For New Year's I always find sequins to be essential. So I chose I simple sequin party dress form Oasis-Stores.com. For accessories I like simplicity yet with a mix of textures and this vintage suede clutch is just the thing to add a different texture to the outfit. The dress should be highlighted and not overshadowed so I chose the gold antler wrap ring from House of Harlow. Since the dress and clutch is all black, I added a pop of color with the YSL suede pumps and the YSL Rouge lipstick. Red is one of my favorite colors and also very festive.  I never like to wear to much makeup, simple black eyeliner and mascara add definition and volume to my eyes. I finish with OPI's champagne colored nail lacquer for an added feminine and elegant touch. 

           On my list of essentials for the New Years includes a long dress with lean lines like this one from Alice + Olivia. A maxi dress is both an elegant and comfortable choice for party attire. I never like my outfits to be too ultra-feminine and i prefer adding something to toughen it up a bit such as this Sass + Bide necklace that is made of parts that look like they could be found from a hardware store. I like to keep accessories simple with complimentary pumps and a festive sequin clutch. I think every dream outfit should be finished off with a touch of Chanel, and their luxurious varnishes and perfumes will make you ring in the new year feeling à la mode!

       Recently we have decided to try out a natural skincare routine. We have just started the Oil Cleansing Method. I do not have acne prone skin or any difficult skin, just a bit of redness and oiliness. Naturally, it seems very contradictory that oil fights oil. This method maintains the skins moisture and cleanses. The oil method cleans the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is very beneficial to your body and it is used to moisturize the skin. Olive oil is also full of antioxidants and Vitamin A and E. Castor oil is known for its healing and cleansing properties. Castor oil treats blemishes and acne. Other oils such as almond or grapeseed can be used. I recommend using an oil that is either organic or cold pressed, which has a higher quality. It is usually recommended that you keep a 20/80 ratio between Castor at 20% and Olive oil at 80% but this can be altered once you use the oils and find whatever ratio suits you. Here are other oils that can be used; however, some can get expensive: 

Here are the instructions for cleansing with oil:

1. Liberally apply a layer of oil to the face. You may also apply to the neck and chest. Oil should be applied over any dirt, grime or makeup.

2. Run a face cloth under very hot water, wring it out and drape over skin. Relax for a few moments, until cloth is room temperature.

3. Massage oil into steamed pores for at least 60 seconds, and up to 5 minutes. Concentrate on trouble areas, such as chin, forehead and nose, where blackheads tend to form. Be very cautious and maintain a gentle touch, and do not scrub, or skin will be raw and tender.

4. Steam face again, using a hot face cloth to open pores and allow oil to loosen sebum trapped in skin. This step may be done a number of times, if skin is troubled or has tendency toward breakouts.

5. Using a very soft face cloth (you may use the steam cloth, if it is very soft), gently wipe away all traces of oil. Again, be cautious and ensure that wiping is done very gently, or skin will become irritated. Flannel is an ideal fabric for this step, but any cloth may be used. Rinse cloth at intervals and continue to wipe away impurities and oil until face feels soft and there is no trace of oil left.

6. Splash face with cool water to close and seal cleaned pores.

7. Pat dry, and apply a very thin layer of moisturizer to face. One small drop should be plenty for moisturizing purposes. Rub between palms and massage into skin until no film is left. You may use the cleansing oil for this step. Many people find, especially during the warmer months, that the additional moisturizer is no longer necessary. The cleansing oil is enough moisture for many people's skin, in and of itself. 

If you have had success with this method, and would like to simplify your routine, we recommend eliminating the first steaming session, massaging the face for approximately one minute, steaming the face through one cycle only, and then wiping off oil and patting the skin dry.

In the morning I typically wash my face with equal parts lemon and water. One squeezed lemon is enough for one week. Then I would recommend using Apple Vinegar diluted with a little bit of water as a toner. Apple Vinegar has a very strong smell, I know it's not the most pleasant. Honey is also very good to use as a mask as it is full of antioxidants and moisturizers. You can combine honey with oats for a soft scrub. Feel free to let us know of any different solutions you try or how this works for you! 

Image Source: crunchybetty; 

        A piece inspired by Native American headdresses,the feathered ear cuff has become immensely popular as of late. I have always found Native American culture fascinating and beautiful, and anything reminiscent of it always grabs my attention. These ear cuffs can be found in a wide array of colors and fashions, with some even being accompanied with various charms and chains. Ranging from the delicate to the extreme, these ornaments for the ear can really add interest to an otherwise plain ensemble. Continue reading to see how you can create one of these at home easily and more importantly inexpensively!