For the Ladies who Lunch

For the Ladies who Lunch by divadebbi featuring aesop

Maje pocket shirt / M Missoni crochet skirt / Pierre Hardy strappy high heel sandals, $530 / NARS Cosmetics / Jean Patou / Aesop / kristina heart, $5.51

Review: IT Bye Bye Under Eye

IT Bye Bye Under Eye
$24

There are so many niche cosmetics companies these days.  I had never heard of IT Cosmetics (aka Innovative Technology Cosmetics) before reading product reviews on two beauty blogs I subscribe to, Best Things In Beauty and Musings of a Muse.

Based on recommendations, I tried an illuminating highlighter that sadly, looked artificial and garish on me.  I wrote to them and they kindly offered to exchange it for a blush.  The day I wore it, one of my colleagues started a conversation with me about how as we age, when it comes to makeup, "less is more".

I knew instantly she was talking about my clown cheeks and pointed to them.  She laughed and nodded yes, as I recused myself to the ladies room to scape my cheeks with a razor blade.

My experiences with IT Cosmetics were not promising, but when I read this rave review by Muse (http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2012/01/it-cosmetics-bye-bye-under-eye-concealer-review-swatches-photos.html), who does have issue with dark circles, I made note of it.  She is refreshingly candid in her reviews and I trust her.

Just Cut It Out...

Just Cut It Out... by divadebbi featuring an eau de perfume

STELLA McCARTNEY embroidery dress / Tory Burch handbag / Diamond earrings / Chanel volumizing mascara / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics / Lanvin eau de perfume

The Getaway

The Getaway by divadebbi featuring leather bracelet jewelry

ISSA LONDON block top / Tory Burch cotton shorts, $115 / Valentino flat leather sandals / Hermès leather bracelet jewelry / Clarins / St Tropez sun care / Shiseido

Travel In Comfort and Style

Photographs by Bob Rozycki

Recently Georgette Gouveia, WAG Magazine's Editor interviewed me for their June issue, "Open Road."  Georgette wanted to know if there was any method to my packing madness.

Fortunately, there is.  Friends who travel with me are always surprised that I'm a light packer.  My husband is amazed at the strides I've made over the years.  He actually went looking for my "other" suitcase on our last vacation...there wasn't one.

Frankly, it's a relief.  Biggest hurdle?  As I told Georgette, "I've given myself permission to repeat outfits".   For more, as well as advice from Personal Image Agency owner Kendra Porter, read on...

There’s a terrific moment in “Pride and Prejudice” – not the one with Keira Knightley but the definitive version with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy – where Maria Lucas (sister of Charlotte, who’s the BFF of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet and wife of the fatuous Mr. Collins, whom Lizzie has rejected even though he’s going to inherit the Bennet estate, which has been entailed away from the female line) packs and repacks her trunk, because she fears it is not up to the Olympian standards of the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy’s aunt and Lizzie’s nemesis. Whereupon the self-possessed Lizzie informs Maria (pronounced Mah-RYE-ah) that since it’s her trunk and her dresses, she should pack anyway she wants and no one will ever know.

Way to go, Lizzie. Still, you sympathize with Maria. You plan the perfect vacation. You have your mode of transportation and lodging all lined up. And then you’re almost done in before you even depart by the daunting challenge of what to wear and how to pack it. It’s why some people hate to travel.

We know the feeling. That’s why we asked style gurus and WAG alumnae “Diva” Debbi O’Shea and Kendra Charisse Porter for some tips to help us put our best (sandaled) foot forward:

1. Travel light. As the child of an over-packing mother, Kendra never checks luggage and went all the way to Mexico for a cousin’s wedding with just a carry-on and a book bag. Debbi, too, says, “I’ve given myself permission to repeat outfits. You want to look chic, but you’re not going to be able to take everything with you.” With that in mind, what you wear on travel day is important, because it sets the tone and foundation of your vacation wardrobe. “There are no orphan pieces,” Debbi says.

2. Layer your travel-day look. Debbi likes a light cashmere tank, long jersey cardigan, Ali Ro skinny jeans in a color other than the traditional blue, a lightweight microfiber raincoat that rolls up, a medium-size purse and sturdy Yosi Samra packable flats in a neutral color. Kendra likes to wear the bulkier items that would take up space in her suitcase, traveling in jeans, sneakers, a tank, a button-down shirt, sweater and jeans jacket. (Obviously, the number of layers you wear will depend on the season and destination.) Key for both women – a big scarf that ties the outfit together and can serve as a cover-up, shawl or blanket.

For the guys, the stylists say, same idea. Debbi says a man can’t go wrong in dark-blue boot-cut jeans, a polo shirt, a good-looking travel shoe, a nice belt, a Zegna microfiber zip fleece pullover and a lightweight jacket. Kendra adds that light sports, track or cargo jackets are all good options for them.

3. The carry-on is all that stands between you and disaster. Veterans of the Lost or Misdirected Luggage Wars, Debbi and Kendra swear by their carry-ons. Debbi even recently treated herself to a woven hemp tote with leather trim by Fairchild Baldwin. In general, your carry-on should always contain your valuables and necessities should your checked bag be delayed – jewelry in a jewelry bag, electronics and chargers, overnight toiletries and makeup in TSA-appropriate bottles (look for sample sizes), medication in a multiday pill container you can find in any discount drugstore, a change of underwear and top, nightwear and socks to keep the tootsies warm, dry and clean in any environment.

4. Try the pyramid approach to packing. Having selected a palette of no more than four colors – say white, taupe, navy and black – Debbi and Kendra pack from the heaviest items to the lightest but in different ways.

Debbi, who is checking her suitcase, begins with her beach bag, umbrella and toiletries, contained in those heavy zippered bags that sheets come in, on the bottom. Next go her beige wedge sandals and pewter flat Jack Rogers sandals in cloth sacks. Then in go two pairs of shorts – one white, one bright; three bathing suits; one Calypso St. Barth cover-up; one pair of white jeans; one cardigan (white or taupe); two tanks; two Ts; one V-neck long-sleeve sweater; two pairs of yoga pants; two exercise tops; a neutral clutch; three jersey dresses on one hanger in a dry-cleaning bag; two oversize scarves; two nightgowns in different weights; and a packable hat with tissue in the crown. (No, we didn’t forget the undies. They line the sides of the suitcase.)

Kendra, who is using her carry-on as her suitcase, favors unlined, washable linen pants in white and taupe, corresponding blouses, a linen jacket, sundresses, a nightgown, two bathing suits (in ziplock bags) and a cover-up that can be transformed into a dress, top or towel. To these, Kendra takes the military-style approach, folding and rolling each article. She places her toiletries on the top or side of the bag in a clear cosmetic case so airport security doesn’t have to hunt for them. But doesn’t linen wrinkle? “It will have creases anyway,” Kendra says. “Besides, I’m OK with a little ironing.”

5. And for the guys: Kendra and Debbi favor a pair of dress shoes and something they can be comfortable in – mules, good-looking leather sandals, water shoes; a couple of pairs of shorts; a bathing suit; well-fitting khakis (try olive green and navy, Kendra says); chinos; cargo, convertible or running pants; a dress shirt; some polos and Ts; and a blazer in a garment bag on top.

And don’t forget a tie, guys. You never know what fancy place we’ll wind up in.

For more on Debbi O’Shea, visit divadebbi.com For more on Kendra Charisse Porter, visit kendraporter.com.

xox,
DD

Style for Style

Style for Style by divadebbi 

Dark Circles: Is there Hope in a Jar?

Murad Instant Radiance Eye Cream
$68

I must admit that I have gotten dozens of queries from friends and readers about the best eye cream to combat dark circles.  May I admit to a smidgen of smugness, when I got to say I wasn't the best person to ask, since this was not my problem...until it was.

It became apparent to me on our last vacation.  Usually by night two or three, I suddenly no longer require under eye concealer.  Apparently, the R&R is working its magic.  Not so, this last trip.  I appeared tired, even when I wasn't.

Ruh Roh.  

That's why I was so delighted to receive Murad's newest product Instant Radiance Eye Cream.  I saw absolutely no results with the first two products I diligently used.

All in a days work...

All in a days work... by divadebbi featuring orange eye makeup

SELECTED denim jacket, $100 / Ravel studded denim shorts / Lanvin short boots / Yves Saint Laurent logo bag / MAC Cosmetics orange eye makeup / Christian Dior / Louise Young Cosmetics lip brush / Ciate nail polish

Lovely Indeed....

Lovely Indeed.... by divadebbi featuring gold heel sandals

RED Valentino long sleeve shirt / Dolce & Gabbana dolce gabbana / Chinese Laundry gold heel sandals, $100 / By Malene Birger stretch belt, $125 / Topshop fake belt / Clinique sugar lip treatment

Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion: Protect Me, Protect Me Not?

Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion
$18.00

I had received a sample of Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion recently, with their lovely Radiance Cleanser and Body Lotion which I reviewed glowingly.  I put Radiance Day Lotion on the back burner because of the low SPF.  "7" seems and odd and arbitrary number for SPF in a moisturizer.

Curiosity definitely got the best of me, when the temperatures spiked to the 90's last week.  I could see this would be a lightweight moisturizer, which is always my preference in warmer months.

The Good Life

The Good Life by divadebbi 

Dr. Howard Murad Presents: A Younger You

Dr. Howard Murad M.D. FAAD

I frequently have the opportunity to sample Murad anti-aging products. I can honestly say I have never used one that I haven't thought was tops in its class, be it a serum, moisturizer, toner, pigment lightener, exoliator, peel or mask.  What makes me such a fan???

Results!

Last September, I was among a group of top beauty bloggers who were invited to hear Dr. Murad speak at a cocktail reception at the St. Regis in NYC.

His credentials are so impressive.  Dr. Murad is a,  board-certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and best-selling author of four books including The Water Secret. Dr. Murad holds 19 patents for advances in the science of skin health.

It was a fascinating evening and a delight to hear this vibrant International authority on health and wellness talk with us about cellular health and how much control we have over our physical and emotional well being.  He is truly someone who believes in treatment the patient wholly, not just their skin concerns. I was mesmerized.

Now you can hear Dr. Murad speak about his philosophies on how to slow down and in some cases, reverse the aging process. This June, Dr. Murad will be helping PBS in their fundraising efforts and is one of their featured experts presenting , A Younger You." Generally, WLIW and Channel 13 run identical programming during these drives so if you miss it on one you can catch it on another. (Check your local U.S. markets as well for times in your area.)

New York	6/7/13	Friday	WLIW	3:00 AM	ET
New York	6/7/13	Friday	WLIW	2:00 PM	ET
New York	6/8/13	Saturday	WLIW	4:30 PM	ET
New York	6/9/13	Sunday	WLIW	1:00 PM	ET

I was recently sent some new Murad products and I am already crazy about Murad's new Instant Radiance Eye Cream.  Buh Bye dark circles!!!

Stay tuned for my upcoming reviews and more importantly, tune in to see Dr. Murad.  When it comes to skincare and anti-aging, I think he is the 8th wonder...

xox,
DD

K.I.S.S.

K.I.S.S. by divadebbi 

Perk Up! Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Face Polish

Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Face Polish
$34

I have long been intrigued with the idea of using coffee as an anti-aging beauty product.  I have even gone as far as concocting my own body scrub with coffee grounds... It's messy business...

When I received some information from my friends at Kaplow PR about Nyakio, a new line of products with Kenyan coffee as the key ingredient I was particularly intrigued with the idea of less mess.

Nyakio  successfully launched on HSN in May and founder Nyakio Kamoche Grieco will be featured again in August. You can purchase Nyakio products through HSN and shortly on their own website Nyakio.com.

Shades of Blue

Today by divadebbi 

I have written often about my friend Stacey Bewkes, who writes the award winning lifestyle blog Quintessence.  Stacey's eye is unerring and her prose is pitch perfect. I adore this stylish Minx!

Every morning with coffee, I read about her latest globe trotting adventure. Stacey has been a past online contributor to Connecticut Cottages and Gardens.  Her first print article and photos appear in their June issue. It highlights the "blue trend" in interiors that she first noticed in Paris this January at the Maison et Objet and Paris Deco Off.  I look forward to reading it.

As soon as I spied this stack of gorgeous Limoge porcelain cups by Marie Daage,

I was inspired to create a Polyvore set featuring them. Interestingly, many of my sets that Polyvore, retailers, cosmetic brands and designers have chosen to highlight and promote have featured photographs from Quintessence.

Thank you for bringing out the best in me Q. and congratulations on CCG!

xox,

DD

A Stroke of Genius: Philip Kingsley's Swimcap

Philip Kingsley Swimcap
$32

Here's a product that might actually get me back in the pool...

I loved to swim. I loved to float.  It's been a long, time since my double processed hair with carefully placed caramel highlights, by my long time colorist Christopher Hornauer, has touched chlorine.

Oh well.

For the rest of you who still take the plunge, I thought that Swimcap, developed by Philip Kingsley for the Olympic Synchronized Swimming team would be a great  addition to your summer beach bag.

Are you Finished?: Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray

Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Micro Finishing Spray
$38
 

Last week was, (pray God,) unseasonably warm in the Northeast. I save all my weather complaining for the Winter---you can't have it both ways, but my hair woes are another story.

I have noticed of late that all of the hairsprays I have tried have been leaving my hair with a dull finish...not pretty. I need the control, particularly with some of the flyaways that drive me mad, but still want hair that looks reasonably shiny.

Peonies and Roses

Peonies and Roses by divadebbi featuring bobbi brown cosmetics

Madewell cut out shirt / Bow shorts / Witchery patent leather shoes, $145 / Mulberry evening handbag, $1,215 / Beaded necklace / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics / Aesop

Summer Love

Summer Love by divadebbi 

Bon Voyage

Bon Voyage by divadebbi 

These minimalist sets are very popular on Polyvore.  This is my second attempt.  It's more difficult than it would seem to select just a handful of items and have them stand out.

Consider mine a work in progress...

xox,

DD

An Apple Day May Keep the Wrinkles at Bay: Ageless Derma

Ageless Derma
$65 (less 25% and free domestic shipping
on their website)

Since I do focus a great deal on anti-aging beauty, I get many requests to sample and review products.  One of the things that will get me to tip my scale to say yes is if I think a product is well priced and if it is jam packed with cutting age ingredients like bio-peptides, stem cells, antioxidents, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid in high concentrations.

Such is the case with Ageless Derma.  Ageless Derma and 5 other skin care products were developed at the behest of Dr. Mostamand a California based Medical Spa owner and author.  Dr. Mostamand assembled his own team of Bio chemists and estheticans, to find which ingredients work and which don't and when they do, in what concentration.

xox Pinking of You

xox Pinking of You by divadebbi featuring a pearl chain necklace

Jason Wu halter top, $1,960 / Nina Ricci / Marni skirt / Le Silla leather shoes / Chanel handbag / Wet Seal pearl chain necklace / Shiseido pink eye makeup / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics pink blush, $27 / French Stamp Postmark Post Mark Pope Palace Letter Digital Download...

Rosie comes home: Polyvore Top Sets 6/28/13

Rosie comes home by divadebbi 

I was happily surprised to see that one of my sets was chosen by the Polyvore editorial team to feature on their home page today.  

Personally, I have created other sets that I thought might be more deserving, but then again, I'm not alone with my Girl Crush on the magnificent Rosie Huntington-Whitely.  Her street style is infamous, but can you imagine any other mortal looking this fabulous after a long flight???

Actually, I can--Olivia Palermo:  

 

And then God broke the mold...

xox,

DD

Burt's Bees Radiance Products: Buzz Worthy and Fit for a Queen

Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion
with Royal Jelly
$9

I received a sample of Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion with Royal Jelly recently from my friends at Tractenberg P.R.  I like Burt's Bees products...they rarely disappoint.

I am always looking for a high quality, price friendly body lotions since I use them with abandon.  This one, is, in a word, delicious.

The texture is a bit thin,  but silky.  It smells heavenly, absorbs quickly and since it contains mica, a light reflecting mineral, it leaves you glowing.

It is infused with Royal Jelly and Sunflower Oil. The star is definitely the Royal Jelly, the same substance that is fed to Queen Bees.  Royal Jelly is packed with, "8 essential amino acids, Niacin, Folic Acid and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, D, and E."

The other product I received was Burt's Bees Radiance Facial Cleanser:

Summer Love

Summer Love by divadebbi 

Well it certainly didn't feel like it in many parts of the country this weekend, but hopefully your Memorial Day was brighter (and warmer.)

I love every season except winter.  I particularly long for the summer months, when we have the gift of light, which makes every day and evening seem like an opportunity to do more of whatever makes you happy.

Wishing you a summer of joy...

xox,
DD

Pretty/Sweet

Pretty/Sweet by divadebbi featuring high heels

Valentino cutout dress / Giuseppe Zanotti high heels / Lanvin / Lancôme / By Terry lip makeup

Just Love...

Just Love... by divadebbi featuring a black patent leather handbag

Dolce & Gabbana dolce gabbana dress / Lulu Guinness black patent leather handbag / Tom Ford / Pier 1 Imports - Artificial Apple Blossom Spray

Shades of Blue

Shades of Blue by divadebbi featuring la perla

By Malene Birger genuine leather jacket, $755 / TIBI skirt / La Perla / Chloé t-bar shoes / Valentino studded tote / Cl 233 de Peau Beaut 233 eyeshadow / Dolce & Gabbana makeup, $60 / Dolce & Gabbana lip makeup / Chantecaille smudge proof eyeliner / Annick Goutal eau de perfume / Topshop grey nail polish, $7.55

Sitting Pretty

Sitting Pretty by divadebbi featuring la perla

Victoria, Victoria Beckham short lace dress / Nina Ricci pullover sweater / La Perla bra / Alexander McQueen zipper boots / Hermès pink handbag / Bee Charming long necklace / Tinley Road cabochon ring / Victoria's Secret lip stain / Lanvin edp perfume / La Perla , $54

TotalBeauty: Beauty Picks That Are Coming Up Roses

TotalBeauty was the first beauty media site to publish DivaDebbi.  I have always liked the site for its unbiased reader rated reviews and their beauty roundups, which I find irresistible.   What did make me crazy was the layout of the site and its tediously slow mechanics.  Well someone is on the ball, the crisp new site is easier and faster to navigate, so I will be sharing articles with you more frequently...now if I can just find where they put my Blog.... Makeup Picks That Are Prettier Than a Dozen Roses

Who needs a dozen long-stems when you can have these pretty rose beauty picks?

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Flowers are a lovely gesture … until about day three. The petals start to wilt, the stems start to droop, and before you know it, your only options are the garbage can or making second-rate potpourri for your once-gorgeous roses. That's why we're turning to pretty, rose-inspired makeup. These makeup picks are a great gift to give, and great gifts to receive. Rosy shades are not only classic, but they also look good on everyone. Click ahead to see the prettiest picks that will outlive an actual bouquet by months -- if not years. See beauty picks

Rosie comes home

Rosie comes home by divadebbi featuring logo hats

Rag & Bone / Mary Katrantzou oversized coat / MOTHER skinny fit jeans / Christian Louboutin patent shoes / Jean Shop , $1,195 / Borsalino logo hat / Lancôme / Napoleon Perdis pencil eyeliner / Delphi Butterfly Salad Plate, $10

Review: Spa Sonic Skin Care System

Spa Sonic Skin Care System
$39.99- $59.99
Do your Internet due diligence!

The Spa Sonic Skin Care System was sent to my friend Kari Solyntjes who writes Fab Over Forty, to review.  Kari's reviews are a daily must read for me and I have long regretted waiting as long as I did to purchase a Clarionic Mia after she raved about it.

What intrigued me most about the Spa Sonic was the large brush head that comes with it. I sometimes bring my Mia into the shower to use on my face, neck and decollote, but what I really wanted was a device I could leave in the shower.  Clarisonic Plus does have a large brush head, but it is a separate unit and I am not springing for $225 on it.  Even I have a limit to my indulgence.

The Spa Sonic sounded like it might just fit the bill and Kari blessed it, so I ordered it...

Be Your Best Self...

Be Your Best Self... by divadebbi 

Don't Box Me In

Don't Box Me In by divadebbi featuring a bauble necklace

Miu Miu dress / Tucker bustier top / Charlotte Olympia platform shoes / MSGM / Kate Spade bauble necklace / Bracelet bangle / Napoleon Perdis lip liner / Topshop / Kate Spade perfume / Kevyn Aucoin beauty product

Zig Zag: Ottavio Missoni 1921-2013

Zig Zag by divadebbi 

The fashion world said goodbye to one of the great icons of design, Ottavio Missoni, Patriarch of the Missoni fashion empire, he died at 92 this week.  Ottavio and his bride Rosita, celebrated their 60th anniversary on May 1st.

A man of many talents, he was also an Olympic hurdler and competed in the 1948 games. Mr. Missoni was a master colourist and textile designer.  His spectacular mixes of zigs, zags, stripes, dots and vibrant color strongly influenced fashion and were also highly regarded for their artistic merit.

In 1997, the Missoni's handed the reigns to their 3 children Vittorio, Angela and Luca.  Their vigor and vision helped grow Missoni into a successful lifestyle brand, that includes Home, Hotels, car interiors and a blockbuster collaboration with Target stores last year.

Sadly, this past January, Vittorio Missoni, their eldest son, his wife, two passengers and two crew members disappeared in a plane over the islands near Venezuela.  The plane wreckage was recovered, but not the bodies were never found.

Rest in Peace Ottavio and Vittorio.  Your family has brought beauty and joy to this world and your legacy lives on.

xox,

DD