Laura Geller Beauty - A Beauty Brands Event

Last week I was invited to attend a Beauty Brands event featuring the Laura Geller Beauty line. I love learning about new products, well new to me, so I immediately said yes!  Laura Geller became a renowned make-up artist, having loved beauty anything from an early age, beginning under the bright lights of Broadway and eventually landing on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. There, she opened her eponymous make-up studio in 1993 and went on the launch her own beauty brand on QVC in 2002. 

She is renowned for her Baked products, which continue to differentiate the brand from other traditional powders on the market today. Each Baked product begins as swirls of liquid pigments that are baked for 24 hours on terracotta tiles, then hand-finished in Italy. The resulting creamy powder feels weightless on the skin. Without additional binders, the colors are more vibrant, delivering better coverage with less product.

Because I'm a sucker for anything beauty as well, I sat down for a little make-up refresher session with one of Beauty Brands local managers and makeup artists. She informed me of the lines use of natural products and that the pigmentation was so rich yet so light on the skin. And because I'm always in the market for something new, I purchased a blush and lip gloss that I've used all weekend!

 

The line at Beauty Brands is pretty extensive, as you can see from the display. Beauty Brands offers thousands of salon brand products online and in-store, plus a complete, full-service salon and spa. They are your place to come, play, and relax.

 I couldn't get over the little swag bag we received for attending the event. The invitation was gift enough, but I am over-the-moon with the products! I've already used the Sandy Lagoon shadow and the colors are so rich and intense.

 

If you haven't checked out Laura Geller before, you should! And check out all the local metro Beauty Brands for the Laura Geller products they offer, as well as all other products and services. As Laura Geller states, "We are beautiful when we are happy" and nothing makes this girl happier than pampering myself!

It's a Party

Jacket: Wrangler (my mom's); Top: LOFT (similar); Skirt: ASOS; Heels: Ann Taylor (similar);

Bracelets: J.Crew (on sale)/Ralph Lauren; Belt: Ann Taylor; Lip Color: Clinique Drama Red 

 Last Thursday was technically my last day of work for a while and my team threw me a little farewell get-together. Since it was a party, I threw on my most festive party skirt! The look felt a little 1950s, with my Peter Pan collared top, so I added my denim jacket to help bring it into modern day. 

I am in love with these midi skirts. So much so that I'm adding a little DIY to my list of things to do, and making one of my own is on the list. I'm inspired by this version and hope to find some similar fabric. Can't wait to get started. Stay tuned for all the DIY projects I have in store.

The Skirt: Before and After

 I'm really excited for the future! I look at this change as the next chapter of my life and I can't wait to start writing it. I hope you stay with me on the journey!

It Was an Accident!

Top: J.Crew (gift); Pants: MICHAEL Michael Kors via T.J.Maxx (similar); 

Pumps: Prada (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor; Necklaces: Silpada/Ann Taylor (similar); 

Bracelet: J.Crew/gift; Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs

I am still in love with this pants! They are so comfortable, incredibly chic when paired with these metallic heels, yet I can't wait to wear them casually. I've been stumped on how to style this top, feeling completely unoriginal since I paired it with black that last time, but I do prefer it un-tucked and belted. It created a lengthening effect and gave me a bit of a tapered waist line. I love when something accidentally takes shape!

The Top: Before and After

 

Dream to Reality - A Zebra Coat

I am always looking for creative ways to dress up my denim. I live in boyfriend jeans on the weekend, but I get tired of wearing the same ol' sweaters and leather jackets. Don't get me wrong, I love my sweaters and leather, but it's nice to have different things to pair with jeans from time to time.

When I saw this look on The Zoe Report, I immediately honed in on the zebra coat. It's incredibly versatile, so chic, and can be worn with so many things. A little black dress would look stunning with this black and white print. Or, the trendy little white dress for that matter. I would love to pair it with my new favorite elastic waist pants and fun, colorful top. But, I can't stop thinking of the way it's styled with jeans! 

I immediately started scouring the internet for a similar style coat and I found it! This one is from Ann Taylor and perfect for a re-creation of the look above! And, notice how they have it paired with an LBD like I mentioned? Great stylists think alike! And, what's even better, is that it's on sale!! It's an additional 40% off the sale price. I'm thinking it's the right time to make the purchase, no?

What do you think of a zebra print coat? Too much or just right? I am so excited about the prospects of this coat! It's worth the investment as it would definitely make the rounds of all four seasons. And, I do love black and white.

Happy Friday!!

XOXO

Photo courtesy of The Zoe Report.

Stripe Pants

Denim Jacket:  Levi's (similar); Top: Ann Taylor (similar); Pants: Ann Taylor; 

Sandals: Coclico; Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (on sale); Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; 

Bracelets: J.Crew (similar)/Ralph Lauren; Necklace: BaubleBar (similar); 

Lip Color: Mary Kay Mystic Plum

As you all know, I am in love with stripes. So much so, I can't even count the amount of stripe tops I own. And now my love of stripes has moved on to pants! These are the new elastic waist pants I am totally into for spring. So now that I own elastic waist pants that sport stripes, I'm pretty sure these will be my go-tos all spring and summer!

 

 

The Top: Before and After

 

Paul Fredrick - Summer 2014 Collection

How many of you out there tend to dress your husband? And when I say dress, I mean exclusively shop for from head to toe! I know two women in my household that do, me and my mother. We have been dressing my dad for years and now, I we dress my husband and three year old son. (You've got to start them young, right?) So when Paul Fredrick reached out to me to chat up their 2014 Summer Collection, I jumped at the chance!

Paul Fredrick, was founded 25 years ago and originally specializing in dress shirts. It has grown to so much more since then, offering suits, ties, separates, and accessories. They design, manufacture and directly distribute every item in their collection. And what a collection it is!

My dad worked in an office environment for years, where a suit and tie was a must. My husband did as well. I love a man in a suit! They are so dapper, so handsome, so confident! I wish I could see them both in suits more often. I love to see my husband in his gray, pinstripe suit, crisp white button down, and printed tie. But, a basic gray suit and white shirt can get a little tired, no?

With it turning warm out, you want to give a suit a little punch for the summer. I may tend to dress a little trendy in my own wardrobe, but my husband tends to be a little conservative/old school. So how do I get around that classic style of dress? I add prints and color! Here's how I would style it! 

Okay, okay, I know this is a white button down, the one I was trying to steer clear of, but I love a French Cuff! Talk about adding a punch. Cuff links are a great accessory for men, like jewelry for women, and make such an impression as they peek out from under the suit coat.

Here are some of the prints I was talking about. A classic windowpane is a great way to add a little texture to a suit. A pinstripe is the ultimate button down closet essential for a guy!

And you can never go wrong with a standard blue shirt. Another wardrobe staple. And if at all possible, go with a button down collar. Just a small detail I love.

 I love to pick out ties. My dad would get a "Back to School" tie every August and I would scour the tables looking for the best ones. When I worked in retail years later, I would always shop the tie table, looking for the best tie for him. I am pretty conservative when it comes to the print of the tie. Maybe that's because my dad is as well. I'm the same way when I pick out ties for my husband. But these, these are all classics!

Yellow and red ties should be a part of every guy's tie collection. I adore the simple dots on the left. But, the red one is my favorite!

I am obsessed with this Chevron print tie! It would look great against the plain, white button down, but the blue would look fabulous as well!

Who says men don't wear pastels? Mine do! The pink stripe would look amazing with my husband's gray suit, as would the yellow. Could be why he owns both colors today! 

A nod to the sea is a perfect summer time pop! Also, nautical anything is so on-trend. And, who wouldn't rather be sailing?

My husband is a sweater wearing guy. I'm not sure if it's because I keep buying them or because he really likes them. I am going with the latter. I love when he wears a button down, v-neck, tie, and sport coat. The ultimate preppy look and a look that makes my heart melt. (Side note, the vest on the right would be a perfect way to incorporate his collegiate colors while keeping it work place appropriate.)

 

 Lastly, what look isn't complete without the shoe! And, being a shoe girl myself, I have turned my husband into a shoe guy. That woven Italian leather Oxford on the left is a definite show stopper. And, not a shoe he currently owns. The Wingtips on the right are a modern take on a classic. I love the use of lighter tones for spring and summer. 

 So that's how I would style my guys. What do you think of my picks? Do they go along with what you think of when putting your guys closet together? Do you have favorites from the Summer Collection? Let me know your thoughts! I would love your feedback.

Happy Styling!

Feeling Like Myself

Shirt: J.Crew; Tank: LOFT; Jeans: Banana Republic; Shoes: Coclico;

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Necklace: BaubleBar/Lord & Taylor; Bangles: Ralph Lauren

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt

Yesterday was the first day I've felt like myself in about a week. I've been sick since last Tuesday wearing only pajamas and lounge wear, so you can imagine how good it felt to finally get dressed. (Aside from Easter Sunday.) I didn't take the look too far though. Boyfriend jeans, my wardrobe staple, and a springy, pink gingham shirt was perfect for my first day back.

 

 

The Top: Before and After

I had all but forgotten about these shoes! I love them! They are the perfect mix of casual/dressy. A great way to complete this laid back look.

 

I have to say that this is one of my favorite looks to date. And, it's one I plan on wearing a lot in the future. More on that later in the week....