Posts Tagged ‘ Holiday Gift guide ’

Holiday Beauty Tips from NARS

Holiday Beauty Tips from NARS

Last week I hosted an amazing event at the NARS Boutique at the Forum Shops at Ceasars Palace.

Myself and some of Las Vegas’ biggest influencers viewed the AMAZING Limited Edition Man Ray Collection (which I shared with you the second it launched click here to read) and we learned some pro make-up tips from NARS senior artist Julia Sohn.  Julia was trained by Francois Nars himself and is a repeat backstage at Fashion Week each season.

I wanted to share some of these hot holiday beauty tips from NARS that will really make your makeup pop this season.

Holiday Beauty Tips from NARS

FOUNDATION. Most people apply too much and are just wasting product.  Julia says to start with a small amount and apply it with your fingers starting at your nose in a pat then sweep motion, taking the sweep across the face in short strokes blending all the way to hairline.  I tried this technique today and my whole face was covered perfectly with foundation using only a fraction of what I normally use.

Holiday Beauty Tips from NARS

LIPS.  You all know I am a die hard red lippie gal.  The drawback to a strong red lip is that it bleeds.  It seems like no matter what you do it bleeds.  Julia has a solution.  Apply NARS Instant Line and Pore Perfector around the outside of the lip-line. It contains line and pore-filling microspheres which instantly smooth the skin’s surface while hyaluronic acid spheres gently plump to fill in lines and wrinkles.  Basically you are using it to fill the places that the lip color would bleed.  It leaves the area soft smooth and pucker-tastic.  (Yep I bought 2 of this baby right away.)

Holiday Beauty Tips from NARS

EYES.  Julia has a great trick for getting your eyes to really pop.  Whether you are winging it out or smokin’ it up, if you apply black pencil liner on the inside of your upper eyelid it will make your lashes look thicker and fuller!  Another great tip Julia had for eyes was to use bronzer to soften the eye.  Use just a fraction of bronzer to blend the edges, finish the look and warm your eyes up.  Julia used Laguna from the Man Ray Veil Cheek Palette to achieve this.

CHEEKS. Use a bronzer to contour the face and give it natural dimension.  Then add your blush between the apple and the cheekbone to create an epicenter to the cheeks then add a little blush around the temples to soften and warm up the face. Remember just touching your face with the brush brings a flush to your cheeks so when you apply blush make sure you apply a little then let it settle for a few minutes before you add more to avoid going cray cray on blush.  Julia did all of this with the Man Ray Veil Cheek Palette.

Holiday Beauty Tips from NARS

NARS Blogger event Forum Shops

Perfect for gifts and stocking stuffers, The Limited Edition Man Ray x NARS Collection is Available at The NARS Boutique at The Forum Shops at Caesars and at NarsCosmetics.com

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year Fashion

I think I may be THE most obsessed-with-Christmas person in the room this season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and I have been on a steady diet of Candy Canes, Irish Coffee and cheesy Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel since Thanksgiving.  I am feeling so holly, jolly and so INTO Christmas in EVERY way this year EXCEPT with my gift shopping.  I know, I know I shop for a living BUT when you shop for a living the last thing you want to do on your day off is… to go shopping. So, I put it off and waited and procrastinated until we are down to D-Day.  I have to get to gifting.

I have decided all of my gifting will be themed.  It is going to be a who’s who tour of my best blog finds from the past year.  So friends and family be warned you will be recieveing ALOT of Kendra Scott, NARS, Donald J. Pliner, The Real Real, Oil & Vinegar (from Downtown Summerlin) and Jo Malone.

Now on to my OOTD.  This dress is what I wore on our Christmas card this year.  You may have seen the card posted on my social channels already- we did a Mid Century Mod theme with Doris Day and Frank Sinatra Christmas albums held over our faces and of course martini’s.  So fun!  I wanted to wear something that made me feel festive and this bouncy velvet dress screamed “Happy Holiday’s” PLUS it has pockets, any dress with pockets is a winner in my book.  I needed to match what Doris Day was wearing on the album cover to pull off the concept and as fortune may have it, I already had this vintage 1960’s jacket (which matched perfectly) left over from a tv series I worked on a few years ago!  I paired the look with patent leather t-bar heels and a patent leather bag.  There is just something about patent leather that makes it so festive and holiday perfect!

How are you doing on your holiday shopping?  Finished?  Almost there or in need of serious help?

Behind The Scenes: I had the brilliant idea to shoot these photos at Tivoli Village near the holiday decor but when we arrived there was a Winter Festival going on.  Picture hundreds of people, midway games, booths, performers, music etc.  I usually like to shoot in quiet areas where there are no people around, this was not that!  We found these beautiful windows near the Operation North Pole (where kids go to see Santa) and shot while a gagillion people looked on and walked by. AWKWARD but I have to admit I did feel like I was attending a Christmas Festival in a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie which totally put in the holiday mood.  We sampled some beignets from Hampton’s, a delish new restaurant at Tivoli, enjoyed the music and watched excited kids exiting Operation North Pole after they told Santa what they wanted for Christmas but the biggest highlight was getting photo bombed by The Grinch.  Happy Holidays!

Holiday Style Inspo

Holiday Style

Doris Day Christmas

Doris Day Christmas

Doris Day Christmas

Holiday Style

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

You're a mean one Mr. Grinch

What I’m Wearing: 1960’s era Vintage Coat (similar found here) Emilio de la Morena Velvet Evening Dress | Mulberry Patent Leather Bag |T Bar Pumps (similar found here) | The Doris Day Christmas Album |

Click to Shop Some of My Favorite Blogging Finds of 2017:

 

One of a Kind Gifts at Kemo Sabe

Kemo Sabe Las Vegas Forum Shops

A few months ago I styled a fashion show for Luxury Las Vegas and I recieved a ton of messages on INSTAGRAM asking me where I found the AMAZING cowboy hats and boots I used in the show.

They all came from a hidden little gem at The Forum Shops at Ceasars Palace, Kemo Sabe.

With outposts in Aspen (their flagship) Vail and Las Vegas, Kemo Sabe has established themselves as a leader in contemporary Western Wear by combining old west traditions with fashion forward designs offering unique never duplicated products.

Not just for cowboys, western inspired pieces are one of the biggest trends right now.  Even Victoria’s Secret saddled up to the trend. The global lingerie company invaded Aspen this summer with an army of Angels for its 2017 holiday campaign donning Kemo Sabe’s iconic hats, chaps, belts, and boots.

With this being the season for shopping and with the NFR in town (yee haw) I thought now is the perfect time to share some of my favorite unique finds from Kemo Sabe.

Kemo Sabe True Grit Hats

Kemo Sabe Grit Cowboy Hats.

These hats are EVERYTHING. Each hat is one of a kind and hand-made in the USA. Kemo Sabe scours every square inch of the American West searching for the perfect materials and items from which to craft these gorgeous toppers from start to finish by their in house Milliner. What really sets these hats apart is the cool worn in look they have and the fact that they are fully customizable. Personalize it with a hatband, add dried flowers, or have your initials branded on it!   They will even use their a Hat steamer to shape it just how you want it.

Kemo Sabe True Grit Hats

Speaking of Personalization, Kemo Sabe sports a miniature collection of cattle brands at their ‘Branding Station’.  All cowhide and leather goods can be branded with your initials, small images, or even your family ranch brand if you have one! There’s something for everyone in the family… flasks, giant flasks, koozies, travel kits, journals, handbags, weekend bags, stockings, wallets, etc.  Perfect for gifting!

Kemo Sabe Leather Goods

Kemo Sabe Leather Goods

If you are a frequent reader of my blog you know I am OBSESSED with denim jackets so I lost my mind when I discovered Black Denim.

Artist David Black creates one of a kind custom denim jackets using vintage denim, custom patches and artwork.

Kemo Sabe carries a few of his jackets but this weekend David Black will be HERE in Las Vegas at Kemo Sabe in the Forum Shops (December 8 and 9th) showcasing an entire trunk show of his oh so perfect creations!  The ultimate time to snag one for yourself!

Kemo Sabe David Black Denim Jacket

Black Denim Custom Jacket

Kemo Sabe is Located in the Forum Shops at Caesars near Casa Fuente Cigars.

Downtown Summerlin Gift IT List

Last week I attended THE most AMAZING Blogger event at Downtown Summerlin.

This was THE blogger event to top all blogger events.  Seriously they dropped the mic with this one!

Myself and a small group of Vegas’ top Influencers and Bloggers were hosted on a Jolly Holiday Gifting tour of the best Downtown Summerlin has to offer for the holidays.

The action packed tour of Downtown Summerlin included something for everyone on your list.  From beauty to foodie and everything in between I have a complete list of the season’s  hottest gifts.

There is so much to cover so let’s get started!

Downtown Summerlin Gift IT LIst

For the Beauty Lover in your life

It all began with a breakfast and scent sampling from Jo Malone at Dillard’s.  We learned about the history of the brand, discovered scent layering techniques and got the scoop on the hottest limited edition holiday scents!

Downtown Summerlin Gift It List

I am a huge Jo Malone fan (their candles are AMAZING) and this season they introduced  three new limited edition holiday products that are at the top of my gift list!

Downtown Summerlin Gift It List

Orange Bitters Cologne.  I AM OBSESSED with this limited edition scent.  A warm winter cocktail. Bright citrus mingles with sweet orange and a burst of ripe mandarin then finishes with a splash of bitter orange to reveal rich prune and a base of sensual sandalwood and amber. A warm by the fireside scent that is perfect for the holiday season.

Downtown Summerlin Gift It List

Green Almond Red Currant Cologne.  The tart juiciness of redcurrants. The zing of citrus. Cocooned in green almond, cedarwood and tonka. Merry and bright. This scent is pure HOLIDAY JOY and it’s sold out almost everywhere around the country BUT Dillard’s at Downtown Summerlin still has 4 bottles of this magical elxir!  Get it QUICK!

Downtown Summerlin Gift it List

Green Almond and Red Currant Christmas Candle.  Everything festive about the cologne, the warming base of cedarwood and tonka, lively with the delicious bite of redcurrant, the nuttiness of green almond, the zing of citrus in a long burning candle form!

Jo Malone Dillard's Downtown Summerlin

Insider Tip:  Take a break from your holiday shopping and relax at Jo Malone inside Dillard’s at Downtown Summerlin.  Stop in and they will give you a complimentary hand massage with hot towels and their delish body creams.  A perfect pick me up from the hustle and bustle!

Downtown Summerlin Gift it List

For the Foodie

Next we traveled to Oil and Vinegar.  This chic shop has everything for foodie on your list!  Focusing on innovative and interactive tastings, their specialty is high quality on-tap oils and vinegars. Rows and rows of artesenal vinegars, everything from mango pulp vinegar (sweet and tangy) to Marc de Champange vinegar (sweet and crisp) accompanied by rows and rows of curated oils like Meyer Lemon, Garlic, White Truffle and more!

Oil and Vinegar Downtown Summerlin

In addiction to their on-tap oil and vinegar there is also a fantastic assortment of other culinary gifts including herb mixes, dressings, olives, sundried tomatoes, mustards, sauces, pestos, pastas in various forms and colors, ceramics, pottery (plates, platters and olive bowls etc.), kitchen utensils and cookbooks!

Downtown Summerlin It Gift List

One of the fantastic things about this shop is that they show you fun and innovative ways to use their products like adding Blood Orange Oil to a store bought brownie mix to elevate it.  The tasting expert’s at Oil and Vinegar made delish Caprese style bites for us to sample (and I quickly purchased EVERYTHING to make them because it was love at first bite). The appetizer includes: Oil and Vinegar’s Pomodori Sunpomo Tomatoes, mozzarella and basil sprinkled with Oil and Vinegar’s Tomato Pulp Vinegar.  Oh my yummy yum yum.

Insider Tip: Not only is this shop packed full of flavor they are also eco-friendly.  Once you finish the bottle of your on-tap oil or vinegar you can bring the bottle back and refill it!

Holiday Gifts Downtown Summerlin

For the Decorator and the not-so Green Thumb

West Elm has everything you need to create a fun custom succulents or cacti creations for the decorator or not-so green thumb in your life (a cactus is a plant even I couldn’t kill).  The perfect gift for a co-worker or anyone who needs to spruce up a space with a fun little cacti!

West elm Downtown Summerlin

West Elm’s planting expert demonstrated how easy it is to pot these cute cacti using tongs and their original planter.  First take the cactus out of it’s plastic container with the tongs and set it to the side.

Next use scissors to trim the lip off the top of the plastic container.

Then use the tong to place your cactus back in the plastic container and then inside a chic mid-century inspired planter from West Elm.  This will make watering the catus easy and ensure your plant has built in drainage!

Green Thumb Tip:  The West Elm expert explained to us that plants actually prefer bottled/distilled water over tap water. Tap water contains chemicals, such as chlorine, that are used to treat the public water supply. These chemicals are damaging to plants. The effect of the chemicals is more profound on your house plants than in your outdoor plants. The reason is the chemicals in the water build up in the soil and aren’t washed away by rain, as happens with outdoor plants.

G Aveda Salon Downtown Summerlin

For the Person Who Needs Some Relaxation

G Avenda Salon at Downtown Summerlin will soon be offering Zero Gravity Pedicures.  Yes you read correctly..ZERO..GRAVITY..PEDICURE.  Imagine being taken into a private spa room, receiving a foot scrub in a copper pot, taking a sensory journey through essential oils then having a lavender scented eye pillow placed on your eyes while you lay back in a zero gravity chair, relax and receive a pedicure.  What could be more serene than that! The perfect unique gift for those who need to turn off and de-stress!  Contact G Avenda Salon at Downtown Summerlin for more information, appointments or gift cards!

California Pizza Kitchen Downtown Summerlin

Something for Everyone

We finished our Holiday Gift “IT” list tour with a lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.  Yum Yum Yum.  Have you tried their Sangria Flights and the Pumpkin Cheescake!  Talk about a treat for your tummy!

And this brings us to the last gift on my list: A gift card from California Pizza Kitchen.

Who doesn’t love California Pizza Kitchen and a gift card from CPK is the ultimate gift for just about everyone!  When you purchase a $100 in gift cards, which can be divided up into increments of your choice plus you get a $20 bonus gift card for yourself just for being such a smart gift giver!  Win win!

Downtown Summerlin Gift It List

Downtown Summerlin Bloggers

Las Vegas Bloggers

It was a magical way to kick off the holiday season.

Walking through the streets of Downtown Summerlin with the cool air on my face listening to Christmas music all around I was reminded of why I love Downtown Summerlin so much:  The opportunity to be OUTSIDE and shop while feeling a part of a community!

Stay tuned for more of my favorites from Downtown Summerlin in upcoming posts and make sure to check out their annual holiday parade.  A magical family-friendly spectacle of floats, toy soldiers, snowflake princesses, nutcrackers, dancers and characters through the streets of Downtown Summerlin all set to joyful holiday music and maybe even a little snow!  All shows are free and open to the general public.

November 18th – December 10th: Fridays & Saturdays at 6 p.m.

December 16th – December 24th: Nightly at 6 p.m.

AND

Ice Skating at The Rock Rink. The signature ice skating rink located near the Pavilion at The Lawn. Guests are invited to skate under the stars set to the backdrop of joyful holiday music and an impressive 40-foot holiday tree overlooking the rink.  Skate rentals start at $15, and all ages are welcome.

 

Date & Times:

November 17 – December 22
Mon-Thurs 4pm – 9pm
Friday 4pm – 10pm
Saturday 10am – 10pm
Sunday 11am – 8pm
*Thanksgiving: Closed
*Black Friday: 10am – 10pm

December 23 – January 6
Daily 10am – 10pm
*Christmas Eve 10am – 8pm
*Christmas Day Closed
*New Year’s Eve 10am – 6pm

January 7 – January 15
Mon – Thurs 4pm – 9pm
Friday 4pm – 10pm
Saturday 10am – 10pm
Sunday 11am – 8pm
*MLK Day 10am – 8pm

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

Last week I hosted the annual Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Holiday Brunch here in Las Vegas.

This is one of my favorite events of the year.  We all get to gather in one place, sip some delish cocktails, snack on some AMAZING nibbles and get a sneak peek at the best in holiday beauty gifting.

Before we get to my Beauty picks I wanted to talk a little about Neiman Marcus’s fun holiday launch this year the “Fun to Give” Collection.  The Collection is made up of wallet friendly finds with merry and bright built right in! From cute little minaudiere style clutches with witty sayings (ok these are supposed to be for kids but I would totally rock one) to my must-have The Disco Ball Drink Cup this collection is packed full of affordable finds that will make the ultimate “wow” gift this season.

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

Now on to Beauty!  Hooray for Holiday beauty launches!

The holidays are always my favorite time of year for beauty purchases, both as gifts and for myself.  Brands release the most fantastic products at a great value and Neiman Marcus has definitely delivered this season!

Here are my TOP FIVE Picks in Beauty Gifting from the Event:

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

1. DERMAFLASH- for all you Dermaplaner’s out there, you can now dermaplane easily at-home with this nifty little gadget.  DERMAFLASH is a first-in-class at-home, patented, safe, hygienic, exfoliating device inspired by dermaplaning, a procedure available only in medical spas or doctor’s offices, which refinishes skin by removing dead skin cells and built-up debris. The device also gently removes facial hair for smooth, luminous, and youthful-looking skin. The device comfortably and discreetly sweeps away skin imperfections, dullness, and peach fuzz with a subtle sonic vibration. In just three simple steps, it gently removes dead cells, debris, and fine hair from the cheeks, jawline, lip area, chin, and forehead. It is safe for all skin types, skin colors, and ages. DERMAFLASH immediately unveils smoother, more vibrant, and younger-looking skin in the comfort of your own home.

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

2. Atelier Cologne Gift Set and Engrave-able Sleeve.  You all know what a HUGE fan of Atelier Cologne I am.  Vanilla Insensee is my signature fragrance.  This season Atelier is offering this incredible gift set the “Coffret Composition Originale”.  The set includes five 1.o fl oz bottles of some of Atelier’s most popular scents including: Orange Sanguine, Grand Néroli, Bois Blonds, Pomélo Paradis and Bergamote Soleil. When you purchase the set you can also receive a leather sleeve for your travel bottles which you can have engraved on the spot!

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger

3. Patchology FlashPatch Lip Gels. Kiss dry lips goodbye. Quickly moisturize and soften your pout. You’re left with perfectly prepped lips, ready to make up and mouth off. Lip Renewal FlashPatch® 5 Minute Hydrogels provide deep hydration to soften and smooth lips, leaving them perfectly prepped for makeup. The HydraSurge5™ Moisture System features advanced hydrogel patch technology that sends the most powerful moisturizing ingredients to your lip faster. Niacinamide, Peptides and Green Tea Extract soothe and deliver antioxidant benefits. Latex free and biodegradable. Ideal for all skin types.

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

4. Tom Ford “Girls” Lipcolor. Everyone has heard of the legendary Tom Ford Lips & Boys Collection but did you know Tom Ford just released a Lips & Girls Collection too?  The 50 piece collection includes lip colors named after women Mr. Ford admires, from intimates to collaborators from around the world.  The girls limited edition collection debuts in clutch-sized, ivory and gold packaging all with that signature Tom Ford lip vanilla scent.  Designed to be worn on their own or layered with one another, each transforming color and finish amplifies a woman’s individuality while inciting an insatiable desire to try more than one.  I am OBSESSED with Isamya (the cool blueish/lavender shade).  It is meant to be layered with another shade to instantly transform the color some something so chic you can’t take your eyes off it!

Neiman Marcus Beauty Blogger Brunch

5. ORIBE Dry Styling Collection- Gold Lust Dry Shampoo and Dry Texture Spray. Gold Lust Shampoo and Condition are my gold standard in hair care and now the “get the most out of her blow-out” gal in your life can go a few more days without washing with the Oribe Dry Styling Collection. Double the glam. The set includes two full-size cult favorites—volumizing Dry Texturizing Spray and blowout extending Gold Lust Dry Shampoo. This stuff is so magicall I’m not even going to try to explain it.  you HAVE to try it for yourself.

All of these Holiday Beauty finds and the Fun to Give Collection are available ion Las Vegas at Neiman Marcus Fashion Show and at NeimanMarcus.com

All of the FABULOUS Beauty Gifts can be found at Neiman Marcus Fashion Show or if you are else where NeimanMarcus.com.