THE GIRL WHO CRIED PRETTY

Compliments are great...when they're warranted. False ones are just tacky. When women tell you you look great, when clearly you don't, it makes you wonder if they're ever telling the truth about how you look or anything else for that matter. These women don't just say hello, they say, "Hi! You look great." What? How? I'm in sweatpants with greasy hair. It's sort of like the parent who nauseatingly dishes out compliments to their kids when their kids haven't done anything yet. Hollow compliments are just that, empty.

YEAH, THAT'S JUST DISGUSTING

I am currently on the hunt for a cute bathing suit for my 6 year old daughter. Not an easy task. They tend to be either completely sophomoric or totally obscene. Case in point, Abercrombie/Kids. While the designs were adorable, the tops all had..... PADDING??!! Padding. So for 7, 8, 9, 10 year old girls, increasing breast size is acceptable!? We're not talking about lining, we're talking, up a size, Victoria Secret worthy, padding. Gross.

EGYPTIAN MIRACLE

No, Sparkle's not going political. I'm talking about this amazing cream which really shouldn't be called a cream at all...it's more like a balm. You can use it on your face, elbows, lips...any place that is in dyer need of moisture. Whether you've been overzealous with your retinol routine, had a dry/windy day on the ski slopes or just plain have thirsty skin, this is your miracle. 

www.amazon.com

I'M CRUSHED

Gucci Python Clutch

This past week I had the flu, and while I got over it pretty quickly, my skin color remains that wallpaper paste shade of grey. So when I opened this weekend's style section of the WSJ, I wasn't overjoyed to find that orange is the color of the moment. Great. While I'm not always this grey hued, I'm never peaches and cream, and that's what it takes to wear the color orange properly. So for all you pink cheek challenged women out there who want to hop on the orange bandwagon, stick with accessories like shoes, bags or bracelets, just keep them far away from your face.

APROPROS

I used to think it was okay to be overdressed at an event. I stand corrected. I recently witnessed one highly overdressed woman in a sea of basic black and boring neutrals, but instead of standing out in a good way, it was downright embarrassing. Maybe it was just the dress, or perhaps it was the way she carried herself in it, but it made the term "dress appropriately" seem like sage fashion advice.

SUMMER LOVIN'

You may think red lips are best saved for the holidays or special occasions but think again. Red lips in the summer, paired with bronzed skin and very little eye makeup (mascara only) takes red from too polished to perfectly fresh. Stila's Long Wear Lip in "Lover"is the ideal red and texture for the summer season.
www.stilacosmetics.com

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Seriously, I think I may be going blind...in yoga class. It's supposed to be relaxing, soul searching, centering. It's not. Just as I'm finding serious equanimity in my pigeon pose I'm blinded by tiny reflectors on every woman's butt, back, sleeve, ankle.  They're small but powerful. I'm pretty sure Lance Armstrong could wear them at night and not get hit by a car. They are the annoying logo of Lululemon, a workout clothing line, which I'm told wears like iron, costs a fortune and is admittedly stylish, but maybe they're best for runners and outdoor athletes. I currently just wear Target's Champion line. It's cheaper, sort of cute (how cute can yoga wear really be anyway?) and won't distract my fellow yogi. OM.
www.target.com

EASY ON THE EYES

You honestly don't have to be Angelina to get this look, nor do you have to hire a makeup artist to apply it. Stila created a waterproof liquid liner that glides on so easily, won't smudge or run, is carbon black (that's seriously black) and stays put all day. Whether you're a makeup junkie or a total novice, achieving this look will be a snap.
www.stilacosmetics.com

JUMP IN

H&M Jumpsuit

I couldn't help myself. I know this is one of those outfits men will think is ridiculous and women will love, but who are we dressing for anyway? Ourselves!! It comes in black and navy (I got the navy) and will be my
go-to outfit when the weather warms up.
www.hm.com

LIKE MOTHER NOT LIKE DAUGHTER

I love makeup. I care what clothes I wear. I can obsess over a pair of shoes or a perfectly tailored jacket. This is me. It is not necessarily my daughter. While my daughter shows signs of all these interests I fret that maybe it is my influence that has her crazy for paper fashion dolls and not her own. When she tries to put on my makeup or stares at herself in the mirror muttering about the color of her hair I want to remove all mirrors (and Disney books) and give her the "you're beautiful just the way you are" speech. But then I feel like a hypocrite. How can I powder, spray, wax, peel, update my wardrobe, etc but tell her to be happy as is? My only solution is to model sane behavior. (No, that doesn't mean wearing sweatpants every day and forgoing makeup.. that would be completely insane) Instead, I will wear makeup and smile at myself in the mirror instead of asking myself, "Why did I bother?". If I step on the scale and it goes up I will exclaim, "Yes! I'm growing!" And when the grey hairs start coming in I will marvel at their shiny-ness...instant highlights! Maybe if she sees the fun in the non glam moments as much as the glamorous ones the kid'll be alright.

UP UP UP

I did it. I bit the bullet and got my first pair of high rise pants. Yes they're still skinny but it's a step in the right direction. And I have to say, as noted by a friend, it's pretty nice to bend over and not have everyone on the planet know the color of my underwear...or lack thereof.
www.gap.com

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Contrary to my earlier dieting posts, my new year's resolutions are actually to eat more ice cream. And start drinking. (I've had this one several years in a row and it still hasn't stuck. Maybe this is the year) I'm not kidding. Being controlled is overrated and so is fitting into a size 0. No one cares. So if eating ice cream makes you happy and nicer to be around, then do it. If taking time for yourself makes you happy, do it. If getting dressed in outrageous outfits (or really simple ones) makes you happy, DO IT. Nothing's sparklier than a happy, content woman. Nothing.

ON A HIGH

It may not happen today or next week but it will happen. Eventually low waisted, skinny jeans/jeggings/pants are going to seem out of date and what will replace them are fuller pants, longer, and most notably, high waisted. (I love these because they aren't quite as full as the other styles that will be hitting runways...easier on shorter/petite girls.) It'll be time to start tucking in again, using your belts and getting back that hourglass shape you've been hiding the past several years. 

www.urbanoutfitters.com

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.