Julia DiNardo

July 11, 2015

Fashion Pulse Flash: New From Dove, Korres Suncare, Davines, more

I’ve been doing a lot of testing these days but writing? Not so much. Here’s the lowdown on all of the fabulous, new items that I took for a test drive, and give two thumbs up for you to buy and try:

Skin in the summer oftentimes calls for a little something extra; if you think about it, being in the sun drastically, and quickly changes the skin’s texture and moisture level. It’s important to hydrate, and slough away dead skin cells during this time, and of course, Dove just gets it. The Limited Edition Dove Summer Care line comes in body wash or beauty bar form, smells zesty and citrusy (with vanilla and amber mixed in), and ever so lightly cleanses and exfoliates to further enhance your beautiful skin. I tested it out in the shower this morning, and it was so gentle that you barely even realize there’s some light exfoliation happening. Yes!

The Dove Limited Edition Summer Care will be available in food, drug, club, and online retailers this month, with the 22 fl oz body wash around $6.99, and a six-pack of beauty bars at $8.39.

July 6, 2015

The Curious Case of the Summer Booties

by Julia DiNardo

Maybe because I grew up during the era of grunge, but I always romanticized about pulling off a floral printed sundress, hitting right below the knees, with a classic pair of 8-lace black Doc Martens. The look has never quite been right for me, but I like the juxtaposition of the feminine with the tough, the practical with the impractical, underneath the unforgivingly hot summer sun. Usually when the summer weather breaks, my boots, booties, and cold weather foot confections like wool socks and fleece tights have been stowed away, but for the first time in a long time, I’ve left a few pairs of booties amongst my espadrilles, canvas sneakers, and open-toed wedges.

The turn of a naked ankle jutting out from the top of a low slung bootie is just so appealing, and I appreciate them paired with a summery dress or cuffed pair of jeans. These booties are a rare versatile breed that provide endless styling possibilities in all seasons, playing nicely with light and dark colors alike. It’s nice to know that my feet are covered, literally, in a cool pair of booties that have helped me to straddle seasonal style divisions; I hope you find, or have a pair that does the same thing for you too!

In This Look:

Proenza Schouler for Target Racerback Cotton Dress (no longer available)

Sole Society Sky Booties in Wine (c/o)

Kate Spade Hoop Earrings (c/o T.J.Maxx)

Left Wrist: Pyramid Stud Bracelets, all Sorrelli (c/o)

Right Wrist: all Giles & Brother Bracelets via Shopbop (c/o)

Alexis Bittar Ring via Shopbop (c/o)

39DollarGlasses.com Prescription Wayfarer Shades (c/o)

Lips: COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipstick in Tempt (c/o; no longer available)

Nails: Floss Gloss Nail Lacquer in Wavepool via Birchbox (c/o)

June 30, 2015

Beauty Tuesday: Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment

by Julia DiNardo

Multi-tasking hair products seem to be the norm, rather than the exception these days, boasting 7,8, heck, even 10 different benefits each. But what about a product suitable for every hair type, that includes 25 helpful hair assets? Introducing Redken’s new One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment, broken out into three categories of improved manageability, protection, and beauty to perform just as you need it to! Having fine hair has made me a skeptic, so I subjected my tresses to the test to see how it performed.

The results? My hair was perfect, just perfect. It wasn’t weighted down by the product, but somehow managed to still be frizz-free, smooth, shiny, soft, and bouncy.

So what’s in this stuff exactly? Redken can’t give away all of its secrets, but shares that the formula is sulfate and paraben-free, including a Cationic Complex and a Kera-Care technology that works to detangle, condition, and heat protect. It also has coconut oil in it, and if you know me, do believe that I am obsessed with all things related to it (in this instance, it smoothes, softens, and shines the hair).

The lightweight product itself is versatile in its application – you can leave it in your hair or rinse out after a couple of minutes or apply to refresh a hairstyle (on dry hair). For an exhaustive list of all of it’s benefits, read on!
Continue reading…

June 29, 2015

Prints Please!

by Julia DiNardo

Once upon a time, I was the Queen of Prints. They defined my style, and I reigned my sartorial kingdom with the most vibrant, unusual patterns, colors, and textures, savoring those unique vintage finds, and constantly on the lookout for new acquisitions at any and every price point. As time went on, and I entered a more professional (read: somber) work environment, many of my printed pieces eventually bade me farewell, traded in for color blocked iterations and an overall more neutral, monochromatic palette. In fashion as well, there are few designers who have upheld them as staples of their aesthetic (Mara Hoffman, Tibi, Missoni, Pucci, Etro), while most have moved past them several years ago.

Still, one of the remaining relics from my “prints” period is this strapless, horsebit DVF dress, which until recently was relegated to the back of my closet. I missed it, and was reminded that prints can bring instant joy, whimsy and personality to a look, and can in all honestly, be considered effortless dressing. It makes selecting accessories a breeze, as you can select for function or need, opposed to fashion.

For this dress in particular, an assumption may be made that because it is strapless, it shall be for dressy occasions, and true, I’ve worn it to a wedding or two. But, it’s light, breezy, 100% cotton, and 1000% comfortable, so it should be able to serve more purposes than weddings and parties. Pared with a stylish but albeit comfy pair of flats and stylish summer hat, it can double as a very chic piece of off-duty clothing, meant for strolling on a weekend, or with a pashmina during the chilly air-conditioned office environment.