January Beauty Favorites


Happy Friday! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really looking forward to this weekend as it will be the last relaxing one for the next few weeks. Fashion month is upon us as we have been prepping for many weeks to organize everything - which is a lot. From travel agenda, to meetings, showroom pulls, events, shoots and every day life/errands, it does take a bit of a toll on me. So I’m happy to enjoy not doing a whole lot this weekend, even though we are still shooting content and strategizing for future work, it’ll be nice to just sit back and unwind. In the meantime, here is my monthly roundup of beauty favorites!  From my latest favorite fragrance, to hair products, liquid matte lipsticks, a rosy face spray, to innovative makeup you all need to know about, it’s all happening now in today's post so don't miss out! Continue reading to learn more about these products and where the shop them!

ACQUA DI PRIMA MAGNOLIA NOBILE

Inspired by the beautiful palazzo gardens of Italy's majestic Lake Como region, Acqua di Prima Magnolia Nobile represents the essence and expression of natural, understated elegance. Top notes of Italian bergamot, lemon and citron blend seamlessly with the magnolia accord, a rare essence that can only be extracted with time and dedication. The heart evolves with refined notes of rose, jasmine and tuberose. The base notes unfold with sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla. A unique and enveloping harmony. An unforgettable, captivating fragrance. Available at Sephora.

KÉRASTASE RESISTANCE COLLECTION

I've been using Kérastase haircare products since I was in college! They have amazing hair masks and lotions on top of shampoo/conditioners. With their new Resistance collection, it's the perfect regiment for hair seeking a healthy length. I’m growing out my bangs right now, and this collection has really helped speed up the process of my hair getting longer. My hair grows fast on its own, but after using this collection for a while now and the results have been amazing! Here's a breakdown of these four products:

Kerastasé Résistance Masque Thérapiste

Reparative Bandage Treatment Fiber Renewal care for thick hair. The thick, creamy reparative masque deeply nourishes and works at very core of the hair, for very damaged, over-processed thick hair. The hair is deeply repaired as its core. The hair fiber regains its strength and elasticity. Hair is toned and revitalized.

Kerastasé Résistance Serum Extentioniste

Strengthen and protect strands with the Kérastase Resistance Serum Extentioniste, a nourishing leave-in hair serum that helps to protect against breakage. The non-greasy formula uses a host of powerful ceramides to seal the hair cuticle whilst a blend of lipids creates a smooth surface, creating a fortifying effect from the inside out. The highly concentrated serum forms a defensive barrier over the scalp to protect against damaging environmental aggressors, whilst also sweeping away impurities for a fresh appearance. Hair will be boosted, revitalized and given improved resistance.

Kerastasé Résistance Shampoo

Strengthen hair from the inside out with Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste, a fortifying shampoo that uses powerful amino acids and ceramides to improve elasticity from root to tip. Targeting weakened and brittle strands, the silky formula helps to rebuild the hair’s internal structure to make it more resistant to breakage, whilst a blend of lipids creates a smooth and shiny surface. The shampoo gently lifts away the build-up of dirt, impurities and excess oil from the scalp to leave locks fresh, clean and strong. Suitable for weak hair types.

Kerastasé Résistance Conditioner

Create smooth, silky and flowing locks with Kérastase Resistance Fondant Extentioniste, a creamy conditioner that expertly detangles strands. Powered by a blend of ceramides and Maleic Acid, the formula helps to fortify the natural hair fibre from the inside out, improving strength and elasticity to encourage growth. Replenishing moisture to the scalp and nourishing from root to tip, the purifying conditioner will leave locks super-soft, supple and noticeably healthy.

SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES

For an instant boost, reveal brighter fresher skin with Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment. Harnessing the exfoliating power of lactic acid, this intensive treatment helps to instantly brighten skin while working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore damaged skin. Enriched with licorice and lemongrass, the rich formula works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and boost blood flow, helping to bring new life to tired skin, in time revealing a fresher, more even-toned face. You can use Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment as a mask for an instant rejuvenating boost, or apply daily under makeup to reap long-term benefits and get skin truly glowing.

LAURA MERCIER INFUSION DE ROSE FORMULAS

LAURA MERCIER NOURISHING OIL

Lightweight yet powerful, this fast-absorbing oil leaves skin with a healthy glow – soft, radiant, and renewed. A true multi-tasker, Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil also provides multiple beauty benefits:
•Skin: provides soothing nourishment and moisture.
•Hair: conditions dry ends and tames flyaways.
•Nails: hydrates and softens cuticles..

LAURA MERCIER CLAY MASK

A clay mask that deeply purifies and cleanses the skin, blended with the unique soothing and nourishing properties of the rose. A rose-infused mask powered by rich clays and infused with soothing, moisturizing ingredients to deeply cleanse the skin and remove surface impurities. 

LAURA MERCIER FACE POLISH

This creamy scrub cleanses, exfoliates and removes dead skin with purifying microbeads. A luscious blend of emollients softens the skin, leaving it smooth and even-toned. Suitable for all skin types.

LAURA MERCIER NOURISHING CREME

This light, whipped nourishing crème is supremely hydrating and offers intense moisturization and conditioning with mango and shea butters. Its unique formula rejuvenates the skin’s appearance and strengthens its moisture barrier, helping to replenish and balance during the day and restore natural radiance and softness at night.

FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB BENDY AVOCADO CONCEALERS

This full-coverage, buildable concealer provides a natural, luminous finish. It stretches and bends with skin’s movements throughout the day so it never cracks, creases, cakes, or settles into fine lines. The clean, skin-loving formulation contains avocado oil, vitamin E, and mushroom extracts to help hydrate, condition, and soothe skin while caffeine helps to diminish the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. The clean formulation contains no artificial colorants, is safe for sensitive skin, and is available in seven adaptable shades. The shade I use is 2.

Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution

TATA HARPER CLARIFYING SPOT SOLUTION

Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution Skin Care Serum: Infused with healing copper, magnesium, zinc, essential oils, and powerful herbal extracts, this solution treats blemishes by neutralizing impurities and reducing inflammation on the spot (literally). Whenever I get a big ole’ honking zit (hey, I love my dairy) I use this bad boy to quickly zap them away. And it’s the perfect travel size as well.

REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIP MOUSSE

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse Hyper Matte is a pigment packed, creamy formula that glides on smooth for hours of comfortable hyper matte wear. My favorite lip shade is Spice.

Benefits:

  • Hyper Matte meets creamy comfort for up to 8 hours

  • Lips feel nourished, silky, and conditioned

  • Extreme precision, plush applicatory defines and contours lips

  • Non-drying formula with micro-fine mattifying powders glide on smoothly

  • Non-smudging and lightweight

STILA COSMETICS LINGERIE SOUFFLE

STILA LINGERIE SOUFFLE SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER

Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Primer has over 70% water for the most luxuriously hydrating feeling. Formulated with light-refracting pearls which blur imperfections - so every light is a good light! Why you need it: Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Primer is Stila’s most luxurious multi-function primer. The opulently-whipped gel formula primes skin with the added benefit of two finishes - illuminating or bronzing. Multi-function gel primer smooths skin and blurs imperfections, with the benefit of two finishes - either illuminating or bronzing Opulently-whipped, yet refreshingly lightweight, non-tacky texture Skin-loving formula with natural botanicals and over 70% water for a refreshing feel, all day New generation light-refracting pearls add a natural-looking glow with a blurring, skin perfecting effect. Innovative gellifying ingredients and emulsifiers allow for a smooth application, without the usual associated tackiness.

STILA LINGERIE SOUFFLE SKIN PERFECTING COLOR

Opulently whipped and refreshingly lightweight, Lingerie Soufflé Skin Perfecting Color creates the illusion of a flawless, naturally fresh complexion. Enriched with botanicals for comfortable wear, this delicately tinted cream forms a translucent veil over the face, using advanced pigments and light-reflecting particles to smooth, blur and even skin tone. Makes any unwanted feature - BE GONE! Ha ha! My shade is 3. :)

DR. JART + CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS COLOR CORRECTING TREATMENT

A green-to-beige color-correcting treatment that corrects redness and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is the all-in-one treatment that includes a color-changing capsule within the formula to cover blemishes and restore the look of the skin's strength, health, and vitality. It provides SPF 30 protection from UV light, and it forms a dust barrier to protect the skin from the environment while enhancing the skin's viability. It restores the strength of skin with the resurrection plants, houttuynia cordata and yarrow. It's infused with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to help improve the skin's moisture levels and restore fatigued skin for a healthy appearance. 

KORRES H2ROSE HYDRATING FACE MIST

This invigorating mist, made with aloe vera and orange blossom flower water, hydrates, refreshes, tones, and minimizes the appearance of pores with every spray. It can be used throughout the day to refresh skin. It feels weightless on the skin and after spraying my skin always feels energized and toned. With a subtle rose scent, it is a definite refreshing face mist!

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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The Best Brown Teddy Coats


THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PUBLIC DESIRE & EGO OFFICIAL BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Brrr! Happy Hump Day, guys! Temperatures are dropping again here in New York City and I’m not going to lie - I am already sick of winter! I may be from the Midwest, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy freezing my butt off! Ha ha! And, now there seems to be snow in the forecast during fashion week (hello, ruined shoes…) so what’s a girl to do? I’m rounding up the best brown teddy coats in today’s post, ranging from different price points but also the top brands. Teddy coats are my jam during the winter time - what is your number one form of outerwear during the colder months? Continue reading to see all the different options, along with details from my look of the day.

Step into the winter season in style. To go with a cozy coat, you’ll need a chic pair of boots during the winter. I always have a hard time finding winter boots that are chic and not too clunky. But these patent leather combat boots work with basically anything! Swag features lace up and buckle detailing, cleated sole and a chunky heel. I styled them with a camel teddy coat and jeans for an ultimate laid back vibe. These boots retail at $60 and I think the price is right! What do you think of these boots? Should they make an appearance during fashion week?

To go with the camel colored teddy coat I paired it with a similar color cross body bag. I love the edge the bag brings with the studded detail and chain - it goes with the boots and the cognac really complements well with the color of the coat. To give my face a little color I went with a red-orange coral lip color to give them an extra pop. Overall, I was going for a warm toned color scheme when it came down to this casual look. I also added some warm red tones into the eyes to go with the lips. Do you guys like this makeup look on top of the outfit?

Before I leave you with today’s post, stay tuned for Friday’s, January Beauty Favorites! It will go live in the morning, so keep your eyes peeled for that. In the meantime, hope you stay extra warm and cozy on these extra chillier days. I know these teddy coats will help! If you had to choose one from the list I shared today, which one is your favorite? As always, thanks so much for stopping by! Drop your comments down in the section below, we love to hear from you!

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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My Best Tips for New York Fashion Week


THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEARTLOOM & CULTRESSE BY ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend? I spent it working, while also preparing for next month, which is one of the busiest months for me. In less than a couple of weeks New York Fashion Week will be here. This will be my sixth season attending NYFW, and after a few years in the ‘rodeo’ I definitely have learned a few lessons along the way. It’s not all what it is cracked up to be, in that it’s not something you just show up to, like going to the movies. It takes weeks (more than that if you’re out of towners) to organize and plan for the week, from meetings with brands/pr agencies that you’ll be working with, to the shows you will be attending, and even squeezing in a couple of photo shoots and dinners/site seeing along the way. And if you’re visiting, you’ll need to handle your flight, hotel, transportation, etc; So in today’s post I’m sharing 5 of my best tips for New York Fashion Week. Whether it’s surviving or thriving (let’s hope both ha ha) - during the week here in New York, these tips will keep you moving and grooving!

1. IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW

A blogger once told me that if the brand could not seat her front row, she would refuse to attend the show. So it’s not only about who you’re connected with, because in the 7-day binge of networking with other like-minded people you could potentially partner with in the future, it’s about how you are connecting (while certainly being kind to others) to begin with. And this is not in terms of logistics, but rather taking value in a person’s time and input, and actually connecting on a creative level. For example, getting in the Coach show because it’s a place to be seen is not going to get you in at all. You have to gain the experience in the industry along with a growing audience in order to achieve some sort of recognition, only then to have bigger opportunities in meeting with the bigger labels in fashion. I’ve been fortunate to meet many in the business just by chance, or even taking another chance on smiling at someone backstage and striking up a conversation, only to lead to some sort of connection. Nowadays it’s all about numbers and what’s on the phone, but I think in order to build any sort of successful business relationship (or any for than matter, not just business), there has to be a personal connection, first and foremost.

2. BE PREPARED

No matter how much you think there’s time to prepare for what’s a veritable buffet for fashion bloggers during NYFW, it goes by so fast and there is a ton of preparation to deal with beforehand. For example, the emails that are sent out and received. Hopefully, your emails are not automated/robotic-like and have some sort of ‘you’ in the message along with yes, your numbers, because stats are also important. Then the organization of what you chose to do everyday, from events to shows, meetings, shoots and, hopefully some sleep, along with preparing looks each day before as well. It’s a lot of work for only a week. And even more if you do more than just one fashion week, like I have been doing for the past two seasons attending London Fashion Week, where next month will be my third time visiting - I’m very excited! Bring a really good external/portable charger. With all the phone usage from ubering, texting, photo/video taking, and more, your phone’s going to die rather quickly. Here’s a little tip: To conserve your
phone battery during fashion week, put your phone on airplane mode during
fashion shows. You can post what you want afterward, of course after turning the airplane mode off.

3. EAT HEALTHY & STAY HYDRATED

I can’t tell you how many times I would only have one meal a day during Fashion Week because of my crazy hectic schedule. And I was the crankiest, hangriest b-ya there ever was, haha! Kidding, but really, no one is pleasant to be around when hungry, and it’s just not good for you. Duh. Yes, I confess on solely relying on caffeine, such as soda and coffee instead of water where I became extremely dehydrated. Now I try to drink water everyday, but I also tend to drink a ton more while traveling, especially while on the plane. I also will eat a bit more on the healthier side just to give myself as much energy as I can get - and obv. the overall way of eating and drinking properly while literally being on the go for a week straight.

4. WEAR WHAT YOU MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT

Every time I wore something I was even 10% unsure about, I would not get photographed by the street style photographers and I would just feel uncomfortable about wearing it the entire day. And this shows in photos. You got to know your style and own it! This is the time to have fun with your styling skills, but also shining on in that department! Who doesn’t want to look their best during Fashion Week? Again, if you’re a fashion blogger and you’re maybe doing it to just go- as in see and be seen, it may not be within your best interest then. You should want to go for the experience and to learn from it, to make you a better blogger and person, overall. But wearing what makes you feel 100% great about yourself, is something we all strive for and definitely want to showcase during this time of the year, while also sharing emerging talent/designers.

5. SERIOUSLY THOUGH, HAVE FUN!

You can kiss that “perfectly scheduled day” goodbye, so you might as well make the most of it! Each day you’ll maybe get around 5 hrs of sleep (if you’re lucky and have an editing team) will not eat perfectly, and will definitely not be stress-free. Don’t forget why you’re doing what you’re doing, and I hope it’s because you absolutely love it, want to meet other people and connect, and maybe learn something you haven’t yet, whether it’s your first time visiting New York or your tenth - from all there is to do in my city, I hope it’s out of support and passion for fashion. And when is it a bad thing to catch up with old friends, too? I love seeing everyone during this time period too :)

I hope you guys enjoyed today’s post! I do realize not everyone that comes to my blog is solely doing so for my fashion content, more so the content from fashion week. But rest assured, lots of more beauty and lifestyle content coming your way very soon! If you come here for fashion + styling tips, what would you like to see more of on the blog? And if you are attending fashion week, drop your comments down in the section below with your number one tip for NYFW! Wishing you guys a killer week, get it done and have a good time while doing so! Catch y’all back here soon.

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Top 3 Flavorful Teas

This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Apparently I’ve turned British. Ever since first visiting London last February (my third time there will be next month!) I can’t get enough of drinking tea! I’ve always been a coffee person, but nowadays you can find me drinking at least a couple of cups of tea per day. Whether it’s with a big cup of tea as my afternoon pick-me-up, or my way to help fall asleep right before bed time, there’s certain kinds of teas that are used for certain time periods of the day. Which is why I’m thrilled to partner with Celestial Seasonings Tea and sharing with you this weekend, my top three flavorful teas of all time! They’re not all fruity or citrusy, each has its own unique flavor. So why not continue reading to find out which ones are my favorite and why I drink them so often.

There are a few reasons why I love to drink tea. I love to drink tea when I’m sick, when I need help falling asleep, and something to get me through the mid-afternoon hump we all sometimes fall into. Or even, especially on a rainy day, I like to curl up on the couch, reading a good book and sipping on one of my favorite teas. Nothing better to warm up with that a good ole’ cup of hot tea. Let’s start with my most favorite flavor when it comes to tea. It’s really quite peachy :)

1. PEACH

One of my favorite flavors in tea to drink is peach. Because you can savor it both hot and cold, you can be assured I go through a lot of peach tea. And when I tried the Country Peach Passion tea from Celestial Seasonings, it’s been the only peach tea I’ve been drinking since! A blend of floral chamomile, aromatic citrus and sweet peaches give this brew a decadent peaches and cream flavor. Makes for a really great iced tea as well during the warmer season.

2. PEPPERMINT

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed year round, hot or cold, either simply for its great taste or to help soothe the stomach. But it’s the only hot beverage I’ll drink when I’m sick. Whether I’m bed-ridden with the flu or just having a nasty cold, peppermint tea is my remedy. Celestial Seasonings’ Peppermint Herbal Tea is caffeine-free and tastes so fresh that it stands superbly on its own. The peppermint they use is sourced in the Pacific Northwest, from Oregon and Washington farmers with whom we’ve built longstanding relationships.

3. HONEY VANILLA CHAMOMILE

Soothing yourself after a long day can be tough, and there are times when simply trying to overcome stress just creates more anxiety. The good news is that there is one longstanding and deliciously easy option out there to help bring balance to your world: chamomile tea. Tasting slightly of apple, chamomile tea is a favorite among regular tea drinkers for its simple tastiness and range of benefits. I love to drink this when I have trouble sleeping due to stress and anxiety. The calming flavor along with honey & vanilla is so relaxing and never fails to put me to sleep.

Not a fan of these particular 3 flavored teas? Be sure to check out Celestial Seasonings Tea for they have a large assortment of flavors. Other factors that makes Celestial Seasonings Tea great? Their sustainability (stringless tea bags that come packaged in recycled boxes), being super affordable, as well as being zero to low calories. What are your top 3 favorite flavored teas? Whether it's opting for healthier alternatives to sugary drinks or adding in night time steps to ensure a good nights rest, you can count on Celestial Seasonings Tea. Available at Walmart. Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend (with tea, of course.) :)

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Hot Cheetah in the City


THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ZEFINKA, MARC FISHER & EVVE MILANO, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy almost Friday! In today’s post I’m sharing a few essential pieces that’ll bring an edge to any look. They are staple pieces any girl can have in her closet: Budget-friendly, chic and actually all comfortable to wear. I’m sharing a pullover, jeans, boots and a cross body bag that I know any girl will appreciate - regardless of your personal style. And one of the most trending prints of the season: Leopard - is definitely featured in today’s post! The rocker chic vibe from this look is casual, but you can definitely bring it up a notch with different pieces from your closet. Continue reading to shop the direct links while learning more about each piece that you too should have in your wardrobe palette very soon, if not already!

Introducing a timeless, beautiful collection by a master American shoemaker for a modern woman of purpose. Effortless. Luxe. Forever. Chic. These Marc Fisher black suede boots are a dream! They literally go with everything! I would love to style these pair of boots with a mid-length dress or midi skirt. Even with pleats - it would be so good! But in today’s fierce, edgy look, I paired them with my favorite Levi’s Jeans. These are the only Levi’s I own and they’re the 711 skinny jeans. They’re the perfect cut and length for someone petite like myself. But back to the boots - the heel height is high, nearing at 3 and a quarter inches, but walking in them are actually super comfortable! They retail at $289 - but worth the investment as classic suede boots as such can be worn with nearly every outfit, and they’ll last a lot longer than buying a less expensive pair of boots.

Now if you know me and my personal style by now, you know I love a good leopard print. And ever since I discovered Zefinka - a fast-fashion online brand that’s been around since 2014, I’ve been a big fan of theirs! They carry a lot of great quality items that on mostly trending pieces, but the prices are even hotter! I love their tops, such as this leopard print pullover. It’s a mix of mohair and cotton, but overall the material is soft and cozy. The sweater would look amazing with leather pants, a black skirt, even wide leg - the possibilities are endless. I love a good piece as such - because it’s essential to my style and can be worn in a variety of ways. Plus, tell me you don’t love a good warm fuzzy sweater during the winter?! ;) Zefinka also did a lovely feature on me and my brand - check it out here now!

I also want to share with you another brand I discovered that’s really great - from Italy. EVVE Milano is a vegan handbag line that’s all about rocker chic, a mixture of Italian and New York style: Expressions of freedom. Each bag has an emblem of a snake, derived from the Adam & Eve story, embedded into it, symbolizing the woman’s inner ‘EVVE’. The BONN Crossbody has a semi-rigid but spacious shape to carry everything you need. Lasered details enriched with metal eyelets on the flap and shoulder strap embellish even the simplest look.

To keep with the edgy vibe, I wore certain kinds of makeup such as a bold red lip and cat eye. I’ve been doing more of a winged eyeliner lately - it makes my eyes look bigger (especially when one is TIRED lol) and gives a more dramatic look - what do you guys think? Also, seriously contemplating on whether or not I should grow out my bangs. I love my bangs but I also love no bangs as well. I used some hair clips (definitely in search of statement hair pieces right now) as this can give a more polished feel - but still edgy and rock and roll. Think it ties up the whole outfit together pretty well. Hope you guys enjoyed today’s fashion post! Leave your comments down below. Catch up with y’all again soon!

LOVE & XX’S,

 
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