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Setting the Mood: Like a Fine Wine

By |December 5th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

Here’s something that may come as a shock to you.  Brace yourselves.  I enjoy wine.  I enjoy it so very much that I’ve decided to dedicate this entire post to it.  What?  That post(s) about Napa didn’t tip you off?  There’s nothing quite like unwinding with your favorite glass of wine after a long day (as long as you’re of legal age, of course).  Beyond that giddy delight you feel after a glass (or two) of vino, this nectar of the gods also has some health benefits that may interest you (and justify that last glass).  Red wine is high in antioxidants and a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ called resveratrol, which helps reduce “bad cholesterol.”  I’m not the only one privy to this knowledge though.  Beauty brands have harnessed the super powers of grapes to create products that will make you look as good as you feel… and they won’t leave you with a pesky hangover.  If you really want to douse yourself in wine, try wearing the hue of a beautiful bordeaux or classic cabernet- perfect for the holiday season.  (Bonus: you won’t see any unsightly spills- not that you would ever spill).

And yes, as a matter of fact, I am drinking a glass of pinot noir as I type this.

In vino veritas!

xx,

WhyDid

 

Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub and Merlot Friction Scrub, $29

Bite Luminous Creme Lipstick in Barolo, $24

Annina Vogel 9 Karat Gold Garnet and Diamond Crescent Necklace, $1,520

7 for All Mankind Second Skin Legging in Malbec Velvet, $178

 

 

Setting the Mood: A Life Wrapped in Cashmere

By |November 28th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

I may be what some call a “snob” when it comes to knitwear.  You can thank Henri Bendel for that.  You see, I had the pleasure of working in the product development/buying department of their private label knitwear.  While, they sell silk and merino wool sweaters as well, there really is nothing quite like the soft sumptuous hand of cashmere.  Once I’d gotten my hands on it, there was no turning back for me.  I’m not sure if anyone has ever said it before but I will gladly be the first to say, “If it’s not cashmere, I can’t be bothered.”  After experiencing all that is cashmere, I couldn’t imagine wanting to wear anything else.  Bendel’s, quite famous for their cashmere, spun this fine fiber into the likes of pajamas, pillows, blankets, slippers- you name it, it was cashmere.  They have since downsized, but I kind of feel like a life wrapped in cashmere is how the good Lord intended it.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Sweater: Henri Bendel Cashmere V-Neck, $158

Scarf: Artemis Wragge The Gossamer Cashmere Scarf, $355

Arm Warmers: Donna Karan Ribbed Cashmere Arm Warmers, $450

Jumpsuit: Crumpet Flared Cashmere Jumpsuit, $670

Beauty Buzz: Sleeping Beauty

By |November 17th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

Life’s hard.  After a long day at work, who has time (let alone energy) to spend hours on a beauty routine.  When life starts to wear on you, it also starts to show up on your face.  So waking up in the morning is not always such a beautiful thing.  Try Face Timing me at 8am.  Not pretty.  Rather than waking up looking more like a wild banshee than a fresh spring flower, try putting your beauty sleep to work for you.

  1. Not only should you be sleeping on your back– on more than one pillow (propped up), you should also be using a silk pillow case.  No, not because you’re a princess and only deserve the best (although, that’s true too).  Silk pillow cases are more gentle on both hair and skin.  Try this Spasilk Pillow, $14.99
  2. In case you have yet to jump on the Aquaphor bandwagon- It’s time.  I have a tube of this on my nightstand.  I use it for my lips as well as on my eyes.  Not only does it hydrate the very delicate skin around your eyes… I swear my eyelashes are fuller thanks to this heavy ointment.  Aquaphor, $5.99
  3. Your new silk pillowcase will help with bad hair days, but take it one step further by putting hair into a loose braid before resting your head at night.  Or try Christina’s ballerina bun.
  4. When life hands you a lemon… squeeze it into a glass of warm water and down it before bed.  A glass at night and another in the morning will have you looking fresh and svelte in no time.
  5. Just like your face, your body needs moisture too.  Bedtime is the best time to slather yourself with rich body lotion.  Do yourself a favor and try this Lavender Lotion from Bath & Body Works, $13
xx,
WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Amazing Lace

By |November 14th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

Lace, unlike any other textile has the ability to be simultaneously sensuous and sweet.  Such a delicate fabric holds so much power.  Whether chantilly or guipure, lace leaves just enough to the imagination while remaining feminine rather than foul.  Incorporating a touch of lace can add ladylike softness to any attire.

Rough day at the office?  A warm bubble bath, sweet scented candles, and slipping into a flirty lace chemise or robe is the ultimate remedy.  It doesn’t even matter if no one sees it, but it may be more fun if they do.

xx,

WhyDid

Blouse: Oscar de la Renta Cotton Lace Blouse, $1,450

Bag: Nina Ricci Lace Overlay Silk Shoulder Bag, $2,190

Shoes: Valentino Embellished Lace Peep-Toe Ankle Boots, $1,295

Panties: Agent Provocateur Shazam Lace Briefs, $90

 

 

 

Beauty Buzz: I’m Gellin’. You Gellin’?

By |November 3rd, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

It’s no secret ’round these parts that I’m pretty obsessed with nails, nailpolish, nail designs, etc.  If I can put it on my nails, I’m probably going to (or already have) tried it.  This has a lot to do with my inability to keep anything on my nails.  My fingernails are like nailpolish teflon.  Ain’t nothing sticking to these pretty phalanges.  I tried several different types of gel manicures on several different occasions and while it had it’s advantages, I wasn’t totally impressed with the removal process and it is also so hard to find a salon that actually knows how to do it properly.  So… when I heard about Nutra Nail’s Gel Perfect at home gel manicure kit, I was already halfway out the door and on my way to Rite Aid to pick it up.  

Now, here I am.  Testing out my at home gel manicure.  (Why yes, since you ask, that is Miranda and I am watching Sex and the City).  The directions are pretty explicit and may induce a mild case of anxiety, but there is no need.  There are three bottles: one of activator (step 1), one of gel color (step 2), and one of cleaner (step 3).  You apply the activator, then the gel to your first five fingers and then clean the brush.  You will then clean your brush and do the other hand.  This process is repeated and you are all done!  It’s that easy.  You will have shiny dry nails in literally 10 minutes (depending how fast you paint).

So, here’s what it amounts to.  If I was even slightly capable of coloring within the lines, this would be awesome.  If you’re anything like me, however, you’re going to struggle with keeping the gel where it is supposed to be and you’ll probably be sitting there picking at your cuticles and wishing your fine motor skills were up to snuff.  I’m hoping that with normal wear and tear of daily life, some of the cuticle mess will disappear.  If not, I’ll just tell people my two year old niece painted my nails.

I already chipped my thumb nail through airport security… I will keep you posted as to how it holds up and whether or not the No-Mess Express remover does, in fact, remove the gel without ripping off my nailbeds.

xx,

WhyDid