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Courtesy of Into the Gloss

"Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing…" Christian Dior 

It's impossible to have a conversation about personal style without talking about grooming. Nothing makes me feel instantly pulled together quite like being well-groomed. For me, this means having my hair done often (some things are best left to professionals), the perfect manicure and pedicure, flawless/glowing skin and natural makeup. Let it be known that I firmly believe that beauty comes from within, but sometimes we all need a little help. 

I'm the daughter of a beauty girl, which has informed my style immensely. Skincare takes precedence for my mother. Likewise, my biggest luxuries are moisturizers and spa worthy products that force me to take a few minutes to relax. 

Courtesy of Into the Gloss

We've all fallen under the spell of Into the Gloss for beauty related frivolity. The voyeur in me; loves hearing about the products that accomplished and beautiful women keep on their top shelves. Truth be told, I rely on my mother's opinions before diving into new products or altering my routine. I relish Into the Gloss for organization ideas. 

I like my beauty products, closet, desks and life neatly organized. I crave having all of my products in their rightful places. It's about simplicity and order. I can tell I've stumbled upon a top shelf that I'm going to love, when beauty products are meticulously arranged. It's comforting to know that even with my eyes closed I can find all of the items I need in an instant. Yes, I'm completely Type A. 

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. 

Absurdity

Courtesy of This is Glamorous

One thing noticeably absent this Fashion Month, was manners. We are all, works in progress, but good manners are synonymous with elegance. There's nothing more sophisticated than grace and good manners. So you can imagine my dismay with people traipsing across the runway to get to their seat, or holding up tablets to take photos. The Business of Fashion  tweeted about the loss of all decorum at the various fashion weeks. There are unspoken rules that forbid standing on the runway or obscuring one's view. The majority of fashion week attendees have been going to shows for years and know better. 

I couldn't help but notice the trend of grooming oneself in public. Not just grooming, but making sure that you put on a show of touching up your makeup in front of the watchful eye of the street style photographers. I'm not talking about swiping on a little lip gloss. I'm talking about red lipstick and eye liner; makeup that requires a mirror and precision to apply. Not to mention the nail clipper, who was clipping away behind me one morning. Those who follow me on twitter know I was pretty grossed out, with the nail maintenance going on as I waited in line. 

Don't get me wrong, I love a good beauty routine, but I firmly believe that personal grooming should be done in private. If I'm in a public place, then I find a restroom to check-up, touch up, reapply, etc. Away from all the glitter of the shows, we're all so busy, and sometimes it's tempting to primp in public. At fashion week there are many places to freshen up without taking personal grooming to the street. I think we can all agree that nail clipping in public is absurd, but how much grooming is too much in public?

PS- While I was searching for a business card case I stumbled upon this Smythson of Bond Street cosmetics case and beauty pouch. Each year, one of the charities which I'm involved with, auctions this off. I think I have my eye on it this year. 

Beauty Talk- Aesop Nolita

Courtesy of Aesop 

"Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money." Christian Dior 

Happy Monday! What better way to start the week than with a little beauty talk? I had the pleasure of attending the Aesop (click link) Nolita Press Preview and the opening celebration for their first standalone New York store. Those who know me will attest that I'm not someone who needs to be present at every fete, but this is a brand whose sensibilities appeal to my own. This brand, just gets it. 

To me, the epitome of chic is being impeccably well groomed, which begins with skin care. The majority of beauty products I rely on, were introduced to me by my mother- a repository for beauty information. I've adored a few Aesop products for some time, however it's nice to be able to experience the products in a standalone store at home. In addition to style/fashion, literature and fine art, I enjoy health and wellness. The use of plant-based ingredients and anti- oxidants is what initially drew me to this line. These products are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and treating your body well. 

Courtesy of Aesop

Courtesy of Aesop

The Nolita store reflects the sense of calmness that is intrinsic to Aesop. At first glance, I loved how familiar the store felt from my travels, yet it's unique. Each Aesop store is designed to acknowledge the history of its' city. It's only fitting that the walls of Aesop Nolita are made from reclaimed copies of The New York Times. A brilliant nod to the brand's love of intellectual curiosity and writing. The lovely General Manager of Marketing, Pascale Thouzery took me around the store. We started with the products that I'm loyal to- the body balms, Fabulous Face and Primrose Facial Oils. I have very few skin care concerns, however I tend to rely on products for sensitive skin. I find myself constantly looking for products that deliver hydration. 

Pascale led me to the Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream. I was very keen to trying this product, because it contains Chamomile. Chamomile is a key ingredient I look for in beauty products (along with shea butter)because it's incredibly soothing. I like that the cream can be combined with the oils to provide added hydration. Combining the hydrating cream and oils is something I would use a few times a week during the warmer months, or at night during the winter. Being able to combine products is a hallmark of Aesop's products. I have been using the Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream all week, and in addition to my skin feeling really nourished; the aroma is quite relaxing. The store is pint-sized so you get the attention you need. The employees want you to take your time and try the products before committing to purchasing.

My Personal Photo

My Personal Photo

Later that evening, I enjoyed appetizers and Australian wine. It was just the perfect low key way to celebrate such a highly anticipated opening. The store looks immaculate and it was so nice to see so many people floating in and out; on a perfect late summer night. The generous team at Aesop was incredibly kind and gifted me with their New York Travel Kit. We all know how sought after their travel kits are. I'm enjoying my familiar products and trying a few new ones. I highly recommend popping into this gem, if you're in the area. 

Girl's Night Out!

My Standard Makeup Palette For Benefits

There is nothing like a good cause to get me out. On Friday night, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics hosted a Girl's Night Out with all of the proceeds from the evening going to Dress For Success. Dress For Success is an amazing organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a support network  and career development tools to help women thrive in the workplace. More than 3,000 organizations throughout the world send women to Dress for Success for professional apparel and career development services. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has been an ardent supporter of Dress For Success for the past decade. I love a brand with integrity. 

My lovely friend Tricia and I, along with women of all ages, enjoyed refreshments, having our hair styled by my favorite spa,  and  having makeup applied at the studio. The beauty professionals at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics are extremely warm and encouraging. There is an emphasis on skincare and natural beauty that fits my aesthetic. To me beauty begins with eating healthy, exercising, drinking water and taking good care of my skin. In an earlier post, I mentioned in an earlier post that this is my go to place for having my makeup applied before events, but it was really nice seeing mothers and daughters, sisters and friends leaving a little more confident and feeling good about themselves. There was great energy in the room. 

After a long week it was so nice to meet a friend and indulge ourselves for a good cause. I even ended up taking home a few new products.