5

This morning I received a wonderful present in the mail; parfum. Not just any parfum mind you, but rather, CHANEL no 5.

Earlier last week I had received an e-mail asking me if I liked the scent. Truth be told, no I didn't. But pass up CHANEL? I think not. Certainly not the worlds most popular parfum at that.

I had always sniffed the scent in the malls, Chanel boutiques, and it had never been quite right for me. Too old, too strong, too something.

Yet now...

I can't stop wearing it! I put it on as soon as I opened the package. In preparation for bed, I find myself spritzing it on once more. Oh number 5! How I adore you!

Miss Sally

For as long as can be remembered, I have avoided Sally Beauty Supply. The store for me has conjured thoughts of toothless women with straw-like greasy hair, miniature creepy crawlies with broken antennae, along with products that promise the world, yet fail to deliver. Up until last week, I had only purchased one thing from the store; Orly rubberized basecoat (good, but if used too often cause nails to peel like paper. Yes, Sally was living up to my expectations).

However, I had recently been hearing nothing but raves for Ion Clarifying Treatment. Claims that it provided quality results, created a pure canvas for hair color, and even left hair SOFT had me curious. Price: $3. Bottle purchased separately to apply product: $1.78. Results: Priceless. Clarifying for me is a must. My holy Grail of shampoos is a Kerastase shampoo (I fluxuate between two lines of theirs) Redkin All Soft conditioner, Fredrick Fekkai curl cream, Oscar Blandi curl spray, and White Rain mousse (sshhh…). The first three condition like a dream, and all 5 do just as well at providing buildup. Entre Ion Clarifying Treatment.

The product is sold in a purple packet, in powder form. Simply add 2oz of water, and the product turns into a gel. Apply to hair, wait the needed time, and there you have it, perfectly clarified, clean, beautiful hair. Heat can be applied if desired, but not necessary. However, should you have more hair than a Barbie doll, I recommend 2-3 packets for the treatment.
So there you have it m’dears, I survived my venture into Sally’s; all done with no sight of wounded antennae creatures. I have even managed to purchase another Ion product: a color sealing treatment. However, I did spot a toothless woman.

Le Boudoir

After being completely stumped as to an appropriate gift for my anniversary, I finally found the perfect item. Only, I wish that I had thought of it sooner: for me. What a perfectly wonderful way to celebrate our personalities, art, and selves!

True Boudoir photography is never "raunchy" nor ever close to it. Rather it is a beautiful, tastefully done collection of art. It is a fine experience that I would recommend to any woman. With the options being endless (deck of cards, coffee books, canvas prints, "brag books"), you will be sure to find an option that works well with you.

You know those times, when no one is around (or if you are lucky enough to live alone). You turn up your favorite music, and your hair has fallen in just the right way, you skin is the perfect softness, and you are rocking your favorite pair of underwear. Be it Victoria's Secret, Hanes or La Perla, you know you look good. Boudoir Photography captures those moments. It simply reveals what you've known all along: you look good.

Remember however, with good photography prices don't come cheap; But neither do you.

Shades of Gray

My head is in a topsy turvy for this season; still.

While designers might have had their Spring '09 fashion lines walk the runway, I am still finding things to get excited about for fall. Gray being one of them. Gray nail polish, smoky gray eyes, gray silk. Pair these with an unforgivably soft girly pink lip, and I soon. While you're at it, sweep your hair up into a messy not so tight bun and you've got it.

If you're looking for some of the perfect pink-y lips, I would advise staying away from gloss. Go matte; or matte with a bit of moisture sheen. Bobby Brown makes one of the best colors I've seen yet. It's a lip crayon in the shade of Red Plum. Also, Shedeido has a great shade for the occasion as well (LC7).

Cosmos

CosmoGirl is closing.

After not selling enough ad space for over two quarters, its abandoning it's readers. While Perhaps abandoning is too strong of a word, it's sad to see it go. December will be it's last issue. CosmoGirl was always the middle ground for me. Seventeen (who is hoping to grab CG' its readers) was never....17. I started reading Seventeen when I was 11, and had grown out of it by the time I was 15. CosmoGirl helped ease me into Teen Vogue, and the rest is history.

Seventeen, ever quick to ride on CG's coattails, has already managed to link it's self to the almost history magazine by "relating" itself to it on Google. Type in "CosmoGirl" and get "Seventeen" as a "related search". Have you no shame?

It will be sad to see you go, Cosmo Girl. May you join J.A.N.E. in the better place.

5 Things

"Has _____ sent those demin samples yet? You know, the piece of the $80,000?" I quiped this morning.

"No, not yet....What size are you again?"

"X"

"Oh - well, you'd better lose weight! Cause these are size Y"

"I could do that."

Sigh.

This, my m'dears is why every night before I go to bed, I look myself in the mirror and tell myself 5 things I admire about myself. It's a good thing. The one at the top of the list? I know that I have a good head on my shoulders. So, while I could lose the weight, I know that I certainly don't have to. Especally if the samples that are sent once again have constrast stitching.