Being Mean is Not Glamorous

July 10th, 2010 by carolyn

I’ve sworn off Perez Hilton. I know, it’s shocking. My younger sister, whom I adore, sent me a link the other day about Megan Fox’s “new look” and I couldn’t read it, although I was dying to, because it linked straight to “Hollywood’s Most Hateful Hated Web Site!”

It’s not as if I wasn’t tempted. After all, I’m only human. But I’ve decided to take a stand against the meanness that I feel is becoming so pervasive online.  It’s a personal choice.

I’m not judging – after all, this is a no judgment zone  – just asking you to stop and consider how un-glamorous it is to be mean.

I admit, I’ve been dabbling in niceness for a while, even engaging in random acts of kindness now and again. My skin reacted almost instantly, improving in clarity and smoothness.  Is this what that whole “Beauty is more than Skin Deep” thing is all about? I may be onto something here.

A few weeks back, I met up with a too-close-to-home reminder of how the virtual anonymity of the Internet can foster nastiness when a blogger used his blog to attack some of my staffers.  Thanks to Google Alerts and Topsy, I found out about the blog posts rather quickly. I called the guy up; we hashed it out the good old fashioned way and cleared up the entire misunderstanding.  Turned out, despite the tone of his blog, he was actually a nice guy.

Certain popular review sites seem full of meanness to me; so much so that, ultimately, I find the reviews to be useless.  On one site, a user commented “That’s what the Internet is for, to call a**holes out.” Really? That’s not the Internet I know.

My Internet is for discovering handmade stockings from Tel Aviv, donating food to Feeding America by simply sharing a good mood, and reading inspiring blogs from women I admire like Pretty in the Queen City and Cupcakes and Cashmere.

I hope you’ll find that my blog, and the other PC blogs we host here, inspire and enlighten you, make you chuckle — occasionally cry — and most of all, help you see the beauty in life.

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Shoe Shine

July 7th, 2010 by carolyn

A glam collection of this season’s best sandals paired with sparkling lacquers

When it comes to metallic shoes, I have one hard and fast rule — the heel can’t match the shoe. There’s just something inherently tacky about silver shoes with silver heels; it’s overkill that falls definitively into the too much of a good thing category. Which means that metallic shoe shopping is a near impossibility for me as I scrutinize heels, hoping to find a sparkling silver sandal complemented by a wooden stiletto or a bronze gladiator atop a black spike.

Enter Michael Kors, who has been dazzling me more and more of late, and his Gansevoort Platform Sandal. The Gansevoort is the ideal silver sandal, boasting goldtone hardware, a silver leather body and a stacked sky high heel ($164.95 at MichaelKors.com).  OPI’s “Dim Sum Plum,” a deep fuchsia from the Hong Kong collection really pops with the metallic Gansevoort ($7.50 at opi.com).

The first pair of high end designer shoes I ever owned were black Manolo Blahnik boots with silver chains that wrapped around the heels. My husband took me to Neiman Marcus with one job, walk out owning my first pair of Manolos. And, as you can imagine, I obliged him. I wore those boots nearly every day that winter, come snow or sleet. By the end of the season they were completely trashed, but I can honestly say that I’ve never worn – or relished wearing — a single pair of shoes more.

This season, I’m lovin’ these snake and suede Manolo zip booties. They boast a gorgeous mix of details that are both on trend and on sale; marked down to $401 from $890 at Neiman Marcus. And since for me, as well as millions of women, Carrie from SATC inspired an infatuation with the likes of Manolo, Jimmy and Christian, it seems only fitting to pair these booties with perfectly pedicured toes in “Carrie,” an oh-so-pretty pink lacquer from Julep Nail Parlor’s Sex and The City polish collection.

We just gave away a pair of Christian Louboutins (sorry, the contest ended today) but for reasons I can’t fathom, I was automatically disqualified from winning. So it looks like I’ll have to depend on hard work and cunning if I want to own these patent and lace Loubs (I do, I do!); featuring a 4 ¼” heel and black and tan lace T strap. Not on sale at all, they’re $890 at Neiman Marcus.  I’ll pair these babies with Zoya’s  rich red sparkling metallic polish in “Nidhi.” Get it for $7 at Zoya, as well as upscale salons and spas, of course.

Time to come down to earth –  in price and heel height — after all, when I’m not in the PrettyCity boardroom, I’m chasing after two very active little boys. Call me nostalgic but when I happened across Hale Bob’s modern rendition of the traditional jellie, I was hooked. Not only are they supremely comfortable and kitschy-chic, but they are bonafide jellies. Get ‘em for $46 at Hale Bob online.  For fun, opt for a candy-colored pedi in “Jancyn” from Zoya, possibly the world’s most perfect tangerine polish.

Most Chicago women know of Lori’s Shoes on Armitage (as well as Northfield and Highland Park), but you don’t have to head to the Windy City to own a pair of these Mia Harlot sandals in cream suede. Shop www.lorisshoes.com and pick up these babies for just $58.  Sold out at Lori’s, these are now on sale for $49.99 at Macys.com. A dark pedi serves as an ideal complement to the cream suede; try “Home by Midnight” Nic’s Sticks from Nicole by OPI.

I’ve never met a stud I didn’t want, and these studded gladiator sandals from Asos are no exception. On sale for just $37.20 (previously $59.18), this strappy sandal in a flattering tan hue serves as the perfect nude palette for bright spring polishes.  Spa Rituals’s  Believe is a vegan nail lacquer collection boasting a stunning Spring 2010 collection such as “Yes I Can,” a crisp green and “I Believe in You,” a soft an chic peach.  Shop the collection online at www.sparitual.com.

What’s your favorite heel & hue?

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Save Your Locks with the Top 3 Color Safe Hair Care Products

June 30th, 2010 by carolyn

You wouldn’t dream of throwing your favorite silk tank in the washer daily with scalding water and a generous helping of bleach, but many women don’t think twice about washing their color treated locks with harsh detergents, zealous frequency and hot water.  Not unlike that silk shirt, color treated hair needs to be cared for delicately or locks will end up damaged, dried out and dull.  Here’s how to care for color treated hair to maintain shine, bounce and health as well as my list of the top three shampoos and conditioners for color treated hair, culled from the 41 brands I tested on my own locks.

Water logged

Believe it or not, plain old H20 is one of the main causes of color fade, which is why washing color-treated hair less frequently can result in longer lasting color. Simply put, even the purest water draws color from hair strands, meaning that each time you forego a wash, that color you invested in lives another day. (In fact, when color is new, wait two days post salon visit to wash hair for the first time.) To minimize color loss, wash hair three times a week, eradicating oiliness between washes with a dry shampoo.

If spring water can damage color treated hair, imagine what chlorine can do! While many experts agree that color hair should be protected from chlorine, the advice most commonly given to protect hair in the pool — wearing a swim cap –  is downright laughable. Avoid certain incarceration by the fashion police when going poolside by skipping the cap and instead wetting hair before swimming, thereby preventing hair from absorbing too much chlorine water. Also, comb a leave-in conditioner through damp locks pre-dip to create a protective barrier around the hair shaft.

Go Naked

Finding a great shampoo and conditioner for color treated is all about what not to allow in your hair care products. For starters, avoid harsh detergents, often called surfactants. Other harsh chemicals that may strip color from hair include sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride as well as paraben preservatives.

When in doubt, simply grab my list of the top three color safe shampoos and conditioners on the market. I kissed quite a few frogs, 41 in total, to find my hair’s true loves. I know you’ll adore them, too.

 

Liqwd's Hair Saving Collection

 

Best Salon Collection: Liqwd Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

It’s not cheap –  $64 for the pair — but Liqwd’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner with ColorLife Technology promises to serve and protect color treated locks from radiant reds to buttery blondes and beyond.  UV filters in the products defend color while hair is also shielded against heat, breakage and even frizz. Find retailers or shop online at liqwd.com.

John Masters' Organic Hair Care

Best Certified Organic Hair Care: John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo and Treatment

John Masters is often named a pioneer in the green movement, a fitting title for a man who began mixing organic essential oils and herbs in his kitchen sink and went on to craft certified organic skin care, hair care, body care and pet care products that are now sold in over 20 countries globally. Safe for color treated hair, the Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo and Treatment boast an abundance of linolenic and hyaluronic acids, paired with soy, rice and oat proteins that repair damaged hair. Get ‘em for about $26 each at johnmasters.com.

 

Burt's Bees Color Keeper Collection

Best Bargain Buy:  Burt’s Bees Color Keeper Green Tea & Fennel Seed Shampoo and Conditioner

Burt’s Bee’s sulfate-free Color Keeper Shampoo won’t lather at all because it’s free of sodium laurel sulfate, a harsh chemical that can strip hair of moisture and is also responsible for the “bubbling” many of us have become accustomed to.  Skip the bubbles, keep the color; the shampoo and conditioner sell for about $8 each at local drugstores.

What are your favorite color savin’  brands?

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Red Haute

June 18th, 2010 by carolyn

At a recent charity event, I wore a red floor-length, one shoulder Calvin Klein dress that I’d picked up (on sale) for just such an occasion months before. After perusing the space, and the guests, my brother, who’s not exactly a style-setter, turned to me and said, “You’re the only girl here in red; you really stand out.”

Why, thank you very much.

If you want to blend in, the LBD is the uniform de rigueur for cocktail parties and charity shindigs, but for those who prefer to make a scene, a little — or long — red dress is always in style. And always noticed.

Lady in Red

Celebrities in Red

Megan Fox’s infamous red dress sold out in a nano-second worldwide after she wore it on the red carpet. Giuliana Rancic looked gorgeous in a floor length red number and Natalie Portman paired a red shift with gold heels for a younger looking take on the classic red dress.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Red can be confusing because, frankly, some women just don’t know when to stop. Here are my rules for going red without going overboard:

• Never pair red shoes or a red bag with a red dress. Opt for metallics or nudes instead.

• Red lipstick can be gorgeous with a red dress and if you must, short, well manicured red nails can work but please stop there. Three red elements is enough. Even better, opt for dark purple, black or deep navy nails with red.

• Red earrings? Please don’t. In fact, don’t go overboard with jewelry at all. I like the idea of pairing chunky, modern gold earrings with a classic red dress or even mixing things up with a jade or turquoise stone.

 Red-y, Set, Shop!

Here are some favorites, all from go-to shopping site shopstyle.com, which allows you to search for a specific item – such as a “red dress” –  from the hundreds of e-tailers on the ‘Net.

From Left to Right: Jason Wu Katie Beaded-Sleeve Dress from Bergdorf Goodman, $2,300.00; Issa Kimono Dress in silk jersey, $582 at ShopBop.com; Jean Paul Gaultier from Saks Fifth Avenue, $495

From Left to Right: ASOS Tailored Deep V-Neck Linen, $59.18; Evangeline Ruffled Dress from Rugby.com, $178; Alluring Ruched Dress from Forever 21, $32.80

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You Give Bronze a Bad Name

June 10th, 2010 by carolyn

Thanks to Lindsay Lohan, UV-Free tanning may be getting a bad rap. The truth is, UV-Free tanning is easy, breezy, streak free and oh-so-bronze but never, ever pumpkin colored.  In the name of summer, I’ve sprayed, misted and scrubbed my way to bronze skin, all to report back from the beauty trenches about which faux glow methods really work.

Audrina Patridge at this year's MTV Awards

UV-Free Tanning 101

Sunless Tanning is often referred to as UV-free tanning, meaning you’ll enjoy the benefits of bronzed skin without increasing your risk of skin cancer via sun exposure. Many sunless tanning products call upon dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical that reacts with dead skin cells to darken the skin’s appearance. The “tan” won’t wash off, but it will fade gradually, usually in about one week.

Many experts agree that sunless tanning is safer than traditional tanning but there are precautions to be taken, especially when spray tanning in a booth. DHA is not approved for inhalation or ingestion, so be sure to close your eyes and hold your breath when spray tanning.

Julianne Hough at this year's MTV awards

The Airbrush Tan vs. The Spray Tan

The phrase “Spray Tan” is most commonly used to describe a treatment available at spas, salon and health clubs featuring a sunless tanning mist administered in a self serve booth.  I’ve spray tanned enough that I’m a bit of a pro, meaning I can zip in and out of my favorite spot in less than five minutes.  Here’s how it works: I step into the private spray tan booth press a little green button and a tanning mist automatically sprays, covering the front of my body from head to toe. After 30 seconds, the machine pauses; I turn around and the same mist begins again, spraying the back of my body. In just 60 seconds, I step out of the booth, buff off any excess self tanner with a towel, wash my hands and I’m on my way.   The color takes about four hours to develop so I return to my daily routine, all the while developing a deep, dark tan.

An “Airbrush Tan” is applied by professional technician who uses special equipment to precisely apply sunless tanning solution to clients. Airbrush tans are normally more expensive than spray tans but they are also more precise since the tanning solution is evenly distributed all over the body by an airbrush professional. The DHA solution is often mixed with a bronzer that is immediately visible once the solution is sprayed onto the skin.

Sunless Tanning Tips

There’s no need to fear UV-free tanning, a streak-free, natural looking tan is achievable, if you follow these tips…

  1. Exfoliate: Be sure to exfoliate from head to toe with a salt or sugar scrub, loofah or even a washcloth before tanning. I do so with the Pomegranate and Cassis Sugar Scrub from EclipseSpa.com.
  2. Go Bare: Whether you wax or shave, remove that unwanted hair before you get bronzed. Not only does hair removal help exfoliate pre-tanning, but hair removal post-tanning will significantly shorten the life of your tan.
  3. Moisturize: Apply a water – not oil – based moisturizer, such as Cetaphil, all over your body the morning before you tan. Pay special attention to the driest areas of your body, think knees, elbows and hands.
  4. Fix It: If your UV-Free tanning application does end up blotchy, which usually only happens in areas that should have been pre-treated by exfoliating and moisturizing, use an AHA or BHA cleanser to even out the skin tone. You can also mix up a DIY combo of lemon juice and sugar at home and scrub the offending spots to remove dead skin cells and even out color.

Now, I’m back to my vacation, where my newly bronzed skin has me looking like a beach bunny instead of the work-crazed, mother of two that I actually am.  Fake it ’til you make it, baby!

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Primed for Pretty

June 3rd, 2010 by carolyn

Upon spotting bottle after bottle of primer lining the counter in my bathroom my husband commented that it looked like I was getting ready to start a remodeling project. Little did he know.

The fact is, that’s exactly what a good makeup primer does, by serving up a smooth line-free canvas to apply foundation, shadow, blush and beyond, primer can act as the ultimate basis for remodeling of the daily kind.

Makeup primers traditionally call upon ingredients such as polymers and silicones that can smooth fine lines and imperfections temporarily (and by that I mean all day), as well as increasing the longevity of your makeup products so that they too can stick around all day.

This week, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite primers — all tested by me, of course.

Rae Cosmetics, a cosmetic collection that hails from Austin, serves up Texas-sized value in a generously sized primer container that’s both effective and economical. The oil, fragrance and talc-free product called Surface Primer diminishes the appearance of fine lines and pores while extending the wear of makeup. Plus with an SPF of 20 and a free-radical blasting formula rich with vitamins A, C and D, beauty really is skin deep. Get it for $36 for 1.oz at raecosmetics.com.

Surface Primer, $36

Women with acne scars can benefit the most from the use of a primer; a great primer can temporarily fill in sunken scars, hiding them rather than calling attention to scars like some heavy foundations can do. Pür Minerals’ Color Correcting Primer in green was designed to diminish redness from acne, rosacea and beyond. Get it for $31 at purminerals.com.

Colour Correcting Primer, $31

Aging skin will benefit from a primer designed to meet its unique needs, such as Jan Marini’s Age Intervention Prime ($75). Promising “airbrushed results,” I was pleased with how smooth the product goes on, leaving skin feeling soft and supple and, of course, “primed” for makeup application. Great for covering age spots and other discolorations that women can get with age, this product reportedly contains ingredients that that can improve skin’s elasticity and volume, to boot. Visit Janmarini.com for a list of retailers.

Age Intervention Primer, $75

Determined to find a drugstore primer I could endorse, I was disappointed with primer after primer that didn’t deliver. My least favorite was Sally Hansen’s Natural Beauty, inspired by Carmindy, Luminizing Face Primer. The price a appeared right — $11.99 .48 oz at drugstore.com — but the oh-so-greasy application and less than perfecting results left me unimpressed. Plus, once I did the math I discovered that some of my other picks, such as Rae Cosmetics’ Surface Primer, actually are affordably priced ounce for ounce and deliver results that make the investment a worthy value.

Have questions aboout what a primer can do for you? Ask away. Have a favorite primer I missed? Do tell!

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Glam It Up In No Time

May 12th, 2010 by carolyn

I have a confession to make: I used to spend hours making sure every last hair was in place, expertly applying – and experimenting with – my makeup and ripping through my closet trying on outfit after outfit.

Those were the days.

That all changed with the birth of my first son. Suddenly, hours once spent primping and preening were devoted to nurturing and nourishing. And I’m not complaining. It’s a position women throughout time have not only found themselves in, but embraced, placing the health and wellness of their families first.

The thing is, a big part of feeling great about who we are inside involves looking in the mirror and seeing all of that inner fabulousity exuded on the outside. And we can’t abandon the kids to accomplish it.

The key of course is to get gorgeous fast, by finding ways to fit at least of portion of the pampering we once swore by into a schedule that may allow little more than 15 minutes of “me time.” The good news is, it can be done (without applying mascara while driving the carpool). Here’s how…

Step One: Good Hair, Great Skin

Some old-fashioned advice rings eternally true and when it comes to looking fabulous on the fly, good hair and great skin are tools one must have to start. If you do nothing else for yourself, consider getting an affordable hair gloss every four to six weeks, to impart shine and adjust hair tone, paired with a requisite trim.

For great skin, drink “8 x 8,” eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily consume a diet chock full of vegetables and fruits and commit to a daily four part skin care routine. Know what matters event more than which skin care line you select? How well you stick to at least a bare bones skin care program, think cleanser, moisturizer, SPF by day and eye cream.

I store my eye cream by the bedside; keeping it at arm’s reach assures that I never forget to dab some on before getting (very little) beauty sleep.

Step Two: 5 in Five

From makeup to clothes, looking — and feeling – stylish isn’t about variety. All you really need are a few go-to outfits that look incredible no matter the occasion. I’m here to tell you, it takes just as much time to don a simple sundress as it does to hide your personal style in sweats and tees.

When it comes to makeup, the same rules apply; you don’t have to be a makeup artist to have a staple look that you can achieve in five minutes or less. In a time crunch, I turn to the five products that I can apply flawlessly every time: powder, red lipstick and liner, plus mascara and Julie Hewitt’s Shimmy — a makeup multitasker that I swipe onto my lids in literally seconds.

Step three: Nail the look

Nothing says “I’m a frazzled Mom” like chipped polish and scraggly cuticles. Dollar for dollar, a regular manicure is one of the most affordable ways to get a dose of grooming with a pinch of pampering.

If you can’t get a weekly manicure, polish nails in a color that will keep them looking fresh and healthy, and hardly show a chip. In-between manicures, I keep my look “polished” with a couple of quick coats of Orly’s Bare Rose, a barely there pink that doesn’t divulge dents and dings.

And while I’d never apply polish, or any other cosmetic, while steering an automobile, I have been known to brush on a coat of Bare Rose just before pulling out of the garage to take my sons to school, leaving it to dry while I drive.

Because these days, every second counts.

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Not Your Momma’s Skin Care

May 5th, 2010 by carolyn

During an amazing facial the other day at MySpa in Chicago, my esthetician, a man, summed up in a few words what every woman worries about. He plumped my skin with serums and oxygen as I bemoaned fine lines to which he responded, “In 20 years as an esthetician I’ve heard the same exact concerns from all women, it’s all about eyes and lips.” Yes, as a matter of fact it is, but the weapons that our Moms used — think Vaseline and Cold Cream — are old news; today’s anti-aging tools are high tech.

Eye On Technology

The Clarisonic Opal Sonic Fusion

I know many a skin care professional who swears by Clarisonic’s cleansing brush, called the Sonic Cleansing System, so I was eager to test out The Clarisonic Opal Sonic Fusion ($245 at clarisonic.com), a new device that massages a proprietary eye serum into the delicate eye area and promises to decrease fine lines and wrinkles as well as leave skin firmed.

Similar to a sonic toothbrush, the Opal runs for a recommended length of time, 30 seconds, during which the device calls upon sonic micro-massage to deliver the serum, which contains marine and botanical extracts including peptides, to the skin around the eyes.

After pumping a button at the top of the Opal to dispense the serum, I held the soft, pulsating tip of the device up to my eyes, moving it in a circular motion as it massaged the skin around my eye bone. Even without the serum, the gentle vibrating tip stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping do away with under eye puffiness that many women combat. Serum, and promises, delivered.

Celebrity Lip Service

Intraceuticals-- Celebrity Favorite

During the aforementioned facial, I discovered Intraceuticals Infusions, an in-spa treatment and product line that incorporates therapeutic-grade oxygen with specially formulated serums that promise to affect change deep within the skin thanks to molecular sized Hyaluronic Acid.

I’ll admit that testimonials from the likes of Madonna, who is quoted as saying, “I love the treatments, so does my face” and Eva Longoria, who calls Intraceuticals Infusions, “a necessity before every major event” caught my attention, but the true test came as I examined my skin after only half of my face had been treated. The difference in my skin was evident to the eye as well as to the touch. The treated half of my skin was smooth and my lips plumped, while the untreated side was dry and rough. (Apparently forgoing water in favor of diet coke is a direct path to dehydrated skin.) In Chicago, head to MySpa in the Fairmont for this service or browse a list of clinics nationally that offer the treatment. Shop the at-home collection online at intraceuticals.com.

Paired with the brands at-home skin care collection – I recommend the Atoxelene Line Wand, a portable skin smoothing stick for smile lines, expression lines and more – the treatment works. Intraceuticals Infusions also targets wrinkles around the lips, called perioral wrinkles, which start off as fine lines around the mouth and deepen over time, as well as a host of other skin care concerns from acne to uneven skin tone and beyond.

And while much of Mom’s advice was timeless, when it comes to the newest anti-aging advances, it’s my turn to tell Mom a thing or two.

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Pretty Fit

April 22nd, 2010 by carolyn

Last night, we hosted a wellness event with some of my fave PrettyCity women and Pure Vibes Fitness.

I don’t typically think of working out as glamorous but looking fabulous in clothes — not to mention naked — is 100% glam. (Yes, I realize there are health benefits too but I just want to rock my favorite VB denim without a muffin top!)

Let the Belly Dancing begin!

And so we gathered 100 oh-so-pretty women who enjoyed wellness and fitness offerings, think yoga, belly dancing, kick boxing, power plate classes and more at 834 N. Ashland in Chicago. Throw in goodie bags, some light nibbles and chair massages, and I’m the first to admit… working out can be fun (especially when done with 100 of your closest friends).

Power Plate Classes at Pure Vibes

What’s your favorite way to stay fit?

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The Pretty Bride

April 20th, 2010 by carolyn

I’ve been a fan of florals and fashion since the long lost days of SATC on HBO. And while I’ve retired my favorite peony pins and honeysuckle headbands in years past, the flower is back once more as the accessory de rigeur for the blossoming bride.

Chrystal Lynn Paasch’s Comb

Designer Chrystal Lynn Paasch’s handcrafted jewelry is a cult favorite but when Paasch created a custom hair comb for her own wedding, she unwittingly expanded her business model. The Cranberry Hair Comb ($23) boasts a sheer organza-like fabric that resembles the delicate petals of a perennial. Shop the collection and order custom pieces at www.chrystalynjewelry.com.

Sprung up Pink Clutch

Brooke Galardi offers custom bags as well as far-from-cookie-cutter floral clutches online at www.beegeebags.com. Flower power reigns supreme at the site where clutches aplenty are bejeweled with chic buds in a rainbow of hues. I adore the “Sprung Up Pink” clutch ($92); a poppy adorned bag in ecru with the image of an oversized flower on one side and a petite bud on the other. And, for brides seeking something blue, the interior of the clutch is awash in rich blue silk.

Kenneth Jay Lane

Kenneth Jay Lane’s collection of rings, bracelets, necklaces and beyond makes a statement. For the bride-to-be, this Pearl Flower Necklace screams modern romance. The 19 inch necklace in satin gold features glass pearls and swarovski crystal flower details. Get it for $147 at ShopBop.com.

Pretty Woman Style aside, every bride-to-be aims to glow on her wedding day. The key is to start – and stick to — a solid beauty routine months before the big day. Facials, injectables, even brow shaping and hair color should be in place long before you’re headed to “I Do.” But when it comes to Wedding Day beauty, some tips and tricks are true blue.

Makeup Artist Jemma Kidd, author of Jemma Kidd Make-Up Masterclass and founder of London’s Jemma Kidd Make Up School, reminded me that it’s crucial to apply makeup that looks natural and classic, to avoid looking “dated” in wedding photos a few years from now. And to achieve a look that is classically pretty, Kidd recommends calling upon a neutral palette, explaining that your big day is not the time to make a big makeup change by experimenting with glitter and bold colored liners.

Girlactik Glosses

Many a bride has spent many a sleepless night agonizing over her wedding details but when the wedding day rolls around, every bride wants to appear bright-eyed and blissful. Buff eye accent waterproof pencil from Pencil Me In Cosmetics is a creamy pale green liner that counteracts redness giving the illusion of a bigger, brighter eyes. The beige core color can be used above or below the eye to hide dark shadows, any last minute imperfection and helps to hide the redness from even the happiest of tears ($6.99 at www.pencilmeincosmetics.com).

I’m also lovin’ the lipstick colors blooming for brides; think rich corals and deep pinks. Girlactik Beauty’s High Tinted Glosses come in so many shades; you may never wear lipstick again. Long lasting and not-too-sticky shades such as “Ooh La La Red,” “Rockstar Gold” and “Orange Twist” keep lips moist and shiny kiss after kiss; buy the gloss for $16 online at girlactik.com.

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