Cool Cardigans for Now & Later!

August 13, 2009

A few weeks ago I bought a long cardigan from Zara for only $15 and it’s already become one of my wardrobe staples. Even though it’s still warm in most places, it’s never too hot to pick up a long cardigan.

Whether it comes with buttons, snaps or similar to a wrap, long cardigans can take you from frigid (thanks to the A/C) office days in the summer to chilly nights in the fall and winter. Long cardigans can be worn over light-weight dresses cinched with a belt or paired with jeans and a tank, no matter what they are paired with, they’re perfect for all seasons!

Are you a fan of long cardigans?


Textured Knit Cardigan available at www.martinandosa.com for $49.50


Long Cardigan available at www.newportnews.com for $24


Cotton V-Neck Cardigan available at www.jcrew.com for $69.50


Long-sleeved Open Cardigan available at www.expressfashions.com for $49.50


One A Striped Two For Cardigan available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $59.99


Hooded Long Cardigan available at www.bananarepublic.com for $98


Long-sleeved Cardigan available at www.topshop.com for $40


Pink Roses Long Cardigan available at www.macys.com for $38

Category: Fashion | 16 Comments

Salon Satisfaction

August 12, 2009

I receive countless emails from readers who want advice on finding a great salon in the NYC area; well I’m finally able to share that I have found one that I HIGHLY recommend – Wellington Hair Spa located 119 W. 23rd Street in Chelsea.

Last week I had the pleasure of having my hair done at the salon, which was unpretentious and quaint. Since I hadn’t had my hair done professionally in months, Patrick Wellington (owner/stylist) and his assistant Joanne Laguerre definitely had their work cut out for them. I opted to forgo their offer of a relaxer and had my hair simply blow-dried and flat ironed. I know the heat isn’t ideal for our hair, but I wanted a straight style without the chemicals.

For anyone who knows me, I am hardly ever pleased when I leave a salon so this was one of those rare occasions where I was actually satisfied! My only regret is not taking a before and after picture at the salon to share with you!

So for anyone in the NYC-area who wants to go to a stylist who is incredibly professional and knowledgeable about all hair textures: from processed strands, to lovely au naturel locs, Wellington Hair Spa is the salon for you!

How often do you visit a salon? What do you love/hate about them? Speaking of hair, I just received the trailer for Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair. Are you looking forward to seeing the movie when it’s released in October? For those who haven’t seen the trailer. Here it is! Share your thoughts.

**The winner of the Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon is Mimieyes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info.

Category: Hair | 22 Comments

Coloring Book

August 11, 2009

For those of you who aren’t into the glossy lip look, Bobbi Brown has the perfect alternative for you! Their Lip Crayon is back by popular demand and now here to stay. As a part of their Ivy League Collection, the lip pencil is a combination of a creamy lipstick with the precision and convenience of a jumbo pencil! It leaves the lips feeling moisturized all while giving just the right amount of color without all of the gooey-ness of glosses. Plus, these lip crayons will be especially great for the upcoming fall season. Who says crayons are just for kids?


Lip Crayons (comes in 6 shades) are available at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com for $22 each.

Have you ever tried this lip crayon? If you’d like to try it, just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Category: Beauty | 25 Comments

Bigger is Always Better!

August 6, 2009


Maybelline Great Lash BIG available at drugstores nationwide for $7.

As you guys know, I love anything that will make my lashes appear longer, thicker and overall more luscious and Maybelline mascaras always do just that! They somehow always manage to produce perfect mascara formulas and their newest product – Great Lash BIG doesn’t disappoint.

I already knew that I’d love it because Great Lash is my all-time favorite mascara, so an improved spin on my tried-and-true could only be good. The bristles (I don’t know why they’re pink & green in the photo because they are black) are HUGE, which allows for an easy sweep that will coat your lashes with one application. For my fellow mascara mavens, the bristles are similar to Dior’s popular “Show” mascara, but with the same formula as the fan favorite Great Lash – it’s a match made in mascara heaven!

Have you ever tried this mascara?

**One lucky reader will win a tube of Great Lash BIG (a $7 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced tomorrow.

Category: Beauty | 22 Comments

Healthy Snacking: Fresh Fruits!

August 5, 2009

This summer I’ve tried to curb my appetite for sugary sweets like gummi bears and Skittles. Instead, I’ve opted for delicious fresh fruits. We all need to make a conscious effort to make fruits a part of our daily diets.

The summer is the best season to get your hands on a the freshest fruits available and for a more affordable price. Right now, the fruits in season are: blueberries, blackberries, apples, melons, grapes, nectarines and peaches. Add them to a salad or keep them at work for a healthy snack.

So put down those sugary snacks and head to your local farmer’s market or produce store to stock up on fruits that are tasty and good for you!

What are your favorite fruits?

Category: Health | 17 Comments

Taking it to Max: Part Tube!

August 4, 2009

Some trends stick around for more than a season and from the looks of things, maxi dresses are here to stay…at least for the rest of the summer. This time around why not bare your shoulders in a sexy tube-style maxi for maximum style. Tube dresses are perfect for those long-dress lovers who still want to bare a little skin in the sun!

Would you wear a tube maxi? Click here to check out some maxi dresses from my post last year.


Tiered Maxi Tube Dress available at www.oldnavy.com for $19.99


Tiered Chiffon Maxi Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $68


Aqua Colorblock Maxi Tube Dress available at www.bloomingdales.com for $88


Blossom Maxi Dress at www.forever21.com for $27.80


Floral Tube Maxi Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $78


Gabriella Rochain Fuse Maxi Dress available at www.zappos.com for $69


Belted Tube Maxi Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $38


Zinc Smocked Tied-Dye Maxi Tube Dress available at www.macys.com for $9.99

Category: Fashion | 15 Comments

Relaxing Treat for Your Feet!

July 30, 2009

Tired of long waits at your local pedicure salon? Then why not bring the indulgent pedicure experience into the comfort of your own home with Carol’s Daughter’s Rose Petal Pedicure Soak?

This aromatic and soothing blend of dry milk, rose petals and tapioca, will give your feet a much needed break from pounding the pavement in strappy sandals and sexy stilettos that I’m sure they’ve endured this summer. After using this soak, my feet were left feeling soft, supple and quite simply – relaxed.


Rose Petal Pedicure Soak available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $12.50 (8 oz.)

Do you ever treat your feet to an at-home spa pedicure?

One lucky reader will receive the Rose Petal Pedicure Soak. Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Category: Beauty | 13 Comments

Soulful Sounds of Summer

July 28, 2009

With the anticipation of Whitney Houston’s upcoming release, “I Look to You,” it seems like people are finally getting excited about music again. After getting rave reviews from attendees at her listening parties in London, NYC and L.A, it seems like Ms. Houston just might be on her way to making a true comeback.

In addition to Whitney Houston’s highly-anticipated September release, here are a few other new and semi-new releases that could be music to your ears:


Whitney Houston – “I Look to You”


Maxwell – “Black Summer’s Night”


Jordin Sparks – “Battlefield”


Joe – “Signature”

What are some of your favorite CDs and songs right now? What do you think is the song of the summer? Are you looking forward to Whitney Houston’s new release? Do you think she can make a comeback?

Category: Music | 19 Comments

Pretty in Pink!

July 23, 2009

Last year I noticed the trend of hot pink lips, but it seems to be even more prevalent this summer. During my visit to Miami’s swim wear fashion shows last weekend, I noticed that the majority of the models on the runway were donning hot pink lips and cheeks. Although I have yet to paint my pucker pink, I have opted to go bold with an electric shade of pink on my nails. I’ve also gone for bright pink blushes because they instantly add color and dimension. The eye-catching candy-colored hue always seems to add a bit of girly flirtiness that seems so suitable for the summer!

Are you a fan of hot pink makeup?


Essie Nail Color in Flirty Fuschia available at www.drugstore.com for $8


Amazing Seven Blush in Hot Pink available at www.ulta.com for $22


jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup SPF18 Lip Color in “Melisa” available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $18


Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Creamy Moist Glow in “Hot Pink” available at www.drugstore.com for $24


Lancome Color Fever Gloss Sensual Vibrant Lip Shine available at www.dillards.com for $22


Revlon Creme Lipstick in “Love That Pink” available at www.drugstore.com for $8.99


Rosie Jane Lip Dew in “Apple Blossom” available at www.beautyhabit.com for $16

**One lucky reader will win the jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup SPF18 Lip Color in “Melisa,” (a $19 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Category: Beauty | 16 Comments

Must-See TV: CNN’s Black in America 2

July 22, 2009

Ever since CNN aired the super controversial Black in America two-part series last year, I have anxiously awaited a new installment of the documentary. Many people were not pleased with the topics that were covered in the original series, which resulted in a lot of heated discussions and debates surrounding the show and how we as African-Americans were being portrayed.

This time around, CNN host Soledad O’Brien promises that it will provide a balanced and truthful overview of the state of African-Americans this time around.

Here is an exclusive clip from the show featuring comedian Steve Harvery. Check it out here.

Part 1 airs tonight on CNN 9pm, EST. Will you be tuning in? What were you thoughts on the last one?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 11 Comments