It’s the end of the month, and for the first time in a long time the post is up on time and literally at the end of the month. You know what that means. That’s right – a double dose of everything. Can you believe that it’s already Halloween? Neither can I! Now truth be told, I’m not a huge fan of the “holiday”. I often find myself dressing up as myself, because I can’t imagine being anyone else other than me – flaws and all. I say that to say that there will be no “Halloween themed” section in this post and I’m sure that’s not what you came here for. So – let’s give it a go shall we.
In Fashion
This Sunday, November 2nd, E! channel will be premiering a new reality show featuring one of fashion’s most celebrated designers, one of Forbes‘ most powerful women and current CFDA president, Diane von Furstenberg’s House of DVF. Let’s just take a moment…
Subconsciously, I think I have been waiting for this show to air. I’ve always wanted to know what it would be like to run a fashion empire – not that I would want to run one myself, but as with most things, I am curious. I especially wanted to see it from Diane’s point of view because in my family, her designs are amongst our favorites. My mother still owns three wrap dresses from Diane’s first collection and I have one that was passed down to me that I still wear even today (the dress is over 40 years old, so talk about quality). Whenever her items go on sale, I’m always browsing and sometimes purchasing an item or two and they have lasted for years. My sister has a leather trench that is nearly ten years old and it is still in fantastic condition. Yes, there’s something to be said about the quality of the clothing of Ms. Furstenberg.
I confess the only time that I’ve actually watched Project Runway were the episodes where Diane was one of the judges. She explains fashion like poetry. Her style is glamorous yet understated and you learn something about the art of dressing every time she speaks – well at least I do. One might say she’s somewhat of a fashion coach. However, she’s also a smart and savvy businesswoman with a global brand that operates in over 50 countries with over 100 standalone stores. She’s achieved all of this with only a $30,000 initial investment. Now if that’s not inspiration to live your dream, I don’t know what is. What I find completely fascinating about it is how she seemingly balances an actual life while running a successful business. Watch the first episode in its entirety here before it airs on November 2nd.
Keeping up with the sporty trend, I’ve recently fell in love with quilted sneakers. I recently purchased a pair of Superga quilted high-tops that I absolutely adore. I’ve worn them with skirts, ankle pants and skinny jeans and I always get compliments. The quilted trend is also a big trend for the season (and it’s sure to last after the season is over – so that’s always a good thing). Whether leather or fabric, quilting instantly adds luxe to any outfit. We often see it in bags and outerwear, but now this trend has spread rapidly into footwear. Then I came across a similar pair in leather by Rebecca Minkoff click here to shop. If you love leather, then this is the pair for you. See the two styles below. I’m curious, which one is your favorite? If you have either one of these, send me a picture of how you styled it.
In Beauty
Actually, this section will contain three products, all of which can be used together to achieve optimal results. Last week, while attending a Sephora VIB event, I picked up one of the impulse items at the cash wrap. You already know about my love of mascara and so I was like a moth to a flame when I discovered this blinc mini mascara duo for a reasonable $18 (clearly this was an impulse buy). The duo contains their regular and their amplified mascaras. In case you didn’t know, here are the features of this amazing mascara:
This set features Blinc Mascara, the original tube-forming mascara that does not run, smudge, flake, or clump. It leaves lashes long and natural looking, and the formula’s tubes slide off at the end of the day with the simple combination of water and gentle pressure. Blinc Mascara Amplified features the same great life-proof properties while providing more volume and length. Once applied, the tube technology in these formulas binds to your lashes, even if you cry or rub your eyes, and they slide off easily—with no makeup remover required. – from Sephora
As with most mascaras the key to achieving “WOW” lashes is a good eyelash curler and layering two mascaras to achieve optimal results. Not so long ago I came across an article on Refinery29 about the best eyelash curler on the market. It is by famed makeup artist Troy Surratt. Exclusively sold at Barney’s and called the Relevée it has quickly become a cult classicBelow is what this eyelash curler claims to do.
For starters, each finger slot is comprised of two metal loops (instead of just one), so you have to squeeze less in order to achieve your desired result. This eyelash curler is wider than traditional eyelash curlers so it is able to curl even the lashes at the corners of your eyes. “It’s about lifting and elongating, giving the lashes an upward arc — not that crimp!” [Surrat] explains. “It’s more graceful and uplifted — just like ballet toes going up on pointe.”
Naturally, I had to try it out for myself. Okay, so it’s pretty amazing. It merely enhances what what you naturally have. C’mon girls, all of us like that. Nobody likes to look overdone. I wish I had an on-call photographer so I could share actual pictures (I’m going to have to find a way to effectively Instagram this). I have to say, to get these results, a lash primer is NOT necessary (for the record I dislike lash primers and don’t really see the benefit in using them – and again less is more). I’m not saying that I’m going to give up my beloved Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravaganza mascara (in fact, I would suggest using it as your first coat of mascara before applying blinc, (this can also favorable results) but right now, this combination is my latest favorite.
What to Watch
Normally, this section would be titled In Movies, but this week I really didn’t see any movies that really got my attention. This week it was all about Netflix. I literally binge watched two series during the week. First let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of gangster series, movies, mini-series…pretty much just about anything that has to do with gangsters. I also am a huge fan of practically all the series that are aired on BBC. This past week I watched the BBC original series Peaky Blinders. Based on the early 1900’s teenage gang by the same name, this series is about a family of horse betting gangsters in Birmingham, England. Starring Cillian Murphy (Red Eye, Inception, The Dark Knight), Helen McCrory (Harry Potter, Skyfall), and guest starring Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy), and Sam Neill (Tudors, Jurassic Park). There is violence, there is deception, there is family – all the things needed to keep you entertained. It’s not a regular run of the muck early 1900s gangster series – but then again nothing on the BBC is your regular run of the muck. The first season is available on Netflix and the second series is currently being aired in the UK on the BBC. I can’t wait for the second season to be released here in the US. Here’s a preview of the first episode. If you want to find out more about the real Peaky Blinders click here to be taken to their Wikipedia page.
My second selection is a comedy series that I found on Amazon called Alpha House. It stars John Goodman (Argo, Dancing on the Edge), Clark Johnson (Homicide: Life on the Street), Mark Consuelos (All My Children, American Horror Story) and Matt Malloy (The Bounty Hunter, Six Feet Under). It follows the lives of four Republican senators who share a house. Re-election battles, looming indictments, parties, their Party (Republicans). The characters are funny and human and it shows the funnier side of politics. Wanda Sykes also is part of the cast so you know it’s full of laughs. Think of it as a male version of Veep. See the clip below. Both seasons are available on Amazon and if you have Amazon Prime you can stream both seasons for free. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you can still watch the first episode here.
In Music
This week I was pleasantly surprised to find that Gwen Stefani has recently released a new single, Baby Don’t Lie. True to her catchy beats and lyrics, Gwen does not disappoint with this track. It’s been a while since Gwen has released a solo record and for her true fans like myself, this is the track that we have been waiting for. Playable just about anywhere (I listened to this while cleaning) it’s an upbeat track that will definitely get you moving on the dance floor.
My next selection for this section is from FKA twigs. Sultry vocals, explicit lyrics (seriously, not for the faint of heart) she has made it to my playlist. The total package, with looks like Aaliyah and the strong lyrics akin to Banks (so you know I’m all over this). . My favorite tracks are Lights On and Pendulum. Both tracks feature deep lyrics and hypnotic beats. Click on the song titles above to hear them. Her most popular track is Two Weeks (watch the video below).
In Food
Seriously, this has been a good week. I didn’t even get in front of a stove this week, but my expecting sister has been on a roll. This week we tried two recipes. The first was from Food & Wine magazine – Grilled Spice Rub Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Grilled Scallion. This dish was fantastic. The tenderloin had a sweet and spicy flavor that complimented the grilled sweet potatoes and the grilled scallion (grilled with olive oil, salt and pepper) gave the entire dish just the right amount of kick. The second recipe that we tried was Apple Streusel. This might be one of the easiest baked dishes I’ve ever made. The ingredients are simple and it’s a healthier alternative to apple pie, but just as tasty. It’s the perfect fall dessert and just in time for the holidays.
Well peeps, that’s it for this week! Until next time – remember to always SEE. TOUCH. TASTE.