These Lips Are Made For Glossin'

What's Your Dream Purchase?

2011-10-28T15:58:11Z

I have always wanted a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps. Five years ago I did Weight Watchers for the first time. The first goal in WW is to lose 10% of your body weight. I made a promise to myself that if I did it, then I'd buy myself a pair of Louboutins. Well, I lost the weight but never did end up buying the shoes. I'm pretty sure my enormous American Express bill had something to do with that.

Three weeks ago I was at the Westchester Mall with my sister. We were bopping around the Neiman Marcus shoe department when I spotted the most perfect pair of Louboutins.

"Can I try these in a 9?" The sales woman brought them out, and they fit like a dream. To be honest I didn't think they'd even fit. Louboutins are known for being notoriously narrow and my foot is like an upside down triangle: Super wide up top and progressively narrow as you get the heel. But these fit like a glove!

I walked all around the shoe department with them on while my sister tried on pair after pair of shoes.

Could I do it? Could I buy a pair of $700 shoes? I did the math. If you add up all of the shoes I've ever purchased and then raged about because they were such poor quality, they would equal the cost of the Louboutins. "I'll take these," I told the salesperson.

Let me tell you something, when something is so expensive but you love it so much, buyer's remorse is not even a factor. I did not have one guilty flutter of the heart when she ran my charge through. I just couldn't wait to go home and stare at them.

Black suede pump 4" heel. My new boyfriend.

What's your dream purchase?

Extension Yourself!

2011-10-25T21:23:10Z

I've had a major complex about my hair since I was a small child. I have so much of it that when I was in kindergarten, my mother got so frustrated with having to comb the snarls out that she just chopped it off. The horror!

My childhood/adolescence was a dark comedy in how not to cut your hair: Here I am at my third birthday party rocking a Little Lord Fauntleroy hair 'do:

Very early 80's...

With my two childhood friends. Notice how Katie's hair is long and cute in barrettes. Not only am I rocking a bowl cut but I have my name on my shirt. Just in case I forgot what it was.

And here I am in second grade with just my hair fully chopped off. A kid on the play ground asked me if I got a sex change operation over the weekend. I was 8. Not traumatizing AT ALL.

The bad hair cuts continued into my awkward adolescent years. Here I am at my piano recital when I was about 15. In addition to about 7 inches in length I also needed some mascara:

Aaaah the wonder years.

So it's no surprise that I have been on a quest to have long hair since I was about 20 years old. I've been growing my hair out ever since. With the exception of cutting it into a chic bob when I was 26 and was looking for a new job, it's been pretty long.

My good friend Jessie is the queen of extensions. I saw her last weekend and she looked amaaaazing! Her hair is shoulder-length, and she had these gorgeous flowing locks.

"Oh girl this is my weave!"

She explained how they were clip-ins, and real human hair to boot! So you could style and wash it like the real hair on your head. I went to work the next day and immediately did my research.

This past weekend I was bopping around Hoboken and came across Ricky's. I decided to pop in to see what they had in the way of clip-ins.

The girl showed me the Remy brand extensions. They're apparently super easy to use and 100% human hair. Why not? I thought. They are an investment! My best friend Krystal was visiting for the weekend, so she assisted me in making sure that everything was straight.

So here I am before extensions:

And here I am after clipping them in (Weird. I'm wearing the same shirt in the above picture as I am in the below photo and it's two weeks later):

Back view:

My hair is actually super long, but there is not enough length in the front. The last time I got it cut I got a semi-mullet, so I really wanted length and volume.

The extensions are pin straight, so I used my Infiniti You Curl to get the waves and voila! You just clip them in all around your head, and it's so easy! Totally worth it, and I am obsessed with them. I can't believe how they have changed my look!

Tell me about your extensions!

On The Prowl With My Leopard Fall Accessories

2011-10-06T22:47:08Z

I'm not going to lie; I do love fall. I love a good blazer, and the clothes are just so darn cute! Plus if it's going to be hot, then I getter be at the beach and not schlepping around New York City. So bring on the apple picking! On Friday I decided to really "Fall" it up with my wardrobe.

Exhibit A:

I got dressed with my Rachel Zoe blazer in mind which I wrote about here. Once I had the key item in place, the rest was easy.

I went all out with the animal print accessories, I know but I couldn't help it! It was Friday! I accessorized my leggings and fierce tomato Marc Jacobs back with my new, very favorite leopard Sperrys ($75.00) and my leopard scarf from J. Crew ($68.00). Throw on some red Chanel lipstick and I am good to go!

What is your fall wardrobe looking like? Are you going with the trends or starting your own?

Why To Wax

2011-09-28T14:37:59Z

So yesterday I'm at work. It's after hours and I'm getting a little punchy. My engineer friend comes over to my desk, and we start goofing off on Facebook. Then, he grabs my -football=shaped stress ball (I inherited it. I'd never buy a stress ball for myself) and tells me to get up so we can play catch. I've caught and thrown a few balls in my day so I figured sure. I'll get in some cardio.

We're whipping the stress football around, laughing, blowing off some post-work steam when

WHAP!!!

A direct, hard hit to my face under my right eye.

"Ah!!! Oh my God! Oh my God!" My coworker comes rushing over horrified that he nailed me with a sponge football.

He was just about to take a look at it when I jerked away. It was that exact moment that I realized I hadn't had my lip waxed in about six weeks. I'm actually surprised that the football didn't get tangled in my lip hair, it's that long.

So here's my friend, genuinely concerned about the state of my face, and all I can do is twist away and mumble, "I'm okay, I'm okay," because in reality I don't want him seeing the mustache I've accumulated.

Lesson learned: Always keep up with your waxing because you never know when you're going to have balls flying at your face.

Emmys 2011: The Good, The Bad And Christina Hendricks' Jammers!

2011-09-19T16:58:16Z

Aaaah awards season. A time to look back at all of the accomplishments in TV and movies. A time to be thankful that we live in a world that has such a deep and glorious pool of on-screen talent from which to choose. And lastly, a time to mock Guiliana Rancic's hair line and potruding collar bone on the red carpet.

Let's be real. The awards are fun, but it's the red carpet that we live for.

With that being said I give you my highly professional picks for the best and worst looks from the 2011 Emmys.

Nina Dobrev in red Donna Karan. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerk it girl. That girl is as skinny as a tube of toothpaste, but somehow they managed to give her some slamming curves. Ian Somerhalder is a lucky dude. (And she is one infinitely lucky girl.)

Ooofta. Julilanne Hough. Bummer! The top of the dress looks like wilted flower petals, the bottom of the dress looks poorly made, and what is this belt? Not to mention her complexion looks blotchy and uneven. It must be super exhausting having to always make straight excuses for Ryan Seacrest.

I looooooooooove the color of this Carolina Herrera Dress. But the too-tight fit around her thighs and the matchy matchy belt put this on my bad list even though I think Olivia Munn is hiiiiiilarious. Better luck next year, gurl!

I've loved Martha Plimpton ever since The Goonies. I also loved her in 200 Cigarettes. But I reeeeally love her in this ruby Zac Posen. The simple makeup, the golden wheat hair--it's all working for her. Bravo!

Normally, I think Heidi Klum looks flawless in anything. And I give her serious props for wearing Christian Siriano to the awards show. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut she looks like a coral reef. And one that hasn't been dusted in a long time.

What the hell?! No. Just...no. I don't care if it's Emilio Pucci and I don't care if you have a slammin' body. Midriffs at awards shows are NOT OK. I had also just come from seeing her in Contagion where she foams at the mouth so maybe that skewed my opinion as well. Just saying...

Oh look. Christina's Boobs brought her to the ceremony! How nice of them!!! Let's be real. Girl is gorgeous, but if she was small chested she'd just be another "fat" actress in Hollywood.

This is bar none my favorite color of the night. The corally-red looks stunning on her, as do the gold jewelry and the little hint of aqua in the earrings. Even thought she pronounced the dress "Vera Wong" Sofia is still at the top of the Best Dressed List for sure.

I like this dress from the chest down. There is something about the arm holes of this Calvin Klein that bother me. The color is fantastic, I just wish Katie would improve her posture and look like she's happy to be there.

My favorite thing about this look? The plum lipstick. Must find out what it is! My second favorite thing is this pink Alberta Ferretti Rashida Jones is werking. Stunning but not too serious. She looks beautiful.

The simple up-do. The stunning red of the Elie Saab dress. And those brows! How does she get them so full and thick?! Kate Winslet, once again, stuns on the red carpet.

I wish Angela Chase, I mean Claire Danes would come back with her red hair. Anyway not only does this dress give me sober acid flashbacks of how bad I was at geometry, but what is with her and the tan lines?! If you remember she had them at the 2010 Golden Globes as well It's called spray tan gurl! Lawd knows you're rich enough for it!!!

Julie Bowen. Wear a plunging neckline when you have something resembling boobs. Your sternum looks freezing!

Kristen Wiig in Zac Posen. I've always thought she was sort of tom-boyish but she looks great in this chocolate/mocha ombre dress.

All in all I thought there was a nice mix of colors. It was definitely a bright awards show.

What did you guys thinks of the awards show?

Drybar Comes To NYC!

2011-09-16T22:13:57Z

When I first heard about Drybar coming to NYC, I literally squealed with joy. Then I called up all of my girlfriends and we all collectively squealed joyously together. We couldn't wait to plan our next event so we could get our hair professionally blown out. Drybar is the simple, yet brilliant of idea of "No cuts. No color. Just blowouts."

When I had the lucky task of attending the preview event of the NYC debut location at 4 West 16th Street, I didn't know what to expect. All I did know was that I wanted gigantic, bombshell hair. What I was met with was not only a very modern, cool, iPhone charger-equipped space, but a staff as friendly as your next door neighbor.

My stylist, Mitchell, who I'm pretty sure I was married to in a past life, not only had extensive knowledge of music and 90's movies, but was a whiz with the blow dryer and sang "Party Rock Anthem" with me while he twisted and twirled my hair. He worked his magic while I chatted with Alli Webb, President and Co-Founder of Drybar.

I congratulated Alli on her amazing success and marveled at the fact that she, along with her business partner and brother Michael Landau, had opened 10 locations in a year. "I have curly hair and I was always looking for a good blow-out," Alli said, "But everything was so expensive."

"So the blowouts are $40? All the time?" I asked.

"Yes. The fixed price was really important to me. It always frustrated me how a salon would advertise a $30 blowout and then tell you that because of the length of your hair your blow-out would be $45." At Drybar, no matter your hair length or the style you prefer, the wash and blow dry is always $40.

Drybar first opened in LA in February of 2010 and since them has expanded to an additional seven locations in Southern California, Arizona, Flat Iron in NYC and Texas. 2011 expansion plans include San Francisco, Chicago, London and Le Parker Meridien Hotel in NYC this fall.

Appointments can be booked online at www.thedrybar.com or by calling 212.561.5392.

Me rocking the fabulous Cosmopolitan blowout with Alli Webb on the left and the amazing Mitchell on the right, doing his best blue steel.

The space is bright, cheerful and lacks any and all attitude. It feels like you're going to your friends house to get ready for a night out.

Moroccan Oil products adorn the shelves and feel free to charge in your iPhone, iPad or iTouch while you receive a Southern Comfort blowout!

Fresh Sugar Treatment Lip Passion: Red Hot

2011-09-07T17:27:06Z

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments with SPF 15 are staples for any girl who wants sun protection with just a hint if color. Since the original clear version launched, Fresh has helped us keep our lips from burning off with Sugars Rose, Plum and Honey; each sheer shade as universal as they are gorgeous.

The brilliant minds at Fresh have now brought us Sugar Passion, a sultry red in an equally sexy metal case.

The color reminds me of your lips after you've sucked on one of those double cherry Popsicles on a sweltering summer day. Or how your mouth looks after you've had a few glasses of Kool-Aid.

Either way the results are fabulous!

Will you try Fresh Sugar Passion?

Yes, that is Sugar Passion on my pucker!

My Fall Makeup Haul: Chanel Edition

2011-09-04T17:11:17Z

It's no secret that I can't go into a Sephora or pass by any makeup counter without buying something. Even on the rare occasion that I do not happen to buy something from a Sephora store, I'll end up going somewhere and buying myself a congratulatory present for NOT buying makeup.

It's a slippery slope, you see. Last week I was on vacation on the beach. It was a glorious week filled with sun, books and plenty of relaxation. But by Saturday, I was itching to go out and buy some products. The closest I'd gotten to any real shopping was reading the September issues of Vogue, and I needed to be in touch with my beauty junkie side. I promptly packed up the car and went from the beach to Macy's at the Cape Cod Mall.

First stop: Chanel. I make a big summer pit stop there around this time every year. It's much less crowded than the location at Herald Square, and the ladies are eager to help. They quickly realize that I'm going to buy stuff (and a lot off it) so they don't have to sell too hard to me.

My gaze fell first on the new nail colors for the Fall 2011 season. "OOOOOoooooh," I cooed as I picked up a bottle of sparkly silver nail polish. "I'm going to need that." The dazzling nail color is called Graphite (#3 in my haul photo), and it is a perfect compliment for any outfit.

A regular nail color chameleon, it looks greenish silver in the bottle, silver on the nails and gold in low light. I can't wait to pair it with my new gray and black leopard dress from Anne Taylor Loft! *Note: if you see a Chanel color that you like pick it up immediately because they sell out ridiculously fast. One day it's there, the next day it's in the archives.

Below is the rest of my Chanel Haul:

1.Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir Black (USD $30.00): If you're a fan of the original Inimitable then you'll go gaga for this reboot. It provides twice the lengthening, thickening and volumizing as it's predecessor and leaves lashes looking glossy and alluring.

2. Chanel Nail color in Black Pearl (USD $ $25.00): This gorgeous gray color with swirls of blue and pink are true to it's name. Take any deep sea black pearl and you'll see where the inspiration comes from for this hot new polish.

I'd like to thank my dad for being a good sport and letting me paint one of his hands so I could showcase the color. He was the only guy in the house and all of the women had their nails done.

4, 5 & 6. Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Mirifique and Epatant (USD $36.00) These long wear eye shadows are shimmery and versatile and boast an spongy texture which, for an eye product, is quite innovative. Mirifique is a black shade with different shimmery colors and Epatant is a taupe/green color. They can be used as an overall color or a liner, and they come packaged with their own little brush as well which can be used for application. Me? I just use my fingers.

I can't wait to try these bad boys on with a full face of makeup! I will be sure to report back and let you all know about the wear-a-bility of this new product.

So this is just part one of my Fall Makeup Haul. Stay tuned for MAC and Bobbi Brown!

Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream

2011-09-04T16:02:09Z

I don't know about all of you, but I am currently mourning the loss of summer. Yes I love fall, and yes there is something inherently special about Christmas in New York City, but let's be real: Everyone looks better tan and I'd rather be wearing flip flops than my 5" Brian Atwood pumps.

I also have a hard time transitioning because with the cooler weather comes drier skin. I shared my dry skin woes with you in this post and still, the problem persists. No matter what I do: Sleep with gloves and hand cream, lather up in body cream before bed and in the morning—my skin seems to always remain dry. I'm hoping that Fresh can help me this season.

Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream is the latest and greatest from the innovative skincare brand. Here's what the ultra nourishing cream is power packed with:

Seabuckthorn oil, a powerful antioxidant rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 that restores, protects and softens the skin.

Seabuckthorn

Cranberry seed oil which helps maintain the skin's elasticity and smoothness
Sea lavender helps to calm and soothe dry skin. It also lends it's fragrance to the cream.

Not only does this cream have a rich, luxurious texture, it's also 100% Paraben free.

Seaberry Restorative Body Cream 240ml - $28.50
www.fresh.com

Birds Of A Feather...

2011-08-03T14:55:31Z

I live and work in New York City, so admittedly I wear a lot of black. I know it's a terrible cliche, but black is just so easy (not to mention slimming!) no matter where you live (why the inhabitants of NYC have a bad rap for wearing black is beyond me.) Anyway, as my wardrobe usually resembles a dark cloud, I thought, "How can I pump up the volume a bit and add some color?"

During lunch one day I ran into Strawberry for an emergency cover-all. While I was checking out, I noticed these fabulous feather earrings.

"Can I wear feather earrings?" I thought to myself. They were only $3.99, though, so I figured what the heck.

So here I am giving them a whirl for the first time. You can't see, but my outfit consists of a long black maxi skirt with a black tank top. I figured that the bright pop of hot pink would add a little something, and I was right! All day long people were commenting my choice of earrings, saying how great the color was and how well I pulled them off!

Naturally I went back the next day and purchased these:

I mean who doesn't love a pair of peacock feather earrings?? (Especially with this breaking news) I also purchased a pair of white feather earrings with some serious CZ bling (not shown).

So what do we think? Yay or Nay to the feathers??

TOM'S Wedges

2011-07-20T14:43:19Z

With summer comes the hunt for a perfect pair of wedges. For me, the perfect pair are made by TOM's. I remember the first time I saw them. I was having dinner in the West Village, and a girl walked by me wearing a pair in black. I nearly fell out of my chair running to ask her where she got them when she walked by.

Later, I ran into a girl at work wearing them. After we spent 20 minutes gushing about them in Starbucks, I promptly went back to my desk and ordered a pair in coral.

Oh hello lovers.

Not only is the color amazeballs and goes with everything from sage to black to yellow, I also love the little touch of gingham on the inside. These shoes are ridiculously comfortable, but a word to the wise ladies: Break them in first. I tried to be a hero and wear them during my morning to commute to the office and ended up tearing up the heels of my feet. Not. Smart.

Priced at $69, for every pair of TOM's sold, they donate a new pair of shoes to a child in need. So not only do you look adorable, you're helping out little kids!

Next up on my TOM's wish list:

The hand-painted Tyler Ramsey Coral Wedges. As Rachel Zoe would say, "I. Die."

A Weighty Issue

2011-07-06T19:21:07Z

I'm a sucker for a makeover story. Especially one on reality TV. The only one I can't watch is Extreme Makeover Home Edition—it's just water works from beginning to end when that one comes on. A few weeks ago ABC premiered Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. The show chronicles one individual throughout the entire year as they fight to lose weight.

The trainer who helps them along the way is Chris Powell.

This man is so hot he could probably get me to learn eight languages in two hours if he tried hard enough. In any case, I was watching the show with one of my friends and she was saying how depressing it was.

"Oh I can't watch this it makes me so sad."

"Really," I said. "I think it's actually so uplifting!"

"Yeah but for every person that this guy helps, there are so many more people out there who can't get this help."

"But maybe someone is watching it and getting inspired to do the same thing. Besides, you've never even been fat so you don't know what it's like."

My friend just kind of nodded and gave an "I guess so" shrug.

I wasn't trying to be harsh when I said it but it got me thinking, I mean I've never been super skinny so I don't know what it's like to have someone say, "Oh my God, Lisa, eat a donut you're so skinny!"

What do you think about this?

Do You Kiss & Tell?

2011-06-23T16:31:51Z

I live for my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments. I've been using them for 10+ years!

If you live in NYC and haven't tried Sugar Lip Treatment, then you simply MUST check out the Fresh Kiss & Tell event happening today and Saturday the 25th.

Fresh has taken over a truck and is pimping all over the concrete jungle, bringing Sugar kisses to you all day. Inside the trucks, you will receive a free Sugar Lip Treatment.

There will be Fresh street teams at 15 locations in Manhattan handing out cute tote bags containing maps of the truck's location. You can also log onto Facebook and Twitter to see the truck route.

Happy smooching!!

Meeting Giuliana Rancic

2011-06-14T15:26:49Z

Because I am part of the world, I am on Twitter (follow me @lisagradie if you want to have your days filled with knee-slapping laughs because I *do* put the FU in FUN). Let's be honest, the only reason most of us are on Twitter is so we can follow celebrities and see what (or who) they are doing. So when Giuliana Rancic tweeted that she was going to be at Sephora at 5th Avenue promoting DDF, naturally I had to go and meet her. Even though I think she needs to be tied down and force fed lard covered donuts, I do think she is hilarious, and her husband is a babe.

As luck would have it one of my good friends does sales for DDF, and she was at the event as well. All of the other plebes had to buy a DDF product to get a wrist band in order to meet G, but me? Well I know people, so I just got the wrist band, sans purchase.

So we waited on line for about an hour. Giuliana was doing interviews with various beauty bloggers before she started meeting her scores of adoring fans. Once the line started moving, we came to realize that she was mini-interviewing everyone—like really asking people questions.

I didn't want to be so lame and be like, "So how's Bill???" because I'm sure everyone was asking her that. When my time came to meet her I just winged it.

Oh, and did I mention that there were cameras everywhere because they were taping this entire thing for her show on Style Network, Giuliana & Bill.

"Hiiiii. Nice to meet you," Giuliana said.

"You too," I answered. "Listen I have a question. Can we do the picture first? My friend taking the photo has to leave, and I think you and I will have a lot to talk about."

"S...Sure!" *snap* "So what's your name?"

"Lisa. And I have to ask you. What's happening with your eye makeup? Tell me what's going on above the nose."

"Why? Do you hate it?" She asked.

"No. I love it. Tell me," I responded.

"Well, it's actually a very cheap Sephora brand compact...um...can you grab it for her? I want to show her."

At this point the big boss of DDF, my friends boss's boss sashayed off to go grab the compact. Giuliana then proceeded to demonstrate the colors for me and how she put them on and specifics of everything.

"So where are you from?" She asked me.

"Boston. I relocated here 2 years ago," I said. "How is Mama DePandi doing?"

"Oh she's good..."

"And how's Paolo?" I asked.

Giuliana looked confused, but interseted. "Who?" She asked.

"Paolo. Your brother."

"Ooooh Pasquale! He's good!" Giuliana laughed.

"HE'S A BABE!!!" I exclaimed.

"You think so?" Giuliana guffawed.

"Yeah!" I said.

"Oh my god. I can't wait to tell Bill. I'm calling him right after this to tell him that you think Pasquale is hot. He will die. And when I tell my brother, you'll like make his day."

I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally wanted to ask her if her brother was single because for the life of me I couldn't remember but I didn't want to look crazier than I'm sure I already did.

She signed a head shot for me, said I was adorable and really nice, and I was sent on my way. After that I went over to where my friends were standing and everyone said that my "meet" with her was the best so far. So maybe I'll be on television!! OMG!!

Meeting the lady of the hour!
L-R:
My friend and DDF employee Jessica Day, Giuliana, friend Tersa, Moi!

The shadow G wore. Go buy it! It looks fabulous!

Summer Slimmers: Helps Muffin Tops And Chub Rub

2011-06-08T20:06:59Z

With the weather in NYC climbing into the almost triple digits this week, I will basically be swathed in dresses for the next few days. With dresses comes great responsibility. Unless you weigh 45 pounds and have ITC (inner thigh clearance), your thighs will rub together. Ain't no shame in it ladies; it happens to the healthiest of us.

I lovingly refer to my thighs rubbing together as Chub Rub and let me tell you something: It hurts. Add this misery to the fact that you're already swampy from head to toe, and it's just a disaster.

This is why I keep my slimmers/girdles/Spanx/what have you handy year round. I may be wearing a long maxi dress that is loose and hides a multitude of sins, but underneath, the chub rub is on fire.

Also, it helps to suck in the rogue muffin top from bloating or too many Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at lunch. I mean, it's really hot out, so you're going to be drinking a ton of water. Slap on a summer slimmer and lose those five pounds of water weight in no time.

Since the task of getting on a slimmer is equivalent to wrestling an Alligator for me, I go through them pretty quickly. If you're looking for some cheap but durable ones, I recommend the Assets brand from Target (similar to Spanx) or interestingly enough, the Duane Reade brand slimmer works very well—and it has a high waist so you can be slim from your knees to your upper lumbar!