December 29, 2014

Monday Muse: Cameron Diaz

The look of love suits her. This number is casual but the blazer and bag pull it all together.
Cameron Diaz has had quite the year while always maintaining to look fabulous at 42. With one hit movie after another,  she also managed to find love with her fiance,  Benji Madden. I just love her style and the way she wears clothes. She is simple yet chic and always throwing her own personal touch on each outfit. This year was no exception. Love looks good on her.
I love everything about this look. Diaz is one of the few that could pull it off.
I feel like I could wear this look anywhere. The stripes break everything up nicely.
Diaz never forgets the perfect finishing touch like those hot shoes. They take it up a notch.
Basic but chic and perfect for the airport.
The perfect take on the LBD.
Va Va Va Voom!

November 13, 2014

Taylor Swift's Blank Space: Look for Less

Everyone is talking about Taylor Swift's new video, "Blank Space", from her hit album 1989. The song is pretty catchy but the fashion in the video is right on point.  Glamorous and full of luxury, Swift pulls off every ensemble perfectly. These beautiful pieces must cost a pretty penny so here are a few budget-friendly options if you're looking to recreate the looks.
Taylor is getting back at her lover in this cream two-piece outfit. Try something similar like this sexy cut-out dress from ASOS.

Nothing is hotter than a leopard dress with sky high heels and a red lip. This Vince Camuto is almost identical to Taylor's at a quarter of the price.


Revenge is even better when you look this good. This baby blue dress is simple yet stunning and can take you from day to night. For the next best thing, try on this one from The Limited.
To see the video, click below!

October 19, 2014

Inspiration: Be Bold

 Be daring, but most importantly, just be yourself. Marilyn was. 

October 8, 2014

Home Sweet Home

As some of you know I moved and the transition was sad as I had lived in my beloved South End apartment for ten years. Times change and you roll with the punches. As I unpack my life, there are a couple things to make my new place feel like home. Flowers and a deliciously scented candle always brighten my day and create a warm, inviting feeling. My new favorite candle is this one from Anthropologie made by Voluspa in Crane Flower. The scent is intoxicating and truly fills an entire room. I also pick up flowers from the market in Copley every Tuesday that come in adorable mason jars. Priced at $8, they are such a nice, affordable addition to my nightstand. So as I square things away and get organized, it is now starting to feel like home sweet home.

September 24, 2014

Eyelash Central

Trust me, I have tried every mascara out there. I have spent hundreds of dollars on them searching endlessly for the thick, long lashes we see in the magazines and every celebrity. Year after year, I’ve searched for the perfect way to add volume, length, and thickness to my lashes. How does Jennifer Lopez do it? I finally decided that enough was enough—it was time to take the plunge into the world of eyelash extensions.


That is where eyelash guru Andrea Starr came to the rescue. She's the best in the business and I enlisted her to help a girl out. Starr opened her namesake, Eyestarr, on Newbury three years ago. The adorable studio is adorned with pictures of long-lashed celebs and old-Hollywood starlets as a throwback to an era where the focus was on thick, full brows and voluminous eyelashes. Starr is as beautiful as her shop and quite a fashionista. With a list of celebrity clientele and a Boston Magazine Best of Boston award under her belt among others, she really knows her stuff. She customizes her extensions to each individual client. After a consultation, we settled on a full, dramatic look for my first set of lash extensions, which were a mixture of silk, mink, and synthetic lashes.

I laid back and Starr placed pads over my bottom lashes and under the top ones. She then proceeded to work her magic by individually attaching each lash with medical glue. The entire process was painless and quite relaxing. Along the way, I chatted with Starr and was impressed by her beauty knowledge. The session took about an hour, and she said the lashes would be sealed on for the next four weeks.
I was worried about what showering and other daily activities would do to my lashes, but Starr put my fears to rest. She said that water is excellent for the extensions, so I can feel free to swim and shower normally. However, she said I should avoid using oily creams and makeup because this can harm the adhesive.
I am so happy with the results, and my lashes have received numerous compliments. Of course, I bat my eyes and say "thank you.” I have been wearing them for a couple months now with a touch up every four weeks.  An extra bonus is the lashes are always curled, so no mascara is needed. Bye bye, racoon eyes!

August 18, 2014

Hair Guru: Laura Kuhns

When it comes to my blonde locks, I don't let anyone but Laura Kuhns touch them. Blonde can be tough and sometimes finding the right shade can prove more than difficult. Laura knows color and even took strands of my hair to a baby doll pink last month. She allows for creativity without going too far. Not only is she a topnotch stylist, but an amazing gal who might just call you "doll" and endear you in every way. Laura started her career as assistant to Avanti owner and lead stylist, Alex Iacobacci. She splits her time between Avanti and Charles David in Plymouth She is my lifesaver and a great friend.

STYLE 101 with Laura Kuhns:

Favorite Shop: Urban Outfitters 
Must Have Hair Product: Renee Furterer Silver Shampoo
Currently Coveting: Anything leopard 
Nail Obsession: Essie Mint Candy Apple

August 1, 2014

Ear Party

Anthropologie

Move over arm party because the ear party just showed up. More and more, I am noticing that ear cuffs and layering a bunch of simple studs is now the rage. I simply love this look. It's easy to do and several shops are offering the trend. Here are a few of my favorites.

Ruegembon
Rebecca Minkoff
Jennifer Lawrence wearing the trend.

July 17, 2014

Nail File: My Go To Products

Anyone who follows my Instagram knows how obsessed with painting my nails I am. I own every color you could imagine. A lot of people ask me how I keep my nails healthy and strong. I love having long nails without having to wear tips. Artificial nails and shellac can reap havoc on natural nails so I like to avoid these at all costs. I use a few products that allow me to do this and keep my natural nails from breaking.


First, I file my clean nails into the shape I desire which currently is oval. Then, I cut my cuticles with my trusty tool. I smooth everything with a buffer and use nail polish remover to take off any oils that may be left on nails. This will definitely make your mani last longer.

I start with Essie Base Coat. My favorite new product is OPI Nail Envy and I apply two coats to nails after. This stuff is genius and really does prevent breakage. My nails are so hard and strong now. Reapply it every other day.
I usually stay with nudes, black, and red. Right now, I adore Essie Style Hunter and Spin The Bottle along with OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. However, the summer is a great time to experiment with fun, bold colors. I finish with the ultimate top coat, Seche Vite. Nothing compares to the shine and gel-like finish it leaves on nails. It also dries super fast.

There you have it. Until the next manicure.....

June 10, 2014

Summer Skincare Routine

This week I will be focusing mainly on beauty products.  I usually change up my skincare when the weather starts to change. I find I don't need such heavy moisturizers which tend to make my skin break out during the warmer weather. I have discovered some fabulous new products that I've added to my daily routine and have already noticed some changes.

Face wash has always been a challenge for me. Either they are too harsh or too gentle. I normally stick to cream cleansers but found Giovanna Skin Care Purifying Cleanser surprisingly at TJ Maxx. Breakouts have subsided and my skin feels clean without being stripped of moisture. Next,  I apply my go to toner from Neutrogena. Toner is essential in skincare in that it removes any impurities left over from washing.

I follow this up with Clarins Double Serum. I never really believed in serums until I was educated on what the benefits of this one are. It has won numerous awards and rave reviews. 20 pure plant extracts and potent, high-tech molecules make up this serum and a dual chamber system combines two age-defying formulas that reactivates skin’s vital functions. Skin is firmer and wrinkles are visibly reduced. Did I mention a more even skin tone and less visible pores in just 4 weeks? Believe it....I am hooked.

My daily moisturizer is also Clarins. It's light but provides enough moisture to get me through the day without caking my makeup. The Multi-Active Day Correction Cream provides antioxidants that protect from daily pollution and UV stress.

For the night, I've been using Obiqo products from New Zealand. Obiqo combines nutrient-rich sea kelp with the very finest natural marine anti-ageing extracts and the powerful anti-oxidant properties of French organic sea lavender. I love the way they make my skin feel and I wake up refreshed. The Smoothing Eye Cream and Restoring Night Cream sit on my nightstand.

Enjoy the sun and check out my summer makeup favorites soon to follow. 

May 26, 2014

Come Play: Assembly Row's Opening Weekend

The Outlets at Assembly Row are kicking off their opening weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Shop at famous brand name stores like PUMA, Pendleton, and of course Saks Off Fifth. Assembly Row is much like a neighborhood feel and there is so much more beyond the shops unfolding like free yoga, a music series on the lux patio, Legoland, and the Assembled Handmade Arts Market.

To get the festivities started, I will be hosting Fashion Flashes all weekend to showcase what exciting looks and trends these shops have to offer. Come check out my Summer Must Have picks and tips on what's trending right now. Enjoy the show and feel free to sit and ask me your questions on anything fashion. AND, check out Assembly Row's Instagram this Wednesday and Thursday as I am taking over to give a sneak peek of what I'm pulling for the shows. There may be a giveaway or two in there as well ;)

WHEN: Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st from 11am-3pm
WHERE: Sommerville, MA

Follow, follow, follow ASSEMBLY ROW:
Facebook- AssemblyRow
Instagram- @AssemblyRow
Twitter- @AtAssemblyRow

May 25, 2014

Get Your Tickets: Say Yes To The Dress

We all love watching TLC's Say Yes To The Dress. On May 31st the star, Randy Fenoli, is bringing his expertise to the Wilbur Theater. Randy Fenoli works with nearly 15,000 brides a year. The performance will consist of two acts ranging from bridal trends, tips on selecting the right gown and interacting with the audience. Two bridal parties will be interviewed and critiqued by Randy with audience participation.

Prior to the event, MIX 104.1 will give one lucky bride the chance to win the ultimate bridal package including tickets to see and meet Randy at The Wilbur. PLUS, the winning party will get to join MIX emcees Gregg Daniels and Fast Freddy for a shopping experience at Chantilly Place with a $1,000 gift card to go towards their dress!

WHEN: Saturday, May 31st, 2014 – 8:00PM
TICKETS: Visit www.thewilbur.com, or call the box office at 617.248.9800

The Wilbur | 246 Tremont Street | Boston, MA 02116 | 617.248.9800

May 13, 2014

Graduation Gift Perfection

Last minute graduation gift decision? Head to Tiffany and Co. to find the perfect present. Add even more special personalization from the master engraver visiting the Copley store this Sunday.

April 11, 2014

Nail File: Foil Art at MiniLuxe

We all know how obsessed with my fingertips I am. I probably own every color in the rainbow and have tested every product know to man related to nails and cuticles. I love a good shellac from time to time and my go to is always MiniLuxe. Calm, clean, and the most advanced in nail technology, MiniLuxe will not disappoint.

I heard about their foil art and just had to try it. There is an array of colors to choose from like hot pink to funky blues, and of course my favorites, gold and silver. The foils are set over a shellac manicure which lasts two weeks and each one leaves a slighty different pattern on each nail.

Then, there was the matter of picking my base color. This took me some time. MiniLuxe carries not only CND but OPI and Essie colors for the shellac. I opted for Overly Onyx, a cool grey, black.

La La came over who is adorable and also an artist telling me she can do all kinds of fun nail art. They also offer an Ombre Glitter Manicure I'm dying to try. The result of my Foil Manicure s just awesome, a new trend in nail art. For the next two weeks, I'm styling and don't have to worry about chips or breaks.

MiniLuxe is just a fun place to treat yourself and looking at all the fun goodies they have for sale is a treat.
  
This service can be enjoyed on shellac mani’s only and is $3 per nail or 2 nails for $5. All fingers are an additional $15.
Available at MiniLuxe Boston, Hingham, Newton Centre, Lexington  & Lynnfield!

April 4, 2014

#ConsciousUncoupling

We are all fascinated when we hear the news of a celebrity breakup. How could two seemingly perfect human beings find fault in each other? What went wrong? The latest in our breakup file is that of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. The news is everywhere and of course we want every detail so much so that celebrities feel the need to put out an official statement to publicly end their love affair. I didn't even want my latest breakup to hit Facebook. Paltrow took to her criticized website Goop to share the news. However, this statement was a little different leaving the emotionally challenged wondering, what is conscious uncoupling?

"We have always conducted our relationship privately," Paltrow stated, "and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and co-parent, we will be able to continue in the same manner."

Conscious Uncoupling is a term coined by famous author Katherine Woodward Thomas and is non-dramatic approach to end a relationship without pointing fingers. In a five week program called "The Art of Conscious Uncoupling", couples learn to separate in a healthy, mature manner in order to fully heal and move on. 

According to Thomas, most breakups take an average of five years to heal from and in learning to heal these wounds, you may find a true, meaningful relationship. Self-reflection and breathing exercises help to lesson victimization and drama. I really hope it doesn't take five years to heal because that means I have three more to go from my past breakup. Truth is, I think I am OK.

So let's thank Gwyneth for opening our eyes to a new, peaceful trend in breaking up and a new term for us to throw around over mimosas at brunch. I wonder who will be the next couple to consciously uncouple? Brad and Angelina? I guess I'll have to keep reading Us Weekly to find out.

March 19, 2014

Play: Blazing Paddles at Game On

Being a city girl, I am always looking for something fun and new to do with my weekends. Going to the same South End joint can certainly get old. I like feeling the excitement of exploring new territory and having the city feel fresh and new again. This past weekend I was invited to the opening of Patrick Lyons' new venture Blazing Paddles at Game On

The decor was very cool and relaxing.The downstairs lounge features an over-sized square bar that encourages diner-player interaction and even holds private luxury boxes. It was quite the experience and no pun intended, buckets of fun. "Runners" are on hand to retrieve the fly-away balls but also leave you with replenished baskets. Tables can be rented for half hour or hour increments, from thirty minutes to two hours.

"We will have a professional player on staff at all times, for either ping pong aficionados or amateurs, who will enjoy a night of fun with great pointers on how to improve their game," says Lyons. "Ping pong cuts across every demographic and is enjoyable for everyone."  


There is quite a cocktail list including some amazing margaritas that will surely quench your thirst after a long match. If you're hungry, order up some quick bites or a burger. There is something on the menu for everyone. I will definitely be heading back for another game and a few more laughs!

82 Lansdowne Street • Boston, MA 02215

March 10, 2014

Bling from the Animal Kingdom

There is not a time when the natural world wasn’t featured on the runways in some sort: snakeskin handbags, mink fur and leopard print dresses all had their moment in the spotlight and are always quite a popular choice on the streets of fashion capitals around the world. But now, as the fashion world is becoming more understanding and kind to the environment, the animal inspiration moved to fashionable accessories, and renowned creators like Maison Boucheron (Place Vendome 26) transformed it into an art.
Some of the most spectacular pieces crafted by the house along the years were part of their Collection of Animals and displayed impressively sculpted precious metals covered in countless high quality diamonds and intensely-colored gemstones. Zarafah – the charming giraffe ring – is an exquisite example of that craft: a ring in yellow gold, with her natural pattern cleverly reproduced in white and brown diamonds, blue and orange sapphires to highlight her features and a large ruby placed in her protection. The more you look at it, the more fascinated you become with the striking detailing.
While the rings are extravagant eye-catching creations, there are a few things you can comfortably wear every day at the office. Elegant and refined yet understated, the hedgehog pendant is a delicate work of art in pink gold, subtle black diamonds and round rubies. Hans, as the hedgehog is called, has rosy spikes (that don’t sting) which create wonderful reflections when it’s basking in light.
But Boucheron aren’t the only jewelers with a tradition in creations inspired from the animal world; Bvlgari’s serpent is just as famous as Boucheron’s. This season, onyx and mother of pearl adorn the head of the snakes while their blue body turns into an elegant bracelet.
Complete an animal-themed outfit with Roberto Cavalli’s firefly earrings with rhinestones in earthy tones. For a more colorful and exotic apparition, the fanged necklace is a must have, with crystal and rhinestone detailing in tropical tones; a subtle but strong piece. For a true show-stopping statement piece, Valentino brought to the runway an impressive chain necklace with a sizable golden bull. Not one to go unnoticed for sure and you need the attitude to match.

What else is out there? Well, Emilio Pucci blended some pop inspiration with a fiesta of colors and giant belts with stylized metal eagles to achieve a powerful effect. Tom Ford couldn’t be outdone so his models had feathered shoulder bags in black and white gradient. You can almost imagine that a dress made of plumage is next.
Since we’re talking bags, Louis Vuitton’s black leather owl bag is a worthy mention as it’s an impressive work of craft but still wearable. And last but not least, who can forget Fendi’s Buggies? Those furry, colorful and a tiny bit scary bag bugs/handbag accessories might not be PETA’s favorites since they’re made of fox and mink fur, but the ladies do seem to love The Funny and The Playful or any of the other tiny characters.
As always, designers give us plenty to choose from when it comes to ingenious ideas, and the animal world is one that never runs out on inspiration so diamond-covered swan rings and animal-print handbags will keep on coming with the start of every runway show and fashion week for years to come. Luckily, most of the creations are adorable and any animal-lover would be delighted to own them. Have a furry winter and a feathered spring!
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