The BB Cream reviews continue with a focus on how it's applicable to brown skin. I started this with looking at a series of BB Creams that I wanted to include and last week I covered The Body Shop and Palmer's. Today my focus on achieveing great looking skin continues with Avon and Jane Iredale. Check out what my thoughts are on both of these creams and see the range of hues that are available.

Roll over the images above to see what 24 Hours in Georgetown was like! This is a new series that I have just launched. As many of you know, I travel quite a bit whether I am doing TV segments or appearances. In many cases, I don't get an awful lot of time to be in a city but I do end up going there quite a bit. So in reality, I have 24 hours to explore an area on my own. I kicked this series off with going to Georgetown as I was going to be in Baltimore the following day to do a segment. I wanted to spend 24 hours in this quaint area of DC to experience shopping, restaurants, bars and to pop in and out! I loved being able to have time in the city and you can see what I was up to! My coverage focuses on Georgetown and specifically M street which was a wealth of treasures (next time I will have to venture out a bit more and also tackle Wisconsin for great finds)! I also loved being hosted thanks to the Tourism Board of DC and the Fairmont Hotel!

Before getting into my stay, I have to say that there were 3 stores I enjoyed popping into that are an absolute must for you when you're in the Georgetown area:

* Wink - this store always has unique of the moment assortments from accessories to apparel.

* Hu's Shoes and Hu's Wear - these are two separate stores but on the same street, I love that in the clothing store there is the cutest dog that was there walking around - obsessed. As a Co-Founder and Creative Director of Shoe Week, there were so many drool worthy brands worth checking out!

* Charm - I love one of a kind items and knowing that what has been selected works together but it is all very unique, you'll find this here within their gifts and accessories!

The Fairmont Hotel is definitelty a luxe hotel that also has a great sense of zen while you're staying there. I truly enjoyed hanging out in the lobby as I held a few meetings and even recouped there. I also loved that there are a number of green initiatives that take place there including having their own bee keeper area upstairs and infusing this within lipbalms, their drinks and foods.The Juniper restaurant makes you feel like you're in the midst of a botanical oasis and with a menu that is locally grown (which is a huge selling point with me) did not disappoint.

I was super impressed by their gym as it was quite a huge space (I mean massive and a number of floors) with their personal gym area as well as Balance Fitness which is not only for hotel guests but also those outside of the hotel who live in the area can have memberships there. This gym is also quite a place for celebs to go to Nicholas Cage worked out there while he was working on the National Treasure movies as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I do come to DC quite a bit now as I do segments in the area so it's important to find a hotel that I can stay in so that I can relax and prep. In addition, the more that I am in this city, I know that I want to learn more about it from shopping, historical locations and more! One of the packages that is taking place at this hotel right now is the Scandal Package (which is definitely a nod to the ABC show and Kerry Washington's character, Olivia Pope! You receive accommodations for two, info on being able to book one or two of the politically scandal focused tours, popcorn and red wine (snack like Olivia), a copy of Good Self, Bad Self by Judy Smith (she inspired the Olivia Pope character by Scandal) and an American breakfast for both of you at Juniper. The tours allow you to explore the juicy history of the Presidency, duels, bigamy, curses and more affairs that have taken place involving the White House each Thursday night at 7pm.

The Concierge will work with you on arranging the tours which are audio based and due to the nature of the topics discussed, I would suggest that it's not child friendly .This offer is available through the end of this year with rates starting at $249 per night and although it's great fun to get friends together to enjoy this with you, this package is not available to group bookings of 10 or more people.

It's been a long week but I was so pumped to be whisked off to the Waldorf Astoria to attend the cocktail reception and the luncheon for the Cosmetic Executive Women Insiders' Beauty Awards. This year, over 650 products were entered through over 300 beauty brands! From all of this, there were 186 finalists in 30 categories. The result is that a winner in each category is selected and on this day, over 1,000 people were able to watch the awards ceremony that was hosted by Michael Cantone (from Sex in the City). I'm so happy that one of this year's CEW sponsors, Crest, invited me to attend! As a Crest 3D White ambassador it meant a lot and it was so much fun to meet a number of people within the brand as well as other brands! Roll over the images to see brands that I highlighted who won within their categories and who I enjoy using as well (special congrats to Avon for winning as I'm a Brand Ambassador for them as well and loved seeing another fave was included - I also rocked their Extra Lasting Lip Gloss in Constant Coral today)!

Over the next few weeks, I will be focusing on BB Creams - we've seen them in a number of ads, hearing our friends rave about them and more! I have requested a number of BB Creams and will be trying these out for you guys so that you know what works best and more importantly, for those that are in darker skin tones - what works for our skin? I will be sharing my findings on the following BB Creams - Jane Iredale, Avon, Palmer's, The Body Shop, Aveeno and Maybelline. BB Creams (which stands for Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beauty Balm) are still new into the Western market but have flourished in East and Southeast Asia. Those who use it do so as they are an all in one facial product that is meant to replace serums, moisturizers, primers, foundation and sunblock! You can wear it alone as a tinted moisturizer, you can opt to wear it over moisturizer and serums as if it is foundation and it can be worn under your powder. The opportunities are endless and of course, I'll share my thoughts and alternate uses.

Skincare is a huge deal to me as we all lead with our faces and want the best skin possible! I'm always looking for skincare that has great ingredients and when it comes to wine, this is a great one to introduce to your skin! VineVera just announced the face of their brand, Fast & The Furious' Gal Gadot! Along with this announcement are a number of products within their line from the Merlot Collection, Zinfadel Collection, Chianti Collection, Pinot Noir Collection, Cabernet Collection and a Men's line!

Fashion has many nights of note but when Vogue creates a party, everyone definitely comes dressed to the max! I'm loving that this year's Met theme - Punk: Chaos to Couture which launches the MOMA exxhibit within the same theme. Although many rocked it, there were some who definitely embraced it. My two faves of the night, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathaway. Roll over the images to see video of the arrivals last night as well as images! Whatever look you loved from the red carpet that hit NYC last night, you can purchase these items from Moda Operandi.

GET SARAH JESSICA PARKER'S LOOK

STYLE

Sarah is known for sticking to a theme and last night was not a disappointment by any stretch of the imagination. She rocked a headdress by Philip Treacy. Her stunning gown was by none other than Giles Deacon and paired it with knee high tartan plaid boots. She even came in with Vogue's, Hamish Bowles.

BEAUTY

Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics had a simple beauty inspiration: “I had to make the punk look glamorous,” said Lopez about the look she created for Sarah Jessica Parker. To create strong eyes, we used a plum pencil that is both intense but beautiful. No matter what the theme, I always want Sarah Jessica to look beautiful, so we softened the intensity of the eyes with a light mouth – Tender Night Velvet Matte Lip Pencil was the perfect, modern, approach!"

GET ANNE HATHAWAY'S LOOK

STYLE

Anne Hathaway looked stunning and edgy in this vintage sheer Valentino which showed the perfect balance of skin, feathers and more! In addition, she had great styling elements in this all black ensemble with eclectic rings which added subtle pops as her hair was such a noticeable look between the cut and the hue a la Debbie Harry.

BEAUTY

Celebrity Stylist Sascha Breuer gave Anne Hathaway a strong punk yet glam hair look for the 2013 MET Ball. “Drawing inspiration from unforgettable punk icons like Poly Styrene from X-ray Spex and Joan Jett, I decided to go for a look that's glam, edgy and yet very youthful and fun. We kept the style much shorter for Anne and had a lot of fun playing around with it. To enhance her punk look further we decided to take her hair to the next level: A new cool Platinum blonde color and the sharp slightly boyish finish with loads of texture were the perfect match,” says Sascha Breuer. She used Wekka Professionals Extra Volume Mousse, Wella Professionals Bold Move and Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray.

Laura Mercier's makeup artist, Breuchaud gave a subtle nod to the event’s punk theme by creating a bold, “electric blue” smoky eye to complement Anne Hathaway’s flawless, porcelain skin.

FLAWLESS FACE: A flawless, “clean” face was the perfect canvas for the look

• Make up Artist, Adam Breuchaud first applied Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($32), to give Hathaway’s skin an “even, lasting finish.”

• Then, he used a damp sponge to apply Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain ($43) to even out her skin tone and give the skin an “amazingly sheer veil of color.”

• Lastly, he lightly dusted on Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22) to set the Tinted Moisturizer and ensure the skin kept its “dewy finish” throughout the night.

EYES: Breuchaud went with a “bold smoky” eye to pay homage to the “punk” theme

•First, Breuchaud mixed Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Orchid ($24) with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Deep Night ($23).

•In order to deepen the look, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir ($22) to her lash line and blended the eye liner throughout the corner of her eye using the Laura Mercier Corner Eye Colour Brush ($25).

•Breuchaud added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black ($24) to the top and bottom lashes.

LIPS: Fresh, natural lips complemented the dramatic eye

• Breuchaud applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush ($26), which he described as a “beautiful soft pink” to Hathaway’s lips

Tomorrow is Melanoma Monday and you can support this cause by rocking orange to ensure that people know that they must properly protect their skin from harmful rays that are much stronger then they have been for centuries! Since orange is the color of the day, we're showing how you can also include it within your rooftop decor! Roll over the above images so that you can see how you can include this within your rooftop spaces which is perfect for a party, lunch and more. In addition, good suncare means taking care of your skin, this Neutrogena Body Mist Sunscreen is an essential to take with you as wearing a spray can feel easier to apply then to put it on as a cream.

Click to view Kitten Lounge's Mother's Day Guide 2013 on GLOSSI.COM

Whether you're a mom, you're gifting your mom or you have a mother figure that is in your life, Mother's Day is May 12th (yes next Sunday)! I have picked a number of items that are a must within this season's Glossi including Linea Pelle, Blee Inara, Pura Vida, Curvy Couture, Beautiful Bottoms, Brooklyn Fox, Sholdit, BesoBeso by Luka, The Body Shop, Southern Hospitality, Ellie and Chan Luu.

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!

My sister and I are definitely on the same page when it comes to pedi care! For those that believe that the winter is the time to take a break from regular pedi care. If you're in that group, then I suggest that you should do a bit of at home prep before going back to your regular pedi appointments. The winter here in the city means thick socks, stockings, boots etc and by doing a pre-pedi at home, you can at least begin to get your feet ready before going for your next appointment. Roll over the above images to see what items are in my pedi closet! From Conair, Tweezerman, Avon and Deborah Lippmann - you'll see my tried and true musts! In addition, meet a new find that I'm obsessed with that's based in Brooklyn - Soho Feet which focuses on foot care only! I'm loving how their treatments have culinary inspirations and truly make your feet feel amazing when you're soaking, exfoliating and moisturizing!

I'm all about having amazing skin as you want to look your best! Whether I'm going to an event, doing an appearance, doing a segment, meeting with brands and my team or having date night - it's all about having great skin! With the warm weather that we've been enjoying (although I know that we still have some chilly weather ahead), it always makes me think about ensuring that the winter skin is definitely nothing but a memory before I enjoy warmer temperatures.

SHOE INSPIRATION

Earlier this week, I rocked a maxi as well as flip flops which was a first for this season here in NYC! It felt amazing and made me think that you always have to prep your skin as early as possible as the weather is unpredictable! I'm a flip flop girl and I began thinking of going through my collection of Colin Stuart flip flops which come in a number of colors and is available at Victoria's Secret. Before you rock shorter skirts and a number of footwear options, it's all about making sure your skin is ready and knowing what your go to's are to get your skin ready as well as to keep up with maintaining it!

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

Roll over the images above to find out why I am such a fan of these items from Me Smooth, Waxelene, The Body Shop, Molton Brown, Bobbi Brown and my fave - Palmer's. A number of these items have been my go to for a number of years and there are some that are new to me but I think are vital to getting your skin ready for the season and to keep it looking great.

Each day (no matter how cold it is currently in NYC) that goes by, we're closer to phenomenally warmer weather. But when you have the opportunity to travel or you just get tired of being in the current season, you should have your beach items at the ready whether it's for a pick me up in the cold weather or you've been counting down to warm weather vacas ahead. Today's post is all about enjoying those off times in warmer climates until we've stabilized in our areas.

SHOE INSPIRATION

I am always inspired by accessories first and I build around it! Today, I'm loving BCBG MaxAzria who has a fabulous pair of Hex High Heels which is all about color blocking in orange and pink. I love the fact that the actual heels are a great example of geometria which is a great focus to include within your wardrobe! With these two colors combined, it brings brights and warmth together which is definitely something that you would want to include within your beauty look!

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

Pink and orange are fabulous hues to rock with one another. But before you can start the beauty checklist, it's all about beach love and I love these Hot Buns! Not only will they give you a chic look and to keep your hair up but when it's time for a great night out, you'll have fabulous waves when you take out this easy to use bun maker! My faves of the moment come from Sephora, Molton Brown, Stephanie Johnson, Bliss, The Body Shop, Laura Mercier and Pacifica. Check out why I love this curated group by rolling over the images.

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.

With Easter around the corner, I wanted to share with you a fab giveaway that is taking place on The Body Shop! Now you know that this fabulous beauty brand is all about making amazing beauty, skincare and tools that have a focus on Cruelty Free. We know that we should look for makeup that has this but do you think about your makeup brushes? Many use animal hair - why not replace them with brushes that don't? To that end, 1 winner be selected by The Body Shop to win the above set of makeup brushes. To win, you must follow @TheBodyShopUSA on Twitter and RT from @TheBodyShopUSA "RT 2 win! Go Cruelty Free & replace your makeup brushes with no animal hair! http://on.fb.me/11XRjWC #happybunny”. You must follow their Twitter handle, include @TheBodyShopUSA handle, include the above with as well as including the hashtag #happybunny.

Entries received after 11:59pm EDT on March 31st, 2013 are ineligible, null, and void.

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!

Easter is around the corner and it's one of those holidays that I enjoy as it means a nice family dinner at home. Seeing that I'm steps from 5th Avenue, I love the Easter Parade. Accessories Expert or not, it's all about the fabulous (and shall we say most inventive) hats and then after it's time to enjoy my faves - deviled eggs, prosciutto, cheeses, and so much more! When Easter is held in our apartment, my basket is set up much like the one here (but much more items as there are people who come throughout the day). I am not really someone who eats a lot of sweets but for the kids at heart I have them (and Paul loves it) but I also bring a lot of beauty product out! Yes, it's true that I have a lot that's sent to me but I like to spread the love and to encourage my friends to enjoy new items so that they can include it within their routines!

My fave candy this year is Edward Marc and candies from William's Sonoma. Although there will be a number of beauty items offered, those swinging by this year can expect some faves including Yes to Carrots, Avon (as I am a Brand Ambassador for them for a second year in a row and love the goodies - I love sharing), Butter London and Deborah Lippmann. I supple a number of tote bags (as I always have a lot of those from events and people can select what they want. Roll over the images to find out what's in this basket and happy Easter planning!

The 9th episode of last week's Project Runway took place at the 5th Avenue Lord and Taylor department store with the inspiration coming from the retailer's signature, "American Beauty Rose", as well as the customer in mind as well and finally finishing the look with selections from L&T's Accessory Wall. The winner, Michelle Franklin, had their piece produced and is sold exclusively at the store's select locations, their website and included within the windows of the 5th Avenue location. Michelle's chartreuse satin colorblock shift dress with chiffon and microsuede trim is the perfect item to include within your spring wardrobes without a doubt.

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of Lord and Taylor as I love purchasing my outerwear as well as shoes from the 5th Avenue location. I can always find what I'm looking for without having to worry about not finding a sales team to assist me! Above you can see how this dress began in sketch form and how it is available for purchase and how it is styled. Of course, you know when it comes to accessories, I always have a few twists and I love playing with yellow as it's a great neutral to build on top of!

ACCESSORIZE THE LOOK

Here's how I would style this look for myself or for a few of my clients who love playing with neutrals! All of these items are available at Lord and Taylor and are perfect to wear with a number of other looks that you'll wear throughout the Spring and Summer! Roll over the images above to find out more information about getting the above.

As you're reading this, I'm already on my flight jetting to Charleston to style Expatriate Clothing for their runway show during Charleston Fashion Week. It's going to be a quick trip but definitely fun to be in a different environment for awhile. What I do love about traveling no matter how long it is, is that you can have a number of fun beauty items that you can try on when you're in a new climate. The same can be said when you're heading out for a fun night out, sometimes you start looking for or purchasing items that work within the theme that you're looking for when it comes to having a great night! Today's post focuses on silver and how fab it is to include in your look.

SHOE INSPIRATION

Today's look was inspired by these fabulous Christian Louboutin heels which are peep toe, wedges and espadrilles. Not only will you be in trend because they are snake embossed - but they're perfect to be worn with a number of looks. Since these are classic and timeless, you'll want to check out other items that are highly suggested.

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

Roll over the images to find out why you need the above items to complete your beauty look! Whether it's beauty items, skincare or just ensuring that you're always put together, I think that you will find something that works for you! Silver is a great alternative to rocking gold looks (another alternative that you can consider is bronze).

I'm not into overt sparkle but a fab and subtle iridescence, I'm all about that without a question! I love that it translates well whether you're talking about day or night. These are some of my fave beauty items that look well on a number of skin tones and add a bit of pop to the overall look! Today's spread focuses on two of my favorite things - eyeshadow, which I typically do not wear but when I feel there is a need to be made up, this is my go to. The other, my essential beauty accessory - nail polish and as always preferred in a rich dark color with a bit of shimmer in it!

ACCESSORIES INSPIRATION

All of my faves are inspired by this fabulous Dara Ettinger Sharon Geode Sliced Cocktail Ring which has a great neutral with a fabulous mix of colors that bring out little elements of your personality and what you want others to know about you. As always my ring is one of my main accessories to rock as I think it's a great conversation piece and it sets the tone of my look and gives a lot of indication into my personality.

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

Eyeshadow is something that I love but in my 5 mins get up and go routine, rarely do you see me rocking it day or night which is interesting as my eyes are definitely something that I focus on. But when it's a moment that I need to step it up whether day or night, you'll see me rocking mega notice me eyeshadow OR when I am doing my appearances or segments. I am a huge fan of what is called the Marble look. This is because it's fun to mix it with other hues when I'm feeling my inner makeup artist and yet I can just wear it on its own as it's already infused with a number of hues. Nobody does it better then Laura Geller with her Baked line. I have been wearing it for years and I feel it's an essential. Other faves include Giorgio Armani's Maestro quad eyeshadow - which has a great pop of blue and I love that charcoal hue which is one of my faves to wear. For their take on marbelized, Armani Beauty's Eyes to Kill has a great golden tone with a pop of bronze. Bobbi Brown has a fab metallic hue as well which is more of a gold - think fun disco chic. Finally everyone needs that bronze look as worn alone it smouldering and when layered with other eyeshadows it's super decadent! Nars' eyeshadow in cream is an essential within my cosmetic case.

When it comes to nail polish, you'd laugh if you saw how many colors I have and how many hues I have that are only slightly different from one another. I have a series of colors that I love to wear and they all tend to be in the dark spectrum but the amount of variety that I have within this area is pretty eye opening. In terms of variety, there are hues that I have that I tend not to wear unless it is being requested by someone for something that I'm working on. For those that like a great neutral, Deborah Lippmann which is Naked. A great toned down gold shimmer is Essie's Good as Gold. Now of course, when I'm not asked to wear a specific hue, then I love going to my faves. Butter London is one of my favorite brands to wear (but you'll also see me rocking the other two as I think they have great coverage, last for a great amount of time and they look AMAZING). They have such a range of color and this fabulous green shimmer has the bling effect with a great rich hue. If I'm not in a high shimmer/rich hue then I will go the other way with a color that is so dark that it has tones of black in it with a shimmer so it doesn't have a matte effect.

It's been shoetastic in my world as a number of items have found there way into my closet. With so many, I have been outfitting my office with them as when I'm not wearing them, they become art that everyone can enjoy when they're here. When I like a color, texture etc I find a way to bring it into my living and work space so that I can shake things up a bit. Although there has been a lot of inspiration, I love certain elements that scream Spring/Summer which works well for the current season and can be warmed up during the fall and winter to create a light look when the skies are grey.

SHOE INSPIRATION

When it comes to my handbags, Balenciaga is never far from my thoughts - the City Bags in a number of colors, how can I possibly be expected to choose? But they also have phenomenal footwear as well. I'm loving these Espadrilles that combine navy, white and beige. I love the striped effect which creates a classic preppy feel that's super crisp. This particular style makes me think of nautical, wicker and more which is perfect for an office and allows me to work on deadline, organize samples, get my outfits ready for segments and more.

GET THE DECOR

These shoes made me immediately realize that I needed to have a touch of nautical in my room and I'm in dire need of massive storage. I headed over to Homegoods and found that they had a number of massive baskets and I love that there is a lid. This basket is completely filled with beauty product which is great as when people come over, they can take a few goodies over with them! A leaning mirror allows it to lean on the wall so that I can see my look before I pop out (or you can take a few selfies) - white wash is definitely my style as it's crisp and I'm a huge fan of CB2. Every office needs fabulous chairs and your office should also be a great place to do a photoshoot whenever needed and this chair adds structure to the image and of course if from one of my fave places, Horchow.

When it comes to accents, anchor the room with a fab rug such as this grey and white one which is a bit beach and very casual and is available at Macy's. Prop your legs up on this tufted ottoman or put your favorite style books on it to accessorize your room. Finally, I'm a huge believer that every office should have beverages so that you can instantly congratulate yourself for great deals that you closed, segments that were booked or to toast to the weekend. This Bali teak bar cabinet is perfect to sit within your office and easily accessible.

I love my beauty trunks as there are a number of goodies that are in there for any given situation. Since I'm always receiving mascaras, eyeshadows and more prior to their release, I know that whatever look I'm going for is bound to be in one of cases! With that said, sometimes I go for what speaks to me in theory - it's not even lifestyle specific. Right now I'm definitely loving a few pieces that will be included in future outings from traveling, brunch and just being out and about.

ACCESSORIES INSPIRATIONS

My inspiration comes from this fabulous multi colored cocktail ring which reminds me of a kaleidoscope from Sharon Khazzam who is known for her one of a kind pieces. I love a great ring and many of you know that it's my signature without a doubt. This ring has a number of colors in it which also inspired me when I'm thinking of looking great for whatever the occasion happens to be.

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

Last week, I attended HSN's Oz Preview which had a number of brands that had created products for the launch of the movie which is coming out on Friday (so excited). Urban Decay created two kinds of color palettes and I have been loving the one I received which embodies Glinda the Good Witch! The collection comes with eyeshadows, eyeliner and a lip pencil. It's such a great number of hues and I love that everything (minus the lip pencil) can be stored within the case. Another eyeshadow favorite (which is perfect for smoky eyes) of mine is Sue Devitt and although I have the purple version of this, the green Marine Minerals is definitely on trend and a great series of hues to have. Another eyeshadow that I love is YSL's Ombre in Topaz Blue! When I feel that it's a bit bright, I love blending it in with charcoal. Another beauty fave that pulls tones of the ring into this selection is Deborah Lippmann's Ruby Slippers which is a rich garnet with a bit of shimmer.

Obviously great skin is maintained skin! I LOVE cleansing wipes and have a number of brands I use that are amazing in a number of ways. I also carry a to go version with me as there are times where I have to change from one makeup look to another - these Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes are perfect! I think it can never be said enough but SPF regardless of whether the sun is out, regardless of the season and DEFINITELY regardless of your skin tone is an essential. I just started trying out Murad's Age-Proof Suncare Oil Free Sunblock. I love that it has pom in it and is great coverage for the skin.

Last week ended a series of projects that were focused on the beginning of the year and with a lot of them closing and transitioning into new projects to start, I had to take a bit of a breather from things and seek a little inspiration after going to a few meetings and events. There was just enough time to take a little personal time and to see what was out there. This time of year is amazing as you're getting items from Spring, carryovers of items from the fall/winter that you may not have received and of course, you start thinking of items that should be hitting your closet! With my initial focus being boots (which didn't happen) I decided to have an open mind to find whatever would catch my eye!

ACCESSORIES INSPIRATIONS

I walked away with a fabulous pair of heels thanks to the amazing sales that took place at Lord and Taylor. Getting these Joan and David Quella heels which are a mixture of burgundy/berry, a mossy green and skate grey in snakeskin obviously gives me ideas on how my accessories can inspire items to add into my beauty case. Joan and David reminds me of classic heritage heels - it makes me think of looking in my mom's closet growing up and seeing heels that were in an array of hues and in my favorite magazines.

GET THE BEAUTY LOOK

With such a mixture of hues there are fab items in your local counters or online that you can purchase to bring this into your beauty case. Butter London is not only a nail polish brand but they also have lip glosses as well - I love how rich their hues are and both allow you to rock the burgundy tone whether you choose Come to Bed Red (the polish) or Primrose Hill Picnic (the lipgloss). Yves Saint Laurent also has two products that are fabulous their Volume Effect Faux Cils Burgundy Mascara and Eyeliner in Moss is another way to rock these hues. Burberry makes a number of grey hues available with this eyeshadow palette. Another great eyeshadow option is from Giorgio Armani and is a mixture of grey and a bit of green mixed in (which reminds of these heels even more).

Finish the look with these great finds. Smashbox keeps your lips richly hued in this burgundy shade. Rock these Slate nails by RGB And finally, pop in a bit of green with this waterproof and retractable eyeliner in green from the Sephora Collection!

Back in 2007, I launched Kitten Lounge and during that time, there were other sites that had just started as well - Total Beauty was one of them. They were the definitive beauty one stop shop in terms of finding out about a number of beauty items. As everyone knows, the older your site gets, there are changes that allow you to evolve in order to be the best version of yourself! Total Beauty has done just that by having its shops which continues to provide expert advice, how to tips, tricks and unbiased product reviews. Launched earlier this month days before NYFW, they have created Total Beauty Guides, Total Beauty Collection and Total Beauty Deals. Combined this gives you access, resources and a place for you to have a platform to share as well. Total Beauty Guides allows you to find out about a product you have heard about, have or are thinking of getting. Here first hands from others how they feel about and what their results were in order to form a better opinion. Total Beauty Collection allows you to buy a sample of goodies so that you can play with it before investing in a full product and there is no subscription service so get it when you want to get something. Finally, Total Beauty Deals allows you to get what you have your eye on with promotions so that you walk away with what you want at a special price!

If you haven't checked out Total Beauty or it has been awhile, now is a great time to take a peek!

Kitten Lounge will be livestreaming the 85th Academy Awards where you can see who's wearing what and continue to get excited for a night that's bound to have a lot of surprises! We'll be tweeting the red carpet starting at 1:30pm and the actual show as well - you can follow along with @Cocoabebe, @KittenLounge, @Shoe_Week, @ShoeWeekly, @ShoeSundays, @StyleTweetup and @WristWednesdays which will keep you connected to all of the accessories, fashion and beauty tips about your favorite people.

We know our Midwest friends have been dealing with the snowstorm and here in NYC, we have to remind ourselves that crystal blue skies and fabulous sunny days don't mean it's warm when it's in Feb! With that said, this bitter cold hasn't stopped me from still looking like I have been frolicking in the Miami sun (and I haven't been in ages and yet I'm still rocking sun kissed skin). It's all about me finding a skin routine that works for me which is adjusted based on weather, stresses I may be under, etc. My basic routine is very get up and go friendly but with weather like this, I need to give some extra love to my skin so that means while I drink more water, I lather on a lot more moisturizer to maintain that soft fresh skin! Those who know me know that I have a million cosmetic cases, one that allows me to travel on the go if I'm called and have less that 3 hours to pack and get to the airport, I have a winter kit and a spring kit. This means that my winter kit is my must have essentials for this season and I want to ensure that my skin looks great. My Marc by Marc Jacobs bag ensures that not only are they in this dragon scale nylon case but that everything I need is there.

For those that may suffer from skin that's flaky or extremely ashy, Topricin is a great moisturizer. It also doubles as a great pain reliever. Sometimes when you've been outside for long periods, you find that your skin may feel tight and achy so this is great to deal with both issues. Moving on to skincare for your face there are a number of items that I am obsessed with! If you've been in my beauty closet, you know that makeup wipes are my not so secret guilty pleasure. I have wipes that include cocoa butter, dead sea salt, etc - the options are astounding and only a few are on my short list of what I wouldn't use. These Noodle & Boo wipes are cute. If I'm lazy I wash my face off with this or I start with this, use my clarisonic and use another to wipe off whatever residue that may be left behind. They're refreshing and they are a must in any beauty kit no matter the season. For those that have sensitive skin and worry about cloths being too astringent for their skin, I do suggest using products that are geared towards babies/children as if it's perfect for their sensitive skin, you don't have to be concerned for yours!

Once you're skin is clean, an exfoliant is a must. I do this about 2 - 3 times a week in the winter as I want to keep my skin soft and ensure that irritants are not on my skin. I have some faves that are definitely great options. Fresh Rose Face Mask will keep your skin looking vibrant as well as I love the use of rose in a number of my beauty options. Make it decadent by using caviar with Balenciaga's scrub - caviar has been known for its amazing properties when it comes into contact with your skin and is perfect for a spa day. If I have had a super busy week where I had to do segments, shoots or appearances with a number of days in a row, I do like to clean my face with something a little more abrasive. Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grains for Face can be used with your fave cleanser or water in order to create that spa like exfoliating experience.

When you're done cleaning your skin, you need a great moisturizer, I tend to go with items that are infused with milk, sake or soy. Once again, Fresh is to the rescue with their Soy moisturizing cream which is another way to put much needed nutrients in it. Every morning for breakfast, you can find me eating hard boiled eggs, sliced avocados (both sprinkled with sea salt) and Pom Juice - I'm not someone who really likes the first meal of the day but I do love these items! Why? Because these items make my skin look great and they add a lot of nutrients. Sponge has an Avocado Oil that is great for the face. When I don't plan on going out for the day or it's at the end of the night I do like using this as it keeps the skin smooth. Another moisturizer that I suggest especially for those that have sensitive skin (note that I don't have sensitive skin; however, I feel that once again using these items are still great for your skin), use Aveeno's Eczema Active Naturals which contains oatmeal which is great for skin.

For me, the winter is all about protecting my skin the area under your eyes is thin and for me, when I'm outside in the cold, the weather makes me over tear and the water can actually attack that area! In college, I noticed that when I didn't treat this area (along with walking around without sunglasses in the weather) I would have aggravated skin that not only got slightly darker but would get a bit scaly - not cute! La Mer has a great Eye Balm Intense that I use on my face and I must say that when I'm home, I always add a little more to ensure that the area stays smooth and flake free! Another thin area involves the lips! This area without moisture gets tight and cracked - not cute! I'm obsessed with Jack Black which is known for its men's line but I love their balms which are great for men and women. My favorite is Black Tea - I love the scent, the coverage and that it has SPF (remember that even in the winter, you still need to continue having sun care within your routine regardless of the season, weather and your skin tone - it's a must for all)!