Beauty Snapshot: Kelly

If you have checked out my favorite blogs, you know that I love the site Into the Gloss. It is a fun site with beauty profiles of some very chic women in the fashion industry. From designers, to PR girls, to editors at Vogue, they provide us with what they have found works best for them. I love reading it, but sometimes it does feel slightly far reaching for a girl like me. No fashion house connections, no access to the BFF hair stylist, and no flights to Paris to hit up the pharmacy. I thought I would bring the same concept to Imperfect Polish, but make it more accessible to all of us ladies looking for what's great. So every so often I will be profiling chic ladies I know who will share some of their favorite ways to look great from all over the country. 

I am starting with my friend, Kelly, who is a mom of two adorable little girls and lives in the Chicago suburbs. She loves design and fashion as much as I do, so we love pouring over great blogs and ideas. Kelly shares with us some of her favorites in our first profile. Check out her adorable girls, Eloise and Millie Bea. Thanks Kel! 

"I keep it pretty simple. Things I really care about are things I put on my face and fragrances. I am definitely no product junkie but I do love a good cream. I was a long time La Mer  devotee but after a recent trip to Versa Medi Spa, the esthetician told me my skin did not require the kind of moisture it was providing, (not to mention it’s pretty spendy at $130/ounce), so I recently switched to Dr. Hauschka after reading a couple of celebrities I have skin envy of use it. I love the cleansing cream, face toner, and rose day cream. It’s all natural, holistic, and smells yummy and in the 2 months I’ve been using it, I’ve been happy with it’s performance. 

After a shower I slather on Kiehls Creme de Corps. It really doesn’t smell like anything and it makes my skin feel softer and more hydrated than any other cream I’ve tried. At night I use Egyptian Magic under my eyes, on my elbows, and feet. This cream, although it really shouldn’t be called a cream because the consistency is more like vaseline (which I also love), is truly magic. This super powered formula gets rid of eczema, under eye circles, dry cracked skin, basically anything you can think of. I’ve read others have used it as a hair mask, designers use it on their models for the runway, or slather it all over your face after a long flight. Amazing and you can buy it at Whole Foods. 

After having kids, my hair is now wavy so most days I spray Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray  and that’s it. Some days I’ll diffuse it about a quarter of the way and let air dry but the hair dryer rarely makes an appearance. I have fantasies of my hair looking like Gisele’s, my hair muse, but I’m thinking it requires way more work than I’m willing to put in. For shampoo I’ve been switching between Bumble and Bumble and Pureology for a while.  If I remember I will put Moroccan Oil on after a shower. I’m not sure how much I believe in this hair oil moment going on right now but I guess I’ll try whatever Rachel Zoe tells me to. I’ve only been coloring my hair for about 5 years and the only person I’ve let touch it is Laura Shepherd at Swerve Salon in Chicago. 

My makeup story is much like the rest - pretty simple. I like Benefit’s That Gal brightening primer and I also like Fresh’s Illuminating cream. I’ll switch off between the two. Certain days I’ll also use Erase Paste under my eyes. I swear by Cover Girl’s Lash Blast mascara. I’ve tried a lot and this one is really great. Mascara is really the only thing I put on every day which is weird because it’s the most time consuming part of my morning. It literally takes 5 minutes to put it on and although that doesn’t seem like that much time, I do not usually have the patience for things like that. However, it truly is one thing I really think makes a difference in how I look. I also like Anastasia’s clear brow gel,  Nars Turkish Delight lip gloss, and Make Up Forever’s waterproof eye liner. I am very sensitive to smells and perfumes. Day to day I love Body Time’s China Rain. It’s fresh, clean, floral, and a little musky and perfect for me. Special occasions I’ll wear Quelques Fleurs.  I have loved this perfume for a long time and it takes over 15,000 flowers to create just one ounce. Which is amazing. It’s been around for hundreds of years and one I’ll always go back to. 

Other services I love are the oxygen facial and bikini wax at Bliss and getting my eyebrows done at Versa. I can’t remember the last time I had my nails done - probably when I got married. I prefer them natural and can’t really sit long enough to get through it and it also requires WAY to much maintenance for me. I don’t think I’ve ever not ruined a manicure within the first hour. Ah well. 

For the girls we use Mustela or Noodle and Boo. Mustela has a great clean smell that is not too babyish and Noodle and Boo is the exact opposite - the epitome of what you think a baby smells like. They are both delicious and we switch off regularly. The best diaper cream is Kiehls. 

Going into this I thought it was funny Erin asked me because I didn’t think I would have anything to talk about but I guess I really do use quite a bit of product. I never thought of myself as a girly girl and compared to a lot of women who have crates of makeup (mine can all fit in one little travel pouch), I feel less superior in the world of beauty. Although I guess it doesn’t so much matter how much you do or don’t have but the quality of what you do."

Let me know what you think of our first profile. I would love to hear your feedback and what information you are looking for most. I will be adding a fashion aspect to this as well, like favorite jeans and accessories. 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish: Celebrate and Spread the Love

I wish that all of you have a fab holiday weekend filled with friends, family, and lots of fun. It is always fun to celebrate the freedom we have everyday thanks to some heroic and inspirational people.

My other wish is that everyone would send a thank you card to a current solider or veteran. As a daughter of a vet, I know that thankful words from others means a lot.

Operation Gratitude makes it easy for you.

Simply write a thank you letter or card to a current soldier and send to: Operation Gratitude, 17330 Victory Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91406.

Or you can write to a Veteran and send to: Thank a Veteran, c/o Penny Alfonso, 1970 Rangeview Dr., Glendale, CA 91201.

You can send multiple letters in one envelope and they will be screened and sent out for you. You might even hear back from someone!

Can you imagine the smile you can put on some one's face? Are you writing yet?

xo
Erin

Drugstore Favorites

There are so many great products at the drug store. Ones that do the same for so much less money than you could be spending at any beauty counter. And although I tend to hunt Sephora for most of my cosmetic needs, it is really the drugstore buys that pack the most punch every day. Here are some of my go-to purchases. 

Anyone that has ever lived with me knows I swear by Johnson's baby oil. I use it in the shower right after I turn the water off and towel off a bit. It saves my skin and I love the light scent.

All of the sunscreens work great. I use Eucerin in the winter when I am mostly covered up and want just a bit of protection. The Banana Boat lasts forever, provides full protection, stays put through a round of golf or swimming, and who can resist that coconut smell? The 100+ SPF from Neutrogena for face is great poolside or if you are going to be in the sun at all.

The St. Ives scrub is old school, but I still love it. No other exfoliator gives you the feeling that it does. Although, it is pretty rough, so avoid with sensitive skin.

Oh Nair. First introduced to me by my college bestie, we would bond by erasing the fuzz on our upper lip. Ok, mustaches. Changed my life, as I cannot wax.

CeraVe is highly recommended by my dermatologist and she even sells it at her office. It is ultra rich and contains lipids that naturally helps keep moisture in your skin. I use that and the Caldrea Hand Balm, from Target, at night, which comes in great subtle scents. The Olay body wash is the most moisturizing one I have found.

If your eyes are ever red from travel, allergies, or a late night, Rohto drops will erase it all. I use it even if they are not red because it gets the whites of your eyes super clear.

The Crest 3D stripes are awesome. I did an expensive whitening once and these work just as well, if not better.

Remember seeing the ads with Jessica Biel and her ridiculously pouty lips with perfect color? Well the Just Bitten line of lip stains is how she got them. I have them in a bunch of colors and love that one end is stain and the other is balm. Saves room in your purse.

Lastly, but might be the best life saver of them all, are the gel pads from Dr. Scholl's. They can be used forever and in multiple pairs of heels. It can make even your most painful pair last past midnight.

What are some of your faves at the drugstore?

xo
Erin

Cannes Crush: Clemence Poesy

There has been so much fashion amazing-ness at Cannes that it is hard to pick favorites. Kirstin, Rachel B, Penelope, and Gwen are killing it.

And in addition to those lovely ladies, there has just been some beautiful dresses and casual photo call outfits that need to be used for inspiration. But until I get through all 500 images and start shopping, I thought I would share my current crush, Clemence Poesy.

You might recognize this French coquette from a brief stint as Chuck Bass's pouty lady friend on Gossip Girl. She has since been on the event scene and bringing that perfectly not put-together look  to the red carpet.

Her hair always looks effortless, just like every other chic French woman you see, not pain stakingly manipulated like some other actresses and ladies we know.

She chooses classic silhouettes in black, white and gray, and accessories so smartly and minimally. Are you loving those bright shoes under the soft, gown?

I also cannot understand how she pulls off the black shift, which is so shapeless, but I honestly think it has to do with her pulled back hair and simple ballet-inspired shoes.

So lessons to take away from Clemence are to not try to hard, keep accessories minimal to let your dress stand out, and let those tresses blow in the breeze.

Are you crushing on her yet?

xo
Erin

Backyard Prep

Here in the Midwest, we wait a very long time for the temperatures to climb and the ability to go outside without a parka on. If we are lucky, we get about three months of weather where we can actually venture outside and get some vitamin D. 

While other regions of the world take advantage of the weather by biking or paddling down a river, we prefer to eat. The perfect BBQ is relaxed, has plenty of cold beverages, and ridiculous amounts of delicious food. 

With Memorial Day this weekend, and a few months of warm weather, it was time to do some browsing to make the backyard entertaining ready. Since the time frame for outdoor use is so short, I bargained shopped at some of my faves: Target, Ikea, and CB2. 

1. Camp lantern from CB2 $15

2. Galvanized planters from CB2 $7-$30

3. Dinner plates from Ikea .99 

4. Set of 4 Tumblers from Target $20

5. Wood folding chair from Ikea $15

6. Outdoor gazebo with curtains from Ikea $129

7. Smith & Hawken planter from Target $70

8. Pewter pitcher from Target $49

9. Wood serving cart from Ikea $90

10. Set of 6 fuchsia glasses from Target $34

11. Set of 4 stemless wine glasses from Target $11

12. Formosa burnt orange tray table from CB2 $50

13. Clear serving tray from CB2 $35

I am obsessed with the Camp Lantern. You can use it on a table or string some up in a tree. I also like finding cheap, but durable serving pieces. No need to buy paper or plastic when your guests can drink out of a glass and eat off a real plate. If one breaks, you will not care at just 99 cents a pop. 

Here's to a fun filled summer! 

PS: if you need any recipe ideas for your next BBQ, check out my cooking blog under the labels 'grilling' and 'sides' on the left hand side. More to come this week! 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish: Pretty Young Thing

My weekend wish is to do a little summer shopping and pick up a dress that screams pretty. Something breezy and beautiful that is just as easy to throw on with sandals to run errands as it is to wear with wedges for an alfresco evening. These would be great paired with a denim jacket and some delicate bracelets. It kind of feels like an outfit you would wear everyday in Paris in the summer. Now I want to change my wish...

1. Yellow print with pleated skirt from Topshop $66

2. Blue floral voile dress by Theyskens' Theory at Net-A-Porter $425

3. Silk halter dress by Elizabeth & James at Bluefly $276

4. Red printed jumper by Zara $59

5. Cap sleeve dress by Winter Kate at Shopbop $255

6. 3/4 length sleeved belted dress by Collective Concepts at Nordstrom $78

7. Pin tucked bust and tiered dress by Intermix $348

8. Sleeved dress with asymmetrical hem by Matty M at Urban Outfitters $129

xo

Erin 

Style Inspiration: Zoe Saldana

Even a couple of weeks after the Met Ball in NYC, I could not stop thinking about the gold collar necklace on Zoe Saldana. Not only was it an interesting color combination with her dress, but it was something you could wear with so many pieces already in your closet. 

In the summers there is something so easy, but pulled together about a white tee or tank with denim and statement accessories. These gold collar necklaces would be perfect to throw on to dress something up or as a way to elevate a look you have from last summer that needs an update.  

1. mixed metals by Giles & Brother at Intermix $250

2. double row mini-pave links by J. Crew $150

3. drip necklace by Erica Klein at Shopbop $210

4. braided collar by Erickson Beamon at Barney's $725

5. feather necklace by House of Harlow at Shopbop $188

What I like about each of the above is that they have a classic look that can be worn for years. Something you are always looking for in accessories, especially if you are splurging on the purchase. 

We should also do as Zoe does and look to different jewelry combinations with what we already have. Try on something unexpected with your favorite dress or shirt, I bet it will look chic. 

xo

Erin 

Blissed Out On Oxygen

I apologize for my delay in posts, but my hosting site was down and in combination with a fun filled weekend in Philly (post to come soon) it was just not happening.

But there is something great to share today that was the perfect refresher after my trip.

If you have ever had the pleasure of getting Bliss Spa's Triple Oxygen Facial, you know that there really is no other like it. Your skin feels like it has been plugged in and recharged with a dose of some serious anti-aging and whatever-makes-your-skin-glow-like-that ingredients.

Now we all can't afford to be like Jennifer and Reese and hit up the spa on a weekly basis (lucky girls), let alone more than the occasional treat. What we can do is find a close replacement we can administer in the comfort of our own, luxurious in it's own way, bathrooms. Bliss is actually giving us something that comes close to the real thing and I am obsessed with it. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask.

You simply apply to clean, damp skin and watch as the thick foam goes to work. It rids skin of toxins, cleans pores, and injects a ton of healthful oxygen into your face. After 5 minutes you wash it off and apply your normal toner and moisturizer. The bottle is huge and will last for many applications.

Your skin will feel smooth, refreshed and energized as promised. This is such a great way to get a quick trip to the spa in for less time, less money and great results.

PS: Bliss also makes a Triple Oxygen Eye Mask that is fantastic. I used it on my wedding day after a long and fun rehearsal dinner night. Keep it cold in the fridge, pop on in the morning and watch those dark circles disappear.

Ellie Goulding: Style Crush

When it comes to music, I am no expert. Never the one on the cutting edge of the industry, I usually fall for new artists as they get slaughtered on the radio every half hour. My iTunes library and Pandora are made up of songs and bands that bring back memories of high school ragers and summers in Chicago. 

And when I do find that great song, I usually do as the radio does. Play it until it dies. That is what I am currently doing with the song 'Lights' by Ellie Goulding. 

This cute girl just played for the royal wedding and I am worshiping her in so many ways. I taped SNL last week for Tina Fey, but what really had my attention was Ellie. The music was fantastic and her two looks were what I am calling 'pulled together rock & roll.'

Her amazing voice was accompanied by her well tailored sheaths and platform heels. Leopard print made an appearance as did a bright lip and eye liner. 

So now I am listening to her on repeat and browsing around for ways for us to get her look. 

Leopard Print Camilla & Marc Dress at Net-A-Porter $460
Black Suede Steve Madden Pumps at Piperlime $100
Leather Rag & Bone Dress at Barney's $995
Pink Suede Sam Edelman Pumps at Piperlime $200
Leather Trimmed Bensoni Dress at Barney's $625
Dior Platform Bootie at Nordstrom $990
White Diane von Furstenberg Dress at Nordstrom $385
Orange Patent Brian Atwood Pumps at Nordstrom $580
Beaded Corset Matthew Williamson Dress at Intermix $1558
Pale Pink Charles by Charles David Pump at Nordstrom $99
Leather Mason by Michelle Mason Dress at Barney's $485
Nude Studded Christian Louboutin Pumps at Barney's $995

This combo of a lady-like dress with an edge and some shoes to vamp it up is a great look for any fun event you might have coming up this summer. There is nothing like seeing someone with style, edge, and class. 

I am still struggling to see if I can pull off leopard, as it has not always been my taste. But this Camilla & Marc dress is so well cut and the back is divine. We shall see....

Thanks for the inspiration, Ellie. 

xo

Erin 

Feelin' It: Parker Palm Springs

After my post yesterday on the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, CA, I was really loving all the retro design and cheeky accessories. I thought I would shop around for some easy ways to incorporate the feel of the hotel into any room. 

1. Young Stevie Nicks Ink Drawing from Inksplot on Etsy $25

2. Glass Link Chandelier from West Elm $299

3. Slim Cocktail Table from Room & Board $379

4. Mid-Century Rocker from Urban Outfitters $289

5. Yes Letters from CB2 $119

6. Roundabout Rug from CB2 $299

7. Pierre Mirror From Z Gallerie $299

8. Owl Umbrella Stand from Z Gallerie $99

9. Leather Butterfly Chair from Urban Outfitters $199

They could all be incorporated in so many ways into a room. I love the geometric mirror and the bright cocktail table. The ink print is just a great, cheap, etsy find you can easily frame and add into a gallery-style wall.

This era is so fun to play around with. I could never do an entire room full of it, but just a few hints would be perfect.

xo
Erin

Destination: Parker Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs, CA, has become one of my favorite winter time destinations. Dry desert air, fun retro surroundings, and warm weather make Palm Springs a fantastic place to get away. I think the nostalgia is what sets it apart from other desert oasis's. I think of Elizabeth Taylor lounging near the pool, Mad Men driving with their tops down, and Bobe Hope hitting the links. 

My favorite place to stay is the Jonathan Adler designed, Parker Meridien Palm Springs. 

Obviously, the hotel has some seriously amazing design. Mr. Adler really put his cheeky-modern touch in the entire place. The room I stayed in had these fantastic black and white 1960s photos of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Nicks, that I still dream of owning. 

The reason that I love staying here is that it feels really intimate. It is not a big place and you can really enjoy every inch of it. I wish I could have found some more photos of the spa, because it is adorably nautical and preppy. 

The entire resort used to be Gene Autry's estate, so it has a ton of history. You instantly feel like you are the Hollywood siren getting away from it all when you are here. The martinis are cold and the food is delicious. 

If you don't mind the heat, you can get a great deal in the summer. But, the best time to go is in the fall, spring, and late winter. If you feel like venturing out, it is located close to town with plenty of bars and restaurants. Hiking and golf are blocks away. 

This place has given me a lot of inspiration. Look for a follow up post tomorrow. 

xo

Erin 

Mom Pride

My weekend wish is for all the Mom's to have a relaxing and pampered weekend.

Whether a new Mom,  those of you with an empty nest, or somewhere in between, I hope that you are spoiled rotten with love and kisses this weekend. You deserve it.

My own Mom is a long way away, and feels even farther on weekends like this. So I went through some photos of us over the years to help me remember what an amazing woman she is.

And what I have learned... is she really loves a hat. Are you dying over the beret? Because I don't know anyone else that could look that sassy in it.

Mom, your style, grace, and creativity is the reason I do what I do. I can only hope to be a sliver of who you are.

PS: Can we dig that pink Laura Ashley out of storage because it is amazing.

xo
Erin

Cutting In

One of my favorite trends from the Met Ball on Monday night were strategically placed cutouts. These three lovely ladies wore the trend to perfection by making it discreet and keeping the rest of look PG, or at least PG-13. 

When wearing anything with some sort of cutout, I think it best to not go overboard with the showing of skin. Just a peek can be so chic and flirty. Here are some ways to wear this trend in your life. 

1. Rachel Pally Long Cutout Dress at ShopBop $238

2. Enamel Cuff Bracelet with Cutout from BCBG Maxazria $58

3. Dolce Vita Marina Ric Rac Dress at Revolve Clothing $176

4. Sam Edelman 'Kendall' Wedge Sandal at Nordstrom $160

5. Rebecca Minkoff Jemme Top at Saks $175

6. Wren 'Julia' Open Back Dress at Nordstom $298

7. Tom Ford Emmeline Metal Sunglasses at Scoop NYC $380

8. Sea Blue Cut Out Sleeveless Top from Top Shop  $60

9. Halston Heritage Stella zip-detailed suede sandals at Net-a-Porter $225

10. Boulee Tiffany Cutout Cami Dress at Saks $218

11. Fendi Snakeskin Cutout Platform Bootie at Neiman Marcus $835

12. Diane von Furstenberg Nema One-Piece Swimsuit at Barneys $225

13. Cutout Waist Belt from BCBG Maxazria $26

I am obsessed with the Dolce Vita dress, it has such an interesting cutout and the print is great. The cobalt blue Halston Heritage sandals could be such a great statement shoe and come in one of the most chic colors of the season. 

I am drooling over the Fendi booties. How amazing for summer dresses and cropped jeans? 

xo

Erin 

Met Ball 2011: Best & Worst Dressed

As if the Royal wedding did not give us enough content to pour over and criticize, the Met Ball was held last night in NYC. This event brings out the best in haute couture and I love to see which ladies take some risks. 

Let's start with the worst dressed, and I have to say they all came in pairs...

Photos: People.com

Sorry, Marchesa, it is time to put down the glue gun. These first two couples look like vintage wedding prints from 1988. And Juliana's Burberry just looks sad.  This dress looks too old and too cheap for such a pretty girl. Let's also pause to point out that Seacrest is perched above her on the step, coincidence? 

Man, I am kind of mean today...

Let's get to the best. I had a hard time narrowing it down as there were so many great looks. Overall, the styling of these were my favorite. 

Photos: People.com

The qualities I like in a lot of these looks is the restraint in the accessories. The dresses are speaking the loudest, not the jewels, shoes, or bags. There is also a great mix of modern style with a touch of throwback from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. 

You are probably wondering why Iman is on here, I mean who else could wear that gold jumpsuit on the planet and look chic? I think it is fantastic. Ashley Olsen also took a risk with those sleeves, and I have to say between the fit of the dress and the absence of jewelry, she can pull it off. 

Kate looks like a glam earth goddess, perfect for her bump. 

Hailee is perfection and she is only a teenager. Her stylist needs to call up Juliana and help that girl out. 

Naomi looks so glamorous and yet, so comfortable. As does Liv (the only one to pull off white) and Gwyneth (who just looks rockin). Love that. 

I heart Zoe's collar necklace, love it with the yellow dress.

Dianna has on a classic look, but the gold cuff and sleek hair are perfect with the dress. Love the red.

The beading and slit of Diana K's dress with the vintage waves and red lip are gorgeous. She just looks like a movie star, as she should.

And what can I say about Gisele other than she knows how to wear couture and still look like she just threw it on after a day at the beach. So dramatic, yet so simple. Her date is not bad looking either.

What do you think?

xo
Erin

Just A Little Catty

photo: thebeautydepartment.com

I don't know about you, but I miss my weekly dose of SoCal drama. From prom weekend in Laguna, to internships at Teen Vogue, and drama filled nights at the club, I miss it all.

Laguna Beach, The Hills, and The City are all just former memories on my TiVo.

Lauren Conrad had a lot to do with me tuning in each week for too many years to admit. She seemed cool, as real as you could be on a TV show, and had a classic California style that continues to be emulated across the country.

LC now has launched a new beauty site called The Beauty Department along with her long time make-up artist and hair stylist. So far, it has had some great content and is now on my daily read list.

I love seeing beauty tutorials online and have used YouTube to scour for them before. The Beauty Department does a great job with these and best thing is you get to do your hair and make up with LC.

Check out the video on how to conquer LC's signature cat eye, which I love. Or even this pretty, Old Holywood inspired hair.

There is great inspiration, tips, and trends that you can find on the site. Plus, you get to spend a little bit more time with your favorite drama queen.

xo
Erin

Just Pretty

Sometimes a girl just wants to dress like a girl. Especially when there are so many pretty things to choose from this Spring. I love to mix and match pieces that are girlie with pieces with an edge, and these soft pink and beige pieces are all girl. The belt and the bag would be a nice contrast with these. Although, I really wanted to include the bag no matter what because I think it is fantastic. The trench is also a genius new take on the trench with a light price tag. Love. 

1. Alice + Olivia Casey WRap Mini Dress at Scoop NYC

2. Alice + Olivia Sequin Sweetheart Mini Dress at Scoop NYC

3. Double Breasted Trench Coat at Zara

4. Accordion Pleat Skirt from Zara

5. Motif 56 Annabelle Wrap Belt at Shopbop

6. Scoop Button Placket Blouse at Scoop NYC

7. Lanvin Single-Strap Wedge at Barney's

8. Rebecca Minkoff Embrace Satchel at Shopbop

xo

Erin