August 26th, 2007
When I was a little girl I used to love going to the drugstore with my mom. I would check out new lip glosses, shampoos, moisturizers, etc. Over the years, I have tried so many products and as a result, have found certain products that I can’t live without. I’m big on something smelling good. Other people that I know can buy a moisturizer that works well but is unscented-NOT ME – I like scented. With that in mind, here is my list:
- Johnson’s Baby Oil – I love this. Nothing makes a tan, arms, and cleavage look better. Put extra on when going out at night wearing something skimpy. Great for the morning before getting dressed.
- Jergen’s Original Scent Cherry Almond Moisturizer. It works great and smells soooo good. Great for at night, after a shower, before p.j.’s.
- Noxzema – Smells so clean – makes dry skin so soft. I plan on using this in my next life when my skin is dry and acne free.
- Natural Pumpkin and Multi Fruit Complex Peel – The aroma of pumpkin is just delicious! This smell is so fall!
- Flex Shampoo – I love the smell more than any shampoo that I’ve ever tried. Again, I will use this in my next life where my hair is natural and not color treated (i.e., grey). Hopefully, in the same next life where I am acne free – wow, I’m going to look good in my next life.
- Love’s Baby Soft- mmmmmmm, love this. In the morning, I use my regular perfume. However, this product is great after an evening shower before bed. It’s also great to throw on before the gym or beach.
- Bonnie Bell roll on lip gloss in strawberry – again, it smells so good. Great alone or over lipstick.
- Sally Hanson hard as nails- It’s the best clear polish on the planet!!! Good when used alone or under/over polish.
- Ivory Soap- natural, smells good, simple and basic.
- Hint of Mint Lip Gloss – Anyone that knows me, knows that I love clean fresh smelling breath. What better than with this minty lip gloss?
What products do you still use and swear by? Share your best products with us. The most convincing list receives a $20 looselipsny gift certificate.
Until next time…
Robin
looselipsny
Posted in beauty, skin care | 2 Comments »
August 16th, 2007
Fall will be here faster than you think. I spoke to my friend Sherry (my looselipsny sidekick) the other day and she told me that some of her friends have been purchasing fall clothing. Sherry sounded anxious and asked me, “are you thinking about fall clothes yet?” and “how will I know what’s going to be in style?” I told her to relax and breathe. Since fall is a longer season than spring and summer and clothes and accessories are more expensive, you need to plan your purchases. Here are some pointers:
- Look in your closet and see what you already have. Do you know how many people don’t know what they own?
- Clean out stuff that you will never wear (give it to friends or charity or my personal favorite-take it to a high end (esp. really good items, such as designer bags) consignment shop. FYI – I made $200 last month on a Gucci belt and Prada bag that was sitting in my closet for nearly 8 years.
- Step 1 and 2 should take at least 3 days to do.
- O.k. step 4 – try on stuff and write down what clothes and accessories go together and what doesn’t. You may need to take some stuff to the tailors to fix. I had jeans in my closet (they were 3 years old) that I haven’t worn in awhile. This past season I took them to the tailor and made them into capris which I happen to “wear to death” this season.
- Look at fashion magazines or people watch. Very often you’ll see something that you own (e.g., black pants) and you’ll learn how to pair them with something that you normally wouldn’t. Write down items that you need. Spend $$$ on classic items that DON”T GO OUT OF STYLE!!! Like what you ask??? A great coat, a bag, boots, sweaters (cheap sweaters (i.e., acrylic) gives me the creeps). Buy cheaper t-shirts.
- DON”T spend “too much” $$$ on fad items. I say “too much” because if something looks too cheap don’t buy it!!!
- Maintain things that you already own. Go to the shoemaker regularly and get things altered if need be.
- My observation regarding fashion is that people who are detail oriented tend to be more stylish – so focus on the little things (i.e., does this necklace go with this type of neckline, are my shoes polished, does this look type of pant cut look better with heels or flats) it’s a building process.
What purchases are you planning for fall? – looselipsny would love to know. The first person who e-mails us will receive a new beautiful lip color for the fall.
Until next time…
Robin
Posted in clothing, shoes, shopping, style | No Comments »
July 25th, 2007
Let’s talk ballet flats. They’re everywhere and never really go out of style. Some are expensive and chic (e.g., Chanel, Tory Burch) others are cheap and cute (e.g., Steve Madden). Personally, I own 5 pairs and every time I wear them it’s the same thing. I put them on, look in the mirror and think to myself “they are cute and classic”. THEN I walk and of my house and as the day goes on I think to myself, “boy I feel short”, “I feel frumpy”, “if I were wearing a heel I would feel 5 lbs. lighter”, these are way too conservative looking”, “who invented these stupid shoes”. I recently watched a show on T.V., a train wreck type of show where it featured Victoria Beckham (queen of style) coming to live in Los Angeles. I like Victoria Beckham and this is one reason why I do. In one scene, when Victoria was asked about her habit of wearing very high heels (she was wearing a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes). She responded that she would never wear ballet flats or any type of flats. I think that, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WEAR BALLET FLATS AND FEEL FRUMPY!!! Anyway, on my shopping and bopping journey here are the latest finds:
Red Ray Bans – yes, the old fashioned kind that we wore in college and yes I said red.
Check out Sienna Miller.
“I’m Not a Plastic Bag” is now being sold at Whole Foods.
Swatch makes a very hot watch named Full Blooded. Thanks to my friend Nikki, I won’t take mine off my wrist.
Urban Decay has an amazing liquid liner called Pyrotechnics (white). It’s liquid silver glitter liner that is great for evening over black eyeliner.
Fiberwig is new mascara sold at Sephora. It’s a little pricey ($22) but worth it. It really makes your lashes look long, fake, and beautiful. I love it!!
Until next time…
Robin
Looselipsny
robin@looselipsny.com
Posted in shoes, shopping, sun glasses, watches | No Comments »
July 3rd, 2007
All of my life I’ve been a lousy sleeper. I’m talking since elementary school. I remember having trouble falling asleep and then getting up too early. Even as an adolescent, I could never sleep past 8:00 am (even if I stayed out until 4:00 am). The one thing that I have learned from all of this sleep deprivation is how much sleep makes a difference in one’s appearance. Nothing beats a good night sleep for glowing skin, the ability to have a great workout and appetite control. Yes!! I said appetite control. Sleep reduces the stress hormone called cortisol (which controls our appetite). Simply put, the less that we sleep the more hungry we feel. Lack of sleep also raises blood sugar and insulin levels which results in increased fat deposition around the abdomen (very attractive huh?). So anyway, aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night especially if you are trying to lose a few pounds.
Speaking of sleep deprivation, poor Paris Hilton. She had a rough time sleeping in prison. I actually felt bad for her. I’m thinking if it were me, since I have problems sleeping in my own bed, how would I sleep in prison? EEEK I better not commit any crimes. Seriously, I like Paris Hilton – there I said it. I always like the way that she promotes herself and I think that she’s funny. I also feel bad for her with that whole Attention-Deficit thing (which she is medicated for). O.K. I’m taking a survey PARIS HILTON YEA OR NAY???? AND WHY? The best explanation receives a $30 gift certificate to looselipsny.
While I’m on the topic of what we like and don’t like, I have to tell you one of my many pet peeves (and for those of you who know me, I have a bunch). Moles – plain and simple. I was at a party recently and I was introduced to this lovely woman who was very chatty and intelligent. So you ask, what did this woman have to say? The answer is – I don’t know. I was too busy staring and these moles on her face. All that I kept thinking to myself is, “why does she leave them there”? What is the purpose? She is busy redoing every little nook and cranny in her house so she is obviously detailed oriented. O.k. so with that she probably knows that the moles are there right? One of my friends stated that she has a mole on her face and she likes it. Yes I said, she likes it. She told me that she even puts makeup on it to darken it when she goes out at night. I threw up and then I told her to stop this insane behavior and go directly to the dermatologist to remove the mole. She told me that in “certain cultures” moles are “beautiful” and that I should look at Cindy Crawford. I told her that she lives on this planet and in this culture and that she does not look like Cindy Crawford!!! End of discussion!!! Until next time…
Robin
Looselipsny
robin@looselipsny.com
Posted in beauty, skin care, sleep | 2 Comments »
June 18th, 2007
Celebrity clothing lines are a funny thing – most of the time, not so fashionable. On one of my recent shoppin’ and boppin’ excursions, I came across a celebrity clothing line that was pretty terrific. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten line for Steve and Barry’s. The summer line came out on June 7th, I hit the store on June 9th and many of the smaller sizes were sold out (as a result, I took the clothing off (with help) from 4 mannequins. Normally I’m picky, picky, picky and tend to be a label snob. The older and more fashionably educated that I become, I realize that style is about mixing and matching. That is, mixing lower end with high end. For instance, today I’m wearing a navy blue short sleeve button down (Bitten under $20), Seven Jeans, Tory Burch wedges, and my favorite Fendi Tote. I purchased a tunic from Bitten ($7) that I plan to wear with a Splendid tank, Three Dot leggings, and Chanel ballet flats. Anyway, the Bitten line had great t- shirts, dresses, skirts, and shorts. I’d say that the quality is better than the Gap but a little worse than Banana Republic. I would definitely say to stay away from the Bitten jewelry, handbags and shoes. Why? They look cheap! Also, be careful when you mix and match, make sure that the clothing is of quality or it will cheapen the whole outfit.
Random thoughts
The hot, HOT color for summer is white, the new black dress is white and the hot nail polish color is white as well … when your starving and trying to lose weight splurge on sugar free ice pops (15 calories each) … try wearing all one color you’ll look 10 lbs. thinner … accentuate you best body part … don’t look other women up and down (they know that your doing it) … and pleeeeeease don’t slump, especially if you’re tall (do you know how many women wish they were tall?) … give lots of compliments but only if you mean it … always be the first to say hello.
Until next time…
Robin
Posted in Nail polish, clothing, shopping, stores, style | 1 Comment »
May 23rd, 2007
Nothing – I mean nothing, beats a good skin routine. Especially in the summer when skin tends to get oily and breakout. These breakouts happen on the face (mine is on the chin) and even on the back (ick). Anyway, our spring sales here at looselipsny has increased for skincare items. One question often asked is what is a good routine. Well, here goes:
- NEVER go to bed with makeup on (unless you want breakouts and big ass pores).
- Wash your face (am and pm). If you had makeup on make sure that you take it off….but don’t scrub. A good drug store item to try is Dove and Oil of Olay sensitive skin wipes (every time I say, “oil of olay” I feel like an old lady). They are gentle enough to get off the make up and they won’t irritate the skin.
- AM routine-wash face with a gentle cleanser (e.g., Purpose liquid soap, Neutrogena, Looselipsny cleanser). Then apply antioxidant serums. I love (I mean I really love and can’t live without) the SkinCeudicals line. You first apply the CE Ferulic serum to face chest and neck. This serum contains a combination of antioxidants. You then apply Hydrating B5 gel over this. This contains vitamin B5 and it binds moisture to the skin. Both the CE Ferulic and the Hydrating B5 gel work together. Do this every morning and follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen and you will notice a difference in your skin (I promise!!!) Also, apply eye cream. I tend to go for the fancier brands when it comes to eye cream, for instance, la prarie or Chanel. However, a cheaper and good alternative is Looselipsny. (I personally alternative days between looslipsny brand and the other two).
- PM. Routine – wash off makeup. Then 2x a week try a deep exfoliator (e.g., Looselipsny pumpkin scrub – leave on for 10 minutes and then apply the honey almond scrub and wash off together). Now that’s 2x a week but what about the other 5 days you ask??? Well, ladies over thirty, listen up…get your butts to a dermatologist and ask for a retinoid cream (e.g., Renova, Retin-A etc.) and put it on religiously at night when your face is clean – this is your best defense against aging!!!
- One last note about skin. My grandmother always told me (yea right)- watch your diet and have lots of sex.
Random thoughts
May is graduation time. My friend Vikki recently asked for a graduation gift suggestion, the book, “Wear Sunscreen” came to mind. Every year I plan on giving this as a gift (my nieces and nephews are of “graduation age”), but I never seem to. There is always next year … My friend Jenn, who knows food “like nobody’s business”, suggested the most delicious Popcorn. It’s called half-naked and it’s sold at Whole Foods. The secret is that it’s made with olive oil. As Jenn would say, “it’s yummy”… and it is! … Attention shoppers, the Kate Moss Topshop line is now at Barney’s in NY. The line previewed recently and there was a line of about 20 people waiting at the door. I need to take a trip into the city and check this out – stay tuned … Nikki (my fashion partner in crime) called me on “the hotline” from an Express store as she spotted a fabulous “can’t live without” beach bag. Anyway, the bag was on my doorstep the next day via Nikki and let me tell ya she was right. The bag is gold and it’s the perfect beach bag (no it doesn’t look cheap). They also carry silver and other metallic colors.
Well until next time…
Robin
Posted in cleanser, peel, skin care | 1 Comment »
May 5th, 2007
Are you like me, always looking for a new and challenging workout? Are you bored to tears and look at exercise as a bore? Or are you working out hard (doing the same old routine) and not seeing any results? Boy are you in for a treat – BEACH BODIES BOOTCAMP (A.K.A. BOOTCAMP ON THE BEACH). And if that’s not enough…just want to let you know the instructors are AMAZING!!!! Chris, Rachel, and Ariel will give you a kick ass workout (Pump in Roslyn, New York). They are all in great shape and will get you looking fabulous too. So get on your shorts, sunblock, and sneakers – Hope to see you there (not to freak you out but there’s only a couple more weeks till bathing suit weather). Oh, one more thing- the first class is FREE.
WHEN: Saturdays-May 5th-September 17th
WHERE: Hempstead Harbor Beach (next to Bar Beach)
BEGINS AT: 9:00 am and again at 10:00 am
CONTACT: 516-708-9055
I have a question for Looselipsny readers – tell me about what you do to stay in shape. What works for you? What doesn’t work for you? Looselipsny will give a free tube of lipstick (a great color from our new summer collection) for the best story or advice. Please submit to sherry@looselipsny.com by May 20th.
See you at the beach-
Robin
robin@looselipsny.com
Posted in Exercise, lipstick, work out | No Comments »
May 4th, 2007
Hi all. Went to a great restaurant this past weekend. It’s called Bistro M located in Glen Head NY. It was my second time there and I have to say, it was fabulous the first time that I tried it and just as fabulous the second time (except the service was a bit slower the second time around). The Caesar Salad was amazing and so was the halibut (yes I said halibut). I also sampled the ravioli and steak. The desserts were amazing as well. I highly recommend it. The only drawback was that the restaurant is tiny and very, very LOUD (poor acoustics). Otherwise it was a great night and I definitely would go back.
O.K. girls great find. A bunny rabbit necklace in gold ($128) Love it!! Wear it layered with other jewelry or wear it alone.
New store alert…located in Roslyn New York its called Sportiva. They have great workout clothes and tennis outfits too. Super friendly help (did I just say that… people in New York don’t say super friendly).
Beauty tip – My friend Nikki highly recommends a new shampoo called WEN (new spelled backwards). It’s sold on QVC and is developed by Chaz Dean a celebrity stylist. WEN is a single-step process that cleanses and conditions hair simultaneously (it’s all natural too). I can’t wait to try it; Nikki’s hair looks great.
One last note…did you catch Blake’s version of “Shot Through The Heart” Tuesday night on Idol? Loved it …until next time…
Robin
Posted in hair, jewelry, restaurants, shopping, stores | No Comments »
April 29th, 2007
Have you looked on the cover of Vogue’s May 2007 issue? It is showing the Gap’s limited edition collection for women. This collection features different styles based on the classic white shirt. The line was designed by the winners of the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The price of the line varies from $68 – $88 and the shirts are selling out quickly in many of the stores. I personally love the short sleeve pleated button down. I also liked the tank top with the bows (but beware as it could make even the thinnest person look pregnant).
Another local fashion find is Singer 22. I’ve been meaning to write about this store for some time. They are located in Great Neck, NY and in Roslyn, NY. I used to frequent the Great Neck store and when they opened up the Roslyn location I was hooked. The clothing is very LA – In fact, there are pictures around the store featuring celebrities wearing the clothes that they are selling. The sale people are sweet as can be, and I love their jewelry (CC Sky or Kenneth Jay Lane). Well I’m off to do more shopping research. Until next time…
Robin
Posted in shopping, stores | No Comments »
April 18th, 2007
Spring has sprung – MY FAVORITE SEASON!!!! April Fools…spring is really my least favorite season. Why you may ask? Because YOU may think of spring as warmer beautiful days, doing things outdoors and listening to the birds singing. Yeah yeah I used to think of spring like that too – until I realized that it’s really not like that – o.k. maybe 10 days of the whole season are like that – but to me spring means RAIN lots and lots of freakin’ and depressing rain. Hence, I don’t really like the spring!!!!!
Anyway, this week I decided that it was time to change around my closets and bring out my lighter weight clothing (yeah like freakin raincoats and umbrellas). This year I promised myself some cool and funky Wellington boots (is that an oxymoron)? Did you know that Chanel came out with rubber rain boots (black with a white heel – gorgeous!).
This past weekend I was in cooped up in my house (because of a freakin’ monsoon). I took out a cookbook that I recently ordered on Amazon called “The Sneaky Chef” by Missy Chase Lapine. This cookbook teaches you how to hide healthy foods in your kids’ favorite meals. As I’m writing this blog, my son is munching on brownies containing wheat germ, spinach and blueberries. Tonight I’m making macaroni and cheese with cauliflower and zucchini. I love this book.
O.k. so can we talk lipstick (sometimes I get random thoughts). Pink is “in” for spring and summer and red is going to be big for the fall. Personally, I’m a red girl – what am I loving now? Well, it’s a toss up between Pocket Pal Benetint+Gloss by Benefit, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss #851 by Christian Dior, and Betrayal Lipstick by Loose Lips New York.
I recently checked out a cool store called Shag located in the Village of Roslyn (New York). They have clothing, handbags, jewelry, belts, etc. I saw lots of skulls and rock and roll insignias on the clothing and accessories. I also recently came across a great jewelry website called christiemartin.net. They sell adorable silver and gold jewelry. Great for gifts!!
One last note – this weekend I’m going to Woodbury Magazine’s Disco Ball. It’s an event to raise money for Autism. It looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun and it’s for a great cause. If you are interested in attending you can email me and I’ll give you the info. Until next time…..
Robin
Posted in boots, lipstick, shopping | No Comments »
