Fashion + Beauty Daily

Snap 'em up.

2009-03-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Now we all know that I like leggings, but really great one's that are affordable are always on my list.

The perfect black legging is:
1. matte (no shiny under material)
2. slightly above the ankle
3. super supple and stretchy
4. high with a thick waist band that stays put but doesn't dig into the midriff
5. very, very black

One wants to wear her leggings under numerous toppers such as:
1. a grey tee shirt
2. a long black tunic/tee
3. a skirt and top
4. a shirt dress
5. a fitted tee and roomy cardigan

Well, I found them and I'm worried if I don't order more they will disappear.

Of all places, they are at Gap Body for $26.50. I'm ordering another pair asap, or I may pick them up on vacation...2 weeks and counting.

Calendar girl.

2009-03-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, M. and I went to the Muji store in the NY Times building.

We were feeling especially enlightened and enlivened.

The store was quiet and somewhat empty.
We walked through without getting overwhelmed, took our time and turned the objects over in our hands and minds.

As my brother used to say, we were "Zenning out." We bought incense, a screw driver set, a small clear plexi shelf and 4, count them 4 calendars.

Time, as a rule, has always been on my side. I am a late bloomer, a kid among adults. M. and I often feel like teenagers together. I suppose this is because I was an adult during my childhood.
Another story for another time.

Anyway--the calendars--one pocket planner for my handbag (natural, cardboard,) one day planner for me for my desk (medium, white,) one wall calendar for home (natural, cardboard,) and finally one day planner for M. (large, red.) We couldn't resist. The most expensive one was $3. And Muji has such simple, organic designs--you wish you could buy everything there.

Muji, I'm glad I met ye.

Got Gilt Groupe?

2009-03-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome back!

It's been a bit of a stretch and goodness knows, time is on my side (yes it is!)

Lately, I've been thinking about identities. My own especially.

With the extra time I've had, after being laid off 2 weeks ago, I've had a good deal of home time, alone time and me time.

I rather like watching the time each day. I enjoy my home immensely and have made some of the best dinners this week purely because I've had the time.

It literally couldn't have happened at a better time.

Living in New York City, while in my thirties and being newly married, during the most severe financial crisis since the 1930's gives one pause. Or perhaps, several pauses. Daily. Hourly.

I've had it with the sayings--
Thirties are the new twenties (ick,) saving is the new checking (this one's mine.)

Being married is nothing new, but each day provides something new--something difficult, something wonderful.

Something life-altering is happening. People are rooting for the underdogs. It's chic to be financially savvy, which I never considered myself until a couple of months ago.

At this point. I want to go on vacation. Come back to New York and find a job I like, that I'm good at and that gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Something new, innovative something unexpected.

My whole life has been about fashion without a large amount of funding. Style is about the eye, the detail, the piece, the whole.

If you want some delicious fashion at some delicious prices, go to:
http://www.gilt.com/invite/sissyschaefferson

Gilt Groupe is an e-commerce site that buys directly from fashion houses and up-and-coming fashion designers. They provide sample sale prices on items for 36 hour periods.

Gilt is an invite only site and the link above will get you past the signing in process.

RIP Stila Azur

2009-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Geez.

I've been really into layering my Stila Azur (iridescent navy) eyeshadow in a very fine, precise line (I wet the shadow) over my Smashbox Caviar Gel liner.

The blue softens the line and pops a bit on my hazel eyes--but they don't make it any more!!

From what I can gather, Bobbi Brown makes a navy eyeshadow very similar.

So I found a very budget photo of Azur.

Rest in peace old friend.

BLAST!

2009-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Oh snap!

I like Cover Girl's Lash Blast better than Maybelline's Define-a-Lash.

Here's why:

1. The brush is not flexible, so you have much more control.
2. You can layer your mascara after it dries (with Define-a-Lash you have to work with it while it's still wet.)
3. It makes my lashes more defined and longer.

So, if your eyes aren't super sensitive--give it a go!

I got mine for $8 at Walgreens.

Naked people have little or no influence on society.

2009-01-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've always been a detail person. The smallest things have always caught my eye.

Shoes make the outfit. Jewels make the girl. Clothes make the man. Etc.

I love softness these days. I'm all leggings all the time. I'm cashmere and cotton. The softer it is the more I'm apt to become addicted to it.

Softness makes this climate tolerable. And I'm not just talking about winter in NYC. Softness is love. I am soft, outside and in.

I'm also in deep smit with my new stripey scarf from Old Navy that I got for $12.50.

For those of us who veer away from striped garments for their boldness, a striped accessory is a wonderful way to wear a nautical stripe.

My scarf is light as a feather, generous in proportion and 100% rayon.

I want to wear it every day. At least for part of the day.

So when I get home I put on my grey sweater and my stripey scarf and drink tea. It makes me feel warm and good.

Don't forget your leg warmers!

Does political correctness apply to chocolate?

2009-01-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

I bought these M&M like chocolate candies for M. for his Christmas stocking--he likes English chocolate.

And come to find out, so do I.

Minstrels are larger than M&M's and they are all one color--brown--dark brown.

I am considering buying a pack or two for tonight's football festivities.

Minstrels are made by Galaxy, who also makes Malteasers (malted milk balls) and is the Mars company.

The company used the slogan "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands," like M&M's but recently changed their slogan to "Sophisticated Silliness."

A girl in a hat is so...Vogue.

2009-01-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Another hat. Yes, another one.

Perfect for the snowy days like today. Fits comfortably under my hood.

This chunky knit beret from the Gap for $20 is the tops. It's a Waldorf salad, it's a Gershwin ballad.

I've been wanting a grey hat for some time. You know grey is my favorite color. (I felt so symbolic yesterday.)

I'm all about the lyrics today.

At any rate, this rates a ten on the slouch o' meter.

My friend J. pointed out a post from Isaac Mizrahi's blog in which he points out comfort dressing as a means to comfort oneself during these trying financial times.

Big sweaters, baggy jeans, slouchy hats, soft fabrics. Oh yes!

Huh?

2009-01-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Since when does the high end fashion designer rip off Steve Madden?

Steve's always done the ripping.

Spring '09 Balmain collection from designer Christophe Decarnin features the studded sandals I got 2, count them two seasons ago in the flat version.

Does Decarnin not keep up with what's out there? I specifically remember Michael Kors on Project Runway telling the designers that they have to be aware of who's created what, and when.

Even more irritating/weird, is that Bazaar magazine featured the collection with a "Balmain's Back" editorial featuring the sandals in 3 photos in fewer pages.

Someone should let Christophe know about his faux pas. Non?

Old school.

2009-01-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, my mom was a waitress at Skyline Country Club in Tucson.

It was there that she was introduced to Neutrogena products--her favorite being their glycerin soap. She has very sensitive skin and appreciated the light scent and mild formula.

She got samples from house keeping, I believe. Not sure.

Anyway, in the old days, Neutrogena was relegated to soap, Rainbath shower gel and body oil.

That was it--unlike today, as they are a cosmetics powerhouse.

M. bought me the Body Oil, light sesame formula for Christmas, and I love it!! It is such a low maintenance moisturizer. You just put a little on before you dry off and Voila, super soft skin.

Plus the smell is delightfully beachy/hippy/baby oil/suntan lotion-y deliciousness.

$10.49 at www.drugstore.com.

Dry is the new wet.

2009-01-10T13:36:00.001-08:00

I'm happy to report that I have been approved on the beret, the new, black, shawl collar sweater, both shirt dresses and the jeans. I cut my list down, yes, but got most of the important items. Thanks M.! Plus, they were having a promo where you save 30% on full price Gap items and 15% on sale. Woohoo!

In other news, I finally bought the Oscar Blandi Pronto dry shampoo and it is awesome!

Say you put a little too much shine serum in to tame the frizzies--say your hair looks best day four after you wash it (read: me)--either way you are set with this powder formula. It absorbs oils immediately.

A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly--just put a little in the palm of your hands and rub your fingertips into it. Then rub it into your part and work it down to the ends.

It has a citrus scent and works like magic.

$11 at http://www.sephora.com/ or at Sephora stores.

Old Navy does it (for me) again.

2009-01-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

What is it with me and the shirt dress? This ruffle front shirt dress is $29.50 at oldnavy.com. I want it in Earl Gray as well.

I currently have 10 items in my gap.com shopping bag for just over $200.

I want it all. I'll get rid of stuff, I promise.

Just let me have 2 shirt dresses, one chunky knit beret, on pair of gloves, jeans, another shawl collar, waffle weave sweater, 3 pairs of undies and a pair of leggings. Please.

I also need another pair of boots in cognac from Steve Madden. Please.

I have to pitch this to M. during our weekly budget meeting tomorrow before we take our Christmas tree to be mulched at the farmer's market. I hope he says yes.

But I still have to save for Tessa!

What a conundrum.

Tessa, my love.

2009-01-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

This is for real.

I opened a new ING Orange savings account yesterday specifically to save for this bag.

I am going smaller, black, messenger all the way.

No regrets.

Gryson, Tessa bag, $425 at http://www.revolveclothing.com/.

Dear John Frieda,

2009-01-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

As most people who know me know, I am a die-hard DIYer.

When I was 8 years old I told my mom I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I would practice painting her nails, give her facial treatments with Clinique samples and style her hair (read: brush for hours.) I honed my skills impeccably.

My dreams of endless hours of blow drying were shattered when my mother advised I go to college and then if I still wanted to be a hairdresser, I could.

Somehow, in college, I decided that writing was definitely my bag and I forgot about cosmetology to be a poet.

My mother still asks me to do her nails sometimes, less frequently now that we live 2,000 miles apart from each other.

The point is, I do everything as far as beauty maintenance on myself, by myself, to myself.

Haircut, hair color, waxing, tweezing, manicure, pedicure, micro-dermabrasion, exfoliation.

I wish I could massage myself, because I could really use one.

Anyway, the main focus of my endeavors is and has always been, perfect highlights. I am entirely vain about my hair (length, color, texture, etc.) The color must be honey/caramel/beige with a concentration of lighter blond at the tips.

I buy a very inexpensive highlighting kit at the beauty supply store (read: $3.99) and do four sets of foils.

This process can be terrifying--even now--after doing this process myself for nearly 10 good years. I started practicing on my BFF, N., in years past and then moved on to my own head.

I digress.

What I'd like to let you know is that if you want to do your highlights at home, or if you want to get highlights at the salon--if you want them to last longer--John Frieda has a color glaze that is just lovely.

The bottle of Luminous Color Glaze is $10 at the drugstore and comes in several colors, including clear (for shine)--I chose the Honey/Caramel color (the package instructs buying the color that best describes your highlights.)

You wash and condition as usual, then smooth the glaze on from root to tip. The glaze doesn't lighten or have peroxide in it. It just tones your highlights beautifully.

That's all.

Camelicious.

2009-01-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

I love my new coat from www.gap.com & I got it for $41.25 while they were having a super online sale. It is listed as the soft trench and comes in black, light heather gray, and camel.

M. says it looks very New York.

I'm excited about it for the following reasons:

1. The color is very sumptuous.
2. It looks like a very expensive camel hair or mohair. (It's a wool blend!)
3. It's not black!! (No fur from the kitters to disguise or frantically lint roll in the a.m.)
4. It goes well with my new caramel highlights.
5. The fit is great--I can layer a big sweater under it and it's still body conscious.
6. It looks great with black.

Yahoo! http://www.gap.com/. You are my fave right now.

I'm a big sweater.

2009-01-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

I love a grey sweater. I love one so slouchy, it doesn't need buttons.

Who needs buttons?

My new sweater is a thermal weave, cotton, heather grey, shawl collar with pockets. It hits me mid thigh and looks great with a short dress and tights or leggings and my new black boots.

It was $58 at http://www.gap.com/ and I knew it would be worth every penny from the moment I opened it's clear packaging. I'm considering getting it in black, too.

Maybe when it goes on sale. Some of us are on a budget, you know.

Get lit.

2008-12-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

With my gift card from M. for Christmas I went to Sephora Union Square, combating the immense holiday crowds, I took my purchase, (a YSL Touche Eclat) to the register and harrumphed at people to move it on my way out.

I didn't, or rather couldn't have known how worth the harrumphing this little gold wand full of luminous concealer would be.

In the package insert the user is instructed to apply the product with the built in brush under eyes, outside corners of eyes, outside corners of the mouth, sides of the nose...but why stop there?? It worked perfectly on my single age spot. It doesn't move around at all once applied so I put it on my lids and brow bones as well.

I looked aglow--and that was before blush!

With sheer pinkish-red lips I was out the door and feeling fine.

You can pick one of these magical pen concealers up at http://www.sephora.com/ for just $40.

It will change your face, aka life. That Yves Saint Laurent was a genius, no?

Yo, Adrienne.

2008-12-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of Foley + Corinna since it was Anna Corinna. I love my giant city tote, even though I haven't carried it in months. I love that I got it on eBay for $180.

But there's a bag I think would compliment my new Jackie boots from 80%20 really nicely and her name is Adrienne. She is smooth and black and has a long strap and lots of shiny hardware.
I found her on http://www.revolveclothing.com/ for a mere $278, (if you haven't shopped this site, it is gooood.)

Adrienne is well designed for me as a city mouse--roomy, versatile, vintagey yet modern.

I'm not even a black bag buyer, but she's so pretty.

Like me, only taller.

2008-12-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am not a short person. I am not a small person. My mother is both a small and short person. I have small hands, small ears, small teeth.

I have small toes.

Do I need extra height? Some people would say no.

But I do need something different every now & again.

And that is why, as a gift to myself, with some of our Christmas cash I bought the 80%20 Jackie hidden wedge boots in pebbled black leather for $130 from http://www.zappos.com/. I have been wanting them since before last Christmas.

Luckily they were out of stock in the banana yellow I was considering buying them in when that's all that was left last year.

Zappos shipped them to me for free and upgraded my shipping to priority.

NEW BOOTS FOR ME!! I should get them by New Year's Eve. I'll let you know how they are.

Perhaps they will catapult me out of casual schlub mode.

I'm considering buying them in a color called Luggage as well, on sale at http://www.revolveclothing.com/ for $76.

Cool, dude.

On the second day of Christmas...

2008-12-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

On the second day of Christmas jcrew.com gave to me, two color block candy gloves.

And they're only $7.99 at http://www.jcrew.com/. They come in several adorable color combos. My preference is the citron/berry but they're also available in navy/papaya, aqua/spearmint and silver/citron.

On the first day of Christmas...

2008-12-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Oh, good Lord. I should have named this blog Fashion + Beauty Bi-weekly. The fact of the matter is, I write this when I have spare time at work and lately, there have been extenuating circumstances, such as a spy visiting from corporate.

But, enough of that. I was thinking, even though there are only 9 days until Christmas, I could do the 9 days of Christmas the Fashion + Beauty way.

Starting with: On the first day of Christmas, drugstore.com gave to me a Nivea Kiss of Flavor Cherry Tinted Lip Care (in a tree, well not really, it was a cardboard box which I will recycle.)

I think it's great. Very cherrylicious and the right amount of red tint.

Only $3 at http://www.drugstore.com/.

Food for thought.

2008-12-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Cosmetics used to be about glamour. Lipsticks smelled like roses.

Now a lot is about food. Is it because we are less likely to indulge in actual food if our lip gloss smells, tastes and looks like red velvet cake batter?

In a brief scan of my posts, I realized a good deal of the items have a great deal of yum-factor.

yum-factor n. 1. tasty smelling without being artificial 2. products which induce your spouse to want to eat you up 3. sniffability 4. usage: This hand cream has awesome yum-factor.

In this kit from Philosophy, which comes with a recipe box (recipes included) you get three mouth-watering shampoo/shower gel/bath bubbles in red velvet cake, strawberry short cake, and sweet creamy frosting.

Why bake when you can bathe?

$18 at http://www.sephora.com/

It's like dessert to me.

2008-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fred Flare, you devil.

I love these lip balms. Had I been able to have them as a child I would have been tremendously happy.

They come in a set of four so I could split them up and give them as gifts to all my favorite girls.

$18 for the set of four, http://www.fredflare.com/.

Baby cake.

2008-12-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

I have become cake/cupcake obsessed.

I am not the first but, I'm going to ride it out this month.

As many cupcake/cake related items as I can find.

This charm from Tiffany & Co. is the cutest.

What a nice gift it might make for the original cupcake's 40th birthday?

Oh boy!

$150 at http://www.tifffany.com/.

Carrying cake.

2008-11-30T14:57:00.001-08:00

Oh, no.

I just discovered the Fred Flair website.

I am surely doomed to buy adorable gifts or at least obsess about buying adorable gifts.

Like this piece of cake makeup bag that I want to buy (secretly) for N. for $14.

And come to find out there "door store" is right here in Brooklyn.

Neat.

http://www.fredflair.com/

Ripe for the picking.

2008-11-25T14:40:00.000-08:00

My Internet at work has been down for 5, count them 5 days.

But I'm back...and I have new lip gloss.

It's L'Oreal HIP Jelly Balm in Ripe. It smells like a caramel, has no flavor, and is the sheerest of reds. The only thing is, it costs $9 at the drug store.

And believe me, I am not above paying ridiculous prices for products, but given our new budget (which makes me very happy, by the way) it seemed a little steep.

But it's great for these cold November days and works well with a smokey eye, given it's sheerness.

Go on. Get one.

It's the POM!!

2008-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

I go through phases with coffee:

skim latte
iced skim latte
soy cappuccino
skim cappuccino
iced soy cappuccino
iced skim cappuccino
iced coffee

All of the above mentioned cost approximately $4 a pop.

And then I go through phases without it at all.

My current obsession is POMx Iced Coffee.

No, it's not pomegranate flavored coffee, but it does have the POM Wonderful Pomegranate Antioxidant Extract (patent pending,) a generous 175 mg of caffeine per 10.5 ounces (a regular cup of coffee has between 75-125 mg) and no fat in the chocolate flavor. It comes in a snazzy grenade shaped bottle that I drink in approximately 2 minutes.

It makes me feel really good and productive.
Check it out at http://www.healthybuzz.com/. I get it for $3 a bottle at Whole Foods.
I'm not sure if it's available nation-wide yet.

Voila(vanila).

2008-11-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

I wear the gourmands. I want to smell like cake. Or maybe a cupcake.

I have been asked by Bond No. 9 to review Bleecker Street, a fragrance inspired by Magnolia Bakery.

I am an Angel wearer, have been for almost 15 years. It is my fragrance.

So I've been trying to wear the Bleecker Street, which in no way smells like a cupcake, but is complex and alluring. But every time I open the cap on the giant sample they graciously sent me, I think--this isn't me. I am literally defined by my fragrance, not just to myself, but to others.

This post is not about Angel and it is not about Bond No. 9 Bleecker Street.

This post is about Lavanila Healthy Body Butter in the Pure Vanilla fragrance. It smells just the way I want to smell. Clean yet sweet, mysterious yet familiar. A little bit musky as you have it on a while.

It's $25 at http://www.sephora.com/, but I got a free sample of it that I'm using very sparingly. Well, somewhat sparingly.

My bag.

2008-11-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

When I was a youngish girl, I carried a very small, white gym-bag style purse with a yellow and purple screened unicorn on it. Of course I clipped my feather roach-clip to it and hung my rabbit's foot on it.

But really, it was my first handbag. Later, there would be LeSportsacs, Liz Claiborne and Esprit.
But I really didn't go high-end until fairly recently.

Because I like to contain all items in one bag while commuting, I started carrying my American Apparel silver gym-bag.

It has a very retro feel, is super lightweight and adds a whole lot of zip to an outfit. Plus, I never have that worry that my bag worth more than anything inside of it will get swiped.

I'm still looking for the feather roach-clip.

$26 at http://www.americanapparel.net/.

Butter me up.

2008-11-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty picky when it comes to...everything. I was going to say lip products, but the fact is, I will pour out a bottle of water if it smells "weird."

I am smell sensitive, taste sensitive...just sensitive.

Family members have said "she's very sensitive," for a very long time.

I admit it.

What is really working for me today is my new lip butter by Korres. It's Greek.

I got the Plum but it also comes in Pomegranate, Wild Rose, Guava and Quince. It was a real toss-up on the colors but since it's winter, I went for the Plum. The smell is lightly fruity, not at all overwhelming and the texture, well...it's deluxe. And there's no flavor. I really dig it a lot.

The color is concentrated but not too much.

Honestly, I'm kind of addicted. And it really improves the texture of my lips.

$9 at http://www.sephora.com/

Today is a wonderful day.

2008-11-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

These words were written on a sign in chalk outside a restaurant in my neighborhood in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

I am full of joy and wonder today.

And I am proud of our nation. I am ready to participate in helping repair our nation. I actually feel patriotic.

It seems a bit trite to write about my new lip butter, so I will save it for tomorrow.

I'm excited about the future. Just like the kid on the trike.

Doing lunch.

2008-11-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

I have always been plagued by the lunch box.

I brought lunch in elementary school (red Tupperware lunch box: plastic,) junior high (Velcro lunch bag with my name on it: pink) and high school (numerous shopping bags.)

I considered bringing lunch to be uncool.

I suppose bringing lunch now is uncool as well.

For lunch today I brought couscous with chick peas and roasted peppers, lentil salad with chicken breast, an apple, an orange, a banana and baby carrots. If I bought these items (which I have) at Whole Foods it would cost me upwards of $15.

Needless to say, after making my first budget with my husband this weekend, and the rising cost of food (we just got a 1/2 gallon of organic skim milk for $5.75) it wouldn't be prudent to continue buying lunch. Plus, we make such good stuff at home and I know exactly what's in it--because I made it.

At any rate, and I know this is a continual quest: I need a good reusable lunch bag. It needs to be cute, look like a lunch bag (not a cheapy-fashiony-lunch-bag,) have a shoulder strap for hands free commuting, and keep my morsels cold or warm. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a cute lunch bag.

I did get a really cute lunch bag made of oilcloth (blue with strawberries) a while back but it doesn't fit the hands free criteria.

Perhaps this cute one from www.keepyourcooler.com would work for me. For $26.47 I might just try it. It's called the stylish dumpling. That's cute.

Got GOOP?

2008-10-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

I am a Gwenyth Paltrow lover.

I know not everyone is. But I am and always have been.

I know she has a life unlike many, but for some reason, she is easy to relate to.
For me at least.

I love her taste.

And I do like her new(ish) newsletter/blog called GOOP.

It addresses various subject matters: MAKE, GO, GET, DO, BE & SEE.

She talks recipes, shopping, health and travel to name the subjects I've read so far in my subscription to GOOP.

You can subscribe at http://www.goop.com/. It's kinda fun to get a note each week.

Think pre-prohibition.

2008-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a cocktail. Luckily, my husband is a mixologist in training.

Also, luckily, he likes a vintage cocktails that are super complex and interesting.

This weekend was M's brother A's birthday. M was designated mixer and I was his assistant.

The drink: the Aviation. The ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Plymouth gin
1 1/2 oz Lemon juice
1 teaspoon creme de Violette
2 teaspoons Luxardo Marachino liquor

(in my version I upped the Violette by double and added 2 teaspoons of simple syrup)

The color is a marvelous pale, pale periwinkle. And J & A have the most fabulous crystal cocktail glasses that we served them in. We put a Luxardo Marasca cherry in the bottom.

Most delicious. And very elegant.

Jest kidding.

2008-10-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

So my new thing is my hair scraped back into a messy bun, sunscreen all over my face, Tarte Flush Cheek Stain and sheer red lip tint (my favorite--Dirty Girl Pomegranate Lip Lustre--discontinued,) no mascara (my eyes need a break) and lots of MAC Jest eye shadow.

The look is flushed, dewy and a bit French. I like it. It takes no time and still looks done but not overdone.

Jest by MAC is a satiny, brightening, peachy oyster. It brightens the inside corners of my eyes like no body's business. And I like the no mascara look, sort of.

With my legwarmers on and black tights I feel like a ballerina. Fun.

MAC eyeshadows are $14.50 and last forever. Purchase at a MAC store near you or at http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

Amendment.

2008-10-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

The new mascara I wrote about is cheap, does make for an amazing look and does work.

However, it makes me incredibly allergic (i.e., watering eyes, sneezing, cold-like symptoms.)

Generally not good for a mascaraphile.

So, Mama J. , you're right as usual.

Leggings, again?

2008-10-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, leggings. Again. From American Apparel.

But these are different. They are cable knit sweater leggings. Indispensable for the NY winters!!

For this climate they are perfect, super stretchy, long in the rise, long in the inseam. Love them!!

My preference is to use light layers for the rest of the outfit--like today--poplin bubble dress, tissue cashmere boyfriend cardigan, cashmere scarf.

They do add texture to a somewhat smooth outfit without adding bulk to the leg.
They are a bit sexy, too, which can't be bad.

Retail pricing, $38, available at http://www.americanapparel.net/.

Run for it...seriously.

2008-10-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

So you may have heard, OPI has teamed up with Sephora to create a new line of nail color.

I of course, have been looking for the perfect grey nail polish since, oh I don't know, forever.

Run for it! is the name of the color and I'm at a loss on how to describe it accurately. Sparkly cement? Shimmery sidewalk?

Anyhoo. It's not quite silver, definitely not gunmetal.

Nice for fall. Subdued and somewhat odd...like my mood.

Want to get yourself a bottle? Run, don't walk to your nearest Sephora, or go to http://www.sephora.com/. It' s$9.

Golden state.

2008-10-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.

Usually it is all about the item, but I am going to come out of my shell a little.

I was so happy with my look for the cocktail party the night before M.'s brother's wedding in LA that I had to post a photo of us overlooking the ocean. Plus, M. looks so husband-like, doesn't he? Handsome.

Gold and cream together is so decadent, don't you think?

And I decided, even thought the neckline and hemline of my dress are sequined, to layer on lots of luxe accessories: camel cashmere wrap from S., "Van Cleef" necklace from a street vendor and the Louis Vuitton scarf A. gave me, purrr. I went heavy on the black kohl liner and gold shadow and wore gold wedge peep toes.

Very Grecian, said M. of the dress. Very California, thought I.

My eyelashes+The Colossal Volum' Express=LOVE

2008-10-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

I know I just wrote about mascara, but I am a bit of a mascaraphile.

This one has a fat, fat brush and collagen in the formulation. Application is easy. This one smells a little weird, not sure about that, but the resulting effect is HUGE.

And you can apply and apply without too much clumping.

Maybelline does it again. $5.39 at www.drugstore.com.

Forever 36.

2008-10-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

I like a whole lot of look for a little bit of money. And generally I wear fine jewelry, but when it comes to trend jewelry, there's nothing like Forever 21.

Not that it lasts forever, nor would one want it to.

But for my winter look, wouldn't this one be fab?

I'm picturing it with a heather grey v-neck t-shirt and black leggings. Possible layering items would be my cropped denim jacket and camel cashmere scarf/wrap tied at my neck.

On the other hand, it could work well with a crisp white shirt and black pencil skirt with flats.

I used to work at the Gap in the early nineties and I remember this woman named Liz, who was a regional something or other, who had high/low dressing down to a tee (no pun intended.)
Anyhoo, she wore the heather grey Gap sweatshirt with an Hermes scarf.

To this day I love the combination of dressing down with dressing up--on the cheap with upscale--feminine with masculine--perfect and put together with dishevelment.

As a matter of fact, today I am wearing one of M.'s white undershirts with my Louis Vuitton scarf draped around my neck. Why not?

The composite necklace is $5.80 at http://www.forever21.com/, at that price, why the heck not?

White hope.

2008-10-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Y'ever have a favorite sweater that is so perfect and white that you don't want to wash it because it will never look the same?

I am a re-wearer of things. I am obsessive about keeping them clean, spot-cleaning and laundry in general.

I worry about missing buttons, bleeding mishaps, shrinkage.

And so, I am a re-wearer.

The aforementioned white sweater is a new item. It is really a sweater jacket, which normally is not my bag. White, also, not my bag is so fresh right now. And the button detail is super cute. They are a little oversized and white enamel. Ooooo. A nice higher end detail. But what this coat has done is make me want to revamp my look.

The item is double breasted but is adorable open. I wore it on the plane to go to M.'s parents home in LA. It was the perfect weight for the plane ride, but the whole time I was leery of getting dirty, especially when the flight attendant insisted on holding the drippy garbage bag over my lap. But, to my knowledge, no spots. Plus, she was very appologetic about the dripping on my bare leg.

I'm going to take that sweater into fall and perhaps winter. But first, I am doing a closet overhaul. I'm a little nervous about it. I'll let you know how it goes.

You can get this cuter than cute sweater coat from http://www.oldnavy.com/ for $39.50.

No.

2008-10-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Because of the buzz. Because of the price. Because, well, it's weird, I bought Yes to Carrots shampoo and conditioner.

I like the packaging. I like that it's made in Israel. I like that it's different.

But it is not for me.

The shampoo made my hair a tangled mess while in the shower and then the conditioner was not help. It literally dried my hair.

Yes, my hair is highlighted but gosh, it was like hay.

You know who does say Yes to Carrots now, though? It works for M., as his hair is short and not color treated.

Added bonus: Yes to Carrots has a very "men's cologne" fragrance that works well on his noggin. He thinks it works just fine. Whew.

Vacation...want it, need it, have to have it.

2008-09-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

I will be taking a short sabbatical from the blogging community and the commuting community.

Happy days! To return October 7.

Lash out, lash up...lash it.

2008-09-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

I always used Clinique Glossy Mascara. Always. Then, somehow, I converted into a drugstore mascara buyer.

I'm a sucker for the mile-long lash.

With Define-a-lash by Maybelline, you must work fast. Application must be done while lashes are still wet, so if you apply a second coat it must be immediately, otherwise, lashes look spidery.
There are two formulas. One for lengthening, the other for thickening. Both are great, but take some practice. The wands are flexible rubber and require a steady hand. But the results...so worth it. People ask if my lashes are my own regularly. That's how long they look.

Can't beat the price, $7. Can't beat the results. http://www.drugstore.com/.
photo courtesy of drugstore.com

Fact and friction.

2008-09-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

I write a lot about lip products. I guess that's because I buy a lot of lip products.

You got your day balms, you got your night balms, you got your glosses, you got your lipsticks, you got your liners.

SPF? Certainly. Pots? But of course. Wands with sponge tips? For sure. Wands with brushes on the end? Sometimes. Oozing tubes? You bet!

But what of your lip exfoliants??

I get a dry bottom lip from time to time and normally I brush it with my tooth brush. But not since I got FRXition Sugar Lip Exfoliator and Soothing Balm from Tarte. On one side of the stick is a sandy textured balm that is sugar mixed with delicious vanilla and on the other side is just the delicious balm. SO, you apply the balmy side first, then scrub a little with the sandy side. Any grains of sugar you can happily ingest.

The best part of this product (besides the price tag of $11) is the ingenious little mirror that flips open when you remove the cap. It's very Inspector Gadget.

I like it a lot and you will too. You may find this at http://www.sephora.com/.

Photo courtesy of sephora.com

The pits.

2008-09-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Mama J. says get rid of your deodorant if it has aluminum in it.

I check the label on my Lady Mitchum Clear Gel (which supposedly doesn't leave white residue on your clothes (not true)) and the first ingredient is aluminum.

J. (not to be confused with Mama J.) comes to visit and shows me her new deodorant from Weleda in the Citrus fragrance. And says, "This really works!"

I go to Whole Foods and discover that Weleda makes their natural deodorant in three fragrances: wild rose, sage and the aforementioned citrus.

I buy the sage fragrance which smells like a mix between a gin and tonic and a field of fresh lavender. M. really likes it. It's fresh (& exciting.)

The instructions say that you may apply as needed throughout the day, as it is all natural.
And rather than an antiperspirant it is a deodorant. Apparently antiperspirant has the aluminum in it to stop the natural function called perspiration.

I started using antiperspirant before I needed to because I wanted to use the pink Tickle roll on that was so popular. I've had dry underarms for so long I'm not sure if I remember what sweating feels like.

Time to find out. So far I love the fragrance upon application and at the end of the day. I like reapplying it, too. The glass bottle is kinda special and it smells so good.

Do your armpits a favor (and inconclusively, your lymph nodes and brain) and pick up a bottle of this uber-natch deodorant. I paid $10.99 at Whole Foods. But it is available at http://www.weleda.com/. Image courtesy of Weleda.

Block it!

2008-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

There are a few things I can't stand. One is visible Band-Aids anywhere on a woman's foot, or worse, the adhesive from an old Band-Aid that says "Hey, a Band-Aid was here but I couldn't get this gross black adhesive mark off."

Why do women wear shoes that hurt and apply bandages to their feet in order to continue wearing shoes that hurt? If a shoe is uncomfortable--don't buy it.

My feet get used to sandal season. They say "Don't fence me in."

So when the weather starts to change and I want to wear my silver Prada flats while at work, I am nice to my feet in the following ways:

1. Moisturize. Before leaving the house I lotion my feet and legs.
2. Wear comfortable shoes for walking to work.
3. Pack the shoes I wish to wear to work.
4. Band-Aid Blister Block.

Blister Block is a non-sticky, non-greasy lubricant that you apply to your heels or any other spot on your foot that might rub. It's an easy to apply roll up stick, kind of like a very small deodorant. An added bonus: it smells really nice and lightly botanical.

To obtain a stick of this miracle stuff, just go to http://www.medshopexpress.com/ and fork over the $6.97. Your feet will thank you. Photo courtesy of medshopexpress.com.

My cup of tea.

2008-09-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Nary a day goes by that I don't examine or research fine things. Not just for the love of writing about it (or writing in general) but for the love of knowing about it.

Being in the know has such a potent appeal for me that I have become like a hawk scanning for it's prey. (A nice hawk, who just wants to get to know it's prey and try it on for size, fragrance, luxuriousness, etc.)

I am not about fancy. I am about quality, beauty, feel, appeal and timelessness. I am enamored of longevity. Things that last and get handed down from mother to daughter or son--design so good, it remains a classic and becomes au courant in cycles.

I subscribe to the Hermes emailing, not because I buy Hermes scarves regularly, but because I love them. I do own a few and I do wear them. Which brings me to the point I am interested in making.

Fine things are meant to be worn. Fine things are meant to be used. They are made to last, made to be worn, adored and used. I am not afraid to wear, use and adore fine things.

Which brings me to our new teapot. We received the Tiffany Weave Irish Parian Bone China teapot from M.'s aunt and uncle. It is so beautiful I can't stop looking at it. It is absolutely timeless and sturdy and elegant and gorgeous all at once. I have it set out with my Kate Spade cream and sugar. I can't get enough of the retroness of the cream and sugar with the classicness of the teapot. I am extremely fond of the teapot's pure whiteness combined with it's basket weave texture. The details are unrivaled, the design is flawless.

We will use it and adore it in good health for all of our days with the knowledge that someday our children will love it more than I do not just because it is beautiful but because I loved it and it was ours.

The Tiffany Weave Teapot retails for $175. Image courtesy of www.tiffany.com.

I heart my curling iron.

2008-09-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

To quote Farmer Ted from the John Hughes film 16 Candles: "Very hot, very hot."

I need heat. My hair is thick, and now, down to my waist at it's longest. With so many, many choices when it comes to what to do with it, my favorite has become big, loose, waves.

It takes a bit of time but is worth it. It goes a little like this:

1. Wash hair the night before, part down the middle, comb out and sleep on it damp with Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream applied from root to tip. A little of this product goes a long way.
2. Wake up with an hour to get ready. Easier said than done.
3. Pin the top layer of hair up about midway from my ears to my part.
4. Curl bottom layer in sections starting from the center of the back of my head in spiral waves, curling away from my face.
5. Let down top pinned-up layer.
6. Curl in small, sections all throughout the crown starting from the back and working toward my face. Curling away from my face, not forward. Taking smaller pieces gives more definition to the waves on the top layer which is important, especially if hair is highlighted. I pull out the lighter strands and then they really stand out when curled.
7. Let curls set without pulling through for about 10 minutes.

I like this style as it loosens throughout the day. I really like it the following day when I just touch up some of the top layer. Easy, and really pretty.

To purchase a curling iron of this magnitude (it's really hot, up to 428 degrees) you can go to http://www.beautybasicsupply.com/. The size you're looking for is the 1 1/4" barrel. The retail price is $25.

Can we be living with a nose made of paper mache?

2008-09-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

When M. gets the inevitable spot on one of his shirts or a rip in his pants, I get sad.

I try not to get sad, but I do. I now feel that his clothes are my clothes, so I react in kind. I'm really working on it though, because my reaction affects him so much. And we can always get another pair of pants, right?

When we first met, his entire wardrobe was business casual--every day. No weekend clothes, no sneakers, no shorts, no hats, no sunglasses--just long sleeved button up shirts and pleated slacks with work shoes--on Saturday, in the dead of summer.

I'm married to a man that spends practically no money on himself. He occasionally buys books, but never, and I repeat, never a stitch of clothing. (I did convince him to buy a pair of classic, blue, lace-up Vans which he wore into oblivion and he did buy his wedding suit...okay, never say never.)

He's such a perfect person to dress, in that he really has great proportions and height and he will wear whatever I buy for him. (Plus, he is so cute and has no ego when it comes to how he looks.)

So I started buying for him and along with buying for him I started pampering him: manicures, pedicures, facials and massages all given by me. He loves it.

But perhaps he doesn't love being under the microscope that is my eye. I notice every speck, every fray, every stray hair and I take care of those things too. Which is why I am now going to rave about Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, $6.99 at http://www.walgreens.com/. I have been using them on M. for about a month, once per week and they really work! Just wash your face, leave your nose extra wet and apply the strip. Let it dry to the consistency of paper mache and then, let 'er rip. Carefully, of course.
Then marvel at your smooth, poreless nose.

M. is a well groomed man and he has beautiful skin, now, even more so!

What a sweetie.

Gams that gleam.

2008-09-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am wearing my olive-ish Vanessa Bruno Athe long sleeve t-shirt with the gold lurex trim at the cuffs, deep, round neckline and waistband. I am wearing it with my olive-ish, striped, seersucker skirt from JCrew and my worth-their-weight-in-gold Banglez sandals by Steve Madden (see my previous post entitled Last Splash?!-- I can't stop wearing them--every day!!)

I am wearing my bezel set diamond earrings set in yellow gold (from mama J.) I am even wearing a little bit of MAC eyeshadow in Goldmine in the outer corners of my eyes.

To make the outfit a little less precious, I put my hair in a loose bun.

I am carrying my brown Mulberry satchel which is great for toting my delicious, healthy lunch.

Choosing a work outfit is an organic process for me (read: rushed.) I usually give myself about 35-40 minutes to get ready in the morning (not coincidentally the approximate play time of the Vampire Weekend CD.) Which I know is not enough time, but that's how I do. I like to sleep in.

It rained cats and dogs on my way to work and my umbrella broke in the wind.
But did I care? Somewhat, but not that much, because I felt a bit glam.

Drown-rat glam.

If you have the right bag, shoes and jewels a torrential downpour is a minor set back.

But I suppose the real reason I chose to shine today (when the sun wasn't) is because I slathered my legs with Nivea cream and then applied Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick by Tarte.

I love this stuff. It totally evens out skin tone on the legs and is easy to get right. It's color is subtle. It has a bit of shimmer but nothing too...shimmery.

It's application is inspired by Tarte's first product, the infamous and great, push-up cheek stain.

The ease of application is key for me. I don't want streaks, and that's why I apply lotion immediately prior to the application of the bronzing stick.

As a former sun worshipper, I hate self-tanners. I also am not a fan of the tanning bed. But Glam Gams is makeup for your legs. I used it on my wedding day. Fab!!

Glam Gams retails for $30 at Sephora, http://www.sephora.com/.

Photo: www.sephora.com

Ode

2008-09-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

As it turns out, I'm feeling much better. The Labyrinthitis has slowly lessened. (I'm still debating the YSL Pur Gloss Black, though.)

I baked cookies Saturday on the new and beautiful cookie sheet and cooling rack my mom sent from our wedding registry.

When I accepted yet another package from the FedEx man on Friday, I immediately called my mom and said, "Why did you get us another wedding present?"
To which she responded "Why?"
To which I said, "I mean, thank you."
She then informed me that she would probably buy us everything left on the registry. She's good like that. It's her way.

She also buys me diamonds.

This woman is the reason I am shoe obsessed. She bought herself and me the same pair of white, Esprit huaraches when I was in 8th grade. Monica Todd, who wasn't even a friend of mine, asked to borrow them and because I wanted her to be my friend, I said yes. (A word from (the now) wise--don't let bow-legged cheerleaders in your English class borrow your favorite shoes. Chances are, they will be returned in not-so-good condition.)

My mother taught me to be very careful with my things. She taught me to iron the yolk of the collar first, then the back, then the sleeves, then the front and lastly the collar of a shirt.

These days mama J. buys a new handbag every month or so at the Buffalo. She then decides if I will like it or not and tells me, "You won't like it" or "I think you'll like this one, it's Michael Kors."

I remember intently watching her apply mascara to her ultra long lashes, coat after coat after mixing her black cake liner with the water from the bathroom sink and applying perfectly symmetrical Cleopatran wings to her lids. She started me on Clinique in Junior High. No drugstore stuff for us.

What I'm trying to say is...I didn't stand a chance of not becoming a lover of good, good things.

And today I pulled out my Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal in Pop Fuchsia, which I bought almost two years ago and sort of forgot because when I got to the "bottom" of the tube, the applicator was too short to reach the remaining 1/4 inch of fantastic lip gloss. These things do not deter me. If there is product left in a tube, it will be had. So I used my sample applicator from Sephora to dig out the last of the goodness. And I remembered why I love it. It has the most wonderful consistency, almost like...pudding, smells lightly of roses and the color, lordy...it is fuchsia-licious.
But not in your face fuchsia. Just pretty. $23 at http://www.sephora.com/.

Pur Goth.

2008-09-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

As clean-cut as I may appear, of course, I have a dark side.

I'm not talking corsets and latex but I can be dark. Especially in cool weather.

Upon my diagnosis with Labyrinthitis, an inner-ear disorder that affects one's equilibrium, my friend R. loved the name of my illness and claimed it to be very...Goth.

Seeing that looking at words on a computer screen makes me woozy, it will suffice to say that as a tribute to my Gothness, dizziness and the late, great Yves Saint Laurent I will consider ordering the limited edition Gloss Pur Black by YSL. This black lip gloss can be lightly applied or layered for a very dark, black lip as shown on the runways for fall. This product goes for $28 and is available while supplies last at select YSL counters nation wide.

Better bare, or at least bare-looking.

2008-09-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've never worn liquid foundation. My mom never did either. We are more blush and mascara girls.

However, more recently, my skin has started to change. Hyper-pigmentation is the term for this change and for someone like me who hasn't had skin issues, it's a bit tough to take.

But I am still good to my skin. Better, for all intensive purposes, than ever before.

This is my daily face routine:

1. Wash with Purity cleanser by Philosophy (available at http://www.sephora.com/.)
2. Apply MMPi.20 Regenerating Serum by Dr. Wexler to face and neck (available at http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/.)
3. Apply Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream SPF 15 by Caudalie to forehead, cheeks and chin (available at http://www.sephora.com/.)
4. Apply SPF 15 Foundation by Bare Escentuals in Fairly Light (available at http://www.sephora.com/.) This is a powder foundation that you apply with a brush. I apply it to my forehead, under my eyes and on my upper cheeks.
5. Apply Luminizer by Stila to my forehead and under my eyes. (available at http://www.sephora.com/) This is a liquid brightener that has a reflective quality that works well over the powder, as the powder turns creamy on application.
6. Once or twice a week I use Sugar Face Polish by Fresh followed by all of the above. (See my previous post titled Aww, sugar.)

SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light by Bare Escentuals evens skin tone, doesn't sweat off and provides SP Factor, naturally. It's non drying and mixes with your moisturizer beautifully. It's $25 on it's own or you can get the starter kit for $60.

Je m'appelle Emily, je suis une Francophile.

2008-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I love the French.

I love France. I love the language.

When I hear women speaking French on the streets of New York, I eavesdrop.

I am also a big fan of the written word and the way words and letters look together.

Don't get me started on etymology.

In my daytime life (read: work life) I am surrounded by home decor. At home I am surrounded by home decor.

And I feel there is something to be said for the statement pillow, puns intended.

I resist the urge to put more than one pillow on a sofa because it becomes more special alone.

I love how this pillow has a lower case i and that it has cute little ties on the back.

But really, this would be purrrfect for our bedroom. It would go so well with the gray finish on our slatted, raw oak platform bed. And oh so well with the neutral, textural bedding I hope to wrangle fairly soon. (Our bedroom is the size of a matchbox, so decorating is often put off in there.) But this pillow could get me started, don't you see?

This adorable pillow is available for purchase for $62 at http://www.atsuyoetakiko.com/. This is a Brooklyn based company and they have reallllly cute Je t'aime Brooklyn tees and totes.

Presents!!!

What the F?(itFlop)

2008-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am not a hater.

I am a lover.

I love shoes.

I even have been thought to love ugly shoes.

I own a pair of silver Birkenstocks that M. grimaces at regularly.

I love them and I don't care.

I wear Ugg boots in the winter because they are warm and I can walk for blocks and blocks in them.

I don't need people to love what I love.

Lately I've been noticing these, what I consider to be, very ugly flip-flops. Everyone in Manhattan is wearing them (no one especially fashionable, mind you) and thinking to myself...What are those ugly things??

Well apparently they are called Fit Flops and can be purchased from sites such as http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/ and http://www.blissworld.com/. They're $49 and are very light weight, good for your thighs, back, heels, butt, etc. They are compared to the MBT line which is supposed to be amazing as well. But I don't like them.

Blackout!

2008-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

When the weather cools, I feel like I can start wearing makeup again.

And when I purchase studded gladiator sandals I feel a little like a bad-ass.

And when I feel like a bad-ass, and the weather is cool, I wear black kohl liner inside my lower lashes with lots of black mascara (read: 2 coats on upper, one coat on lower.)

And when I wear black kohl liner I want it to be 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil by Urban Decay. It does not smudge, budge or fudge. And I look tough yet...pretty. This technique has always been a favorite of mine for several reasons: 1. It makes the shape of your eye more defined (read: feline.) 2. It makes the color of your eyes pop, no matter what color they are. 3. Drama!

So why not rock some black kohl liner?? To quote John Bender, played by Judd Nelson in the film The Breakfast Club, "Being bad feels pretty good, huh?" Ohhh yeah.

Pick this waterproof eyeliner pencil up at Ulta or http://www.ulta.com/ for $16.

Dig out your Preppy Handbook & dance.

2008-08-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this CD by Vampire Weekend.

I listen to it every day.

What do I love about it?
1. It's upbeat. Like, seriously upbeat.
2. It has lyrics about fashion (specifically '80's prep.)
3. It makes me want to tie a pink grosgrain ribbon in my hair, buy a pair of Tretorns with the kelly green gull wing and check tickets to Martha's Vinyard on JetBlue.
4. It reminds me of the film The Royal Tenenbaum's--which is always good thing.

I am not a music critic but I am a music lover. And I find that anything that transports me back to a specific time of my youth and the development of my own style at that time makes me extremely nostalgic. Not that I was hyper-preppy but I do tend to lean toward/resist the look of the days when I wore a royal blue Bennetton rugby with pegged Guess jeans, scrunch socks and royal blue Mia flats. God, I looked good.

As old habits are hard to break, just as my father played and replayed the Graceland album by Paul Simon because of it's exotic, feel-good sounds, there by the grace of sound go I.

Here are the lyrics to Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa by Vampire Weekend:

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

As a young girl
Louis Vuitton
With your mother
On a sandy lawn

As a sophomore
With reggaeton
And the linens
You're sitting on

Is your bed made?
Is your sweater on?
Do you want to
Like you know I do?

But this feels so unnatural
Peter Gabriel too

Can you stay up
To see the dawn?
In the colors
Of Bennetton?

Is your bed made?
Is your sweater on?
Do you want to
Like you know I do?

But this feels so unnatural
Peter Gabriel too

Is your bed made
Is your sweater on?
Do you want to
Like you know I do?

Vampire Weekend makes me feel good. And I don't want to make all of the comparisons that are being made about them. I just want to listen to them. All the time.

No matter who you are, you should listen to this album once--it's only 35 minutes long. Or if you are related to me (in any way) or will soon be related to me, just buy it. It's $11.98 at http://www.amazon.com/. Do it for Biff and Muffy.

Last Splash?!

2008-08-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

I do this every end of summer. I start tailoring my wardrobe with an eye toward fall, start obsessing about raincoats with matching wellies and then, whamo, I buy a pair of sandals. Perhaps it is my unconscious wish that summer go on and on. Perhaps it is a resistance to autumn which sometimes feels like an ending rather than a new beginning. Or maybe I am just shoe obsessed.

Whatever the label for my state of consciousness, I couldn't resist these. They are so comfortable, so embellished, so rich looking and the new Steve Madden store just opened yesterday at Union Square.

So I visited them yesterday before work, went home, looked at my budget, paid the bills and had enough to buy them. Yay!!

I wore them out of the store this morning with my silk wrap dress from Banana Republic (which I got at Buffalo in '03 for $22.50, and has held it's own and still looks cute and gets oodles of compliments--M. loves it as well.)

I feel pretty cute.

But I can't wait to wear them with my skinny jeans that zip at the ankle. Hello transition.

You can buy these Banglez by Steven online in three colors at http://www.stevemadden.com/ for $129.50. The color I got is called silver but is really an olive suede with studding and beading.

Get a leg(ging) up.

2008-08-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

I remember my first pair of leggings, purchased from the Limited, (black, ribbed) worn with an off the shoulder, long, black angora sweater (also from the Limited) with patent leather oxford flats with grosgrain laces. I wore the most amazing GIANT smoke colored chandelier drop earrings (that I was looking for this weekend--I often get nostalgic for them.)

I wore this ensemble to my mother's best friend's son's Bar Mitzvah. I believe he is now 31 years old.

I am fond of leggings because they are warmer than tights for the winter, but I am not limiting myself to the colors of old anymore.

Last winter I raided American Apparel, where I normally get the usual black & grey.

I bought my leggings in ROY G. BIV, or should I say FY G. BV, fuchsia, sunshine yellow, kelly green, cobalt, and grape-y purple. This fall I'm jazzed to wear the cobalt with my grey suede boots.

These babies can be had for $26.50 from American Apparel stores or at http://www.store.americanapparel.net/.

Let a little color in. It's fun.

(New) York Mints.

2008-08-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

What's $1.99, comes in the cutest (reusable) tin and leaves you with the cool, minty sensation of a York Peppermint Pattie?

I'd much rather buy these than Altoids--even the chocolate covered kind. These are more gentle on the mouth. And look at the tin! It's adorable.

For those of us who like chocolate but must limit our intake these are great. They feel chic and decadent. And they taste really good. Zero fat.

I'm considering several modes of recycling for the tin: 1. a mini sewing kit assembled by me. 2. a travel kit with eye mask, handy wipes and earplugs. 3. a pill/vitamin/remedy/mini first aid kit for my hand bag, complete with band-aids and alcohol wipes. 4. a waterproof love note container for M.'s lunch bag. 5. a dental hygiene ensemble with mini floss and tee tree picks.

I just realized I like the tin more than the mints. Nothing wrong with that, I guess. I'm a sucker for packaging.

You can get yourself a tin of these mints for $1.99 at the drugstore or at

http://www.target.com/.

Skip to winter.

2008-08-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the first cool day in a while.

I love fall.

It is my come-to-life time.

It is the time of year that M. and I went on our first date. Both of us were born in November.

It is a wonderful cooling-off period.

After the gym this morning I walked with my iPod on listening to Les Feuilles Mortes. I love that song. The version I love most is by Michel Legrand & Stephane Grappelli. Download this version before it gets to be fall. And then listen to it. The violin is heartbreaking.

I grew up in the Sonoran Desert where there really aren't seasons. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy not owning a winter coat until I moved east, but I do look forward to winter. There are so many fashion choices per outfit: tights, leggings, boots, knee socks, sweaters, hats and coats.

I bought the help-me-I'm-freezing-jacket before the second winter I spent here. It resembles a black sleeping bag. And when I wear it I am completely warm but I am a black sleeping bag in a sea of black sleeping bags.

I don't want to be a bag, sleeping or otherwise.

So this got me thinking. How about something different--something space-age? Would you ever expect to find it at Land's End? I would not. However, I think I may be going for it. Why not?

The Women's Angel Down Coat is available at http://www.landsend.com/ for $134.50.

Let's get one!!

Feeling nauti(cal).

2008-08-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

When I was a younger person, navy blue was my favorite color. I felt it was classy--preppy, yet subdued.

I've gotten away from navy in the past 15 or so years, in that I thought it too precious, too good- girl. (I remember my first micro-fiber Kate Spade bag from her first collection. It was a beautiful, satiny, navy hobo. I got it for a song at the Buffalo before anyone knew who she was.)

But this summer, things changed. (I've been thinking about how getting married has changed my view of my own style and how living in Brooklyn also has had an effect on my fashion ideas.) Bookish, good-girl is not just acceptable, but the trend.

It started with my Salt Water Sandals by Hoy in navy. My mother-in-law, and fellow fashion junkie, A., wore a gorgeous navy satin shift dress to my wedding with navy patent flats. Then I bought a couple of summer dresses--one navy voile and one navy and white--and now my new bag from Tory Burch.

The Nautical Tote is the epitome of summertime. The body is nylon (nice and light for travel and commuting) the handle is rope and it has an adjustable, disconnectable cross-body strap. The trim is croc-embossed patent, navy leather. I'm going to carry it into fall. Just for kicks.

I'd like to say that all of you can purchase this bag, but alas, I got a private sale email with select sale items. If you wish, I can forward the email to you.

You can view her other items at http://www.toryburch.com/ or visit her retail boutiques across the US.

Note: this is not just lip service.

2008-08-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

When I get ready to leave the house, no matter how early, no matter what I look like, no matter where I'm going, I need lip gloss. Lip gloss and sunglasses. Lip gloss, sunglasses and bronzer. That's all, nothing else.

Finding the perfect unmade-up color is the challenge. I want something that looks like my lips are just shiny, pink and full, naturally. I don't go for nudes or berries or mauves because they look too opaque.

What I do go for is glossy, pinkish, reddish translucence. MAC makes a fantastic product called Plushglass and the best color by far is Plus Luxe. Ooo la la.

I was introduced to this magical lip product by my cosmetics comrade, A. who gave me a sample size of Pretty Plush. I was hooked.

My dear friend N. said she went through a tube of Fulfilled in under 3 weeks.

While finding the correct consistency (not too gooey) and flavor (all lip products taste like something, this one happens to be vanilla-ish) are of utmost importance this one also plumps a little. Who doesn't want plump?

And when you have 6 empties from MAC, they have the Back to MAC recycling program. At MAC retail stores you can trade 6 empty or used containers of anything and get a free lip gloss, lipstick or eyeshadow. I love that.

MAC Plushglass retails for $17.50 and can be purchased at MAC stores or www.maccosmetics.com.

In Memorium

2008-08-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

For today's post I will forgo my usual subject matter to remember my friend Rodney T. Jack.

Rodney was a man I met my first day of graduate school at Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers. He quoted a line of my own poem prior to introducing himself to me.

He was an excellent poet and one of the sadder people I have known in my life.

Though I haven't seen him in years, his death and life have touched me in a way I hadn't expected.

I want to remember him as I do from when we first met: smiling, shy and excited to be a writer.

Here is a poem he wrote:

Stonefruit

To you whom I've hurt
not meaning to

I offer this plum this drupe
no shell but a thin skin purpled

I tender to your mouth the muscle
the sweet sympathetic scar-tissue

surrounding the stone the seed
which wants to be buried

Rodney was 43 years old and died on August 6, 2008.

Not without my Muji (hat.)

2008-08-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

I have been labeled a "hat person" by my mother who, by her definition is "not a hat person."

I am not sure what makes someone a "hat person." Perhaps it is just the love of hats.

I do love hats. I've loved them mostly in the winter but also have a couple of lightweight summer hats that I like very much.

But I love my white linen hat from Muji.

It has a floppy bendy brim that is wide but not too dramatic and I've taken to wearing it during lengthy stints outside because my skin doesn't act like it used to. My hat also has the perfect band inside to protect the clean whiteness of it on the outside from any makeup or perspiration that may be on my brow.

My hat is not fancy, but it upgrades a summer dress and sandals in a way that I enjoy. It makes me feel like I'm on my way to lunch or the beach--not to work. If I wear big glasses with it I feel like people are wondering "Who's that mysterious woman," or even "Who's that married woman from Brooklyn who doesn't have to work."

Either one is fine with me.

My hat is available at the Muji store in Soho for $35 or online in beige or black.

Awww, sugar...

2008-08-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Ever want something for a really long time & then on a whim buy it for yourself?

There is a certain feeling that comes over me once the purchase is made. It is that of anticipation (not being able to wait to use/wear whatever it is) and then feeling the need to clean my medicine cabinet/bathroom/closet/apartment to house my newest precious item/items, so that they may live in a clean, pristine environment. Just as I imagine the cosmetics sales girl imagines my home to be. For some reason, I believe this kind of thinking is linked to my therapist asking me what my fantasy of what the inside of her refrigerator looked like.

Perfectionism is a dangerous trap.

But this is why I yearn for expensive beauty products. So that I feel perfect. Perfectly groomed, perfectly manicured and perfectly smooth.

Anything made by Fresh, for some reason, has this luxury feel that is just a little too pricey to buy on the spot. Will I spend $8 on nail polish once a week, 4 weeks in a row. Yes, I will. But with Fresh, I have to covet an item for about, I don't know, a year? Perhaps longer.

Do I need it? No. Do I want it. Of course. Will it make me feel beautiful...this is the real question.

This is where luxury beauty items get you. They are just better. Better smelling, better working, better looking in my bathroom. But really, the thing that made me happiest about my Fresh purchase (and free samples) was M.'s reaction to me. When he came in the door after work on Friday eve, the first thing he said was, "You look pretty."

Fresh makes Sugar Face Polish which has a consistency like whipped up dark brown sugar and butter. But the fragrance is like a freshly popped can of Coca-Cola. Application is to either wet or dry skin and all you do is leave in on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off. My skin has never been so soft or fragrant. M. kept sniffing my cheeks and neck the whole weekend, saying I smelled delicious, which, I did.

My Fresh salesperson also gave me plenty of samples, including one of the new Cannabis Rose fragrance which is almost gone.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish is $55 at Sephora and Sephora.com.

I feel like a teenager.

2008-08-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

The day before yesterday I bought a bottle of Angel Food nailpolish by Essie. I used three coats and wasn't sure of the results. Too pink? Too chalky? Too...I don't know.

Normally, I am a user of the dark vampy shades: Russian Navy by OPI, Siberian Nights also OPI, Wicked by Essie. Going light takes some getting used to.

The light pinks on short nails have always interested me but aren't me.

So yesterday, I was going about my workday--it was pretty quiet.

I am not usually star struck. I see celebrities a lot at the store where I work.

But, B., is another story. She is in a tween movie out this summer. On a teenage show about the priveleged. She is absolutely impeccable in her toussled, blonde, uppercrust, young way. Her jewelry is exquisite, organic and mixed. Her style is undeniably New York.

I've spoken with her on several occasions. I wouldn't say she was unfriendly, more cool. But yesterday she had the tiniest teacup poodle with her and when someone has a really cute dog (this one was copper colored and tiny) I turn into a squealing child.

So she let me pet her dog, and when I did she said, "I love your nailpolish, what color is it." To which I responded, "Angel Food, by Essie, it's not too chalky?" To which she responded, "No, I love it."

I painted my toes with it today. The look is clean, fresh and spa-like.

What can I say? A compliment from a girl of style goes a long way.

Not just for your wedding day.

2008-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

On June 25 of this year, M. & I got married in the south of France in a village called Roubia.

Roubia is a tiny village beside Le Canal du Midi with a market, a wonderful restaurant (La Fourchette Folle; where our reception was held) a boulangerie and a clock tower with a bell that chimes all day.

There are many details of the day that I love, such as M.'s boutonnier and my bouquet: both of freshly cut lavender.

I knew the days would be quite hot so I picked a blue and white seersucker suit, a fine gauge chambray shirt and white bucs for M. He chose his yellow bow tie and suspenders from Brooks Brothers. He may not consider himself a man of style but he is definitely a man of taste.

My white silk headband came from France Luxe, and my white cotton lace gloves (an afterthought, really, but made the outfit) came from gloves.com.

My look was parred down and simple. I wore a white cotton trapeze dress by See by Chloe, silver lurex flats with big floppy bows at the toe and pearls in my ears. On my nails I wore "Great Expectations" by Essie, a light dove grey with a hint of shimmer. My wedding rings were the only jewelry I wore besides my pearls.

My makeup was also simple--bronzer, rosy cheeks, subtle pink lips with a nude liner--but on my eyes I wore Pearl Beach Cream Liner by NARS with a black caviar colored gel liner pressed into my lash line. Pearl Beach is the most gorgeous, pearly, luminously opal color, that, when added to my look gave a subtle radiance and reflective quality without making me look made up. The look is summery yet cool.

The details of our outfits are the easiest things for me to share but the feeling I had that day is what I remember most.

I got nervous. Decided to stay in our room mostly by myself getting ready. N. brought me a brioche and coffee in the morning. M. took his things to another room to get ready.

Before our wedding, while we had our photos taken we reveled in our quiet excitement together with our wonderful photographer beside the canal.

Everything we planned came to life the day we were married and reflected our personalities perfectly: careful, tasteful and a bit reserved.

When I look at the photos I am filled with all the joy of that day. And when I put on Pearl Beach in the morning before work I am reminded of all the small details that add up to love.

(after my conversation with J.)

Drink Me.

2008-08-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Drinks come in and out of fashion just like, well...fashion.

The Cosmopolitan is now a cliche thanks to Sex & The City. And the fact that it's a terrible tasting drink.

I'll tell you what's not a cliche and probably the most delicious cocktail I've had since my own homemade Whiskey Sour: the Ramos Gin Fizz (RGF).

(Of course M. and I have put our own spin on it, in that we've added St. Germain liquor.)

The RGF was popularized in the 1880's by Henry C. Ramos of New Orleans.

It is also referred to as the New Orleans Fizz (NOF.)

This cocktail was so popular then, that "shakers" were hired to do just the shaking of the drink for the masses.

Here is the recipe for the RGF:

2 ounces Plymouth gin (from the freezer)

3 drops orange flower water

1 teaspoon super fine sugar

1 egg white

1/2 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce lime juice

2 ounces cream

2 ounces soda water (floated on top)

shavings of lemon and lime peel

*We added St. Germain (Elderflower Liquor) in the amount of 1 ounce to the above recipe, plus a coating of the glass. The coated glass should stay in the freezer while the recipe is shaken.

M. sets the timer, fills the shaker with ice and shakes everything together (except for the soda and the shavings) for 5 minutes.

Just an FYI, "Truckin'" by the Grateful Dead is exactly 5 minutes long in case you like to shake to music. Perhaps the name for our recipe shall be the Grateful Germain Gin Fizz (GGGF.)

The result is a floral, frothy, tangy, almost herbal white cocktail not comparable to anything I've ever tasted. The taste is complex; not sweet, the texture creamy and fluffy, the temperature; almost frozen. The way the cream fluffs up with the egg white at the top of the drink and holds the flavor of the orange flower water and St. Germain is divine!

You must make one for yourself.

They were an absolute hit at our party which was lots of fun. And the St. Germain--so good in a Champagne cocktail as well.

And the food at our party, ahhh...for another post, my pretties.

Shower with a doctor.

2008-08-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

When the summer is at it's hottest here in NYC I take a shower as soon as I walk in the door after work.

Correction: if M. is home I give him a kiss & a hug and then I take a cool shower with Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap. It cools, soothes sore feet and is awesome as a pre-hair washing scalp massage. It's also great for shaving your legs.

Contrary to popular belief, it is non-drying and doesn't burn your eyes.

Dr. Bronner has been in my shower since childhood.

My father would buy it at the Co-Op in Tucson when they used to sell it out of giant drums. It had sort of a hippie connotation then, and perhaps still does.

The bottle is really fun and weird and has all sorts of declarations:"ALL-ONE! Cleanliness is next to Godliness."

I've been reading the bottle for years. It also has recipes of use for the soap itself. Handy.

One thing to keep in mind: in the winter it can make you colder. I put M. in a bath with it and he nearly froze. During that time of year I would recommend the Almond fragrance or the Eucalyptus (M. uses the Eucalyptus at the gym.) The Lavender is also very nice and subtle.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in Hemp Peppermint can be found for a song at iHerb.com, $8.44 for 32 ounces.

I am serious...and don't call me Shirley!

2008-08-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

This pair of shoes is on sale half price for $168 at shopzoeonline.com.

This shoe's name is Shirley.

They are made by a Brooklyn shoe company called Devotte.

I want them.
I want them.
I want them.

They are so cute. I saw them at a store in my nabe called Stuart & Wright for $338.

I want them.

Size 9 aka 39.

Singing the praises of Seche Vite.

2008-08-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

These days, on my toes I'm wearing "I'm Not Really A Waitress" by OPI. This is the most brilliant ruby slippers red I've found. My pedicures last forever. I do them myself with the help of Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat that I heard about from one of my customers when I worked at the Buffalo Exchange in Tucson. She always had the most perfect translucent, pale pink, shiny, short nails.

Seche Vite Top Coat bonds to polish and makes it even shinier. I can paint my nails and leave the apartment within 7-10 minutes. If you use it every other day over your existing manicure and pedicure it makes your nails look like you just got them done.

You can find Seche Vite at ulta.com for $9.95 or at an Ulta store near you.

Why oldnavy.com, why???

2008-07-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed current looks and trends, but living here has made shopping a different kind of companion than I used to know.

I used to spend hours on end at the Tucson Buffalo Exchanges with plenty of my own space, the luxury of trade, and a car to cart my loot.

Here in NYC I find myself overwhelmed as a shopper. Mostly by the quantity of other shoppers.

I worked in SoHo my first 2 years here and got to know that area well. I now work up near Union Square which is not as clothing-shoppercentric. But there is an Old Navy at 19th & 6th Ave that I used to frequent until I met my new friend oldnavy.com.

I look at oldnavy.com several times per day. It is a moody friend. I've learned that you have to act quickly with this one. There are dresses that show up on this site, literally, daily.

So, say I see 2 dresses on July 25, for example, and because I can't wait to buy them (because they'll be gone) I buy them. (There is a $7 flat shipping rate for all Gap Company online purchases (excluding piperlime.com, Gap Co.'s great shoe resource--theirs is free!!)) And then two more dresses show up on the site the next day--I have to order them separately--another $7 shipping charge. And no, they won't combine the orders because they are in different states of processing.

The other thing is, the stores get things that never hit the web and vice versa.

My obsession with oldnavy.com is unlike any healthy relationship I've had, (and very like an unhealthy relationship I've had) but man, they are cranking out some cute stuff. Generally dresses are under $35. I am absolutely enamored of the Women's Floral Shirt Dress for $29, (a great simple style with a graphic floral print) which should be showing up at my door...tomorrow! Just in time for our cocktail party. M. is making the Ramos Gin Fizz, aka the New Orleans Fizz. Yum.

The Nuxe big thing.

2008-07-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

I happen to be extremely interested in moisturizing. Not that I have particularly dry skin. It's just, well, after a shower I feel the need to apply multiple products to my body, face, hair etc. You know what I mean.

It reminds me of my friend A., when she was wearing Angel by Thierry Mugler, who said she enjoyed sitting having drinks and being fragrant before dinner.

I buy low end: (Eucerin Calming Cream.) I buy high end: (Fresh: Milk Milk.)

While M. & I were in France after we got married, we had a small amount of money left (not sure how) and N. (my maid of honor) & I were dying to go to the French pharmacy. If you are a product junky, French pharmacies have got the goods. Seriously.

I came upon several brands I enjoy from my visits to Sephora at home, such as Caudalie and Rene Furterer (I bought M. a Furterer hair clay that he really likes) but I had never encountered Nuxe.

Nuxe Multi Usage Dry Oil (en Francais, Nuxe Huile Prodigiuese) is de-lightful. Perfect for summer when lotions melt off of you. You only need a few shakes and it gives your limbs that shine that's almost as good as a tan. It also works well on the cuticles of your toes and makes the polish extra shiny. Apparently you can use it on face, lips, hair and body, but I don't particularly like the taste on my lips.

If you happen to feel like a splurge, the bottle feels extra luxurious (it's glass) and a little mod ( the bottle is square with a white cap and white lettering) and looks extra extra cute on the bathroom shelf. You can find it on beautyhabit.com, $44 for the larger 100ml size (the 50ml size is $29 but on back order.)

My sandals...

2008-07-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of things I've learned about myself recently, one is I do not like carrying more than one bag while commuting to work or jaunting around the city, as M. & I did this weekend.

The other is that comfortable shoes are key to the aforementioned jaunts and my work.

Here is where the multiple bag conundrum comes into play.

I am currently carrying my Louis Vuitton Medium Ellipse bag with the medium length (purchasable) strap. Not a large bag. I was carrying my vintage Gucci (little G's) large envelope style clutch which converts to a messenger style with a long thin strap. It makes me feel light as a feather. And I am, because I can only carry my phone, my "wallet" and my Gucci aviators on a good day. If I want to wear my Dior sunglasses, I either have to change bags or leave the case at home. Anyone who knows me knows the case doesn't stay at home for our sunglasses.

The issue is, if I want to carry a small bag which I am trending toward (after carrying my Foley + Corrina canvas City Tote ad nauseam) I have to wear the same shoes to commute in that I wear while at work. Once, while walking to work, I put a gouge in the heel of my silver Napa Prada flats that makes me want to weep every time I look at it.

Not to mention the healthy lunch I want to bring (salad from the salad bar in our fridge that M. installs on Sundays.) I just don't want to carry shoes and lunch on the bus and then on the walk to the train and then on the train. I need my hands free to balance on that Q train!

This brings me to the subject of this (my first) posting: My sandals...which are lemon yellow patent leather Saltwater Sandals by Hoy. These babies will change your life; at least during the summer. They are waterproof (it's been pretty rainy, and I dipped them into the Mediterranean while in France) and get more comfortable when you get them wet. But...here's the best part! They're $32.95 on mysaltwatersandals.com. I originally bought them in navy blue back in May and found them so comfy that I wanted another pair. I also bought a pair for my mom, as she bought several pairs for me as a child at Stride Rite. I had to return the favor.