Style & Life – Page 22 – the elegant edit on fashion, beauty, and home

Luxurious Lashes by Hourglass Mascara

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Luxurious Lashes by Hourglass Mascara

There is nothing that makes me feel more feminine than long eyelashes so I am always looking for ways to enhance them. One revolutionary product I like is magnetic lashes from One Two Lash (click for post). However, mascara is a must and I am always looking for new options to try.

While on a trip to New York, I stumbled upon this Hourglass mascara while shopping at Barney’s…and could not resist trying. The gorgeous gold instrument was too pretty to resist. It has quickly become my favorite mascara. The Curator® Lash Instrument is extremely precise and allows you to evenly apply the mascara. The effect is super long lashes! The instrument allows you to get to the base of the lash line and create serious definition. You simply dip the instrument in the primer to apply and then the mascara. Hourglass has a helpful video to help you apply.

If you are looking to lengthen your lashes, give this Hourglass Mascara trio a try!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 28.2017
Classic Black and White

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Classic Black and White

They’re called classics for a reason…timeless, polished and always relevant. Black and white is a chic and easy color combination to wear because you usually have a plethora of shoes and accessories to complement. And if you don’t know what to wear, it is always a safe option. Some of my favorite classic black and white dresses from this Spring are featured below!

Need to run around in comfort and style on the weekend? This Soft Joie casual dress is easy to throw on with sneakers (like those featured in post Chic Sneakers ) for running errands or hanging at the park. Made from a soft and cozy jersey fabric, it almost feels like you are wearing pajamas. Available at www.saks.com.

This Diane Von Furstenberg Brenndah silk dress is as classic as it gets…a wrap dress silhouette in a black and white print. However, the side tie and asymmetric hem gives it a modern and feminine vibe. Available at www.revolve.com.

This fashion staple will never go out of style..the Annalisa LBD is a fitted ponte dress with trumpet hem. The style dresses up beautifully in the soft luxurious ponte fabric. Instead of wearing a pop of color with this dress, I opted to wear this beautiful black and white bracelet from Lele Sadoughi. Bracelet available at www.neimanmarcus.com. Dress available at www.shopbop.com.

Hope you find some new inspiration for this classic color combination this Spring!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 25.2017
A Moroccan Meal Inspired by Claudette New York

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A Moroccan Meal Inspired by Claudette New York

Over the course of my career, I have spent many, many days in New York. Deciding where to dine is always a challenge because there are so many fantastic restaurants. One of my favorite spots is Claudette in Greenwich Village. I have been there many times…they have a lovely, cozy vibe and offer delicious Provençal fare. I have tried a number of their dishes but my favorite three are the truffle hummus, Corsican mint salad and chicken tagine. The last time I visited, I decided I must learn how to prepare the chicken tagine. The dish is delicious but the tagine dish it is served in, is really the pièce de résistance. The print and shape is so unique that I simply could not resist. When I started researching recipes for this post, I was delighted to find some of Claudette’s recipes available online! I prepared and shared below. This is a perfect meal for a lazy Sunday when you want to cook with a nice glass of rosé and make your home smell of an amazing meal to come.

Truffle Hummus with Baked Pita Chips

INGREDIENTS

HUMMUS

1 can chickpeas, drained

1 clove garlic

2 tablespoons tahini

1/2 cup truffle oil, or 1/4 cup olive oil + 1/4 cup truffle oil for lighter truffle flavor

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

PITAS

4 pitas

2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Put all ingredients (but only half of the truffle oil to start) for the hummus into a food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste and either add the rest of the truffle oil or use olive oil instead if the truffle flavor is too strong. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

source: www.cookswithcocktails.com

Claudette Corsican Mint Salad

INGREDIENTS

SALAD

1 cup hearts of palm, sliced 1/4-inch thick

1 cup blanched haricots verts, cut in half

8 whole mint leaves

1 packed quart of baby arugula

Red Onion, thinly sliced

VINAIGRETTE

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

¼ cup champagne vinegar

1/2 cup mint oil

1 shallot, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

In a bowl, whisk to combine the Dijon mustard, champagne vinegar, and minced shallot. Then slowly drizzle in the mint oil while whisking until emulsified. Season to taste. In another bowl, add the vegetables and drizzle in the vinaigrette. Toss to combine and evenly coat the vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

source: www.vogue.com

Chicken Tagine

I followed Koren Grieveson’s (chef at Claudette) footsteps and prepared the ingredients, then assembled in the tagine…although some recipes instruct you to cook in the tagine.

INGREDIENTS

BRINE

Warm Water

Olive Oil

Salt

Sugar

Mint Leaves

BULGAR

Bulgar Wheat

Chicken stock or water

TAGINE

Chicken Thighs (I recommend 1-2 per guest)

Garlic

Onion

Celery

Carrot

Zucchini

Eggplant

Swiss Chard

Chickpeas

Turkish Apricots

Dates

Golden Raisins

Mint Stems and Leaves

Fresh Orange Juice

Fresh Lemon Juice

Orange Slices

Cinnamon

Turmeric

Coriander

Slivered Almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

Brine: pour the warm water into a container that is twice the volume of the water. Pour in the salt, sugar, olive oil and mint leaves. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then allow the brine to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.

Bulgar: Prepare the bulgar wheat according to directions, I prepared with chicken stock instead of water to give more flavour. Once finished, add to pan and sauté with olive oil.
Add eggplant, zucchini, Swiss chard and chickpeas; stir until softened. Add (one at a time) orange juice, lemon juice, orange slices, apricots, dates, raisins and a bit of brining solution until ingredients are softened.

Tagine: In a Dutch oven, sauté the garlic, onion, chicken and celery in olive oil until softened. Season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, turmeric and coriander to your liking. Add chicken stock or water. Separately, pan fry chicken in olive oil and, when finished, add to the onion, carrot and celery mixture and simmer for a few minutes.

Assembly: Add the bulgar wheat mixture to the tagine, layer in the chicken, garnish with almonds, mint leaves and orange slices. Serve and enjoy!

source: www.ny.eater.com (I used as a guide and have added my recommendations)

This gorgeous tagine dish and other options are available at williamssonoma.com.

Hope you and yours enjoy this delicious meal!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 23.2017
Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

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Super Hydration: Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

I received this set of Lano skincare products when I recently renewed my Porter magazine subscription, which was so much more fun than an inexpensive bag or other item that goes unused. I was especially excited to try these new products because there were multiple items and they were a healthy size which would give multiple applications, so I could get a real sense of how the product worked.

I am always trying to maintain as much moisture in my skin for the anti-aging benefits. Living in Florida, the tropical climate is a major benefit…it plumps your skin up nicely and allows you to retain a more hydration than other climates. So, while I may not need as much moisture as some, I am always looking for moisture rich solutions. My everyday skin care regimen includes a generous lathering of coconut oil after showering. However, I recently went through a spell of traveling to New York and returned with my skin needing more than the usual hydration, which gave me the perfect opportunity to try these Lano products.

The key ingredient in these lano products is lanolin, a lipid that mimics human skin lipids. It is found in the wool of sheep that keeps their coat protected and dry throughout the year. Lanolin is 100% natural and cruelty free.

I tried the Everywhere Multi Cream which is richer than a traditional body lotion but not too heavy. Also included in the set of samples was the Golden Dry Skin Salve. If you are in need of major moisture-give this a try. The application of this product is a little on the sticky side, because the formula includes manuka honey but the results were spectacular. My skin resumed its normal state of hydration after a few days of using this. The formula also includes a quadruple dose of of their Natural Lanolin moisturizer and viaamin E. Their hand cream worked well and I still have their lip ointment in my travel bag to stay hydrated during plane rides.

Give these a shot if your skin needs a boost of hydration! Available at www.ulta.com or www.netaporter.com.

Bisous.

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 18.2017
Pretty in Pink

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Pretty in Pink

While I like to wear pops of color from time to time, most of my wardrobe staples are in neutral hues. Black, white, ivory…blush. And more blush. Since I am blonde, I tend to look washed out when I wear beige but I love how light neutral colors look and, so, I use pink like a neutral. It is versatile, yet more feminine and flattering than beige. I wear it so often that I often vow to not buy any more pink items. Fortunately for me, pink is a key trend this season and there are a wide selection of beautiful styles this season. I have highlighted a few of my favorites below.

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This breezy boho blouse by Rebecca Minkoff has a flattering v neckline, open shoulders and pretty crochet details. It is lightweight enough to wear through summer and the silhouette is flirty and fun. I like wearing it with blue or white jeans or shorts. The Mother of Pearl mini tote is such a fun casual bag and is now on sale! The top is available at www.nordstrom.com, and bag is available at www.shopbop.com.

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There is no denying that I am a huge fan of Alexis…their pieces are effortlessly fashion forward. The design details, unique fabrications and flattering silhouettes make them one of my favorite designers to wear. I also think that for the quality and design they are well priced. These soft pink pants are ultra glamorous and the top is an understated and luxurious wardrobe basic. Be sure to wear really high heels! Both the top and pant are available at www.revolve.com.

While I live in a tropical paradise, wearing this floral printed Yumi Kim maxi dress instantly makes me feel like I am on vacation. The wrap styling creates a feminine and sexy vibe. This dress tends to run a bit large so consider ordering a size smaller than usual. Available at www.revolve.com

Hope you look Pretty in Pink this Spring!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 12.2017
All That Glitters

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All That Glitters

Long ago, I used to tell people to have a sparkling day. It seemed more fun than a “great”, “good” or “nice” day. I am not sure why or when I stopped wishing people a sparkling day but somewhere along the way, I stopped signing emails that way and sign off in a standard way. However, this spring, that is precisely what you will be doing from day to night…sparkling. Glitter is a major trend this season and not just in the traditional evening items…I have seen it in the fabric of leggings, dresses, sandals, water bottles, jewelry…it is EVERYWHERE. Think of glitter pieces like you would a print of pattern, use them sparingly…a touch here and there and never more than one piece in an ensemble.

I opted to style this glitter story in gold pieces for day wear but there are an abundance of sparkly items for evening….black, gunmetal and other fun colors but I feel the gold is the freshest version for this season.

Glitter is also a key beauty trend this spring, in eyeshadows, lip gloss, nail polish and body dust. Again, use sparingly, but there are pretty products that will make you shimmer and glow.

Follow me on Instagram @styleandlifeofficial to enter our All That Glitters Instagram Contest.

Have a sparkling day!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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Products:

Lolo Bags, Hello Gorgeous Cosmetic Bag, www.neimanmarcus.com

Kate Spade Glitter Stud Earrings, www.saks.com

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, www.sephora.com

Gucci Round Glitter Sunglasses, www.neimanmarcus.com

Edie Parker Clutch, www. saks.com

Alexander McQueen Sneakers, www.saks.com

Smith & Cult Shattered Souls Nail Polish, www.netaporter.com

Burberry Beauty Shimmer Dust, www.netaporter.com

Sephora Glitter Travel Makeup Brushes, www.sephora.com

Miu Miu Slides, www.saks.com

Kate Spade Water Bottle, www.shopbop.com

f. 7.2017
Spring Stripes

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Spring Stripes

When it comes to Spring trends, stripes are a staple every year. It is as if they go hand in hand with warm weather. When I start seeing resort collections in November, there are always striped items that remind me that Spring is around the corner. There are many different kinds of stripes…nautical, brightly colored, variegated, bold…my favorites tend to be softer versions. Beachy, a little boho and romantic are the styles I tend to gravitate toward. One of the benefits about investing in striped clothing is that you tend to wear them for many seasons…they do not become as dated as other trends. I have created three looks with some of my favorite Spring Stripes items.

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This casual and feminine off the shoulder LOVESHACKFANCY dress is perfect for a late afternoon lunch after sunning at the beach or pool. The light and airy cotton fabric will keep you cool and comfortable through the hottest days of Summer. Available at www.intermixonline.com

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This Caroline Constas top makes a serious fashion statement this Spring. With its off-the-shoulder silhouette, voluminous sleeves and cheery stripe pattern, you will let everyone know you know what is in vogue. When wearing statement pieces like this, I try to keep the rest of my look simple. I wore this top with a pair of slim dark denim to keep the emphasis on the top and not add volume on the bottom. This top is now on sale and available at www.intermixonline.com.

These See by Chloe striped trousers and Ella Moss top are a classy and chic way to wear stripes. These pants are so comfortable that they almost feel like you are wearing pajamas. The top also looks cute with denim shorts or crops. The top is available at www.shopbop.com. Pants available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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Finding stripes you want to wear this Spring should be a breeze-the options are endless!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography.

f. 3.2017
Oval Makeup Brush Review

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Oval Makeup Brush Review

I started seeing these oval makeup brushes all over Instagram and Pinterest awhile back. Like most new beauty products I see, these immediately peaked my curiosity. I added them to my Amazon shopping cart as a reminder to go back and research them at some point. I forgot they were in my cart one day and purchased them without realizing it. One day they just showed up. I was going to look at other brands and read more about them before purchasing but since these were inexpensive, I decided to try them and figured if I liked them, I could invest in a different set later.

These oval makeup brushes are incredibly soft…it feels a little relaxing when you are applying them. They are supposed to be more precise for applying powder based products like blush, eyeshadow and highlighter…so start with a small amount and build as needed. I found they were easy to use and the application looked good.

In conclusion, I have decided these are a nice addition to my existing makeup brushes, not a replacement. Outside of the eyeshadow brushes, I still like using my other brushes for application and using these to smooth, blend and finish. They really help keep your entire look natural and polished.

Hope this gives you a little insight into these makeup brushes!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 30.2017
Coola Suncare

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COOLA SUNCARE

Being a bit of a beauty product junkie…I am always trying new products, brands and tools. When I find a product I really like, I often purchase additional items from the line which is exactly happened when I discovered Coola suncare.

I stumbled upon Coola sunscreen one Saturday morning while taking a beachside walk. I popped into Jugofresh for a green juice and noticed this sunscreen spray that smelled just like a pina colada…I purchased it immediately and sprayed myself down, feeling happy I smelled nicely for my walk.

It does not matter where you live, sunscreen is a must if you want to take care of your skin. Living in Miami, it is an essential part of my beauty routine since the sun is strong here. After reviewing their extensive assortment, I ordered the Matte Tint Sunscreen. While my daytime facial cream has an SPF in it, on weekends, I like to add a layer of sunscreen for extra protection but I hate how it makes my face look shiny. This one was PERFECT! It has a creamy texture, smooth matte finish and layers nicely under a tinted moisturizer or regular foundation.

I also liked reading the label because I could pronounce almost everything in the list of ingredients. Coola suncare is made with natural and certified organic ingredients that protect, nourish and moisturize your skin. Since then, I have invested in the Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, Sport SPF 50 Moisturizer and SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray and am happy with each of the products.

One tip-be sure to reapply every two hours. While every sunscreen lists this on the package, I used to ignore it and found myself getting too much sun even while wearing sunscreen. Reapplying prevents that so be sure to follow the directions.

This post is not sponsored, I am just sharing some of my favorite products. Keep your skin safe this spring and summer! Available at www.coolasuncare.com.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photo by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 28.2017
Chic Sneakers

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Chic Sneakers

When the athleisure trend took the clothing world by storm a few years back, it gave us a reason to buy new clothing that was not already in our closets. Clothing that is fashionable and comfortable? No one was going to stop buying that anytime soon and so, instead of athleisure being a trend that was in for a season or two, it is now a staple in our closets.

Just as we were impressed with the newness of this workout wear that was now stylish enough to wear for errands and brunches, it is only logical that the next thing to complement these looks would be fabulous footwear, which has come in the form of these uber chic sneakers.

While these sneaker inspired shoes cannot be worn for actual workouts, they are as comfortable as they are chic. Have fun styling them-the options are endless. You can wear them with casual dresses, skirts, shorts, pants as well as the obvious-leggings.

Stay stylish this spring and add a pair of chic sneakers into your wardrobe!

Bisous,

Rebecca

From left: Valentino Rockstud Sneaker, Roger Vivier Sneaky Viv Love Paris Sneaker, Saint Laurent Star Sneaker, Joie Huxley Mini Stud Sneaker, Buscemi Bow Quilted Sneaker.

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com

Photo by Erica Dunhill

www.ericadunhillphotography.com

f. 23.2017