Ladies Who Lunch.

In a perfect world I would spend every lunch hour sitting at the patio table of a chic restaurant somewhere on Newbury Street soaking up the sun on a beautiful day and enjoying the people watching of some of the best dressed men and women in my state...

In reality, I am often eating lunch on the go when I can find a free minute between stores or production meetings. The food options at the mall and strip malls are not always satisfactory and since I prefer to eat small portions all day, bringing a lunch with me has made more sense. (It's good for my wallet too.) However, a She-ra lunch box or a brown paper bag was not going to cut it so my next challenge was to find the right lunch bag. Easier said than done.

Before shopping, I put together my list of Must Haves:

1) It has to be insulated.
Because refrigeration in my car is not an option.

2) Budget-friendly.
It's still a lunch box.

3) A shoulder strap. 

My hands are already full with my handbag and work tote!

4) Something I am not embarrassed to be seen carrying.
It should blend with my outfit on any given day. Patterns and bright colors are out. I DON'T DO CUTE.

I was surprised by how hard it was to find something that checked off all of these points. I can't be the only fashion conscious woman to carry a lunch to work on occasion yet I was appalled by the countless options covered in flowers and polka dots. Most of the black ones I found did not have a shoulder strap or were too expensive and the rest were oversized and too masculine for my taste.

The Runner-Up:

{Built NY, Inc. Spicy Relish Lunch Tote, $29.99}

Insulated, budget-friendly, and it has a shoulder strap. Not a bad option but I found the slouchy shape too casual. However, the fact that it is machine washable was certainly a selling point...

The Winner:

{LeSportsac Lunch Box, $38.}

Why it Works:
This bag meets all of my must-haves. The double zipper and wide opening will allow me to wipe out the interior. The go-with-anything black does not scream "look at me." There is a pocket on the outiside for utensils and a napkin and the slim silhouette fits easily into my work tote when I'm done with it.

Style Note:
I always bring a decorative napkin (my mother-in-law has me obsessed with them at home) for a personal and pretty touch.

How do you carry your lunch to work?

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Free & Fabulous.

When I checked the mail today I was excited to get the latest beauty flier from Nordstrom. The rich purple polish, the plum and gold cocktail ring, and the upcoming free gift from Estee Lauder got me excited. (Look for it October 10-27 at Nordstrom.) Fall at its best.

On the same day Erich and I started planning a little getaway weekend (courtesy of a wedding gift- a gift card to our honeymoon hotel) which brings me to one of my favorite travel tips.

I always save the free samples of beauty products and hair care. I pack them on trips and weekends away because they are a special treat when I get to my destination. Plus the individual portions are the perfect travel size. A getaway always feels more glamourous with a few luxe extras.

Here are my tips for navigating free product samples:

--> Choose your brand.
Only like Lancome makeup? Break out when you use skin care from any line other than Clinique? Once you know what you love from a certain line, sign up for alerts from the brand's website. You can also get on the email list of the makeup counter at your favorite store (always a good idea if you frequent one particular store or have a credit card there).

--> Look for skin care.
Unfortunately, the makeup shades that many brands give away in their free gifts can be hit or miss. They are not always a perfect match for my skin tone so more often than not I look for skin care formulas that I would use. However, I always look forward to a good black mascara. In this gift I am looking forward to the Sumptuous Mascara, the Resilience Lift Creme, and the Take it Away Total Makeup Remover.

--> Don't be afraid to branch out!
I have found some of my favorite products by trying the samples first. You can also save some money by choosing to be flexible with one product when you buy another. I am loyal to my moisturizing serums, but willing to try most mascaras. I usually wait for a gift to my favorite serum brand and use the free mascara that comes as part of the gift for the next 2 weeks.

--> Don't forget your hair.
I order my shampoo and conditioner from Kerastase.com because of the trial sizes they send along with your order. (Just wait for free shipping.) They are so much easier to manage on trips and I can mix and match them according to my trip activities and hair care needs. For example, I use one shampoo/conditioner combination when I have been swimming in a chlorinated pool and a different one when I am headed out to dinner or an event. Since packing multiple bottles of shampoo/conditioner is out of the question, I pack multiple packets. You can also ask your hair stylist what packets the salon has that would work for your hair. They always have some great options.

--> Think of all the uses for that free cosmetic bag.
The free gift bags I could take or leave. But I would say I end up keeping and using the bag from one out of every four free gifts (mainly because they aren't always my style). In addition to using them as toiletry or makeup bags, I also keep one in my car as an emergency kit; they usually fit perfectly into my center console. Mine contains a small mouthwash, deodorant, perfume, tampon, hand sanitizer wipes, tissues, and Advil. Having these small comforts on hand always makes my day a little bit easier and this purple bag will make the cut.

Indulge with that expensive new eye cream. Try out a new fragrance. Even try switching up your cleanser for a week! Free is a fabulous feeling.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Autumn Attack.

This rainy day reminds me that the fall season is in full effect. Yes, as usual I have been in denial that summer is behind us. But while colder temperatures and grey skies are on the horizon, I am determined to stay happy about this seasonal transition... it's not winter yet. Here are some ways to jump into Fall 2012.

3 Ways to SAVE --> Break out an item you already own that is on-trend now (this fall).

1) Pointy toe heels
The sleek look is a welcome change following many months of rounded peep-toe pumps and platform shoes. They look perfectly clean and slightly edgy with a pair of slim trousers or skinny jeans. Just make sure the leather is polished and the heels are in good condition.

2) Bordeaux lipstick
If you bought it last year and wished there was more opportunity to wear it, this is your chance. (I did. For ways to wear it, look here.) Dramatic beauty looks were everywhere on the runways for Fall/Winter 2012. Dark lipsticks are an edgy, sophisticated way of wearing red. For a more current twist, add a dab of gloss over the deep shade.

{At Rochas...}

{...and at Gucci. Images via HarpersBazaar.com}

3) Peacoats
Change the buttons on your old fall peacoat to brass and rock the military trend seen on the fall runway at Altuzarra...

and Isabel Marant...

Just make sure your silhouette is sleek and modern, not too square. A pair of knee-high black leather boots are the finishing touch.


3 Ways to SPLURGE --> Add some simple updates.

1) Concealer
The season of Back to School/Back to Serious Work calls for a new one. My main goal was finding a product that did not crease after several hours or leave my under-eye area looking dry. The winner was YSL Anti-Cernes Multi- Action Concealer. It's creamy formula lasts and I look well-rested.  The square gold tube is also a pretty addition to my makeup bag. I love the light diffusing pigment and would recommend this product to all women.

{YSL Anti- Cernes Multi Action Concealer, $35.} 

[Of note was the strong runner- up: Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer. (Say that five times fast.) But I found the tube a little too messy for makeup on the run.]

2) Fragrance
The change of seasons is always something I feel in the air. I decided to try something new this year and distract myself with a new and pleasing smell. After 5 years of the same perfume (what I still consider my signature scent), this season I've added a new one to my vanity. And the crazy thing is, so far, it's working. My mood on a gray day always picks up when I catch a whiff of it. Give it a try. Take home a sample of your favorite one and use it for a couple of days before making the investment.

3) Leather
Get yourself some black leather for an instant update. Try replacing your favorite skinny jeans with a pair of skinny leather pants or leather leggings. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of leather pants, opt for a great leather shift dress that will take you all the way through the fall and winter season. I loved these easy looks from Vince.

How do you attack the fall season?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Wedding Hair.

I made it. I was engaged for 513 days, I planned my dream wedding, and I lived to write about it. Happily, I can say that the day was everything I hoped for and more. Phew.

Returning to this blog after the wedding has required me to think less about my wedding. While I daydream about that unforgettable day quite frequently, I finally feel like I can write about something else. Almost. Many of you have written me for wedding details so I've decided to come back today with just that. Starting with my hair.

Wedding hair. Yet another detail to consider on your journey to the big day. The most important hair style of your life, since you will be looking at the photos for the next hundred years. Think of the money you will be spending on photos! Do you want all of that to go to waste when you hide your wedding album like an old middle school yearbook? No you don't. No pressure though.

When I started thinking about it, I wanted the hair style I chose for my big day to check off the following categories:

1) I wanted to look like me.
 It could not be a style that I would be trying for the first time. I had to feel comfortable in it.

2) The hair should fit my dress and accessories.
I wore a statement accessory and a dramatic dress so I knew that I wanted a simple hair style that wouldn't fight the rest of my look.

3) The hair should do the setting, and the occasion, justice.
Nothing too casual for the black tie evening affair.

My first thought was to wear my hair all down. It covered off on the first category- in my everyday I usually wear my hair down. However, since my normal 'undone' look often ends up in my face, I quickly crossed this off the list.

I thought about wearing it half up, but it made me look like a Disney princess in my dress. No thank you.

Then suddenly, my inspiration: the 2012 Golden Globes. (Interestingly enough, my wedding dress was inspired by the 2011 Golden Globes!) Charlize Theron, Emma Stone, Sarah Hyland, and Stacy Kiebler walked the red carpet in my must-have look.

The winning 'do? A low-side chignon.

Fresh, romantic, and slightly undone. More formal than hair all down, yet not as harsh and formal as hair all tightly up. Undone modern glam is my go-to everyday look of choice so this was a perfect fit.


Here is the final look at my hair (and makeup) trial.

Michelle DeVoe at Demiche did a beautiful job.

Finally, when it came time to decide on a hair style for my beautiful bridesmaids, I realized the low side chignon was a style I loved for everyone. Turns out we all part our hair on the same side, so everyone was happy with their final look. They looked stunning.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Dollface.

The Louis Vuitton brand supplies me with eye candy for days. The fashion, the bags, the advertisements, the shoes... I can't get enough. Last fall, the labels' spring 2012 fashion show forced me to add makeup to that long list.

The models strutted their stuff on the runway in ladylike pastel fashion and had the perfect makeup to compliment each look. I love this simple makeup look, especially for daytime, in the spring and summer months. Gorgeous skin, a "natural" flush, and lashes for days. It's so easy! Here's how:

Always prep your skin before your makeup. And make sure you exfoliate! It's a must for this look.

My winning combination for instant luminous skin is Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator + Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.

{Estee Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator, $58.}

After washing your face, apply the illuminator and then let it dry. Follow with the tinted moisturizer, and don't forget your ears! The coverage is nice and sheer so you won't feel like your face will melt in the heat. However, the tinted moisturizer has more pigment than its competitors so you will also have great coverage when you leave your normal foundation/ base behind.

{Nars Tinted Moisturizer, $42.}

In a hurry? Add a squirt of the Estee Lauder Illuminator directly to the Nars Tinted Moisturizer in your hand and blend well. Both products are oil free, and the tinted moisturizer has SPF 30!

This makeup look is feminine and youthful. While it is a soft look, fuller eyebrows will add some structure to your face. Make sure you fill in and define yours with a brow pencil. (I like Diorshow Ultra Fine Precision Brow Pencil.) For a longer lasting look, follow with a clear brow gel.

On the runway, models wore lots of fake eyelashes. Try it for an evening out! For a more everyday look, try several coats of these:

{Lancome Doll Lashes Mascara, $26.}

{DiorShow Mascara, $26.}

To finish this Louis Vuitton inspired look, lightly dust your cheeks with a peachy blush and add a swipe of your favorite peachy nude lipgloss. If you have time, consider adding a light colored shimmer to the inside corner of your eyes. (Please note: shimmer is not glitter.)

Let's recap:
          1) Exfoliate
          2) Luminous skin
          3) Full Brows
          4) Lashes
          5) Touch of peach...

Hello Dollface!

*Tiara and rhinestone headband optional.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Helpful Tools: Wedding Planning

My bridal luncheon was this past weekend and the shock that I am getting married in 41 days is setting in. I am so excited! As the planning draws to a close, I wanted to share some of my most helpful tools in this planning process.

1) Reference

"The Art of the Handwritten Note; A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication" is a book that has been a part of my library for years. It was a birthday gift I received from one of my bridesmaids several years ago that has proved a valuable resource. Between thank you notes, notes to vendors, and addressing all of the different invitations, I was happy to have this for tips. It's a good read too!

{The Art of the Handwritten Note, $10.88}

Fashion and stationery are two of my favorite things, and I love when my two worlds mix.

"Do not write with a pencil or use blue-lined school paper, especially not notebook paper with holes punched in it. That's like going out dressed only in your underpants... You can use a ball-point pen on plain white paper if you have absolutely no other materials and you need to send a note. That's at least like wearing a T-shirt and jeans."

"Do not cross out and correct more than two errors per page. That's like going out dressed in clothing that has holes in it."

I could not have said it better myself.

2) Organization

A Christmas gift from my little sister that proved indispensable in the planning process was this wedding planning kit. The 13 categorized folders helped me keep all of our contracts and payments straight. The pocket planner went in my handbag for quick reference when I was meeting with a vendor. It includes a fashion and beauty guide for the bride-to-be that needs a little more guidance. And the best part? The poster-size checklist. I put it on our refrigerator so that when my fiancé wondered why I was so stressed this past year, he didn't have to ask... It also prompted him to take care of a few "to-do's"on his own.

{The Ultimate Wedding Planning Kit, $29.95}

I kept my inspiration binder separate from all of the contracts and records of payment for the wedding. It allowed me to focus on styling and envisioning the event without all of the extra paperwork in the way. Having my inspiration images in a separate binder was also a simple way to present my wedding vision to each of my vendors during the planning process.

3) Tools

It is amazing to have so many people willing to celebrate in our joy. (Thank you to all who attended my shower!) They have been so kind with their outpouring of gifts and well wishes for our next chapter. Many handwritten thank you cards are in order so make sure you have your stationery ready. I love this modern set personalized with his and her names. The 'established' year is a sweet touch.

{Walnut Paperie, Stationery 012, $48.}

Not for you? You could also order thank you notes to match your wedding paper (programs, menus, etc.). It will be a nice reminder to your guests after the wedding of the festivities they took part in on your big day.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Grown-Up.

I got hooked in middle school. It was cheap. It was easy. And my mother supported the habit.

I have been a ChapStick fiend for as long as I can remember. Is there anything worse than dry lips? My mother told me no. My gateway was Cherry ChapStick. The rosy shade looked like lipstick! Twenty years later I still pull a plastic tube, complete with plastic wrap, from my designer handbags on a daily basis. I pull it out more than my favorite Nars lipstick! (For my favorite shade right now, look here.) But I can't ignore it anymore. It's time to grow up.

{Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner, $18.50}

After years of searching for a suitable substitute of my favorite plastic tube, it's finally happened. It has SPF 15, a nice 'lipstick' scent, and the ladylike retro 1960's tube is exactly what I want to be pulling out of my handbag. It works underneath my lipsticks and have I mentioned I love gold? Thank you Estee Lauder, for another beauty classic.

Each application (and let's be honest, it's frequent) adds a moment of glamour to my regular day. It's the little things, you know?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.