Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Style 101: Must Haves

This list of must haves was well thought out and researched based on actual women I know - not celebrity must haves. I have nothing against celebrities, but we needed real world culture in this list.

1.Boyfriend blazer (grey/blue)- it's versatile, you can wear with jeans or skirt and it's an updated version of the basic black. I own the blazer pictured from gap in grey.

2. Oversize Leather bag (color) - great bags never go out of style and purchasing according to seasons can get overwhelming, purchase a bag in a dark mustard or grey, that way you can wear all year round. 

3. Leather bomber - although in previous post I have advocated purchasing "fake" leather for those who aren't ready to purchase the real McCoy, every girl needs at least one real leather jacket in her closet, it will last for a very long time and what a great way to keep the cool. 

4. V-Neck T-Shirt - grab one in every color and can be purchased at most retail shops, these will go great under  a cardigan, blazer, or jacket.

5. Pearl Earrings - a classic that has lasted through the ages, this must have will never go out of style.

6. Ballet Flats - great staple, can wear with a dress, skirt or jeans.










7. Denim (Jean/Jacket) - update jeans by purchasing in straight leg or boyfriend jeans if you don't want to go skinny or try a destroyed denim look. The denim jacket is also an item that you can pair with anything in your closet. 

8. Chunky jewelry - think big statement necklaces or bracelets that you can wear with  simple tops (like the v-neck tee). Scour garage sales, ebay, vintage stores or your grandmothers closet for one of kind pieces.

9. Graphic Silk Top - an abstract artistic print can "make" your outfit and silk creates the flowy and chic aesthetic. 


10. Le Scarf (colors) - Can add that extra something to any wardrobe and you can wear it throughout the seasons. Make sure you purchase in purplesyellows and blues to add pop to your outfit.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Weekend Pleasure: Free Facials at Bellacara



At Bellacara this Saturday, please join Rilastil's US president Jennifer Bingham to learn about Italy's best-selling, anti-aging cosmeceutical skincare. Receive a free Rilastil skincare consultation, mini facial and makeover. You will also receive a special gift worth $100 with purchase on the day of event.

Bellacara, which means beautiful face in Spanish is the go to spot in the area for hard to find bath, body, facial and cosmetic products. Bellacara’s product offerings include Kiehl’s, Fresh, Bliss, Bumble & Bumble, Frederic Fekkai, Child, Paula Dorf, T. Le Clerc, Tocca, Diptyque, Kai, Mario Badescu, Beccca, Sue Devitt, B. Kamins, Lippmann Collection, Skinceuticals, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Caplyso, Anthony for Men, Essie, Philosophy and many more.



When: Saturday April 24
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Phone: 703.299.9652
Where: 1000 King Street, Alexandria, VA


Space is limited for this event so please sign up today. Take a moment out of your and give your face a well deserved pampering for free with luxury product, Rilastil.

Visit on facebook to become a fan!

Earth Day: Eco-Friendly & Budget Smiles

In honor of Earth Day, which should really be in practice everyday, I have provided you with some earth friendly products that will not put a whole in your wallet. Keep in mind that plenty of products out there words like 'organic' and 'all natural' which isn't always the case. Never fear, I investigated and authenticated!


Below are some of the best out on the market! 




Would you like to carry around a fabulous
reusable shopper for multi-purpose use,
while also saving the earth? Try out
Envirosax , which come in an array of styles
and colors. They are also compact enough
that you can roll them up and keep them
stowed away in your purse, eliminating the
need for a plastic bag. Oh and the price $10!





Carrots are great for not only your sight, but your lips! Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter ($3.00-4.00), available on company website as well as, Walgreens, Vitacost and Amazon. It has so many healthy ingredients (organic carrot extract, coconut oil, jojoba-seed oil, shea butter) there simply isn’t room in the tube for anything bad for your lips — or the planet. It keeps your lips soft too!


This isn't your grandmothers lipstick, with Truly Natural Lipstick by Honeybee Gardens ($5-$10) Their lipstick combines botanicals with natural ingredients. It is also PARABEN-FREE!!  No mineral oil, no FD&C colors. Only natural beneficial ingredients like coconut oil which penetrates and moisturizes lips, shea butter which protects your lips, sesame seed oil to heal and soften. They contain vitamin E as an anti-oxidant and pure botanical extracts which act as a 100% natural preservative. They have many different shades to choose from as well. Along with lipstick, they offer many different beauty products that are all natural. 


For a skin-friendly pop of color, try Physicians Formula 
Organic Wear 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush ($13.95): their Eco-Olive complex helps shield skin from the environment, plus the packaging is eco-friendly, with 93% less plastic than similar compacts. 





Please do your part, even if it's recycling that can of pop or using one less plastic bag today every little bit counts - make it count for Earth Day.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Aveda Hair Products: Must Have Rosemary Mint

With so many hair products out there - it's hard to distinguish which ones are right for you. I am an avid believer of trying out products before I recommend to anyone - and this particular product I have been using for the past year. Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo/Conditioner, it's awesome and my hair loves it! It's great for everyday use as well. There is something fresh and wonderful about having a tingly mint experience with your hair. Whether you have thik/curly hair like me or thin/wispy hair, this product will change your hair life.


You can purchase directly from a local Aveda Salon Aveda website or Amazon.com for as little as $10.


Customer Reviews from Aveda & Amazon on the Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo/Conditioner


I love the rosemary shampoo& conditioner.I would rate it #1 the best product ever.my hair always smelling good,very soft.And also since i have been using theses products my hair has become very long.thanks avedalelee1(Montgomery, AL)
My husband and I love the Rosemary Mint products!! They are so refreshing! They are a nice all around product. They don't dry our hair out, rather add moisture, our hair feels clean, not greasy!! Great product!!
hdual (Green Bay, WI)

This is the best shampoo I've ever tried. It has actually won awards. It makes my hair smell great and my scalp feel so clean and refreshed. 
A. Ware (Johnson County, KS)


I discovered this shampoo via a motel sample. I liked the combination rosemary and mint scents and the feel of the mint oil (peppermint?) on my scalp. The shampoo cleans well and washes out easily. The combination of good functionality and pleasant sensory effects caused me to buy the larger bottle for home use. I'm still happy with my buy. 
Glen R. Miller (Redding, CA)


I've tried just about all of the Aveda shampoos and conditioners, and this is my favorite. It lathers better than any of the Aveda shampoos (without containing the odious SLS), and it feels great going on. The much mentioned scalp-tingle is probably the best part of the experience, but this smells FANTASTIC: like rosemary and peppermint. (Not sweet, just herbal). If you tend to have drier hair, you may want to steer clear of this and try the Aveda Sap Moss line. Alternatively, if your hair tends to be oily, the Aveda Brilliant line smells similar (but not identical) to this one and is great at removing product buildup. All in all, beauty is like anything else, and you get what you pay for - but you will pay less at Aveda online or in the store. Buy this and enjoy its simple luxury. lmacbeth08 "LMac" (U.S.)




What are you waiting for - go refresh your hair!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

2010 Cherry Blossom Festival Events




Stumped on which Cherry Blossom fesitivity to attend? Well look no further, below are a few events happening this weekend. Make sure you try to go, cherry blossoms are here one minute and gone the next! 


Cherry Blossom Gala Dinner Cruise

When:
Thursday April 8

Where:
The Odyssey departs departs from Gangplank Marina, Southwest Waterfront
600 Water Street, SW D.C.
Time:
Boarding starts at 6 p.m. and cruises from 7 - 10 p.m.
Cocktail Attire 

*Cost:
$125/Reservation Required

**note this is a splurge, I am posting for those of you who have the funds to do so.

Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
When:
Saturday April 10

Time:
10 a.m.

Where: Starts @ Constitution Ave from 7th to 17th Streets
Cost: Free 

Sakura Japanese Street Festival

When:
Saturday April 10

Time:
Starts after parade @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where:
12th St and Pennsylvania Ave NW

Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk
When:
Sunday April 11
Time:
7:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where:
Washington Monument Grounds (15th and Jefferson Dr., SW)
Cost:
Free for both spectators/participants
$40,000 in prizes awarded!
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