MAKE UP

I know putting on makeup every day seems like a waste of time, and I'd have to agree most of the time, but here are some reasons why it might be worthwhile, even if it's just a bit of tinted moisturizer, blush, and a swipe of mascara.

1)You've had 2 hours of sleep and have a pimple the size of Mt. Everest. This is exactly when you'll run into your high school, perfectly coiffed nemesis who just got back from her spa vacation. Concealer would have been a good idea on this day.
2)Picking up pizza may seem like a no makeup errand but your first or next husband could be picking up one too. Blush could be the difference between him giving you the time of day or just telling you the time.
3)All that makeup sitting in your drawer is going to go bad anyway so you might as well use it up now
4)You won't be quite as horrified/depressed when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a window

SAVE FACE

Since I don't have many food recipes to share, I'm going to share a makeup/going out in the sun recipe. Every time I go out in the sun, meaning beach or pool this is the routine. Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D is important but no need to get it all through your face.

Step 1: Apply California Baby Sunscreen all over face, even on lips

Step 2: With brush, apply Bare Escentuals which has SPF 15 all over face 

Step 3: Dust bronzer where needed (in case you're still Casper white from the sunscreen)

LOW HANGING FRUIT

Sometimes you just feel like buying something. For these moments, please don't go to Barney's, go to H&M instead. It's easy pickings at cheap prices. It'll satisfy the craving without buyer's remorse. Harvest away.
www.hm.com

ON STIL

Two of my favorite girls are hosting an event, June 29th, at The Parlor, in Wellesley. Denise of Stil (quality/edgy urban apparel/accessories) and Shirley of The Parlor (best haircut in Boston) are doing good and spreading beauty in the process. See some great clothes, get a blowout...portion of donations go to KidtoKid.
RSVP@ParlorStilEvent@gmail.com

BABO

My husband recently went to his 20 year high school reunion and came back talking about a classmate of his who started an organic baby product line. Uh huh. Let me guess.. she couldn't find anything out there so she decided to create her own. We've all heard this story before but then I actually tried it (the detangler is my favorite!) and it works. And unlike other products that make a lot of "natural" claims, this one really is organic which means you don't have sulphates, parabens and a whole host of other carcinogenic ingredients that you and your kids could literally live without. 

www.babobotanicals.com

WEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

So at first I wasn't totally on board with these Sybil shoes (they're actually called Sloan but you'll get my point). They're neither boot nor sandal but a hybrid of the two. Sort of like the cashmere turtleneck sleeveless sweater. Makes no sense. But then I realized... it does. These beauties give weight when you need it but they're cool enough so you won't sweat your rear off.
I've made my pledge. Now make yours.
Sloan Shoe
www.urbanoutfitters.com

THERE ONCE WAS A STORE FROM NANTUCKET

I've posted their divine goods before but now they've opened up a store on Nantucket. The owners have such great taste, you won't need your best friend's opinion or favorite stylist to help you out. Whatever you get is amazing from Isabel Harvey. And yes, YOU DO NEED IT!

19 Old South Wharf, Nantucket
www.isabelharvey.com

SIGN UP

Zodiac jewelry has always been a favorite of mine. You're slyly putting on display not only your good traits but your bad as well. You're a Scorpio? Compulsive and obsessive. Libra? Indecisive and self indulgent. Leo? Pompous and bossy (well that's definitely true). Solange Azagury-Partridge zodiac rings are different and intricate and definitely make a statement. They can also come in handy when that creepy guy at the bar asks you what your sign is. Just give him the ring.
www.solangeazagurypartridge.com

WANTED

-Artistically starved makeup artist/stylist/blogger seeks full time job as pr queen, magazine grunt, photo shoot coffee girl, event planning slave
-Will travel (NYC, France, England, Italy preferred)
-18 years experience perfecting the smoky eye, 10 years experience marketing things people don't need, 38 years styling myself and those around me
-Can start immediately
-I'm serious

WHY KNOT?

Why should kids get to have all the fun? They already get to run around naked in the backyard, be chauffeured from one fun activity to the next, and eat hot dogs for dinner every night. Now that it's summer, they get the classic sailor knot bracelet too. Certain things shouldn't be brought back from childhood, like mullets and overalls, but this is one childhood treat I'm digging in to.

www.sailorknotbracelet.com

CROC OF .........

You know how that sentence ends right? 
Please. Put the crocs away. For good. Unless you garden. And even then, do it sparingly. When did crocs take over flip flops as the summer shoe of choice? Oh that's right. They didn't. 
www.havaianasus.com

CORRECTION

I recently received an email letting me know I had spelled a word incorrectly on a recent post. I think I spit out my tea when I read it, I laughed so hard. I love being corrected, especially on grammar, spelling and definitely on manners. When I went to her site I found it both informative and funny and I think you will too. She can correct me anytime... for that matter, so can you.
www.mannersformothers.com

CLUTCH HITTER

Sometimes the outfit doesn't cut it. It's okay, but it'll barely get noticed at the soiree you're planning on attending. The only way to save this snooze dress is to bring in the clutch. Sequin Bow Clutch by Felix Rey....it's a home run.
www.felixrey.com

SEEING STRIPES

The stripes are classic but the shape is current. Worn with flat sandals or chunky heels/booties, this dress can go from day to evening in a snap. Khaki jacket and some drop earrings and you're ready to jet. Set.
www.net-a-porter.com

JUST BEACHY

Topshop is a great resource for summer shopping. Cute stuff at reasonable prices. There's really no reason a bathing suit needs to cost $100. With so little material, how could it? Topshop offers the entire bathing suit for under $50 and they're just as cute as the pricier options. And don't forget the cover up. Keeping it cute was never easier..........or cheaper. 

www.topshop.com

TIME TO EAT THE DONUTS?

At what point do you stop caring? 60? 70? 80? Please tell me it's before 80. My grandmother was incredibly vain up until her very last day which was 97. While I give her unbelievable credit for having the energy to get "done" every single day (she had her hair done the day she passed away), I also find it incredibly depressing. I look forward to a time when I can eat dessert morning, noon and night and not care about whether I'll fit in my skinny jeans or rot my teeth. I'm trying to pass on dessert now so I can live longer and then never pass on it again. But maybe I'm missing the point. Maybe we all are. Maybe I should be eating dessert every single day NOW. Who knows if I'll even make it to 90 (for the record I'm actually hoping I can stop caring at like 70). But if I never make it to that glorious, dozen donut eating a day time... will I be disappointed that I didn't indulge while I had the chance?

ALL ABOUT THE CHASE?

Finding the perfect summer cocktail dress is never easy. You want it to be flirty but still appropriate. You want it to be sophisticated but not too sophisticated. This Rebecca Taylor Chase Me Puma-print dress goes in for the kill. Who says the chase is more fun?
www.net-a-porter.com

WHITE HOT

Nothing says summer like white. But pair it with tan, bare shoulders and you've got the makings for a seriously hot night. This tank by Ian R.N. is brilliantly simple with just the right amount of shimmer. Summer, summertime.
www.lagarconne.com

FEAR NOT

I never have dinner parties. They scare me. But I do love setting the table and arranging the flowers. I try to make it pretty enough to distract people from the food. I'm not a cook so feeding a lot of people something good is a frightening endeavor. But I found a really simple chicken recipe that was completely edible. Even a vegetarian guest remarked that it looked and smelled so good that she was tempted to try it. Best compliment I've ever received.
So here it is. If I can cook it, so can you. 


Layer of sliced onions in roasting pan
Layer of sliced lemons on top of onions
Chicken thighs, bone in, skin on, salted with kosher salt and herbs de provence on top of lemons. Cook for 1 hour at 425 degrees.

GET IT

Anyone ever read the children's book, Pinkalicious? There's a line in it that says, "You get what you get and you don't get upset!". While I love the advice and use it regularly on my kids I started to wonder if it's perhaps not such a good message after all. I mean, I don't want my kids to act like a**holes, but at the same time maybe telling them to just take what comes to them and never fight for anything isn't a great message either. Maybe it should be, "Quit your whining. Better luck next time." Maybe that would let them know tantrums suck but being upset and trying to get what you want isn't all that bad either. 

CHEAP TRICK

Sales are great. But not for the reason you think. Yes, you save money, but the more enjoyable benefit is that by the time you wear your special find, there hopefully won't be any left. This makes copying it next to impossible. We love that. Style thieves be damned. 

FULL FLUSH

Best beauty tip EVER. Be around people who make you laugh, and hopefully blush as well. No amount of makeup or perfect application can compare to that. LOL.

JUST DON'T

First off, I like nudity. I do. The human body is beautiful and nothing to be ashamed of. I had both my kids in a tub, buck naked. Underwear is always optional. And nothing is more liberating than swimming naked. However, gratuitous, unwanted, prolonged nudity in a public place is seriously gross. I've had the displeasure of seeing this firsthand at my gym, where a very "natural" woman prefers to hang out nude rather than discreetly and promptly get dressed. She sits on the chairs, the benches, lifts up her legs to apply cream. I hate to be all puritanical about it but modesty might need to make a comeback. 

DON'T BE A TURKEY

My mom always said, "don't forget your neck". At the time, 15, I thought it was sort of a waste of product and time, but I've since come to realize the wisdom she dispensed. Your neck is part of your face, so why treat it any differently? Slather that moisturizer from forehead to collar bones. Even if it won't keep the wrinkles completely away, at least your face and neck will be aging at the same rate. 

ON TOP

Ugh. Yet another thing I got rid of thinking I would never wear them again and now here they are. Although in my defense, mine were a navy blue and these are, well, SPARKLY! If you've got the preppy girl in you, get a pair. Cute pair of shorts, oxford shirt, rope bracelet alongside a Cartier watch. Topsiders and a beautiful yacht to wear them on. What? A girl can dream.
www.sperrytopsider.com 

HEARTBREAK

Why are we so enthralled with the things we can't have? What's the allure? How is it you can be going along totally oblivious and then suddenly something you like catches your eye. You inquire nonchalantly but once you realize you can't have it, you become obsessed to make it yours? Happens over and over. You sort of like the army green jacket but as soon as you think it's gone, it suddenly takes on biblical proportions. And the weird thing is, you never really ever get over it. Years later you will say, "I should have gotten that green jacket when I had the chance!" So if you see something you love, don't hesitate. Get it.

OH BABY

I'm talking about cupcakes again. On a recent trip to NYC I enjoyed the pleasure of the healthier side of cupcakes and was not disappointed. Dairy free, soy free, gluten free, vegan, practically sugar free.... you'd think they'd be free of taste as well but they were so yummy, I had 2 at one sitting. I loved them so much I started talking about opening a cupcake shop right in my own town but considering I can't bake it could be a problem. I just might have to learn.

www.babycakesnyc.com

BRONZED

There are tons of bronzers out there. Nars, Stila, Smashbox. They all make one but none of them are as perfect as this one. While I use the Stila one and the Nars ones from time to time, nothing looks as natural and as glowy as the Erno Laszlo Multi-Phase bronzer. Looks as good in the winter as it does in the summer. Rain or shine, you'll glow.
www.nordstrom.com

SAVE IT

How many times have you left the coupon box blank when ordering online? I always did, until I found RetailMeNot.com. And before you think it's too much aggravation, it's not. Type in the store you want a coupon for, then enter the code on the checkout page for instant savings. Couldn't be simpler. Or more infuriating. I can't believe how many coupons I've missed out on over the years. And if you're thinking it's just for things like toilet paper and paper cups, think again. Stores like Starbuck's, Amazon, Armani Exchange, Pottery Barn, Old Navy ...the list goes on and on. Discounts, free shipping. Who doesn't like that?
www.retailmenot.com

GETTING PERSONAL

You're at a party/social event/soccer practice. You meet someone new and would love to exchange contact information. If you don't "work" you have no business card, or even if you do, you might want to keep your social life separate from your work life. You're scurrying around for a piece of paper that will inevitably get lost, or you punch in numbers in your Blackberry, which while perfectly functional is soooo not personal or stylish.  But guess what is? A calling card. A delightful little engraved card with your name, and one way of contacting you. No frills, just elegant, on good card stock. In a world of Facebook, Twitter and absurd blogs such as this one, it's nice to bring an old tradition back.
www.crane.com

WITCHY WOMAN

Last night while putting my daughter to bed she said I looked "kind of like a witch". I told her that wasn't the look I was going for and tried to change my expression and see if it made a difference. Nope. So I smiled and scrunched but apparently I was making it worse because she started hiding under her covers. Finally she came out and said she could make it better.... she put her sunglasses on me and took out my tightly pulled back ponytail. I was hopeful this was the trick but she was still disappointed and said, "it's just your face". OMG. Swallow. Try not to cry. Apparently this is how my mom felt when I asked her why everything jiggled when she ran.
Payback is not fun. CACKLE.

BYE BYE BABY

It's official. The babydoll is done. I know it's hard but it's time to move on. I remember the trend was kicking when I was pregnant with my daughter.....that was 7 years ago. Everything must come to an end and since the babydoll silhouette sort of makes you look like you're pregnant even when you're not, it's not really all that much of a loss.

HANG UP

Over the past several years I've gotten a really bad reputation as someone who never answers her phone and then never calls back even if I'm left a message. I'm not being rude, I'm trying to be polite. 

I blame it on a friend who was a mom, and I, at the time, was not. Kids weren't even on my radar so having an interrupted conversation with an adult was the norm. But every time I got on the phone with this friend she would interrupt our conversation to either talk to her kids, yell at her kids, help her kids, applaud her kids, wipe her kids, bathe her kids.... you get the idea. I would insist she just call me back another time but she would insist we keep talking (not that we ever actually got to). I tried to be supportive but I wasn't. I had no interest in hearing her kids sing their ABC's in the background and no, I didn't think it was cute when they quoted The Lion King. I just wanted off the phone. And I assume my friends feel the same way.  I never want to subject anyone, especially my friends, to me yelling obscenities or even worse, applauding a 3 year old who wants accolades for sticking out his tongue. And since I'm rarely without kids, it leaves little time for the phone. So if I don't call back, you know why. And if I do, be prepared to be abruptly hung up on if the little monsters make a peep.

KNOCK IT OFF

I hate fakes. Fake purses, fake shoes, fake people. They all suck, right? But then I found these bracelets at Forever 21 for $6.80. Yes, $6 DOLLARS!?!! The original version, that I first saw 3 years ago, cost $150 and I swear I can't tell them apart. It's hard to pass on  such a great steal but that's exactly what it is... stealing. Sometimes bargains come with a guilty conscience..... but this was way too good to pass up. See you in hell.
www.forever21.com

BE STIL

Here is a picture from the Stil fashion show I worked last week (Boston). The clothes were divine and there were more where that came from.
Stil is a must if you are trying to raise your wardrobe to the next level. Please see Denise, the manager. She knows her stuff and is so funny she'll have you laughing as you hand over that credit card. Stil isn't cheap but it's worth every quarter. 
www.stilinc.com

RED DONE RIGHT

Red lips are one of the simplest things you can do to have "a look" and not put in much effort. Brush neutral eye shadow all over lids (Wheat by Stila), apply some mascara (top lashes only would be best), slightly flushed pink cheeks (Pomegranate Stain by Stila) and then add the lips (Red Premiere by Dior followed by Red Stockings gloss by Dior). The look is flawless, timeless and hits just the right note.

www.saksfifthavenue.com

 

TEAM SPIRIT

This is sports attire done right. I know it doesn't highlight a specific team but it still screams TEAM, and looks good on and off the field/rink. 
And seeing how this is one of my favorite numbers, it sure doesn't hurt. Henry will most definitely be wearing this one. Thanks Sally. Score!

AU REVOIR

There comes a time in every girls' closet when it's time to say goodbye. It's hard to admit that the once coveted, bell bottom sleeved, floral dress, is no longer who you are. You still love it, and it breaks your heart to get rid of it, but you know that it will never hold center stage again and at some point is wreaking havoc with your current wardrobe. The newer clothes want their due respect and so they should. Once you realize that setting the old loves free will actually enable them to finally be appreciated by a whole new set of fashionistas just dying for a chance at those bell bottom sleeves, you'll find peace (consignment shops are great for this). Bye favorite dress. You will be missed but not forgotten.

DAISY DUKES

I know I'm too old for them but I don't care. Paired with a big blousy oxford or oversized linen shirt it's not so bad. I looked high and low for the perfect pair and have two options that won't break the bank. If you have skinny legs but don't want 'em too high, check out American Eagle boyfriend fit. If you've got a little more meat on the thigh but have short legs, Lucky Brand is your go to.
YEE-HAW.
www.ae.com
www.luckybrand.com

BOOK IT

Carrie almost did it but you actually could. Whether you're planning a wedding or a fabulous event, skip the impersonal function room and have it at the Boston Public Library (or the library in your city). Old world charm, great lighting, gorgeous architecture. 
Very smart.
www.bpl.org

PENALTY

I realize boys and men love their sports teams and want to pay homage to them now and then but does that have to mean checking fashion at the door? I'm already cringing at the thought of my son begging me for some horned, glaring, purple sweatshirt that he wants to proudly wear to school. While I won't deny my son his dreams of wearing sporting attire I do wish for some better versions of it. You'rrrrrre OUT!

MODELS DON'T RUN

Listen. If you don't want big legs then stop going to the gym. Haven't you ever wondered why, if men are always trying to get bigger and women are always trying to get smaller, how can we all be doing the same exercises for opposite goals? Somebody's got it wrong and this time (this time only, mind you) it's us. Lifting, running, spinning, stepping, all equal big legs. Yes I know the trainers always tell you weight lifting/exercising won't make you big but they lie. My husband was always jealous of my thighs and calves during lacrosse season. So skip the gym (and the fries), sit on your yoga mat, say OM and relax. 

To V or Not to V: That is the question

When I was little, I used to walk around the house with a pillow case on my head.  It was a mock veil for my mock wedding day. Every little girl plays dress up and veils are a major part of that charade. It's not that we really cared or even had a clue what getting married was... we just wanted to wear THE VEIL! But then I grew up and got engaged. The second most important thing besides finding "the one" is finding "the dress/veil".
I found the dress but when I tried on the veil I looked R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S! I don't know why and I still don't quite get it to this day, but on me a veil was still playing dress up and I had no intention of having my clothes wear me on my wedding day. I decided instead to go with a low chignon adorned with small orchids. 
Point is, do what looks good on you. Whether it's for work, picking out a bathing suit or getting ready for your wedding, don't just do what you think you're supposed to. If a veil looks stunning on you, wear it and wear it all night. If it doesn't, get creative. Embellish with feathers, flowers, broches. Just BE you.

DROOLING

I recently bought my daughter a t-shirt that came with a bib necklace. It looked like it was part of the shirt but we soon realized it wasn't attached and could be worn with anything. She started wearing it with her tennis outfits, dresses, even her pajamas. Why not, right? I got inspired and started looking for one for myself. Jeweled, ruched, patterned, feathered. Gorgeous. Great over your little black dress but equally fantastic with that Hanes t-shirt and jeans. Just don't spill your peas on it.

STIL HOT

You don't want to miss this upcoming event. Stil always puts on a good show and the fashion is daring, edgy and unique. Just like us, right? I'll be doing the makeup so you know it'll be awesome. HA!
See invite for details and get your tix today.

TAGGED

For six years I've been looking for a way to have something personalized in honor of my daughter and then my son. As much as I like to think of myself as more than just a mom, the truth is, being a mom is now a major part of my identity. So since I'm not getting a tatoo the next best thing I could think of was ID or dog tags. Sterling silver, engraved dog tags. Just the basics... Name, birthdate, time of birth and birthplace. I love looking down and seeing my kids' names... a gentle reminder of who I am and what I'm about. And since my daughter has already tried to confiscate her tag, I'm guessing she likes it too.

SHORT SITED

Shorts are everywhere and in every fabric. Silk, tweed, cotton, jean. Worn for day and worn for night...casual or sophisticated, your choice. But now Givenchy would like to have you wearing those shorts, or rather a shorts suit, to a business meeting on Wall Street. In Vogue this month a spokesperson said, "It shows a woman has the confidence to play with her sexuality, showing the leg but at the same time saying, 'I'm still wearing the trousers.' " See, I'm pretty sure I'd get fired from being a stylist to one of my clients who ACTUALLY WORKS ON WALL STREET if I offered up a shorts suit as a logical option for work attire. Fashion houses say they get inspiration from the street...clearly not the financial one.

SUPERSTAR

I've decided not to read any of the trash magazines anymore and here's why. Call me old fashioned but I prefer to keep celebrities on a well polished and air brushed pedestal where they belong. I like to see the beauty and the fantasy of their acting lives as well as their meticulously scripted private ones. It works and I'm willing to go along with it. I don't need to see the ugly underbelly of drugs, cheating, or bad hair days. Do you? Do any of us really feel any better seeing them fall apart or endure a painful breakup? Reality bites.

NEVER SAY NEVER

Remember when UGGS came in and you said you'd never wear them? When you were able to recognize how ridiculous they were, especially paired with anything other than sweatpants? And then slowly they started to look okay, then they were better than okay and the next thing you knew you had bought a pair and swore you'd never be able to wear anything else? Well let me introduce you to your new UGG. This awful, at home, Mama's Family slipper is now part of mainstream fashion. It's on the streets of NYC and on the sidewalks of every college. Slipper UGGS worn with jeans, sweats, silk pants and glamour jewelry are invading and I am determined to stay clear. So please, if you see me contemplating buying these poor excuses for footwear, STOP ME!