So another year has come and gone.. Another year of living, learning, sharing, growing- blah blah blah and BEAUTY PRODUCTS! I could wax poetic all day about all the wonderful and tragic things that happened in 2006, but I think I will just sidle up to the computer with a glass of wine and list my favorite items that equate to all things beauty to me.
This year I am traveling again amidst the Favorite Things Blogger Bonanza. I am distracted and busy, so my list will be cut short, and I will probably leave some things off, thus misrepresenting myself and the things I love, thus making myself very anxious and freaky, but oh well . Lists do that to me....they always have. Because I am out of town and short on time, I will not be able to add graphics to make my post visually interesting--sorry. Blogger and my laptop are not good friends.
**FAVORITE SKIN CARE ITEMS OF 2006-
1. Rilastil facial sun screen
2. Cle de Peau la creme
3. Kanebo Sensai eye cream
4. Creme de La Mer cream
5. SK11 De Wrinke Essence
6. Kiehls Cryste Marine eye cream
7. Ole Henriksen Fresh Start eye cream
8. Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum
9. La Mer Facial Serum
10. Olay Definity deep penetrating foaming moisture ( this was a shocker love for me. I had no idea how fab this stuff is!)
**FAVE BODY CARE ITEMS OF 2006
1. La Mer Body Cream
2. Nivea Creamy Conditioning Oil ( My HOLY GRAIL)
3. The Body Shop Body Cream in Coconut
4. Johnson and Johnson Baby oil
5. Estee Lauder Tom Ford Azuree body oil
6. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
7. Johnson and Johnson Jasmine Baby Powder
8. Eucerin Body Lotion
9. Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces 50 Plus Sunblock. ( I always use this at the beach- it says it is for faces, but I slather it on the whole bod)
10. Kiehls Creme de Corps body lotion.
11. L'occitane Shea Butter body cream. I know I added an extra here, but I have loved this stuff forever.
**FAVE BATH PRODUCTS OF 2006
1. Jo Malone bath oil in Lime Basil Mandarin, Nutmeg Ginger, and 154.
2. Chanel No. 5 Bath oil
3. Kiehls Coriander Shower Gel
4. Les Baines Marias bath oil in Fleur de Orange
5. Jo Wood Usiku Body Oil
6. Lush soap in Demon In The Dark
7. Claus Porto shower gel in Tubereuse
9. Narciso Rodriguez for her Shower Gel
10. Kiss My Face Lime shave gel /also I must add Trader Joes Honey Mango shave gel.
**Favorite Hair Care Products 2006
1. Kerastase Oleo Relax Hair Masque
2. Infusium 23 Leave In Conditioner
3. SachaJuan Leave In Condtiioner
4. Renee Furterer Paris Carthame No Rinse Protective Cream
5. Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment
6. TiGi S Factor Deam Drops Shine On!
7. Redken Butter Treat Conditioner
7. Infusium 23 Complete Moisture Restoration Treatment (whoops I added 7 twice) 8. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner
9. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk
10. Alterna Caviar Shampoo
**TOP TEN MAKEUP FAVORITES OF 2006
1. CLE DE PEAU CONCEALER STICK--yes I am screaming this from the mountain tops--even though there are no mountains in New Orleans. This is my number one favorite beauty products of 2006. I love love love it.
2. Guerlain, YSL, and Estee Lauder Mascaras ruled for me this year.
3. Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous for a bit of glow.
4. YSL Touche Eclat
5. La Mer Powder for face
6. Cover Girl Mink Eyeshadow (this has been a holy grail of mine for ever)
7. Tarte Blushing Bride blush stick
8. Chantecaille lip gloss in Charm
9. Benefit High Brow highlighter stick
10. Chanel Nude lip liner
**Favorite Nail Products of 2006
1. OPI Nail Envy
2. Christian Dior Abricot cuticle cream
3. Lippman Collection The Stripper polish remover
4. Lippman Collection Rich Girl hand cream with SPF (adore this stuff)
5. OPI polish in Bubble Bath
6. Essie polish in Wicked
7. Chanel polish in Image Rose, Black Satin, and Vamp
8. China Glaze polish in Chocodisiac
9. OPI polish in Rose Petals
10. OPI polish in Mrs. O'Leary's Bar B Q
**Last but not least, my Favorite Fragrances of 2006
1. Creed Aubepine Acacia
2. Frederic Malle Le Parfum De Therese
3. Bond New Haarlem
4. Dior Eau Savage
5. Stella in Two
6. Le Labo Tubereuse EDP
There were really no other fragrances that moved me in 2006 that I can recall at this moment. I am sure I wll think of more throughout the day.
My fave scent for the home of 2006 was the GORGEOUS Aedes De Venustas candle by l'Artisan. Blogger will not let me post any photos, and I do not have time to mess with it, but I do have a lovely photo of the gorgeous and soon to be legendary Aedes De Venustas candle.
My favorite fashion item of 2006 would have to be my Nikolaki top by the handsome and talented Nick Verreos and David Paul.
Please check the lists of all the other beautiful and wonderful bloggers below in the list of links. I so look forward to reading everyone's list, but will not be able to do so till after the New Year.
I would like to send wishes for a wonderful New Years to everyone out there and I would like to wish an EXTRA SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LOVELY AND KIND ANNIE AT BLOGDORF GOODMAN!!! Thanks for putting this together Annie. I was going to post a photo of Nigella Lawson who looks like Dear Annie, but....damn blogger! BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL! Thanks also to Melanie for the graphic!
If you choose to celebrate Christmas, then I wish you good tidings and a very Merry Christmas. We celebrate Christmas at my house, but the more I learn about other religions, the more I try to honor their traditions and celebrations.
Click HERE to see something hilarious that I got from Blogging Project Runway and Nick Verreos' blog. This just makes me laugh so hard. It is a greeting from me to you. Go to Nick's blog http://nickverrreos.blogspot.com/ to see his. You will laugh--I promise. His is so much better than mine. I would also like to wish congratulations to my friend Kelly who got married yesterday. Kelly and I have been friends FOR EVER. This is Kelly and me on Christmas morning at her house when we were 16 years old...so just a few years ago- HA! My mom went on a cruise that year for Christmas and rather than spend Christmas with the rest of my family, I chose to spend Christmas with my friend Kelly and her family. I love Kelly and I wish her much love and happiness in her marriage. Please do not be jealous of my spiral perm, purple sweat suit, nor the white bandana in my hair. I was 16 years old, and full of holiday spirit (and bad taste obviously)!
Happy Holidays Everyone. I hope your Christmas dreams come true!
Happy Holidays Friends! I hope the season is treating you well and you and your loved ones are having a joyous and blessed time.
My husband and I have decided to not exchange gifts this year in lieu of spending money on home improvements and travel--HOWEVER--here are a few things I would not mind finding under my tree. A girl can still dream.This is the epitome of posh in my book. The Annick Goutal Creme Splendide Genereuse facial creme. It is so silky and smells of roses. I would assume that when I apply it , I will automatically become a French Princess--as I said above, a girl can dream. It is a huge lemming. This heavenly broth can be found at www.Barneys.com . I am in love with this aqua Hermes enamel bracelet, as I am in love with all things Hermes. I love the Hermes bracelets, but alas I only have one. To me, they are works of art, and who does not want a circle of art dangling from their wrist? This one can be found at www.Hermes.com and it will run you a smooth $570.00. It is gorgeous.I have wanted this Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair Treatment for EVER. It is $250.00 (that is right friends TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SMACKS) so before I buy, I want to KNOW it is going to do great things to my hair--again with the dreaming and the French Princess. Any and all opinions on this stuff would be greatly appreciated. This can be found at www.Sephora.com . I love these colorful peep toe pumps from Oh Deer. They have the peek of red on the bottom a la Louboutin, but they are much more economical. No disrespect to dear Mr. Louboutin, but not everyone can throw down $600.00 or more for sexy shoes. These shoes are beautiful and sexy and I love the fun colors. You can find these gems at www.Girlshop.com . I love love love this jersey and leather dress by Akiko. Akiko makes some of the most comfortable and unique pieces around. I have a few of thier pieces and people always want to know who makes it , and where they can find it. This dress looks so figure flattering and amazing. This beauty can also be found at www.girlshop.com . Girlshop totally rocks. The Kenneth Cole Button Up flat in zebra print. These are the cutest. I have been obsessed with flats and zebra print lately. This is a perfect marriage of both. I am sure I would have the white part of these shoes dirty in about 10 minutes, but they are sure pretty to look at. Get these at www.KennethCole.com . There are lots of different colors and styles to choose from. I ADORE this fresh pine scented CHRISMUKKAH candle from www.Apothia.com . I love the play on words--it is for anyone who loves the holidays--no matter what holiday you happen to celebrate. The Chrismukkah candle literally smells of snow covered pine- effervescent is the word that comes to mind. I have been a huge fan of Apothia.com for years. They have a huge selection of cult fave beauty products and their own awesome line of candles. Try the Velvet Rope candle too. It is amazing.
Do you have any special things on your list this year? Please share, as I am oh so curious and or nosy!
Have a great night!
(photos from Barneys.com, Sephora.com, Girlshop.com, Kennethcole.com, Hermes.com, and Apothia.com)
This past weekend was full of good things. One good thing was that I got to meet a fellow blogger who is a true Southern Belle. She loves all things beautiful, she is so kind and lovely (she gave me an AWESOME gift bag full of thoughtful goodies) she loves Sonic, Lebanese food, La Mer, orange shoes -and the girl CAN ROCK A PONY TAIL! That is all I have to say about that.
I met the wonderful Gretchen, who was on a trip to Chicago with her family and she was kind enough to carve out some time to spend with me. Check out Gretchen and her partner Jen's blog here : http://hautemommastuff.blogspot.com/ . They will keep you updated on all the hot new stuff to keep busy Mommas looking and feeling Oh So Haute!
We did some Nordstrom and Sephora damage, exchanged beauty tips and a bit of gossip. It was a great time.
The photo is of Gretchen and me on Michigan Avenue.
My sweet Westie passed away a week ago today. Nicki was a sweet dog and a constant companion. It was unexpected, and I was not prepared, but I guess you never are. He had been misdiagnosed for over a week, and when we finally got a diagnosis...it was not good. If your dog has excessive sneezing-please take them to a specialist and do not believe it is allergies or something else respiratory . Nicki had been in pain, and it is torture to see a loved one in pain. He was my sidekick for 10 years and I feel lucky. Everyone who knew Nicki loved him. He was my buddy, tomato eater, official Garage Sale Greeter, and all around jovial guy.
Nicki loved squirrels, Shelties, his brother Forrest, cucumbers, french fries, walks, rides in the car, The Westminister Kennel Club dog show on TV, and kisses. Oh and he loved his chair, and would sit in it for hours. Sometimes he would sit up in his chair and bark a few times just to let us know he was king of the castle, then he would go back to sleep.
I am touched by all the kindness people have shown. Some people have said things like "Oh well he was just a pet". You cannot quantify love, and I loved that little dog. He was not just a pet, he was my family. It would be so easy to fall into a fog of sadness, but I know life has to move on. My friend Em told me it was about time for a tribute to Nicki.... so here it is.
You know what is cool? Getting an invitation to a 90th Birthday Party for British Vogue. You know what is uncool? Not getting said invitation in time to get plane tickets and make arrangements to actually attend. I was beyond excited when a Vogue Birthday Party invite was in my in box because I have always read European Fashion Mags even more so than American ones. There were many many parties, and I am sure I was invited to one of the lesser known and not so posh parties, but it woud have been fabulous none the less. Not everyone lives in London and can just Black Cab over to the soiree. Oh well, maybe next year! On another note, two of my favorite peeps had birthdays last month. My friend Traci turned 25 again. This is a photo of Traci and me at her party. Traci is lovely, crazy, somewhat anal (she is a personal life planner -that is her job), she can throw down like Janet Jackson, she loves Matt Damon, rice with milk , green bean casserole and the Cubs. Oh and she can make my serious who is rarely amused husband crack up. Pretty impressive. I must note that this photo was taken by a photography genius name Maggie (hi Maggie). Even drunk, Maggie is a better photographer than me. My sweet dog Nicki also had a birthday last month. He turned 10. He is the sweetest dog in the world. He has been feeling under the weather lately, so send him good wishes that he feels better soon.Lovely day to all!
I get e-mails from my readers asking various questions about products I have posted about.Where to find them, do they really work? etc. I love to correspond with readers and go on and on about perfume and makeup and shoes and such. One reader named Sarah from Boston wanted to know what it means to "collect perfume and makeup". I do not know what it means exactly, but I can show you some of my obsession. I am somewhat embarrassed to show my own collection, but here goes--this one is for you Sarah: These are some of the fragrances I own. These pictures were taken a while ago, so I have added some since then. Fragrance is my greatest love when it comes to products. I have met some wonderful people through my love of fragrance. Some people are wine aficionados, who will search the world for the perfect wine. My friends and I are like that only instead of wine it is with perfume. We have been known to seach high and low in foreign countries to find the perfect fragrance. It is truly an obsession. Second to fragrance is my love of makeup and other beauty products. This is my fragrance/makeup desk. It is my personal shrine to all beauty products. I have had some trepidation about posting the pictures on my blog, but Sarah has been asking me for months to see my "collection". So here is part of it.
This is why I blog about products, because I buy products and use products. As my husband says, Some people do drugs...my wife does perfume--HA.
Hope this answers your question Sarah. Have a beautiful day!
I am honored and humbled (and obnoxiously thrilled) that Nick Verreos from Season 2 of Project Runway -who is one of the genius designers of the Nikolaki line of clothing (along with David Paul) , liked one of my blog posts enough that he used it on his very own blog-http://nickverrreos.blogspot.com/. I do not know who sent my post to Nick, but to that person I say Thank You. I am so pleased that he liked the post and that I do his beautiful shirt enough justice to be deemed a "Nikolaki Girl"! A title I will wear loud and proud.
It has been a VERY long time since I have made the hairs raise up on the back of any man's arm--*BLUSH*! I love Nick, and his clothing. You can check out his whole line here http://www.nikolakidesign.com/. Beautiful things for real women. I love the Nikolaki shirt I have. Gorgeous and comfortable and so unique. I look forward to seeing more of his line!
To see the Nikolaki collection in living color you can go here (it is from YouTube) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQUVU3g5CsE . This is their runway show at Smashbox Fashion Week in Los Angeles. Beautiful, colorful, and wearable. I love it all! Someday I hope to see his one of his shows in person--how thrilling! Above is a photo of more Nick Love--This is my beautiful blog buddy Jennipah (on the right) and her lovely friend (on the left) making a Nick Sandwich! Jennipah was lucky enough to be at EMc2 for the Grand Opening. She said Nick was in the middle of wine consumption when she asked for a photo and he graciously put down his vino to take a photo with them. Read Jennipah's account of her Brush With Project Runway Fame here: http://jennipah.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_archive.html . Turns out Jennipah had her eye on the exact same Nikolaki top I purchased, but the store was way too crowded. I have a feeling Jenn will make her way back to EMc2 though.
As I said in a previous post--next time you are in NYC, check out Nick's designs -as well as many other designs by talented designers at EMc2 on Elizabeth Street. EMc2 is owned by Emmett McCarthy. He carries his own designs as well as Chloe Dao, Kara Janx and of course Nikolaki.
This is the epitome of posh in my book. The Annick Goutal Creme Splendide Genereuse facial creme. It is so silky and smells of roses. I would assume that when I apply it , I will automatically become a French Princess--as I said above, a girl can dream. It is a huge lemming. This heavenly broth can be found at 
I have wanted this Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair Treatment for EVER. It is $250.00 (that is right friends TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SMACKS) so before I buy, I want to KNOW it is going to do great things to my hair--again with the dreaming and the French Princess. Any and all opinions on this stuff would be greatly appreciated. This can be found at 
The Kenneth Cole Button Up flat in zebra print. These are the cutest. I have been obsessed with flats and zebra print lately. This is a perfect marriage of both. I am sure I would have the white part of these shoes dirty in about 10 minutes, but they are sure pretty to look at. Get these at 
Oh and he loved his chair, and would sit in it for hours. Sometimes he would sit up in his chair and bark a few times just to let us know he was king of the castle, then he would go back to sleep.
