theBalm's Meet Matt(e) Palette Review ♡ Twenty Fourteen

Today I have another review for you guys (a fashion post is coming soon, [haven't done one in ages] I promise!!) theBalm was recently on Hautelook, and I have to say, even though I enjoy the brand, I only really purchase theBalm products when they're on super flash sale. I have been eyeing this palette for months and have been eager to see what it has to offer, so I was happy to find it on Hautelook! 

Firstly, how CUTE is this theme?! It's kind of genius to begin with, but the way it's executed is pretty perfect. I always enjoy the satirical packaging of theBalm products, but this one takes the cake. Every shade is called some kind of "Matt [insert last name]"... and the cute cover sports an illustration of the quintessential all-American guy next door.

The other great and practical aspect of this palette is the large mirror. It's always a great idea to have a mirror in any palette (perfect for traveling), but I really like how this one is a long rectangle as opposed to the usual horizontal mirrors in palettes. I think it makes this palette even better for traveling, for you can really use it when applying all of your makeup as opposed to just your eye makeup. 

It's shadow-talk time, and let me say, these shadows are fabulous from what I can tell so far. I like that each represent just about every color family, but there is still a very muted tone throughout. I think that makes these versatile enough for daily looks, especially for spring and summer. Personally, I tend to opt more for a matte eye in the spring and summer, to leave all the shine and shimmer for my cheek highlight. I think Matt Singh mixed with Matt Rosen and Matt Garcia in the crease would be a nice natural eye, while Matt Singh, Matt Abdul, and Matt Johnson might make for a cute evening eye. These  shadows have great color pay off, and you can leave them light or build them up. 

As you can see, Matt Singh and Matt Lombardi are two of the colors that are really close to my skin tone and difficult to see, but I think those would be great lid/ base colors combined with the darker shades of the palette. My only criticism would be that I wish some of the colors were a bit more neutral, because I don't think I'll get much use out of the purpley and yellow shades. 

Overall though, I think this is a truly adorable palette that would be absolutely perfect for taking on vacation or out of town, it's totally versatile and great for this spring and summer.

Happy matt(e)ing!;)

"He is winding the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike."

[The Tempest 2.1]

Cheers, x

Diana Vreeland Memos Book Event ♡ Twenty Fourteen

This week I had the privilege of attending a book signing and slide talk on the recently published book, Diana Vreeland Memos. It was an absolutely amazing experience to listen to Diana's grandson, Nicholas, and great-grandson, Reed, talk about their personal relationships with Diana, expressing details of her extravagant taste and enthusiastic personality. 

[Taken from GirlsdoFilm.wordpress]

Renowned as one of the most creative and fascinating editors of Vogue magazine and founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Exhibition, Diana rocked the publication of Vogue to a very new and innovative state. Her inspiration came from everywhere, and she was especially noted for creating articles and photography that readers of Vogue had never seen before, including inspiration drawn from the "youthquake" of the 1960s. Her genius took Vogue readers on journeys to the lands of Bali, Tahiti, and Japan; creating a new experience for it's audience when picking up the magazine. Everything from the color coral, to the color gray, to a list of extinct animals, to gypsys, to futuristic ensembles, was squeezed into every biweekly issue of Vogue at the time. Diana created not only a fashion magazine, but a magazine of culture and perspective. A magazine that sold "hope." 

The fascinating thing about the Memos is that besides the small introduction pages of each section (as seen above), the entire book consists of photocopies of all of Diana's memos within the office at Vogue. Diana did not hold meetings during her time as editor, rather, she gave out memos to all of her staff, designers, and photographers, dictating exactly what she wanted for the magazine. 

Some screen caps from the Youtube Video I created on this event...

[Yes, that is the Cristobal Balenciaga]

It's actually so cool that the entire book is basically her word, it's a very unique way of telling her story.

Nicholas and Reed were able to share some fun anecdotes about Diana, and expressed that her quirkiness was a trait both at work and at home. It was clear that they both truly idolize their grandmother in a very special way, for they really admired her love for life and originality.

Finally, I was able to get my book (and Marissa's copy) signed by Reed and asked him, "What would Diana's advice be to an aspiring fashion journalist?"

His answer....

Extremely accurate to say the least.

I made a video (for a class project) on this event, and it is up on Vimeo! 

A brilliant book and one of the coolest publications I've ever seen!

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything"

[As You Like It 2.1]

Cheers, x

March Favorites ♡ Twenty Fourteen

Happy Spring, guys! Although it's a bit early for my March Favorites, I have a busy week coming up so I thought I'd post them ASAP. It's finally gotten a lot warmer in NYC this month, so stay tuned for some more springy weekly wears! But first, let's go through some of my favorite products this month, ladies ++ gents!

Beauty 

01. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette- OMG you guys ! (Wow, I felt like Miss Lindsey there for a moment;]) I am so happy I picked this baby up at Sephora, I've been using it nearly every day since purchase. My favorite crease colors that I've been bouncing back and forth using would have to be Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Hazelnut. The first two are matte, and the latter is shimmery. I've been using Painterly as a lid shade, adding any of these three in my crease and then finishing off with White Chocolate from this palette as a highlight. A simple, easy, and simply decadent everyday eye.

02. Stila Smudge Crayon in Dazzle- I've been reaching for this pencil very often this month to give my eyes a grayer, smokier, line. It glides on effortlessly, and has the perfect tip for makeup beginners (not much smudging or complication when lining an upper lash line).

03. L'Oreal's Voluminous+ Lash Out Mascara- The oh-so-perfect combo I've been wearing all month. Voluminous has been an all time favorite of mine for years, and the unique angled brush of Lash Out works brilliantly for a second coat. 

04. Tarte's Tipsy- I've rediscovered this gorgeous corally-pink blush this month. It's awesome for spring, and adds a nice flush to your cheeks on any type of bipolar-weather day (which is very characteristic of Spring in NY).

05. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate- Last month, Korres Jasmine was my preferable balm, but I've opted this month for one with the same formula with a bit more color. Pomegranate gives your lips a nice pinky-red tint, while moisturizing them to perfection.

06. NYX Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler- I've read and heard a ton about NYX butter glosses, but I haven't gotten a chance to check them out until this month. And boy, am I happy I did. The consistency and pigment of this stuff is incredible! I'm most definitely going to go pick up more of these, and I highly recommend them for this spring + summer!

Hair 

07. Fruity+ Cheeky Cherry Batiste- So, funny story.. I ran out of my Batiste a few weeks ago (around the beginning of March) and the Duane Reade and CVS by me here in the city only had the 'Not your Mother's' Dry Shampoo, so I went for that one, and I honestly hated it! Like, it totally made my hair knotty and didn't make my hair feel clean at all! So, I finally went back and found this Batiste and decided to give it a try and I adore it! It's just as amazing as the original Batiste, and has a nice yummy clean cherry scent.

08. Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner- I recently chopped my hair off (not to worry, its slightly longer than my shoulders) and I decided to try a new brand of shampoo and conditioner. I randomly picked this one out and so far I've been liking it a ton. It also smells really nice and sweet as well. 

Purchase

I have a sweet sixteen for my lovely cousin Cristina later in the week, and I've been searching for a new dress for it since I've exhausted just about every other dress in my wardrobe. I found this dress for $46 at Urban (on sale from $180) and I could not pass it up! My photo doesn't even do it justice> it's black, gold, navy, and purple sequined with the coolest mesh cap sleeves. I'm super excited to wear it and pair it with my Jeffrey Campbell Inaba MC's!

Instas 

01. Le Bain, NYC

02. Photo Booth at family parties, obvvvv.

03. DIY Confetti System (post that will be up on U lala very soon!!)

04. A bit of the LI Sound I got to walk by on my week home in Suburbia

Hope everyone had a lovely month! Here's to April!

"O thou invisible spirit of wine, 

if thou hast no name to be known by, 

let us call thee devil."

[Othello 2.3] 

Cheers! x

Favorite Spring Bright Nail Polishes ♡ Twenty Fourteen

Spring is on its way and bright nails are getting back into fashion! Inspired by Miss Lindsey's video on her favorite spring nail polishes, I've decided to share with you guys my favorite brights for this spring. If you know me well, you know that I have a very neutral clothing color palette (for the majority of the time), so having a fun color on my nails is a way for me to add a nice pop. Bright fingertips is an easy way to incorporate some creativity and originality to any look. 

01. Olé Caliente by Essie- a gorgeous red-hot pink! It's a lovely watermelon kind of color, definitely not too pink, yet not terribly red. I love this for my toes during the spring, it looks really nice with any peep-toe shoe.

02. Macbeth by Butter London- I've talked about this nail polish before, and no matter how hard I try to venture out to other parts of the land of hot pink, I still will always retreat back to it in the spring season. Not only do I adore it's name (I'm a Shakespearian at heart, after all), I think it's a great addition to any nail collection. It's a bloody (pun intended) deep pink that will really enhance that sun-kissed spring break skin (or airbrush tan for us New Yorkers who didn't travel). It's a lovely color that really suits any type of girl at any age.

03. Jaffa by Butter London- Looking for a rad neon orange to sport this spring? Jaffa is your color. It's a really pretty bright orange with some red undertone. Jaffa would do wonders paired with gold accessories for any spring occasion.

04. Tart Deco by Essie- A vibrant peach with pink and yellow undertones. This is one of my absolute favorites in the springtime. It screams sheer elegance and is the most vibrant peach nail polish I've ever laid my eyes on.

05. Need Sunglasses? by OPI- Normally, I would not even go near a yellow polish unless its a super bright neon. I received this one in a gift bag from a fashion show back during September NYFW, and at first, I was super intimidated by the color, but tried it out nevertheless. And... I loved it! It was a total step outside of my comfort zone in the best kind of way. This is a beautiful sunny yellow that basically just reminds me of sunflowers and the excitement of summer. Although seemingly just for "summer," I like this color for spring because I think it's totally unexpected. This is a super fun shade and I recommend jumping out of your comfort zone to try this one out.

06. Turquoise & Caicos by Essie- This is one of my go-to polishes (and has been for a few years now) for spring. A crowd favorite, Turquoise & Caicos is a perfect deep mint that compliments any skin tone.  Its not too blue or green, and not quite as icey as Essie's Mint Candy Apple or Revlon's Minted in comparison to some other mint polishes. It's kind of a nicer, cleaner, turquoise with some more blue in it's undertone. 

07. Suzi Says Feng Shui by OPI- A sweet ocean blue with some green undertone. I love this as a spring blue, for it's a little deeper and different than other blue polishes. This color is both fun and sophisticated, and I love it's versatility.

08. Butler Please by Essie- Perhaps my one of my favorite nail polishes of all time, this is a gorgeous neony-blue with purple undertone. It's so eye catching and adds so much spark to any outfit, I've literally never worn this color without getting a compliment or question regarding my nails. This is the perfect bright royal blue and I love it like crazy.

09. Lilacism by Essie- A light lavender! If you're a pastel-lover, you will most definitely want to get your hands on this one. It's a beautiful pale purple with pink and blue undertones. Nice and soft, but still vibrant. 

Swatches

Happy Spring!

"Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs"

[Romeo & Juliet 1.1]

Cheers, x

Go Green for St. Patrick's Day ♡ Twenty Fourteen

Happy St. Patrick's Day, guys! I put together a few of my favorite green products for this holiday and overall, for spring!

Mac's Pigment in Gilded Green

Urban Decay's Duo in Jealousy

Urban Decay's Vert (Skull Palette)

Maybelline Baby Lips in Peppermint

EOS Mint 

Garnier Fructis Under-Eye Roller Ball 

Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes/ Makeup Remover 

Violent Lips in Gold Glitter

I did a quick face chart look for any St. Paddy's day festivities as well! 

Inner corner/lid- UD's Blunt 

Middle lid- UD's Duo in Jealousy

Outer corner- UD's Vert

For lips, Violent Lip's Gold Glitter would be super fun to finish the look, but if you'd like to do a more subtle look, I suggest just moisturizing with either of the lip balms above and then patting some of UD's shadows, Chopper& Blunt toward the middle of the lips to give them a little gold-glitter shine! (Lush's lip tint Latte would work brilliantly as well). 

Can't forget to indulge in St. Paddy's treats! The shirt above is from Truly Madly Deeply; c/o Urban Outfitters. 

Cheers.

"Friendship is constant in all things 

Save in the office and affairs of love"

[Much Ado About Nothing 2.1]

PS! Check out my interview with Florencia Bibas !