Beauty Tool Favorites

brushes | dryer | Clarisonic | hair ties

brush | eyelash curler | flat iron

Having talked about my favorite drugstore beauty finds here, and then my upscale beauty product obsessions here, I figured it was time to round out the full routine with my must have beauty tools.  Here are my "desert island" seven:

1. Good inexpensive brushes: I love the selection of makeup brushes over at Target. I recently picked these up and really love the first one for all over bronzer and blush and the last one for eye-brows and lashes...I've used each brush at some point for various blending.  I don't like to pay a lot of money for my makeup brushes because I like to experiment and replace them quite often.

2. I also don't like to pay up when it comes to blow dryers.  I don't need any fancy gimmicks, etc. just deliver the hot air! (I like that this one comes in purple, I can't help it!)

3. Basically, my Clarisonic (and my flat iron) are my beauty tool splurges.  I started using this a few years ago and absolutely love it.  I've given one to both my daughters as well.  I use mine in the shower, making the whole routine that much easier to stick to.

4. I also started using these clever elastic ties a few years ago. I love how they don't break my hair like other elastics. They come in so many great colors and designs, my girls love them too.  We're always stealing  borrowing from each other.  I can't work out or wash my face without one.

5. A good friend of mine turned me onto these "wet brushes" a while ago, and just like the hair ties and Clarisonic I've gotten these for both my daughters as well.  Between the three of us we have a lot of hair, these brushes get the tangles out with out the drama (and or the tears).  

6. I've been loyal to the Shiseido brand of eyelash curlers for years.  I love the way this simple tool gives my eyelashes a bit of shape and makes my eyes seem wide awake, especially when I'm not.

7. I first "discovered" the flat iron back in the nineties and it was life changing for me.  For me there is nothing like a great flat iron to take my unruly waves, curls, cowlicks, flyaways and frizz and tame them into smooth submission.  I feel so much more put together when my hair is behaving.  I probably go through at least one flat iron a year, due to use...this is the one I'm currently using.

I'd love to hear what your can't-live-without beauty tools are!

One Fine Flat

I fell hard for this vibrant and eclectic London flat. The former home of British designer Ben Pentreath, this space is the perfect combination of old world elegance meets new design ideas.  Not an easy task, and yet, here it seems to look almost effortless!

Spring Wishlist

1. | 2. | 3. | 4.

5. | 6. these are on sale! | 7. | 8. | 9.

What started out as a simple quest for new sandals yesterday...ended up unleashing a full blown desire for spring clothes, accessories and makeup as well!  I'm not saying I bought everything in this post, but I do want it all.  Having just booked our flights down to Florida for Spring Break, I'm sure I would get a lot of use out this Tory Burch boho silk blouse, not to mention this adorable Tory Burch raffia Molly tote!  I still have a gift card held over from the Holidays, and now it's just a question of when and where...

Spring In My Step

It seems almost impossible that there are less than fifty days until spring.  The frigid temps, the wind chill, the polar vortex...if I never hear these terms again it won't be soon enough!

Between school closings and sick kids, black ice and a broken boiler (last month)... I've really had enough with winter.  Over. It.  Unfortunately, it's not over.

So with a fake it until I make it attitude along with some retail therapy thrown in for good measure, I've decided the cure for the winter blues around here, is obviously spring and summer shoe shopping.  The last time we were down in Florida, I realized that I only had casual flip flops (Tkees and Havaianas) and a few pairs of dressier wedge sandals, but nothing in between.  These super cute Jack Rogers Lauren sandals, are exactly what's needed to bridge the gap in my resort shoe wardrobe.  A twist on the ubiquitous (at least here, in my neck of the woods) Navajo sandal, while still retaining some of the classic Jack Rogers style, I'm ordering up a pair today.  I'm also blasting the heat, wearing ten layers and doing everything in my power not to go out today...wish me luck!

Images via: Jack Rogers

The Art of Living Stylishly

Artist Kerri Rosenthal, knows a thing or two about living in style. As one of my favorite (and local) artists, I've been following Kerri's creative career for some time now...with a background in fashion and her hand in professional interior design as well as the fine arts, it's no surprise that Kerri's home is as elegant and sophisticated as her beautiful artwork. If you're not familiar with Kerri's amazing art, check out her site here.

It turns out Kerri and I have a mutual friend, and we started chatting via email several months ago.  When Kerri mentioned that her place was going to be featured in New England Home, I couldn't wait to see it. Kerri's chic and joyful abode was photographed by Michael Partenio and written and styled by Stacy Kunstel, the same dynamic duo behind the gorgeous home accessory line, Dune and Duchess...I spy an uber chic candelabra from this very line on Kerri's dining room table.  It's another "world's colliding moment", and I love it.

Shop the look here:

Monday's P.O.P.

 

purple parlor

Image via: ElleDecor.com

Winter White Out

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. 

5. | 6. | 7. | 8. 

Every year, I plan on wearing my beloved white jeans after labor day...I follow street style, I read Vogue, I know the old school rules don't apply any more. Somehow, for me at least, it just feels wrong and awkward...

But, white as a winter fashion statement is catching my eye in other ways...maybe it's all the snow we've gotten this week, everything coated with a fresh blanket~ it's rather beautiful. My typical sartorial choices of black, grey and navy all seem so tired and dreary, I'm longing to embrace the sophisticated style that is "winter white". 

From ivory to cream with a bit of metallic thrown in for good measure, the appeal lies in the variety textures... Have a great weekend!

Master Of The House

I've lost count on the number of posts dedicated to Steven Gambrel's eclectic and tailored interiors, however, I'm quite certain that this one will not be the last. I can't get enough of this designer's unique (yet not too overtly "out there") aesthetic. This house, in East Hampton, is just the latest in a long line of stunning homes that have caught my eye by this celebrated New York designer.  The kitchen and the bedrooms are especially captivating...

Wednesday Wants: Simple Pleasures

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. 

5. | 6. | 7. | 8.

Call it a mid week slump or maybe it's the winter "blahs"... here are eight little things, all catching my eye for their pick me up, life improving qualities: 1. A subtle pink manicure in a clean and chic shade. 2. A new fragrant candle in a fabulous container. 3. Sweet smelling hand soap at the kitchen sink.  4. Dainty little rings (that fit under gloves) at dainty little prices.  5. Always flowers, either fresh or faux. 6. New notepads for lists and goal setting.  7. A fun little coin purse for all those quarters (no more parking tickets)! 8. A new key chain in an easy to find at the bottom of my bag size.

What small little treats are catching your eye this month?

Book Review: A Passion For Blue and White

Even though Carolyn Roehme, published A Passion for Blue and White, back in 2008, I wanted to talk about this beautiful book here today.  Aside from this being one of my all time favorite color combinations, as well as one of my all time favorite design books, all of the images here seem completely fresh and of the moment. I've always loved blue and white decorative pieces of all shapes and sizes, from Asian influenced ginger jars and vases to less formal pieces like stone ware and spatter ware. While certainly not a trend per se, it would appear that these classics are all having a bit of a revival these days.  

Get the look with some of these fabulous blue and white pieces

Peeking Into Designer's Homes

Last week, along with several other bloggers, I had the pleasure of attending the 25th Anniversary Celebration presentation and coffee for Lillian August furnishings and design.  The designer, artist and all around decor maven, Lillian August, spoke to us about trends, design influences and her inspirations.  Already a fan of this local decor and furnishings source, it was very insightful to hear from the successful lady behind the business...so much so that I was inspired to go back and re-visit her house in North Carolina, featured last year in Traditional Home.  It's such a beautiful and well edited space that I'd thought I'd share it here today...

Monday's P.O.P.

purple panache

Image via: House Beautiful

Lemon Zest

earrings | lemon tree | lotion

scarf | wallet | sandal

perfume | vase | candle

There's something so uplifting about the scent of fresh lemons. Delicious, beautiful and loaded with vitamin C, lemons are fast becoming my antidote for winter gloom. I'm even considering getting a little lemon tree for my kitchen, how awesome would that be?  

Why stop with actual lemons when there's lemon infused beauty products to be had? Citrus scents are always my fave, which is why I'm so curious about this one. As for lotions I already have (and love) this fresh one.

Not one to ever have too much of a good thing, I'm thinking lemon drops as earrings, a bright citrus trimmed scarf, yellow fringe sandals and a bold sunny wallet would all make great additions to my somewhat neutral wardrobe.  In fact, I'd wear this scarf now with my endless array of grey sweaters and tops...

As for my home, a fun pop of yellow is in order with this fab lucite vase and this sunny candle, (with a lemon scent) which I've been eyeing for quite some time (and finally pulled the trigger on)...I know it will look perfect in our family room bookcase, where I'm sure it will lift my spirits till spring...

Kindred Style

I really want to finish the overall interior design of our vacation home in Florida all ready.  At some point last year, I just ran out of steam.  But, thanks to some much needed inspiration, I'm getting new ideas and taking my lead from Floridian native and designer extraordinaire, Ashley Whittaker. It was Ashley's recent "Style Resolutions" in Southern Living, that reignited my love for this designer's timeless aesthetic. And, now I'm on a mission to finish up our place in a similar eclectic neo-traditional style, literally asking myself with each and every new purchase, "what would Ashely do?" Check out some of my Ashley Whittaker inspired finds below...

My Ashley inspired picks: