WOMEN DOUBLE FACE CHESTER LONG COAT $99.90 @uniqlo.com;; FINE TURTLENECK WOOL TOP $69; ORGANIC COTTON WIDE NECK LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT $35 @Cos.com; WRAP COLLAR WOOL BLEND COAT @Zara.com
Never underestimate the power of a wardrobe staple, they make the best traveling companions and you can create various styles with them, giving each piece new life. These can also be worn under bulky sweaters, added for extra warmth. You can even wear these items with sneakers or boots. How’s that for longevity?
Listening to Ms. Picardie speak on a live Q&A on Instagram intrigued me, Miss Dior is now on it’s way home to me. I also didn’t realize that Christian Dior created Miss Dior, the fragrance for his sister or that she was his muse. This will make for a lovely read this holiday.
DIOR 30 MONTAIGNE $97 @Dior.com
Instead of investing in a large bottle of Miss Dior, I decided to invest in another giftset for ME. The Dior 30 Montaigne comes with two fragrances, the signature 999 lipstick, which I love and a bottle of the Dior Prestige La Micro-Huile de Rose Advanced Serum. I am super excited, now I am hoping Miss Dior likes me.
I love looking at my friend Cindy’s Instagram wall. I imagine myself walking along the streets of Paris with her. I’ve only been to Paris twice and each time, I went as a tourist, trying to get in as much as I could before the end of my 5-day stay. On my next visit, I plan to sit at a café and people watch, sip coffee and champagne while reading a book or fashion magazine.
It’s nice to know that all you need is a long coat, a trench coat and sneakers and you will fit right in. Don’t forget the crossbody bag and gold hoop earrings and most importantly don’t forget to wear black.
Now I know what my wardrobe is missing, it’s missing a pair of Camille ballerinas by Repetto. I love this woman’s style. It’s modern, yet classic and timeless. My wish list has expanded, in order to do justice one would need a neutral, black and a beautiful red.
LHuile Original Hair Oil $24/$51; GLOSSING DETANGLER $25 @Lolavie.com; 8H Magic Night Hair Serum $56 @kerastase-usa.com; Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner $54 @keratincomplex.com
The pandemic is almost over, I hope. My beauty routine has been infringed upon as much as I can stand at this point. I welcome the days when my presence was required, at least a few days out of the week. I am a product junkie I admit. I went through my beauty products and gave a shopping bagful away and I still have more than I need. I am a firm believer that if you use the same beauty products over and over they cease to preform, in other words I buy items from different brands that produce the same results.
Recently I started using Lolavie. A glossing detangling spray by Jennifer Aniston and I love it, I’ve noticed a huge difference in hair frizz. During this pandemic I’ve developed a habit of allowing my hair to airdry naturally. My hair is shiny and less frizzy, it’s basically smooth. Other products I use are from Keratin Complex. I love the smell of their Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner, although I’ve been using it as a daily hair conditioner. I enjoy the feel of my wet, conditioned hair after towel drying.
Other products I use are from Kérastase, I love their 8H Magic Night Hair Serum, I apply it to the crown of my head and the ends. I also like their LHuile Original Hair Oil, this is applied all over before going to bed.
Katherine Hepburn as Linda Seton June 15, 1938 “The Holiday”
My old 1030’s movie watching has begun now that fall is in the air. I started with The Holiday, starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant (yes, my crush on Cary Grant continues). The first thing I noticed, besides how dashing Mr. Grant was, and that the dialog and delivery were magnificent, was Katherine Hepburn’s evening attire. She was wearing a gorgeous crewneck, black gown, three rows of diamond necklaces and a brooch pinned to a chiffon scarf. I immediately imagined myself wearing my own chiffon scarf and lamented not purchasing a paste brooch that I had my eye on.
Sadly, if I feel that I can’t justify a purchase if I am not going to wear the item much and if I make a purchase on an item I know I won’t wear often, then it needs to be budget friendly. I put my foot down when it comes to buying something extravagant and leaving it the closet. Extravagant for me, means something that isn’t really worth the amount it costs and not utilizing it often to warrant the addition to the closet.
Etsy Chiffon Scarves $22.95 @12thKnit
In other words, the more you wear an item, the more the cost goes down, it pays for itself. It’s cost per wear.
There was another idea I had for a style detail, sadly I don’t remember the movie, or the name of the actress to be able to look up the movie, but she was wearing a thick gold necklace, and a gorgeous brooch pinned right below it, so that it looked like a magnificent piece of jewelry. Again, the brooch I didn’t buy comes into play. Yes, it’s true, my regrets are the items of clothing I didn’t buy.
It’s good to always have a Wishlist. Of course mine includes travel, well-being and mental health. Alas, I am susceptible to emails that include really good marketing gimmicks.
DIOR PRESTIGE Le micro-caviar de rose $445; DIOR PRESTIGE La micro-huile de rose advanced serum – age-defying face serum $380 @Dior.com
Like the email blast from Cuyana that mentions this beautiful Alpaca reversible cape. I imagine myself wearing it, walking around Paris or New York, wearing over a dress, with leggings and booties. I can’t say right now if my vision includes hair and makeup, but most likely, at least I’m hoping. Taking a trip to a bigger city would put pep in my step, I would feel normal going to The Met or Le Musée d’Orsay.
COCO MADEMOISELLEE au de Parfum Intense Mini Twist and Spray $80; GABRIELLE CHANEL – hair Mist $65 @Chanel.com
I’ve also recently been buying makeup palettes from Dior and because I think they might recognize my shipping address, I was given a luxury size of their Rose Caviar. Can I tell you that after trying it and seeing a difference in my skin I had that feeling that a live size was going to cost the amount of Gucci sunglasses. Ask me what would I rather have, the answer if you know me well is a pair of Gucci sunglasses. I remember once when I was in my thirties, I bought myself a large jar of Crème de la Mer. It was during the holidays and after bringing it home, reality set in. Who did I think I was to buy such an expensive piece of skincare? I ended up giving it to my mother, along with a Crème de la Mer gift set.
ELLY BAG $599 @aninebing.com
I’m still concerned about a new fragrance, I still have Amyris by Maison Francis Kurkdjian that makes me not be in too much of a hurry to choose and in reality I do need to go back to the beauty counter and try them out, that’s the only way I’ll know. I’ve worn Coco Mademoiselle before, but chemistry changes with age. The Anine Bing handbag will continue to be on the list until I bite the bullet. My hesitancy lies in the fact that it’s a ladylike bag, and I would actually need to carry it on my arm.
NEW! LUXURY PALETTE OF PEARLS CELESTIAL PEARL $56 @CharlotteTilbury.com
Last year it was an Estee Lauder Christmas, this year I just really liked the gift selection from Charlotte Tilbury and the prices are budget friendly, this means ladies you can buy one for you too, which I have.
I also bought several gift sets from Dior, but mainly for myself. I just love the idea of needing a makeup palette for a future vacation, where I actually apply makeup. But the shades of pink in these eyeshadow palettes I found to be too irresistible.
THE UPTOWN GIRL EYE KIT $99 @CharlotteTilbury.com
So, if we gift exchange during the holidays, then you have an idea of what you’re going to open up this Christmas. I think I will end up buying from Estee Lauder too, but when there are more gift sets to choose from and they offer a free gift with purchase. Oh, Charlotte Tilbury is offering free deluxe sizes of some of her top sellers as incentives.
LIQUID GLASS LACQUER TRIPLE CHERRY $16 ;LIQUID GLASS TOP COAT $16 :LIQUID GLASS PRIMER $16 ;FRENCH 75 ROUND $16 @staticnails.com
I recently discovered Static, a nail company and their products look good, from their packaging to their nail polish colors and their faux nails. I’m tempted to try them out, and will most likely at some point. I have a hard time with long nails and I’ve always admired women with long nails. I just personally can’t function if my nails are too long. However the beauty of these faux nails is that they are reusable.
FACIAL TONER $78 @Isalazo.com
Another brand I recently became aware of is Isa Lazo. I was gifted the toner and it does it’s job. I apply it after cleansing and before my serum and I admit it adds a certain glow to my skin. This toner is unique in that it aids the skin by hydrating and infusing with anti-inflammatory properties.
Cheeky Posh – CREAM BLUSH STICK in Rollerskate $42 @VictoriaBeckham.com
And of course who isn’t in-love with Victoria Beckham’s makeup line, she recently added a cream blush and her ads will tempt you, I’ve always had a fear of liquid/cream blushes, in case I applied too much but I will eventually succumb to the two pink hues and try them.
The chill factor has officially set in today, it’s windy and cold. I had on a sweater for my morning walk this morning with the idea that I would eventually have to take it off once the walking was underway. No chance of that happening, it stayed cold and windy, even with the speed walking.
Photo Courtesy of @anne_dressingideal
Here are some ideas for layering up, it’s always best to layer because this way one can remove a coat, a sweater etc.
It’s safe to own a coat that fits while wearing a blazer, hoodie and t-shirt underneath. It’s fine if you don’t but layering is fun because your attire will evolve, depending on your activity and you will still look stylish with or without your coat.
Photo Courtesy of @_fashionsabs
Photo Courtesy of @_fashionsabs
You may also want to invest in a luxury handbag and some red lipstick…..
BLASÓN M | MEDIUM HANDBAG $1,245.00 @chcarolinaherrera.com
It’s been a long time since I’ve admired suede handbags. But now, recently as of this morning, I am thinking about an unstructured suede handbag in a color that isn’t black. I mean, I know Mr. Santos and he can fix anything, so if I over wear it, he can make it come back to life. Mr. Santos is the cobbler to all of the luxury shops in SF and those of us that know him have him on speed dial.
BLASÓN M | MEDIUM HANDBAG $1,245.00 @chcarolinaherrera.com
The two handbags I can’t stop thinking about are from Carolina Herrera and Cuyana. Both beautiful, well-made and classic with a modern twist. I can see myself carrying either one and being blissfully happy. Remember, when you can see yourself being happy wearing your clothes’ or handbag/shoes they are for sure keepers.
BLASÓN M | MEDIUM HANDBAG $1,245.00 @chcarolinaherrera.com
I also like big slouchy handbags, where I can carry everything I might need when I am away from home, usually when I am at the office, not while running errands or I am with the children (niece and nephew).
Oversized Double Loop Bag $445 @Cuyana.com
Oversized Double Loop Bag $445 @Cuyana.com
I am sure there are other gorgeous suede handbags, but these two are the ones I’m currently thinking about…..
I noticed these beautiful eyeshadow and makeup palettes yesterday and have been thinking about them ever since. I just imagine myself needing the makeup palette with the eyeshadows and lipsticks. I can see myself taking a trip where packing my beauty arsenal is supposed to be minimal but effective. Where I quickly bounce out of bed, apply dry shampoo, splash cold water on my face, hydrate and apply a touch of blush, eyeshadow/eyeliner and lipstick and I’m out the door.
Sadly, I am the type of person that likes to take her time, I like to think about what I am going to wear, and then act accordingly. I’m not one to rush. Although with the pandemic, I’ve been showering in the evenings and re-wetting my hair in the mornings, applying my thickening sprays and lotions and then combing my hair into a messy bun. I’ve hardly been applying makeup, just the odd color here and there, nothing fancy. Then comes picture time and I am lamenting not having put in the effort. I am on a vicious cycle.
But this makeup palette is pure temptation.
Oh well, the only way to justify it is to hold on to it as a stocking stuffer. Here’s to running around chic…….
The fall coat is a basic essential that can elevate basic casual attire and conceal wardrobe sins. By wardrobe sins I mean concealing old beat up sweat pants, faded shirts past their prime and rolling out of bed to go out on a coffee run. Here we see Naomi Watts taking her dog out for a walk, I can imagine her coat worn over all black or camel, it’s the perfect coat for fall.
Photo Courtesy of @elderordonezl
Katie Holmes has the right idea, here we see her strolling around New York, looking as chic as ever with a teddy bear coat. Her coat also falls into the same category, you can dress it up or dress it down, that’s when you know you have a keeper.
Photo Courtesy of @thestreetpie
You could also invest in a stand alone piece that transforms basic black or camel, I don’t see this coat worn with casual attire, but I am not a professional stylist. However wearing a lot of black, this coat would fit in to my wardrobe and elevate everything black.
IT Cosmetics Special Edition IT Girl Holiday Beauty Book $49 @QVC.com
While I was in Maui last month there were Christmas trees, ornaments and all kinds of Christmas vibes. Now in London, the public Christmas trees will be going up soon, makes me wonder how early is too early?
ROUGE DIOR DUO COLLECTION SET $82 @Dior.com
Last year I started Christmas shopping in October, and I started Christmas shopping again this past week. I start off with stocking stuffers, I usually end up being finished by early December. The only problem is that I keep shopping for myself and I’ve been asking myself lately, when is enough, enough? Oh well, I can answer that after I’ve finished updating my fall essentials. I love IT Cosmetic’s beauty book, it contains everything you need for a vacation, just pack it and go.
THE EYES HAVE IT – Primer and Mascara Set $66 @Chanel.com
Here are some stocking stuffer ideas, can you guess which one’s I purchased?
DIORSHOW PUMP ‘N’ VOLUME SET $29 @Dior.com
Chanel usually comes out with a gorgeous velvet makeup pouch in a jewel like color, can’t wait until that email hits my inbox this season, I hesitated last year and missed out. I love that Dior is creating gifts with their iconic 999 red, makes it easier to buy one for you and one for me…….
Here’s to getting Christmas shopping done on time…..
Converse x Basquiat Chuck Taylor All Star $70 @Converse.com
I agonized over which new BasquiatConverse to order, I could eventually have them all, the price point is affordable, but I have a hard enough time wearing the sneakers I already own.
However one can’t go wrong with either of the choices, they will all make an all black assemble pop. I ended up quickly selecting the The crown motif, although I ended up not having anything special done to them. I love Basquiat, although I believe I’ve never seen his work in person, I think I would faint if and when that happened.
Converse x Basquiat Chuck 70 $110 @Conver
Converse x Basquiat All Star By You $90 @Converse.com
I ran a search of the museums that have Basquiat on display and seems I’ll have to go to LA just for the privilege. I was in Zurich, but did not go to a museum, now I wish I had. I found a website that specifically outlines which museums display the most Basquiat, here.
I can’t wait to wear my new Converse, they will definitely put a kick in my step.
Now it’s time to start thinking about visiting LA……
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