Birchbox

It seems that the product subscription business is everywhere. From flowers, to baby gear, to celebrity favorites, for a price you can receive a box of goodies every month in any form you would like. Since my product obsession borders on crazy, Birchbox seemed to be my next try in the "of-the-month" club. Plus, in October they partnered with Goop and we all know how I feel about Gwyneth. 

Birchbox is $10 a month, you can choose to try it out for just a month or commit to longer. It gives the opportunity to try a product and then visit their site to purchase, usually at a discounted price. If you travel, the sizes that everything comes in is perfect. 

The October Goop box included a mini bottle of Malin + Goetz peppermint shampoo, that smells so yummy. A little Jouer lip enhancer that is super moisturizing and has a glossy finish. Two samples of Supergoop SPF 30 serum which I have been wanting to try. A Luna fiber bar was an interesting addition. And lastly a full size bottle of Essie in Master Plan.  

It is a great Fall color. 

So now you know what to expect if you sign up for Birchbox. I am still up in the air on how long I want this delivered to my door. It could help my obsession or just make it worse! 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Ashley

As one of the founding partners of NEAT Method, Ashley Murphy has seen a lot of closets, a ton of products, and figured out ways to keep things simple and well... neat! I am still amazed at what she was able to do in my home. This chic Chicago mama-to-be shares with us her personal style and her favorite things. 

I am originally from Ohio, but have been a Chicago girl for quite some time now.  I actually left for a brief couple of years to live in San Francisco, but always knew I would be getting back to my Midwestern roots sooner or later.

Ashley & Molly

While in San Francisco I was lucky enough to meet Molly Graves, my now business partner and lifelong friend!  We successfully launched a professional organizing company, NEAT Method and are thrilled to be officially in the Windy City! We figured since San Francisco wasn’t enough, why not take on another city…possibly even two (Minneapolis is in the works…sshhh!!)

And…on top of getting settled back in Chicago and running NEAT, I should also probably mention I am expecting my first baby this October. Ahhhh!!! Luckily, Type A people do best with a full plate!

So given my current belly situation, I am fashionably inspired by anyone who can make                pregnancy look chic.  Unfortunately, the timing of my pregnancy has aligned with celebs such as Snooki. Sooo I’m trying my best to come up with outfits that don’t make me look like I’m giving birth to a full size human. I’ve always kept my style simple and might have a slight obsession with basics. I tend to purge things that I no longer wear, so therefore I hate buying things that are too trendy to last for more than a season. I guess it’s proof that I actually practice what I preach to our NEAT Method clients.

I can always find something to impulse buy at Roslyn and Krista K in Chicago. I never online shop, because why deal with the hassle of returns? I actually only own one pair of maternity clothes: a pair of J Brand 3411 Maternity Skinny Leg Jeans. I am just having the hardest time getting into the whole maternity clothes thing. However, I might be getting to the point that a size bigger isn’t going to work for my ever-expanding belly!

Like my wardrobe, I am also fairly simple in the makeup department. If you were to see what I sported in college, you would be thanking me for getting over the makeup obsession and going with a more “natural” look. I tend to typically throw on a little eye shadow and mascara, finished with some powder and blush and call it a day. For a night on the town, I will spice it up with some eyeliner and fun gloss.

My favorites are: Laura Mercier Buttercream eye shadow, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara, custom mineral powder by Nicole Jacob (a Chicago makeup artist that you must try if you live here), and a blush by her as well. Oh and my favorite gloss is Channel #84. That’s pretty much it though!

Turns out my skincare routine isn’t quite as simple as my wardrobe.  This might be where some of my OCD tendencies shine through. It basically stems from the fact that when I moved to SF, my skin completely changed and I officially had adult acne (did I mention that I’m a bit of a drama queen??). I immediately went into panic mode thinking I would never make any new friends looking this way, which is when I discovered the most amazing medical Aesthetician in the world, Kim from Skin Salvation. I followed her advice and my skin cleared up immediately.  With a few modifications, here is what she taught me and I literally do it every morning and every night. And yes, my friends and family make fun of me…but hey, at least I have friends now!

p Use a clean washcloth to wash your face every morning and every night. No really…a new one every time.

p Rub an ice cube all over your face after every wash. Yep…I really do this too.  And in fact, I think it feels amazing.

p In the a.m. – apply eye cream and SPF

p In the p.m. – apply eye cream and a moisturizer

My favorites are: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanse, Elta MD spf 45, A Natural Difference Phyto-Pumpkin Moisturizer, SkinCeuticals Eye Balm.

As for my fitness regime? Oh gosh…do we have to talk about fitness these days!? Does standing all day on the job for NEAT count as exercise? I never thought I would be the pregnant girl that couldn’t keep up with her regular fitness routine, but as it turns out…I just can’t. Without a baby on board, I typically am a runner and Pilates girl. For now however, let’s just call exercise on a good day: working, followed by some walking and light stretching.

And…my other interesting life choices…I swear by the Whole Foods on North Ave in Chicago.  It is the size of a small city, and I can get anything I could ever want all while enjoying a glass of wine!  Well, except in my current state…do you think a girl can grocery shop, carry a crying child, and hold a glass of wine all at the same time?  Lets hope so cause I’m only a few months away from doing so!

I’m mostly a vegetarian, but also not afraid to take a bite out of a burger from time to time. I don’t drink milk, only almond milk. I’m a little weird about taking vitamins and will only do so with a glass of juice. I also hate taking medicine, and avoid it at all costs.

If you are still reading this…I should consider you a friend! So, thank you!

Feel free to check out NEAT’s blog to learn more OCD habits! 

Retinol Remedy

I have been using a form of Retinol for the last three years. Before I was pregnant, I was on a prescription Retinol for acne, Ziana. I loved it and got the benefit of not only clear skin but fading fine lines. 


For those that have never used Retinol, it is a form of Vitamin A that is prescribed to many for the treatment of acne. It also is used to fade age spots, acne scars and as an anti-wrinkle remedy. Obviously, it works in many ways. Retinol is very powerful and can only be used in certain doses with a script from your dermatologist. Many other friends of mine that have tried it have not liked it because it can be very drying and irritate skin easily. If you tough out this period, your skin tends to adapt after a few weeks. 


When I got pregnant and during breastfeeding, I was not allowed to use a retinol and I mourn it every day. My skin is still recovering from the hormones and my appointment is booked to get my prescription back asap. 


Because of I cannot resist any product and it's promises to "fix" everything and anything about my skin, I tried a ton of Retinols over the counter (ok when breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first). My favorite of them is Philosophy Help Me. It has a price tag that is middle of the road, does not irritate as much as others I tried, and works well with other products. I did have to amp up my moisturizer the first two weeks, but eventually my skin came around. 


I am curious if any of you have tried Retinol and what works best for you? Retinol is honestly an aging acne-prone girl's best friend. Don't know about you, but that category includes me and many girls I know. 


xo
Erin 

Get Glowing

People keep talking about something called "Fifty Shades of Grey," and I can only assume they have had a peek at my beyond pale skin.


I wish I had pretty pale skin, like the porcelain faces of Nicole Kidman or Cate Blanchett, but bottom line is this girl looks better with a glow. 


With the lines on my face starting to form from years in the sun, I have to look for other measures. I have been using these wipes from Dr. Dennis Gross for awhile and he recently made them even better by adding Anti-Aging ingredients and Vitamin D. 


Alpha Beta Glow Pads are my favorite way to get some (artificial) sun and look a lot less like I spent the winter in a cave. The best part is they travel very well, so it is the perfect way to swipe some glow on your face that you have been hiding under a hat. 


xo
Erin 

Style Snapshot: Stephanie Cross

I met Stephanie in what seems like a lifetime ago when she was a freshman pledging Alpha Phi and I was a Junior at the University of Arizona. And though college is far behind us, the blogging world keeps us connected. She is a first-time mom, who writes an uplifting blog about the many hats of motherhood, Life as I know It. Stephanie is also a Marketing Manager for luxury hotels and resorts like St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection.  I love seeing the adorable pictures of her daughter and seeing how a fun, working mom juggles it all. 

She shares with us some of her favorite things and what she cannot live without. 

When I worked for Michael Kors I was immersed in style. This company taught me all about what was new and next in fashion. I adored living in this world. But, times have changed for me.

Today, I am a mom. I live in the suburbs with my husband and beautiful two-year old daughter; at the intersection where function and fashion meet. And even though I can fit all of my beauty essentials into one box, it doesn’t mean I have lost my edge completely.

I try to purchase timeless pieces. Pieces that aren’t ‘on trend’ but rather pieces that are trendless. Gold, black, silver, deep green – these are hues that do not go out the style window. As a mom, I don’t have time to hit the stores running for the latest and greatest; I need elegant classics that will take me from one stage in life to the other.

Timeless fashion items that I love:

Watch – Spend the money on a silver or gold watch that will dress up any outfit. 

Black dress (or top) – Black staple items will never (ever) let you down.

Gold accessories – Gold reminds me of riches and elegance. Paired with black, gold elevates your outfit to a more sophisticated look. 

Heels – Purchase a pair of heels and promise yourself you will take good care of them.

Under garments – Invest in a good bra. It will make every outfit fit and feel better. Once per quarter I try to visit the “Bra Specialists” at Nordstrom for a fitting.

Additionally, here are a few items I would be lost without.

Facial Cleaner – Purity by Philosophy

Lips – Vegas Volt lipstick by MAC

Perfume – Chance by Chanel (classic)

Powder – Bobbi Brown

 Eye Lashes – Maybelline, of course

Nails – OPI in nearly every shade of pink and red

    Hair – Biolage Shampoo and Conditioner

    Face Moisturizer – Hope in a Jar by Philosophy 

    Sunglasses – Kristina Aviators by Coach

    Accessories – (many) vintage pieces from my Great-Grandma and Nana

   Earrings – Marc by Marc Jacobs gold stud earrings (great gift idea!)

   Handbag – Large leather bag by Coach

xo

Erin 

Chanel Sublimage Essential Comfort Cleanser

When I think of cleanser, my first thought is not essential oils. But I have been reading so much about cleansing oils that I wanted to try some myself. While picking up some red lipstick at the Chanel counter (they make the best), I was introduced to Chanel's Sublimage skin care line. The salesgirl described it as Chanel's "luxury" line. I don't know about you, but just the mention of Chanel screams luxury to me, so I knew that I was in trouble when she started testing the products on me. 

The Essential Comfort Cleanser was the most intriguing product to me. First, because it was a cleansing gel made up of mostly oils. And second because it made my skin so incredibly soft, instead of the usual tightness that I get from the harsher cleansers I use. 

The fun thing about this cleanser is that you apply with no water, steam your face a bit with a hot towel, then gently wipe away the day from your skin. After a quick rinse and pat dry, your skin feels incredible. Soft, clean, and full of moisture without feeling greasy. 

I have added this cleanser to my routine as the best make up remover and the perfect ritual after a long day. I am still using other cleansers, but this one has a time and place when I feel my skin needs a break from the harshness of the acids and soaps that help my acne-prone skin. 

The bottle is of medium size and the price tag will give you sticker shock, but you just use a bit with each use so it will last for quite some time. I do love the feel of it and I would like to try some of the other products in this line soon. 

Have you tried any oil based cleansers? 

xo

Erin 

Winter Blues

I cannot believe that I am as saying this, but I am super into blue nail polish this winter. Not the metallic baby blues of the nineties, but deep navy blue reminiscent of sapphire. 

Yep, those are my toes. It is kind of weirdly personal to put them on the internet. 

Love the Essie color and OPI makes a similar color, Road House Blues. Which is slightly brighter blue, but equally as great. 

Have not tried it on my hands yet, but maybe next polish change. That would be a bold move for me, but it being winter and all I think it could be fun. 

What do you think? 

xo

Erin 

Crossing Over: Foundation

One of my most vivid beauty memories is when I was with my mom at a Lancome counter while she was stocking up on her favorite essentials. I, being the always-cool-and-everything-else-is-not eleven year old, was bored and could not understand why anyone would ever wear so much stuff all over their face. As I complained to my mom and the salesgirl, they both looked at me and said, "You just wait. One day you are going to be sitting here buying the same products and you will understand." I rolled my eyes and wondered off to the shoe section to look at Doc Martens. 

Almost twenty years later, and I for sure understand the purpose and allure of make up. But only until last month did I finally try my hand at what I think is the ultimate in the "what mom wears" make up category, foundation. 

For every day use, I still am a huge fan of Laura Mercier oil-free tinted moisturizer. But I have been needing a bit more coverage with the effects of pregnancy all over my face and the loss of some of my favorite retinol products (cannot use while pregnant) that usually keep my skin an even tone after a break out. 

And I have to say my first endeavor into foundation has been a great one. I found one that is water based, light as can be and does not go on like a mask, which is by far the worst look on the planet. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, has just a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and evens out skin tone like nothing else I have used. The built in SPF 15 is a great bonus. Because it goes on so smoothly (apply with clean fingers), your skin looks like itself only better. It does not look like your grandmother's cakey mask. 

It is a small bottle, but you only need to use a little bit to see the difference. Then once applied all over, reapply a bit more where you might need more coverage. I would visit a counter and ask for help to make sure that you match your skin color perfectly. 

So I guess I finally get it. After all these years, sometimes you need a little help to cover up what life has tossed you. As long as it looks fresh and natural, I think my eleven-year-old self would think it looks "okaaaaaay". But I would still get an eye roll. 

xo

Erin 

Drugstore Favorite: Neutrogena

Not sure if you have not noticed, but the selections at your local drugstore have gotten a little overwhelming. There has to be at least 100 soaps, 200 face washes and endless shampoo and conditioner options. It can be hard to find your favorites.


I am such a product junkie that a great ad on TV, a review in a magazine or fun packaging can get me to buy something and try it. The bottles continue to pile up....


One drugstore product that I have not been switching up is my lotion. This Neutrogena Moisture Wrap lotion is amazing. Its obvious best aspect is that it keeps your skin moisturized, but goes a step further by working well into the next day. 


My favorite thing about it is that it soaks in quickly, which is hard to find from a super moisturizing lotion. 


Thought I needed to share the one product that has captured my attention and purchase power for more than a couple months. 


xoxo
Erin 

Bright Eyed

Using mascara on bottom lashes can get so messy. Almost all of the brands that I have tried, even the waterproof ones, end up smudging or clumps. 


Clinique has developed a bottom lash specific mascara that I love. It has an extra small brush for easy application and the ability to apply without getting it under your eyes. The formula is super water proof and lasts all day. Simply remove with eye make up remover at night. 


Using mascara on your bottom lashes really opens up the eye more, so you can look bright eyed even on those days where you feel like crawling in bed. 


Love this new product and for ten dollars, it is a great addition to my every day routine. 


xo
Erin