To BB or not to BB...

As someone who enjoys the makeup and beauty world, although not as much as the fashion world, I try to stay up to date on beauty trends and hot products, and BB cream is a hot product if I ever did see one. Let me start out by clarifying what a BB cream is. 
BB cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream (but is sometimes called Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm) and is made to essentially replace practically all of your face products, but I will get more into that later. The "magic" cream is said to have originated in Germany where a doctors would give it to their patients who had undergone laser skin surgery. (any product that is good enough for people who are down a layer of skin is good enough for me) However its claim to fame came about because of its popularity in Asia, specifically Korea, where it was used by actresses who quickly spread the word about it.  More recently it has been spreading west and is becoming popular in Europe and the US. 
At first glance the product, pictured below, seems like any other foundation, but it is so much more.

 The thing that sets BB creams apart are all of their beneficial properties.  The benefits vary from brand to brand but generally most BB creams promise to help with evening out skin tone, clearing up blemishes, anti- aging, covering up scars or discoloration, moisturizing and of course they all come with SPF.  To clarify BB cream  is said to be able to replace all of the following products:
-moisturizer
-sunscreen
-makeup primer
-foundation
-concealer
-toner
That is quite impressive.  I have tried a couple of brands of BB cream and I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised. As a cynical New Yorker I am very suspicious of anything that sounds too good to be true, but for me BB cream seemed to be a pretty good fit.  The brands I tried were Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in the color natural beige and Skin 79 The Prestige BB Cream Diamond Collection.  I was pretty satisfied with both but I liked the Missha one better because the Skin 79 one was a tad gray for my coloring since my skin has a pinkish tint.
The only down side to BB creams is that they do not come in a very wide range of shades. They only go to medium at the darkest, and even for people with fair skin there are not very many choices.  In terms of picking a shade there are usually only one or two options so when buying one you just have to pray that it works for you.  All in all though the product is very impressive and has won me over, and because of its rising popularity who knows more shades might be developed...we can always hope.

xoxoxo

Good Morning....

I'm still in the process of figuring out what I want my blog to look like so bear with me... I like the glamorous look but I'm really into something more vintage inspired... I guess I will just have to try out all of my options.  What better thing to do on a lazy Sunday morning  ;)

BTW  Hautelook has some great stuff today from Free People and French Connection... click on the Fabulous Contemporary Blowout to see. If you don't have an account, here is my invite.

http://www.hautelook.com/invite/prettythecity

xoxoxo

A bag for all seasons

We all have that one go to bag that will never let us down. (and if you don't you should get one) For me this bag is my Longchamp Le pliage tote.  In the city it seems like everyone and their mother has one, or five, and in reality they seem a statement more than an accessory. (but that doesn't mean they aren't damn good bags) Someone who wears this bag is up to date with fashion, usually sports a more classic style and wants seem effortlessly put together.  I am not usually one to buy an item simply because of what it symbolizes but I made an acceptation for this bag... and I am so glad I did!

Let me start off by saying that usually when something has remained popular and in fashion for such a long period of time and is so widely worn, there is good reason for it.  The brand itself was started in 1948 and was created by the father of the man who is the President of the company today. I think it says a lot for a company when it is kept in the family. As far as the products go, Longchamp covers all of their products with warranty that covers any kinds of faults of abnormalities. This means that if your bag, or product is defective they will replace it or give you a store credit for its worth. The warranty does not however cover everyday wear and tear from use, which is understandable, but the Longchamp boutiques offer repair services on any damaged products. With this feature, they will repair your item, at a fee to you depending on the severity of the problem.  This is really a great amenity to have and one that I have taken advantage of. 

It is obvious that they offer great customer service but what about the bags?!? Well the bag that I was talking about earlier, Le pliage, is pictured below and is my FAVORITE! (although Longchamp makes tons of amazing styles)

It is perfect for people of any age and is great for any season.  They make them in a variety of colors so you can definitely have one for each season if you wish.  Still I have one in Chocolate Brown, like the one above, and I use it all year long. It serves as my book bag for going to school, my carry-on for when I travel, my purse for a day out shopping and... well you get the picture. The nylon material makes it great for any kind of weather and the zipper across the top makes me feel secure carrying it on a crowded train.  I also love that the handles, which are a great quality leather, are really long.  This is great for the winter months when you are wearing a million layers and a down coat because the straps are big enough to fit on your shoulder comfortably without sliding down. 

If solid colors are not your thing Longchamp offers styles in the cutest patterns.  My favorites, which are new for spring and summer are the Darshan in pink and ......

the Le pliage in white with the bird pattern.

The bags can be a little bit pricey but I promise they are well worth it and you get what you pay for.  Remember, with some items, especially ones that you will use everyday, its ok to splurge sometimes because you are paying for the quality. They offer so many more styles, patterns and colors so I really recommend checking out Longchamp's website.
Until next time... and please follow if you enjoy these. I am planning a lot more.
xoxoxo

(I do not own any of these images. They can all be found on Longchamp's website)

Spring in the City... well almost

The sun in shining, the birds are chirping, and the ice cream man is out? Yes! It is 67 degrees in NYC right now and I could NOT be happier! There are few things in life that make me absolutely, uncontrollably happy. First is a good sale, second is my room being clean and organized and third is beautiful weather. It seems like no matter what if the weather is beautiful I can't help but be in a good mood.  I was thrilled to put my boots in the back of my closet and break out my flats today.  Walking around the city it was obvious that I was not the only one with that notion. Everyone was dawning their spring best.  Yes I know that more likely the weather today does not mean that winter is over but New Yorkers are quick to jump at the thought that if the weather changes, even for a day, it is a completely different season.  Mark my words there will be people out in shorts tomorrow. haha
Getting back to the fashion... I noticed plenty of girls in floral dresses and cute colorful flats. My favorite take on this trend would be to pair a cute dainty dress with a cropped denim jacket for weather like this or a denim vest for when it get warmer.  Mod Cloth has so many options for floral dresses, and dresses in general. This is just one of my favorites.

 Their clothes are really great quality and they are pretty affordable.  This dress is currently $42.99 which is not bad for an item you can use during spring, summer, and fall by switching up the accessories and adding a jacket. A jacket like this one from Forever 21 is adorable and super inexpensive.

This look is really versatile and would work on any body type. Here are some plus size options.  The dress is from Asos....

and the jacket is actually from Old Navy.  There were also cute denim jackets at Torrid that would be worth checking out.

Here is to hoping with all of my heart that spring will be here to stay... cross your fingers...

xoxox

(I do not own any of these images)