Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Valentine's Day Outlook - Jones Road, Ogee and New Revlon Foundation Reviews

 

Valentine's Day is the time to love the skin you're in!  We're talking about a clear, glowing complexion with a touch of polish.  Here's how to do it!

Right now, the aim is somewhere between that clean girl and mob wife esthetic. Clean girl focuses on minimal makeup with an emphasis on clear, even skin.  Mob wife takes that a step further with a finishing touch of glamour: red lip, black winged eyeliner. Even with that, the focus is still on healthy skin. Great news for those of us who are done wearing a ton of makeup with all that contouring and highlighting.  Save THAT for a Valentine's Day evening out. However, for every day, this is the look you'll want to pull off.


Serious Serums.....provide the basis for clear, smooth and supple skin.


Friday, December 15, 2023

Leveling Up Your Gifts, Style and The New Year

 

The Holidays are HERE!  The best time to shine from Christmas to New Year's Eve and beyond with these amazing essential finds.

Getting ready for Christmas and New Year's Eve means starting with presenting your best self! Everything from the thoughtful gifts you give to how you show up at gatherings and celebrations.  Did you know that dressing well is a form of good manners?  Arriving dressed just a little better than the occasion requires, makes a positive impression. Likewise, a bottle of wine for your host, lovely packaged tasteful gifts, and a bit of sparkle with that killer outfit for New Year's Eve shows you know how to "do" the holidays!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Host

AmericasTestKitchen.com


Monday, September 18, 2023

London Fashion Week Inspiration - The Accessories

 

London Fashion Week 2023!  Some fashionable tips on what's trending in Old Money Esthetic and Quiet Fashion. 

While fast fashion has had its day, this season people are looking more towards sustainable collections made from natural and even organic fibers. Silk dresses, wool blazers, leather handbags, and natural fiber espadrilles are just some of the timeless pieces we're seeing sported by the Royal Family, namely the fashion-forward Kate Middleton.  Here are a few staple pieces you'll want to add to your wardrobe this fall as inspired by London Fashion Week:



Kylie Minoque in a green leather trench c/o Burberry, London Fashion Week SS24



J. Crew Brown Wool Schoolboy Blazer

A blazer like this in a neutral color will extend many of your favorite warmer-weather outfits into the cooler temperatures of fall. Pop this over a white button-down shirt, silk cardigan, and editor pants, (or a dress), or add extra layers as temperatures begin to drop.




Monday, August 14, 2023

The Harvest, Gatherings: Casual-Fancy Meals to Share

 

The elements of a successful harvesttime gathering include good food, delicious libations, and genial company.

Late summer into fall can be the perfect time for easy gatherings and picnics.  One of the reasons is the beautiful variety of seasonally harvested fruits and vegetables.  Friends can arrive with surplus garden produce to swap or share for the feast.  A fantastic way to use up your surplus while adding a communal flair!

Excess garden produce can be incorporated into your menu.  Extra garden tomatoes can be turned into salsa or a large tray of broiled tomatoes, a very easy recipe.

 America's Test Kitchen Gatherings Casual-Fancy Meals to Share

This new publication offers lots of inspiration for gatherings of all sizes and levels of elegance.  This book is different as it gets input from multiple departments of America's Test Kitchen's cooks' personal favorite recipes from their home kitchens.  Coming in with over 139 recipes, this book shakes up the notion of what a dinner party is all about.

Monday, July 31, 2023

The Viscata Collection - Summer Thrills in Espadrilles

 

Attending an elegant Garden Party in the greater NYC/Metro area. Salina Canvas Navy espadrilles by Viscata.  Silk dress by Cynthia Rowley.  Raffia Hat by Helen Kaminski - Australia

This summer, I've combined comfort and fashion in these beautiful Spanish-made espadrilles from The Viscata Collection. These are similar to the ones worn by trendsetting royal, Kate Middleton, and for good reason. The construction is handmade using organic and natural fibers that are eco-friendly and functional.  They have become my "go-to" footwear this season.



The Viscata Collection: Tropez Leather and Canvas Handbag, Mimosa Ties, and Sagaro Canvas Espadrilles


Monday, June 19, 2023

Summer Skincare & Makeup Superstars

 

Make-up disguised as skincare? Yes!  The line between luxury spa treatments and cosmetics is blurring.  Here are the latest finds trending this season.


This summer is all about perfect and protect, starting with sunscreen.  We can all benefit from Korean skincare staples that can double as light makeup.  Used as both sun protection and primer, these heavy hitters are light-refective and restorative without looking cakey or "made-up". What am I wearing in the above photo? This: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer + Primer, Erborian CC Cream in Clair and OGEE Sculpted Face Stick in Copper, Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee, and Westmore 60 Second Lip Effects in Rouge
Here are some of my top dynamic dual performers this summer:





1.) TIZO Mineral Sun Defense Tinted Sunscreen, SPF 50

Daily Mineral Sunscreen with Titanium & Zinc Oxides, Antioxidants, and Vitamin C.  Visit Tizoskin.com

2.) Olay Hand Serum is both moisturizing and nourishing. Try this with cotton gloves overnight for a deep treatment.

3.) Pixi Glow Glycolic Acid Brightening Infusion Sheet Mask is a quick 15-minute boost of moisture and brightness.

4.) Eva Naturals Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum. Add this to your regimen after wetting your skin to increase moisture content.  Visit Evanaturals.com

5.) Miage Awakened Isotonic Eye Elixir is a waterless, brightening concentrate.  Add after your hyaluronic serum. Visit Miageskin.com

6.) Revive Retinol Drops by Loumi in a natural coconut-vanilla fragrance.  My favorite retinol as it is oil-based and non-drying. Add it as your last step overnight creams.  Visit Loumiskincare.com

7.) OGEE & Farmasi Natural Sculpted Face Sticks are all-natural, organic cosmetics that offer everything from blush to contour to highlighting.  These twist-up sticks are so easy to apply.  Just sweep them over your CC Cream or foundation and blend with a soft brush. Super quick and simple to use. Farmasi's Signature Eau de Parfum is an equally delightful blend of light fresh citrus. 

8.) Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is my favorite under makeup or cc creams. It just makes for the perfect, moisturized canvas no matter what type of foundation you want to wear.  Available at department store makeup counters.


Franline Natural Multitasking Skincare

This Irish-originated collection offers 3 in 1 solutions to skincare concerns.  Geranium & Mandarin are the fresh, nuanced fragrances that form the basis of these products.  

The Tri-Spritz, hydrates, nourishes, and conditions especially when chilled first.

The Tri Balm, is a soothing oil-based blend of added lipids for cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing.

Their Tri-Body Treatment offers a butter-rich formula for the body to cleanse, polish, and condition.


The New "It" Body Lotion, Retinol + Ferulic Acid

These new retinol and ferulic acid-based body lotions are being hailed as the new answer to sagging neck and body skin.  I would recommend applying a body lotion like Medix 5.5 at night to avoid sensitivity due to sun exposure.  If you already have summertime UV damage, the ferulic acid can help reverse that while promoting firmer skin.  Medix 5.5 and similar formulations can be found on Amazon for under $20.

Monday, May 29, 2023

Top Foodie Gifts for Father's Day

 


Father's Day - If there is one thing I've learned about men over the years is that most of them like to EAT.  So since fathers fall under the category of "men", it should be no surprise that most would appreciate a curated gift basket chock full of their favorite edible goodies.




Taking a cue from the consummate gift-hamper packing professionals at Fortnum & Masons at Piccadilly Circus in London, they have packed picnic hampers for years for the Royal Family, and high society clientele.  Above you'll see store employees putting together a foodie gift hamper of all sorts of goodies such as: jams, teas, biscuits (cookies), lemon curd, and more.  You can also make your own foodie basket for Dad for his special day based on his personal likes.  Check out my wicker gift hamper suggestions below:




Top Foodie Gifts for Dad:

1). Saranac 1888 Root Beer or Stewart's - Both are delicious old-fashioned classics Dad will remember and appreciate.  Go for sodas with traditional, natural ingredients.

2). Mode Dark and Milk Chocolates - The Dark Chocolate variety has only 1 gram of sugar but a wonderfully creamy mouth feel and chocolatey complexity.  Very luxurious chocolates with lovely flavor and richness. Visit ModeChocolate.com

3.) RAD DAD Microgreens - These little packets allow Dad to grow his own organic, edible radish sprouts. The packets double as mailers with a spot for a stamp and address. Visit GiftaGreen.com

4.) Sarge's Yellow Stone Ground Grits, Seafood Seasoning, Shrimp and Grits Sauce - Everything you need except the shrimp (I have Good n' Gather's from Target here) to make deliciously soulful Shrimp & Grits! This summertime favorite can include grilled or blackened shrimp for extra flavor.  Either way, Dad will love it especially if you make it for him!  Visit Sargesshrimpandgrits.com