Our Obsession: Kiehl’s Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate

I don’t know about you guys, but I usually get my beauty products from friend recommendations.

“OMG, Molls, you HAVE to try X/Y/Z. I did, and I’m obsessed with it,” says Sis, or Kristen, or Sharon.

I’ll usually try it, and I’ll usually love it. Such was the case with Frederic Fekkai shampoo and conditioner, NARS lipsticks, Jo Malone perfumes and MAC eyeshadows.

I rely on the a-okay from a close, style-savvy friend, and it’s very rare that I walk into a store, try a sample, and absolutely-positively-must-have-it. But that’s exactly what happened during a recent visit to New York.

My friend Begum brought me to the original Kiehl’s store– you know, the one that’s been there since like, the 1800s– knowing that I’m a Kiehl’s lover. With a half an hour to kill before our dinner plans, we meandered around the store, putting lotions on our palms, tinted moisturizers on the backs of our hands and marveling over their extensive collection. At one point, I grabbed a sample tube of Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate.

Image courtesy of Nordstrom

I dabbed it gently under my eyes and– Voila! Honestly, it was almost that instantaneous. One moment I was looking at my tired face in the mirror, staring at the tiny lines that accumulated under and around my eyes, and hating the dark circles under my eyes. But one application of the Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate and I felt like that was all vanished. My fine lines were less noticeable, the dark circles were nearly vanished and I don’t know how or why, but I felt that my eyes popped. They seemed bigger, more lively, and a richer color of brown.

“Begum, get over here. You have to try this.” She never believed that it would happen so quickly, but after one application she was a total convert. I was too. We stared in the circular mirror for several minutes, marveling at the magic of this new product.

Though we’d both vowed to head inside Kiehl’s just to look, we practically raced to the register to scoop up our new favorite product. I’ve used it at home since, and I can promise you, it wasn’t just trick lighting at Kiehl’s– the cream works just as well at home, underneath my bathroom lights.

Kiehl’s Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate, $40.

–Molly

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Celebrity Breakdown: Lea Michele

I need to start by saying that I am not just writing this because I am obsessed with Glee, and the second season just so happens to be starting on Wednesday–it’s truly a coincidence!  I chose to write about Broadway beauty and star of “Glee” Lea Michele, because throughout the Hollywood award season, well, this girl came to play.

For all you “Glee” fans out there, you may not know that  before belting her nerdy heart out on TV, Michele was a Broadway baby.  But since appearing on one of the most popular shows on television, she has been thrust into the spotlight in a completely new way– and we are loving it! From The Golden Globes to the SAG awards, Michele’s red carpet style is young, classic, and truly breathtaking. She adds a youthful touch to her classic styles and abides by the mantra less is more.

Below are some of her looks that have stopped us in our tracks:

Nothing says Hollywood glamor like an Oscar de la Renta gown, which Michele wore flawlessly. She expertly balanced out the heavily detailed bottom with minimal accessories, and let the dress speak for itself.

Image courtesy of buzznet.com

Her next gem was another Oscar de la Renta gown worn to the 2010 Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar viewing party.  Again, Michele lets the dress speak for itself.  Her pulled back ‘do lets the innovative shape and dimension of the dress take center stage. Flawless.

Image courtesy of Fabsugar.com

Michele wore this young, fun Ramona Keveza to the 2010 Grammy awards and again nailed it with not only the accessories, but with minimal makeup, letting the feathered skirt have the spotlight.

Image courtesy of styleaficinado.com

If you know anything about me and my sister you know that Molls rocks darling patterns and amazing colors while I am obsessed with bold solid colors, and a majority of the time I dress like a Sicilian Widow (black from head to toe).  So this next choice not only excited me because it was a bold, green pattern-less piece, but because it wasn’t black. It’s quickly become my personal favorite Lea Michele red carpet dress to date.

She rocked this Catherine Malandrino gown at the 2010 SAG awards.  With the subtle makeup and bouncing natural curls, she turned heads and was voted one of the evening’s best dressed.

Image courtesy of chicfashionfiles.wordpress.com

So ladies, if you find yourself loving the dresses that Michele has worn well get excited. Because just like her hit show Glee, well, I don’t think Lea Michele is going anywhere.

-Kate

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Midwest Bound: Marc Jacobs Collection

Ladies, it’s arrived. After months and months of whispers along Chicago streets, and after repeated stalking excursions to check out construction progress, I’m thrilled, ecstatic, overjoyed to announce that finally, the Midwest has it’s very first Marc Jacobs Collection store!

(Side note: Chicago has proven a worthy home for this top tier designer, as a phenom Marc by Marc Jacobs store opened in Bucktown in 2008 and has been on the must-shop list for playful stylistas ever since.)

Perfectly positioned in the swank Gold Coast and set in the stunning new Elysian hotel, the 3,000 square-foot space houses sophisticated yet cutting edge clothing, accessories and shoes from the Marc Jacobs Collection. The boutique is sleek and modern while still retaining an intimate charm– kind of like Jacobs’ clothing, when you think about it.

Here are a few shots of the store:

Gals, I’m telling you. If you live in Chicago, make your way down to the Gold Coast immediately, and if you dwell in another city, plan your Windy City road trip STAT.  The  store is so worth a visit, sure to inspire gasps of awe from Marc devotees and novices alike.

Visit the Marc Jacobs Collection store at 11 E. Walton St.

–Molly

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Be Still My Heart: YSL Tribute Denim Platform Sandal

I know…I am so lame.  But, after writing the post on “Denim, Denim, and More Denim” I just couldn’t get the YSL Sandals out of my head!   I absolutely love them.  So, now I just need to find $900 and I should be all set.

Can you stand how cute these are?  Anyone know of any cute knock-offs?

I am obsessed!

Image courtesy of Neiman Marcus

 

-Kate

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Spring Trend: Denim, Denim and more Denim

With the sun shining a bit brighter and the temps getting a little warmer, our thoughts are turning to one of the prettiest times of year: spring!  These days, we find ourselves counting the days until beautiful green trees line our streets and watching the weather forecast intensely to see if we can be peacoat-less on our way to the office. We begin wearing brighter clothes–and less of them, to let our skin soak in all the Vitamin D we have been lacking the past 6 to 8 snowy months. And, it’s the time of year where Sis and I pick up every fashion magazine we can get our hands on to see what the spring colors, styles, and trends will be.  One of the biggest trends to hit Spring 2010?  Denim. And ladies–it’s not just for jeans anymore.

From denim bags to denim shoes, this fabric is going to be HUGE this spring. Designers are taking this all-too-common, leg-only fabric and bringing it to life in the form of shoes, shirts, blazers, and cute denim dresses fit for a Friday night on the town. From your everyday stores like the GAP to high-end labels like Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana, and Nanette Lepore, the Midwest gal will have her pick of ways to rock this new trend.  Conservative, but with a dose of denim here and there?  Done. Or declaring of your new relationship, “I love denim and I want everyone to know!” Do it. Either way, embrace it and take the risk. We know you will look amazing!

Here are a few ways to infuse your wardrobe with a bit of the blue stuff:

The YSL Tribute Denim Platform Sandal. Pricey, but goodness are they incredible!

Image courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Not a high heel kind of girl?  Throw on a pair of  Tory Burch Perry Denim Ballet Flats and be out the door.

Image courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

For a girls night out, try this dark denim Moschino Ruffled Neckline Denim Dress.

Image courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Dare to be different at a casual springtime wedding with this Lotusgrace Pleated Denim Party Dress .

Image courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

And finally, a splurge of arm candy comes in the form of this Valentino Denim Petal Tote.

Image courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Midwest gals, though we’ve grown up fearing the dreaded denim-on-denim “Canadian Tuxedo,” this spring, ditch any preconceived notions and bring some denim into your spring wardrobe.  Just throw it in the mix as you like and you are guaranteed to look like you walked right off of a runway.

-Kate

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Our Obsession: Latisse

I know, I know.  For months I saw the commercial on TV and didn’t even listen to what they were advertising.  I just assumed Brooke Shields was shilling for some lame product I wouldn’t want anyway.  Well, my goodness was I missing out.

A few months ago, I was at my dear friend Ashley’s house (a Midwest Style Icon just a few months ago).  A small group of us were having a cocktail in her living room, waiting for Ashley (sorry Ash!) to finish getting ready. When she emerged from her room, ready for the night, my jaw dropped. Of course I loved everything she was wearing, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her eyelashes. They were unbelievably long!  Now, Ashley has always had slammin’ eyelashes, but on that night, they stopped me in my tracks.

“Ashley!” I asked.  “How on earth do you get your lashes so long? What mascara do you use?” She replied with one word and a signature Ashley smirk: “Latisse.”  I was stunned. “You mean the commercial with Brooke Shields?  That thing?” I said.  “Yup. I have been using it for 2 months.” She replied, smiling under mile-long lashes. Instantly, I was a Latisse devotee,  and I knew that no matter what, I had to get my hands on it. See, I’m a prime candidate for Latisse. Thanks to countless weddings over the past few years, my lashes had been abused by fake eyelashes, and in searching for the perfect lash-lengthener, I was changing up my mascara once every few weeks. Frankly, I was dealing with stubs and had no idea how to fix things.

But guess what my amazing friend Ashley bought me for my 29th birthday?  Latisse.

Here’s how it works: each night after my using my face scrubs, night creams and eye creams, I gently apply Latisse to the tops of my eyelashes– the point where the lash meets the lid. Then, I jump in bed for the night and forget it’s even there.  Thats it– no muss, no fuss. Honestly, I saw changes in my eye lashes within weeks.  My stubs became a distant memory, as my lashes suddenly became thicker, fuller, and longer.

The risks of Latisse?  Minimal.  I was concerned after watching the commercial that my green eyes would be turned to brown (one of the side effects listed in the commercial).  But after speaking with numerous doctors, I was quickly reassured that the chances of losing my green eyes were like,  one in 100 million.  The Latisse product itself would have to be not only strengthened nearly 1,000 times, but it would also have to be inserted directly into my eye.

Ladies, if you are like me and had a tough summer of false eyelashes, bad mascaras or if you missed the genetic jackpot of long lashes, I would highly recommend investing in Latisse.  Just go to the website and look for doctors in your area who are selling it. For the record, it’s not cheap. But you will be able to see it working almost immediately, and to find a product that actually works is worth every penny.

In case you’ve been tuning out the Brooke Shields commercials, here’s a quick visual of what to expect with Latisse.

Image courtesy of Latisse.com

Image courtesy of Latisse.com

I cross my heart that we would never lead you towards a product we didn’t truly believe in.  So, if you are willing to give Latisse a shot, I promise that you won’t be sorry!

Has anyone else used Latisse? Tell us your story!

–Kate

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Be Still My Heart: Pottery Barn Hostess Gifts

Maybe winter weather has folks in hibernation mode, or perhaps everyone is trying to stay true to their resolutions to save money in 2010, but it seems like lately, rather than hitting the town, folks are having at-home gatherings. From board game parties to home-cooked dinners, my planner has been packed with events that involve the homes of my friends and family, rather than meeting times at Chicago’s hotspots. And truthfully? This is just fine with me, ’cause I’m in hermit crab mode, too.

I’m a definite believer in the host/hostess gift (as well as thank you notes, but that’s a story for another time), but last week, after making what seemed like my billionth trip to Provenance, a deliciously awesome wine shop by my house, I decided I was bored of handing over a bottle of wine upon arrival.  So when I recently stumbled upon a table devoted entirely to hostess gifts at Pottery Barn, my breath stopped, my heart caught in my chest, and I knew I had found my new, perfect, pre-party, go-to shop.

Their offerings include plenty of adorable and functional pieces for entertaining, with gifts for every hostess with the mostess. The price point is wide-ranging, but they have a ton of goodies for under $25– perfectly comparable to a good bottle of wine.

Here are a few faves:

For the Foodie: A wooden cheese board, $15.

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

Or also for the Foodie: A set of 4 cheese markers, $19.

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

For the Pen Pal: A collectible tin full of vintage-inspired postcards, $12.

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

For the sommelier/beer connoisseur: An antique silver wine pull or bottle opener, $15 and $12.

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

For the eco-friendly folks: Recycled glass fluted jar, $6. (I love how you could easily throw a candle or flowers in here to take it up a notch.)

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

For the Bride-to-Be: A Fortune Telling book, $9.95.

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

And for the sentimentalist (always best with a photo included inside, if possible): Sentiment Frames, $16-18.

Image courtesy of potterybarn.com

Sure, wine does the trick, but a visit to the Hostess Gift table at Pottery Barn helps go above and beyond the call of guest duty– and always ensure yourself a return invitation!

–Molly

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Midwest Bound: Bring Fall into Spring

I know, I know. Spring? It’s only February, and we live in the Midwest, where the approaching of spring means we could still be stuck with snowy days and sleet-filled walks to work. Why taunt ourselves with visions of green grass and chirping birds?  Well, there are a few reasons. Spring brings glorious green on the trees, warm sunshine, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the oh-so-glorious winter-to-summer closet changeover, which we absolutely love.

But as warm weather heads our way, we’re also concerned about saving a little cash. How can we stay style-savvy without shelling out mad cash on warm weather clothes? So we decided to bring you a few suggestions on how to take your fall trends and carry them into the beautiful blue skies of spring. So ladies of the Midwest, here are just a few ideas on how to save a little spring time cash, while still looking like a million bucks.

1. Sequins. We saw them in spades on the oh-so-wonderful “Rachel Zoe Project,” on countless models and celebs, and even at our local malls.  Sequins were all the rage this fall and winter.  But, how do you take your new sequined blazer or mini-skirt and rock it in the spring?

If you purchased a sequined blazer to wear with some skinny jeans and a hot pair of boots, just change out the jeans with a cute mini and some strappy heels like Lauren Conrad.

Image courtesy of hellomisschic.blogspot.com

If you purchased a hot sequined mini, try something a bit different.  Think about pairing it with something a bit more conservative, like the white button-down seen below.  Not only will this give your mini some versatility but it will also allow you to show it off in a different light.

Image courtesy of fabsugar.com

2. Thigh-high boots. If you splurged on a pair of over the knee/thigh-high boots, have no fear.  Take off the jeans and thick tights, and think about pairing your thigh-highs with a mini dress as seen below.

Image courtesy of elle.com

For an evening that’s on the warmer side, pair the knee high boots with a pair of shorts, or springtime jumpsuit.

Image courtesy of NYdailynews.com

3. Ballet flats. While we loved pairing our ballet flats with winter’s textured, patterned and colored tights, we’re excited to take them into the next season. If you scooped up a pair of leopard or jeweled flats (or if you just bought about 50 pairs like I did) then definitely don’t tuck them into a storage box. They’re the perfect shoe for warming up weather.

Grab your flats and pair them with a pair of Boyfriend jeans (another trend likely to be around again this spring) and a cute tee or blazer.

Image courtesy of x17online.com and southmoonunder.blogspot

A few more ways?  Pair your flats with a pair of skinny jeans, a tee, and a hot pair of sunglasses.

Image courtesy of dance.net

Or with a pair of leggings. And why not?  Audrey did.

Image courtesy of vivajoyriot.blogspot.com

Image courtesy of chicismo.com

When prepping your wardrobe this spring, don’t be too hasty about ditching your fall gear. With a little warm weather update, you can keep the trends flowing for several more months– and avoid having to get rid of your favorite pieces.

– Kate

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Shop Girl: Aisha Ghanchi from Belle Reve, Minneapolis, MN.

Over the holiday season, Molly and I had a blast engaging in our favorite Minnesota activities: looking at the houses around Lake Harriet, shopping at The Bibelot in Northeast and hitting up new boutiques that have popped up all over the city. One of our favorites?  The beautiful, trendy, standout Minneapolis boutique Bell Reve.

The name Belle Reve has stuck with us for a couple years now, as our girlfriends all over the Twin Cities have cited it as their go-to shop. Upon admiring their gorgeous dresses, tops and clutches, we’d always ask, “where did you get that?”  The answer was always the same: Belle Reve. Finally, we had enough.  It was time to visit this shop we had heard so much about–and we are so happy we did!

Style mavens all over the Minneapolis/St. Paul area can thank Aisha Ghanchi, the lovely owner, for bringing new designer labels and the hottest trends to the Minneapolis area. And her store is the perfect home for upscale fashion. Upon walking into Belle Reve, as silly as it sounds, you immediately feel good.  Welcomed, comfortable and overall cool. The walls are covered in a soft purple damask, the vintage-inspired fixtures exude a homey vibe, the shop’s crystal chandeliers add a dose of glam, and the gorgeous designer duds fill your senses with glee.

A Minnesota native, Ghanchi (whose background includes a stint as a buyer for Marshall Field’s)– who once owned Blue boutique in West Hollywood– returned to her roots to open the shop with her mother and sister just over a year ago. Each year the trio travels to New York, L.A. and Vegas, scouring shops and shows for designer gear that doesn’t just look good, but can survive 6-ish months of salt, slush and snow.

Lucky for us, Ghanchi took a few minutes out of her stylish schedule to give us the deets on her shop.

Mission: “I wanted to bring edgy fashion to the Twin Cities. I found things were more dowdy or conservative, and just not girly. I wanted a shop that was edgier, sexier.”

Shopper: Since Ghanchi opened the shop with her mother, Connie, and younger sister Shehan, it makes sense that her shop appeals to a multi-generational group. “I want a place where both moms and daughters can both shop.”

The Look: Edgy meets feminine topped with a dose of sex appeal.

Lines: Foley + Corrina (exclusive to Minneapolis), Flavio Castellani, Stretsis, Plastic Island, Mink Pink, Cobalt by Christ Haan. Insider tip? Ghanchi only stocks a few of each style, so if you love it, scoop it up!

Ghanchi’s Personal Style: With a bold style that expertly blends girly-with-an-edge, Ghanchi’s look emulates that of her boutique.

Check out some shots of the beautiful Belle Reve below.

Molly purchasing a one-shoulder gold lame dress:

Darling chairs and magazines to read for those who are just spectator shopping:

A flat screen behind the register plays movies for customers to check out as they shop. We gushed at the sight of White Christmas during our visit!

Our Shop Girl Aisha Ghanchi in her boutique!

The Belle Reve storefront, complete with window displays that will stop anyone in their tracks.

Looking to amp up your wardrobe? Head to the northeast Minneapolis to kick it at Belle Reve– we guarantee you’ll leave feeling fabulous– with a gorgeous new purchase to boot! (Not in the Minneapolis area? Visit their ebay boutique here!)

-Kate

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Our Obession: Photogen Inc.

Over Christmas break, we had the awesome privilege of sitting down for a lovely lunch with one of Minneapolis’ hottest photographers, Eliesa Johnson, at the delightful Chambers Kitchen. She’s the brains and creative brawn behind Photogen Inc., a Twin Cities-based photography studio. We were so honored that this fashion-focused photog took the time to chat with us about life, style, and the Twin Cities fashion scene.

See, we’re kind of head over heels for Eliesa. And we owe it all to this Twin Cities Metro cover:

Image courtesy of Photogen-Inc.

Badass, right? Edgy, vibrant, unique– it rivals anything we’ve seen on any national fashion mags lately. We were pleasantly stunned that this fashion-forward, boundary-pushing spread came out of a Minnesota publication.

Here are a few more images from Eliesa’s Metro spread:

Image courtesy of Photogen-inc.

Image courtesy of photogen-inc

Image courtesy of photogen-inc

While this photog guru got her start shooting weddings, she’s quickly expanded her repertoire to include fashion, commercial and editorial. Her keen eye for details, rockin’ use of color and willingness to push boundaries make Eliesa one of the most sought-after photographers in the Twin Cities area.

As someone who is so ingrained in the Twin Cities arts arena, we relished the opportunity to pick her brain about the Minneapolis/St. Paul style scene. Here are a few highlights from our lovely lunch:

Her personal mission: “To change the way Minnesotans see Minnesota.”

On Minneapolis as a fashion mecca: “Minneapolis has fashion, but in a Midwestern sense– wearable, sellable, it needs to appeal to the masses. But there’s so much more here. Minneapolis can really push the limits much more. There’s so much potential.”

Putting Minneapolis on the style map: “There’s a real safe approach of consumers, but I really think people want more options. If the city wants to get there, to be a fashion destination, we have to change our mindset.”

On the recent Metro mag shoot (above): “I lobbied for this shoot for two years. They were saying, ‘We don’t know, we don’t know that it will sell, you have to think about our advertisers.’ But the feedback has been great! We really broke out of the comfort zone.”

Her inspirations: The Anthropologie catalog, blogs such as Wet Behind the Ears. “I often look to fashion editorial for wedding inspiration.”

Favorite Twin Cities designers: Calpurnia Peach, Kjurek, Ra’mon Lawrence

Favorite Twin Cities boutiques: Belle Reve, Cliche, Design Collective, Blacklist Vintage

Her philosophy: “Every opportunity leads to another opportunity.”

Eliesa, here’s to many more opportunities for you and Photogen, Inc. in 2010! We will be cheering from the grandstands as you help bring Minneapolis into the style limelight.

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