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


(more…)
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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

12.19.2011
Holiday Gift Guide: What the Bloggers Wanted…at 22

Here’s the deal.  My blogger girls are some of the trendiest, most IT girls you will ever meet so naturally, I needed to know what they’ve been lusting after for the last several years.  Here’s a rundown on what they wish they could’ve purchased for themselves at 22, even if that was a decade ago for some of us.

Andrea Lavinthal – UsMagazine.com: D.L. & Company Delft Skull Plates

While technically I could’ve afforded the $185 set of four plates, I had no real use for them because when I was 22 entertaining meant uncorking a $9 bottle of Pinot Grigio (wait, I actually still do that) and putting out a bag of Tostitos. Now, that I’m an official grown-up (I have the paperwork to prove it) I like to serve my guests snacks and whatnot on real dishes and these are the perfect mix of badass and fancy-pants.

Rachel Adler -StyleCaster.com: Olympus E-P3

Now that I’m a “grown up” (ugh) I would splurge on a fancy camera like the Olympus E-P3. I borrowed one last fashion week and it was a life saver — super lightweight and the photos I took made me look like a professional photographer — any camera that can do that is worth a purchase!

Anne Fritz – TheJetSetGirls.com: nude Jimmy Choo Platform Pumps

Of course, there are so many things I want to give myself that I STILL can’t afford—a Chanel J12 watch, a car…But one “present” I did buy for myself this fall was a pair of nude Jimmy Choo platform pumps. I wanted them forever (at least three years). When I finally did get them, I had two Saks gift cards from various events and one that I had cashed in my Amex points for. I ended up getting them for like $250. And, now that I have them, they’re everything I dreamed of. They really do go with everything and I feel super sexy in them. If only I could walk five blocks in them, they would be perfect!

Amber Katz – BeautyBloggingJunkie.com: Four Seasons Bed

The thing I can buy myself now that I couldn’t buy when I was 22 is a FOUR SEASONS BED. YES. I’m going there.

When I moved to NYC in June of 2002 (happy 10th anniversary to me, almost), I inherited my brother’s old apartment (he was moving back to Philly and I kind of… evicted him). I also inherited his bed he’d had for a year. It’s a meh full size bed, perfectly fine except for the fact that he and his ex-fiance lived together, which weirded me out from both a Feng Shui and a–just ew– standpoint. I’m convinced my romantical chi has been fakakta since sleeping on a mattress tainted by a failed relationship and I was also in the market for a new bed but I had to wait until things like barely making rent weren’t an obstacle. And as you can see, that took about ten years.

So a couple weeks ago, I ordered the bed of my dreams–I figure, it’s an investment, but I’ll get 10 good years of amazing sleep on it. It’s coming within another two weeks and I seriously cannot wait. I slept on a Four Seasons mattress on a recent trip to Morocco and was sold.

Jeannine Morris – BeautySweetSpot.com: Chiristian Louboutin heels

When I was 22 and had my first job at Cosmopolitan all I wanted were a pair of red soles.  I remember splurging on a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs black patent leather and velvet peep toes that I adored (and still have), but all I wanted were Louboutins.  Now, I own two pairs of the coveted red soles and allow myself to buy them once in a while.  They’re a nice treat!


Dina Fierro – Eye4Style.com: Philip Lim 3.1 fur iPad case

Say what you will about fur, but I love animals every which were possible – as pets, meals and yes, even accessories. Tops on my holiday wishlist this season is Philip Lim 3.1’s deliciously decadent dyed fur iPad case – truth be told, I can think of no nobler end for a bunny.

Kristen Turner – GlitterNGlue.com: Brian Atwood Fringe Suede Lace-Up Booties

I was 22 in 2004…during the height of hurricane Beyonce.  She just started her solo career and she was EVERYWHERE! I was obsessed with the Manolo Blahnik lace up boots that she was wearing in the Bonnie and Clyde video with Jay Z. Don’s ask why, but I was obsessed. I wanted a pair so bad. I even bought myself a knock off pair, but it just wasn’t the same. I guess the only way you can really get away with wearing those shoes is if they’re Manolo’s. Knock off just won’t do! I forget the exact cost, but they were Manolo$ so I’m sue they cost a pretty penny. Whatever the exact amount it was more than I had as a Loyola University New Orleans junior.

Now I could splurge and buy myself a pair… but I wouldn’t! Let’s be honest what was hot in 04 prob won’t make the cut in 2011. Today I’d love to gift myself a pair of Brian Atwood Fringe Suede Lace-Up Booties.

Aly Walansky – MyGloss.com: Hair Extensions

What I want for myself more than anything is hair extensions! I may be as unable to afford them as a decade ago, but then I didn’t know how much hotter I’d be with them – and what a worthwhile reason for debt they truly are.

Annie Tomlin – BellaSugar.com: Travel

Now and always, the thing I want most is time to travel. Visiting new places makes me think of the world differently, and when I was 22, I was too concerned with squirreling away money into savings. I still save a good chunk of each paycheck, but now a portion goes into a travel fund. I’d love to see Thailand, Montana, or Patagonia soon.

Kaitlyn Dreyling – BeautyBlitz.com: Miu Miu Glitter and Calf Hair pumps

These Miu Miu heels are the perfect blend of two things I really love – shoes and sparkle! My favorite way to indulge myself is with a luxe pair of shoes, and I love that this pair has a sparkly take on a classic design. While they make a stellar party pump, I would pair them with an everyday look, too. I can definitely see myself getting plenty of wear out of these!





 

12.16.2011
Three Questions With Alyson Hannigan

I recently attended an intimate breakfast with Alyson Hannigan for the iconic haircare brand, Head & Shoulders.  The brand recently launched a great initiative called The Good Girlfriend Guide where Alyson and some of my girls (Aly and Amber!) give tips on how to be the best friend you can be to all of your girls.  I admit, I was kind of geeking out to meet Alyson since I’m such a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan. Don’t hate!  Buffy was the original vampire show…deal with it.  Here’s some insight from my lunch with Alyson, most of which involve vampires.

Q: What made you decide to partner with Head & Shoulders on The Good Girlfriend Guide?

A: This is what I needed in high school.  My girlfriends and I were lost since we didn’t have older sisters or anything.

Q: Do you get annoyed when you watch other vampire shows like Twilight and Vampire Diaries?

A: Ooooh yes.  On my show, vampires didn’t sparkle.  I have to tell you, I have this thing where I don’t invite people into my house…I just wait for them to enter to see if they can come in!  I guess that’s what happens after you work on a vampire show for almost a decade.

Q: Were you always a red head? (after discussing her ginger baby daughter)

A: No!  Joss (Whedon) had us all over to his house and Charisma, Sarah and I all had brown hair at the time.  Joss seemed a little confused and told us that all of our hair is kind of the same shade.  He asked “does anyone want to be red?” I was like “sure! I’ll do it!”  Sarah got more and more blonde but I stuck to the red.


12.14.2011
Holiday Gift Guide: For the Hair-Obsessed Friend

Genius is just not even close to the right word for this new Blow Out In A Box T3 x Living Proof Featherweight Styling Set.  If you’re like me, then you know that there’s really nothing better than getting a good blow out.  This kit has what beauty fanatics know to be the best of the best when it comes to doing it yourself.  T3 is constantly listed as one of the best blow dryers and Living Proof, well…you can read the “proof” here. 🙂  You’ll also get a wide tooth comb and barrel brush to help you guide your hair to glory.

 

12.07.2011
New Year’s Eve Premiere with Dove

I went to the premiere of New Year’s Eve on Monday with my friend Devon (hanks to Dove)!  I’m always a little skeptical about movies that have like 45 celebrities because it usually because it usually becomes a “hey, what celeb is next!?” which always trumps the actual story line.  Regardless, there is a slew of amazing actors and actresses in the cast, including Ms. Lea Michele, who looked absolutely stunning.  I got the “how to” from her stylist Mark Townsend:

“It was all about modern glamour for Lea’s look at the premiere. Her Valentino dress reminded me of Old Hollywood, so we wanted to play off that with a young, modern version. I started by adding a large dollop of Dove Body & Lift Mousse to her damp hair and blow dried with a large round brush, giving Lea a deep side part. Next, I took 3-inch sections of hair and sprayed Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray on each section, and then wrapped the hair around a 2 inch curling iron, leaving the ends just a little straighter. For loads of shine and beautiful texture, I took a quarter size amount of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Nourishing Smooth-In Cream in my hands, rubbed them together and then raked my fingers through her hair for piecey-ness. I kept her fringe off her face by spraying Dove Extra Hold Hairspray on a small flat brush and brushing back and to the side.”

The after party was also a good time.  We sat at a table with “Dr. Sweets” from Bones, who I adore, and then took a bunch of faux New Year’s Eve photos in the custom photobooth.

Devon, me, Chelsea, Katie