(tee: Threads for Thought // jacket: H&M // skirt: Ann Taylor // bag: Coach // shoes: Jessica Simpson // necklace: Vestique)

An offsite meeting with a full length mirror in the bathroom calls for a blurry outfit shot.

obviously.

• Tags
• fashion
• outfit

(skirt: Eva Franco via Anthropologie // top: Development by Erica Davies // clutch: no brand // shoes: DSW // necklaces: Gorjana and House of Harlow)

Last Friday was the awards party for the Triangle’s 25 Most Stylish Event put on by Carolina Style Magazine (issue out this week!) and here’s what I wore! I wanted something fun and a little unexpected, but still comfortable. It was actually neck and neck between the votes and the coral dress even won by a hair, but when I tried on the outfits, I decided I felt most confident in the skirt. I paired it with this strappy black tank instead of the pink shirt and brought in color with my shoes and clutch. Knotting my House of Harlow necklace was sort of a last minute decision I made in a rush because I didn’t like how long it hung on my neck. My hair covered the chain and luckily, I was able to get the knot out when I got home. whew. Sometimes you just gotta act now and hope for the best later. 

What do you think of my outfit choice?

• Tags
• fashion
• outfit

As all of you know, I turned 30 at the end of March. Sigh.

While I’m actually really excited to be another year older, there are some changes I have really noticed about myself that just plain stink. For starters, I can no longer eat whatever I want and not gain weight. Truth be told, I began to notice that very fun fact around 27. If I want to have a case of the skinnies, I really have to watch what I eat or else.

The second thing I’ve noticed a difference in is my skin. I’ve always tried to be pretty good about staying out of the sun and drinking lots of water and that helps for sure, but the fact of the matter is that I am indeed getting older. I notice it in small ways - like when I smile, the little lines around my mouth are still there after I’m done smiling. Or my face just doesn’t feel quite as radiant in general.

So, when I was given the opportunity to review some products from Darphin Paris, I jumped at the chance. First of all, I love anything having to do with gay Paree and secondly I’ve ogled Darphin products from afar for a little while now. I was psyched when the Darphin peeps sent me some products to specifically address my concerns about aging. Here is what I tried out and what I thought about them:

Wrinkle Corrective Eye Contour Cream – First of all, let me just say that I have never been a regular user of eye cream. Sure, I know I should use it, and I have a stockpile of partially used and probably expired eye cream pots, but I just seem to always forget to apply it. Is that also because I’m getting older? Oy vey. However, after a few days of regularly using this eye cream, there was no way I would forget to use it. This stuff is awesome! I swear I look more rested when I wake up in the mornings and my eye makeup lasts much, much longer. I attribute this to the fact that my eye skin (the technical term, obviously) is more moisturized and revitalized. This product is really great.

Age Defying Lip Balm – A year or so ago, a friend of mine introduced me to La Mer’s lip balm, and I’ve been rationing the single pot of it that I splurged on since then. This Darphin balm is a slightly less expensive alternative and I honestly can’t really tell much of a difference between its performance and the La Mer. It’s the bomb dot com. I’ve been using it before I go to bed to soften my lips while I sleep, and I also like to apply a dab of it just before applying any lipstick as it really helps the lipstick go on ultra smooth. That’s super duper important for bright colors and also to prevent lip skin flaking while you’re wearing lipstick. I know you know what I’m taking about. Grody.

(Don’t mind me. Just taking a picture of myself trying to look cute in my robe while applying lip balm.)

Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water – I’m sort of meh on this product. The directions tell you to use a cotton ball soaked in this stuff and wipe it all over your face until makeup is removed. And while this does a great job of removing makeup, it takes a lot of the product until I feel my face is really clean. Plus, I love using my Clarisonic and this isn’t really compatible with that since it’s cleansing water and literally has the consistency of … well… water. However, I’ve been using this as solely an eye makeup remover and for that purpose it’s been really great.

And one other product Darphin sent me to try was their Denblan toothpaste. It’s one of their best sellers and I can see why. It’s got super glam packaging for toothpaste and the reason it’s not pictured is because I actually keep it at work to freshen up in the ladies room after lunch or coffee or something. I’m pretty sure my coworkers are jealous of my sexy toothpaste.

Now you can enter for a chance to win Darphin products valued at a minimum of $100 and the possibility of making your coworkers jealous, too. Just leave a comment telling me what Darphin product you would be interested in trying and why.

Plus, Darphin has a special offer (one of their best!) just for readers of this post: Get a free Age Defying Dermabrasion Deluxe Sample, Dark Circles and De-puffing Eye Serum Deluxe Sample and Spa Headband with any order at Darphin.com through 5/31/12. Use code BLOGGER at checkout.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 4/23 – 5/24

Be sure to visit the Darphin brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

• Tags
• beauty