The Nose Knows Best

Of all of the human senses, the sense of smell is unarguably the most individual and personal. It's also the scent I find to be most heavily effected by other individuals. We've all had "that moment". You're stuck in an elevator with the smelly old lady, consumed by the old lady stench that's evading your personal space. Or, you're standing in line at the movies, behind a man that could use a dousing of anything other than his own bodily funk.

Of course, as with any beauty or hygienic product, we all have our preferences. If we didn't, we wouldn't be so flagrantly offended by the aforementioned old lady and funky smelling man.

Then, those of us who are considerate and functioning members of society are met with the challenge of finding fragrance that suits us and our preferences, while having to consider how others will react to the smell. Think about how frequently we're in close proximity to our friends, family, co-workers, children, etc. Really think about it. You're at work, in your cubicle, yet all you smell is the secretary at her desk across the building.

What's the solution, you wonder? Choosing a scent that is universally accepted and adored. Does
such a thing exist, you ask? After reading this post, I hope to have offered at least a few options for you to consider, and all come with a personal recommendation, as either I currently or have worn them in the past, or have some personal experience with them. Hopefully they won't all stink (HA!).


1. Amazing Grace (by Philosophy)
Unless your native planet is Mars, chances are you've at least heard of Amazing Grace. It's available at Sephora, as well as through other retailers, and has an astonishing cult-like following. The scent is often described as the ultimate soap-and-water clean scent, with an subtle floral undertone. Philosophy has a number of other perfumes (Inner Grace, Baby Grace, Pure Grace, Falling in Love, and Unconditional Love) that are sister-products to Amazing Grace, that can be layered under or ontop of Amazing Grace for a more personalized scent.

On a more personal note, my mom wears this perfume, and I will always remember her for this scent. It truly is just so clean and feminine smelling, without being overwhelmed with a stench. At no point do you feel like you've been hit in the face with a million stinkin' bouquets.

For more information on all of Philosophy's scents, visit their website at: http://www.philosophy.com


2. Clinique Happy
Call me retro on this one, as I know Clinique takes us on a time warp of sorts, but this is what I currently wear. It's funny, really. They say that scent has the power to help us recall memories, and that couldn't be more true with this scent. For me, one sniff of this takes me back to the 7th grade, and reminds me of my then-best friend, Rosie. She wore Clinique Happy then, and I always, ALWAYS, thought that was so "cool" of her, as I wore either no scent, or some generic scent from a Target or a Walmart.

Clinique's website (http://www.clinique.com) describes Clinique Happy as "a hint of citrus. A wealth of flowers. A mix of emotions. Our best-selling women's fragrance interplays fresh, vibrant notes-ruby red grapefruit, bergamot-with soft, sensual ones-Hawaiian wedding flower, spring mimosa."


3. Daisy (by Marc Jacobs)
To offer another personal anecdote, my older sister wore Daisy for a short time. You're thinking "that's nice, so what?". My sister has always been a tom-boy. My sister will be the first to tell you that she is repulsed by flowers in any form (in the garden, in a vase, as a perfume, you name it). So while visiting her while out of town, and finding this on her nightstand, I was shocked! My sister and a floral fragrance? Clutch the invisible strand of pearls around your neck along with me.

Sephora offers the following information: Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. At the heart of Daisy is a floral with vintage edge: violet. Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavor of Marc Jacobs' feminine, edgy designs. Always elegant, always enchanting - but not too serious - Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth.

Notes:
Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.
Style:
Bright. Alluring. Eternal.

You can also find Daisy by visiting: http://www.daisymarcjacobs.com/

What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite scent? Have you tried the scents I recommend? Let me know! In the meantime, stay out of elevators at any cost!

The New Smokey Eye

Every year I commit myself to trying a new makeup and/or fashion trend. In the past, it's been the bright red lip, blunt bangs, dark nail polishes, etc etc. Now, suffice to say that I don't sport this trend every day for 365 days, it's just something different I try when I'm feeling lack luster and in need for a change from my daily routine (which I think we ALL tend to fall back on unless we force ourselves).

This year, I'm rocking the smokey eye, only with a twist. InStyle recently unveiled three new smokey eye looks, each of which I'm anxious to try and adapt into my own cosmetics wardrobe.







1. The Teal Smokey Eye
I've never been a big teal fan, but I can see why it'd flatter many eye colors (I'd presume brown eyes and hazel eyes would be most transformed).

2. The Metallic Smokey Eye
Definitely my favorite of the three. I dig metallics because I've fully incorporated them into my fashion wardrobe and makeup regime. They are such awesome neutrals, without ever being dull, and they automatically bring light to your face. Plus, my "fall back" purse is a metallic, so these subtle hints draw the eye upward. When worn properly, I feel like metallics accentuate blue eyes (if sporting a more gray-metallic), which is one of my favorite makeup secrets since I have enormous blue eyes (like those infamous Bratz dolls that I've been compared to more times than I'd like to account for).




3. The Brown Smokey Eye
Brown eyeshadow is what I wear probably 5 days a week. Nothing looks better on a blue eye than different shades of brown- no one will ever convince me otherwise (okay, maybe with a fight I could be convinced, but for now that's my story and I'm sticking with it). However, I can honestly say I've never considered doing a brown smokey eye, regardless how logical it seems. I wear a smokey eye, I wear brown eyeshadow, but I never create a smokey eye with the brown eyeshadow. Probably because, in my mind, you'd have to call this something different, like the chocolate eye (get it? it's brown...ha). I like this look because it can be adapted to different skintones, which is something I need to take into account before I try anything. Darker skintones could wear darker shades of brown, whereas the ghostly-white transparent people like myself can sport more subdued and lighter shades of brown.

For more information on these looks, and to see what else InStyle has to say, check out their story at: http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/falltrends/photos/0,,20296769_20294982_20651991,00.html.

The Ideal Shopping Solution

If a great face of makeup is half of the equation, that leaves fashion as it's complement. I've been using a great resource available online that takes the hassle out of endless hours of digging and sifting through the web.

Shopstyle.com is the equivalent of browsing the aisles of the largest store worldwide. A search engine devoted strictly to all things fashion, Shopstyle does the work for you, giving users the opportunity to embark on a global fashion search, all while being in control of variables unique to your purchase.

For example, if you're in the market for a great new swimsuit for Summer 2010, ShopStyle enables users to do a traditional search for "bathing suit", but then, and here's where the magic comes in, refine your search results by several categories (including things like brand, store, sale, price, color, etc.)! This completely eliminates the countless hours of sifting through individual websites, checking for sizing, looking for a color, and then determining where to get the item. And again, shopstyle works in collaboration with essentially any store your pretty little mind can think of! It's a time saver and shopping genius!

Give it a try and see if it doesn't help save you time and inspire you to buy MORE!

The Chap Attack

I have a business proposal for Karen. I woke up this morning (too early, might I add) with my lips literally fused shut they were so dry. I've tried every lip product known to man (make that woman), and nothing is hydrating and moisturizing my lips long term. Any product I put on gets licked or rubbed off within minutes. And at this point, I'd be willing to slather Crisco about my mouth and face to prevent the harsh chapping that's going on (I hope you're picturing me actually dousing my entire upper body in Crisco right now- HA!) here! Oy vie!

My request: a clear (because who wants to see an abstract painting on your pillowcase every morning) lip product that moisturizes and hydrates, and LASTS for longer than 12 seconds. More of a chap stick than a lip gloss or lip balm, though. Just SOMETHING that will prevent my lips from falling off my face during the winter months. You can do it, Lady, I know it!

The Freaky Friday of It All

As I lay in bed, admittedly doing some unnecessary (and terribly under-funded) shopping, occasionally glancing at my updated score on Brickfish, I went back to take a harder look at Karen's "Le Blog" (I love that).

Starting at the beginning (I'm very chronological like that), I started really going through her blogs with a mental fine-tooth comb of sorts, deconstructing some of the advice she offered. Content aside, I dig Karen's phrasing and voice. Someone who is able to capture and maintain an audience the way she's kept my attention for the last 40+ minutes is no easy task, and I say that with some legitimacy as my life currently entails countless time spent on ump-teenth graduate papers. Then, when you consider just how much work was required of Karen to get to this current point, you can't help but feel overwhelmed for her.

That's where the Freaky Friday of It All comes in for me. See, I entered this contest on a whim. My mom received an email from my sister, who received the email from HSN (read it again, you'll get it!). Jokingly, Mom told her two daughters to apply for the contest, under the guise that "someone has to win, might as well be you". She was right (she still is!); someone has to win the contest, and it might as well be me. I'm a hard worker. I'm an eternal optimist. I love makeup. I consume from HSN (too much, I'm ashamed to say). So, okay, I applied, expecting nothing. As I recall there were, what, maybe 150 people already entered when I applied. I wasn't even really thrilled with the photo I submitted (for God's sake, I was in a bowling alley!), but, I remember feeling really happy when that photo was taken, and so I assumed that viewers would be able to see that raw enthusiasm and happiness. So, the photo was submitted, and I, like clockwork, regretted my decision. "I look too young", "I don't have on enough makeup", "it's a three-quarter's shot, instead of a frontal shot", "does my arm look fat?!". All thoughts racing through my head the second I clicked the submit button.

I didn't even bother checking up on my submission for almost 48 hours. I'm a confident girl, but at best I expected to break the top 100. When I logged on, I was #10. And then I was completely floored. Overjoyed. I ran downstairs (during Christmas break at my parents' home) to announce it to the family, and they too were dumbfounded. Tenth? In two days? How in the world?

Two days later, I was #3. One day later, #1. In six days time, I had gone from #140-something to #1. It was CRAZY. Why? Well, for one thing, I'm not a model. (1) I'm 5'0'' feet tall, barely- the runt in my already very tiny family, (2) I'm pale. SO freakishly pale. My family has a new pale joke for me (and some fall-back, token repeats) every day, regarding my barely-there skintone, and (3) I'm hardly this glamazon, "it" girl, and instead, I'm a graduate student in the midwest, who didn't get her ears pierced until her 18th birthday. I shop on clearance and sale racks ONLY (in all seriousness, I consider Target my "happy place" and the place I go to unwind, even if I don't buy a thing; likewise, I've asked to be buried there- HA!), and I've been known to sport the default bang-poof if I wake up late or I'm feeling gross that day (think Gwen Stefani, not Snookie from Jersey Shore). In my mind, models are always "on", always uber-whatever (posh, extreme, cutting edge, you get the gist), and my lifestyle doesn't present too many opportunities that allow me to be those things. My routine consists of class, grocery store, bed, rinse and repeat. Day after day.

But then I wonder: just because I haven't had the opportunity or reason to be glamorous lately, doesn't mean I'm incapable of being glamorous anytime I want. I'm no sweats and a ratty tshirt kind of girl (though if you are, there's nothing wrong with that, I'm just a little more fix-y), and I've never left the house without SOME makeup on (sorry, there's no exception to that rule for me....not a SINGLE one). Heck, maybe I can be glamorous. Maybe I could represent all of the thousands and millions of other girls and women out there who are kind of stuck in their routine and rut of their every day life, who aren't given the Hollywood opportunities and red carpet runway days the celebrities experience. I've made it this far in the competition (and sure, I'm #2 right now, which is still worthy of celebration!), and I have a large support system behind me. I have what it takes. I can do this. I CAN SO DO THIS! WOOOOOOO!

Okay, I'm done with that. My point is, this competition has really lit a fire under my you-know-what. Nothing in life is easy, and I get that. Trust me, as a girl who has relocated more times than there are digits in her phone number, I've experienced a thing or two. I know that life isn't easy. But I also know that half of the battle is trying, and proving that you really want something. That saying about "half of the battle is who you know" doesn't apply here. Instead, I'd offer that "half of the battle is feeling worthy".

So, with all this said, I'd like to end with this parting thought: should this contest result in a winner other than me, I'll watch HSN on Feb. 18th, so excited for Karen and her accomplishment. There's something so refreshing about seeing dreams become reality for people you know worked hard to get where they are. Hopefully, those at Purple Lab and at HSN see that same potential in me. I'm going places in this world, with rockin' lipgloss on, and I only hope that HSN is one stop along the way.

The Avid HSN Fan

Ask anyone who knows me (seriously, I give you permission) what the only channel I watch is and they'll tell you it's HSN. Why, you ask? Where can I even begin. Before I start, let's first recognize that it's a one-stop-shop for basically anything you could ever need in life. I don't know about you, but I like when shopping is made simple. Too often I'm on the prowl for items that may not even exist, so it's nice when you see exactly what you want right infront of you, and can consume it with little to no effort. HSN is always there! I even watched the taped pieces they broadcasted on Christmas (very educational and fun by the way!).

Next, I love broadcasting. As a public relations graduate student, I'm a little acquainted with the nuances of broadcasting, but watching HSN brings out the inner broadcaster in me. I love how the channel literally functions like a well-oiled machine, and I love knowing how difficult a job it is to produce live tv with such a flawless execution.

Then there's the fact that I adore the hosts. Oh my word, if you only knew how crazy I am about the hosts. My favorites, you wonder? Pft, I'm happy to tell you! In no particular order, let's start with Collen Lopez. Colleen could sell me a used tissue. She's so knowledgable, and comes across as such. She's informed, but not manipulative and she's the furthest thing from a used car salesman mentality. Her honesty is palpable, and she communicates exactly what the consumer is wanting to know. Plus, she's dabbled in fashion and jewelry design!






Then, there's Callie Northagen, who I swear, would be adorable even if she were bald. Her enthusiasm is tangible, regardless of what she's selling. She interacts well with all of the guests, and I envy her ability to speak to callers in such a relaxed manner. She's also extremely sensitive and compassionate to callers, and really takes the time to listen to what each consumer is telling her. She's great.



Oh, gracious. Shannon Smith. I can't begin to tell you how truly delightful I find her. Her laughter is the most contagious I've ever heard. She is a hoot and a half, and she's not afraid to be ridiculous. I love that. I admire that! Plus, she's a tough cookie- she'll ask the hard questions and she'll address the concerns she thinks consumers might have. And she's quick on her feet and unpredictable, something I know must be essential when working on live television.





Since time won't allow me to highlight ALL of the HSN hosts, let me just end with this: I would love nothing more than to be a part of the HSN element. I feel like I could bring the same professionalism, fun, enthusiasm, and sass that is highlighted every day on HSN, even for just one day. I'd go there with the intent to LEARN, versus just sell myself, and above all, I'd be SO thankful for the opportunity. You really would be seeing a real, authentic, and proud HSN viewer and consumer if I'm selected for the opportunity.

The Ways to Vote

I'm not a pushy person by nature, but, I can't deny that I'd LOVE your support. So, if you want to help get me to HSN, I'll need your votes!

http://www.purplelabnyc.com/hsnstar/?pbb_qsi=27581131&=PBB_PurpleLabStaronHSN_510_PPIMEMAIL

Once there, you can help spread the word in a multitude of ways. You have the option of posting a link or sticker on your Facebook page, generating a link of other websites, posting a link to Twitter, emailing to friends, etc etc etc. Basically, any way you could possibly think of getting the word out, you have access to from my page.

Then, if you're feeling especially generous, definitely leave me a message! Let the Purple Lab team and the panel of HSN experts know why you think I'm worthy of representing Purple Lab. I ask that all comments left on my page pertain to ONLY me, and insist that no negative or hurtful statements be made about other contestants. Let's play fair and let's keep it clean, and win with our integrity!

Thank you ALL, for even reading all of this. I can't tell you how excited I am at the mere thought of participating in such a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm just a girl who wants to get out there and show the world what she's got to offer!