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So is this Kilian fragrance really unforgettable?
When I went to the Killian boutique last year, I had a chance to smell Born to Be Unforgettable. A cola fragrance? As an American, you’d think I’d be intrigued by something that smells like our national drink, but I was unsure. I remember the cola notes shining through and surprising me. I left that…
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The walkout
Getting back into my fitness routine, I decided to register for a 7 AM boxing class. It’s an exercise I enjoy enough to make the effort to get up that early. I rushed in just in time, only to see a nearly empty room and no instructor. At 7:05, the instructor came dancing in. “We’ll…
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A fashion designer’s short stint
News broke recently. Dario Vitale is out as creative director at Versace. It hasn’t even been a year since he took over the role from Donatella Versace. Just one showing, and he was out. Whether he stepped down on his own accord or was encouraged to leave by the new management group, I don’t know.…
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The magic of New York
Based on my flight receipts, there is one place that I have been more than any other: New York City. My fascination with the place started with the idea that it was the fashion capital of the world. Now, that I’m maturing as someone who enjoys traveling, I see it as place of infinite experiences.…
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A tiny history of advent calendars
I have recently over the years become ecstatic about advent calendars. Each year, now, I try to find one that I like to get excited about the holiday season and try some luxury products. But luxury skincare and beauty is certainly not what was original what these vessels contained. The first advent calendars were made…
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Pretty things
I decided to treat myself this year to a luxe advent calendar. I hoisted the box up and set the calendar out. Then, I took a step back. “It’s beautiful.” And then I looked around to the space, with all the projects strewn about, the unpacking still undone. “I have got to clean this up.”…
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My two can’t forget beauty staples
I am slowly increasing my beauty routine, but for right now, I have two staples: sunscreen and brows. I rotate through multiple sunscreens with all the reviewing that I do, but the one I keep returning to is the UV Protective Cream from Cle de Peau. Is it expensive? Yes it is. But is it…
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Bet you never heard of this version of Sauvage from Dior?
Begrudgingly, I tried my sample of Balade Sauvage, from Dior’s La Collection Privée. I was expecting it to be overpowering and masculine, just like the famous Sauvage. But instead, I find myself really enjoying wearing it. The first spray was a surprise. The many sprays after that were a specific, intentional choice. I honestly could…
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To photograph the sunrise
I woke up one morning in Chicago, seeing the sunrise peek between buildings. It was gorgeous. “I’ve got to take a photo of this.” I jumped out of bed and went to work trying to capture the essence of what I was seeing. The low light and my lack photography skills made it a difficult…
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In defense of visiting chains while traveling
I can be a bit of a snob while traveling. I only want to visit local restaurants, without franchises. I want to eat local and really experience the area and its scene. While I was in Chicago, I did my best to try new local restaurants. In return, I was met with watery lattes, bland…