Julia DiNardo

October 29, 2014

The It Accessory: Stingray Bracelets

I’ve noticed a rise in stingray small leather goods in the past few years with that distinct, dotted textured extremely easy to identify. Recently, I’ve noticed that it’s made its way into jewelry, looking ultra slick and sophisticated in a cuff or wrap silhouette, and appropriate to pair with looks from all seasons. Personally I’m all for the faux version, but thought I’d share a variety of options that nonetheless are stunning, be it embossed with the textured stingray design or not. I’m also seeing a variety of color options, which are sure to emerge as more and more designers delve into experimenting with this look.

See above for a few of my favorites, and below for designer and where to buy links!

Henri Bendel Bowery Hinged Cuff Bracelet

PalmBeach Jewelry Black Stingray Cuff Bracelet at Sears

Givenchy Obsedia Triple Wrap Stingray Leather Bracelet

Dannijo Benji Stingray Cuff

Paige Novick Mini Natalie Collection Stingray Cuff Bracelet

October 29, 2014

Kahina Giving Beauty Rosemary Lavender Soap

by Julia DiNardo

I’m certainly a sucker for good packaging, and if this soap would have been just mediocre, it still would have been enough for me to make the purchase just to glance from time to time at the gorgeous design. Instead, the Rosemary Lavender Soap from Kahina Giving Beauty did not rest on its aesthetic laurels and instead provided an exceptional formula that was both exfoliating and ultra-hydrating. Possessing four powerful oils – argan, coconut, olive, and shea, it’s a decadently moisturizing experience, while the ground rosemary helps to sloughs the skin while smelling invigorating.

For someone who washes their hands 10,000 a day like me (well not 10,000, but it’s a lot), it’s easy to skip swiping on lotion immediately afterward as the formula is non-drying to say the least. At $18, it makes a decadent gift for yourself or a friend, with the paper wrapped inspired by Moroccan tiles. Choose from three bar options (also lemongrass nettle and goat milk and honey), available for purchase through Kahina Giving Beauty’s site and boutique retailers worldwide.

October 28, 2014

Beauty Tuesday: Rita Hazan Weekly Remedy

by Julia DiNardo

Call me weird, but I LOVE the smell of the product, and results, that come from a visit to the salon. Anything that I can do to duplicate it at home, I will, and luckily, it becomes even easier with the new Rita Hazan Weekly Remedy, a rapid, two-step process that opens up and penetrates the hair follicles to deliver the ultimate in hydration (it includes four oils), protein (rice protein), and environmental protection, then locks in the delivery of the goods and protect the color. I shower when I first wake up and not being a morning person, my routine is minimized to just the essentials.

With the Weekly Remedy, you apply it, you guessed it, only once a week, and you apply each step after shampooing with no waiting time; put it in, and immediately rinse it out. That part, for me, makes it incredibly easy to actually use it on a regular basis, which means that my results will be consistent. Masks and treatment of this kind can also make hair oily and weighted down, much to my chagrin, however afterward, my hair had as much bounce, shine, and effervescence as humanly possible for my fine hair type.

Although I tested it out initially in the salon (courtesy of Rita Hazan), the two step, two-tube product is available for home use through RitaHazan.com for $42.

October 27, 2014

Here Comes the Night Time

by Julia DiNardo

Here Comes the Night Time — it’s the title of an Arcade Fire song I’m really into, but it also is quite appropriate for this time in the year, especially since daylight savings is this upcoming weekend! I feel like I’m going to be racing against the daylight the next few months to get in my personal style photo shoots, so every now and then, the lighting may be closer to twilight than the dusky soft glow of the sun beginning to set. On our way to dinner, my husband and I took pause to snap some photos of this look, which is both polished and modern, with a bit of the gritty urban landscape seeping in.

I’ve been on the hunt for a textured baby blue long coat for the winter, allowing for my red hair to pop against it in contrast, and love the nubby match of material coming from the detailing on my pumps. There’s also something quite enticing to me in the contrast of a pale shade of apparel with a bright berry lip; it feels a tad ’90s to me, but also very of the moment, based on what I saw on the runways the past two seasons. l though keeping a jacket propped over the shoulders is such a popular look right now, there is quite a dose of practicality to it. Sometimes when the temperature changes a full-on jacket may be too warm, however a touch of warmth on the shoulders while keeping the arms mobile allow for the right amount of warmth on a brisk fall day.

In This Look: