Winter Skincare Products

Happy Monday! I hope all my fellow East Coasters safely weathered this weekend's snow storm.

The dry, cold air is here to stay and, if you're anything like me, it's wreaking havoc on your skin. If I'm not careful, it only takes a day or two of cold weather to lead to some serious dry skin.

There are some pretty pricy moisturizers out there, and many of them are worth every penny, (hello Creme de la Mer!), but not everyone can afford to slather their body in $350 moisturizer. And you don't have to! These six drugstore buys are my go-to skincare products
every winter.

Body Brush: You can't keep your skin properly moisturized without first removing the dry, dead skin. Before getting into the shower, take the brush and make long strokes across your entire body, making sure to make the strokes going towards your heart. At first, the bristles can seem a little rough on the skin, but you'll get use to it, trust me. 

Baby Magic Creamy Baby Oil: Once you're out of the shower, when your body is still damp, slather on this creamy baby oil. I find regular baby oil to be too greasy, so this one in cream form is perfect. It absorbs quickly and smells fantastic. Plus, you can't beat the $5 price.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm: I am super picky about my lip balm because so many of them actually end up making my lips dryer. Others just aren't thick enough for me and I end up licking them off in five minutes. The waxy texture of the Burt's Bees creates a nice barrier against the cold, dry air and soothes any painful cracks. I usually buy them by the half dozen and stash them everywhere. 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream: I'm a confirmed germaphobe, so during cold and flu season, I wash my hands A LOT. Which is great for staying healthy but bad for the skin on my hands. I have tried every hand cream out there and this is hand's down the absolute best. Even if my hand don't feel dry, I put it on every night before bed for preventative measures. You can wear moisturizing gloves with it if you like, but I don't find them to be necessary.

Vaseline: This classic ointment is perfect for super rough, dry patches of skin like elbows, knees and feet. Just one application will make a big difference. Because it's an ointment, it's very thick and fairly greasy, so I always wear old sweats and socks that I don't care about when I slather it on before bed. 

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: Facial moisturizer has always been tough on me because I have a tendency to have patches of dry skin mixed with areas (like my nose) that get oily. This is a simple night moisturizer that will keep the dry patches at bay without making your skin oily. I'm also a fan of their AM moisturizer. 

If you have a go-to winter skincare product, tell us about in the comments section.

In Love With...Oxblood

Hello again! If you hadn't noticed, I took a bit of a blogger break this month. Lately, I've been feeling a bit uninspired and creating posts seemed more like a chore than a pleasure. After a few week hiatus and some soul searching, I decided to come back to blogging, even if it's only just a few times per week.

I have been obsessed with fashion since I was a young girl and Fashionably Chic is my creative outlet for that love, hence my desire to get back to blogging regularly.

New start, new post? Yes! In Love With... will hopefully become a regular posting here on FC where I can share whatever my current obsession is that week, be it fashion, beauty or lifestyle related.

This week it's all about the blood, oxblood that is. Every few years, the oxblood shade (burgundy really) is the must-have color that season, but let's be honest, does this deep red really ever go out of style? Nope!

It's the perfect shade for the fall and winter and complements beautifully the various shades of black, grey and camel that make up my cold weather wardrobe.

These are my favorite oxblood items to add to my closet and vanity drawers.

Shirt // Shoulder Bag // Lipstick // Sneakers

Earrings // Pants // Eye Shadow // Leather Jacket

Pumps // Bangle // Nail Polish // Tote Bag

September Wish List

Jeans // White Coat // Faux Leather Skirt // Acne Clear Dots
Origins Mask // Booties // Green Tank // Watch // Earrings
Necklace // Blazer // A Paris Apartment // Root Boost

September is finally here and it's time to break out the fall fashion! OK, that's not totally true, it's going to be close to 80 degrees in Boston this week, not exactly crisp, autumn weather. But I'm holding out hope for some cooler temperatures next week, hence the fall fashion included in my September wish list.

I've got plenty of skinny jeans and a few pairs of flares (is anyone else excited that the flared jean is back?) but there are no boyfriend jeans to speak of in my closet. This pair from Rag & Bone is on the slimmer side, which is exactly what I'm looking for.

My April Wish List

Gold Sandals // Earrings // Scarf // Hat
Dessert for Two //  Glamglow Cleanser // Confessions of a Serial Entertainer
Sugar Scrub // Top // Dress // Brown Sandals
 

Beauty Review: Tend Skin Liquid

My best friend Jamie turned me on to this product late last year after I complained about post-shave irritation. When used after shaving Tend Skin Liquid helps reduce bumps, redness and irritation and also helps reduce ingrown hairs. 

I can't say enough good things about this product. I found it to be much more effective than other post-shave balms or solutions. I shave almost every day and I apply this after I get out of the shower to my underarm and bikini area and it helps calm my skin and prevents any bumps from popping up.

I will admit that it can sting a little when applied right after shaving but I promise it's worth it. It has alcohol in it so it can also be a little drying, especially in the winter. I just lay on my regular body moisturizer after and I'm good to go. 

At $41 dollars for a 16 oz. bottle, it's not cheap but it's not overly expensive either, especially given the size of the bottle. I use a cotton ball to apply it, so it lasts a decent amount of time. 

I purchase mine from Drugstore.com but it's also available on Amazon.

Currently Loving on Pinterest

Mario Testino for Vogue from This is Glamorous

South Hampton Home from Sawyer | Berson

January Wish List

Hair Dryer // Sequined Mini // Tassel Necklace // Architecture Book

Crystal Necklace // Blazer // Foundation Brush // Little Black Dress // Leather Tote

I decided to skip my usual December Wish List post because the holiday season is all about buying gifts for others instead of worrying about what things I'd like to buy for myself. Now that I've made it through a whirlwind holiday season, it's time for a fresh wish list.

I never use to believe that expensive hair dryers made a difference with styling but my hair has been nothing but frizz and flyways lately. This Cricket hair dryer is designed to reduce the frizz and up the shine factor. Its gotten amazing reviews and at $99, it's not nearly as expensive as other designer dryers.

New Year's has come and gone but I'm still loving the sparkle. This sequined mini is on sale at J. Crew Factory and it's perfect for a fun night out. Another great piece for a night out is this beautiful pink crystal necklace from BaubleBar. Priced under $50 dollars, this statement necklace is a bargain and I know I'll get a lot of wear out of it.

I came across this classic pink blazer when I was creating looks for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday (more on that later this month). It's a great investment piece that can be worn all year round. I'll pair it with skinny trousers, a dressy top and sky high heels for a night out with the girls.

I picked up some new foundation a few week's back but applying it with my hands just isn't doing it. I read that this foundation brush is amazing and worth every penny. Here's hoping!

I've been cleaning out my closet and I'm down to one little black dress at the moment. This LBD from Ted Baker has a beautiful shape and cap sleeves, which is exactly what I want. Another bonus is that the exposed zipper in the back is gold, which I almost always prefer when it comes to zippers, buttons and clothing details. 

I have an old gold and pearl tassel necklace that I bought ages ago and it's definitely seen better days. This one from BaubleBar is the perfect replacement.  

I've got a great collection of classic leather bags that switch between on most days but I'm still looking for a light brown one. I saw the new Emerson collection from Tory Burch and fell in love with this tote because it's exactly the color I want and is a great bag to take back and forth from the office.

My coffee table book favorites are usually related to interior design but I read about A Field Guide to American Houses on another blog and was really intrigued. The design and architecture of a house is just as important as the furniture in the rooms and the paint on the walls, so I'd like to learn more about that this year.

Beauty Review: 'Diorshow Maximizer' Lash Plumping Serum

I discovered Dior's lash plumping serum when I was on a quest to give my lashes more oomph without the hassle of falsies or a prescription from Latisse. Don't get me wrong, I love a set of falsies, but not for my everyday look. 

This serum goes on right before your mascara, and what a difference it makes. My eyelashes appeared much more full and extended then they do with just mascara. I also found that after applying the serum, my regular mascara went on much smoother and didn't smudge or flake. Another added bonus was that when I went to remove my eye makeup, it came off so much easier then usual. 

I have paired the Dior serum with $40 mascara from the department store and with the $11 ones from the drugstore, and this product works great with both of them. So if you're looking for a less expensive way to plump the lashes, pairing this with your drugstore mascara is a great way to go. 

According to Dior, the serum contains "a unique cell-conditioning complex made up of hydrolyzed soy proteins that promotes long-term lash growth, strength and vitality." I've been using this product for a while and I have found that my naked lashes look better than usual. You probably won't see as big a difference as you would with Latisse, but you also don't have the hefty price tag or side affects. 

For $28.50, the Dior lash plumping serum is a great buy and I highly recommend it. 

New Year's Eve Hair & Beauty Ideas

With New Year's Eve just a day away, the party dresses and sparkly pumps are probably already bought,but the hair and makeup still needs to be sorted out. I love the beauty aspect of getting ready to go out on New Year's because it's a fun reason to get all dolled up and rock the big hair, big lashes and hopefully some sparkle.

When I'm working my "party hair," I usually break out the hot rollers and go for big volume with some lose curls, but a fun updo is also a great option because (with the right hairspray and bobby pins) those styles can last you way past midnight, which isn't always the case with my curls. 

These are some fun hair ideas that I have been loving:

Hair Inspiration

Stocking Stuffers for Him

We tackled stocking stuffers for the ladies yesterday, and now it's on the gents. My picks are a mix of little thing's that he'll enjoy, like the flask and the beer playing cards, and things he needs but maybe wouldn't buy for himself, like the cashmere hat and quality face moisturizer.

It's getting down to the wire with online ordering but many of these items are also available in stores. Just call ahead and make sure it's in stock before braving the crowds at the mall.

Cashmere Hat // Kiehl's Moisturizer // Merino Wool Socks

Leather Flask // Sterling Silver Cuff Links // Beats Earbuds

Beer Playing Card // Lindt Chocolates // After Shave Balm

Best Stocking Stuffers for Her

Christmas is one week away and it's time to finalize those stocking stuffers! Stockings are often an afterthought because most people are focused on buying the big gifts for under the tree. I have certainly found myself at the drugstore on Christmas Eve looking for little beauty items to add to my Mom and sisters' stockings.

 With seven days to go, it's not too late to order your stocking stuffers online. These are my top picks for women:

Eos Lip Balm // J. Crew Hair Ties // Butter London Nail Set // Lush Bath Bomb

Beats Ear Buds // BaubleBar Stud Earrings // Ghirardelli Chocolates // XO Note Cards

Snowflake Socks // Hanky Panky Set // Jo Malone Candle // L'Occitane Hand & Foot Cream

Stay tuned tomorrow for the best stocking stuffers for men!

The Week in Fashion

The 2015 Pantone Color Of The Year Is... - Refinery 29

Madonna Stars in New Versace Ad Campaign - New York Times

100 Years of Beauty in Vogue—From the Gibson Girl to the Social Media Star - Vogue

Karl Lagerfeld on the Very Personal Story Behind Chanel’s Austrian Adventure - Style.com 

Alexander Wang Debuts Denim with an Incredibly NSFW Ad Campaign - Fashionista

Unraveling Anthropologie's Intoxicating Store Experience - Racked

Chic Sales & Discount Codes for Black Friday

Happy Thanksgiving! Today is all about enjoying the day with good food, family and friends, but there is nothing wrong with spending the rest of the weekend crossing names off your holiday shopping list.

I love a mall as much as the next girl, but there aren't enough sales in the world to get me inside one on black friday. I prefer to take advantage of the free shipping and shop to my hearts content from the comfort of my couch. If you're looking to get a head start, lots of our favorite brands have already kicked off their sales online and many of them will continue straight through the weekend. 

Keep reading for a list of the best sales in fashion and beauty. 

Fashion

Kate Spade Surprise Sale - Enjoy up to 70% off

Tory Burch - Take up to 30% off with the code LUCKY

French Connection - 40% off everything with a code from Instagram @frenchconnection_us

Jack Wills - 30% off everything with the code THANKY

Brooks Brothers - Take an additional 15% off your purchase

Gap - 50% off with the code BLKFRIDAY through 11/28 and 40% off with code GIFT on 11/29

Shopbop - Take up to 25% off with the code GOBIG14

J. Crew - 30% off full-price styles & extra 40% off sale styles with the code HOLIDAY

Madewell - 25% off everything with the code GIFTON

L.K. Bennett - 30% off select items with the code AW14

Piperlime - 25% off with the code THANKFUL25 

BaubleBar - 15% off two items with the code FRIDAY15, 25% off three items with code the FRIDAY25 and 35% off four or more items with code FRIDAY35

Joie - 25% off everything with the code THANKS

Saks - Enjoy 60% off select items

Nordstrom - Enjoy up to 40% off select items

Neiman Marcus - Take an extra 20% off sale items

Bloomingdales - Take $25 off for every $200 spent

Lord & Taylor - Take an extra 20% with the code THANKS

Mango - Take 30% off all items with the code 5BLACK2

Neiman Marcus Last Call - Take an extra 40-60% off everything

Beauty

Laura Mercier - 25% off any $100 purchase

StriVectin  - Take 20% off all products purchased online with the code FFNOV14

Supergoop! - Take 30% off all products 

Shop Zoe Life - Take 30% off your entire purchase with the code SECRETCODE

Omorovicza - Take 30% off all products

Soko Glam - Enjoy free shipping, 30% off site-wide & a complimentary gift set 

Bliss - Enjoy 20% off all online purchases

Birchbox - For every $60 you spend on subscriptions (use the code BOXME), you'll a get free Birchbox

Rita Hazan - Enjoy 25% off all products 

Yes To - Take 40% off all products on Friday and 35% off on Saturday and Sunday

Drybar - Save 20% off products and tools in-store

Shu Uemura - Enjoy 15% off and free shipping when you spend $125 and use the code HAPPY 125

Space NK - Spend $100, and receive a $25 gift card for your next $100 purchase

Happy Shopping!!

November Wish List

I looked at the calendar today and freaked out when I realized that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. The Thanksgiving holiday doesn't make me nervous but knowing that Christmas is right around the corner definitely does. Some people are nearly done with their holiday shopping and I haven't even started. I'm tempted to go online, spend a few hours and knock out my shopping list in one swoop. Is anyone else avoiding the mall this gift buying season?

Work has been great lately but crazy busy as well. Unfortunately, that meant Fashionably Chic had to take a back seat over the last few weeks, so I apologize for the lack of posts. I'm hoping tonight's November Wish List post will be the start of a full week of content. Fingers crossed!!

The Woman I Wanted to Be // Body Scrub // Earrings // Cape

Dress // At the Emperor's Table // Bag // Gloves

I logged onto Pinterest and I found so many great wish list items I had forgotten about. The starburst earrings from BaubleBar are such a good deal and are perfect for the holidays. I was searching around earlier this week for some gloves and I can't find any of my leather pairs for some reason. I saw these monogrammed ones featured on Summer Wind and I loved the green pair. They would also go nicely with this glam alpaca cape. What I love about this one is that I can wear it out as an alternative to a jacket or throw it on at the office when I get cold (I always do).

My sister Emma scored an amazing Tory Burch cross body bag in green from Nordstrom Rack and I am absolutely in love with it. I don't think it's still available, but this one is pretty damn close, which is good enough for me. 

What isn't good enough for me is my current skincare routine. My skin is not loving the heat inside my house and I have had to change out some products. I've just started using a new body moisturizer, which has been helping, and I'm looking to add in this sea salt scrub. It got amazing reviews and you can't beat the price. 

Valentino's At the Emperor's Table has been on my Amazon wish list forever and I now it's finally available for purchase. If I don't snatch it up this month, I may ask for it for Christmas. I discovered Diane von Furstenberg's book through her new reality show on E!. I'm not crazy about the show contestants, but I think Diane is an amazing role model for any woman trying to make it in fashion.

If anyone has read either of the new books by Diane and Valentino, I would love to get your thoughts!

The Week in Fashion

The trouble with fashion recognition apps - Business of Fashion

6 Vogue-approved moments in cleavage history, from Sophia Loren to Beyoncé - Vogue

Marc Jacobs Beauty made its own app to make products 'shoppable' on Instagram - Fashionista

Anna Wintour to be honoured at upcoming British Fashion Awards - The Independent

Cara Delevingne is scaling back her modeling to focus on film - WWD

Best of the high street's collections - The Telegraph

Fall Makeup Update with Blue Mercury

As the seasons change we all remember to switch out our wardrobes but often forget about our makeup bags. We find a blush, concealer or foundation that suited our skin at the time and we continue buying it every couple of months without stopping to think about how much our skin texture and tone change change between seasons. Does your skin look the same in July as it does November? Kinda scary when you think about it, right?

I'll be the first to admit that I've been wearing the same blush shade (Nars Orgasm) for the better part of six years. I also haven't tried on a lipstick shade beyond the pink/nude family since....OK since never. I don't know about you, but I could use a little make bag refresh.

Beauty Review: Darphin Paris Dark Circles Relief and De-puffing Eye Serum

I actually went to my local Blue Mercury store to purchase another eye cream but one of the sales associates steered me toward this Darphin Paris serum, explaining that it's the one eye treatment that all of her customers purchase again and again.I figured it was worth a shot, so I brought it home to try.

I noticed an immediate difference in how puffy my eyes would get in the morning. If I used the serum the night before, I woke up with no bags. If I forgot, I was stuck with puffy eyes until my first cup of tea at my desk.

The consistency is incredibly light so it's perfect to put under makeup. The one caveat is that, because it's a serum, you'll need an eye cream to provide moisture under your eyes. I don't mind the extra step if it means I avoid the morning bags.

The $76 price tag doesn't make it a bargain, but you can't put a price on fresh eyes in the morning.

FYI: This post is shopable! Just click on the red dot for more information on the product and where you can purchase it. 

October Wish List

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! I cannot believe that we're halfway through October. I love the fall season and it's going way too fast for me.

I've been on the lookout for a 2015 planner that includes the fall 2014 months and I found this cute one from Kate Spade. I tried to keep all my meetings and appointments on my phone calendar but it's just not the same.

All my sweaters are unpacked and my boots have been re-soled by the cobbler but I'm still eyeing a couple of more fall items. This cashmere scarf is so soft and it's the perfect cold weather red color. I feel like I've been hunting for the perfect high-quality faux fur vest for two years and I think this belted version from Karl Lagerfeld might be it.

I saw these sole society booties Southern Curls & Pearls and fell in love. Great neutral color with a heel I can stand on all day. This cozy J. Crew tunic sweater is just long enough to cover my butt when I'm wearing leggings tucked into riding boots to run errands around town. It sounds silly, but that's my go-to outfit on Saturday mornings.

I haven't switched up my shampoo in a while and I think my frizzed out strands need a change. The weather has been pretty crisp lately but my hair is still frizzing like it's August so I think Living Proof No Frizz is just what I need.

I've been wearing Coco Mademoiselle for several years but I read somewhere last week that Creed Fleurissimo was commissioned for Grace Kelly to wear on her wedding day and was also a favorite of Jackie O. In my mind, that warrants at least a test run. I'll let you know what I think.

Planner // Scarf // Vest // Shampoo

Booties // Sweater // Book // Perfume

September Wish List

Pink Dress // I'll Drink to That // Skirt // Pumps // Jeans
Boots // Seriously Delish // Blush // Earrings // Dipbrow Pomade

I cannot believe that it's officially fall! Between work and social obligations this his month has been flying by. With the weather in the 60's most days, I've switched over into full fall fashion mode, hence the need for the boots and dark green skirt. J. Crew Factory has a ton of "mini" skirts that are long enough to be work-appropriate when paired with tights and a blazer.

I retired my one pair of black skinny jeans last spring and it's definitely time for a replacement. The jeans paired with a silk tank, black blazer and these lovely leopard print pumps is a good go-to outfit for a casual night out.

I've been seeing the double-earring trend everywhere and I've been thinking about getting a pair for myself. I saw this pearl pair from Bauble Bar featured on Summer Wind, a fashion blog I follow, and I think they're just what I'm looking for. 

Nars blush in Orgasm has been a makeup staple of mine for years, in both powder and cream form, but this liquid-like blush from Perricone MD has me intrigued. I'll make sure to post a review once I've given it a try. 

If you haven't noticed from my past wish lists, I'm a book addict with an endless reading list. I saw Betty Halbreich in Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's and became an instant fan. When I found out she was writing a memoir it immediately went on the top of my to-read list.  

Beauty Review: Estée Lauder Double Wear Eye Pencil

I've been a long-time user of liquid eyeliner because of its durability but I find it to be a little too much for everyday makeup because it can't be smudged and blended into the lashes. Pencil eyeliner is much more user-friendly and can be toned down with a q-tip after application so I decided to add it back into my routine.

I literally haven't worn pencil eyeliner for ten years so I asked my makeup-loving best friend Jamie for a recommendation. She and I both have a mix of drugstore and department store makeup but she insisted that the cheaper pencil liners don't stay on all day. She recommended Estée Lauder's Double Wear  Eye Pencil so I headed over to my local Nordstrom to pick one up.

I ended up purchasing the liner in coffee and onyx tested one of the shades out yesterday. I applied the liner around 7:30am with my favorite MAC primer layered underneath. If you're going to smudge the liner after application, you've got to move fast because after a few second the liner sets and you'll need makeup remover to remove it.

Coffee

Onyx

According to Estée Lauder, the liner is suppose to stay put for 12 hours but mine didn't last quite that long. By 4pm, I saw a few smudges of liner further up on my lid and teensy bit on my lower lash line. I just used a tissue to remove the smudges and I was good to go until I removed my makeup later in the evening.

All in all, I liked the product. It is much easier to wear during the day than my liquid liner, and, although it didn't stay put for the whole 12 hours, it lasted a lot longer than most pencil liners. I'll definitely be keeping this in my makeup bag.

You can purchase the Estée Lauder Double Wear  Eye Pencil at most major department department stores, Sephora and at EsteeLauder.com.