Julia DiNardo | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 157

June 10, 2014

Beauty Tuesday: Zetoon Olive Oil Soap

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zetoon

[Two size options of 100% olive oil soaps from Zeetoon]

In a world in which we’ve been bombarded with innovation in beauty products with a dizzying array of new formulations and chemicals, sometimes getting back to basics via natural ingredients concocted into centuries old, tried and true recipes is all your body really needs to look and feel great.

As an Italian gal who can’t get enough of olive oil beauty products, I’ve tried everything from hand and body soap to face oil, hair serums and even DIY’ed lipstick remover with a dab of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) from my kitchen, you can say that I know a thing or two about the amazing beauty and health benefits of using this fabulous, antioxidant-rich fruit.

A brand that is certainly doing it right in this category is Michele Shamiyeh, founder of Zeetoon soap (which means “olive” in Arabic), who was inspired by the traditional soap makers found in Lebanon. After she researched, tested out, and scoured the  Mediterranean for the best options, Ms. Shamiyeh brought forth a 100% olive oil soap that is hard bar, thanks to a process that extracts the glycerin after curing the soap in small batches to make a sturdy, solid bar that will endure through dozens of uses as well as provide ultra moisturizing properties. As a result of her efforts, these first pressed extra virgin Lebanese olive oil soaps are easy to find in the USA and use, great for everything from the body to the face, appropriate for all skin types, even sensitive ones, and even safe for children.

The handmade soaps are fairly traded and come in a tightly edited variety of five Zeetoon soaps in two shapes (square or a rectangular bar) that include a select amount of scented extracts and oils. I tested out several of them this week, loving that the essence of rose found in the rose bar contains properties can treat skin concerns such as broken capillaries and eczema, while Zeetoon’s honey bar goes on smooth, with a clear layer that not only extra hydrates, but makes a great protective barrier for shaving.

Used in your shower or set on a soap dish in your guest bathroom, Zeetoon bars are sure to be put to good use time and time again, thanks to the ancient formulas that will have your body thanking you for all the natural goodness you’ll be receiving!

See Zeetoon.com for scent, size, and pricing options (approx. $7.58-$8.66 per soap).

zetoon olive oil soap

[After a week of use, my Zeetoon rose bar is still looking pretty good!]

June 9, 2014

Peachy Keen

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juliad
I know I featured this skirt only a few weeks ago, but when you find something that works, I say, run with it! I’m also determined to make the most of this lovely shade and silhouette, and made a promise to myself recently that I’m going to wear it no less than four times this summer, and ideally, once a week. At first, I thought that it may be a challenge to pair a pale blushy peach skirt with my wardrobe, but every time I decide to wear it, I discover something new that I already own that feels as if I purchased it just to wear it with the skirt.

I think when you really love a piece, on an unconscious level, there’s a good chance that there are like-minded pieces already in your wardrobe. It’s interesting to contemplate how some styles, no matter where we are in our life, our career, our geographical location, are just so “us.”  I actually had a pale blue skirt exactly like this one, that I got at a vintage store for $3 and wore until the elastic in the waistband went; thinking back on it, I should have replaced that elastic and kept it going!
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In This Look:

Marc Jacobs Silk Top (no longer available)

Zara Coated Pleated Skirt

Leila Stone for Shoedazzle Peep Toe Pumps (c/o Shoedazzle)

AEO Black Denim Moto Jacket (c/o AEO)

Oscar de la Renta Vine Clip On Earrings via Shopbop (c/o Shopbop)

Gold and Pearl Ring (gift)

Tri-stone Bracelet (gift)

Sorrelli Two-tone Bracelet (c/o Sorrelli)

Tortoiseshell Wayfarer Shades (c/o 39dollarglasses.com)

June 6, 2014

Fashion Pulse Flash: New from NARS, Lacoste, Intimacy, More!

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Per usual, this week’s  Fashion Pulse Flash celebrates where I’ve been, what I’ve put on my body, and the fabulous products you need to know!

narscosmetics.com dual intensity eyeshadow collection

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Giove, one of 12 fabulous new colors, was how I dressed up my lids for this fabulous Friday. Launching July 1st, the new shadows have certainly earned their name, as they can go on dry to provide sheer, luminescent coverage, or with a dampened brush for a more opaque, high-intensity saturation. Would you like to learn how to create a defined eye look? Check out the NARS video, here! (The eyeshadows retail for $29 each, available at NARS boutiques and on narscosmetics.com).

intimacy swim suit

[I usually avoid swimwear shots like the plague, BUT… I’m in love with this suit!]

For my second visit to Intimacy’s Madison Avenue location, I was less on the hunt for a bra and more interested in that ever-elusive quest for the perfect swimsuit. Courtesy of the store, I had a swim fit appointment with my friend Bryce,
which resulted in the most painless, absolute easiest swim suit experience I’ve had to-date! I picked a few styles, while my fit expert Jolene helped me zero in on the best cut and size for my body. As I waited in the dressing room, perched on a stool in an Intimacy black silk robe, I wished that all fit experiences, from swimsuits and lingerie to footwear and clothing, could be this seamless.

My final pick? The gorgeous ruched one-piece halter by Brazilian brand Lenny Niemeyer,while Bryce selected this pretty Prima Donna pink bikini! If you’d like to get the same great customer service and fit, book a reservation for a complimentary fit styling at an Intimacy location near you.

LACOSTE

Lacoste hosted a French Open viewing party, complete with a variety of activities for the sports fan and the artist alike. While there was a ping pong table set up for guest play, the main attraction was the opportunity to DIY some Lacoste white canvas sneakers! There were a variety of great styles for men and women to decorate, which will look GREAT paired with your tennis whites, or you know, whatever suits your fancy!  And, check out the brand’s new Rio collection, inspired by the Brazilian flag’s colors, in honor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, taking place there this month!

una wound wonder

I have to give credit when credit is due: my Mom introduced me to Una Biologicals’ Wonder Balm three years ago, and it has been 100% responsible for retiring my Neosporin, and like products, from usage. It is the ONLY thing that I’ve tried that has truly cured razor burn, along with cuts, scrapes, and even dry skin and cuticles. It truly is the all-in-one, miracle salve, made of natural ingredients and herbal extracts, so you won’t find anything unwanted, such as petro-chemicals, preservatives, petroleum, and artificial fragrances. Instead, heal naturally with organic calendula extract, organic comfrey extract, organic St. John’s wort extract, organic chickweed extract, beeswax, blue chamomile essential oil, tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil.

It also smells ah-mazing, and comes in a convenient, portable, twist up dispenser for ease of application and so that you always have it on you. It’s kind of that thing that everyone needs to have, and unlike other beauty products that may sit and collect dust, this one will always be in heavy rotation. (And P.S… a Pittsburgher made it!). The Una Wonder Salve retails from $5.50-$10, and is available through the Etsy shop, or at UnaBiologicals.com.

June 5, 2014

Isabel Toledo Exclusively for Lane Bryant

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Although this collection has been out since March, I wanted to draw attention to it today since it is a great display of the design genius that is Isabel Toledo, as well as a prime example of what  a good plus size line can look like. Comprised mainly of pieces that can be worn to work and dressier occasions, Toledo has thoroughly studied the elements needed to bring good construction and design together, resulting in this exclusive Lane Bryant collaboration of utterly pretty lace, chiffon, jersey, and sateen materials in modern, flattering silhouettes accentuated by playful and practical accessories.

I’d love to see more thoughtful team ups of this nature between brands and designers, and hope you enjoy my top picks via the slideshow above, peruse the line at LaneBryant.com, as well as the introductory video to the line with a substantial interview of Isabel Toledo herself!

 

 

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