London Calling!

Fully embracing British elegance with an extra kick of rock & roll, butter LONDON is making us beauty aficionados drool over their polish. SHHHHH…the brilliant chick behind this brand hails from Seattle. That aside, we still love it anyway! What really gives this polish the tartelette stamp of approval is that they’re toxic free (all bottles are marked “3 Free”). Although we do wish that meant 3 extra freebies in our pockets it still boasts a major pro! 3 Free means that the product line is completely free from FORMALDEHYDE, TOLUENE AND DIBUTYLE PTHALATE! I must give a shout out to their newest wonder—the Stiletto Stick. This non-greasy stick (similar component to our infamous cheek stain) is for rubbing into those awful (and non-attractive) cracked and dry pad’s on our feet. With all the perfect summer shoes to fashion this season, I highly recommend stashing this in your purse!

Xo,

Kristin

A Tartelette’s Lust List

With the temps creeping into the 80s (wooo-hooo, finally!), it’s about time to start doing the new season shuffle. Bye-bye, boots and scarves! Why, hi, short-shorts and bikinis! If you’re at a loss as to what’s hot for well…the hot, I have compiled a list of warm-weather wonders that’s sure to get your sartorial heart-rate pumping!

TOMS Tie-dye Classic Canvas Slip-on
Popular with fashionistas and hipsters alike, TOMS is a shoe brand that turns shopping into service. For each pair of shoes purchased, the company donates a pair to a child in need. Buh-bye, shoppers remorse! I am in L-O-V-E with this green tie-dye style!

Juicy Couture Enamel Heart bracelet
I am a jewelry fiend and fanatic. Therefore, the moment my peepers caught this deliciously chunky jewel with its offbeat color palette of neutrals and bright greens, it was love. I’m not usually a fan of heart motifs, but this little piece had me singing Stacy Q’s 80s hit “Two of hearts, two hearts that beat as one!” G&P, you girls have done it again!

tarte eyeshadow set—eyeQuatic http://www.tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-eyeQuatic
They say eight glasses of H20 is the secret to glowing skin. I say tarte’s eyeQuatic set is the true key to a flawless face. Its hues of blue, gold and violet will give lids that perfect splash of summer chic. As we’ve already established my deep devotion to Lights, Camera, Lashes…it only seems right that I’ll fall just as hard for its water-proof cousin- Lights, Camera, Splashes! And how recessional chic is the bonus Missoni-esque scarf! Jump in, chicsters, the water feels great!

Longchamp “Le Pliage” Tote Bag
Though I got a little Longchamp-ed out during my four years in college, there is something about this classic French brand that resonates style. I’m rejecting the classroom-variety colors (red, navy, black) and going for the green. This kiwi color will act as a fun pop of color for casual summer looks. I’m so into this little Longchamp, I’ve already planned what I’ll be piling into it. The newest Emergen-c flavor- PomCran- for a mid-day boost, my beloved Spring Greening kit- I am literally obsessed with the flirty eye hues and the hilarious Like I Give a Frock, a book of “Fashion forecasts and meaningless misguidance.”

So, tartelettes, turn up Big Willie Style’s “Summertime” and get ready for some haute stylings!

XO,

Amelia

We're not in Kansas anymore...

Figuring out what you want to do with your life is one of the hardest taskes in life. Trying to make a name for yourself without getting sued or arrested can be hard these days, I should know I’m an intern. But even harder than figuring out your purpose in life is bathing suit shopping.
Every girl hates that time of year when she has to come to the realization that the fur coat (so to speak) needs to come off. It’s a time of year when you suddenly hate every model in any swimsuit ad you see. You find yourself dreading watching the weather report and hoping for some magical weather god that won’t take the temperature above 70 degrees until you’re ready. Some of us stop talking to friends we’ve known for years for fear of receiving an invite to the dreaded beach. You see the girls who are way too tan for it to be May, people wearing two pieces that should be wearing one pieces, and the guys that think the beach is a place for professional football.
Besides already being self-conscious about yourself, some of us can’t help but wonder if we chose the right bathing suit for the summer. You have the traditional one piece that is always safe but sometimes not very flattering; the perfect sexy one piece that only one girl on the beach is ever wearing (and you hate her for that); the modest two piece that is acceptable to wear while meeting any future mother or father-in-laws; the more revealing two piece boy short, hip hugger, low-rise, high-rise, string laiden, eye catching bikini that is sure to get a number and an invite to dinner; and the infamous thong bikini that should only be worn in non-English speaking countries.
Personally I choose the more revealing two piece that is sure to get a cell number and a free dinner (hey, a girl’s gotta eat). The choice is up to you ladies but just remember that it’s past Memorial Day A.K.A. you have less than 2 weeks to get your winter butts into sexy bikini body shape. Enjoy the treadmill (oh and grab a tube of tarte’s celufight to get the party started).

Xo,
- the intern

Weekend Essentials!

Whip out your favorite carry-all the official kick-off to summer has arrived (finally) and hopefully you’re skipping town for a few days! Wherever this Memorial Day Weekend takes you it’s all about laid back fun with friends, family and all the little things that remind you it’s summer! That said pack light and remember the essentials for a good time.

Some goodies that will definitely find their way into my weekender is a fun, printed towel for the pool/beach (I like this blue sundial one from Pottery Barn), a chic pair of retro shades to protect my eyes (I’m loving this fun salmon pair by Chloe) and cute comfy sandals (add these YSL’s to the lust list). Also a must: outdoor games! The contraption you see above is Ladder Golf—it even folds up for travel. It’s similar to horseshoes. You play on teams and throw the “bolas” (2 golf balls attached by rope) at the ladder and aim to get them to wrap themselves around the rungs for points! Check out the technical rules on laddergolf.com, but I promise it’s addicting and everyone at your sioree will have a blast playing.

So wherever the wind blows you this weekend have fun and safe travels!

xo

Kristin

Rub-a-dub-dub, Organic in the tub!

WARNING: Never leave me alone in your bathroom, because I possess an uncontrollable knack for snoopin’, samplin’ and (gasp) stealin’ whatever I can get my hands on. Smell-good soaps? Need ‘em! Luscious lotions? Want ‘em! Prized perfumes? Gimme gimme! I am the toiletries thief, the bathroom bandit, the products pilferer.
Okay, so maybe I’m only doing the five-finger discount with my mom and sis, but there is definitely something about slathering on someone else’s stuff that just feels so nice.
This vice of mine led me to a wonderful discovery in my sister’s bathroom a few weeks ago- Wholearth by Danny Seo, a line of organic, eco-friendly bath and beauty products that’s proving green really is the new black. The moment I used Wholearth’s bodywash, I knew I wasn’t dealing with any ordinary soap. Its citrus scent was so fresh and clean, I had to make sure I wasn’t sudsin’ with a California grapefruit. My skin was left baby’s bottom soft, despite some serious in-shower lathering.
From the scrub to the room mist, Wholearth products are all natural, certified organic and never tested on cuddly creatures. And with an Earth Day birthday, Danny Seo was fated to create such an eco-friendly product. So, eco-chicsters, why not layer your green and add a little Wholearth to your current tarte regime?

-Amelia

Southern Hospitality

Many of us channeled our inner debutante for the Kentucky Derby with fancy hats and dresses (or maybe pretended to do so in our living rooms). Now, it’s time for a little Southern charm makeover with the pros from tarte and Sephora! Yes ma’am, we said it. “Southern Belles: Louisville,” SOAPnet’s new original reality TV series about five lovely ladies, premieres on May 21 – and we’re celebrating it this weekend Friday–Saturday, May 15–16, 12pm–6pm at 3 Sephora locations!

And if you’re lucky enough to live below the Mason-Dixon (Louisville), then you have a chance to meet the cast! So come out and get spoiled in true Southern Belle fashion—I’ll be at the NYC location. Hope to see y’all there!

xo

Kristin

Locations:
Friday–Saturday, May 15–16, 12pm–6pm

Sephora Oxmoor Center, Louisville, KY, 502.326.2966

Sephora Northbridge, Chicago, IL, 312.494.9598

Sephora Soho, New York, NY, 212.625.1309

Top That!

Some of Hollywood’s prettiest stars are facing the latest fedora trend head-on, literally. They just tuck back their lush locks and pull the brim over their sparkling eyes and zip in and out of Starbucks, LAX, Katsuya with such pizazz. What stars, you ask? Zac Efron, Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake and Jaime Foxx to name a few. Well, I think we should make like these pretty boys and get on top of that trend.

Fedoras are a great summer style that is not nearly as daunting as swimwear but just as warm-weather welcoming. From Bebe to Hat Attack, Shopbop to Forever21, this adorable topping is available at every price point. Shopstyle.com is a great source for finding the perfect shade, shape and chic look for you.

During a recent Miami trip, I paired my classic straw version with a white tee and cut-offs for a look that was Collins Ave Cool. The paps just couldn’t get enough. Ok, so maybe there weren’t any paparazzi, but I radiated casual chicness nonetheless.

With all of the talk of global warming and deadly rays, you have to give skin cancer the one-two punch. Keep piling on the SPF, but why not try a fedora for a second stylish form of sunscreen?
And lucky for you, tarte is celebrating Skin Cancer Awareness month by offering 20% off of some of their most sun savvy products with the code sun20. Lightweight and sheer, but packing the power of SPF 20, the Smooth Operator foundation is the perfect mate to this canvas style in sleek dove grey by Banana Republic.

So pick up a few of tarte’s “Save Your Skin” items and don’t forget to top it off with a funky fedora!

-Amelia

Flowers for Mom

So as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers”…right? No! It has been pouring in Manhattan for six days straight and my Wellies desperately need to be retired for the season. That being said, this Mother’s Day weekend a good majority of us will be purchasing beautiful blooms for our dear moms. My family has run a florist since the 70’s so I happen to know a bit more than average when it comes to choosing the perfect stems. And yes, the flower trends do change so let’s avoid gifting lilies with a few easy tips!

1.A bouquet of roses is beautiful that’s a given, but instead go for an arrangement with variety, personality and fun spring colors.

2. Steer clear of stems that feel dated—mums, daisies, lilies…need I say more. Pick fun blooms that come in beautiful hues. Try hydrangea (they're bulky so less is more), peonies and ranunculus.

3. If you still feel the pull towards purchasing daisies then scratch an arrangement all together! Instead snag the trendy marc jacobs daisy perfume. It’s light, summery and perfect for any mom. Plus I think it actually smells like gardenias!

xo

Kristin

The Mother of all Makeovers

As a disclaimer, first let me say that I absolutely adore my mom. She is hilarious, smart, Southern belle sweet, and so gorgeous she can barely go five feet without a man hitting on her. I swear the woman has never taken a bad picture a day in her life. Buttt, she’s also never taken a picture sans matte, red lipstick. And I’m not talking about the chic rouge lip that is so “Fine in ’09.” Nope, uh-uh, this is more like “Dynasty in ’83.” Sorry, Mama!
Well, if your mom is anything like mine- beautiful, fun, overall just your favorite person in the world, but completely stuck in a make-up time-warp, this Mother’s Day help her get back to the future tarte-style.

The four-piece Lip Couture set is the perfect gift for a lipstick-challenged mother like mine. It comes with a quartet of colors ranging from a totally now nude to a more recent red. And true to tarte form, the quilted purple packaging is pure chic-y goodness.

If mommy dearest has been a “maniac, maniac…” for 80s-eque eyeshadow since the Flashdance days, tarte has two solutions for you. The Spring Greening palette, a set of six vibrant lid hues and three pretty lipglosses, is a great way for her to transition into 21st-century eye color. With eyeshadow names like vibrant teal and golden lime, you can even trick her into thinking that she wasn’t completely off the mark with her dated make-up. The second peepers’ palette is the sleek and sophisticated Eye Couture, which has ten eyeshadow hues ranging from pretty pale pink to chic charcoal. Aw, Mama’s first smoky eye!

For the mom whose idea of make-up is a few swipes of cherry Chapstick and clear mascara (I mean, honestly, what is the point?), tarte’s Be Good to Your Mother (earth) is the perfect present. The set comes with a cute trio of lip sheers with SPF 15 and an adorable tote in signature tarte purple, so she can be granola-chic while hauling her soymilk and veggie burgers.

Bonus time! For purchases of $30 or more, tarte is offering free shipping.
Sunday is quickly approaching, but thankfully for you, tarte has all of the au naturale answers for your Mother’s Day queries.

Zoya Zone

Hello, my name is Amelia, and I am addicted to manicured nails. Now, I know you’re thinking “Welcome to 2009. What stylish woman isn’t?” O, but my love runs deeper than the average pretty gal’s.

By the fourth grade, I was rocking a red manicure on the regular. (Thanks, Mama) A few years later, I announced that I would be learning a trade when I started doing my own French manicures. I am as well versed in OPI and Essie polish names as any aesthetician- Meet me in “Lincoln Park After Dark” with a tray of “Cajun Shrimp,” “Mademoiselle.”

I say all of this to say that I know my polish! And I have found a set that will have your digits dancing to “Hot Child in the City” all summer long. Zoya’s La-Di-Da sampler embodies the shades of summer in rich reds, punchy pinks, neon orange and a not-so-mellow yellow.

My first trip into La-Di-Da land was the tomato-red shade of America, which is equal parts 50s housewife and screen siren. I knew it was a keeper when fem-fab designer Shoshane Lonstein Gruss complimented me on the color. Sa-woon! I next ventured towards the orange-alert shade of Paz, and the slightest hand gesture had people going absolutely ape over my fingers. One woman got kissing-close as she expressed her love for the shade.

For a look that is super summer-time sexy, pair these girly nail colors with the flirty hues of tarte’s Lips Ahoy lipgloss set. You’ll be saying “Ahoy, fun in the sun!” before you know it!
Zoya is delivering a one-two punch when it comes to finger fashion—incredibly long-lasting polish that is also au naturale and toxin-free.

La-Di-Da is a steal at $36 for six haute hues, so get to polishing, chicsters!

The Purple One

Though I absolutely adore He of ruffled blouses, four-inch heels and perfectly coifed hair, this post is about beauty, not “The Beautiful One.” Sorry, Prince!
I bought Tarte’s Vanity Palette back in December and instantly fell in love with the little purple tube of Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara. Since the day mama okay-ed make-up, I have been a total mascara player- flitting from one wand to another with no indication of settling down. Clinique’s Long Pretty Lashes? Wore it! Maybelline’s Great Lash ? Why, of course! Bare Escentuals Big Tease? Well, duh, the name speaks for itself.

I have spent too many years being the Karen Smith of mascara. You know, the first-cousin kissing, as stupid as she is slutty Mean Girl. Well, I am finally ready to give my heart to just one. Yep, you guessed it- Lights, Camera, Lashes! It’s dark and sultry, but leaves my lashes soft and flirty. That sounds like soulmate material to me. And the fact that the main ingredients are length, volume, curl and conditioning, not sulfates, parabens, dyes and fragrance is music to a contact-wearers’ ears…and eyes?

But don’t just take my word for it. Sephora.com boasts a whole slew of LCL fanatics. Prettygirl2990 proclaims that with The Purple One her “lash prayers were answered.”
And for just $18, you too can be lash-tastic!

-Amelia