17 Feb 2015

5 Easy Ways To Get Glowing Skin
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We are in the dead of winter. You know what that means? Dry skin. Are you a victim? I experience dry skin typically throughout the entire year, but during these cold winter months, it gets worse. I look a little more tired, I spy a few too many wrinkles, and I’ve noticed my skin just does not stay hydrated for long periods of time. AKA dry skin is not cute.

I’ve made it a priority over these past few months to find a few key products I’ve deemed worthy enough to share with you all that will help get us that healthy and lasting glowing skin – year around! Are you ready? Here my top 10 products to help you get that glow.

How To Get Glowing Skin

1. Be Sure To Use A Heavy Nighttime CreamLe Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream $85 dollars – Ok, I know. This price point is not ideal but I promise this sh*t works. I’ve found that heavy creams tend to work better and keep my skin hydrated for longer periods of time. Beauty folks tend to talk more about Le Mer’s Creme de La Mer Moisturizing Cream but if Le Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream is perfect for night time application. Promise!

2. Incorporate a Facial Mist. Try Lavett & Chin Facial Mist $32 dollars or Evian’s Mineral Water Spray $12 dollars – Confession. I’m slightly obsessed with facial mists. Designed to stabilize the PH balance in your skin, facial mists are key to keeping your skin hydrated all day long. Whether your at work or on your way to a meeting, pack one of these puppies in your purse to provide mid-day hydration. Your skin will thank you later.

3. Start Using A Serum.. No, Seriously. I just started incorporating serums into my skincare routine last year. Since serums leave out moisturizing ingredients such as mineral oil or petrolatum, they are intended to be combined with a daily cream or moisturizer. Serums are meant to provide an instant boost of moisture and provide essential nutrients which could be just what you need during these cold winter months. As I’ve mentioned here, I’m a huge fan of Caudalie and have started using their Radiance Serum. It’s highly concentrated and reduces the appearance of existing dark spots (it’s actually no secret that I’m a fan of the entire Caudalie line). I also rotate in Ole Henrikson’s Truth Serum. Other serums to keep on your radar: Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum, and Perricone MD Vitamin C Serum.

4. Stick To Gentle Cleansers. I’ve learned it’s important to use a gentle cleanser since harsh soaps can increase oil production and could strip your skin of good oils! I have recently been using Caudalie’s Foaming Cleanser ($28 dollars) and Ole Henrikson’s African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser ($30 dollars).

5. Don’t Forget To Exfoliate. Let’s talk exfoliators for a second. Exfoliators are crucial for helping you remove dead skin that builds up throughout the day. When your under 20, your skin turns over ever 28 days. When you reach your 20’s, turnover slows. Between the ages of 30 and 40, turnover takes even longer – up to 40 days. So what does it mean when dead skin piles up? Your skin can appear dull. Incorporating an exfoliator in to your skin care routine is key. I have been using Korres Wild Rose Buff Cleanser. I also have been wanting to try: Dr. Brandt’s Skin Exfollant and Fresh Soy Face Exfolant.  And let’s not forget about the rest of your body. To get healthy, glowing skin all over try a few of my favorite body scrubs: Laura Mericer Body Scrub, Bliss Lemon and Sage Body Scrub, and Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub.   love Bliss’ That’s Incredi-peel

What products have you tried to help you get glowing skin? Let me know! Would love to try them too. Xo. Lauren

SHOP MORE OF MY FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS HERE:


 

16 Feb 2015

10 Equipment Tops I’m Currently Loving
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You know the saying, “when you find something you love, buy multiples?” That’s how I feel about Equipment blouses. No matter how many blouses I try on from the brand, I always end up loving each and every one. I had a chance to pop in Bergdofs over the weekend and tried on many of their new pieces. I loved this, this, and THIS. So cute, right?

Equipment truly makes it easy to throw together an outfit instantly. The best part about their collection? It’s quite easy to take their pieces from work to cocktails. Since I have spring on the mind today, I’ve rounded up 10 Equipment tops I’m currently loving! Are you a big fan of the brand? Happy Monday! Xo. Lauren

Cropped Mina Shirt // Cara Cami // Margaux Button Down // Colleen Contrast Blouse // Slim Signature Blouse // Daddy Tie Front Blouse // Brett Clean Contrast Blouse // Blue and White Signature Blouse // White Signature Blouse // Slim Silk Blouse

15 Feb 2015

The Ultimate Ikea Shopping List: My Top 10 Favorite Finds
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If you have ever shopped at an Ikea retail location, you know how overwhelming it can be. From the endless number of boxes piled on to each other to the perfectly displayed vignettes, shopping at Ikea can be both stressful and time consuming. Ikea fans all over the world know, however, that with just a little bit of planning and a few key pieces in mind, there is nothing better than scoring a classic piece from Ikea.

In fact, there are several products that have earned a permanent spot in my apartment – some even making their way all the way from Chicago to my apartment here in New York City. So today I’ve rounded up my TOP 10 FAVORITE IKIEA FINDS that are sure not to dissapoint.

1. Tarvva Dresser $149.00 – When first looking at all the different bedroom storage options from Ikea, I came to the final decision of purchasing the Tarva dresser for my bedroom here in New York. Made of solid wood, the Tarva dresser has deep enough drawers and fits well in a small space. I opted for a dresser that I could paint and update the hardware making it my own. Although you can’t see the full dresser in my photo below, you can get the look of how I updated my Tarva dresser (knobs are from Anthropologie).

Screen Shot 2014-04-24 at 8.01.54 AM

2. Rast 3 Drawer Chest $34.99 – This has to be my favorite Ikea find because of the versatile functionality and the price point of the dresser. You can use this chest as a bedside table, an impromptu bar cart or a standalone chest in your living room or entryway.

Similar to my Tarva dresser, I purchased the Rast 3 Drawer Chest in the solid wood so I could paint it white and update the hardware to my choosing. I absolutely love the look of the Dorothy Draper dressers so I recreated the look with purchasing Overlay’s and spray painting them gold. I also purchased brass pulley’s from Lee Valley Tools. It’s currently being used as my bedside table but I’m sure I will incorporate in another fashion in my next apartment.

Rast Three Drawer Chest2

3. Docksta Dinning Table $199 – For those of you lucky enough to have space for a dinning room table, I’m obsessed with the sleek look of Ikea’s Docksta Table which is a knock off of the mid-century modern tulip table that became popular in the 1960’s. The Docksta Table works well in small spaces such as kitchen nooks and the modern design mixes effortlessly with a multitude of different chair styles.

Docksta Table

The Everygirl

4. Lack Coffee and End Table $7.99 – I purchased the Lack Coffee table when I first moved into my apartment here in New York. I love the white lacquer finish and the shelf below the tabletop for extra storage. Don’t let the price point fool you, the tables are sturdy and finish allows for spills and stains to be cleaned up easily.

Lack Side Tables Ikea

The Everygirl

5. Kallax Shelving Unit $139.99 – Let’s talk shelving for a minute, shall we? If you’re in need of more storage or a way to divide up a room, the Kallx Shelving unit (formerly called the Expedit shelf) from Ikea is a must. The Kallax line comes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes making this piece one of my favorites from the Swedish retailer. I love the tall unit for dividing up small spaces such as in a studio.

Kallax Shelving Unit Ikea

Lisanne van de Klift

6. Lack Shelving Units $19.99 – I incorporated the Lack shelving unit in my kitchen above one of my kitchen counters (as seen here) to display my champagne glasses, coffee mugs and other kitchen products. I also loved the Lack shelving units layered in a room like the picture below. The Lack Shelving Units are quite large, so I recommend measuring the wall and the width you would like the shelves to come out to before purchasing.

Lack Shelving Units Ikea

7. Ribba Wall Frame Series $9.99-$19.99 – If you ever tried creating a gallery wall, you know the cost of picture frames can easily add up especially when it comes to larger frame sizes. Because I have a gallery wall in my room, I liter-ally have looked everywhere from West Elm to Target for frames but discovered the Ribba Wall Frame Series does just the trick. With multiple colors and sizes, creating a gallery wall just got 10x easier.

Ribba Wall Frame Series Ikea

Ikea

8. Ranarp Work Lamp $39.99 – Ooooo, the classic task lamp. Another winning design from the Swedish mothership! With it’s stylish mix of materials and colors, the Ranarp Work Lamps are beyond chic for their rock-bottom price point.

Screen Shot 2015-02-14 at 5.18.35 PM

Adore Magazine

9. Linnmon Desk $39.99 – Designing an in-home office? The Linmmon desk can definitely be overlooked at first glance but a simply DIY can spruce these tables up in an instant (check out Dream Green Linmmon Desk’s DIY here). The $39.99 price point also makes it much easier for shoppers on a budget. The simple white lacquer table top and round legs make this desk easy to incorporate into any office space or room.

Ikea Desk Hack

Dream Green DIY

10. Tobias Chair $79.00 – The Tobias chair has been featured everywhere from Elle Decor to hundreds of interior design blogs across the web. With it’s sleek design and easy price point, it’s not surprising the Tobias chair has been incorporated into dinning rooms, office spaces and vanities across the globe. Style tip: Layer a sheepskin throw for an extra bit of glam.

Tobias Chair Ikea

Decor Pad

Do you have any favorite Ikea pieces? What’s on your must-have Ikea shopping list? Xo. Lauren

10 Feb 2015

Valentine’s Day For Her
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Omg. Hi. I missed you guys! Traveling to San Francisco Wednesday to Sunday for work was quite busy and tiring so this girl barely blogged. Anyways, I’m back at this week and feeling quite refreshed and motivated. Tonight I got to attend the Kardashian Beauty event at the NYC Holiday House. I got to meet both Kim and Khloe but it was very cool + the girls looked stunning! More on the Kardashian Beauty products later this week. Today is all about Valentine’s Day gifts for Her! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite pink, red and white products to help you ring in this holiday the right way. Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebirds! Xoxo. Lauren

Aerin Perfume // Diptyque Vanille Scented Candle // YSL Lip Tint // Kate Spade NY Crossbody Bag // Tassel Earrings // Ring // Dior Nailpolish // Tory Burch Perfume // Jo Malone Red Roses Bath // Jo Malone Hand Treatment // Makeup Bag // Pink Midi Skirt // Dear Valentine Stud Earrings // Bobbi Brown Art Stick Set // Nude Pumps // Pink Satchel // Lip Scrub // Eye and Cheek Palette // Tom Ford Lipstick // 34 Solid Perfume // SJP Pumps // Mimi Holiday by Damaris Bra  // Jo Malone Candle // Eye Mask