"Misting"

So I’m literally a sucker for face sprays and this is the season where they are really needed. I’ve tried soooo many over the last year and the ones below are in my current rotation. I love "misting" myself as I like to say. They’re a quick way to not only keep your face hydrated, but they literally give a little pick-me-up during the day—they smell good, are energizing, and feel great. In the spring/summer months, I like to keep them really light and cooling. In the fall/winter, I like them to be super hydrating and soothing. Take a look at the ones I’m currently using and loving…

Caudalie Grape Water is great because it’s 100% all natural and is super light yet very hydrating. It’s perfect for sensitive skin as well and it can really cool you off in the summer and hydrated—I honestly use this all year round. The way it sprays out is very gentle too, which is nice. This brand also makes another face spray that’s even better for summer because it’s super cooling and sets makeup-I love their Beauty Elixir as well.

CocoKind Organic Rosewater Facial Toner is awesome because you can use it as a toner as well (spraying on a cotton ball then applying to face). I use this as a face spray throughout the day. It’s made of pure organic rose water and that’s it, which is wonderful. It’s smells really good and feels great. The best part is that I found it at Marshall’s for $7. This one is definitely a steal especially for the price.

The Mist by La Mer is obviously luxurious. It leaves a dewy glow to your skin and feels refreshing. However, don’t get it in your mouth when you spray because it doesn’t taste good.

Folie Apothecary Palo Santo & Peru Balsam All Purpose Mist is one of my absolute favorites. The label rubbed off because I’ve carried this around for months every single day in my tote bag or purse. The best part about this spray is that you can use it over everything from your face to your linens. It helps fade dark marks to improve and even my skin tone, which is what I always look for in skincare products and it smells awesome! I often spray it in my home and at  my desk at work. This one really provides moisture and a mood uplift.

Boscia White Charcoal Mattifying Makeup Setting Spray is great for keeping oiliness/shine under control. It can be used over or under makeup or just on bare skin. I really like using it for when I wear makeup because it keeps my face matte. I tried it without makeup too and it does keep the shine away, but I have to pat it in or it will leave white powdery specks. It feels good on my skin though and definitely helps with keeping the shine to a minimum. 

Chattin' with Cri Gabriele of Heart & Noble

I met Cri Gabriele of Heart & Noble last year at NYFW at her Croma presentation and she was by far one of the nicest and chicest designers I've ever met. She was so welcoming and totally passionate. Her designs speak for themselves—super futuristic/modern, but very wearable. All of her jewelry designs are statement pieces, so they definitely add that extra "oomph" to any outfit. I was especially drawn to her necklaces because when worn they feel more like a crown—they give off this majestic and bold feeling. If you have the pleasure of owning one of her designs then you know what I mean. It's something that just makes you feel so adorned. Back in September, I attended Cri's recent presentation for her Fanatic collection at Seaport Studios. I'm obviously late with posting this, but once again, she amazed me from her designs to the execution of the event—everything was just pristine. See a few pics from the event below followed by my interview with her...

Also, I had her answer a few fun questions, take a look:

For a quick translation (in case you can't see the small writing), read her answers below:

1.) cri gabriele

2.) the L.E.S.

3.) coffee +++

4.) all vedova (venice)

5.) perler beads

6.) "you're not supposed to give people what they want, your supposed to give them what they don't know they want yet." - diana vreeland

7.) sleep

8.) christopher walken, 100%

Bag Ladies

Last month, I had the pleasure to be a part of a really cool look book for Vavvoune, a super chic leather goods brand based in Brooklyn. The brand is focused on simplicity and sustainability. The products are made of full grain lambskin that's locally sourced—how cool is that?! Val Blaise (the designer) hit me up to see if I was down and of course I was like "totally!!" and the rest was history. It was shot by photographer Shen (sorry, don't know his last name, but his IG is @shendig27) and the lovely Sage White (@sage.white) did the makeup. I modeled with the gorgeous LaBrie (@tiedyetrappin). After the shoot, we hit up Peaches in Bedstuy for dinner + dranks. It was a great way to spend the last day of summer.

See what we cooked up...

Since I'm a tote bag type of person, this was my fave. It's like a super fancy tote.

Ready to put my life in it.

This purple was stunning... especially with grey.

Great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe.

These cuties were great to carry around too—right on trend with the bucket design. Love the croc detail on the leather.

I just LOVE this photo of LaBrie—the color combos are perfect and she looks gorgeous.

I really love the leather pattern on this one. So bold and chic.

For those of you who carry purses to a party/concert, this would be ideal—small, but not too small. 

This is a great overnight type of bag. Perfectly oversized.

To shop Vavvoune or learn more, visit Vavvoune.com

Also, follow Val Blaise on IG @Vavvoune + @vavvoune.handmade

Mad Max

It's funny that I happen to be writing a post about fur when literally up until this moment, I wasn't the biggest fan. I felt like fur was something I would only wear on a special occasion or that it was one of those things I could only rock when I'm feeling super feisty or something like that, but I was wrong. A fur coat is almost like a leather jacket (which I also didn't like until about 2 weeks ago)—you have to find the one that speaks to you. The one that looks great, fits great, feels great...etc. It's an investment piece—gets better as it ages, gains even more character over the years and can always be sold for more as long as kept in good condition. My friend Kristina and I tried on a few pieces we found at Maximilian in Bloomingdale's on 59th. See the winners below...

The first she tried on...

Chinchilla on top and lamb on the bottom. Necklaces made by Kristina...did I mention she's a designer?

I personally loved this one the most on her and in general. The leather stripe shearling coat. 

Kristina demonstrating the "rich" lady laugh. Jewelry designed by her.

This coat has its own character.

This was the only coat I tried on because it called my name. It felt so right.

It felt true to me. Its feathered fox fur blended with my hair. It was an amazing coat.

This was the time to introduce an alter ego. I'm foxy...literally. 

My awkward stare. Don't take it personal.

Selfie.

Muah. Just call her "Sheila". 

Also, sorry for the poor quality pics—I took these with my iphone. Next time, I'll use a real cam.

Creepin'

Two weeks ago, my coworker and I were discussing our love for Badgalriri's new collab with Puma and how we've been searching for the right pair of sneakers (since we're not sneakerheads or even into sneakers that much) and that how we thought these were the chosen ones. Originally, I planned to get the black ones and she wanted the white ones (unfortunately those won't be out til November). Luckily, it just so happened to be day 2 of the 3 day pop-up shop in the Bowery, which is right near our job, so we went before lunch time and I actually ended up getting the oatmeal (tan) and she got the black ones. That day was a good day. Apparently, we missed the craziness from the day before and there happened to be no lines or even customers in there when we went. I tried them on and the rest was history. Me x my creepers by RiRi = awesomeness. 

This was day 2 at the pop-up shop.

Grabbed lunch the next day wearing our kicks cause we were hype. Corny or nah? 

Either way, still dope. 

Plain janin' it in them. They work really well with monochromatic looks.

Clutch by Madd Fox, Sweater is vintage, pants by Zara

My Version of a Sweater Dress

I've seen a lot of "sweater dresses" in stores lately and in magazines and I'm not saying they aren't great, but I have a simpler version I like to wear and it's basically a men's sweater worn as a dress and paired with tights or knee high socks. It can be worn as an oversized top or as a dress, it can be inexpensive, and most importantly, it's straight to the point. 

Seriously, consider wearing your dude's sweater as a dress. 

It also makes me feel tougher. Not sure why, but it just does, hehe. 

Oh, the coat and the sweater are for sale on Bum-Cake.com or Etsy. 

The coat is a grape colored tweed and the sweater is a mix of violet and navy with a honeycomb print. 

Postin' up.

Sweater can be found here or etsy

Coat can be found here or etsy

Knee highs are Steve Madden

Boots & earrings are vintage

 Back in Bedstuy. 

 Tompkins Ave. 

xoxox

Photos by Bradley Valentin