L'Extreme Lashes

As a mascara addict I have tried almost every brand under the sun. In my experience it is the shape of the brush that matters more than the formula...but that talk's for another day. I recently went to Salon Thalia in Philadelphia's gorgeous Washington Square and got eyelash extensions applied by their aesthetician Memories. The lashes came in two varieties; natural and extreme, and where said to last 4-6 weeks depending on how gentle you are with them.

I opted for the extreme look, which was really not extreme at all (thank god, I did not want to look like some sort of showgirl 24/7). It took about an hour and a half, and my lashes stayed on about 4 weeks before I started to pull them off (my lashes grow quick). They looked very natural, and Memories was super helpful, along with the rest of the Salon Thalia team. You have to go for an initial consultation which takes about ten minutes so she can assess your lashes and make sure that you are a good candidate for the extensions. The price tag on these babies is a little much at around $300+ depending on if you get natural or extreme, but I have to say I was pleased with my experience and would do it again. They gave me the lash conditioner treatment as well as special mascara and a lash comb. I found myself leaving the house forgetting mascara most days (gasp) and barely noticing a difference. I got the lashes done because I was going to be in a wedding, and they really helped bring my eyes out in photos.

Quick Tips:
-You cannot wet your lashes for 24 hours after application
-No oil based make-up removers EVER
-Use the conditioner daily, it helps reinforce the glue bonds
-Use the mascara they give you, and only put it on the tips
-Do not curl your lashes...you will crack the glue

Song of the Day: "Meet Me at The Hotel" - MAC

http://www.xtremelashes.com/

Dreaming in Couture

I must have been a Parisian socialite in a past life because I love to see gorgeous couture creations and daydream that I have somewhere to wear them. Ellie Saab's one shoulder dress (top, Fall 2009 Couture Collection) is so classy and beautiful. The detail and handwork that went into this is obvious, and the billowy sleeve creates a lovely and sensual shape. The last two pictures from Christian Dior's Fall 2009 Couture Collection are equally sensual with the bits of lingerie peeking out from the deconstructed lines and over the top hats. I adore the elbow length gloves, I wore a pair of leather ones with a vintage fur stole to a Christmas Party this past year and I couldn't help but feel like I belonged in Paris. Dior's collection screamed 40's pin-up, to see more go to http://www.nymag.com/ and view slide shows of other designer's couture collections for Fall.
Song of the Day: "The Ocean" - Led Zepplin

Prescription for Perfection

Perscriptives new All Skins Mineral Makeup foundation is 16 hour wear, SPF 10 magic in a bottle. I am so impressed with the coverage and stamina of this lightweight, oil-free formula. It spreads evenly, and a little goes a long way to provide a smooth finish that stays relatively matte all day (depending on your activity). I wore this all day at work and was pleasantly surprised in the mirror at the end of the day; I also suggest Prescriptives magic powder and magic potion. The potion is amazing at waking up around tired, puffy eyes, and serves wonderfully in pictures by breaking up the light as it hits your face for a smooth finish.

Song of the Day: "I will love you" by Fisher

Oh La La!

Agent Provocateur is one of my favorite go to places for specialty lingerie...gotta keep your man guessing. However, I am a frugal fanny so I keep my eyes peeled for sales because spending more than $50 on mesh is not my scene. Anyway, check out Agent Provocateur's Special Sale going on now, they have some hot swimsuits and super fun body suits. Body suits are perfect for underneath conservative attire...I suggest surprising your man in his office for a little peep show during your lunch break. Go get em girls... ;-) www.agentprovocateur.com/

Song of the Day: "Show Me" By Cover Girls

Hit the Spot...

I have to be honest, the way to my heart via food is to bring me mexican...I'm a sucker for salsa! Anyway, while walking and talking with my boss the other day, we stopped in Lucky's Mexican Spot on South Street in Philadelphia. I was so excited by the sight and smell of her steak quesadillas I had to order my own chicken ones. They were pretty good, the salsa had a great spice to it without being overwhelming, and they crisped the outside of the tortilla just right. My order was ready in about 5 minutes, and for $7 I got a generous serving with a side of pico de gallo, salsa, and sour cream.


Song of the Day: "La Valse D'amelie" by Yann Tiersen

Ding-A-Ling

Paris based German designer Udo Edling caught my eye recently and I'm really enjoying his sleek lines and sexy style. His silhouettes are deconstructed yet tailored and chic at the same time. The gilded knees in the above picture is very unique, I'm going to have to figure out how to implement this into my wardrobe. Check out his website http://www.udo-edling.com/ for pictures of his collections; his men's looks are equally desirable with a bad boy in the boardroom vibe. Tres Chic!!

Song of the Day: "You Rock my World" by Michael Jackson, RIP

Forever Yours

Make Up Forever has become one of my go to brands for performance make-up. I don't need anything drastic, but I expect my products to perform as they say they will without a lot of maintenance. This Parisian line has been knocking out crave worthy products since the 80's and their new HD line is quickly becoming one of my must haves. The translucent HD Microinish powder creates a soft focus effect in the face that camouflages pores and breaks up light as it hits your face to distract from imperfections. Great for a day infront of the camera or anywhere you'll be in a lot of pictures.

Another product to try is their full coverage concealer, it is perfect for serious cover up jobs; the pigments in the formula grab the skin and stay put...its heavy enough to cover up even your latest nights ;-)

SONG OF THE DAY: "Cherish the Day" by Sade

Line for the Times

I looooove eyeliner and I'm always looking for brands that don't smudge into my crease and mess up my shadow. In my experience, cream liners are better for long wear, but they take more time to apply. I will always be a lover of MAC eyeliner, but even their best pencil liner fades after a while :-(

Anyway, L'oreal's HIP Cream Eyeliner is super longwearing, and there is a nice sheen to their colors which is always nice....I'm an equal opportunity beauty lover, so I don't have anything against drugstore brands if they can get the job done. Thumbs Up to HIP creamliner; shade to try is eggplant- it's a deep purple that keeps you sexy without the clownlook.

Song of the Day: Ayo Technology by Justin Timberlake & 50 Cent

80's Purple

Great online store for fun and unique pieces for your wardrobe. As a thrify suburbanite, I frequent online retailers and utilize their sales to get myself cute things that aren't uber marked up, and don't cost me a day trip to get. The prices at this shop linger around $100, but they dip below $50 on occassion...either way it is worth it ;-)

Nicolás Vaudelet - Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week

This designer's 2010 collection excited me a bit...which is a feat considering there is no pink in it!!! However, the shoes are hot, the waists are cinched, there are jewels, baubles, and details galore. Love it!