MISSING YOU ALREADY, PART 3

If anyone is starting a diet after a lovely holiday season of stuffing your face, I thought you'd enjoy these "Odes to the things I can no longer enjoy on my damned diet" by Colin Nissan.

Goodbye, full-fat ice cream
Ice cream, you are my Tin Man. I will miss you most of all. I may be able to fool my eyes with low fat and fro-yo, but I will never fool my heart, or my taste buds...they know deceit when it crosses their path. Your rich, frozen pints have successfully numbed countless troubles in my life, and I thank you for that. Unfortunately, you are also responsible for the satellite ass that seems to have formed on my original one.

MISSING YOU ALREADY, PART 2

If anyone is starting a diet after a lovely holiday season of stuffing your face, I thought you'd enjoy these "Odes to the things I can no longer enjoy on my damned diet" by Colin Nissan.

Goodbye, Mysterious Vending-Machine Baked Good

I will never forget your number, E5, but I must forget you. I must forget the throat-burning sweetness of your frosting, and the faded mystery of your expiration date. While I may still stop by your machine on occasion, it will be only to press my hand against the glass in a gesture of longing. If you had a hand, I know you'd do the same.

MISSING YOU ALREADY, PART 1

If anyone is starting a diet after a lovely holiday season of stuffing your face, I thought you'd enjoy these "Odes to the things I can no longer enjoy on my damned diet" by Colin Nissan.

Goodbye, Up-for-grabs office doughnut
Well, this is awkward, isn't it? Another time, I would have walked right up and jammed you into my mouth...whole, if no one was watching. But today I must keep my distance for fear that a wisp of your powdered sugar will rise up to my nose like pixie dust and end this diet as quickly as it started. Do I want to live in a world where adorable fried confections are bad for you? No, I don't. Do I want to get rid of my lunch-lady arms? I really do.

IT'S THE MOST SPARKLY TIME OF THE YEAR

Visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads...

Merry Christmas.

-Sparkle

HOMELAND SECURITY

If you're looking to be entertained as well as fashionably enlightened, this is the blog for you. It's witty and sharp and could come in really handy if you need protection on a subway or dark alley.
www.manrepeller.com

SANTA'S HELPER

The holidays are fast approaching which unfortunately means pressure to find the right gift. For men this is particularly hard, as they get confused easily. And why wouldn't they? Imagine someone dumping you off at Home Depot and telling you to pick out the best/gotta have it items of the year?! So he buys you a gift certificate which is impersonal. Or he buys you lingerie (in his defense he HAS been hit over the head with Victoria Secret ads all month) but that is more of a gift for him than you. Or he really goes out on a limb and picks out a dress/shirt/pants/sweater for you, all of which will most likely be returned. It's times like these men could use a stylist. So instead of writing jeggings, city boot, chain necklace and greige nail polish just give him Sparkle's address.

STILA DAY TODAY, DECEMBER 11!!

Stila, Northshore Mall, Sephora 12-6

BEAUTY TRENDS

Check out what Sparkle had to say on stylelist.com!

www.stylelist.com

JUST USE SPARKLE

Jennifer Behr is having a sale so hop on it. No need for new earrings or some other tired accessory. Get a head wrap, headband, hair clip, hair pin... the list goes on. And now, get 30% off with code: SPARKLE
Let the holiday shopping begin!
www.jenniferbehr.com

FRY IT

After 7 years of dating and watching everyone around me getting engaged, I started to make unkind comments to my boyfriend (now husband). His response was simple. "Keep your eyes on your own fries."

At the time I didn't find it helpful, nor did I think it was funny but it has become one of my most cherished mantras and I try to live by it every day. It's a distant cousin to the style thief but encompasses so much more. It can pertain to your kids, work, and what you wear. Do what works for you and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing, wearing, going. If you don't, you'll be toast.

CLONED

Just when you think you've mastered a certain look, you realize everyone else has too. Take a look around. Girls from 11 to 90 are sporting the same look...skinny pants tucked into flat high boots paired with jacket/loose sweater/scarf. It's being worked from Boston to New York to LA. It's still a great look but if you want to change it up, pair the boots with a short skirt/dress with chunky wool tights and cropped jacket.

XOXO
Bored Sparkle Girl

STILA DAY COMING UP!

This Saturday, November 20th, Burlington Mall, MACY'S IMPULSE!! I'll be there 12-6.

NO MORE ROCKY

I have been getting a lot of concealer requests lately so I am reposting this. It's still my favorite.

I was born with dark under eye circles. While other children were rosy-cheeked and bright eyed, I looked like I was up smokin' butts in my crib. I'm not kidding. And in grade school, kids would ask me how I got punched. And so, the quest for a really good concealer began. The Everything Pencil answered that prayer. And it not only conceals under eye circles, it conceals scars, brown spots, veins and more. It's sheer but it works. And since it's in a pencil form it's easy to travel with. Get it. You'll be a total knock out.

www.judithaugustcosmetics.com

TO DIE FOR

Draping. Texture. Gorgeous hues. Amazing price. This dress has it all. Asos Apocalypto Dress for $119 is definitely a Revelation.
www.asos.com

STILA DAY, TODAY, Saturday, November 13, 12-6 Sephora Northshore Mall

IT'S SPARKLE TIME

As a fan of sparkle, this Tory Burch sequin scarf hits just the right note. It will add just enough light to an otherwise matte ensemble. Picture it with your warmest grey sweater, grey cashmere blazer, skinny jeans and brown Golden Goose boots. 

www.toryburch.com

 

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

If you're wondering if your outfit is fashionable... just ask yourself if your local newscaster would wear it. If the answer is yes, it's not.
Tune out.

STILA DAY COMING UP!

This Saturday, a team of Stila makeup artists (including myself), will be at Sephora in the Northshore Mall from 12-6.

WICKED PISSA

They say if you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you're pissing on the present. Not to be gross but it looks like my present needs cleaning up. It seems I'm always reminiscing about the past or planning for the future. Where is today? Fashion doesn't help.... always reflecting back on past decades for inspiration or looking forward to the season ahead. Way ahead. When was the last time you actually saw summer clothes in summer? Live in the now. This living in the past, or living in the future, is really pissing me off.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Lanvin 2011

I've often been known to sport pajama bottoms dropping my kids off at the bus stop. I may have also occasionally hit the grocery store in them too but who's counting? It's not that I'm lazy mind you, it's just that they're so damn comfortable. Wouldn't it be nice if couture could feel so good? It does now. This season's runways were overflowing with silky pantsuits, loose blouses, draped dresses and pajama-like trousers. Less structure and not as tight. Easy, breezy, fashion girl.

BOO!

Wondering whether that face cream is really as "natural" as it says it is? Concerned your kids' shampoo could cause cancer? Debating whether to toss that glossy lipstick if it has phthalates in it? If you really want to know what's in your products and how safe, or unsafe they are, check out www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. A site where more than 60,000 products have been reviewed for their content and safety. I'm happy to say my favorite Aubrey skin cream rates a 0 on the toxic scale. Nice to have one thing not to be scared of. (and you thought Halloween was over.)

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

STILA DAY, TODAY, Saturday, October 30, 12-6 Sephora Northshore Mall

I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING

When a pretty, healthy, in shape girl tells you she makes green shakes every day and wouldn't trade her blender for anything, you want one. It doesn't matter if it's a celebrity or your gorgeous co-worker, if you think she's got "the key" you want it too. This is why I'm currently obsessed with a $400 Blendtec blender. It doesn't matter that I already have a blender.... I want THAT ONE. I'm convinced it retains the nutrients better than my current one and can pulverize kale, cilantro, limes, pineapple into something completely appetizing. The key has been passed.
Check it out on cookware.com where they have everything from barstools to blenders to fancy cake plates. 
www.cookware.com

BOOTCAMP

Just got home from Stila Bootcamp, an intensive artistry training from only the best, of course. Perfecting the smoky eye was never more fun. If you're in the mood for some smoke, and don't want to be oversold a ton of products you'll never use (it only takes 3! Smudge Pot, Glamoureyes Mascara, Kajal pencil) you're in luck. Stila's your camp.
www.stilacosmetics.com

LIAR LIAR

I'm ashamed to say it but the beauty industry lies. Yup, that's right. You heard it here first. Magazines and their "top beauty products"? Lies. (hello? advertisers? revenue?) Celebrities hawking skin creams and drugstore foundations. Lies too. Jessica Biel wears Revlon foundation about as much as I do. Never. And salespeople are the worst. Ask them what they're wearing and they'll tell you whatever they want to sell you, not what's necessarily on their face. Now I'm not saying all are like that and the girls at Sephora are top notch but there's an angle everywhere, well, except here. It's a good thing you have me around.

AN APPLE A DAY

Looking for a great gift to give to your kids' favorite teacher? Check this out. When you purchase this limited edition t-shirt by Jones New York, 100% of the profits will go to "In the Classroom", a non profit organization supporting teachers and education. You're showing support for your teachers AND keeping them cute while doing it. How smart is that?
www.macys.com

STILA DAY, TODAY, Thursday, October 21, 12-6 BOSTON PRUDENTIAL

PERFECT?

You finally get your hair just where you want it but then realize your arms are jiggling. You get the arms toned but without warning, your skin's a wreck. You smooth out the face (back sleeping only) but then pull a Mommy Dearest moment on your oldest kid. Work is going great but then you piss off your best friend by giving her your real opinion and then you're miserably unhappy. It never ends. And if you think you've got it all together just wait till tomorrow. Stop striving for perfection, it's exhausting. (I say this with experience, I've been told it over and over again since I was 8) Maybe just pick one thing to get right (a "perfect" little dress) and give the rest a break. Your arms, kids, husbands and friends will thank you for it.

FINE LINE

When did looking younger trump looking prettier? It's a scary trend that women would rather trade looking a few years younger for a prettier face overall. I mean, softening the lines is one thing but erasing them altogether? I don't appreciate looking older anymore than the next reasonably fastidious woman but I'd at least like to recognize myself in the mirror. It's a fine line between impeccable grooming and overdone obsession. Keep it real.

STILA DAY, TODAY, SATURDAY OCTOBER 16

Makeup Makeup! Northshore Mall, MACY's Impulse, STILA, 4-8pm. See you there.

GET GOOSED AT VIOLA LOVELY

Three years ago I got these delicious Golden Goose boots from an online retailer for a client of mine. She has since said they were the best purchase she's ever made and while visiting me from New York, bought her second pair at our very own Viola Lovely. No more waiting for them to arrive in the mail, no more panic  thinking the doorman may have misplaced them. These babies are in your hand, pronto. How lovely is that?

Viola Lovely
South Hamilton, MA
Concord, MA

TUTU MUCH

So it's happened. My daughter wants to fit in. She's only 6 and yet here it is. She used to wear tutus around her neck and pair stripes with checks, stars and paisley. She liked anything with glitter and anything pink. Anything that would STAND OUT. Not anymore. I recently picked up a pair of gold sneakers for her. Not obnoxiously gold.. just slightly metallic. She said she liked them but days went by and she still hadn't worn them. I finally had to ask why. "They'll stand out too much," was her reply. Stand out too much?? Wasn't that the point? She used to hate it when people had on the same thing as her... she used to relish in her odd pairings. I guess at some point we all want to fit in, but proceed with caution. Fitting in is overrated and incredibly dull......in fashion and in life. Be a stand out instead.

'FALL' IN LOVE WITH FASHION

Need a little inspiration for your Fall wardrobe? Feeling the need for a night out? The Northshore Mall Nordstrom's can help on both counts. This Thursday, October 7th, from 5-8 pm they are hosting a no charge event showcasing safari and military fashions... which are so on point right now. The event will include fashion shows, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, live music, free swag bags to the first 200 guests and retailer promotions.
I've fallen.
www.simon.com

NEW BRIDE

Clearly I've been blessed, yet again. Beautiful bride + talented photographer = Happy Makeup Artist.

Seriously. Funny, sweet, laid back. Is this the new bride?....Cause I like it! Keep 'em coming.

And there were so many gorgeous shots it was hard to choose, thanks to Bob Pattison of Pattison Photography. Check him out at www.pattisonphoto.com

STILA DAY FRIDAY 10/1 and SATURDAY 10/2

If you happen to be in NH, stop by. Today, Friday, 10/1, Pheasant Lane Mall, Sephora, STILA, 12-5 OR Saturday, 10/2, Northshore Mall, Sephora, STILA, 12-5. I'll be there.

BAD HAIR DAY

This WORKS!

This DOES NOT work

Your wedding hair and makeup should be about looking like you, only better (see far left photo). It is not the day to decide to return to 1982 and have bad prom hair (see photo on right). I see it over and over again....beautiful and natural hair, whether it's an updo or left down, gets turned into a cascade of fake stiff curls which makes the hair look dated and the bride look ridiculous. There is nothing modern or sophisticated or even pretty about hair that looks like it came off of a Madame Alexander doll. 

REPEAT OFFENDER

I'm guilty. I pretty much wear the same gym outfit every single time I go to the gym. It's a rut of sorts but one I'm willing to live with. Why would I spend money on things I'm (barely) breaking a sweat in? I don't wear makeup to the gym, nor do I do my hair so why do my clothes need to change or even be cute? They don't.

IS THE NEW

Dempsey & Carroll have collaborated with style guru, Simon Doonan, to create a quirky and memorable stationery collection. But they aren't safe and not everyone will get it. (this is exactly why they're awesome)
http://www.dempseyandcarroll.com

I WANT THE TRUTH!

It's hard to get the truth these days especially when it comes to skin care. Every brand puts their spin on it and while it sounds good you never really know if it actually works until you try it. I could go on and on just like they do about what's in this little bottle but then I'd just sound like them. All I know is that I tried it for a week and noticed such a difference that I just bought it online (sorry Todd). My skin looked more refreshed, more even, more glowy. I can handle it.

http://www.sephora.com

STILA DAY FRIDAY 9/24/10

Join me tomorrow, Friday, September 24 at Macy's, Northshore Mall, Stila, from 1-6. What are you waiting for?

KILLER SHOES

Let me just say I have moved heavy glass tabletops up 2 flights of stairs, in heels. I have carried babies and pushed swings at the park, in heels. I have maneuvered black ice, in the dead of winter, in heels. Today I tripped up a curb, landed on my chin, went to the hospital to get 5 stitches (real pretty), IN SNEAKERS. I'm going back to heels. Comfort does not equal safe.

STILA DAY

I know it's beautiful out but it doesn't take that long to get some great makeup tips from Stila makeup artists. Visit Northshore Sephora, Stila, today September 18th from 12-5. Myself and 2 other lovely Stila ladies will be waiting.

IT'S A SNAP

Linea Pelle Double Wrap Sliced Leather Bracelet

I love cuffs but sometimes they're stiff or super heavy or just don't stay put like you want them too. Layering a bunch of bracelets is a good look but sometimes I honestly don't have the time or the energy. Problem solved. Madewell's rope bracelet. Comes in dark brown or metallic gold. One snap and you're on your way. www.madewell.com

PASS IT ON

Paris.
Blair. Serena. Chuck. Need I say more? If you think it's just for teenagers, you're probably right, but damn if those teeny boppers don't have good clothes.
Gossip Girl starts tonight. Watch it.
XOXO
Sparkle Girl

BB Squared

It was my nickname in high school. Big boobs squared. Being petite with enormous boobs is not fashionable. It's kind of a freak show. I wound up getting them reduced mostly because I was tired of the stares and because I really really loved clothing and clothing is not kind to big chested girls. Haute Couture sometimes isn't even flattering on a hanger. So although I'm practically in the flat category now (if only I had some of those boobs back!) I can relate to the larger boob girls too. Keep them supported. A little cleavage goes a long way. And pick clothes that give you a waist and add structure to your shoulders. People will notice the total you and not just the BB's.

ON THE MARC

So the Preppy Handbook is being updated. It's called "True Prep". It probably doesn't have much of a chance of being as informative/entertaining as the original but I still want to read it. However, if your goal is to create the preppy look, but in a modern way, forget the book.... check out Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 collection instead. The skirt lengths, the fabrics, the mix of sparkle with matte. It's totally cool but seriously refined. No pink and green allowed.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME MAKEUP?

Fall is coming, kids are going back to school, and your tan is about to fade. Time for some new makeup and a new look. If you're in the Boston area, hit the Sephora in the Northshore Mall this Sunday September 12. I'll be there with Stila from 12-5 ready to show you new products and new tricks.

GLAMOUR GIRL

I went to Stila training yesterday to learn about the new products. Stila has always been gorgeous, usable and wearable but now it's seriously innovative. I'll do another post on the new Correct Primer but first let's talk lashes. If I hadn't witnessed the transformation myself I wouldn't have believed it. I'm not going to get all technical on you but we are talking long, long, ridiculously long lashes that aren't clumpy or heavy. You can apply a few coats for work for respectably long, natural lashes and then reapply at night for off the charts, could be fake lashes with no clumping and no flaking (has to do with the Polymers but who cares about that right? IT JUST WORKS!) I am usually a drug store mascara girl but at $20 it's a steal.
Stila Glamoureyes Mascara, www.sephora.com