GOLD LUST REPAIR AND RESTORE CONDITIONER $182 @Oribe.com
I’m just as obsessed about my hair as I am about my skin. I ended up going for a French Bob, and it’s a style I can maintain. I’ve had my haircut twice since the pandemic and my stylist Will did go a bit shorter than I wanted at first, but I’m older now and haven’t been going anywhere really. I’m nonchalant now knowing it will grow out. It’s funny about the things we don’t worry about as we get older.
ANALOG CLEANSING FOAM CONDITIONER $32 @Randco.com
FLEUR DE ROSE
I recently tried Oribe’s Gold Lust Hair Conditioner and I must say I am in-love. The Gold Lust Shampoo didn’t do anything for me, but the conditioner left my hair silky smooth, so silky that my Slip scrunchie keeps falling out of my hair.
Another item I can’t live without is R&Co’s Analog. It’s a shampoo and conditioner in one. I tend to use shampoo first anyway, so mainly I use it as a conditioner.
One item that is out of stock is the Moroccan Oil Fleur De Rose Shampoo. Now that shampoo leaves my hair so silky that I don’t need a conditioner afterwards. It’s a shame they are sold out and have been since before the pandemic. I should have purchased two bottles instead of one.
Leave it to the Olsen twins to look polished and pulled together during the hottest days of the year. I stare at their photos as inspiration. They make mixing metals and color pallets look effortless.
I can’t decide which new fragrance to get myself, or if one is necessary. I also want a new foundation, but I’m really not going anywhere, or wearing full blown makeup. But I like the fact that the Chanel Sublimage Le Essence De Teint comes with a foundation brush. I know that N30 is my shade, I hesitate because of the texture.
Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray $113 @Chanel.com
I’ll be going downtown on Saturday for the first time in two years where I will get to try on perfume and foundations, maybe sunglasses. About the Gabrielle by Chanel, I am unsure as to how it will smell on me and literally need to wear it for 15 minutes before making a decision. The question would also be, something to toss into my bag or to keep on the dresser?
3.4 fl. oz. Eau de Parfum Body Lotion Set $193 @Chanel.com
The only item I actually need is a good concealer, for those trouble spots that spurt out every so often. I used to not shop online, now I prefer to shop online. Once you are familiar with a brand, how something fits and wears there really is no other way to shop.
Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Petite Oval Hoop Earrings $650; DORA 18K GOLD AND DIAMOND DISC CHARM $950 @Waltersfaith.com; Photo Courtesy of @elderordonezl
There is just something about Black & Gold, it’s luxurious and chic. I wasn’t always into wearing yellow gold, preferring white gold or silver. But lately it’s been proven that I am my mother’s daughter. My mother loved jewelry. She made Jewelry contact before eye contact and I fear I am the same. All of my sisters and I are. If one of us is sporting a new jewel, believe me, we notice right away.
With my mother’s passing, several pieces were divided between my sisters and I, and that makes wearing the jewelry all the more precious, because she used to wear them. My mother had good taste, it always ran expensive, she never looked at prices because she knew how much it was without having to ask.
Photo Courtesy of @elderordonezl; SERPENTI BRACELET @bulgari.com
She hated that I wore black so much, a good friend of mine once said that he used to wear black, when he had something to hide. I just laughed.
Selena Gomez and Kate Beckinsale have proved in the above photos that basic black & gold are as fashionable, timeless and classic as ever. There are so many textures that it need not be boring.
I’ve always had fine hair, only now that I am older it’s been thinning and I’m just not ready to succumb to middle age, not yet. Especially when I’ve been taking care of my skin all of these years. I know I don’t look my age in a sense, but in a sense I do and I’ll be honest, it scares me a little. My thyroid has been acting up again and more bloodwork is needed, but I am going to wait until after my vacation. Why? I don’t want bad news if there is any to tag along with me while I’m enjoying freedom to an extent from everyday pandemic life.
@Violetgrey.com
I just made my last purchase for myself, since we are planning on renting a house in San Miguel De Allende in early 2022. This means, if I do shop it can only be on sale.
You can say that I have everything I need to return to normal, whenever that is.
I have several white dress shirts, that I haven’t been wearing. I mean I’ve had no reason to dress the way I once dressed to go to work, and the idea of trying to impress someone nauseates me. It’s like I’ve been there and done that, more than I can count.
And then there are photos like these that remind me how nice it is to blowout your hair, wear makeup and pull out the tried and true white dress shirt.
Courtesy of @elderordonezl
And then I am reminded that I really don’t need makeup at all.
last time we spoke with Madeleine Sara, she was in the process of looking for an apartment and a big congratulations to her for buying her first place in Stockholm. In-between planning her move and work, she found time to answer a few questions and it’s nice to know we are not the only one’s obsessed with Sex & the City.
Short cami dress with lace trim @bershka.com/us
Most recent item purchased: I just bought a one bedroom apartment, and the best feature; it has a fireplace which is so nice for winter in Stockholm. Fashion-wise I bought a black slip dress from Bershka, I was surprised how nice the quality and fit was.
BAGUETTE Embroidered pink patent leather bag Code: 8BR600AFJ3F078J
Last show you’ve binged watched: I’ve been watching Sex and the city lately. I’ve seen it like 50 times before but it’s such a good series and I love the fashion. Really want a colorful Fendi baguette bag now, preferably with sequins.
Courtesy of Madeleine Sara
Favorite outdoor restaurant: Haven’t been out much sense covid hit but Stockholm have several nice outdoor places around the Östermalm area.
Beauty black book – salon or spa you recommend: I actually did my first ever face treatment a few weeks ago and I loved the results. I am going back again in a few weeks. The place I went to is House of Beauty Östermalm.
What’s your biggest indulgence currently: Chocolate! It’s the only sweet thing I eat.
Here’s to running around chic, to follow Madeleine Sara @Mads.sara
Naturally this stunning Kaftan isn’t called The Goddess Kaftan, it’s just a name I gave it. To think I almost missed out on buying it, I ended up ordering the last one. I tell you ladies that my hands were shaking, I was so scared someone was going to buy it before I did. In case you don’t know who Denisse is, she’s a Mexican Designer, with a vision, modernizing the way Mexican clothes are designed, taking our traditions from the various parts of Mexico, working with artisans and creating the most modern, classic, glamorous and sexy dresses, kaftans, trousers, blouses, skirts and vests we have ever seen.
KAFTAN MATLALI – Bordado a mano por artesanas indígenas de Huixtan, Chiapas – @denissekuri.mx
There are at least 6 more items I want, but I have to pace myself, this purchase was an impulse, honestly I felt like I was going to die if I didn’t get it. I envisioned myself wearing it, looking like a Goddess, a Mexican Princess. When I worked in Luxury sales, I always told my clients to envision themselves wearing the item they were trying on, and I would paint a picture for them and the results were magical. If you can see yourself wearing an article of clothing where you’re happy, then you know it’s meant for you.
KAFTAN AURELIA – Tedjido en telar de pedal en San Andrés Larrainzar y bordado a mano por artesanas indígenas de Xiloxochico, Cuetzalan, Puebla – @denissekuri.mx
I also want the Kaftan Aurelia, and so many more pieces, but alas I have to wait.
VESTIDO IZTACCIHUATL – Tejido a mano en telar de cintura por artesanas indÍgenas de Zacualpan, Guerrero – @denissekuri.mx
I’m such a beauty and makeup addict. I love anything that promises a perfect complexion. I recently discovered these items and the temptation is almost too much to bear. I keep buying makeup and I really haven’t started wearing it fully yet.
RADIANT FLUID FOUNDATION NATURAL SPF 25 $130 @cledepeaubeaute.com
I start the process with clean skin, apply an SPF, then I add the illuminators and a touch of eyebrow pencil, bronzer and curl my lashes before adding a touch of mascara. I of course apply the red lip, and I am done for the social activity with my vaxxed friends. I don’t reapply anything during the day.
The pandemic has brought on change, I am more relaxed than I used to be. But I still want a beauty arsenal that will enhance my good skin. After all the whole point is grow and adapt to change.
Can you guess which one of these beauties is on it’s way home to me?
Surbhee Grover is a visionary. She created skincare that’s a combination of her beloved India, the richness of regions where she grew up and New York technology, because everything we put on our skin should be good for us. Surbhee has a 20 year career helping beauty brands in their expansion and advising the beauty industry in formulating skincare that makes a difference before starting out on her own with Love, Indus.
She has a busy schedule, but found time to answer a few questions. I do have one question for her that I didn’t ask, and that’s why she didn’t become a model, I mean, I want what she’s having, don’t you?
Never have I ever @Netflix.com
Fashion Icon: Every flamboyantly dressed pre-teen. Some have an incredible eye and dress absolutely fearlessly – we should all be so fearless to reach for what we love, and don colors and styles and fabrics that make you, you. I’ve always believed that what you wear should make you happy and be an expression of what/ who you are.
Favorite Restaurants: I have many fond memories of meals at restaurants grand and simple. The fondest memory is of a meal at an intimate, Michelin starred restaurant in Amboise, France. It was my birthday and my husband and I decided on the restaurant at the last minute. They must have had a cancellation as they had a place for us late at night. It was a small space with outstanding, modern takes on traditional French cuisine. The chef stopped by our table and was most gracious, kind and charming. Embarrassingly, I remember neither the name of the restaurant nor the chef, but the memory of the evening is indelible.
Last item purchased before the pandemic: I enjoy travelling and the lack of opportunity to do so in the last year has been tough. Therefore the pre-covid purchase that brings a smile to my lips is a return ticket to London. We got back in late Feb 2020 just as things started to get uncertain, but it was a great trip and we stayed at one of the prettiest hotels I’ve been to – The Renaissance, St. Pancras. It’s like a fairytale castle with a gorgeous stairway, ornate decor and an atmosphere that takes you back to another era. Also, since I’ve lived in London for a few years, visiting is always a wonderful combination of feeling like I’m on a vacation and yet coming home – simultaneously.
V-Neck Shift Dress @Saksfifthavenue.com
If you could live in any piece of clothing what would it be: That would usually be a shift dress (with pockets, because I’d rather not carry a handbag if I can help it! J) because of 4 Cs:
The Wrap Dress @dvf.com
(a) Comfort and movement – as an entrepreneur, and with a puppy on my hands, I find it especially important to be in something such that if I had to sprint at a moment’s notice, I could
(b) It’s a classic, not something that’s “in” or “out” from season to season.
(c ) It’s like a simple canvas you can dress up/ dress down with the help of a few accessories
(d) The shift dress signaled a change (“shift”) as its popularity coincided with the start of a second wave feminism when freedom of choice (to move easily/ to dance) became more important than the previously favored corsets.
The alternative, for me, would be a wrap dress and I’m grateful to DVF for reinventing/ reviving this dress style – it’s flexible, not fussy, and yet quite flattering.
Beauty routine, what are you using now: Honestly, my beauty routine is not overly complicated. I’ve always had extremely sensitive skin and burn easily in the sun and rarely use make-up. My routine consists of a few, powerful products that can be applied in a no-fuss fashion. My focus is on maintaining skin strength, healing, intense hydration and sun-protection. For non-SPF needs, I rely on our Amrutini® range which provides all the nourishment my skin needs. And the slight whiff of (natural) fragrance in this range (which comprises of 18 essential oils including tuberose) gives me a much-needed moment of indulgence in my day.
There was a period in my life where I only had one pair of sneakers, I also couldn’t buy a pair of sneakers if my life depended on it. I depended on my younger sisters to pick them out for me, because when I bought a pair I ended up giving them away, I didn’t like them after I’ve worn them so returning them wasn’t an option.
Flame Sneakers $245 @US.Sandro.com
But now, things have changed and I am much better at picking out sneakers and own several pairs. Since my birthday is coming up, I’ve allowed myself to be a little more extravagant and finally ordered the Flame Sneakers by Sandro. The above photo was taken last winter and I’ve been hesitating ever since. I have a limit on how much I spend on sneakers, since it’s becoming an addiction. But I bit the bullet and ordered them this morning. There are a few other colors, but being a Leo, I have a penchant for Gold.
Flame Sneakers $245 @US.Sandro.com
If these fit and are comfortable, I’ll keep them and consider ordering another pair, there was another color combination I liked. Sandro also has boots that are worth considering.
Ever since my good friend Ohlala Malala mentioned that her husband gifted her a Tiffany’s Love Ring, I’ve been hankering for one. Although the exact one Mahlala has is sold out, they still have the small size available. The small size doesn’t look as small, I have small fingers and can imagine wearing it, being blissfully happy.
The question is, should I just buy it now, or wait until my birthday. It’s a wait and see situation as my sisters are planning something and I was told not to buy it, yet.
There are a couple of other items I want, all within reason. I don’t have a pair of gold studs yet, I have pearl, diamond, well I do have gold studs but not gold ball studs.
I really like these, but they look smaller than what I would like on the model. But they are interesting don’t you agree? They have the plain gold ball studs, but now in comparison they seem boring.
Has anyone watched “My Unorthodox Life” on Netflix? In one scene Julia Haart is staging a fashion show and picks out the same leather stud boots to be worn with all of the dresses, skirts and pants. This photo reminded me to wear my platform converse with my dresses, I’ve been trying to step-up my fashion game, so that when I come out of hibernation, I’ll be modern and not look like I did in 2019.
CHUNKY DERBY SHOES $225 @Cos.com
I mean there will be similarities to 2019, but I’ll look updated.
PLEATED SHIRT DRESS in Black and White $115; SMOCKED SHIRT DRES $99 @Cos.com
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Canvas and rubber exaggerated-sole ankle boots $750 @Netaporter.com
I don’t wear short dresses, but I do have several long shirt dresses, now the questions is, do I want to invest in chunkier boots or shoes?
My sister has given our family two gorgeous children and my nephew is about to turn two. Running around after him at the playground has proven difficult when carrying a bigger bag. Everyone that knows me, knows that I tend to carry a lot of stuff in my handbags. Since I’ll be in Maui in late August, I purchased a Paravel cross-body bag for when we are out on the boat for our night cruise or jet-skiing. I started using it for running errands and I decided I like traveling lighter.
STÉPHANIE BAG $620 @APC-US.com
I went ahead and ordered myself an early birthday present, mind you it’s not a top designer handbag, but it’s a handbag brand with a cult status. It modernizes my style without being showy or ostentatious. I have a Chanel, a Celine, several YSL’s and LV’s and I just don’t feel right about carrying them around when there is so much poverty in the world. Mind you, if you want to carry yours that’s fine, no judgement here.
BETTY BAG $525 @APC-US.com
I’m just not comfortable carrying a Chanel while standing inline at the pharmacy when there are people waiting in line with me who can’t afford their medication.
But back to happy thoughts, back to my handbag. I’m sure you’ve noticed a theme of leather embossed handbags, I prefer it to the basic calf skin that will attract scratches.
ALBANE BAG $615 @APC-US.com
Can you guess which one I bought, it was on sale and the price was right.
I never wore Vans, I wore Sperry Topsiders and Bass Penny Loafers. I just didn’t think they were aesthetically pleasing on my feet. But now they seem to have caught on to the sneaker trend, and are all grown-up. They are affordable too, under a hundred.
OLD SKOOL $60 @Vans.com
Now I am contemplating ordering a pair. I saw a lady eating outdoors looking so cool wearing a pair, I was tempted to ask her if I could take her photo but I chickened out.
SUEDE EMBOSS OLD SKOOL PLATFORM $75 @Vans.com
The question is, Red, Black or a red with sequins?
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