What I'm Loving Right Now...

Now that truly chilly weather has crept its way into December, I love breaking in all of my favorite loungewear. I've been pairing skinny leggings or yoga pants (Aerie makes my favorites) with my favorite James Perse tanks and Splendid tunics. Paired with some H&M knee-highs, it's a cozy look that's easily layerable.

Dior's Addict Lipstick in Tulle (#214) absolutely changed my mind about lipstick with its glossy finish. While Dior describes it as a light beige, I think a nude salmon is a bit more accurate... nevertheless, it's so naturally gorgeous. (Side note: who wouldn't love reaching for this pretty iridescent tube out of their bag?)

xx

I Was Here

This song pretty much sums up how I aspire to live my life. I'm not perfect, I may not always get it right (and usually don't)... but I fully believe that life is too short to be anything but happy.

xx

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time 

Know there was something that I left behind 

When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets 

Leave something to remember, so they won't forget
I was here 

I lived, I loved, I was here

I did, I've done, everything that I wanted 

And it was more than I thought it would be 

I will leave my mark so everyone will know 

I was here

I want to say I lived each day, until I die 

And know that I meant something in, somebody's life 

The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave 

That I made a difference, and this world will see
I was here

I just want them to know 

That I gave my all, did my best 

Brought someone to happiness 

Left this world a little better just because
I was here

Retail Haul: Hits & Misses

Voluspa's Macaron Candle ($32 at specialty boutiques, 12 oz.)

I go a little crazy for blankets and candles this time of year... I can never get enough of cozy. This gorgeous, clean-burning Voluspa candle is absolutely no exception. Reminiscent of French macarons (with notes of vanilla and powdered sugar), this one is sweetly fragrant but not cloying. Think sexy, grown-up sweet... not saccharine, a la Aquolina Pink Sugar.

 Kiehl's Rosa Arctica ($60 at Saks, 1.7 oz.)

With the combination of chilly weather, Retin-A, and the end of a cold, my skin became a dry, peeling mess this weekend. My old standby of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream just wasn't cutting it anymore. Having used samples before, I knew Rosa Arctica (similar in consistency to La Mer) was my only saving grace. I purchased it on Saturday afternoon, and by this morning, my skin was back to normal. How's that for effectiveness?! It's actually marketed as an anti-aging cream, claiming to help smooth and firm the skin. While I'm not in need of anti-aging treatments, I love how densely hydrating it is. A tiny bit goes a long way.

YSL Faux Cils Shocking Mascara ($30 at Sephora)

Ughh. I really wanted to like this mascara, but like the original Faux Cils by YSL, the Shocking is a clumpy, icky mess. The wand isn't anything special; if anything, it's just a magnet for tangles. The formula isn't workable, and immediately starts to set the moment it hits your lashes. Buy this if you want spikey, sticky lashes. I think I'll pass, thankyouverymuch. ;)

Bumble and Bumble's Creme de Coco Shampoo & Conditioner ($22 for each, 8 oz.)

I'm selective about nearly everything I use, but hair care is especially important just because I have such a massive amount of hair. Creme de Coco smells great, and claims to be moisturizing. HA. That's a joke. I might as well have used hand soap on my hair, because these two products did absolutely nothing. Back to Victoria's Secret (So Sexy) and Oribe (Brilliance & Shine).

xx

Celebrity Beauty Inspiration

While I love fashion, part of the reason I've always loved magazines so much is just the sheer fact that I can get beauty/hair inspiration. These are the specific looks I've been inspired by lately, although Kim Kardashian and Penelope Cruz have been examples that I've looked to for the past few years.

It's Music Monday, so here's an old favorite by Maroon Five that I still love.

Sunday morning, rain is falling
Steal some covers, share some skin
Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable
You twist to fit the mold that I am in

Have a great Monday, dolls.

xx

Mini Haul & Music Monday

I did quite a bit of shopping over the holiday weekend, and unfortunately, none of it was for Christmas. ;) ha. Plenty of time left! Included in my little spree was a mini-haul at Sephora, where I picked up Benefit's Ooh La Lift ($22), YSL's Volupte Sheer Candy ($30), YSL's new Faux Cils Shocking ($30) and Anastasia's Brow Wiz ($20). Although I have yet to try the latter, the first two are amazing.

Benefit's Ooh La Lift is a repurchase for me, and does wonders in highlighting the eye area. Especially helpful in assisting puffy/tired/teary eyes, I couldn't go without this product lately. I purchased YSL's gorgeous little tube of Volupte Sheer Candy in Dewy Papaya, upon recommendation of a friend. She was so dead-on with this one. Surprisingly great natural pink pigmentation with long-wearing shine... think of it as a majorly upgraded, superglossy balm. Detailed reviews on YSL's Faux Cils Shocking mascara and Anastasia's Brow Wiz pencil to come...

And since it wouldn't be Monday without music, I'm recommending Mike Posner's new mixtape, "The Layover." Download it here if you haven't already... it won't disappoint. I've been a Posner fan from the start, and this album is exactly as catchy and chill as you'd expect. He's the same age and grew up an hour away from me, so it's great to see how successful he's become. Well deserved.

Have a great day, dolls.

xx

What I'm Loving Right Now...

 "My Week with Marilyn"

Michelle Williams is incredible in this film, portraying Ms. Monroe with perfect charm and vulnerability. It really made me feel for Marilyn, who truly did not see in herself what the rest of the world saw. The film is just beautiful.

Erica Enenberg Infinity Necklace

I love my new Enenberg infinity necklace, although it came in a length that was awkwardly long. I was a little bummed because I'd been looking for a tiny gold infinity necklace for some time, but I made do with it. With a little improvisation, I transformed it into a wrap bracelet that I actually really like.

 Kim Kardashian's Marie Claire Look

How stunning does Kim look on this cover? While she perfects the glammed-up look everyday, this super natural look is refreshing and youthful. Love everything about it, from the neutral lip to her strong brows.

Thanksgiving

 (Photo credit: marthastewart.com)

I'm thankful for my health.

I'm thankful for my capacity to love.

I'm thankful for family.

I'm thankful for Big.

I'm thankful for friends.

I'm thankful for my beautiful, healthy niece.

I'm thankful for my travels this year.

I'm thankful for my education.

I'm thankful for my home.

I'm thankful for the ability to overcome & persevere.
I'm thankful for the ability to appreciate beauty.

I'm thankful for creativity.

I'm thankful for my furry BFF.

I'm thankful for this crazy, beautiful life.

Love, live life, proceed, progress.

xx

Official Taylorism #7

I've been a little overwhelmed lately, feeling like I've been hit with one blow after another. Before I went to bed the other night, I decided to make a list of simple things that bring me happiness, because it's easy to get wrapped up in negativity and forget about the good stuff. This was meant to just stay in a random file in my laptop, but sometimes remembering the beauty in life gets you through less-than beautiful times. This post is totally random, but maybe it will get you thinking about the things that personally bring happiness to YOU. So many things in life to be grateful for, it's just a matter of recognizing and appreciating them.

A few of my favorite things... 

Sunbathing

The scent of the ocean

Orchids

Skinny jeans that hit the hipbones just right

A classic, practical designer bag
Typography

Heavenly Scent Herb Farm
Walks with Big

Heart-to-hearts with my twinnn
Puppy cuddles with Hunter

Simple gold pendant necklaces
Handwritten cards

Boyfriend watches

Glossy nude-colored lip gloss
Girly movies with Meghann
My SLR camera
 Cableknit anything

Swimming in the ocean

The distinct chime sound of BBM

New magazines in the mailbox

Caldrea's Sea Salt Neroli candle

Bond No. 9 fragrances

Sleeping in on Sunday mornings

Classic, old Hollywood films

Sex and the City
Linen EVERYTHING
The perfect bronzer (NARS Laguna)
Cuddling

Breakfast at Afternoon Delight with Nana

Really dark, pigmented black eyeliner
New photos of my baby niece, Zadie
Baking cupcakes with my little cousin, Maya
Biggby's nonfat chai lattes
Beveled mirrors
The feeling of holding hands for the first time
The glow of the Christmas tree for the first time of the season
Driving with my "Feel Good" iPad playlist
Books
Shopping with Teri
Picking (and eating!) fresh raspberries
Laughing until you cry
Hugs from my grandma
The storybook trees in Central Park

Long fitted sweaters
Going barefoot as much as possible
Tailgating in the fall
Dancing the night away
Laguna Beach, California
The contrast of the blue water and white architecture in Greece
Pastel bikinis
The predictability of "My pleasure" responses at The Ritz-Carlton
Sushi
Restoration of Detroit
White-washed furniture
Being bombarded with hugs when I'd walk into work as a preschool teacher
Photos of loved ones
My tattoos
Pinterest (my latest obsession, follow me!)

xx

Music Monday (er, Thursday)

Random Inspiration

A combination of earthy, feminine hues (in this case, in the form of Essie nailpolish, ha) is definitely what I've been lusting after as of late. Definitely plan on incorporating more muted neutrals into my decor and wardrobe. Understated and elegant.

Such a fan of The Black Keys... "Brothers" is one of those rare, solid albums that you can listen to without skipping a single track. (Side note, how cute is this video?)

I don't know what it is about these olive-colored Manitobah Mukluks, but I've been looking at them all week with total lust. I love boots in general, but I think these are adorable. (Although I'm totally aware that most people will probably think they're completely and utterly hideous.)

Looking back on this past summer's roadtrip to California. It was one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done. I was just so content... need to find my center again.

 Love, live life, proceed, progress.
xx

Miss Representation

I'm in a rush right now, getting ready for the day. It's Saturday, so I'm spending a little more time primping (something I enjoy and find almost therapeutic)... but then I turned on OWN, and stumbled upon Miss Representation. This documentary hits close to home, as I heat up my $23 eyelash curler with my blowdryer (haha) and think of the next product I'm going to review on my beauty blog.

Beauty is a form of empowerment in the media and in our society, but it also comes at a cost. Beauty is fun for me, and I see it as an art... a means of self-expression. But at the same time, I know that there are some fatal flaws in an industry that is expected to gross $59 billion in 2012. There are side effects to this mentality, some of which I have experienced firsthand (particularly when I was younger). I'm all for doing things to make yourself feel better- inside and out- but there's also a definite pressure to perpetuate a standard I've created for myself. 

I know that kindness, strength, love- fundamental, core principles- are what truly matter. Those things will leave a lasting legacy of beauty over glossy lips, great hair, or perfect skin. But at the same time, these are things that I still pursue. There's nothing wrong with that, but I know I won't ever want my future children to feel that they need these to be beautiful. That just being is enough... to love wholeheartedly, to make a difference in the life of another person, to experience pure joy from simplicity. That is is possible to radiate beauty, both inside and out, and kick some major ass.

And maybe, just maybe, I should take a lesson from myself.

xx

Spotlight on Elie Saab

Elie Saab's collections encompass the ultimate in femininity and beauty, which is why he's become my favorite designer as of late. What else is there to say? The man is incredible.

On a side note, it's 11/11/11... time to make a wish. ;)

xx

Beauty with a Bow: Essentials

When I graduated from college in May, I had a feeling that my life was about to change dramatically... I just didn't fully realize how drastic the transition would be. Working full time in an advertising agency (with a long commute), my free time is now more precious than ever. Here are a few products that  help me make the most out of my time.

 

iPad 2: I received my iPad as a graduation present, with my signature "Love, live life, proceed, progress" mantra engraved on the back. It seemed like a novelty gift, but this thing is now invaluable to my daily life. I plug it into my car's AUX jack to provide a soundtrack for my commutes, check email and shop online during my lunch breaks, and read my girly magazines with the swipe of a fingertip.

Fieldcrest Luxury Down Pillows: Sleep is more precious than ever, particularly because I'm getting less of it than I used to. I'd probably laugh at myself if I read this post 6 months ago, but I swear... good pillows are essential to my grown-up life. Fieldcrest Luxury's pillows are perfect. Paired with the softest sheets, duvet, and featherbed I could find, I've created a little sanctuary that even Sleeping Beauty would be jealous of. ;)

Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Eyeliner: I've always loved Urban Decay's pencil version of this liner, but the liquid version has been a godsend during long days. It's deeply pigmented, lasts ALL day, and is so precise. Don't be intimidated by the tiny applicator- you'll master it after a few tries.

Oribe Apres Beach Wave & Shine Spray: I discovered Oribe during my last trip to my stylist, and to be totally honest, I was a little disgusted with how much I paid for three products. After the very first use, though, I got it. Oribe is amazingggg (and smells just as incredible). This spray can be used in a myriad of ways: as a shine spray, wave texturizer, finishing product. Unlike salty wave sprays that can leave your hair feeling parched (Bumble and Bumble, anyone?), Oribe leaves your hair lustrous and soft.

Model in a Bottle Setting Spray: I just started using this two weeks ago, but I'm already a believer. Model in a Bottle lives up to its hype, keeping your makeup in place all day. The scent overwhelmingly reeks of alcohol, but I'll deal with it if it means fewer touch-ups.

Clinique's Superbalm lip gloss in Currant: This is a balm, gloss, and lip color in one tube. I use my lip stain and NARS Tiber lip gloss on a daily basis, but I grab Superbalm on those mornings that I want to keep my beauty routine simple. The rosy color is gorgeous and clings on your lips for several hours.

Remington's Pearl Clampless Iron: After having my hair curled with a $200 clampless iron at Henri Bendel on Fifth Ave, I became a true believer in these new irons. As soon as my plane landed, I drove to Target and bought this iron, a $30 alternative that works just as well. While my hair is wavy, it never used to hold a curl. I can curl my hair with this iron before bed, and wake up with springy Kardashian curls that will last an entire day. It's saved me SO much time, and my hair looks better than ever.

xx

Music Mondays

This song may be two years old, but it's still one of my very favorites. Love MGMT.

This is what the world is for

Making electricity

xx

Pochahontas Tutorial: Halloween 2011

xx