Fall Favorite: Chelsea Boot

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A favorite for Fall is the Chelsea Boot. Also known as the “Beatle Boot” as the original was adapted for The Beatles in the early 1960’s. The style was inspired by the Cuban’s Flamanco Boot – only the Chelsea had a higher heel.  This ankle boot has been redesigned and modernized over the years into a comfortable and  very versatile/practical shoe. Here are a few of my favorites:

Opening Ceremony: Coachella Flat Suede Chelsea Boots: $402.00

Topshop: August Classic Chelsea Boots: $120.00

J.Crew: Chelsea Boots: $268.00

Saint Laurant: Suede Rock Chelsea Boot: $995.00

Frye: Pippa Short Chelsea Boots: $278.00

Rag and Bone: Bannon Closed Toe Booties: $550.00

 

Jagged Edge: Asymmetric Sweaters

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Tired of boring, old cable-knit sweaters? Try something new with an asymmetric hemline. It is not a huge change, but a subtle update that gives cold-weather wear a little edge.

These sweaters work best with layers that emphasize the design. Coordinate opposing color schemes to show-off the sleek lines. Then pair with leggings, skinny jeans or leathers for a look that says snuggly not sloppy.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Helmut Lang ~ Asymmetric Sweater: $276.50 (sale)

T by Alexander Wang ~ Asymmetric Ribbed Open-Knit Tunic: $98.00 (sale)

Mango ~ Alpaca Wool Asymmetric Sweater: $59.99

2ND DAY ~ Medium Grey Heather Stinne Pullover: $285.00

How To: Nude Lip

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Originally applied to downplay the rest of the face when having a dramatic smoky eye or a major blush moment, the nude lip has transcended from a trend to a classic.

Your perfect nude lip will depend entirely on the shade. Remember nude is not the same as neutral, you must take into consideration your skin tone and lip color. The right color will create depth and contour as the wrong color can make the entire face look dull or washed-out.

Choosing a color for your skin tone:

• For fair or pale skin: Avoid beige tones. Opt for soft pinks, peaches or pale apricot as your base shade.
• For the golden girls: Creamy, caramel-toned nudes and warm beiges. Avoid anything too cool, like grays or silver-toned shades.
• For olive tones: Just about any nude shade will work, from beige to bronze to pinks.
• For skin with yellow undertones: Light, creamy-toned beiges like latte or mocha.
• For dark-toned skin: Go for chocolate tones such as rich golden browns and coffees.

Needed:

• Foundation
• Nude Lip Liner – Favorite: Here
• Lip Brush
• Nude Lipstick – Favorite: Here
• Nude Lipgloss – Favorite: Here

How To:

• Prep and moisturize the lips.
• Blot a layer of foundation onto the lips. This will let lipstick perform at it’s truest color.
• Define lips with a liner that is the half-a-shade deeper than lipstick. This will give the illusion of plumper lips.
• Using a lip brush, apply lipstick.
• Blot the lips with tissue and reapply.
• If a glossy finish is preferred – apply nude lipgloss.

Brand Bravado: Cleobella

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Every since stepping foot inside the Cleobella boutique, I have been dreaming of certain items. Here are a few of my favorites:

BAGS:

KAYA Bucket: $552.00

ALISSA Small: $366.00

DAYO: $398.00

CLUTCH:

MAHALA Clutch: $407.00

JEWELRY:

SIRA Bracelet: $87.00

TADI Armband: $120.00

ARIZIKI Bracelet: $83.00

MARA Ring: $82.00

READ INTERVIEW W/ ANGELA O’BRIEN OF CLEOBELLA: HERE

Five Favorites: Lip Treatments

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The product on everybody’s lips… Lip Treatments.

Moisturizing lip conditioners are some of my favorite products. Essential for getting rid of dry, chapped lips, these treatments care and protect all-year-round. Slather them on day/night, in-flight, in-car… anytime. My current five favorites are:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Full Post Review: HERE

Homeoplasmine Cream: One of my French pharmacy favorites, this multi-purpose ointment soothes, protects and moisturizes the lips/skin. The homeopathic cream was originally created to heal the nasal passages from colds, allergies, and treat skin irritations. However, it is amazing on dry lips as it literally heals them before your eyes. I love the non-greasy consistency and the natural matte finish. Great for travel, this cream will quench jet-lagged lips/skin and the aluminum casing ensures the product will last forever. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find in the US. Sorry. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy: Brings the healing power of First Aid Beauty’s best-selling Ultra Repair Cream to moisturize, nourish, and protect your lips. This long-lasting, petroleum-free and paraben-free formula will prevent dryness and heal parched lips. On its own, it has a subtle, semi-matte finish. Use this healthy lip balm under lipstick to keep lips hydrated, smooth and soft.

Eco Lips Renew Rejuvenating Lip Balm: Formulated with argan oil, vitamin E and antioxidants this lip balm aids in cell renewal and anti-aging. The organic lip conditioner improves skin texture almost immediately and the petroleum-free formula locks in moisture. The bold Orange Spice flavor is a treat on the lips and kind of addicting.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: – Used by many makeup artists as a lip prep, this soothing lip conditioner soaks into lips and dries perfectly matte. The richly concentrated balm contains honey, plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence to help nourish, repair, soothe and protect the lips. The incredibly creamy, smooth texture glides on the lips effortlessly and smells of sweet citrus.

Four Favorites: Flip-Flops

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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.

My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:

J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50

Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00

TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95

Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00

Bare Necessities: Summer Intimates

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During the summer months keep cool with lightweight bare-ly-there lingerie. Subject your intimates drawer to the same seasonal overhaul that your closet goes through. Put away the flannels and free the feather-weight options.

Opt for thin, lace skivvies, comfortable bralettes and seamless boyshorts. Sleep in delicate rompers, cami-sets and free-flowing tanks. With these comfortable and cool bare-ly there options your body and boyfriend will thank you.

Here are a few of my favorite bare necessities for summer:

Madewell ~ Perfect Racerback Tank: $25.00

Commando ~ Girl Short: $26.00

Victoria Secret ~ Lace Bandeau: $17.50

Victoria Secret ~ Lace Bralette: $24.50

Aubin & Willis ~ Hurstdene Polka-Dor Silk Pajama Playsuit: $85.o0

Cosabella ~ Dolce Soft Bra: $52.50

Cosabella ~ Dolce Boyshort: $35.00

Old Navy ~ Tank & Short Lounge Sets: $14.94

Hanky Panky ~ Signature Lace Low Rise Thong: $20.00

Summer Must-Have: Stellar Sunglasses

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One of my favorite warm-weather accessories… sunglasses. A summer must-have, the perfect pair of sunglasses not only look good but initiates a sense of confidence.

Sunglasses are a great way to reflect your unique style. Consider mixing it for the summer months. If you always go black – try-on a fun, bright color or cool print. If you always go for the same shape, try-on something different, like a trendy round frame or the universally flattering cat-eye.

If you can’t stray from the classics, brands like Ray-Ban release new collections all the time, featuring new and trendy colors or prints. A slight twist on a classic style.

Eyewear is constantly evolving with new styles and trends. Here are a few stellar sunnies:

Rebecca Minkoff ~ Bedford Sunglasses: $230.00

Matthew Williamson by Linda Farrow: Jackie O Sunglasses: $352.00

Ray-Ban ~ RB2140 Original Wayfarer (Rare Prints Collection): $150.00

Stella McCartney ~ Aviator: $250.00

Dita ~ Mariposa: $425.00

Elizabeth and James ~ Layfayette Cat Eye Sunglasses: $155.00

5 under $50: Summer Dress

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Take the guess-work out of summer outfits. With the simple summer dress, one can quickly and casually throw it on all summer long.

Look for universal prints and colors. If you choose a more trendy version, i.e neons and/or bold prints, it will be more recognizable and you will not get as much wear out of it. Let the summer dress be the base of any ensemble and change it up with different pairings: jackets, scarves, layers (crop-tops/slouchy tees) and accessories. These dresses will be in your closet for numerous summers to come. Here are five favorites all under $50.00.

Volcom ~ Festivus: $45.00

Element ~ Robin Striped Dress: $44.50

BB Dakota ~ Dora Stripe Dress: $49.00 (sale)

Hive & Honey ~ Floral Blousant Dress: $39.99 (sale)

Forever 21 ~ Casual Chambray Dress: $15.50

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?

Festival Fashion Series: Day 1

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With Festival Season approaching, Glow-T’s Festival Fashion Series will get you weekend-ready.  This week I will be putting together trends and favorites, from beauty-needs to fashion essentials, for an easy weekend packing guide.

Day 1 starts with the effortless cut-off. Available in vintage/distressed, colored, patterns or high-waisted, there is a selection for anyone. Pair with bright colors and flowing separates or moto boots and rocker-style coordinates. Boots are a great option for being on your feet all day, not only will they look great, but prepare you for any weather hazard. Accessorize with belts, scarves and statement pieces that can be recycled all weekend-long. Finally, the quintessential festival item, sunglasses. Bring a classic aviator/wayfarer or opt for a fun new style or color – Festival Fashion should be fun, spontaneous and unrestrained.

Option1:

Raquel Allegra – Sheer Tie-Dye Silk Tank, J Brand – Cut-Off Shorts, Ray-Ban – Aviator, Max & Chloe – Stacked Bracelets, Isabel Marant – Dicker Boots

Option 2:

Zoe Karssen – T-Shirt, Ksubi – Cut-Off Denim Shorts, Ray-Ban – Wayfarer, Mango – Sailor Style Foulard, J.Crew – Distressed Belt, Rag and Bone – Moto Boots

Glow-T 2011: Best in Beauty

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Happy New Year! As 2012 begins, I want to recap on my favorite beauty products of 2011. These are items that I constantly reach for and will continue to use in the new year. From skincare to cosmetics, here are Glow-T’s Best of 2011 Beauty Products:

Body Lotion: Kiehls Creme de Corps

Face Cleanser: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Face Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

Face Moisturizer/Foundation: Origins VitaZing SPF 15

Sunscreen: NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen

Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette

Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

Mascara: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Bottom Lash Mascara: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Concealer/Corrector: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

Blush: By Terry Rose De Rose Blush Fluide

Powder: Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder

Hair Mask: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

Makeup Sponge: Beauty Blender

Hair Product: Bumble & Bumble Texture

Lip Product: Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm