A Hair Affair on Lexington Avenue

Products Yoshie used on my hair

In an effort to rid the accustomed method of zapping off inches of hair strictly one time per year, I recently had a hair date with Pierre Michel salon for a day of decadence.  The 10,000-square-foot behemoth of a monument sits at Lexington Avenue and 57th Street with over 61 workstations and three private treatment rooms.  Upon stepping foot into the salon, there was without a doubt good reasoning behind their 40+ year existence.  After visiting various locations in the city, Pierre Michel has maintained its recent location for about four years.  Every luxurious detail stood out: complimentary snacks and beverages at a marble-topped coffee bar, built-in massage chairs while being shampooed, free Wi-Fi, and even the bathrooms are accessorized with Dyson Airblade hand dryers.  

After being draped in a Pierre Michel robe by one of their employees who has been loyal to the company for over 30 years, I was escorted to the shampoo room where I instantly sunk into the massage chair and felt utter relaxation.  Post-shampooing, I was advanced to consult with Yoshie, who is considered my go-to stylist whenever visiting New York City.  We discussed exactly what I wanted, how I typically style my hair, products to use, and she even inquired about the barrel size of curling iron that I use.  I placed my life in her hands as she artistically trimmed away at my locks, leaving me feeling like a million bucks.  I'm not the only who feels like a whole new woman after receiving a beautiful cut, right?  Let's just say I'm ditching any other hair stylist and flying straight to the city next time I need a trim.  Yoshie also introduced me to a hair service, Japanese hair straightening, which saturates the bonds within hair that gives its shape using a solution. Whatever the latest hair trends are, Pierre Michel covers it all.  Haircuts and styling start at $135, but it's completely worth it. 

In addition to hair services, Pierre Michel also offers eyelash extensions, facial treatments, waxing, makeup applications, manicures and pedicures as well.  If you are ever in Manhattan, stop by Pierre Michel for a day of luxury.  

Pierre Michel Salon
135 East 57th Street 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
212-755-9500

New York City to Miami Beach

No matter what the circumstances are, putting toes in the sand is a prerequisite whenever disembarking from a trip to New York City.  Without the influx of unsuspecting on-goers flooding the city streets and remaining buried in the e-mail inbox of my iPhone, it gives me time to take a breath and reboot.  It also doesn't hurt that there's a view of luminous water along with the gritty sand between my toes (to make up for the millions of miles walked in the city).  Is it just me, or does anybody else walk endlessly in NYC?  I either end up 16 miles from my origin, in conversation with a born-and-bred New Yorker who somehow has a love/hate relationship with the city, or at the top of a skyscraper watching the sunset as I rest my burning legs.

It's interesting how some New Yorkers will express how the city isn't quite what it conveys itself to be at all times - the sidewalks are coated in garbage bags, winters are more dreadful than walking to the Top of the Rock in 4-inch heels, rent is outrageous, the Summer is sticky, and tourists are vexatious.  But at the end of the day (or lifetime), they won't leave the city.  I'll give it to ya' New Yorkers, you're loyal.  There's an allure about New York City that keeps me coming back, but I can't say that I don't enjoy returning to sunny Miami Beach in all of its sweaty glory.  Any city can be as magnetizing as it wants to be.

Despite my continuous ramble, the conclusion from all of this is:

1. Explore something new - whether it's traveling to a new city or simply taking a new route to work in the morning, get out of your everyday routine and try something you've never done before
2. Get up and move - don't just sit around waiting for life to happen, make something happen
3. Do what you're passionate about - you can do whatever you want or whenever you want

What I'm rocking:

Kimono ℅ H&M

Top ℅ H&M

Shorts ℅ H&M

Clutch ℅ H&M

Shoes by Mossimo

Bracelets ℅ Rose Gonzalez

Watch ℅ La Mer Collections

Get the look:

More H&M...

ASOS Miami Swim Lounge

Prior to my New York City trip there were a number of brunches, cocktail receptions, pool parties and runway shows filled by bikini-clad models for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami.  Despite being able to reminisce on each and every one, there are particular ones that stand out the most.  One that I did enjoy was the ASOS Miami Swim Lounge at Soho Beach House, featuring sun-drenched media, bloggers and other VIP guests for a quick poolside brunch and preview of the latest ASOS pieces.

What I'm rocking:

Crop Top ℅ ASOS

Catarazi Exclusive Fedora Hat ℅ ASOS

Volume Skater Skirt ℅ ASOS

Huntington Heeled Sandals ℅ ASOS (I'm lusting over the other color option now)

Bracelet ℅ Alex and Ani

Bracelet ℅ Compassion Brands

The Best of NYC with Marriott Hotels

 

 

 

 

Although it's been quite apparent through my Instagram feed, the past week has been spent doing a little  exploring through the beloved New York City with Marriott Hotels.  There's something alluring about every trip to the Big Apple, whether it's the endless new discoveries or diverse connections made with individuals.  Let's just say it has me hooked and I continuously enjoy every jaunt back to the city.  This time around, I teamed up with Marriott Hotels (specifically the Courtyard New York Manhattan / Herald Square and SpringHillSuites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue) to explore their "Best of NYC" package. 

Upon checking into the Courtyard New York Manhattan / Herald Square hotel, I received a warm welcome with an Explorer Pass which gave exclusive access to New York's top attractions.  The 16-story hotel sat directly across from Macy's in the heart of Herald Square so of course a little retail therapy occurred somewhere in the trip.  I'm also quite a sucker for an outdoor rooftop lounge with a city view, so Monarch's Scandavian-styled spot was a must-hit with gorgeous views of the Empire State Building and more.  Of course, each time I visit the city I head to Times Square and reboot on either a Starbucks coffee or grab a green juice from a street vendor.  The second day, I swiped my Explorer Pass at Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, a bike rental in Central Park, and MOMA (an authentic Picasso lured me in).  

 

Subsequently, the next portion of the trip was spent alongside SpringHill Suites New York Manhattan / Fifth Avenue complete with a business area within the larger than life room so it gave me a chance to get caught up on some blogging before heading out to explore further.  Located in the heart of the Fashion District, the area is developing as the next wave of residential living with a sea of large buildings and stores.

Ever since the last trek to the city, the little gem Blossom Du Jour became an essential part of my life.  A vegan cronut actually exists, and they somehow mastered the pleasurable delight.  ASOS also invited me to check out their Holiday collections, so stopping by their office cured my fashion craving coinciding with Soho's boundless shopping haven.  Another gem, Tokio 7, was a new-found companion of mine featuring consigned high-end designer pieces like Roberto Cavalli belts, 3.1 Phillip Lim skirts, Lanvin dresses, and so much more.  After hearing so many good things about it, it was a must-see.

 

In lieu of simply reading about my trip, the Marriott is offering the chance for you to win a trip to experience the "Best of NYC" too!  Enter the #WIN3NYC Summer Sweeps for a chance to win the Best of NYC hotel package and a trip to the Big Apple.  The Best of NYC package at Courtyard New York Manhattan / Herald Square includes tickets to your choice of three attractions.  Breakfast, Internet and New York City attraction passes are all included in SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan /Fifth Avenue's Best of NYC package.

To enter the #WIN3NYC Summer Sweeps, click here:

http://bit.ly/BestofNYCSweeps

PANDORA X Suboo Resort/Swim 2015

 

 

 

 Photo Credit:  Mike Coppola of Getty Images / Ed Kavishe/FashionWirePress.com

Mercedes-Benz Swim Week was quite the model-strutting, trend baring experience this time around in Miami Beach.  Despite sweating profusely and the endless foot blisters that I developed from attempting to rock heels all day, there were some gorgeous new collections debuted.  Conveniently enough, I had access to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week VIP Star Lounge where guests could nibble on light bites, grab a glass of bubbly, mingle, and refresh prior to the shows.   Before Suboo's show, I had my makeup touched up by the Vincent Longo team and felt human once again. 

Bold prints paired with sexy cuts offer a unique combination of distinctive swimwear that can be both wearable and luxurious.  Australian-bred swimwear line, Suboo, debuted its 2015 Resort & Swimwear collection at Mercedes-Benz Swim Week with its signature melding of designer and contemporary fashion.  Paired with minimalistic PANDORA charm bracelets, and neutral footwear introduces a fashion forward approach for a poolside cocktail.

I had a chance to sit down over brunch at the Mondrian Hotel alongside Suboo's Creative Director, Sue Di Chio, for a sneak peek at fashion show details later in the evening.  Known for her chic sensibility, Di Chio put a twist on sporty swimwear by incorporating palm and tropical prints in addition to adding classic images of modern dance.  Di Chio says,

"This season we were inspired by the aesthetic and movement of modern dance.  This collection is all about taking a classic piece and deconstructing to both respect and free it simultaneously."

The show featured jewelry from PANDORA, shoes by Schutz, hair by Nick Irwin for Catwalk by TIGI, makeup by Vincent Longo, nails by Zoya, tanning by Per-fekt, and styling by Sarah Schussheim.

View my look on POPSUGAR, where I break down my favorite Summer trend and details!

What I'm rocking:

Houndstooth Set c/o PIXIE MARKET

Bracelet c/o PANDORA

Bracelets by EXPRESS

Rings c/o Pretty Beachy

Block-heels by Biondini Paris

Style Saves X FORD Beauty Suite Yacht

 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has officially come to an end, but the reminiscence of it still lingers around.  To kick off the fashion mecca of sexy swimwear and 6-foot tall models wandering Miami Beach, FORD ARTISTS and Style Saves hosted a lavish beauty suite aboard the 100 foot Venetian Lady at the Fountainbleau Marina.  Elite media and VIP fashiongoers hopped on the beautiful yacht for a little pampering featuring complimentary make-up applications, a pop-up Intermix shop, KEURIG coffee, Trina Turk lounge, blowouts, manicures, B-12 shots, massages by Exhale Spa, and KINARA Skin Care treatments.  

 

What I'm rocking:

Hat c/o ASOS

Top by H&M

Shorts by ATIKSHOP

Shoes by Biondini Paris

Bracelet c/o Alex and Ani

Beauty Bit: Frequent Flyer Skincare

If my frequent flyer miles are anything to go by, I have traveled more in my life than expected (because obviously I was brainstorming my travel escapades while in the womb).  Although the experiences remain unforgettable and I do truly enjoy sitting next to strangers head-bobbing their way to the next sleep-induced coma on airplanes, travel can take quite a toll on the body and more importantly the skin.  It wasn't until I was introduced to Tiffany Anderson's Gavee Gold Collection that my skin was constantly wondering where we were and what toxins were seeping through my pores.

Up next on the agenda is yet another trip to New York City, so packing up the essential beauties are a must.  Typically, I rotate skincare products every three months unless I find one that I simply can't live without.  My current routine incorporates Gavee Gold's Gold Citrus Cleanse to clear out the pores and get rid of the nasty airplane surprises that creep in through my face (yes I know this sounds delicious).  While airborne, spraying a sequence of the Gold Citrus Mist hydrates my face and offers a refreshing feeling throughout the entire flight.  Liquid Gold Peptides followed by the Heart of Gold Elixir keep me from looking like I'm dying after 3 hours of sleep and walking 15 miles around the Big Apple, with their brightening and tightening agents.  As a side note, the Heart of Gold Elixir legitimately has authentic gold flakes in it.  Finally, a hefty coating of the Royal Day/Night Cream seals everything in and moisturizes the face for the entire day or night.  

Once I finish my travels, I religiously apply the Diamond Cell Salt Polish to remove any dead skin cells that accumulate over time.  The first time I tried this, a layer of dead skin peeled off my face in a refreshing way.  Don't worry, your face won't fall off.  It will actually reveal a more beautiful "you."

See my entire skincare routine with Gavee Gold here:

Fundament

While perusing through my closet in what turns into a two hour long journey and a sea of furrowed clothing on the floor, I ultimately come to one conclusion - a one-piece shall suffice for the day.  There is something so refreshingly clean and less exasperating about throwing on a jumpsuit than putting together a complete look that would require even more slashing through my clothes like a Kill Bill scene.  Hence, this Anatomie Doris jumpsuit (also known as my authentic companion).  I'm also giving away a pair of custom Anatomie pants over here.

Let's do this.

On this particular day, I also attempted to wear 5-inch white heels with my hair halfway down in 90-degree heat.  After realizing that I was not Gisele Bündchen and there was no Victoria's Secret runway nearby, I ditched the 5-inchers for a basic black block-heel sandal.  Surprisingly enough, this entire look was the least onerous to throw together and most comfortable to wear while trotting around with my toddler.  Indeed, I did a little jig in front of the mirror upon completion of this ensemble.  The geometric symmetry of this jumpsuit keeps the look modern, while the drawstring adds a casual aspect that makes me feel as though I'm wearing my pajamas in public without the embarrassment or guilt.  Boom.

What I'm rocking:

Jumpsuit ℅ Anatomie (PS. It's on sale right now so be excited)

Shoes by Tahari

Glasses by GUCCI

Health and Beauty Tips: How to Hydrate After Travel

Upon descending from travel escapades and endless consumption of restaurant cuisine, the body and skin screams "help me!"  Undoubtedly, part of vacationing includes a little indulging of course.  Post-wanderlust there comes a time for the body to reboot and replenish; therefore, incorporation of this one ingredient into a routine can possibly change your life.  Believe it or not, coconut water has infinite health benefits aside from the fact that it's low in calories, has more potassium than four bananas, and it's ultra hydrating.

I've teamed up with Zico Premium Coconut Water to showcase how I include coconut water in various parts of my post-travel routine during the Summer.  Crack Life Open with ZICO and live positively through healthy lifestyle choices.  They don't have to be gut-wrenching challenges, but taking small steps to a healthier life can enhance positivity.

The morning after coming back home from a long trip, I incorporate a coconut water face mask or toner into my morning skincare routine. Combining ZICO Premium Coconut Water with cucumber juice and raw milk (equal parts) really helps hydrate the face. Additionally, adding ZICO Premium Coconut Water with pineapple juice creates a beautiful glow that brightens up the face after taking in various toxins while traveling.  

I also like to start my day off with a delicious “green voyage” smoothie, which includes a few handfuls of spinach along with a half of a frozen banana and one cup of ZICO Premium Coconut Water for a deliciously hydrating beverage. Traveling usually causes dehydration, so adding coconut water into dishes throughout the day gives the body a nice boost as well. 

A few other favorite hydrating recipes include:

2) Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Popsicles

Blend together about 3 cups of fresh strawberries along with 1 cup of ZICO Premium Coconut Water, pour into a popsicle mold and freeze until hardened.  Once they are frozen, dip them into 75% Cacao Dark Chocolate for a Summer treat that will hydrate and cure a sweet tooth.

3) Coconut Pad Thai with Fresh Vegetables

Mix a Tablespoon of peanut butter with a teaspoon of Sriracha sauce and 1 Tablespoon of honey.  Add a 1 Tablesppon of grated ginger and a clove of garlic.  Sauté two cups of fresh vegetables, a bag of kelp noodles, and 1 cup of ZICO Premium Coconut Water until softened.  Pour the sauce over the pad thai mixture.  This is the perfect post-traveling Summer dish.

This post was sponsored by ZICO through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about ZICO, all opinions are my own.

B.O.R.N. to Style with FYI™ Network

After a recent trip to New York City, I couldn't help but notice the limitless street fashion and eclectic boutiques in the area. A Harlem-based boutique, B.O.R.N. (borrow, old, refurbished and new), takes on those desperately seeking a little fashionable help in their closets by shuffling through their clients' pieces prior to performing beautiful transformations that go beyond simply their appearance. Led by storeowner Jonathan Bodrick, followed by Brandon Hood, Joseph “JJ” Langan, Kristen Brown, Terry Artis and Devin Stokes, B.O.R.N. goes beyond the typical boutique.

I'm teaming up with FYI™ Network to announce the debut of the B.O.R.N. to Style television show.  The show will follow 6 fabulous stylists from the B.O.R.N. shop as they create extravagant makeovers and "brand therapy" to their clients.  B.O.R.N. to Style premieres on Tuesday, 7/15 @10p EST, on FYI™ Network, so make sure you tune in!   With the tagline "Your Makeover Needs a Makeover," some unbelievable transformations will be revealed.

Until then, check out the trailer here:

           

Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by FYI™ Network through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about B.O.R.N. to Style, all opinions are my own.