Aesthetic Intrigue: November 2012

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Beauty Product of Note - Microdermabrasion

Winter can be rough on skin. It dries out easily, begging to be nourished. The Mary Kay Microdermabrasion Set is a-ma-zing for this very need.

I decided to try this product a couple of years ago and boy, am I glad I did. The fine, gritty exfoliating crystals work incredibly efficiently, revealing that radiant skin you know is under there. It also fights against fine lines and reduces the appearance of pores. The second step is a nourishing lavender serum which absorbs into skin to feed and smooth the overall effect and to prepare skin for the next step in your skincare regimen. What more can you ask for?!

When your skin needs a healthy boost, this is just the thing to give your glow back. Results are immediate and worth every penny. So consider skipping the spa and try this instead. What a fantastic product to get to keep on hand for home use whenever you need it. Don't underestimate a good scrub.

NOTES:
*You may need to find a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant to order their products. However, the Mary Kay website can help you find someone in your area, and even someone with a site you can order off of. How convenient.
*I use a lot of Mary Kay products, so the name may be coming up in future beauty posts...

Do you use an exfoliant? How do you get your glow back?

Monday, November 26, 2012

SHOE OBSESSION - High Point

Celane Ankle Strap Platform

Come on, now. I mean, really. How perfect are these heels?!
I just happened to stumble across them on French Connection and am delighted!
It's one thing to find a pair of shoes with the right heel and color, or the right toe or material, or even that detail you have been keeping your eyes open for. But to find it all in one? These classic pumps have the height, the classic(and daring) pointed toe, the minimal platform, and the great ankle strap. And they are a reasonable price. Okay it may be a lot of money for most of us, but when viewed comparatively, these are a steal.
Swooning.
Now, if they only made them in a nude as well...

Monday Must-Lust List 11/26/12

Zara Trapezoid Citybag

Printed wool and silk-blend scarf by Bindya

Tribute 22-karat gold-plated coin necklace by Erickson Beamon

Oversized wool and linen-blend blazer by Burberry London

Night cracked-effect cotton jacket by Superfine

Christian Louboutin Leopard-Print Sandals

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Patent Pump

Bindya Printed Scarf

Erickson Beamon Necklace

Burberry London Oversized Blazer

Superfine Night Cotton Jacket

Michael Kors Metallic Brocade Shorts

Josheph Cropped Skinny Pant

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

SHOE OBSESSION - Going High

ZARA High Cut Wedge Boots

The hunt for the perfect boot can be exhausting. Recently I embarked on such a mission and, let me tell ya, it's been a trip. Ever find yourself wondering whether you are too picky or just know what you want? Yeah, it can be discouraging. While these may seem a bit 'trendy' at first glance, I dare you to look deeper. These gorgeous boots boast a high shaft that reaches to the knee(which too many 'knee-high' boots fail to accomplish), a glamorous pointed toe, wedge heel, and buckle detail to add a little something to the long strips of leather that climb so high. This boot can easily fit into any wardrobe. Wear it under a dress or shorts with bare legs or leggings, or layer over some skinny pants. Black skinny jeans would be great, or imagine how fun these would be over some leather or waxed jeans? And, if it seems unfamiliar to you, what better an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and get creative?

What boot are you in the market for this season?

Thursday, November 15, 2012

'Getting to know you...'

???

So here we are, a one-way conversation over these here inter-webs(haha). But what about YOU? As you are patient enough to visit this blog and wait as it grows into something solid, I realize that I have forgotten something very important- you! So here is a little questionnaire. This is an opportunity for you to share a little about yourself. And I have to say, I am a bit excited. :)
(p.s.~ did you start singing the song in your head, too? It's stuck in mine...)

1.) What is your name(or secret identity, if that is more comfortable... But we know who you really are, 'Clark Kent')?

2.) Do you have a blog we can check out?

3.) If you could go back to any point in time, when to would it be?

4.) If you could meet anyone, alive or passed, whom would it be?

5.) What is your favorite food? Dessert?

6.) If you could visit anywhere in this beautiful world, where would it be? And to live?

7.) What is your favorite season? Holiday?

8.) What is your favorite pastime? (Or top 5 if you can't narrow it down to one)

9.) Favorite article of clothing?

10.) Heel or flat?

11.) If you only have time for one beauty item, what do you put on?

12.) Favorite day of the week?

13.) Perfect day consists of...?

14.) Coffee or tea?

15.) What makes you laugh the hardest?

16.) What are five random facts about you?

17.) How would you describe your style? (What it is and/or what you want it to be)

18.) What brought you to Aesthetic Intrigue? (Useful for me. Thanks.)

19.) What would you like to see on Aesthetic Intrigue? More of? Less of?

20.)Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for taking the time. Hope you enjoyed answering these. :)
Would you like to see more of these questionnaires?

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Beauty Product of Note - Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

If you are like me, you probably use your hands a lot. Harsh conditions, irritants, and weather can all play into shabby nails. But nails aren't the worst part. Cuticles and nail beds are what determine a healthy appearance. Cuticles are to fingernails what gums are to teeth. Just as flossing everyday gives your smile the healthy look you love, caring after your cuticles gives your nails that 'cared for' feel. Chances are, if someone's nails are well-manicured or cared for, they take pride in caring for their body and health. And that speaks of character. Okay, so this is coming out a bit more serious than it needs to be. Haha. But do you understand? It's one of those little things that makes a real difference.

That is why Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream receives a mention. It works wonders. Instantly, tips are moisturized and visually streamlined. It softens cuticles and even aids brittle nails. Plus, the lemon butter cream's scent adds a sweet little something, which your nose will thank you for. Use it regularly for beautiful paws.

Tip: Apply just before painting nails. Wiping smudges or slight whoopsies is a cinch.

Have you tried cuticle cream? What is your favorite nail product?

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Would you rather - BOOTS

Would you rather...

spend a lot of dough on one designer pair of boots

buy several less expensive pairs?

Quality vs. variety- what do you prefer?

SHOE OBSESSION -

Valentino Studded Leather and Mesh Ankle Boots

Mmmm...

These make me happy every time I see them. While part of me wishes the toe came to a point, as is my current footwear detail of choice, these shoes are so much more than the toe(which is still a nice, soft almond angle). It is kind of the best of both worlds, a pump AND a bootie. Ankle straps are lovely with either. The gold drops on the cage crossings are just right, giving this shoe a metal-glam feel. Worn with bare legs or black leggings, these are sure to draw attention. Does anything else say 'bold and confident, yet classic' in such a beautiful way?

How would you rock the cage ankle boot?

Saturday, November 10, 2012

FALLing for Tartan

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Rectangle Tartan Wool Dress

There are not enough words to portray how much I love this pattern. Seriously... love. As a history major, Scottish descendant, and fashion lover, the trending tartan fall/winter designs are oh so exciting! While the more outrageous designs of high fashion may not play out so subtly in everyday wear, there are plenty of options for those more practical minded. There is so much to explore at either end of the price spectrum(though we will hardly touch the higher end). And why not add a touch of tradition this year?

Let's wonder a bit, shall we?...

SHOE OBSESSION - Emery Love

Rag & Bone Emery Wedge Boots

Look at these. They are so wonderful that I can't stop staring at them. Every part of this shoe keep the eye pulled in. The woven leather works so beautifully with the organic feel of the wood platform. While I am not usually one for a platform, these are so beautiful and do not look overbearing. Even though the brown base contrasts with the black leather form, it somehow doesn't compete against it and rather brings it to the perfect level of finish. Warm wood and leather are the perfect backdrop for the gunmetal button, a minor industrial touch that fits so finely.

Do you dig these wedge booties? Are you a platform shoe kind of person? What is your ideal shoe a mix of?

The Black Bootie

Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots

No street-style look these days seems to be complete without the basic black bootie. Everyone has a pair (or several) and these have become the new shoe staple. And, oh the fun of shopping for them! With no shortage of styles, height, options, etc., the black bootie has certainly earned its spot on the shoe must-have list.

Let's take a look at some takes on this new classic: