Music Monday: Lana Del Rey "Blue Jeans"

Blue jeans, white shirt
Walked into the room 

You know you made my eyes burn
It was like James Dean, for sure

Is this not the most gorgeous music video?
Lana Del Rey's new video for "Blue Jeans" couldn't be more glamorous,
nailing the whole mod-Bardot look so effortlessly.

My Week in Photos: March 18, 2012

The old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" is something I really believe in. For the past few years, I've tried to take one picture every day on my Blackberry to remember something small I did or noticed that day. It's so easy to forget those little things as time goes on, so it's interesting to look back on those little memories and reminisce.

 

1.) A reminder of "Love": a print that I saw at the most appropriate time in the cutest paper shop. 2.) 78 degrees (and cloudy... in MARCH!) in downtown.

 

3.) Major shopping haul at BCBG! Scored so many pretty things. 4.) Yoga class, running, and my first attempt at tennis in four years.

5.) Spring cleaning.... managed to organize three closets already! 6.) Sunny afternoon after a trunk show, showing off my new rose gold "Love" necklace.

It's another unseasonably warm day, so I'm off to shoot some urbanscapes for my newest installment in my "Beauty of Destruction" photography series this afternoon. 

Have a fantastic week!  

Product Review: Giorgio Armani Face Fabric

I'd been meaning to try Armani's Face Fabric since it was released back in 2008, but I always ended up purchasing other foundation instead. Having heard great reviews about it, I was excited to finally try it out for myself. Face Fabric is definitely different from any other foundation I've used in the past, so I have slightly mixed feelings on this one.

The good?

• The packaging is SO convenient! The sleek plastic tube can be thrown carelessly into your cosmetic bag without the fear of breaking a gloss bottle. (NARS, I'm talking to you!)
• While the sun protection isn't spectacular, I still love that Face Fabric has SPF 12 in it. I'll take all of the anti-aging measures I can get, whether it be from my foundation or moisturizer.
• You only need a tiny dime-sized bit of product per application- which can be applied with either your fingers or a brush.
• Smooth, silky texture (due to its silicone base) that is SO lightweight, you feel like you're wearing nothing.
• Long-lasting.

The bad?

• While the coverage is fairly buildable, it is very, very light if you only apply one layer. This is great for a natural look, but don't expect it to work miracles.
• Expect to use concealer with Face Fabric if your skin isn't absolutely perfect.
• There is a bit of skill necessary when you apply this product- due to the consistency, it sets within seconds. As long as you can work the product in quickly, you should be fine.

My verdict?

 I really like Face Fabric, and expect that I'll like it even more in the summer when I simplify my beauty routine. In the summer, I go for much lighter makeup and become considerably less high-maintenance as I become tan and glowy, so Face Fabric will likely be rotated with my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. That being said, I'm going to use it as a silicone primer/base for now, also using NARS' Sheer Glow sparingly where I need a bit more coverage.

Voluspa Candles: Suede Blanc

As you've probably gathered from this blog, I'm a true girly girl, and enjoy little things that bring an extra "sparkle" to my life. As I've mentioned before, Voluspa candles are one of those little pleasures for me. I burn one of their candles nearly every evening, and I love how it creates a warm, cozy ambiance to my home, no matter how crazy my day has been.

I recently had a small issue with one of my favorite Suede Blanc candles from their Maison Blanc collection, and sent off a quick email to their headquarters about it. Within a day, I had received a concerned response from Voluspa's co-founder, Troy Arntsen. A week later, I received a replacement package of Suede Blanc products as a gesture of goodwill for the mishap.

I've shopped and vacationed at many places that are renowned for their customer service. Saks sends gracious thank you cards. Louis Vuitton offers complimentary gold stamping. Bond No. 9 sends samples. The Ritz-Carlton has welcomed us with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. I'm pretty loyal when it comes to brands if I love a certain product, so these little things matter to me. Just as any business course will tell you, companies can retain customers for years if they go that extra mile to make them happy.

Voluspa is a total example of this... they went above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction. In a time where convenience and cost-cutting is often a priority for many companies, it's refreshing when you encounter companies that are focused on the core of their business: the customer.

Suede Blanc remains my favorite home fragrance, and surprisingly, it's something I'd liken to a "boyfriend" type scent. It's rich with notes of cedar and sueded leather, and it's such a comforting fragrance. I adore the packaging: the white and gold is gorgeous, and totally compliments my neutral French chic decor. Like the Macaron candle I reviewed a few months ago, the milky white glass jar just glows beautifully and the scent is evenly distributed in the room.

Love, love, love!

Vote for My Love Affair with New York!

My photograph of Radio City Music Hall (taken last fall, see above) has been chosen for Bond No. 9's contest, "My Love Affair With New York." Please vote for me (you can vote once every 24 hours)!

http://www.bondno9.com/yourloveaffairwithnewyork#view/3961/516260

As a little throwback, here's the video I made from that very trip.

Thanks, dolls!

What I'm Loving Right Now...

 

This little Herve Leger number

I went into the boutique with my new fashionisto friend, Jarod, who insisted I try this bandage dress on. Besos to him, because as he predicted, this dress fit me like a glove. It's funny, because I was actually really hesitant to try this on, but I've never worn anything that loved my Spanish genes more.

 Chanel Glossimer in Volupte

This color is new for Chanel's spring '12 lineup, and is yet another example of why I love the upcoming season. Volupte is the perfect coral shade, but it goes on very sheer. It adds just a slight coral tint in a perfect glossy finish, which I love. Pair it with a neutral face and dark lashes, and you've got a fresh, natural look for spring. Just my style!

My little love, Zadie

Zadiebug is moving closer! The fact that I'll be able to see my niece (and sister and brother-in-law) more often is pretty much the best news ever. Love her so much!

Have a fabulous week!

Fragrance Review: Bond No. 9's High Line

Happy Spring! 

... okay, so maybe it isn't officially spring yet, but it IS March. Which for me, equates that winter is certainly on its way out- and a whole new batch of little dresses and bikinis are headed in. ;)

To celebrate "my" springcoming, I set forth towards the Bond No. 9 counter. While my signature is The Scent of Peace (and always will be), I was looking for something springlike and new- something to start fresh with. Spring has always been my favorite season, and I love how it brings a sense of growth, change, and beauty. (Any of this sound familiar? hah.) Call me crazy, but I want to wear a fragrance that reflects that. I went through my massive pile of Bond bonbon samples at home, but none of them really spoke to me. I have a lot of Bond favorites, but I was really looking for something specific. With the help of my Bond SA and my best friend, I found what I was looking for with High Line.

Bond describes High Line as "an androgynous floral-marine bouquet, contrasting the hardy flowers and greens. The scent starts off with a prairie grazing weed—purple love grass-mixed with citrusy bergamot and zesty Indian rhubarb. The perfume’s floral heart is red-leaf rose, Lady Jane tulips, and grape hyacinth. Its lingering base notes combine bur oak with imported sea moss, along with musk and teakwood."

High Line's namesake is the High Line of New York, a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. If you haven't been to the High Line or the Meatpacking District, it's definitely a must-see while you're in New York. Of course, the shopping is killer in the revitalized area- be sure to check out DVF, Scoop NYC, Stella McCartney, and Louboutin while you're there. What makes the area so special, though, is the High Line- a little oasis in an otherwise very industrial spot. Bond's take on this very special part of the city just nails it.

Bond's High Line opens with a very fresh green burst, which then progresses into a very pretty, fresh floral that has a strong emphasis of tulips and hyacinths. It then dries down to a clean, warm floral that is different from any other I've experienced. Soft, comforting, and yet decidedly evocative of spring. The sillage is phenomenal, lingering on me all day.

Highly, highly recommend this one! Bond No. 9 does it again!

My Fashion Picks for Oscars 2012

 

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

This was Jovovich's first time at the Academy Awards, and she said in an interview that she wanted to go with something simple and classic. That she did... and it's exactly why it's my favorite look of the event. She epitomizes old Hollywood glamour in a modern aesthetic, without being too costume-y or done up. Elie Saab has absolutely become my favorite designer as of late- he just never fails to produce stunning, feminine designs.

Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Cameron always looks phenomenal and effortlessly chic, but this is probably the best I think we've seen her look. The simple silhouette and cut fits her body perfectly, and the nude color is stunning. The golden sequin and ruffle detail are the perfect accents, neither distracting nor over the top. I also like how the hair, makeup, and jewelry were kept to a minimum. Love this dress!

2-28-12 Edit: A few more favorites to add from the Vanity Fair party!

Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana with a Judith Leiber clutch

Olivia Wilde in Gucci

Gerard Butler in Gucci. Swoon.

And, of course, the Beckhams. Victoria Beckham in her own design. Stunning!

Music Monday

My Pick for Music Monday:

Coldplay's "Paradise"

I feel like this song so closely reflects my life right now. I think I'll look back in a few years on this time in my life and this song will bring me back to a time of uncertainty, but also a time of optimism for the future as well. It's an amazing thing once you realize that life has so many opportunities awaiting you... I can't wait to get my "paradise."

So lying underneath those stormy skies

She said oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I know the sun must set to rise
This could be paradise

Glimpse Into My Work

 

What's my life looking like these days? I've been busy working with two clients this weekend on Save the Date projects, which has been so fun. I can honestly say that I am truly, absolutely doing what I love.

A few overdue beauty reviews to come this week!

What I Know for Certain...

I'm a big believer that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. After numerous conversations with a few wise people, it's become clear that life never pans out the way that we think it will. We are lead in directions that don't always make sense, and sometimes we find ourselves in places that we never intended. This doesn't mean we don't ultimately end up where we want to be, but I think it's safe to say that there's a definite journey in getting to that point.

My first reaction is to make sense of it all. What did I learn from this? How can I grow? Maybe it's how I protect myself from pain, or perhaps it's because I have no other choice. For whatever reason, I try to make sense by attributing it to experience, personal growth, and a path to something greater. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, but hindsight takes time. And hell, it certainly doesn't take away the pain you feel at that very moment.

Quite often, I hear that I have it all and that the world is in my hands. But you know what? I've worked really, really hard to become the person I am today- and my journey is far from over. Life isn't easy. Life is fluid; the only constant is that it is ever-changing. It doesn't matter if you live in a big house or people consider you beautiful, nor does it matter if you have the man of your dreams relentlessly chasing after you. Loss is a continuous theme in my life, so no matter how grateful I was, I always feared that the rug was about to be pulled from under me. That isn't any way to live.

Someone recently helped me re-evaluate my own life, which helped me better identify what I want AND deserve. When someone asks me if I'm happy, I don't want to hesitate for one second. When someone asks me if I'm in love, I want my answer to be "yes" without a beat. More importantly, I want my actions to demonstrate my words. Career, love, family... I want to create a life that radiates love, goodness, fearlessness. There is something to be said about having grace under pressure, something Hemingway ultimately attributed to courage. That's what I hope my legacy will be someday.

I could be angry or fearful because of the loss I've experienced.
I'm not. Instead, I've chosen to be grateful...
for each and every lesson brings me one step closer to where I need to be.

 

 You'd better know that in the end
It's better to say too much
Than never say what you need to say again
Even if your hands are shaking & your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Official Taylorism #8

 

  

Best in Bow: Skincare

I'm going to be completely honest: this post is something I'd been desperately wishing I could have posted months ago. Although I'd always had pretty decent skin, it decided to have a little battle with me last spring. Ever since then, I'd been having a disheartening struggle to get my skin back (rather unsuccessfully). Expensive facials, skincare products, Retin-A prescriptions... I tried it all, and my skin still wasn't back to normal. I just couldn't get it right. Once I finally had clear skin, it would freak out within days. Retin-A worked, but my sensitive skin wouldn't stop peeling.

I actually went to the dermatologist at the beginning of December, completely frustrated and willing to go on Accutane as a last-ditch attempt. As you probably know, Accutane is an intense medication (taken orally) that has the potential for very severe side effects. Most people end up with clear skin at the end of the 3-5 month treatment, but you have to go through some tough stuff to get there. My derm warned me of flaky skin, achy joints, blistered lips, bloody noses, and the potential for suicidal thoughts. You must also have bloodwork done every 3-4 weeks, as well as a monthly office visit. Sounds like fun, right? Er, not so much. I didn't know if I'd have the time (or patience) to deal with a regimen that was so rigorous and potentially dangerous, but to be totally honest, I was so desperate that I was willing to go through with it. I signed the iPledge program papers, went to the lab for bloodwork, went to my second derm appointment, and finally was given my prescription. I was then told I had to take an online test to pick up my prescription from the pharmacy. Clearly, Accutane isn't something they mess around with.

During this time, I also decided to try my own new skincare regimen (knowing it would take a minimum of 30+ days to complete the steps to get the Accutane prescription). With the exception of Josie Maran's Argan Oil (which I added a few weeks ago), I've been using all of the above products religiously for two months... and much to my surprise, it actually worked. I couldn't be happier with the results- my skin hasn't been this clear or soft in a year! I've been so happy, in fact, that after getting the Accutane prescription from my derm several weeks ago, I decided NOT to go ahead with it. I was a little wary of using it anyway (I hate taking medication in general, unless it's absolutely necessary), so I feel very much at peace with my decision. I have my skin back, and it's been in a way that I feel comfortable with.

Of course, everyone's skin is different, and what works for me might not work for you. I think it's really a matter of trial and error, and learning exactly what your skin needs. I have very sensitive skin that reacts easily to harsh products, so I'm learning to stick with gentle products with minimal ingredients. I used to overtreat my skin, but now I'm realizing my skin needs to be babied to minimize irritation. I only use my Clarisonic skin brush once or twice a week, and I scrub as gently as possible when using Bobbi Brown's buffing grains every few days.

In addition to the products shown above, I also take my GNC Be Beautiful Vita-Pak daily, in addition to two multivitamins (GNC's Be Whole with Iron). The Be Beautiful pak provides vitamins that are particularly beneficial to the skin (biotin, amino acids, collagen, primrose oil, etc). I've also been religious about my water intake, drinking 80-100 oz. daily. I almost always have my CamelBak water bottle with me wherever I go, which makes it easier to keep up with my intake.

My Experience With Latisse (Part II)

 Here's a quick video update on my experience with Latisse. I first used it in late August 2010 (see my first post on it here from November 2010), but I love it just as much now as I did then.

"She's got Greta Garbo standoff sighs,

She's got Bette Davis eyes"

Review: Moroccan Oil & Josie Maran Argan Oil

I've always been a beauty product lover, but this year (thus far, anyway) seems to be the one that I've been more focused on skincare and haircare. I'm pulling out all the stops to get glowy, flawless skin, implementing a new skincare regimen over the past two months that I love... but more on that later. I just added two more products that focus more on conditioning than makeup artistry, and they are AMAZING.

Moroccan Oil

$16 for .85 oz at salons

I had forgotten how much I loved Moroccan Oil until I found a nearly-empty bottle when I was sorting through my hair products. I rub a dime-sized drop between my palms and work it through my damp hair, styling it as usual. My hair is instantly smoother and shinier, giving a slightly more finished look to curls, waves, and even straight styles. After finishing up the old bottle in a matter of days, I went out and got a new bottle... I don't ever want to be without this stuff again! I'm not sure how (or why) I stopped using it in the first place, because it's made such a difference in my hair.

Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil

$48 for 1.7 oz at Sephora

I've been using Josie Maran's organic argan oil for several weeks now, using it after cleansing and before applying my Kiehl's Ultra Facial moisturizer. While my new skincare regimen has helped improve my skin, I've noticed a major difference in both clarity and texture since adding this product. While I have slightly dry skin during the winter, I was hesitant to use an oil on my face (particularly since my skin just cleared up after months of skin hell). This oil put my worries at ease, since my skin is glowier and healthier than ever. I literally ran errands today with just some mascara and lipgloss on... something I haven't done in forever. My skin is finally getting where I want to be, and while I don't particularly enjoy spending an extra $48 for more skincare products, it's a tiny price for great skin. So, so happy with this!