stealing from friends

Last month, I attended a health and beauty exchange with some of my favorite ladies.  For those unfamiliar with this type of event, it is like a Yankee Swap but far more fabulous.  Here's how it works: you set a price point for a favorite health or beauty item; buy enough for all who will be in attendance; and get together to exchange and dish on your health and beauty secrets.  So fun, right?! 

I picked up some helpful tricks of the trade, and a few particulars have already been implemented in my own personal regime:

All About Eyes, $30 for 0.5 oz.
by Clinique
Available at Sephora

The lovely Genevieve shared a beauty secret she learned during her time in France: under-eye cream is a MUST.  She swears by Clinique's All About Eyes, applied twice daily as part of her morning and evening routine.  Since my under-eyes haven't exactly received rave reviews since my adventures as a fashionista became the unheeled adventures of fashionista and baby, I had to try it for myself.  I have been using All About Eyes for only a couple of weeks now so I can't speak to the long-term results, but I already love the restorative, moisturizing lightness of this cream and the fact that a little goes a long way.  Hopefully I am also on my way towards looking as fresh-faced as Genevieve and the tres chic women of France.

 

Almond Supple Skin Oil, $40
by L'Occitane

The lovely Mary shared a very helpful beauty secret for expectant mamas, the Almond Supple Skin Oil from L'Occitane.  Having recently moved into my third-trimester, this seemed like a necessity.  Made of almond and Cameline oil, your skin is left feeling deeply moisturized and more toned.  It is safe to apply all over, and since I find the summer to be a very drying season, particularly as Harper and I frequent the pool, I've also been using it on my legs to combat dryness.  I had shied away from oils in the past for fear that I would feel greasy or sticky, but this oil is light and absorbs into the skin quickly.  Those who know me also know that I am olfactorily-challenged, but from what I have heard, the scent is delicious too!

Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, $18.50
by Fresh
Available at Sephora

 
The lovely Aimee introduced me to Fresh's Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, and I am a total convert.  In the past, I have used and loved their Sugar Advanced Therapy, and so I trust Fresh implicitly.  While it is difficult to compete with Sara Happ's Lip Slip, which has been my glossy go-to for what feels like forever, the Sugar Shine Lip Treatment brings the amazing powers of Fresh to a shiny new place.  This all-in-one lip remedy is neither heavy nor sticky, but it moisturizes while also adding gloss and a subtle sheen.   All of this has earned it a place in my handbag to be used for any and every occasion; I am completely obsessed.

I feel very fortunate to be in the mix with some totally dialed-in girlies and to have the opportunity to beg, borrow, and steal their secrets to health and beauty.  Hopefully this will be the first of many health and beauty exchanges to come!

Lip Service

Big & Healthy Lip Gloss in Krystal
by Buxom, $18
Available from Sephora

Last weekend, I was blessed to be a bridesmaid in my best friend's stunningly beautiful wedding in Kennebunkport.  While the weather was so hot I thought I might melt, I managed to pick up a very cool tip, thanks to a fellow bridesmaid, who shared the lip perfecting power of Buxom's Big and Healthy Lip Gloss.  


I tried the clear gloss that Buxom calls "Krystal."  I'm not sure why the marketing pros at Buxom felt the need to spell it that way; I mean, this isn't a stripper we're talking about here so why cheapen a good thing?  But I digress.  This lip plumper gives your lips an icy little zing while also adding shine and moisture.  Hello, lip service!  You can wear it alone, though I tried it over lipstick and really liked the added fullness and mega gloss.  Love this!

A Prettier Pout: New From Sara Happ

Disaster struck: my very favorite lip gloss, Boy Bait by MAC, recently ran out (gasp!).  Even more horrifying was the fact that I kept forgetting to either a) get myself to Nordstrom to resupply, or b) order it online.  And you should know that, second to mascara, lip gloss is one of my absolute essentials;  so when I said "disaster," I meant it.  BUT apparently this was fate doing its thing.  While picking up a few gifts for friends, I stumbled upon the latest and greatest from Sara Happ, the cosmetic genius behind the lip scrub I so adore: the lip slip.  It is nothing short of life-changing.

The Lip Slip by Sara Happ, $18

The Sara Happ website describes the inspiration for lip slip, and while I would normally give you my take, I don't think I could say it better myself:  The supple feel of a shimmery gold YSL calfskin bag. A bottle of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle. Your favorite camisole; soft, sweet, nude, girly and grand. The world doesn't need another lip balm. It needs the right one. Slip into this.


Offering the luxe shine of a gloss while moisturizing like a balm, the lip slip has allowed me to abandon my normal process of first applying my Palmer Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick and then layering gloss on top.  Sara Happ suggests layering the lip slip over other gloss for an added shimmer, but I personally find the the subtle pink tint is ultra feminine and flattering.  For me, this product has been a total game-changer.  Trust me, your lips need this.  

This Year In Fashion

Dearest fashionista friends, after what I considered a heroic feat of thirty posts in the thirty days of November, I confess I have been totally remiss in sharing my fabulous fashion adventures this past month!  So, with the dawn of a new year upon us, I thought it would be best to finish out 2011 the right way, which means reflecting back on the year's fashions--some new, some old, but all fabulous.  And not to be cute, but it seems appropriate to count down (in no particular order), n'est pas?

Barbour Heritage Collection Ad Campaign

10... Barbour.  Ahh, yes, the iconic British lifestyle brand.  It is also a brand that I grew up with.  My beloved Daddy, the king of cool, even had his own Barbour that he beat up over the years--but it only made it that much cooler and more iconic.  Yet, I've never had a Barbour of my own.  The injustice of it all!  But what I do have is the most amazing husband in the world, and this Christmas he gave me a Barbour of my very own.  Yay for staying warm in fabulously British style this year!

Groove Pant (Tall) in black, $98
by Lululemon

9... Lulu.  Despite some bad press lately, I remain faithful to Lululemon and their amazing collection of yoga and running clothes that can be worn for both exercise and play.  In fact, their apparel is so versatile that I was able to wear my regular old Lulu all the way through my pregnancy, thanks the seemingly magical stretchy properties of their signature luon fabric.  Not to mention that one of my favorite styles, the Groove Pant, is available with a tall inseam.  They don't call it "the Holy Grail of yoga pants" for nothing.

Lollipop, $8 by Essie

8... Lollipop.  This summer, Essie's Lollipop was my go-to nail color.  For a bright, cheerful red, nothing beats it.  While on vacation in the Outer Banks this summer with my husband's family, even my 10 year-old niece remarked on what a perfect shade of red it was.  Of course, she is absolutely a fashionista-in-the-making, but still.  When it's right, it's right.  And on the upside, since it's winter now, I think Lollipop could qualify as a "candy cane red."  I know Christmas has come and gone, but you get what I'm saying.


7... Cupcakes and Cashmere.  I came upon this blog quite by accident earlier this year, while doing a Google image search for the Fairfax Catseye sunglasses by Elizabeth and James that I was so coveting--and what a happy accident indeed.  I have returned regularly to read about Emily's fashion and lifestyle inspirations, which include absolutely gorgeous photos taken by her and her fiancé.  It is now one of my favorite sites when I want to be inspired, or sometimes insanely jealous (this girl has fashion in spades).  To sum it up, I want to be like Emily when I grow up.

Mystic Stone Expandable Wire Bangle
in turquoise with Russian silver, $28 by Alex and Ani

6... Alex and Ani.  I received an Alex and Ani bangle as a birthday gift from my lovely and stylish friend, Sandrine, this summer--and I have been a convert ever since.  Their bangles and other jewelry are designed with the intention of of celebrating each wearer's unique essence.  My silver bangle features a single turquoise bead, which is said to promote peace of mind, as a symbol of generosity, sincerity, and affection.  Harnessing positive energy through clean and simple design is definitely something I will continue to embrace in the new year.


5...   Maxi Skirts.  This year brought the return of maxi skirts were all the rage, which was a true fashion gift for a tall girl like me.  During the summer, I embraced the white, gauzy boho chic look, which brought an elegance and sophistication to my summer wardrobe--while also allowing me to stay cool in spite of a growing baby bump.  Then, with the transition to fall, I was excited to see that the maxi transitioned as well, with heavier knits taking the place of light, bright cottons.  In fact, during the month of October, I basically lived in my striped jersey maxi skirt from Anthroplogie, and I am happy to report that it will continue to serve me well throughout the winter.

Tinted Lipglass in nymphette,  $14.50
by MAC Cosmetics

4... Nymphette.  Now now, don't get the wrong idea.  Another cosmetic hit from MAC, their Nymphette Tinted Lipglass (not to be confused with lipgloss) was definitely one of my new favorite beauty products this year.  Nymphette, which MAC calls a "sunny golden pink," adds a subtle golden glow to your lips that infuses your overall cosmetic look.  Regardless of your coloring, this girly neutral lip color is definitely one that you want to add to your beauty arsenal. 


3... The Brooklyn Flea Market.  This past summer, while visiting my lovely and amazing friend, India, in New York, I had the opportunity to attend the Brooklyn Flea Market.  While I always insist that I am "not a New York person" and "prefer to visit," this artsy outdoor market had me singing a different tune.  From the refreshments (corn on the cob and limeade has never tasted so good) to the artsy antique vendors (we were on a mission to find the perfect steamer trunk), I was reminded of Coco Chanel's sage wisdom: that fashion exists everywhere.  If only I hadn't taken the bus to New York, I would have likely returned home with a lot of fabulous new furniture.  

Women's Premier Single Layer Wide Strap
in dark brown, $48.95
Available from Island Surf

2... Double Rainbow.  Well, only if you count both feet.  They might not be footwear that Rachel Zoe would approve of, but sometimes a fashionista has to give her feet a break--and the zillion pairs of Rainbows I have owned over the year have never, ever let me down (and that counts for something, doesn't it?).  At least for a while, they were more of a West Coast surfer phenomena, but perhaps because their simple and comfortable leather design is so ideal for summer, over time they have made their way across our great nation.  And thank goodness for that.  So, not only are Rainbows a 2011 fashion favorite, but they have been a favorite of mine every year since I started wearing them during my college stint in LA--and I can say with surety that they will find their way onto a 2012 list of favorites too.


1... CHANEL.  Every fashionista has to have that one special item on her "most coveted" list, and the Chanel Grand Shopper is mine.  With its luxe quilted black leather, chain link strap, and Chanel logo, it is the epitome of elegance and class. But, like most items that end up on a "most coveted" list, its price point puts it outside the realm of possibility (for this fashionista at least).  But perhaps that is what makes it so special, that it isn't yet tangible for me, which gives me something to work towards; you know, life, liberty, and the pursuit of Chanel.  And I know that someday I will walk into the Chanel boutique on Newbury Street and leave with this gorgeous handbag, but until then, it remains the best thing that's never been mine.

Chanel
5 Newbury Street in Boston

...HAPPY NEW YEAR!  And so concludes 2011, and with it my countdown of the year in fashion.  Dearest fashionista friends, thanks for all that you've done to encourage She's Come Unheeled throughout this year, and cheers to another year of fabulous fashion adventures.

I Am Thankful For My Fashionista Friends, Episode 2: Why Palmer's Is the Best. Thing. Ever.

I am a lip gloss junkie.  On any given day, there are at least three--if not more--tubes of lip product in my purse.  Today, the zip pocket of my Burberry tote includes a Palmer's Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick, Smith's Rosebud Salve, MAC's Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait, and Fresh's Sugar Plum.  With these four options, I have my bases completely covered, as far as moisturizing, conditioning, and color go--but if I were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one with me, it's a total no-brainer: my Palmer's Swivel Stick would win every time. 



Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick, $3.79
Available at Walgreen's


I am thankful to my lovely friend, India, for sharing this vital beauty secret with me (well, that and about a million other reasons).  Palmer's is nothing fancy.  You can find it in the same aisle as the body wash and lotion at just about any drugstore, and the packaging is just about as simple as it gets too.  But don't be fooled; what Palmer's lacks in frills, it makes up for in pure amazingness.  The cocoa butter formula contained in the swivel stick that so closely resembles a glue stick (other people will remind you of this fact, should you apply your Palmer's in public) is the best thing you could possibly do for your lips.  Your pretty pout will be shiny and moisturized almost instantly. 

My beloved state of Massachusetts is a little confused about when exactly winter is supposed to start--what with snow in October and all--but since the official start of winter isn't that far off, chapped lips are a definite concern for many a fashionista.  Not to worry, Palmer's has got you covered.  While this swivel stick is actually intended for general "marks, blemishes, and rough, dry skin" (hence it's glue stick size?), I would suggest keeping your swivel stick reserved for your kisser.  But if you're in need of general moisturizing, I would look to a bottle of lotion instead (of course, Palmer's has you covered there too.)

As much as I love all my fancy beauty products, Palmer's is basically the best thing ever.  I should know; I've tested the waters, and I will be eternally thankful to my darling India--and Palmer's--for keeping my pout pretty.

Sephora Loves Vampires Too!



Limited Edition tarte for True Blood Collection,
Available Exclusively from Sephora



If you're all about vampires these days (think: the Twilight Saga, Vampire Diaries and True Blood--just to name a few), consider yourself in good, fang-banging company.  This Saturday, August 13, Sephora will be hosting the tarte™ for True Blood™ Makeup Event.  For those lucky cosmetics-loving True Blood fans in Boston, San Francisco, and Aventura (that last one's in Florida), stop by Sephora on Saturday afternoon to test out the limited edition True Blood collection by tarte.

 The limited edition collection from tarte--the brand that prides itself on simply chic and seriously healthy cosmetics--features a vampy eye color palette, natural cheek stain, and an iridescent red lip tint.  Vampire obsession aside, the eye color palette that will be sold for $52 is actually valued at $331 and includes 17 eye shadows, gel eyeliner, mascara, and eye primer; now, how's that for stretching the dollar?  With shadow colors like "werewolf," a matte chocolate; "glamour me," a shimmery plum; and "the true death," a glittering silver, you will look tasty enough to compete with Sookie Stackhouse in all her sassy, blonde glory--hello, Eric Northman!



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



Princess Pucker

I have a confession to make: I just don't care about the Royal Wedding (gasp, I know). Sure, Kate Middleton seems like a lovely young woman--and how exciting to be a real live Princess--but what's it to me, really? Nevertheless, when I received an email from butter London, the name of the shade of their NEW lippy No More Waity, Katie was just too cute and clever to resist.

Lippy is apparently what we "Yanks" know as lipgloss, and it is butter's first--and long awaited--departure from their line of amazing nail lacquer. The soft, sheer lavender gloss with tiny flecks of lilac glitter promises to help you land a prince of your very own. But don't feel that you have to pass on No More Waity, Katie if you're already living happily ever after with your Prince Charming! The light-reflective glitter will supposedly make your lips look fuller and more snog-worthy, and what girl (regardless of her bloodline) can pass on a claim to fame like that? So the truth is, while I could care less about the upcoming Royal Wedding, a princess pucker is definitely something I can get on board with.

Image: No More Waity, Katie Lippy $18 by butter London, available online (www.butterlondon.com).

I Want Candy!

Right around this time each year, the dismal grey piles of ice-encrusted snow dominating the barren winter landscape starts to get me down. Though we've made it to February and the end is in sight, these days it takes more than sheer optimism to put on a happy face. While we can't control the weather (shame), fortunately for all you fashionistas out there wardrobe is one thing we can control. So let's sweeten your day with thoughts of warm, happy spring fashions, shall we?

And on that note...I want candy! Literally--in the case of the Candy Shop Jeanette Dress. For me, this dress was love at first sight. You could chalk it up to nostalgia; this dress conjures images of Candy Land--particularly Queen Frostine and Princess Lolly (though the latter is not my namesake, she is certainly my soul sister)--and what little girl didn't grow up loving them? Whatever the case, this silk shirt dress from Kate Spade is too sweet not to love, featuring sunny candy colored stripes, a button front, short sleeves with gathered cuffs, and a skinny pink patent belt. I can see it now: this dress, a cheerful spring day--you can almost hear the birds singing, am I right?!

Though it's clearly vibrant where color scheme is concerned, I feel like this dress is actually quite versatile. It's certainly more of a day dress, but wherever your day may take you, you can take this dress with you: the office, lunch with the girls, afternoon tea, a proper English garden party... But there is one caveat; when it comes to styling, it's best not to go too girly, or else you run the risk of looking overly little girl-y. You can avoid this fashion faux pas by opting for grown-up cosmetics, perhaps a luscious red lip or a smokey eye (though I wouldn't suggest both at the same time). Alternatively, adult footwear produces the same result, and a pair of sky-high heels in a nude patent leather would take the Candy Shop Jeanette to the next level.

So if the winter world outside has you feeling down, turn your thoughts to the sweetness of spring--and make a little room in your closet while you're at it. After all, you'll need a spare hanger if you plan to make this dress your own! At least I will, seeing that I practically always want candy.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Candy Shop Jeanette Dress $395 by Kate Spade, available online (www.katespade.com/); (2) Kate Spade ad campaign.

A Kiss From These Lips

Hey sweetness, why so pouty? Indeed, the icy winter does a number on a girl's lips: dry, chapped, cracked= so not cute...or kissable. But before you get all dramatic and cancel your Valentine's Day plans, it's Sara Happ to the rescue (again)! From her 2010 Holiday Collection comes the scrumptious and utterly festive Red Velvet Lip Scrub. Not only is it the ticket to a few Xs and Os, but it's also a sinless sweet treat...

Like her other lip scrub flavors, Sara Happ's Red Velvet Lip Scrub is the ultimate in lip exfoliant. She invented the original product back in 2005 after feeling frustrated with such a gaping hole in the beauty market. As she states on her website, I kept reading: exfoliate lips with a wet washcloth or baby toothbrush. I thought there had to be a better way. So I went to my kitchen and made it myself. And what better place than the kitchen for yummy flavors like Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Crème Brulée, Almond Crème--and now Red Velvet? Like me, red velvet is Sara's favorite cupcake flavor, and she used it as her inspiration, infusing her latest and greatest scrub with deep, buttery chocolate notes and a sweet hint of vanilla cream cheese frosting.

Plus, the directions are simple! (1) Massage a generous amount onto lips using a firm, circular motion. (2) Wipe away with a tissue. (3) Wonder how you ever lived without it. And then a kiss from these lips? Sweet as a cupcake.

Image: Red Velvet Lip Scrubb by Sara Happ $24; check out Sara's website for information on where to purchase this decadent lip treat: www.sarahapp.com!

So Fresh & So Clean

I don't think there's a girl out there who doesn't love feeling so fresh and so clean--am I right? Especially when we're talking Fresh's (to be clear, that's a capital "F") line of feel good beauty products, which are designed to perform AND pamper. And they're made with sugar--you know, the stuff of "sugar and spice and everything nice..." Need I say more?

Since 1997, Fresh-faced beauties have been enjoying the Sugar collection, which is infused with real brown sugar. Obvious sweetness aside, Fresh founders Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg were inspired to use sugar in their formulas after growing up with grandmothers who used it as a natural remedy to heal cuts. Their acclaimed body scrubs, lotions, and lip balms now prove that grandmother knows best.

After a recommendation from my bestie a couple years back inspired me to purchase a tube of Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment, I've been a convert ever since. Made with reparative oils and waxes with real sugar--and boasting an SPF 15--I will warn you that this stuff is as addictive as it is amazing. That said, you can understand how excited I was when Fresh released two tinted shades of their iconic lip treatment this fall, Sugar Rose and Sugar Plum.

As a brunette with a "winter" complexion, I immediately gravitated to Sugar Plum, while my blonde bombshell bestie has been enjoying the tube of Sugar Rose that I got her for her birthday. This lip treatment is truly a MUST BUY. Plus, it will even work for those who fear the color commitment of a traditional lipstick, as Sugar Rose and Sugar plum are sheer lip tints that give your pout a pretty yet understated hint of color. And wait, there's more--add a bright, citrus scent into the mix... This is Fresh and clean like never before.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Fresh advertisement, photo thanks to Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/); (2) Sugar Lip Treatment by Fresh $22.50, available at Sephora (www.sephora.com); (3) Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment by Fresh; (4) Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment by Fresh.

British Invasion

Mad about plaid? Not to worry, you're amongst friends. Catching up on my fashion magazines this past weekend, the July issue of In Style gave me something to celebrate: this month, Burberry is launching it's very own cosmetics line. Now how's that for a British invasion?

According to Christopher Bailey, Burberry's Creative Director, It started because I felt that, at shows and the shoots, the whole [Burberry] attitude is epitomized through the shoes, the bags, the clothes, the accessories, but then the face was the one thing I really struggled with. When we were doing makeup, I felt like we weren't able to get the right attitude. It was either caked-on makeup or then just the wrong colors, the wrong tones, the wrong spirit for makeup. I wanted it to be this kind of effortless elegance.

Sometimes, when you want something done right, you have to do it yourself--and so Burberry has, with a 96-piece collection that reflects the same ease and class as a Burberry trench. For its freshman year, the Burberry Beauty collection will be sold exclusively at Harrod's in the UK, Nordstrom in the US, and Faces in Hong Kong. Perusing the selection at Nordstrom online, I was captivated by the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow, whose color selection captures the ease and versatility of the collection and ranges from classic trench coat-inspired shades to smoky metals. In fact, "Trench" is indeed one of the available colors, and seeing how obsessed I am withmy actual trench, I may need to throw in a bit of Burberry eye color for good measure.

In Christopher Bailey's vision, The Burberry girl wears just a trace of makeup — no crazy eyes or crazy lips. This sounds about right to me, especially in the summer when less is more. Granted, I won't know for sure until I actually try it, but I have a good feeling about this... To date, I've never gone wrong with Burberry, and I sort of feel like this may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Cheers to the British invasion!



Christopher Bailey, as quoted (1) on Stylelist (http://www.stylelist.com/) and (2) in the New York Times Magazine Blog (http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/). Images, in order of appearance: (1) Burberry advertisement, image thanks to Neverwoodhigh (http://www.neverwoodhigh.com/); (2) Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 6 Almond $29 by Burberry Beauty, available at Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/); (3) Select products from the Burberry Beauty collection, photograph also from the New York Times Magazine Blog.

J'adore Paris!

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend three glorious days in Paris, though it took merely a few hours for Sarah and I to agree that Paris might be the most amazing city in the world. Between the food, the history, the gorgeous architecture, and the striking fashion--well, I die. But since this is a fashion blog, I bet you can guess where this is going...

The truth is, dearest fashionista friends, j'adore Paris--and the masses of lovely little fashion plates running wild all over the city. Comparatively speaking, I have never felt like such a hobo (hobo chic?--not so much...), and I have never been more inspired. Merely walking the streets, I was struck by countless trends, and while shopping--well, you can only imagine how much I could have spent (if I didn't have Dallin to answer to, OR Bank of America trying to freeze my spending--true story). But barred by my pledge to carry on my bags, I had to (somewhat)control my urge to splurge. Yet, fortunately for me, many of these fabulous Parisian trends can be replicated right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.--though they're probably a bit more fabulous on Parisian soil (sigh).

Allow me to share a few noteworthy fashions that you might wish to incorporate into your American wardrobe:

Stripes are everywhere. The classic Parisian look, embodied by a thin-striped boat neck tunic, is back, and arguably better than ever. In almost every shop Sarah and I visited, we saw versions of this timeless look, sometimes embellished, cropped or reinterpreted--though I'm partial to keeping traditional with this particular trend. I mean, if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Ooh la la, hello short skirts! With my height, I would likely be arrested (though perhaps not until I returned to the U.S.) if I were to embrace the much, much shorter hemlines favored in Paris. Mostly donned in the style of form-fitting minis, itty bitty skirts were everywhere, often wore over opaque--mainly black--tights, which makes this look a bit more wearable.

And speaking of tights... I have never seen more fabulous variations of leg-wear than the few days I spent in Paris. Beyond the spectrum of colors or your basic fishnet that you can get in this country, I saw tights that were bejewelled and/or embellished like you wouldn't believe. In fact, I got SO excited about shopping for tights that Bank of America (who I'm NOT so happy with right now for reasons about to be mentioned) put a hold on my card for suspect purchases as I went stocking crazy at the Gallery Lafayette. Don't worry, I just used my other card; stirrups and seams, anyone?

Military-inspired leather jackets: Moving beyond the basic appeal of the bomber style, Parisian fashionistas have appropriated all military finery to the leather jacket--often double-breasted, with a high collar, defined shoulders, and perhaps featuring antique brass hardware. From what I observed, this trend has carried over to London as well (which came first, I can't say), which bodes well for its arrival on this side of the pond, especially considering the exchange rate isn't exactly in our favor these days. I should also note that, though we're officially in spring, the temperature wasn't always so cooperative during my travels. Happily, this gave me the opportunity to see the military look applied to some fantastic wool coats as well. I'm seriously considering it for next winter...

Not for nothing, there were also many trends I observed in Paris that are also present here: Converse are everywhere, skinny jeans appear mandatory, flowing scarves abound, and red lipstick is as pretty there as here. It seems some trends are global, which made me happy--as I would hate to be a completely unfashionable globetrotter! But despite many similarities, there are clearly some things that the pretty, pretty Parisians have a leg up on. I'm happy to report that, after returning home, I feel a bit more dialed in--and ready to make a few choice purchases. What can I say? J'adore Paris!

Special thanks to the lovely Sarah Barton for allowing me to use some of her amazing photographs for this post!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Metro sign, photo by Sarah Barton; (2) Macaroons, also thanks to Sarah Barton; (3) Striped Tunic, photo thanks to Modelinia (http://www.modelinia.com/); (4) Girl in military-inspired wool coat, another gorgeous photo by Sarah Barton; (5) My less-than-glamorous Converse and jeans, also by Sarah Barton.

Boy Bait & Lip Liner

As we are finally making the transition from winter into spring, I stopped in at Mac the other day to update my lip gloss to something a bit lighter, brighter, and just generally more springy. As I browsed the seemingly endless selection of lip treatments, an unnaturally undermade Mac employee named Nick brought my attention to Boy Bait. A newer shade of Mac's Cremesheen Glass (their soft and happily non-sticky line of lip gloss), Boy Bait is a light, nude colored gloss with just a hint of pearly pink to it.

Not yet sold on the new gloss, Nick asked if I would like to try it on. Why not, right? So he brought me over to a make-up station...and what happened next has changed my cosmetic life forever. Before applying the gloss, Nick first used a lip liner--but rather than actually lining my lips, he instead filled in the whole lip. The purpose? To make my lips a solid neutral canvas, upon which he then added Boy Bait. The result: a smooth and even nude colored lip that looked clean, fresh, and--obvi--utterly springy.

I should mention that, until now, I have stayed away from lip liner for two main reasons. For one, I don't think there is any need to revisit the 80s, at least from a cosmetic standpoint. Secondly, even if I wanted to use it, my hand is never steady enough to do so (the same goes for liquid liner--in college, my roommate always had to do it for me). But this new use of lip liner totally changes the game, and I can most definitely use the pencil to color in my whole lip. I mean, how tough is that? Just color inside the lines, right?

To summarize: my new lip gloss is outstanding--and thanks to a preliminary layer of Mac's Lip Pencil in Naked Liner (very fitting, don't you think?), the way my gloss looks in the tube is exactly how it translates on my lips. Forgive me if I'm the only fashionista who has been living under a cosmetic rock all these years! Maybe everyone else out there already uses this process when it comes to their lip color? I hope that's not the case--and that this post isn't all for nothing/doesn't make me look like the make-up fool that I very possibly might be... Whatever the case, all thanks to a Mac boy named Nick, I have stepped out of the dark, un-lined ages and into a fresh, new spring day--and it's never looked better.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Kate Bosworth, showing off a springy nude lip, image thanks to In Style (http://www.instyle.com/); (2) One of the many faces of Mac, Eve, showing off her nude lip, image thanks to Beautynomics (http://www.beautynomics.com/); (3) Mac beauty spread, featuring Eve, photo thanks to Socialite Behavior (socialitehavior.com).

ROSEBUD!

You may not know this, but I suffer from perpetually chapped lips--either that, or my lips are just completely addicted to lip balm/salve/gloss and can't seem to function properly without it... Whatever the case, the little zip pocket in my purse is always jammed with a variety of lip treats to keep my kisser kissable. The options are plentiful, but since receiving Smith's Rosebud Salve as a gift from my beloved Annie Rose, it's been one of my favorites in the chapped lip therapy department. My only issue with it: the packaging. As aesthetically pleasing as the classic tin is, application can be tricky; call me a germaphob, but I would much rather wash my hands before dipping a finger into my lip salve. But fortunately for me (and my phobias), all is never lost...

Shopping at Anthropologie just last week, I was waiting to pay for my items and found myself captivated by those pesky grab items--you know, the little jars of goodies strategically placed by the register as last-minute impulse buys? Well, in one such jar was (drum roll please)....TUBES of Rosebud Salve! Hallelujah. Rosebud may have been the enigma of Citizen Kane, but it's the ultimate beauty remedy for this fashionista! This fabulous multi-purpose has amazing healing powers that sooth and heal dry lips, while giving them a rosy little gloss in the process. Plus, it works for other ailments too; you can use the salve to ease the sting of (minor) burns, cure dry elbows during those horrid winter months, tame fly-aways, or even smooth your cuticles! The possibilities have always been endless, and now the packaging is ideal.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Smith's Rosebud Salve in 0.8 oz. tin $6, available at Sephora (www.sephora.com/); (2) Smith's Rosebud Salve in 0.5 oz. tube, available at Anthroplogie (http://www.anthropologie.com/); (3) Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane, image thanks to Destination Hollywood (www.destinationhollywood.com).