Gift bag swag reviews

Here are a few products that I've received in gift bags lately and just may purchase once I run out.


I attended a Clarins seminar last month and was taught the "proper" way to apply moisturizer - warm it by rubbing your hands together, and then apply to your face with soft presses. At first this sounded awkward, but once I got home and tried it, it felt incredibly natural. This is the Clarins Multi-Active Day, which is made specifically for the woman on the go!




I never understood the point of scented mascara, but this smells delicious. I have Prescriptives Lash Envy in Brown and really like it. It doesn't clump and isn't overwhelming. Sounds odd - isn't that the point of mascara? But my eyes just can't handle a lot of it. This is great for during the day.




I can't hold it in any longer... I LOVE glittery makeup. Have since high school. I like smoky eyes and pale lips and these glosses add just the right amount of kick.


I could right about my favorite products for hours. But I attended a charity cocktail reception tonight and had several glasses of chardo. I'm surprised I even typed this much. Goodnight!

I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm off atoning for my sins. Back tomorrow.

I know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight

Look closely at that photo. Go ahead, zoom on in. See who it is yet?

Last night I was treated to the U2 concert in Giants Stadium. I have loved U2 for as far back as I can remember and jumped at the chance to see them live. Getting there was an absolutely nightmare - I'm talking 2+ hours in the muggy weather and overpacked trains - but it was absolutely worth it.

Hearing "Beautiful Day" and "Vertigo" live was Euphoria for me. And just when I was wondering if they would sing "With or Without You", they ended the show with it. Incredible, just incredible.

Being there and taking it all in reminded me of one of my top five all-time favorite scenes from Entourage.


Except I forgot to wear a flag as a cape. Damnit!

In a bizarre twist of fate, we met some kind investment bankers on our way out who offered us a ride free of charge back to the city in their black car complete with complimentary beer. Only in New York.

Oh, and Landlocked Mermaid - Bono says WHAT UP.

I miss you guys!

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts this week! Between living in the heart of the UN and having trouble leaving and entering my home, a small fire in my building, and nonstop commitments and plans, this has been a rough week. Real post tonight, I promise!

Fall Find of the Week

I found this today for $34.99 at Filene's Basement. Zoom in to see the cute little anchors printed on the collar. Could this color combo be any more perfect for me? How perfect will this look with my Nancy coat?

Photo of the week: JGIWC Jr.!

Are you loving this or what? The headband, the pearls, the hair flip? This is me at about six. Waspy even back then.

Party like it's 5770!*

Where my Yids at? HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(Wishes for a wonderful weekend to all of my Wasps.)

*Another CJM inspiration.

My new computer wallpaper

Viva la Lilly!

(Thanks to CJM for sending me this.)

Tres Teddi Tuesday

The title is just perfect because today was a TRES TEDDI day. I started it off with brunch at Alice's Tea Cup with one of my very favorite girls.

Afterward, my day sort of looked like this.


Sipping the remainder of my tea and working at my desk.

I then stopped in J. Crew and spent a while looking at all of their new merchandise. I left with...


The Poplin Brynn dress in black.




The Shirred wool skirt in black.




The Schoolboy blazer. (Mine is heather gray.)



I then met another one of my favorite girls for dinner at Nolita House. We had mac and cheese (my favorite) and shared a bottle of Chardo (my favorite) and had lots of good girl talk. Now I'm in bed, comfy, and about to play online Scrabble with another one of my favorite people.

Tuesday used to be my least favorite day, but I think I'm having a change of heart!

Favorite Fall Finds! Part I.

A few things I've picked up lately.


The Golden raindrop necklacefrom J. Crew. My mother surprised me with this and I think it's a very versatile piece that can be both fun and sophisticated.




The Beauville nylon tote from Kate Spade. Check out the cute lining via the link. TRES TEDDI!




The Rorey top from Lilly Pulitzer. This top has a coordinating cardigan with a detachable ruffle in the same print. I have purchased this as well and can't wait to get my matchy-matchy on! Thinking the necklace will go nicely with this as well.



What have you purchased for Fall?

AND THE WINNER IS...

(Courtesy of Random.org)

Min: 1

Max: 157

Result: 28

CONGRATS TO C in VA!

This is the best response I've ever had for a giveaway! To everyone who didn't win: thank you for entering and please say your prayers and wishes that I get invited to more cool events so I can share my gift bags with you!

God Bless America

"And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'll gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA"

Wishes for a wonderful weekend.

What rhymes with Thursday? GIVEAWAY!

That's right, readers! I've decided to spread the wealth and share my goodie bag with you!

What you get:
Coach sunglasses
Bobbi Brown Marina Pink 2 and Pink Blossom 31 Lip Glosses
Bobbi Brown Velvet Plum Eye Palette (I own this and use it daily!)

To enter, simply leave a comment by 12:01 AM EST on Monday, Sept 14. I will draw a winner shortly thereafter.

Good luck!

And Fashion Week begins!

Let's be honest.

I'm not hip.

I'm not beautiful.

I'm not [that] thin.

That being said, I sometimes creep my way into the coolest of events because of my background and my family.

Tonight was one of those nights.

I was invited to a special blogger dinner hosted by Coach at the new, snazzy Hotel Griffou.


The table was set beautifully. We had nearly the whole room to ourselves. That's my black Coach bag!




My pretty place setting.




Lobster thermidor. Un. Be. Lievable.




My house made fettucini. Yum, yum, yum.





Exceedingly generous gift bag. Hmmm, I already own a few of these items. I spy a giveaway in the making...


Stay tuned readers...

And thanks to Coach for an enchanting evening.

Inspiration Station

As you can see, my inspiration board has changed since I last posted about it! I tend to tack up the most recent notes I've received in the mail. These are some I've gotten in the past month. There is also a magazine pull-out of my favorite actress, Sophia Bush!

Speaking of inspiration, I've gotten some really amazing books lately that I wanted to share with you. I have a membership to Barnes & Noble and am there at least once a week. I rarely leave empty-handed. As I've mentioned, both of my parents are in the fashion industry and constantly in and out of stores. My dad loves to buy me books and has discovered lately that Urban Outfitters often has a great selection. Here's what he picked up for me on his last trip there.


Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak: by Writers Famous and Obscure is beautifully crafted. As a writer myself, one of my mantras is "Say as much as you can in as few words as possible". I love, love, love the idea behind this compilation.




I also got Not Quite What I Was Planning: by Writers Famous and Obscure. Love the cover!




Sister Salty, Sister Sweet is a memoir of two sisters who are as different as night and day. Hm, sounds like my life! :)



Also, I read Bringing Home The Birkin and it was a fabulous, fast, and fun read. I recommend it to any fashionista with a great sense of humor!

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend! I spent it in Florida, which leads me to the Photo of the Week!



Here are my sister and I at our grandmother's house. I'm wearing a personal favorite of mine - a French Connection dress with ric rac and bows. This is my favorite photo from the weekend.

Summer is almost over. I wore my white denim capris for one last hurrah today. Can you believe that I was not in a bathing suit ONCE this summer. Which, on the flip side, really meant lots of extra cookies.

Crisp air, cable knit sweaters, Pumpkin Spice Lattes... I'm ready! Bring it on, Fall.

Open Sesame to the Suite Life!

Yesterday, my sister and I spent the day at the US Open. We were lucky enough to be able to watch the matches from the Nike Suite. Here are some of my favorite photos.



Luckily, I decided on my Kate Spade ensemble over my Polo Big Pony set (a clear competitor) at the last moment.




The suite.




The terrace.




Our view of the court.




Making the most of being the first to arrive and having the suite to ourselves before other guests began to trickle in.




Hamming it up!




I love this Kate Spade lobster top and handbag (in the bottom left corner of the photo) set.




My cute sister.



The title "Open Sesame" is appropriate because we entered this tennis heaven through an unassuming, unmarked door. We watched Venus Williams play and win. It was a memorable day indeed, and I hope to find my way back to the Nike Suite. What a way to watch!

What is JGIWC doing?

She's reading this...





She's wearing these...





She's watching this...





She's eating these...




...and then she's going here.


Wah.