Christmas Chic Card Collection

Time is of the essence, but there is still time to send out those classic Christmas cards. Looking for a card to represent Christmas wishes that are as fabulous as you are, check out Aaron Potts NYC. I met him a few years back and fell in love with how he fuses fashion and art for the fashionista in all of us. He applies his gorgeous fashion illustrations to greeting cards, ornaments, calendars and frameable art. Aaron Potts’ design repertoire includes such names as Emanuel Ungaro, Victoria’s Secret, and Badgley Mischka. There are many designs to choose from but I appreciate the hot cocoa chic ladies in these Christmas collections.

Keep the waves spinnin'

One of our good friends came to dine with us recently. To protect his “G” he shall remain nameless. The point is, in the words of Beyonce, he had the “low cut Caesar with the deep wave” without looking old school and dated. I asked with a laugh if he had a texturizer. “NO! It’s Miss Jessie’s,” he replied. I couldn’t believe it. I have heard many women rave about the Miss Jessie’s products for defining curly tresses, but I never thought about the guys. He said that he got hooked on Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding after using it in his daughter’s hair. The best part: Miss Jessie’s is on sale for the holiday season at their website, Buy One Get One FREE Today!

Haute Couture Christmas Tree

I love Christmastime and the aromatic, emanating scent of pine from live Christmas trees punctuating the season. This year, I have seen so many attractive and interesting artificial trees that I have been tempted to purchase one. Check out these fabulous fakes at Hammacher Schlemmer for the Yuletide fashionista.

Brown Sugar Scrub

The weekend is here and it’s a good time to relax and take care of yourself before the holidays. Last night I made this quick easy brown sugar scrub from ingredients in my kitchen and my skin is smooth like butter. Using plant based ingredients is healthier for you and when you have made the scrub yourself, you know exactly what is in it.

1 cups of brown sugar (lightly packed)
½ cup of plant based oil (olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil etc. whichever one you have available or prefer)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Put sugar in a medium sized bowl – (it serves as the exfoliant)
Add the oil – (it will moisturize)
Add the vanilla – (it adds a touch of fragrance)
Stir to combine ingredients. You can adjust the ingredients for the consistency that you prefer for your skin type.

Scoop mixture into a container. It will fit nicely into a pint size container. This sugar scrub makes a great gift for the holidays. Store it in a Mason jar or other attractive container and tie with ribbon or raffia. You can always add a few drops of essential oil or kitchen spices for fragrance.

To use:
Stir before each use. Moisten your skin with warm water. Scoop out a bit of scrub with a spoon and work it gently in a circular motion into the skin. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water. The mixture stores easily and does not need to be refrigerated. Enjoy!

Restoring Weak Nails

I spend the summers experimenting with some of the most fabulous nail art that the salons have to offer. This may sound foreign to some, but many of you out there are familiar with the nail salon techniques for no fade and no chip color and design. Unfortunately, these flawless looks come with a price. When you abandon the wraps, the gels and the tips, your nails are often left weak, thin, split, lifeless and discolored. I use the fall to create a restorative regimen that will keep nails, nourished throughout the winter months. The most important nail product on the market is the “old trusty,” Sally Hansen Maximum Growth. For a few bucks and a 5 minute daily commitment, you will see your own nails grow and maintain their strength for months to come. File and shape your nails and apply one coat of this clear liquid silk protein daily. At the end of each week, use nail polish remover to take off the coating and begin the process again. Apply this regimen until the bottle is empty and I am positive that you will be happy with the results.

Beauty in the Storm

Much has happened since we last connected. This week, Hurricane Sandy swept in and destroyed many homes and devastated families. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who have been tragically affected by the magnitude of the storm.

In the midst of it all, it is wonderful to see how people have mobilized to help one another, providing food, shelter and other necessities. This storm in our lives has allowed us to unveil the compassionate and gentle spirit that we share in the face adversity. What you hold in your heart is imperishable beauty and I expect nothing less than for you to show forth that Beautiful You! Many blessings.

La Vie est Belle

Each season I sample the aromatic blends of perfumes introduced to the fragrance market in search of a new sensory statement. I love sweet, white floral fragrances that are simultaneously feminine and powerful. Not only do I want to experience olfactory indulgence, but I want to also be visually stimulated. This fall, Lancôme’s, La Vie est Belle, caught my eye and captured my sense of smell. Lancôme commissioned the artistic creation of a square shaped bottle, envisioned by George Delhomme in 1949, encapsulating a crystal smile to personify the declaration, La Vie est Belle (Life is Beautiful). This autumn, Lancôme perfumers created an ambrosial blend of iris and gourmand to achieve a seductive, yet sweet fragrance like none other. La Vie est Belle, envelopes your body in a redolent veil stunning for day or night wear.

Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look @ the Brooklyn Public Library

From the pulse of hip hop street wear, the pomp of dancehall inspired fashion, the colors of carnival rhythm, the fluid fabric of Latin flair, the refinement of classic prep, and the ostentatious designer labels, Brooklyn fashion is alive in its most organic, creative and individualistic forms. Brooklyn’s finest are bedecked with garments and accessories from independent designers to the most iconic fashion houses.

Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look is the Brooklyn Public Library's featured fashion art installation. The Central Library at Grand Army Plaza showcases the work of some of Brooklyn and New York’s most prominent fashion illustrators including, Samantha Hahn, Autumn Whitehurst, and the late Antonio Lopez (1943-1987). Among those highlighted is Selina Alko, children’s book author and illustrator. Curated by Brandon Graham, Fashion for men, women, children and everyone in between, is represented in this exhibit, Fashion Illustration.

Graham is an expert on fashion illustration, designer and creator of WouldYouRockThis.com. Graham brings awareness to fashion illustration, how it impacts fashion retail and its continued struggle with photography. Now through December 1, 2012 Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look has a series of events surrounding the exhibition. This week the featured event is an author talk with Samantha Hahn and Laird Borrelli on Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:00pm at the Dweck Center. Consult the Brooklyn Public Library website for other fabulous featured events and the upcoming Fashion in Film series, Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Although, I love dramatic eyes, I usually shy away from full coverage make- up. In the past, foundations have been limited in their color spectrum, often forcing me to mix 2-3 different shades to find one close to my own. In recent years, the prominence of people of color patronizing the beauty industry has forced companies to expand the shades offered in make-up foundations. Quickly faded is the sun kissed complexion that the summer months bring. I wanted something lightweight to even my complexion. I love Laura Mercier’s products and this fall I decided to explore her line of tinted moisturizer. I am enamored with the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 and found my perfect match with “walnut.” It’s sheer and non- greasy, but yet gently moisturizers, smoothes wrinkles, and evens out flaws. You can totally use the tinted moisturizer alone for a completely natural flawless look or choose the Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Illuminating for a gilded glow. The oil-free formula is wonderful for those concerned about shine control. Laura Mercier offers an extensive palette of color from Porcelain to Mocha and at least 10 shades in between. Apply to clean skin with a foundation brush using short downward strokes for a beautiful visage.

Haitian Vetivert Pepper Body Custard by Soul Purpose

In this rich, whipped body custard by Soul Purpose, Haitian Vetivert is complimented with spicy notes of pepper to make an aromatic moisturizing veil for the body. Haitian vetivert oil is extracted from the root of the vetivert plant, a tall scented grass with a complex lattice of white roots. The plant is cultivated in the tropics and can be found in Haiti. The grass is used for thatching awnings and sunshades and its uniquely powerful fragrance deters insects. Vetivert oil is often called the “oil of tranquility” because of its soothing properties. Its therapeutic properties also lend itself to being an aphrodisiac. The Haitian Vetivert Pepper Body Custard is smooth, sweet, warm and woody. The aromatic fusion of the Haitian vetivert with pepper is subtle, sexy and unique. It is one of the body products that my husband has incorporated into his signature fragrance collection. I absolutely love how the scent infuses with male pheromones but the fragrance is equally seductive for men and women alike.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

It seems that winter was barely here, we are halfway through spring, and summer is fast approaching. Time to start going through the closet to see which of the favorite outfits will make it through another summer. Unfortunately for me, I experience back breakouts under the unforgiving layers of clothing in the colder months.


Now, that the weather is warming, I am a little shy to wear the tops and dresses to expose the connect- the-dots game board called my back. Getting a skin cleansing regimen together is a must and Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash is the answer. For under $10.00, Body Clear helps fight breakouts on back, chest and shoulders. Use a shower puff with the cleansing body wash and lather culprit areas. Rinse and be refreshed by the light fragrance of the Body Clear Original scent or the Pink Grapefruit infused aroma.





Be sure not to use your shower puff with any other body washes to prevent oils and moisturizers from other products to negate the effect of Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash. To definitely be ready for warm weather exposure, change your shower puff frequently or throw it in the washing machine when you clean your clothes. Now is your last chance for clear skin boot camp. I am one who has spent lots of money over the years on more expensive products and prescriptions. I find Body Clear to work the best and the fastest. For convenience, Neutrogena products can be found at just about any drug store. I picked up my bottle at my local Target. Good luck!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Adjusting to mommy-hood has shown me that my time is not my own. In these first few months, I scramble to find a quick routine to shower, get dressed and get out of the house, before baby changes the plan. My days of using an elaborate eye shadow palate for dramatic effect are behind me - for now. I hope to regain my “swagu” in the months to come. In the meantime, Urban Decay saves the day again. Urban Decay 24/7 glide on eye pencils bring splashes of color in shimmering metallics, tropical brights and subdued neutrals. I line my bottom eyelid with this creamy, waterproof pencil and have a finished look in five seconds that lasts all day. If you have more time, blend several colors on top and bottom lids for a full artistic effect. The best part is these pencils are slim, easy to sharpen and easy to stash, so you don’t have to worry about crumbling eye shadows destroying everything in your purse. The pencils come in over 20 shades of color, so check out Urban Decay for purchase.

The Hottest Headpieces @ Smile for Every Sistah in You

Smile Boutique blossoms with clothing and accessories to fit any “sistah’s” style, taste and fit. Crowned with glorious dreadlocks and outfitted with a smile, proprietor, Enkunish Hailu, brings fabulous fashion to Flatbush Avenue this spring. The window display boasts of dresses textured with ruffles and zippers for a unique look this season.


As early as the 16th century, tradition has it that new clothes be worn at Easter symbolizing the budding of springtime and the renewal of hope. Irvin Berlin’s 1933 song, “Easter Parade” popularized the Easter Bonnet – embellished luxury hats worn by the ladies of New York City’s elite. Smile Boutique revives the distinguished tradition in this year’s collection of fine millinery.


The shop’s owner, affectionately called, Enku has selected a menagerie of hats festooned with feathers and adorned with ribbons to suit all the beautiful faces that she sees every day. Wide brimmed hats textured in straw and colored in vibrant hues of fuchsia and turquoise have matching pocketbooks, equally extravagant. For the more conservative, “sistah,” there are hats in neutral and blush tones with smaller brims for understated elegance. The modern woman can find trendy funky fascinators in bubble gum pink, lipstick red or classic black to rock with jeans and a simple top. Go over the top, and wear hair ornaments attached with a comb, headband or clip with a formal dress. White and ivory fascinators embellished with crystals and beads make a beautiful bridal alternative to a veil.




















So, “sistahs,” for spring’s hottest headpieces for Easter, prom, weddings and everything in between go to Smile Boutique. 581 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225 (718)856-0170

The Power of the Glow

I was blessed to be one of those pregnant women with glowing skin. Contrary to how I felt on the inside, my skin was amazing. I barely needed to use any lotions or creams throughout the whole pregnancy. Surely hormones played their part in the process, but I give credit to Olay Silk Whimsy Massage Bar Soap and Moisturizing Body Wash. The pink soap has rose fragranced chunks embedded in it with the aromatic infusion of melon, jasmine and vanilla. The moisturizing qualities of almond oil in both the soap and body wash make skin soft and supple. Lather up generously using the massage bar and follow up with body wash in a shower sponge. The combination will leave your skin glowing and your senses inspired by the sweet smell that will gracing your body and permeate your home. The wonderful thing is that you can buy this lovely combination together for under $15.00 in your local drugstore or order it online at drugstore.com.

Avoiding Stretch Marks

I missed you Vanity Addicts! I found out that I was pregnant after the last post and I took a hiatus from just about everything. Well just one year later, God has blessed me with a beautiful, healthy son and I came through the pregnancy virtually unscathed. The number one question I had at the beginning of my pregnancy was, “How do I avoid stretch marks?” I called every mother I knew and asked her to share her story and I began a routine immediately. 100% pure moisturizing oils and butters were unanimously recommended.

I took a trip to my local health food store and went straight for the natural oils and butters. To make it easy for you, all of these products can be found at Amazon.com

The following is a list of the top 5 oils:

1. 100 % Pure Vitamin E



2. 100 % Pure Jojoba Oil



3. 100 % Pure Sweet Almond Oil



4. 100 % Pure Coconut Oil



5. 100 % Pure Monoi Tiki Tahiti




There is a close tie between the following butters:
1. 100 % Pure Shea Butter




2. 100 % Pure Cocoa Butter




Any of the oils or butters listed are all natural and nourishing for your skin. Make sure that you read the label to check that it indicates 100% Pure. You can choose any one of the oils or mix a concoction using combination of them. All you need is a small dollop in the palm of your hand to massage into your belly. Make sure to moisturize morning and night on a daily basis. You will keep your skin supple and hydrated, thus minimizing the itching and stretch marks that often come with pregnancy. I was obsessive about the ritual, especially as my tummy grew. My husband remarked that my belly looked like a basted turkey. Just be careful not to stain your clothing with the greasy residue and best of luck!