No Gray Area

I can't think of an easier to wear trend for 2013 than the ever classic contrast of noir and blanc duo. 

I have a feeling I will be basically living in this color combo for a few months for a number of reasons. Black and white make a serious statement when worn together, they offer an easy option for color blocking the two, and when in doubt we turn to black anyway so why not brighten it up with a little white? 

Remember you can always keep your black and whites monochromatic to avoid going full zebra. Stick to a head to toe of one color then add a pop of the other with shoes, a scarf, or jewelry. As always, don't be afraid to continue to mix prints and patterns in B&W. My personal favorite mix and match combos are polka dots, florals, and stripes! One more tip I think is key in achieving une tenue chic is the use of sharp lines and good tailoring. Pair straight cut trousers with a sheer top or a well fitting blazer over a long flowy maxi to up your chic factor.

Bee Mine

A few weeks ago, I traded my Clinique eye makeup remover and L'occitane face wash for olive oil. The same olive oil that sits under my kitchen sink that I put on chicken. At first, I wasn't sure if I trusted rubbing oil all over my face, but I was most definitely sure I would rather put natural ingredients on my skin than harsh man made chemicals. Fast forward a few weeks and my skin is smoother and clearer than it has ever been! Read up on my EVOO regimen that I do 5 times a week here. The other 2 nights (Sunday and usually Thursday) I still use St. Ives Apricot scrub for good measure.

Do a little bit of internet research and find that some shampoos contain cancer causing ingredients. Cocamide DEA is just ONE example, and is even found in the hair products by Organix. With a name like Organix, we expect organic and healthy ingredients, no?

Next up, honey. Twice a week, 30 mins pre-shower, warm 3 tablespoons local honey and 1.5 tablespoon olive oil in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Let it cool to the touch and slather it on dry hair, concentrating on scalp and roots. Wrap hair up in a shower cap for a half hour then rinse with cold water in the shower. Thats all you need to know HONEY boo boo, child!

Birthday!

Here are some pictures from my birthday party on Friday night. We had dinner and drinks at Marrakesh in Dupont Circle. If you have never been there, I recommend it! Although the service was pretty slow, the place is beautiful and they offer authentic Moroccan food! They even sang Happy Birthday to me in French. Which, if you didn't know (because I certainly did not) is the third language of Morroco. 

And that's a cupcake from Crumbs Bakeshop! Mmmm

So after the cupcake, I had tiramisu, don't judge me :)

Perfect Pairings for Valentine's Day

Whether you are spending this Valentine's Day with girlfriends and some fine wine or if you'll be making others sick with you and your partner's cuteness, this is the month for wearing red! Red doesn't always work for my winter complexion (Casper-esque), so I often look to raspberry hues that work for myself and many skin tones. Here is a compilation of some fun and festive things for this lovely month!

Rebecca Minkoff's adorable and cheeky Cory pouches always put a smile on my face. Not sure I agree with this one though ;)

I'm wild about Wildfox's options for both the romantic date and the party girl this holiday! I picture these sweaters looking so cool over a long black maxi with a skinny gold waist belt!

I know you fashionistas are also eagerly awaiting the Prabal Gurung debut for Target, and there is something very romantic about this crystal necklace and something extremely satisfying about the $40 price tag! Sorry however, I'll pass on the matching earrings.

NARS lip crayon in 413BLKR is a MUST HAVE this Valentine's Day. The color is extremely similar to their award winning Funny Face lipstick shade, but it's in a crayon that can be used for a liner or all over lip color. Fun added plus? NARS debuted this color in celebration of Fashion's Night Out and famed fashion photographer Guy Bourdin. 

French Toast Vintage has your must have Valentine's Day party dress! Layer some long gold chains with this flirty vintage number and you are ready for date night. 

Three words: LEATHER. TED BAKER. SALE. Ok, maybe four. Since falling in love with Zara's red leather pants a couple season's ago, I have been trying to find an un-sold out alternative. Although not the same because these have leather panels and are in oxblood, they are nonetheless fabulous. Find them here on the Ted Baker site.

Guest blogging on DCGF

I am honored to have been asked to guest blog for DC Goodwill Fashionista today! Feel free to go check out my list of the top 5 items to pick up when vintage thrifting!

Moroccan Bazaar

My birthday is this Friday, and we are having a Moroccan themed dinner party at Marrakesh. I want everyone to try and stay on theme and wear bright colors, silks, fringe, lots of bangles and just have fun with it! I put a few pieces of inspiration together and now I am even more ready to celebrate my b-day! 

This season expect to see thigh-knee length tunics worn over structured trousers. Mixing the fabrics and prints keeps it exciting, but if you are worried about looking haphazard, stick to color blocking. I am really looking forward to wearing a chain headpiece. The one shown is Free People and is on SALE!

OliVE MY NEW CLEANSER

While in a current quest to become healthier in my eating (eating more organic, free range, and raw foods) it became apparent to me that we consume/use too many chemicals and man-made things on a daily basis. Because of this, I decided to see what beauty products I could use from my own kitchen that weren't laced with chemicals I can't pronounce. 

Introducing... the product Mediterranean women have been using for centuries to keep their skin super soft and blackhead free..OLIVE OIL!

I transferred my Wegmans bought EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL into a travel size plastic bottle and first used it as mascara remover. I live and die by Clinique's Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover, but the EVOO gave it a serious run for its (MY) money.

While my face was dry, I rubbed on the oil in circular motions and then laid a warm damp washcloth over my face (repeat when the washcloth cools).  I couldn't help but feel as if I was getting Punk'd as I rubbed oil all over my face. I just kept thinking, please don't let me wake up with a pizza (Salad) face  ;). I assure you I did not, and my skin actually felt super soft and fresh. 

The possibilities are endless, mix the EVOO with sea salt for a homemade body scrub, when doing an at-home manicure, soak your cuticles in the oil for a few minutes before washing hands to soften them up, and if you are feeling really adventurous, use a little on the ends of freshly washed hair to give it some texture and seal split ends.