February Favorites!

February always is a crazy month for me. It's the shortest month of the year, so it seems like you still try and squeeze 30 days into 28. I started the month off in Philly, had a random week trip home to Pittsburgh, saw a few Broadway shows, and am starting off March with a temporary freelance position back at Valentino. I'm thrilled to be going back on Monday morning where I spent so much time last year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I'll be able to either find something there (as it happened with Marie Claire) or I'll find something that is a perfect, permanent fit soon enough.

Anyways, here are my favorite products from this short month. We had some crazy weather combined with traveling, so I was trying to take it easy on my skin and only use makeup when needed (laying around the house or just going to the grocery store is fine with just moisturizer on).

BEAUTY

Michael Todd Kaolin Clay Detoxifying Facial Mask

I had never tried a face mask before I got this product. I had always heard great things about them, but was more of a wash, moisturize, and done kind of girl. But I've used this a few times and it makes my skin feel great. I put it on after washing my face in the shower and take it off about 15 minutes later. My skin feels tighter and smoother. Who doesn't want those kinds of things? I also have a new Fresh Night Mask that I'm excited to try out now. I love their lip treatments (and the small sample I finally tried of their Soy Cleanser), so I'm sure this will be just as good. 

Sultra Reverse Cone Curling Wand 

Ok, you're probably thinking I'm crazy. I have naturally curly hair, but bought and love a curling wand? I was on the search for one since my last Drybar appointment. I love the look of curls that are similar to Blair Waldorf's from Gossip Girl (I still love and miss the show...). I tried finding one that was affordable while I was home with my mom. We found one at TJMaxx for $40. A $130 curling wand for $40? I took it and then a similar plain 1 inch for $20 to stay at home. My sister and I have a few things we have duplicates of so we don't have to travel with them when we go back to Pittsburgh. It took a week of trial and error to figure out to have my hair curly (natural with little to no product) to use this. My hair looks amazing afterwards. I don't think it will be an every day thing, but I do get 3 days out of my hair with minimal re-curling required.

My hair on a really good hair day (lucky since it was at a wedding). Excuse all the extra limbs - it was a family picture I cut down to just me.

My hair after a quick curl with the curling iron (no product)

On wards to my favorite nail polish of the month, 

 

Zoya in Loredana

Sadly, I don't think this is available anymore. I got it a few years ago when Zoya did their 3 free nail polishes, just pay shipping. I was looking for a perfect grey to paint my nails with before my interview. I used a new one from the MC Beauty Sale, but didn't like it. Some more digging and this is what is currently on my nails. I am obsessed. It's matte, so it's not too crazy. It's has some sparkles and is a perfect neutral.  My cousin is on the hunt for it (we're both obsessed with nail polish) - so we'll see if she finds it or finds a great dupe for it. 

FASHION 

Lululemon Wunder Under Pants 

I know I said I would never wear yoga pants as real pants... but it's happened. I just hadn't found the right ones. I am obsessed with Lululemon's pants. If they weren't so expensive, I would have more pairs. I have 2 pairs of long (2 different styles - the Wunder Under and the Speed Tight) and one pair of cropped. I mean, I'm kind of obsessed with everything Lululemon. Why didn't anyone tell me before that they have the most comfortable, cute lounge clothes? They are perfect for running around on the weekends. I have a few coats and I CAN'T wait for the weather to break to bring them out. These pants are stretchy and look great with wedges, Nikes, and even rainboots. With my constant traveling back and forth from New York and Pittsburgh - I've been wearing these every travel day. They always look good, feel comfortable, and are not see through. I've taken to hand washing them, which is annoying. But I'd rather have that than ruined Lulus since our laundry is wash & fold - they throw everything in together. 

FOOD

Jeni's Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Oh my gosh. This is the best ice cream ever. And the fact that I found out a grocery store a block and a half from me sells it -- terrible. I thought I had to go all the way down to Dean & Deluca in Soho to get this. Nope. This is my favorite ice cream in the world. It's from Jeni's, a ice cream shop in Dublin, Ohio. I was born and lived in Dublin for a few years. It wasn't until a trip back one summer, my mom mentioned it and this ice cream. They have some of the most unique flavors I've ever seen. I've tried a few and they are all delicious. I am currently on the hunt for this Birch & Marshmallows. I think I'll either have to suck it up and buy 4 pints of ice cream... I mean, there are no longer cupcakes in my freezer, so I have room... or just randomly show up in Ohio where they have shops. Come to NYC please! 

SHOWS

There are two shows I'm currently obsessed with: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and The Bridges of Madison County.

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 is unlike any show I have ever experience. I went once in the fall and went again this week before it closes on Sunday. I really wish I had enough money and could go to the rest of the performances they have left Off- Broadway. It is unique where you are in the middle of the action. As you can see, the patrons aren't in normal seats. Kazino, a tent that is set up on 45th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, transports you to Russia. You buy general admission and then are seated by a host to a table depending on if you bought regular or premium tickets. I bought regular both times and had an amazing view. The cast recording is gorgeous, but there isn't anything like having someone singing behind you, in front of you, etc. You can actually hear the individual parts become a whole in the song. I wish I would have gone a few more times. Hopefully it will come back soon!

The Bridges of Madison County was another one that snuck up on me. Sort of similar to Bonnie & Clyde from a few years ago (interestingly, they are in the same theater). I had known nothing of the story before going in but Kelli O'Hara and Jason Robert Brown drew me to saying yes to standing in the cold for tickets last week. The story is amazing, but the score is truly fantastic. I went again this week and was not disappointed by my second trip. I feel like there will definitely be a third... and a fifth...  There are a lot of shows left to see before the Tony's, but this little piece of magic on Broadway right now keeps calling me back. 

Despite it being a short month, I was able to find some new things I fell in love with. Sadly, some such as The Great Comet won't be experienced again in March, but I'm sure I'll find something else to fall in love with during the next month.

Is it Spring Yet?

I feel like this winter is dragging on and never seems to end. It finally started warming up some yesterday and today to where everything is starting to melt. The city seems almost worse at this point because there are still giant piles of snow and every awning you go under drips on you. Pretty gross... Luckily rain boots are cute, but at this point you're getting sick of them. So, what do you wear?

Melissa Ballet Bow Flats $70

These are a cute option when the weather is warm and you know there weren't giant slush piles to jump over. Hopefully this will be NYC this weekend. These shoes are made of rubber and have a comfortable sole inside the shoe.  Plus, the brand has collaborated with fashion greats such as Jason Wu and Karl Largerfeld (Hello, Chanel!).

 Cole Haan Manhattan Waterproof Ballet Flat $168

I love Cole Haan ballet flats. I've gone through two pairs of the black Maria Sharapova flats and had a pair of silver that are similar to this style, just a few years older. They are worn out and the silver isn't looking the best - but they are broken in and comfortable.  I'm debating getting these in the nude color since I already have a million pairs of black flats. The bow on the back of these is adorable!

 Aquatalia Bootie $425

These are on the expensive side, but on the plus side they are perfect. I was lucky to find last years version as a worn & refinished product at Nordstrom Rack for $90. They are one of my best purchases from there ever. I wear them all the time because they are waterproof. They look just as good with jeans as a skirt and have been on my feet for all my interviews this winter. They can be dressed up or just worn with leggings when running errands on the weekends. If I found another pair of Aquatalias I liked at Nordstrom Rack, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase them!

 

Nike Free Run $140

I did these ones custom using Nike's ID system. This is great so you can get exactly what you want, but they are cheaper if you don't customize. I have two pairs of these -- one in Pittsburgh and one in NYC. I never thought I would wear them, but I am always throwing them on while running around on weekends or to just grab something from the drug store or grocery store. They pair perfectly with Lululemon or you can dress them up. So many bloggers are wearing them now or other versions of cute tennis shoes. Go to Foot Locker or your favorite shoe store and try them on. Even Valentino, Chanel, Lanvin, Christian Louboutin, and so many others are doing sneakers! 

Hopefully these options are able to get you out of your rain boot rut and get ready for warmer weather! Let me know if you have any great in between season shoes.

Beauty Guru

For as much as I love trying new beauty products and surfing through Sephora if I'm ever early for an appointment, I wasn't always one of those girls who loved makeup. I'm still learning and figuring out what works, but I feel like I'm on my way to becoming my personal beauty guru.

I grew up with a mother who never wore much makeup. The running joke in the family was that my grandmother would apply her makeup and then take it off. My mom always used higher end products and I remember my first product (that wasn't from Bath & Body Works or Bonne Belle) was some Trish McEnvoy Concealer and my mom passed down her pallet of 3 eye shadows. I still have them in this little container, but they're at home and haven't been used in years. It just makes me smile and look back at my first expensive beauty products. Right now I have a makeup bag and little container bursting with various beauty items (not counting the amount of hair products I have. We won't talk about that... I have curly hair, so naturally am still trying to find my perfect products) from samples of half of La Mer's product line to Revlon lip sticks and everything in between.

What I have to say is that it is a process to find your perfect products. I have sensitive skin, so I try to only ever switch up one product and try it for a bit before introducing anything else new. I'm also trying to figure out which products I can just buy from the drugstore vs. what I need to buy higher end. I only started wearing makeup on a regular basis when I started at Valentino - it was a big girl internship and I needed to look professional, clean, and put together. My mom purchased a good concealer and foundation for me. I already had the Naked 2 pallet from the MC beauty sale and a few lipsticks (red, a bright pink, and a nude). I figured I was ready to conquer the world.

Now, I wear a little bit more on a daily basis including blush, eyeliner, bronzer (I wish I didn't need this, but I'm super pale and live in NYC. Also, it February.). I still have products I want to buy and try such as a good primer, eyebrow stuff, a good light eyeliner for highlighting. Highlighting and contouring that is all over Pinterest scares me. I've started watching some of these beauty gurus on Youtube to see how they do it -- they are basically doing this for a living. Why not take advice from them? Plus, they do a mixture of high and low products. If you go to Sephora and ask for advice, they expect you to walk out with a Sephora bag and a lot less money.

MakeupAlley. This website is amazing. Thinking of spending $20 on lotion at Lush? Why not see what others thought of it first? They have reviews on high end cosmetics along with drug store items.

Have fun with your makeup! Sometimes it's fun to wear purple eyeliner or use a little more sparkle for a night out than you normally would.