Beauty and Health Essentials

Craving a new Pandora Bracelet

2012-01-30T14:03:00.001-06:00

Craving a new Pandora Bracelet, a photo by jeda21 on Flickr.

Favorites: San Diego Hat Company

2012-01-20T11:43:00.002-06:00

My love affair with yarn products from the San Diego Hat Company is alive and well!

A recent trip to the Morton Arboretum shop left me warm and cuddly in a super long, multi-colored yarn scarf with immense tassel ends--as big as my head!

It's totally brightening my perspective, as well as my outfits. ^^

Casual Friday Snowday

2012-01-20T10:59:00.001-06:00

Casual Friday Snowday by jeda21 featuring t shirts

Closed v neck shirt
$240 - stylebop.com

Stella McCartney t shirt
€110 - youheshe.com

Christopher Raeburn hooded toggle coat
£584 - farfetch.com

7 For All Mankind bell bottom jeans
$200 - stylebop.com

Clarks shoes
$75 - jcpenney.com

Gerard Darel genuine leather handbag
$398 - forzieri.com

Pyrrha initial necklace
£155 - liberty.co.uk

Betsey Johnson crystal earrings
$30 - lordandtaylor.com

San Diego Hat Company Berry Scarf
$15 - piperlime.gap.com

New Favorite Bag

2012-01-20T08:57:00.001-06:00

photo credit Bourbon and Pearls blog

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today and linked to another great blog (Bourbon & Pearls's post titled Jumping Jack Flash), and then saw a photo that captured my imagination (see right).

The tote bag that Carla Bruni carries in the photo features a warm, deep brown suede with a strip going through the top and around. Absolutely gorgeous. Of course, her body language and pose add to the allure of the purse.

That is a great looking suede tote. It's roomy and will sit well when placed on the ground or on a desk, while the handles leave enough room to put it on the shoulder or comfortably grip it while walking.

Although, the suede does make it a little impractical for day-to-day use, as it's more sensitive to staining and damage.

I've been trying to look for a trusty bucket type tote for a few years after my JCPenney Worthington leather tote passed away after much love and (ab)use. Let's see if I can find a similar model to Bruni's tote somewhere, without breaking the bank!

New Purchase: Booties!

2012-01-19T08:00:00.002-06:00

photo borrowed from Polyvore

Although winter has come in earnest to my area, I decided to purchase a pair of booties that can accomodate skirts and tights a little better than my heartier full boots.

I love my longer boots, especially the furry ones with ties that help me survive feet of snow and ice. However, for the office, I find that a little balance between style, size, and grip help me to look pulled together.

I was perusing JC Penney's website and found a great little pair of booties, the Clarks Wish Mood Leather boots ($75). Here is the Clarks website link ($89.99). You can also find these boots on almost any shoe shopping website, varying prices and shipping rates apply.

There are several aspects that drew me to these particular booties:

Clarks, which means well built, comfortable, and will last some time.
leather, which means stretch to accommodate my curves and toes, and will also last a while with proper care.
design, the draped leather design is a little retro (80s) while reminiscent of art deco and art nouveau--or the classic Fiestaware rings, my favorite! The sturdy wedge and mini platform help keep each step well grounded on icy and snowy surfaces.
size, they had my size. Believe it or not, that's a huge deal when you wear a size ten medium, and many tens are either too narrow or too tight in general.
price, you know you can always get a great discount at JC Penney with their receipt surveys, online codes, or flyer coupons.
these are booties rather than boots, so I don't need to go up to a size and a half bigger so my calves can fit.

I ordered them last week and got them just last night, so I'm still breaking them in. Right now I notice that the front/top part is a little tight on me when I'm driving--my right foot is always a little thicker set than my left one. But the leather is flexible enough to provide a little needed give when I move my ankles sitting ,driving, or walking, so there aren't any sore spots on my feet and ankles just yet. Hopefully there won't be any!

So, I believe that after wearing these for a couple of days in a row, and driving in them, they'll gain enough stretch to accommodate each curve and toe a little better.

What do you look for when purchasing booties?

Clarks boots (see more clarks boots)

Brand: The Face Shop

2011-12-27T14:12:00.002-06:00

I discovered that our local Shiseido store (at the Naperville H-Mart) also features Korean skin care and cosmetics products now. The Face Shop products were pretty much everywhere in the store, so I stopped and took a closer look.

I first learned about Korean beauty sheet masks from online beauty gurus on YouTube and blogs. I then happenstance received one (MyFaceworks) from my Birchbox subscription and I was hooked! It was a godsend for wintry, flakey, dry skin that needed a moisture surge.

These one use sheet masks have holes for your eyes, nostrils, and mouth and you apply them and pat them on. Once they dry out, after about 10-15 minutes, you peel them off gently and throw away. They vary in strength and purpose. For example, you might have one to rehabilitate aging skin cells, one that helps in figthing acne, or one that supplies much-needed moisture and antioxidants.

The masks I recently bought from The Face Shop, include the following: the fresh fruit lemon mask sheet to help with large pores and oily skin, one with kelp to help oily skin and acne, a special zone care sheet mask for my heels to heal dry skin, and a CO-Q10 sheet mask to help rejuvenate skin. I can't wait to try them!

When it comes to the cosmetics I purchased, I stuck to basics that can indicate product quality without causing too much mayhem on the skin: the all about power volume mascara, auto eyeliner in black brown, the HD-perfect BB cream, and light yellow eye shadow. These products come at a great price point and have amazing varieties and colors.

I was a little surprised at how excellent all these products were for such a good price point. I would definitely buy these instead of NYX or Rimmel cosmetics. The eyeliner was precise and gave good pigmentation when applied, plus the foam tip on the other end was perfect for smudging a day-time line. The mascara's wand was just as good as Lancome's new Dolls Lashes product (which I bought recently!), if not better! It colored all the lashes and deposited enough without being too wet. The BB cream can be a little pasty of over-applied, but was and felt silky upon application and helps hide imperfections perfectly. The light yellow eyeshadow was exactly what I was looking for. It can be used as an inner eye and brow bone highlight, or layered for a gorgeous silky finish on the lid. Excellent quality that may rival MAC's to be honest. I would love to go back and try more colors which I don't have already in my collection.

I'm incredibly pleased with all these purchases and am enjoying using them a little at a time as the days go by. I would urge you to at least check these out if they are available at a store near you. Cheers!

My Growing Betsey Johnson Collection

2011-12-25T08:48:00.000-06:00

I've decided to start updating on my Bestey Johnson stash :o) Yesterday I had the opportunity to treat myself to three new earrings, and I couldn't be happier. Her stuff is like candy. I can't get enough.

But I take tons of time to pick out the items that I know I'll love and can wear in a multitude of situations (work, parties, after-work, everyday, etc.). I love her quirkiness, the good quality (nothing has lost its coating/lustre yet!), and the individualism these pieces bring to your wardrobe.

Without further ado, here's my collection:

Skull rose drop earrings and matching necklace [Von Maur] - This was my first purchase. The similarity with Mexico's folkloric art and the Day of the Dead motif were impossible to pass by.

Snowflake flower stud [Macy's] - these are one of my latest acquisitions. Gorgeous in winter.

Crystal accent apple studs [Macy's] - these are fun. I love to wear these with a two-tone gradient red scarf in a turtleneck arrangement.

Rose stud [Macy's] - I'm semi-obsessed with this particular design, as I have coral drop downs, two faux ones (coral and turquoise) from Francesca's, and then this version as well.

Silver tone rose stud [Macy's] - this is part of my rose semi-obsession.

Flower drop down earrings, in silver tone [Macy's] - these are lovely for work. One of my latest acquisitions.

Rose drop down, gold tone [Macy's] - these I couldn't find a picture for online. The lever-back design makes these among my favorites to wear to work when I have a large scarf to keep me warm as they don't fall out or poke the back of my ears.

I think I may try to get the drop down rose, next! :o)

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T08:27:00.002-06:00

May the season's bright details bring you a smile and heartfelt joy, which lasts throughout the year to come.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year!

Quote of the Day

2011-12-20T12:13:00.002-06:00

"If you live your life in a box, maybe you end up looking perfect on the outside. If you live your life outside the box, you end up with a face like a map, the tributaries revealing all the things you’ve done, and you wear your battle scars for all to see."

How to Get a Job if You're a Woman Over 40, Susannah Breslin, Forbes

Medicine Cabinet Beauty Essentials

2011-12-19T11:37:00.002-06:00

There are a few items in my medicine cabinet/drawer that I know can count on, in any type of beauty emergency. It's useful to keep some trusted products, which you've had optimum results and are of a price point that you can live with, on hand for just these types of situations.

Here's my list of trusted standbys:

Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream ($30) - this is for heavy duty moisture in winter or summer, or if your skin has undergone a medical treatment that made it dry and sensitive. It's especially helpful when you have a sore nose from a cold. I used to get samples from my online retailer (and still do), but now I bought myself a full size one.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($14) - this cleanser is a neutral, foaming cleanser that I always go to in a pinch or in-between other cleansers I've been ~~forced to buy~~ suggested by my esthetician(s). I go through approximately four a year.

Clinique CityBlock SPF 40 ($18) - I am incredibly sensitive to sunblock products, and this is one which has never once caused me any effects whatsoever. It's incredibly easy to apply or reapply. It's protected my face and neck on many an outdoor scamper in the summertime. I go through approximately two a year.

MAC Mineralize Sknifinish Natural ($27) - this is my go to foundation, cover-up, powder, eyelid primer, etc. It's one of the very few, remaining face powders that don't contain talc--one of my arch-nemesis ingredients. I go through approximately two a year.

Thalgodermyl Purifying Extracts ($47) - this has been my go-to spot treatment since I was first shown it by an esthetician at Nordstrom in the early 2000s. One bottle lasts me for years, pending the occasional, excruciating accident where I may knock the bottle and spill some on my bathroom counter. ToT

Dr. Bronner's Classic Liquid Soap (32 oz $17) - I love the lavender, citrus, rose, or almond and I always have a bottle of one on hand. It's a great body wash and could even serve as a bath soak, foot soak, or shampoo in a pinch. The mint classic soap bar ($4.50) is a perfect remedy to tired legs and feet after sight-seeing or a hot summer day.

Winter Casual Friday

2011-12-16T19:42:00.001-06:00

Winter Casual Friday by jeda21 featuring heavy coats

Knit v neck sweater
$15 - windsorstore.com

Donna Karan heavy coat
$907 - net-a-porter.com

Les Halles The 70'S Bell Bottom
$143 - shopambience.com

Logo watch
$113 - macys.com

Long drop earrings
£16 - talullahtu.co.uk

Peter Lang black leather belt
$145 - frockaholics.com

Dr Martens - Modern Classics 1460 8-Eye Boot Grey Music and...
£90 - mamstore.co.uk

Converse® One Star® Satchel - Brown : Target
$35 - target.com

Winter Workday

2011-12-15T10:23:00.001-06:00

Winter Workday by jeda21 featuring tote hand bags

Splendid top
$72 - net-a-porter.com

TopShop scoop neck top
$20 - topshop.com

Kookai floral coat
£159 - johnlewis.com

Ann Harvey black tulip skirt
£20 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Black shoes
$7.50 - romwe.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs tote hand bag
£470 - net-a-porter.com

Citizen longs jewelry
$113 - jcpenney.com

Martick heart jewelry
£35 - johnlewis.com

The North Circular wool shawl
$215 - barneys.com

DeLux cable hat
$24 - karmaloop.com

Work Desk Emergency Stash Drawer

2011-11-29T09:21:00.001-06:00

Do you keep lifesaving beauty, apparel, and healthcare supplies in your work desk drawers/cabinets?

I have always kept a little zipper pouch full of emergency items at my desk. Over time, I believe I've refined the contents to the very bare essentials.

Here's my stash:

Hand wipes
toothbrush and toothpaste
face wash and face moisturizer
eyeliner and mascara
makeup compact with eyeshadows and blush -- a freebie from Clinique!
band aids -- though our offiec has a very well-stocked medical cabinet
panty liners
clear nail polish
nail polish remove pads
stain removal pen
vitamins and probiotics
anti static spray
folded plastic bags

Thankfully, there's a continuously refreshed of family-sized aspirin and ibuprofen in our medical cabinet, so I don't need to worry about having some of my own.

Also, under my desk, I keep a lumbar support pillow and a cozy cashmere blanket. My office has been known to be freezing cold in-between seasons, and in deep winter. The windows facing North cause a number of drafts to chill the air of our ground level space.

I need to refresh my stash by adding some trouser socks and nude hose. I've often come to the office with no socks only to be miserably cold the rest of the work day. Oh, and a protein bar!

Clarins Million Meal Campaign

2011-11-27T19:30:00.001-06:00

Just found out about this amazing program at Clarins: Million Meal Campaign.

"Your purchase of Clarins FEED 15 Pouch will provide 15 school meals through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)."

The pouch comes with 3 travel sizes of: Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, Moisture-Rich Body Lotion, and Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (Rose Shimmer, 01).

Clarins for Dry Skin

2011-11-25T17:36:00.001-06:00

I stepped into my local Macys today -- yes I realize it's Black Friday and a lethal proposition -- to purchase my eye moisturizer at the Clarins counter.

They had a special where you purchase a product and get one free. I thought I hit the jackpot. *squee*

What I walked away with in the end were:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - I have seen this in numerous onflight Duty Free catalogs and believed it to be a reliable product to rehydrate needy skin quickly. I am SHOCKED at how well this has worked for my dry, sensitive skin on first impact. You pat this on gently, don't rub, and close your eyes as you inhale the soft aroma(therapy). Divine.
Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum - a very light gel that absorbs immediately. Soothes dry eye area skin in a flash. LOVE THIS STUFF.

Cheers and wishes for soft skin this dry winter!

Gray Alternative Wednesday

2011-11-24T11:08:00.001-06:00

Gray Alternative Wednesday by jeda21 featuring infinity scarves

Diane von Fürstenberg ruffle dress
$375 - neimanmarcus.com

Fox hoodie
$76 - pacsun.com

Thermal shirt
$13 - tillys.com

Skull jewelry
£684 - farfetch.com

Simon Sebbag clip earrings
$118 - nordstrom.com

Bangle bracelet
£65 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Bangle bracelet
£45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Donna Karan infinity scarve
$750 - net-a-porter.com

Ladies Super Soft Tights
£4 - peacocks.co.uk

Skagen Steel and Black Leather Watch, 37 mm
$110 - bloomingdales.com

1460
$70 - dmusastore.com

Eastpack Pinnacle Backpack
£53 - mylabel.co.uk

Learn: Retin-A

2011-11-24T08:54:00.001-06:00

I started taking Retin-A for a skin problem, about two weeks ago. I found a really useful article to give a general background of the current market and the role Retin-A plays, on the New York Times (Skin Deep -- The Thing About Retin-A: It Works by Sally Wadyka, Nov 2006).

This article might have some useful information for you. However, I must say, that the most I've ever learned about this product is through the Essentials Day Spa forum (example, Retin-A and Moisturizer thread).

Eastpack Backpacks

2011-11-22T15:53:00.000-06:00

While in Italy, and after I lost my camera traveling there, I decided to purchase Eastpack's Orbit Coal backback.

My mom and I were walking in front of a men's store and when I saw the gray Eastpack in plain sight, I immediately made a bee-line for it. I ended up getting the darker gray, which is almost a green, gunmetal gray.

I already own an Eastpack from one of my travels when I was 9-10 years old. These guys last a lifetime, and come with a 30 year warranty.

I paid €50 for the backpack, which is, now I realize, about €10 more than MSRP. Oh well. I'm still happy with my purchase, and am now using it to get to and fro work. My lunch and clutch have never traveled so well ^^

Rainy Work Day

2011-11-22T15:48:00.001-06:00

Rainy Work Day by jeda21 featuring skull jewelry

3 1 Phillip Lim mini skirt
$484 - boutique1.com

Rupert Sanderson black leather knee high boots
$1,145 - rupertsanderson.com

Mango leather clutch
£30 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Skull jewelry
£684 - farfetch.com

Tahitian pearl earrings
$490 - neimanmarcus.com

Skagen rose gold watch
$135 - nordstrom.com

Glass jewelry
£45 - julesb.co.uk

Bangle bracelet
£45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Lambswool half-zip sweater
$70 - jcrew.com

Eastpack Pinnacle Backpack
£53 - mylabel.co.uk

Travel Packing

2011-11-21T11:10:00.001-06:00

I have begun to hate travel packing when I don't have a check in bag. The convenience of not checking something in can definitely put a damper on your beauty packing.

I seriously have a grudge on those stringent restrictions enacted sine 2001. But there's hope to the anxiety, with a little pre-travel prep.

As proof, this last trip last week actually turned out pretty good, packing wise. Just the essentials for beauty and health care and I was well off for an entire 9 days. Nine days! How about that!

Do you have a hard time remembering everything you need, when you pack for travel? I sure do, and there's nothing worse than that terrible feeling dawning on you as you unpack at your destination, and remembering what essential you forgot.

For a couple of years now, I've begun a serious, pre-planning philosophy for the few trips I take each year. I keep the essentials ready to go just in case: a shoe box where I ~~dump~~ keep all my product travel sizes and/or product travel containers, and a plastic quart-size bag. That's where all those free toothpaste samples from the dentist go!

I no longer purchase sample sizes unless it's a trusted, holy grail product. This cuts down on c~~ash hemmorages~~ waste and bad surprises while traveling far away from home.

Here's my beauty and hygiene packing list from this last trip:

Plastic bag:

face wash
moisturizer
liquid foundation
other cream #1
other cream #2
toothpaste
deodorant (if it's solid doesn't need to be here)
hair product in gel, liquid, or spray

Makeup bag:

eyeshadow(s) and brush(es)
eyeliner
mascara sample
powder foundation and brush
blush and brush
eyelash curler
hair clips/bobby pins to help wash face or style hair
face cloth, rolled up
toothbrush
razor

Do you have your own pre-trip plan to keep your packing easy peasy?

Casual Friday+Flight

2011-11-11T08:29:00.001-06:00

Casual Friday+Flight by jeda21 featuring lightweight shoes

Jil Sander short sleeve t shirt
£60 - farfetch.com

Dorothy Perkins scoop neck sweater
£10 - dorothyperkins.com

Antonio Berardi velvet tuxedo jacket
£1,199 - matchesfashion.com

J brand jeans
$158 - barneys.com

Lightweight shoes
$139 - zappos.com

Proenza Schouler clutch
$895 - editnewyork.com

Proenza Schouler genuine leather handbag
$725 - ssense.com

Judith Jack yellow gold stud earrings
$95 - nordstrom.com

Bangle bracelet
£60 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Bangle bracelet
£45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Missoni silk shawl
$50 - target.com

Visit to the Dermatologist

2011-11-08T19:51:00.001-06:00

After two months of severe acne breakouts and sensitivity to pretty much, well anything, I finally gave in, cried uncle, and called the local dermatologist office for an appointment.

Today, at 7:15 am, was the lucky date and time. The very nice dermatologist office is actually located right next door (I mean literally a few steps away) from our old apartment. I was always curious about the building.

The dermatologist looked at me, asked me a few questions, looked more closely, and immediately proposed two treatment options:

1) use oral antibiotics in unison with topical treatment
2) use topical treatment only

I opted for the combined treatment. This afternoon I went to CVS and loaded up on over $100 worth of meds. So much for having insurance?

Now, my morning routine will include my trusty CeraVe face wash, a spot treatment, and Cetaphil SPF 50 day lotion--acne treatments cause sun sensitivity. Then in the evening, again a wash, the spot treatment, and an all-over retin-A lotion (now in a convenient pump!), followed by CeraVe night lotion.

I've always heard horrible things about Retin-A. But I'm pretty desperate, so I'll hang on to whatever life raft I can hang on to.

I spent quite a bit for this trio of goodies. I already scheduled a followup check up the first Saturday in December, to see how things are going and what the next steps, if any, should be.

I'm hoping the headache I got today was due to some anti-mold chemicals they liberally sprayed in our leaky office, and not a sign to come from the oral antibiotic. Wish me luck.

Favorite Routine Right Now

2011-11-06T16:11:00.001-06:00

I've been addressing a number of health issues lately, including really bad skin. To help not aggravate things, I've gone back to basics. Here's a rundown of very gentle products for oily/combination/congested skin that seems to be working to keep things easy:

CeraVe foaming facial cleanser - foams up a little, but cleans very well without leaving skin dry. Doesn't irritate, doesn't clog pores.
Murad perfecting day cream with SPF 30 - helps keep moisture in, especially for drier/recuperating skin. Helps protect with SPF.
Murad perfecting night cream - hydrates and helps renew skin while you sleep.
DDF ultra lite oil-free moisturizing dew - great, light moisturizer but can sting if skin is being especially testy. I am using this up then looking for a new moisturizer. I'm done with the DDF linme after the bad experience I had back in September.

I have a dermatologist appointment on Tuesday, when I hope to find out how to take care of some of the chronic issues I've experienced. Wish me luck!

Casual Friday in Gray

2011-10-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

Casual Friday in Gray by jeda21 featuring rose earrings

Vince boat neck tee
$85 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Talbot
$109 - talbots.com

Loafer shoes
$995 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Madewell sling tote
$148 - madewell.com

Juicy Couture pave bangle
$58 - juicycouture.com

Dana Levy beaded bangle
£50 - liberty.co.uk

1928 rose earrings
£9 - johnlewis.com

Donna Karan sheer shawl
$395 - net-a-porter.com

Buy: Clarks Shoes

2011-10-27T09:32:00.002-05:00

This week has been rainy and cold. One day was 73F and sunny, but the rest have been barely touching 50F--quite the punishment and an early reminder of what's to come. Brr.

I wore heels on Monday to work, I think I started regretting it as I was getting into the car. But forged ahead. By the time I had walked to my chair and sat down, at the office, I realized the error of my ways. My feet ached and screeched to a halt whenever I tried not to trip every few steps. I went to JC Penney across the way, and immediately dived into the Clarks showcase. I bought a pair and haven't looked back since.

Photo borrowed from JCPenney, link on left.

These are my first ever pair of Clarks. The May Poppy leather slip-ons, as they're called, are spectacular. They were on sale for around $60 plus tax too.

My Poppies don't feel tight or vice-like such as other loafers make me feel. They also don't hurt or rub anywhere, pending my wearing my trouser socks. They make walking normally, well, normal. Plus I feel that the shiny surface helps repel the misty and soggy rain.

It has a high vamp, which is usually a problem for me, but they have enough give with the elastic sides that it's not an issue.

I remember a coworker from a few years ago, Chris, she pretty much only purchased Clark shoes and sandals, and no other brands. She used to get them at Kohls. I may have found a trusted brand for work-appropriate and walkable shoes. I now know why Chris was such a devoted customer to the brand.

This year, I've been all about finding long-lasting and walking-appropriate shoes that don't hurt. Ideally, they don't even feel like they're on. I've had success on three occasions, this Clarks purchase was one of them, and the other two purchases were Ariat and Arcopedico brands.

I'm looking forward to discovering new favorites in the months ahead--though, with the snow and harsh winter weather, I'm more likely to wear my leather snow boots to commute, and just keep a pair of work shoes at work to slip into once I arrive. Yeah. I kinda like that idea.

Hope your footsteps are comfortable and stylish ones.