All About The Pretty

My Perfume Niche: MCMC Fragrances

MCMC Fragrances are created by Anne McClain in Brooklyn, New York. Anne is a graduate of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and is a lady who knows her scents.  I must get my hands on one or more of her  creations.  The following scents have my name all over them.   A few years ago my then-boyfriend-now-husband had a custom scent made for me.  Of course, I used it all up and now I want to make my own.  Anne offers fragrance making classes in New York and I plan to attend one this year and report back. 

When I was in Paris one of the ladies at a Colette commented how in America we only like "celebrity scents filled with crap."  I couldn't help but laugh.  She actually used an expletive which you my dear reader can surmise yourself.  This year I'm going back to my niche fragrances.  I will report on the celebrity scents as news, but that is all.  I want beautiful scents that bring me joy and are unique fragrance journeys.

{Nobile:  "Rich almondy notes of chai tea, burning incense, amber and musk, the jasmine-centered Noble is a long-lasting floral woody with an ethereal drydown."}

{Hunter:  "Tobacco absolute, organic Bourbon vanilla and fir balsam."}

Happy Weekend and Dreaming of Kauai

I'm headed to New York for the weekend for both business and pleasure.  Instead of complaining about snow, I'm plotting and planning a return to Kauai, Hawaii.  Have a great weekend and be careful in the snow.

{I realize the photo looks fake, but Kauai is that freakin' pretty.}

Trina Turk Acapulco Gold Tunic

This snow has me looking forward to the beach and warm weather.  I need flip flops, dewey skin, a relaxed peace of mind and this Trina Turk Acapulco Gold Tunic.  I can't wait for girls' weekend in April.  I need to treat myself to this tunic.

Black Swan Inspired Beauty and Fashion

Black Swan is a gripping, provocative, and what acting should be ina film.  If you have not seen it run to the nearest theater and see what all the buzz is about.  It's also a film where fashion and beauty intersect.  MAC Cosmetics did the makeup on the film and transformed Natalie Portman from ingénue to the title character.   Read this Q&A with the department and makeup designer.

Tod's Ballerina La Scala puts a spin on the ballet shoe that is fashion forwards and a perfect compliment to Spring romantic fashions.  I will leave the ballerina tutu and take the layers.  I drooled over all the ballerina shoes at Repetto in Paris.  Just looking through the window inspired me to always remember to dance as know is watching.  

{Q&A with Black Swan Makeup Department Head Margie Durand and Makeup Designer Judy Chin}

Q: How does a makeup artist prepare to work on a film? Do you receive guidance from the director or collaborate with the costume designer/art director/key hair stylist on the makeup look?

Margie: When I begin working on a film I speak to the director and all of the creative team if possible.  The directors inspiration and vision really drives the process and I try to deliver that vision in makeup.

Judy: As I read the script, I try to envision the characters, taking into account their background (age, personal history, affluence, profession). As I see the plot develop in the story, I make note of how these events might affect their appearance.  When I’m designing the looks for a film, it’s very important to consider the director’s visual style and tastes. Occasionally, I get to collaborate with the costume or production designers. I always try to find out how the actors will be dressed, as that can have a significant influence on the makeup look.  While our designs are often created independently at first, I find that the hair stylist and I work very closely to be sure that our looks fit together and bring the characters to life.

Dressing Up My Home

I had never heard of "bed day" until I read Kimberly Wilson's Tranquilista.  Kimberly is the creator of Tranquil Space, the place where I get my yoga on in DC.  I used to think a bed day meant a nap. That can happen, but it's not the case.  A bed day is where you stay in bed and relax.  Napping is an option, but it's for reading, watching a movie, and doing absolutely nothing to make your heart smile.  The cold weather helps, but I plan to have a bed day every season.  I love a good bed made with high thread count sheets, lots of pillows, and comfy.  To my mother's horror I am not a person that makes my bed every day.  But, after seeing this slide show on Elle Decor I might change that. 

It's high time I dress up my bedroom like I dress up myself.  

Destination Pretty: Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Florida

The Texan in me really misses mild winter weather where I spent my holidays wearing a leather jacket and a scarf.  Things have definitely changed.  I read a weather blog daily, pray that it warms up to 40 degrees, and continuously dream of warmer weather.  Each year I have vow to fly somewhere warm for the winter.  Key Biscayne is an athletic playground.  It's home to bicycling, tennis, and world-class golf.  Florida is always a perfect choice, but staying in South Beach was not on the agenda.  I give you the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.  Key Biscayne gets a bad rap.  It’s considered not as hip as South Beach, but what you get is a true escape with the sand and beach with direct hotel access. 

What makes the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Bay different from their South Beach property is what I asked myself on arrival.  This property has the same customer service and exquisite rooms, but the vibe is completely different.  You don’t have to worry about having the latest stilettos or that you just stepped out of a fashion magazine.  The dress is classic resort elegance.  Tunic dresses, colorful bikinis, and flip-flops rule.  The Ritz-Carlton has exceptional service at all of their properties and that is why they have repeat customers.

Horchow Paper Collection - Spring 2011

I am always on the lookout for fabulous paper so I can work on my penmanship.  I recently heard that in Georgia they are thinking of taking cursive out of the curriculum.  Hold the phone.  Really? I can't even imagine this.  But, this will not stop me from teaching others the art of the written note.  Horchow's glorious tag line for their new paper collection "there's more than one way to update your status" is perfect.  My favorite is the Fleur-de-Lis print. 

Fragrance Nostalgia: YSL Paris

I love talking to my nieces because the difference in generations constantly fascinates me.  I remember my parents criticizing my music and I am doing the same.  But one area we always agree on is beauty and perfume.  We are all girlie girls and I love hearing about their beauty discoveries.  In fashion what's old is new again and it can be the same for fragrance.  One particular niece has just discovered YSL Paris.  When she told me I couldn't stop thinking "Memories like the corners of mind . . ." because I used to rock that scent. 

I wish we had this conversation before I went to Paris because I would have bought a bottle to bring back from duty free.

Sponsored Post by ThePerfumeStore.com

Happy Weekend!

I'm ready to spend my weekend catching up on my DVR, cooking, reading, and napping.  Not in any particular order.

{"When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness." - Jules Renard}

 

Destination Pretty: Neiman Marcus Travel Essentials

I'm headed back from Paris after a few blissful days of eating, chatting, strolling, and having a blast in my home away from home.  It has been great bring my husband to the city that I talk and dream of every single day.  It's been great to show him my Paris.  But, what the means is I'm always on the hunt for beautiful and luxurious travel accessories.  How great are these leather travel accoutrements from Neiman Marcus.  I'm a girl who detests Valentine's Day (one day for love that's horrid).  But, I do acknowledge the day and wouldn't the day be phenomenal if Cupid delivered this sick fuchsia pouch with my married initials or just "J".  I'm obsessed with monogram.  I think it's a Southern thing.  To Monsieur I hope you are reading this.  Call my Aunt P for Juanita's number. 

Bonne Anniversaire to My Husband

I love Paris. I love it with all my heart.  But, the experience of sharing Paris with my husband has been on a completely different level.  I have stayed in Paris and visited Paris numerous times, but never with a man.  It has been a different experience, but fun to see Paris through his eyes. 

My husband is a great guy who loves to stay in the background, is intense, kind, opinionated, driven, loyal, hard working, my biggest fan, possesses character, and most importantly is downright FUN.  I could not have imagined that three-plus years ago I would meet this great guy on Craigslist, yes Craiglist.  Think on that for a minute.  But, I did.  Wet met in October 2007 and in two months after meeting were traveling around Spain.  Since 2007 we have visited numerous destinations which involved getting engaged in Egypt and married almost three years to the day of our first date.  I want to wish this great guy a beautimous and happy birthday!  He woke up this morning in the City of Lights, my home town Paris, and his next living location (I still need to give him details on how we are going to make this happen). I hope you have enjoyed Paris as much as I have enjoyed being your personal tour guide. 

To my husband.  I hope your birthday year is filled with joy, health, happiness, good friends, food, wine, beer, and most of all love!  To the man who wanted a passport full of stamps and a lifetime of love and travel, Bonne Anniveraire.

Bisous - your wife, amoreux, friend, and travel partner, Julia.

Yes To Cucumbers On-The-Go Facial Towelettes

I'm still in Paris, but had to do a write up of my new found friend.  Yes To Cucumbers On-The-Go Facial Towelettes have been a god send to me this week. Why? Well, I only brought a travel skincare kit with me (review in the next few weeks) and decided to only wash my makeup off in the evening.  I still wanted that freshly washed-skin-feel in the morning and these towelettes have delivered.  They are super moist, takes make-up off with swift precision and cleans my skin like no other towelette has before. I was completely shocked.  I'm going to make sure that these towelettes are always in my carry-on and in my beauty arsenal.

 

Kate Spade Twirl Fragrance

I'm a big fan of Kate Spade scents.  The line doesn't come out with a scent very often, but with one like Twirl it has been worth the wait.  The name is perfect.  A few years ago Lee Ann Womack wrote a song called I Hope You Dance.  It's a perfect song for this fragrance.  It's time that we all learn to live a little, dance, and twirl. 

Have a beautimous weekend. 

Destination Pretty: Bon Voyage - January in Paris

I could say it happened upon a midnight clear, but it didn't. A few days before Christmas Twitter was buzzing with a ridiculously cheap airfare to Paris that l'homme and I could not resist. Expect a full beauty, food, and wine review when I return.  I have been feeling a little out of sorts, but it's Paris and I'm pulling on my travel boot straps to take it all in.  Also, great things will be happening to the blog to celebrate the 5-year anniversary in March. I still can't believe it's been 5 years.  There will be an updated look, not complete change, but a tweak.  The blog will be getting its own "je ne sais quoi." 

I give you a little Louis and Ella.  I am having my own January in Paris, not April, but it's Paris so the month doesn't matter to me.

Bisous darlings.  Bisous!

Joya Orange Blossom and Pale Musk Diffuser

I'm late on the reed diffuser for my home scents.  I will always be a candle girl, but the diffuser is a great way to get the scent to last all day and night. Joya Orange Blossom and Pale Musk Diffuser is currently on my radar.  The modern look and feel of the decanter is hip without being to trendy.  It's not to girlie for any le beau of the house.  I will be in NY later this month and must make a stop at Barneys to give the scent scent a whiff.

Pretty Inspiration: Intel Visual Life - The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist is one of those blogs I love to flip through after my workout and having my morning cup of coffee.  His photos are beyond amazing and it is creative expression at its finest.  We all need inspiration and I plan to highlight more individuals who inspire me.

Enjoy!

 

Destination Pretty: Pura Vida, Costa Rica

I hope your new year's intentions included a place to reflect and relax.  It could be a long weekend (3-5 days) or a vacation (7 or more days).  I always have this debate on what constitutes a vacation.  To me it needs to be 7 or more days.  But, if you need a long getaway I recommend Pura Vida Resort in Costa Rica. 

Pura Vida is one of the premier resorts for yoga and wellness in Costa Rica.  I may be un petit peu (little bit)  biased because Kimberly Wilson - mentor, yogi, and fried teaches an annual retreat there which I have to attend.  This year I have family obligations in Louisiana so it's a no go.  It's on the calendar for 2012 or 2013.  I will get there eventually.  A few inspirational lyrics from a few of my favorite songs.

I want to get away, I want to fly away . . . Yeah! Yeah!
[Lenny Kravitz]

 
Let Go and Let God!
[DeWayne Woods]


Om Shanti. Om.
[Yogic Chant]

 
The hazy days go to nights returning on and on
The eye in the sky that don't lie be watching all y'all
The troublesome time filled anxieties just keep crawling on
And a dream world line up in your mind just keep on calling y'all
[Blackalicious]


Have you ever thrown a fistufl of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face and I said I just don't care?
[Pink]

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue
Set me free o' I prayer
Closer to heaven above and closer to you!
[The Dixice Chicks]

Target’s Designer Collaboration: Calypso St. Barth

Stop the presses.  Hide your credit cards, checks, and your cash if you do not want to get in on the hottest collaboration (in my opinion) that Target has done - Calypso St. Barth.  I am definitely a resort girl and anytime I can get to the beach I'm there.  I've had a few fab finds from their sales racks.  The stores are an experience to visit.  Every time I wear one of their dresses I think I'm in Mustique drinking a cocktail at Basil's Bar. This is going to be a perfect summer collection. 

Photo: courtesy of InStyle.com

Essentious Natural Hair Care for Everyone

I hope everyone is giving their locks some TLC this winter.  I have been deep conditioning like crazy.  I go outside and it is freezing, but every place I enter has heat on steroids.  This weather isn't great for my face and my hair needs a pick-me-up as much as possible.  I give you Essentious Natural Hair Care.  The products are moisturizing, free of parabens, and have all around hair goodness.  The Protein Treatment is rocking my hair world this winter and the Daily Moisturizer smells so good I wish they made it into a body oil. 

Hermès J'aime Mon Carré (I Love My Scarf)

I have been a fan of Hermès scarves for years.  I can dress up any outfit with scarves.  Hermès scarves are a work of art.  The quality and craftsmanship that goes into them are something to behold. My friend Dolores hipped me to the Twillys on a trip to Paris years ago and I have been hooked every since.  Twillys are beautiful silk-colored mini silk scarves that can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or attached to a pocketbook. Imagine my delight to discover the Hermès J'aime Mon Carré website.  If you have ever wondered the numerous ways French women tie their scarves the search is over.  This website shows how to wear the scarves as headbands, halter tops, and so much more.  I'm headed to Paris and as always a stop at Hermès is a must.  A new Twilly for a new year.

The Power of Rest by Matthew Edlund, M.D.

I wish everyone a wonderful new year.  I was able to get through two months of magazines, start an editorial calendar, create drafts of blog posts, spend time with mom and hubby, and rest.  Why? Because I told myself I was not going out for New Year's Eve.  I'm old enough to remember all the days of waking up in the new year exhausted from staying up way past my bed time.  This new year is different.  I entered it calm, rested, and ready for all that a new year has to offer.  I hope you all join me on the 21-day Yoga Challenge.  If you don't practice, just move.  I call this "my year of yoga."  This equals healthy.  That's my main goal. 

I've been reading this book in preparation for the new year.  The Power of Rest is a great book for anyone who wants to reboot and get their life back on track.  It's no secret that I'm not the best sleeper.  My mind constantly races and thousands of thoughts and ideas keep me tossing and turning many nights.  Well, I realized when I do the various forms of rest in the book I sleep like a baby.  The book has a 30-day plan to reset the sleep clock.  I'm applying the principles and will do my best with my crazy 2011 travel schedule.

Here are a few tips on rest from the book. 

• Physical Rest: Sleep is one form of passive physical rest, but engaging in active forms of physical rest is also crucial.  Dr. Edlund’s 30-day plan provides a range of techniques for active physical rest, including breathing exercises, timed naps, baths, and yoga poses.
• Mental Rest: While we need to rest the body, it’s equally important to learn to focus and concentrate the mind.  Mental rest involves reconfiguring one’s mind to quickly and easily obtain a sense of relaxed control, and Dr. Edlund has developed exercises—including self-hypnosis, relaxation, and visualization—designed to help maximize this process.
• Social Rest: Humans are hardwired to be extremely social—social connectedness is built into the structure of our brains.  Studies show that people with strong social connections live longer, cope with stress better, and are healthier.  The Power of Rest explains how to incorporate key social rest techniques into your life.
• Spiritual Rest: Certain spiritual practices can provide a profound sense of rest, inner peace, connection, and self-healing, and scientific studies have demonstrated that meditation can actually change the structure of the brain over time.  Dr. Edlund provides exercises involving meditation, prayer and contemplation that bring renewal and a sense of well-being.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to change their life through rest.

Sir Alistair Ray Gayatri Mantra Fearless Wrap

I never travel without a scarf/wrap.  It's not a winter to-do.  It's a year-round to-do.  In the winter it protects my neck and in the summer it protects me from blasts of air conditioning in every store.  I have printed and solid wraps in various colors.  This Sir Alistair Ray Gayatri Mantra Fearless Wrap has my name all over it. This is the perfect pick-me-up when I'm feeling lost.  I can look down and remember to be "fearless." I'm craving one of their caftans too.  The perfect jet-set girl dress. 

 

Dreaming of Spring: Bobbi Brown's Mini Brights Palette

I'm dreaming of spring flowers, honeysuckle rose colored dresses, and Bobbi Brown's Brights Palette on my eyes. 

Sponsored Post: L’Occitane for Sensitive Skin

A new year is around the corner and the one resolution or expectation that needs to be made is figuring out your skin type and use products that benefit the skin.  One of my favorite brands L’Occitane has products that work for all skin types.  L’Occitane’s Sensitive Skincare Collection contains a variety of organic ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin. 

Your skincare routine may need to change with the seasons.  The skincare I use in summer does not work in the wintertime and  the same can be applied to my summer skincare routine.  In winter the Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk is a perfect product for wind-chapped skin leaving it supple, hydrated, and soft.   It is also the season to be diligent with hydration.  If you need to slather it on do so.  Come spring your skin will thank you.