Fendi sunglasses, Cami NYC charmeuse cami, Cami NYC Zoe pant, Zorrata gold and silver Serenity stacks, Christian Dior J'Adior bracelets, Dolce & Gabbana PVC Sicily handbag, Louis Vuitton scarf, Fendi slingback pumps AND Teddy the Bear
I just bought my first home and am cheating on fashion for furniture and decor. I'm having so much fun decorating and and recently added a lifestyle section to the blog, so I can share my home style. I was beyond excited to host a few special folks (Erin and Bob) a few weeks ago and wanted my table setting to be modern and memorable. I had a blast shopping for table decor. AND, I'm confident that I created a trendy table that represents me as a host. I got a few compliments! I realize my oversized, Game of Thrones table is not trendy, but I lost the battle on that one. All I can do is jazz it up and make it my own.. I already had classic-white Le Creuset plates, so I decided to go with a black, white and gold theme. My inspiration came from hours of perusing the internet and the perfect set of brushed gold and resin flatware from CB2 - we'll come back to flatware.. I approached this project like I would a fashion shoot. The theme, vibe and color scheme must be cohesive AND I can't afford five different table settings (I spend too much money on shoes and bags), so the theme of my trendy table setting has to be suitable for many occasions. A neutral color palette, with a little gold is perfect. I recently started a subscription at Dry Farm Wines. It's an online health-focused wine club. Each month I receive six natural wines curated from family farms. There is a long list of benefits, but most importantly, these wines have lower sulfites (< 75 ppm) and lower alcohol (< 12.5%). Some of the wine bottles are intriguing. Pictured above is a white wine in a green wine bottle with a beer cap. It resembles a giant beer bottle and adds a little interest. The details of Dry Farm Wines is also a great dinner conversation. I also opted for unique pieces, like this handcrafted and painted mango wood bowl from CB2. The suggested use is for bread or napkins, but I like to use this as a salad bowl (dry salad of course). These oversized salad serving utensils from IKEA are nice, but basic. I'm still looking for the perfect set - maybe gold or olive wood. I have too many unique glasses to choose from - wine and champagne flutes, goblets, mason jar mugs, whiskey glasses, hand painted glasses and a wide variety of colors. I have a glass for every beverage - Even port sipping glasses! The one thing that changes on my table each occasion are the glasses. For this neutral, trendy table setting, I'm using my personalized b.a.gorgie stemless wine glasses. I like stemless wine glasses, cause you can serve red or white wine, as well non-alcoholic beverages in the same glass. I love this marble and brass cheese board from William Sonoma. I think it's suitable for casual dinning or a formal setting. The handles make it easy to carry this heavy marble board. The brushed brass handles and "cheese" lettering give this board a modern vibe. This witty cheese board started my obsession with white marble. I also purchased marble coasters with gold pineapples from William Sonoma. They're fun and combined with the marble cheese board, my trendy table has personality. I also like to display mismatched coasters. These antique brass hammered coasters from William Sonoma are festive and standout. The antique brass matches the gold tones on my table perfectly. This CB2 flatware set prompted me to go with the black, white and gold theme. This Earl brushed gold and resin 20-piece set is modern and quirky. I love the pinstripe detail. I'm considering to purchase a brushed black flatware set as well for casual dinning. This pinstripe and gold set is suited more for festive occasions. This flatware set is super-light. I was hesitant to keep them, in fear that the light-weight would seem cheap, but the mixed material and contemporary look outweighed the lack of heft. The CB2 vapor black and white salad plates placed on the Le Creuset dinner plates are intriguing and add a little texture to the setting. They are created by dipping porcelain into a white and black soapy glaze. I can't go in to a CB2 store and not purchase something - it's the Sephora of decor. The in-store and online displays are inspiring. I purchased my center piece in-store. It is comprised of a petrified wood salt and pepper set, and oil and vinegar cruets atop of a marble and brass server. I leave this display on my table at all times, or if I'm doing a charcuterie at the kitchen counter, I'll temporarily place it there. The marble server floats on a sculptural gilded base, elevating the salt and pepper set and cruets. This CB2 marble server comes in two sizes. If you purchase both, you can place the small one slightly under the larger for a tiered display. The porcelain oil cruet and vinegar cruet have a Gatsby-esque vibe and contrast nicely with the textured glass cruet. I combined oil and dry herbs, along with dried hot peppers in the glass cruet. I also purchased a marble and brass wine coaster for red wine and a marble and brass wine chiller for the white wine. These wine holders are a stylish addition to my trendy table setting. They're also great for serving wine on my marble countertop - they protect the fragile marble. The Kuleto wine pictured above is not from Dry Farm Wines, but rather a long-time favorite red wine. Always make sure to serve a pitcher of water. I place one or two (one on each side of my giant table) IKEA Korken bottle's with a stopper. Of course, I serve Evian water. YES, people can tell the difference between tap water and bottled water. You can also serve one still and one carbonated water. My go-to stores for this table decor were CB2 and William Sonoma. Other great decor and furniture stores that I frequent are Crate and Barrel and The Pottery Barn. I had so much fun creating a trendy table setting. I had no idea shopping home decor would bring me so much pleasure - I kinda wanna create two different settings. Stay tuned..
Chloé aviator sunglasses, Pistola Camilo jacket, Zimmermann Jasper ruffle floral mini dress, Zorrata gold and silver Serenity stacks, Christian Dior J'Adior bracelets, Fendi Peekaboo handbag, Maison Margiela mule sneakers
Benefit Cosmetics is fun, quirky and a premiere cosmetic brand. I'm a HUGE fan. The brow enhancing product lineup is impressive and I'm obsessed with the It's Potent! Eye Cream. I've tried other brands, but always go back to Benefit Cosmetics It's Potent! Eye Cream It's light-weight and glides on nicely. This scent-free (love that) moisturizer absorbs quickly, leaving just enough on the surface of your skin to blend with your concealer. I usually apply It's Potent! eye cream, then my topical medications, tinted moisturizer and anti-redness warpaint - then another layer of eye cream and concealer. Oh and I keep my eye cream in the refrigerator - it helps to minimize the "I had too much wine last night" look. This potent eye cream reigns supreme. A few months ago I received a few Benefit products, including the It's Potent! Eye Cream, Instant Comeback facial Serum, Triple Performing Facial Emulsion and Total Moisture Facial Cream. Being that the eye cream is my go-to under-eye savior, I had high hopes.. The Total Moisture Facial Cream is thick and super nourishing, BUT the scent is unpleasant - like an old lady doused in floral-scented perfume. I hate the smell of flowers! The Instant Comeback Facial Serum and Triple Performing Facial Emulsion don the same scent. Benefit should have named the full moisturizing line It's Potent! I applied little moisturizer on my hand to remind me of the scent while I write this review AND I'm getting a headache. This scent takes me back to old lady restrooms - where not even the thick layer of dust on the potpourri can mask the unpleasant scent. Apologies Benefit Cosmetics - I love your brand, but you should consider launching a scent-free lineup. I recently posted a review about the Benefit's brow enhancing products and kinda feel bad about the "old lady doused in floral-scented perfume" comment, so I'm gonna remind you that the Benefit Cosmetics brow lineup is amazing. For a more youthful, full-brow look, eyebrow makeup is your hero! These three brow products will enhance your brows dramatically.. The Benefit Brow Contour Pro 4-in-one Defining and Highlighting Brow Pencil is all you need to create defined, fuller brows - Although, it may take little practice. Benefit Browvo! Conditioning Eyebrow Primer nourishes and smooths your brows. Wear alone to condition or use as a primer to extend the wear of brow products. Benefit Gimme Brow + Volumizing Brow Gel is a must-have and the only product I absolutely need. Even on those no makeup days, I still apply Gimme Brow. The tapered brush allows for precise application. The tinted gel has microfibers that adhere to the hairs and skin for a natural, full look. The formula is buildable (I recommend layering). Gimme Brow gel is water proof and lasts all day (unless you take a nap on your face). It is available in two sizes - the mini is perfect for on-the-go touchups and travel. Oh and the Benefit Cosmetic vending machine kiosks in airports take a lay-over to the next level. The pink, bus shaped vending machine is cute and packed with amazing products, some of which are perfect for travel. Keep an eye out for this fun shopping experience while your wandering the airport.
MIU MIU Swarovski sunglasses and glasses chain, Nation LTD jumpsuit, Zorrata gold and silver Serenity stacks, Christian Dior J'Adior bracelets, Dolce & Gabbana PVC Sicily handbag, Fendi fur slides AND Teddy the Bear
As of late, I find myself perusing home decor and neglecting my long-time beauty and fashion fixation. A few months ago, I purchased a home. I've been obsessing over decor, storage and lifestyle. SO, my fashion hiatus has prompted me to launch a lifestyle section on my blog.. One of the first decor ideas that came to mind when I initially viewed my soon-to-be new place was the oversized shelves in the kitchen - It is the perfect space for growing Modern Sprout hydroponic herbs. I've been growing hydroponic herbs inside a countertop, LED lit greenhouse for years, but my new open space urged me to ditch the greenhouse and install a Modern Sprout LED grow light. Modern Sprout was started by two regular, but thoughtful thumb-colored people. The indoor gardening company focuses on hydroponic growing methods of herbs, flowers, small trees and salad greens. Modern Sprout also has grow kits for outdoor gardening. Initially, Modern Sprout sold herbs, but they've expanded into other plants with new jars, vases, hydro planters and biodomes. This in-home gardening method is perfect for small spaces and for folks that live in the city and are lacking outdoor space. I'm partial to herbs, especially basil, oregano and sage. I use these herbs regularly and love that they're grown in my home, without chemicals. I also find these herbs last much longer than an herb plant purchased at the grocery store. I tried growing mint many times and was unsuccessful, but the herbs listed above are low maintenance and always a success. The mint plant pictured above was purchased a the grocery store. The start-up process is easy. Each Garden Jar comes with a steel net pot, polypro wick, coco pith disk, growing medium, activated carbon, organic seeds and instruction Manuel. Pull the polypro wick to one inch below the edge of the steel net pot, fill the pot with the growing medium and run warm water over the medium for 30 seconds. Fill the Garden Jar with water (about 2 cups). Place the coco pith disc on top of the growing medium and gently run water over it until the pith completely expands and you are able to spread the soil around. Add the activated carbon and then the seeds. Push the seeds into the soil (mint seeds should remain above the soil). Set your Garden Jars under a LED grow light and wait.. When your little herb garden begins to sprout, empty the water. Mix a little plant food with 2 cups of water - pour most of it in the jar and a little over the soil and through the net pot. Repeat.. This is basil, sage and oregano after one week. The herbs take a little while to get going, but if you maintain them, they will grow up to 12" high. I suggest moving your LED grow light higher as they grow. The basil Garden Jar is my favorite. The leaves are a good size and it smells amazing. I use fresh basil in everything; pasta sauce, over baked chicken, in salad and beverages - Add a few basil leaves to hot water for a refreshing beverage. ALSO, basil freshens your breath - So, chew on a few leaves when necessary. AND, basil is an excellent source for vitamins. The extracted oil can be used to treat wounds and skin infections. You can purchase a Modern Sprout Grow House with an LED grow light. It fits nicely on the countertop, is appealing to the eye and can hold up to four Garden Jars. It's super expensive, but mine lasted years - I gave it away and I'm sure it will keep glowing for a few more. My oversized kitchen shelf is the perfect space for a hydroponic garden. But, this time I went with the Modern Sprout LED grow light. I purchased two (one for each counter), but.. I struggled (REALLY HARD) with the idea of drilling holes in to my cabinetry to accommodate the grow light, but after a full day of contemplating, considering different options and having a breakdown, I went for it. I'm beyond happy with the outcome. I screwed two small holes in the roof of the cabinetry to hold small black chains, attached the grow light and drilled a larger hole in the side of the cabinetry for the power cord. Luckily, I have an outlet in the cupboard next to the shelf (for the microwave). The grow light has three settings and an automatic on and off option. I opted for the 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Choose the time of day you want the light to come on, set the timer, press the on button and hold till the light reaches maximum strength. Each day, your grow light will turn on and off at the same time. The Modern Sprout hydroponic indoor garden is easy to maintain, looks great, is a conversation starter and will give you plenty of fresh herbs. I LOVE this gardening method. October 30th - It's been about two months since I planted my Modern Sprout herb garden jars and this is the result. The herbs are growing fast and the basil is delicious. Once a week I empty the old water, add plant food to two cups of fresh water and pour most into the jar and then a little on the soil. An indoor herb garden is perfect for colder seasons. I love my indoor herb garden and wish I had more space to expand..
Chloé sunglasses, Lovers + Friends Tara tank, Danielle Guizio sweatpants, Louis Vuitton Bumbag (kaki), Zorrata gold and silver Serenity stacks, Christian Dior J'Adior bracelets, Maison Margiela mule sneakers AND Teddy the Bear in his doggles
Fall and Winter accessories and apparel are my favorite AND I should be perusing the new arrivals, but I'm stuck on Summer styles. Maybe I'm holding on to summer in hopes that it will last a little longer than usual. I'm still obsessed with pale colors, floral prints and pretty details. This Chloé bandana-printed silk twill minidress (available at MyTheresa) is the perfect chic-bohemian look. The short, trapeze silhouette is flattering and the high collar elevates this style. I would pair this dress with booties and Chloe Nile handbag. Perfection! I LOVE the "don as many hair clips as you can" trend. Dorit Kemsley is the hair clip queen and one of my favorite celebrities for fashion inspiration. Google her hair clip madness - it's brilliant! I have to have these Saint Laurent crystal-embellished hair clips (available at MyTheresa). These antique silver-tone metal hair clips are encrusted with the Saint Laurent brand in crystals. LOVE! Saint Laurent also has "Call Me" hair clips - I'll take those too. I have an abundance of everything, but t-shirts are my clothing-crack! The Palm Angels "Kill the Bear" t-shirt (available at Ssense) dons a bouclé graphic appliqué of a bear with it's head removed. It's a little morbid, but I like it. This brand is new to me and the various teddy bear inspired styles have my attention. I'm considering to sell an LV handbag so I can add this pretty, pink arm candy to my collection. I've been coveting this Dolce & Gabbana pink PVC mini Sicily tote for too long. The Sicily silhouette is structured and chic. Pink is my favorite color and this shade of pink is perfection. The sporty strap gives this otherwise classic silhouette a modern vibe. HAVE TO HAVE!
I'm not talking to the youngins with beautiful, bushy brows. This one is for the mature women with unwanted, thin brows. Way back whenever, thin brows were in. Now we're stuck with over-plucked pencil brows AND thinning hairs that come with age. It's an impossible brow battle! There are many products that may induce thicker brows, but for some of us, the hairs are too long gone. For a more youthful, full-brow look, eyebrow makeup is your hero! These three brow products will enhance your brows dramatically.. Benefit is one of my favorite brands. The Benefit brow enhancing product lineup is lengthy and impressive, but these three combined, will give you that Instagram worthy pic. I reference Instagram often when referring to an enhanced or fabricated look! Benefit Gimme Brow + Volumizing Brow Gel is a must-have and the only product I absolutely need. Even on those no makeup days, I still apply Gimme Brow. The tapered brush allows for precise application. The tinted gel has microfibers that adhere to the hairs and skin for a natural, full look. The formula is buildable (I recommend layering). Apply from the arch to the end first (these hairs should appear darker) and then use the leftover gel on the brush (before double-dipping) on the inner brow hairs. Always pull the arch to end hairs down and the entry hairs upwards. Gimme Brow gel is water proof and lasts all day (unless you take a nap on your face). It is available in two sizes - the mini is perfect for on-the-go touchups and travel. The Benefit Brow Contour Pro 4-in-one Defining and Highlighting Brow Pencil is all you need to create defined, fuller brows. The small pencils allow you to shape your brows with ease - Although, it may take little practice. The multi-tasking pencil has four shades to define and highlight. This 4-in-1 pencil will eliminate a few products in your makeup bag and is perfect for on-the-go touchups and travel. Click the intended tab and the non-sharpen pencil appears. Twist the end to push the pencil out of the slim plastic tube. Use the lighter shade to fill in your brows from start to end and then the darker shade for a more intense brow look. Apply the definer below the brow from start to end and the highlighter from arch to end. Perfectly contoured brows! The Brow Contour Pro 4-in-one Defining and Highlighting Brow Pencil is available in five shades. VERY IMPORTANT - these shades are based on your skin tone AND your eyebrow hair color. Benefit Browvo! Conditioning Eyebrow Primer nourishes and smooths your brows. Wear alone to condition or use as a primer to extend the wear of brow products. I apply Browvo! at night, so my eyebrows are super nourished in the AM. You may have to continuously click the pen the first go, but only once thereafter for the perfect amount of conditioning primer. This double duty eyebrow primer is essential to healthy, fuller brows.
This one goes out to all of you suffering from angry red face! Whatever the cause, Rosacea is hard to manage and flare-ups can be unpredictable. I use three topical medications and a variety of facial serums, but my irritable skin flares up on the daily. Yeah, you're should avoid food, beverages, products snd environments that trigger a flushed face, BUT that would leave you miserable. Spicy food, cheese and wine are three of my favorite things to eat and drink AND I refuse to give them up in an effort to combat my flushed skin. Stress is also a huge factor, but that one's unavoidable. I do however have a lineup of anti-redness products to mask the "I've had too much wine" look. These redness correctors will change your life.. Many dermatologist stock Colorescience products - that's sayin' something about this better skin brand. All of the products have SPF to combat skincare battles as a result of sun exposure, before they start. Colorescience All Calm provides SPF 50 sun protection. LOVE that! Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector is a new product in my skincare lineup. The primer-like product calms your skin while combatting redness. It has a similar texture to Colorescience Perfectors - a silky, thick facial product that glides on nicely and neutralizes your skin tone. It is however only available in one shade that may be light on tanned skin or darker skin tones. I have been using Colorescience products since 2014 and while I've updated my go-to product list many times over the years, Colorescience Perfectors are still at the top. These primers give you a natural, even tone, leaving no trace of caked on makeup (like foundation often appears). These perfectors blend perfectly (hence the name I suppose), minimize the look of your pores, blur wrinkles, and enhances your complexion. The natural result is far better than using foundation. People often compliment my skin and asked what foundation I wear - I don't! The texture is soft and silky. It is a bit thick, but when applied over a nourished face, neck and décolletage, it absorbs quickly and enhances your skin dramatically. I use the Calming Perfector during cold seasons and blend it with Bronzing Perfector during the summer for a sun kissed look. The Brightening Perfector is great for combatting redness and illuminating your skin. Don't be afraid of the pale yellow tone - it will transform your skin and brighten your complexion. I promise. I have 'officially' (nothing I declare is really official) branded It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Color-Correcting cream the 'anti-redness warpaint'. If you have Rosacea or hyper pigmentation, you need this. Bye Bye Redness is the ultimate anti-redness product. It's kinda like a foundation, primer and cream in one. It is thick, has a silky texture and gives you super full-coverage. This product is smooth, goes on like a primer (similar to Colorscience primers), has a green tint (to mask redness) and gives you a matte finish. Apply to your cheeks, nose and forehead and blend outwards. A little goes a long way. Beware - this stuff will stain your clothes, so be careful when applying. Bye Bye Redness Color-Correcting cream is available in three shades - Transforming Porcelain Beige, Transforming Neutral Beige and Transforming Light Beige. If you can't decide what shade to purchase, go with the neutral. The mint green tint of Laura Mercier Shine Control Pressed Setting Powder tones down redness. The 'Shine Control Complex' gives you a shine-free, fresh, matte finish - a much-needed addition to my cosmetic bag for on-the-go touchups. I wouldn't recommend this translucent powder for tanned or darker skin tones. Apply this powder to combat redness and reduce shine - it's not an all-over powder.
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