Monday, March 31, 2008

Trends Report: Nailed It!

Some of us (okay, me) go to great lengths to preserve the benefits of beauty treatments – using only specially-formulated shampoo between color appointments, and absolutely, positively no makeup on post-facial skin. A touch diva-like? With the high cost of salon services, we think not. Manicures, however, are a whole other bowl of bikini wax. You can gouge, chip, and otherwise destroy perfectly prettied nails in record time. Learn from your mistakes with these nail do’s and don’ts.

Do clean hands and nails thoroughly pre-manicure. Cleanse with an anti-bacterial soap and be sure to swipe a non-acetone polish remover over nails – even if you aren’t wearing any polish. Nails must be absolutely clean and oil free for polish to glide on and stay on.

Do apply a basecoat – always. This prevents discoloration and creates a smooth surface for polish to stick to.

Do carry an emery board with you – it will prevent you from using fingers or worse, your teeth, for on-the-go grooming.

Do moisturize cuticles daily to prevent the cracking that causes hangnails. There are many great cuticle oils on the market, or choose olive oil for a natural approach.

Do apply a topcoat every other day to prolong polish life.

Do toss polish after six months, or as soon as color appears separated; spoiled lacquer takes longer to dry and the color is never quite the same.

Do submerge freshly manicured nails in icy cold water for three minutes. This will harden your polish so there are fewer boo-boos.

Don’t lay it on too thick. Less is more: 3 or 4 sheer coats are better than 2 thick coats to prevent bubbling and nicking, and speed up dry time. One dip and drag against the bottle top should do it for each nail.

Don’t sport chipped nails – nothing looks sloppier and yes, people do notice.

Don’t pick at chipped polish – it could damage the nail bed. Once nails begin to chip, remove remainder of color for a more put-together appearance.

Don’t go bare. Cleansers, sunscreen, and beauty products all contain ingredients that break down polish and dull its finish. Wear cotton-lined gloves to prevent wear and tear.

Don’t over buff, which weakens the nail bed – moisturize daily and use ridge filler instead for a smooth coat.

Don’t use your nails as tools; substitute scissors, letter openers, or make like Holly Golightly and opt for a Sterling Silver telephone dialer which prevents wear, not to mention makes a delightfully retro conversation starter.

Don’t let them grow too long – they’re more prone to breaking, are impractical, and look downright tacky.















Nail Brightener
Barielle


Ridge Out

CND Creative Nail Design




Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover

Walgreens

Spritz Dry

Orly Beauty

Nail Tek FORMULATION II Intensive Therapy Nail Strengthener
Beauty Rose

Professional Electric Buffer
Sephora




If you're interested in keeping up to date on all of the latest trends and styles, as well as learning which colors and clothing silhouettes fit you best check out our website at www.alwaysinstyle.com. You'll be glad you did!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

New York Street Beat: Neutral Territory

Living in NYC means endless possibilities.

Got a hankering for curried goat ’round about midnight? No problem.
Perhaps a baked clay detoxification sauna, just because?


Maybe your tastes are a little more mundane, like finding a tote that doesn’t leave an industrial size valley on your shoulder. We feel your pain, and squealed with glee after spotting the most perfect shopping bag at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods. Neutral khaki with space-age looking handles, this baby stood out amid the throngs of designer label-toting ladies in line. The perfect sized pouch to tote the ingredients for a delish organic meal – or in our case – takeout from the vegan place down the block.


Enjoy the endless possibilities!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Most Expensive Wedding Dress We'll Never See

This post got us thinking. Have you ever called off your walk down the aisle, and if so, what happened to "the dress"?

Reprinted from The Luxist

The Expensive Wedding Dress We'll Never See

Fashion designer Vera Wang is famous for her extravagant wedding dresses but the most expensive dress she ever made is one we never got to see. In an interview on CNBC's "Conversations with Michael Eisner" that will air Monday, Vera Wang said the that the dress she created for Jennifer Lopez's canceled wedding to Ben Affleck was the most expensive she ever made. The dress was made of couture fabric and had 18 tiers. Wang says that it was the most expensive and the most time consuming to sew. I wonder what ever happened to the dress, was it destroyed or is it somewhere in Vera Wang's archives?

Monday, March 24, 2008

Trends Report: Neutral Territory

This season subtlety reigns supreme with a dominant color palette of tans, grays, crèmes and khakis. But before you dismiss this palette as being a little too dull, remember that neutral colors are complementary to all – use them to maximize your wardrobe options to enjoy effortless style.

Timeless and classic, neutrals are easily integrated into your personal color palette. Don’t know what yours is? Log in to http://www.alwaysinstyle.com/ and complete your Color Profile to find out.

Used as a base, neutrals can temper this season’s popular bright acid-tone shades. They also blend seamlessly with softer pastels to make them a little less sweet, and give more muted shades a crisp look. Mix up neutrals with popular ikat or graphic prints to stand apart from the pack.

Earthy tones reflect the new eco-friendly mindset, and show up in a variety of fabrics and textures that add new twists to old favorites. For a down-to-earth yet sophisticated look, think natural fiber – organic cotton jumpers or accessories. Go modern or classic, dressed up or dressed down – either way natural shades are undeniably fresh this season in hip styles far from the boxy basics of yesteryear.

The neutral palette has also crossed over to the beauty counter with minimalist looks that create a deceptively naked look with just a dab of soft gloss and a swirl of smoky shadow for a bit of seductive drama.

One of the best things about the neutral trend is that stores will burst at their seams with silhouettes to choose from. Use this bountiful time and invest in wardrobe pieces that will remain perennially chic.












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Cotton Twill Short Trench Coat
Ann Taylor
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Miss Sixty Laila Wedge
Zappos
neutral3.jpg

D&G Stretch Cotton Mini Dress
eLuxury
neutral4.jpg

Acid Washed Vest
DKNY
neutral5.jpg

Lauren Ralph Lauren Isabel Full-Length Stretch Pant
Macys
neutral6.jpg Parameter Wool Blend Cuffed Shorts Blue Fly



Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Trends Report: Take A Brow





Brows are one of those areas where a little change can make a HUGE impact. Well groomed brows can frame eyes better than all the mascara, eyeshadow, and liner in the world. Here are our no- fail tips for perfectly framed peepers.

If your face is Angular (rectangle, square, diamond, or triangular), you’ll want well-arched brows; Curved (round, oval, heart, or pear) faces benefit from softly-rounded shapes.

• For a natural look, take a thin makeup brush and place it in front of your tear duct. This should be your brow’s starting point – pluck any hairs that extend beyond this line. Always tweeze in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs.

• To find your arch, take the same brush and place it in front of the center of your pupil – your arch should be at this point.

• Finally, place the brush diagonally across your face from the tip of your nose to the outside corner of your eye, your brow should end here. If it doesn’t, fill in the area with a powder or pencil that closely resembles your natural color. Use a light touch and feathery strokes.

A few words of caution…put the tweezers down and step away from the magnifying mirror. Overzealous brow plucking can lead to a look that is perpetually perplexed. If you have overdone it there are gels available that encourage re-growth.

On the flip side no one has rocked the unibrow quite like Frida Kahlo so don’t even attempt it. Brezhnev brows won’t cut it either. Comb brows with an eyebrow brush (an old toothbrush works fine too). Use a small scissor to cut any stray hairs. If there are any strays above or beneath the brow line pluck them.

Style your brows by dabbing a tiny bit of highlighter in the arch for further definition and highlighting. Brush and set them with a little brow gel. You can also substitute hair spray or clear mascara in a pinch.

Voilà, the perfect frame for your face.











neutral1.jpg

Cotton Twill Short Trench Coat
Ann Taylor
brow1.jpg

Jane Iredale Super Super-Shape Me Eyebrow Kit
DermStore

brow3.jpg

Benefit High Brow
Amazon
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Anastasia All About Brows Kit
Sephora

brow5.jpg

Laura Geller Eyebrow Tint and Grooming Gel Tamer
QVC

brow6.jpg Eyebrow Scissors Damone Roberts



Thursday, March 13, 2008

Oh No She Didn't

Yikes! I stumbled upon this quote while trollin' the web:

"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that but not with all those flies and death and stuff."
-- Mariah Carey

New York Street Beat: One And Only



Every stylish gal’s got their thing – you know, that go-to accessory that announces her style to the world?

Our pal Laura’s got a passion for fashion and a closet full of cuff bracelets to prove it. We recently caught up with her over cupcakes at Billy’s Bakery in Chelsea for some much needed sugar and girl chat.

As per usual she didn’t disappoint: sporting a row of vintage Bakelite bangles in shades that matched the heavenly goodies before us, her arm candy was as sweet as the offerings being displayed in the bakery’s retro style shop…just as sinfully good and not nearly as fattening.















Bag Lady

Our super stylish intern Desi (really, you should see her handbag collection!) rounded up her favorite bag trends for Spring/Summer. I'm partial to the technicolor rainbow Prada hobos. Which one is your favorite?


Nothing beats the thrill of a new handbag and this spring they’re bigger and brighter than ever. From the psychedelic colors of the vintage inspired Spring 2008 Prada collection...




To that must have patent leather piece. (Valentino Collection Spring 2008)



My personal favorites are the oversized, (yes my whole life is in here), capacious handbags. Like this brown Francesco Biasia ‘Magda’ Tote (top) ; and Urban Outfitters’ hip black Sabina Leather Convertible Satchel (bottom). The bigger they are the better!




Metallic colors are definitely the new trend in solids, with hues ranging from the standard silver and gold (Burberry Spring ’08)

Burberry Gold Metalic


to the bright pink and purple seen in Valentino’s Spring runway show.



And then there’s every woman’s wardrobe staple; the day to day leather purse. From fun and funky Patchwork designs like the Lockheart ‘In Pieces- Beth’ Satchel


to the plain white of the Softy Aline by the Marc by Marc Jacobs line.
Softy Aline by Marc by Marc Jacobs


Don’t forget those light spring clutches in colors to accentuate any outfit!


This is the MAXX New York ‘Bleeker Medium’ Patent Croc Clutch



And now that we’ve stocked up on accessories, let’s hope there’s money left for clothes!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Deco Rate

PhotobucketPhotobucket

I hate this time of year. Stores bulging with Spring Must-Haves but icy cold winds that make gladiator sandals and bare arms seem eons away. I found these sparkly pick-me-ups while cruising for some wardrobe updates.

This Rebecca Minkoff number from ShopBop would do the trick but seeing as I don't have an extra $350 burning a hole in my pocket, this fab new wallet that doubles as a clutch from Nine West will suit me fine.

I love the sleek deco look; perfectly appealing to my retro girlie-girl sensibilities and my longing for some shiny Spring goodness.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Look Good Naked (With a little help from Bobbi Brown).



You can officially add me to the other lemmings...I just bought the Bobbi Brown Nude Palette kit to update my look for Spring. I have to thank the especially fabulous Blogdorf Goodman for posting about this recently. Love, love, love it! It's a great neutral palette to incorporate into your makeup routine. I especially like the blush/lippie pot in Stonewashed Pink.

Get it now to receive a bonus!

From Bobbi Brown's site:

EXTENDED Through Wednesday, March 12th



Enjoy a complimentary Bobbi To Go Set* with your $100 order through
March 12, 2008 (midnight ET) featuring Mini Crystal Lip Gloss + a duo of Raspberry
Lip Shimmer and Pink Mocha Lip Gloss.

Visit www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com and ENTER offer code LIPSET08 at checkout (one time use only).

Plus, receive complimentary standard shipping with any $75 order applied at checkout only on BobbiBrown.com.

ENJOY!

New York Street Beat: Boss Gloss




March 6, 2008

BOSS GLOSS

I can’t think of anything more grody or unladylike than dipping my paws into a tiny pot of lip goo.

The ick factor goes up exponentially during Winter when I’m surrounded with germy subway poles and fellow sniffling straphangers – that’s why I squealed with girlish delight when I discovered Beauty Addicts LipCLICK Retractable Lip Brush.

If you’ve ever peered into your favorite handbag only to find a large oily blob adorning its silky lining, you’ll appreciate this feature: the sleek design is exquisitely engineered to conceal the brushes tip when not in use. As an added bonus, the little click sound it makes has a total 007 vibe. Even my couldn’t-care-less-about-girly-things husband said “wow.”

If that’s not a ringing endorsement I don’t know what is.















BeautyADDICTS LipCLICK Retractable Brush
BeautyADDICTS


BeautyADDICTS RelationLips
BeautyADDICTS



BeautyADDICTS LusciousLips Lip Liner
BeautyADDICTS


Monday, March 3, 2008

Trends Report: Boss Gloss


Life’s big questions: Why are we here? How do we decide what’s right and wrong? Why is Lil Mama’s lip gloss so poppin’?

Because sheer glossy lips are a year-round beauty do, that last question begs further investigation. Take a tip from Lil Mama, when others lip gloss cheap, create a completely unique pout with our guide to fab gloss. Don’t know what color gloss to floss? Log into www.alwaysinstyle.com to find your best shade.

Fab fixer upper. If your go-to lipstick has got up and gone, salvage the last bits with an orange stick and mix it with a dab of Vaseline or Rosebud Salve. Store your handiwork in a small plastic container like a daily pill keeper, which will allow you to keep several shades in one spot.

DIY glam. Create your own gloss with things you probably already have in your cosmetics case. Gather your favorite eye shadow and lipstick or gloss, scrape a bit of the shadow off with a nail file, and blend with a dab of lipstick or gloss. The eye shadow’s mica lends a subtle shimmer and prevents lips that look like you’ve just sucked on a tube of craft glitter, while the texture cuts its goopy consistency and prolongs the wear factor.

Wear it well. Lip-gloss isn’t lipstick, so don’t apply it that way. Start with a small amount of concealer to act as a base and make color pop. Dab gloss on the middle of bottom lip and rub lips together to distribute shine. Make your custom creations last by storing in them in your fridge, and always use a lip brush to apply to prevent germ buildup.












Laura Geller Cosmetics The Lip Artist Kit
QVC




Avon mark KissInk Lip Tintmarkers
Amazon


Bourjois Lip Stain Pen Sephora



BlingFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Lip Plump
Beauty.com


Shine Seduction Glossy Lip Color
Maybelline





Molton Brown Vitamin Lipsheer Molton Brown