How I Spent My Winter Vacation

Hi friends, how are you? I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful, peaceful holiday. We've been having such a lovely little break--family time, good food, reading, shopping and snow, it's been simply perfect! 

My birthday's tomorrow so I've gotten some great extra shopping in this week :)

Michael Kors clutch/evening bag

My wardrobe has been missing a black evening shoulder bag since 2005 when my black Louis Vuitton epi-leather pouchette was stolen. I finally replaced it yesterday when I ran across this bag at Nordstrom, it was 33% off too! I love the braided detail.

I like the length of it-not too long, it hangs comfortably close to my body

A birthday shopping trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to Sephora

I've been hearing amazing things about Dior's Creme Abricot to fortify and strengthen nails, I'm hoping it lives up to the hype. I also picked up this Stila lip gloss sampler because one can never have too much lip gloss. 

I've always heard good things about Philosophy's scents, but I never really cared for them on me. I tried the travel size of Eternal Grace and by the time I was done browsing around the store, I was sold. It softens to such a light, wearable scent-it's my new favorite. 

After hearing rave reviews for pretty much everything in Peter Thomas Roth's line, I picked up the Lashes To Die For mascara, I've only used it once so far, but I'm loving it, great brush, great formula--full review to come.

My awesome husband also gave me a pair of tall LL Bean boots. They are so comfortable, lined with shearling and perfect for the snow, which is a good thing because this is what our front yard looked like a few days ago...

Were you affected by the big East Coast snowstorm?

leave it to my husband to build a 6'5'' snowman

A Birthday tradition for me: an uninterrupted solo trip to Barnes & Noble. My idea of Heaven--I can browse up and down every aisle and that's exactly what I did :) Do you have any input on any of these books? 

At B&N, I also picked up this little food journal--2011 will be the year I finally lose the last of my baby weight! Which I guess can probably be considered just plain old fat at this point since my youngest is almost 3. 

what the inside pages look like--hopefully this will be a helpful tool to help stop my mindless snacking

I like the little cheat sheet section for saving calories

A simple and slightly preppy shopping outfit

jersey blazer: Nordstrom Juniors' Department, striped button down: Forever 21, necklace: J. Crew, jeans: AE slim bootcut, shoes: Steve Madden, bag: Marc Jacobs large single

I want to wish you all much joy and happiness in 2011!

 I'll see you next year! 

Lots of love

~Andi

Product Rave: Josie Maran Argan Oil (and a haircut)

Hi, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful last weekend before Christmas! I hope you're all having a fantastic Holiday season. It's been cold and windy here and my skin has definitely taken a beating as a result. My hands have become so dry and chapped--this Argan Oil has been a real life saver for me lately. I've raved about the balm before, but the oil is a bit more intense. I've been really shocked at how quickly this improves the quality of my skin, it's even made my hands look younger, which is an amazing benefit worth its weight in gold!

I apply this at night to the dry patches on my face, rub it into my hands and cuticles, and even mix a little with my hair mousse to counteract the stiffness it can cause. My new favorite use is for the fine lines underneath my eyes. This is a 100% natural, fair trade product which makes using it feel even better.

I really can't say enough great about this product and I so wish I had taken a before picture of my hands so you could see the vast improvement. In all honesty, they were looking pretty rough and haggard. Since using this regularly for the past six weeks, I really think they actually look 100% better and more youthful.

I'm wearing OPI's Suzi Loves Sydney

my cuticles look a trillion million times better than they did before!

image: justjared.com

I was also able to get a haircut last week. I've been craving a change, but don't have the nerve yet for a big cut. I saw this image of Cheryl Cole and fell in love with her heavy face-framing layer. I was so happy to finally find a stylist here (thanks Amber!) who listened and did exactly what I asked.

It's a big enough change for now that it's breathed some new life into my look. I was stuck in a rut and it's nice to have a little boost out of that every now and again :) 

What do you change up when you're feeling stuck? I hope you all have a wonderful, stress-free week!

Inspiration Photos

Hi lovelies! I hope everyone is having a great week and staying warm, I know it's in the 30s and 40s in Florida so I'm assuming everyone is rather cold:) We have family visiting so I'm a bit busy this week,  here are some inspiration pictures from my desktop of looks I'm loving lately.

Olivia Palermo looks casual chic as always at the Blue Valentine premier

image:Zimbio.com

Jennifer Lopez has been looking tremendous lately!

image: People.com

Dree Hemingway dresses up a charcoal sweatshirt with a pretty floral dress and heels

Image: zimbio.com

I love Maggie Gyllenhaal's eclectic mix here

image: people.com

Julianne Hough looks so crisp in winter white--out and about with Seacrest in Paris

image: JustJared.com

Cameron Diaz looks polished at a photo call for Green Hornet

image: JustJared.com

Kate Moss with yet another perfect boho chic look

image: zimbio.com

Jennifer Hudson looks simply incredible in Lanvin

image: people.com

Frida Pinto sasses up a ladylike ensemble with edgy heels

image: zimbio.com

Drew Barrymore looks amazing in a glittery top, high waisted pants and grey suede heels, wow!

image: zimbio.com

Reese Witherspoon is adorable in a white sundress, boyfriend blazer and Hunter Wellies

Image: people.com

I love new mom Rebecca Gayheart's comfortable casual layered look

image: zimbio.com

Vanessa Minnillo's colorful scarf and Alexander Wang bag add refinement to a basic black outfit

image: people.com

Marcia Cross looks sleek in a simple all-black outfit

image: zimbio.com

Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Italian Vogue, modernizes an intricate evening gown by wearing a long-sleeve black tee underneath

image: zimbio.com

Claire Danes' simple, clean look is fun, but refined

image: zimbio.com

Olivia Palmermo is just flawless

image: zimbio.com

And a sneak peek of one of Nicole Richie's stunning Marchesa wedding dresses, OMG!

I can't wait to see the rest of her wedding day looks.

image: people.com

Who or what has been inspiring your style lately? Have a terrific day!

Silver Lining

My love affair with striped shirts is still going strong! I found this pretty gray number at J. Crew the other day. I like how the back zipper makes it a bit more versatile and easier to dress up.

striped painter tee: J. Crew, navy skirt: GAP (last seen in this post), charcoal tights: Target, boots: Steve Madden

bracelet: H&M, Northern Lights necklace: J. Crew

Adding another layer is easy with stripes

J. Crew ruched cardi: last seen in this post

Steve Madden Candence boots via Nordstrom, I am loving these! I think they'll be great as well in Spring with sundresses...they're so slouchy and soft.

I hope you had a fantastic weekend, Happy Monday!

Product Rave: Philosophy's Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads

I purchased this product last month during Sephora's extended Friends & Family sale, on the recommendation of the lovely Veronika. Boy, am I glad I did. If I were to compile a list of rock-star products, this would be near the top. I've been using this every night for almost a month now, so here is my full review. 

After using the peel pads:

* My skin looks cleaner overall.

* My pores look noticeably smaller.

* My skin tone is improved and noticeably brighter.

* Make-up looks better.

* Dare I say that I may even look younger?

I haven't really experienced a negative effect from this product at all. I have pretty sensitive skin and after applying this pad, my skin does tingle and burn a little bit, but that sensation lasts less than a minute. I haven't experienced any break-outs, rashes or other adverse side effects and since my skin's on the sensitive side, I feel confident recommending this to most anyone. I use this at night, then typically follow it up with Kinerase Ultimate Night Moisturizer or Josie Maran's Argan Oil, and I have been waking up to smooth and pretty much glowing skin.

I do still use and love my Clarisonic, but I honestly think if you don't want to spend the money on that, these peel pads produce a very similar effect in that they clean out and diminish the appearance of pores and produce a complexion that's clean, bright and smooth.

In my opinion, this is a perfect addition to most any person's skin care routine, especially in the colder months when our skin takes a real beating and can become drab and dull from the dry air.

This product rates 5 out of 5 stars in my book.

You can buy it at Sephora here . 

Do you use Philosophy products? I've heard such great things about them, but this is the first one I've tried. If you use Philosophy, which products are your favorites?

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Holiday Wish List Series: With Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book

The fabulous Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book is one of my favorite beauty bloggers. Her beautiful swatches and comparisons are so helpful and her honest, in-depth reviews are second to none. I just love her holiday wish list suggestions, check them out complete with real life pictures!

Something red . . . Chanel Dragon Le Vernis, Chanel Rouge Fatal Le Vernie, Nars Chinatown

Something sweet . . . Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Butter & Pumpkin Pecan Quick Bread Mix

Something soft . . . Nordstrom Tissue Weight Cashmere Scarf

Something soothing . . . L'Occitane Hand Cream Bouquet, split them up for gifts!

Something vibrant . . . Chanel Tweed Fuschia Blush

Something luxe . . . Jo Malone Grapefruit Candle

Seeing Red

Red is the color I have least of in my closet, but I have been so drawn to it lately. I've been wearing the red pieces I do have non-stop. It's just such a festive, cheery color--it makes me happy every time I put it on, especially this time of year.

J. Crew Rimini Cardi, Trina Turk red skirt (circa 2003), Madewell cuff

Banana Republic textured tights, BCBG bronze heels circa 2004

J. Crew bootcut jeans, GAP tee, J. Crew plaid scarf, Steve Madden shoes

I can't get enough red + plaid!

J. Crew strata cardi, Target dress (last seen here) and tights, Steve Madden shoes, H&M bracelet

this cardi is my new favorite purchase!

Do you wear red often? Have you been wearing a certain color lately? I'm usually a green-wearer for the holidays, but red has definitely captured my heart this year. I hope you all have a marvelous Monday!