Category Archives: Shop
Five Favorites: Wedge Espadrille Sandals
The wedge espadrille is the perfect compliment to summer. Comfortable and versatile, these sandals provide the hight needed paired with comfort. The rope detailing couples well with casual and dressy styles and remains durable year after year. Available in different styles and colors, the platform wedges will flatter all summer long. Here are a five favorites for summer:
Topshop: Whispered Sandal – $84.00
Michael Kors: Giovanna Wedge Sandal – $134.95
Jimmy Choo: Pallis Wedge Sandal – $450.00
Delman: Trish Sandal– $250.00
Dolce Vita (DV): Tarry Sandal – $59.60
Wrinkle-Free: Madewell Boyjean in Linen Wash
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A classic laid-back style for summer is white linen pants. Perfect for outdoor BBQ’s and days at the beach, linen keeps you cool but it can also turn into a wrinkled-mess.
A great alternative to the usual drawstring linen pant is Madewell’s Boyjean in Linen Wash. These pants are thin, lightweight and comfortable. They will keep you cool all summer and are a great transitional staple for work and play.
Stay crease and wrinkle-free with the linen-alternative.
Brow Builder: It Cosmetics Brow Power
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IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil is no ordinary pencil. This ultra-fine, high-definition, long-wearing, automatic eyebrow pencil adjusts to your specific brow color and supports healthy hair growth.
The super-skinny tip draws the tiniest of lines, allowing you to easily mimic the look of natural brow hairs. The spooly-end brushes and polishes the brows, perfecting the look. How can one pencil be universally flattering? By using softer strokes to match lighter hair, including blonde and silver and pressing a bit harder for darker hair, including medium brown to black.
The crayon-like texture goes on very lightly, so you can layer for the particular look you are going for – whether it’s natural or a bold “statement” brow. The formula is smudge-proof, waterproof and filled with good-for-you ingredients like panthenol, Vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains GrowLuxe technology, which is formulated with Saw Palmetto, Nettle Flower Extract, Horsetail Flower Extract, Green Tea Extract and Grapeseed Extract – promoting healthy hair growth. The American Cancer Society approved Brow Power as being safe for ultra-sensitive skin; this plus the GrowLuxe formula makes this pencil perfect for those who have lost their brows due to chemotherapy. In fact, for every Brow Power pencil sold, IT Cosmetics donates one pencil to the Look Good, Feel Better Program which helps women with cancer regain their confidence in their physical appearance.
Amazing? Yes.
Hair Trend: Crimp
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Crimped hair is making an unexpected comeback this Spring/Summer. Often associated with the 80’s, the hairstyle has been spotted on both the runway and red-carpet.
Today’s crimped hairstyle is more about texture than style. Different widths and lengths are used to create volume and effect. The crimping technique offers massive volume that lasts.
For special occasions/Prom: Mix crimped hair with flat-ironed hair for a fresh hairstyle. Crimp hair and style into a top knot or bohemian updo, for a modern take on a classic.
Paul Mitchell wants to make sure you are prom-ready with Paul Mitchell Prom Survival Kits and the Limited Edition Express Ion Crimp. Find participating salons HERE.
The Classics: J Brand Black Skinny
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Like fine wine, the J Brand Black Skinny only gets better with age. Known for both comfort and style, J Brand (btw: ‘J’ stands for Jeff – Jeff Rudes owner) creates great basics that last. The J Brand Black Skinny is the only black skinny I may ever buy. No fading and no stretching – this classic should be a staple in every woman’s closet.
Bored of black denim? Reinvent your day-to-day classics. If you have exhausted all combinations in your closet – mix-it-up with a great shoe or accessory. Try a colorful or embellished flat or rugged ankle boot. However, if you are not six feet tall, ankle boots can be tricky. Paired with skinny jeans they can make you look stumpy. The key to wearing ankle boots with skinny jeans is to create a continuous line. This means wearing dark rinse blue jeans with black ankle boots, or black jeans with a dark gray pair of ankle boots. The colors do not have to match exactly, but should be close enough that there’s no significant break when one ends and the other begins.
Keep it classic and style your J Brand Skinnies with sophisticated black and white pieces. Always on trend and deceptively simple, the black and white combination looks polished and fresh.
When it comes to the classics, investing in great pieces makes a world of difference. These J Brand Skinnies will outlast the next three pairs of less expensive versions bought. Save yourself the time and headache and buy the best.
Five Favorites: Peasant Top
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Peasant tops are are great transitioning piece from cold to warm weather. Available in basic neutrals or super bright colors – these tops are both relaxed and casual.
Slip into a breezy peasant top and pair with your favorite denim, white and/or colored. Equally cute with shorts and skirts, marry the look with some ankle boots and a floppy hat. Peasant tops also make a great beach coverup.
Designers continue to offer peasants tops in many styles but the one constant is their flowy and breezy nature. Appealing to all body types, this top will work hard in your closet all-year-long.
Here are five favorites:
Joie ~ Meliana Embroidered Gauze Blouse: $198.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Ecote Split Back Embroidered Tank Top: $49.00
Anthropologie ~ Embroidered Aureolin Tunic: $98.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Embroidered Bazaar Cami: $54.00
Free People ~ Rolling Stone Woven Top: $118.00
Fresh-Faced: YSL Creme de Blush in Baby Doll
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The Yves Saint Laurent Arty Stone Collection for Spring 2013 is a gorgeous collection filled with bold spring colors. To top it off, the collection is all worn by Ginta Lapina, the label’s ambassador for this season.
Taking its inspiration from warm, precious jewel tone pigments, Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, describes as:
“Pink quartz, amethyst, pyrite, malachite, azurite, jade, each possesses a hypnotic beauty. When you hold them in your hands, these precious stones diffuse energy and light, like galaxies. Their crystalline purity and voluptuous opalescence were the departure point for the creation of the Spring Look 2013 for Yves Saint Laurent.”
This collection features three new Creme de Blush: 7 Rose, 8 Brown, 9 Pink (Baby Doll Pink). These blushes are very unique. They apply and blend like a cream but set to a powder finish. However, the finish is luminous, radiant and healthy looking. Incredibly easy to apply, this product feels like silk, ensuring a seamless result. The lightweight, mousse-like and non-waxy texture does not break-up makeup, and can be layered for higher color payoff.
Baby Doll is my current favorite. It looks very pink in the pot – almost neon, however, when blended, creates the perfect flushed cheek. Swoon. Apply with a light hand for a subtle effect or a heavy-hand for a statement look. Baby Doll really makes the skin look fresh and healthy.
Suggested application: Using fingertips, gently apply to the apples of the cheeks, blending up and outward toward the hairline. Gently tap into the skin for flawless blending.
Stress-Free Soak: Shea Terra Jasmine Ylang Ylang Effervescent Bath Soak
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Surround yourself in Madagascan Ylang Ylang and Egyptian Jasmine flowers. Shea Terra Jasmine Ylang Ylang Effervescent Bath Soak creates a deeply relaxing and aromatic bath experience. Simply pour a scoop into the bath and watch as tiny effervescent pebbles release a bouquet of warm aromas, essential oils and vitalizing salts. The perfect way to calm and soothe away the day.
This Effervescent Bath Soak is 100% natural and formulated with rare Kalahari Desert salts. These salts are whole, unprocessed and rich in over twenty skin-loving minerals including silver, bromide, calcium, potassium and magnesium. These amazing salts detoxify the body, draw out excess fluid and help skin cells to regenerate and heal.
An effervescent salts bath add another dimension to the bath experience. The fizzy, massaging bubbles are great for removing dead skin cells and release nourishing minerals and fragrant African essential oils that hydrate the skin. Wild Marula and Ootanga oils are so moisturizing – you many not need lotion out of the bath.
Melt your day away with Shea Terra Jasmine Ylang Ylang Effervescent Bath Soak .
About Shea Terra Organics
Shea Terra Organics sources the most potent, organic and wild harvested ingredients from across Africa. This pristine environment, little tainted by modern pollution, grows some of the safest, unchanged botanical ingredients on earth. Unwilling to compromise, Shea Terra Organics uses whole herbs for its potent, synergistic benefits.
Shea Terra Organics practices Free Trade. They work with small groups of gatherers, cooperatives and families to source their premium ingredients. With every purchase of Shea Terra products gives an economic incentive for local peoples to preserve their wild habitats.
Unrequited Love: Tassel Jewelry
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A more playful take on statement jewelry has been popping up in the form of swingy tassel earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The global-inspired look is available in a multitude of colors, lengths and styles. From colorful bracelets and shoulder-grazing danglers to simple rope pendants, finding a piece of tassel jewelry to fit your style and budget is a cinch. Here are a few favorites.
1. Isabel Marant: Asphalt Cowboy Necklace: $342.00
2. Max & Chloe: Ali NY Silver Traveler Tassel Earrings: $60.00
3. Lucy Folk: Jasmine Flower Braided Bracelets: $72.00
4. Max & Chloe: Ali NY Gold City Tassel Belcher Bracelet: $70.00
5. J.Crew: Double-Tassel Necklace: $62.00
Team Glow: Dior Lip & Nail Glow
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Create a natural glow with Dior’s new Lip Glow Color Reviver Gloss and Nail Glow Enhancer . These low-maintenance products create the “your lips/nails but better” look in seconds.
Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Gloss is modelled after the brand’s beloved Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm. In one universal shade the color-adapting formula works with your body temperature to create a unique color. The formula has a subtle vanilla scent/flavor and is very moisturizing. It works with any skin tone and makes lips look flushed yet natural.
Dior Nail Glow Enhancer is a unique nail lacquer that enhances the color of your natural nails. When applied on bare nails, the pinks of the nails become pinker and the whites become whiter for a shining finish and healthy, glowing effect. This is a great everyday polish for those who love the “buff and shine” look. Nail Glow gives that extra oomph that a shiny top coat can’t pull off.
These products are great for when you want to go au naturale but need a little something extra.
Hair Healer: Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream
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Living Proof was created with a simple ambition – challenge conventional wisdom to solve the toughest beauty problems. Made up of an alchemy of brilliant scientists and industry veterans, Living Proof invent and patent new molecules that change how the hair behaves.
Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream is a moisture-rich cream that can be used on both wet and dry hair. Formulated with OFPMA, a patented molecule that creates an exquisitely thin, weightless shield around each hair strand. This shield repairs damaged cuticles and protects from further damage and breakage so hair has time to heal. The Targeted Repair Cream replaces lost ceramides to restructure, strengthen and seal the protective outer layer of the hair, preventing up to 93% of new split ends.
The perfect cream to use on damp hair as a styling product and/or dry hair to smooth fly-aways while hydrating the hair. The Targeted Repair Cream instantly adds shine to the hair, smoothes cuticles and repairs split ends while providing all-day UV protection. Thus, creating silky, smooth and healthy-looking hair. This all-in-one product can replace your leave-in treatment, styling cream and finishing cream.
After using this product for two weeks, I can honestly say my hair looks and feels healthier. Transform dry or damaged hair back to it’s optimal health with Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream.
Fresh Fragrance: ManeTeeze Hair Perfume
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Hair perfumes, refreshers and mists are currently trending in the beauty world. Fragrance houses and hair aficionados are unveiling product left and right.
Hair perfumes are designed to give your flowing tresses the alluring aroma of your favorite perfume. Hair is a great fragrance diffuser as it holds the scent for longer periods – due to the oils in the hair and the heat of the scalp.
These days women are washing their hair less and less. Hair can absorb the smell of surrounding food or smoke and even sweat post-workout. To freshen-up any unwanted scent reach for ManeTeeze Hair Perfume. Available in three different aromas, these sweet smelling hair perfumes contain a high concentration of fragrance, but more gentle for the hair than traditional perfumes. Eau de parfum and toilette contain a high alcohol content that can be very drying on the hair. ManeTeeze Hair Perfumes lasts for up to 12 hours and create soft, shiny and delicious-smelling hair.
- Black Widow – a foggy, luxurious, enchanting scent filled with undertones of dark amber
- Haut Mess – a luscious mix of chocolate, caramel and dessert like scents that engulf the hair.
- Social Butterfly – sweet, soft vanilla infused luxury that matches a busy, bubbly life.
Spring Sun: Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Zygomatic
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Illamasqua Cream Blushers. The most pigmented, creamy and long-lasting cream-based product I have used.
For my first purchase I decided to go a bit conservative. This was extremely difficult as there are so many tempting colors. I wanted a color I could wear everyday that would give a natural dewiness. Enter Zygomatic. A “naked pink brown” as described by Illamasqua. Subtle yet on the skin it creates the perfect pinkish tan glow like you have soaked up a little Spring sun.
This product blends beautifully and creates a healthy dewy finish. Use alone or as primer for your powder blushes. This will create even longer staying power.
Lastly… If you are thinking about trying an Illamasqua Cream Blusher – go to your nearest Sephora – as the color swatches on the websites are inaccurate.
Casual Khaki: The Boyfriend Chino
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A great alternative to jeans is the slouchy boyfriend chino. This versatile style pant lives in a casual environment but with a few fancy basics can also be spruced up.
I love these pants ‘banged-up’ a bit. With some distress, worn spots and/or small holes – they look ‘lived-in’ and not as stiff/starchy.
Casual pairings are a cinch, as you can wear with anything – similar to denim. Dress-up your boyfriend chinos with fancy basics: beaded top, black blazer, sky-high pump.
Available in all colors and prints (camo!), here are a few favorites:
AG Adriano Goldschmied ~ Cropped Boyfriend Khaki Pants: $205.00
Vince ~ Boyfriend Trousers: $195.00
Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Buddy’ Print Twill Trousers: $238.00
Rag and Bone ~ Portobello Pants: $176.00
Old Navy ~ Boyfriend Skinny Khakis: $29.94
Four Favorites: Makeup Wipes
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Makeup removing wipes can be a fast and effective way to clean your face. Great for travel, gym bag or just laziness – these wipes remove dirt, oil and makeup in a few swipes.
We have all been there… Too tired/lazy/champagne-induced to wash our face before bed. The nighttime hours are when your skin does the majority of it’s repair work. If you sleep with your makeup on, your skin can’t breathe and you will be missing out on allowing it to benefit from that crucial beauty sleep.
Makeup wipes cleanse, tone and moisturize in seconds. Just make sure you are using them properly. Instead of quickly rubbing the towelette all over the face – let the wipe soak on the face for a couple seconds. This allows the formula to start breaking-down makeup and impurities. Concentrate particularly on the eye area to avoid too much rubbing later. Gently rub the wipe, back and forth on the face. It will do the job of taking the makeup off for you.
A good facial wipe should have just the right amount of saturation – not too wet or too dry. It should also leave the skin feeling clean, fresh, soft and hydrated.
Here are my current four favorites:
Bioderma ~ Crealine H20 Wipes: around $18.00 (purchased in Paris..sorry)
*** Great for sensitive skin and eye area – these never make the eyes sting and take off everything with ease while toning the skin.
Josie Maran ~ Bear Naked Wipes: $12.00
*** Super hydrating and smell delicious.
MAC ~ Wipes: $20.00
*** These are amazing at taking everything off your face – however, I always wash my face after as the formula is a bit strong.
Aveeno ~ Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes: $6.99
*** The perfect wipe. Soothing, no stinging, face feels clean and fresh. Cost-Effective.
Clutter-Free Cosmetics: UNII Palette
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Say goodbye to makeup clutter! The UNII Palette neatly stores all your favorite cosmetics in one purse-friendly palette.
This innovative and re-usable makeup case eliminates clutter and allows users to consolidate their makeup into one multi-brand palette. Each UNII Palette comes with a matching movable thumb grip and a sheet of adhesive writable labels. Depot your favorite pans of eyeshadows, blushes, face powders, and gather brushes, eyeliners, lipliners and simply pop them into your UNII Palette. Many makeup brands sell refill options – see which ones: HERE.
The palette is magnetized so makeup stays securely in place, but can be moved and organized to your liking. Available in six vibrant shades: Honeysuckle, Turquoise, Pear, Lavender, Crystal and Midnight – users can create the ultimate personalized palette. Arrange makeup for day, evening, color or trend. Keep one at home and one in your bag. With a large full sized mirror and durable casing, the UNII Palette is designed to use on-the-go.
If you are unfamiliar with how to “depot” your cosmetics – don’t worry UNII Cosmetics has you covered. Check out there How-To video HERE.
DIY: China Glaze Ombré Nail Kits
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DIY manicures just got significantly more affordable and fun. Create an “ombré” effect on your nails with China Glaze Ombré Nail Kits.
Each kit features four China Glaze nail polishes, with great colors that can also be used on their own:
Sweet Sensations (Pink)
Also included in the kit are 10 sponges and detailed instructions to create the ombré effect. Focus the fade on all of your nails or wear one color on each nail. Fade from darkest to lightest or accent with one nail designed with the ombré tip – the options are endless.
Exclusively sold at Sally Beauty Supply, each kit retails for $12.99. China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, added formaldehyde and never tested on animals.
Standout Shades: Karen Walker
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Karen Walker has been known for cutting-edge designs since 1988. The New Zealand-based designer applies the same imagination and drama to her eyewear as she does her fashion. With frames dressed up in bold tortoise shell, rainbow-bright hues, unconventional and oversized silhouettes – her eyewear wears as works of art.
Spring Favorites:
Atomic: $349.00
Northern Lights: $349.00
Deep Freeze Crazy Tortoise: $329.00
Orbit Clear: $349.00
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ABOUT KAREN WALKER
Karen Walker is best known for collections that are original, unpretentious and always optimistic.
Karen Walker collections are high casual, elevated with a signature love of print and colour. The reoccurring theme is juxtaposition of opposites — masculine and feminine, tailored and street, luxury and non-luxury, dark and super-cute.
The label has been described by the U.K.’s Independent newspaper as being “The kind of look that provides a means of appearing cool but not trying-too-hard, cute but not saccharine, alternative but not self consciously so.”
In addition to the main women’s-wear collections there is also Karen Walker Jewellery, Karen Walker Eyewear, Karen Walker Homeware, Karen Walker Paints and a series of collaborations including Beau Coops for Karen Walker footwear.
There is also a diffusion line, Hi There from Karen Walker, available exclusively in the United States through Anthropologie and in Australia through Myer.
Phaidon have included Karen Walker in their recent book ‘Sample’ which curates the 100 most influential designers to emerge in the last 6 years. Taschen have also included Karen Walker in their book ‘Fashion Now 2’ which highlights the world’s most important 160 designers as selected by i-D magazine.
Karen Walker product is available in over 30 countries, and 200 cities worldwide. The collections can be found in specialty shops, department stores and leading online boutiques. There are also five Karen Walker flagship stores in New Zealand.
Karen Walker is part of the group behind The Department Store in Auckland, New Zealand. The Department Store is a modern take on the traditional department store that includes a Karen Walker boutique alongside the country’s best fashion, beauty, lifestyle and food.
Karen Walker has garnered a fan base of stylish women including Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung, Florence Welch, Zooey Deschanel and Rihanna.
Karen lives in New Zealand with her husband Mikhail and her daughter Valentina.
Spring Scent: Leonor Greyl PARIS ‘Masque Fleurs de Jasmin’ Nourishing Hair Mask
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Need a fix for dry and dull winter hair? Try a nourishing mask that creates shine, manageability and leaves hair smelling of Spring.
Leonor Greyl PARIS ‘Masque Fleurs de Jasmin’ Nourishing Hair Mask restores dry, stressed strands and will bring hair back to life. This creamy hair mask is enriched with amino acids, jasmine flower water and palm oil to condition and restore moisture, botanical oils to increase flexibility, and proteins to strengthen and enhance radiance.
This intensely nourishing mask repairs tresses and instantly leaves hair silky and shiny. The mask feels extremely luxurious and has an amazing floral scent that fills the shower with refreshing jasmine flower. The perfect prep for Spring.
Mix a small amount of this mask with your favorite styling product to retain the floral scent all-day-long.
Picture Perfect: NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder
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For Spring 2013, NARS introduces an innovative new mineral setting powder, available in both loose and pressed formulas. Light Reflecting Setting Powder helps skin “shine through makeup,” enhancing the look of foundation and extending makeup wear – all without a trace of color.
Formulated with NARS’ exclusive “Light Reflecting Complex,” this translucent powder promises to fade fine lines, wrinkles, and pores creating visibly smooth skin. Vitamin E and glycerin help guard against dryness and provide a luminous soft matte finish. Ideal for touch-ups, regulating shine, and seamlessly setting foundation. Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Non-Comedogenic.
This ultra-silky powder uses a form of silicone, mineral silica, to matify, blur and fill-in fine lines and pores. It feels amazing and creates super smooth skin. The finely-milled powder is stark white but leaves no chalky residue or “powdery” appearance. Infused with Photochromic Technology, Light Reflecting Setting Powder adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Great for flash photography, there us no reflection or flashback. It sets foundation beautifully and makes the face look luminous, smooth and just pretty.
Glow-T 