Archive for the ‘Glam Ramblings’ Category

Aging Glamorously

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

I’ve gotten into the habit of telling people that I’m 40. Which is actually completely untrue. I’m 38.

It’s not that I intend to lie, it’s just that, it seems so much easier to round up. (After all, this isn’t my weight we’re talking about.) And my age, be it 38 or 40 or 21, doesn’t define me. It is, after all, just a number.

My Mother, whose age I won’t reveal here because every woman has a right to be the keeper of her own number, is aging gracefully.  No injectables, no plastic surgery, barely even a facial. And, she is beautiful. I’ve met other women, likely around the same age as my Mother, many of whom have had work done — whether they admit it or not — and they are beautiful, too.

And so, I’ve come to believe that aging  glamorously  is not about needles vs. nature, it’s about loving how you look, no matter your age and maybe even, dare I say, being proud of your number.

Aging glamorously is about doing what you feel you must do to maintain pride in your appearance. For my Mom, that comes down to using organic products, treating her skin gently, and loving her salt and pepper locks.  For me, there’s likely to be a lot of technological assistance involved.

But I’ve got time to figure all of that out. After all, I’m only 38. And a 1/2.

P.S. Watch some of the world’s most beautiful women, think Isabella Rossellini, Jerry Hall, Christie Brinkley, Beverly Johnson and other legendary models reflect on aging, plastic surgery and whether or not true beauty is ageless in the HBO film “About Face,” recently screened at the Sundance Film Festival.

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Gettin’ Rusty

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Maybe it’s the unseasonably warm season we’re having here in the Midwest that has me so obsessed with a color that feels more fall than winter.  Or perhaps it’s that this gilded shade is rich and flattering; at once colorful (much more exciting than gray, brown and black), yet also metallic.

Julep Nail Color in Zoe; $14 at Julep.com

 

A new dress from Rachel by Rachel Roy

 

A special gift - a ring designed by my husband; brianbrundagedesigns.com

 

A gift from my son that makes me smile; Betsey Johnson bracelet.

 

My new favorite shadows, picked up at The Makeup Show Chicago.

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Giving is Glamorous

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

 

I’ve never considered myself to be overly charitable. But, over the years, I’ve tried to give a little more back. Thankfully, little by little, I’ve supported some amazing organizations and I can happily say that, little by little, my total contributions have increased.

2011′s Pretty in Pink campaign benefitted Bright Pink to the tune of 5 figures while October events raised money for the Keep a Breast foundation. In one generous moment I am most proud of from 2011, I donated an entire month’s paycheck to Action Against Hunger. And, February 2012 is kicking off with PrettyCity events benefitting the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement and our annual “Love You” campaign presented in partnership with The Heart Truth.

And while I am proud to be giving back in some way, when I look at the gifts I have, good health, an amazing husband, children who are well and flourishing, a job I love, I know that I can — and must — do more.

Here are some ideas for giving back in 2012, whether you have not a dime to spend, or a fortune to share:

1)  Share Freebies: Buy one get one free and other deals you have no need for can make a great difference to your local shelter or Goodwill, and cost you next to nothing.

2)  Give Time: If you truly cannot afford to give cash or goods, giving your time by serving those in need is  one of the most rewarding ways to be charitable.

3) Choose well: Before donating, do research to make sure your money will be used well. Charity Navigator ranks charities based on criteria including how much of every dollar you give, gets in the hands of those in need.

If you’re in Chicago, L.A. or Atlanta, join me at one of our Little Red Dress Beauty Bashes. $10 tickets include tons of goodies and 100% of the ticket price will be donated to American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.

 

Berry Beauty Eats and Treats

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

You probably already know that strawberries boast amazing health benefits when eaten. In fact,  the gorgeous red color strawberries sport is thanks to anthocyanin, a flavonoid. The vitamin C, folate, and flavonoids in strawberries are said to protect against potentially cancerous cells.  Did you know that ancient Egyptians also relied on strawberries to treat skin disorders, such as acne? Applied topically, the strawberry’s skin-saving benefits are thanks, in part,  to the fruit’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

This week, I put a pint of delicious, multi-tasking strawberries to work, using them to treat skin in the form of a homemade scrub and strawberry infused  water, as well as dicing strawberries for a treat of the edible kind.  A two-for-one beauty trick sure to save you time and save your skin.

DIY Strawberry Scrub

Anna Kournikova is reportedly a fan of do-it-yourself strawberry scrubs, likely because, strawberry’s high level of alpha-hydroxy acid leaves skin exfoliated, revealing the smoother, more youthful looking skin beneath. A quick and easy way to take advantage of this little red fruit for your face is to simply cut a strawberry in half, and rub it over your skin post-shower while pores are open. Or, kick it up a notch with my Strawberry Skin Smoothie Scrub below, ideal for the entire body.

Pretty Ingredients
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sea salt
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup finely diced strawberries

Pretty Simple Directions
Combine all ingredients, mashing strawberries with a fork while mixing together. Store in a small mason jar at room temperature and use within three days. Apply to skin generously, rinse with warm water.

Berry Beauty Water

Nothing’s easier than infusing plain old water with strawberries.  The biggest beauty benefit of drinking infused water is simply increasing your water intake, after all, your body is constantly losing water and yet, practically every cell needs adequate water to function properly.

After cutting the tops of strawberries, slice them in half and add them to a pitcher of water. Place water in the fridge for two hours, then serve. 

 

 

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Skin newly smooth, strawberry spa water in hand, strawberries diced,  it’s time to turn to a treat that will please the entire family. These delish cupcakes, adopted from a favorite food blog, confessionsofacookbookqueen.com, are a huge hit with my family and I love the multi-tasking benefits of using a pint of strawberries in three ways.

Ingredients
1 stick butter
8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
One cup finely dices fresh, organic strawberries
Whipped cream
A favorite yellow cupcake mix, homemade of boxed

Directions
Combine softened butter, softened cream cheese and vanilla. Beat on medium until smooth; then, slowly add powdered sugar. Beat until just combined.  Beat on high until fluffy; about two minutes. Finally, fold in strawberries. Put icing into piping bag with medium tip and  refrigerate.

Next, prepare cupcakes  and cool. Fill cupcakes by inserting tip into the center of cupcakes; finish by topping the cupcakes with a thin layer of filling as well. Top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

Taylor Swift Goes Glamorous

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Taylor Swift recently shot a commercial for her new fragrance, Wonderstruck, but it’s her Christian Siriano dress, beautiful locks and gorgeous bold lips that I find oh-so-glamorous.

Taylor's Bold Lips get a touch-up

 

The Christian Siriano Gown - oh my!

Watch the commercial here.

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Scent of a Diva

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Mariah Carey’s Lollipop Splash The Remix

It’s not every day that a signed Mariah Carey album shows up at my doorstep. 

But a few weeks ago, that’s exactly what I got in the mail, along with three bottles of fragrance from Carey’s Lollipop Splash The Remix collection.  Apparently, the singer’s marketing people are going all out in trying to spread the word about Carey’s newest fragrance collection.

And I suppose it worked because, despite the fact that as I mentioned here, my signature scent is Boucheron (and I occasionally cheat with Gucci Guilty), I’ve been spritzing Carey’s Vision of Love on all week.  And I never even liked the song! 

Vision of Love

According to mariahcarey.com, Vision of Love ($35)  is “a colorful chic fragrance inspired by the combination of French Macaroon and purple jasmine for a tasty surprise.”

I found the scent to be very sweet; in fact, my husband likened it to chocolate mint while my 10 year old son commented that I reminded him of cotton candy.

The other scents in the Lollipop Splash The Remix collection include Inseparable and Never Forget You.

While Carey’s taking care of new twins Moroccan Scott Cannon and Monroe Cannon, will you be lending your support to the Carey/Cannon family by wearing a Mariah Carey fragrance?

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Beauty Buddies

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

 

To lose 10 pounds, I’ll need to partner up with a buddy and keep my commitment to working out. Or, so say fitness experts across the nation. The thing is, I pay my workout buddy; her official title is personal trainer, meaning she never begs off because she’s not in the mood or has a hangover. I’ve got this exercise thing down.

So, this week, I turned my attention to another kind of partner in crime, a beauty buddy, if you will.  I mean, isn’t keeping a commitment to fabulous hair, shiny color, smooth skin and sparkling nails as important as a tight butt and toned abs? I say yes!

The truth is that, not unlike that morning workout, making the time to do all the grooming required to look great can be daunting.  That’s why I’m in search of a beauty buddy who will promise to “mentor” my beauty routine and make sure I’m always moving forward, not to mention act as my “spotter,” alerting me when my choices in beauty begin to falter or when it’s time to kick it up a notch. And of course, showing up at regular beauty work-out sessions, be they at the spa or at the corner nail salon, is essential.

Facials

Unlike your thighs, keeping your face in great shape does not require a daily dose of cardio. But heading to a trusty esthetician every four to six weeks is essential for glowing skin.   That means my skin-saving beauty buddy has to be willing to meet me at least once every six weeks at my favorite spa.  If we’re in a rush, we can get all the skin care we need in about 60 minutes and if time is on our side, we can add a massage or post-facial mocktail to the mix and make a morning of it. Any volunteers?

Manicures and Pedicures

Nail care is where the women are separated from the girls.  I believe that a weekly mani/pedi is essential. Even better, throw in an additional weekly polish change for variety. (Doing the same beauty exercises too often can get boring.) And for me, getting my nails done is fast and effective, not leisurely and lingering. All I need is a buddy to meet me once a week at a local salon for an express manicure and pedicure- we’re talking 45 minutes in and out.   And while it will undoubtedly be challenging to make that weekly commitment, think of how much better we’ll feel the next time we slip into a pair of open toed booties or slide on a sparkling cocktail ring. Are you in?

Cut and Color

I need a trim every 6 to 8 weeks as well as some kind of color (even if it’s just a glaze) and a deep conditioning treatment.  Not only do I need my beauty buddy to meet me at the salon – we’ll have tons of time to catch up while our color sets – but I also need her to make sure I don’t overextend myself or jump into some new style that I’m not ready for. She’ll also have to help keep me motivated because, on any given day, the urge to simply throw in the towel and wear a hat everywhere, may become too strong to overcome.  And while regular trips to our stylists may occasionally put a damper on our schedules, and even our wallets, it’ll be well worth it when we walk out of the salon full of bounce and body. 

Not to worry, I’ve placed a few calls and sent a few emails —  it looks as if finding a friend who also wants to stay committed to looking great is much easier than convincing a girlfriend to meet up at 6 a.m. for a three mile run. Who knew?

 

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Glam Birthdays

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Lorenzi Open Toe Crystal Pump; $3195 at Gregory's

It’s my  birthday, pretties! I am so excited to be alive, healthy and grateful for having an amazing family, career and friends.

So, I can’t think of a single thing that I need. But, if you insist on getting me a gift…

While in L.A. for our Beauty Bash at A La Mode Studio this past Tuesday, some of the PrettyCity ladies snapped a picture of these Gianmarco Lorenzi  shoes and sent them to me.  Best e-card I’ve ever gotten!

By the way, the price tag for these stunners is $3,195 at Gregory’s.  

Here’s to ridiculously extravagant birthday gifts… and to being grateful for what you already have.

 

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The Rules of Glamour

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Emma Stone, Image from www.latestfashionstrends.com

Don’t wear red and pink together.

And redheads should never wear red.

Oh, and throw out your grandma’s rule book, because yesterday’s don’ts are today’s dos.

Do wear red and pink, in fact color blocking is all the rage for fall.  And redheads should wear red and any other color they look this good in.

Here’s my rule: wear what you want so long as you feel amazing in it. Confidence has always been, and always will be, glamorous.

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The Iconic Style of Mom

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

People have always thought my Mom was glamorous. As a child, it wasn’t uncommon for neighbors to tell me that my Mom was gorgeous.  As a teenager, this infuriated me; as an adult, it inspired me.

Looking back, so many of the hallmarks of Mom’s style were true classics: an immaculately applied red lip, perfectly manicured nails, Mom’s effortless dark curls, her wedges (long before the word was being flung around) and simple, knit dresses that flattered her frame and allowed her to jet from soccer practice to ballet — kids in tow — without a crease in site. Oh, and my Mom could also rock a bikini, even after four kids.

The true testament to Mom’s great style and beauty is that so many of her secrets are actually staples that even today, prove timeless.

Mom's Modern Look Book

Great Hair and Hands

My mom has never met a Vitamin E capsule that she couldn’t put to work. Back in the day, Mom would break open a capsule and use it to hydrate her cuticles before running still slick hands through her curly hair. Yup, Mom was onto the oil trend before MoroccanOil and argan oil products were even a glimmer in someone’s eyes.

Fast forward to 2011 and Mom’s classic moisturizer has been modernized. Lierac’s Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil for Face, Body & Hair serves up 24-hour hydration that nourishes with botanical oils including argan, hazelnut, sweet almond and grape seed. Get it for $34 at lierac-usa.com.

Red Lips & Tips

Mom intuitively knew that nothing pulls together a look like a splash of red.   That’s why perfectly lacquered nails and vivid red lips were part of her go-to look.  (She may also have known that nothing counteracts the sleep-deprivation caused by caring for a family of six like a pop of crimson.)

Of course, in true mama-style, Mom stayed loyal to her favorite red polish and lipstick for years, and years, and years.  Until they, whomever they were, stopped making it. Literally.  And while the teenager me would have said that Mom was in a rut, as an adult I understand that certain things, like a shade of lipstick that flatters perfectly, don’t get old. And being trendy isn’t always stylish.

Mom’s modern trick for sticking to what flatters even when trends change? ThreeCustom.com, a company that specializes in producing discontinued shades on demand, in individual batches, for lips, cheeks and eyes.

Haute Mama

Much like the modern woman, Mom had to do quite a juggling act to keep life in balance and still look beautiful. She managed to look flawless thanks to timeless dress shapes, usually knits, and the classic wedge shoe; ideal for lending elegant height without hindering Mom’s ability to run from the PTA to the playground.

Mom would no doubt argue that quality fabric, fluid draping and fabulous accessories are always on trend. I see Mom’s classic choices even today in an of-the-moment Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Wedge, $255 at Zappos.com, and ASOS knitted dress featuring a scoop neckline and short sleeves with a fitted ribbed waist and full skirt, $89.65 at asos.com

And while Mom’s timeless looks are still being emulated, her style legacy is one of a kind.
 
What beauty & style tricks did you learn from your Mom?