Mirrored

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Taylor

One of my favorite home accessories is mirrors. They make rooms look bigger, they’re easier to find than art (I’mveryparticular about art and have serious commitment issues when it comes to buying a piece) and they also provide convenience when checking out the proportions of a new outfit or beauty product.

Mirrors I’d Like To Accessorize My Home With:

West Elm Stephen Antonson Mirror $179

Anthropologie Amersham Mirror $498

Horchow Demetrius Mirror $525

Inside Avenue Silver Leaf Starburst Mirror $530

Etsy RecycledBrooklyn Salvage Floor Joist Monster Mirror by Matt Loftice by $450

Horchow Aster Floor Mirror by Lilly Pulitzer Home $1099

Restoration Hardware Iron and Rope Mirror $650

Horchow The Uttermost Co Adalina Mirror $675

Inside Avenue Silver Leaf Antique Mirror $1135

West Elm Convex Mirrors $29

Z Gallerie Omni Leaner Mirror $599

Neiman Marcus Windowpane Mirror $525

Horchow Coddoa Mirror $575

Inside Avenue Larkin Mirror by Cyan Design $80

Pottery Barn Arched Door Mirror $399

Neiman Marcus Silver Deco Mirror $395

Horchow Ginosa Mirror $185

Pottery Barn Eagan Multipanel Large Mirror $699

Horchow Janice Minor Porcupine Quill Mirror $699

Horchow Amiel Large Arch Mirror $695

Caviar Manicure

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Taylor

I’m completely obsessed with the new Ciaté Caviar Manicure!

Mother of Pearl Beads and Snow Virgin Polish, Rainbow Beads and Strawberry Milkshake Polish, Black Pearls Beads and Ghetto Fabulous Polish $25/set (comes with everything you need)

Coat your nails with the lacquer, funnel the beads along your fingertips or throughout the full nail and you’re done! It gives you an instant 3D look. Love!!!

Lightweight Sweaters

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Taylor

Living by the beach is great. There’s nothing like being able to ride your bike to meet friends along the boardwalk on a hot Summer day, which more times than not turns into an all day/evening adventure. I’ve learned to always be prepared for the breeze that takes over once the Sun goes down by being sure to never leave the house without a lightweight sweater that’s easy to layer over a swimsuit, printed shorts and a basic tank (my Summer uniform).

Lightweight Sweaters For Summer Layering:

Soft Joie Nia Mesh Sweater $118

Full Tilt Pullover Sweater $14.97

Forever 21 Hooded Open Knit Sweater $17.80

Topshop Knitted Tie Dye Sweater $68

Free People Neon Deatils Hoodie $98

BCBGeneration Boxy Crochet Sweater $54

BB Dakota Jenina Marled Acrylic Sweater $27

Vintage Havana Anchor Sweater $62

Forever 21 Burnout French Terry Pullover $17.80

Betsey Johnson Boxy Stripe Lightweight Sweater $88

Rebel Yell Have A Nice Day BF Pullover $90

Calypso St. Barth Priscilla Hand Stitch Sweater $395

Forever 21 Electric Southwest Pullover $19.80

Lulu’s Trapeze-y Going Striped Sweater Top $37

Insight Light Trouble Knit $82

Topin Hamptons Sweater $64

Ami Dans La Rue Double V Sweater $125

Forever 21 Relaxed Striped Sweater $14.50

Madewell Stripecast Pullover $72

Free People Laguna Coast Pullover $88

Lulu’s Instru-mint-al Beats Mint Sweater $49

J. Crew Chunky Cable Sweater $158

MINKPINK Domino Effect Sweater $69.99

Jen’s Pirate Booty Braided Beach Hoodie $168

Zara Loose-Fit Open-Work Jumper $79.90

BCBG Adalyn Slashed-Back Sweater $168

Zara Jumper with Front Cable Ribbon $49.90

Gel Pens

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Taylor

I know how ridiculous this sounds, but pens make me happy. I’m an organizing, list-making, color coding machine, so I’ve always kept a variety of pen colors/highlighters within an arms reach. I also just think they’re fun to look at and make doodling (I’m convinced I focus better while doing this) 100x better.

In elementary school (and even high school) my classmates and I prided ourselves on our personalized ‘pencil boxes’ filled with gel pens that we toted around on top of our binders from class to class (does everyone do this?). I don’t know what happened to mine, which is incredibly depressing, because I spent hours carefully picking out the newest colors and ended up graduating with quite the collection.

These days, I decorate my desk with colored sharpies and have a plethora of markers/crayons/colored pencils, but lately I’ve been lusting for more. Not just for function, but also for accessory!

Gel Pens I Need To Add To My Collection:

Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight 10 Pack $14.90

Fiskars 48 Set Gel Pens $11.99

Sakura Gelly Roll Silver Shadow 5 Pack $8.95

Sakura Gelly Roll Metalic 10-Piece Set $14.90

American Crafts Smooth Writing Gel Pens – 48 Pack $15.45

Sakura Gelly Roll White Gel Pen $1.49

*love this for writing notes on dark colored/black paper

Gelly Roll 10 Pack Glaze Pens – 10 Pack $22.50

Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust 6 Pack $10.74

Sakura Gelly Roll Standard 10 Pack $14.90

May Birchbox Review

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Taylor

Oh how I love to come home and find a beauty box waiting for me. It’s just such a pick me up! This was my first Birchbox, too, so it’s interesting to see the differences between the programs I’ve tried out so far (TestTube, Beauty Box 5). I really liked my first shipment and definitely feel it was a $10 well spent.

Top Left: Birchbox

Top Right: Product information card (I like how it comes with information on what you’ve received), 30% off promo code Romeo & Juliet Couture for the month of May, Gossip Girl Trivia Sweepstakes card for a chance to win $500 to spend on birchbox.com

Bottom Left: Birchbox Notecards $10/set of 12 – These are really cute. The full pack comes with a variety of bright colors and notecards that read “XOXO” on the front, blank inside. They will definitely come in handy. My only complaint is that I received 2 envelopes and only 1 card! I’m assuming it was an error. Bummer!

Bottom Right: Twistband Skinny Headbands $20/set of 6 – I’m normally not a headband girl because I generally find them annoying. With my head of hair, if you go out in an accessory, you’re committed to it. I’ve had some nightmare situations where a headband has been too tight (so much so that I get a pounding headache) or too loose and I’m constantly having to redo my hair. Rarely has one been just the right fit and I’m pleasantly surprised that this is it! The skinny headband is very easy to wear, comfortable and casual. I wouldn’t wear them out, but they’re great for working out and lounging around the house.

Top Left: Color Club Foil Collection Nail Polish in Disco Nap $8/.5 fl oz (received .25 fl oz) – I had never heard of Color Club before, but I have to say – I’m really glad I got this sample! The gold goes on very smooth and is almost ‘heavy’ looking like a metallic should. It’s a washed gold, so it comes out a little textured. I will definitely use this for an accent nail and for making patterns.

Top Right: Arquiste Parfumeur L’Etrog $165/55 ml (received small sample) – I’m VERY particular when it comes to fragrances, so I normally assume I won’t like samples. I like very light, fresh scents and really hate overpowering smells that don’t seem organic. This one I actually use from time to time. The line is designed by an architect named Carlos Huber who says he actually designed them all to be unisex and reminiscent of different historical events/times. It has a rich, but still airy appeal to it, containing citron, palm leaves, willow branches, myrtle and dates.

Bottom Left: Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ $34/1.7 fl oz (received .06 fl oz) – I’m late to jump on the BB Cream train, but I’m definitely not getting off. I love this stuff! The idea is to maximize your skin results, while minimizing the amount of products you use. It goes on with a tint, so provides light coverage to wear alone or to layer easily. It also contains SPF and this particular product hydrates the skin enormously. I WILL buy this full size.

Bottom Right: BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser $17.95/6 fl oz (received approx .5 fl oz) – You can use this cleanser on any makeup applicator, but it was designed for the BeautyBlender ($19.95), which I have and LOVE. The blender itself applies foundation SO much better than the cheap versions and it lasts a long time. I’ve been using the BeautyCleanser every day and for the first time in a while, my blender looks practically brand new. Love it!

Printed Shorts

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Taylor

Integrating new colors and prints into your wardrobe will maximize the use of everyday basics. I’m trying to be really conscious of buying things I don’t have anything like in order to mix up my looks. With Summer right around the corner, a great way to create easy outfits that are fun, but still allow you to run around, is to layer your staples on top (that you already have) – T’s, blazers, lightweight sweaters, and invest in some printed shorts.

Shorts have a bad rap because they can be a disaster if you buy the wrong type for your body. Know that your shorts should hit just below the largest part of your thigh. Also, make sure they are not too small (looks all kinds of wrong) AND not too big (usually looks really sloppy). When all else fails (even though I love wearing shorts with strappy, colorful sandals) – wear them with a wedge or some type of comfortable heel – it instantly takes 5 lbs off.

That being said, it’s a great way to mix up solid colors and allows you to use a lot of pieces you probably already have.

Printed Shorts to Sport this Summer:

Madewell Side Cinch Shorts $175

DVF New Boymuda Circle Stitch Jacquard Short $285

ASOS River Island Leopard Print Denim Hot Pants $43.49

Sass & Bide I Been Around Shorts $122.50

Anthropologie Loveburst Shorts $148

Aqua Floral Printed Shorts $58

Anna Sui Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Shorts $330

Maison Scotch American Flag Shorts $103

Rachel Antonoff Annie Shorts $188

Forever 21 Zebra Print Shorts $15.80

DVF The Best Selling Rolled Shorts $236

Free People Daisy Shorts $98

MIH Jeans Star Print Shorts $240

Topshop Aztec Printed Shorts $60

Old Navy Dolphin Print Shorts $8

Treasure Blue Cuzco Shorts $72

Forever 21 Smocked Floral Hot Pants $14.80

Tibi Layla Ikat Printed Shorts $250

Alice and Olivia Butterfly Shorts $198

Dear Fieldbinder Tegen Shorts $176

Burberry London Jacquard Shorts $325

Jen’s Pirates Booty Sunny Surf Shorts $110

Old Navy Striped French Terry Shorts $16.94

Anna Sui Printed Silk Shorts $325

Madewell Striped Junie Shorts $60

Delia’s Floral Printed Shorts $29.50

Joie Layana Ikat Print Silk Shorts $158

Forever 21 Floral Print Cutoffs $19.80

Joe’s Jeans High Rise Cutoff Shorts $128

HomeMint

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Taylor

I’m a huge follower of website’s that provide good deals. I’m inundated with emails every morning that show offers and discounts around the city, so it takes something special to stand out. I’ve been a member of the Mint’s (ShoeMint w/ Rachel Bilson and Nicole Chavez, StyleMint with the Olsen twins, JewelMint with Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter, BeautyMint with Jessica Simpson and Nerida Joy) since their inception. The idea is to take industry professionals and well-known celebrities to curate collections in their prospective areas that offer wonderful discounts to members. I shop them a lot because I’ve found them to show goods that are quality, but more importantly unique.

I’m very excited about the newest Mint to join the group – HomeMint. Justin Timberlake and Estee Stanley (well known celebrity stylist/home designer) team up to bring members great finds using their well trained eye. They bring in new pieces every month, so I’ll definitely be interested to see where the collections go, but I’m impressed with the first batch!

Pieces from HomeMint I like so far:

Nubby Silk Pillow $39.99

Chalk Board & Ceramic Storage Jars $69.99

New Wave by Sage Vaughn $149.99

Casablanca Tea Glasses $14.99

Green Maze Pillow $34.99

Decorative Brass Skull $349.99

Tarascon Dinner Plates $29.99

Downtown by Justin Timberlake $499.99

My 15 Favorite Mascaras

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Taylor

Mascara is my Godsend. It can literally transform your entire look. Lately, I’ve been a little lazy about doing my whole makeup routine for weekends and have resulted to the shortcut. Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Bronzer and Mascara. It appears natural, but still covers blemishes and evens out your skin tone. Mascara is the secret ingredient, however, because if you are using a good one, it can make you look done up and more awake as opposed to – my hair is in a bun, I look tired and it’s obvious I didn’t get enough sleep last night.

My 15 Favorite Mascaras:

Diorshow Mascara $25

Givenchy Phenomen’ Eyes Effet Extension $30

Buxom Lash $19

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara $22

Blinc Mascara $26

Perfekt Lash Perfection Gel $28.50

Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara $5.19

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking $30

Sephora Collection Outrageous Volume Mascara $15

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara $19

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System $35

CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Volume Mascara $6.23

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof Luxurious Mascara $30

Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition $24

Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara $24

*Mascara trick: Don’t be afraid to layer different brands – in fact, you should! One type can be better at separating the lashes, and another with lengthening, so start testing out different combinations to maximize your results.

Workout Tops

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Taylor

Everyone’s heard that you are more productive when you feel good about what you’re wearing. When it comes to workout gear, this becomes even more important for me. I’ll admit I’ve definitely put on a cute workout outfit only to parade around town appearing like I’ve just hit the gym when I really just wanted an excuse to wear a zip-up, sneakers and stretchy pants, but when I do make it to a group class, there’s no doubt I work harder when I’m in something I like.

A good sports bra and black stretchy pants are pretty much my staples, but I like to mix it up when it comes to the tops. It’s fun to try different shapes and wear bright colors to add a little more interest. So, save the sweatpants and oversized top for sleeping and start dressing the part! Maybe it will motivate you to burn some extra calories…. or maybe you’ll just end up looking better running errands.

Tops That Mix Up Your Workout:

Hard Tail Scoop Back Tank Top $58

Nike ‘Critical Epic’ Sweatshirt $68

Adidas by Stella McCartney $65

Lululemon Wild Jacket $138

GapFit Motion Seamless Racerback Tank $29.95

Old Navy Women’s Active Seamless V-Neck $16.99

Hard Tail Diamond Back Tee $58

Lululemon Practice Freely Tank $58

Lucy Distance Long Sleeve Top $24.99

Lululemon Wild 1/2 Zip $98

Sweaty Betty Lightning Tank $50

Lucy Yoga Siren Racerback $49

Adidas by Stella McCartney Burnout Tee $80

Lucy Double Dip Dye Tee $19.99

Sweaty Betty Pavana LS Top $60

GapFit Motion Seamless Top $34.95

Lucy Spin Fusion Racerback $59

Hard Tail Wide Neck Top $64

Cocktail Rings

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Taylor

I’m a bit bipolar when it comes to rings. For everyday, I tend to gravitate towards delicate styles, however I also love a good statement piece. A bold ring can spark conversation, make you remembered and is a great way to give an outfit personality. Choosing fun, more lighthearted accessories can also break up a straightforward look. Whether it’s a bright color or unique shape, adding dramatic rings to your jewelry collection is smart. They’re easy to wear and can go with almost anything – from jeans to ballgown.

Cocktail Rings I’d Top Off A Look With: