Category: luxury

beauty · luxury

March Beauty Challenge: Glass Skin

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I don’t spend a lot of time talking about my skin care routine on this blog because, well, there’s a lot more to life than beauty stuff. But I recently saw a post about a woman that had “glass skin”: skin so flawless that it looked shiny and smooth like glass. And, I was intrigued by what could create such a perfect, poreless complexion. After reading the post and comparing the “glass skin” routine to the Korean 10 step product routine, I decided that I would do a “glass skin” challenge during the month of March.

My skin is combination and can be sensitive at times. This routine will (hopefully!) help nourish my post-winter complexion and give me the kind of skin that looks perfect without makeup.

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The goal is to look as gorgeous as Kezia by the end of the month (photo courtesy of D’Journae)

The ten steps as outlined by Self magazine are as follows, and the products I’ll be using for each step are also listed:

  • Oil cleanser (to remove makeup): food grade coconut oil
  • Foam cleanser: Mary Kay 3-in-1 Cleanser (for combination/oily skin)
  • Exfoliant (advised for 1 – 3 times week use): Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin (I’ll use this one daily, as it’s gentle)
  • Toner: Caudalie Grape Water
  • Essence: SCINIC First Treatment Essence
  • Serum/booster/ampoule: The Ordinary Niacinamide and “Buffet” serums, Mary Kay Timewise Night Solution
  • Mask (1 – 2 times per week): Mary Kay Moisture Renewing Gel Mask
  • Eye cream: Mary Kay Firming Eye Cream
  • Face cream: Mary Kay Age Fighting Moisturizer (for combination/oily skin)
  • SPF: Mary Kay Timewise Day Solution

Whew, so many products! I currently use anywhere from 4-7 products per cleansing session, but adding these additional products will be new for me. To be fair, some of these will only be used once or twice a week, or only once a day, so, while the list looks long, not every product will be used twice a day.

 

 

luxury · reading list

A Bibliophile’s Dream . . .

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I don’t often discuss auction houses outside of Christie’s or Sotheby’s auctions. These two entities usually feature more of the items that interest me personally. However, I regularly peruse some of the other big names in the auction world because, well, you never know when you’ll come across a gem of a sale.

I was delighted to see that Bonhams is having an Extraordinary Books and Manuscripts auction in just a few days (March 9). This sale will have all sorts of rare books, manuscripts, and other miscellaneous written material. One item that I found particularly interesting is a letter autographed by Alexander Hamilton. Given the resurgence of interest in Hamilton (we can thank the stageplay Hamilton for that), I expect that this memorabilia will go for much more than the estimated $10-15,000 USD.

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Hamilton’s letter

Two more items of interest to me are a violin owned by, and a letter written and signed by, Albert Einstein. I find Einstein fascinating and I would love to own some memorabilia. These items are expected to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000 each, and I can see them easily going for more than that. I’m sure the lucky winner will treasure these items tremendously.

Einstein’s violin and autographed letter

The auction will happen at Bonhams’ Madison Avenue location in  New York City, USA. If you are a collector of rare books, you won’t want to miss this event!

hollywood glamour · luxury

Baubles, Hollywood Style Part Deux

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Not too long ago, I mentioned the Hollywood Collection, a company that recreates jewelry worn by the stars of yesterday, in a Hollywood Glamour post. Today, I’m excited to share with you all yet another company that does spectacular jewelry that is inspired by classic Hollywood actresses.

Filthy Rich has their own “Hollywood Collection“, complete with replicas of jewelry worn by stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow. This company doesn’t just limit it offerings to jewelry styled after the ones worn by Hollywood’s finest: they also has recreations of jewelry owned by Jacqueline Kennedy and Kate Middleton. Here are a few of my favorites from the site:

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Audrey Hepburn Roman Holiday earrings

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Kate Middleton Royal Engagement Ring

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Jacqueline Kennedy Gold Bracelet Watch

They have some other glamorous options for anyone interested in adding some Hollywood to their wardrobe. I love that these pieces are not only beautiful but very affordable, too: the prices average less than $50 each. So reasonably priced, so chic!

art · luxury

Art Collector Conundrum: Insecurity

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In this series about issues surrounding inexperienced art enthusiasts, I want to explore another problematic aspect of art collecting. Namely, many new collectors and aspiring art professionals have a great deal of insecurity when entering into the world of art.

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The Holy Family with Saints Francis and Anne and the Infant Saint John the Baptist by Peter Paul Rubens

Like many other prestigious and exclusive arenas, new entrants find themselves overwhelmed and, ultimately, insecure about their knowledge, their ability to find their niche, and their own personal tastes and judgment. How many of us can relate to being the neophyte with a differing opinion that is promptly “put in place” by the resident expert? The more elite the group, the more devastating these interactions can be to the novice.

The point of this discussion isn’t to blast the experts that offer a different perspective to newcomers. Every subject needs experts that are willing to share their knowledge and guide their predecessors. This guidance can help new entrants avoid making costly mistakes on their journeys.

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A Forest at Dawn with a Deer Hunt

This also isn’t a criticism of the new entrants that will ultimately need to grow their confidence in their own tastes and knowledge in the art arena. There’s something to be said for discerning when to take the advice of someone else and when to stick with your stance, however unpopular. There are many experts that had to go against the grain at different points in order to establish themselves.

Ultimately, this is a consideration of what can be done to reduce insecurity when entering the art world. Knowledge, on its own, isn’t enough. The art world is the intersection of business and aesthetic tastes. The business portion can be taught and modeled for new entrants. To some degree, even the aesthetic part of art collecting can be “taught”, via exposure to many works in different media, from different periods of time and movements, and from various countries and global regions.

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Venus and Adonis

So what does reduce insecurity? In a word, experience. The novices have to embrace the experiences that they must have, and they have to be ready to have MANY experiences outside of their comfort zones. Experience will teach a novice who to listen to and who to disregard; it will also help a novice learn when to listen to “gut nudges” and when those “nudges” are more fear-based (and generally inaccurate) than intuitive knowledge (which is usually spot-on).

To all of the newcomers to the art world: gain all of the experience that you can, remember that you BELONG wherever you’re going, and take comfort in the fact that you don’t have to know everything to be skilled, competent and worthy of your space in the art world.

(all art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, photos from Archive.org and )

art · luxury

Art Collector Conundrum: Affordability

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As part of this (informal) series, I want to explore some of the difficulties I see within the art world. These things aren’t obstacles, per se, but they can be challenging for people that are on the outside “looking in”. As I learn more and find myself exploring the business, historical, and aesthetic side of art, I can see the individual factors that make art collecting and the entire business of art frustrating and intimidating to the average person.

One of the biggest obstacles to pursuing either a career in or a collection of art is affordability. Prestigious disciplines and hobbies have always been cost prohibitive, and rightly so: this maintains the integrity, prestige and lucrative nature. But in these increasingly egalitarian times, the question remains: how can affordability be part of the art world while maintaining esteem?

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Le Jockey by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (uploaded by the Brooklyn Museum)

The best recommendation I can pose is this: start where you are. That applies no matter where you want to fit into within the art world. Instead of aiming to have a personal art collection on the level of the Louvre, new collectors that have less capital to invest should start where they are and purchase what they enjoy and can afford. People aspiring to be curators and consultants should start by educating themselves as affordably as possible: attend free or low-cost art courses (some of which can be done online), volunteer at a museum or gallery, or even purchase used art textbooks and read the material.

The key to avoiding overwhelm is to take it one step at a time.

There are some entities that are striving to make art more affordable. Educators like ALISON, Coursera and Saylor (especially the Saylor Legacy Courses) make art education affordable. Taking classes at local museums, galleries, art organizations, and community colleges is also another another way to obtain art knowledge at a low cost.

Entering the art collecting world need not be expensive. New collectors should seek out local artists that are talented but not yet famous. Being an “early adopter” often means securing wonderful artwork at an affordable price. Also, it’s important to support smaller artists that may one day become one of the big names in the art world.

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Tahitian Woman by Paul Gauguin (uploaded by the Brooklyn Museum)

There are also companies that will finance the purchase of high dollar art. One of these is ArtMoney, a company that offers financing options for people that want to buy art. ArtMoney is currently affiliated with 500 galleries nationwide to help art appreciators acquire works of art that would normally be out of their budgets. Also, there are innovative artists that offer lease and lease-to-own option for interested parties. This allows collectors to enjoy the art of their choice on the terms that best suit them.

So there are always ways to navigate around issues of affordability. Many times, this means setting aside preconceived limitations and approaching a solution with a fresh perspective. By exploring unorthodox and less popular strategies, it’s possible to make any part of the art world affordable.

beauty · luxury

Review: The Ordinary’s Niacinamide + Zinc Formula

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A few months ago, I reviewed some other products by The Ordinary, such as the squalane oil and the argireline solution. I was overwhelmingly satisfied with these products so I wanted to post my thoughts on another one of The Ordinary’s offerings.

The Niacinamide + Zinc solution is designed to treat and prevent skin blemishes, especially those associated with acne. According to the Deciem website,  “Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. ”

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As an acne-prone girl with combination skin, any product designed to treat blemishes and redude the apperaance of oiliness is worth a try, in my opinion. So I started using the solution. The directions for use are as follows:

“Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier creams.”

I followed the directions to the letter, using the solution before my heavier products. It’s lightweight and dries down without any sticky residue, but you must carefully rub it in, otherwise you will have traces of white product on your skin. Overall, the absorption is moderately good – it doesn’t soak in rapidly but retains moisture on the skin’s surface long enough for you to ensure that you’ve rubbed in the product before it dries completely.  The product has no odor and caused no reaction with any of my other products.

I noticed that my skin looks GREAT with this product included in my routine! It seems to really assist my benzoyl peroxide (BP) in preventing acne breakouts. Sometimes, I skip my BP completely and just use the solution as my acne fighter. I love the results!

As a full disclaimer, Deciem recommends that this product NOT be layered with vitamin C products (the niacinamide affects the integrity of vitamin C). But otherwise, this can be used with most other products.

After using this for months, I can confidently say that the Niacinamide + Zinc Solution is a permanent fixture in my routine! It’s available at both Sephora as well as Deciem. The product is extremely affordable, at less than $6 per bottle. If you get a chance to try it, let me know how it works for you!

 

 

art · luxury

Art Collector Conundrum: Accessibility

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As I learn more about the art world, I see, not only the beauty and complexity of it, but the problems surrounding it.

Here’s the thing: every industry is plagued with its own problems. As a result, the professionals within each industry are tasked with serving current needs as well as creatively attempting to solve existing and potential problems. This presents a bit of a conundrum for both the problem solvers (who are trying their best but may be limited in what they can do) and those awaiting a solution (that feel excluded and frustrated).

There are several big issues within the art industry, which I’ll attempt to explore over several posts. I’m no art expert, but I love the thought of toying around with solutions to existing issues, because, at the heart of it, I’m a problem solver.View of Children placing poppies on the grave stone of the Unknown soldier

(Courtesy of the War Museum in Ottawa)

One of the biggest issues I see within the art world is the issue of accessibility. Like many subjects and areas associated with the elite/wealthy/exclusive groups, there is no definitive path for entry. Those that want to make sense of this world are overwhelmed by the options but really don’t have any clear directions on how they can make art and the art world a part of their lives.

That’s both great and confusing.

The upside to lacking a defined path of “entry” is that the barriers aren’t clearly defined, either. If those desiring entry want to find a way “in”, they can probably ease in through many different paths and still eventually “arrive” at their desired destination. Let’s be clear: there are ALWAYS barriers in every realm. But these can often be navigated in unconventional ways so long as the person desiring entry is willing to explore the options available and be creative.

The confusing part is figuring out where to start. Unlike college or the corporate world, there is no simple, straightforward way to enter the world of art collecting/patronage.

This undefined path presents an amazing opportunity for art galleries, auction houses and museums. For the huge names in the art world, there may not be an urgent need to reach out to novice or aspiring collectors: after all, these entities aren’t hurting for sales! But for the entities that are interested in undertaking the challenge of opening the art world to a new kind of patron and clientele, there are several ways to accomplish this. The Guggenheim Museum is leading the way with their Young Collectors Council, a subgroup of museum membership that allows millenials and other inexperienced collectors under the age of 40 to have a more active role in museum acquisitions.

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Young visitor touring Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1969

Other museums, art galleries and auction houses can modify the structure pioneered by the Guggenheim and create their own Collectors Councils to help nurture and develop interest in the art world among those that are inexperienced. Setting aside two or three annual events to be organized by councils and offering mentoring opportunities from senior individuals involved in the organization would be great for collectors that are trying to find their way on the art scene.

Do you all think there are some other ways to increase accessibility in the art world? Let me know in the comments below!

luxury · style

Affordable Ways to Wear The Lastest Jewelry Trends

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Luxury London recently shared 7 Jewellery Trends for 2018: From Waterfall Earrings to Avant Garde Pearls. I am excited for what kind of unique interpretations we’ll see this year. The article focuses on luxury jewelers that are creating this pieces, but I took some time to find some affordable versions of these trends. You can check out my recommendations below. Enjoy!

Shoulder Skimming Earrings

Going Green

       

Extra Long Necklaces

Pick-N-Mix Earrings

         

Modern Pearls

          

Punk Accents

Statement Cuffs

         

I’m really enjoying the green gemstones as well as the fresh take on pearl jewelry. Do any of you currently have jewelry that fits into one of these trend categories? Let us know in the comments below!

hollywood glamour · luxury · style

How to Look Like Marilyn Monroe

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As part of the Hollywood Glamour series, I wanted to find clothing that channeled the old Hollywood aesthetic. There are a lot of vintage clothing stores, that specialize in authentic vintage as well as recreations. But these stores are plentiful and, honestly, you could easily locate them on your own.

I wanted to bring something a little less known and even more special that what you’d find in the average Google Search.

Enter Iconic Dresses.

This Etsy shop features replicas of some of the most stylish ensembles on the silver screen during Hollywood’s golden age. They have quite a few Marilyn Monroe outfits from various movies, but they also have recreations of outfits worn by Jayne Mansfield, Betty Grable, Jane Russell, and more. These custom-made pieces capture the authenticity of the period reflected but the designed are so timeless that they look perfect on the woman of today.

One of my favorite ensembles is the leopard muff and cape, black top and black skirt that Marilyn wore in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. Here’s a glimpse of what Marilyn looked like in the film:

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(from Pinterest)

I mean, come on: who wouldn’t want to look like that daily? This ensemble is just as stylish today as it was when Marilyn first wore it. These pieces are more expensive than most of the vintage reproduction shops’ offerings, but Iconic Dresses doesn’t mass produce the clothing, so a higher expense is expected. Also, the clothes are so striking and gorgeous: you’re getting the uniqueness that you’re paying for.

I plan to get an ensemble or two from Iconic Dresses before the end of the year (I have to downsize my wardrobe a bit more, so that I have room for new clothes!) I’ll let you all know as soon as I get it!

 

hollywood glamour · luxury

Baubles, Hollywood Style

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Have you all ever wished you could own a little bit of Hollywood memorabilia? Even if the memorabilia was a replica, doesn’t it still sound fun to inject a little bit of that glamour into your daily life?

I know I LURVE all things Old Hollywood (hence the Hollywood Glamour series). So I was super excited to share The Hollywood Collection, a website that specializes in recreating jewelry worn by stars from the first half of the 20th century.

I came across this website several years ago, when I was regularly searching for clothing, accessories, makeup, and all other things inspired by Old Hollywood. I admire not only the beauty but the apparent craftsmanship of the jewelry: these pieces are recreated with painstaking accuracy.

I’m still deciding which piece I want to buy: they’re all so gorgeous! Here are some of my favorites:

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Marilyn Monroe earrings

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Marilyn Monroe bracelet

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Veronica Lake ring

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Bette Davis watch-brooch

Have any of you purchased from The Hollywood Collection? Let me know in the comments below!