March 8th, 2010 by Catherine
Confession: I’m one of those consumers who definitely judges a book by its cover. A product’s packaging has to have something worthwhile to draw me in (whether it’s fancy or simple doesn’t really matter) to learn more. But that’s usually where the allure stops. Having worked in some capacity within the beauty industry for 7 years now, I’ve become immune to the hypnotic effect so many products have, and in the process have saved myself (and my wallet) from frivolous spending.

{Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Hourglass, $26.00}
Such was not the case when I spied Hourglass’ new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss. The sleek, thin tube is super futuristic-looking, and the gloss shades are to die for. There are six in total, all of which promise to glide on sheer, without the goopy tack that accompany so many other formulas I’ve tried. I haven’t stopped craving the strawberry-hued Pulse, and am stopping by Sephora tonight after work! Spring has sprung on the east coast, which means it’s time for a poppy new lip color.
Am I the only one who craves a beauty overhaul when the weather gets nicer?
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March 8th, 2010 by Catherine
I’ve got a thing for lace, and I can’t wait for warmer weather so I can frolic about in one of these minis. There’s something so sweet and sophisticated about a simple silhouette of intricate late, but what I love even more than the girly factor is how well it pairs with tougher elements. Leather jackets, biker-inspired boots, denim, and even men’s Hanes t-shirts are the perfect contrast to this spring staple.

{Crochet Pencil Skirt, Kimchi Blue, $68.00}

{Tiered Lace Mini Skirt, Haute Hippe, $395.00}
Posted in Chic Frills | No Comments »
March 7th, 2010 by Catherine

{Plissé Double Layer Silk Maxi Dress, Halston Heritage, $895.00}
I didn’t know these feelings lurked within me until I spied this dress on Net-A-Porter. Now all I want to do is go ballroom dancing and drink Sidecars. Perhaps it’s the Oscars that have sparked my craving for a night of playing ‘dress up’; maybe it’s the zesty orange hue of this dress that’s got me all excited. The reasons, however, don’t exactly matter when the price is far, far from my budget limitations. A girl can dream, though, right?
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March 7th, 2010 by Erika
And to wrap up our little series on getting to know the ladies behind Chic-Thrills, our darling contributer Erika has listed out 20 fun facts about herself. Here goes…
- I’m also a strict vegetarian and also a vegan on most days. My dietary change happened as a result of my love and admiration for animals, but has been sustained because it’s so healthy! And it’s a pure coincidence that all three of us Chic-Thrills writers are vegetarians. It makes dining out together really easy.
- I’m obsessed with any type of fitness or workout activity, except maybe kickboxing. I just can’t get into it.
- I danced for a majority of my life and I really, really miss structured classes every day. Sometimes you can find me dancing around my apartment.
- I am painfully indecisive, but also have a big imagination. I have wanted to open up numerous businesses and start random projects because of my wandering mind.
- I LOVE to bake and give away my goods as gifts. I especially loving making cakes into shapes. Some I’ve made in the past include an XBOX controller, a penis, and a monkey.
- If money weren’t an obstacle I would own a house on both coasts. I am an east coaster at heart, but love the warm weather and beach culture of California.
- Most people who just meet me would never guess that I have three tattoos.
- I have a weird addiction to pretzels. I can’t stop eating them. Ruth can vouch!
- The next place I am dying to go is Costa Rica.
- When I was younger, I told my parents I was going to live in Australia. Instead, I studied abroad there. I also told my parents I wanted to join Greenpeace and save the whales.
- If I had to pick, right now I would say my three favorite movies are Definitely, Maybe, Pirates of the Carribbean (the first one), and The Little Mermaid. Although, I recently saw Up in the Air and thought it was great.
- Although I beg to differ, a lot of people in my life have told me I look like Lindsay Lohan. I’m pretty convinced it’s just the freckles.
- The best gift I ever gave was a surprise trip to Aruba to my parents for their wedding anniversary.
- I’ve known a good amount of my friends since elementary and middle school. They are true, genuine and amazing people.
- I am pleased to say that I am very, very close with my family, especially my sister and I call my Mom at least once a day.
- I am a firm believer that you don’t have to pay a fortune to look like a million bucks. Right now, I am really into the boho, laid back style emulated by Nicole Richie and clothes from Free People. I also tend to devour the J.Crew catalog every time it arrives.
- I really, really like magazines. I like them so much, I have kept most of my issues from my high school days up until now. That might be weird, but I can’t let them go.
- My favorite meal of the day is brunch. I love breakfast foods and could eat them at any hour. Plus, who doesn’t love mimosas?
- My grandmother gave me her old Polaroid camera a few months ago, and ever since I’ve been obsessed! I just wish film wasn’t so expensive.
- Everyday I check my horoscope on NY Post.com. I was never a huge believer in them, but Sally Brompton is a magician. Even if I check at the end of the day, her predictions are usually right.
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March 6th, 2010 by Ruth
You got to know some unknown facts about Catherine yesterday. Now it’s my turn.
20 things to know about Ruth:
- I’m OBSESSED with the color purple and I like pairing it with burnt orange and brown.
- Ever since I was 16, I knew I belonged in NYC. Now that I’m here, I have a love affair with this city on a daily basis.
- My boyfriend and I met on JDate two years ago. We adopted our pup, Roscoe, from Bidawee in 2009 and we can’t imagine our lives without him.
- I NEVER buy anything at full price and I love dipping into my mom’s closet for great vintage finds.
- I grew my hair to absurd length with the intention of donating it. I sent a nine inch ponytail to Locks for Love.
- I cannot live without my daily planner. I feel lost without it.
- Orchids, tulips, and lilies are my favorite flowers.
- I was voted “best smile” my senior year of high school.
- When I was 10, I wanted to be a doctor. My girlfriend would come over and we’d study the encyclopedia and take notes.
- I’m dying to open a grilled cheese shop. Its future name – Porch 27.
- I am still very close with many of my childhood friends.
- My biggest fear – being alone. Not alone as in single, alone as in, I love having people around.
- I’ve been to Turkey eight times! Izmir is one of my most favorite cities I’ve ever visited.
- I’m dying to vacation in Vancouver.
- I’ve visited more European and Asian countries than I have American states.
- I’ve been a vegetarian for 14 years, and often think about how my food got to my plate.
- My favorite movies when I was younger were Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and Beaches and to this day, I adore Patrick Swayze (RIP), Whitney, and Bette.
- Fiddler on the Roof is my most favorite album.
- I was once a great field hockey player.
- My dream is to be bilingual.
Tags: Beaches, Chic Thrills, Dirty Dancing, Fiddler on the Roof, J Date, Patrick Swayze, Ruth Kallens
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March 6th, 2010 by Catherine

I can’t decide what I love more about the Oscars – watching starlets navigate the red carpet in dresses I can only dream of ever wearing, or the awards ceremony itself. Being a movie junkie myself, I really adore the whole awards process, and tend to route for the underdog. There’s nothing nicer than a young, unknown actor or actress getting the kudos for their hard work.
This year, I’ve made my picks for top honors, which I’ve listed below. Are any of you readers out there hooked on the ceremony, too?
- Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
- Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
- Actor in a Supporting Role: Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
- Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo’Nique, Precious
- Directing: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
- Best Picture: Avatar
And there you have it. Anyone care to start a pool?
{Image courtesy of Oscar Ramblings)
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March 5th, 2010 by Catherine
It’s been 9 months since we first launched our little site, and it’s been a tremendously fun experience for Ruth and me. We’ve both got clear senses of style (polar opposite of one another), and strong tastes for what we like in all things home, fashion, and beauty-related. With so much to say about these subjects, we thought it would help to get to know us (and our dedicated contributer, Erika) a little better. Here goes!
20 things to know about Catherine:
- I don’t believe in ghosts, but still get scared when people talk of their personal “encounters”.
- I was born two weeks past my due date. To this day, I’m still stubborn about change and prefer to stick with places and people that make me feel comfortable. Exiting my comfort zone is not a favorite pastime.
- I’ve been a vegetarian for 17 years, not because of animal ethics, but because I just don’t like the taste of meat.
- A lack of manners is my biggest pet peeve. Spelling mistakes are a close runner up.
- I’ve lived on the east coast all my life, but have been curiously drawn to California for as long as I can remember.
- I can’t live a day without chocolate.
- My boyfriend and I met on St. Patrick’s Day of 2006 in the parking lot of an auto body & repair shop. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
- The first movie that ever made me cry was Beaches. I still sob hysterically every time I watch it, and even tear up when I hear the first few notes of Wind Beneath My Wings.
- Once I eat a food too often, I’ll quickly grow tired of it and never eat it again. This does not apply to chocolate. (See Number 6.)
- I adore all types of exercise and one day want to open my own spinning studio.
- When I was in preschool, I declared that I wanted to be a nurse. Ten years later, while accompanying a friend to have bloodwork, I passed out cold on the floor, and reconsidered my career choice when I came to.
- As much as I love chocolate, my absolute favorite candy is super stale, rock hard Haribo gummies. The staler, the better.
- I’m addicted to The Real Housewives series, no matter the city. I secretly want to hang out with Jeana from Orange County.
- As a child, I developed a fascination with the Titanic, and would spend hours watching a National Geographic tape about the ship’s discovery.
- I once rode in an elevator and spoke with Gerard Butler, and my stomach still does a quick flip when I think about it.
- I ran my very first marathon in November 2009. I plan on running many more in years to come.
- Un-pedicured feet make me gag.
- When I was 12, I performed the Spice Girls’ Wannabe with my dear childhood friend, Laura. Knowing there’s video tape of this haunts me at night.
- Ironically, karaoke is one my biggest fears.
- My favorite time of day is early morning. I never sleep past 8:00.
Posted in Chic Think | 4 Comments »
March 5th, 2010 by Catherine
Earlier in the week, I wrote about my curious affection for these adorable little owl candles. This, in turn, has sparked a budding new obsession with them.

{Owl Letter Holder, Urban Outfitters, $24.00}
Bills will never go unnoticed when perched on this little guy.

{Owl Carry You Necklace, Forever21, $5.80}
Such a sweet little necklace at an even sweeter price.

{Creature Kingdom Owl Hook, Anthropologie, $20.00}
I could probably even train my boyfriend to hang up his coat on a hook as charming as this one.

{Owl Ring, Urban Outfitters, $16.00}
I love nothing more than a big, bold ring. It’s even better when it’s of my new favorite animal.
Tags: Anthropologie, creature kingdom owl hook, Forever 21, owl carry you necklace, owl letter holder, owls, Urban Outfitters
Posted in Chic Frills, Chic Shack | 2 Comments »
March 4th, 2010 by Erika

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate demonstration of Clarins‘ new Spring 2010 Collection (spring-inspired cocktails included!) and I spent most of the night ooh-ing and ahh-ing over every single product. The latest collection includes a mix of hydrators, an everlasting foundation, exfoliators and brighteners. I’ve narrowed down my two favorites and have shared with you what I like about them after the jump! Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Clarins. Gentle Beauty Soap, Delectable Self Tanning Mousse, self tanner
Posted in Chic Appeal, Daily Diamond | No Comments »
March 4th, 2010 by Catherine
With springtime just a couple weeks away, I’ve got my eye on a few additions…
A sweet, floral fragrance to compliment the new blooms all around.

This Alexander Wang Shirt Dress to wear with just about everything that’s already in my closet.

These darling (and super-affordable!) espadrilles from Old Navy.

This ladylike bag from Coach that’s big enough to tote my necessities, but small enough to comply with my weekend resolution.
Posted in Chic Appeal, Chic Frills | 1 Comment »