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Charting the style of daily life...with the mouth of a sailor.

guide

store to adore: ulta...

beauty, fragrance, guide, hair, shoppingNavigate with StyleComment
Many women purchase their personal care products from a variety of sources including but not limited to drugstores, department stores, the internet, salons/spas and TV channels.  So it's no wonder a store like Ulta is so popular.  Unlike other retail outlets Ulta offers a huge selection of beauty brands from high end to low, from prestige to masstige.  You can find a multitude of options in any category under one roof.



The selection of hair accessories and tools is greater than in any one store NWS has shopped.  The sheer number of flat irons (GHD, Ultra Chi, Helen of Troy to name a few) to choose from is even a little daunting!  For clips, headbands, elastics and the like no one rivals Ulta's selection from Elle, Karina and Goody.  If you mess around with faux hair (we don't) the in store selection of the Ken Paves/Jessica Simpson collab is abundant.  There are brushes and combs galore - Marilyn brand are our absolute faves. 



Skincare ranges from lovely bath and body care to self tanning options and an insanely long list of cleansers, moisturizers and special care options for the face.  Ulta packs a punch in the self tanning department with what must be every product L'Oreal & Neutrogena have ever manufactured in the category as well as Tan Towel, Fake Bake, ModelCo, Jergen's and Australian Gold.

Skincare brands include Bliss (creators of many skin care solutions), Ahava, Cetaphil, Korres, Organix, Burt's Bees and Yes to Carrots/Cucumbers/Tomatoes.
As for cosmetics Ulta carries not only all the drugstore brands but many higher end lines such as Tarte, Sue Devitt and Stila and well as many mineral based brands.  One of the greatest surprises to be found is Dermablend - a brand that sets to tone (pun, not intended...really) for heavy duty concealing.  If you have varicose veins or birthmarks or scars Dermablend can cover them!


 

As for cosmetic tools you can find everything from cotton swabs and pads to sponges to brushes by EcoTools and Japonesque.



The nail department offers OPI, Essie, Nail Tek, Butter London, Revlon, China Glaze as well as a gigantic selection of Sally Hansen.




Fragrance options abound!  Most department and specialty store brands are handsomely represented in addition to smaller lines such as Demeter (a HUGE fave of NWS for interesting, single note fragrances) as well as candles and home diffusers.


Ulta also houses a salon in addition to this massive retail space so the hair care brands are abundant and range from Redken, Phyto, Fekkai and Ojon to TRESemme, L'Oreal and Garnier.  Cuts start at $45 and color at $40 and waxing services start at $20.  See the complete menu of services here.

The overall shopping experience in Ulta comes down to the selection and range of price options.  The stores are not immaculately clean (typically) and due to the large amount of inventory the shelves are not always perfectly stocked.

Shop Ulta's impressive selection online or locate a store nearest you!

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Note about using testers: No matter where you shop for cosmetics and beauty products the testers will be filthy.  They may not appear to be disgusting but TRUST that they are.  Use the materials the stores provide to safely use testers such as cotton swabs and rounds, tissues and without fail - alcohol (for anything cream based).  Do not double dip your applicator but be aware that the person before you probably did.

baby bag roundup...

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So, nearly everyone NWS adores is pregs (nearly) and the issue of which baby bag to buy is DAUNTING!  Will it hold the necessities?  Will I be able to easily carry it when stuffed to the gills?  Will it make me feel like I've lost all panache?  These are questions we hear a lot these days...

First off - avoid anything with children's characters emblazoned on the bag...no Tweety, no Pooh (classic or otherwise) no Minnie and/or Mickey Mouse.  Just avoid cartoons...and that's just good, general style advice.

You might not find the one all purpose bag.  You might find that one works for playdates, another for quick trips to the market and another for all day jaunts.  Do you drive most places?  Will you need to constantly hang the bag on your stroller?  Can you move your arms, carry a child and the bag whilst grasping your phone and your precious, precious cappuccino?  All great questions...some options below:

* the diaper pod - use this inside your fave BIG handbag or attach to a stroller or car seat while mobile.  It will easily hold diapers, wipes and the included changing pad...you may be able to stuff a spare onesie in there too...
JJ Cole Collections Diapers and Wipes Pod, Blue/GreenDiapers & Wipes Pod in Pink DaisyJJ Cole Diaper and Wipes Pod - Blue Bubble

* the clutch - kind of like the diaper pod and virtually useless as a baby bag except for when you only really need a few itty bitty essentials for a trip to the park...in other words, if you have money to burn buy this instead and then don't feel terrible when you've only used it once...
Petunia Pickle Bottom Cake Cameo Clutch - Juniper Berry CakePetunia Pickle Bottom Cross-Town Clutch Diaper Bag,Tea on the Thames,one sizePetunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch (Dancing in Dublin)


* messenger style - crossbody is essential for heavy loads...the best messenger style bags are made for "dudes" but if plain black, brown or camo (!) nylon is fine by you go for it...they are utilitarian in form and very efficient in function...
Diaper Dude Diaper Bag, BlackDude Diaper Bag - BrownDiaper Dude Diaper Bag, Camouflage


* totes - if you decide a tote is for you (eh, can easily slide off your shoulder) why not forgo the designated baby tote and go right for the classic canvas boat tote from L.L.Bean or Land's End.  There are color and personalization options, are a fraction of the price of a more "designer-y" tote and can be used well beyond the baby days if you so choose...

* is it a handbag or a baby bag? bag - we get that sometimes you don't want your baby bag to scream baby bag...whether or not these could pass for your handbag is up to you but they are indeed valid options...
Baby Diaper Bags: JJ Cole Fashionable Green Diaper BagBaby Diaper Bags: JJ Cole Fashionable Grey Diaper Bag

* Kate Spade baby bags - these bags are the go to for yuppie mums and while they are a bit pricier they are a lot more stylish...options abound...
NEW AUTHENTIC KATE SPADE BON MOT X-RAY COAL BABY BAGKate Spade Marivaux Maryanne Baby Bag,Black,one sizeKate Spade Jubilee Stripe Stevie Baby Bag,Flamingo/Modern Red,one sizeNEW AUTHENTIC KATE SPADE GRAMERCY PARK STEVIE BABY BAG (Flamingo Pink) wkru0756
Kate Spade Classic Noel Baby Diaper Bag Tote Navy with Red/White StripeNEW AUTHENTIC KATE SPADE COAL NEPTUNE AVENUE BABY SHOPPING BAG (BW/White)Kate Spade Stevie Baby Bag Chamonix Tote RedKate Spade Nylon Stevie Baby Bag,Black,one size

V Day ideas...

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Valentine's Day is a big deal at NWS HQ...a holiday synonymous with love, the color pink, and all things pretty and feminine (it's a decidedly female centric occasion)!

Below are some ideas we're madly in love with:

* This may be a cliche but fondue seems to be the perfect choice for V day dinner...small nibbles dunked into cheese or oil is fun and not a meal you can rush through. Fondue for dessert is even better since dunking anything into liquid chocolate is extremely s-e-x-a-y! In order to set the right mood and to make the process as easy as possible make sure you have the right accoutrements for the job.  Or, just go to The Melting Pot.
Swissmar Sierra 11-Piece Meat Fondue Set, Red Enameled PotOster Fondue PotTrudeau Lexo Chocolate Fondue 8 Piece Set

* There are classic V Day options like flowers, chocolates and lingerie but puh-lease get more creative than that. Go for more personal and interactive gifts instead...

- sign up your SIG (significant other) for a wine and cheese pairing class or a series of cooking classes...sushi making classes have been a huge hit of late!  You'll benefit from these newly acquired skills so it's really a gift for yourself too.  "Experience gifts" such as these are easily found in most cities by signing up for a group buying email service such as Groupon or Fresh Guide.

- if you go for chocolate make it the BEST you can buy (ditch the drugstore sampler)...Vosges Haut Chocolate is so fiiiiine!
Vosges Haut Chocolat, Mo's Bacon Bar (3oz Bar)

- if you're the sort to dress up in lingerie for yo man (cringe) remember you can keep it klassy while doing trashy (kinda)

- a couple's massage is a fairly standard V Day gift however it's popular for a reason...scheduling some ZEN for the two of you is always a good thing...buy a universally accepted gift card to keep your options open and package it with a cushy spa robe...or just book it and surprise him day of...


* NWS likes to exploit the holiday by accenting with pink and/or red accessories such as a pink flower hair pin...red ballet flats...pink, sparkly jewelry...fuscia nails...but not all at once! Choose one item and roll with it...

7 for All Mankind Women's Blithe Flat,Red,6 M USAlexis Bittar Lucite Earrings - Dew Drop Muted Pinkbutter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer, Twee .3 fl oz (9 ml)

V Day is kinda silly as a holiday so don't take it too seriously and HAVE FUN!


posted on the move!

right now we're loving...

accessories, beauty, cosmetics, guide, hair, skincare, sunnies, techNavigate with StyleComment
A few things (tangible goodies) NWS is grateful for in 2011, thus far:

* Apple TV - the device we never knew we needed...amazing
Apple TV MC572LL/A (2010)
* eos lip balm - of the Sweet Mint variety, thank you!
eos Lip Balm Sphere, Sweet Mint 1 ea
* monogrammed sleep shirt - a lightweight yet cozy menswear inspired nightie...zzzzz

* any and all Ray-Ban sunnies
Ray-Ban RB3016 Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses,Dark Tortoise Frame/Black Lens,49 mmRAY BAN RB 4125 Sunglasses Rayban RB4125 Shiny Black 601/32 Cats 5000Ray Ban Sunglasses Aviator Small Metal RB3044 L0207 Arista (Gold)/Crystal Grey Green, 52mm
* the Twitter necklace by Survival of the Hippest - it's dope!

* CoverGirl Lash Blast Length - the yellow tube is a cinch to spot in an overcrowded makeup case and the formula does what the commercials claim...tip: take your time with the brush and really load on the coats
CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara Very Black 800, 0.21-Ounce Tube
* circle scarves - certainly makes bundling up in this brutal weather a bit more stylish...really digging the lightweight knits from echo, available at Lord & Taylor or online...and more than likely on sale at this point (read: stock up for next year as we don't see this trend fading)
Grey Delicate Weave Gauzy Knit Circle Infinity Ring Scarf
* Kerastase Elixir Ultime - nourishing hair oil that conditions, tames frizz and makes strands shimmer... the price might be a bit of a turnoff BUT just a half a pump is really all you need...

KÉRASTASE ELIXIR ULTIME
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spring beauty and accessory trends 2011...

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Now that Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring we must all get our sartorial shit in gear!! Below is our take on Spring/Summer 2011:

* It's all about the ponytail! Sweep your hair into a high pony with a flip at the ends or with loose curls... this look is a more sophisticated version of the classic cheerleader style. Just remember to use clear elastics or ones that match your hair color to avoid looking too sporty or juvenile.
Blax Snag-Free Clear 2mm Hair Elastics 12-ct.

* Bright lips are en vogue for the coming season...think Coral or Honeysuckle (Pantone's color pick of the season). These shades look best when they appear "juicy" so go for hydrating, high shine glosses.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Lab Shine Lip Gloss Metal Collection - M12


* The current nail trends are still a little off the beaten path...Army Green is a hot contrast to all the pinks, corals and nudes of the current clothing trends and looks fabulous with gold jewelry.
butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer, British Racing Green .3 fl oz (9 ml)

* A nude leather, open toed wedge is the go to shoe as you can pair them with denim, dresses and shorts. Go for a similar shade to your skin tone for leg lengthening effects. Look for a bit of an edge without a ton of hardware to keep the look stylish yet polished.
Joe's Jeans Women's Brenda V Wedge Sandal,Nude,8 M USCamper Women's 21401 sandal,Nude,39 EU/9 M USDolce Vita for Target Nude Rope Wedge Sandal - 9.5

* Jewelry is typically versatile from season to season but the brights and patterns of the coming months look best with a delicate gold bangle or a thin, beaded necklace. Mixed materials are always warm weather appropriate so look for cotton or silk bracelets, like Shashi, and necklaces embellished with charms or light hardware.
CC Skye - Single Metal Screw Bracelet (Gold)Adia Kibur Natural Chain Link Layer NecklaceSterling Silver Green Turquoise Extra Long Beaded Necklace

* Handbags are lighter and brighter but don't ditch structure as more ladylike styles are in. Crossbody bags are always great for these months when everyone is more active outdoors and are now available in less sport/utility versions.  Rebecca Minkoff has an astounding line of handbags and is quickly becoming a must have brand!
Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Rocker Cross-Body,Passionfruit,one sizeRebecca Minkoff Quilted Flame Satchel,Electric Orange,one size

posted on the move!