Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Best Dressed: The Oscars


Lupita Nyong'o in Prada.
I thought the color of the gown complemented her complexion perfectly. I loved how whimsical it was. Very classic yet modern. I also adored her acceptance speech and the fact that she uses the same lip balm that I wear and sell (Clarins Hydraquench).


Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace.
This was very reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow's Tom Ford gown from a couple years back but I loved it none the less. She looked stunning. I also loved her hair and makeup.


Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen.
While this was a very safe selection in my eyes, it's also incredibly timeless. She looked regal in this gown and her hair and makeup was also on point.


Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani.
She seems like she has such a spectacular sense of humor so hopefully she wouldn't be offended if I said this look gave me a little bit of Britney circa 2000 MTV VMAs vibes. Perhaps a little young for her but still gorgeous. I love anything girlie that sparkles so this is a big winner in my eyes.


Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acra.
Next in line on the feminine glitz and glam train is Channing Tatum's beautiful wife. Nothing we haven't seen before on the likes of red carpet pros like Penelope Cruz or Eva Longoria but still incredible.


Camila Alves in Gabriela Cadena.
She always looks incredible on the red carpet. I loved this shade of pale pink on her. True elegance and sophistication from the lady with the best date of the night.


Charlize Theron in Dior Couture.
I loved the train on this dress. The neckline and adjoining straps kept me intrigued. Very well-proportioned. Classic with a twist. She wore this perfectly.


And it should also be noted that the gentleman came dressed to the nines...


Acadmey Award Winners Matthew McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana with Jared Leto in Saint Laurent.

Wooderson's McConaughey's acceptance speech was such perfection that I would be remiss to not share it:





Kevin Spacey in Burberry. Love a man in a blue suit.



& The Brads, both in Tom Ford.

Bradley Cooper & Brad Pitt.


In all honesty, one of the main reasons I look forward to awards season is because of the red carpet fashions. But this year, up until The Oscars that is, I was so uninspired that I didn't even bother to post best dressed lists for The Golden Globes, SAG Awards, etc. The stars must have been holding out for the big night because just about everyone looked phenomenal. While the show itself tends to be boring, I'll give it to this year's producers because it was actually quite entertaining. I think that the winners' speeches and the "approachable" and familiar nominees had something to do with it. The Academy even managed to salute one of my favorite films of all time, The Wizard of Oz. For that, I'll forgive them for all of the Gravity hoopla. Now that's a movie I would never recommend.













Now Playing: "Boy/Girl" by Bomb The Bass ft. Paul Conboy

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Nail Me: Winter 2014 Polish Picks

winter2014polishpicks



Top Row:

Marc Jacobs Gatsby: This is the polish that I have on right now. I love the name and was impressed with the formula- smooth and speedy drying time. I initially thought it might be too similar to Butter London Fairy Lights but this is much more subdued; where Fairy Lights is pink, Gatsby is far more silver and cool toned.


Essie Chinchilly: This is one of the polishes I get the most compliments on. It's a perfect neutral for winter and will match just about anything you're wearing. On-trend and flattering.


Tom Ford Bordeaux Lust: I don't own this polish (nor anything from Tom Ford's beauty line) but I have been anxious to try it out. I don't recommend splurging on an expensive brand without doing a bit of research but if you were to get one color from the line, I would suggest a shade like this or a vibrant red. Wine colored polishes are some of my favorites for fall and winter. They're a must-have for February and Valentine's Day.


Essie Going Incognito: One of my favorite greens. This is a rich, jewel tone that is flattering against my coloring. It's nice to have on hand around March when St. Patrick's Day is approaching and Spring is on its way.


Chanel Magic: I opted against putting this in my collection (that still might change but I'm trying to be strong). I love the name but I just couldn't justify another blue when I already have similar alternatives in shades like OPI Dating A Royal. But if you're looking for a beautiful blue with a spectacular name, search no further. This is gorgeous for the winter but can easily be worn all year long.




Bottom Row:

Butter London Hardwear P.D. Quick Top Coat: I scored this in a holiday value set that was marked down. I really like the formula. It gives my bottle of Seche Vite a break. Sometimes it's nice to just let your nails go bare and a good top coat is all that you need.


OPI My Private Jet: There are two formulas and the original is far superior. I had to hunt mine down online. The subtle glitter is mesmerizing but the color of the base still remains calm.


Julep Nicolette: I couldn't find a picture of this particular color but anything in the grey family is what I'm selecting. Essie Power Clutch is a darker option.


Michael Kors Sexy: This is a red that I don't personally own but the few Michael Kors polishes that I do have, I'm very impressed with. The packaging is so sleek and elegant. Every woman needs a classic red in a fabulous bottle and this fits the bill. Dior Diorific from last year's holiday collection was another great one.


OPI Nail Envy Base Coat: I've been loving this base coat. It creates the smoothest foundation for my polish. I love the way it helps the varnish glide while strengthening my nails. It's also quite glossy on its own.













Now Playing: "Baby" by Donnie and Joe Emerson
*I think this might be one of my favorite songs of all time. I need to get it on vinyl!

Friday, January 3, 2014

The Cosmo Awards! Best of Beauty: 2013

2013BeautyFavorites



I really wanted to have this list up a couple weeks ago but alas, I ran out of time. It's a new year and I'm all for leaving the past behind but I would be remiss to neglect this post. I love beauty products and I'm admittedly a bit of a hoarder collector. Without further ado, here is my favorite  makeup, beauty, skin, hair and cosmetic products of 2013!

SKIN/FACE:

Cleanser: TIE! Clarins One Step Facial Cleanser/Dove Beauty Bar Mositurizing Cream
Toner: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Enriched Balancing Softener
Serum: Clarins Double Serum
Moisturizer: Shiseido Future Solution
Eye Cream: Shiseido Future Solution Lx
Neck Cream: Clarins Extra Firming Neck Cream
Exfoliator: No favorites! Still searching for a good one!
Makeup Remover: Shiseido Cotton Pads + Whatever sample I have around (Clarins, Chanel, Lancome and YSL are favorites)
Sunscreen: Clarins

BODY:

Body Wash: TIE! Neutrogena Rainbath/Victoria's Secret Vanilla Lace
Lotion: Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion
Exfoliator: Olay Exfoliating Body Wash
Oil: Clarins Tonic Body Oil

HAIR:

Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal
Conditioner: Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal
Oil: Orofluido Beauty Elixir
Hairspray: TRESemme Tres Two
Product: Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle
Tool: "Sock Bun" (Doughnut)/Bobby Pins!

MAKEUP:

Face Primer: TIE! Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer/Urban Decay B6 Prep Spray
Foundation: Urban Decay Naked Skin (My shade is the lightest, .5)
Concealer: Cargo One Base Concealer (but still looking for my holy grail)
Powder: TIE! Chanel Les Beiges (No. 10)/MAC Studio Fix (N3)
Bronzer: NARS Laguna
Blush: Too Faced Candlelight Glow
Highlighter: TIE! NARS Albatross/Too Faced Candlelight Glow
Eyeshadow Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Eyeshadow: TIE! MAC/Urban Decay
Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Vice 2
Eyeliner (Pencil): Urban Decay 24/7
Eyeliner (Liquid): Urban Decay 24/7/Heavy Metal Glitter Liners
Eyebrows: Billion Dollar Brows Taupe (Brush/Powder/Setting Mascara)
Mascara: TIE! L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes/Tarte Lights Camera Flashes
Tool: TIE! Chanel Eyelash Curler/Chanel Mirror Compact (because I'm blind)
Brush: TIE! Urban Decay Optical Blurring Foundation Brush/MAC 217 Blending Brush/MAC 188
Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco
Lipliner: Urban Decay 24/7
Lip Gloss: Chanel Glossimer
Lip Balm: TIE! Burt's Bees/Pangea Organics Italian Red Mandarin with Rose
Lip Scrub: Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Cream

ETC:

Fragrance: YSL Manifesto
Deodorant: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Bubblebath: Bath and Body Works Sleep
Candle: TIE! D.L. & Co./Waverly & Irving
Nail Polish: OPI (Favorite colors include: When Monkeys Fly, OPI... Eurso Euro)














Now Playing: "The Last Dance" by Limousines
*Just now hearing this song for the first time (thanks to Valerie for sending it to me) and I love it!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Music Monday: Wampire



"Magic Light" (Album Version)


"Magic Light" (via SoundCloud)


"Orchards"


"Trains"



Wampire is a group from Portland, Oregon. Their debut album, Curiosity, which is one of my favorite releases of the year, can be purchased here.

Official
Facebook
Twitter










Monday, December 2, 2013

Music Monday: Christmas Playlist!


I'm one of those people who love holiday music. The classic familiarity that it delivers is unparalleled. I don't listen to the jingle bells all year 'round (that would only take away its magic) but I do start rocking around the Christmas tree about the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here are some of my favorite recordings that get me in the spirit of it all...



1. "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, 1953.
2. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, 1958.
3. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby, 1943.
4. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Mariah Carey, 1994.
5. "Winter Wonderland" by Ray Charles, 1997.
6. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon, 1972.
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland, 1944.
8. "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives, 1965.
9. "Merry Christmas Baby" by Chuck Berry, 1964.
10. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by The Temptations, 1968.
11. "Silver Bells" by She & Him, 2011.
12. "I'll Be Home or Christmas" by Elvis Presley, 1957.
13. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Frank Sinatra, 1950.
14. "O Holy Night" by Ella Fitzgerald, 1967.
15.  "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, 1954.











Thursday, November 28, 2013

Luxe Living: 2013 Thanksgiving Decor & Style















































Now Playing: "Construction" by Radiation City
*Fits my mood perfectly, at the moment.

Blog Archive

My photo
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!