Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Tuesday with a wee JCrew Review, an Ode to Oz, a NARS makeover and an OOTD in honour of Dani's Recognition by Brora!

Well it is Tuesday and I am still getting through stories of my trip - I still have a couple of posts left in me - so hang in there!!  We have a play to discuss and I need an art lesson! 

Last Sunday, I went to J Crew.  I was excited and I went by myself, since I find it pretty tedious to touch everything with husband in tow.  However, I realized when I arrived that I did not have my cell phone and so could not take pictures.  Not good....  C'est la vie...

There were a LOT of shorts and tees in the Rock Centre store, which I did think was odd, considering it was -10 outside!  The store did not have a lot of the new releases either, which was a bit of disappointment.  Tees and shorts, but no linen blazers?

And where were the skunks?  Send in the skunks!  There ought to be skunks.  Don't bother, they're here... God, I crack myself up sometime.  I really must get out more...

What i saw that I really liked, but did not buy:

Liberty perfect shirt in Lodden paisley

The liberty perfect shirt in lodden paisley.  Oddly enough, most J Crew items are brighter or more intense IRL when compared with the website.  This has a lovely pale sage/silvery green that grabs your attention.  A very sweet shirt.  But of course, I was bothered by the spelling.  Shouldn't it be loden?  Then I see that in the Urban Dictionary, Lodden is defined as:

Rural backwater in the south of Norfolk, where under 18 chavs seem to think it's good place to get pissed

(it's name is literately Saxon for "bad water")
Chris: hey Jo I heard you were going out tonight, where too?

Jo: Loddon

Chris: LOL

Oh that Tom Mora is a cheeky monkey.  But really, it is a lovely blouse that IRL is as equally pale green as it is pink...

The featherweight cashmere in vivid aqua.  When I saw this online I thought "this has neon AQUA written all over it.  However, it is a lovely, more subtle, shade of aqua.  I will wait until it goes on sale and see if it makes my summer list, but it is very pretty and a much nicer shade IMO compared with the Jackie colour, which seemed kind of lifeless to me, like it was a mint green that you would see on a hospital wall....

Collection featherweight cashmere cardigan


What I loved but was so sad that I could not buy:

Scalloped dress


Ah the Scalloped dress.  It was LOVELY!!  Sadly it was a poly/rayon blend, but even that was not the deal breaker.  The deal breaker was the arm holes.  They were huge!  You could see half of the bra along the side!  The rest of the dress fit like a dream, was a lovely shade of navy.  But nothing I could do would fix those darn armholes.  I asked the saleperson about it and she mentioned that everyone was saying the same thing!!  This might have been my dress if not for that!  I did not see the yellow version,  but the poppy version I saw in store looked remarkably like the neon rose colour of years past... 

What I thought I would like but found very tacky IRL:

Coraline patent flats

The Coraline Patent Flats.  I dunno -  I thought they would be cute.  Not so much.  They were hard and scary and cheap-looking...

So what did I buy?

  • A lovely dark sky blue/navy silk windowpane silk scarf.  I just love this scarf and I can see wearing it year round:



I do not see another blue like it on the web site.  Maybe the dark cove?  It is not a byzantine blue for sure, but very, very nice.  I don't know if it will be an in-store only item or will be released in the next rollout, but it is very nice and I plan to wear it later this week with my navy dress.  No, not the one above, a Michael Kors I already have.

  • A green bracelet, the bold stone bracelet .  And not just ANY green, a really vivid, almost glow-in-the-dark-swamp-thing kind of green.  For some reason it just spoke to me.  I felt like it was an emerald green, but not not a typical emerald green, but a glowing emerald green from the Wizard of Oz.  I was wearing black at the time and it just shone against the black.  For me, it is the equivalent of taking one of J Crew's colour trends but doing it in a more subtle way.  How it appears on the J Crew website:

Bold stone bracelet
And IRL:



And beside my Wizard of Oz watch:


See what I mean about the glow???

And a close-up of my little watch:



Which reminds me: I did go see the Oz Movie and it is most definitely a children's movie, but good fun and if you are not expecting too much, you will find yourself enjoying it immensely.  Kind of my motto for life these days!

Now for the NARS makeover part:

So I walked into the Sephora in Times Square.  As per Fred's excellent advice, I was wary of all sales associates and headed immediately to the NARS counter, as I wanted to see the spring colours and I quite like their lip pencils.  The NARS counter is right in front of the window and there were two little tables set up.  A very lovely woman, not a sales associate, saw me staring at the array of product and asked if she could help.

Well, it turned out that I had arrived about an hour before Francois Nars himself was scheduled to pop in, set to launch the new spring palettes and to promote the NARSkin line.  The woman was one of his 14 national and international makeup artists who represent the brand worldwide and was there to make sure that everything was ready for his arrival.  Her name is Lucinda Barreto and you can read a bit about her here.  Everything was all set up, so she asked me if I would like her to help me.  Would I?  Listen, this is a woman who travels the world for NARS, is an expert makeup artist and frankly, I was ready for a do-over.  So I put myself in her hands for the next half-hour. 

I must say, I was impressed.  She spent a lot of time asking me questions and did not try to oversell anything.  She just put things on and then let me see for myself.

What I bought:  Oy vey - that is where I went a little crazy, but happily so.  I had just finished my current moisturizer and purchased their luminous moisture cream. 

Luminous Moisture Cream
It is much nicer than my current brand and now, after more than a week of use, I can say that my skin feels soft all day long and it has really fixed up my flaking!

NARS now has its own version of a tinted moisturizer with SPF and I really liked the one she tried on me: Alaska.

Alaska Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer 


Because I have ruddy skin, Lucinda recommended avoiding pinky blushes and chose a blush in a different shade called madly:

Madly Blush
On my eyes, she did pale greys and browns, which was quite lovely and on my lips, a new satin lipstick called Dressed to Kill:
Dressed to Kill Dressed to Kill Satin Lipstick

All in all, Lucinda spent a good half hour with me and made me look quite stunning (this was the night of the Tom Hanks play, so she basically got me all ready!!!

And yes, I did buy it all, but I must say it looked great and has continued to make my skin feel great afterwards!  It was a real treat to be made over by a real makeup artist and she was just lovely.  She wanted me to hang around till Francois arrived, but I had miles to go before I slept so I thanked her profusely and went on my way!


Lucinda's handiwork, en route to the play, 4 hours later and still looking pretty good..

And similar makeup today, wearing my Tiffany heart and my Brora cashmere in honour of Miss Dani and her well-deserved recognition by Brora!  The pants are the grey Paige Premiums I picked up before the trip if you recall with a store credit I had!



And a close-up so you can see I am wearing makeup!  I think I could use false eyelashes! ;-)


Oh I hate closeups, but you can see, no ruddiness here!  I will be anxious and hopeful that Louise does not tell me I have wasted my money on the moisturizer, as my face feels so great, but am so curious to hear your thoughts on NARS, Louise!  You can probably just make out that I am wearing my Tiffany necklace.

So another day, another adventure.  WHat plans do you have for Tuesday?  Have the most happiest of days and stay safe out there!!  And to you new folks who have recently joined us - welcome aboard, this is your place as much as mine, so by all means, join in the chatter!


















65 comments:

  1. I have to get up early, early so I'm keeping it short and will finish reading your post tomorrow. But think my heart skipped a beat seeing the scalloped dress UNTIL I read why you rejected it. Gone. From my list with a big international no sign.

    Funny we both did something with scarves today. ;)

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    1. Oh I am heading over to take a look! It is such a shame about the dress too! I couldn't figure out how to tailor it and still retain the same effect in the front of the dree - the opening was that big! Talk about side boob!

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  2. You see I've been reading Oz and thinking my all time favourite box set, HBO's Oz a hard as nails prison drama about shankings and male rape was back on telly. Guess that's not the Oz that everyone else is loving!
    The watch is fab, I like that quirky side of you showing its true colours to the world. And the dress, how annoying, it's such a lovely shape too.

    It's the coldest day of the year here, I am frozen to bits.

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    1. Now THAT is funny! I regret to inform you that there were no shankings or male rape in the movie. There were however, some flyng baboons and some were guilty of over-acting...I cannot judge that, as I feel that I could fairly be assessed as being over-acting IRL, too!!!

      WHat's the temperature? It has been nice here - yesterday was 8c! I am sending blinding hot thoughts your way and hoping heater is working again!

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    2. Tabs, remembering Level 4/ Emerald City.

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  3. Sephora is to ladies what ToysRUs is to kids. I love Nars the Multiple Orgasm. Who doesn't?

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    1. BB - I agree with first sentence completely. As for second, am biting hand as I can think of a lot of funny things to say...

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    2. I was thinking Tabs would jump in on that one as well, given her penchance for prison dramas! Oh bad Wendy!

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  4. Hi Wendy, I like your purchases. You look great in your new duds and make up!

    How lucky that you got a Nars pro to help you! The only mainstream make up brand that I wear is Nars. My favourite is Bobbi Brown, but I'm allergic to some of their ingredients, so I stick with Nars and it's a great second choice! I particularly like the blush, and it lasts forever. I have one compact that I use daily and it is still going strong after years. I guess it's probably expired, now that I think about it.

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    1. I have only bought a bit of blush and lipstick in the past - this is my first foray into Nars skincare, and thus far am very pleased. I think having a pro was helpful as her hand was light and she wanted to avoid trendy with me!

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  5. MAKE-UP WAKE-UP At the moment I only have blush from Nars which keeps me from looking Death Warmed Over given season. That scarf is really lovely, Wendy Blue. And I am so glad it was Lucinda not Sylvia at the cosmetics counter.

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    1. Well funny you should say that, as honestly, ALL of the other makeup artists in the place, the sephora staff, looked wretched in their makeup! I thought of Fred and was about to hightail it out when I stumbled on Lucinda. It is quite an art to put on makeup that makes you look lovely without making you look over-the-top! On the other hand, I thought Sylvia had every tasteful makeup, which is a bit of surprise!

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    2. I would have been more worried about S. selling you the whole counter as soon as she figured out how to bag it up.

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    3. Hubs says everyone working at Sephora looks like they are headed to a Tarts & Vicars party, even at 9:30 a.m. pre mall open. (He's done some tech toys for Shiseido etc.)

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    4. Oh you are right and then I would have had to do the 2nd walk of shopping shame in one week....

      Your husband is right!

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    5. I have received some great advice from Sephora staff, though their appearances may deceive!

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    6. Abby, I admire their product knowledge and mix-and-match departure from the "buy my line" dept. store model. Just wish they wouldn't demo so much of it at once. At my expanded local, the nail varnish, bedazzling etc. is getting outta control (don't bring that glitter claw near me).

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  6. I think your makeup looks great! One of the things I love about NYC is that you never know who you might run into -- like at the NARS counter. As far as the fake eyelashes, you should try Latisse. I've been using it for about a year, and it has really made a difference.

    My daughter and her husband live in NYC, so my favorite thing to do is visit her and do a "tour" of all the J. Crew stores. Fifth Avenue is my favorite, and it's near the Madewell. We are going to visit in early June and have tickets to see Tom Hanks in his play on one of the last days it is running. Can't wait for your post on that.

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    1. Oh you will like it! I think I am posting on that on Thursday! Love me some Tom Hanks!

      I will definitely look for Latisse and teach myself to use them!

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    2. Latisse is a product that makes your lashes grow and get thicker. You apply a drop each night right at the base of your lashes. It takes about 2 months until you see a difference, but it really makes them grow. I don't want to sound like a commercial, but I love it!

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    3. Latisse is a v. expensive, Rx-only product in the US, and one possible side effect is - this is true, look it up for yourself - that quite often people with blue eyes find that their eye color darkens to a muddy brown. If I had your lovely blue eyes, Wendy, I wouldn't risk it. Please.

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    4. I'm pretty unsure about Latisse as well. It was originally a glaucoma treatment and the lash-growing was a side effect. Of course, now it has been re-branded and is really popular. Call me skeptical, but I prefer to not go down that road.

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    5. well I will stick with falsies then - have never even heard of latisse!

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    6. Fred is right-- your eyes have a good cahnce of darkening; this is also a therapeutic product used for a medical condition and I've seen it occur.

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    7. Sorry, wrong link for buying Latisse online, here is the correct one.

      http://bellamedspaonline.com/

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    8. Interesting, my previous comment with the bella med spa link has now disappeared. Oh well, it's your blog after all.

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    9. HI Anon, didn't delete anything - can't imagine what happened (am not that technically inclined!) will definitely take a look - many thanks for the information!

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    10. I'm surprised that Latisse causes such fear. My optometrist sells it, and I discussed it with him before using it. It is my understanding that most, if not all, cases of eye darkening were from when the product was used in the eye for treating glaucoma. If applied sparingly above your upper lashes, it shouldn't even get in your eye. I have blue eyes and have used it for 18 months with no side effects. As far as expense, a one-month supply (one bottle) lasts me for three months, which averages out to about $30 per month. However, it is an individual decision and you should discuss it with your doctor before using it.

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  7. Your skin is amazing! It is glowing and smooth. I must check out this Nars business.
    Thanks for wearing Brora today, ;)
    I can't wait to hear about the play, how was Tom?!
    Too bad about that dress, it has a nice shape. Poly/rayon! Hmph!
    But your scarf is a different story, that is a good one.

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    1. It is really pretty, isn't it? Am eying a summer Brora as well - will wait for you to advise me on next sale time!

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  8. The makeup looks great, you did well! But see comment re Latisse above, be very afraid.

    Delighted to learn that there is a real M. Nars! and he's probably happy to learn that there's a real Wendy...

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    1. Agreed. Please be afraid, be very afraid.

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    2. You have me convinced! And Tabs has me scared to go to prison, too!!!

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  9. I must say Wendy.....that makeup makes you look about 10 years younger! Well worth the purchase.

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  10. So glad you had such a lovely trip! I think the makeup looks terrific, and I really like Nars. I use their multiple for blush and one of their sheer, slightly shimmery liquid highlighters. Interesting to hear about their moisturizer -- I typically use Lancome but am always interested in hearing other recommendations.

    For eyelashes, I swear by an eyelash curler + Lancome Definicils.

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    1. That could be the one Lancome I have not tried! Next time I am out with give it a try! What eyelash curler do you use, Michelle!

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    2. I think it is just a Revlon one from the drugstore -- has lasted ages.

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  11. I really like your makeover- it is so hard to find a flattering lipstick. You were very blessed to find an artist who did not make you look like a drag queen- as I have had the misfortune to experience. You look very natural and pretty! I have used Nars lipstick and I think it is great. The Lodden print is my favorite- but as I wrote in my blog(http://ontrendorchids.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-thaw-and-flowers-flowers-flowers.html) Lodden is a William Morris print- not named by the capricious naming squad of J Crew. I like your definition- but I think it is more likely it refers to Lodden Lakes, or
    Bellflower 'Lodden Anne' Campanula lactiflora which I have seen spelled with an e or an o.
    When I peeked in J Crew yesterday, that scarf really caught my eye. It is a rich and lovely color, and even though I am on a self imposed scarf ban, I pondered it- great choice!

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    1. How'd I miss that review! Now I have to go back! I suppose Tom is more William Morris than Urban dictionary, heehee!!! The scarf looked fabulous with the navy dress! Funny - I was just in the grocery store and saw a Joe Fresh cotton spring dress that was only $29 - I tried it on, but same thing - HUGE arm holes? Is it just me???

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  12. Love,love your make-up! The lady from the NARS counter had a good eye for picking the right colors!

    I have been really wanting to order the bold stone bracelet,but since i already got the translucent stone bracelet,i put myself on a no-more bracelet ban for a while.
    It looks beautiful!!
    I would love to see it on your wrist to see the proportions in case i might get it:)

    Since i didnt comment yesterday,i want to tell you today how stunning you look in the red dress,it looks very you!!!

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    1. HI Ina! I will take a picture with it on and post it tomorrow with my wrist measurements as well so you can tell!!

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  13. Your makeup looks great! Too bad about the scalloped dress. J. Crew just can't seem to get their dresses right, something is always slightly off (too high-waisted, or too short, or armholes too big, ...). Now and then they get one right, but they are never a sure thing, are they? I love your blue scarf! I have the Liberty Lodden shirt but it hasn't felt springy enough to wear it yet. Today I am cleaning out to consign & give away (always ongoing), and switching out corduroy & flannel for shorts etc (optimistic, misguided). It's going to be cold and terrible out this weekend, but last weekend was so nice that I am just going to do it and hope it gets warmer soon.

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    1. Oh yay for shorts! I can't even imagine that! We still have o much snow!

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  14. The Liberty shirt looks lovely, but I am a fan of Liberty prints... The shoes looks cute too... It is sad the leather was not soft, especially for summer shoes. As you have visited my blog you might have read that an essential criteria for me for buying is the manufactured place and this where Jcrew is a no go...
    Regarding Moisture day cream, I think I wll make you fall off you chair, I have switched to organic coconut oil about a month and I am so happy of this move. My skin is so much better, brighter...
    Wishing you a great day
    Steph

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    1. Steph - I don't know where I would buy organic coconut oil! I have a friend who uses organice olive oil! Great idea!

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  15. You look fabulous! I have some Nars product in my cosmetic jumble. How fun to have a national artist get you ready for the big night.
    I tried that sad scalloped dress too. I loved the simple cut and great detail, but the length and arm holes-a total disaster.
    I recently got new skin care at Fresh-my favorite stuff. I love their product and was due for an update-everything feels better and far less dry.

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    1. I have never seen Fresh - will have to look that up!

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  16. You look great Wendy, travel agrees with you! I am catching up on your NYC adventures, it sounds like such fun. Regarding the scalloped dress, perhaps J.Crew is trying to get in on the current "side boob" trend. hehehe

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    1. I would like to think I was their new Anne Hatheway, but sadly, not the case! I want to be where you are - it looks amazing!

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  17. Your makeup looks fantastic, but I'm completely obsessed about your watch. Is it vintage? I want one.

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    1. Ha! It came in the big boxed set for the Wizard of Oz DVD a few years ago.

      It was this one - if you can find it anywhere:

      http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Wizard-of-Oz-DVD-2009-5-Disc-Set-Ultimate-Collectors-Edition-/380534717124?pt=US_DVD_HD_DVD_Blu_ray&hash=item5899a2fac4

      However, I am so blind now, I need the glasses to see the figures on the watch face! I am a huge fan of this movie and have a few pieces of memorabilia and this is a fun treasure!

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    2. did another search and you can find the watch separately:

      http://www.ebay.com/itm/WIZARD-OF-OZ-DOROTHY-AND-FRIENDS-GREEN-LEATHER-BAND-/230935961425?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35c4db1f51

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    3. Thanks Wendy - will look it up when I get home! It's really so great, I'm a big Wizard of Oz fan.

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  18. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! I like Nars products, my favorite is the darker eyeshadows (i.e. Night Porter) - it is so heavily pigmented that I use it as an eyeliner. And it lasts!

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    1. I will have to check for that colour next time - I bought a set of 6 eyeshadows called "And God Created Woman" , but don't see that one online..

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    2. Oh I hope it is still available, it has been awhile since I bought my last shadow (it lasts a long time!) Will have to check.

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  19. Wendy, your makeup looks lovely. You are positively glowing!

    Love that scarf. Also love the shoe one Tiffany Rose had on her blog today. I just bought the anchor print one from the Crewlet or else I would surely bite on one of these--too many scarves these days, but I love them as a transition-to-spring accessory. Keeps the chill off my neck! If my neck is warm and my feet are warm, I can bear most anything.

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    1. Hi Danielle! I find they are like a nice lipstick - a good pick-me-up without breaking bank.

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  20. You look lovely in NARS but makeup takes second place to your lovely smile and personality. I don't wear lots of makeup, but can't be without NARS lipstick. I have two favorites, Mascate and Shanghai Express. I actually buy in multiples for fear these colors will be discontinued. I love Sephora but buy online. I get overwhelmed when I'm in the store although their sales people do not bother you too much compared to department stores.

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    1. Marie - I am glad I am not the only one who feels like that in sephora! It is too much of a good thing for me!

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  21. Beautiful scarf and beautiful radiant face! I love Nars makeup, but it's very $$ here in Australia so can't splurge that often.
    I'm new to blogging and have just come across your blog - I'm enjoying it very much!

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    1. Thank you Ruth! I think nars just started a Canada website, so you folks may not be far behind!

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