Buy Creme de la Mer tax free @ BlissWorld

I really hate paying taxes.  Now that they're almost 10% in San Francisco, I go out of my way to avoid paying taxes (even if I end up paying more with shipping).  It's the principle of it all.

So when I recently ran out of my Creme de La Mer I searched high and low for an etailer who'll sell it tax free.

Try http://www.blissworld.com/.  Even though there are Bliss spas all over California, purchases via Blissworld are tax free! 

(For those of you who have not heard of La Mer - it's this highly potent night cream that's made out of seaweed extracts.  Estee Lauder has built up this crazy lore about how it was discovered by a NASA scientist who suffered serious burns and the cream completely cured him.  Supposedly they make the cream by brewing seaweed potion in some top secret room.  I resisted buying it for years because the story is just so damn hokey ... but alas old age = dry skin and this is one of the creamiest creams available out there.  It really does the job). 

Design inspiration: Tory Burch

This weekend my pal NC asked me if I followed any good design blogs ... he was looking for inspirations for his bathroom remodel. 

I am competelyl inspired by bold, colorful designs, and no one does it better than Tory Burch.  NC - maybe these pictures will give you some inspiration for your remodel?

Psst!! Best online store for skincare stuff

For years I have been buying most of my skincare items from http://www.dermstore.com/.

This great online skincare retailer carries all of the brands I use and regularly runs 20% off promotions.  I stock up whenever they run a promo (unlike Sephora, who runs a stingy friends & family promo once a year ...).

You get free shipping, several full sized samples, and a 1-yr subscription to a magazine of your choice.  Thanks to my two recent purchases, I am getting full year subscriptions to Lucky and Vogue.

They've got a great return policy so if you're dissatisfied with anything simply call them up & they'll send you a return mailer.

I love Olivia Palermo's Style

I am SOOO ashamed to write this post so please don't hold this against me.  But I heart Olivia Palermo's style.  Yes, yes, for all you City watchers who hate her with a passion (as I do), I feel like a complete traitor.  But she completely inspires me with her cheap yet chic finds!! 


This chic pink jacket has been worn by sooo many celebrities this summer, including
Pippa Middleton (day after the wedding, in an azure blue color).  Wish I had snagged it at Zara before it sold out ...



Can you believe this is Zara?  I saw this in the store but passed it up stupidly. 
When I saw her wearing it w/ the chic shoes & bag, I immediately ran over to Zara to
buy the dress, but alas - all sold out.  Grrrr....

I was eyeing this bag all summer at Zara, but ultimately didn't get it b/c I preferred a softer
leather and a shoulder strap (in addition to the tote handles).  But it really dresses up a
plain outfit, doesn't it?

5 Minute Makeup

If you're like me - you wake up at 8:30am to catch the last 8:45am express bus downtown.  So I've perfected my morning makeup routine down to 5 mere minutes.  Don't expect to look like Sophia Loren after you follow these basic steps.  But you won't look like you stayed up all night watching Mad Men, either (oh I heart heart heart Don Draper).

Moisturizer
Cerave AM moisturizer with SPF30:  I used to use expensive creams but this one is really the best!  My dermatologist recommended it.  You get a huge bottle for $10.00 - it's not greasy, goes on really well, and offers UVA/UVB protection.  I've also given up my expensive face washes for the Cerave foaming cleanser (it is AWESOME!!!).

Foundation
You have three options here.  I go for the powder foundation because it takes 2 second to swipe it on your face.  But really you should probably have all 3 in your makeup drawer.  Or - go for the powder foundation + the liquid foundation.  Mix the liquid foundation with a little moisturizer and voila, you've got tinted moisturizer! 

Powder foundation: these come in the form factor of a compact - you apply the foundation as you would powder. It's quick to apply and offers good coverage.  I recommended the Shiseido powder foundation last time, but here are some other ones I've tried and like.  Honestly I think any brand is fine as long as you find a color that really suits your skin tone.  The trick to knowing whether you've got the right shade?  Take a hand mirror and go outside in the sunlight - that's the only way you can tell if you've got the right shade or not. 

Bare Escentuals SPF 15 Foundation: mineral based makeup gives you a matte look w/ a slight shimmer.  You'll get really good coverage with this but the only issue I have is that you have to buy a special brush & take your time blending this in. 
 
Lancome Dual Finish Versatile Powder Makeup: offers great coverage, plus the compact form factor means you can throw it in your work bag and re-apply.

Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous: I used to use this religiously and I don't know why I gave it up.  It is so silky and smooth - it feels great on your skin, plus it offers sheer coverage.

Tinted Moisturizer:  tinted moisturizer offers very little coverage.  If your skin is looking good and you want some very sheer coverage, go for the tinted moisturizer route.

Laura Mercier Tinted SPF 20: this is consistently a best seller at Sephora and a must have on the Allure makeup review.  I use the sand color.  You won't look like you're wearing makeup at all when you have this on, yet your skin will look really smooth & matte.

Remeded Translucent UV Coat: this is hard to find but soooo good if you can get your hands on a bottle!  The little bottle will last you at least 1 yr.  It has the consistency of water - so you really don't feel like you're wearing makeup, but your skin will look flawless.

Liquid Foundation:  liquid foundations will give you the maximum coverage.  You can mix it with a little facial moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer.  Or you can apply it on top of your moisturizer for a full coverage look.  If you are taking photos - USE LIQUID FOUNDATION!  You'll feel like you have a ton of makeup on, but it'll look really good for the pictures.

Makeup Forever:  this brand has full coverage - great for taking pictures!  I used this on my friend JT and CN when I did their makeup for their weddings.  The pictures turned out great.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: this is the creme de la creme of all foundations.  I recommended it to my friend AP and she looks incredibly gorgeous wearing it!  It's expensive b/c it's sooo light (you don't feel like you're wearing foundation) yet offers great coverage.

YSL Teint Radiance: I haven't tried this yet but I am obsessed with YSL makeup.  I am going to buy this after I run out of my current foundation.

Blush/Lipstick: these products can be used as blush and lipstick.

Stila Convertible Color: the texture is great and stays on all day.  It's a tiny compact and I always keep one in my work bag for touch ups.

Nars the Multiple: same idea, but in a stick form factor.  Orgasm is an universally flattering shade.

Eyeliner: it is so hard to find the perfect eyeliner that won't run or smudge.  I have tried everything out there ... here's what I'm obsessed with right now.

YSL Crayon Yeux Haute Tenue: goes on smooth, won't smudge, darkest of blacks ... I have received a million compliments on this one.  If it runs, put a little primer on your eyelids before you apply this.  This is the primer I use:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer

Two cute hats

I just bought these two adorable hats from Urban Outfitters and I am in love with them.  I wore them everyday in Hawaii.  Love!!!

Basic Straw Floppy Hat $29.00
I bought this in black (for some reason, not available online, but available in-stores)
Even my grandma thinks it looks sexy (and tried to steal it from me).

Straw Fedora $24.00
To my friends BD and KL who made fun of me throughout our Vegas trip - I swear this looks
super cute.  I guarantee you'll want it once you see me wearing it in real life.

Highlights from the Shopbop End of Summer Sale

As you can all guess by now, I love deals!  So it's no surprise that I spent a few hours last night poring through the Shopbop end of season sale.  Here are some of the items in my basket - hurry and grab them before they're gone! 


Joie La Plage Coverup $59.40 (orig. $198)
Back before I acquired my baby pooch, I'd throw an oversized t-shirt over my bikini since the t-shirt
was going to come off in a matter of minutes as soon as I hit the beach.  These days, I am opting for a bit
more coverage.  Stock up on chic coverups during these end of season sales so you look fabulous
at the beach next summer!!  I love the Joie La Plage collection ... I already bought 1 in silk chiffon
print for this last trip to Hawaii ... a classic gauze (like this one pictured above) with embroidery
is a classic - you'll keep this forever.



Tote $26.40 (orig. $88)
I can never have enough totes.  This one is PERFECT because it's (1) flat bottomed so it's rooomy, and
yet (2) not too deep so it's easy to find your stuff.  This comes in 4 colors - you absolutely have
to snatch one up before they're gone!! 

Rachel Pally LaLa long dress $110 (orig. $238)
I heart maxi dresses.  Now that my closet is full of solid color maxis, it's time
to go for the prints.  This one has a criss-cross strappy back.

Dolce Vita Lynnie Racerback Dress $88 (Orig. $110)
I have been coveting a chic racerback striped dress all summer. 
This one is really chic for the city!  I would wear this with the Cole Haan lace up wedge and
a distressed leather purse.  The dress comes with a belt - so
it's a really good deal for $88.

Highlights from the J.Crew End of Season Sale

Since September is upon us, all the retailers are frantically trying to get rid of the last of their summer inventory.  Speaking of seasons, did you guys know that fall inventory actually hits the stores in mid-July?  Below is a rough summary of when new inventory flows to the stores. Hit the stores 2-3 weeks before the new season's inventory comes in for the best finds.  You might not get the best deals - but you'll be able to snag the pieces you really want (before they're too picked over).

Spring hits stores December week 5
Summer hits stores March
Fall hits stores July
Winter hits stores October

Anyways, here are some of the deals I found on the J.Crew end of season sale.  All sale items are an additional 30% off (code: mustshop). 
Note:  this is an edgier selection than I normally choose, but sales are a great way to experiment with things outside your comfort zone!  For these price points, it's fun to participate in a fashion moment!  Plus us lucky Californians can still wear these styles well into the fall ...



Summer Vest $89.99 (orig. $138)



Sequin Lattice Vest $129.99 (orig. $235)
Okay you're going to think I lost my mind recommending a medieval chain mail vest.  But I swear
this is super chic!!! See how this is styled in the pictures below - it looks completely different, right? 
Other ideas - throw this over a simple black dress to jazz it up.

Souk Top $24.99 (orig. $48)
For my friend JT - if you're reading this, please buy this top now.  It's screaming your name.

Wardrobe essential: skinny black pants

The one item in my closet I can't live without is my skinny black pants.  Paired with a blouse & black blazer and you've got a great looking semi-suit.  Paired with a checkered shirt you've got a chic weekend outfit.  It's really important to find a pair that fits your body well, in both the cut and the fabrication.  Some of the things to keep in mind are:

Rise:  do you want a low rise (below the belly) or a mid/high rise (comes up to/above your belly button)?  I personally will only wear mid/high rise jeans now (and THANK GOD high rise jeans are back in again!  As we used to say at the Gap ... crack kills.) 
Fabric: a stiffer denim is good for holding everything in, but is less comfortable because of the rigidity.  A lighter weight denim feels fantastic but can wear out quickly. 

My all time favorite black skinny pants are the AG Stilt.  It comes in several washes & fabrications - my two favorites are:

AG Stilt in a modal / polyurethane blend - it feels really soft (think velour / moleskin).
This is a true black and is less likely to fade because of the fabrication.
It's slightly thicker and fits sooo comfortably.  The true black makes it super dressy - really great for work!

AG Stilt in a 98% cotton / 2% elastane blend (think lightweight cotton - almost like a pair of khakis)
This is a remarkably comfortable pant because the cotton is lightweight and soft -
the more you wash it, the softer it gets.  I have 2 pairs of this jean but my only complaint is that it
fades after lots of washes.  Make sure you turn it inside out and wash it in cold
water - never, ever put it in the dryer!!

Fall wishlist #3: polished weekend look

Most weekends ... scratch that ... EVERYDAY I find myself wearing the same mom uniform:  black lulu lemon pants, gap long sleeve tee, grey sweatshirt. 

One of my goals this fall is to look more polished on weekends, whether I'm running errands, shopping on Union St., or taking Brad to the museum.

The inspiration outfit can easily run you upwards of $800-900.  It's actually pretty easy to piece together with very inexpensive pieces!  Here's how I would tackle it:

Pretty in Pink

1.  Check shirts:  Forever21 is a fantastic source for woven shirts!  These shirts all cost <$20, look great, and can withstand lots of washes.  Some of my favorite woven shirts in my closet are from Forever21 - and I've had them for years and years and they're still going strong.  I put three examples here but their website has tons of check patterns, some going for as little as $13.

2.  Blazers: Urban Outfitters has surprisingly good blazers.  You'll have to use a bit of imagination and mentally erase the hideous caveman print underneath the perfectly lovely blazer. 

Note on the black one pictured here - it's a knock-off of an Elizabeth & James blazer (which I have).  The original is one of my favorite pieces - it looks incredibly chic.  I think I paid a few hundred for it but now Urban knocked it off for $78 (and currently on promo for $59!!).  If you have a grey blazer it would also look v. chic w/ the pink check.

3.  Loafers:  This is something I intend to buy this winter.  Love the two-tone look.  There are a dozen of these on the Urban Outfitters website right now - all for $60-70. 

4.  Note on accessories:  I would style this with a simple necklace, and carry a big bag like this Mulberry one here.  Bags are my splurge items, simply because a good bag makes any cheapo outfit look like a million bucks.

Mulberry Alexa Oversized Bag

Very flattering black maxi dress: same designer - $233 v. $71.99

I find that the older I get, the less I like to show skin.  Maybe it's because I live in SF so there's no sun (and hence I'm sickenly pale).  But more likely it's because I haven't had time to work out and there's too much flab on my upper torso.  Anyways, I've been looking for just the right coverage - sexy, yet 80% covered.

This was my favorite purchase this summer - a simple, waist-defining maxi dress from Rachel Pally.  You might think I'm insane for spending $233 on a jersey dress, but there's good reason for this.  Rachel Pally's fabric is just the right weight - thick enough to hide bulges while remaining extremely fluid.  Typically jersey dresses in a heavier weight fabric look like a semi-sweatshirt; there's very little movement because the fabric is too rigid.  Trust me - it's gorgeous - and I feel like a skinny mini when I wear this.

Rachel Pally Barbora Dress

There's a similar version to this dress now available on Piperlime for $71.99.  Rachel Pally designs an exlusive line for Piperline ... I don't know if she uses a lesser quality fabric (since the retail price points are lower).  But for $71.99, it's worth a try.



Rachel Pally Exclusively for Piperlime Tube Maxi Dress



Accessories spotlight: easy to wear necklaces

Accessories can work wonders on an outfit.  I am completely inspired by Kelly Rutherfor's character on Gossip Girl - she has the BEST accessories and can turn any plain vanilla outfit into a chic ensemble.  Necklaces are really great becuase they can really spice up an outfit - below are 4 basic types of necklaces that should make up the basics of your jewelery box.

A long pendant necklace:

I resisted buying this for a long time because I think Nicole Richie is a skank and I don't want to support her business.  But I'll admit that the woman has a knack for designing extremely wearable jewelery.  I expect to wear this a lot ...


Horseshoe Necklace $58
Add this necklace onto a basic sweatshirt or t-shirt and it
instantly livens up a plain outfit

A long chain necklace:




Chain Necklace $54
This is a pretty basic necklace and can spruce up any work outfit. 
I like that it has both gold and silver tones - so it goes well with anything. 

A short necklace:
I love the layered short necklace look, esp. when it features a small, round, brushed metal pendant.  You can add other layers of short necklaces for more of a statement, or pair with a long necklace,  or add a string of pearls if you're feeling preppy.

Multi-disc necklace $45
There are tons of double chain necklaces out there - this one from J.Crew is priced
well and looks great w/ the brushed metal pendant.

A statement necklace:
I can devote at least half a dozen blog entries to statement necklaces (I am crazy about them), but here I'm going to feature one that I find extremely versatile.  It's from a talented SF jewelery designer Mabel Chong.  You can get this in a variety of stones and sizes - I personally like large smoky quartz stones. 

Mabel Chong Necklace $220
You can wear this long or double strand. 

Cute/Comfortable Shoe Spotlight: Nude Kitten Heel Pump

It's a fact of life - every woman needs a pair of nude pumps her closet.  Whether it's a 5" stacked platform or a 1" kitten heel - a nude pump is an absolute must.

For years Jimmy Choo has been coming out with a classic kitten heel pump but it goes for $495:

Jimmy Choo Lizzy Patent Leather Pump

I found a very similar shoe by Stuart Weitzman for $275 - Zappos, so no tax/free ship.  The picture doesn't do it justice - it is actually a perfect shade of nude.  Heidi Says on Fillmore carries this shoe so stop by and check it out if you need to see it in person.  It's lined in suede, just like the Jimmy Choo version (and let me point out here - when was the LAST time you found a shoe lined w/ suede for this price????).   This shoe is incredibly comfortable - I can't stand heels but I can walk around in this all day.

Stuart Weitzman Poco in Adobe Aniline

EZ makeup: how to get the glow

There's no secret about the fact I'm a total makeup junkie.  If it's out there, I've tried it.  I can be a 1-man cosmetics & skincare review board.  Lately I've been looking especially haggard trying to juggle baby, work, and life.  So I've been obsessed with how to get the glow (when really I look like a dead, dried out house plant). 

First - start with a primer.  You apply this after your moisturizer but before you put on anything else. The primers will fill in fine lines & pores, while creating a nice glow.
Benefit "That Gal" brightening face primer 
Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer

Second - lightly apply a powder foundation.  I've recently started using this Shiseido compact and I love it.  Great coverage, easy to apply, v. light.
Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF 34

Third - apply a brightener under your eyes.  This is the easiest way to look absolutely amazing - a little dab under the eye goes a long way and looks incredible in pictures.  If you did 1 thing out of this routine, I would recommend you do this one.
YSL Touch Eclat

Fourth - apply blush or bronzer.   Go with a blush if you're trying to achieve a dewey look.  Go with a bronzer if you're going with a sun kissed beach look.  If you're going with the brozer, go easy and don't forget to do a light dusting on your nose. 
Smashbox blush in Paradise -- this blush is AWESOME!  Very subtle and makes you look fresh & dewey.
DiorSkin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Summer Powder

Fall Wishlist #2: Peter pan collar blouse $1,300 v. $79.90

On my wishlist this fall is a simple peter pan collar blouse. 

Here's the one I really want ... but alas, paying $1,300 for a shirt would actually hurt.

The Row - Pell Silk Georgette Blouse
$1,300

So instead I'm going to buy this whimsical number from Zara:

Top w/ Peter Pan Collar
Zara $79.90

I'd wear this tucked into a pair of skinny black cropped pants and black loafers.  Adorable!!

Cute/Comfortable Shoe Spotlight: Lace Up Wedge

Living in the city I find I walk everywhere - so I am always on the lookout for a pair of comfortable yet stylish shoes.

I bought these sandals a few weeks ago and I must say I'm quite impressed.  The leather is buttery soft, and the shoe is well cushioned & stable.

The best part?  It's now on sale for $99.99 on Piperlime.com.

Cole Haan Air Haven Wedge
http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&cid=4016&vid=1&pid=867189&scid=867189002

One Orange Skirt, Four Different Looks

In the last post I showed you the somewhat pricey Philip Lim 3.1 skirt in orange.  It really is quite versatile- and here are four different ways to wear it.  The frugalista in me has a bit of heartburn spending $375 on a skirt, so I am going to wait patiently for it go on sale (I'll be the first to let you know when it does!).  But the steep price tag is somewhat justified when you consider how many times you can wear it with things already in your wardrobe! 

My wishlist for fall (and how to get it cheaply!)

Even though it's August and most of the country is in sweltering 100+ degree heat, I am ready to start planning my fall wardrobe.  In the next few posts, I am going to share my fall wish list, and ideas for how to pull together outfit that looks v. similar to the inspiration photo for a fraction of the cost!

Here's why I adore this inspiration outfit:
1.  The skirt is super versatile and you can wear it in a million different ways - with a cream/white colored top, any sort of print (as long as it has a bit of orange in it), with black, with grey, etc.
2.  The top is super versatile - I would pair it with a pair of black jeans or black leggings.  Forget the old saying about how you can't pair blue and black - it looks completely chic! 

The inspiration outfit is ~$1,200 (including tax and shipping).  To be honest, I think the skirt is worth the investment - you really can wear it a million different ways and it's hard to find that shade of orange.  Below are some suggestions, all <$20 that will also give the same look/feel.

[hint: click on the word "orange/blue fall inspiration" below - it'll take you to my polyvore site so you can see where to purchase]

Orange/Blue Fall Inspiration

I'm obsessed with ... utility jackets!

2 years ago J.Crew came out with the best utility jacket ever - just the right shade of olive, perfect fabric, perfect silhouette.  Unfortunately they completely sold out before I could snag one, and ever since then I've been on the hunt for the perfect utility jacket.

Why an utility jacket, you might ask?  I find that it is the most versatile jacket in my close.  The olive green color goes with anything, and the boxy silhoutte & details (metallic studs, zippers, etc.) really add a lot of style.  Today my work outfit consisted of a boring black sweater & black jeans ... but I threw on a couple of necklaces (1 small, 1 statement) and my utility jacket - and voila - instant chic.

[hint: click on the word "utility jackets" below - it'll take you to my polyvore site so you can see where to purchase these jackets]

Utility Jackets