Blog Archives
Season-less Staple: Rachel Roy 24 Hour Dress
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Transition from day to night / summer to fall with effortless style in Rachel Roy’s 24 Hour Dress.
A conceptual design for 24 hour functionality, this comfortable dress works in the daytime, nighttime, work-time and party-time. The ruching at the waist and deep pockets provide a relaxed, unencumbered, figure-flattering style. Chic and impeccably tailored, the 24 Hour Dress is extremely affordable at around $89.00.
Strap on some sandals or flat boots, add a panama and gold bracelets for an easy daytime look. Take this dress into night with pumps or booties, pattern tights and jewels or a simple belt – any width, color, design.
Each season this dress is slighted altered in color and material, but never the style. In past collections, this dress has been made of velvet, splattered with paint and shined in metallics. Also sold at Macys, the 24 Hour Dress is available in black all-year-round.
Nude Attitude: HIPPxRGB Nail Foundations
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In the summer I love a brightly-colored nail. From trendy neons to tropical-inspired corals, warm weather feeds this need. However, there is nothing like the perfect nude nail polish. A polish that will never go out of style and will flatter and enhance your skin tone all-year-round. If you have ever searched for this unicorn, you know how difficult it is to find.
Last year, Celebrity Nail Stylist Jenna Hipp teamed up with RGB founder Gina Carney to create HIPPxRGB, the first skin tone specific, full coverage, all nude nail color collection. Similar to the concept of foundation for the face, Nail Foundation is the first nail color of its kind designed to match and compliment for a flawless even finish. Available in four shades – F1, F2, F3, & F4 -, Nail Foundation can be applied with two coats or worn under a favorite neutral for a custom blend with added coverage.
Genius. The only word to describe. I mix F1 and F2 to concoct the perfect nude for my skintone. By the end of summer, I may need to add a drop of F3. I love the alchemy involved with these polishes. Mix and match shades for warmer or cooler tones, depending on the season.
Stands for: The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue.
RGB is a product line dedicated solely to nail color and care. RGB creates nail color as an extension of one’s wardrobe; we use color as an accessory. It started with the RGB Ten collection: ten iconic colors with a modern edge. Each shade is our sharp take on a classic with a straightforward name to match. While the classic ten will always remain the same, new colors are added seasonally. The chip-resistant and high shine formula is free of harmful chemicals. There is no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor in RGB products.
Sun-Kissed Favorites: Bronzing Powders
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Bronzing Powders. The most purchased item in my collection. Used to create the illusion of sun-kissed skin without lying in the sun. Not only are they easy to apply, but they conceal, even-out skintone and create a more toned/sculpted appearance.
Bronzing powders should be placed strategically on the areas that would be naturally “kissed” by the sun: the forehead, bridge of nose, tops of cheeks, and chin. Take what’s left on the brush and blend onto the neck and décolleté so there is no line of demarcation. Bronzer should be transluscent. The brush that you use will make a big difference in your application: denser, shorter hairs will pick up more pigment than looser, longer hairs. (Favorite: Bobby Brown Bronzer Brush).
Over-applying or picking the wrong shade will result in looking like Snookie. Everyone can wear bronzer, fair or dark skin, it’s just about knowing which shade works best for you. When picking out a bronzer, go about two shades deeper than your natural coloring, or choose a shade that is close to the color your skin naturally turns in the sun. Stay away from products that are frosted or have orange undertones, they will look artificial.
Matte and semi-matte bronzers ONLY! Matte bronzers look more natural than glitter or frosted products. Especially for contouring purposes, matte products are a must. (How-To Contour: Here) A small about of sheen/glow is okay, however, apply with a light hand. If you want the shimmer or highlight, add separately with a highlighting product.
FAVORITES:
Disclosure: I am constantly changing bronzers, daily. I have yet to find the “holy grail”, but will continue to search high and low. The favorites I have chosen are the products I reach for the most and believe to be universally flattering.
Laura Geller Bronze-n-Brighten: This is a great product for correction purposes. The multi-colored, baked layers provide redness relief and an even skintone. The “bronzing” layers add a lasting glow to the skin.
Bobby Brown Bronzing Powder: The universal bronzer. Available in seven shades for a wide range of complexions, this bronzer will suit anyone. The long-lasting formula is extremely smooth and silky and applies seamlessly.
Guerlain ‘Terracotta-Four Seasons’ Bronzer: Guerlain is considered to be the “ultimate bronzing authority”. With many great products to choose from, the Terracotta-Four Seasons can be used all year long. The idea is to blend the four colors together in different variations to reach your desired color for every season.
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Faux Tan & Warmth All-Over Face Color: Both of these powders are my most reached for bronzers. Quick and easy, these bronzing powders bring “life” to the skin. Use separately to create healthy-looking skin in seconds. Mix them together for a radiant “sun-goddess” look.
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder: When my skin is looking a bit dull or flat, this is the bronzer I use. It produces a nice glow on the skin and the color is very subtle. This is the most natural looking bronzing powder I have used.
Honorable Mentions:
NARS Laguna: I have a love/hate relationship with this bronzer. Sometimes it looks amazing and other times it just looks dirty.
Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact in Sun Bunny: Great color, too much shimmer. This is a great product to use on chest/legs and décolleté.
QUESTION?
What are your favorite bronzing powders?
SALE ALERT: Vince – Waxed Cotton Trenchcoat
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Vince Waxed Cotton Trenchcoat
A trenchcoat can be worn all-year-round and never go out of style. Popular for centuries, this classic coat continues to evolve in both style and design.
This Waxed Cotton Trenchcoat by Vince is simple and clean. Typical in trenchcoat design, the cuff straps on the raglan sleeves add detail as well as protection from wind and rain. The double-breasted silhouette remains classic as well as the belt that cinches at the waist. This trench is made of waxed cotton that will ensure durability on cold and wet days.
Saks Fifth Avenue online sale is compiled of fantastic spring and summer items. This Vince Trenchcoat is on sale for $197.99 from $495.00. Get it while it lasts!
Tried & Tested: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad
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Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad
To achieve a sun-kissed glow on the face, I opt for bronzing powders/creams or purchase darker foundations/tinted moisturizers. I cringe at the thought of applying faux-tanning products to the face. In past experience I have found they sink into pores, cause breakouts and never provide natural-looking results. That is until now, after discovering Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads, I am a frequenter of faux-face tanning.
Dr. Denis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads are pre-soaked towelettes that provide anti-aging benefits as well as a glowing complexion. These pads exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sun damage. One small pad reveals natural radiant skin that provides a long-lasting tan and fades gracefully. This product is great all-year round, it effectively evens-out skintone which reduces the need for heavy foundations and concelers.
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