Really Rosey RM

For this post, I went to my vanity to check and see how many rose products I currently own. I counted 12 items before I stopped in shame! I love the scent of roses and so I gravitate towards any product that boasts a rose ingredient. I finally ordered the Aerin candle and it is amazing (also makes a great gift). The REN body wash was recommended to me by favorite Youtuber, Gothamista and I am already on my second bottle. I have been using the Diptyque Eau Rose this summer and I am loving it's subtle scent. Here are some more of my favorites for face, body, lips and more:

Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Eye Patch $18.50

Pixi Rose Caviar Essence $32

Fresh Rose Face Mask $25-$62

Korres Wild Rose Sauvage Face Oil $48

Pixi Rose Glow Mist $15

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette $130

Ren Moroccan Rose Shower Wash $24

Aerin Tuberose Le Soir Candle $80

L'Occitane Roses et Reines Hand Cream $12

Smith's Rosebud Salve Lip Balm $6.75

Luscious Lips

Everything for lips in one post: balm, gloss, treatment, oils, lip/cheek, and lipstick. Hurraw is one of my favorite lip balms because it is organic, vegan, cruelty-free and comes in so many flavors. This black cherry has a subtle rosy color too. Hurraw Premium Lip Balm, $13 (pack of two- trust me, you will want more than one). Clarins makes a great multi-use product called Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil $30. It comes in a seven shades, but I like the mint one because it doubles as a lip plumper. The candy and tangerine colors adjust to your pH level for a unique shade. My #1 lip gloss choice was a surprise to me. Rhianna's new makeup line, Fenty, has huge range of colors and products, but this lip gloss comes in only one shade and it's universally flattering (right Maggie and Jenn?). I take it everywhere and use it for day or evening. It smells great, looks natural, and you will love it too: Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer $18. For lip/cheek 2-in-1, I love this Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint $39. It's a flattering berry color called Very Popular. I usually tend to stay away from lipsticks because I do not have very big lips (thanks Dad), but, this Nars Sheer Lipstick $32 in Dolce Vita works in this nude shade. Before I go to be each night I like to use this lip treatment for its anti-aging purposes. VENeffect $85 is a plant-based hydrating cream that targets vertical lip lines while it smooths and plumps- yes, please!      Kisses, Liz 💋

Retro Readers

In honor of "Back to School" I am featuring retro style reading glasses! Last year I began to wear my cheater glasses all the time, so I decided to upgrade from the ones I got at the pharmacy. These all come in standard magnification strengths, and sometimes two size options. Nordstrom has a great selection to choose from and I went a little crazy. I love how the red and blue pairs have incorporated a little tortoise detailing. The oversized one on the bottom right is actually a dark eggplant color, which I thought was a bit more whimsical than your basic black. Eyebobs makes the two frames at the top- love the funky feel of the round lenses, especially the clear ones! I have listed them all below for easy browsing, so focus! 

Eyebobs TV Party glasses in crystal $89

Eyebobs Frizz Bee glasses in blue $89

Eyebobs Waylaid glasses in amber $89

Corinne McCormack Annie glasses in brown $68

Kate Spade Jodie glasses in red $68

The Bookclub Harlot's Bed glasses in purple $40

Sensational Skin Care

   

"For anyone confused about the sudden explosion of Korean beauty products on the market now, this is the perfect place to start. Charlotte's book is a mix of memoir, how-to guide, and beauty shopping companion all in one." (Cheryl Wischhover, beauty editor at large, Fashionista.com)

In my earlier post entitled, Gothamista Guru, I spoke about Renée Chow, a YouTube vlogger who I have been following recently. As a brand researcher and product developer for over 10 years, she brings experience and enthusiasm to her Korean beauty product reviews. The industry is growing rapidly as more K-Beauty based websites emerge, such as Glow Recipe, Beauty Tap and my favorite, Soko Glam. Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam, wrote a guide to Korean beauty that I found to be just what I needed to get me started. Since the Korean beauty method involves a 7-10 step routine, it can seem overwhelming, but Charlotte breaks it down for the reader, clarifying steps and explaining the science behind the process. I highly recommend this book as a guide for anyone who is curious about Korean skincare, which emphasizes the nourishment of the skin over time. This long-term, gentle approach is what really helps skin get that lit-from-within glow. My skin has definitely improved ever since I made the switch and I feel confident that my routine is working (although I still have a lot to learn and more products to try). Now more than ever I am embracing the philosophy of all-natural ingredients that are rich in antioxidants and hydrating properties. The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin $19.

Stylish Stitching

         

Whimsical stitching and tassels make for a fun night out or a casual day at the beach. These easy breezy dresses will look stylish throughout the end of summer and into the fall. I am loving the brand MARCH11 (and not just because it is also my daughter's birthday). Although a bit pricey, these colorful red and pink dresses will look amazing with a summer tan (and the pink one is on sale!). The white and black dresses from Mango and the navy blue maxi from Zara offer similar embroidery at lower price points. The yellow strapless version has a sweet lace trimming in addition to the overall embroidered accents. Short or long, colorful or neutral, there is one for everyone. Scoop one up before summer vacation is over!

Going for Gold

Stacking bracelets are all the rage, and I am joining the club. Below are some favorite gold bracelets, charms and some that are considered both a bracelet and a charm! Can't wait for my "sisters" Stelle Valle cuff to arrive and possibly more gold bead stack bracelets from Annabelle's Collection (I already own two). The teeny solid 14k gold charms are handmade on Etsy by MaryJohn Jewelry. I have one with each child's initial on a necklace (they really are charming). 😜

Stelle Valle charm bracelets $39-$49

Annabelle's Collection $55-$150

Spotted: Reese Witherspoon sporting these bead bracelets on Instagram!

MaryJohn Teeny Tiny Initial Charm Pendant Solid 14k Gold $54

Hair Help

Below are my favorite hairstyling tools and products: a hairdryer, a root rescue product, styling mousse and a supplement that helps keep hair healthy. Let's talk hairdryer. I have never been able to make my own hair look as good as it does fresh from the salon. Until now. This styling hairdryer smooths, styles and volumizes my hair with very little effort because it is a blow dryer and brush in one: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer $60. I find it easiest to use if I divide my hair into sections, drying the back first and moving up to the top of my head. Next, I need to tackle my grey roots. This powerful little product is a game changer for anyone who is at the mercy of their hairdresser. It is a Japanese hair cushion, but I like to call it a powder puff of root covering magic. Pat your fading temples or any grays along the part of your hair. It's not sticky like root sprays and it's easy to control where it goes, so no messiness. This saves me big time in-between hair coloring appointments, Ryo Hair Cushion $28. To help with the styling I have been loving my Ouai Soft Mousse $28-- is so light and airy, I hardly know it is there--not like the cement I used in high school. Lastly, I use Ritual Essential for Women $30/month, anti-aging vitamins, which, over time, are good for hair, skin, organs, and bones. Here's to your hair health!

Product Profile: Milk Makeup

This relatively new makeup line is so fresh and fun, you might call it whimsical! I have tried quite a few of their products and love them all, especially the Kush Mascara $24. New mascaras are hard for me to find because I am very particular about the applicator brush. Milk calls the Kush brush a "tapered tree-shaped brush with criss-cross bristles," which translates to volumizing without clumping for me. It also magically separates lashes and doesn't flake (possibly because it is made with binding cannabis oil). I am also loving the Lip and Cheek stick $24, which I have in both Quickie and Werk shades. It's another double-duty product to take on the go. Recently I purchased the Everyday Dewy Highlighter $24 (haven't' we established my passion for glow?). The last item I bought was on a whim, the Sunshine Oil $38. It's packed with a variety of different nourishing oils: grapeseed, avocado, lemon peel and grapefruit. This versatile oil comes in a rollerball which makes for easy application anywhere: cheeks, shoulders, lips. Throw it in your bag with the lip and cheek stick. Now go get gorgeous.
                                            

Bespoke Backgammon

My paternal grandparents, Janet & Harold, had an evening tradition that lasted for over 20 years-- they played backgammon every night with their cocktails. I remember as a teenager, flipping through the numerous notepads that held the long-running game totals, and thinking that they were so old-fashioned. As a mother of a Fortnite player, I can now truly appreciate the unplugged nature of backgammon, or chess, or any other board game. I came across Nine Fair Backgammon when looking for a 50th wedding anniversary gift for my parents, who also play backgammon together (although, not each and every night). They make beautiful custom boards for the game playing enthusiast-- perfect for wedding, housewarming, or anniversary gifts. I am a sucker for anything personalized, so this qualifies as a whimsical favorite.

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Shady Lady

Sunglasses are an essential summer accessory, and sometimes you need more than just one pair. Here are a few great ones that I found, either on sale, or reasonably priced. I have my eye on the Illesteva ones!

Saint Laurent Aviator Sunglasses $247 (50% off original $455)

SOJOS Round Horn Rimmed Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell $13

Krewe St. Louis 24K Mirrored Sunglasses $255

Illesteva Leonard Mask Mirrored Shield Sunglasses $95 

(50% off original $190)

Serious Sunscreen

Since we still have quite a bit of summer left, I figured it would be appropriate to post about sunscreen, another addiction of mine. I am always on the lookout for one that is non-greasy, not too pasty in color and offers optimum protection. I apply sunscreen each day as part of my morning skincare routine. Add a bronzer later and no one is the wiser (see Best Bronzers post). Below are some of my top choices to filter out damaging rays. (If you would like a more indepth look at sunblock factors I found this article online that serves as a basic sunscreen reference guide. It covers mineral vs. chemical sunscreens and defines a lot of the ingredients.)  Supergoop! is one of my all-time favorite sunscreen brands. I actually like all of their sunscreen products, but this one is just so handy. Supergoop Perfect Day 2-in-1 $19, is ideal to keep in your car or bag, since it's a sunblock lotion (SPF 50) and mint lip balm (SPF 30) in one. The lip balm is concealed in the lotion cap and there is a secret mirror hidden in the lid so you can check out your application. Avène Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ $30, is another one I like for it's non-greasy formula. This lotion is thin, spreads easily, dries quickly and leaves no oily residue. MDSolarSciences Mineral Créme Broad Spectrum SPF 50 $28.50, is a perennial favorite of mine despite it's unusual scent. This provides a full coverage for when you are at the beach. Missha's All Around Safe Block SPF 45+ $12, is a Korean brand that I am loving. It's milky consistency basically disappears upon application. Another Korean pick is by Heimish, and this one doubles as an illuminator (bonus!). Heimish Artless Glow Base SPF 50+ $20, leaves a warm glow while it protects from harmful rays-- it's a win/win. Neogen dermatology introduced this hydrating sunblock, Neogen Day-light Protection Sunscreen $34, with rose, honey and raspberry extracts. It's both moisturizing and protecting without any greasy feeling or white cast. For sport afficianados, there is Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen SPF 45 $10. I gave this to our tennis pro when I found out he was using a sunscreen with oxybenzone (gasp!). Give one or more of these a try and let me know your thoughts!

Pompom Picks

There is nothing more whimsical than a pompom! Take your pick and have some fun this summer...
                         

       

Gothamista Guru

Gothamista, real name Renée Chow, is a social media skincare guru. After 10 years in the industry, as both a buyer and product developer, she knows her Korean beauty!  My friend Kim, who has skin like a 25-year-old, told me about this YouTube vlogger, so of course, I tuned in to her channel. My obsession grew quickly, watching her skincare and makeup videos late into the night. I promptly emptied my vanity and restocked with items recommended by her. Yes, I am a Korean beauty convert (don't get my husband started). The products she speaks about are all reasonably priced, innovative and get results. Since most of my current skincare routine includes products that Renée has reviewed, it seemed only fair to share her blog here with you. Warning: she's addicting!

                                                 

Coveted Clutch: the Cult Gaia Ark

I love these Cult Gaia ark handbags. I already own the natural bamboo one, so I have my eye on one of these super chic acrylic versions. The blue one will go with everything in my closet-- but, I'm drooling over the two patterned styles as well-- multi-hued option or the solid tortoiseshell? 

        

Rethinking Rosé

Summer for me means the beach, road trips, my birthday...and rosé. After weeks of creating this blog and writing these posts, it's finally time to celebrate the launch of WHIT & WHIMSY (plus, it's my birthday this weekend). Naturally, I will be toasting with a big glass of my new favorite bottle of rosé. I love the crisp, subtle taste, but hate the additional calories. So, I was excited when a friend of mine (thanks K!) told me about a new artisanal wine that is sugar-free, all natural and additive free (think fewer headaches). Most importantly it tastes like some of my favorite labels. Dry Farm Wines offers the Rosé Collection for $88, a 3-month summer subscription (3 shipments with 3 rosés each, shipped in July, August and September.) To place an order, you may need to contact them directly since these tend to sell out. As of today, these wines are only offered online. But, if you are looking for a great bottle that you can find now at your local liquor store, I recommend MiMi en Provence. If you favor the quintessential rosé, Whispering Angel, then you will enjoy this one too (I like it a little bit more). The bottle comes with a lovely glass stopper-- a chic detail if you are giving it as a hostess gift. Wine.com says this: "It possesses a complex nose reminiscent of red berries and fresh ripe white peaches." MiMi en Provence Grand Reserve Rosé 2017 $17, but I found it at my local store for $14.  
                             

Perhaps the most whimsical 😜 rosé of the bunch is called French Pool Toy Rosé $14. This plastic bottle is completely recyclable, and because it also has a convenient screw top, it is perfect to transport to a picnic or the beach. This has a crisp, refreshing taste, which makes it another perfect choice for summer. French Pool Toy checks all the whimsical boxes. CHEERS!

(local stores are Leary's Liquor Cabinet and Nicolas Roberts in Darien, CT)

Beach Books

Perhaps the most frequently asked question I get is "what are you reading now?" Whether it be cousins at the beach, neighbors at book club, or friends of mine on Goodreads, I always try and give them a few titles to try. I personally gravitate towards fiction and tend to like books that are page turners-- thrillers, memoirs, or a good old fashion mystery. Here are a few goodies that will not disappoint at the beach, or lake or wherever you decide to curl up and relax.

Shopping Spree: Nordstrom Sale!

Everywhere I look on the internet and social media I see posts about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale--so I decided to see for myself what all the hype is about. The Nordstrom site has a little bit of everything and it can seem overwhelming, so I started slowly with the beauty selections. Here is what's in my cart so far:

Winky Lux Flower Balm Lip Stain $14 

This clear balm reacts with your individual pH level to create a personalized shade of pink. Plus, the cute suspended flower is a novelty and a conversation starter. Gift with purchase too.

(I already own one of these, so I'm getting this one as a gift).

Bobbi Brown Way to Glow Duo $48

Duh, more ways to glow. I'm a sucker for shine. Also a gift with purchase: makeup bag with deluxe samples worth $90!

Supergoop Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 $38 (for 3) 

Love Supergoop products. This mist scores well on the EWG Healthy Living App, and it's easy to apply-- with Vitamin C as a bonus. I am putting one in each kids' bag for camp. (I'll be sharing more on sunscreen in a future post)

Rodin olio lusso Lavender Skincare Duo $89

I have read about this oil time and time again, but have hesitated to purchase it because of the price. Now you get two deluxe products for the price of just the face oil.

Sale ends on Sunday, August 5th

Best Bronzers: The Faux Glow

It only seems fitting that my first beauty product post is about the bronzers that kick-started it all. As I shared in "My Very First Post", I got the idea to develop a blog after a certain barre class this past May when the instructor (thanks Eve!) commented that I looked like I had been to the Caribbean (I wish). I explained that I had been trying out a new illuminating bronzer, a current beauty obsession of mine. When I told the class about my faux glow, everyone seemed interested in details, and the idea of a blog was born. Yes, I am crazy about the latest glowing beauty trend. I feel like each day Sephora sends me an email about a new bronzer, or highlighter or illuminator, so I guess I am not alone. Here is my go-to: Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer $44. I have tried MANY self-tanners, and this one is by far the best I have found. This mousse is SO easy to apply. It is inexpensive, smells fresh, dries fast and is never leaves streaks. I recommend the light bronze color. Just be sure to wash your hands after applying! Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun $12. It's best to exfoliate in the shower before any self-tanning so I use this one: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash $21. It is smooth and lathers easily, unlike the overly abrasive scrubs. Enjoy Bahama mama!