FASHION and FILLES

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July 17, 2013

New York: Week 2 Photo Diary

The Guggenheim Museum

James Turrell Installation

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Punk: Chaos to Couture

Florine Stettheimer

Washington Square Park

New York Public Library

July 11, 2013

Pedicures, Prosecco, and Plumm

It is now day 8 of my 2013 journey in NYC! Since Wednesday I’ve actually acquired quite the collection of info that will come in handy in life, so I’m paying it forward.

"Lights" by Essie

1) If you’re one of those people who visit nail salons religiously, pop on into Polished on 78^th between Broadway and West End. I swear to God/Allah/Yeezus that you will love your visit. Not only do they sterilize everything - and I mean every area, tool, and point of contact - in the salon, but also the girls are accommodating, sweet, and helpful. They have a vast collection of Essie and Zoya nail polishes and also CND Shellac. The mani and pedi that I got was totally worth the $40! They are totally professional, and while you wait for your nails to dry they treat you to a relaxing back and neck massage. Definitely going there again!

2) While my mom and I were having dinner, we watched one of the waitresses commit several cardinal sins of how to pour Prosecco (or any champagne or sparkling wine). My mom bartended for as long as a young actress needs to make a living (for years), so she talked me through how to properly pour. (By the way, I totally understand how you may be thinking, “Why is a sixteen year old schooling me on how to pour a glass of bubbly?!”) Rule 1: Cover the top of the bottle with a towel/napkin, and then twist the bottle, not the cork to open it. This prevents the cork from popping out. Rule 2: Never pick up the glass. Rule 3: Hold the bottle at the base, with your thumb in the indented bump on the bottom. Rule 4: As you finish the pour, twist/roll the bottle so it doesn’t drip out. Rule 5: Give a generous pour!

3) For dessert, we went to Sugar and Plumm, a cute restaurant that has anything and everything to satisfy a sweet tooth. The clientele is wonderfully varied, which proves that sugar never gets old! My mom and I split their chocolate mousse, which is a combo of dark, milk, and white chocolates. It was rich and tasty, without being overly filling. The ambiance is lovely and their beautiful dessert themed tile mosaic adds to the fun atmosphere. A downside is that it closes at 10:30pm, so it’s not available for those super late night cravings, although they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the week, too.

Next update on Wednesday! xxx

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July 9, 2013

Taking A Bite: NYC Photo Diary

That's right, I'm in the Big Apple! I'm three days into my three week program at the Fashion Institute of Technology for my third year in a row. (Gee, three must be the theme of my trip!) The program I'm a part of is called their High School Summer Live program, and they even have one for middle schoolers too. I have a morning class and an afternoon class, and they're only Monday-Thursday. My first class is Fabric Styling, which encompasses all styling from interior design to fashion. The second is a Magazine Design class. I'm still getting a feel for both of them, so I'll do a review in a week or so. Overall, FIT has fabulous courses for precollege students that are at the perfect experience level and educational point, so I would definitely recommend trying one out!

Part 1 of my trip's photo diary:

Got to the city just in time for the firework show!

On campus.

FIT ID

Gotta have some walking shoes.

Times Square

Can you spot me?

New fave cleanse drink.

Best chips and guac in SoHo!

Building opposite the hotel.

Chrystler building down Lexington Ave.

Bloomingdales is only two blocks away!

Instagram.

June 28, 2013

Fash-Interior Design

My mom and I just moved into a condo, so I get to design my new room! (I'll post pictures when it's finished). I've had a lot of ideas stirring about, but the essence of my room will be bringing my love for fashion and a downtown chic look into it. In the midst of the interior design blogs and Pinterest boards, I discovered ikeaspotting.tumblr.com. This gem of a blog shows countless ways people have utilized various products from Ikea in very contemporary and clever ways. I've always been an advocate for the superstore, but this blog is proof that the elementary shelving or desks or etc. from there can be worked into an oh-so-chic lifestyle.
And although I am no interior designer, I do have a clear vision of what I want, so here's just a peek of my inspiration and the direction I want to go.

Promise to post pictures when my room is done! xxx

June 26, 2013

Beauty Review: Clinique Summer Essentials

Clinique is one of my go-to makeup brands in the summertime. It’s light and health conscious formulas are perfect for those makeup-melting, hot days. Plus, it’s on the more affordable side of department store beauty products, so you have some more cha-ching in your pocket for sandals and shorts. From head to toe, Clinique has you covered (Literally, you can slather your whole body in their products).

My must-have products for summer:

1)   Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Body Cream / $23 – This product is non-greasy and sinks into your skin in seconds. It also comes in SPF 50 for those more prone to burning. And, it’s not just for summer! Somewhere out there, there’s a statistic that says that people who wear sunscreen 365 days a year will age noticeably slower.

2)   Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / $37 – A multitasking product is always a plus! I’ve tried many a BB cream, but this is my favorite so far. It’s smooth and provides good coverage while defending your skin from the sun and aging. As a reference point, I wear it in Color 03.

3)   Lash Doubling Mascara (Black) / $16 – Out of all of Clinique’s mascaras this one works the best for my thin, stubborn eyelashes. Depending on what kind of formula and applicator shape is most effective for your eyes, Clinique has a variety of worthy choices. Their waterproof version would be a nice option for days at the pool.

4)   Quickliner for Eyes / $15 – Overall, this eyeliner gets four out of five stars. The application is easy and it comes in an array of colors, but it is prone to smudging. This could be a downer in the summer, but on the other hand you could use it to create a smoldering smoky eye! For a more natural look the black/brown shade is just dark enough to make your eyes pop, but not as harsh as a true black.

5)   Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm / $16 – A healthy tint of a punchy pink tone glides on in this super smooth balm. It can be built up or blended out, and it will last a while. I have one in Curvy Candy, a bubblegum-pink shade, but they come in nudes to reds.

6)   Blushing Blush Powder Blush (Sunset Glow) / $21 – This blush gives a warmer bronzy dusting to the cheeks that is reminiscent of a peachy sunset. Application wise, it’s a reliable choice.

7)   Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder / $35 – I’ve tried this setting powder and their Blended Face Powder in Transparency Neutral ($22), but this is the one I’ve been using most recently. It has just a hint of coverage and axes any oiliness. The Redness Solutions powder is the best for sensitive skin.

Have a lovely summer holiday! xxx

April 11, 2013

Coachella Inspired Fashion

Since I'm not actually going to Coachella I can only day dream about it, but here's what I've thought up for what I'd wear to the festival. Most of the pieces are light and airy because I'd want as little amount of clothing on as possible if I were surrounded by thousands of people in the desert. Since crop tops are on-trend right now they are an easy go-to piece. They look really cute with high waisted shorts or a skirt that sits at your waist. Color-wise I would stick with creams, blushes, and baby blues, or anything else in the almost-white category. This keeps you cooler than wearing a black band tee and prevents sweat stains from being as noticeable. A cute backpack is a hassle free way of carrying your belongings around, plus an extra sweater for nighttime. To accessorize, metallic jewelry will add some polish to the look and a cute phone battery will be a lifesaver! For shoes I would go for whatever is the most comfortable, so something along the lines of Converse, Keds, or even ankle boots would work. Honestly, anything goes at Coachella and the focus is the music, so being comfortable is the most important point to hit. If you want to get your hands on any of the products below, just click on the pictures.

For even more inspiration, tons of brands and celebrities are posting festival pics onto their Instagrams! Vanessa Hudgens, Free People, and Rumi Neely are among the top!