I’ve always worn oversized shirts, especially during extreme weather, like the summer heat. Usually in cotton or linen blends with the sleeves rolled up. It’s nice to see the oversized shirt is everywhere now. I heart skipped a few beats today when I discovered the New Valentino oversized dress shirts, especially in that gorgeous shade of pink. I’ve been drawn to pink lately and emerald green. Basic white and blue pinstripe are always nice, but color is good. I love the emerald green from Cos, especially the pleats in the back, simply divine. The only issue is that I am not supposed to be shopping anymore, at least not until after my Maui vacation, can I hold out?
Have you ever wore false eyelashes, left them on overnight and woke up looking gorgeous? That’s because long lashes is all we really need, besides healthy looking skin. There was a period in my life when I was alternating Jan Marini Lash, Revitalash and Talika Lipocils. My results? Super long and thick healthy lashes.
@Talika.com
Knowing from experience after wearing false lashes, I knew that lashes was all I needed to wakeup looking beautiful, especially after an adult-sleepover. I then decided to get a lash perm at Neva’s. My lashes were so long they hit my eyelid and it was uncomfortable, so uncomfortable that trimming my lashes was the only recourse.
@Revitalash.com
Ladies, I can vouch for the products I’ve mentioned, I’ve had no negative side-effects when using either of those products. A new lash serum I recently started using is by Better Not Younger’sSuperPower Lash Growth Serum.
Finally, your lashes have a superpower of their own! Our serum has been clinically proven to increase lash density by 82% for naturally thicker, fuller, stronger lashes in as little as 4 weeks*. Powered by our proprietary blend of peptides, vitamins and nutrients, you’ll love the look of healthier lashes that are longer, darker and beautifully conditioned so they always bat a thousand.
It’s impossible to not want a dress or blouse by Monica Mahoney, they are beautifully made and remind you of summer vacations. The perfect dress/blouse that transports you to summer. I don’t wear dresses often, but a dress or blouse from Monica is definitely on my wish list.
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
She’s been traveling, holding Trunk Shows in Hawaii, but she found time to answer a few questions.
Grace Kelly on Holiday
Fashion Icon: The first fashion icon that pops to mind is Grace Kelly, in To Catch a Thief or Rear Window.
Grace Kelly
Last item purchased before the pandemic: I’m so happy I bought a cozy pair of cashmere slippers that became my best friends during Covid.
Last book read: My Dad has written a memoir of his life as a Hollywood press agent called, “Get Mahoney!” and I have been having a great time helping him edit it during the pandemic. Reading and re-reading all his fabulous stories.
Hotel Bel-Air 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077, – (310) 472-1211
Favorite Restaurant: I have a thing for a Champagne and French Fries dinner at The Hotel Bel Air. It’s in the neighborhood and it’s so swanky at the bar….
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Inspiration: My inspiration mostly comes from vintage pieces my mother wore during the 70’s to cocktail parties and resort vacations with my father. Fabric is another passion of mine and I am constantly on the hunt for fun textiles and vintage sources that dictate what they want to be.
@Beautycounter.com
Favorite Beauty Products: I am in love with Beauty Counter. I know and love the creator of the brand and everything she stands for. The products are clean and fab…
@Beautycounter.com
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
Courtesy of Monica Mahoney
If you could live in any piece of clothing, what would it be: A glamorous caftan. (Need we say more?)
Ladies, you do receive 20% off on your first purchase too, to shop @Monicamahoney.com.
My friend Twiga used to own an African Gallery, where she sold antique beads, some dating before AD. Because of Twiga I am the proud owner of an Evil Eye Bead, it would normally sell for 1k alone, but she gifted it to me during a period in my life where I needed spiritual protection. If I recall, it’s a Roman bead, made out of stone or glass, but what is special about this bead is that the colors are an intense navy, and the color seeps through to the inside, it fits on a standard chain. Amanda Thompson‘s Sodalite necklace reminds me those Evil Eye Beads of Twiga’s.
Amanda Thompson – Blush Rose Quartz Necklace @Amanda_Thompson_Design
Amanda Thompson – Pearl Necklace @Amanda_Thompson_Design
I remember the necklace she made out of those beads, she mixed them with 24k beads and antique coral beads, the result was stunning. Twiga was selling the necklace for 30k +, I kept telling her not to use so many Evil Eye Beads, but she wouldn’t listen. I wonder if she ever did sell the necklace. She went back home to Tanzania. Twiga was my introduction to beads, because of her I invested in a few necklaces and they are currently boxed away but eventually I’ll pull them out again. I helped her around her shop when she was away on vacation, and she had several books on beads. I remember a quote from a Prince that was enamored by beads and wore the same strand everyday, but I forget the actual language of the quote. I found that quote beautiful, I ended up ordering that same bead book the other day, “The History of Beads“.
@Amazon.com
I have several strands of pearls, in white, a baroque grey, a more traditional grey and gold, long strands and shorter collar size strands. I have periods where I would wear them daily, alternating them. One day I was wearing the long baroque grey, doubled and a co-worker was enamored with them, she said “I love your necklace” and I became one of those people that literally forget what necklace or earrings I had on, I always wondered how anyone could forget but now I know it happens. I mean you literally forget what your wearing sometimes. I answered” Oh, the beads, thank you”. I refer to pearls as beads, that’s how much the Prince’s quote moved me. I went as far as to scatter beads around my room too.
I’ve been addicted to sneakers, I think I have 6 new pairs since the pandemic started, and over half are still in boxes. Wearing slippers around the house for the first 4 months of the pandemic played havoc with my feet. I have sneakers branded on my brain and these are the latest from Nike, they are by far the funkiest yet.
Air Zoom Superrep 2 @Bandier.com
I think it was the color combination that sold me, and the fact that they appear to be slip-ons. I can’t wait until they arrive next week.
I’ve been buying books although I am in the process of reading three books that I haven’t finished yet. Part of the reason I ask “Last Book Read” is because I am honestly too exhausted to go book-hunting. It’s easier to have book recommendations from my peers, well-read women. I once had someone tell me, a long time ago that they admired the fact that I was well-read. Honestly , I prefer the classics and biographies. But this is good, branching out is good.
Lips are not immune to environmental issues, they are exposed to the sun, wind and cold. Lips are prone to dryness, cracking, and chapping. Plus they are sensitive to skincare that might accidently touch them, like peels, retinol and peptides.
I look after my lips, I never go to bed without applying one of my favorite lip balms. I also tend to use lip exfoliants, by Fresh and By Terry. If you don’t want to invest in lip exfoliants, you can just brush your lips in the morning, I do that sometimes. I have a lot of lip balm products, I feel like I collect them.
Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator $18 @Fresh.com
Skincare is a serious business, I admit there was a time in my life when I never left the house without my signature red lip, or a primer, at minimum. Times have changed and I am finding just having good skin is all I need, and the right lip product to keep my lips soft and healthy.
Sugar Smoothing Lip Primer Advanced Therapy $26 @Fresh.com
I’ve also been using 11Skin’s Meso infusion Lip Duo, although I admit I’m not using the pink gloss. I just don’t look good in glosses or most pinks, or any other shade that isn’t red.
The sweatshirt has come a long way. Now almost every major fashion house has a version of the basic tried-and-true sweatshirt. They are not just for working out, you can pair a sweatshirt with nicer denim, trousers, skirts and wear them over a crisp white-dress shirt for added texture.
The sweatshirt is now available in crop-tops, balloon sleeves, slits, glitter, tie-dye and patterns and unusual colors. Here are a few we found at some of my favorite shops.
APIECE APART $225 @Netaporter.com
OVERSIZED SWEATSHIRT in Navy $89 @Cos.com
RELAXED SCUBA SWEATSHIRT $115 @Cos.com
CAES + Net Sustain $295 @Netaporter.com
RELAXED SWEATSHIRT $89 @Cos.com
RELAXED SWEATSHIRT DRESS $99 @Cos.com
Gee is wearing her Urban Outfitters Sweatshirt and looking chic in SF
Sweatshirts are also available in dresses, hoodies, applicais, satin panels, or satin. It’s time I upped my sweatshirt game, how about you?
I met Carlin by accident, actually there are no accidents, I met Carlin because I have been preparing for a wellness routine of my own and her answers are a guide. I bought a little red notebook that has been sitting in it’s shopping bag and now I know why I bought it, to note down my daily food intake, my meditation mantras, a wellness guide like tongue scraping in the mornings as well as at night, etc. I have enjoyed her answers, and look forward to a continuing friendship.
Courtesy of Carlin Greenstein, Culinary Wellness
Carlin, knows about wellness and I went as far as to order the two books she mentions in this Q&A. If you need help getting into a wellness routine, you will want to consult with Carlin. She can take Zoom Meetings, and get you on the path to wellness.
In-between her consultations, taking care of her family she found time to answer a few questions, I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.
Fashion Icon, or anyone you admire in the wellness sector: I don’t have a specific person in mind, but rather everyday women that I would see during my daily life that I admire. Living in Berlin definitely informed my style more than anything else in the past few years. Women who are comfortable in their skin, they dress functionally and fashion forward yet the style is timeless and not based upon the latest fad or craze. They aren’t afraid to occasionally take risks, mixing high and low yet look effortlessly put together and very feminine as well.
When it comes to wellness, I focus upon optimizing my current state of being while doing all I can to support the longevity of my health. I always have daily rituals that make me feel complete yet I am also always checking in with myself to be sure this is what I need at this time in my life, the season or the day. It is key to stay aware, flexible and committed. Right now, I depend on a morning tongue scraping, a big glass of warm water with lemon, a daily sweat from exercise, a dry brush before my shower and breathwork.
I am a voracious reader of all things related to health and tune in to podcasts for gathering new information. I don’t have one wellness ‘go to’. I am drawn to people in the “wellness space” that represent authenticity, transparency and curiosity.
@Ulta.com
@Amazon.com
Beauty routine: Favorite beauty products are Indie Lee Purifying Face Wash, Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol and Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-aging Face Oil. I love Ilia Limitless Mascara and Ilia Multi-stick, Vapour eye liner and Olio e Osso for tined balms. I swear by Skin Food by Weleda for my daily full body moisturizer.
@Kosas.com
What shade of Red lipstick are you wearing in your photo: I am wearing Royal by Kosas, it’s my current favorite.
Favorite Restaurant: If I could click my heels and be anywhere, it’s the intimate restaurant at the Ammos Hotel on Crete. The terrace is perched over the sea, the sunsets are magical and the food beautifully blends Cretan tradition with experimentation. Every meal there feels both nourishing and inspiring.
Last book read: Breath by James Nestor. This book has helped my breathing in everything I do- from my long runs to yoga to sleep. It has reminded me how such an essential bodily function has the power to improve the quality of our wellness with small, basic measures.
If you could live in any piece of clothing or item, what would it be: Since growing my hair out (to silver), I am having a love affair with all shades of blue. I am most often seen in something denim or in the summer in a sundress + clogs or high top Vans. Having a young kiddo means I need to be ready to play tag on the way to school or not freak out if I get smeared with avocado or paint when she reaches in for a hug. I like my clothing to be tailored and put together but also playground proof.
@Vans.com
Last purchase before the pandemic: Plane tickets…..(sigh).
What is culinary wellness: Culinary Wellness is embodying a positive state of health and well-being. It is about curating a balanced lifestyle through diet, movement, rest and relaxation practices with a positive, reflective mindset.
Why is culinary wellness important, especially during postpartum: Looking back, I realize how much attention is put towards pre-natal and pregnancy and far less is put towards postpartum support. All stages are important. But for postpartum, women need a different type and level of support that is less obvious. It’s a time of so much adjustment that encompasses the physical, emotional and the spiritual. Your body doesn’t feel like your own, your hormones feel like they are dragging you in many different directions and on top of that, you are sleep deprived. It is a lot to deal with.
Courtesy of Carlin Greenstein, Culinary Wellness
Nourishment through food is essential to support the new mother while their body is repairing itself. This nourishment can come in many forms, such as food, acupuncture, exercise, uninterrupted rest, meditation, herbal baths and more. I always say, the best gift anyone can give a new mother is healthy, grounding homemade food that they can store in their fridge so they do not need to cook.
@Amazon.com
The First Forty Days by Heng Ou provides a wealth of information for nourishing the postpartum mother. I wish it had been published when I had my daughter seven years ago. While I felt like I had many tools to rely upon, I was desperate for guidance. Heng’s tone is soothing and supportive and the book is both accessible and beautiful.
A simple recipe anyone can follow: I love a good green sauce. Some people refer to them as pestos, herb pastes or green sauces. That said, I don’t have a recipe, I most often let what I have on hand be my guide. My favorite combination is parsley, cilantro, chives, scallion, garlic, lemon, a pinch of cumin and a few glugs of olive oil all blended into a smooth green sauce. I now have my husband on the job and he always surprises me. Last night he made one with ramps, parsley, pistachios, lime and olive oil.
Courtesy of Carlin Greenstein, Culinary Wellness
It’s a great way to use up herbs in the fridge (and sneak in extra nutrients.). I love throwing together a dinner in a bowl that features a grain, a cooked vegetable, a raw vegetable and a protein. The green sauce adds that certain special something that always makes it feel like more than a collection of random ingredients.
Courtesy of Carlin Greenstein, Culinary Wellness
Do you believe in a detox plan: I don’t subscribe to one specific detox plan. I work with my clients to assess what their specific needs are. We start by taking a deep dive into their daily eating habits through a food journal. From there, I support them by creating a bespoke program that is filled with tools for change that they can eventually use and follow on their own. For example, sometimes we begin with an elimination diet, subtracting items from their diet for 30 days and then adding them back in and noticing how their body responds. Each body needs different things at different times. The most vital thing is that the client feels committed to the process because it is indeed a process. There is no single solution or quick fix. I will also add that one cannot detox if they are in a stressed state (i.e trying to maintain their normal daily activities in the same way). A detox needs to be about simplifying and self-care beyond diet. It means adding into your life extra sleep, extra hydration, extra time in your life to reduce stress, and engaging in activities that allow the body to restore and reset.
Courtesy of Carlin Greenstein, Wellness Culinary
A simple recipe: Roasted strawberry rhubarb. Yes, it takes the magical duo to a whole new level. Roasting intensifies and concentrates the sweet tart flavor and also allows the fruit to retain its shape.
1 lb strawberries, halved
1 lb rhubarb, cut into ½ inch pieces
1/3 c sugar (I like coconut sugar)
1 lemon, juiced
Pinch of sea salt
Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine the strawberries, rhubarb and sugar in a ceramic dish. Roast for about 30 minutes until everything is caramelized and soft but still retaining its shape. Remove from oven and stir in the fresh lemon juice and salt. Top morning steel cut oats, swirl into plain yogurt or beside a cake for dessert. @Carlinwellness.com
What sort of menu is recommended for people fighting off inflammation or depression: As I said about a detox, these are very individual and can take time to develop and to implement. There is an emphasis on fresh, whole food, plant rich diet with well sourced proteins consumed in moderation. The basic tenants are eliminating processed foods which is anything in a package or worse yet, you cannot recognize some of the ingredients, refined flour and sugar, alcohol and red meat. Working with a practitioner as a guide makes the process feel easier, especially if this is a major overhaul to your routine.
I’ve been dreaming of Maui, and a new vacation tote-bag. I found a few that might fit the bill. My favorite is by oaxacaXamor. It reminds me of the curtains in Pedro Almodóvar’s movie Pain & Glory.
$85 USD Courtesy of @oaxacaXamor.com
oaxacaXamor has an online store, but since my friend Daniel is going to Oaxaca for a month, he’s going to bring it back for me, we arranged for him to have a tour of the Bodega. These bags are an updated version of the plastic market bags, made with recycled plastic in modern designs. They are all beautiful, but I know which one makes my heart skip a beat, but I’ll take whichever one is available.
$85 USD Courtesy of @oaxacaXamor.com
Other tote bags that are nice are Cuyana’s New Canvas Tote, it comes in two colors.
$195 @Cuyana.com
$195 @Cuyana.com
Kiki Tropez Tote @Lornamurray.com
Kaya/Mara @Vince.com
I’ve included a few other bags that would also fit the bill, from Lorna Murray and Vince.
But if I’ve been wearing makeup, which hasn’t happened much in the past year, I would start off with facial cleansing wipes, then a foaming cleanser, I don’t suffer from sensitive skin and my skin reacts well to age-appropriate skincare, in other words it can take it.
@LaRocheposay.com
If you suffer from sensitive skin, a milky cleanser is recommend, like Cetaphil, especially after a peel, but it’s best to just splash cold water on your skin. I learned this past year that you don’t always have to cleanse your skin in the morning, that splashing cold water is good because it wakes you up and your skin doesn’t need to be stripped of it’s glow.
DEEP ENZYME CLEANSE
Our 100% natural, non-abrasive, exfoliating glycolic acid cleanser is powered by the “it” ingredient: pineapple bromelain. This ENZYME CLEANSE naturally helps shed built-up layers of dead skin cells, helping produce radiant, healthy-looking skin. Also doubles as a chemical exfoliating mask treatment. Visible signs of aging seem to melt away into a youthful glow. Best for dull, uneven, or congested skin.
@inyourfaceskincare.com
I love this cleanser, my skin is glowing right afterwards and I can see clean skin. This cleanser is also an exfoliant.
MANUKA HONEY CLEANSER
A gentle, luxurious everyday cleanser boosted with 20+ UMF pure Manuka honey. Manuka honey is a single-source honey derived from the Manuka flower native to New Zealand. It contains a higher than average concentration of naturally derived anti-bacterial ingredients with an exceptional 20+ Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grade. It is carefully blended with our own proprietary formula of gentle cleansers, moisturizers, vitamins, and exfoliating agents for a smooth, clean start to your routine.
@IlBagliore.com
This is a luxurious exfoliating cleanser, that leaves your skin soft, glowing and clean. This cleanser also prevents adult acne and adolescent acne. The Manuka Honey helps pull impurities, and hydrates at the same time.
TOLERIANE PURIFYING FOAMING FACIAL WASH
This daily facial wash for normal to oily skin foams to remove face and eye makeup, dirt, and impurities. Its refreshing gel formula removes excess oil while maintaining skin’s natural protective barrier and pH. Leaves skin feeling clean and fresh.
@LaRochesPosay.com
A great cleanser for daily use, especially after a rigorous workout, also prevents acne. It’s good to rotate cleansers, what’s in your current rotation?
Red lipstick is my signature, and I’ve had no reason to wear it. I’ve worn makeup a few times, but it’s something one has to ease their way back into. I’m in-love with Dior’s Iconic 999 shade. I have it in several variations. There is a texture for everyone…..
ROUGE DIOR LIQUID – 999 @Dior.com
ROUGE DIOR ULTRA CARE LIQUID – 999 Bloom @Dior.com
ROUGE GRAPHIST – LIMITED EDITION – 999 Shout It
DIORSHOW PUMP ‘N’ VOLUME HD @Dior.com
Here’s to finding your perfect texture of 999 @Dior.com
I am thrilled I bought my Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus sneakers last year, not only are they comfortable, but chic too. To be strolling around Paris, window shopping or running around the Musée d’Orsay, it’s my favorite Museum in Paris. I’m wistful, dreaming of travel.
I either buy my sneakers at Carbon38 or Bandier, they seem to have all of the current styles available. It’s hard not becoming a sneaker addict, especially when you see the Parisians in their footwear. I think it’s comforting that the same sneakers are seen all over the world.
Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden $60/$145 @VicktoriaBeckham.com
I just love everything in the Victoria Beckham Beauty collection. The packaging, the product and now I am hooked on the Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden. I’ve been working on my skin and this primer is perfect, it adds to my glowing skin by giving it a touch of color, in this case it’s a slight golden tan. My pores are minimized, I mean I really don’t have large pores, what I had I seemed to have calmed down with the use of Typology.
This Irresistible primer comes in three sizes, so we can travel with it. This is coming with me to Maui.
Discover instant dewy radiance, transformative results, and endless versatility with Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden. Developed with Professor Augustinus Bader’s cutting-edge TFC8® technology and supercharged clean actives for long term skin-perfecting results. In six weeks, fine lines and pores are minimized, skin feels healthier and looks naturally more radiant.
@Victoriabeckham.com
Don’t you just love glowing, healthy skin, I know I do.
I came across Elva Fields Jewelry Studio looking for my own blog, and I fell-in-love with the jewelry pieces, especially the Miriam Haskell necklace, Fun At The Ready. Looking at the rest of Emily’s designs, and reading about her background and Great-Grandmother I knew she was someone I wanted to get to know better.
Courtesy of Emily Maynard
If you’re looking for a new novel to read, or a great place to eat-if you ever find yourself in Louisville, KY, keep reading.
In-between designing new pieces and taking care of her family Emily found time to answer a few questions, and I’m glad I asked them.
Ali McGraw
Fashion Icon: I’m not sure I have one; I love taking inspiration from bits and pieces of women I see in life and elsewhere and how they dress, but if I had to choose, maybe a combination of Ali McGraw, Jessie Randall, Jane Birkin, and Paris-based painter Nina Koltchitskaia.
Via @ModaOperandi
Between them, there’s an effortless chic (often in jeans and a t-shirt or blouse, which is something I wear often,) styles that set the stage for a statement necklace, a feeling of collected pieces that stand the test of time, occasional playful patterns, and hints of vintage here and there.
Last item purchased before the pandemic: The day before most retail locations closed here in town, I made a trip to a favorite local art shop to stock up on supplies – paper tablets, paint, brushes – for me and for my children. I had a feeling it was going to be a long, uncertain stretch of time at home, and I wanted to be sure we were equipped to create and enjoy.
Red Hog Artisan Meat 2622 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, KY 40206
Favorite Restaurant: Red Hog here in Louisville. It’s a laid-back gem of a spot to which I can walk in my neighborhood, and there is not a single “miss” on the menu. Everything is delicious (and ingredients mostly local and raised/grown with care.) Whether I’m meeting girlfriends for drinks in their courtyard or sharing a hand-tossed pizza with my children that we watched being made in the open kitchen’s wood-fired oven, it is my all-time favorite.
Fun At The Ready – Courtesy of Emily Maynard- Elva Fields
How do you find inspiration for your designs: I love to let the materials guide me, so any trip to a flea market or antique shop to hunt for vintage treasures almost always leads to some fun and unexpected ideas.
@RMSBeauty.com
@glossier.com
Beauty routine, any favorite products: Truthfully, I don’t wear much makeup, so no real routine to speak of…but a few favorites are RMS lip2cheek in Smile for a happy flush, Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask once in a while to keep skin fresh, and Glossier’s Boy Brow to help my blond eyebrows show up.
And – my lips always seem to be dry (even with the South’s humidity in the summer months) so I keep a tube of Lanolips at the ready.
@Everlane.com
If you could live in any piece of clothing, what would it be: My Everlane high-waisted jeans.
Plans for after the pandemic: I actually just returned from a post-vaccination trip (my first trip in 15 months, I think) to the West Coast. I’d never been to Northern California, and a week around San Francisco and in the Napa River Valley was so good for my soul – the golden light, the delicious food (and wine!), and the easy attitude – and great company. It was tough to leave, but it’s great to be back feeling refreshed a bit after a long stretch at home.
Courtesy of Emily Maynard- Elva Fields
Eye On The Prize – Courtesy of Emily Maynard- Elva Fields
Courtesy of Emily Maynard- Elva Fields
Courtesy of Emily Maynard- Elva Fields
When Life – Courtesy of Emily Maynard- Elva Fields
Run Around Chic 
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