Ice Cream at Bryant Park

I have been slacking on blog posts once again.  This is a short post about my lunch break last week.  I work in Manhattan which is a lot of fun because there is always something to do.  There are so many different options for food, shopping, and entertainment.  Last week I took a nice walk to Bryant Park and enjoyed my break with some sun and ice cream.  Below are a few pictures from my little adventure:

Thanks for reading,

Isabella

Evening Skin Care Routine

Having a nighttime skin care routine is important because this is the time when the body repairs its cells.  I try to use all the products discussed, but sometimes there are nights when I am too lazy to even take my makeup off.

Cleanser:

First I use this cleanser to take off my makeup.  I have been using this product for about 3 years.  I love it! 

After my makeup is removed I use coal face from Lush.  This soap is amazing it sucks out my blackheads, shrinks my pores, and leaves my skin with a tight, clean feeling.  There is something about this soap that works wonders.  However one thing I did notice is when I stopped using it my skin looked uneven and horrible.

Softener:

After cleansing I use a softener from Shiseido.  "Toner" may be a more common word to describe this product.  I put it on a cotton ball and apply it to face and neck.  It adds moisture to my skin and is a good way to prep for my nighttime moisturizer.

Eye Cream:

Currently I am using a sample of this product and I like it so far.  It is excellent for night, but is too greasy for the daytime.  I apply a tiny amount under my eyes focusing on the outer corners.  I will repurchase once the sample is gone.

Moisturizer:

This is the final step in my nighttime skin care routine.  You may recognize this item from my beauty product wish list.  I purchased it about two weeks ago from Lord and Taylor.  I apply this each night to my face and neck before bed.  In the morning my skin is glowing!  It is fabulous!

In combination all these products are working wonders for my skin.  I have seen a drastic improvement in my skin's clarity and my blackheads are almost all gone.

Thanks for reading,

Isabella

Ann Taylor Haul

A few weekends ago I went to Ann Taylor and purchased some clothes for work.   At the time of visit Ann Taylor had a promotion running for 40% off your entire order (including sale items)!  Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT are two stores you should never shop at unless they have a promotion going on.  Almost every week there is an offer for 20-40% off.

Ann Taylor is one of my favorite stores for work clothes.  During my past trip I purchased two dresses, a skirt, and a suit jacket (that matches the skirt).  Below are pictures of the clothing along with some additional items I would pair with each outfit.  I hope this post is helpful and gives you ideas for what to wear to work.  I also apologize for the quality of the pictures as they were taken quickly with my phone and I did not have time to model the clothing.

Suit

The material and color of this suit make it perfect for the upcoming spring and summer months.  I think it will look great with nude pumps.  The pair shown above are from Kohl's. 

Three Quarter Sleeve Dress

Of course on the hanger the dress does not look that impressive, but it fits me perfectly.  It is good for daytime yet elegant enough for the evening.  Peep toe pumps are great to pair with this classic dress.  The open toe makes the outfit better for warmer weather.  The shoes shown above are by Tahari which I found at Marshalls for only $30.00!

Sleeveless Dress

 

Adding a cardigan to this dress makes it appropriate for the office.  Earlier this year I purchased the best cardigan from the BP. (juniors) department at Nordstrom.  Click here to see it!  I bought it in black and ivory.  It is slightly cropped with three quarter length sleeves and looks great over everything!  I have been wearing the black one all the time especially to work over sleeveless clothing. 

Thanks for reading,

Isabella

On Repeat

Quick post on a topic non-beauty related:


For the past three weeks I have been listening to Bright Eyes' new album, The People's Key.  The album art work is shown below.  I have been listening to this album on repeat at least three times a week on my commute to and from work.  In March I saw Bright Eyes perform at Radio City Music Hall in NYC.  It was an excellent show and a few songs from The People's Key were performed!  There are ten tracks on the album.  I love all ten, but my favorite song is Jejune Stars.

In my opinion the sound is similar to their previous album, Cassadaga.  Bright Eyes can be classified as "indie rock".  Check it out if you get the chance!

Thanks for reading,

Isa

Beauty Product Wish List

Listed below are a few beauty products I want to try!

Pink Sugar Hair Perfume

Pink Sugar is cotton candy like scent.  I only have the shower gel I have never tried the perfume.  In a recent Nordstrom catalog this product was featured.  I love the idea of hair perfume and want to try this when I can.  (Price $15.00).

Shiseido Night Cream

The full name of this product is The Skincare- Night Moisture Recharge.  I currently do not use a night cream and I have always heard that skin repairs itself overnight.  The product claims to brighten and even skin texture.  Both are issues I suffer with, hopefully results will be seen if I do decide to try it.  This can be purchased at Macy*s, Bloomingdale's, and other department stores ($42.50).

Garnier Tinted Eye Roller

I have been using Angela's and need to buy my own.  This product really helps conceal dark circles.  I am not sure if it does anything in the long run, but it is quick solution for undereye darkness.  This can be purchased at Target, Wal-Mart, or any drug store (around $13.00).

Flowerbomb Perfume

I smelt this perfume in a magazine advertisement.  It is described as having notes of "jasmine, osmanthus, and rich vanilla".  I mainly smell the vanilla which is why I am drawn to this fragrance.  However I would like to try it in person before I purchase it.  This may seem strange, but all the perfumes I own have been given to me as gifts.  Maybe this will be the first fragrance I purchase on my own. (3.4 oz $150.00/1.7 oz $100.00).

I am also looking for a new day time moisturizer and eye cream.  Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading,

Isa

Update

I wanted to update you with a quick blog post about a few beauty related things going on in my life right now.

L'Oreal's Lash Boosting Serum

I recently started L'Oreal's Lash Boosting Serum.  I purchased it at Target last Sunday for $10.99.  The product claims to create visibly thicker lashes with continued use.  I apply the product morning and night to my top lashes only.  Although the instructions state that you can apply regular mascara over the serum I have decided to wear the serum alone.  I will keep you updated with the progress and if I see any results by the end of the month.

E.L.F. Studio Angled Eyeliner Brush

 

Another item I purchased during my trip to Target was the E.L.F angled brush shown above.  I have always wanted to try an angled eyeliner brush for applying gel eyeliners.  I have only used this brush a few times and I LOVE IT.  It makes eyeliner application quick and very easy.  It was only $3.00.  Try it out if you can!

I would also like to share that I have signed up for Birchbox.  I only recently found out about this company.  Birchbox is a cosmetic company which will send you 4-5 high end cosmetic samples each month for only $10.00 (no hidden fees).   I signed up last week and will receive my first box in May.  I am very excited to see what mystery products I will get.  I think this is great way to test a product before buying the full size.  If you are interested visit birchbox.com for more information.

Also I will be going to IMATS in NYC this weekend with my sister, Angela.  It will be a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to writing a few blog posts related to the event.

Thanks for reading,

Isabella

The Glamour List

I came across this entertaining list in Glamour magazine (March 2011 issue).  In my opinion I found a few of the items to be very relevant for most people.  I wanted to share a few things I would like to "give up for just one day".

#1-  I wear headphones everyday single day on my walk to the office and block out the world.  I should slow down and enjoy the atmosphere around me.


#4-  I rarely leave the office for lunch.  I will bring lunch and eat at my desk.  When it gets warmer I would like to make it a goal to go out to lunch at least 3 times a week.  I work in NYC there are so many great restaurants, stores, and places to see.  Plus I won't have to clean up crumbs on my keyboard as much! ; )


#8-  I cannot think of particular reason why, but I hate to fly.  I have not been on an airplane in a while.  I have already started to conquer this fear with a trip to Las Vegas in April.


#9 and #11 are two other things I would like to stop doing.  What are some things you would give up?


Thanks for reading,
Isa