spring break forever

It's spring off and on. Sizzles like summer some days and feels like fall the next. Regardless, every chance I get I'm outside. Chris has been working every weekend on the deck creating a garden oases. You'll find me with an iced coffee art directing or sunbathing. I refreshed some of my beauty cabinet with the change of the weather. Dior Crème De Rose Lip Balm keeps my lips smooth enough for all the lipstick damage I do during the day. Plus it has SPF in it to protect my pout when I'm sunbathing. I recently became very attracted to the rose notes in fragrance making Chloé Eau de Parfum an ideal fit. The base of cedarwood, amber, and honey makes it more sophisticated rather than a teenage floral. Just this past weekend I picked up YSL's top secrets natural action exfoliator. Applied to a dry face, the honey texture transforms to a light oil then to a milk to remove dead skin cells. Rinse with cool water and your on your way to beautiful skin. I always cringe at the word "exfoliator" because I think of rough, sandy textures but this one is extremely smooth and you only have to use a dime sized dollop for your entire face. Kiehl's blue herbal gel cleanser is a good everyday makeup remover/acne treatment. I don't break out often but I do have blemishes from time to time. This has cleared up my skin better than any cleanser in the past. My mum gave me a small vial of the SolarOil nail and cuticle conditioner that I keep at my desk at work. At least once I week I brush it onto my cuticles, let it sit for a few minutes and easily press my cuticles back. It maintains my manicure and makes my nail beds look long and clean. Lastly, I've bought into the idea of "an apple a day…" by having a honey crisp apple with lunch everyday. Who knew such a small fruit could give such a boost of energy, subdue my need to reach for the candy bowl and flatten my belly. This might be the best product shown above actually. Until the next time the temperatures hit about 75. Xo

i fall for fall

And just like that, summer is over. I've been in a blissful state now that things have cooled down. Sleeping with the windows open with the cool air coming in has left me rested and ready to start the day each morning. With fall comes a change of weather and some fun additions to my lifestyle. The Balenciaga buckle ankle boots are an ideal wardrobe staple but let's face it, I need to pay rent instead. (A girl can dream) Alexander Wang coin purse for my metro card, more film for my mini polaroid camera, MOR candle to scent my room, ck one pure color lipstick in lip lock for a perfect berry pout, cider donuts which I can not say no to at every flea market, a Movado watch in rose gold and gold stamped Kate Spade note cards to write well wishes to friends and family this season. Rock on fall, I love you.

something on your face

One of the most vivid memories from my childhood is of my mom putting makeup on me for my ballet rehearsals. I remember the blush, the subtle eye shadow, a little lipstick and most of all, the cat-eye liner. I remember looking in a mirror thinking that this is how ladies should look. This is how I should look. It isn't much of a surprise that 20-some years later that I end up in the beauty industry.

I've tried most looks and trends but always come back to the classic look that was established by my mom many years ago. I've found a collection of products and brands that are my go-to. I defend my spending since I am not a clothes or shoes type of girl but rather a beauty junkie. Instead of purchasing many different products to figure out what I love, I've learned to ask for samples. Out of all those samples there are 6 products that I use daily. Clockwise: MOR Lip Macaron, Chanel Eyeshadow, NARS Lip Pencil, Clinque Eyeliner, Dior Mascara and Benefit High Beam

a week in brief

Stopping in briefly before I head into another meeting. The time between Halloween and New Years always flies by. Hopefully next week will be a little more calm and I can come back and blog about some things I've been thinking about. Here's a quick glimpse though of what I've been drinking, eating, listening to and smelling like. More soon, promise! Start right, top and go clockwise: Bottega Veneta, l'Occitane sheer butter hand cream, Softlips in Vanilla, San Pellegrino Spring Natural Mineral Water, "Sway" by The Kooks, Fage greek yogurt

ghouling good

Happy Halloween! I'm wishing everyone tricks and treats from NYC. I spent my weekend in California with both an old and now some new friends. The photo is of myself painted as a sugar skull. I've had an obsession with Día de los Muertos ever since high school. It's a tradition that I wish were celebrated here in the states. Wouldn't it be great to be able to dress up and celebrate the lives of those lost in a colorful, beautiful way? I love that the skulls represent the sweetness of life (sugar) and the sadness in death (skull). A big thanks to Matt for the photo and being the best California guide all weekend.

they're young, they're in love, they rob banks

Halloween this year will be inspired by Bonnie and Clyde. The attitude, the fashion, the beauty and the hardness of the 30s. I can't wait to go vintage shopping for this one. I'll be hitting up Edith Machinist (on Rivington) and Family Jewels (on West 23rd) both in Manhattan. If you have any other vintage stores to recommend, drop me a comment, I'd love to hear! :)