’ CategorySure, true beauty may come from within, but we can all use a little help every now and then. Chic Appeal will help you find beauty bargains that will keep you looking fly without breaking the bank.
was super excited to find out about the opening of the co-ed co-op floor at barneys. super cool concept with the most stylish finds. here’s me with the lovely chris white (court & hudson), inspiring casey carter (caseyculture) and tell-it-like-it-is eileen dautruche (misswhoeverur).
not only did i have my numbers read by a super accurate numerologist, but the bumbys gave me a fair and honest appraisal of my appearance. they gave my look a 9.4, hopefully that’s out of 10 
In a world consumed by spreading efficiencies across all areas of life, we strip the craft necessary to create products boasting with pride. However, as mass production flourishes, a niche group of people continue to meticulously work at refining their craft. As Fabrice the creator of Le Labo put it, “There is fast food and slow food; Le Labo is the slow, opinionated restaurant of perfume.” With no cap on cost, Le Labo is the purveyor of exceptional fragrances that shock the senses once the bottle is open.
Open to the public, their laboratory hand crafts each fragrance as ordered, ensuring only the freshest ingredients are used to produce the purest of scents. I worked with the Barneys and Le Labo team to receive Labdanum 18. This androgynous fragrance is royal and sexy, creating an intoxicating experience that ignites the senses. As I tend to be drawn to more masculine scents, I find this fragrance to provide a nice balance. Perfect for the day and into the evening, I will enjoy this fragrance throughout the summer.
One thing is certain, j’aime Le Labo Labdanum 18!
For your Le Labo fragrance, visit a nearby boutique.
Even though I work in beauty, I’m not one to get excited by beauty products. So when I come across something that I really like, I feel compelled to share. For those of you who know me, I have extremely fine, thin hair. Resistant to hot rollers, curlers, irons, etc., my hair is destined to remain limp and lifeless. That is until I came across Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray.
Spraying a few spritzes at the root of my hair, I flip my head over and take the blow dryer and small rounded bristle brush and work volume and texture into my hair. According to Sephora, “Nasturnium boosts at the root while keratin amino acids and wheat proteins thicken the diameter of each hair fiber.” Whatever it is, these natural ingredients keep my hair date-ready all day long.
Paraben-, sulfate-, petrochemicals- and synthetic dye- free, I am true fan of this fantastic product.
Available in 4.2oz and 6.7oz bottles, Phytovolume can be yours for $28 and $35, respectively.
As I walked to meet a friend for Saturday brunch, I took the opportunity to stroll through the Union Square Green Market and snap these shots of beautiful, spring bulbs.
Shirt: American Apparel
Cardigan: J.Crew
Necklace: Kailis “O” Pendant
Pants: Target brand leggings
A huge fan of Kailis, I am drawn to the “O” necklace as it’s long, has a pearl (OBVI), and amps a casual Sunday outfit. I love wearing this American Apparel dress t-shirt on the wekeends – it’s comfortable, soft, and neutral in color. Obsessed with a red lip, MAC’s Russian Red Lipstick is a rich, deep red that is easy to wear.
Crossing gender and age boundaries, famed Parisian fragrance house Diptyque, creates fragrances for the home and body that ignite the senses.
Upon entering the Madison Avenue boutique, I was instantly transported to an enchanted forest. Engulfed by white glass and twigs growing to the ceiling, the scents surrounding me smelled of moss, wood, vanilla, sap, and delicate fruits.
Inspired by the ancient spice trade, Eau Duelle is spicy and bold with a base of juniper. With a freshness of light vanilla and the darkness of black frankincense, Eau Duelle balances on the fine line of tenderness and personality.
The original woody scent to be introduced to Diptyque, Tam Dao is sensual with a heart of sandalwood and balanced with rosewood, cypress and ambergris. Perfect for evening, I spritz it once in my hair for a constant reminder through the evening.
What began as unity of passion for creativity and design, Diptyque continues to be purveyors of the finest of fragrances.
When I initially cut my hair, I thought it would be so chic to have a straight, shoulder-length bob. You know, I would channel Anna Wintour, but with more length.
Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan and after a bit of growth, I ended up with a square, lifeless shape. I called on style master, Angelo David of Angelo David Salon to work his magic. With sharp scissors and some type of razor, he strategically cut life, body and movement into my locks.
Without removing length, I was transformed into a confident, sexy version of myself. With my Shellac manicure and hot new hairstyle, I took my new and improved self to experience the rest of my fancy free day at renowned Union Square Cafe.
Not once have I gotten “tips”; my nails filled; or put my hand underneath a light only to return to the nail salon two weeks later to have the vast space between the thick artificial coat and my cuticle filled. To me, there was just something wrong with that. As I’m a firm believer that natural is best, I treat myself to simple manicures and pedicures every once in awhile.
However, nail companies recently introduced the Shellac® manicure to the market. Promising chip- and dent-free polish that maintains a high-gloss appearance throughout even the most damaging activities, I decided to give it a whirl.
I called on my trusted salon, Angelo David, and scheduled an appointment so I could do a test drive. The fabulous nail technician meticulously cleaned my cuticles and filed and shaped my nails in preparation for the Shellac treatment.
She applied a Shellac-specific base, two coats of the Essie Wicked-inspired color, and a clear coat. After each layer, I put my hand underneath a UV light to instantly harden each application. The polish did not appear thick and gel-like and the finish was lustrous and reflective.
The above photo was taken 4 days after receiving the manicure and I’m very pleased that the polish has withstood daily tasks including washing the dishes, lifting weights at the gym, typing and everyday tasks.
After receiving this treatment, I plan to work Shellac manicures into my budget. Thank you, Angelo David, for a life changing experience!
Sweater: Banana Republic
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Nine West
Hat + Gloves: Banana Republic outlet store
Bracelets: Lane Bryant
Scarf: Street Vendor
Coat: DKNY
