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.
It's all about amazing and radiant soft skin! So with that in mind, I love that when I head out to any segment, I want to have a great routine to ensure that even the camera catches my glowing skin! Use a series of products from Easeamine which includes toners, cleansers face creams and eye creams. Wash your body with Yardley London which has cucumbers and Aloe Vera which ensures protection and soft skin. Finally, JASON's Rosewater Hand and Body Lotion you can lock in all your moisture and have a myriad of fragrant scents that work well together!
We launched our Valentine's Day Gift Magalog 2012 yesterday! It's filled with a fabulous number of items that you can gift and get prepared for Spring! Of course there are a number of items that are perfect for gifting and we had to share a few more. First off, fill your loved one with an amazing series of gifts within this Hermes cosmetic case. I'm loving L'Occitane's Cherry Princess Silky Body Gel lotion which is decadent. I'm a huge fan of Gianna Rose Atelier as they were included within our Chinese New Year beauty post so of course I had to pop in these cute soaps which are full of love and hearts! The perfect item to enjoy in the shower. Finally, keep your lips looking amazing with Borghese's Perla Dual High Impact Lip Color.
I love that the New Year continues to cycle through as you have New Year's Eve, Ukranian New Years and additional ones that allow all of us to kick off the year with a fresh start and renewed senses. This year, Jan 23rd is Chinese New Year! I have been told that Chinese New Year or the Lunar year spans a number of days and in that light, today and tomorrow we honor this holiday on Kitten Lounge! This year is known as the year of the Dragon and today's beauty post focuses on all beauty products that have that dragon tie in. Some were named to be included within the holiday and to acknowledge it and others include the name and work well with this post simply based on the theme!
Around Kitten Lounge, I have fallen in love with Gianna Rose Atelier Soaps which has year of the dragon soaps in fragrants scents that incorporate a blend of Green Tea, Ginger and Bergamot. This box contains four soaps within in and I love that it is unisex as Paul has embraced these soaps as well! Cartier's Le Baison Du Dragon has a fab ornate bottle that incorporates this theme and as you're running around the streets and ensuring that your face is flawless, Sephora and Hello Kitty present a compact mirror in gold that honors 2012's Year of the Dragon. We always think about our guys when it comes to Jack Black which keeps his lips moist with this Dragon Ice and I love that it pulls double duty as the scents are just as fab for women!
It's all about maintaining a healthy glow from head to toe! We always think about the winter as a time where you really have to make sure that all that icky skin is exfoliated off your body; however, your skin is a 365 living organism and enjoys being taken care of just like you enjoy showing it off! Today I have a fab roundup that's a must including foot lotions/scrubs from Crabtree & Evelyn, an amazing Acai Sugar Scrub from Fresh, a rum soap bar from Malin+ Goetz and EOS's Summer Fruit Organic Lip Balm which keeps your lips smooth and fabulous!
Sometimes you have those days where you need to do some series pampering. Whether it's the end to a crazy week or you're taking an unexpected day off, you just want to relax. There's something about taking an amazing shower with your favorite bath bar and then layering in your lotion as well as sealing it with perfume. It's about just enjoying time to yourself and allowing time to stop for a bit. Many of you know Bond No 9 New York for their fab perfumes but they also have soaps that tie back into their signature fragrances as well. When I've been a fan of Benefit Cosmetics since I was in college and "Touch Me Then Try To Leave Me" is one of my favorite portions of their line. This rich lotion is thick and makes your skin feel so soft that I believe it's name pretty much sums up what your skin will feel like. Being someone who is obsessed with having soft skin, I think this is a great item to use. Of course, when you're having a spa day like this, you'll definitely want to have a fun robe and who doesn't live the kimono style. To end it all, how about Viktor & Rolf's scent is the perfect touch! Take a peek and think about all the items you need to add to your vanity for your pamper days!
Koh Gen Do is a brand that I'm super excited to wake up to each morning. Yes it's a makeup line but it is a phenomenal skincare line that keeps my face dewy! I've been talking about them for a couple of years but with so much activity (Fashion Week, Coterie, etc) it seems that I have to say that this line keeps my face looking amazing! Yes I can chalk it up to good genes but I'm out a lot! In fact I do a lot of events, don't sleep as much as I should etc so it's nice to have a line that has so many natural elements in it that make me look like I just left the most amazing spa! In fact, I only go to spas for massages and body treatments. Anything that I do for my face involves treatments at home! Thanks to Barneys, I love that you too can enjoy the amazing treatments.
I'm obsessed with their soap as I can place it in the mesh and after rubbing it you get a nice foam which is perfect to use on your face (of course I highly suggest the Spa Water with the Organic Cotton Pads they're amazing and super easy to use). After drying off, I love using their Essence lotion and or their Emollient Cream. It leaves your face looking clean, fresh and of course looking as if you're ready for your photoshoot. If you're here in NYC, you should definitely check the line out in Barneys or on their website of course! I also love that when I was at the Carmen Marc Valvo show during NY Fashion Week hanging out backstage watching Ted Gibson's team do what they do best - I love that I happened to bump into Diane, the founder of this fab beauty line! It was great to chat with her and to hang out which is why I love Fashion Week as you never know who you're going to run into!
Sometimes it's nice to keep it simple and back to basics and that's what Lush is all about! They know about making you look clean, smelling fabulous and ensuring that you don't need to have unnecessary packaging as we throw it away anyway. Make sure that this Father's Day, you keep dad in the loop by giving his a beauty basket. I love these Solid Shampoo Bars that are in a number of scents. Think about not having him worry as he travels that his bag will have liquid all over it since it's in a solid. Of course shaving is super important for every guy, Shave the Planet Gift set is fabulous. Dad will find Bamboo Soap, Shaving Cream made from bamboo, Cosmetic Lad moisturizer and Business Time massage bar - what a fab amount of items and much better than resorting to the tie and other gifts that we have all done at one time or another. Think of dad or your father figure and make sure he stays well groomed!
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.
Whether you have a huge bathroom or a tiny one, you'll find that you'll want to make sure that you keep it clutter free! There are so many ways to make sure that your space is as spa like as possible and a great way is condensing your bottles! Paul and I share a bathroom and between shampoos, soaps and more, there seems to be little surface space available. Simple Human solved this problem by creating not only a space saver but the containers that allow you to have more suds since they are dispensed in a professional way. It's so easy to assemble as everything is provided. You peel off the back of the plate that the bottles sit in and you also add silicon adhesive and press against the wall. After waiting 24 hours, you can place both of the containers in (you can also add a hook so that your sponge or razor can attach on to this). Finally, you have a cleaner bathroom with that spa sensibility! I love that you don't have to worry about not getting the last of your soap as the T-Bar ensures that you get the perfect squirt and that you get to use all of your favorite liquids!
I love it! For those of you who know me, I used to be a Home Manager at Anthropologie once upon a time ago! I loved the cute latte bowls, Cirrus bedding, Mistral Soaps and finally Pacifica! I think what set them apart for me is that they brings the beaches of the world to every candle, soap, spray and body butter! My personal favorite is the Brazilian Mango Grapefruit but after visiting the site, I saw quite a few items that I wouldn't mind having in my home! I love that this is the perfect gift to give for the holidays, housewarmings and just for yourself. Even when it's chilly outside, you can enjoy what you love best about the summer, vacations and all those good feelings that come with these fresh, clean scents. Definitely check out Pacifica and today and tomorrow you can enjoy 20% off on your purchases!
It is important to make sure that when you can't get to your favorite spa, that you always have a great back up plan. This plan involves making sure that you have all your necessities in one place and to ensure that you are just as relaxed here as you would be at that spa that seems to be booked no matter when you would prefer to go. Something that you would want to add to your bathroom is the Ojon Tawaka Ball with the Bowl. When I first received this, I fell in love with the packaging and felt that this was something that by site would be perfect to place within any bathroom no matter how small or large.
My favorite aspect of this ball is the fact that it has nutrients that ensure that your skin will not be flaky or dry. These balls are definitely not manufactured in a matter of seconds. They are made in the Tawaka Village within Central America and they take two days to set up. If it takes this long to create something that is so good for you, then you should enjoy taking a nice bath and enter your inner rain forest as you transport yourself and make sure that you give your body the nutrients you need! I will also use it to ensure that my skin has a nice healthy glow as Fashion Week officially begins tomorrow! The best part is once you're done, your ball is completely safe within its bowl that is also a good way for a visual aesthetic as well.
The responses were amazing! I am so glad that you guys shared your favorite scents when it comes to soaps. We have four winners and I have to say that I truly wish that I had more to provide you but each of you will receive a very fragrant bar of soap. I will contact you this weekend to get your mailing addresses. For those that didn't win or have yet to visit Mistral Soaps, check the site out and their soap for the week which is only $6 (as opposed to $8) is Milk, pictured here! I also agree that with the holidays coming up, yes we have to begin thinkin about them, I will definitely make some baskets from goodies on this site.
And now for our winners which I also loved checking out their blogs/site as well: Cindy S, Anna (of Shoe Smitten Blog), Nicole and Juliet (of JulRe Designs)!
This week we have an amazing giveaway of 4 Mistral Soap bars for 4 lucky winners! To receive this luxury soap, you'll need to read the post from earlier this week on our giveaway that kicked off on Sun. As mentioned on this post, I became acquainted with this company while working as a manager at Anthropologie. I love that it has Shea Butter within its soaps and that there are so many scents that this makes the perfect gift to give to many people that you know from thanking people for allowing you to stay at their beach house to beginning to think about the holidays as the year is flying by!
Speaking of gifts, they have a section where you can either create your own basket or you can choose various sizes and decide upon a scent. When I saw this I instantly thought about gifts that someone creates at work! I know that many times there are price restrictions in terms of gifts and many times, a company may look at getting a great gift for $50. Fortunately this Medium sized baskets which has Grapefruit shown but there are others available, fits right in this price point. Within this basket, the intended recipient will receive a Shea Butter Soap, A Hand Soap and also Lotion as well. This is so cute and who wouldn't love the container and its overall presentation. Of course, if you are doing a special gift, you can make your own basket as well. I love this amazingly vintage approach to this company and encourage you to visit the giveaway link if you have yet to submit your comment to the post and of course visit Mistral to see all the scents that you're missing out on!
This week the amazing and aromatic people at Mistral have provided four great bath bars that are available for this week's giveaway! (This Sandlewood Hazelenut bar pictured here is actually Mistral's soap of the week and is available at a reduced price. You'll want to sign up for their updates so that you will get emails on what they're up to). I have to say, the first time that I found out about this great brand was while I worked as a manager at Anthropologie. I came across so many scents that it was hard for me to find a favorite! I really love that they include Shea Butter which is always great to provide extra noursihment for your skin.
On Thursday, during our normal beauty segment, you'll find about something that I find to be a lot fun about this brand but until then, this week's giveaway includes four bath bars that four individuals will win. Simply let me know what your favorite scent is when it comes to soap! Include your comments within this post! My favorite scent is Pomegranate (fortunately this is available on Mistral) I look forward to the responses and four winners will be chosen this Fri!
First, I have to say thank you so much to everyone who participated! I love when people leave comments and share something about themselves! If you have always wanted to know what you could do to relax, I would definitely take notes from the people who left their great pieces of advice! But unfortunately, we only can have 2 winners although it was so close, I decided to give away 3 Spongelle Soaps!
Congratulations Jennae who was my favorite, I think it's adorable that she is able to relax while having fun blowing bubbles with her child. Obviously, she's a busy lady between doing graphics, blogging and also dabbling in yet another form of creativity! I checked out her site at Green Your Decor and I think we should all take notes!
Another kudos to Mary Jenkins! I love taking baths too and although I find to get the perfect one, it takes some time - it's so worth it. Check her out at Now Entering Momville - I definitely started reading it when I had a second and gave me some much needed laughs!
And finally, I love keeping it simple so how could I not include Theresa N who does yoga in her garden? Maybe it's because I grew up in the Midwest and sometimes miss those serene moments being out in NYC but it made me feel refreshed just thinking about it!
Congratulations ladies and thank you to everyone who put in comments as well. As a heads up and in honor of Fourth of July we have an amazing giveaway that will include two different items which is going to be fun. One involves a food that is definitely iconic when you think about Americana dining and the other is something that is quickly becoming a typical activity that we enjoy more and more! Both will launch on Mon and winners will be selected on Fourth of July so keep your eyes peeled!
I love giving away something amazing that makes us all feel good and I love getting to know more about all of you at the same time. Tomorrow, two people will be chosen for this giveaway randomly and all responses can be left via the comments within this post! The summer is here and we're all super busy, "How do you stay calm and refreshed as we go from one day to the next?" Let me know what you do and you could win! Maybe you shop certain places, do yoga, make something special - whatever it is it's something you enjoy!
Spongelle is an amazing scrubber that keeps your skin looking fresh, soft and it's like having a spa when you don't have the change to get one. In addition these soaps last for awhile! You can enjoy over 20 washes. I absolutely love the way they soap up when you use them and they smell really good as well. Tell me and the rest of the Kitten Lounge readers what you do and 2 of you can enjoy this. Extra bonus points go to those with Flip Cameras that would like to provide a "day in the life" of how they relax; however, keep it clean haha. I'll contact those entries that won. If you don't win this time, stay tuned as we have so many goodies from a number of sites that you will be super excited to know more about and to get!
This month we are giving away 5 Spongelles each Friday. Now for those of you that are not familiar with this fab spa product, let me tell you how amazing this feels with each use. These super cute sponges that come in a variety of shapes and colors have soap that is activated when water touches it. Spongelle can be used for a number of showers (ranging from 15+ to 30+). I love that it replenishes your skin while also having an exfolliant in it that makes sure your skin looks its healthiest!
In order to get one of these Spongelle's for your very own, simply email me and the winner will be randomly chosen. Each month we will have a different "Giveaway Goodie". Put your name in each Fri, once you win on a Fri you can't re-enter this giveway; however, if you have yet to win for the week - feel free to re-enter the following Fri. Also, check out Spongelle and learn why it's a must have for your home spa.
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.
The responses were amazing! I am so glad that you guys shared your favorite scents when it comes to soaps. We have four winners and I have to say that I truly wish that I had more to provide you but each of you will receive a very fragrant bar of soap. I will contact you this weekend to get your mailing addresses. For those that didn't win or have yet to visit 
This week we have an amazing giveaway of 4 
This week the amazing and aromatic people at 
I love giving away something amazing that makes us all feel good and I love getting to know more about all of you at the same time. Tomorrow, two people will be chosen for this giveaway randomly and all responses can be left via the comments within this post! The summer is here and we're all super busy, "How do you stay calm and refreshed as we go from one day to the next?" Let me know what you do and you could win! Maybe you shop certain places, do yoga, make something special - whatever it is it's something you enjoy!
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