned Japanese cosmetics giant, Kanebo, has SPF 50+, is completely waterproof, and doesn’t contain any feel of greasiness.  The formula is white and milky feeling, and has a consistency like a moisturizer.  Its long lasting and doesn’t need to be applied every hour, and keeps my makeup intact the entire day.   My mom, who purchased the original bottle for me, tells me that there are 3 different variations of the sunscreen including a waterproof, non-waterproof, and a waterproof whitening formula.

My mom bought mine in an Asian department store, but it’s also available at some upscale Japanese supermarkets, so you might have some luck finding it stateside.  If not, beg someone from Asia to get it for you during their next trip as it is widely available everywhere in Asia, advertised heavily, and I have yet to find a similar product from a US company. It retails for about $33 US dollars.

It still feels like winter here in New York but eternal weather optimists like myself are hoping that soon I’ll be able to shed my layers.  To get ready, I signed up at Equinox Fitness to take advantage of their famous group classes.  I’ve spent years at various other gyms, tried out fancy studios and even bootcamp, but I’ve found that Equinox classes are some of the most unique and high energy ones I’ve taken.

Last week, I sweated through an amazing session of willPower & grace, which was literally an hour of almost non-stop action combining heart-rate elevating cardio with some serious yoga inspired balancing poses. I had trouble walking down stairs for a few days after, but was so impressed with my experience that I grabbed a few minutes with the founder Stacey Lei Krauss to learn about her fitness philosophy. (more…)

I’m always excited when brands that I already know that I love branch out and start making other products.  I’ve loved Diptyque candles for a long time – if I had an unlimited candle budget, I would have one burning in every room at all times – so when I found out that Diptyque is now making products for the body, I couldn’t wait to try them out. (more…)

With summer coming, I’m craving sunlight and exercise so it’s a good thing I discovered Calidora Skin Care Clinic (currently in Washington and California), where skin care experts will keep me on top of my sun-induced brown spots. Upon my first visit, Andrew, the very sweet manager at the Glendale, Calif., location (in The Americana at Brand), gently performed a complimentary Photo-Imaging Complexion Analysis using UV and infrared cameras. As we chatted about the skin care secrets of monks (yes, monks), he pinpointed the dehydration, congested pores, sun damage and fine lines I always suspected were there, then gave me a color printout as a reminder to drink more water. (If only I could get an IV … )

Enter esthetician Jessica, who has the hands and complexion of a goddess. She did a round of microdermabrasion and extractions, then misted and massaged impurities away using Skin Medica products in one of the most relaxing hour-long facials I’ve ever received.

Facials are pricey, starting at $145; however the clinic does offer discounted rates if you refer friends or buy a package of treatments (great gift splurge). There is also a large menu of services ranging from makeup application to laser hair removal and Botox. To schedule a free Photo-Imaging Complexion Analysis at a sleek location near you, visit Calidora.com or call 1-800-750-0772. You can also buy the products used on you, as well as lash potions by Latisse and more, at Shop Calidora.

Summer is a season of outdoor parties, vacations to far away places, and poolside afternoons. Despite the agenda full of exciting activities, all too often, summer becomes an excuse to take a break from everything. Because of the feeling of freedom associated with summer, I often find myself shuddering at any form of responsibility, even dressing myself! I have literally spent an entire summer in swimsuits and flip-flops. Now as a New Yorker with real jobs to do, and people to see, I feel more inclined to look my best but I still want the effortless and casual look that summer should provide.

This season I have found the perfect dress to satisfy both my desire for low key dressing and my need to look cute. The American Apparel Drawstring Tank Dress, available in a wide variety of colors, from fun hues like deep pink, to classic black, cinches at the waist to show off your feminine charms, but billows out in all those less desirable places. Following the Greek inspired trends seen on the runway, this dress puts you in the fashion know. The Drawstring Tank Dress can be paired with gladiator sandals for a causal day look, or with pumps for a night out on the town. Chunky statement jewelry can also be added for a bold, yet easy, summer look. I recently tried on this dress in one of the million American Apparel stores in NYC and fell in love. The material is lightweight and really moves with you. The cut is flattering, and shows off those sun-kissed arms and legs. Because of the simple lines and form, the possibilities for amping up the dress with accessories are endless.

Summer should be a time to unwind. Of course that doesn’t mean you have to let everything go. Simple and easy summer style can be achieved. You can spend 10 minutes getting ready and still turn heads as you walk down those city streets. If only I could have figured this out a little sooner!

This weekend, Chicagoans will have the opportunity to see rare artwork by some of the greatest rockers of all time. The new theWit Hotel in Chicago will be hosting the Legends: The Artwork of Rock & Roll Loyalty exhibit in celebration of its opening weekend! The exhibit features the artwork of John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Grace Slick, and you can see some thumbnails of their work above. I’m so excited to see the inspiring art of music’s great icons – clearly, their talent and creativity were not only limited to music. The exhibit is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation at the door to benefit Bright Pink, a non-profit organization that provides education and support to women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to get a sneak peek at theWit Hotel before its grand opening on June 4. Located at 201 N. State St. in the Loop, the new property has 300 guestrooms, 2 restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a multimedia theatre, and full-service spa and health club. You’ll recognize it by the unique yellow glass bolt of lightening that runs down the length of the building. Go to thewithotel.com for more information, and be sure to stop by this weekend! The exhibit will be in the hotel’s Oscar Wilde Ballroom, open Friday, May 29 (5-9 pm), Saturday, May 30 (11 am-7 pm), and Sunday, May 31 (11 am-6 pm).

WHO: Partners Caleb Wines, John McGonigle, Garry Muir, Chris Schiffman, Craig Hoffman; Executive Chef Albert Aviles

WHAT: Corkbar

WHERE: 403 W. 12th St. in downtown Los Angeles

WHEN: Daily 11:30AM-2 AMish

WHY: Fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? I don’t. But Corkbar, a casual yet hip wine bar in downtown L.A.’s South Park neighborhood, sure has me excited about becoming one.  (more…)

New York summer officially started this past weekend when the city masses got on the Jitney, the Luxury Liner, or the LIRR and headed east to the Hamptons. We actually spent the holiday relaxing in our midtown apartment but have plans to head out there a few times this summer.  Ironically, the Hamptons, long considered the playground for the rich and famous, may be a more attractive local vacation alternative for a little R&R this year.  We’ll be bringing you coverage from the Hamptons, Montauk, Nantucket, and other domestic destinations throughout the summer.  Whether you live in New York or are planning a visit, make sure to spend a weekend there and see what all the buzz is about.

Even for the seasoned Hamptonite, 2009 still brings a lot of new things to do.  Thanks to our friends at Wordhampton to help us figure out  what’s new this summer. (more…)