StyleWorks Newsletter                                   May 2014

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"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."  

~ Oprah Winfrey

 



 

  

Carol Davidson - Red Glasses Looking Right

I have never understood why Mother's Day is celebrated only one day a year.  With all they do - tears they wipe away, cuts they bandage, meals they cook, homework they help with and so on - it hardly seems to be enough of a tribute.   While I am not technically a mother - except to my 7 year old Airedale terrier - I do derive great pleasure from nurturing others.  I get this quality from my mom who was, by the way, the most beautiful, generous, warm and extraordinary woman I will ever hope to know.  She was also my best friend and my greatest teacher. 

 

Rather than honor her birthday or the anniversary of her death, I choose to celebrate my mom in May - not just for one day, but all month long.  I also choose to celebrate the other female nurturers in my life - family, friends, associates, clients and students.  I am lucky.  I come across fellow female nurturers wherever I go.  (Who says like doesn't attract like?)  I can't be sure, but I do believe that my mom somehow sends them to me.  And for this I am extremely grateful. 

 

This month I encourage you to also celebrate all of the wonderful women in your circle.  Many people choose to send flowers, which is a lovely gesture. This year I've got some floral alternatives to share via the article, Spring's Fresh Picks. However you celebrate the wonder women in your life, please don't forget to call or write 'just because,' give them a bigger hug than usual or say 'thank you' the next time you see them.  We all know it's the little things that mean so much.  

 

Now that spring is in full swing, many of us have begun the seasonal ritual of spring cleaning.  While you may be in the midst of tackling your closet and drawers, please don't forget your makeup bag.  Often neglected, spring is the perfect time to review and replace your beauty products - and revisit your beauty routine.  Who knows?  Maybe you and one of the fab women in your life will want to spend some QT at your favorite makeup counter (smile).  And if you want more individualized attention, skip the crowds and head to one of my favorite (shhh...don't tell) Trade Secrets  (see below).

 

Until next time - celebrate the amazing women in your life - including yourself!

 

With warm and stylish regards,

 

CD

  

Carol Davidson  

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Spring's Fresh Picks
  

The streets are alive with blooms, buds and blossoms.  Spring has (finally) sprung!  And it's not just outside...The stores are awash with pastel colors, spring dresses and all things floral.  One of this season's clothing trends is the use of floral prints - from big and bold to small and delicate - they're everywhere.  If you're not a fan, no worries as this season there are plenty of other prints to choose and plenty of other ways to get your floral fix.  But if you are a floral enthusiast, there are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from!  What follows is just a sampling of some of our favorites.  

 

Luxe and Lush - It doesn't get better than this...a sweater that marries the ease of your favorite weekend sweatshirt, with the refinement of a beautiful silk scarf.  Merino wool and a digitally printed, floral silk panel artfully come together in a sweater that will help you make a beautiful transition into spring.  Make it your own by pairing it with everything from distressed denim to a pleated skirt or slim pants. This sweater is proof positive that floral need not mean fussy.  ($118 at J.Crew.) 

 

Showers of Fun - We all know April showers bring May flowers. That said, you won't want to put away your umbrella anytime soon - especially when it's this pretty! Designed by Maija Isola in 1964, the Unikko ("poppy") motif has been the most popular Marimekko print to date.  A departure from typical decorative florals,  Unikko offers a pop art interpretation in bold, bright color. This umbrella is sure to make you smile, even on a cloudy day. ($99 at Crate & Barrel.) 

 

Make a Statement - It's like they always say...go big or go home. There's simply no easier way to dress up an outfit than with a statement necklace.  This one adds a pop of fresh color with some of this season's hottest hues.  For those who follow the Pantone color trends, it's the right mix of dazzling blue, celosia orange and hemlock green.  On trend now, but stylish for seasons to come, it's the perfect way to 'summer-ize' the dark neutral clothing so many of us can't live without.  ($228 available at Bloomingdale's.) 

   

Totally Adorable- Think of this as a new take on a familiar favorite - the Longchamp tote.  This one is perfectly sized to carry the iPad, cell phone charger, makeup bag...you know life's 'little necessities.'  What's more, this canvass carryall features one of the prettiest tulip prints of the season.  It's time to lose the leather tote and lighten up with what's sure to be a perennial favorite. (Pun intended - smile. $355 at Neiman Marcus.)  

 

    

It's in the Bag - If ever there was a month to include something from designer Tory Burch, it's this one.  One of Forbes' "Most Powerful Women in the World" (you go girl!) she is an award-winning designer whose aesthetic has become synonymous with attainable, yet chic sophistication.  More to the point, I couldn't resist this makeup bag in a bold botanical.  Not only is it lovely to look at, it's practical...it holds all of the necessary beauty essentials for a mid-day touch up AND you can actually spot it at the bottom of your bag.  ($68 available at ShopBop.) 

 

Be it a gift for you, or any of the amazing women in your life, this season's posies have never looked so pretty!

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Let's Makeup
   

makeup bag

Now that spring has officially sprung, it's not only a great time to change your wardrobe, but to also change your beauty products.  Before you run off to the makeup counter to purchase some of the season's 'must have' cosmetics, you will want to look through your products and selectively edit. 

 

I can appreciate that many of us have at least a little (if not a lot) of trouble letting go of things, even makeup.  (I have heard all the excuses from, "it took forever to find the perfect shade of lipstick" to "but the eye shadow is Chanel.")  However painful it may seem, you will want to edit your stash at least twice a year because cosmetics do expire.  The not-so glam truth is that once you open a product and start to use it, it becomes exposed to the air and elements, not to mention bacteria, which can prove problematic for your skin.

 

Not unlike my philosophy about clothing, my belief about makeup is as follows: If you haven't used a product in a year, you probably never will.

 

Not a believer?  Let's try another approach. There are some sure signs that a cosmetic has lived past its prime: if it has an unusual order, has changed consistency or changed color.  (Yuck!!)  Trust me when I tell you that It's easier (not to mention more pleasant) not to go there.  With that in mind, here a few guidelines regarding the shelf life of cosmetics: 

 

Expiration Dates
  • Foundation/ Concealer: 6 months
  • Loose Powder: up to 1 1/2 years 
  • Powder Eye Shadow or Blush: up to 2 years
  • Cream Eye Shadow or Blush: 1 year 
  • Mascara: 3 months
  • Lipstick: up to 1 1/2 years
  • Lip gloss: 9 months 

The good news is that once you rid your bag of tricks of the items that have outlived their usefulness, you will enjoy your trip to the makeup counter all the more!  This season dare to try something different.  Maybe intensify your color palette or add a bit of sparkle and shine?  False eyelashes, anyone?  Whatever you do, experiment, have fun and put your best face forward!

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Trade Secret 

       

 

Rouge New York
130 Thompson St, New York NY 10012
212.388.1717
 www.rougeny.com

 
No need to be intimidated by this beauty hot spot.  Whether you've never worn makeup or you are a beauty product junkie, a flawless makeup application in this relaxed salon is just a brush stroke away. Think "blowout bar" for makeup and you've got the concept.  Not just for a wedding, high school reunion or other special occasion, a professional makeup application is for any time you want to look and feel gorgeous. Choose from a menu of looks, ranging from "You ... Only Better" to the "Total Polish" (a more glamorous nighttime option) and their makeup artists will work their magic.  Although the salon has its own self-branded makeup (with brushes, skin-care, lip glosses, and concealers), it also uses products from other brands such as Face Stockholm.  Yes it's co-owned by ex-Law and Order actress Stephanie March, but in this salon you (and your Mom or BFF) are the star(s)!

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Buy a
Gift...


Get a Gift!  

 

 
It fits and flatters.  It gets redeemed and not returned.  Give the gift of image enhancement and you give mom (or any other amazing woman in your life) a gift that makes her not only look, but feel terrific! 

 

StyleWorks Gift Certificates are available for any of our in-person or online services (image assessment, closet analysis, and personal shopping).  Custom packages are available as well.

 

And, best of all...give a StyleWorks gift certificate (minimum two hours) and receive a complimentary hour of StyleWorks by Skype - an  online session of image assessment, wardrobe review or personal shopping - just for you.

 

Finally, a 'gift with purchase' that you will actually use and enjoy!


For additional details,
please contact Carol Davidson.

Offer expires 6/10/14

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