SUMMER ESSENTIALS: Skincare & Beauty

Summer is already upon us, but in case you’ve been holding off on stocking up on beauty and skincare goods for the season, here’s a friendly reminder.

P.S. sunscreen is for every season, not just summer.

SKINCARE

Frank Body Original Coffee Body Scrub — If you’re spending your days sprawled out by the pool or on the sand, you’ll want to make sure your skin is smooth and toned. I love the smell of this scrub, and it works like a dream.
Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil — I know you’ve had nightmares about streaky, white sunscreen that has that distinctly (bad) sunscreen smell. This is the opposite. Lightweight and fresh. No streaks. And made with CLEAN ingredients.
Dr. Jart Focuspot Micro Tip Patches — I tend to break out in the summer from sweat, makeup…all those fun things that come along with the warmer months. Get rid of blemishes overnight with these incredible patches. I use them all the time and can’t recommend them enough.
Beauty Counter Countersun Sunscreen Stick — I love all of Beautycounter’s products, and this lightweight sunscreen stick is easy to travel with, and applies without streaks. Layer it under makeup to keep your skin healthy all summer long.

BEAUTY

Browfood Tinted Brow Enhancing Gel Fix — I like keeping eye makeup minimal during the summer. I love this product for its
easy application and long-staying formula that creates effortless brows, because summer beauty should be easy, and all about enhancing your glow.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir — Perfect to keep in your bag for a refresh throughout the day. Plus, it smells amazing.
Beautycounter Sheer Lipstick — I’m not a huge lipstick person, so I love how sheer and creamy this formula is. The shade ‘twig’ is
perfect on every skin tone — it’s a nude with a touch of peachy pink.
Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation — Can you tell how much I love Beautycounter? Their Tint Skin is lightweight and
made with clean ingredients, showcasing your beautiful summer glow, without the nasties.
Laura Mercier Colour Infusion Powder Blush — I’m not always wearing blush, but when I am I reach for a peachy color like this one.
Slightly shimmery, apply gradually to cheeks for a beautiful, sun-kissed effect.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS THAT DON'T SUCK

Valentine's Day... Love it or hate it, this gift guide has something for you! Whether you're spending the day alone on your couch with a personal pint of ice cream and your favorite movie, with friends at your favorite bar, or going out with your significant other, here are some of my top picks to celebrate the day. There's really something for everyone x

1. Glossier Body Hero
2. Madewell Statement Earrings
3. Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak
4. Norse Projects Brushed-Wool Sweater
5. Sonix Cry Baby iPhone Case
6. Vanessa Mooney Heart Locket Necklace
7. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera
8. Compartes Rosé Chocolate Truffles
9. Native Union Marble Charging Dock
10. Fresh Rose Face Mask
11. Caudalie Beauty Elixir
12. Ilia Lipstick
13. Le Labo Mandarian & Sesame Shower Gel
14. Commes des Garçons Crewneck Tee
15. Byredo Bibliotheque Candle
16. Mulberry Cardholder

HOLIDAY 2017: GIFTS FOR HIM

As the second post in my series of Holiday Gift Guides this 2017, I'm featuring the perfect gifts for the guys in your life (again, from independent brands). Men's items can seem so limited, it's hard to know what to get for your boyfriend, brother, fiance, dad, uncle etc. That's why I've rounded up the perfect mix of clothes and accessories so you'll be sure to find a gift for any guy on your holiday gift list. My favorites from this roundup? Life After Denim's Golden Olive bomber jacket and Le Labo's Face Lotion from their new body collection.

1. Red Wing Shoes | The perfect winter boot, beautiful constructed and versatile.
2. Throne Watches | Handcrafted in Brooklyn, this watch puts a modern twist on a classic accessory.
3. Buly 1803 | A sleek comb you can take anywhere.
4. Life After Denim | A quilted bomber with a unique color to stand out from the crowd.
5. ISM | This new tech-smart backpack is perfect for stylish guys on the go.
6. Le Labo | A lightweight yet luxurious face lotion to keep dry winter skin at bay.
7. Lightwell Co. | Cedar & Sandalwood will bring fresh, yet masculine notes to any room.
8. The Arrivals NYC | The most stunning leather gloves.
9. Deus Ex Machina | Show off his sensitive side.
10. Article One | Your new favorite sunglasses, complete with an all-flattering frame and unique pink-red lenses.
11. Away | The perfect carry-on that's both smart and durable. 
12. Basic Rights | A pair of staple sweatpants that can take you from the bed to the streets.
13. Kotn | A carefully constructed sweatshirt made from the highest quality Egyptian cotton.

HOLIDAY 2017: GIFTS FOR HER

Gifting season has begun, and every year I try to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list. While you can find beautiful items at everyday stores, it's harder to find unique pieces that will be extra special for your friends and family. This year I've centered my gift guides around independent designers. These brands not only create stunning and one-of-a-kind pieces, but are also more environmentally conscious, and even do their part to give back. One of my favorite brands from this list is Kotn — they source their extraordinary textiles ethically in Egypt, and are partnered with an organization there to build schools. So while you're shopping this holiday season you can find gifts that not only bring happiness to their recipients, but also to those who make them. 

1. Wet Eyewear - perfect for vacation
2. KowTow - collect your art, and wear it too
3. ISM - a smart backpack that's perfect for freelance creatives
4. Kotn - sustainable and beautiful basics
5. Common Projects - a classic shoe with a hint of silver
6. Amarilo - timeless jewelry perfect for any occasion
7. Which We Want - the slashed and asymmetrical sweater you didn't know you need
8. Anthropologie - when was the last time you found your keys easily in your bag?
9. Janessa Leone - keep your head warm, or just stylish
10. Mansur Gavriel - the perfect shade of red
11. Tamara Mellon - the perfect pair of luxe ankle boots
12. Cords & Co - the coolest trucker you'll ever own
13. Alumnae NYC - everyone needs a pair of metallic boots
14. Laer - the cooler moto

A SUMMER ACCESSORIES EDIT

When it's 100 degrees out, I hate going clothing shopping. Everything sticks to you, leaving you wishing you were at home on the couch wearing as little clothes as possible, doing absolutely nothing.

So my approach to summer dressing will be just that — minimal coverage with just enough accessories to look effortlessly cool. 

Shop my favorite summer finds: (from left to right, top to bottom)
1. J. Hannah Jewelry Clara Choker
2. Destin Cotton-Cashmere Bandana
3. A Peace Treaty Silk Bandana
4. Lack of Color Montana Hat
5. Komono Stella Sunglasses
6. Mejuri Grace Orbit Earrings
7. A.P.C. Sac Demi-Lune in Sable
8. J. Hannah Agnes Nail Polish
9. J. Hannah Saltillo Nail Polish
10. Mejuri Sapphire Hoops
11. Lack of Color Pink Velour Hat
12. Ray Ban Hexagonal Flat Lens Sunglasses
13. Madewell Leather Pouch
14. Paco Rabanne 14#01 Mini Bucket Bag 
15. Karen Walker Babou Sunglasses