Drugstore Find: L'Oreal EverCreme

Based on past reviews, I'll admit that I rarely review beauty products that are found at the drugstore. (Not too long ago, I was asked by someone close to me: "Be honest: Have you ever bought anything at Kmart? Even just shampoo?") While I'm often drawn to higher-end products and fancy packaging, I'm more than willing to try out a great product (regardless of price point).

I've mentioned my obsession with Oribe products before, and while the conditioner was amazing... it wasn't $46 great. Victoria's Secret has the fantastic So Sexy line- but at 3/$25, I went through the skinny bottles of shampoo and conditioner every two weeks. Not exactly financially savvy. I knew I could do better, although I'd been unsuccessful in finding a shampoo/conditioner that I loved and could stock up on. (Having a ton of hair, I go through shampoo and conditioner like water.) Enter L'Oreal's new EverCreme line ($6 at drugstores/discount retailers). Helloooo, fabulous hair! Helloooooo, newly-saved $$$!

I've been using the Intense Nourishing shampoo and conditioner ever since, and I'm SO happy with the results. My hair is ridiculously thick and long, so I'm always looking for intensive moisturizing products that give shine and body. (What woman doesn't picture themselves with swingy supermodel hair?) The sulfate-free EverCreme consistencies are really creamy and lather up well, helping detangle my tresses while in the shower. My hair is softer and shinier than ever before, likely because of the omega-3 and omega-6. Plus, they smell absolutely phenomenal (I pick up a vanilla/shea note?), but aren't cloying or overwhelming. I love it when products don't interfere with my signature scent (Bond's The Scent of Peace), but my hair now actually compliments the scent of my fragrance.

All in all, L'Oreal's EverCreme is amazing. Absolutely my new HG shampoo/conditioner!

Music Monday

Chris Mann- "L.O.V.E."

This week, I picked a song that's heavily featured in the recent promos for Khloe and Lamar on E! It's one of those feel-good tracks that makes you want to dance. (Side note: Tell me I'm not the only one who dances around the house when I'm by myself. Please?) Nevertheless, the lyrics are perfect... love is all we need.

Why look for anything but love?

Review: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I absolutely love the new Naked2 palette by Urban Decay...you truly, truly can't go wrong with it! For $50, you'll get 12 densely-pigmented wearable neutrals that will go with essentially every look. The Naked2 palette is a bit more cooler-toned than the original palette, but it's just as versatile and timeless. Head's up.... Naked2 is in just as much demand as the original one was last year, so be sure to purchase it ASAP if it becomes available on the website or in your Sephora store. (It's currently out of stock on Sephora.com.) This is a purchase that you won't regret!

Workin' on My Fitness

 Perhaps this might make me less of an athlete (but then again, who am I kidding? I'm NOT one), but nothing motivates me more than new workout gear. And if it's neon? Well, I'm more than set. ;) While I have plenty of running/training shoes, sports bras, yoga pants, etc., I still find myself purchasing more. I just purchased my newest training pair, the neon yellow/graphite Free TR Luxe by Nike, and I couldn't be happier. I can slip them on without socks, they weigh next to nothing, and I can use them for both running and cardio. They're cute, fit perfectly, and get me to the gym.

I used to get crap every time I'd leave for the gym in makeup and matching workout gear... "Have fun, Workout Barbie! Remember, you don't sweat, you glisten!" But good-natured kidding aside, feeling and looking good when I head to the gym has always equated to more productive workouts for me. These days, I'm rotating my runs with 60 minutes of cardio each day, plus daily ab work. It feels AMAZING to be getting back into the swing of my workouts again. I've also added in meditation and stretching at home, with the occasional weekend yoga class. My stress is significantly lower and my body just feels better.

I didn't make a fitness resolution this year, knowing more likely than not, I'd fail if I made a specific goal. (Isn't that how it usually goes?) My goal for 2012 is to be kinder to myself, both in a physical and emotional sense. I've been working so much towards this in the past month or so, and the results are starting to show. I'm trying to eat small, well-balanced meals throughout the day (something I skipped entirely when I was wrapped up in a big work-related project this fall, screwing up my metabolism) and I'm drinking much more water. I actually drink 32 ounces of water every night before bed (just to ensure I've gotten enough water throughout the day), and I'm sleeping at least eight hours every night. I no longer drink my nonfat chai lattes from Biggby or Starbucks, instead ordering green tea.

GT's Organic Raw Kombucha (Multi-Green): I drink half a bottle of this green elixir every day, which is high in both probiotics and antioxidants. Sure, it sounds weird with it's Klamath blue green algae and spirulina, but it's surprisingly drinkable (albeit a little vinegary). I buy this at Whole Foods once a week, although it must be a hot-seller, because I can never find more than two bottles at once. Bananas: Also a staple in my diet now, which is pretty typical for a post-workout refuel. Since becoming a vegetarian (four years ago next month!), my body actually craves potassium & this is an easy way to get it.

Good music has always been essential to my workouts, so I leave you with a song that is first on my new workout playlist. Love me some JT. ;) Enjoy!

xx

Tell Congress: Please Don't Censor the Web!

"Fighting online piracy is important. The most effective way to shut down pirate websites is through targeted legislation that cuts off their funding. There’s no need to make American social networks, blogs and search engines censor the Internet or undermine the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive, creating millions of U.S. jobs. Too much is at stake – please vote NO on PIPA and SOPA."

-Google: End Piracy, Not Liberty

Please sign the petition at https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/.

xx

Instagram Recap: North American International Auto Show

I hadn't attended the North American International Auto Show since I was in high school, so I figured it was time to experience it again. While I'm a big supporter of the Detroit revitalization, I truly haven't spent enough time in the city. Trying to change that!

Having worked on an advertising program for Nissan and Infiniti of Canada recently, I also went to the show with an entirely different appreciation in regards to automotive branding and presentation. I'd be lying if I said I had much automotive knowledge in the mechanical sense, but I can definitely appreciate great aesthetics and design.

Fiat 500 (Gucci Special-Edition)... oh my gosh, SO cute and tiny.

 

Logo-embossed white leather seats, along with the iconic red & green stripes. The seatbealt and canvas topper are also striped to match the special-edition luggage. Can I just have this car shipped to Italy to tour the countryside? Because that's definitely what I'd envision myself doing if I had this car, haha... and maybe doing a bit of shopping. Okay, a lot of it. ;)

My dream car is a white Bentley convertible... although a green sedan might suffice.

Vintage SL 300 by Mercedes-Benz. So classic and glamorous. Can't you just picture Marilyn Monroe scooting off in the Hollywood Hills in this?

Infiniti backdrop. Always manage to find a Taylorism. ;)

xx

Golden Globes Picks

I was a bit disappointed with the fashion at this year's Golden Globes. It was actually really difficult finding looks I liked, much less loved. Suffice to say, my picks this year are actually quite similar: classic silhouettes, minimal embellishment and jewelry, and basic hues. I'm all about understated sophistication, and these celebrities nailed it.

 Mila Kunis in Dior

 Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

 Shailene Woodley in Marchesa

Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein

(Image Source: E! Online)

xx

It's Official! www.beautywithabow.com

Happy Monday, loveys!

So excited to announce that it's time to update your bookmarks with my new URL!

www.beautywithabow.com

I just wanted to give a quick thank you for visiting and supporting my blog. It truly means so much. My readership has grown significantly in the past few months, and this obviously wouldn't be possible without your visits. If there are any posts you would like to see or products you'd like me to review, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you!

"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

xx

New Project: Bedroom Redesign

It's been a long time coming, but I'm saying farewell to my Ralph Lauren French Pink walls this weekend. Au revoir! Part of this decision is because my home is going on the market soon... and realistically, who wants a house with a pink room if they don't have a little girl? (Uh, except for the fact that apparently I did...) The major factor, though, is that the color has become absolutely suffocating to me. I'm a super visual person, so I'm particularly sensitive to the aesthetic and "feel" of a space... and the pink is absolutely irritating at this point. Not what I'm looking for in my little relaxing haven, right?

This hasn't always been the case... when I finished an entire day's worth of painting with my high school sweetheart back in 2006, I was in absolute heaven. (Er, does heaven have the same feel as the current Miss Dior Cherie ads? heh, probably not.) But what was once inspired by the feminine old-Hollywood budoir feel of Victoria's Secret dressing rooms... now just feels stale and outdated. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about glamour and sparkle- I just feel like my taste has matured and has become a bit more understated.

While I won't be living in this home much longer, I hope to create a room that is reflective of the current me. It's also a bit of a trial run, as it's going to allow me to experiment with this new color palette before I get my own place. Because this move isn't very far off, everything I choose now will inevitably end up in my own home. I've already incorporated new pieces as my style has evolved over the past few years, but I'm excited to add a few new things to complete my vision. Having carefully chosen many household items already, I just want everything to blend into a cozy, glamorous space.

What I'm loving in this design process...

Colors: 

Beige, Grey, Cream, Turquoise

Accent Colors: 

Black, Pale Pink, Lavender (?)

Fabrics: 

Linen, Velvet, Twill

Fabric Prints:

Neutral Baroque Duvet
Chevron Rug
Tufted Pillows

Finishes: 

Reflective (beveled mirrors, mercury glass, hammered silver, sparkly accents, glass)

Weathered Wood
Distressed Painted Wood

I've chosen Martha Stewart's Heavy Goose for the new color, which is a light greige. (Side note, I had to go with Behr paint, as the Stewart line is being discontinued at Home Depot.) Pictures to come!

Some home decor inspiration I've been loving recently:

 

 

(Image Sources: Pinterest)

"What is the goal? A house that is like the life that goes with it, a house that gives us beauty as we understand it-- and beauty of a nobler kind that we may grow to understand." -Elsie de Wolfe

xx

Video Blog: New Everyday Essentials

"I began to realise how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good, either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be." -Roald Dahl

xx

Jason Wu for Target

Ohhh, Target... my darling, brightly lit superstore.

I feel like most people are surprised when they find out about my secret love affair with Target, but it's true. I really, really like Target... and you might even find me there every other week. I wouldn't call myself a bargain shopper (I've stepped foot in a Walmart all of three times), but I definitely embrace Target's marketing and general appreciation for design. I love their designer collaborations (Missoni at 6 AM, anyone? ha), and will stand by my convictions that Sonia Kashuk's makeup brushes rival those of MAC any day. The fact that they now also sell Essie doesn't help, since I'm pretty much hoarding every pretty neutral-toned polish I find. I digress...

Jason Wu brings his capsule collection to Target on February 5th, bringing along his classic design sensibilities to the masses. (Er, extremely limited masses, if Missoni is any indication of how these designer forays go. Ughh.) I'm definitely getting a Blair Waldorf a la Gossip Girl '09 feel, but that's more than acceptable in my book. With shortened hemlines and feminine silhouettes, I'm definitely planning on purchasing a few of Wu's dresses. While I don't think Wu will have the same demand that the Gaultier or McQueen collections had, it's still worth checking out.

(Photo Source: Huffington Post)


Looking at these photos, all I can think of is how I'm going to style the dresses. Paired with black patent Loubs and a little black J. Crew clutch, I'll be all set for spring. I'm all about mixing high and low pieces, although this collection might keep people guessing. :)

xx

Music Monday

 Tom Petty- Learning to Fly

xx

Music Monday: Victoria Beckham

For today's Music Monday post, I decided to go with a throwback Victoria Beckham track (circa 2003). While few Americans know that VB had post-Posh music career, she released music in Europe that was really fun and sexy. In true Posh style, the video for "Let Your Head Go" is totally cheeky and high fashion... definitely note the whole "Mommie Dearest" nod.

Hmm, I kinda prefer nice wooden hangers in my own closet. ;) Uh oh.

Of course, Victoria has long traded in her music career for designing... and her pieces are just as fabulous as you'd expect. Love the following dresses from her S/S 2012 collection. Fantastic silhouettes in classic nudes and blacks. Gorg.

 

 

 

(Photo Source: VictoriaBeckham.com)

xx