Clinique Age Defense BB Cream

Hello!  Well once again I have neglected this blog.  My mind has been occupied with other things lately, namely my promotion at work and the holidays upon us.  I offer no other excuse.

Have I made any new purchases in my absence?  Umm, yes.  What a silly question.  And I will be reviewing my favorite said purchases very soon.  Today though, I'm going to pause from talking about fashion and switch gears a little bit.   Rarely have I discussed my beauty routine here, but I have found a product I absolutely must gush about.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream.  

  

I'll start off my saying my skin is very, very fair.  It doesn't take much to make me look washed out.  This makes it very difficult to find products like concealer, bronzers, self tanners, etc, that don't look too orange-y or obvious on me.  At the same time though, a lot of the lighter concealers, etc, that actually match my skin tone aren't dark enough to provide coverage for any flaws.  It's been an endless search of trial and error, but my mission is now over.

BB Creams have been popular in Asian countries like China and Japan for years (ever notice how they all seem to have perfect skin???), and are now finally taking off in the US.  They are immediately appealing because they provide multiple benefits in only one product:  SPF protection, hydration, antioxidants for prevention, plus enough coverage for any problem areas.  So instead over slathering several different products on my face in the morning, I'm one and done.  Dry winter weather may call for an extra layer of moisturizer underneath, but that's it.  I follow my usual skin care routing of cleanser, toner, and moisturizer (all Clinque products), then use this as my concealer for the day.  My skin is smoother, my pores are smaller, and I am thrilled.

As a side note, I love products like this that come in tubes like this rather than jars.  The less I need to use my fingers, the less opportunity germs have to breed and be introduced to the skin as I apply the product.


Clinique's BB Cream comes in three different shades (I of course use #1, the lightest one).  Even if you think your skin tone doesn't match exactly to one of the shades offered, don't be afraid to give this product a try!  It blends in really well to create an even, natural look.  And if you're still not sold on using this product as your primary concealer, it works amazingly well as a primer, too (ditch your heavier moisturizer with SPF and use this instead!)  If I think I need a color boost I just add a light bronzer over this product and I'm good to go.

At $37.00 I thought this was a little pricey for a concealer until I thought about how much money I'll be saving by NOT having to buy other, separate products anymore.

I hope you've run out of reasons NOT to try this product (BTW, BB creams are now coming out of the wood works from other brands as well.  If Clinique doesn't do it for you like it does for me, don't give up on BB.  Try another brand!)  Let me know what you think!

Ode To Fall!

Here in New England, the cold weather is setting in.  You notice it mostly at night, when the temps can get down to a chilly 40-50 degrees.  The leaves are changing colors, football is back, and I'm happy as a clam.  This is what New England is all about.  If you don't love and appreciate Fall, you don't deserve to live here!  More posts will follow with some of my favorite Fall recipes (because on Fall Sundays you'll often find me in my kitchen, preparing a big delicious meal to eat while watching my Patriots).  Today, though, since I've neglected this blog for a good long while, I'm going to jump back in to the swing of things with an old fashioned shopping post!

I need to give a giant shout-out to JCrew.  This is one of those stores that isn't always on my "list" of places to look when I'm in a shopping mood, but I eventually take a peek anyway and remember just how much I absolutely LOVE it!  This Fall preppy, polished fashion seems to be having a moment and nobody does preppy better than JCrew.  It's very easy to overdo preppy though, so with JCrew I often find myself sifting through the selection finding things that will both compliment and add dimension to the wardrobe I already have at the same time.  You won't find me wearing popped collar polo shirts but you WILL find me going crazy over a fresh palatte of colors and perfectly tailored (and cozy!) sweaters.

Here is the latest round of winners I picked up from JCrew's fall collection:


Jaspe Scoopneck Popover, $95.00


Houndstooth Sweatshirt, $65.00


Jeweled Sweatshirt, $118.00


Pixie Pant, $88.00

*** If you MUST buy one thing from JCrew this Fall, buy THESE!!  They have the fit and comfort of leggings, but in a much nicer fabric.  I bought them in two different colors (black and navy) and will be going after the grey soon.  These are the pants you'll want to wear pretty much ALL the time.


Oversize Merino Wool Sweater, $118.00.  Also bought this in two different colors.  Comfy, cozy, and perfectly proportioned so it's slouchy without making you feel like you're swimming in it.  You'll never go back!  A weekend wardrobe must!

All of these choices easily add some prep to my step without making me feel like I'm a poser =).  Check out JCrew for yourself!

Happy shopping and check back soon because I'm on my game again!

My Uniform

In case you haven't noticed from my previous posts, I LOVE dresses.  So much, in fact, that I wear them nearly every day.  They are ALOT less constricting than pants and I believe they are much more flattering on my hourglass, curvy figure.  Of course, the type of dress I wear changes with the seasons.  In the winter, it's cozy sweater dresses made of wool.  In the summer, it's flowy sundresses in light, airy cotton and silk.  Recently, I've also become a HUGE fan of maxi dresses.  Their longer length keeps you covered (so you can go a few days longer without shaving your legs!) and you can find one for any occasion.  Making the rounds of clothing stores lately proves that summer 2012 is definitely the time to pick one up, too.  They seem to be available everywhere right now in bunches of fresh colors and styles.


I just picked this one up from Banana Republic.  Available here.

I love the orange and the v-neck neckline is flattering on everyone.  I'll be wearing it as is for a casual weekend outfit or potentially even to work paired with this sheet metallic sweater, also from BR, available here.

If you look closely, lots of people will revert to the article of clothing that looks best on them and buy and wear it over and over in every color and style they can find.  What is your uniform??

Tory Burch Fall 2012....It's Coming!

If I could put into words how excited I am about the Fall 2012 Tory Burch collection, it still wouldn't cover it.  So I'm not even going to try.  Just...promise me you'll check it out (below).  Thank you.

TORY BURCH FALL 2012 COLLECTION

RecipeSolutions: Oriental Salad

Summer staples in my diet include many, many different types of salad.  Potato salad and a couple different takes on Orzo salad come to mind.  Today though, I'm going to share with you all one of my best kept secret recipes - the Oriental Salad recipe I made for dinner tonight!  It is such a crowd pleaser and looks SO pretty when it's all put together!


Combine the following in a large salad bowl:


1 bunch scallions, chopped or snipped
1 green bell pepper, chopped finely
1 bag each of shredded green and red cabbage (or just buy one head of each and shred by hand, eyeball)


Set aside and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.


Combine the following in a skillet and toast over a medium heat until lightly browned:


1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/8 cup sesame seeds
noodles only from Ramen Noodle packet (Oriental flavor, set seasoning packet aside)


Set aside and KEEP SEPARATE until just before serving.


For dressing:


1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 white vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
seasoning packet from ramen noodles
1/2 cup sugar


Combine ingredients, set aside and KEEP SEPARATE until just before serving (if you don't do this, the dry ingredients will get soggy!)


When ready to serve, add dry ingredients and dressing to vegetables in salad bowl.  Enjoy!!

Low-Key 4th

Happy 4th of July!!  I hope everyone is relaxing and enjoying a day off, eating a ton of good BBQ and spending time with friends and family!

I love this holiday, and in years past I've enjoyed many great ones at blowout cookout parties or out boating with family, on the beach down the Cape, and aboard the Staten Island ferry watching the fireworks over the Manhattan skyline in New York.  This year is different.  We had big plans to see the Boston Pops and Jennifer Hudson perform at the Hatch Shell in Boston, but it was pouring in the morning and by the time it stopped we were no longer motivated  to go knowing we would never find a good spot.  So, we've spent a low-key 4th at home.  We DID manage to cook out on the grill (because I believe eating anything other than grill fare on the 4th is a travesty), and neither of us are disappointed that we got an extra day to spend some real quality time together just hanging out around the house.

But you guys know me.  What am I going to do if I have some free time on my hands at home?  Scout out the 4th of July deals, of course!  Tory Burch had a sale going on so I ventured over to that website first.  Immediately saw this "Judi" dress and fell in love.  SO great for work and as a transitional item from summer to fall.  The website must be doing really good business today though, because by the time I had made up my mind and got this item in my cart, it was sold out in my size =(.  But all wasn't lost.

Another sneaky shopping tip?  We all hate it when we can't find the item we love in our preferred color / size online.  But don't take no for an answer!  If you're willing to spend a little extra time and effort there is still a way to satisfy your shopping bug.  Call customer service (btw..another reason I love Tory Burch?  Their customer service line is answered by a LIVE person Every.  Single.  Time. No annoying menus or voice automated systems) and give them the style number for the item.  They can do a nationwide search for you to find any stores that are carrying the item in your size (they found the dress in stock in my size at a New York store).  Then call up the store, have them locate the item, and you can purchase it over the phone with a credit card and have it shipped to you, usually for free!

C'Mon, isn't this dress worth it?  Shop it here.  Even if you're not crazy about Tory, be sure to check out your own favorite store this week - they're bound to be running good sales on pre-fall items that are already out!

Triumphant Return

Why hello!  *GASP* yes I know - I'm back!  A reprieve from shopping as well as some traveling in the recent weeks has caused my negligence, but never fear....my eyes and wallet are always open for some shopping =)


So what drove me back after a 2-month break?  Let me show you, grasshoppers!


1)  Remember the Burberry Military Detail Shirt Dress I blogged in my last post?  I found it on sale for only $139.00!  This purchase alone gets me just an itsy bit excited for cooler fall weather again so I can break it out of my closest and wear it with knee high black leather boots.


One of the best shopping tips I can offer is...if you see an item you LOVE on the designer's website - don't settle and stop there!  Just by googling the item you'll likely find the same thing for sale at other locations (department stores, overstock websites, etc.)  You may even be surprised and find that the same item comes in other colors and prints not offered directly by the designer.  This simple trick has saved me money and heartache when I thought an item was sold out in my size.




2)  THIS!  While I've been away, two titans of the fashion world (Banana Republic and Trina Turk) have paired up to create a fabulous new collection inspired by "cocktails by the pool."  These two fashion brands could not be more perfect together, and it's leaving me wondering why it took them so long to get collaborate!  Available for sale at Banana Republic stores and online beginning June 7, here's a little preview of a few of my favorites.  I can't WAIT to get my hands on them!

The colors and fun prints just make me so happy and they're sure to be staples of my summer wardrobe.  

More where these came from but I will save them for another day.  Happy Shopping!