Just Like Honey, Baby (from a bee)

Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50
Available exclusively from Sephora

Last year, I raved about Fresh's line of feel-good beauty products, which I continue to adore to this very day.  More specfically, however, I profiled their life-changing Sugar Lip Treatment and the release of Sugar Plum and Sugar Rose, two subtly tinted shades of said lip treatment.  Well, just when I thought that we were all just as fresh and clean as we could possibly get, today I discovered that Fresh went sweet.  As in honey.

close-up of Sugar Honey

Each shade in Fresh's line of Sugar Lip Treatments is formulated with ingredients to nourish and protect the lips, and Sugar Honey is no exception.  Sugar (the real deal--not that artificial stuff) ensures long-lasting moisture, while antioxidant-rich vitamins defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals, and SPF 15 protects your kisser from the damaging effects of UV rays.  But what separates Sugar Honey from its sugar sweet predecessors, Plum and Rose, is its warm nude tint that adds a summery warmth and radiance to your look.

With the sizzling days of summer just around the corner, Sugar Honey gloss embraces this summer's gold cosmetic trend.  You can maximize your look by wearing Sugar Honey with a subtle shimmer of golden bronzer like Trish McEvoy's Shimmer Bronze Pressed Powder.  Or, if you're all about the drama (don't worry, I get it), wear your soft Sugar Honey lip color to play up a bold eye; I'm currently obsessing over Laura Mercier's  Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat.  But no matter what you're choose, it's sugar to be sweet.  Just like honey, baby, from a bee.



Trish McEvoy Shimmer Bronze Pressed Powder, $32

 


Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat, $22
Available from Sephora



Brilliant Braziliant



Braziliant by Essie, $8


One of ultra-fashionable coworkers recently tipped me off to a fabulous new shade in nail color, and I wasn't surprised to discover that it was one of Essie's latest and greatest.  Another example of the sizzling summer orange trend, Braziliant is a hot orange with a touch of shimmer.  I've always felt that bold colors like this are ideal for pedicures, giving your tootsies a fresh pop! of color in a season where peep-toes, sandals, and flip-flops finally give them their day in the sun.  But if you're feeling spicy, why not use it for your mani as well?  After all, boldness is brilliant, or--in this case--Braziliant. 



A special thanks to the lovely Gail for introducing me to this brilliant nail color!

4 Gifts For Grads: The Guy Edition

Yes, guys graduate too--and after last week's graduation gift post, I promised that I'd follow up with the guy's gift edition.  So, without any fanfare or further ado, perhaps the following will help you decide what to give that adorable guy for graduation...


One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal, $15.95
Available at Urban Outfitters

 If your grad is artsy-craftsy...then One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal will give him a place to keep his daily inspirations.  This sketchbook includes space to draw each day for one year, and then one day--in a galaxy (or life stage) far, far away--he can look back and remember the year after he graduated, the bittersweet time when he (gulp) joined the working world.


Leather Railway Bag, $278 (on sale!)
by J. Crew

 If your grad already has a swanky office gig lined up...then it's high time he retire his college backpack or messenger bag.  Based on an old commuter's bag discovered at a London flea market, J. Crew's Leather Railway Bag is gentlemanly and corporate--without trying too hard.  With all sort of handy pockets, it's the ideal commuter bag and is sure to take your grad from mailroom to boardroom in no time.


Bacon Money Clip, $65
By Jack Spade

 If your grad is ready to bring home the bacon...then he's going to need a place to put it!  Made of stainless steel, Jack Spade's Bacon Money Clip is perfect for cash and cards.  Plus, it's clever inscription will keep your grad's eyes on the prize.  It's all about the Benjamins, baby.


Pocket Watch, $99.95
Available from Red Envelope

 If your grad prides himself on punctuality... then a personalized pocket watch ensures he make time for style too.  Made of brass with brushed chrome plating, the inside face reveals the watch's skeleton so you can--quite literally--see what makes it tick.  For a more personal touch, you can also choose to monogram the front, or add a message or date on the back.   So if you really, really feel the need to quote Oh! The Places You'll Go!, here's your chance.

So there you have it.  By now, you may be feeling a tad sentimental--and there's no shame in that.  But try to keep it together--if only for the sake of your grad--and, if at all possible, resist the urge to listen to Green Day's Time of Your Life.  Happy graduation, class of 2011!

Tees For A Cause: Project Repat

Shopping for vintage tees is one of my favorite things.  Along with one of my dearest friends, Annie Rose, I have spent countless hours scouring vintage shops from LA to Seattle to Boston in the hopes of discovering the perfect tee.  You know the kind of tee I mean--broken in to the point of ideal softness, exactly the right fit, sporting some fantastic graphic or slogan that either means nothing to you (my favorite, a "Compton Cheerleading" tee I discovered back in high school) or everything to you (I'm obsessed with my "Wilson Lacrosse" find).  Stumbling upon these pre-owned gems is like the fashion version of buried treasure--and now you can treasure hunt for a good cause!

Project Repat
http://www.projectrepat.org/


Just last week, my lovely friend, Sarah, forwarded an article from Good, "Repatriating Retro T-Shirts from Africa (for a Good Cause)."  The article profiles the work of the Boston-based non-profit organization, Project Repat.  After noticing a rickshaw operator in Nairobi wearing a tee proclaiming, "I danced my a** off at Josh’s bar mitzvah. Santa Barbara, California. January, 2006," co-founders Sean Hewens and Ross Lohr realized that many African people ended up wearing vintage tees that found their way to the secondary market after being donated to Goodwill or the Salvation Army in the US.  Project Repat was born from this inspiration; tees are returned to the US, where they are rebranded and resold at vintage store prices in an effort to support non-profits in the developing world by creating a truly unique t-shirt experience for American consumers and providing a second chance at fame for the t-shirts that got away.  Obviously, it is a win-win.
 

Gymnastics Coach Tee (front view), $25
Repatriated from Tanzania
& now available from Project Repat

Never being one to pass up the opportunity to shop for a good cause, I had to check out the Project Repat Online Store myself.  There, you can shop tees by size or repatriation location.  I am happy to report that I am now the proud owner of a fabulous "Gymnastics Coach" tee, after it was repatriated from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  For $25, I scored a vintage tee with a story--and played a small part in supporting the non-profit organizations improving lives in Tanzania (profits from each tee support initiatives in the specific country where the tee was repatriated from).



Gymnastics Coach Tee (back view)

Next on Project Repat's agenda is a May 22 trip to Nairobi, where they plan to document the repatriation experience in a film entitled, "I Didn't Dance My A** Off at Josh's Bar Mitzvah."  And of course, they will be repatriating tees along the way so be sure to stay tuned for their latest haul and to play your own part in Project Repat's mission.  Happy shopping!

4 Gifts For Grads

My dear sister--and fellow blogger--will be graduating from Colby College next Sunday so I've been thinking a bit about graduation over these last few weeks.  Graduation gifts are often a category that I struggle with, wanting to remain appropriately sentimental without even a hint of cheese.  I have generally found my way (and my sister's gift is pretty freaking fabulous, if I do say so myself), but in case any of you are currently struggling with the "gifts for grads" category, perhaps you can find a bit of inspiration in today's post.


Go! Reminder Necklace by Dogeared, $46

  If your grad is a go-getter...  Instead of giving her another copy of Oh! The Places You'll Go!, you can still share words of encouragement with this sterling silver "Go!" Reminder Necklace by Dogeared.  Featuring a tiny, sterling silver arrow charm on a delicate sterling chain, this necklace promises to "inspire anyone who wears it to keep moving in a positive direction, chase their dreams, and make their wishes come true."


Hire Me Scoop Tee from Urban Outfitters, $24

 If your grad has a sense of humor--and perhaps a job already lined up?...  You're sure to make her smile by bringing some comic relief to what is often an emotionally charged day.  After all, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little shameless self-promotion.


2011 Graduation Charm Bracelet
by Juicy Couture, $148
Available at Neiman Marcus

 If your grad lives a charmed life...  Nothing says "congrats" quite as boldly as a bit of bling, and as always, Juicy Couture takes it to the next level.  This 2011 Graduation Charm Bracelet features a gold chain link with graduation themed charms, including a class ring, rhinestone "2011," yearbook, and graduation cap.


How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World
by Jordan Christy, $9.87
Available at Barnes & Noble

 If your grad keeps it classy at the head of her class...  Perhaps there has never been a "how to" guide quite as relevant for the elegantly modern girl than How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World.  Delving into "the art of living with style, class, and grace" will take your gracious grad from mailroom to boardroom in no time.

Okay, so obviously these gifts are for the girl grads, but I haven't forgotten about the guys.  More to come in the next episode...  Stay tuned!

Personalize Your Travels

Just last week, as my husband and I were confirming our summer travel plans, it occured to me that the summer is indeed right around the corner.  After all, Memorial Day is three weeks away, and as far as my calendar is concerned, Memorial Day weekend is like the starting line of summer.  So, with a family trip to the Outer Banks on the books for July, I've been thinking a lot about travel, all the fun fashions that go along with it, and--of course--the luggage that contains it all.

Not to state the obvious, but luggage is key to travel, and having the right luggage for a given situation is crucial.  If I'm traveling by plane, I make it a point to cram everything I could possibly need into a carry-on suitcase, since waiting for my luggage at the end of a long flight is akin to torture for an inpatient girl such as myself.  There's clearly a bit more flexibility where luggage is concerned if traveling by car/train/bus/boat, but it's still important to choose wisely.  I mean, if you're lucky enough to possess a Louis Vuitton trunk, it's not going camping with you (an exaggeration to be sure, but I'm dramatic--and you get the point).


Personalized Le Pliage Travel Bag in navy by Longchamp, $155

 Fortunately, it's not necessary to have a separate piece of luggage for every occasion, though it would be rather fun from a fashion standpoint.  Rather, there are some amazingly versatile pieces that will serve you well in any number of situations.  For some time now, I've leaned heavily upon my cherry red Longchamp suitcase (which fits the FAA size regulations) for most manners of travel.  Yet, at times I've found that a full suitcase--even one that is carry-on sized--can overkill for a simple weekend away.  A more modestly sized weekend bag might be more appropriate--but search not, for I've got you covered...

I recently discovered Longchamp's Personalized Le Pliage Travel Bag when perusing the collection of luggage and travel accessories at Saks Fifth Avenue online.  It is the ideal weekend bag, as a versatile tote/duffel hybrid.  Available in black, graphite, or navy, you can add a personalized touch at no additional cost by choosing from one of four monogram styles.  I'm already feeling like this bag may be absolute essential for my summer plans.  It looks like travel just got a little bit more personal.

Wallets: Out With the Old, In With the New

I distinctly remember my mom buying me a pink Vera Bradley wallet when I was in elementary school and calling it my "training wallet." I wasn't allowed to carry any real money around in it until I proved that I was responsible enough to keep track of its whereabouts (totally normal, right?). I passed the test, and remained loyal to Vera Bradley wallets all the way until this past December.

Zip ID Case in boysenberry by Vera Bradley, $12

In college, my Vera Bradley "wallet" with a key-ring attachment was ideal; it allowed me to keep my room and mailbox key together with my Colby Card, which was prominently displayed in the clear plastic window built into the wallet. Somehow, I also managed to fit all my cash, cards, and change into the small--though often overcrowded--wallet too, which meant I hardly ever needed to carry my handbag with me when I went out. Great system while I was at school, but... not so great once I entered the real world. I realized it was time for a more grown-up look AND a more sophisticated storage system. Plus, carrying a purse meant that I could have my keys in a separate place from my wallet...oh the possibilites!

Nero Intrecciato Nappa by Bottega Veneta, $680

 After exploring my options online, I settled on the continental wallet style. With a zipper to contain everything, and slots to organize all my cards it seemed ideal. I was immediately drawn to Tory Burch's Robinson Zip Continental Wallet, but I continued to search. I then managed to fall in love with an amazing Bottega Veneta wallet, but seeing as how I wouldn't have much money left over to store in the wallet, Bottega and I had to part ways.

Back to Tory. With wallets available in a variety of colors and materials, it seems there must be a style for everybody at Tory Burch, but it was the leather Robinson that truly spoke to me. And seeing as how I wanted to have money left to store in my wallet after making the purchase, Tory Burch's pricetag seemed reasonable. I decided on a simple design: black leather with a gold logo, a classic start to what I hope will ultimately be my extensive wallet collection. And mom would be proud because, so far, I haven't lost it.



Robinson Zip Continental in black leather by Tory Burch, $225






Here, Kitty Kitty

Sunglasses are perhaps my favorite accessory. Winter, spring, summer, fall--I simply can't go without them. And as I may have mentioned before, I subscribe to the Jackie O school of sunglasses: bigger is better. In fact, if I'm wearing sunglasses, I'd prefer not to see my eyebrows. Yet, despite these rather specific parameters, once I find a pair of shades that I adore, I'm in it for the long haul. To this point, the Chloé glasses that I'm currently wearing have been my go-to pair for about three years now, and I don't think I could ever grow tired of them. That being said, there's a new trend on the sunglasses horizon that has me intrigued...

The last time we talked about cat eyes, it was all about make-up; this time, it's strictly sunglasses. This past weekend, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in the stack of fashion magazines that had accumulated on my coffee table, and it became immediately apparent that cat eye sunglasses are all the rage. But these are not the small-framed cat eyes of bygone days. Rather, the cat eye has been reinvented, now sporting a more contemporary, over-sized look, while maintaining their vintage charm.

It seems that everyone is doing a spin on cat eyes this season, notably Ray Ban, Dior, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Valentino, and Kate Spade--but in my view, the fairest of them all is Elizabeth and James. Elizabeth and James actually boasts several cat eye styles, which hit stores this past fall when Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's company partnered with Hong Kong-based Absolute Black Design to launch Elizabeth and James' first line of sunglasses. And as much as I'd love to hate the Olsen twins for being queens of absolutely everything, those girls really, really know their fashion. I'm basically obsessed with their Fairfax Catseye.

With an undeniable retro appeal, the Fairfax features plastic frames in either black or tortoise, with metal temples and gradient lenses. What appeals to me is their bold, over-sized look and subtle detailing that makes them stand out from the other cats out there. Typically, I'm all about black sunglasses, but I'm actually quite drawn to the tortoise this time, perhaps for its subtle geek appeal? I confess, I have yet to try them on, which is critical when purchasing sunglasses, so I can't yet speak to whether or not they can/will pass the eyebrow test, but I am absolutely going to find out. So, perhaps it's the dawning of a new era--or at least a new pair of sunglasses. Here, kitty kitty...

Information on Elizabeth and James' partnership with Absolute Black Design, thanks to NBC New York; for more information, click here.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Me! with my sister, both of us sporting big black sunglasses; (2) Just me this time! in my faithful Chloé sunglasses; (3) January Jones as Mad Men's Betty Draper, photo thanks to The Find; (4) Fairfax Catseye Sunglasses by Elizabeth and James $185, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (online at www.saksfifthavenue.com).