How to Wear a Maxi Skirt If You Are a Petite or a Short Woman

December 17, 2018

WEARING: MOOD SWEATER | PINK MAXI SKIRT | RED CROSSBODY | BLACK COMBAT BOOTS

Stepping up my game in the styling department this Monday! You know, us, petite girls, need a little more recognition in the fashion world because it’s not easy styling when it comes to being short. Especially when it comes to bottoms: Pants, skirts - you name it, normally anything will need some adjustments. But what if you can’t take it in to the tailor every time? Pinching a few pennies? Why not, “Make it work” as Tim Gunn says? And if you’re a true stylist, you can adapt to anything and yes, indeed, make it work! You know I’m not much of a pink girl, but many of my readers really like it when I wear this color. So on one count, I’m challenging myself to style one skirt in two completely different ways, and two, for the love of my followers. Here you go! Continue reading to see the complete shoot!

When I thought about how to style this skirt, given the fact that the pink maxi skirt (as cute as it may be), it was far too long for me. So what’s a petite gal to do? HIDE THAT ISH. And since it’s winter, I paired it with a loosely fitted black cashmere sweater with #MOOD written on it in a plush red. To accentuate with the top, I accessorized with my new favorite bag that’s got a gorgeous oxblood color with an adjustable gold chain. You can see how I wore it both ways. Even my lipstick and nails are similar to the shades or red, but not exact. And this was intentional. I think it brings more of the pink out in terms of its statement, and it’s quite a ruffly skirt! I may not be a girly girl, but I sure do feel quite the lady when wearing it.

My new favorite black winter boots have yellow laces and a rough edgy feel to them. I’d say they’re combat boots and the platform always makes me feel like I can kick ass when wearing them. Ha ha! I’d say this look has a definite punk feminine chic vibe to it. You know me for my edginess & rebelliousness when it comes to my personal style, I really had fun putting together this first look. But wait… there’s the other look. How did I style the pink maxi skirt this time? Definitely has an overall different vibe to it as well!

WEARING: PINK MAXI SKIRT | BLACK BELT | BLACK HEELS | STAR BAG

One of my favorite ways to style a maxi skirt is to wear it as a dress! As a petite and short woman (I’m only 5’3’’) who is always looking for ways to save a few bucks, and also doesn’t always have time to wait in between alterations at the tailor’s, it never hurts to find creative ways to style yourself! And this second look is more for an evening affair. Playful, elegant and still with a little bit of edge, this pink maxi skirt, now dress, is a showstopper. I styled the piece with the darkest color known to man to give contrast to the feminine shade I don’t normally wear, if not ever. I love pink and black together!

The look was definitely inspired by Carrie Bradshaw’s Oscar de la Renta dress from the show, Sex & the City, where her Russian boyfriend gifts it to her right before whisking her away to the ballet. I wanted the same type of feeling when it came to the second look. More whimsical. A touch of elegance. And a look you’ve never seen me do. And just like Carrie, I have a thing for accessories. This unique 100% leather based ball bag with Swarovski crystal stones, silver studs, glow in the dark stars and hand painted detailing is pretty insane when it comes to its details and I thought it was quite the bag to carry with this look!

I wore black strappy heels to give more of an elongated look as well as keeping with the color scheme. And when it came to styling this pink maxi skirt into a dress, I knew I need to cinch the waist with a belt, to give some shape to the long dress. I just used black satin ribbon, the same one I wore on my wedding day, and snugly tied it in the back. A statement belt, like the one I’ve linked would be just as great, but to style this as a dress it definitely need something to hold the waist in. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my duo-styled post! I truly enjoyed doing this, so let me know if you’d like to see more styling challenges like this one! Until next time… :)

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LOVE & XX’S,

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How to Deal When the Holidays Aren't Exactly Happy

December 10, 2018

I don’t know about you, but the holidays can be a very bittersweet time for me. It’s not the most wonderful time of the year, I am not jolly and I normally am counting down the days until it’s January 2nd. I skip a lot of holiday events and parties because I’m never in the mood to socialize. Why? Am I the grinch? Nah. This time of year we remember people we’ve lost, especially the older we get. Both my parents are deceased, so this time period always brings up a lot of memories and mixed emotions. I’m grateful for the family I have made for myself, given the fact that my own estrangement from the rest of my family is not a choice I have made, but more so one that they have made, but since my parents have been gone, it just hasn’t been the same. There’s nothing like the season’s festive messages of peace, love, and togetherness to really make us contemplate our existence, our relationships, and what really matters to us. Hence, the Holiday blues do tend to creep in on me. But instead of passing through and keeping quiet, I decided to write to those that are in the same boat as me. Because you’re not alone. So here are my 5 tips on how to deal when the holidays aren’t exactly happy.

1. TAKE CARE OF YOU

With all the added pressures the holidays bring, one activity I’m not much a fan of is holiday gatherings. So I tend to skip out on a lot of them. Not because I’m a no-show kind of person, but more importantly, I have to take care of me. So if that means I don’t feel like going to someone’s shindig - I just won’t. Life’s too short to spend all your free time at parties anyway. Plus I always feel guilty. Celebrating anything relating to family is difficult for me. And with a hubby and a dog I cherish so dearly, I quite frankly really enjoy just spending time with them around this time of the year. For those that actually care for me will understand and for the ones who don’t, who cares, honestly.

2. ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING

Whenever I’m feeling down I always make an extra effort to think of others before myself. Because as much as my problems are as big in my head, to the next person, who know what they’re facing as well. So a tiny act of kindness, whether it’s helping an elderly person walk across the street or giving away clothes to Goodwill, there’s always something to be done to help others. I always like to believe that whatever energy you project and also be whatever is paying it forward to the next person. So perhaps if my act of kindness inspires the next person to do the same, my work is done. Well… so to speak. :)

3. TREAT YOURSELF

Hey, they don’t call it retail therapy for nothing! If all else fails, you can always splurge on yourself too. Eyeing that new piece of jewelry that just can’t seem to get off your mind? Don’t regret the things you didn’t buy! Big or small, getting a gift for yourself is an act of self-care/self-love. Kind of goes along with the first, in that taking care of yourself and that it doesn’t hurt to buy something for yourself every once in a while. Money doesn’t buy happiness, though!

4. FOCUS ON THE GLASS BEING HALF-FULL

It’s quite easy to fall into the trap of missing what you don’t have in your life. We are all going through something, and no one’s life is 100% perfectly complete all the time. So when you start to get into a funk, I always try to think of what’s going right in my life rather than what’s going wrong. I think of the people and things I’m grateful for and I have learned to appreciate the smaller things in life. It’s all in the mindset and the way our perspective is in that given time. If you change the way you look at things, things you look at change.

5. LAUGH, AS THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

Laughter is the best medicine. Whenever I travel for work and am alone in my hotel room working, I always have Friends of Big Bang Theory on in the background. The white noise makes the room feel less empty and I can always count on a few chuckles to be had afterward. Watch movies, listen to music that make you feel good and will inspire you. Whatever makes you smile, hold on to that just a while longer, because before you know it, the holidays will be over just as quickly as they began!

If you’re in the same boat as me and are not a huge fan of the holidays for perhaps similar reasons like myself - YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I’d say try and make the most of it but it’s okay to not be feeling it as well. If you have any other great suggestion on how to get out of the holiday funky blues, feel free to relay your tips down in the comment section below. I love hearing from you guys, especially on more personal posts as such. Hope you enjoyed, until next time… take care of yourself and others. Love always.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Zavo Restaurant & Lounge New York

December 8, 2018

Okay… today’s the first day where I’m really feeling the cold. I’m a Midwest girl at heart, so the winter season doesn’t bother me much, but in New York, with the humidity AND the cold? It feels much more cold than normal. So what to do on a freezing day like today? I’d say just stay inside, but if you get cabin fever like me and need to get out of the house, you should go and check out ZAVŌ. A luxurious new Mediterranean restaurant that engages all of your senses, it’s the perfect location too after marathoning through a shopping spree. Got your holiday errands all checked off yet? If not, it’s cool. Me neither. Why not sit down and take a break in between with a glass of wine at my new favorite spot in Lenox Hill?

A stylish and seductive multi-level celebration of Mediterranean cuisine and culture, ZAVŌ elevates the dining experience. Amidst tastefully appointed decor and lighting, the menu is just as scrumptious. Savor a cocktail at the sleek marble bar or unwind on the outdoor terrace. We sat in the dining room section with a pleasant ambience and excellent service. The staff was so sweet to give us a complete tour of their almost 1-year old restaurant in Lenox Hill (UES). ZAVŌ’s second floor is accessed via a private entrance on East 60th Street. Ascend the sweeping staircase to the intimate piano lounge, bar and refined private dining rooms, they offer unparalleled, five-star catering services cultivated from their deep expertise with corporate and special events. The Chef’s special selected menu changes daily to reflect their fascinating and unique live entertainment such as 50 Shades and Venetian/Masquerade Nights and others. It’s a great space for holiday parties right now, and even a wedding reception! The second floor can accommodate roughly over 200 people, and the decor alone will have you swooning.

We tried the crab cakes and grilled octopus for our appetizers which were cooked to perfection. Literally soft as butter, with wonderful taste concoctions to go with the seafood such as hummus, yellow pepper, and more. For our main course, we tried the branzino fish with grilled squash and zucchini, and the braised short beef with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The fish was excellent as well as the beef. The beef and asparagus were a tad dry and could have used more sauce, but the flavors were all there. Their sancerre wine was also quite good. But we were so full, we opted out on dessert. Gotta keep that holiday figure, somehow! ;) Overall, a wonderful dining experience. On the super plus side? It’s right across the street from Bloomingdale’s - the perfect spot to hang your hat and grab a bite after your holiday shopping!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Pastel Winter Outfit

December 4, 2018

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I hope your week is off to a good start! Winter days = lot of cold, dreary ones, much like the New York weather as of late. Which is why I’m kicking it off in today’s post with lots of pastels! One of my favorite trends for the upcoming winter season - this color palette is most suitable for spring, but hey, rules are boring and are made to be broken. So in today’s post I’m sharing a pastel winter look, with lots of cheer. And a lot of oversized accessories, because you know how your girl does it when it comes to styling! See it all go down now, continue to read and see more!

The LIE Collection blue grey double-breasted overcoat is a personal fav from their latest A/W collection. Want to know a teeny secret to a good quality coat? Sit on it for a while, and if it doesn’t wrinkle and the cut falls back to its original place: You found yourself a keeper. Such as this light blue wool coat, it’s the perfect grey undertone to mix with other brighter pastel colors such as green. The buttons and color-blocking belt also add a luxurious touch, even though I find this such a sophisticated winter coat. Let’s move along to the accessories of this look which are minty fresh!

This oversized green bucket bag is from Sometime by Asian Designers. This particular bag is very practical and great to carry around for your everyday essentials. They have a variety of designs and colors, are quite affordable, and the quality is pretty good too! What I love most about this bag, aside from its size is the personalization on it. They put my first name on the bag, which is always such a nice attention to detail. Who else is a fan of having your name or monogram on literally everything?

My sunglasses are vintage and were picked up at a flea market in SoHo from this past summer. I have no idea what brand or label they’re from. They were $20 bucks and the person who spotted them first was my husband! This kind of mint green shade or ‘aqua seafoam’ green is one of my favorite colors and even though it’s fitting for spring/summer, I think it’s also great for the winter season.

My t-shirt is vintage. I’ve had it since I was a teenager! No idea where I got it from, but it’s Fruit Gushers (strawberry flavored lol) and thought the colors fit with the coat and accessories well. Plus it’s quite cute, no? Lastly my boots are from Public Desire. Regarding most pieces from this post, I’ve linked similar styles and different prices points like the sunglasses, bag, boots and coat. How do you feel about this look? Leave your thoughts down in the comment section! Wishing you a great rest of the week.

LOVE & XX’S,

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November Beauty Favorites

December 1, 2018

My monthly roundup of beauty favorites is now live on the blog! We have an assortment of skincare and makeup products, old and new, that I’m so excited to share with you guys! I love each and every one of these items as if they were my firstborn child (okay… pushing it there a bit LOL) but really, they’re just that good. I’ve discovered a K-beauty brand that has my all-time favorite cleansing balm that smells out of this world and is affordable; a super luxe creme that will probably have your eyes rolling (and not in a good way) but is sooooo completely worth its price; multi-faceted palette that makes for a blush, lip/eye tint; a men’s soap that I’ve been obsessed with its scent since I was a little girl, and the only perfume I’ve been wearing these days is done by the Italians… it’s all going down here on M +S! Continue reading to learn more!

LANCÔME ABSOLUE WHITE AURA

Looking for that extra luxurious skincare item for this time of the year? The Absolue Luminous Rejuvenation: an ideal look of rejuvenated skin, incredibly luminous. Lancôme has created Absolue White Aura Cream, specifically developed to reveal skin's brightness. White rose extract for the first time is paired with Pro-Xylane™ in a subtle, pearly texture, elegantly rich, yet fresh. Exceptional results; skin seems hydrated, rejuvenated as though illuminated. Skin seems to glow with an aura of light.

BVLGARI LE GEMME REALI VERIDIA EAU DE PARFUM

I literally can’t get enough of this fragrance. Essence of galbanum, incense tears, bourbon vanilla, Veridia is a mysterious elixir, a concentrate of opulence with a deeply contrasting and charismatic Oriental woody green silage. There are other scents from the collection, but this one, by far, is my favorite. Everything about this bottle screams decadence, and Bvlgari is just that. If you’re looking to get something extra special for your day but not going too far over your budget, this perfume will make her VERY VERY happy. And you too, I know for sure! :)

Sulwhasoo

Perfecting Cushion Intense SPF 50 in no. 13

SULWHASOO PERFECTING CUSHION INTENSE SPF 50 NO. 13

What it is: A moisturizing and nourishing anti-aging cushion foundation that spreads seamlessly onto the skin, creating a smooth finish that delicately reflects light for remarkable, youthful luminosity.

Who it's for: Anyone with any skin type who wants buildable coverage and a luminous finish.

What it does: It's formulated with precious red pine extracts, which deliver unrivaled radiance and resilience to the skin while boosting skin's look of firmness and density and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidant-rich plum blossoms deliver clarity to the skin, while Sulwhasoo's unique Radiance Pearl Powder Complex provides remarkable radiance. The result is a silky, seamless yet perfected complexion with a healthy, natural-looking glow.

How to use: After dispensing an appropriate amount onto the cushion puff, gently spread the product across the face. Start from the center of the face and work your way outward. Apply more on areas where more coverage is needed, for a flawless finish.

Screen Shot 2018-12-01 at 7.21.12 PM.png — Farmacy Beauty

Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

FARMACY BEAUTY GREEN CLEAN MAKEUP MELTAWAY CLEANSING BALM

A nourishing cleansing balm that gently melts away makeup and impurities caused by pollution, leaving the skin hydrated and silky smooth. Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm instantly melts into the skin, dissolving away makeup and pollution residue so even the boldest eye makeup and sunscreen applications are easily removed. It refines the skin’s surface for a younger looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types, Green Clean can be used even on dry and delicate complexions. The balm features sunflower oil and ginger root oil to gently cleanse and nourish the skin for a glowing complexion. Extract of the Moringa tree, a native tree to India and Africa, helps to purify and refresh skin by removing impurities caused by pollution. Papaya extract acts as a natural exfoliator to help renew the look of the skin’s surface. An aromatic blend of lime, bergamot and orange essential oils revitalizes the look of skin. It features the unique patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea, GreenEnvy™, which contains a high concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, a potent natural antioxidant that promotes an evenly toned complexion. All in all? Hands down the BEST cleaning balm.

img (1).jpeg — Laneige

Water Sleeping Mask

LANEIGE WATER SLEEPING MASK

Recharge dehydrated skin overnight. This innovative mask is formulated with highly concentrated Hydro Ionized Mineral Water to deliver intense doses of moisture to stressed, parched skin.

Calming Sleepscent™, infused with orange flower, rose, and sandalwood, relaxes and comforts while apricot and evening primrose extracts brighten and purify fatigued skin.
The result: skin looks and feels radiant, refreshed, and soft. Wake up to soft, glowing skin.

Sleep-Tox™
A purification technology to help calm skin from damage and external stressors that skin suffers during the day. Antioxidant-rich Hunza Apricot and Evening Primrose work throughout the night to purify fatigued skin.

Hydro Ionized Mineral Water
Formulated with 6 moisture-maximizing minerals—zinc, manganese, magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium—that are ionized and stabilized in water to penetrate quicker and deeper into skin. It provides Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), similar to skin's own moisturizing agents, to circulate and retain long-lasting moisture.

Moisture Wrap™
An exclusive technology that features a mineral network of moisture-rich beta-glucan to form an 8-hour time-release moisturizing layer over skin. It locks in active ingredients and mineral water.

Directions
Apply evenly across face. Leave treatment overnight and rinse off in the morning. *Use once or twice a week.

ERNO LASZLO PORE REFINING DETOX DOUBLE CLEANSER

Treat your complexion to Erno Laszlo Pore Refining Detox Double Cleanse; a clarifying formula that delivers deep daily cleansing for clear, healthy-looking skin. Fortified with encapsulated Black Charcoal and a Fruit Enzyme Complex, the resurfacing cleanser reaches into pores to effectively draw out dirt, impurities and pollutants, without over-drying or uncomfortable tightness. A Kale Protein blend of mega-nutrients helps to restore a youthful appearance, whilst nourishing and smoothing for improved skin texture and tone. An easy, convenient alternative to two-step cleansing and exfoliating. Expect a detoxified, purified complexion with renewed radiance.

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD CLEARING TREATMENT MASK

The SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment was developed to address common skin concerns, which include blemishes, redness, scars, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. The potent mud formula supports skin's natural oil balance, while a proprietary blend of six acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid) works to help minimize pores and create clearer skin. Activated-X charcoal lifts away dirt and other skin congestions, resulting in a refined, healthy-looking complexion. I love using this mask even as a spot-on fixer-upper, you know… that one zit just just won’t go away without a vengeance! This is the only mask that helps calm it down fast!

REDKEN MEN’S CLEANSE BALANCED BAR SOAP

Now I know this bar is supposedly for men. But this soap bar is just magic and the smell is super intoxicating. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl and have been using it ever since. I have the hardest time finding them as they only exist in a certain amount of stores. But I love it especially in the winter. With Vitamin E and peppermint, the smell is my favorite part of this bar, even though it does a body good. Cleanliness-wise!

LANCÔME LE MONOCHROMATIQUE BEAUTY

WHAT IT IS:
A unique cream-to-powder tint that can be applied all over the face--eyes, cheeks and lips. This cushiony, soft texture glides seamlessly onto skin providing a subtle flush of color or a buildable rush of color.

WHAT IT DOES:
This oil-free flush of color was curated for the woman who wants an effortless makeup application and look! Available in 10 buildable shades--play in the monochromatic trend or spice it up and mix & match your favorite shades! Just a quick swipe on the eyes, touch on the cheeks and kiss on the lips, and you're ready to go!

LANCÔME X PROENZA SCHOULER LIMITED EDITION EYESHADOW PALETTE

A limited-edition eyeshadow palette featuring intensely pigmented, wearable hues straight from the Proenza Schouler runways. These hues will have you turning heads. Each palette features 10 shades in three lust-worthy textures: creamy matte, sparkling pearl and glitter.

LANCÔME X PROENZE SCHOULER LIPS KAJAL PENCIL ORANGE ARTY 08

The newest innovation in lips, these dual-ended Proenza Schouler lip kajals, provide the creaminess and precision of a lipstick on one side and the comfort and shine of a gloss on the other side. For ultimate versatility, use each side interchangeably or layer the gloss atop the lip crayon for the perfectly irresistible pout! Favorite shade: Orange Arty 08.

MDNA SKIN BEAUTY ROLLER

Created based on advanced medical technology used by Madonna’s renowned personal dermatologist, MDNA SKIN's The Beauty Roller harnesses the benefits of ultra-infrared energy powered by pure, high-density carbon to provide the appearance of lifted, luminous skin and toned contours. Designed to perfectly hug every curve of the face and body, this battery-free device helps visibly energize, lift, firm, and retexturize the complexion and enhance the absorption of serums and creams. Oversized dual-sculpting carbon spheres: promote lymphatic drainage, optimal product penetration, and tension relief. Ultra-infrared energy: permeates the skin’s surface to help visibly energize, lift, firm, boost hydration, and retexturize fine lines and wrinkles.