Baby Aisle Beauty

Using this for 25 years and still counting ;)

Although, they come into your life and cut down the time and $$$$ you have to spend on your daily beauty regimen, babies open a door to a whole new world of marvelous health and beauty products. As a mother, and a new mom especially, its important to still take good care of yourself. Its imperative to your happiness with self and your post-baby appearance, the bond you'll build with your baby, and preserving your overall youth and vitality. Some of the very same things you purchase for your little one double and even triple as great beauty buys for you. Here are some of my favorites...take a look

• Vaseline: This tried and true favorite has been around for years, and for good reason. Some of the best protection you'll get for chapped skin, especially during fall and winter, will come from Vaseline which is also an amazing exfoliator of sorts. There are scrubs out there that remind us to resurface the skin and face, but 9 times out of 10 women forget to exfoliate one very important area of skin-the lips. This is where Vaseline shines ;). Rubbing it on your lips and letting it work for about fifteen minutes, then gently brushing with.... what else?, an infant toothbrush, will resurface them and keep them soft. Following with a layer of honey for about 15 minutes will soften and pinken them even more. You can try the process over and over depending on how many cells you need to slough off, but remember to be gentle with your lips. The skin is VERY delicate
• Aquaphor: Of the same family as Vaseline, but a tad more expensive and 150% more moisturizing, Aquaphor has become a favorite of some runway models. Why? This thick emollient, specifically formulated for thirsty skin, is VERY hydrating. Applying in place of body butter after exfloiating your skin, and wrapping yourself in Saran Wrap locks in the moisture and forces it deep into your skin. Making sure your skin is still a little damp before applying it will ensure the greatest moisture concentration.
• A Baby Brush: While we're on the topic of exfoliation, don't forget to pick up an infant brush for yourself, when you're considering grooming your babies' locks. Rubbing it over dry skin before jumping in the shower loosens the flaky top layer of epidermis and allows your scrub to work even better ;)!
• Baby Oil Gel: For instant glow in your evening gown or lingerie, Johnson's Baby Oil gel is the go-to. A thin layer of this transparent gem adds quick shine to your skin. A little goes a long way, so you don't need too much, and the gel formula makes it a lot less messy than traditional oil.
• Q-tips: Because nothing defines the lower lid of your smokey eye better than a fresh q-tip ;)! These are some of the best makeup applicators out there.When you need to line or define with precision, a q-tip is the perfect size and shape; especially the Safe-T-Tips that have a pointed tip ;)! Use them with dry makeup media like shadows, pigments and powders so you don't have cotton threads strewn about your face. If you need to use it with a liquid or cream based part of your makeup (like in the application of concealer) wet the q-tip, soak up the excess water and smooth the cotton tip by rolling it in a clean, fresh piece of tissue and then apply. This also works if you want a more intense color from your shadow. Wet the Q-tip, twist, dip it in the shadow and then apply the richer color ;).
• Baby Wipes: My friends and I have found out that these are some the BEST stainlifters in the world. Soaking up a fresh makeup stain with a baby wipe always works. They are also great makeup removers. Since they're formulated for a baby, they're gentle enough for use on your face, and they usually remove eyeshadow in one or two swipes. As always, be careful when manipulating the skin around your eyes, its very delicate and ages faster when pulled and tugged regularly ;).

Babies are such a blessing....definitely in more ways than one. It may be hard to keep up with your pre-baby health and beauty regimen, but if you're resourceful and utilize the things your baby has introduced into your life, you can devise a new post-baby one ;). REMEMBER not to FORGET to make time for yourself; you deserve it now more than ever!!! LOVE

Baby products are especially good because their light scent doesn't conflict with your perfume and their hypoallergenic composition is healthy for your skin...Cetaphil is one of the leading sensitive-skin baby lines that offers tons of soaps and moisturizers for mother and baby. Visit this link for some goodies for both http://www.cetaphil.com/ LOVE

Chillingly Good Fall Music

The Little Black Dress of my Fall Music Collection

Music is a big part of who I am, and there's no denying it...as the seasons change, so does my taste in music. By the time the October air is creeping through my window I'm reaching for darker, more sensual lyrics, music that calms and soothes me, music that inspires me...mood music. One thing that never changes autumn season after autumn season is my craving for three albums in particular. I can't get through the cold months without them...they have a different affect on me year in, year out...they all have tracks to inspire and invoke to calm and to arouse ;)... I invite you to take a listen

• Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head: From start to finish this album has a little of everything. EVERY single track is good!!! Most of all, I love it because of the incredible combination of lyrics & production. This band definitely has a way with words and the instrument work is phenomenal. An air of cool rock & roll glam permeates throughout this album and inspires through the speakers. Track #7 Green Eyes is one of the most beautiful love songs (the guitar is amazing), #3God Put a Smile Upon your Face always gets me amped before going out on the town, and #11 Amsterdam is always great on a Sunday afternoon ;) .


• Mary J Blige:My Life: R & B is another one of my fall fav's as far as musical genres go. I love soulful music you can feel, and this is Mary at her realest. I love the raw lyrics and the intenseness of the sound. Track after track these songs deliver. Besides classics like I'm Going Down and Mary Jane (All Night Long), the vintage R&B sound of track #5 I'm the Only Woman and #15 Mary's Joint is gritty and sexy. Even the interludes on this album are hot!


• Sade: The Best of Sade: This album is the quintessential mood maker. Sade's voice is so unbelievably entrancing. There's a couple upbeat classics like Paradise, and Sweetest Taboo, but the real gems are in tracks 11 and beyond. These are laced together with a very sensual exotic sound and lyrics that are hauntingly sexy. My fav's, #12 Like a Tattoo and #15 Cherish the Day; they just don't make songs this sexy anymore ;(.

Music is the greatest mood maker there is...set the tone for your fall and winter days and nights with some music you can't live without; music that inspires you or puts you in a mood only it can! I surely can't live without these!!! LOVE

Literal Menswear

One of my favorite actresses, Sharon Stone in one of her best looks, her husband's white Gap shirt ;)

Take a trip down movie memory lane with me. Think back to the height of romantic comedy, circa 2001, to a movie called Someone Like You. That iconic scene where Ellen Barkin saunters in donning a cerulean blue man's oxford shirt, much to the chagrin of "old cow" Ashley Judd, is definitely a memorable one. What happens between Barkin & Judd is one thing...for now, lets talk about the shirt ;)... How electric she looked in her man's shirt; there's an innate sex appeal in the actual thing... Sharon Stone never looked better than she did at the 1998 Oscars in her then husband's white oxford shirt and Vera Wang wrap skirt. There's no doubt about it, menswear is very sexy, and with testosterone inspired digs dominating fashion again, you may be invading your love's closet for some pieces you can feminize ;)

• The button up shirt:With high waisted skirts and super cinching belts paired with dramatic blouses and billowing silhouttes of moment, incorporating your man's button up into your look really works now. Take advantage of the longer sleeves, and the fuller bodice...use things like brooches to tailor and add femininity to an ordinary shirt. Take advantage of you and your hubby's differences in size. If your man's clothes fit really loosely, rolled sleeves and a nice belt can look great as a shirt dress or a thin blazer over a cocktail dress.
• The t-shirt: This is probably the most versatile piece your man has to offer. If your man's clothes are dramatically bigger, a t-shirt looks very sexy paired with a belt, a leather jacket and heels. If you guys are closer in size, wear his shirt in place of yours but feminize the feel of it by pairing it with a vest, leggings or a belt.
• Sweaters and Sweatshirts: Sweaters like t-shirts can always double as a dress when belted. But, probably my favorite literal menswear piece is hands down the zippered hoodie. When you think of a hoodie you probably don't think ultra-feminine fashion, but its a great piece that can look very fashion forward. In cableknits and fabrics like wool, and tones like browns and henleys, a zippered hoodie makes great "boho chic" outerwear. It works belted or unbelted depending on the look you're going for
• Hats, Belts, and other stuff: Fedoras, belts, and scarves, are all things that can always be used to accessorize a menswear look. Ties are especially versatile.

Belts, belts, belts!!!! I must have mentioned them at least 10 times during this post alone, and they're the key to making your literal menswear look femme and chic. Of course, there's grand sex appeal in baring a shoulder in a shapeless but sexy male dig a la Ellen Barkin, but for now with the falling temps, and the return of the feminine silhoutte don't forget your belt! Take good care of all the jewels you borrow and remember not to manipulate your man's clothes too much ;). They still belong to him no matter how GREAT they look on you!!! LOVE

What is the Old Cow? Check out Someone Like You if you don't already know. This is a great romantic comedy with GOOD actors! LOVE

FALLing into Emmy Fashion

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Unfortunately for myself, I missed award season's first red carpet...:(...! The Emmy's premiered last night and starlets were rocking a lot of this season's biggest trends. Bold colors, chiffons and lace designs were scattered about the carpet. Bows and bejeweled fabrics added a much needed glimmer to the carpet...I scouted out those fall fashion trends that were on huge display last night, and here they are...

• Purple-Definitely this seasons biggest color choice! Nicolette Sheridan wowed in a violet, strapless cascading gown by Angel Sanchez.
• Lace- Grey's Anatomy star Sandra Oh channeled dark femininity in one of autumn's most popular fabrics-black lace. She looked great in a tiered Oscar de la Renta design.
• Chiffon- Probably the biggest trend this fall, all things chiffon, Jenna Fischer looked pretty in a strapless, soft, multicolor design by Gustavo Cadile
• Winter Florals- Ugly Betty beaute, Vanessa Williams opted for winterized florals in a muted black,white, and pink asymmetrical gown by Kevin Hall.
• A Girly Frock- Definitely keeping with the trends of this season, Eva Longoria's Marchesa cocktail dress was very feminine, airy, soft and shimmery.
• A Pop of Color- One of my favorites of the evening, and usually one of my favorites on any carpet, Mariska Hargitay blinded in a yellow, one shouldered Carolina Hererra floor length gown.
• A Wow-Factor Evening Gown-Reem Acra always takes fashion to an opulent plateau and Christina Applegate took full advantage of this fall trend! This seafoam grecian design with dramatic train and gold detailing was perfect for putting aristocracy on display on the carpet. (Kudos for the ox-blood lipstick to finish off ;)
• Shimmer and Glimmer- My favorite mother of three, Heidi Klum, who always looks phenomenal, sparkled in a free flowing and curve hugging at-the-same-time embellished gunmetal gown by Armani Prive
• Return of classic black- Always a stunner, Debra Messing showed up in a classic but edgy black evening gown by Monique Lhuillier.

It looks like the stars are coming back out...the dresses were fab and the trends were everywhere! How could I have missed this!? Stay tuned for my picks of this year's best and worst dressed men and women at the 2008 Emmy's and how you can duplicate a red-carpet look...(holiday season is right around the corner ;).....LOVE!

Getting the Most from your Pre-existing Wardrobe

Myself in a creme de menthe silk cocktail dress and Black Suede T-Straps

Getting ready for your next event doesn't always mean running to the store and splurging on a new outfit everytime. Revamp pieces you already own by pairing them with new things or things you normally wouldn't for a fresh look. Suede sandals are probably the most versatile piece season to season. Peep toes, slingbacks, and maryjanes in this fabric add warmth to summer dresses for an evening look and are a staple for fall. I wore my favorite black and gold pair from last fall with a floral dress on a recent date for a luxe feminine look...and I loved it!

Don't just rely on your shoes to carry you over....Clothes make a good transition from season to season. This season especially lends itself to florals and sheer fabrics so take advantage of this opportunity, and don't pack these things away just yet. Carry your sheer blouses over from summer and give them an autumn flair by lairing them under suits and pairing them with pants and skirts. Winterize floral frocks with opaque tights, blazers, sweaters, and belts in heavier fabrics and darker hues. While you should stick to muted tones in the colder weather, a pop of color still works. Think a hot pink bag or shoe; stay away from things that look overtly out-of-season. Playing with different colors, patterns and textures make for very interesting outfits. Try not to be too matchy-matchy when it comes to building an outfit. A little element of surprise makes an outfit look haute. ALWAYS be cohesive and pull out a common thread. You should never look like you just threw different things together, the elements should work well with one another. Summer jewels in corals & turquoise etc. look very exotic when paired with simple evening gowns. Jeans and sweaters always transfer season to season. Your favorite boxy winter sweater looks great closed with a brooch over a feminine dress on a spring evening. Jeans work well season to season, day to evening. Try wearing a pair you usually use to relaxe in on a date instead and vice versa. The possibilites are endless...

After a couple of pre-event shopping binges of past, you should have a closet with an excellent structure for building different outfits. Build upon it when you can and when you need a little retail therapy, but always utilize what you have...You'd be surprised at what you can come up with!!! LOVE

Recession Fashion: My Top 10 List

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Embellished glamour, boho chic, romantic feminity, and sexy menswear rule the autumn season. Don't sit out this September because the recession has your wardrobe allowance in a slump. Incorporate a few of fall's inexpensive but iconic pieces into your closet, and be inspired by the 10 cheapest chicest pieces I found... Here are my picks that'll keep you looking fresh and maybe even a little money in your pockets...

1. A "Girlie" piece-American Apparel Nylon Tricot Highwaisted Skirt in Toffee And what makes this one hot is that its multifunctional. You'll get alot of wear out of this soft flowy skirt. Wear it alone as a dress, as a skirt with a chiffon top for a romantic look or with a black cami for a sexy chic one.$42 ( but pays for itself over and over) Visit this link for different ways to wear.http://www.americanapparel.net/morephotos/viewer.asp?style=rnt353&n=Nylon%20Tricot%3Cbr%3EHigh-Waisted%20Skirt



2. A Shoe That Pops- Nine West's Dasolina Shoe in Purple Suede-A little on the pricey side but when it comes to shoes you just can't skimp. If you're gonna spend on anything, spend on these. This season is all about the pivotal shoe, and this one rocks. Its this season's must have color and fabric and boasts an ultra romantic design. A rich looking shoe for the price.$99



3. A Modestly Sexy Black Dress- Forever 21 Jeweled Chiffon Bubble Top-Demure necklines have resurfaced with a more subdued sex appeal taking over fashion. Jackie O era inspired cocktail shapes and curve hugging sheaths are the go to's when it comes to the little black dress. I love this one because it has an expensive looking design and is in chiffon, one of this season's hottest fabrics. It's labeled as a shirt but is long enough to skim the lower thighs...that's just enough sexy to balance it out. $29.80
   


4. The Drama Piece-Forever 21 Ruffle Wrap Shirt in Black- With opulence on deck this autumn you needn't forgoe at least one article thats gonna bring drama to any outfit. This wrap shirt adds pomp and circumtance to slouchy pants, pencil skirts and even wide-leg jeans. Use it to turn up the volume on ordinary outfits....wattage...that's this season's biggest accessory ;) $22.80



5. The Quintessential Black Skirt-Forever 21 Belted Knee Length Skirt in Black- Everyone needs one...for work or play. This one has a very flattering pleated design and adds a little more umf to that hourglass silhoutte that is celebrated this season. $17.80
   


6. A Suit-Old Navy Women's Cotton Twill One Button Blazer & Mid Rise Trouser-The suit returns and looks ultra sexy in muted tones. Black is always classic, but get creative this season by choosing a muted brown and wearing it different ways. Remember your suit doubles as two separtes, and with blazers returning as well, a suit gives you tons of options!!! $39.50 & $32.50
   


7. An Embellished Clutch-Eveningelegance.com Beaded evening bag in Advocado. Skip the department stores and the boutiques when looking for an inexpensive evening clutch this fall. I found this one at eveningelegance.com, and you can find ones like it all over the internet and at local accessory stores. Since evening bags pop this season in bauble and bejewled incrusted designs utilize bridal/formalwear shops and costume jewelry shops to find the most overembellished bags at good prices. $39.99 and cheaper lots of other places



8. A Wide Leg Jean- Mossimo Supply Wide Leg Denim Jean @ Target-The foundation of your boho chic outfits this fall, these jeans fit well and are very durable. I actually own these myself and I love them. The medium wash is great evening or day and they're really comfortable...what jeans should be!!! $24.99



9. A Chiffon Blouse-Forever 21 Floral Print Chiffon Top- This chiffon top is great because its a chiffon winter floral print, and is sleeveless. This is probably the most versatile piece of the bunch and can be worn with EVERYTHING else on this list. A great buy!!! $15.80
   


10. A Serious Bag-Angie & Lola Bucket Tote in Brown @ Target- Whether you're a jettsetter, a careerblazer, a mother, or just a devout fashionista, a big bag is necessary. This faux calfskin leather bag is very chic and looks more expensive than it is. Its big enough to hold anything and definitely hot enough to cop for fall. $39.99

And that's it!!! Those are my 10 recession Fashion picks. Remember never become a slave to trends...purchase a few trendy pieces that work well with your wardrobe and remain true to YOUR style. Keeping up with fashions doesn't mean completely changing your style with the weather it means building upon it with the season's new pieces. Always keep in mind that the price of clothes doesn't always necessarily make them look good, but feeling happy in them with some extra cash to spare sure does make them feel good. Its the woman that makes the clothes..the clothes never make the woman...exude confidence in these recession picks and you'll look like a million bucks!!!

Don't forget to check out one of my favorite meccas for inexpensive fall fashion, HM

http://www.hm.com/

They always have the nicest fall coats at a great price!!!!

Still haven't found anything reasonable? Keeping with fall looks can be as easy as painting on deep purple nailpolish or rocking a bejewled headband with one of your own outfits...

Look for my upcoming blogs about Getting the Most out of your Pre-Existing Wardrobe and Recession Fashion for Mother & Child!!!!LOVE

Amp Up the Glam for Fall

Of the 4 seasons, fall is definitely my favorite as far as fashion goes. I love the layered pieces, the warmth of the heavier fabrics, the richer darker colors, the more structured silhouettes and lines and of course....the jackets!!! I also love how structured and polished fall hair and makeup becomes, and how the glam factor really goes through the roof post September. The closer the approach to holiday season the more baubles and bejewled pieces are uncovered...This fall rocks because its ALL about the return of Opulent Glam...

• Dark colors in fabrics like velvet and tweed


• Suits return in ultra feminine silhouettes...with super cinched waists and dramatic curves...belts are still a major accessory


• Gorgeous wow-factor evening gowns ;)


• Over-embellished accessories, and necklaces that have impact


• Long & lean silhouttes with low lying hems and sexy menswear


• Feminine jewel tone dresses and skirts and a shoe that POPS...
• Florals (in subdued winter hues), feathers (as embellishments on evening gowns), and even fur

...are just some of the trends that are hitting the fashion scene this fall. I'm definitely looking forward to them...this season's collections are full of beautiful clothes great for all those social functions that fill up everyone's Fall and Winter calendars. With all those holiay parties looming ahead, it won't be too difficult to find a couple stunners this season. Check out this link to Vogue's Guide for more fall looks http://www.style.com/vogue/guide/

Don't forget to pair one of fall's extravagant looks with these two Fall Make-up musthaves

1. Victoria's Secret High Definition Mascara in blackest black: The results are amazing...this masacara is lightweight, doesn't clump and doesn't rub off...but it washes off easily and is a steal at $12 for the results!!!


2. Mac Lipstick in Underworld: Don't throw out your C-thru's, Chais, and 1N's yet, just make a space next to them for this fall staple; a deep burgundy matte lipstick that polishes off that opulent fall look. $14

Love all these designer fall fashions but can't stomach the price...Don't worry, achieving these aristocratic looks doesn't have to break your pockets...check for my upcoming blog on Recession Fashion where I'll show you inexpensively chic pieces that will help you achieve this opulent look for less.....LOVE