My Summer Makeup Secret

I'm going to let you in on one of the little pleasures in my life, it's one of my little secrets too: I wear full makeup everyday. What I mean by that is I wear moisturizer, cream foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, mascara, powder, and lipstick. I know, its not always necessary. But I honestly just love the process of putting it on. It relaxes me to feel the brushes on my face and I feel instantly put together when I'm finished. One of the problems of wearing full makeup is the summer time heat. To put it graphically, if you wear full makeup and its 90 degrees outside with 95% humidity, it looks like your face is melting off.

When I ask for advice for wearing makeup in the summer, most people have just recommended that I switch to a tinted moisturizer, but I think I may be addicted to my foundation! 

Recently I found the little secret to keeping it all together/in place: NARS Pro Prime. I started putting a tiny amount on before my foundation about 6 months ago and it has made such a difference. My makeup stays in place while I'm sweating all day long (another tip: always dab your sweat, don't wipe it). The NARS specialist at Sephora told me I could swim it in, too. I haven't tested that out yet, but I can say that this eye makeup primer stays put whilst one is crying... or also swimming. or playing tourist. yeah?

Do you have any summer beauty secrets?

Shoe Love: Leopard slippers

Hello from the road to Philadelphia! I know, I literally just got back from California, but I just can't help myself. I've got to see the world. This weekend I'm off to a wedding! Other people's weddings area always better than your own. Trust me. The booze is free and the cake and dancing so much better. ;)

So on to Shoe Love, because that's why you're here right? I found these darlings at Target last weekend for 20 bucks. I've been wanting a pair of manly yet feminine slippers for like a year, leopard preferred. You know how much I love leopard and I had to have these. You can't say 'no' at Target. Since when did I become such a bargain shopper?

Also, I tagged this as girl's weekend because when else is it absolutely appropriate to wear these?

Wardrobe: What I Wore: It's a Beer.

Get it?! It's a Beer. A bear-deer. How could I not buy this shirt? Seriously.

Tips to Travel By: Gifts for the Hostess

Monogrammed Mug; Fresh Soap; Dean & Deluca Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Cheesemonger Kitchen; Hammered Bowl; Kate Spade Monogrammed Stationary; Illustrated Guide to Cocktails; Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

A few years ago my mom and I went to the Nancy region of France to visit some friends (after our trip to Nice and Cote d'Azur). They kindly invited us to stay in their home for an extended weekend and we wanted to bring a hostess gift to the mother of the family. We fully intended to bring a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers, a typical hostess gift. But while we were out shopping and chatting with a number of French people, they warned us against our gift choices. They said that you must be very careful as an American offering a French family wine, as they are very particular about what they like. In addition, just choosing fresh seasonal flowers is nice, but flowers have specific traditional meanings and they were concerned that we would give them funeral flowers by mistake.

My mom and I settled on a special bottle of olive oil and it was a raving success with our friends. They even insisted we open it the very evening of our arrival, in order to enjoy it with bread and dinner. We were relieved that we didn't commit a cultural faux pas and so happy that our friends could see how much we appreciated their invitation.

So I got to thinking about other gifts that might be thoughtful alternatives to the usual bottle of wine and flowers. All items above cost about the same or less as a bottle of wine.

Discovering Art and Art History: Buying Art

People often ask me to advise them on art purchases. They want to know where they can find high quality works for a good price. It's hard to explain "a good price" or "high quality" but once you've looked at thousands of pieces you start to sort the good from the bad from the ugly (I couldn't help saying that!).

People who ask me about art are interested in owning original works to display in their homes. They might not necessary want an entire collection, but perhaps something to hang over the couch or objects to put on the coffee table that are unique and stimulating. Most of the people I know are my peers too and they are still young and finding their way in the world. They might not have $50,000 to blow on one painting or at all.

Taste in art is highly subjective. I love that there is something for everyone. When starting a collection, buy pieces that you like. Don't buy something as an investment. You are going to have to look at it! You might find great art at flea markets, outdoor summer art/craft shows, or even through friends and family.

One of my favorite places to shop for high quality original artwork is through highly reputable art schools, like the Savannah School of Art and Design that I briefly mentioned here. The paintings below are some of my favorite ones for sale in ShopSCAD. Click the artist name for artist's bio, more details about the work, and how to purchase. All of these paintings are less than $10,000, which seems like a lot but oil painting is still one of the most expensive mediums.

**SCAD also has just about everything design related! Gman and I bought our dishes here and several gifts for friends and family. (These photos are not my own.)

Katherine Sandoz
Waterway Low Tide
Water-based media on birch
7.25" x 7.25"

Monica Cook
Yo Yo
Painted with ink on frosted mylar, framed
24" x 19"

Russ Noto
The Child, the Future, and the Unfamiliar
Oil on canvas
6 ft. x 6 ft.

Jane Winfield
Pull
Industrial enamel. latex house paint, acrylic on wood panel
36" x 24"

JenMarie Zeleznak
I Fade From Myself, and Miss You Again, 2011
Watercolor pencil on paper
55” x 51”

Weekend Recap: friends and fashion

Sorrelli jewlery

TJMaxx shop

photo courtesy of A Loyal Love

A Loyal Love

fellow DC ladies, Allix of The District and Cheralee of Lyle Style

As you may know, I went up to New York City this weekend. I had the intention of stalking fashion week and attend the Blogger Night Out event on Friday night. I did attend the event (with A Loyal Love) but I decided it was more important to spend the rest of the weekend with my dear friends in the city. Also it was snowy and we wore rain boots all weekend. 

Some of you asked me about Blogger Nigh Out, here is my list of pros and cons:
Pros: great music, handsome bartender, stylish women, beautiful jewelry, and delicious ginger vodka drinks
Cons: most of the attendants weren't as friendly as I was expecting and it was too dark to actually shop for the jewelry. However, the ladies I did meet were lovely and I enjoyed myself over all.
On Saturday, after a long brunch, shopping (I want everything in the JCrew spring line. Also JCREW AND MANOLO COLLABORATION?! Yes please), and napping, Tammy and I met up with the ladies for some pizza at Keste, beers at Wilfie and Nell, and finally grabbed some Tecates at the Rusty Knot. It turned out to be just what we needed and I didn't even miss the fab shoes on the runways (well, maybe a little ;)!

I'll have to tell you about our hotel experience later this week too...

Destination: Ft. Myers, Florida

As you may know, Gman and I took a road trip for the holiday season. We started in his hometown, Ft Myers Beach, Florida. I've written about Southwest Florida briefly before here and it's true that this is where people go to experience a more relaxed lifestyle. Not only do Gman and I love to go home to visit his family but also to have downtime that we don't seem to get too much of in our daily lives. After a few days here we are refreshed and ready to take on the world again.

My favorite thing to do in Ft Myers is to lounge in the sun by the pool, drink a cold beer, and chat with Gman's family. I recommend going here if you are looking for a time out. This what you should see and do...

I highly recommend spending a significant portion of your time at the beach. Ft Myers Beach {where Gman's mother grew up} and Sanibel {which I wrote about here} are great options. Ft Myers used to rely heavily on its shrimp fishing industry and still does to a lesser degree {and now depends on tourism}. If you enjoy seafood, you can find the freshest around at the shimp docks on the mainland side of Ft Myers Beach. If you are looking for a beach-y souvenir then go to Local Color, also on Ft Myers Beach. They have a great selection of tacky, tourist-y objects and surprisingly chic beachwear.

taken with instagram

Spend a day shopping start by finding a deal at the Miramar Outlets then head over to The Shops at Coconut Point for lunch at Tony Sacco's for coal oven pizza and more shopping.  If you find yourself closer to downtown the shops at Bell Tower are great for grabbing the basics. I would stop here in the afternoon to sample beers at World of Beer and to have dinner at Paris Saigon Bistro for an interesting mix of French and Vietnamese.

You'll also want to take a drive down the palm tree lined McGregor Blvd and go for a tour of the Edison House. Both have the perfect old Florida vibe. Thomas Edison built his winter home here in Ft Myers. You can explore his laboratory, gardens, pool, and home which have all been fully restored. I found it slightly strange that you can not enter the home, only peer into the windows. However, the architecture was designed to maximize that coastal breeze so large windows and shallow spaces allow you to see everything despite being regulated to view from the porch. 

Henry Ford lived next door and you can sneak a peek into his Craftsman style house too. I'm obsessed with the wood floors and ceilings of the Ford home. The wrap around porches on both homes are also a dream come true.

Last but not least you must pick up some chocolates at Norman Love. If it's cold(ish) then try the Mexican Hot Chocolate otherwise just pick up a few truffles. They are so delicious that your mouth waters with anticipation of the next bite.

Shoe Love: Fashion's Night Out

Did you all make it out to Fashion's Night Out in your city last night? The last few years I have had the pleasure of wandering around NY FNO but this year it was DC's Georgetown neighborhood or bust. Unfortunately it was pouring buckets of rain (it hasn't stopped for 48 hours!) which not only scared people off but also separated people so much that it was hard to get an idea of how many people actually braved the weather in hopes of seeing DC's more fashionable (and get some free champagne and perhaps have a dance party in the middle of M Street).

The offerings were nothing to write home about (Spend $150 and get a tiny gift bag? No thanks. Why didn't more stores have DJs? What made it special to shop last night?). But no matter the event it was a great excuse to spend time with my girlfriends.

Choosing an outfit for a rainy night out was a difficult one and after many costume changes and shoe considerations, I decided to go with the tried and true Hunter Wellies. These rain boots are classically stylish and always dependable.  You can throw them on with a sundress in the spring or jeans in the fall or wear them to keep your feet dry during that dreaded rainy day commute. I wore them last night with a vintage swim suit, Hermes scarf, and blazer.

 

{You can buy a pair here or here.}

Destination: Washington, D.C.



Kennedy Center

Federalist architecture in Georgetown

My best friend from childhood, Jacqueline, came up to visit two weeks ago to see Wicked for her birthday. She used to live here and fell in love with DC through and through. We spent most of the weekend sampling food and libations from many neighborhoods in the city. As well as shopping in Georgetown and Eastern Market.

 

After a night of celebrating her return to the city at Ping Pong Dim Sum and The Passenger, Saturday brunch was a must. We headed to Dupont Circle to have granola, scones, chicken sausages, and chai tea at Teaism. We wasted no time going upstairs to our first destination, Secondi, known for its high-end consignment. It is located above Teaism, Starbucks, and a nail salon, Mimosa. Most Saturdays I browse in Secondi, get my nails done (while sipping free champagne), then grab coffee or tea to go. I like to call this the Saturday Morning Trifecta.

I always look at my food like that...

Shopping in Georgetown was also necessary. We both saved up our money in anticipation of a shopping extravaganza as we neither have self-control when around each other. Georgetown was hot, loud, and crowded. We soldiered on, determined to get all the shopping crossed off our list in less than 3 hours. I was disappointed that many of the clothes I saw in person were not nearly as beautiful as portrayed online and most of it didn’t fit either, including JCrew (eep!). I settled for chocolate covered gummy bears from Dean and Deluca.

Sunday we hit up Eastern Market for some shopping and had some homemade poptarts at Ted Bulletins. Then we spent a few hours watching trashy TV and flipping through fashion magazines before she had to fly home.

Although I clearly enjoy eating and shopping, the highlight of the weekend was getting to see Wicked at the Kennedy Center. I am usually cynical when it comes to musicals. I’m not the all singing, all dancing type and find some musicals to be just plain cheesy. However, as soon as Dee Roscioli, who played the lead as the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba), opened her mouth and started to sing, I got chills. I ended up getting completely sucked in; laughing and crying with the characters. I found the play to be a critical commentary on society and the age old nature vs nurture argument. Is someone born wicked? I suggest you book your ticket and go see it to find out.

Wicked faces

{photos courtesy of the fab. Jacqueline}

Shoe Love: Miu Miu



photo courtesy of the fab. Katherine Siboni

This is weekend #4 of my girl's weekend extravaganza. As I mentioned here, I love any excuse for a girl's weekend and with that any excuse to don a bit of glitter. One of my best friend's EVER is flying into town tonight and we have a weekend full of cocktails, food, shopping, giggling, and dancing planned. I love my MiuMiu glitter t-strap heels for precisely weekends like this. I bought them when I was in Nuremberg, Germany a few years ago. I love pick up shoes and fashion magazines as souvenirs.

What will you be up to this weekend? What souvenirs do you like to get, if any, when you travel?

Weekend Recap

How was your weekend? Are you ready for Monday? I spent a good part of yesterday watching Mad Men and chatting on the phone. I don't usually let myself lay around the house but it felt necessary.

While out with friends on Saturday I picked up this lovely little necklace. I can't wait to wear it with... well... everything! Do you have a favorite necklace that you like to wear everyday? Do you layer your necklaces?

PS - Gman bought this statue for me when traveling through Cambodia. I like its small size and the subtle details of the face.

Wardrobe: The White Maje Dress

Some of you asked me about the white dress from my rainy tryst in Paris. Not only do I wear it on a regular basis (and did on Saturday) but as Katie and I walked around the West Village we saw that Maje is opening an American location there! Let's just say I'll be visiting again in the Fall...



Wardrobe: Florida

I'm lusting over this perfect Florida wardrobe... and how beautifully organized it is!



via Patterson Maker

Wardrobe: Key West Express



Roxy swim suit, Victoria's Secret cover up, Essie nail polish, JCrew sandals, JCrew hat, Foley + Corinna bag, Fijifilm Instax instant film camera

If you are going to be bar hopping, swimming, boating, touring, and shopping then you need to go prepared: sandals that strap to your feet, a bag that you don't have to carry, a hat so you don't worry about your hair, and an instant film camera to capture those ridiculous moments.

Wardrobe: Hiking on the Hudson

You will surely require the appropriate ensemble for a day of hiking and picnicking. Here are my picks for a chic day in the country:

Jacket Club Monaco, Shoes Patagonia, Tank JCrew, Shorts JCrew, Watch Swatch, Earrings Marc Jacobs

Artsy Things

Now, what to do on your girls weekend to NYC?

See what is happening in the art world now and pop your head into a few art galleries in Chelsea. Perhaps you’ll catch an opening, sip on some champagne and meet some of the artists. Check out a list of upcoming shows and get the latest on what's new on Art Net online.  

Kill two birds with one stone and pick up a few treasures at the Brooklyn Flea Market. It’s more than worth the trek out to Brooklyn.



pick up some hip walking shoes...

  


or a little bling for a night out...



I grabbed several of these, one can never have too many scarves...



Before dinner, experience some female bonding and go to a Burlesque Dancing class hosted by the NY School of Burlesque (make reservations in advance). I recommend the twirler class, my girls and I have gone several times. You will seriously laugh for an hour straight, have a great time with your girlfriends, and break out of your comfort zone. No need to be shy here, by the end of the class you will be twirling like a pro. Afterwards, pick up a pair of pasties from a vendor on etsy.com to practice your new moves at home!




after class

After exploring Chelsea and the Brooklyn Flea Market, then having some dance lessons, you will be in dire need of a fabulous place to sit back, relax, and stuff your face. Next posting I'll suggest where to eat and drink your way through the city...