LAURA'S SECRET

It's the holidays and I have a gift idea for you. Now, before you get all puritanical on me I want you to imagine how happy your husband/boyfriend/significant other would be if you gave him an entire photo album of you that looked like a Victoria Secret catalog. Yes, I kid you not, even us mere mortals can look like an "Angel" with the right amount of makeup and the right photographer. Laura Imbeault makes the process easy, tasteful and comfortable. I love working with her and so do her clients.
Top THAT, Santa.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

You know you're supposed to eat your Omega's but you might want to start putting them on your face as well. I bought this Kiehl's concentrate a few months back and now that drier winter weather is here, I'm glad I did. Filled with essential oils it soaks in quickly and seems to replenish what mother nature takes away (damn her). If my skin is feeling particularly cranky I layer a cream on top for extra hydration. Soak it up.

NARS-issistic

Mirror mirror on the wall...who's the fairest of them all? Why YOU of course! Especially with this new tinted moisturizer by NARS. Sheer, light, hydrating and dewy. Flawless, natural looking skin, now that's something to stare in the mirror for.

GONE. MISSING.

I miss my kids.

My youngest started Kindergarten this year and on his first day I had a lot of people asking me how I was doing. How was I doing about what? I had to meet a client that day and since there was no drama surrounding him getting on the bus, no problems, right? Ummmmmm. A month later and it hit me, HARD. Crying? Try sobbing. It's gotten so bad that I can't even give correct fashion advice. A friend asked if she could start wearing clogs (as in the nurse kind but not white) and I actually said yes (J, I might have to rescind on that one). Point is, if you see me wearing a tracksuit with nurse clogs, you'll know why.

THEY CALL ME OATMEAL

When I went to college my parents thought it was a good idea to get me a car. While I perused the used Jettas, very used Porsches (what? I could dream) and used Saabs, the car salesman came up to me and said, "Well, you're oatmeal. Let me show you the Saabs." It was funny only because at prep school I felt like I was pushing it by wearing pale pink lipstick and something other than sweatpants to class. Now my 8 year old daughter comes home telling me the "popular" girls wear Hello Kitty t-shirts and shop at Justice. Apparently her staid diet of Crewcuts isn't cutting it. But I had to laugh... depending on the pool you swim in you're sometimes going to be oatmeal and sometimes you're not. Choose your pool wisely.

ALL TUCKERED IN

I'm feeling the need to tuck? Are you feeling it too? Whether it's a half tuck or a full tuck... tucking is back. I'm even tucking sweaters. But I especially love silky blouses with a great pair of jeans or casual flannel as seen on the right. Men got the hint a few years back that untucking wasn't cool anymore... it's time we followed suit.

AUGUST IN A BOTTLE

Summer's over and your tan is fading. That cute dress you wanted to wear this weekend with bare legs looked great with a tan but not so great now. Self tanners are an option but not a very good one. No matter what brand is used, I can always tell when someone uses a self tanner. The smell, the orange hue and when applied incorrectly, the streaks. But Invisible Stockings by Judith August fixes all of that. Not only does it give your legs the most natural tan look, it's waterproof, sheer, and also hides imperfections like veins, bruises, freckles, etc. And it only comes off when you decide to take it off, with soap and water. Faux real!

BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

This summer I had the pleasure of doing makeup for the beautiful bride you see here and all her lovely bridesmaids. Since I rarely get to see the brides' pictures, I was particularly grateful to be sent these. Such a great group of women. Thank you!! To see more photos from the day visit Sparkle-Inc

LETTING GO

About a month ago I decided it was time to rid my closet of all the clothes I was holding on to that in reality would never be worn, or worse, would be worn but only out of convenience and not real love. It's hard to get rid of cashmere or designer labels but if they don't fit right or you never actually wear them what's the point? 5 trash bags full later, I have a practically empty closet and room in my drawers. So I ordered that leather jacket I was coveting as well as high end jeans and sweaters. A uniform way of dressing is now taking shape. At first I thought I might go through withdrawal but that hasn't been the case. It's liberating and certainly easier to get dressed in the morning. Quality vs. Quantity. I highly recommend it.

A FLUTIST'S EXPRESSION

Photo courtesy of jamisonwexler.com

I recently had the pleasure of working with Andrea LeBlanc, a professional flutist who both teaches and performs here in New England. She is stunningly beautiful and I was so happy to get to see the final shots. Just beautiful. To see more shots from her shoot, visit jamisonwexler.com/blog

THEY'RE JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU

www.jcrew.com

If you were wondering if it's you, it's not. J.CREW has a fit problem and it doesn't matter what body type you have, everyone has had issue with it. Take for instance this cashmere sweater. I love it, I bought it. I recommended it. But buyer beware. It has shorter sleeves and it's boxy so instead of looking all Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn you could just wind up looking fat through the middle with alligator arms. J.CRAP.

SLIM SHADY

I've had a love affair with aviator style sunglasses since high school. Sleek. Sporty. Classic. What's not to love? But finding the right pair wasn't always easy. I went through at least 3 pairs of Ray Bans, a few generic brands and even Serengetis but it wasn't until this summer while out West that I found the perfect pair. Smith Serpico Slims are lightweight, polarized, and fit properly instead of falling down my face. The love affair continues.

IT'S GETTING COLD IN HERE

Oh Fall where are you? I know it's still August but my North Face vest is calling me and it needs a bit of a chill in the air to be worn. It's warm and easy to throw on when you're out on a hike or watching a game but also a winner with skinny jeans, high heeled boots, scarf and dangly earrings. Brrrrrrrrilliant.

SCOUT HER OUT

Friday Night: What I'm Wearing by Alisa Neely @ SCOUT

I have an amazing friend whom I've known for quite some time and through all the years and stages we have been through together (pregnancies, babies, etc, etc) she has remained cool, constant and oh so chic. This girl is a writer, designer (she designed and owned her own childrens' line that was highly coveted) and super Boston stylist/personal shopper who truly makes me feel hipper just knowing her. Her company is called SCOUT and she writes an informative and on the pulse fashion blog with a feature called "What I'm Wearing..." where you can not only see the outfit but you can purchase each item in it! But while online gawking is fun, this girl needs to be met in person. Scout's honor.

TOMTOM

I caved and I'm not sorry about it. Bought my kid his first pair of TOMS and pretty soon the whole family will be wearing them (husband excluded). They're sporty, functional, easy to get on and more importantly they support an amazing cause. With each pair you buy, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. That's fashion to feel good about.
www.toms.com

G(R)OOPY

I'm in love with another man and if he leaves his wife, we're running away together. I just have to actually meet him, and getting him away from his perfect wife could be tricky. You see, I went to a Coldplay concert a few weeks ago and while Chris Martin sang his way into my heart, Gwyneth (his wife) became the object of my thoughts. I sort of hate and love her at the same time. Either way, I can't stop watching her. So if you haven't signed on to GOOP you might as well. You will roll your eyes like crazy but then I swear you will pick up some great tips, recipes, skincare products and simple but great ways to put together an outfit. Damn her.
www.goop.com

TELL THE TRUTH

My mother in law (who has great style btw and could pretty much convince me to wear anything she picked out) asked me my opinion on a sweater but before I could answer she said, "I know you'll tell me the truth", implying that I had always been straight with her before so she could trust what I said now. But while she and some friends might appreciate honesty, others may not. They may ask for your "honest" opinion but would really appreciate the lie. Hard to tell, but not being straight or talking behind your friend's back is way worse. I say be honest and if your friend gets mad.... maybe she wasn't your friend to begin with.

KINGDOM COME

Asos

A friend and I went to see Moonrise Kingdom last night and while we weren't sure exactly how we felt about the movie, today I do find myself craving a bit more of its sensibility and the characters' wardrobes. Knee socks, saddle shoes, short dresses and blue eye shadow...school girl gone right. Build your own Kindom at Asos. 

Suzy in Moonrise Kingdom

SUNNY DAYS

On a recent trip to Sun Valley, Idaho to visit family we had pictures taken by a friend. She had such a great way with the kids (as well as the adults) that she wound up capturing everyone's true spirit in a matter of minutes. If you're ever in the area, spend the half hour and book her to photograph your family, friends, wedding. Find her at Tessa Sheehan, Ketchum, ID on Facebook 

or email her at tessasheehan@gmail.com.

To see more pictures of her work visit  Sparkle,Inc

Photos courtesy of Tessa Sheehan, Ketchum, ID

NO UMBRELLA REQUIRED

I'm a little nervous. I'm headed to a seriously sunny place right when I'm in a non sun mood. How will I stay protected when there isn't so much as a cloud in the sky? Layering. Sunscreen first then an SPF Powder over it. I've been doing this for a while but my powders only had SPF 15 in them... Colorscience has SPF 50!!! I'm sooo getting this.

SHADY LADY

Last night I did the makeup for a woman who was throwing her husband a 50th birthday party. I assumed by the looks of her that she had many more years to go before she would be celebrating the same. I was wrong. She will turn 50 in just a few months yet her skin looked like that of a 40 year old. What was her secret? Nothing you haven't heard before... STAY OUT OF THE SUN. Period. It's not magic, lotions or plastic surgery. It's just common sense. Boo. I hate when things are so simple yet so hard to follow sometimes. But if you want skin that looks 40 when you're 50 it's what needs to be done. For when you have to be out in the sun and can't go all Nicole Kidman (she covers herself head to toe AND carries an umbrella...just a tad too weird, right?) then here are some fantastic sunscreens that will keep your skin safe. Skinceuticals SPF 50, California Baby SPF 30 and for a great spray option for the body and easy to apply for kids All Terrain Kids Sport is terrific.

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID

A few weekends ago I did a wedding in Rockport, MA that was so beautiful.. so simple and so refreshing. They had a gorgeous tent in the family's backyard overlooking the ocean, multi colored wildflower bouquets decorated the tables (no color themes here), and children were everywhere. So few weddings/parties/events are like that these days. Most are so tricked out, over detailed, over thought and so completely contrived. NO, this wedding was about family, friends and duh, getting married. Makeup and style should take a cue from this kind of living/celebrating. KISS.

Photography by www.esthermathieu.com

FRENCHY

Did you know french manicures are making a comeback? Yup. And not just the pink/white version either. (I'm still not ready for that look again) No, nails are now getting seriously color-blocked! Check out Revlon's do it yourself version to take out all the guess work on color combos. I don't think it will be a trend that will stick but it will be fun while it lasts.

NAILED IT

Got my nails done this weekend and can I tell you how much I love my new color? It is now my all time favorite summer toe color so I had to share. Misa's "Bed of Roses". It's like a Stila Lip Glaze for your toes!

COOL IT

Summer is officially here. That means beach, pool, outdoor fun and of course summer fashion. Course there are a lot of looks that wind up on the beach that are downright disastrous but the differences are honestly what make going to the beach so much fun.  While the girls to the left are super cute... how boring would it be if the entire beach looked like that? (Not to mention rough on the ego.) Everything sort of goes when it comes to the beach...except for private beach poachers. That is definitely not cool.
Stay cool my friends.

WIND SHIFT

Is anyone else as excited about Creatures of the Wind collaborating with J.Crew this Fall as I am? I'm dying to see how they'll integrate their fabulous color, pattern and fit bravado into the streamlined, classic J.Crew but I'm sure they'll do it with integrity. With color blocking so on the rise, maybe we could be in store for some powerful knits that will finally gain the attention they deserve.

CASEY HAVING A BABY

A little while back I did a post about my sister (sister-in-law officially, but that is so not who she is to me so from now on refer to her as my sister, okay?) getting married. It was a stylish wedding in Sun Valley, Idaho with a stylish girl and boy saying "I DO". Now they're adding a handsome cool prince to the mix, (sorry Bender...of course you were the first!) due in a month. Just like their wedding, their belly shots are so personal and so pure, so authentically beautiful. This is how pregnancy shots are supposed to look. Her husband took the pictures but if yours isn't quite this talented (who's is, I mean come on??!!!) find a photographer like Boston photographer Kristina Young to capture your personal spirit. 

See more pictures of Casey on my Facebook page Sparkle, Inc.

VROOM

Maison Martin Margiela

I have a thing about shoes that curl up at the toe. I just can't do it. But every moto boot I've seen has clown toes so I feared it just wasn't meant to be. But then, Barney's answered my prayers. The Maison Martin Margiela boot finally gets it right... part tough, part refined. Now all I'll need is the bike.
www.barneys.com

TRES BON

If you're in the mood to give your dear old Sparkle girl some love, then this would be the time. Northshore Magazine is ready to take your votes for the Reader's Choice awards for all sorts of things, makeup artists included. Just vote for Larissa Mills under the Makeup Artist category and you're done!
Merci.
http://nshoremag.com/bons

MOTHER LOVER

Mothers do a lot so maybe it's time to hook her up with something she'll really love and really use. Pants she can move in. Shoes she can run in. Shirts she can breathe in. But better than anything else, just tell her you love her.

mother's day by sparkleinc featuring black wedges

3 1 Phillip Lim see through blouse, $450
Boden fitted t shirt, $44
Mint green jeans
Rebecca Minkoff black wedge, $275
Valextra envelope clutch, $1,320
FTD Floral Festival Flowers Bouquet at 1-800Florals Florists, $45

LOVEY DOVEY

Let me just start off by saying, it's $3.96. That's right, $3.96, and it works just as well if not better than some of the pricier ones. Dove's Dry Shampoo is great on the greasies but quite honestly I'm a bigger fan of dry shampoo to add volume and texture to clean hair. I hate when my hair is silky... seriously nothing irritates me more. Shiny, silky, Wella girl hair? YUCK! I'm not joking. Give me slept in, slightly rat's nest, Brigitte Bardot hair and I'm good.
www.dove.us

BIGGIE SMALL

Did you know the huge as your head bag is sort of taking a break at the moment? Yup. It's true. The clutch (and the smaller bag in general) is having its moment. It's just so sophisticated and cool. I always love the look of freshly manicured nails holding a clutch or how cool and nonchalant it looks tucked under your arm while reapplying lipstick. If you need one that can go from jeans to cocktail dress I have a good one for you. Big Buddha bow clutch. Saw it at Babe Boutique in Beverly Farms and have wanted it ever since. Go small or go home.
www.babeboutique.net

IP HELL

After

I'm not gonna lie. It hurts. A lot. Well not that much but way more than I expected. Don't let the name, Photo Facial, fool you. IPL laser "facials" feel nothing even remotely like a facial. No, more like a zapping of an electrical current (rubber band, my ass). I can't tell you if it was worth it yet but what I can tell you is this. Do NOT get this done if you have an important event to attend OR if you have a serious aversion to looking like Morgan Freeman.

Before

BB

Ok, so I've been waiting to share this multi-task product with you only because I hadn't used it enough to know if it was worth it or not. It is. But here's the catch. It only comes in one color (suitable for fair and medium skin tones) and it has no SPF (something I like but a lot of you may not... but keep in mind, no SPF means better in photographs). But it pretty much does everything else except drop your kids off at school and clean up the kitchen. It moisturizes, it reduces wrinkles, it increases antioxidant levels, it primes, it reduces pore size, has blemish control, reduces redness, is long lasting and is HD!
It's for all of you who want beautiful skin but refuse to wear foundation or even tinted moisturizer but it's also for those of you who want added support for your current foundation. Wear it alone or wear it with powders, foundations or concealer, either way, it's the balm.
http://www.stilacosmetics.com

BECAUSE I SAID SO

It's really hard to find the time to be fashionable if your kids are always the ones in control and calling the shots (shouldn't it be the other way around?). If you're stuck in a parenting rut or just wanting to be way different than your helicoptering, overzealous, paranoid, overindulgent, overprotective friends, here's a book for you. I attended a talk given by the author and it was empowering. Oh, and for the record, 'because I said so' is a perfectly good reason.

WATER YOU TALKING ABOUT?

Pick up any magazine and read what celebs are doing to keep their skin so beautiful and chances are they'll credit it to a good diet but most of all because of all the WATER they drink. "I drink 20 glasses of water a day!" one states. "I am never without a water bottle in my hand!" another exclaims. Oh come on! Here's the thing. My mom has great skin. I mean, amazing skin, and her idea of hydration is a cup of coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon and a few cocktails and wine at night. She not only doesn't drink water she pretty much has an aversion to it. I'm not saying water isn't good, I'm just saying it isn't going to make a sow's ear into a silk purse.

NOT PINTERESTED

I know a lot of you are into Pinterest and while I have an account myself, after about 3 times of trying to add images to my albums I was bored. I honestly just don't get it so please explain it to me. Is it basically a scrapbook of stolen images of things you like/want (just what we all need, more consumerism)? Or is it just inspirational and something to cure boredom? I saw stationery on there I liked but of course since it was Pinterest there wasn't any way of knowing where the hell the stationery was from! What is the point of that!? And it's not very creative...just ask any artist their opinion of Pinterest. But clearly people are loving it, but people love Facebook too and I really don't get that either.

GIRLS IS SO DUMB

A guy friend of mine recently announced (proudly, I might add) that he had finished a 450 page book. Given that reading isn't really his thing (well, not books anyway, more like box scores, graphs and stats) my curiosity was piqued. What could keep his attention for 450 pages?!! I had to read it.
So I did. And let me just say, it should be required reading for every 13 year old girl out there who doesn't wish to become a moron. I have known some pathetic, trashy, insecure nut jobs in my time, but the women described in this book take the cake. Tucker, the author, while being a complete jerk, is just taking full advantage of it . I'm sure a lot of women blame Tucker for the serious debauchery in this book but ladies... this one's all on you.

EGG ON YOUR FACE

I've been a total slacker. I've been using this pink egg for the past year and haven't shared. I apologize. It's become so much a part of my regular beauty routine that I forgot it may not be a part of yours. The Beauty Blender, its official name, creates a flawless, airbrushed finish to any foundation. It also works with other liquid products like highlighter, concealer and cream blush. Just dampen and apply. What a good egg.
www.beautyblender.net

BUTTER ME UP

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters

I'm pretty excited. There's a whole new breed of lip color hitting the market and they couldn't come soon enough. While I am so over gloss, I have, truth be told, been having an equally hard time with lipstick. I've been feeling a bit like Goldilocks... this one's too goopy, this one's too dry, this one's too shiny but these are JUST RIGHT. Part gloss, part balm, part lipstick. I'm melting.

SKIN DEEP

I'm obsessed with more natural skincare products. While I tried to dabble in a bit of hydroquinone (you know, for THAT SPOT!) it just wasn't for me. But what is for me and what seems to be making the biggest improvement is SkinCeuticals' serum with phloretin, vitamin C and ferulic acid in a biodiverse formulation to divide and conquer sources of damage at every level. Phloretin CF, a broad-spectrum treatment, protects against not only free radicals, but the range of other reactive molecules known to cause damage and DNA mutations among the integral cell types. In addition, it corrects existing damage by stimulating the synthesis of essential proteins and fibers and accelerating cell turnover. The result - a strengthened support structure on the inside and a more youthful, firm, radiant appearance on the outside. To paraphrase, it protects your skin and corrects hyper pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dullness. Yippee!

LESS IS MORE

I hate being pushed or "sold". That goes for fashion, cars, boys, friends, you name it. It feels like manipulation and in the end comes across as phony and just plain trying too hard. If you have to work that hard at it, sell it that strongly, it's probably not really there to begin with.

LET IT BE

Oooooh I just love words as art especially when they impart a solid, do good message. Although, if they came out with "Be the Bad", I might like that just as much.
https://www.onekingslane.com

JUMP, JUMP, JUMP!

I can't help it. I'm still in love with the jumpsuit. It just doesn't get any easier than this for chic, easy, wickedly comfortable dressing up or down. Jump in.
http://www.lindestore.com

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE

Maybe I'm getting old or maybe I'm just getting smart. After walking miles around NYC last week I realized I'm over high heels. I'm not just talking stilettos here, I'm talking wedges, platforms, kitten heels, etc.
I have places to go and I want to get to them.... quickly...while I still can. Heels slow me down. I'm not saying it's all about comfort but sometimes it is, and should be, about function. Now before you think your problems are solved with your riding boots, think again. Mid calf height is where it's at. La Garconne has some down right pretty ones but Frye is another good bet.
http://www.lagarconne.com

PUNK'D

I am seriously starting to think Marc Jacobs was trying to punk us when he sent these shoes down his Fall 2012 runway show. But the worst part is, the more I sit here staring at them and cursing at the absurdity of them, the more I start to....... sort of...... like them???!! I am definitely punked in the head.