nailed it

i love getting a manicure and the $20 is so easy to justify when you're in the mood to be pampered - but hey, let's face it, it adds up.

since i would generally rather splurge on happy hour drinks than on my nails i've tried all sorts of DIY manicures.  and the harsh reality is that i stink at painting my own nails.  it's not even worth the 20 minutes where i attempt to paint them and then remove it once i realize that more of my cuticles were painted than my actual nails.  

so when hearing about the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips i was a bit skeptical, but after a quick stroll through CVS the other day i thought why not?

omg. they are so easy and they look amazing.  no chips or bumps and it takes about 10 minutes (being extremely careful)

TRY THEM!

make-up meltdown

a combination of the sweltering heat and slightly tan skin has made me lazy in the make-up department.  i have been rocking barely there make-up all summer long.  thinking about how i would like to pretty it up i turned to my make-up bin and realized quickly that the lack of make-up is the result of exactly that -- a lack of make-up.  

so i'm ready for a refresh...here's what i'm thinking:

currently owned staples:

NARS multiple in Orgasm -- the perfect flush of pink, with a hint of shimmer.  all around flattering.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics cream in Bone -- flawless eye base, creamy and in a perfect neutral

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - best concealer i've ever used, hands down. dark circles begone.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Medium -- light, but gives great sheer coverage. i apply it just like face lotion, no brushes or hassle.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Chunky Cherry - this stick has the texture of chapstick and adds that pop of color.

upgrades in my virtual cart:

Bobbi Brown Brow Pencil - defined brows instantly update & refine your make-up

Clinique Brush Collection -- was reading an article about dirty brushes and bacteria, i am ashamed to admit i may have had some of my make-up brushes since high shool.  high time for an upgrade.  i love the acryllic handles on these.

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna -- i've used this before and i'm out.  provides a perfect tawny glow year-round.

CHANEL - Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow : dying to add some Chanel make-up to my collection.  this just looks like it would provide the perfect smoky eye

Fresh - Pink Jasmine Eau de Parfum : since i'm currently using the last spritz of every bottle i've ever owned

"Cher's main thrill in life is a makeover, it gives her a sense of control in a world full of chaos." 

images via BlueMercury, Clinique, NeimanMarcus

summer hair

the HOT temps have been making blow drying my hair a complete lose lose situation.  it does not stay straight because of the humidity and it makes getting ready in the mornings that much more miserable.  

so i have adopted a summer routine of no blow dry (unless the walk to the metro counts) + redken radiant sea spray  

this is the idea. the only thing my hair really has in common with this is the "stringy" factor.

this smells so delish

since my hair is not exactly wavy, nor full, nor anything really desirable, i generally end up with a bun piled atop my head.  i have fully convinced myself that a bun is chic and puts across the "she is really together" rather than "she didn't do her hair this morning" message. 

what do you think? are buns lazy or a chic way to stay cool?

kate bosworth with a sleek updo

Lauren Conrad with a messier, un-done bun

doutzen kroes rocking a classic at the Costume Institute Gala
image via Vogue.com

Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty

make-up can be so transformative, and if i could spend hours  in sephora or blue mercury perusing products i would...however, i have become quite the faithful to a few essentials

this is why you don't let boys watch you get ready, thx minki.

right now i will not leave the house without my

bobbi brown concealer

pixi water blush on cheeks & lips

and for a night out...

M.A.C. liquid liner

M.A.C. matte lipstick in Russian Red

i am continuously on the hunt for a good mascara. you name it, i've tried it.  anyone have any go-to's they can share?

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

After the tan has faded into the fall, I am looking for ways to enhance my pretty minimal beauty routine.  No longer is the "fresh summer no make-up face" acceptable in the office when your skin is washed out and the dark circles are showing. So, in taking a cue from the always inspirational JCrew catalog and photos of girls about town, I have decided on the perfect beauty product to add a pop of color to my pout.  

The look defined: clean matte skin, defined brows, a flush to the cheeks and a serious lip.

working it on the streets of NYC
photo via Style.com (Tommy Ton)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Orange/Red

neutral nails

i'm loving the fall nail color palette. of course Chanel hit it right on the mark with these muted shades:

Chanel Nail Polish - image via CUT blog

inspired by the chill in the air on this gorgeous fall day & the aforementioned color palette, my awesome boss/friend J.B. & I took a little excursion during lunch...

OPI - "You Don't Know Jaques!"

awful picture in the directors chair in JB's office, but you get the idea...haha, color matches my shirt - yes i am a dork

HAPPY FRIDAY

bang! it's the new year

no matter what anyone says january does not feel like the "new year" to me.  i still fully embrace the changing of the seasons and the year with the turn of fall.  not only am i switching up the wardrobe - incorporating new trends (military, fur, leopard, neutrals) but i figure now is as good of time as any to revive my locks with a haircut.

i have always loved bangs and have had them before.  for me they really evoke a demure and kind of endearing nerd vibe while simultaneously being incredibly chic. another HUGE plus is that a fringed forehead with the rest of the hair in a chignon is classic style & go with no fuss.

so BANG! here are my inspirations:

Zooey Deschannel

Alexa Chung w/ Jason Wu

Anne Hathaway in Devil Wears Prada

Kirsten Dunst

Alexa Chung