Style's Elements

formspring.me

2010-02-11T14:44:00.001-05:00

I decided to jump on the bandwagon: Ask me anything your little heart desires http://formspring.me/xokitkatxo

formspring.me

2010-02-11T14:43:00.001-05:00

OK, I decided to jump on the bandwagon: Ask me anything your little heart desires http://formspring.me/xokitkatxo

L'oreal Luxury Products Sale - Metropolitan Pavilion, NY

2009-12-10T12:30:00.002-05:00

L’Oréal Luxury Products sale, Dec 16-20

10AM - 8PM daily
The Level at Metropolitan Pavilion
123 W 18 ST - 5 FL
(between 6 & 7 Avenues)
fragrance, cosmetics, and body care

MIA for too long

2009-08-13T15:22:00.001-04:00

I've been slipping and now it's time for me to get back to blogging regularly. Stay Tuned, i'm back!

Oily face? Free solution!

2009-06-05T11:26:00.010-04:00

If you are anything like me, you are constantly searching for ways to get rid of the oiliness that haunts your face every day. I have tried everything and am still on a constant every day search. However, being a Recessionista, I am currently avoiding any high ticket items. So I am delighted to present to you the most inexpensive (and earth-friendly) ways to beat those oily blues!

#1. My favorite: The brown paper napkin $0.00

The brown paper napkin is 100% recycled, 100% biodegradeable and 100% free! These napkins work just as well as the tiny little blotting papers we are used to buying, except they are free, easily available and BIGGER! I was so sick of having to use about 4 of the little blotting papers just to cut the shine on my whole face. Now one napkin takes care of my whole face in about 1/4 of the time. The best part is that they are easily available. Many people swear by the ones in Starbucks, i just use the ones my company supplies in our kitchens! Keep some at your desk, some in your purse and some in your car.

#2. Toilet seat covers $0.00

These are also readily available by walking into your nearest public restroom and grabbing one out of the container. They are the same consistency as blotting papers and biodegradeable, just flush them when you're done! They don't work as great as the brown napkins (IMHO) but they are great in a pinch.

#3. Makeup rounds, approx $2 for a pack

These rounds come in many different forms. I would suggest going for one that is more absorbent. You can keep it in your purse and use it to blot any oily areas and the best part is that you can wash them multiple times, saving you a lot of money!

UK based Top Shop Opened in NY today

2009-04-02T11:35:00.001-04:00

British retailer Top Shop launched it's first US flagship store in Midtown Manhattan today and I wish I could have taken off of work to go.

Though it is a big risk for the British investors in this tough economy, shoppers can breathe easily because their prices are VERY affordable and range in price.

Top Shop takes Forever 21 and H&M to a new level. It's discount pricing of high fashion edgy London street style mixed in with bright colors, a DJ booth, a one hour tailoring section and even a hair salon. Kate Moss cut the ribbon for the Grand Opening as she will be premiering her new collection.

I am hoping I can get a chance to visit very soon. I was looking at their website and I have my eye on a LOT of things. This silver Lantern dress for $80 would be perfect for my bday celebration!

Spa Week is back!

2009-03-24T10:08:00.003-04:00

Ladies Spa Week is back and quickly approaching. This year it will be held the week of my birthday, April 13-19th!

You can receive $50 spa treatments from participating day spas in your area during that week. These treatments range from facials, to massages to laser hair removal! You need to take advantage of this great deal!

Check out http://www.spaweek.com/ for information.

OCD tip of the week - Spring Cleaning

2009-03-24T10:02:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine is starting a new video blog (tune in Wednesdays at 6pm, www.blogtalkradio.com/thepowderroom) and she asked me to do an OCD tip of the week, since I do have some OCD tendencies. So I figure I might as well post my tip here as well!

Spring is here, so you know what that means, it's time for spring cleaning. Take time this weekend to go through your closet and remove every single article of clothing from your drawers and closets. Create three piles, a toss pile, a keep pile and a maybe pile. After everything is sorted, place all the "keep" items back in your drawers and closet. Go through the "maybe" items and really think about if you see yourself wearing it in the next 4 months, if you don't then place it in the "toss" pile and place the rest back in your closet. Go through the "toss" pile and dump any items that are in really bad shape.

You know we are in a recession and the key is to not waste money and to make money where you can. So make the most of your loss by putting items from your "toss" pile up for sale on Ebay, Craiglist or by taking them to your nearest consignment shop. Make sure you bargain with the owner for a 50/50 split on the cost.

Now you have more room in your closet and more cash in your pocket!

Jersey dropped the Brazilian Wax ban

2009-03-23T10:29:00.001-04:00

NJ finally decided to drop the plan to ban brazilian bikini waxing after many cosmetologists and salon owners complained that the ban would hurt their businesses, especially since bikini season is on the horizon.

The Cosmetology and Hairstyling Board wanted to ban the brazilian after TWO women were hospitatlized with infections from their waxes.

Apparently genital waxing isn't technically allowed in NJ. Only face, neck, abdomen, legs and arms are permitted, but seeing as how the law doesn't yet ban brazilian waxes, the regulators have decided to drop it.

I have yet to get a brazilian wax, actually I have yet to get a regular wax either, something about a stranger and a hot substance near my va-jay-jay makes me uncomfortable. If any of you ladies, or men, have gotten a brazilian, sound off and let me know what you think about it.

Laser cut shoes?

2009-02-16T14:03:00.006-05:00

Hi my lovelies! I know it has been a while, but i've been running around here and there without much of a minute to spare. But I'm back with something on my mind.

I was in Macys with friends last weekend and we came upon some very Victorianesque laser cut shoes that my friend was in love with. Then i saw similar laser cut boots and though i initially hated them, they have started to grow on me. What do you think? Yay or nay?

Hale Bob Limoge

Hale Bob Toulouse

The 44th Inauguration

2009-01-21T12:23:00.013-05:00

I am so happy that Barack and Michelle are officially in the White House. They are the cutest presidential couple I have ever experienced and their obvious love for each other is something to aspire to.

Of course you know i'm going to talk about what Michelle wore because she is the most fashion forward first lady we've had since Jackie O.

Michelle wore a pale yellow brocade shift dress and matching jacket by Isabel Toledo. Though I definitely see that this outfit has a presidential air to it, I have to say I'm not a fan. I felt like it aged Michelle a bit and I thought she could have definitely picked something better. Regardless of her outfit choice she still looked fabulous. I love the green gloves that matched her green Jimmy Choos!

I love this picture. Barack looks so distinguished with the salt and pepper hair and the burgundy scarf.

Sasha & Malia wore coats from J. Crew's children's line - Crewcuts. They both look absolutely adorable.

Someone please explain to me why Aretha decided to put this atrocity of a hat on her head!! I won't talk about how off key she was a few times during her performance because i'm still baffled by the hat. This swarovski crystal studded hat ($179) came from Mr. Song Millinery (Detroit). I really felt like I was sitting in a baptist church when she came on to perform.

Michelle's ball gown that she wore to the Neighbourhood Ball was absolutely gorgeous. This one-shouldered, swarovski crystak studded dress was designed for her by up and coming 26 year old fashion designer Jason Wu. She accessorized it with shoulder grazing diamon earrings designed by Loree Rodkin.

Barack looked GQ and handsome as ever in his custom made black tuxedo by Hart Schaffner Marx.

They danced their first dance as President and First Lady to Beyonce's rendition of "At Last" by Etta James. Perfect.

FREE products from department stores

2009-01-21T10:20:00.000-05:00

I know I am late with this, but due to the excitement of yesterday, I think I can be excused.

Many department stores are currently giving away free full sized cosmetics due to a class action settlement. This started yesterday, but is still occuring until the 26th on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. See the details of the suit and the list of stores and products below. Details have been taken from the cosmeticssettlement.com website.

In re Cosmetics Cases
(Azizian, et al. v. Federated Department Stores, Inc., et al.,
Docket No. 4:03-CV-03359-SBA)

(updated as of December 1, 2008)

As part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be distributed to members of the class (see below to determine whether you are a member of the class) for a maximum of seven days, while supplies last, on a first come, first served basis, beginning on January 20, 2009. No rainchecks will be issued. The products will be distributed at stores owned by the Retailer Defendants (see list immediately below).

The stores owned by the Retailer Defendants that will be participating in the settlement product distribution are the following:

Bergdorf Goodman

Bergner’s

Bloomingdale’s

Boston Store

Carson Pirie Scott

Dillard’s

Gottschalks

Herberger’s

Macy’s

Neiman Marcus

Nordstrom

Parisian

Saks Fifth Avenue

Younkers

The following is a list of the Manufacturer Defendants and their products that will be distributed, while supplies last, through the stores listed above:

Boucheron (USA) Ltd.:

Femme Eau de Toilette (1 ounce/30 ml)

Chanel, Inc.:

Coco Mademoiselle body lotion (3.4 fluid oz)

Christian Dior Perfumes, Inc.:

J’Adore Eau de Parfum (15 ml)

Clarins U.S.A., Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last):

Clarins Energizing Morning Cream (30 ml) OR

Clarins Beauty Flash Bomb (30 ml)

Conopco, Inc. (distributed by Coty, Inc. on behalf of Conopco, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of three products, while supplies last):

Calvin Klein Euphoria Bath and Shower Crème (6.7 oz)

OR

Vera Wang Princess Body Polish (5 oz)

OR

Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Shower Gel (6.7 oz)

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last):

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (15 ml/0.5 oz)

OR

Clinique Moisture Surge (30 ml/1 oz)

Guerlain, Inc.:

My Insolence Eau de Toilette (15 ml)

L’Oréal USA, Inc. (formerly known as Cosmair, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of eight products, while supplies last):

Lancôme UV Expert 20

OR

Lancôme Cils Design Pro Mascara

OR

Lancôme Fatale Mascara

OR

Lancôme Courbe Virtuose Mascara

OR

Lancôme Primordial Skin Defense

OR

Ralph Lauren Romance Shower Gel (6.7 oz.)

OR

Giorgio Armani ACM Shower Gel (6.7 oz)

OR

Lancôme Hypnôse Shower Gel

Parfums Givenchy, Inc.:

Very Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Toilette (15 ml)

Beauty Tip

2009-01-16T11:59:00.003-05:00

I have always had problems with lipstick. No matter what color I try it never looks good me. I always feel I look like a little girl trying on her mother's makeup, or a clown, even when i apply a thin layer and blot. So I've always been a lip gloss girl, a sheer hint of color. But there is hope for lip color for people like me.

Get a lip liner pencil in a shade suitable for your tone (i prefer mauves), apply a thin layer of lip balm to your lip, then line and fill in your lip with the pencil and voila! The look of lipstick but with a more natural feel. Sometimes i will apply a dot of gloss to the middle of my bottom lip and spread it around for a bit of shine.

Dry Skin Problems?

2009-01-05T12:02:00.005-05:00

Happy New Years! I've spent my break relaxing and now it's time to get back into the grind.

I have been suffering from dry facial skin for a long time, and now that it's winter the cold, harsh winter air is doing a number on me. I have been searching high and low for a great, reasonably priced moisturizer with no luck. In order to make my skin look semi-moisturized I have been layering on about 3 different moisturizers and using my tube of cocoa butter around my mouth (which is the MOST dry area).

Today i read on various sites that jojoba oil should do the trick. I am prone to break out and apparently jojoba oil will NOT cause breakouts. It opens your pores and aids in breaking down any pore clogging residue, while also making your skin more welcoming to any additional moisturizers because your pores are still open.

Jojoba's chemical makeup is very similar to that of our own natural sebum, which is why the skin welcomes it so well. It does not clog pores and it even has antimicrobial properties (which could be very good for the acne prone).

PERK: because Jojoba closely resembles our own natural sebum it can trick our skin into producing less, thus causing less oily skin!

The advised regimen is to rub 4 drops of jojoba oil onto clean skin that has been allowed to dry and then follow up with your moisturizer on top (if needed).

I am very excited about the success that others have had doing this and will be trying this out tonight, check back tomorrow (or even tonight) for my results. Fingers crossed!
UPDATE:

I am so far loving Jojoba Oil. I applied it the night i purchased it and applied it to my face alone. It did moisturize my face! I did not feel dry or tight and i was not white and flaky. When I woke up the following morning I had not broken out! This is Day 3 and no break outs and i am moisturized. I have also noticed that my skin is less oily, it's currently 2:30pm and my face should be an oil well, but i'm only slightly shiny! I believe I have found my holy grail.

1960s inspired gold pen necklace

2008-12-15T11:10:00.008-05:00

I was looking around this new site I've come across called 1928 Jewelry (they specialize in vintage jewelry) and I fell in love with a necklace very similar to the one that Joan Holloway from Mad Men often wears. Not only is this just plain beautiful, but it's practical and functional. How many times do I find myself searching all over for a pen??

1928.com is selling this new version for only $20!

I love vintage pieces and this one is fantastic! I'm envisioning myself wearing this with a simple black dress, leaving it as the focal point of my outfit.

This has officially been wishlisted.

Fashion Tip

2008-12-15T09:52:00.005-05:00

I have this cream colored, hooded down jacket that i rarely wear because my makeup always rubs off onto the collar, which isn't an attractive look. What's a girl to do?

Measure the lenth and width of your collar
Run to your local fabric store and pick up a pretty piece of fabric that would compliment your coat (maybe add a pop of unexpected color for when it's open)
Sew it on, glue it on with fabric glue, velcro it on or if you are really good, add some buttons to your jacket and button holes to the cloth

VOILA! No more worries.

Sample Sale Alert

2008-12-08T14:58:00.012-05:00

Echo Design (known for their scarves) will be having a sale featuring scarves, hats, gloves, bags, and outerwear.

Friday, December 12, 12noon-8pm

Saturday, December 13, 10am-8pm

Sunday, December 14, 10am-8pm

Monday, December 15, 8am-4pm

Metropolitan Pavilion's Gallery

123 West 18th Street

4th Floor

New York, New York
(Located between 6th & 7th Avenues)

They have a fantastic selection of scarves and wraps and I am in love with these unique necklaces.

Beaded Organic Necklace currently $58 on their website

Vintage Ruffle Necklace, currently $34 on their website

Vintage Marguerite Scarf, currently $48 on their site

Lars Decorative Square, currently $78 on their site

Fifth Avenue Paisley Scarf, currently $78 on their site

3 Color Abstract Animal Print Scarf, currently $38 on their site

I am hoping that they have a lot of these items at their sample sale this weekend so i can score a few of them.

They also have a vast collection of vintage-esque home decor on their website, that is definitely worth looking at.

iRecord

2008-12-08T14:09:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine just alerted me to a new tech item that I want ASAP. I record on average 6 shows per night and dont have much time at home to watch them, so I've been finding myself downloading episodes and snycing them to my ipod.

Thank God someone came up with iRecord, a new gadget that transfers recorded shows and movies to your iPod or similar device!! It is selling for $199 and has officially been added to my wishlist.

Francesca's Collections

2008-12-02T15:39:00.010-05:00

Today I came across a website called Francesca's Collections and i fell in love with this boutique. They have many locations around the country, including one in Marlton, NJ. Their prices are FANTASTIC and perfect for thrifty shoppers like I. Here are some of the items that are currently on my wishlist:

SNOW ANGEL TUNIC $44

I love the shape of tulip dresses and skirts, they are so feminine and flirty.

PRATT CARDIGAN $54
Very practical because this can be worn with jeans or worn open over a cute, shorter dress.

RHINESTONE RIBBON BROOCH on sale for $19.60
This would look so cute on a dress or a jacket.

NEPAL PASHMINA SCARF $34
Love scarves, fashionable and practical and for a pashmina, silk mix this is a great price.

EVENING VERANDA WRAP $54
I am very much into wraps and thank God designers started making them. I love wearing my cardigans and sweaters open, but sometimes it makes the outfit look sloppy and undone so these wraps are PERFECT for me.

BB DAKOTA LOTUS JACKET on sale for $59.98
Love the colors, love the style, love the price.

AMERICAN GIRL IN PARIS PEACOAT $78
I could see myself sitting at a cafe in Paris wearing this!

I will be purchasing a few items from their website, and maybe one day I can take a drive to visit the boutique. They have quite a few things on sale, so if you're shopping for Christmas on a budget this year you should go check them out.

Purple pieces for those pinching their pennies

2008-12-01T16:53:00.008-05:00

Purple is definitely the color of the season and my favorite color, so I've been slowly adding various purple pieces to my closet. So as I was perusing Old Navy's site today to take advantage of Cyber Monday sales, i became smitten with these purple jeweled satin ballet flats. I love, love, love them AND they are only $10!!

I'm also going crazy over this cute purple patent clutch, which is ALSO only $10! Old Navy gets a gold star today!

Target also has some things I have my eye on. Sigerson Morrison created a line for Target and I NEED a pair of these Rocksie Jeweled Flats! Currently selling at $29.99.

Also from Target are these beautiful Makenna Brooch flats, the pattern is fantastic and the brooch is the icing on the cake. You can't beat the price of $32.99.

Sergio Rossi Sale!

2008-11-26T14:04:00.003-05:00

Sergio Rossi is having a friends & family sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

December 2nd & 3rd
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Metropolitan Pavilion's Gallery
123 West 18th Street4th FloorNew York, New York(Located between 6th & 7th Avenues)

The search for the perfect riding boot

2008-11-26T13:05:00.010-05:00

I've been searching high and low for my perfect pair of flat riding boots. A pair that are uber comfortable and look great over a pair of jeans. I purchased a pair by Steve Madden, called Swoop, but my search is not over.

Swoop by Steve Madden

I am in LOVE with many of the Frye boots and will eventually dig deep into my pocket to purchase a pair. Currently I have my eyes on these three.

Frye Bonnie

Frye Dorado

Frye Paige Cuff

The Frye Bonnie Tall Riding Boot is currently going for $358 and The Dorado is going for $457.95, but the Frye Paige Cuff can be found on the Bloomingdale's site for $277.99!

Another boot I am looking at is a pair of Dior Cannage boots. What do you guys think?

And last but not least, these Coclico boots caught my eye. Cute right??

Christmas is around the corner, perhaps Santa will be nice. Ciao bellas!

Dr. Brandt Pores No More

2008-11-26T10:12:00.004-05:00

Since yesterday I wrote about a Mattifier that didn't work for me, today I'll share with you one that does. Pores No More has been so far the only mattifier that has given me a good amount of success. I purchased mine at Sephora for $45. Yes, I know that's a little steep, but when you are ridden with oil you get desperate.

Pores No More was made to hide pores and irregularities, absorb oil and mattify shine. You can thank the microspheres in it for that.

This product comes out of the bottle in a nude tone but it goes on clear. The key to using this is putting it on a clean face before your moisturizer, two pumps should be enough. Then you can proceed with your moisturizer and makeup and to make it even more effective you can add a little more on top of your makeup to set it.

As I'm typing I'm looking at my face and I'm still good in the T Zone, my nose has a tiny bit of shine, but as I said yesterday I have the oiliest face on earth so I can't expect perfect miracles.

My suggestion to you if you are interested in this is to go to Sephora and ask for a sample or you can purchase it and try it for a day or two and if it doesn't work for you, return it. Sephora allows you to return products because they understand that not everything works for everyone.

Until later, ciao!

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel...not for what you think

2008-11-25T11:39:00.003-05:00

I am constantly on a search for the perfect mattifier/makeup primer. I have the oiliest skin possible, and I guess it doesn't help that I don't drink much H2O. I am constantly buying different primers to try out and imagine my shock when I heard that women have been using Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel as a mattifier for oily skin.

At around $7 I HAD to give it a try, since I was paying $40 for products that weren't working that well. I gave it a try for a few weeks and it went on very smoothly and made my face feel like a baby's butt, but unfortunately it didn't work as well for me as it does for others. The oil still came shining through about 2 hours later.

However, this gel is useful for multiple reasons so I suggest buying it and trying it for yourself (don't forget to come back and let me know how it worked for you).

#1 Reason: to stop chafing in between thighs

Makeup Primer and Mattifier

Apply to feet to prevent rubbing and blisters on too-tight shoes!