headband turbans

"Where do you get your headbands?"

--Marnie to Charlie's new girlfriend Audrey on Girls

Okay, so I'm fully prepared to take get some flack for this one, but I can't help but crush on the headband turbans that keeping popping up on Pinterest. Isn't there something wonderfully Liz Taylor (the caftan years) about them?

When the temps soar and you're headed for the beach, I can't think of a better way to keep your hair out of the way and still look pulled together.

What's the verdict? Would you rock a headband turban? I'm leaning toward the silk versions. They feel much more vintage chic and less outdoor music festival (no offense to the "jammers" nearest and dearest to my heart).

(images via pinterest, threebirdnest etsy shop)

fall fragrance

A new season calls for a new fragrance. After all, we can't be nearing October still smelling of "beach" now can we (sorry, Kramer)?

New York fragrance brand D.S. & Durga's Pomelo Blossom is my current jam.

The duo (D.S is a fella while Durga is a dame) create their exclusive scents in-house using raw materials. Sounds fun, no?

Pomelo Blossom mixes the smell of  floral and citrus peel with a soft almost masculine musk. I usually gravitate toward lighter, sweet scents, but something about the weight of this option feels perfect for sweater weather.

(image via pinterest and fragrantica)

lip butter, baby

I love a bold rose lip. Doesn't it look chic?

Recently discovered Korres's Lip Butter ($12 each at Sephora). The texture is somewhere between lipstick and lip gloss and hits lips with a moisturizing saturation of color that actually shows up.

Wild Rose is a most lovely shade.

To achieve the pretty pout of the dish above, combine Wild Rose with Korres's hot pink shade, Pomegranate and pucker up!

(images via lisaasioux, inc pinterest)

sea salt soap

As of late, I've become weirdly obsessed with Swedish Dream's Sea Salt Soap. While I'm always a sucker for good design, there's actually much more to this adorable little disk than meets the eye.

Adorably gifted (I hope this was not some sort of hint?) by my charming husband, the fragrance is fresh, clean and great for both guys and girls.

Good to know? After your first use, the sea salt crystals in the soap are exposed. The salt results in a gentle exfoliation...which I rather enjoy.

S picked up our bars from the ever awesome imogene + willie here in Nashville, but they are also available here. I can certainly think of a worse way to spend six bucks....

Ahoy! And rub-a-dub-dub.

P.S. These bars are supposed to be great for shaving, fellas.

(image via cb2 and grandpa)

peach lipstick

I love this peach lipstick. It's such a fun way to get on board with the whole bold lipstick trend without making a screaming statement.

I must admit, I've purchased a few bright shades, but always feel like wearing them on a regular Monday morning can be a bit much. What can I say? I've always been a gloss girl...

This peach shade is somewhere in the middle and oh-so-sweet. It feels light and springy and just bold enough to be interesting but not overwhelming.

Would you rock it?

Pick up this shade here.

(image via daily makeover)

getting pretty for spring

Spring has sprung and it's time to trade out those winter go-tos from the the old make-up bag.

Here are my current spring faves. Some have already been purchased. Some are still being coveted.

1. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Rollerball

Warmer temps mean lighter fragrances. This bubbly scent has grapefruit, violet, rose, pear and more. The rollerball size is perfect for tossing into your purse or gym bag. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a full bottle.

I must admit, I originally fell victim to this in line at Sephora. I love when impulse purchases work out.

2. Essie Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish

I'm loving this season's mint nail trend. This color looks good enough to eat!

I'm a huge fan of keeping it neutral on the hands, and getting crazy on the toes. Ready to swap my current neon pink toes out for this cool shade.

3. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Dry shampoo is amazing. I've gushed over it before here. Still, when Duane Reade started carrying Klorane products, I decided to try a new brand.

This dry shampoo is a lifesaver. For those of us with dry hair, it makes washing less than every day possible (aka preventing your hair from looking like straw).

I'm a big fan of using this miracle worker to refresh the hair after a lighter workout.

4. MAC Bombshell Lipstick

My best friend in Junior High bought me a tube of MAC lipstick for my birthday. I've been hooked on the stuff ever since.

While some of their shades are a bit bold for my taste, this sweet pink offering looks fly. The shade is bold enough to be on trend, but still soft enough to avoid looking too harsh.

5. Benefit's Dandelion Blush

Pretty packaging and pretty content. This blush is the lightest of pink with a hint of shimmer.

A slight floral fragrance makes application a treat. You could also wear it with bright lips and avoid feeling like a clown. Everyone knows that clowns are scary.

So, what are your favorite spring products? Any secret weapons?

(original image via vintage danielle)

face stockholm polishes

My oh-so-hip Grandma gifted my sister and I each a trio of Face Stockholm polishes for Christmas. Leave it to Grandma Nora to always be ahead of the game...

I'm always terrified of doing my own nails. It's a rare occurrence that the polish doesn't end up thick, goopy and smudged. In short, my painting jobs often make me feel as if I'm a little kid playing dress up.

I'm happy to report that Face Stockholm's offerings are my answer to nailing home mani and pedis. The polish is light and it dries super fast. I'm also a fan of the brand's palette.

Currently rocking Top Ten (neon pink) on the toes and the more subtle Unclear (beige) on the fingers.

Happy painting!

fake eyelashes

Have you ever worn fake eyelashes? Something about them intrigues me yet simultaneously creeps me out. Apart from our wedding day (when I had my make-up professionally done), I've never worn "falsies."

Still, the results are pretty convincing so...if you are feeling a dash adventurous check out a video below for pointers on applying the strip version.

And for those of you with mad skill, click here for a tutorial on applying individual lashes.

MAC Cosmetics has a nice variety (pictured above) priced for around $15.

(image courtesy luux)

messy up do

There's a girl in my workout classes who always manages to pull off the most awesome looking casual do. You guys know the type. She doesn't need bobby pins or even a mirror to look completely effortless and cool. I am not one of these people!

I've stood for longer than I care to admit in front of a mirror attempting to pull off a lighthearted hairstyle like the one seen above. The result? A boring low bun and a boiling temper.

Perhaps it's the optimist in me, or perhaps it's that I'm always trolling for cute up dos to save overdrying the mane my hair this time of year. Regardless, I'm feeling good about my chances with the above look.

Click here for the directions.

Isn't it pretty? What's your "go to" look for second day hair?

(images courtesy style caster)

face saver

Stop the presses. Origins A Perfect World Skin Guardian means business.

Used in combination with your daily moisturizer, this concoction containing white tea protects your mug from harsh winter winds and other irritants that can leave your skin looking less than fresh.

After only a week of using this, my make-up goes on smoother and stays longer. My skin looks much more bright and dewy than before which says a lot about the above product considering the weather, holiday stress and those sneaky holiday party libations.

(original image courtesy target)

rosy cheeks

Don't you love how the chilly winter air turns cheeks rosy?

Want the look, but not the sniffles? Meet my new best friend, Benetint by Benefit.

This cheek and lip stain leaves behind a gorgeous pink hue. It also lasts forever.

Get it here.

(image courtesy polyvore)

fall makeup trends

After the lovely light and dewy makeup of summer, I'm excited for a little more drama this fall.

Love this model's look from Carolina Herrerra's Fall '11 runway.

Here are few of the key ingredients necessary for creating her pretty at home.

1. Plum Lips

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

At last, Clinique is offering their bestselling shade Black Honey as a super shiny gloss. It goes on a bit lighter than it looks, but still gives the lips plenty of attention without leaving them stained.

For deeper color, layer the gloss over the original lipstick shade.

2. Rosy Pink Cheeks
Chanel Jouse Contraste Powder Blush 99 in Rose Petale

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in Rose Petal

Lightly sweep a rosy petal inspired shade over your cheeks for subtle, sweet flush that doesn't directly compete with your lip color.

Chanel's option is apparently a favorite of Emma Watson. Hermoine forever!

3. Simple Eyes
NARS Cream Eye Shadow Duo in Pink Panther

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Black/Brown

Diorshow Mascara in Black Out

Cream eyeshadows are the best. I've been a longtime fan of Nars's Pink Panther duo. The complimentary pearl and gold-pink shadows give the eyes just enough pop.

Line those peepers with Clinique's Quickliner in Black Brown and finish with a sweep of Diorshow Mascara. Love.

4. Dark Nails

MAC Me Over! Nail Laquer in Shirley & Nicole

OPI Matte Nail Laquer in You Don't Know Jacques

I'm a huge fan of keeping nail color neutral on the hands (again, OPI's Ballet Slippers anyone?), but I like sneaking in a little more drama via a pedi.

Happy painting gals!

python cardigan

One of my favorite office staples is the cardigan. It can instantly transform summery dresses into appropriate office attire.

My favorites are J. Crew's "Jackie" cardigans. I own an embarassing number of these in various shades and patterns.

One pattern I'm missing? Python.

How beautiful is this python cardigan spotted on From Me to You? I'm afraid I "need" both the cardi and the pale pink lip stick.

(images courtesy decor pad and from me to you)

mini buns

It's been raining for a straight week here in NYC. While the grey skies make me feel lazy, the humidity has turned me into a frizzy haired grump. After 6 days of simple chignons and poofy top buns, I'm a little over both options.

Solution? This adorable style ( originally spotted on For Me, For You)! Hello, mini buns!


Though it looks complicated, the step-by-step directions actually seem fairly doable.

Wouldn't this style be a great option for a wedding?

Check out the above style and 20 other "twist and pin" variations on the rocking site Hair Romance.

pops of color

It's sunny and nearly 80 degrees. Spring has finally sprung here in NYC and gorgeous colors are popping up all over.

Check out these tulips outside our building:

Currently obsessed with the notion of accessorizing with bright bursts of colors that echo what's happening outdoors.

Pining for this stretchy mulit-colored bracelet from Oliphant,

this robin's egg blue shade for nails,

this pom pom scarf from Antik Batik (spotted via the neo-traditionalist)

this giant patent orange clutch and

these "sour lemon" tie-up sandals.

(images courtesy oliphant, teen vogue, net-a-porter, polyvore and j. crew)

skintastic

This weekend when I found myself experiencing a mini-facial at the Laura Mercier counter in Bloomingdale's, I was mildly panicked at the amount of dough I would feel guilted into shelling out following my "session."

The good news? The mini facial was amazing. The even better news? I walked away with only two of the products. Hooray for willpower (and carefully saved birthday gift cards).

So far, I've become so obsessed with both of these purchases that I must insist any of you readers with sensitive skin march right out and pick them up for yourselves.

First up, Laura Mercier's One-Step Cleanser.

This miracle worker glides onto skin to remove even the most serious make-up jobs (including mascara). Apply and massage into dry skin, then rinse away. Your skin will be super clean, but still hydrated. Lovely!

Second, Laura Mercier's Perfecting Water Moisture Mist.

This toner is unlike any I've ever used before. Instead of relying on cotton balls or pads to apply, this hydrating toner is actually sprayed onto the face and decolletage. Quite refreshing!

(images courtesy laura mercier, bloomingdale's and sephora)

a grand day

The past few months at work have been killer. It seems that I've hardly had a moment to catch my breath, much less, spend any quality time with the girls.

Today, under bright blue, sunny spring skies, we nipped that whole situation, immediately, in the bud.

Brunch at Peels (which included a Jason Schwartzman sighting-score!),

fantastic chats, a stop at Pinkberry and an afternoon showing of the wonderful documentary Bill Cunningham New York? Yesss.

(images courtesy zagat and esquire)

Even though the sun was out, NYC is still a few weeks shy of bare leg weather. I kept things springy in the chambray shirtdress below, red orange lips and a bright green scarf.

A grand day, indeed. Thanks again, gals ; )

manly treats

I'm proud to say that my fella is quite dapper. He's always well-dressed. He also uses some really swell products that I often covet (naughty). While I'd like to take credit for discovering all of them, alas, I can only claim the discovery of a few...

So, without further adieu, check out this lady-approved list of (non-exclusive) man treats.

1. Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash

(image courtesy molton brown)

This "clean, masculine" scent is most delicious. It's black pepper fragrance isn't overwhelming, and the smell is both relaxing and "re-charging" (hence the name) which is ideal for early mornings when getting ready for work sounds like a total drag.

2. (MALIN + GOETZ) Sage Styling Cream

(image courtesy malin + goetz)

S brought home this rocking hair product following a trip to F.S.C. Barbers in the Village (a Christmas gift recommendation that included an old fashioned shave spotted on the always awesome Cup of Jo.)

Short story long? This is a grand styling product. It adds subtle control to a short boy style without being reminiscent of Pauly D. from Jersey Shore. Fist pump!

It also smells quietly lovely.

3. L'Occitan Eau de Toilette

(image courtesy L'Occitane)

For the most part, I hate cologne. It reminds me of awkward junior high school dances when boys would douse themselves in overly fragrant, often unfortunate, man smells that most likely came from their daddy's medicine cabinets. Was this ever a scene in Freaks and Geeks? If not, it totally should have been...

That being said, this peppery nutmeg scent is the antithesis of any smell that would ever be found in a school gym. It's welcoming, masculine and reminds me of mine and S's first date.

4. Clinique for Men Face Scrub

(image courtesy clinique)

Touted by Clinique as a "pre-shave essential" this reviving face scrub serves nicely as a low maintenance face wash that makes shaving a cinch (aka no more toilet paper specs to hastily remove as we dash out the door).

5. Sonicare Advance Electric Toothbrush

(image courtesy electric toothbrush reviews)

This bad boy has become a new favorite in our household. Not only does it give you that dentist clean feeling at least twice-a-day, it also erases any hint of dreaded cigar breath. This comes in quite handy for my guy.

Work it, boys!

best eyeshadow ever

Quite simply put, MAC's Paint Pot (color: Bare Study) is the best eyeshadow ever.

(image courtesy MAC)

It's creamy, shimmery and flattering on any skin tone.

Buy a little pot of it for yourself. That is all.

dior commercial

I love Miss Dior Cherie. I love the scent and the adorable little bottle.

I also love their fabulous commercials (see here) directed by Sofia Coppola.

Their newest spot features none other than the Black Swan herself, Natalie Portman, and the song "Je T'aime...Mois Non Plus" from Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg. Quite a saucy little number indeed.

(images courtesy ellery and kev chino)

Watch it below, and try to resist the urge to take a bubble bath while wearing your shades.