12.31.2012
New Year’s Eve Hangover Kit

Sadly, I know a thing or two about having a hangover. I spent last night in Portland, Oregon (update to come) but, luckily for you guys, I prepared my go-to hangover kit staples for all you lush ladies and hopefully, it helps you recover before going back to work tomorrow. UGH.

1. Fiji Water: Really, any water (or coconut water) will do but there’s something about Fiji water that makes me just feel fancy.

2. Kate Somerville Cyto Cell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream: As we get older, the dark circles will COME. It’s sad but true. You can dab a little of this stuff under your eyes when you wake up, to help hide the dark circles and puffiness.

3. Q-tips: These are a must for getting the runny eyeliner and mascara off your face.

4. Chloe Black Oversized Round Frame Sunglasses: For if/when you actually have to go outside and face the world.

5. MAC Cosmetics Studio Stick Concealer: Even though it’s discontinued, GASP, this MAC concealer is pretty close to my cult favorite. You need it to conceal any acne blemishes or redness around the nose (always, for me). It’s small and goes on smooth like silk. LOVE.

6. LUNA Bar: I’m not a huge fan of protein bars but LUNA does make some good flavors. When you’re desparate and hungover, they’re totally helpful until you can get your hands on some french fries.

7. Colgate Wisps: These are perfect for a quick, faux brushing of the teeth.

8. Aspirin: I don’t even really need to explain this one, right?

9. Altoids Smalls: I love the smaller version of these and they’re perfect for fitting into a small clutch!

07.16.2012
Sunglasses and Why I Used To Be Obsessed with Wearing Glasses

Weird confession: when I was little, I always wished that I wore glasses. Yes, it’s true. (Un?)fortunately for me, I was blessed with better than 20/20 vision (thanks, Dad)! I remember telling my mom a complete lie in the 3rd grade; I told her that I couldn’t read my books (lies) and that I also couldn’t see the blackboard in class (more lies). So apparently I was near AND far sighted, according to my 3rd grade-self. I was quite the little liar but since my mother figured WHAT KID IN THE WORLD actually WANTED to wear glasses, she took me to the eye doctor. Even being the crafty nine year old that I was, I couldn’t fool the opthamologist and he promptly told my mother that I was one, lying and two, clearly needed more attention.

My mom confronted me and asked her little deviant daughter “Jamie Claire, why did you lie and tell mommy that you couldn’t read your books or see the blackboard at school? The doctor told me that you could read a sign a mile away!” My answer? “MOM, I didn’t mean to lie but I REALLY wanted glasses…they look SO CUTE and all of my friends wear them!” (Blogger’s note: this is just the beginning of my FOMO issues, just sayin’).

I mean. My mother’s face at this moment…unforgettable.

Even at 29 (and a half!), I still don’t need glasses but I make up for it with my vast sunglasses collection. While I might be able to read a street sign 3 blocks away (proven: NYC), my baby blue eyes are super sensitive to light and I honestly can’t be outside unless I’m wearing sunnies (and, of course, SPF on my skin, too!). I digress.

I went to the Two Point Oh LA blogger picnic on Sunday and was introduced to a fab new website called DITTO. What I love about this site is customers can try on the glasses (and sunglasses) to see if they fit/look good with 180 degree views before they buy them for the site. They can even ask for friend reccos (via social media!) and ask a DITTO stylist for their advice, based on their face shape- it’s pure genius, really. The site sells all of the best brands: Chloe (like my sunnies above), Ray Ban, Elizabeth and James, Jason Wu, Theory, Vera Wang, John Varvatos, etc. so you know you’re getting high quality goods…I mean, I always said that if/when I ever do need real glasses, I’d only go designer. Clearly.

Celebs wearing my Chloe Myrte sunnies:

Rachel Zoe, Lauren Conrad, Naomi Campbell

05.25.2012
Destination: Palm Springs

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 bikini top and bottom: 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.

House of Harlow 1960 Robyn Sunglasses: I love pretty much everything HOH1960 but these frames are just really f-u-n and chic.

Sam Edel man Gigi Sandals: I have these in neon too. They’re super comfy, simple and look good with almost everything.

Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA+++: Lips are often neglected but if you’ve ever had sunburn on your lip, you know to always apply lip balm with SPF. I can speak from experience, guys.

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.

01.13.2011
Jee Vice BNL Melanin Photochromic sunglasses- protect your eyes AND skin!

So the summer I moved to LA, I bought my father his first pair of “real” sunglasses. And when I say “real,” I mean his first pair of sunglasses that cost more than $20 and had actual UV protection in them. Seriously. I don’t understand how or why anyone would wear sunglasses that don’t actually protect your eyes but that’s also exactly why I was so excited when I heard about the new Jee Vice Melanin Lenses that feature BNL Melanin Photochromic technology that provide SPF 140 for your eyes! This is some serious eye protection, ladies.

While 99% of frames out there do offer some UVA/UVB protection, the lens technology incorporated into Jee Vice’s newest frames offers an added layer of protection for the skin around the eyes and teh retina using Melanin, which is a naturally occurring pigment in the body that acts as a sunscreen. What differentiates the Melanin lenses from the UVA/UVB protection is that in addition to absorbing and deflecting harmful rays, they also protect from High Energy Visible (HEV) light! HEV is often referred to as “blue light” and can damage the retina, which leads to impaired vision over time. With the SPF 140 in these glasses, your eyes will be safe from both cosmetic and internal sun damage.

My mind was literally blown away when I found out all of the benefits of Melanin lenses- better clarity (sharper images, clarity of vision), protection of the retina and prevention of macular degeneration. On top of that (for those of us who are vain, myself included), these lenses also prevent the skin around your eyes from wrinkling. Serious bonus.

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