Beauty Round Up

Do you ever get a point where your entire beauty bag needs refreshing. Lately I have felt I run out everything all at the same time which is such a heavy hit to the wallet {which also begs the question - why is it totally impossible to walk into Sephora and only buy one thing?}. To make matters worse a lot of the products I was using had since been discontinued {insert sad face}, including my beloved perfume, which we all know is so hard to find one you love. So I asked around to my girlfriends what products they like to use, took their recommendations and went about starting a new daily beauty regimen for myself. For my skincare I have been so happy with these all natural products and these for my anti-aging care. First was finding a new scent. I luckily stocked up on a few bottles when I heard my beloved signature scent was being discontinued but decided to keep looking for a replacement and thankfully to some free samples I fell in love with Hermès Le Jardin de Monsieur Li and have been smelling my wrists non stop since my husband surprised me with a bottle. All my other beauty favorites are below. 

Glossy

Sorry for the late post today, Internet was down here and just came back up! Do you ever feel like you run out of all your beauty products all at once? Come the new year I was dangeloursly low on all my daily makeup which resulted in spending an entire pay check at Sephora. My favorite item by far,  has to be lip gloss, so while I restocked up on my everyday pink gloss I thought I would try out some new colors to mix up my everyday regimen. These three combinations were by far my most loved combinations. Nars velvet matte lip pencil is definitely the best long lasting base color for any gloss. I love its smooth finish and opaque color which let's the top coat gloss do it's thing.

one - Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Sex Machine" //  Sara Happ in "Pink Slip"
two - Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Never Say Never" // Laura Mercier Gloss in "Tulip"
three - Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Dragon Girl" // YSL gloss in "Classic Cool Red" - {use the gloss sparingly with the red, you do not want a super glossy red lip like worn in the 80's, I like only a tiny bit in the center of the lip to keep the look moisturized}

Beauty Roundup

Ever get tired of every single product you own? I do. While I am definitely loyal to a few tried and true beauty items i.e. mixing Calypso Vanille & Lavende for my signature scent & my beloved drugstore mascara, I was pretty much done with everything else that I was using. While there was nothing wrong with my previous products it was fun to revamp my cosmetic case with some new products in new hues for Spring. Some of my new favorites are below with notes below on how I wear them. I'd love to know what is your favorite beauty product?



When I walked into Bloomingdales for my new products my goal was a dewey natural sun kissed glow. Yes that is a whole lot of adjectives to pretty much describe that I wanted to avoid looking tired and dry from this horrible New England weather. I decided to not spend all my money at one counter and visited a few different brands for some favorite products I knew and loved as well as some new ones to help me achieve the best version of myself. Let's start with the face. My skin is dry, like sahara dry...so I need a great moisturizer stat! While I use this lotion after cleansing before bedtime with my "unwrinkle pads" {that I use on my face, neck & hands}, I decided for my everyday desired "glow" the MAC Strobe Cream would be a great morning lotion to help soften my skin before the application of makeup. I then apply my tinted beauty balm {in vanilla glow} with my favorite applicator for even distribution. On top of that I use bb cream concealer {in light} to hide the dark circles that take residence under my eyes. Then I apply a soft coating of bronzer {in laguna} all over and a bit of blush {in dame} on my cheek bones. Once the face is complete I move to my eyes. I am not sure if this is the right way but I then apply mascara {in black noir}. Followed up with a layer of MAC pro longwear paint pot {in painterly} as a base. Another soft swipe of shadow {in naked lunch}. I then line my eyes with a plum pencil {in boredeauxline} topped with another soft swipe of shadow just over the liner part {in beautiful iris} a hue that I believe works with for eye color. Finally, the lips and my most favorite. I personally never find a single color that is just right so I always like to mix of a few. I first start with Nars Matte Lip Pencil {in sex machine} then a soft coat of Lipstick Queen {in crime} for an added pop of pink pigment. For touch ups I turn to my favorite gloss {in the pink} for a sheen and softening element. 

Weekend Wear - faux layers

Layering doesn't get much easier with this little look below. I love the peek a boo plaid hem under a cozy crew neck sweater. I of course will be pairing mine with some sparkle in the form of a statement necklace as I almost always do but what I really have my eye on are those ahhhhmazing little booties below. Will have to save my pennies for those lovelies. Have a great weekend everyone!



Mock Layered Top // Nars Velvet Lip Pencil // Michael Kors Watch // Rag & Bone Booties // J.Brand Denim // J.Crew Necklace 

Weekend Wear - Black Tie

It's rare to have a black tie occasion around the holiday season but in case you do below is a look that is super chic and the best part is most the items are on sale! 

dress // sandals // nars lipstick & polish // studs // bracelet // clutch

What A Handful!

Earlier this month this little blog celebrated its second birthday. Over seven hundred posts later I took a little trip down memory lane at a few of my first posts that are admittedly horrific in their presentation but the ideas behind them I still stand behind. One of my favorites and frequently visited was a fun little post on cocktails & cocktail rings. I thought I would create another little round up but this time around add in some fun nail polish colors to finish off the look of a well coordinated cocktail, manicure and of course a piece of sparkle to adorn your ring finger.



Rose Cocktail Ring // Tom Ford "Toasted Sugar" // Raspberry Rose Fizz // Sam Edelman Red Stone Ring // Nars "Tomorrow Red" // Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // Butter London "Union Jack Black" // Elizabeth & James Metropolis Cocktail Ring // The Black Beard Cocktail

Weekend Wear - Holiday Attire

Come December the holiday festivities are in full swing. This means work parties, friend gatherings and your typical celebrations that only come this time of year. So what to wear to them? I thought from here on out I would do weekend wears all themed to the seasons attire. First up I love the ensemble below with all the different textures in it. Soft velvets, silky satins and matte suede all create a luxe look for a holiday party that doesn't require cocktail attire. 

Juicy Couture Moto Overcoat // Madewell Satin Peplum Blouse // J.Crew Statement Necklace // Tibi Stretch Velvet Trousers // Nars Velvety Matte Stick // Alice & Olivia Pumps 

Weekend Wear - Leather & Lace

We are off to NYC and whenever I need to pack for a visit to the big apple I always try to go a bit edgier and glamorous with my outfit selection then I do in my everyday Boston clothing. Manhattan always brings out a funkier side of my style and of course everything I bring is always all black no matter what the season is. My husband and I may have grown up on Long Island but NYC is a home away from home for us and it's always such a treat to visit even if it's a quick trip. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Mason by Michelle Mason Lace Top {blush color available here} // Marc by Marc Jacobs Iphone case // Givenchy Judy Pumps // Burberry Brit Leather Accent Denim // Marni Clutch // Pink Mascara Gold Hoops // Nars Jungle Red Lipstick 

Weekend Wear - Mixing Prints & Textures

Earlier this week I purchased the tweed blazer below at my local J.Crew fall fashion event. I have been dreaming of wearing just as it is laid out below and hope that this weekend brings some cooler weather so I can enjoy being cozy and comfortable strolling around town with my main squeeze. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

J.Crew Tweed Blazer // Barney's New York East West Tote // Marais USA T-Strap Flat // A.LC. Breton Striped T-Shirt {seen here & here} // Nocturne Damino Necklace // Victorias Secret Denim // Nars Lip Pencil in Cruella

Beauty Round Up

Morning friends, hope you all had a great weekend! I am sharing a few of my favorite beauty products below. I know I can't live without mascara or lip gloss, I never leave the house without them but I have to say I generally need a lot more then those two products to get me through the day without looking like an old lady. Check out my must haves and do tell me your favorites, I love trying new products!

Lips - I am a full fledged lip gloss addict. I can't get enough of the stuff. I must put it on at lease one thousand times a day and new shades of gloss & lipsticks are my all time favorite to shop for. While my everyday color is a velvety nude shade {aka the color "sex machine"} from Nars topped with a MAC creamy gloss in "Right Image". I love the Trish McEvoy Sweet Berry pencil for going out at night, as seen on my fb cover photo, my nighttime lip care is always with L'Occitane's moisturizing lip balm.

Eyes - I am not huge on wearing a lot of eye make up everyday. I however cannot walk out of the house without my favorite black mascara. I usually save the eyeliner in a dark purple shade and a neutral eyeshadow palette for evenings out or special occasions. 

Skin - Aging is a bitch, these "unwrinkle" pads help me feel better about those pesky lines. I use them every night before bed and moisturize with this afterwards {not shown}. Neutrogena's make up remover pads are seriously the tops. I can't live without them, they remove my make up and give my skin a dewy glow. Before I start any of my make up a good concealer and tinted moisturizer act as my base. For my everyday bronzer, I fell in love with Victoria's Secret baked bronzer, I go with the lightest shade and love the little bit of shimmery gold it has in it. My blush hasn't changed in years, "dame" from MAC is mine forever. 

Tools - The beauty blender is seriously my favorite tool. I use it to blend the tinted moisturizer and avoid any creases or lines along the jaw line. Everyone needs one of these little nuggets. While the blender takes care of the wet make up applications, bronzers and blushes are applied with this little set. I store all my favorite products in a cute pouch for easy packing and throwing in my everyday handbag.

On The Road Again

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A short post today as we are off to a last minute getaway in the woods of Vermont. I was silly to think the end of summer would mean that our schedules would be less busy but I have to say I adore my husbands last minute planning and spontaneous nature, life is never boring with this man of mine! We haven't been back to Vermont since our epic weekend getaway at Twin Farms so I am super excited to soak up some cooler temperatures, hopefully catch a bit of the early autumns season and just breath in some of the good old country air. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

I will be taking tomorrows weekend wear post off so I thought I would do a dreamy fall inspired round up of both luxurious and affordable finds that would make for a cozy New England weekend!

Vince Striped Sweater //  Deepa Gurnani Floral Necklace // Hermes Avalon Blanket // Nars Nail Polish & Lipstick // Rifle Paper Company Travel Journal // Le Pen // Clare Vivier Tote

Paige Skinny Jeans // Tory Burch Serena Flats // Warby Parker Thatcher Sunglasses // J.Crew Horse Iphone Case // Michael Kors Blake Watch

Weekend Wear - Mixed Prints

When it comes to mixing prints I must admit that the combination of stripes with leopard has to be my most favorite. Ever since I purchased my favorite striped tee, that little leopard clutch below has been haunting me on a daily basis. It's the perfect pattern for mixing with other prints without being over the top. So naturally my obsession with this animal printed accessory has lead me to creating a look with it as my starting point. I personally adore the lovely ensemble below since it can easily be translated into cooler weather by adding some tights and a great coat. The classic pointy toe flats also keep the mini length classic while being comfortable day to night. 

A.L.C Striped Top // Madewell Skirt // J.Crew Necklace // Nars Lip Pencil // Clare Vivier Clutch // Zara Flats 

Weekend Wear - Last Summer Purchase

Well another week has come and gone and I don't know about you but summer is flying by for me in a blink of an eye. Isn't the saying that "time flies when your having fun" all too true??? I am having the best summer of my life and I am already dreading it's end even though I love love love the fall {and all the fabulous fashions that come with it}. While summer sales are always the best for the old bank account I told myself I made my last purchase of the season when I added the dress below to my wardrobe. We have a fun weekend away planned for my husbands birthday this fall and I cannot wait to wear it for him. Below is exactly how I hope to style it come cooler weather.

Calypso St. Barth Duca Snake Patchwork Maxi // AG Robyn Denim Jacket {DNS favorite}// J.Crew Embroidered Jewel Earrings // Nars Eyeshadow Kit & Lip Kit // Scoop Stingray Clutch // Nicholas "Jocelyn" Suede Sandal

Weekend Wear - Wedding Season

Yesterday after a stay with my sister for my nieces birthday I had some time to kill before I picked up my husband at the airport. Naturally I went shopping and had such a nice afternoon all to myself strolling the village of Greenwich, CT. I stopped at one of my favorite stores Intermix to try on this dress that I saw in the window {didn't work because of the tear drop in the front, way too much cleavage for a chesty gal like myself}. What did work was the black and white stunner below. I absolutely fell in love and was almost out of the store with the beauty in tow when I realized I do not have any weddings to wear it too! I wish I could hop in the delorean and go back in time to the summer of 2008 where I had eight weddings in a three month span and had so many fun new dresses to wear. However when you hit your mid thirties the wave of weddings does slow down, so till I have a fabulous event to don such a gown, I will be dreaming of this lovely dress. 

Parker Dress // Tory Burch Sunglasses // Zara Sandals // Kayu Clutch {more colors available} // Nars Satin Lip Pencil // Dannijo Lovisa Earrings

Weekend Wear - My Go To Uniform

My usual weekend wear post is arriving a little early this week. Come Saturday I am craving an outfit that is casual and comfortable but also looks put together with ease. Nothing says that more to me then a striped top and jeans. Since Spring is finally present here on the East coast I decided to swap out the usual blue denim with some crisp white ankle length jeans along with a great lightweight cashmere sweater in a fabulous coral and navy color combination. Since the sweater has it's stripe on stripe pattern going on, I will forgo my usual statement necklace and pair this look with classic gold hoops. The classic trench is the perfect outwear rain or shine and really pulls the look together. 

What do you find yourself wearing on repeat all weekend long???

Madewell Trench // Nars Lip Gloss // J.Crew Tippi Sweater // Tory Burch Flamingo Iphone // Club Monaco Straw Clutch // J.Crew Espadrille Wedges // Stella & Dot Hoops // J.Brand White Denim // Dita Bluebird Sunglasses

Visit more weekend wear looks over at the lovely Long Distance Loving! 

Weekend Wear - Spring Nights

Since Spring has graced us with its sunny skies and warmer temperatures I thought I would create a look on how to wear black into the season without feeling too dark. While I have made it no secret that you will usually find me in head to toe black when I go out, come warm weather black feels so blah, especially when everyone else is breaking out the vibrant colors. So without taking the plunge of full on head to toe color, don't be so quick to pack away the black denim for next winter, incorporate it with a top that has color in a pretty pattern like that kaleidoscope below or even floral. I always like to add a blazer with any cami and that chambray beauty below is such a versatile piece that will go with everything all spring and summer. Lighten up your beauty products with some pretty natural hues like peachy beiges and you're good to go!

TopShop Chambray Blazer {DNS favorite} // Nars Satin Lip Pencil & Gloss // Tibi Sandals // Tibi Kaleidoscope Silk Cami // J.Brand Skinny Denim // TopShop Quilted Phone Case //  Alexander Wang Glow in the Dark Clutch // Juliet & Company Earrings {$40!} // Coach Wrap Watch

Have a great rest of the weekend!!!

Clear Clutch Outfit Inspiration

I have been thinking about how I would style the lucite clutch featured on the blog earlier today and felt that it needed some lux items to accompany the simplicity of the bag. I love the look below for a date night or drinks out with the girls. Would you wear a clear clutch???

blouse // belt // shoes {look for less} // aviators // denim // necklace // clutch // lipstick // watch 

The Anatomy Of A Clear Clutch

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Clear clutches keep showing up on my radar and the transparent material had me thinking if you exposed everything in my purse it would definitely not be a pretty sight. I tend to carry around wayyyy too much stuff which results in my bag weighing a solid 20 pounds every day. So If I were to accessorize with a see through clutch I know I would have to be careful in selecting items that would be visible to the masses combined with the size of a clutch, finding a way to fit all the necessities in a compact yet stylish way would definitely be a big challenge. Inspired by the Golden Globes last night and what these celebs would likely need for their night out, below is what I chose to be the must have filler for a clear evening clutch without giving away all your secrets.

clutch // iPhone cover // wallet // refillable perfume spritz // mini emergency kit {love this one too} // compact mirror // breath mints {love this kissing elixir too}

Don't want to spend $50 on a clear clutch??? Check out these DIY's here, here & here on how to make one yourself! Also if you need some style inspiration on how to wear these lovelies come visit me on pinterest!

Bauble Crush - Margaret Elizabeth

When I first saw Margaret Elizabeth's jewelry I knew I needed to bookmark her site to blog about one day. Her designs are just too good to not share with all you. I was seriously weak in the knees over her statement necklaces and immediately started putting together my Christmas list in June (sorry honey). The styles are classic yet modern, a statement yet subtle and they would brighten a bland outfit in a hot second. Each style is screaming HEIDI BUY ME! The only problemo is which one to put on that list for Santa? I picked a few of my favorites from her amazing collection, which is yours???

So I know this outfit is far from summery but this is exactly how I would style my favorite necklace of the bunch. The lady like blouse with the frilly peplum hem perfectly compliments the bold statement necklace yet that gorgeous leather jacket gives the outfit a cool edgy vibe. Perfect for a date night with your guy or cocktails with the gals!

tote // sunnies // perfume // blouse // jeans // jacket // shoes // eyeshadow // necklace

She also offers incredible styles of bangles, earrings & stack-able rings

these tassel earrings are perfect for your wedding party and with so many colors to choose from you can coordinate with your wedding colors 

 Check out her blog for photos of the baubles in weddings & different ways to style each piece

Enjoy!

Style Steals - Part Two

Bonus Post of Style Steals to help with that 3 o'clock lull - a casual weekend look to a sophisticated lady like style - happy shopping!

Chambray Shirt // Rope Belt // Shorts // Gloss // Scarf // Tote // Wedges // Sunglasses // Dress // Lip Stick // Polish // Sandals // Purse