My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland


Because I know you want to shop (but not for touristy junk)... (more…)
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5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland

07.03.2012
La La Anthony’s Birthday Brunch with X-Rated Fusion Liqueur at Bagatelle LA

 

If you haven’t been to Bagatelle yet, you are missing out…so naturally, when I was invited to La La Anthony’s birthday brunch I was excited one, because I love La La and two, because the brunch was being held at Bagatelle and they were serving X-Rated Fusion cocktails.  Duh.  

“La La’s Birthday Bellini” was a hit and my friends and I dined on delicious french toast and caprese salad before competing in a “cake off” where my team created the below masterpiece.  Sydne Summer, the little artist that she is, drew La La’s face on the cake and the rest of decorated it with objects on the table.  We were all crazy competitive and totally obsessed with our creation, for obvious reasons.

our cake creation for La La

 

the scene at Bagatelle (we’re in the back right corner)

 

07.02.2012
The Monday Rundown: Chateau Marmont Edition

Ever since I moved to LA, I’ve been obsessed with the famous Chateau Marmont.  This week, I decided to dedicate The Monday Rundown to the iconic LA hotspot where so many amazing moments have happened…to Hollywood and us “regular” people.  As 1930s producer Harry Cohn said, “if you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.”

Chateau Marmont Signature Candle: There’s something very homey about Chateau so, naturally, I wasn’t surprised when I discovered their signature candle.  

Cade Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: I’m a big white fan, in general, but there’s something about the wine they serve at Chateau…it’s just chic.

Dior Garden Clutch Makeup Palette For Glowing Eyes and Lips: The outdoor garden at Chateau is one of the most coveted areas to hang out so clearly this makeup clutch is a perfect fit for the look and feel.

Topshop Peplum Scuba Pencil Dress: As you probably read, I recently discovered my love of the white peplum dress.  So chic, so classic, so Chateau Marmont.

06.28.2012
Summer Soiree with Refine Mixers

Last night I attended Refine Mixers‘ Summer Soiree at their insanely awesome house in Venice (right off the famous Abbot Kinney), hosted by the gorgeous Ashlan Gorse.  I’m sure at this point you know about my obsession with Refine…I mean their mixers are ZERO calories and all natural, so what’s not to like?

Refine also teamed up with Joico Hair Care and Gjelina in Venice, which, I am also now obsessed with and, side note, my friend just told me it takes 3 weeks to get a reservation there…naturally, this only makes me want to go there even more.  Back to the event: guests were shuttled down from Los Angeles to Venice beach and enjoyed Refine cocktails and treats awaiting them as they entered the shuttle.  Editors and tastemakers alike came together for a special intimate dinner where they learned how to pair special mixed drinks (five, to be exact) with healthy food. At dinner guests were educated on the history of Refine Mixers, by CEO Patrick Castles, and learned and how to muttle and shake several different cocktails with the Refine Mixer flavors. Joico had a fun braid bar downstairs, where women were able to get their hair braided OR get fun, beachy wavy by the amazing celebrity colorist, George Papanikolas.

 

My favorite cocktail of the night: The Venice Peach Bellini (which always makes me think of studying abroard in Venice, ITALY)

  • Muddle a peach slice
  • One part Prosecco
  • A splash of Refine’s Mojito Mix
  • Garnish with a peach slice and serve

 

06.26.2012
Perfection = Blake Lively At the “Savages” Premiere

I saw this absolutely ridiculous photo of Blake Lively from last night’s LA premiere of Savages and nearly passed out.  Utter perfection.  Blake is wearing a stunning Zuhair Murad dress that she, not having a stylist, probably selected on her own.  The dress is from the Couture “Casino Fever” Spring Summer 2012 collection, which I love, but even more…can you believe her hair and makeup?  She is just stunning.  I did a little search to see if I could find the “get the look” from her makeup artist and/or hairstylist but no dice.  Here’s my take on how you can get the look:

Hair: For this style, you need volume.  I recently attended a Dove and Dailycandy.com event at DryBar and the stylist used Dove’s Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse and I was totally impressed.  Once hair is blown out and dry, use a 1-inch curling iron around your hair and brush out the curls for this old Hollywood glam look.

Skin: Blake definitely has a bronze goddess glow happening.  Apply your regular foundation and then use a summery bronzer to highlight the apples of your cheeks, nose and forehead.  I like Stila One Step Makeup Primecolor in “Bronze Babe” since it allows you to play with the countouring a bit and also serves as a primer, cheek color and eyeshadow.

Eyes: Keep eyes minimal, as it’s really all about the lip (see below).  Try a simple black eyeliner like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Perversion,” a personal favorite, and, of course, some false eyelashes.  I’m loving Makeup Forever’s eyelash strips since they’re easy to get on.  Then top it off with a dramatic black mascara like Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes, which I’m also currently loving.

Lips: As my friend Nadine Jolie said, any time a celeb is wearing a draw-dropping red lipstick, it’s probably MAC “Russian Red.  Enough said.

Nails: Blake is sporting a pretty serious red and Essie’s “Well Red” would definitely foot that bill.

 

 

06.25.2012
Wine-inspired Beauty Products

Wine is probably one of my favorite things in the entire world and, on top of being delicious, it also actually has properties that are good for your skin!  Here are my favorite wine beauty product picks:

Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry Purple Wine: Though it’s not wine-derived, the shade reminds me of my favorite red (from Napa) and Stila has the most amazing lip glazes ever.

Fresh Citron de Vigne Bath & Shower Gel: You know I’m obsessed with fancy shower gel so, naturally, I’m in love with this version…it has an effervescent citrus scent inspired by France’s Champagne region.

Caudalie Gommage Crushed Cabernet Scrub: This is a serious body scrub, just be warned.  It’s perfect for summer and I’ve been using it before I self-tan myself silly.

Wine Wipes: As someone who gets red wine mouth after like 1.5 glasses of red wine, these are a MUST for my purse.  You just swipe them around your mouth and teeth and voiila, red wine stains are dunzo.

06.19.2012
Summer To Do

 

You may have noticed my abundance of summer-inspired posts lately…well, I can’t help it.  Summer is a time for relaxation, hope and, most of all, FUN.  Here’s my list of to do’s:

  • Go to happy hours in Century City and Downtown LA: two places I hardly ever go!
  • Go to The Magic Castle: my friend Molly took a bunch of us there last week and this place is a-mazing.  It’s old Hollywood glamour meets sci fi fantasy fun.  Plus, it’s super close to my apartment.
  • Go to the Yamashiro Farmer’s Market: At least once a month!
  • Hike Runyon: it’s across the street.  Enough said.
  • Take ballet classes: I miss ballet in my life and I need to stop being scared of looking stupid in front of the “professional” dancers.
  • Go back to Catalina Island with my friends!
  • Take tennis lessons: almost all of my friends play tennis…it’s one of those sports I’ve always wanted to learn but never did.  It’s time.
  • Remember to go to the beach (Malibu and the South Bay–the strand is AMAZING)
  • Remember to use my roof: the pool, the jacuzzi, have guests over, swim laps, etc.

 

 

06.18.2012
The Monday Rundown

City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion, from Bohemian to Rock: As far as fashion in LA, this New Yorker can attest that this book is spot on.  It’s my new favorite coffee table item.

Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen for Body SPF 50: As you know, I love, love, love all things Kiehl’s…so when they recently launched a new body SPF, I had to try it.  As predicted, it’s amazing.  It’s lightweight, non-greasy and, of course, paraben-free.

Vodka-infused gummy bears: This idea came to me last week and I’ve been enjoying the result ever since.  It’s the perfect summer party snack…or, while you’re watching TV alone. Ha.

House of Harlow 1960 Two-Tone Horn Stacking Ring: As per usual, I love all things HOH1960.  This ring, from the new collection, is no exception. I ordered it last week, it came, I’m obsessed.