Thursday, September 22, 2011

Gee Beauty Salon in Bal Harbour






This is a new beauty salon in Bal Harbour Florida.  
I'm convinced this is what heaven looks like. :-)


I haven't been to South Beach in a LONG time actually the first time I went to South Beach  was with my best friend, we had just graduated from high school and stayed at hotel very close to Bal Harbour.  


The Bal Harbour area is one of the most GORGEOUS ever.  The mall there is RIDICULOUS.  I mean luxury is not even the word to describe it.  


So, if you're ever in South Beach go down that Collins Ave strip and make your way to Gee Beauty at Bal Harbour and let me know how it is or better yet take me with you.  :)



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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The CUTEST Furriest Thing EVER!!!



Isn't he CUUUUTE!
Maybe you've all seen him before but I just learned of BOO, the world's cutest dog today
while reading the Oh Joy! blog.  At first I couldn't tell if he was a stuffed animal or not until I saw an actual video of him strutting his stuff, wagging his tail, tongue all out and everything.


BOO's facebook page has 1.7+ million fans and he has a book!!

adorable.

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Get the Look for Less with Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is an online site that lets you rent designer dresses and accessories at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost you to buy "off the rack".  Though I've not rented a dress I really like this idea. 

So, here' show it works: 
1. You've got an event to go to right and you're like shoot WTH am I going to wear.
2.  You go to the Rent the Runway site and join (it's free)
3.  Search for a dress, select your dress size, and a backup size (hey you never know).
4.  Schedule a delivery date (about 2-3 days before actual event).
5. Your dress is delivered (fresh, clean, and dry-cleaned). 
6.  Wear it.  Have fun at your event.
7.  Return it (in the pre-paid box provided) and drop in a mailbox.
8.  That's it. 

You don't have to clean it.  They'll do that once it's returned.
Even if you rip the dress (you know while dancing ;-) or spill a drink on it, or whatever don't worry it's covered with the $5 insurance fee.
So what do you think?
I think it's an ingenious idea.  Of course two women (from Harvard Business) came up with this concept.  Love that.
Would you rent a dress from this company?
Let me know!

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Oldie but Goodie: Infusium 23 Leave-in Treatments


I love hair products and most of all I like having options.  But, sometimes too many options can leave me feeling a bit overwhelmed.  Creamy leave-in vs non-creamy vs xyz...you know what I mean.  Sometimes I just need to go back to the basics before the myriad of natural this and that.  

Infusium 23 is the leave-in I and many hair kitchen beauticians swore by in my chemically-straightened days.  Recently, I revisited the "new" and improved formula and was reminded again of why it used to be a staple especially for my roller-sets.

Love the fact that it detangles like a breeze and leaves my hair soft to the touch.
I like the concentrated strength but some may want to dilute it if they find their hair feeling a bit weighed-down.  What I dislike about the leave-ins though is the packaging.  They ought to be in a spray pump not a squeeze and pour bottle.  It makes for a more even distribution when in a spray bottle, which is how I use it.  

What I do is - I squeeze some into an empty spray bottle and distribute that way.  Other than that, it's great for providing a bit of conditioning and strengthening to your hair if it's a bit dry, brittle, or even damaged.    

Depending on your hair concern, you can choose from any of the 4 types (see above) that they offer and you can even use it as a heat protectant on dry hair right before flat-ironing or curling iron.  And at $6.99 why not.
  

Have you ever used Infusium 23?
What was your experience?

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Monday, September 19, 2011

Solange Knowles is Serving up Some Major Curlspiration




This is making me want to go find a wig similar to this ASAP.
I love BIG hair.
BTW - Solange has been looking FLY consistently.


Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe - all on point.
Love it.

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Smell like an Empress?

Actually, I don't know what an Empress smells like, but I imagine she would smell divine.


Perhaps coming close to smelling like an Empress would be Sean Combs' aka Puff Daddy P. Diddy's new fragrance of the same name.   Empress is apparently the female counterpart to his men’s cologne I Am King.


It's described as:
 Made for the modern woman – this fragrance represents female royalty and feminine strength. EMPRESS is a woman’s secret weapon allowing her to rule over her domain. She is more powerful than a king; she is EMPRESS.





Kelly Rowland is the beautiful face of new fragrance. She says


“I decided to be an Empress Ambassador because I stand behind the notion of what the fragrance represents,” says Rowland. “We are starting a movement with Empress! Every woman is beautiful, powerful in her own right.”


If you're wondering what Empress smells like, it's described as:


A crisp fruity floral, notes of Empress include a fresh blend of Key Lime Pie, Mandarin Imperial, Starfruit and Imperial French Berry, as well as warm caramel and comforting vanilla.

I'll have to make my way over to a fragrance counter to take a whiff of this. In the mean time you can purchase Empress at your favorite department store for $57 (1.7oz.) or $74 (3.4oz.)

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Saturday, September 17, 2011

Denim Done Right: Finding jeans that will flatter your figure!


According to Senior Designer for Jockey Person to Person, Sunil Ramchandani:
Shopping for jeans that fit perfectly can be frustrating. Before you head to the dressing room yet again, follow these guidelines to help you find your perfect denim (without all the bells and whistles.)

1.       Fabric: A poly cotton blend will help retain the shape and color much longer. 

2.       Fit: The waist should have enough room to fit one finger in between the pants and yourself and the denim must be fitted through the thigh and knee.  The rise should be 1” below your belly button but no more than 3”.

3.       Length: If you are wearing flats, your jeans should touch the floor.  With heels, the pant leg should be ¼” above the floor on your back heel.  Make sure to have separate pairs to wear with heels and flats.

4.       Leg Shapes and Body Types: Bootlegs work best on Pear and Hourglass body shapes.  Straight legs work best on Apple and Pencil body shapes.  Wide legs work best on Strawberry shapes.

5.       Camouflage Your Flaws:  If you have a slight belly, you should go for a stretch fit and wear it with longer length, un-tucked boots.  If you have a large bottom, go for a slightly lower rise with simple back pockets.  Big Hips, the boot cut is your friend as it will help rebalance your figure.  


======
Finding the right jeans to flatter my figure used to be the bain of my existence.  Either the length would be too long (I'm only 5'3) or it would do this little pocket in the back (probably due to my posterior).  

In college I would have my jeans tailored - yes, I had issues.  

I've realized that the best jeans that fit my particular shape has to have a bit of stretch (lol).  I've got hips and back (que Sir Mix Alot) so I need something to "give" a little ;-)  

Do any of you have issues when shopping for jeans?

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Makeup 101: Want to look Smokin' - Try a Smokey Eye

I love a smokey eye but don't have the skill to accomplish one. 
I really need to step up my EYE makeup game.  But, that's a whole other topic.
If you're like me and want to accomplish a SMOKIN smokey eye
OR a simple made up face, check out the video
it's short, simple, not complicated, and easy enough for beginners ;-):
You think you can master that simple look?
 













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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Sights + Scenes from NY Fashion Week - Take 2

Mama Bey & Solange.
I love that pink & grey.
The monochromatic look on Bey washes her out a bit, don't you think?
Love her nonetheless.
Solange's hair has me drooling.

This is Ashlee Simpson. I can't believe it. 
She's definitely grown up but seems like she's aged a bit.
Or could be the makeup.
or the plastic surgery. or both.
Love the leopard clutch.


Love the braided hair and the eyelashes.


I love Serena.  I really do. But, this look is not doing her figure any justice at all.
It seems like she's always covering up her goods when she's not on the court.
I would roll that hem up to mid-thigh (seems like it's halfway there)
 and give her a pop of color with the shoes & belt.

Kim's makeup is always on point. 
Is it me or is she looking like a younger version of Elizabeth Taylor.

The shoes on Rachel's feet. !!!!. Love.
and that eye makeup is so intense and dramatic.
Love it.
Kim's shoes are hot too.

What do you think of these looks?
Anything you would do differently.
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Dry Skin - Your Skin is Thirsty for Moisture

Miss Angola 2011
Dr. Baumann does it again with skin care tips for those that suffer with dry skin like my self.

Through no fault of your own, your skin’s barrier has a problem keeping moisture in—hence your “Dry” skin. You’re certainly no stranger to giving your skin hefty doses of hydration morning and night, but you can treat yourself—and your skin—to a moisture mask, which goes a long way for keeping skin soft, supple and comfortable.




Moisture masks do more than simply infuse your skin with moisture—and they can actually help repair your skin’s barrier so it works better. These masks are rich in the fats your skin needs to keep moisture in and irritants out, and help improve the overall condition of your skin. When selecting a mask, you can also look for ingredients that will help with other skin conditions such as inflammation and even pigment, so read labels carefully—or choose one of our top picks.


Vivite Replenish Hydrating Cream: OK, this isn’t technically a mask, but a nice thick layer at bedtime will leave you with soft, comfortable skin come morning.


First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: Another heavy-duty moisturizer that can double as a mask, this thick, emollient-rich cream penetrates deep down to hydrate dry skin at the source.


MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Treatment Masque: With green tea to shield your skin from free radicals and glycolic acid to smooth rough texture, this masks protects and perfects.


Alchimie Forever Kantic Mask: In addition to much-needed moisture, this treatment contains botanically based brightening ingredients to help fade discoloration.


Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Mask: This mask contains soothing willow herb and cucumber to quell irritation and inflammation.


Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Cream Mask: A true multitasker, this mask contains antioxidant grapeseed oil, super-hydrating squalane and skin-brightening citric acid.


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Monday, September 12, 2011

Foreign Xchange Beauty - Anedie Azael

The Miss Universe pageant is on tonight so I had to highlight Haitian beauty Anedie Azael.
She's a model, student, activist, etc.


Isn't she a cutie. 

So many lovely ladies vying for the Miss Universe title, the pressure.


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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sights + Scenes from NY Fashion Week


Corinne Bailey Ray looks fresh.
This Monique Lhuillier caught my eye because it's in my favorite color.
Love Kelly Osbourne's cat-like sunnies.
This Lacoste bag is giving me life.  
Can you believe this is Mandy Moore? She reminds me of Julia Roberts in this pic.
Loving this tangerine color & that necklace.
Angela Simmons & June Ambrose - FIERCE.

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Little White Dress - Cushnie et Ochs

Hey beautiful people, how is your Saturday?
I just wanted to show you some pics that I saw that blew me away.

When I saw this little white number, my first impression was "wow".  It's simply beautiful.  

This one is Gorgeous as well. It's edgy and a bit risky and for the right figure it works.


This one reads corporate exec to me.  Fierce. Love a high-powered woman.

What I love about this collection is the tailoring and the patterns.  
Simple but so lovely.  
It seems like the little white dress is the new little black dress.

Honestly, I had know idea who the designers of this collection were.  
But, there names are Cushnie et Ochs.  
Turns out they are two female designers.  

Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs.

I saw pictures of their entire collection and I like mostly everything I saw.

So, what do you think of those little white dresses?
Don't you just LOVE seeing women working collaboratively together?
Share your thoughts.

p.s. love Carly's hair color & Michelle's bangs.
images from zimbio


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Friday, September 9, 2011

Like it or Loathe it? Solange Knowles at Lord & Taylor's Fashion Night Out

Happy Friday! 

Who has been keeping up with NYFW? 

I'm going to be honest with you and tell you that I have not.

But, I'll keep my eyes peeled for anything that I find interesting.

I thought the looks from BCBG would be super exciting but, I was not impressed.

If you're interested in seeing the BCBG Spring 2012 collection, go for it.

In other news, I love love loved seeing what Solange Knowles wore at 

 the Fashion Night Out events for Lord & Taylor.

Of course you know  I love the hair, the makeup is soft, and the dress is too cute.

What do you think?
Like it or Loathe it?

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Thursday, September 8, 2011

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012 in Full Effect



Mercedes Benz Fashion Week starts to today which means the fashion industry elite will be presenting their Spring 2012 collections to the masses.  So for those of us budget fashionistas - LOL that means we get to live vicariously thru the models on the runway wearing the high-end clothes with the hefty price tags while we think of ways to incorporate the looks for less - way less.  ;-)


I know many style, fashion, and even beauty bloggers will be in attendance.  I, on the other hand will tune in every now and again to http://www.youtube.com/liverunway .


I plan to highlight a few of the designers that I admire like I did in February for the Fall 2011 collection as well as highlight some events that will take place for those that are interested in keeping up with the festivities.


Tomorrow's Schedule according to the MBFW site is as follows:



September 8
9AM NICHOLAS K, STUDIO
9AM NICHOLAS K LIVE STREAM
9:30-10:30AM PORTER GREY, BOX
10AM BCBGMAXAZRIA, THEATRE
10AM BCBGMAXAZRIA LIVE STREAM
11AM RICHARD CHAI, STAGE
11AM RICHARD CHAI LIVE STREAM
1PM SUPIMA, STUDIO
1PM SUPIMA LIVE STREAM
2PM TADASHI SHOJI, STAGE
2PM TADASHI SHOJI LIVE STREAM
2:30-3:30PM CANDELA, BOX

From this list I'm mostly interested in BCBGMAXAZRIA


Will you be participating in the Fashion Week Festivities in person or online?

Who are some of the designers that you admire? 

Regardless of whether you can afford them or not.
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

America's Next Top Black Model - The New Generation

I remember a time when the only models I could name off the top of my head were Tyra Banks, Iman, and Naoimi Campbell.  Gone are those days because now there is a new breed of Black Fashion models and honestly I can't keep up. 

It's refreshing to see this new generation of women of color of different nationalites and shades of brown walking the runways and exemplifying how diverse beauty is and can be. 

Here are just a few of these models that I'm referring to, some of whom may be familiar to you by face or by name or both but still easy on the eyes and worth a look. 



Joan Smalls
Puerto Rican



Liya Kebede
Ethiopian
1st Black model to sign with Estee Lauder


Arlenis Sosa
Dominican
Face of Lancome

Chanel Iman
American
Victoria Secret Model

I'll have part 2 up later this week.

Who are some of your favorite Black models?
Who would you like to see on the list?

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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

September Musings

How was everyone's long weekend?  Though it was LABOR day I hope that there was not much labor involved.   Sometimes my memory fails me on how particular holidays came to pass and it's interesting reading how this particular holiday came into effect. 

I'm reading a new book - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  So far I'm in awe of the words that I'm reading.  Thanks to Jess for the recommendation.

I read this quote from Napoleon Hill this morning and I love it. 

image

"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."
Lately, I've been in a blogging stupor.  So, apologies if the post are few and far between.  Hopefully, with the advent of the new season I can find some inspiration.  :)

Tell me, what you look forward to this Fall (if anything at all)?

What are you currently reading?

Share with me, one of your favorite quotes.
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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Kelly Rowland wants to be your "Motivation" for Sexy Abs

Kelly Rowland will be coming out with a fitness DVD that focuses on helping you get that six pack that you've always wanted.  The video will focus on strenthening your core and sculpting your abs with the help of a celebrity personal trainer, Jeanette Jenkins.  



Sexy Abs, the name of the DVD is supposed to come out later this year on Amazon.com.


So, tell me will Kelly's DVD be hitting your shopping cart?

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Friday, September 2, 2011

Like it or Loathe it? Lala Vasquez

I really like this tuxedo look on La La and the pop of pink lip color really makes the look all the more feminine.  I wonder how it looked up close in person though just because the sheerness/texture of the shirt doesn't quite match the texture of the pant. But still love the look nonetheless.
What do you think? Like it or Loathe it?
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Are you the Sensitive Type?

If you suffer from sensitive skin then this is a must-read. 
Dr. Leslie Bauman sheds light on the ingredients in your skincare products to avoid.   

 
via

As you well know, your “Sensitive” skin is temperamental. The key to keeping it calm, cool and collected—and, of course, looking its best—is to avoid the ingredients that set your skin off.


Ironically enough, most skincare is geared toward dry/mature skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin, but this breakdown is way too simplistic, especially since there are four subtypes of sensitive skin. This is why you can’t believe everything you read on product labels, and it’s important to be educated so you can take make the right skincare decisions for your unique skin. The common denominator when treating all subtypes of “Sensitive” skin is reducing inflammation and eliminating the causes.

Acne subtype: When bacteria go to town on the oils and dead skin cells that clog pores, inflammation ensues. In addition to the rich, creamy products you’re avoiding, check your product labels to make sure there aren’t any hidden acne-causers like cocoa butter, coconut oil, isopropyl isostearate, peppermint oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl myristate or myristyl myristate in there.


Rosacea subtype: We don’t really know exactly what causes the dilated facial blood vessels associated with rosacea, but we do know that inflammation and redness are the main symptoms. Despite the many theories and available treatments, over-the-counter and prescription topical creams and gels are pretty disappointing in terms of results. Though anti-inflammatory products may provide some relief, your best bet is to see a dermatologist for a procedure known as Intense Pulsed Light, or a vascular laser treatment. These can work wonders for your red skin and may prevent the progression of rosacea when used with the proper topical medications. Please don’t experiment with anti-aging products, as these can make rosacea flare-ups worse.


Stinging subtype: Stinging is caused by super-sensitive nerve endings in your skin. To keep skin calm, avoid alpha hydroxy acids, benzoic acid, lactic acid, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbic acid, urea and vitamin C.


Allergic subtype: If your skin gets red, itchy and/or flaky, blame little gaps in your skin’s protective layer that allows irritants in. The most common culprits that cause irritation in allergic subtypes are fragrances and preservatives, but you should shy away from benzoyl peroxide, lanolin, parabens and propylene glycol-2 as well.



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