My Vicarious Life: July 2012

Yesterday was Day 30 of my shopping hiatus. I haven't been in a mall or boutique for 30 days. The novelty of this "No Shopping Challenge" has waned and it just got real. I haven't felt like giving up but yesterday, when I should have been reveling in the thought of having made it an entire month ... I thought of Day 91. lol A couple weeks ago, I told a friend the only two things constantly on my mind to buy were fresh flowers and a pair of hot pink suede platforms. Yesterday, that list suddenly included candles, a long flowy skirt, a few things I imagine are on sale right about now at my beloved H&M, etc., etc. So, I suspect this compilation may be pretty massive by the conclusion of this next 59 days. Day 91 may be a frenzied.

The good news: I have noted a few interesting tidbits about myself and my blogging lifestyle since I started my challenge.

1. So many things come across my eyes every day because of my consumption of lifestyle and fashion news. And every day, there's at least one thing I want; I realize that subtle advertising works on me. But, 24 hours later, I have forgotten what I wanted a day earlier. I didn't really want it.

2. Bloggers buy as much in 30 days as most buy in 6 months.

3. Closet editing throughout this type of endeavor is a must. Imagine me standing in my closet tossing skirts, and camis, and blouses and shoes straight up into the air ... Dramatic, but that's about how it's been the past three days. Sometimes, I find something I literally forgot about and other times a piece that should have been edited out long ago. I'm making a concerted effort not to wear my favorite pieces and to really explore all of what I bought because I just had to have it. There will be more donating and consigning this weekend, and less buying "one of it in every color" when this 90 days is up.

From my closet today: Cargo pants {Express} | Long cardigan {H&M} | White Tank {Target} | Heels {MIA} | Watch {Guess} | Neckwear {Betsey Johnson, Ralph Lauren, Forever 21} | Leopard Scarf | Ring {Vince Camuto} | Bags {Big Buddha & Vintage Louis Vuitton}

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Bejeweled

July 10, 2012

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Communing in Cannes

Cannes July 06, 2012

By Katrice

{view from atop of Mont Chevalier, Cannes}

Say you’ve been to Cannes and some will associate your travel abroad with the namesake film festival. Others … those accustomed to feasting on the spoils of leisure around the world understand that Cannes, France alone, luxuriously sprawled along the French Riviera, is its own main attraction. Sun-filled days balance with Mediterranean breezed nights in the seaside town where even a simple stroll on the boulevard seems decadent. Glamorous and exclusive, the former fishing village also doles a charming mystique of experiences on par with the budget of virtually any traveler. The city can be yours.

{photo courtesy of Intercontinental Carlton Cannes}

How often can you say you’ve laid your head on the same pillows as Hollywood’s A-List? It’s a dream, but not one that’s far-fetched. Just a stone’s throw from the beaches of La Croisette, the century-old InterContinental Carlton Cannes is a 343-room luxury hotel on the French Riviera, listed among the Government of France’s National Historic buildings. During the Cannes Film Festival, it is the most highly sought place to be for industry elite. And the feeling is mutual as the Carlton has named some of its most prestigious suites for renowned celebrities: Sean Connery, Sharon Stone, Sofia Loren, Sean Penn, Uma Thurman and more. In chorus with the famous foot prints left by Hollywood royalty like Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor and Alfred Hitchcock, Intercontinental Cannes’ décor is reminiscent of glamorous cinema ambience.

The "Belle Epoque" veneered palace hotel faces the Mediterranean Sea — overlooking the Bay of Cannes and a sea of sails. Its Carlton Beach Restaurant places you right along the sand with both a menu and buffet of delectable Provence dishes, and an incomparable view while in-house the Carlton Restaurant is prime for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Situated in the center of Cannes, nothing has been left to chance as guests have at their disposal concierge services, car rental, a wine cellar, travel agency, spa and wellness facilities and shops.

Five stars, well earned.

Street Fare

Cannes was made for walking. And you absolutely must take in the Boulevard de la Croisette by foot. Just past the Casino Cannes Le Palm Beach, lively games of pétanque, the most popular game in France, draw you in. A form of boules where the goal is, while standing inside a starting circle with both feet on the ground, to throw a hollow metal ball, the game shifts from one end of the alley to the other as a team wins each round. The object is to amass points at each ‘end’ until the first team reaches a winning score of 13. Brilliantly spirited!

{Old Town}

In the Old Town are charming cafes, local businesses and boutiques tucked along cobble stoned streets. Climbing those narrow hilly streets to the 12th-century Tour de Mt. Chevalier, ramparts and 12th-16th-century church Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérence leads you to a worthwhile view from the top that spans east across the city. Le Machou is a tiny piece of heaven. The Grill restaurant features a charcoal oven that's used to cook meat the old-fashioned way. Le Machou steak leaves a taste on your palate you won't soon forget. The treat, of the meal, however, is the basket of fresh vegetables that is presented as your starter. Poised as the salad of your meal, to call it that would be an understatement.

Hermes Birkin bags are simply the norm on the streets of Cannes. If that tells you anything, it’s that fashion and retail are serious business here. Along the Boulevard de la Croisette, designer shops include Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Valentino; in the shopping district behind it, everything from Bathroom Graffiti and Sephora to Kenzo, Mango, Esprit, Madura, Diesel and Zara. No, you don't travel across the world to shop where you can shop at home, but when you enter a store and feel like it's your first experience there, it's nearly impossible to resist.

Aside

The engaging scent of in-room L’Occitane toiletry products at the Carlton could very possibly entice fragrance connoisseurs to indulge in a perfume making workshop at Fragonard perfumery. The historic perfume factory in the heart of the Old Town is one of the oldest in Grasse; its present premises housed perfume making from their construction in 1782. Open seven days a week, including holidays, Fragonard offers classes, free guided tours and products — including cosmetics, home fragrances and soaps — at factory price. This year, as part of its scented saga, the “flowers of perfumery,” Fragonard celebrates the Violet.

The key to Cannes is indulging in its quiet luxury … discovering the nooks and crannies. Few would deny that the Film Festival leaves a residue of something special in the air. And yet, it’s so much more.

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Pinking It Over {via Atlanta Tribune}

Atlanta Tribune July 03, 2012

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Day 21

July 02, 2012

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{In Case You Missed It} MVL Makeup Chat w/ Londyn Juwelz'

Bobbi Brown July 01, 2012

By Katrice

{Londyn & Me}

Talking about makeup never gets old for me. So, another facebook My Vicarious LifeChat focusing on the subject was a must; the bonus — our the makeup artist at our disposal for the hour-long virtual Q & A was Londyn Juwelz'. Londyn answered our questions about concealer, foundation and eye liner; as always, an amazing discussion. If you missed it, no worries; I had you in mind. Thank you again to Londyn and each amazing MVL fan who participated. Until next time!

Q: I love to use concealer with my foundation — which is Revlon Colorstay. But, I find that in the summer, I only want to use concealer. How do I achieve the same type of fresh look that I get from how foundation evens things out?

A: The key to accomplishing the fresh look that you want with just your concealer and not both concealer and foundation is using a great moisturizer with SPF and even a bronze for a tint to it as well. Only using concealer in those targeted problem areas.

Q: Everyone has an occasional pimple now and then. I see some women come to set of photo shoots or even everyday, and they have attempted to use foundation or concealer to cover up existing acne or new pimples. What would you recommend to help them with a more polished look instead of piling on the powder?

Londyn: To start powder is a big NO NO when trying to conceal something such as a blemish or pimple. Instead try a cream concealer which will have more coverage. Creams tend to move much better and can be worked into the skin much easier. A powder will just sit on the face and clog the pores.

Q: What is the best way to apply eyeliner to lower lash line?

A: There are many different ways to apply eyeliner. First, determine which form of eyeliner works best for you, i.e.: liquid, contractable, or pencil. Once you've done that half the battle has been done. Simply by applying the liner to the water lid which is can be found but lightly tauting the skin and place pencil at an angle to line the eye. Or directly at the base of your bottom lash lid.

Q: I'm looking for a good foundation, especially as I age, that provides sufficient coverage, but doesn't clog pores. What do you recommend?

A: I would recommend a tinted moisturizing foundation for you Christina. Brands such as Laura Mercier, Cover FX, Bobbi Brown, YSL have amazing tinted moisturizers.They give a light coverage leave skin feeling weightless and radiant!

Q: How do I choose the proper Concealer?

A: Choosing foundation or concealer is definitely a situation where you are going to have to go out and test different colors and brand Donisha. However when choosing a color you should definitely take note to the color consistency. Meaning the color of your perfect concealer or foundation should be consistent on the skin as it is in the package or display. If the color isn't concise ant nine times out often the product or brand isn't any good. Bobbi Brown has and awesome selection of concealers.

Q: How can I achieve the freshness that is Megan Good's face. Her skin is so flawless and even when she has on makeup I feel like there's this dewy greatness that I've never been able to accomplish. I need to know what her secret is (outside of healthy eating/living of course, etc... I got all of that on lock and still haven't been able to get the clean look that she dons daily!) I don't know. Her skin just always looks so clean!

A: I understand your frustrations totally. However I will be quite honest we live in a world today where everything isn't always what it may seem. The camera (images, video) can play lots of tricks to the natural eye. Yet and still try investing in an illuminator and only applying to apples of cheeks and if that's not enough throw your favorite blush on top. Nars offer the perfect illuminators at Sephora.

Q: I have dry and oily areas on different parts of my face. By the end of the day my face looks really oily, but I don't like the powder look, the setting sprays don't seem to work. Are there any alternatives to achieve a fresh, non-oily look that lasts all day?

A: There is a solution to that you can invest into a translucent compact which won't cause any build up but will take away the shine. Then there's the wax paper toilets that you can use as well or a really good dense makeup sponge. If all else fails take it old school and get your piece of paper towel and lightly douse.

Q: About oily skin ... that's definitely my skin. I think it works as it makes me look dewy, but it also keeps me from moisturizing as I should. I don't know how to balance things out as I'm always fearful that the moisturizer causes more oil with my makeup. Can you suggest a moisturizer for oily skin that works well with a light foundation, or do you suggest I try a tinted moisturizer?

A: In this case, you can go either way. You can definitely invest into a tinted moisturizer or for those that are a little more savvy with preserving our cash you can just take your daily moisturizer and mix it into you cream or liquid foundation. Also, you can never be over moisturized.

Q: I'm intimidated by eyeliner. Any tips on over coming this fear? I'm basically afraid I won't apply it correctly.

A: As Nike says "just do it;" that's the only way you will overcome and learn. There are no wrongs in makeup! The only wrong is to never trying.. Also there are a plethora of "How to's" to help on the Internet! My the forces of Londyn be with you!

Q: I don't wear too much make up but usually stick to blush. Although, at this stage I'm very confused as to which is the correct part of my cheeks to put it on, can you help? Also, do you have any favorite blush products/brands?

A: This is a piece of cake. I want you to take you blush in front of the mirror and smile. When you smile the apples of your cheeks should stand prominent and that's where you will place the blush in a circular motion moving backward toward your ear. Start off light and add as you go.

Q: I'm very new to makeup and would like to start wearing it more often, with that being said, I'm wondering how to choose a everyday look that is light but glam?? For someone with very dry skin it seems to me that when i do try to wear makeup it looks very flaky.

A: The best way to accomplish a radiant look as such is first by moisturizing. It's definitely going to be key to getting the look that you displayed of Angela or any look for that matter. In your case you should be over moisturizing. Once in the am and twice in the evening ( once you arrive home, and right before bed).

Q: Any advice on wearing colored eyeliner so it doesn't clash with our eyeshadow?

A: Yes don't! Lol seriously colored eyeliner is something more or a trend fashion look that doesn't portray everyday fresh clean look to the public eye. For me I tend to use colored eyeliner on clients more so for photo shoots or something editorial. Sticking to black and browns are going to work best for that sexy everyday look.

Q: For someone starting out using makeup, how would you recommend trying new/different products without breaking the bank ?

A: Kiss cosmetics, Black Opal, Fashion Fair which has been relaunched by the awesome Same Fine, and Covergirl. All of these brands can be found in your local beauty supply stores and convenient stores like Walmart, Walgreens etc. These are brands that you will spend less money for yet still get that department store look that you you would spend at Mac, Sephora, etc.

Q: I try to take very good care of my skin, however, I have unwanted hair on the face and then dark spots...? What is a good concealer and how do I get rid of the spots?

A: Try brands like Dermablend or Cover FX, which were developed specifically for coverage of unwanted areas on skin.

Q: Is using foundation without concealer and powder a waste of time? I usually only do the foundation with a brush. I find that layering with the concealers and powder gives me an ashy look even though my foundation is a perfect match.

A: No it's definitely not a waste. I propose try just using concealer and foundation and set with a translucent powder very lightly.

*For a peek at more of Londyn's work, follow him on instagram: LondynJuwelz.

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Once Upon a Time

{Style Peek} Minted

Just a Thought

If Only {7 Things I Want Now}

Denim + Jersey

Day 31/Day 91

Bejeweled

Communing in Cannes

Pinking It Over {via Atlanta Tribune}

Day 21

{In Case You Missed It} MVL Makeup Chat w/ Londyn Juwelz'

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