FLAT OUT

You are going to thank me for this one. In London I fell in love with them and in Paris I broke down and finally had to buy them.  They are the most beautiful little flats imagineable and they are now (here comes the best part) opening stores in NYC and Beverly Hills! They are the prettiest and most well made flats ever, true to size (if you are a 7 US you are a 37 in PrettyBallerinas) in a dizzying array of styles, colors, patterns. I even had to bring the box home because it was so, well, PRETTY! Oh and they also have childrens' sizes... don't get me started.
Je vous en prie.
www.prettyballerinas.us

AWAY FROM THE PACK

I am a very efficient packer. So efficient in fact, that for a 2 week trip with my daughter, (London first, then Paris second) between the 2 of us, I have only filled half of one suitcase. All pieces interchange with each other, they can all go from day to night in the change of a shoe and a lipstick, and they all pack well. Very sensible. But ya know what? Sometimes sensible is overrated. At the last minute.. literally a minute ago, I swapped out that jersey black dress that folds easily and doesn't wrinkle for this sequin dress shown here. It was given to me as a very lovely present (thank you, Julie) and it needs to be worn! I also threw in a fabulous pair of heels for the dress and guess what? They go with absolutely nothing.
Au Revoir!

YOUR RODAN+FIELDS LADY

A very good friend of mine has decided (because she feels so strongly about the product) to add to her already busy schedule of raising 4 kids (yes, you read that right.... 4!!!!!) to promote a skin care line that she feels has made a dramatic difference in her skin. Never a makeup, or fussy skin care routine girl, she is now finding being over 40 requires a little more love and care for her skin. Rodan + Fields offered her an easy day and night routine that any mother can adhere to. Give her a call or check out her website.
https://sallycioffi.myrandf.com/

YOU'RE PERFECT

Improving what is already great is no easy feat, but Stila managed to do it. Their new Perfect and Correct Foundation is lightweight but buildable. It hydrates and balances. It minimizes pores and oil control while at the same time minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It's weightless but has medium coverage. In short, it's perfection. A once die hard, tinted moisturizer fan, I have now been converted.
Order it now at:
Making Faces
Portsmouth, NH
603-427-5454

APRON STRINGS

A friend recently purchased the cutest apron and it got me thinking...why can't aprons be fashionable? They can, and none quite so beautifully as these. COOKie aprons from Poland are so pretty, it won't actually matter what you're serving for dinner. Frozen dinners all around!
www.looklikecookie.com

BETTY B-OOPS

Mascara companies will have you believing that everyone needs 10 inch long lashes. Each year they tout new technologies that will abnormally lengthen your lashes and make you believe you need them. While lash extending can be great for some, it is a serious hazard for others, specifically, the round eyed, bulging eyed, bug eyed girl. I'm not picking on the rounder girl here, I'm just giving you the heads up that YOU DO NOT need bigger lashes. If you fit into any of the categories above, you might want to skip mascara altogether. Focus on lining your upper and lower inner lash lines, apply darker eye shadow colors on your lid and if you must apply mascara do so sparingly and extend it out to the sides instead of going up. While you're at it you could extend your eyeliner past the outer corners (not up!) to create the illusion that your eyes are more elongated than round. If your look is a cartoon one... stick with what you're doing, if not, put down the wand.

CRANK POT

I woke up this morning cranky. I went to yoga hoping it would help, it didn't. The girl next to me put her sweaty towel on my mat, she clocked me in the head with her elbow, and then breathed heavily in my face with bad breath. Now I was in a worse mood and instead of being calm, my head was spinning with things to be more cranky about like, why don't people write thank you notes anymore? Emails DO NOT count.. neither do facebook ones (that is a joke... seriously, how lazy can you get?). Or, how gross it is to walk around holding a beer bottle (instead of having it poured into a glass) at a formal event like a wedding? Nothing ruins the look of a beautiful table LIKE A BROWN BEER BOTTLE!!! (I told you I was cranky)
But then the instructor read a poem called The Guest House. I'll post it. It says I'm supposed to invite cranky in... did I have a choice? (A yogi would say I do, which quite honestly is annoying me more right now but maybe this will help any other crank pots today.) Om, blah blah blah.


The Guest House 


This being human is a guest house. 
Every morning a new arrival. 


A joy, a depression, a meanness, 
some momentary awareness comes 
as an unexpected visitor. 


Welcome and entertain them all! 
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, 
who violently sweep your house 
empty of its furniture, 
still, treat each guest honorably. 
He may be clearing you out 
for some new delight. 


The dark thought, the shame, the malice, 
meet them at the door laughing, 
and invite them in. 


Be grateful for whoever comes, 
because each has been sent 
as a guide from beyond.



~ Rumi ~

MOMMY DEAREST

While onsite for a commercial shoot, one of the mothers of the models (who was only 12, mind you) asked me when it was okay to start giving her daughter unsolicited advice about her beauty routine, specifically wanting to know when she could tell her to pluck her eyebrows. Um, Never? was my reply. It's one thing if agents or people in the business give the advice, but as mothers don't we need to send out the message that we love unconditionally no matter what our daughters look like, what they wear, how they do their hair or makeup? It's one thing to tell them to brush their teeth, eat their vegetables and do their homework, quite another to give, what you think, is constructive beauty criticism. It never is. Unless they ask, pluck off.

SASSACLAS

I recently had to attend a charity event for my husband's work. When I asked him what I should wear he replied, "Um, I don't know... just don't go too..... Larissa, Larissa." Nice.
What I think he meant to say, as told to me by my fashionista friend, was to dress "Sassy Classy", which is classy but with an edge.
So while I knew my jumpsuit was out of the question, I also knew I wasn't going to show up looking like my grandmother in a St. John knit suit! Nope. I wound up in a Rozae Nichols black dress, vintage leopard coat and deep burgundy, retro suede pumps. Tailored enough for the event, but fun enough for me, Larissa, Larissa.

ALL IN KNOTS

Katherine Kwei Donna Evening Bag

While I'm usually trying to undo knots (out of my hair, my kids' hair, straps, the hose, you name it) this is one knot you don't want to undo. Inspired by Chinese knotting, learned from her grandmother, Katherine Kwei's designs are a piece of art. These are luxury bags with a really cool twist.
www.katherinekwei.com

EVENT IN WELLESLEY, MA!!!

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

Finally an all physical sunscreen that doesn't leave a chalky white residue or a greasy texture. All skin types can use it and makeup can be beautifully applied over it. With 9.5% titanium dioxide and 6.0% zinc oxide, your face has never been so protected (and free from chemicals). I just bought my second bottle and summer's not even here yet.
www.josiemarancosmetics.com

KITTY'S CALLING AGAIN

I said it before but feel the need to say it again. It's happening. Pointy toes and lower heel heights are feeling seriously chic. 4 inch heels, on the other hand, are starting to look like they come with stripper lessons and a membership to the Playboy mansion. But if you're still not ready to chuck your Louboutins for kittens, or aren't ready to spend real cash to test them out, check out Ivanka Trump's new line of reasonably priced shoes on Piperlime. They come in all different colors, have a great fit and measure in at 2 1/2 inches. Trump that.
www.piperlime.com

OUT OF THE BAG

Stephanie Johnson Katie Folding Clutch

Have you ever seen a makeup bag pretty enough to parade around as a purse? I have, and now you have too. Stephanie Johnson makeup bags are so glam but also so functional, you no longer need to store your touch-up arsenal of liquid liner, Kitten eye shadow and goopy lip gloss in a separate bag inside your purse. This is your purse!
Buy now and enter MOM code at checkout and receive 25% off.
www.stephaniejohnson.com

A WOMAN'S PLACE

Listen boys, (I'm calling you boys because MEN already know the advice I'm about to impart).... the home is a woman's nest. Her nest. Not yours, hers (you can have the garage). Which means it's imperative that she gets to decorate it any damn way she pleases. Do you really care what color the pillows are? Do you even know the difference between damask and jacquard? There's a reason House Beautiful recently put pink on the cover and called it sexy. When a woman loves how her home is decorated, she is happier... which in turn will make you happier (trust me). A man doesn't come home at night for the color of the couches... if he does... you need a new man.

STILA DAY TOMORROW MARCH 19

Northshore Mall, Sephora, Saturday March 19, 11-6. See you there!

FIRSTS ARE EXCITING

So you got asked out on a first date. Fantastic. Easy part done. Hard part ahead. What are you going to wear? The key is to not look like you tried too hard, which of course is a lie because you will obsess over this outfit about as much as you did when you picked out your prom dress. You also have to understand that what is fashionable and what men like are almost completely opposite. So that fresh new pant that's hitting the runways? Skip it. That voluminous top? No way. A first date outfit calls for simple, body conscious (not body hugging mind you) and clean, pretty, hair/makeup. So basically we're talking jeans, heels/booties, cashmere V-neck sweater or simple shirt, maybe some long chains thrown in and hoop earrings or in the summer a feminine cotton sun dress with flip flops and a jean jacket. But don't forget your most important accessory. Your smile. Even the cutest outfit can't take the place of that.

RING IN SPRING

The warmer weather over the weekend made me actually think Spring/Summer might be on its way. This means summer jewelry is in order. If you're sick of rope bracelets but not quite a fancy, fine jewelry kind of girl, here's your alternative.

www.isabelharvey.com

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.