Socialite Beauty

Every socialite or aspiring celebrity dreams of having their own beauty and/or fashion empire.  Who knows what fragrances, cosmetic lines, and fabulous fashion collaborations could be in my future?  When I came across the Sephora Collection Monopoly Edition, I thought it was something every Aspiring Socialite should have.  Games are excellent practice for real life.  This version of the classic Monopoly board game is not only adorable, it serves as a simulated version of your future beauty empire allowing players to stock their stores with beauty essentials, hire store directors, and pay for it all with Beauty Bucks.  On the downside, you do go to jail for bad hairdays.

I’ve long been an avid makeup wearer.  I think it all started at the age of 12 when in a desperate attempt to cover up my horrible acne I learned everything I possibly could about makeup.  Though my acne was eventually eliminated with the help of a dermatologist, in the process of engrossing myself in all things beauty, I perfected the smokey eye technique that I still use today to illuminate my blue eyes.  I also developed a steady hand for liquid eyeliner.  As a teenager, I refused to leave the house without makeup, even if it was just to go to the grocery store.  But, as I grew more secure in college, my love for makeup remained strong, but my need for its constant companionship disappeared.

Here are some of of my favorite beauty products that I use almost daily: 

Mascara
Eyeliner

Kelly Bensimon on Her New Book “I Can Make You Hot!” & Being a Socialite

On my path to being a member of the upper crust, there’s nothing more inspiring than meeting and getting advice from actual socialites living the dream.  At a recent meet and greet with former Real Housewife of New York, Kelly Bensimon, celebrating her new diet and lifestyle book, I Can Make You Hot!, the insight I gained on living a healthy and happy socialite life was impeccable. In the book, the model and mother of two reveals how real models eat, live, and keep their bodies beautiful with healthy foods, sleep, and exercise.  Basically, treat your body right and it will love you back.  

This philosophy makes I Can Make You Hot! one of the most optimistic diet books on the market showing the world that skinny people don’t starve themselves, they just eat the right things and make an effort to always treat their bodies like gold.  There’s even room to splurge.  For Kelly, Sunday is the “Day of Rest” where she is free to eat whatever she desires.  When I asked Kelly about being a vegetarian, she suggested I start eating meat again because lean proteins are an important part of a diet that promotes weight loss.  Though I know I should be eating a better variety of foods, I’m not sure if I’m quite ready yet to add meat into the mix.  But, if a supermodel says it will make me hot, I might consider it.

To win a signed copy of I Can Make You Hot! by the lovely Kelly Killoren Bensimon, comment on this post with the name of your favorite food.   The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email.  

“If you want to be a socialite, do what you love and always wear high heels,” – Wise words from Kelly Bensimon on achieving the socialite life.

Sizzling Summer Looks & Accessories!

Summer 2012 is almost here and I couldn’t be more excited!  As much as I love the warm weather, I love living in a land of four seasons because the change in weather always marks a new beginning.  Plus, it’s always a blast to buy new pieces for your wardrobe and rediscover old seasonal styles that have been in hiding in the back of your closet for the past six months.

Here are some of my favorite summer picks for the 2012 season:

Favorite Swimsuits:

1.  Kenneth Cole Reaction Adjustable Printed Brief Shorts Swimsuit: A far cry from the string bikini, this year’s swimsuits are reminiscent of the 60s and far more conservative.  In a year where major stars have been seen wearing long sleeves on the red carpet, women are finding that they ironically feel sexier when they are a little more covered up.

2.  Kenneth Cole Reaction Ruffled Skirted Swimsuit:  I’ve always wanted a skirted swimsuit, but have yet to own one.  I’m pretty obsessed with this one.  Not only are the color and the ruffles adorable, it acts as both a swimsuit and beach coverup in one.

3.  Kenneth Cole New York Swimsuit, Animal Printed Foldover:  Can you tell I’m a bit partial to Kenneth Cole swimwear this season?

Favorite Sandals: 

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Westside Wonders

Saturday was one of those spring days that make you happy to be alive. In celebration of this glorious day, I headed to the Hudson River to enjoy an afternoon of day drinking along the water at the Chelsea Piers Brewery.

The views of the Hudson and the city from the most western edge of the island of Manhattan were inspiring. So inspiring that my friends and I took a spontaneous ferry ride to the other side of the river to drink sangria in Hoboken.  Thanks to this past Saturday, I’m looking forward to an awesome summer filled with sun-drenched weekend excursions.

It’s a beautiful Saturday in Manhattan! I’ll drink to that!

Hello Hoboken!  What a glorious day to dine on the Hudson River at Chelsea Piers.

Walking down the Westside Highway

A spontaneous ferry ride to New Jersey

The view from across the Hudson River in Hoboken.

Monogram Mania

Personalization is the key to uniqueness.  Though everyone has their signature style, sometimes getting key pieces in your wardrobe monogrammed can add an extra level of personalization and character.  Being distinguished is all part of being a socialite so it’s up to you to find new ways to constantly distinguish yourself.  Monogrammed items also make great gifts that are sure to make anyone feel important.  Here are some of my favorite customizable items:

1.  Danielle Stevens Monogram Bracelet: This elegant gold plated bracelet with beautiful lettering is perfect for everyday wear.

2.  BaubleBar Twitter-Plate Necklace: As a digital diva, this is by far my favorite item in this group.  It’s a great twist on the classic name-plate for the social media socialite.  Allow up to five weeks for delivery.

3.  RUGBY Make Your Own Striped Dress:  RUGBY by Ralph Lauren is by far one of the preppiest brands around.  So it’s no wonder I’m a fan of their Ivy League status styles.  You can customize this classic country club look with a selection of patches and monograms on the chest and back.  Another must-have for the Greenwich Girl in every Park Ave. Princess.

4.  BaubleBar Acrylic Monogram: A classic vintage charm in modern neon.

5.  West Avenue Jewelry Block Monogram Earrings: An adorable pair of block letter studs in gold.  Very chic.

6.  Christie Martin Jewelry Three Discs: This incredibly customizable piece is said to be a favorite of celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey.  I think it’s cute when people put the names and birthdays of their kids on these.

Pretty Professional Spring Looks with The Limited’s Atwood Jacket

Don’t get me wrong, I love the warm weather. This time of year brings back so many fond memories of my time at Syracuse University when the campus would shut down and all my classes would be cancelled at the first glimmer of sunlight in cloud covered upstate New York. But, now as a young professional in New York City, the sweetness of spring weather can feel sour when you find yourself stuck in an office.

Aside from lamenting not being able to lay on the beach or in Central Park all day, the air conditioning in the office can make any stylish young professional feel like they’ve landed in the arctic in their summer clothing.  That’s when The Limited‘s Atwood Jacket comes in handy.  Not only is it adorable to wear to the office, it will keep you warm from the harsh winds of the air conditioning all summer long.

Business casual in jeans, sandals, and of course the Atwood Jacket.

Pretty with palm trees in head to toe navy blue. The perfect outfit for a first date.

Stopping traffic!

Photo Credit:  My BFF, Amy Ericson, was sweet enough to take these pictures of me after brunch.  Thanks Amy!  Check out her blog.

Disclaimer: Vicky was provided the Atwood Jacket free of charge thanks to the nice people at The Limited. 

More Spring Jackets from The Limited:

The Limited Jacket

June Weddings 101

I love weddings, especially June weddings. With summer fast approaching, my daydreams are filled with images of breathtaking outdoor weddings under the sun.  Though there’s a certain etiquette to being a bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride, etc. no one really tells you what to do or wear when you are just a guest at a wedding.  Well, that’s all about to change.

Being a guest at someone’s wedding is just as much of an honor as being in the wedding, but with less responsibilities.  Be sure to look fabulous by dressing appropriately for the theme, venue, and time of day.  When with the bride and groom, don’t steal their spotlight.  But, being the center of attention at your table or on the dance floor is fair game.  Though catching the bouquet is always fun, you up your chances of being the next person to get married  by hobnobbing with as many cute guys in the reception as possible.

What to Wear to an Afternoon Summer Wedding:

Just because I have yet to be invited to a wedding this summer, doesn’t mean that I can’t start planning my outfit.

1.  Miss Selfridge Mint Lace Skater Dress:  So cute and whimsical!  This dress is also conservative enough to get the nod of approval from the grandparents who are bound to be at the wedding without being matronly.

2.  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Shoulder Handbag:  This cute little Minkoff bag is big enough to hold everything you need without being overbearing.  Beige bags are great for summer weddings.

3.  Yves Saint Laurent Obsession Satin & Suede Pumps:  I’m utterly obsessed with these shoes!  Enough said.

4.  TOPSHOP Dip Dye Drop Earrings:  These green and gold pastels go so perfectly with this ensemble.

5.  Banana Republic The Mad Men Collection High Ball Cocktail Ring:  Chances are you’ll be sipping your share of champagne and cocktails at the wedding in honor of the happy couple which gives you the perfect chance to show off a cocktail ring.

Fun Wedding/Bridal Shower Gift Ideas:

Though I prefer to give and receive cash at these occasions, I couldn’t get over how cute these potential wedding/bridal shower gifts are.

1.  Jonathan Adler ‘Jet Set’ Porcelain Coasters:  Jonathan Adler has excellent home goods to give as wedding presents.  These coasters are perfect for your typical jet setting socialite couple.

2.  Vera Wang Wedgwood Dinnerware:  Vera Wang doesn’t just make excellent wedding dresses, her dinnerware makes a wonderful bridal gift.

3.  Margaritaville Frozen Drink Maker:  The party doesn’t stop just because you tied the knot.  This is a great gift for a couple who loves to entertain.

4.  Missoni Tropical Sugar Bowl:  Even if the bride and groom aren’t the cooking type, this Missoni sugar bowl is an awesome kitchen decoration.

5.  Gift Boutique Fortune Cookie Box:  To give the newly married couple good fortune.

6.  Diane Von Furstenberg Camargue Rolling Expandable Luggage:  They’ll love a new set of luggage to bring on the honeymoon.

One Love: Celebrating Bob Marley’s Fashion Legacy

After years of living the fast life in New York, I could so use a trip to Jamaica where everything moves at a more relaxing pace, except for the Olympic runners of course. Unfortunately, that trip will have to wait. The other night, however, I got the opportunity to celebrate my island side when I previewed the soon to be released documentary film entitled MARLEY. The film tells the story of Bob Marley’s rise to stardom along with his revolutionary musical, social, and political legacy.  

We also chatted as a group with Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley, via Skype about her fashion line inspired by her father.  Aside from her Dad’s overall message and spirit, what really inspired Cedella in creating her line was the fact that her father was’t trying to be trendy or fashionable, but yet he was.

Cedella Marley’s line is available from Zion Rootswear.  She also designed the uniforms for the Jamaican team at the upcoming Olympics.  The uniforms have quotes from her father written in the inside so that Bob Marley can always be with them as they compete.  MARLEY will be released in select theaters, on iTunes, and On Demand coincidently on 4/20.

Talking about fashion and being true to your family’s legacy with Cedella Marley on Skype.  She plans on using the profits from her clothing line to build hospitals and schools as her family has done for years now in the spirit of Youth Planet and Peace.

The island life! One Love!

Dressing Exactly Like Your Favorite Celebrities (And I Mean Exactly)

Though you should always have your own style and celebrate your uniqueness, there’s a lot you can learn from the celebrities you admire on your journey to fame and fortune.  In the celebrity world, imitation really is the best form of flattery.  While some choose to buy off the rack, those aspiring often choose to buy off celebrities.  Here are some of my favorites picks worn by the celebrities I love the most.

Nowadays, anyone who’s anyone want to dress like Kate and Pippa. With their class, beauty, and style, it’s no wonder everyone wants to be a Middleton sister. But, as soon as they leave the palace, their fab outfits sell off the rack within milliseconds.  This phenomenon is known as “The Kate Effect.”  If you’re going to be a socialite, you need to be ready for The Kate Effect.  Here’s your chance to reserve your very own pair of J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Coral from Boutique To You that Kate Middleton wore while promoting the upcoming London Olympics with the women’s field hockey team.

As the sister of the future queen and the ultimate bridesmaid, Pippa Middleton is by far one of the most fabulous people on Earth.  Get her royal in-law street style in this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Ruffle Hem Maxi Dress in Blush.

Across the pond, America’s Country Sweetheart, Taylor Swift, goes urban chic in this adorable Olivaceous Pleated Skirt In Mustard also from Boutique To You.

The Queen of Style, Rachel Zoe, may be a new mom, but she’s just as stylish as ever.  Rock her style this summer in her Elizabeth and James Lafayette Sunglasses in Dark Tortoise available at Singer22.

*To take these looks from the pages of the paparazzi to your personal closet, click the links to buy directly.

Candie’s Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook

I’ve always loved the ultra girly qualities of the Kohl’s Candie’s brand and the images I just previewed from their Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook.  I love all the bright weekend and beachside looks in this collection.  All of which look as if they cost so much more than they actually do.

Great florals!

Obsessed with the pink Asymmetrical Pleated Dress and it’s under $30!

Wedges are such a summer staple.

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