Author Archive

We recently caught up with celebrity brow specialist and makeup artist Kristie Streicher, who has an incredibly keen eye for stylish, often eco-friendly finds. In addition to grooming famous brows in New York City, volunteering with her father’s nonprofit organization (Divine Spark) and amassing what Vogue dubbed a “killer vintage wardrobe,” Kristie recently opened the new Kristie Streicher Beauty Bar inside L.A.’s Warren Tricomi salon. Here are her latest obsessions: (more…)

Spring’s bright trends are wooing me to get this Brahmin Anytime Glossy Tote in Firecracker into my closet! (You may have seen Brahmin’s Lacquer Red Arno Tote in this month’s issue of Vogue.) The Firecracker shade is a total attention getter that I can’t wait to pair with neon nails and a neutral outfit. (Fun, fun, fun.)

I recently checked out the brand firsthand at the HBO Luxury Lounge featuring L’Oreal Paris and New Era Cap, also attended by celebrities such as Tina Fey, Viola Davis and Andie MacDowell — and I was totally impressed with Brahmin’s exotic animal prints and Luna Polka Dots collection, as well as their myriad accessories. (Momma needs a new checkbook cover!) Something tells me this brand fling might turn into a long-term relationship.

Brahmin handbags are available at brahmin.com and in select department stores.

My good friend Jen, who has the skin of a 2-year-old, just tipped me off about the Josie Maran Argan Care for Beautiful Skin kit at Sephora. At only $56, it’s such a good deal. (I mean, a full-size Josie Maran Argan Oil by itself is $48!) It even comes with a pack of one of our favorites makeup removers, Bare Naked Wipes, as well as a cleanser, lip treatment, and blush/lip color.

If you’re an Argan-oil fan, or just need a great lightweight all-purpose moisturizer, don’t miss out. We’ve professed our love for Josie Maran products many times before, and the line continues to exceed our expectations. I can’t wait to get my hands on this … in fact, I won’t wait. I’m going right now, and I might even snag their brand new Josie Maran Argan Balm while I’m at it.

So, confession: I’ve been hoarding eyeliners — specifically Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner — and I’ve been holding out on telling you how great it is. I know, I’m a horrible person. Please forgive me. On the bright side, I don’t think I’m alone; they’re frequently “out of stock” at tartecosmetics.com and celebrity makeup artists like Amy Nadine (Lauren Conrad, Kate Bosworth, Krysten Ritter) loooove them. (more…)

In the week leading up to the Golden Globes, all I can think about is Marilyn Monroe’s style. Actress Michelle Williams may face tough competition for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical (she’s nominated along with Jodie Foster, Charlize Theron, Kristen Wiig and Kate Winslet); but when it comes to who played the character with the highest chic factor, Michelle wins hands down.

Here, my favorite ways to channel Marilyn’s timeless look (clockwise): (more…)

As in Therapy Systems new 24 Hour Body Lotion. I dare say it’s the best body lotion I used in 2011; and despite the $35 price tag, I apply gobs of it first thing every day just out of the shower. Here’s why:

a. The shea-butter-and-jojoba-oil formula make me feel like I’m living in Anthropologie (what is that delightfully citrusy yet buttery fragrance!?).

b. It actually “nourishes [my] skin with the lightweight feel of a lotion and the intense moisturizing benefits of a cream” — just like the description claims.

c. Its moisture absorbs quickly but actually lasts 24 hours.

d. It doesn’t clog my pores or irritate my skin.

e. I’ve had it for nearly a month and I’m only halfway through the bottle.

Gobs, I tell you.

I can’t wait to book my next mani-pedi with the new early spring 2012 Jet Set resort collection from Le Métier de Beauté. The 3-Free nail colors (ShocKEN Pink, Not So Safe Orange and Yield to Yellow) are hot, hot, hot!

Curated by Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing, the collection features creamy, highly pigmented primary colors and bold neons that will go almost anywhere — and with anything. While trips to Bora Bora and Miami seem to have inspired the color palette, the 80-degree January weather in L.A. seems fitting. (I know, I’m bragging … but I can so see them with snow, too! What do you think?)

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Everyone’s been asking, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” Well, chances are I’m going to ring in 2012 at my favorite haunt of late: Bodega Hollywood. It’s one of the few stylish spots in the heart of Hollywood that will have no reservations, no dress code, no insane prices and no obnoxious clientele. Instead, it will have a DJ and a complimentary midnight round of champagne (yay).

Not your average wine bar, Bodega Hollywood is one of the few places in the area that successfully combines an uptown look (think The Standard) with a downtown vibe (your friend’s loft apartment). Two blocks south of the W, it’s a place where you can sip one of 12 reds or whites on the menu and groove to the sounds of Radiohead’s Reckoner while Sixteen Candles is silently projected on a wall in the background. (more…)

Gift sets can be tricky, but every year, I find I rely on them when shopping for gifts at the last minute. This year, my two favorite offerings are from Kiehl’s and Privé:

For men, who can be particularly difficult to shop for, I find I can never go wrong with a good classic skin care set like Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Collection. I can think of at least five people in my family who would love this, as it comes with $72 worth of perennial favorites (Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash and Moisturizer, Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream, “Ultimate Man” Body Scrub Soap, Lip Balm #1 and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve) for only $50. (Warning: They may ask for more once their supply runs out. Just saying.)

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Confession: I’m a scarf hoarder. I don’t even wear half of them, but I’ve collected enough to sew together and make a curtain. (There’s a thought…) This one by Madewell is a must-have for any scarf-loving fashionista. So versatile. So neutral. So unique and stylish. Made of silk and wool, this version features NYC postal codes. For $59.50, it’s a reasonably priced mini-statement piece. Order yours at Madewell.com!