It never fails - each year on my birthday, my mom is completely clueless as to what to get me. Don't get me wrong - her presence is present enough - but there's always some big drama about how she doesn't know exactly what to get. Generally, she over thinks every single aspect of the potential present. I find this oddly hilarious, especially considering that for the majority of my life, it was just she and I (all the time).
Of course, it's also hilarious since I live nearly every aspect of my life online and am effusive about the styles that I love. Heck, my mom's even on Twitter! Where the disconnect is, I'll never know. So, this year to avoid any confusion, I've decided to make my mother (and anyone else who might be interested procuring the perfect present for my 28th birthday (June 3rd, mark your calendar), here's a shortlist of products that I'm currently coveting, beginning clockwise from top left.
Hayden-Harnett Beautiful Dead Scarf, $78
When it comes to skulls, pirates and Halloween, I get pretty sentimental. My college best friend instilled in me a deep love for all three (or any combination thereof), so naturally I've fallen completely head over heels for this piece from Hayden-Harnett's Pirates of the Caribbean collection.
Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, $35 - $465
Honestly, anything Tom Ford is a slam dunk. The man can do no wrong (I'm sure even if he tried). From the cat eye sunnies that I refuse to stop wearing, to Black Orchid, I prefer to live my life covered in Tom Ford. Naturally, a summer fragrance is exactly what I need to round out my collection.
Anything and everything from Colette Malouf
Colette Malouf is one of the most genius women that I've had the pleasure of meeting. She creates stunning hair accessories out of seemingly delicate materials that are manage to combine the rare quality of statement pieces and making the woman wearing the piece seem intrinsically more beautiful. If you aren't familiar with her line, get acquainted and start collecting.
Dolce & Gabbana Red Leopard Sunglasses, $260
To be fair, I need another pair of sunglasses like I need a hole in the head, however if I did, they'd be these stunners by Dolce & Gabbana. In fact, I feel pretty confident that in the coming years, I'll still remember this particular pair of sunglasses (and the accompanying Naomi Campbell advertisements). Sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Guerlain L'Instant, $73 - $118
Through the years, Guerlain's L'Instant has been the one fragrance that has remained on my "must" list. Every time I go into a Sephora, I inevitably end up spritzing it on or taking home a sample, but I've never purchased a bottle to take home. It's a perfect scent for spring and the early days of summer, with notes of citrus, honey and my personal favorite, amber. Divine.
Neroli Pyramid Stud Earrings, $62
As my friend Dina likes to say (about herself), I've become a cliche. In the foreseeable future, I don't really anticipate a time where I won't love pyramid studs. To me, there's no better pyramid stud-loving brand than Noir, so these earrings are a natural fit, not to mention the fact that they take my love and multiply it. Perfect.
Are there any other Geminis out there? If so, what's on your birthday wish list?
Currently Coveting: Birthday Wishes, Caviar Dreams
Late Night Lust: A Case of the Wants By Dolce & Gabbana
Why does this always happen to me? It starts with staring at navy patent pointy toe flats and it ends up with me browsing the technology accessories on Nordstrom. I've become entranced by this Dolce & Gabbana iPad sleeve. From the moment it appeared on my screen, I began purring, pawing at the screen and generally exhibiting cat-like behavior.
Of course, when I looked at the associated price tag, my want changed to lust. The $295 price tag is a little on the high side, however it IS Dolce & Gabbana and it IS made of red leopard calfskin. What is there to complain about?
In other iPad2 case news, I snagged Carrie Dunham's The Stowe in pink and red suede from Gilt. It just arrived and it is oh-so-chic. Why do we feel the need to dress our technology like we dress ourselves? How many iPhone/iPad/Blackberry cases do you have?
A Day With Dolce & Gabbana The Makeup + Pat McGrath
Before you go getting googlie-eyed at this post, you should know that I was SO nervous and SO excited that there are no photos or video. So sorry, but that's the truth.
I learned of a Pat McGrath/Dolce & Gabbana The Makeup event at Saks Fifth Avenue via Makeup Minute. I instantly made an appointment, and inquired as to the minimum purchase requirement. I was shocked when the woman on the other end of the phone answered "None". Curious, excited and nervous I headed to Saks for my 1pm appointment. After waiting about 15 minutes while the darling Princess Poochie had the artists work their magic on her. Once I got in the chair, a darling makeup artist (eeps, can't remember his name) took a lot of time walking me through the line, explaining the products to me and making sure I had a great experience. During the session, I heard a boisterous woman talking to the makeup artist behind me and walking him through the application on the customer behind me. This woman, I later learned, was Pat McGrath's assistant. When my MUA was almost finished, Pat herself glided down the aisle of Saks, walking up to each customer to say hello, and direct the MUA to getting our looks just right the Pat McGrath way. She was so kind, so sweet and so eager to talk to all of us. I truly walked away feeling like we shared a genuine moment. Now THAT is what I call an experience.
What I purchased from the line:
- Dolce & Gabbana The Nail Lacquer in Stromboli (AMAZING) $20
- Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeliner in Stromboli $29
- Dolce & Gabbana The Eyelinerin Coffee $29
- Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Quad in Nude $59
While in the MUA's chair, I overheard and learned a few things:
- Anything named Stromboli is a must have (obviously I bought into this by my nail polish and eyeliner purchase)
- Notice I didn't purchase a lip gloss? The glosses were recalled due to a defect in the brushes - the brush hairs literally fell out!
- Paula of Older Girl Beauty overheard during her appointment that the reason there were no makeup brushes available for purchase was that D&G could not decide on the logo for the handle, therefore they are not available for purchase
- The lipsticks smell like Estee Lauder, aka old lady
- If you watched RuPaul's Drag Race, you might remember Rebecca Glasscock, one of the finalist drag queens. Outside of the dazzling drag world, Rebecca is known as Javier, who is apparently a Freelance Makeup Artist. He was the one receiving all the coaching from Pat McGrath's assistant.
- Don't even think of attempting to open the nail polish bottle while the gold cap is still in place. You must remove the cap to expose quite a boring, black corrugated lid to open the polish. Design fail.
- The D&G counter at Saks Fifth Avenue is directly across from the Giorgio Armani Beauty counter. I like to call this space the Pat McGrath hallway of greatness
Overall, I think the line is overpriced for what it is. The Stromboli color is STUNNING and an absolute must have from the line. The brushes were soft, but I'm not even 100% that these were the brushes from the actual line. The assortment of bronzers is amazing, and the powders in the eyeshadow quads are smooth. I think the price I paid for the products was worth my experience, but I can't say 100% that I would be repurchasing the product. I purchased the experience and the opportunity to shake hands & double kiss with a legend.
Have you had a chance to check out the line? Is there a color/product you're dying to see?




