Thursday, February 25, 2010

Events Galore!

It's a good week to live in DC.

Tonight (Thursday) Cusp in Georgetown and Lucky Magazine are hosting a party with the Lucky Alpha Shopper and generally awesome person Betsy Lowther of Fashion is Spinach.


Then! Saturday, Betsy is hosting a vintage pop-up shop at Proper Topper in Georgetown. She is opening her cache of vintage items to the public and you better believe I'm going to be first in line.

So...aren't you glad you live in DC? Raise your hand! Oh, wait, I can't see you over that 12 foot snow drift on the corner.


Thursday, January 21, 2010

NARS Spring 2010

Things I am a sucker for...Catherine Deneuve movies and pink lipglosses.

Damn you NARS and your wiley ways!!

NARS Spring 2010...read it and weep...before I buy the whole collection.



Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed.”

NARS Cruising Lipstick- $24
This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color

NARS Lip Gloss- $24
Easy Lover-Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss
Ophelia- This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish - $16
This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic

NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow-$23

This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark



NARS Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow-$32

Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula



NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow-$32

Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts—rich and subtle, traditional yet modern



NARS Glitter Pencil-$24

This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Do the Draper

I'm *kind of* a huge fan of Mad Men.

And by that I mean that I drop everything on Sunday nights in the summer to watch.

Then race into work in the morning to flout our internet policy and read recaps all over the web.

Then spend time thinking about how uncomfortable underwear must have been back in the 60's...yet they all looked so chic.

Ok...so, I was anxious to see January Jones walk the red carpet in all of her Betty Draper glory.

And she did not disappoint...

While I loved the black satin dress with the dramatic shoulder and headband (I know, I know, some didn't like it, but I totally did), it was her red lips that blew me away.

Since one of my resolutions was to wear more red lipstick, I combed the interwebs for a breakdown...and found one easily from Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie.

CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Paris...but it's not out until March.

But it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine.....

photo from justjared.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Golden Globes Hair

I know I'm running late but...well...blame Massachusetts.

While I'm not the fastest or even remotely the best at this, I do love a good red carpet roundup.

One of the most talked about walkers was Sofia Vergara in a grey and burgundy Carolina Herrera. Honestly...I've never seen anyone as happy to be hanging out in the rain with a munchkin like Seacrest like she was.

Heidi Klum and Kate Hudson should have been taking notes.


In addition to her fab gown, she had a hairstyle by Oscar Blandi...maker of some of the best smelling products EVER.

To create the look, Oscar primed Sofia’s wet hair with Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray then blow-dried it and pined pieces around the crown of her head and the nape of her neck. Oscar used a medium barrel curling iron to create soft waves and finished the look with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray

Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray - $18, available at www.sephora.com

Designed to target the root area as well as the entire style, this spray adds lift, fullness, and bounce. Oscar applied his volumizing spray before blow-drying and curling Sofia’s hair.

Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray - $23, available at www.sephora.com

To finish Sofia’s look, Oscar applied his Lacca Hairspray. Combining the moisturizing powers of sugar with the shine-boosting properties of honey, this hairspray provides a soft, touchable, all-day hold. The formula boosts volume, controls frizz, adds shine, and leaves behind a subtle honeysuckle scent.

I will also say...I loved her matte rose lip...does anyone have the 411 on that?

Tweet!!

A little roundup of tweets from my week!

Totally digging the American Apparel nail polishes, esp. Mouse, Downtown LA and Passport Blue.

The undisputed winner of the night is inner side boob. Got more screen time than Guiliana's tin foil dress.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Resolved

Ok, everyone's doing it, and I'm a sucker for peer pressure.

Ten Resolutions for 2010

Figure out Polyvore.

Wear more jewelry.

Learn to layer so I look like one of the girls in Lucky, not like Joey in the Friends ep where he wore all of Chandler's clothes.

Wear more red lipstick.

Fix my many heels which are worn down to the metal and never hear the horrible metal-on-marble noise in Rayburn again.

Seriously weed through my closet and get rid of clothes which are not third decade appropriate.

Make it to a District Sample Sale.

Avoid a sunburn.

Learn how to properly apply liquid eyeliner.

Blog more, or you know, ever.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

On the Topic of Dressing for New Years Eve

New Years Eve is kind of like prom for grown-ups.

In the same way that it has somehow become acceptable to dress like a bumble bee/hooker on Halloween, it has become equally a part of our culture that on New Years Eve, we put on fancy dresses with sparkles, go out to drink our weight in Korbel, and snog some rando.

(I, for one, kind of loathe NYE. I mean, it's an amateur night like St. Patrick's day or Cinco de Mayo. I consider myself to be a professional level boozer)

However, I am a sucker for an occasion to wear a party dress.

So...if you are sitting at your desk in a totally silent office building contemplating getting a new outfit, here are five tips for finding something worthy of a night like tonight:

First, don't spend a crazy amount of money. Seriously. It's one night. It's not your wedding, or even your real prom. I highly recommend the stylings of H&M or Forever 21 for this kind of endeavor for this very reason. Do not go to Neimans, do not stop at Intermix, do not spend $200. Seriously.

Second, throw caution to the wind. (The icy icy wind) NYE is one of those nights when you can get away with being overdressed, like on your birthday. You can totally pretend that you have some other fancy party awaiting you later in the night while you toss back Kamikaze shots in your spangled strapless minidress and elbow length gloves at Stetson's.

Third, maybe wear white. I know. White. It's usually a disaster. And if you are the kind of girl who drinks cosmos or cape codders or midori sours or whatnot, ignore this one. But! Consider putting down your sugarbomb in an up glass and think about it. You can NEVER wear a white fun party dress. You can't get away with it while attending a wedding (if you are balking at this one, I swear I'm going to come kick you in the shins) and few other occasions call for a fancy dress. So, if you are like me and bought an adorable white and silver dress for after my wedding and then never got to wear it again...bust it out tonight. Just remember that vodka tonics look clear, but they glow under a black light. I'm just saying. It's science.

Fourth, consider the sparkles. By this, I mean, go for glitter over shine. There is a lot of ill-advised satin in the store windows at this time of year. Believe me, I know. I walk through Georgetown every day. I know the retailers of America are trying to lure you with the siren song of a shiny satin tube dress, but resist! When you see those pictures where a flash has combined evil forces with the satin to add about 8 lbs to your frame, you will regret it.

Five, don't buy anything. I mean it. Go to your drawer and pull out a basic black top to pair with jeans, or a little black cocktail dress. Now, pull out a ton of jewelry, preferably necklaces or bracelets. I mean really pile it on. Mix metals. Pair pearls with chains. Presto. Outfit.

Ok, so! Go forth! Celebrate! Happy New Year! Just make sure there is no lipstick on your teeth.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Tale of the Boots

Would you like to hear a story with a happy ending? A modern day fairy tale, as it were?

Pull up a chair.

Once upon a time (a few weeks ago) in a lard far far away (midtown Manhattan), I was escorting a cousin from out of town to meet a potential internship coordinator. For my services, I was promised lunch at the brand new Momofuku restaurant, Ma Peche. While we waited in the lobby, I noticed another young woman approaching the guards to sign in.

She was wearing black leggings, long layered cotton t-shirts, a short lightweight jacket, an Hermes scarf and carrying a white Chanel tote bag. In short, she looked the way I do when I have those fantasies when I'm tall and rich and perfect.

She was also sporting a KILLER pair of over the knee flat boots.

Now, a sidebar.

Over the knee boots are so hot right now. Actually, they are hott. Or hawt. Whatevs.

Now, I can pretty much guarantee that the first thing that springs to any one's mind when they think about over the knee boots is "hooker." Like if we were playing free association on a Saturday night while drinking hot toddys or whatnot and I say, "over the knee boots," you say, "hooker."

This acute association phenomenon is known as the "I saw Pretty Woman" syndrome. In that classic film, Julia Roberts spends the better part of the movie sporting what amounts to a large tube sock and black patent leather knee high boots.

I won't bore you with the details of the plot...oh, seriously, who am I kidding? If you read this blog, you've seen this movie at least 400 times and are currently humming, "Wild Women Do" wondering why I would even feel the need to explain any of this.

Either that or you are under the age of FIFTEEN which is the age at which my mother-imposed embargo on watching Pretty Woman expired in a blaze of rebellion by watching it on VHS at my friend's house.

So, right. Over the knee boots equal slutty. That was the point there.

But now they are everywhere!! And normal, non-hookers-without-hearts-of-gold are wearing them!

I was intrigued by this trend sweeping the nation (not really) but set some ground rules.

OTK boots must not be too expensive. Because really? These are lovely, but I don't think my husband would ever forgive me if I spent the current contents of our checking account on a pair of boots, even if they do make me look like a hooker. For me, "not too expensive" equates to roughly "not more than I would spend on a trendy pair of knee high boots."

OTK boots must not cause "muffin top of the thigh." I mean, danger Will Robinson! It's a sausage casing around the meatiest part of your leg. I'm sure there are some readers out there who have perfect, slim thighs and can pull off any pair of boots. Well, to you I say, pfffffffffftttttttttt (raspberry sound). Shut up, go be perfect elsewhere. The rest of us must suffer through trying on every pair possible to find the one that does not make us look a lollipop.

OTK boots should be flat. For the normal peeps in the house, the high heel only accentuates the "lady of the evening" connotations and makes them less versatile. Because how many situations in DC call for that kind of boot? Besides visiting with David Vitter? Exactly.

Alright, back to the story.

So, here I was, just mesmerized by this girl who seemed to be pulling off these OTK boots perfectly. I studied the boots...there was a zipper in the inner calf, but it didn't go all the way up. There was a gap in the OTK part, but with a buckle. I went super Encyclopedia Brown on her ass.

When i got home a few days later, the boots were still haunting my dreams. I started to sleuth the interwebs, assuming that I would find the boots were Prada, Chanel, Loub, etc and were way out of my price range and give up. However, a search of Neimans, Barney's and Bergdorfs turn up nothing even close to similar.

So, I turned to Shop Style.

And the clouds parted. And the music swelled. And I saw the boots.



The Matisse Buccaneer boot.

And they were under $300.

I think I passed out at this point.

I could have ordered them online, but an impending trip to New York for Thanksgiving allowed me to postpone and actually try them on. I really assumed that I would try them on, they would be too tight, and I could get on with my life. But they weren't. They looked amazing.

And better yet? The OTK part folds down, making them simply a nice pair of knee high flat boots. Even suitable for the office.

Now I know I passed out.

And now they are mine!!!

And we lived happily ever after....

Thursday, October 22, 2009

NARS Holiday 2009

Holiday collection photos are filling my inbox, and, honestly, the weather outside is making that not seem totally ridonculous.

NARS has some super sweet items in the collection, including a deep red lip pencil in Pop Life and shadow pencils in Aigle Noir, a deep black with gold flecks.

Yum....

The Holiday 2009 collection is currently available at narscosmetics.com.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Apparently, I Need New Parents

I'm super picky about perfume. Mostly, I just don't like them.

I think most are too cloying, or too musky, or just plain gag worthy.

I've found one or two that I like, but I approach most fragrances like men approach a woman crying...slowly, with great trepidation and with the expectation that you are totally going to regret this moment for at least a week.

So, when I received the new YSL fragrance, Parisienne, I was seduced by the lovely pictures of Kate Moss looking fab in a leather bustier and the simple but chic egg shaped bottle. Also, the press release kept talking about how Paris adopts you!

What could be better!?! I mean, besides Daddy Warbucks adopting you.

Nothing.

I spritzed a little on before a night out in the pouring rain, still not feeling like Ms. Moss over there. Once the alcohol smell burned off, the scent was pleasant. Light, somewhat sweet and floral.

Not bad!

So, Paris didn't take me home and show me my new bedroom in the Palais Royal or whatnot, but at least I have a new scent that doesn't make me or my husband gag. Which is nice...

This product was provided to me free through the Total Beauty Sneak Peek program.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

FW First Anniversary Party


I went.

I saw.

I drank at least one too many mojitos.

Yup, Fashion Washington, the Washington Post quarterly fashion publication, had it's first anniversary party and I swear I haven't been to a birthday party that great since that one in third grade at the ice skating rink in Yonkers.

It was crazy! We skated...I wore a skirt. We got hot chocolate AND soft pretzels. Pretty hard to top.

Held at totes amazing new space Masa 14, this party was kicking from moment one. First of all, The Sartorialist was there!!! Scott Schuman was there signing books and looking generally sharper than sharp.

PS Typing "Sartorialist" on an iPhone into Twitter after two drinks with one hand? The next Olympic sport.

I got a chance to hang with the ever hip Brightest Young Things who were stopping in for a quick sec while prepping for their comedy festival. Among the others in attendance? Project Beltway, DC Concierge, Ms. Spinach, La Rue Neuve, Capitol Hill Style and many more.

I also met some awesome people in and around DC and I have to say, I'm very proud of everyone. People looked amazing. I mean, I'm sure everyone thought I was looking for a better conversation because I kept scoping out those around me, but I really just wanted to see what everyone is wearing! I swear, I heard every word.

So, happy anniversary Fashion Washington! Be sure to check out pictures on their blog and on Brightest Young Things later today...

Monday, October 19, 2009

Dressing For Work: The Carryall Dilemma

Once you move beyond the basics for work (clothes, shoes, college degree, etc.) and move into the more challenging decisions like whether to hang personal pictures in your cube and what bag to carry, things get tricky.

When I was a government staffer, most of the meetings I attended were in the building, so I could easily sashay in with a notebook, a pen and Blackberry in tote and look professional. When I moved to the dark side (registered lobbyist), I realized that I would be running from House side to Senate side, to other associations, to PAC events, etc and I needed more than a simple notebook.

After cycling through several bags, I found that there are certain things you need to look for.

Not too big, not too small.

Also known as the Goldilocks Theorem. You need a bag big enough to carry all the crap you need to do your job (post to come) but small enough that you don't smack into people in a crowded hearing room like a drunk girl wearing fairy wings on Halloween. You also want to make sure that you can slide your bag under a seat at a briefing and not be a fire hazard if it sits next to your chair at a meeting.

Something in the neighborhood of 15 inches tall and 11 inches wide seems to work well, although it varies by your height. Also, keep in mind that this does not include shoulder straps, which brings me to...

Think about the coats!

If you are looking for a bag for winter, make sure you bring your heaviest coat for trying on. Even if it's in the middle of summer. You want it to fit comfortably over your shoulder and snug enough to clasp with your elbow on the Metro or whatnot.

Color Me Interesting.

Perhaps surprisingly, I'm not a huge fan of the black bag. When I buy a bag, I want to be able to grab it and go, no matter what I'm wearing and I find that black actually clashes more with my wardrobe than brown, navy, yellow, etc. I also think black looks a little harsh sometimes. There is a girl in my office who carries a green hobo that looks fab and I'm just totally in love with navy.

It's What's on the Inside that Counts

Pockets. Look for pockets. This is the main reason I would never recommend a Longchamp Pliage for work. Imagine you are at a hearing and need to discreetly reach down and grab a pen, your blackberry, a business card, whatevs. And you are sitting behind the witness and you are SURE you are on CSPAN. Now, you definitely do NOT want to haul your bag onto your lap and go digging around in there for what you need. With practice, you can nab your essentials without looking down if they are properly secured in a side pocket. Provided that you have them...

Hardware.

Make sure your bag actually closes. And opens. Easily and quickly. I once tried a bag that didn't *quite* close when filled to capacity and I spent several months going to meetings totally embarrassed that people could see my bottle of advil, tampax, Safeway receipts for said advil and tampax etc. if the bag bent the wrong way and the magnetic closure released. I can't imagine how many important things I missed at hearings trying to prevent the lobbyist next to me from reading my CVS Extra Care Card number in my purse. I was also tired of the Capitol Police snickering at me every time stuff spilled out onto the x-ray belt.

You also want to be sure that said bag closes swiftly and easily. You don't want to waste those precious minutes between when the meeting ends and the handshakes and cards are exchanged struggling to close up your bag. No one likes a straggler.

Don't Scrimp.

Look, I completely understand that very few people are able to really shell out for a work bag. But let me make the case for buying the best bag you can afford.

First, you are going to be carrying this every single week day. And most weekends if you choose carefully. Break down the price into cost per wear and you see how that starts to not sounds totally outrageous.

Second, I know it's awful, but people judge you on your bag. Men spend a crap ton of money on a briefcase, you should treat yourself similarly. It makes a difference when you walk into a meeting looking put together and sleek, and the right bag helps that happen. Those weeks I spent struggling to contain my purse? Not my finest at work. I'm just saying.

Third, a good looking bag elevates any outfit. If you carry a good looking bag, the rest of your wardrobe, even if totally neutral and basic can look rich and sophisticated.

So, in summation, it's not about dropping a ton of cash, but really making sure you are buying the best you can afford.

Your boss will thank you.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Dressing for Work: The Advanced Series

I've started and deleted about seven entries on work to dress for work, particularly in our nation's Capitol, mostly because I think there are others who have covered the subject far better than I.

Thus, in the interest of not being totally derivative, I'm starting an advanced series on dressing for work and the tools to help you stay looking good while running the world.

Covered Topics: How to Pick the Perfect Work Bag, What to Keep in Said Perfect Work Bag to Keep You Looking Good and Prepared for Work, How to Dress for Various Important Work Functions, How to Restyle Your Three Suits Without Letting Your Boss Know You Only Own Three Suits.

Not covered: Avoiding Very Long Titles and Overuse of Capitalization

Required Reading: Capitol Hill Style's A Guide to Capitol Hill Intern Style

Ok? Posts to follow!

Also, no cellphones allowed in class.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

A Certain...I Don't Know What


As I've explained about a thousand times before, I'm somewhat of a francophile. Not that this is uncommon, but I've spent countless hours poring over the photos of Garance Dore's blog and Charlotte Gainsbourg and trying to decipher the keys to their style.

The only problem?

I have a pretty quintessentially American look. Actually, the best I ever did when I lived in France was passing for British or Canadian.

But that never stops me from trying.

Lately, I've been obsessed with the no makeup-bright red lip look that is totally le dernier cri right now. So, one bright early September afternoon, I enlisted the help of the staff at MAC, thinking if anyone has a perfect red lipstick, it would be MAC.

(I think it was the shock of the end of recess. It makes me do some crazy stuff.)

My first try, I stopped in the store in Georgetown and explained to the makeup artist what I was looking for and explained that I am typically a pretty pink gloss kind of girl. She nodded empathetically and began pulling from the counters.

She explained, over my protests, that lipliner was essential for the red lip and lined away. She topped it off with Ladybug, an entry level red that goes on sheerly.

I walked out of the store feeling like everyone on M Street was staring at me trying to figure out what kind of drugs I was on.

It was bold, but pretty. Then I noticed that as it faded, it look on an orangey tinge that left me feeling a little more Eastern European-pre fall of the wall than French glamour girl.

So, last weekend in San Diego, I popped into the MAC store in the Gaslamp and tried again.

This time, I went bolder and picked Ruby Woo, a deep matte red. Apparently it's a fave of Dita Von Teese (and let's just say it's going to be the only trait we share). It definitely requires more maintenance than my swipe of gloss, but I can certainly say that I turned heads in the good way.

In my one night wearing red lipstick, here is what I learned:

-Make sure you moisturized your lips. Chapped and flaked makes you look like you stopped dancing at the Lido in 1962 and never washed your face.

-Seriously, make sure you keep the rest of your face bare.

-Excuse yourself seductively to go to the bathroom to touch up. You'll definitely need to, but it also just seems to keep the illusion of mystery and glamour alive.

-You will want to draw attention to your lips, but try not to overdo it with the straws and champagne glasses, or then you'll REALLY have to excuse yourself a lot.

-Tip well at restaurants, you just ruined their white cloth napkins.

-Air kiss.

So, next time I'm in Paris, I can pass for Belgian. Hey...it's step above being called a Canadian from them.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

When Worlds Collide - An Editorial Policy Statement

I don't like to get into specifics about my *real* job for obvious reasons (snoozefest!)(also, laughed out of office!)(also, fired!) but Monday, my worlds collided.

The Federal Trade Commission released revised guidelines governing endorsements and testimonials which covers, among other things, bloggers.

So, I thought I'd take a sec out of my regular blogging programming to fill you in on my editorial policy.

Paid Endorsements: I don't accept payment for anything I write. There are no sponsored posts and I do not get paid to endorse or write about anything on this blog.

Advertisements: Currently, I do not have any paid ads on my site. I think. Well, I certainly don't get any money for any ads that are on my site.

Products: Approximately 76% of what I write on this blog is true and are my own experiences. The other 24% is comprised of press information, things I have heard from other bloggers or read in magazines, or lies I tell you to cover up what a bumbling idiot I can be sometimes.

I know, right? I already seem like a a total spaz, how could it be worse, you ask? Oh, you just haven't met me in person. TOTAL. SPAZ.

Now, I always try to let you know when something here is not me-generated. Trust me, it will look like a press release. I am well versed in the art of cutting and pasting.

I will always say that I read about something somewhere and it sounded cool, but I haven't tried it. Sometimes I say I want to buy something but then don't, mostly because I get lazy and forget, other times because I realize that my husband would get mad at me if I squandered our rent money on nail polish and curling irons.

Here's where it gets sticky: free products.

Bottom line, I get them.

And I write about them.

But I never say that I bought something I didn't and I would never feel obligated to write something nice if it weren't true and I don't write about something I don't want to tell all of you about.

To be totally honest, most of time, I just buy the stuff myself. If I want it, I just go get it. Mostly because I just get impatient. Hell, I can barely order stuff online because the instant gratification factor is so low.

In light of the new guidelines, from now on, I will add a clear disclaimer to any post about a freebie product to indicate that I received it for free.

As a lawyer and someone who makes a living working on regulations, I could engage in a long debate as to whether the FTC rules appropriately balance the speech interests of bloggers with the need to protect the public from false and misleading testimonials. I think there are some serious concerns (I mean, seriously? Do magazine editors have to disclose that they haven't paid for a beauty product since the dawn of time?) but I will comply.

As a fickle and temperamental person, I reserve the right to change this policy if the need arises.

Friday, September 25, 2009

A Delightful Solution

I've always been something of a Francophile.

I took French in high school and college, spent a semester in Paris, the whole nine.

And I've always been obsessed with French beauty products. I love the way the French women look so undone, yet put-together. Like the just walk out the door looking like they do, with zero effort. But given my high maintenance tendencies, I was more than a little afraid to take the plunge and buy stuff.

So, the last time I got a hair cut, my stylist recommended that I take immediate action to staunch some dry ends I've been having and suggested Phyto 7 as a leave-in conditioner.

I flat out RAN to the store to pick it up. And I've been using it ever since.

I rub a tiny bit on damp hair and either let it air dry or use the blowdryer and it really makes a difference. My hair is soft and shiny. I've actually liked the way my hair looks just air dried.

And I never like the way my hair looks air dried.

I feel very Gallic. And I save about 20 minutes in the morning. Maybe that's the real secret.

More sleep.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

What, You Were Going to Work?

Wondering how to pick the right booties?

Curious about what gauge knit is in this fall?

Just baffled on how to pair your eggplant tights with tweed jackets?

Want to know how to turn three suits into 21 outfits for the epic healthcare markups?

Well, fret no more!

Tomorrow (Friday, September 25th) at noon, join the editors of Fashion Washington Jennifer Barger and Betsy Lowther will be on hand to answer all your burning questions on fall fashion during their live chat.

Hit up this link tomorrow at noon and get expert answers to all your questions: http://fashionwashington.com/septchat.html


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Gossip Girl: Reversals of Fortune

Ha! You thought I forgot? No! I'm just late.

It's a new fall people. And Serena's boobs have learned nothing over the summer.


But this Alice + Olivia dress on Blair? So cute! The weird role playing games with Chuck? Not so cute. Summer can be boring though.


The Burberry Prorsum coat worn as a dress? Fab! Chuck's newly thick hair? Uh-mazing.

Oh. And Serena wore this Creamsicle Notte by Marchesa dress. Wohn, wohn, woooohhhhnnn.

Also, why is she kissing Blair's boyfriend?

But then! Blair wore this cute Walter dress and Louise Green hat! And all was right in the world.

And a few more things....Nate's bizarro Romeo & Juliet subplot with that CW village bicycle?

No good.

Little J and her Twihard look?

Yick.

Eric?

As you are. You rock.

Next week! College! NYU! So much to make fun of!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Wanna Buy A Bridge Too?


There are some products in the makeup industry that I truly believe are just hocus pocus.

Clear mascara? Hair gel for your lashes.

Under eye creams that claim to get rid of dark circles? Take it from the daughter of a plastic surgeon, sure, I also know of a sugar-free fat-free ice cream that tastes as good as Ben & Jerry's.

Primers? Honestly, I've never been a big fan.

I'm sure that some people are going to cry foul. That they help makeup go on smoother, more evenly, and use less product.

But to me, it's always just been an extra layer of stuff that doesn't do a whole lot. Very Emperor's New Clothes.

So, when a Trish McEvoy sales rep sat me down on a day I was feeling particularly ornery and started regaling me with how FABULOUS their Eye Base Essentials primer was, my bullshit meter went wild.

But the thing was, it was FABULOUS. Not really because of its "priming" ability, but as a basic everyday shadow.

I tried the Sheer Gold, and by itself it is a great once over base when I am just too terribly lazy to do anything else. A little in the corner of the eyes lightens everything up and makes me look far more awake. I am working my way through the tube at what is, frankly, an alarming pace.

It does make a good base for additional shadows, but I usually just use it alone.

So...I still stick to my maxim that primers aren't worth it, but a primer that is really just a great cream shadow? I'll buy into that.

Saturday, August 29, 2009