Beauty Bag Uncovered!

While this blog is mainly all about fashion, I thought it may be time to shed some light on the beauty products that I love and adore.  While I am no product junkie, I have amassed a pretty solid line-up of favorites, from designer buys to drugstore deals.

Let's start with the bag I carry it all in!  I actually use two cosmetic bags, both by Kate Spade.  For traveling and keeping everything together, I use the Large Case ($80) and then keep smaller cosmetics contained with the matching Small Case ($60).  While my exact style is no longer available (brown with white polka dots) plenty others are.  These plastic and nylon bags are roomy and easy to clean-perfection!

Wondering what's inside?  Let's start with the skin.

Everyone knows the MOST important element is moisturizer.  I can't start my morning without smoothing some on.  My morning routine always begins with Chanel.  First, I wash my face with the brand's Mousse Doucer Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($45), which is the most luxurious and silky cleanser I've ever used.  Afterwards I slather on Chanel's Beaute Intiale Energizing Multi-Protection Cream ($75) with has the added bonus of SPF 15-a vital must for a daily cream.  For the rest of my body (especially itchy dry legs in the winter) I am obsessed with Kiehl's Creme de Corps ($9-70).

As for the make-up, a good base is the best element.  For starters, I opt for a pricier foundation to keep my skin tone even and add a dash of color.  The award-winning and celeb favorite Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($58) is light enough to achieve that "no make-up" look.

Over my foundation goes a dash of bronzer- I adore the Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Powder ($50).  And, of course, no look is complete without blush.  I have an unhealthy obsession with Nars blush, in two shades: Orgasm ($25) for day and Super Orgasm ($25) for night (the original with extra shimmer!)  I can't say enough good things about this universally flattering color-it works magically on almost any skin tone!

Now, for the eyes.  I don't wear eyeshadow or eyeliner every day, but I do curl my eyelashes and toss on some mascara to open them up.  My mascara favorite is Dior's Diorshow ($24) in black.  Truthfully, curling your lashes isn't even necessary with this product, but I use a cheapie curler anyway to give them the ultimate length-try Makeup Masters CD Lash Curler-just $3.99 at Target.

When I do decide to dress up and hit the town, however, I use Chanel's Le Crayon Kohl Intense Eye Pencil ($27) which glides on smooth.  For shadow, I like the two taupe shades on Clinique's Eye Shadow Duo in No-Show Taupe ($17.50).  The lighter shade works for day and the darker one can be layered to achieve a smokier nighttime eye.

Lest you think all my beauty picks are expensive department store finds, however, fear not.  One of my all time favorite items is the simple and fantastic Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($2.99).  I also think one of the best daily hand creams is Vaseline's Healthy Hand and Nail Conditioning Lotion ($3.99).  It's unscented so it won't clash with your perfume.  I keep one in my purse and one on the bathroom sink at all times!  My shampoo is a drugstore find as well.  I prefer the shine-enhancing capabilities of Pantene's Ice Shine Shampoo ($4.49) and Conditioner ($5.99).  And as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a more gentle soap than the classic Dove Beauty Bar ($2.99/two bars).

Now that you have an idea of how I prep and primp, hit your local department store or drugstore and snap up the finds I recommend.  And let me know if I've left anything off the list-I am always open to trying new products!

Winter Wonderland

When you're living in frigid Chicago (like moi) winter brings cold temperatures and whipping winds.  Not the most pleasant weather to dress for!  When you wake up in the morning and your bedroom feels like an igloo, it can be hard to find the motivation to look cute.  So as long as your coat and cold-weather accessories look good, the outfit underneath matters a bit less.  Consider this your guide to a fashionable winter.

Start with the coat.  A puffer is obviously the warmest pick out there, but they aren't always the most fashionable.  Choose one that is a bit longer and less bulky so you don't resemble the Marshmallow Man.  Perfect example?  The J Crew Long Belted Puffer ($235).  A tie at the waist keeps things from getting too bulky.  Another good choice is the Burberry Zip Front Puffer Coat ($495) in an eye catching juicy red.  And the ultimate in puffers would have to be Moncler.  Though pricey, these coats keep the chill out.  One I'm currently crushing on is this Chocolate Puffer Jacket ($927).  The rich color is chic and I love the fact that both the hood and belt are detachable.

Puffers not your thing?  A peacot, a toggle coat, or a simple wool trench may make you happy.  Personally, I adore the toggle coat for a great nautical take on things.  Burberry has this trend down pat with their Hooded Duffle Jacket ($795).  For a less expensive option, try the TopShop Swing Duffle Coat ($145) or the Asos Duffle Coat ($118.98).  For peacoats, try the Mackage Raffy Coco Coat ($343) which has great girly details like a nipped waist and flared back.  And for those who like a trench style, I love the (surprise) Burberry Wool Cashmere Trench Coat ($1300).  But we can't all spend a month's rent on coats, so for a more affordable option, this Kenneth Cole Reaction Wool-Blend Melton Belted Coat ($151.20).






Now, onto the accessories.  Fingers and ears are the most important things to keep warm.  I prefer earmuffs to avoid that dreaded hat head.  While my pair of choice is Burberry ($125) you may also like the cozy goodness of this Ugg Pair ($75).  Kate Spade makes excellent cold weather accents too.  Try the Hand in Hand Colorblock Hat ($60) or Mittens ($53).  Another great hat is the Bop Basics Cashmere Beret ($75) which is oversized enough to cover your ears.  And my scarf obsession this winter has been a great inexpensive (and unisex!) find.  The American Apparel Super Sheer Circle Scarf ($37) is so soft and versatile.

A great bonus about winter-there are still a few more months to go, but stores are slowly getting rid of cold weather items to welcome spring.  So many of these items mentioned are either already on sale or will be soon!

Walk in a winter wonderland-in pure style!

(Images of Gwen Stefani and Michelle Williams from gettyimages.com)