On My Radar

It was just a matter of time before I brought you some new offerings from two of my faves: Drybar and Bluemercury! Both are absolutely killing it lately, and if you aren't lucky enough to have both close by you can easily peruse these great new offerings online.

I'm not one for Valentine's Day, but I am one for pretty new things and if they happen to come out around V-Day then so be it. Ok so maybe Drybar and their coasters aren't new, but their new heart shaped gift card with it's catchy phrase was too cute not to include. Pick up one for yourself or a few for your gal pals to show them how much you love them!

Bluemercury never disappoints when it comes to new arrivals. Back to your locks for just a moment, this Blow Dry elixir keeps your hair in tip top shape for up to three days and protects from UV damage...yes your hair needs sunscreen too! I listed this Diptyque candle last week, but had to post about it again because it smells heavenly and would look perfect on any surface. Lip trends are a changing, and the folks over at Bobbi Brown came up with some perfectly sheer and shiney nude glosses for the perfect pout. And while you're channeling a natural look, get inspired by this gorgeous, serene eye and cheek palette.

I was contacted to write this post, but as always all opinions are my own.

The Spa Life

Since a full spa day isn't the cards for me for a while, I am dreaming of luxurious spa treatments at home. A gorgeous robe, some great smelling body products, and a killer mask would be more than welcome. 

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On My Radar

All this cold and snow has me daydreaming of long, sunny, tropical days. So while we are elbows deep in winter, let your imagination and these summery picks take you away!

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Get the Look

Monochromatic is back in the best way possible. I love this polished, casual look for the office or for weekend pursuits. Click the items in the collage for more information.

The New Favorites

The holidays are a great time for acquiring stuff, and if you're lucky stuff can be really good. I thought I would share some of my new favorites.

Sorry if this is dramatic but I don't know how I lived this long without the Dior  glow products. The nail glow has been such a life saver as I am incapable of keeping a manicure past a few days, and this stuff is easy to apply and makes my nails look amazing. The glow balm adjusts to the ph in your lips and becomes the most perfect pink for your pout. Some other things I love include a new night face treatment, amazeballs blow dryer, healing face mask, the most bonkers smelling shampoo, and a crazy albeit somewhat creepy charcoal tooth whitening powder.

You want to know what I hate? Adjusting athletic pants during yoga class. These high-waisted yoga pants literally have you covered. I struggle with earbuds not staying in my ears and knocking them out accidentally with too much arm movement, these bluetooth gripping ear buds will allow my special self to feel more normal. I won't wax poetic about this bracelet, just know that I could... pretty much ALL DAMN DAY. I love it, it does with everything, I want to be buried in it. No explanation needed for the freshy fresh kicks. They make me want to work out. HAHA I can't even type that without laughing.

You may be thinking my home faves are very beverage centric, and you would be correct. We have majorly upgraded our libation game with a few choice pieces. I somehow miraculously won a Nespresso and it is literally the shit. The coffee is sooooo good. Get one. I was the worst at drinking enough water (like perpetually dehydrated to the point where my doctor lectured me), but since I've gotten a soda stream and I have wonderful bubbly water on demand I can't stop drinking water. That's a win in my book. A Rewined candle is not news, but their newest scent Rose is and it's positively heavenly. Buy one. The rest are pretty glasses that make me feel like an adult because 1.) I have stemware and 2.) my shit matches but most importanlty 3.) WE ARE DRINKING ALCOHOL WITH ITS CORRECT AND CORRESPONDING GLASSWARE. Drops mic.

Now it's your turn. What are some of your recently acquired items that you can't imagine living without now? Please do tell!

A Drybar & Bluemercury Holiday

Everyone loves to be pampered  and now is the perfect time to treat yourself and the ones you love to a little something special this holiday season. No one knows the joy of simple luxuries better than the ladies behind Drybar and Bluemercury. Seriously any item from either store is a guaranteed home run, slam dunk, sure to be their favorite, "OMG I LOVE THIS" type of gift.

I'll be picking up plenty of Drybar blow out gift certificates for some of my gal pals, and hopefully receiving a little Bobbi Brown goodness and a luxurious Laura Mercier brush in my stocking. Speaking of stocking stuffers, this nail polish duo from Deborah Lippmann is so good you'll be tempted to keep it for yourself to wear to all your holiday soirees.  For the skincare enthusiast, Kiehls greatest hits collection is sure to be a winner. And for your sister that is so hard to shop for, the Big Hair Don't Care blowout kit is perfection. 

For any of these items pictured or for even more great gift ideas, head to Bluemercury and Drybar to put the happy into your holiday. While it is the thought that counts, thoughts of blowouts and beauty items are a lot more fun! 

*I was contacted to write this post, however all gift picks, suggestions, and opinions are my own

For the Fellas

Shop right from the image! Click the item and you're on your way!

This gift guide, and person, is always the hardest to shop for in my opinion. Guys typically buy themselves whatever they are pining after, and there is only so many gift options before you go straight to clothes. It's tough, but that doesn't mean we can't rise to the occasion and give them something they'd actually want. 

 If you're trying to splurge on him or really spoil him, try a classic chronograph watch or digital camera with wifi. For the stylish or plain clueless man, a gift card to Trunk Club is an extra handy gift. For the guy on the go, a great weekend bag, functional backpack, and this funny pouch will send him off in style. Got a guy that likes to take of himself? Try these Jack Black products (a boyfriend favorite) and a shave kit from Harry's. Is he into things he can wear? Try a great team logo toboggan, novelty socks, great slippers, throwback kicks, or my personal favorite a tee commemorating a favorite childhood movie. If he's all about gadgets a portable speaker, charger, record player, or remote control helicopter are all sure to please. And yes all adult men love those freaking remote controlled helicopters.

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A Little Lovelier 2014 Gift Guides

satin pillowcase // nail polish // face brush

makeup bag // eye mask // eyeliner

skincare set // lip gloss // brush set

I'm very happy to announce I will be doing a series of gift guides this holiday season. Each guide will be targeted to a specific recipient or dollar amount. If you have any requests or questions please feel free to reach out! A great gift is something that you yourself would love or something the recipient would like but would have a hard time buying for themselves (hello pricey candles anyone?). Whatever the item, it's the thought that counts.

This gift guide is all about that beauty-obsessed person in your life (we all have one). I would love one of these satin pillowcases. It's great for helping prevent wrinkles and leaves your hair in great condition over night! As soon as December rolls around I switch to festive, glittery polish. What I love about this polish set is that it comes with a lovely neutral to wear year round or under the glitter. I struggled for a while before buying my Clarisonic, and I always run into people asking if they should take the plunge. A pricier, luxury item like a Clarisonic is the perfect gift for your budget-conscious gal pal. I'm not big into statement shirts, but boy do I love statement accessories. This pouch is hilarious and practical as a makeup bag. Make sure she is getting plenty of beauty sleep with this adorable eye mask, she'll love it I swear. You've heard me tout my love for this always sharp eyeliner, and this set of five is such a steal and the perfect stocking stuffer! Got a practical friend that would never dream of buying nice skincare? Run and pick up this little set from Fresh and she'll be in luxurious skincare heaven. These pretty glosses will give any lucky lady a pretty pout. Probably my favorite thing on the list, a gorgeous set of professional brushes is the ultimate gift for the girl that loves makeup. 

The Lob

The moment my hair gets long enough, I want to cut it all off. The moment I cut it off, I wish I hadn't. Yes I know it's just hair and it grows, but mine grows so slowly that I can't imagine spending another four years getting it back to where it is now. BUT, and this is a huge but, I am in love with the long bob or "lob" that's really popular right now. I wear my hair straight and down almost everyday and this style lends itself beautifully to that type of styling. Below are some of my favorite lobs out there.

Jennifer Aniston has the best hair in the industry, the BEST! Short, long, wavy, and straight she is always perfectly and seemingly effortlessly coiffed. She's my lady crush for life.

Chopped and tousles, Gwyneth knows how to rock good hair.

Oh Charlize! Need we say more?

Ugh I love everything about this picture of Kim from Kensington Way. The cut and color are perfection, and I can't even get into her manicured brows and pretty pout. JEALOUS!

So what do you think about the lob? Maybe I'll grow a pair and go for it after the holidays. If any of you have recently taken the plunge let me hear about it!

On My Radar

This week's "On My Radar" post is a little different since next week is my 29th birthday (how the eff did that even happen?). Honestly, I haven't put a ton of thought into what I would want, but if someone were to ask me any of the above lovely items would be just dandy.

I love the classic look to this trench style wool coat, I would have it forever. Two words: tortoise headphones. I would live in this comfy, dreamy, perfectly striped Calypso shirt. A classic bangle is high on my wishlist, and a clic clac is so the way to go. Amy Poehler would keep me in stitches, a great gift in itself. Yup I want long stemmed wine glasses so I can pretend to be Olivia Pope, so what. A drool-worthy tote is something you can never go wrong with. Pretty gilded coasters would be absolutely lovely on my coffee table, and would actually make me want to use a coaster. You don't even want to know what I would do for a Nespresso machine. I once had one in a hotel room and no joke had three espressos each morning... it was interesting. I'm so drawn to these pumps. I think the combination of leopard and gold makes them so sexy, and so not me but man do I love them.

This week, I'm loving five things in particular. I am OBSESSED with this tweed jacket. Ann Taylor has stepped up their game tremendously and there are so many items I wouldn't mind having in my closet. Elements of Style, the book, is a must read and one to add to your library and/or coffee table. You will love Erin's style, honestly, and stunning pictures. I am blessed with long lashes, but fall short in the volume category. This mascara has been doing a great job of giving me volume and is less than ten dollars. Many of us deal with that rough and bumpy skin known as "KP"or commonly referred to as "chicken skin." I have been using this cream for a week and I have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin. It's also great for super dry winter skin. Last but not least, holiday manis are right around the corner and this gold leaf top coat is a fun twist on the glitter polish we love.

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Free Your Hands with Beau & Ro

One thing most of us can agree on is that we love a great, functional bag. We also love those not so functional heavy, clunky, too short strapped/handled designer bags that we use more for decor than anything else. So where exactly does style meet function? That my dear readers would be at Beau & Ro Bag Company. Beau & Ro is the brainchild of Sara Rossi with the mission of helping people free their hands. It all started with a belt bag, and now Beau & Ro has just released a gorgeous line of totes that convert into a backpack.

The Lodge model with a cream cable knit panel and gorgeous tan leather.

This bag can do it all. With expandable handles that easily clip into backpack straps, the bag is perfect for work, the gym, play, and everything in between. Plus what is a good bag without pockets? This beauty has three interior pockets, and one exterior to avoid the dreaded "Mary Poppins bag" scenario. The tote + backpack comes in four gorgeous styles: The Lodge, The Waverly, The New Yorker, and The Fairfield.

Preppy and sophisticated, The Fairfield does it all.

Beau & Ro Bag Company started in 2013 with a line of clutches that converted into belt bags. No this is not your mother's fanny pack. The clutches come in so many colors and styles, and easily convert to a belt bag (that lays flat mind you) to give you the freedom of being hands free. Whether you're at the beach, running errands, at a concert, or you have children hanging on you at all times, there's a belt bag to suit you. Oh and did I mention each bag is made right in New York City? Gotta love that.

Perfect for a day at the beach.

Or wining and dining with friends.

Holidays are just around the corner, so make sure you check out Beau & Ro Bag Company's latest bags and styles as they would make the perfect gift for friends, bridesmaids, heck your mom would probably love one too! 

Thank you so much to Sara and Beau & Ro Bag Company for sponsoring today's post. Although I was compensated, as always all opinions are my own.

Luxe For Less

Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Cartier, Philip Lim, OH MY! Ok not really but there are some really amazing, budget-friendly items out there that will give you that luxe look for a lot less. I'm all about investing in your wardrobe, but while you save and pinch those pennies, don't forget to treat yo' self to the occasional designer inspired piece. What I really like about these picks is that they are all of fairly good quality and avoid the dreaded "cheap" designer inspired looks (you know exactly what I'm talking about). So go ahead and enjoy some quilted leather without breaking the bank, you deserve it.  xoxo

shoes can be found here, bangle can be purchased here

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Product Junkie

BAG:
Henri Bendel classic strip large cosmetic bag. I love this bag. I've had it for years because of it's perfect size, quality, and the inner and outer surface can be wiped down and for me that's crucial.

EYELINER:
This always sharp waterproof kohl liner from Smashbox is magical! The cap has a built in sharpener so yes it is ALWAYS sharp, and it stays put. No more raccoon eyes, no more reapplying mid day, this stays put!

POLISH:
I was skeptical of at home gel especially with the low price point and no UV curing process. However, Revlon has proved me wrong with their new gel line. It's only a two step process, and so far I have been loving the results.

BROWN PENCIL:
This brow tech to go is so so good. The crayon like consistency allows it glide on, and the slanted tip let's you shape those babies perfectly. There is also a wand with brow gel on the other end to keep you looking put together all night.

SPOT TREATMENT:
Yup those pesky breakouts still happen from time to time, but my bog Mario Badescu has you covered. For those big "oh my God how can anyone see my face around that huge zit" cystic type of pests, the buffering lotion is a God send.



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