As an Accessories Expert, I know a thing or two about accessories and obviously, I have my statements that I love wearing that are definitely noticeable when I'm walking around. But in many ways, beauty products can be an accessory too and they are definitely essentials! Roll over the above images to check out why I'm obsessed with Urban Decay, Palmers, Dior, Shobha, Butter London and Dove! Of course of special note is my nearly life long obsession with Crest (yes even before I became a brand ambassador - I started as a Crest Baby thanks to my mom)! Find out why I'm a fan of their Crest 3D White Whitestrips and this Sunday (04.28.2013), you'll find a $7 coupon in your local newspaper that will allow you to use it on this great product that I have used for years! Now you get the chance to start using this too! I'm giving away a box of this with a winner announced on May 1st! Roll over the images to find out how you can enter to win!
Treasure Tuesdays: Events ~ Style Tweetup Spring Into Fresh
You know that I love creating and hosting Style Tweetup which is a way for me to create intimate events with digital influencers within a theme and to introduce them to brands that fit within it! Last week, it was all about Spring Into Fresh which allowed me to share how we can enjoy the Spring from what we eat/drink and then within our overall lifestyle! My co-hosts for this amazing event included Chobani Soho as well as Palais Des Thes as they are a few doors down from one another in Soho! What a great night that was filled with sampling sweet and savory items which is a different way to look at this Greek Yogurt treat! In addition, we moved onto Palais Des Thes to learn about tea! Sponsors of this event included Cuddly Monkey, Crest, Scope Mouthwash, O'Neill, Dove, The Body Shop, Go Smart Stylus and Sol Republic.
Roll over the above images to find out more about the participating brands and the fabulous ladies who accepted my invite to see what my faves are for this Spring (as well as into this summer).
Trendy Thursdays: Events ~ Dove Truth Files
Many times I'm running to a lot of meetings that involve my jewelry line, upcoming book, walking through selections of my clients, working on all that is Shoe Week for the upcoming NYFW season and making pulls for upcoming appearances! But it's nice to have a night to check out an event of brands that I truly enjoy using. You know a number of brands that I love and Dove happens to be one of them as it always makes my skin look amazing! On Tuesday night, my sister and I were off to learn more about their Truth Files as it's an initiative that they have been focused on for a number of Tuesdays this year! Dove's integration of their brand throughout the night flowed through the fab ice sculpture, a number of the foods had the signature bird as well as fabulous garnish displays.
Samantha Bee @IAmSamBee of The Daily Show chatted with us to talk about all that was important in putting it all out there from her having a fab career, being a mom, her fashion misses and the industry as a whole. Thankfully, I took a moment to share a few snippets of her routine and loved that she had us all laughing at her, with her and about ourselves.
Trendy Thursdays: Beach Beauty
Maybe because I'm traveling a lot, stores have been rocking spring and summer floorsets or the out of office messages of my business partners that have me in a beach state of mind! Whatever the reason is, I had to share some of my must have items that will make you look beach ready, are perfect for everyday use or when you want to grab a bag to head out to stay with friends. Roll over images to see why Ole Henriksen, C Booth, Neutrogena, GlamGlow, Organix and Dove are on my list!
ACCESSORIES INSPIRATION
What's a beach day or a trip without a fun bag? I'm obsessed with First World Trash is a fab line of accessories which recycles billboards, seatbelts and other items that would go into landfills - and finds their way into a number of amazing pieces (cosmetic bags, wine coolers, etc). Made in Queens NY, Jenelle Malbrough assembles these items into wearable art! Last week when I was traveling to Charleston, I loved carrying my beach tote (pictured above) as my carry on!
SHARE TO WIN
Looking your best means smelling fresh and feeling fresh! To that end, 5 Kitten Lounge readers will win 5 products from Dove . All you need to do is to let me know how you stay refreshed and cool no matter how long your day is!
Trendy Thursdays: Kimmie Picks ~ Beauty Carry All
There are times when I know that I am traveling over night and not by plane (perhaps I'm hopping to Long Island, Jersey or Philly), then I know that I can bring my favorite beauty items without being concerned about taxing TSA issues! That means I simply have to pop everything into my bag (loving this Pierre Hardy bag which is an essential for overnight or as a carry on for a flight). Bags like this also work when I am prepping for an HSN segment as I can put so many items in there without having to have multiple bags and can unpack quickly within my green room. As EVERYONE knows, I love my Clarisonic Plus as I can alternate between the smaller and larger head for my face as well as for the rest of my body. This is a must and you always feel squeaky clean when you're done using it a fab mini spa. I obsess over Korres White Tea Facial Gel Cleanser. Being a tea fan this is fabulous for my face and I am a big believer in after cleansing my face, to soothe it with my Shobha Rosewater Toner Mist (it's great as a refresher as well as to just allow your skin to rest - between this and the gel it's never too far away from me). When it comes to a nurturing body wash, Dove is always a great way to keep your skin looking and feeling amazing! Being someone who grew up on Dove and to this day I use their deodorants - this is always something to have within your routine. Finally, make your skin look dazzling within moments with Michael Kors' glimmer body creme.
Trendy Thursdays: His Style ~ Beauty Travels
It's definitely a trend for brands to create products based on gender. Now Paul loves using whatever I use and it's actually tough to get him to use his own products as he loves the smells of my products. Above includes a few items that he does like that are within the men's category and items that I would like for him to try.
I have been a Dove girl since high school when it comes to me deodorants. So I was super glad to see that we have a number of men's Dove producst for him. I like that in terms of simplifying, some guys may like that they have a body wash for the body as well as the face. Personally, I like to use separate products but can see how this would be a time saver. In addition I love this two sided shower tool by them that has a sponge on one side and a loofah on the other! When it comes to lotion, I'm a huge fan of Palmer's Cocoa Butter. I definitely want to see about having this for Paul as he he likes the smell and this lotion will definitely keep his skin soft. Jack Black is a men's line that actually has a number of lip balms that I obsess over and this face moisturizer is the perfect item for your guy no matter the season. To keep a great smell, I suggest this John Varvatos limited edition cologne. When traveling he can put everything in this Burberry toiletry bag!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Kitten Lounge Asks About Couple Approved Beauty Sharing
I'm a Dove girl and he's Mitchum, he loves Lush and I enjoy Crabtree and Evelyn, I rock Coach Poppy and he sprays John Varvatos Vintage and he's all about Nude Mud Mask while I enjoy Ole Henrikson African Red Tea Mask. But along the way, I've noticed that he's embraced Jack Black's Grapefruit, EOS lip balm, Rosebud Salve and more. There is something about sharing beauty booty that brings people closer and even when you may not share with your boyfriend, you have an influence over your best friend, brother and more. The more I began thinking about how much beauty finds I share with others, I realized that there has to be a number of reasons that men provide as to why they do this! It also helps when there are amazing brands and lines that allow both genders to wear it as sharing is caring.
Each month, I will let you know about a beauty product or line of the month that is not only perfect for the guy in your life but that you can wear as well. This week Kitten Lounge names Gabriel Organics as the #1 Skincare Product Line That is Couple Approved. From products that calm your skin, have multiple exfoliating items, cleansers for body and face - we're loving that it's full of red algea, seaweed and so much more. We love that the blue bottles can easily be found in either of your weekender bags depending on who happens to carry it. But it makes us wonder why our guys enjoy bumming, adopting and finally storming the castle when it comes to our beauty gear. We want our favorite guys too vote and of course our kittens can weigh in on why their guys do. If you leave a comment, we will randomly select 3 winners to win goodies from our fave line on Valentine's Day.
Trendy Thursdays ~ Dove Gets Lea Michele
Earlier this week, we talked about Lea Michele's Golden Globe 2011 look! Now we know about the amazing look but below is a fab interview from Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend. Using Dove, he created this subtle look which will be easy for you to recreate!
HOW TO GET LEA MICHELE’S HAIR LOOK, nominee for Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Comedy Or Musical for her breakout role in “Glee.”
Dove celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend created a modern and fresh hair look for Lea Michele. “I wanted to give Lea a young and modern look. I played off the movement and ruffles of her gorgeous gown to give her a loose chignon that was all about soft, subtle glamour.”
Here’s how to get Lea Michele’s look:
- “One of the best parts of my job is I get to take home products before they’re available on shelves. I gave Lea the new Dove Nourishing Oil Care System a couple of weeks ago – her hair goes through a lot on her show. When using the whole system it can smooth up to 100% of roughness and frizz.
- “I told Lea to arrive with clean, just washed hair. I started her look tonight by applying Dove Nourishing Oil Care Serum to wet hair to smooth any frizz and add shine.
- “Next, to add a bit of texture and volume rake a pump of Dove Curl & Sculpt Defining Mousse throughout damp hair and blow dry with a round brush.
- “Then wrap two inch sections of hair around a ¾ inch curling iron to create big, loose curls. This will help create soft texture around the face.
- “Rub a pea sized amount of the new Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Smoothing Cream between hands. Rake fingers through the hair to distribute the product evenly and create definition and shine.
- “Pull the sides and back into a low, messy chignon at the nape of the neck and secure with bobby pins.
- “Carefully pull out pieces in the front of the hair to frame the face.
- “To finish Lea’s look I sprayed Dove Unscented Extra Hold Hairspray with Natural Movement (Aerosol) throughout the hair to give it hold without looking frozen in time. It’s a soft, “up-ish” do that looks like it could fall down at any moment, but really it’s not going anywhere!”
Mingling Mondays ~ Introducing Kitten Lounge U.
I graduated from Indiana University 8 years ago - it seems like forever ago but it's times when people ask what I do or try to guess my age (31 in 2 weeks) that they ask if I went to school to do what I do now. Although one of my majors was Telecommunications with a focus in New Media (social media), I didn't do anything in fashion but I grew up in this environment and always had my own sense of style. In fact, my way of dressing in college set up the way that I enjoy dressing now - casual, comfortable and well versed pieces that can go from a variety of situations with dynamic accessories. I came into my own sense of style when I was finally able to buy my own clothes, figure out the jeans that worked best for me (I never really wore jeans until then), my hemlines came up etc. I learned to incorporate many of the classic components of my style via my mom, into my look. So what you see today is a mix of what I grew up with (love of plaid, certain preppy elements, blazers, etc), with my love of casual and easy and once I got to NYC - adding the glam factor to create my nuvo glam look. Of course I enjoyed some items of collegiate fashion that sometimes are best left for campus (never wore my jammies to class but I had oversized sweatshirts that I wore during finals).
I am introducing a segment that is incorporated into our Monday posts on Kitten Lounge called, Kitten U. These are styles that are perfect to wear on campus when you're heading to class and yet - you can go out with friends, have items when your parents visit or wherever you happen to go. The beauty of this feature is that we're also going to highlight great style that's around campuses around the country. The fashions that are presented here are also fab for those that are not on college so you can get in on the fun too! For our college girls we're looking forward to seeing what style you and your friends are rocking so feel free to send pics as we will have a fun giveaway just in time for Fashion Week where we will giveaway fun key looks for the fall. The giveaways that are associated with Kitten U are for our campus readers.
Today's look incorporates the sweatshirt updated in a new way! I'm obsessed with this sweatshirt as it has a great fit (happened to see this in Bebe and couldn't believe how cute it was) but on the back it has the slashed effect that is sexy and casual. This can be paired with jeans, leggings, cute shorts etc. It's fun to grab food across the quad and also to go out in as well. Simply get a great charm necklace, cuff and a pair of booties (great year around) and you're ready to go. This is such a great versatile top that you'll gravitate to. if you feel that you're back is too exposed, you can put a tank under it.
To kick off these posts, we have a few fab beauty Care Packages to giveaway (thanks to Dove, Lush and a super cute chemise from Josie by Natori and more). All you need to do is to Like us on Kitten Lounge on Facebook and let us know what year and school you're going to on our Facebook Page!! This kicks off today and will run through labor day weekend! Keep checking our Fan Page as we will let you know about our clothing giveaway that is coming up in a few days! Follow the #KL31BdayStar picks for our essentials for fall and what's on my birthday list!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Shape Beauty Awards
In the September issue of Shape Magazine, you'll see that there is a listing of fun products that just won awards by this magazine! I love when magazines have this as it either lets me know that other people agree that the product I use is amazing or it allows me to think again about something that I may not have used. Above are items that I currently use some more than others or when I'm in a pinch but whatever the reason, I am pleased to see they received nods from the magazine. I am a huge Dove girl as I have been using a number of their products for years. Anytime I realize that I have to buy deodorant, body wash or lotion - I don't think twice about heading to my drugstore to get this as it always smells refreshing and does exactly what it says it will do!
Crest Whitening Strips have become a new routine of mine and as I have tried a number of products within this category, I love that after applying the strips, I can go about my day, talk normally etc as I wait for 30 minutes to pass. The effect is also seen immediately and although I only use it once a day as a rule, there are times that I definitely double up when I know I have a press day of sorts. The NARS bronzer is something that I received in a goodie bag and I love the pop of color that it provides. When I want to change up on a scent, I do reach for Calvin Klein's Euphoria - it's a fresh fun scent that has a bit of a timeless smell to it which is always nice! Make sure you pick up a copy of the issue to see all the winners and to see how many of them that you have in your closet!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Dove & Physique 57
I love the fact that Dove gave Kitten Lounge the opportunity to have a fun class at Physique 57 last week! What I loved most about this class was that I was able to hang out with some of my very good friends who I'm also glad that I can work with! We all headed to Physique 57 to take the very class that has sculpted various bodies (and makes Kelly Ripka look so phenom) and of course I wanted it to! Shoshi - Modern Day Courtesan, Samantha who works with a number of fashion brands, Emily - Mouth of the Border, Jeannine - Editor in Chief of Personality of Beauty Sweet Spot and Rose Marketing Director of APART all headed into the studio with Alicia and got a serious workout! Courtesy of Dove, you'll see all of us post work out, giving a shout out to Dove! Although you may not have been at the workout, you can enjoy the Visibly Smooth experience as Kitten Lounge is giving away 5 Dove deodorants to readers who share with us why they love working out and how they keep cool! The first five comments will receive product and I really appreciate Dove allowing me to host this event!
Sippin Saturdays ~ Getting My Physique in Order
Later on this afternoon, a group of my friends will attend Physique 57 to do the Ballerina Bar (the same one that Kelly Ripka does). This is the second event of the week that I have hosted and thanks to Dove, they're making it extra special by providing fun product, goodies and more so that we can have an amazing time! When you go out to the gym, it's a good idea to bring a few essentials with you. Today I have a nice selection of items that are currently on my list! I've always been a fan of Victoria's Secret whether it's apart of my intimate collection or running around. Fold over yoga pants are a must! After the popular FEED event, I've been seen sporting my bag all over the city; however, in addition to the larger FEED 3 bag - there is also FEED 1. Whether you use it as a change purse or a cute cosmetic bag, this is a nice item to bring with you to the gym. You can fill it with your favorite lip balm or scrub from Lush or your Dickinson's towelettes (obsessed with). There will be coverage of our Dove event next week so stay tuned!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Dove Visibly Smooth Giveaway
There is something about the Oscar's that make it my favorite award show to watch - the clothing. I actually love watching E! Red Carpet more than the actual show. Each season I look at all the accessories that hit the carpet, dresses that I saw earlier during Fashion Weeks and more. This year, I was invited to the Dove Red Carpet VIP viewing party hosted by my friend, Jeannine Morris of Beauty Sweet Spot. Heading over, all I could think about was making sure I didn't miss the first people to hit the carpet and to get some insider carpet info as Jeannine was on the E! Red Carpet show for the Emmy's last year providing info on what the stars were wearing in terms of beauty. It was definitely fitting that she would be hosting this Dove party and I had heard a lot about Dove's Visibly Smooth.
Ever since I could remember we used Dove growing up. It's always interesting to see the products that you use as many of them are influenced by what you had at home; however, the staying power comes to see what use as you go into college and beyond. For me, I started with the classic Dove white bar. When I went to college and then came out to NYC back in 2002, I was obsessed with not only the soap (by this time I had found my preferred scent - Cucumber) but I also used the lotion, facial pads and the cream after I had washed my face. As time would have it, I actually influenced my mom to try other products within this brand when we traveled. So it wasn't hard for me to try this new product as well.
The night was definitely one filled with laughter, fashion commentary and just enjoying the overall awards. I left with my own sample and the ability to allow five of my readers the chance to get their hands on Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant as well due to my participation in the Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant VIP Program. Just leave a comment below about what products you used when you were at home and why you still use it now. If you don't have one then let me know a product that is apart of your beauty regimen that you would never be without. Five winners will be selected next Thurs and Dove will send you Visibly Smooth.
Trendy Thursdays: It's All in The Peach
I'm a Dove girl and if you asked me years ago, I don't think that I would have said that but it has been a journey to say the least! Growing up, I thought of Dove as the classic white bar that your parents knew about and never thought of it as something that I would use throughout my beauty regimine. Instead as I went through college, I found myself trying one brand to the next without finding something that was an essential. It was frustrating but I never thought that there were other options. It was once I moved to New York that I became drawn to the facial wipes. I think it was the convenience of being able to have a wipe that included soap and would make the start of my day so easy! After falling in love with that, I added the deodarent, soap bars for when I traveled and even the liquid soap!
A run to the store meant stocking up on Dove! Even though I still add other items to my beauty regimine, hands down the facial wipes and deodarents are still an essential and items that I don't switch up no matter what attempts to lure me. Not only is Dove an amazing series of beauty products but they understand that women of all types and schedules use these products! Currently, Dove is introducing an addition to their product line with amazing aromas within their 'Go Burst' items - namely the Juicy Nectarine which is a great way to jump start your morning without question! Available in a body mist, soap bars, liquid soap and deodarent - it''s a great way to start the morning.
To introduce these scents, Dove has partnered with Gossip Girls' Jessica Szohr to present GOSSIP GIRL: Real NYC Stories Revealed! This takes you behind the scenes of four real life women that are movers and shakers in the Upper East Side and their stories began airing during commercial breaks on Gossip Girl on the CW. Check out this small snippet and of course check out the new product items!
Trendy Thursdays: My Top 10 ~ Beauty Musts
First of all Merry Christmas! It's interesting, the holiday season is more than just the 25th! Today I am spending it with my boyfriend and his family and tomorrow, I am spending it with mine. So I want to wish everyone a good holiday regardless of what you choose to celebrate but I hope it's full of all the gifts that can and can't be opened. We are continuing on my top 10 lists that began earlier this week and will continue on until the end of the year! I have tried a lot of makeup and beauty goodies from the back of the year on. Some have been interesting and the ones in this list include what I have on no matter what! They are a must have and if you're wondering if this is amazing then I am saying YES without a doubt!
1) Yes to Carrots: I love the fact that this is a natural line and I am a fan of their body butter and also their mud mask. After trying the line which includes three mini lines (carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes) - I am definitely a carrot girl! I will say that my mom is a cucumber lady! It's an affordable brand that you should include that leaves your skin moisturized!
2) NARS: I have become a NARS girl! I love their eyeshadows especially the ones that included crush pearls! It has made me wear eyeshadow a lot more beyond in the evening!
3) Mistral Soap: It has a great fresh scent and there are quite a few to choose from! The packaging is also amazing as well.
4) Urban Decay: I love the black eyeline from the Velvet Rope collection. I feel like a rock star but definitely not overdone by any means. When I want to really glam it up, I just go slightly heavier for an all around look.
5) Model Co: Um what's not to love? Their Exfoliant Wipes are a must! One side takes off what you don't need while the other buffs your skin. It leaves you glowing! In addition, they have a body mist which has a frangipani scent as well. Of course the packaging is perfectly girl as well.
6) Dashing Diva: If I've said it once, I've said it a million times. This is my nail salon! I go here for my manis, pedis and a sip of wine as well. It's a sanctuary.
7) Beam Laser Spa: What can I say? I completed my third session and I am three away from being completely hair free under my arms! This UWS spa is amazing and will make you hairless too! They are running a promo where you can get 25% off if you contact them prior to the end of the year!
8) Boots: I use their day and night creams. After learning about them during Fashion Week, I haven't stopped using them!
9) Dove: I use the Cool Cucumber Face Wipes everyday to clean my face. I have been using it for years and have no intention of not having this within my beauty regimine. I also use the deodarent in Fresh!
10) Stephanie Johnson: I use this to carry my makeup (I also have other totes as well). I love that they are fun and colorful!
For media requests and bookings for Kimmie, email MTatum@BeautifulPlanning.com
Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D
Meet Kimmie
Accessories Expert, Founder & Editor in Chief of Kitten Lounge; Co-Founder & Creative Director of Shoe Week; Co-Founder of Style Tweetup, On Air Personality, Stylist and Designer.
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Kimmie's Companies
She's Kimmie is a virtual scrapbook and is the best way for fans of Kimmie to connect with her, see where she's heading next and of course to get fab insider info!
As an Accessories Expert, Kimmie appears on HSN, designs, is quoted/featured in various publications talking about style from an Accessories Forward perspective! To work with Kimmie or to see project portfolio, visit her site here.
Kimmie is the Co-Founder/Creative Director of Shoe Week which launched during NYFW Sept '12 and is styling a number of shows as well as having evening leading up to our second season of shows during NYFW Sept '13.
Co-Founder, Kimmie, connects brands with bloggers in intimate event settings via Style Tweetup.
Kimmie's Spokeswork/Brand Ambassadorships
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Brand Campaigns/Projects Kimmie's Has Been In
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Kimmie's Editorial Portfolio
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Kimmie's/KL's Network
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Kimmie Shops
Invite Only Shopping
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Accessories
| Alexis Bittar | Gasoline Glamour | Linea Pelle |
| Shay Accessories | Ylang 23 |
Clothing
| Alice + Olivia | DVF | Eva Varro |
| LNA Clothing | Parker |
Swimwear
| Beach Bunny Swimwear | Norma Kamali | Vix Swimwear |
Boutique
| Pookie & Sebastian | Scoop NYC | The Webster |
Online
| ShopBop | Venus | Victoria's Secret |
| Get great dresses |
This work by Kimmie Smith is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at Kitten Lounge.Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at Info@TheKittenLounge.com.
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