Girls brunch at the Conrad

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What young girl doesn't fantasize about living out th life of at least one of four best friends from the classic tv show about all things girly in the big city? My blogger friends and I got together and had a Sex and the City themed brunch at the Conrad Hotel and it was fabulous.

When my friend Martha invited me for this fantastic idea, of course I was all about it.  I had actually been wanting to try a special item of theirs for quite sometime- those amazing looking prosecco-pop cocktails that they serve at their rooftop lounge.  And let me tell you, they taste as good as they look.  Plus, when do I ever turn down brunch? It's one of my favorite meals.

A friend of mine asked me a while back about "that whole brunch deal" that we do here.  I said, what do you mean? "Like, what do yo do, why is it such a big deal in New York?"  This is when I learned that some cities DON'T DO BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH.  Ok, excuse me for a minute while I have a first world moment.  I could never live in a city without bottomless brunch.  I never imagined a life without brunch, nor do I ever want to.

What's the big deal? Aside from the endless number of ways restaurants exercise their culinary creativity on the meal hybrid of eggs, breakfast sweets, and savory lunch items, there's a huge social aspect that has developed into on the of major characteristics of this city's culture.  I just love getting out on a beautiful day and enjoying food and drinks with friends, sitting outside in the sun when the weather is nice, people watching.

Anyway, the food here in this beautiful hotel was delicious.  Truffle in the monte cristo?  Who knew that dish could get more indulgent.  And that french toast was crunchy-crust perfection.  Taking all this in with the live jazz music in the background completed the atmosphere.  Next time you need a spot for a girls' day with a little bit swank, check this place out. 

 

Rooftop

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jumper_style_rooftop_nyc2.jpg

Jumper - asos
top - Zara
Shoes - Marais USA
Bag - Vintage, via Purses for Nurses

The wide leg trend that's proliferating and about to be everywhere.

I've said it before, I love a great jumpsuit because it's so easy to style- basically a whole outfit in one.  I do have to admit, once in a while a jumpsuit will feel a bit juvenile.  Especially the overall style.  How do you counter this?  Wild, animal print sexy stilettos.  They don't have to be animal print, but they certainly need to have a sexy heel if you want a dressed-up feminine look.

Again, my bag is from my lovely friend Melissa's non-profit vintage collection of bags and I highly recommend it if you like one-of-a-kind, cheap finds that also contribute to a good cause.  

Keep the hair simple and tied when you wear a piece with lots of material and a wider silhouette, so that all shape does not get lost.  It's all about balance!

Who's excited for the weekend already?
[Click below to shop this look]

Photos by Dennis Christians
 

Spring beauty haul

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It's that time of the year kids: Sephora Sale! 15% off for VIB [code 'VIBNOTE'] & VIB Rouge [code 'ROUGENOTE'], how can you not?
I must say, this came in a timely manner because I was about to stock up on a few things anyway, so, thanks Sephora!
I wanted to share what's in my shopping bag, in case you get excited about too many things at once and then have trouble focusing when you're on their new-arrival-filled homepage.  I'm speaking hypothetically, of course.
 

My Sephora Bag:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

1.  BareMinerals Matte Foundations SPF 15
A staple of mine.  I've tried other foundations but just hate the feeling of liquids and creams sitting on my skin all day.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
Because I've almost gone through my whole first jar.  Love the waxy consistency that makes the brows look natural and stays all day. 
3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Ozone
This will actually be my first time trying the 24/7 lipliner, but I've read so many good things about it.  Especially Ozone, which goes on clear and can be used for any lipstick.  I kind of hate having to switch lipliners frequently and prefer to have a neutral on that goes with almost everything.
4. Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette
Let me tell you something.  Everywhere, literally everywhere I go when I take this palette out, people ask me where I got it/who it's by.  The colors on it are so pretty and flattering for many complexions, and I love that its got everything from shadows to bronzer, blush and highlighter.  I'm a girl on the run and I love having everything in one palette.  The pickup on the shadows are really great.
5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
I hadn't really thought about or wanted it because I had tried a regular Kat Von D lipstick and really was not a fan of it at all.  But then I saw Lolita on a Sephora SA and had to have it.  It's good.  Requiem is next!
6. Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette
Watched lots of Youtube tutorials.  Decided I need to have it.  Hopefully I did enough research, was debating over this and the Anastasia Contour Kit and this came out on top.
7. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Plexi-Gloss
Because I saw it on Nurber and NEEDED it! I rarely even buy glosses anymore.  But this..... thanks girl.  For enabling even more.  Lol.
8. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil
Bought this for the first time during Sephora's last sale and I'm very happy with it.  Long-lasting.
9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - I love the pomade, but when I'm in a rush this is much quicker, no separate brush required.  Great consistency.
10. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
I didn't really buy into the whole BB cream craze like others did.  But I really like the feel of this one - light, non-oily, good for priming, and with SPF 30 - a must, especially with summer approaching.
11. Beautyblender Kit
You get two BeautyBlenders plus a cleanser, so this kit is definitely worth it.  You are basically getting the cleanser for free.  I really wish BeautyBlender would make a dye-free sponge, but people say the white one (which still has coloring, I'm sure) doesn't work as well.  *Waits*
12. KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil
I certainly am not one to fall for pretty new skincare products just because they are heavily advertised - especially since I have been mixing my own natural oils lately (more on that later).  But rose oil itself is pretty expensive.  And I have to say my skin has been feeling really great with the addition of this to my routine.  I'd received a sample bottle during Fashion Week and admittedly I'm back for more.  Love.

What do you think of my picks?  Did you choose any of the same ones?  Have anymore suggestions? (Though obviously I don't need anymore enabling!)  One other thing I was eyeing, but resisted, was the Guerlain Terracotta Sun Glow Kit because, well, that's an HG bronzer for everyone.  But I'm going to have to save up some more $$ before I add it to the next haul.

And now I sit and wait for my little Sephora box like it's Christmas. 
*Dreams of sugarplum lip pigments*

xx

 

Upper West Stroll

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Top - American Apparel
Skirt - Zara
Clutch - Vintage, available here
Boots - Sam Edelman

 

The A-line skirt

One of the many retro trends that are making a comeback this spring, the a-line is easy and fun.  Much more comfortable and forgiving that the pencil skirt trend that's happening right now, it works on many body types.  Accentuation of shape is benefit to the curve-lacking ladies, while the same silhouette hides the hips.   The trick is to keep the top fitted, and let the waist-cinching silhouette do the work.  You can wear a chunkier sweater if you like, but remember if you do that, to keep the proportions balanced and wear it with a skirt with a shorter length.  If I wore this longer skirt with a sweater, you wouldn't be able to find me :)
Check out many more variations and styles here for ideas on how to wear it.

PS- I caved and got myself some Kylie Lip Kits today.  Anyone else?  Will be reviewing that when it comes in!

Photos by Dennis Christians

Transition season

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Turtleneck - Zara
Jeans - Banana Republic
Hat - Topshop
Bag - Vintage, via Purses for Nurses (shop it for a good cause!)

 

Four seasons in a year, but the in-between times feel like seasons in themselves.  One day you're super warm, another you're freezing-  how can you call the beginning of spring actual "spring" when temps rival most of the most recent winter's coldest days?

This is why it can be so tricky to style outfits during these transitional times.  How many times have you chosen an outfit based on what you feel the weather should feel like, only to step outside and realize you look ridiculously over or underdressed? Not an enjoyable feeling to be that inappropriately dressed person for the rest of the day!

This is why one of the key tricks during this time is, and always will be: layers.  Layer well and accessorize smart.  Hats, scarves, pashminas, vests- will keep you warm but can easily be removed or tucked into your bag if things warm up.  Coats like a trench or leather jacket are warm enough for most transitional season times, but not too much for when the sun rises temps at its peak.

Let's talk about the bag for a minute.  Vintage, suede.  And...proceeds to a good cause (Purses for Nurses, check the site!).  Because of this, it's a steal.  Is there really anything else to know? Grab it, because you know vintage means one-of-a-kind! Gone...will mean gone forever.

Do you have any go-to transitional style tricks?

Photos by Dennis Christians