Neiman Marcus Fall Trend Event: Fashion & Beauty for Breakfast

Over the weekend, I was invited to Media Mavens and Mimosas at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria. Among a bevy of stylish writers and bloggers, we sat sipping on mimosas and dining in the NM Café on quiche and fruit salad, while we listened to department experts share the latest and greatest in fall trends. From the newest contemporary apparel to must-have accessories and makeup, it was an Instagram-ing fest. I mean, let’s be real: there were designer shoes on the breakfast table (which is totally appropriate for this type of occasion). Normally I try to hold on tight to summer, but thanks to a morning of soft fabrics, must-have prints and a bevy of makeup products, I’m ready to kiss summer goodbye and dive into fall.

On the menu this fall…

Mixed Greens: It’s like… a salad in your closet. Mixing forest greens, emerald, jade, and other hues in the green family is going to be my staple palette. PR maven Carrie plucked an Elizabeth & James dark green blazer and I am obsessed. Bye bye, savings account.
Leather Legs: This coming fall, it’s all about a second skin. I have a few pairs of basic leggings but it’s about time I add a leather-cut trouser to my wardrobe.
The New Neutral, Navy: A couple weeks ago, I thought about incorporating more navy into my wardrobe, but after Saturday, I came to the conclusion that it’s a necessity.
Digital Prints: It’s a digital revolution after all. If you’re closet holds more monotone and neutrals, time to make room for some pretty patterns.
Brooches, Loafers & The Statement Handbag: Sporting pins on jackets, blazers and dresses looks effortlessly chic. And as much as I love a good pump, there’s no denying a comfortable flat. And in my book, you can never have enough handbags. I’m all about structure, shape and size.

Cherry Lips: The beauty expert summed it up best: finding the perfect little black dress is almost as difficult as finding the perfect red lip. Luckily for me it was a bit easier. After answering correctly to a beauty pop quiz, I won myself this gorgeous YSL Beauty Rouge Glossy Stain.


Editor’s Picks: August 2012 Favorites

I’m so excited to share with you my first (and definitely not last!) YouTube video featuring a handful of new and recently purchased products that I just can’t get enough of. Whether you’re a vegetarian makeup maven or a lipstick hoarder, I love that all of these beauty picks can be worn now and later. I’d love to hear what you think! Oh, and a small disclaimer: I was not a broadcast journalism major, so don’t be too harsh on me!

You can follow more of my YouTube adventures on my new channel, here.

Mani Monday: A Midnight Nail Affair

Midnight Mani

Is it fall yet? I have a habit of coating my nails in darker colors before summer is even over. I guess you could say I became seasonally impatient, especially when my favorite beauty emporiums and drugstores begin showcasing fall 2012 beauty collections. So it’s no shocker what my latest nail obsession is.

1. Butter London in Royal Navy ($14). I consider this polish to be a classic navy with a bit of shine.
2. OPI in Russian Navy ($12.50). Navy blue simplified. The matte version.
3. Nails Inc. in The Serpentine Navy Slate ($9). For neutral fans, this subtle hue of blue is easy to wear.
4. Deborah Lippmann in Ray of Light ($18). I love this polish for it’s indigo hue and specks of glitter for a modern edgy look.
5. Essie in Midnight Cami ($8). A deep twilight blue with just the right amount of shine, it’s perfect for a night on the town.

Scents & Sensibility: 4 British Fragrances Worth Trying

1. Burberry Brit Summer ($67). A staple British brand’s summer rendition is available for you and your man. With notes of crisp green almond, white peony, fresh lime and icy pear, bottled in the iconic Burberry check pattern, this is the perfect addition to your fragrance closet that holds a fresh and playful scent that will get you through the dog days of summer.
2. Jo Malone Plum Blossom ($55 or $110). Words can’t express just how obsessed I am with this floral woody musk scent. With top notes of fresh notes and plum as well as floral and green notes, this leaves an alluring scent of sandalwood and white musk. I’ll take two!
3. Jimmy Choo Shimmering Body Oil ($44). Sometimes a fragrance body oil works just as well as a spritz of perfume (not to mention, it won’t break the bank). The London-based designer kicks it up a notch with this “dry touch” formula. Apply on pulse points (think wrists, inner elbows, behind the knees) for a sensual scent of sweet almond, hazelnut, argan and macadamia oils.
4. Stella McCartney ‘Stella’ ($92). For the organic-obsessed, Stella McCartney’s Eau de Parfum only uses the best natural materials while protecting the natural life force of plants. Top notes include rose, peony flower, mandarin, rose absolute, amber. Basically, sweet, sweet seduction. On a budget? Try the travel size ‘Stella’ rollerball perfume for only $20.

Style Me Pretty: The Westfield Montgomery Style Lounge

While I may be a self-proclaimed beauty connoisseur, when it comes to style, I usually leave it up to my collection of J.Crew style catalogues for outfit inspiration [read: how-to]. But instead of your typical Saturday, trolling through magazines and style blogs for outfit ideas, I visited Westfield Montgomery for a complimentary style consultation. But not just free for me… free for all! Yes, you read that right. Stylists are on hand, courtesy of Stacy London’s Style For Hire, helping shoppers with any style snafus, questions or even outfit ideas for special occasions. The lounge is located in the atrium, right behind Westfield’s customer service center; complete with a glass closet that’s rotated with new clothes about every four weeks from various stores in the mall, a three-sided full-length mirror, a form, and an accessory case (which holds my love-at-first-sight Michael Kors brown leather handbag).

Lisa Tumbarello, a stylist for Style For Hire, answered a bevy of questions (like, what should I be buying this fall? or what’s the best kind of jeans that fit my body type?). Her responses were simple, direct and offered a range of store possibilities for every budget. Stylists can put together looks using clothing from the glass closet or even travel with you to a nearby store. Following your personal consultation, stylists will email you your personalized style “prescription;” listing piece by piece clothing and accessory suggestions to recap what you discussed during your visit. Talk about some serious customer service! This experience is like having a style genie at your finger tips and it’s exactly where (and when) you need them: at the mall, right before you open up your wallet.

Appointments are available on weekends (Saturday 12-5PM and Sunday 12-4PM) and can be scheduled online.