"Get Ready with Me" Red Carpet Edition

Getting ready for a Red Carpet appearance this holiday season? See how to seamlessly pull it all together!

Let's face it. The holidays are already here and with them, red carpet charity events, galas, Christmas parties, and balls. Add in appearances at the ballet, theatre, and holiday concerts.  Most of us will be invited to at least a few of these this season.  I regularly attend all of these types of events so have a system of getting ready that works really well and probably will for you too!

How you dress will depend on: The Venue, The Occasion, The Weather

A televised charity dinner at Lucien's Manor, Philadelphia area.

Royal Hair - The Mystique of Mason Pearson Brushes & Combs

Mason Pearson's iconic boar bristle brush and hand polished combs.

I can remember visiting my grandmother and going to her bedroom to play at her vanity. Among the fragrant little perfume bottles and powder puffs was a brush set in sterling silver. The bristles were of natural hair otherwise known as boar bristle. My mother had a similar brush and her hair always had a beautiful shine. England based Mason Pearson and Kent & Sons brushes are two of the oldest, heirloom quality brush makers who still produce them to this day. In fact Princess Diana was said to keep a Mason Pearson Brush in her handbag. I have a travel sized Kent Boar Bristle brush in my bag!

Top NEVER FAIL Valentine's Day Gifts Us Ladies Will Love

Yes, something in a little teal box from Tiffany & Co.!

If you are at a loss for what to get your girl for Valentine's Day, here's my short list of the TOP NEVER FAIL gifts us ladies love. Pay attention! These are the top winners in both the romance and thoughtfulness categories. If your guy drops the ball, go and get a few from this list YOURSELF. So here we go:

Valentine's Day Gifts that are both thoughtful and romantic

Trendy Fragrances
Usually perfume is a bit of roll of the dice. Still us girls appreciate that you think we are sensuous enough to pull off wearing something a bit daring. Trending now are creations from pop artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga as well as fashion houses like Tom Ford and Juicy Couture. This is not your Mom's Chanel No. 5! Keep it new, keep it fresh.

Malibu by Juicy Couture says "Beach me".

MAC-BollyDoll Makeup Brushes and Bag Collection
Here's a new collaborative release between MAC Cosmetics and BollyDoll featuring Moghul era inspired designs by artist-singer Amrita Sen. Choose between Pink or Blue Indian motifs. Set of 5 limited edition MAC Makeup Brushes is sold separately but fits neatly inside the bags. Get both! See them at MACCosmetics.com

MAC-BollyDoll Makeup Bags and 5 Piece Brush Set

Chocolates
This may seem trite but NO. Get these especially if you KNOW the girl likes chocolate. My favorites are Godiva, Russel Stover and Whitman for their All Milk Chocolate Sampler. Reusable heart shaped boxes and tins gain you extra points! 

Godiva Chocolates...the bigger the box, the better!

Fine Wine
Now you should pretty much know what we like by what we order at dinner such as a Riesling, Chardonnay or Zinfandel white or red, etc. Get something you will also enjoy as we don't like to drink alone!

South African wines from Kaia Wine Bar

Wine Charms
Cate & Chloe's delightful Wine Charms are perfect for a date night or toasting with others for Valentine's Day. Delicate heart shaped wine charms let you know which wine glass is yours when placed around the stem! The February Perk of the Month from Cate & Chloe.

Lovely Heart Shaped Wine Charms from Cate & Chloe

Jewelry
This is another area where your powers of observation are going to help. Does she like big bold statement pieces or small demure chains and stones? One caveat. If she has been hinting about setting a wedding date, skip this one all together unless you are ready to present the serious ROCK. That is what she will be expecting so don't go there. 


TrueFacet
You can find a lot of new, never worn & vintage pieces at TrueFacet. This is especially wonderful if a certain piece is no longer being made or you simply want something a bit "off menu". Here is a lovely Tiffany and Co. "Return to Tiffany" round charm bracelet in sterling silver. Simple yet exquisite. Visit TrueFacet.com for more fine designer jewelry selections.

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet

Cate & Chloe have a great Monthly Jewelry Subscription that will deliver new pieces to her every 30 days. Chances are she will find something she loves in the subscription. You can also purchase pieces "a la carte" such as this set I made with these stunning Danielle "God Like" Earrings and Layla"Beauty" Bracelet. White gold plated with cupid cut CZ stones and Austrian Crystal embellishments. Shown here with my designer Isaac Mizrahi cocktail watch, get ready to wow her. Visit Cate and Chloe online.

Danielle "God Like" Earrings and Layla "Beauty" Bracelet by Cate and Chloe.

Lingerie
This can be a bit tricky but when you get it right, SO worth the effort. Check out GaveThat.com's Lingerie Buying Guide: On Giving Lingerie first. Otherwise, just keep the receipt and include it with your gift. That way she can swap out for something else. Most of the time we will feel flattered that you took the time to purchase something sensuous for us and will wear it for you. Ta dah! That's a Valentine's Day gift for you!

Lingerie from Victoria's Secret and Donna Karen, NYC

Young&ng Lingerie Gift Sets: Two Sheer Boxed Panties,  Dinha Marie Bra & Brief

Loungewear-Zooops Designer Adult Onesies
Perfect for snuggling up by the fire are these super comfy Zooops are made of 80% cotton/ 20% Polyester with a super soft fleecy lining. Shown here in the Classic American Flag, they come in lots of designs with sizes from XXSmall-XXXXLarge. Two hand pockets up front with two zippered pockets on the side. They are unisex adult onesies so get a set for yourself too! Visit Zooops Online 

Zooops Designer Adult Onesies-Classic American Flag Design.

Manicure Travel Kit
While you may not know what color nail polish to get, you can't go wrong with a really well made manicure travel kit. This one is from Crabtree and Evelyn, London and has everything she'll need to keep up her mani on the go.

Manicure Travel Set from Crabtree and Evelyn

A Mason Pearson Hairbrush & Rake Comb
An iconic, luxury hairbrush that Lady Diana was said to have kept in her handbag. Mason Pearson has been making these beautiful brushes in London, England since the 1800's. The natural boar hair bristles likewise clean the scalp and distribute sebum from the oil glands. The Mason Pearson Handy 100% Boar Bristle Brush below has 6 rings of stiff bristle tuffs and should last for many years. Likewise the Rake Comb is made of one piece and highly polished. Available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as online. 

Mason Pearson Pure Bristle Brush, Rake Comb and Brush Cleaner

Salon Gift Certificates
Salons such as Christo Fifth Avenue offer many beauty services as well as hair care products to take home. If you know where we go, why not give a gift certificate for our favorite place?

A day at the salon! Christo himself of Christo Fifth Avenue

Our Favorite Store Gift Certificates
You most likely already know our favorite stores because we've probably dragged you to quite a few! Gift cards or certificates are a great way to let us pick something out that we'd like, be it shoes, jackets, dresses or tops which might otherwise be hard to size for us.

Store Gift Certificates make a great gift. Pineda Covalin - Soho, NYC

A Night In
Valentine's Day evening is often the busiest restaurant night of the year. Added to that, Valentine's Night falls on a SATURDAY this year. With crowds like that you can expect long waits and rushed service. Why not cook something yourself or grab some exotic take-away and bring it over? This way you both can enjoy the wine, chocolates and presents with a cozy dinner. Now THAT is a romantic Valentine's Day!

A night in. Asian Take-away!

A Sensual Massage
One of the best oils to use for massage is Sweet Almond Oil. It is light, nourishing and easily absorbed. This delicious blend by Sublime Beauty contains this plus: aloe oil, sesame oil, argan oil jojoba oil and vitamin E. Give the Mini Face Brush Set and Daily Body Oil together for the ultimate skin pampering treat. The perfect way to end (or start) the evening! Find both at SublimeBeautyShop.com

Going away for Valentine's Day Weekend? Pack this Natural Body Oil for the: bath and massage.

Godiva & Whitman Chocolates - Mine
South African Wines - Mine
Mason Pearson Cleaner Brush - Mine
Victoria's Secret & Donna Karen Lingerie Sets - Mine
Clothing, jewelry,fragrances and accessories c/o the designers so mentioned herewith.

SS2015 Work and Travelwear: Nora Gardner NYC, Oscar de la Renta, Pineda Covalin and SofiaZ Accessorized

Travel essentials for the jet-set! Nora Gardner Gabrielle Dress. Mulholland Leather Bag, SofiaZ Leather Pumps

NYC SS2015 Fashion is all about the accessories and metamorphosing your outfit selections to go from work to travel as the two are often one in the same. Most of us either commute or are required to travel from time to time for our job. Even so, you're going to have time for some FUN so let's plan for that too. This is how we're doing it this spring!

A Working Wardrobe
We all have that favorite power-suit that we always wear for presentations and meetings.  This spring you might want to stand out a little and breathe some fresh life into your everyday work wear with: a bold, colorful dress, silk scarf, bright bag and fashionable shoes.

Large Leather Bag, Pineda Covalin Silk Scarf, SofiaZ Simone Navy Pumps

Your New "Briefcase"! 
If you are still using a laptop bag or open tote for your trip to the office consider an over-sized, zippered leather bag.
This is so much more chic and can also be used as extra on board luggage for an overnight trip. Make sure it has a full zipper to keep everything inside safe. Mine also has a little lock on the flap. Look for one that has metal feet and lots of organizing pockets for your cell, pens, business cards and more. The leather on my Mulholland is beautiful but VERY tough. I don't baby it and it goes everywhere in style with a feminine touch. Tie a silk scarf on the handle and you're good to go!

Your New Briefcase! Try an over-sized leather bag in a bright color.

Fashion Designer Nora Gardner, NYC
This spring, take a look at what NYC Fashion Designer, Nora Gardner has going on. Her collection easily goes from the board room to boarding your plane. Her clothing is made in NYC and she really understands what professional women need from our clothes. In the lead photo I'm wearing her most popular style, the Gabrielle in Fuchsia with Simone Leather Pumps by designer Usha Patel of SofiaZ. Silk Scarf by Pineda Covalin - Mexico. 

Gabrielle in Fuchsia, Simone Leather Pumps

The Gabrielle Dress
So ready for spring in this gorgeous shade of fuchsia. The slits at the elbow length sleeves are genius as are the very deep yet invisible pockets.  Full zipper in the back gives the dress an incredible fit and easy access. Just enough stretch to keep it interesting. Watch how I switch it up a bit by adding a necklace and a different silk scarf!

Gold and Stone necklace by Jaimie Nicole

Here's the 411 on The Gabrielle from Nora Gardner's Website:

Description

Simply put, Gabrielle is your new best friend. Machine washable? Check. Sleeves and pockets? Check. Cute elbow vents that add style and personality and allow your arms to move around easily? Check. A flattering waistline and roomy hips? Check. Luxurious stretch fabric? Check. Need we say more?

Fully lined, zipper at back, hook-and-eye-closure

Runs true to size. Find a sizing chart here.

Model is 5'8" wearing a Size 2

Care: Machine was cold, line dry

Content: Shell 72% Polyester, 24% Rayon, 4% Spandex; Lining 100% Polyester

Proudly made in NYC

Gabrielle Dress with Oscar de la Renta Silk Scarf

Simone Leather Pumps in Navy by SofiaZ
Designer Usha Patel created her line of beautiful high fashion leather shoes with real women in mind. 
These Simone Pumps are easily a 5 inch heel but I was very comfortable wearing them. Nicely balanced and padded in all the right areas, especially the ball area of the foot. The leather is gorgeous and both the soles and heels have grip. See SofiaZ's Spring/Summer Shoe Collection online.

Travel Time - Pack You Bag!
As I mentioned before, investing in a leather bag like this gives you more than a briefcase. It's like having an extra piece of luggage when you fly or hop a train. I like to keep everything close at hand. Still, even if I'm only boarding the train into the city for the day, there are certain things that go with me everywhere as you never know if you will need to spend an unexpected night away from home. 
So this is my Work Survival Kit: 
Mason Pearson Comb, Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets, Mini Emergency Kit, Croc Leather Organizer Wallet, (doubles as an evening clutch), Hand Sanitizer, Phone/Mobile Device Re-charger.

Travel light but travel right!

Pack Some Play Things Too
Lole's Soho Shop has some lovely pieces this SS2015 in the way of Travelwear.  While Lole is primarily known for their active-wear, the Leena Dress (shown below blue), packs easily and resists wrinkling. It is a faux wrap dress and the V-neck details are lovely. Dress it up or down. See Lole's SS2015 Travel Wear Collection online at LoleWomen.com

Leena Faux Wrap Dress in Blue

Packing Tips: Roll everything up to optimize space and keep things from wrinkling. I like to use a steamer at home to take the wrinkles out. Use it before you pack the clothes and you'll be pleased once you arrive at your hotel.

Leena Travel Dresses by Lole. Silk Scarf by Oscar de la Renta.

Mulholland Leather Bag-Mine
Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses-Mine
Silk Scarves-Mine
Gabrielle Dress c/o Nora Gardner NYC
Leena Dresses c/o Lole
Simone Pumps  c/o SofiaZ

Holiday Gift Guide - Cozy Comfy Soothing Presents to Relax With

OnePiece Lusekofte Onesie from OnePiece.com

Christmas in New York! Warm, toasty, comfy and soothing all describe this Holiday Gift Guide of presents for you or someone special. Like to be pampered? These are the kind of gifts that work well with: lounging around the house, sipping hot cocoa, having a soothing foot massage or snuggling up on the couch on a cold winter's night. Here are my tried and true comfy favorites!

Ugg Sheepskin Slippers

UGG Women's Rylan Slippers in Chocolate
Everyone knows UGG for their sheepskin boots and many of us wear them around the house. All the same these Rylans are the ultimate bedroom slippers for after a warm shower or bath. Fully lined with soft, fluffy sheepskin fleece, the super soft cuff helps keep cold chills out. These have full rubber soles so they can take a trip outside in the snow to fetch the paper. Available at Nordstom, Lord & Taylor, The Walking Company and other major department stores.

Moccis Swedish Made Wool Sock Slippers

Moccis Washable Wool and Leather Sock Slippers
If you've ever had the pleasure of sampling Swedish woven fabrics like those originally available from Hanna Andersson,you will really appreciate how soft and warm these sock slippers are. Made in Sweden, they are machine washable and have real leather skid proof soles. Hand sewn, they have double elastic cuffs so they stay on.

Moccis Moccasins

Made of 80% wool, 10% Polyamid and 10% Lycra, they do not itch or prickle. These are amazing to wear. Visit them at Moccis.co.uk

Raymond Pettibon 100% Cotton Artist Pajamas

Raymond Pettibon for SMMoA Santa Monica Museum of Art + Bed Head Pajamas
This is a fabulous set of 100% Egyptian cotton, women's pajamas done in collaboration with local artists in support of the Santa Monica Museum of Art. These trendy, designer pajamas are by: Joyce Pensato, Raymond Pettibon and Yutaka Sone with Benjamin Weissman under the "Sleeping with SMMoA" Collection. All are original designs by these acclaimed contemporary artists and produced right in Los Angeles.

Sleeping with SMMoA Collection of artist pajamas

This is the set to wear for that holiday brunch at your place and late night champagne toasts. Has a chest pocket and stylish piping all around. Very roomy and wearing them to bed is like sleeping in a cloud. Simply fabulous! Preview and purchase them at Art Markit

OnePiece Original Slim in Wine Purple by OnePiece.com

OnePiece Original Slim Onesie in this very grapey Wine Purple. Comes in Unisex Sizes XXS-XL 
This is the Norwegian Original OnePiece which will go great with the Swedish Moccis sock slippers! The brainchild of three Norwegians in their twenties, the slimmer fitting OnePiece shown here is 95% cozy cotton so it breathes. The OnePiece Lusekofte in Pink shown in the lead photo has a fuller cut but made of the same cottony knit. Cuffed at the ankles and wrists with a full zippered hood, they keep out the winter chill. Little extras like the front and side zippered pockets make these Onesies stand out. Comes with a black satiny Sleep Mask too. LOTS of gorgeous styles. Check them all out online at OnePiece.com

Big Feet 100% Cotton Flannel Footed PJ's

Big Feet 100% Cotton Flannel Footed PJ's
These are the ultimate in warmth and snuggling up! Made of 100% cotton flannel, they are breathable and soft to wear. I ordered mine with a "rear door" which has a Velcro closure. The Big Feet PJ's are different from the usual Polar Fleece fabric lounge and sleepwear as 100% cotton flannel is so much more comfortable to wear. These are actually TOO warm for bed for my tastes but super for lounging around the house on a snowy winter's night. Add a cup of hot chocolate and you're there! Available from Big Feet PJ's Company.

Monogrammed V-Necked Performance Shirt from MyLocker.com

Monogrammed V-Necked Performance Shirt
This stretchy polyester shirt comes with monogramming on both the front and back. Very flattering fit, it is comfortable against the skin and can be used for layering. Check it out at MyLocker.com

My Locker.com Monogrammed Flannel Pants & Stance Socks

My Locker.com 100% Cotton Flannel Lounge Pants with Monogram
Add a personal touch to your holiday gift with these toasty flannel drawstring pants from MyLocker.com. Creating my unique monogram was really easy and there is a large selection of designs for your business, the holidays, your favorite team and more. Extremely soft and roomy, these will become a wintertime favorite. Pair these up with the V-Necked Performance Shirt shown above plus the Stance Wool Blend Socks above in Winter Camp Wine and you are set for game time! 

Stance Fashion Socks- New Holiday 2014 Collection

Stance Fashion Socks New Holiday 2014 Collection
These are beautifully woven wool and cotton blend socks and just perfect for winter-fun. Part of the Holiday 2014 Collection, you can pair these with fashion boots as there are many mid-calf, knee length and over the knee designs to choose from. On the left are the Reign Design in soft combed cotton. 
On the right are the Archer White Over the Knee Socks. They are the infinity roll Langley Fox Hemingway for Stance style. Soft and cozy they are made with SuPima cotton and have deep heel cups for extra comfort. See all the new holiday 2014 styles at Stance.com

Warms you from the inside. Klean Kanteen Insulated Bottles

Klean Kanteen's New Matte Finish 12oz Vacuum Insulated Container in Coyote Brown
I absolutely adore my Klean Kanteens and take them with me for my commute into NYC and everywhere else. This new 12 oz size in a sweet, matte Coyote Brown is enough for a shot of espresso or a good sized cup of coffee to go. Stays REALLY hot too and for 6+ hours. We take these skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh riding and it is the best thing to warm up with. Check them out at KleanKanteen.com

And after all of that Christmas shopping, a soothing Foot Massage!

Topricin Deluxe Foot Therapy Spa Set
Just what you or a loved one needs after being on one's feet all day! After a warm bath or foot soak, break out this deluxe spa set for the ultimate in tootsie pampering. The Topricin Foot Therapy Cream is amazing as I use it for serious foot pain from running and skating. It has also saved the day after my walk from Midtown to Soho! See this and the other Topricin Pain Cream Gift Sets at Topricin.com. Here's what is included in the Deluxe Foot Therapy Spa Set:

The Ultimate Foot Retreat 

A treat for your feet! Specially formulated to target feet and ankles, Topricin Foot Therapy Cream moisturizes and sooths tired, achy feet while healing the damage that causes pain—naturally, without grease or odor. All Topricin products are safe for diabetics.

The Deluxe Topricin Foot Therapy Spa Set includes:

• 
  
• (1)2oz Topricin Foot Therapy Cream
• (1)4oz Jar of Topricin Foot Therapy Cream
• Callus Remover
• Pedicure Set
• Zipper Case 4pc
• 2pc Toenail Trim
• Foot Reflexology Chart
• Topricin Sample Envelope
• Dark Teal Fabric Bag

Sooth your soles with Topricin Foot Therapy Cream—which is patented for treating fibromyalgia and neuropathy, and is safe for diabetics

Just for ME under the tree!

UGG Rylan Sheepskin Slippers - Mine
Clothing and accessories c/o the respective designers and companies listed herewith.

Skin Perfect: NEW Moisture Blur Primer by L'Oreal Paris

New from the RevitaLift Collection - Moisture Blur is blurring the lines!

Paris-France Spring is here and most of us are ready for lighter clothes, shoes and makeup. The only thing is the challenge of sporting a fresh, natural look can mean showing your skin for what it is: uneven, full of large pores & acne scars. I've pretty much found my Holy Grail of primers, namely L'Oreal's Miracle Blur which I use in practically every photo shoot. Still that didn't stop me from trying something new from the same line. Oh, so glad I did!

Moisture Blur - Moisturizer + Primer
It's no secret now that red carpet stars like Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo) are in love with Miracle Blur. I liked it when it first came out over a year ago and was one of the first to use and review it. The original formula tends to get a bit dry and stiff in the tube.  It also separated so I've learned not to stock up as age does not improve this product's application. The newer Moisture Blur however seems a bit softer/creamier perhaps because of the addition of moisturizers.

Moisture Blur is creamier than the original Miracle Blur

What's the Difference?
Moisture Blur, as the name implies, has 24hour moisturizers built into the product in addition to the line filling primer action. It is also easier to apply than the original Miracle Blur. On the downside, Moisture Blur DOES NOT have sun protection factors like the original Miracle Blur which has a SPF of 20. This is not really a deal breaker for me because I use a dedicated sunblock no matter what. My sunblock goes on BEFORE my primer and the new one I'm using from G.M. Collin does not interfere with my makeup at all. See: The Top New Sunscreens for Spring-Summer

Less is more. Try a lighter makeup touch for spring.

The Results - Photo Ready Skin
Oftentimes I have to be on location at very short notice for a promotional appearance or photo shoot. The bigger magazines and TV Stations have hair and makeup artists on the set to get you ready. However, to save time and make sure my foundation matches, I'll often take care of that at home via an airbrush (Kett Cosmetics specifically). Using Moisture Blur is a major step up from the Miracle Blur primer because I don't have to remember to apply tons of moisturizer. In fact in the photos above and below, I'm only wearing MitoQ Advanced AntiOxidant Moisturizer under the Moisture Blur. MitoQ is super intense and light, leaving no residue as it sinks completely into the skin. It also helps even out and correct sun spots and freckles due to UV damage.

Moisture Blur offers 24hour hydration.

The Wrap
Suffice it to say, I'm really pleased with the application and all day hydration of Moisture Blur. My pores and acne scars are nicely hidden and after using it on my lids, my eye shadow went on easier as well. My skin is generally oily so winter time makes it just about right. As the weather warms up, I'll see if the Moisture Blur is too heavy or not, however I think it will be fine. You really can't feel it on your skin! I all of these photos I am wearing:

MitoQ Advanced AntiOxidant Moisturizer
Moisture Blur
Lancome Teint Miracle in Bisque (W) 
HourGlass Nectar Lip Gloss
Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss
Victoria's Secret Brightening Highlighter
Bare Minerals Top Shelf Eye Duo
Sephora's Color Proof Eyeliner in Navy Blue
Physician's Formula Bronzer