Sarah

So, after "He's Just Not That into You" came out, I got an email from Sarah who was gathering info on how to replicate Gennifer Goodwin's hair. I did a little bit of online research and found some good tutorials.

She ended up, with quite a bit of impressive expertise, making her straight hair perfectly wavy and ever-so-slightly retro. It looks amazing!!

And pay attention to her amazing, luscious lashes; she credits Diorshow.

It doesn't hurt that she is so stinking photogenic.

Nude Nails

So, nude is a hot color this spring. Anything from nude snakeskin to nude lips to nude nails. Two nude things I wanted to embrace are nude pumps (which I've wanted for a while for work) and nude nails.

I happened to be at a beauty supply store that had 50% off of everything, and got a nude polish. Here are the pics. I don't recommend the Nicole by OPI. This is the only polish from that line I've gotten and I'm disappointed with the quality.

I have mixed feelings about the color. On one hand, I feel like it's very matronly. On the other, in my mind I know that it's edgy and forward...but it's not the most exciting shade.

I took these pics where I spent most of the weekend--OUTSIDE!!

For Straight Haired Gals Who Want Wavy Hair

Here are a couple of good ideas:

The pictures above are from this blog "15 Minute Beauty Fanatic." She writes about her experiment with the Remington Emi Airwave. I've read about it on quite a few blogs, but I really like her pictures that show how it works. It's been getting rave reviews and is very affordable.

Also, I got my weekly email from the Glamour Beauty Department and it included this tip on how to get Julia Roberts hair. It sounds low maintenance! I have been told to make little twirls all over my head when diffusing or even air drying.

An Easy Way to Score Julia's Waves

I'm so into Julia Roberts' new hair: It looks like her old hair, only better. When Julia broke onto the scene in the late '80s, she was known--and loved--for her bodacious curls. Today she still has sexy waves, but they look fresh and modern because they start farther down the head at ear level (all those harsh '80s perms made curls start at the roots). If you're feeling this natural-looking 'do, ditch your curling iron and try this fuss-free wave-making technique from Aveda hair pro Pearson Knight: "Air-dry hair 90 percent, then comb a little spray gel or hairspray throughout your hair. Next, part your hair into four sections (part straight down middle, make two from forehead to ear and two in the back), then, section by section, loosely twist all the hair into a very loose bun (for a total of four mini-buns) and pin in place. Blow-dry or use a diffuser to heat and set the twists. Let cool, take buns down and finger-style some twists to give you those loose 'Julia' waves."

Eva...

Today the InStyle Look of the Day was Eva Mendes. It was a great look...and reminded me of my new favorite Eva, my friend (and reader!) Anne-Marie's almost three week old daughter.

Here are the two Evas:BEAUTIFUL!!!

Curly Haired Girls

I came across this post about how to "plop" your hair in a towel before either diffusing or air drying. I had never heard of it, but thought I'd pass it along...

To Plop or Not to Plop

Hair Improvement

I'm loving Whitney's hair here.

Contentment

When I started this blog, I wrote about the battle of contentment that wars against always wanting new stuff. I maintain that I hate excess. I don't want too many pairs of shoes, too many options for makeup, too many accessories...I simply want the perfect assortment of these thing. Hence the title of my blog. I truly am a less-is-more kind of gal. So, I apply myself to finding that perfect product, that perfect pair of jeans, that go-with-everything necklace, that classic watch, those comfy-yet-stylish pair of shoes I inevitably put on even when given a choice of all of my others ones...


I am naturally more than a little OCD (obsessive-compulsive.) So, sometimes, these endless searches wear on me and I have to accept something a little less than perfect.

This week, I've been off work and just lounging by the pool, reading and catching up on life in general. I went to return a sweater to the mall yesterday, and, of course, perused Sephora. In my walk across the mall, I saw so many good deal things that I wanted and contemplated purchasing. But, somehow, I wasn't in the mood to buy. I just felt thankful for all the perfect things I've purchased in the past. It felt good. I don't have a lot of energy for shopping since I got sick, but it doesn't stop me from constantly wanting new things...improvements.

I like to step back and look at all the thought I've put into what I do have and just leave it at that. And go back to reading by the pool...

Oh, and try to finish shower products before buying new ones!

Doing the Dishes in Style

Last fall, I used to get the Rachael Ray magazine. It was free for six months. I happened upon some snazzy dish gloves sort of like these priced at $30 a pair! Well, I clipped it out and at Christmas, made my own versions for my aunts, grandma and mom. They were great little Christmas presents that I wrapped up in takeout boxes.

I'm not normally a super crafty person. I reserve doing crafts only for when I see something that is outrageously priced and super cute that I COULD MAKE MYSELF.

Anyways, saw these again and wanted to share the stylin' way to do dishes.

Details

I am all about understatement--understated sexiness, natural looking makeup, simple yet well fitting clothes, less is more, etc.

I love the clean lines, intricate details in these two dresses...but they still look so classic and understated though!

(The red dress is Free People and the bottom picture is Taylor Swift.)

Glass Nail File

When I got my wonderful birthday pedicure at the day spa (the experienced that launched my passion for the wonderful OPI Drip Dry drops), I encountered a glass nail file for the first time. Now, I really want one of my own. I usually buy the Sephora nail file with four options of grittiness, but now I want this one. It's supposed to be very long lasting too.

Sephora, $8

Vanessa

I always love her hair!!

Mason Pearson knockoff

So, for a few years now, I've read about the wonders of the Mason Pearson brushes and combs. They come with a lifetime guarantee...and cost about $130! Every blog writes about them, makeupalley has many rave reviews. The most popular brush is a boar bristle/nylon blend. I already own a set of brushes, including a couple of boar bristles.

Well, after reading in Allure a couple of years ago that Sonia Kashuk made almost exactly the same brush (bristles wise only, because MP brushes are handcrafted wood) for $14.99. I diligently researched this brush as well, and it got mostly great reviews...except for the ones saying that it didn't come close to the pricey MP.

I generally only brush my hair with a comb while it's wet. I like my natural wave to keep its separation. Well, I got this brush and have since changed my ways. I am loving brushing my hair before bed and feeling it tingle against my scalp. I love this purchase!

Sonia Kashuk Hair Brush

Mineral Sunscreen

I am a big fan of physical sunscreens (as opposed to chemical sunscreens.) I am also super obsessed with anything clogging my pores. I currently use Shiseido SPF55 lotion, which is wonderful for balancing out my combination skin. It has a mixture of physical and chemical sunscreens, and stays put.

I have tried a Peter Thomas Roth mineral sunscreen, but returned it because it dried my skin out so much. I discovered that it had cornstarch in it, that's why! I loved taking it to the pool and keeping in my purse for instant coverage. Chemical sunscreens take up to 30 minutes to become active, whereas physical sunscreens both a physical barrier on instantly. I used the PTR powder on my niece for instant protection on her little face too. Plus, the less chemicals, the better. I saw my doctor today and he talked to me about the traces of estrogen in many cosmetics that are affecting alot of women...possibly myself included. I need to be better about researching all the chemicals that go into my products.

I saw that Bare Minerals was coming out with one and it's finally here. I can't wait to try it in time for summer. I just hope it's not so drying.

Natural Sunscreen, $28

Goodies

I love each of these outfits. Kate's wonderful layering. Eva's cool, ladylike glamour.

Paintin' the Nails

So I've been really not paying attention to beauty tips or products this week. With Lent beginning, I was feeling very contemplative. Hey, I'm allowed my moments, right?? Also, my health hasn't been great for two weeks, and I'm making some job changes. Big week!

This weekend, I did get a chance to paint my 2 year old niece's fingernails in a French manicure. This was a toughie. She was so enamored by the process that she would forget to hold her free hand still, and kept messing up the same two nails.

Here are our nails. Hers were inspired by just the idea of it being super cute on her little hands:

And mine are a cheapie Sally Hansen brick red that I have loved for a couple of years. It looks especially good under the amazing OPI Drip Dry drops. I have been inspired by all the red nails on The City lately.

Speaking of The City (which I watch every week and then berate myself for wasting 30 minutes of my life on), I love Whitney's use of bronzer. I myself am a big fan of bronzer as a year-round makeup staple. Apparently Whitney feels the same. She used it consistently on the apples of her cheeks. Love it!

Observe below: