I’m constantly trying new colorists but it’s very rare that I find one that honestly impresses me. I had a full head of highlights done at The Private Room a few weeks ago and guys, I was truly impressed. Tina, the founder, gave me the straight talk that yes, she would give me the icy blonde shade that I wanted but only if I promised to lay off the flat iron. I mean, I get it, but it’s HARD. If I was able to get my hair blown out every day, no problem, but I can’t. I have to blow dry my own hair and yeah…I’m not very good at it. SO the flat iron helps out.
I decided to give it up, in exchange for the icy blonde shade that I covet…and so far, so good. Tina is a straight shooter, which I love, and she could even tell that I take iron supplements just by the way my color processed. SO crazy. I am totally going back.
A friend and I are heading out to the desert tomorrow morning at, gasp, 9AM. There are very few things that could actually get me to wake up before 11 on a Saturday but hey, Memorial Day in Palm Springs is calling me.
J. Crew bikinitopandbottom: I love a red bikini or, really, a red anything. This one is simple and the strings make this particular style look good on almost every body type.
Dorothy Perkins Black Aztec Crossover Dress: First off, I love the pattern. Second, this dress is the perfect minimalist vacay dress (and can also serve as a cover up!) that can take you right from daytime to night.
Forever21 Classic Straw Fedora: A hat is a MUST when I’m outside in the sun for a long period of time. Not only does it keep me cool but it also prevents sun damage on my face and scalp.
Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12: Blonde hair can fade and oxidize fast when in the sun for too long so it’s VIP that I apply a spray with SPF protection and, as a bonus, the SPF also protects your scalp.
Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum Tinted Sunscreen: It’s very inaprop to wear a full face of foundation at the pool or beach but yeah, with my rosacea and hyperpigmentation, I never go full on bare faced. This face serum is the perfect solution to my problem since it not only has SPF 55 but it’s a serum (e.g. lightweight) and it’s tinted so it actually hides most of my imperfections.
Attention LA ladies, get super excited about this. I saw a TON of Instagram photos from the New York sample sale and I can only imagine what the LA sale will bring. My eye is on the Moonstruck bag in blue/grey so keep your fingers crossed for me.
If you’re in the LA area this Saturday, make sure to RSVP to the 4th Annual On The Go Beauty event. I’ll be there and I’m excited for all that they’re offering…especially since my mom is all the way in New York and I won’t get to see her! There will be a kid’s area where they can be entertained while you get pampered with hairstylings from Joico and makeup by NYX Cosmetics. And, naturally, what party would be without cocktails? Voil Light Vodka will be serving bloody mary’s paired with brunch apps. See you Saturday.
Truth be told, my neck has always been a one of those body parts that I loathe. I blame my Nana because really, she started this shit. She had the “turkey neck” and so did my Aunts (my dad’s older sisters- he’s the youngest of 5) and now, my 65 year old father even has it, what I also refer to as, “the curse.” It’s one of those weird Wasp problems, I know, (and I’m so not a Wasp) but I notice it in EVERY PHOTOGRAPH of myself. We all have these insecurities so don’t judge, k? I’ve basically just learned how to LOOK DOWN in photos (see photo above)…
I am 100% honest when I admit that living in Los Angeles has absolutely given me a body compex that I never had while growing up in New York…and, while it’s upsetting, it’s hard to stop. I have a very close family member that struggles with a severe eating disorder and listening to her/trying to understand her while growing up was one of the most painful things I’ve ever had to experience. Someone who hasn’t been close to someone with an eating disorder can’t even fathom what it’s like; as an FYI, it’s NOT about the weight…it’s about the control and, as a bonafide control freak, I can attest to the fact that letting go ain’t easy. While I’ve never technically had an eating disorder, being “body obsessed” has taken a toll on me that I’ve been trying to deal with and thankfully, I’ve manage to remind myself on the daily that I will never look like a runway model OR a size 2 celebrity but I CAN be healthy and fit. With that said, of course, I still have my insecurities – my stomach, my knees (weird, I know) and my chin. After I saw this story on Allure.com, I was honestly surprised to read that there’s a 71% increase in “chinplants” since last year. And guys, I’ve always wanted a real chin, so no judgement…I’m just surprised that the motive behind the surgery increase is the fact that “people subconsciously associate a stronger chin with more authority, self-confidence and trustworthiness,” accoring to the Allure.com story. My take on plastic surgery is: if it will make you feel better, go for it…but it’s NOT a band-aid (I can speak from experience).
While I admit that I will probably end up getting a nip and neck tuck (hi, I’m vain), for now, I’m just using over-the-counter preventative measures: Kate Somerville Neck Tissue Repair with K8. I’ve been using this for awhile, which proves absolutely nothing at age 29, BUT I believe in everything that IS Kate Somerville so when I’m 55 and don’t see the signs of “the curse,” I will send Kate a very personal thank you note (before calling the chief of surgery at St. Vincent’s).
It’s not every day that I find a way to combine three of my favorite things (low calorie cocktails, getting my hair done and working out ) so when Refine Mixers asked me to be the blogger host for their event with Blo Blow Dry Bar at Equinox West Hollywood, I was giddy with joy. We sipped on Honey Tangerine Margaritas and Kiwi Cosmopolitans (only 100 calories each!) as guests enjoyed Blo’s braid bar and Equinox’s mini massages. Check out Guest of a Guest for more photos from the event.