MUST HAVE MONDAY

My obsession with softlips only got better.  Their new USDA Organic version is a breakthrough…95% organic, paraben and pesticide free, gluten free and cruetly free.  I love the slim tube – chicer than any other ordinary chapstick – and the pomegranate flavor.  I suggest you stock up! 

Click here to get this.

XOXO,
Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MINI-mize your Makeup Case

It was evident I had a problem when I was instructed to ‘economize’. Clearly it was not a reference to my already shoe-box sized apartment. She peered unabashedly at my travel and makeup bag. I wanted to hide it as if it never existed. I was a closet beauty whore and only those allowed an entrance pass into my girly-world knew it. I looked at her travel makeup case – the size of a six inch sub sandwich – and then looked at mine, the equivalent of a small suitcase. (Sigh) I AM the girl who takes everything but the kitchen sink.

My friend’s blatant honestly sent me into a tailspin that has since become a sustainable way of beauty survival. In full force, I hit as many stores as possible looking for small bottles and any containers that would save my sanity and take my shelf size hair, face, nail, ‘you name it’ products and convert them into reasonable travel companions. I meticulously made a list of all my must-haves and began my mission.

At Ricky’s NYC, I followed the crisp smell of plastic permeating from the back of the store where the empty travel containers are shelved. It was the Golden Gates to beauty efficiency. I chose multiple (you will need extra) 80 ml pump lotion bottles complete with locking components. My next stop was The Container Store’s travel section where I discovered .25 oz spray bottles, perfect for pocket sized hair spray or brush cleaner. Last but not least, it was off to SOHO to visit the new Japanese transplant, MUJI. Their aluminum atomizer was perfect for my favorite fragrance (anything with a high alcohol content should not be put in plastic) and their snap cap cylinder bottles became my obsession as I purchased them in bulk ranging in size from 12-100ml. They would hold all of my facial potions.

Proudly I headed home with my bags of PET plastic and pulled out my label maker. And fear not if you do not own this electronic lifesaver, The Container Store actually sells mini Personal Care Labels. With the precision of an artist at work, I printed and pasted. Voila! I sat back and admired my final creation. I even made extras of some items, including my hairspray, to tuck away in my purse. For some of my favorite products, I was actually able to search out small, solid versions that would not deplete my in-flight liquid restriction, including Smashbox’s solid version of their Anti-Shine and CUTEX nailpolish remover pads, which have spared me packing extra cotton balls (believe it or not they do take up space).

I was efficient and I was proud that even the smallest changes allowed me to maintain my high maintenance regimen. The only problem now is that I think I can take 2 different hairsprays, 3 eye creams and 4 face lotions. Well, I conquered the ‘mini’-mizing. ‘Down’-sizing my mini selection is another story.

See some of my favorite ‘mini’ finds in my photo above…get going girls!

MUST HAVE MONDAY

The chill is coming but that shouldn’t mean you have to look like the abominable snowman. Stay warm and adorable in one of these Love Quotes scarves. The Italian linen is soft and luxurious and 10% of the proceeds are donated to international childrens’ charities. You must have one today!

Clock here to get this.

XOXO,
Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MUST HAVE MONDAY

This season’s fall is all about flannel, but I was looking for a tapered, feminine version. I found this great shirt from Charlotte Russe. I took away the belt and layered over a long heather grey t-shirt and heather grey equestrian style pants. Comfy, sexy and the right price…that’s how it should be done.

Click here to get this.

XOXO,
Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MUST HAVE MONDAY

Zoya nailpolish is my new obsession. Free of all those bad chemicals like formaldehyde, DBP, camphor and toulene, this line was created to be the leader in healthy polish for your delicate digits. The matte, gunmetal grey is made for fall and those rocker-chic looks.

Click here to get this.

XOXO,
Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MUST HAVE MONDAY

Add a cotton v-neck T to your wardrobe this season. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it under a blazer or a military vest. This one from Target has a great little pocket, also comes in heather grey and only $8 dollars. Recession conscious fashionistas, shop your heart out!

Click here to get this.

XOXO,
Stephanie
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MUST HAVE MONDAY

I have found the perfect pair! This duo of primers by Hourglass is all you need. Small enough to pass aviation liquid restrictions, I take them everywhere. Solar Tan is not only a makeup primer but a self tanner, while Veil contains SPF 15 – perfect for day under your makeup. Both are sans parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and phthalates. Atlast…

Click here to get this.

XOXO,
Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

Find your inner feather this fall…

Stumbling into the dressing room of an affordable fifth avenue retailer, accompanied by heaps of fanciful clothing, I see a vision of a pillow like, feather encompassed clutch resting upon the sales clerks’ counter. It beckoned to me. “Is that taken?” I ask, teetering on nervousness that it indeed had already been claimed. “No,” he responded, “it isn’t even on the floor yet. We’ve only received two.” “May I?” I said, as I jutted my free hand forward forgetting about the pounds of fabric in my other arm. It was impractical but it was perfect. I forgot about the dressing room, leaving the helpless sales clerk with no other choice than to return my ridiculous mountain to the correct clothing racks.

I packed meticulously for my first jet-set vacation to the South of France. I wanted to make sure that this delightful addition to my wardrobe would indeed make its appearance. I hadn’t seen anything of its kind yet. I was hoping my spontaneous purchase was the picking of a fashion visionary (not victim). Upon arrival into St. Tropez, I was whisked off to dinner with a long time friend whose life consists of the extraordinary (and the expensive). He was accompanied by his wealthy Russian allies. A girlfriend to the heir of an ‘I will not disclose’ oil conglomerate gushed in her best English avec Russian accent, ‘VVVHere did you find daat?’ Without revealing the birth of my feathered friend, I coyly smiled and thanked her knowing that if it weren’t Gucci or Versace, the clutch would lose its luster. IT was a hit and I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling the feather frenzy that evening.

Feathers, for one reason or another, have been tickling their way back into fashion. A dainty earring here, a feather painted bangle there…but what exactly is influencing designers to revisit what was once reserved for the wealthy and aristocratic? At one time, feathers were a representation of status. In the early 1900’s, fair ladies donned the streets with large hats bejeweled with ostrich feathers imported from afar. Perhaps it is this nostalgic call to affluence that prompts the Van Goghs of the fashion empires to once again incorporate delicate adornments into their creations. Conceivably these plumes could be interpreted not as a symbol of a booming economy, but as a symbol of attainable luxury – a sign of hope that we too will achieve the heavy bank accounts of the Russians (errr maybe not quite) and without apology, flaunt such extravagance. At best it is a current economic allegory.

Feathers are also present accoutrements in pop-culture. Clearly, no one missed Lady Gaga’s feather frothed face at this year’s red carpet at the VMA’s. That was the point. But seeing that it is such a harried trend, will it remain?

I decided to interrogate and sought out a veteran merchandiser for Saks Fifth Avenue. “I have seen the trend being pushed through for the past year initially as small accessories like headbands and earrings – it is now emerging into the ready to wear. I personally adore the flashback to the 40’s – an era of femininity and glam; however, it is a defined trend. In this economy, it can sell, but our current customer is searching out the fashionable yet practical pieces.”
I apparently was not one of the customers she described. Strutting like a peacock is still my style… even if only for just a short while.

For feathered items featured at SAKS click here.

XOXO,

Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MUST HAVE MONDAY

A rose is a rose, is a rose…nothing is sweeter than the glimmer of gold, but it’s oh so more fabulous when pink! I have completely fallen in love with Ted Rossi’s play on bangle bracelets. Exotic leathers, crystals, studs…a fashionista’s dream.

Click here to get this!

XOXO,

Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com

MUST HAVE MONDAY

Peek-a-boo! This hybrid of peep toe / bootie has seized my attention this season. I adore this look from Elizabeth and James – the boho, downtown-chic line designed by the unstoppable Olsen twins. The metallic leather and dainty stiletto are glamorous while the zipper trim provides a touch of edginess. These are a must have!

Click here to get this.

XOXO,

Stephanie Roberts
Editor of www.closetdiaries.com