Dig Inn (and Keep your New Year’s Resolution)
A few weeks before the holidays I was introduced to Dig Inn, a market to table “fast food” restaurant that New Yorkers might categorize as a “work day lunch spot.” Having been a freelancer for a while now working from home, I’d kind of fallen out of the loop with lunch spots for office professionals and was eager to check it out. As it turns out, Dig Inn is the reincarnation of Pump Energy Food, a lunch joint that I did used to frequent while I was working an office job. Pump was originally created for the New Yorker that craved healthy and nutrient rich foods- but the flip side was that it actually had that healthy (no butter, low sodium etc) taste. Dig Inn also serves healthy fare- but with the philosophy that being healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourself- but rather eating dishes prepared with fresh, high quality, wholesome ingredients and making smart choices. In other words, the food at Dig Inn taste delicious but are still made with a conscious effort to be good for you.
Cheap & Chic: January 2012
Share the Love on Valentine’s Day
Looking for Valentine’s Day ideas this year? We have a few suggestions for gifts to show your loved ones – from your sister to your mom – that you care.
KiraKira exudes femininity from their elaborate luxe jewelry to their timeless, wearable pieces. We love rose gold and what better way to say I love you (even if it is to yourself!) than with this Rose Vintage Key Pendant ($89).
Preppy Plates is a perfect place to find classic home accents with a twist. We were wowed by their custom plates, platters, trays and coasters available in both primary and bright colors as well as traditional and whimsical fonts. Our heart skips a beat for their Summer Picnic with interlocking monogram set of 50 pressed paper coasters at $74 (add $10 for the additional acrylic holder).
CHANEL’S GARDÉNIA scent is irresistible, especially for lovers of flowers who may not have a green thumb. Sweet and romantic, this intense fragrance of vanilla base, gardenia petals accented with coconut. Available in a collectible 2.5 oz. flacon ($110), perfect for travel or 6.8 oz. ($210).
Post-it personalizes their classic notepads in two different sizes starting at $6.95. We had fun choosing from their over 3,000 different styles that can be customized for any occasion so give it a try for yourself or your sweetie-pie.
Rosena Sammi Jewelry shows their love with their pink Sitara wrap bracelet in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Feel good this Valentine’s Day by spoiling your val-pals with adorable wrist-wear and a 30% donation to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research campaign for $49.99
Editor’s Vanity: January 2012
Obsession of the Moment: Dempsey & Carroll Grazie Thank You Cards
Spring Fling with Brahmin
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.
Flawless Skin in a Minute
There’s nothing more important than having your skin look as flawless as possible. After all, if your skin doesn’t look good, no one will be able to get past that to check out your fabulous eye makeup! One of the best ways to achieve the look of perfection is with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s new HD Complexion Starter Kit. The Sephora exclusive contains a .17 ounce HD Microfinish Powder, a HD Kabuki Brush, a .5 ounce HD Microperfecting Primer, and a 1.01 ounce HD Invisible Cover Foundation. I’ve used all these products and they’re all great individually, but together, they’re like Photoshop for your face. I love how perfect the set makes my skin look and how well it photographs while I’m wearing them, especially since it’s not a lengthy process – I can do it in the morning in less than five minutes, so it’s super easy.
To celebrate the launch, MAKE UP FOR EVER is hosting its first ever open casting call to find the next model for their Unretouched ad campaign. Women can create their own makeup look and then submit it for consideration here. All of the finalists will get their photos posted on Facebook and the winner will be flown to NYC for a professional photo shoot in late February.
In addition, they’re also launching an interactive shade finder tool that’s made to help women find their perfect foundation match online. Such a great idea since that’s always dicey without help, especially when a company offers as many different shades as MAKE UP FOR EVER. Just go here to try it out for yourself. Your skin will thank you!
Obsession of the Moment: Alexa Leigh Rose Gold Open and Closed Heart Necklaces
Insider’s Obsessions: Tori Praver
Tori Praver is one of those amazing women we all wish we could be. She has a successful career as a model, having been been photographed by Patrick Demarchelier and Gilles Bensimon, and featured in Vogue, Elle, Sports Illustrated Swim, etc. She’s also now an entrepreneur, with her eponymous line of swimwear. Growing up in Maui, Tori has a life-long love for the beach lifestyle…and it’s reflected in her current obsessions. If you’re looking to escape from your dreary winter weather – just for a little bit, check out Tori’s picks below! More »
Dedicated: Debunking Skincare Myths
Having been a beauty blogger for over six years now, I’ve been lucky enough to learn from many of the top minds in dermatology about how to keep your skin healthy. There are so many opinions (and myths) out there about the best ways to take care of your skin- but regardless of brand or product affiliation, doctors and scientists all agree on a few important things.
1. Wear SPF every day regardless of weather
Everybody knows (hopefully) that hitting the beach without your trusty tube of SPF is a no-no, but doctors advise wearing protection every day regardless of if it’s sunny or not. Lack of sun protection is the leading culprit of a myriad of skin problems for people of all races and skin colors. Even in cloudy weather, harmful rays penetrate your skin causing all kinds of damage from premature aging to spots and pigmentation. In fact, sun damage can happen even if you are indoors by windows or while driving. To be safe, all dermatologists agree that applying a daily SPF is one of the most important things you can do to prevent skin problems.
2. Be gentle with your skincare routine even if you have problematic or oily skin.
I know when I was battling teenage acne, all I wanted to do was strip my skin of any oil by using the harshest products I could find. As it turns out, you’re not doing yourself any favors Not only does overusing harsh products aggravate existing skin problems, it can also cause more issues like tightness, redness, peeling and irritating of healthy skin. Instead, my doctors always recommended offsetting a medicinal product with a gentle moisturizer to help keep the skin calm.
Simple Skincare, a sensitive skincare brand I was introduced to years ago just launched in the USA with a great lineup of gentle products that are perfect for sensitive skin. They are the UK’s No. 1 Facial Skincare brand & have tapped me to be a brand ambassador for them this year. I’m super excited because I really love the products and now my bathroom will always be fully stocked with all the goodies.
