Life Update: Met Jack Dorsey Yesterday But I Still Blog in My Pajamas

Lots of excitement!

1. Yesterday, I met Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.

2. My roommate X is going to a screening of her TV pilot filmed and written by famous director Y this week. We hope the show will be picked up by a network. (I am terribly terrible about keeping secrets, but I am trying to be good!)

3.  I was too busy talking on the phone with my BFF Eric to type to you about beauty products at 2:00 pm. Better late than never.

4. After chattering so long on the phone with Eric, I ate a lot of delicious goat cheese and Nespresso dark chocolate squares. So bad!

5. Returning to Twitter gurus...I think Jack Dorsey is doin' fine in the makeup and skincare department, but he mentioned that he keeps about 20 coffee cards on his fridge. For all serious coffee junkies, I  recommend a solid, effective moisturizer.  Body Time's Chamomile Lavender Face Cream ($22, www.bodytime.com) and  Lancome's Genifique Youth Activating Cream Serum ($84, Macy's) are both great choices.

6. Also, my girly neighbor Natalie, who I mentioned last week, has some songs of her own online. Click here! I am digging "Fair Withering Friend" and "Les Faux Beaus."

XOXO,
Charlotte

On My Shopping List: Bobbi Brown Rose Berry Lipstick

Recently, this girl who was gallivanting around the Bobbi Brown counter at Macy's Herald Square caught my eye.

I rarely experience "makeup jealousy" but in this case, I immediately asked a salesperson if she knew what lip shade that girl was wearing? I wanted it!

The answer: Bobbi's "Rose Berry." The color is a very rich, reddish-pink. I rarely see a shade that pretty, so I can't wait to get my hands on a tube. Love it!

XOXO,
Charlotte

Put A Spell on You: Alana Stewart Pictures + Clips

I watched Alana Stewart perform last week at the Producer's Club on W. 44th Street. I have written about her before, and this girl has "got the power." The grown man sitting next to me was crying. I took my brother Daniel along, and we both enjoyed every minute. The short video clip above is from her set.

Here are more videos, one from an earlier show (this song is called "Katie") and another of her "messin' around" shot by a director.


"Katie":




"Messin around" B&W video:

Happy Watercolor Nails

Playing with Topshop nail polish in Delusion and other polishes around my apartment last night...

The Results Are In...

Drinking caffeine-free teas like this one was totally helpful! 

I promised you all week the results of my "break" from wearing makeup, and here are the details just under the wire....

After 7 surprising days of life without wearing foundation, my naturally difficult and acne-prone skin improved dramatically. I would say my skin was 80% clearer. But it wasn't the break from makeup that did it really. During this period, I visited Area Spa in Brooklyn for a facial. After that, I gulped 4 - 10 cups of herbal (non-caffeinated) tea a day*, ate loads of kale and spinach (no, it doesn't always taste very delicious), and hooked myself a few salmon dinners. But my efforts didn't even stop there!

I stuck to a strict regimen of only washing my face with Avalon Organics Lavender Facial Cleansing gel both morning and night. I chose this cleanser because it's pretty basic. At various times throughout the week, I also applied the Origins Out of Trouble 10-minute mask.

During the first few days, I avoided moisturizer for fear it might cause a minor breakout. Then, I started using moisturizer. During moments when my skin appeared uneven, I found that putting on jojoba oil and Lily B. moisturizer actually improved my skintone.

I even windexed my cell phone to remove oil and dirt that could irritate my skin.

It was kind of cool to see the results of all my hard work pay off. I felt like my skin was finally in a really great place, and overall, I feel more confident.

Since my detox of sorts though, I discovered that stress, hormones and caffeine intake still can affect my skin (the first two I can't control, and sometimes I have to drink caffeine to get lots of work done). For me, if I don't drink liters of herbal tea and avoid sweets, my skin is less clear.  But I don't wear foundation regularly (pretty shocking!), and I might not for a long time now that I have less problem areas to "cover up." My guess is that I probably will switch to tinted moisturizer instead ;-) .

This is a huge change for me. Personally, I love just putting on my Chanel lipstick and a bit of eyeliner, and heading out the door....

XOXO,
Charlotte

*Teas that I consumed during my 7 days without foundation: Yogi Eyptian Licorice, Trader Joe's Rooibos Chai Tea, The Good Earth Tea - Original, Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose, and Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root. I also drank some caffeinated tea, but tried to stick to my boxes of Equal Exchange Organic Breakfast Blend and Chai teas. The Equal Exchange brand sells fair trade "whole leaf" teas, which when brewed generally have a cleaner taste than a cup of Lipton's.

Weight Loss, Arghh...

...is probably one of my least favorite subjects. But I want to address this topic. Let me preface this article by saying:

1. I think women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful.

2.  No one should ever be called "fat." Fat is a part of every person's body, like water and muscle. To put someone in a box because of our culture's conceptions of "ideal beauty" is...messed up.

3. My own metabolism is very high so I'm skinny and have never tried to lose weight. I honestly can't speak about struggling to lose weight because I have never experienced this. (Sometimes I forget to eat three meals a day, and have to eat more.)

4. But to reiterate my first point, whether you are a stringbean or extra-curvy, I think you are gorgeous just the way you are.

Still, the fact that I have never been overweight may be a sign that I do know "something" about staying slim. And many of you may want to lose some weight for reasons of health or vanity.

Thyme adds flavor to oil-free dishes.

I am thinking about this topic because skincare expert Susan Ciminelli recently blogged that she lost 10 pounds in 5 days. Generally, I  trust Susan Ciminelli's advice, and her book "The Ciminelli Solution" is a must-read for anyone with problem skin.

Anyway, I thought her quick weight loss tips were really interesting, and wanted to share what she said she changed in her diet. She gave up grains and changed the salad dressings she uses on her salad. My impression is now she uses less olive oil and more vinegar. (You can read the full POST with her RECIPE here.)

We all need grains in our year-round diet, but I think it is possible to take a short break from grains and make adjustments to your diet to lose weight. These minor shifts do help.

Also, if you eat fast food and candy and hope to shed a few pounds, try your best to erase these from your diet. If you need to toss cookies and M&Ms out of your kitchen to make this happen, just do it! I find it's easier to avoid unhealthy foods when you can't see them. 

Also, for a quick diet-friendly meal, you can wrap chicken breast in foil with sliced lemon, fresh thyme and fresh rosemary, but no oil, and bake it in the oven.  You could pair this healthy dish with a large arugula salad and a piece of fruit.

Sometimes being too thin is a health problem too. Ciminelli also blogged about one of her clients who had lost 20 pounds due to too much stress and needed to gain weight again. She advised adding an avocado and a banana to her client's daily smoothie in the morning. (You can read her full post here.) I thought this was a great tip too.

Anyway, I hope this blog post doesn't offend you. Really, I wish more size 8 and size 12 women were represented in the media. But I also know that many of you hope to lose weight to both "look slimmer" and improve your overall health. Hope some of this advice is helpful!

LINKS: Chanel Cuteness + Katy Perry Weirdness + Editors Can Model Too

Chanel launches Makeup Confidential website. [CHANEL!]

Katy Perry wears cyborg makeup in her new music video. [Stylelist]

Parisians fete Justin Picardie's new book "Chanel Sa Vie" with Karl Lagerfeld. [WWD]

***

The (photogenic) Paris Review Ladies tweet their totes:

nataliejacoby Natalie Jacoby

by parisreview

The new @parisreview tote bags just arrived! They look so nice! http://t.co/bCxhHhf

41 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

»

Thessaly Thessaly La Force

by parisreview

Oh la la. Our new tote bags arrived in the office this afternoon. Tres chic, non? http://bit.ly/gjSt8O

52 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Gotta Have It: Aftelier Perfumes Forest Flower Perfumed Bath Oil

Aftelier Perfumes Forest Flower Bath Oil is so, so, so, so, so beautiful, so I hope you will read this entire post.

When I got into the bath after adding a few drops of this perfumed oil, my very first, quick impression was that nothing much had changed. But then, I sank in and closed my eyes. I inhaled the scent and remembered summer camp when I was about seven years old and then, walks through the forest in Samuel P.Taylor park in Northern California. (This happened yesterday.) My mind felt quiet and drifted from thoughts of Albert Bierstadt's paintings of Yosemite and the film "Old Joy," which I love, as I listened to the soft drip of the faucet. Each time I opened my eyes, I half-expected for the tub to be surrounded by a grove of redwood trees and tiny white flowers. Instead, I was just in my little bathroom with faded peach tiles.

I thought of streams and the long and wide blue sky filled with clouds...memories of hiking when I was ten years old too along a path in Petaluma and the pond beside it.... The temperature of the bathtub was warm, but not piping hot and I had to adjust the temperature throughout, furthering the impression that I could be floating in a lake.

Movie still from "Old Joy."

I fancied I could be in a log cabin with windows providing a clear view of the forest. Along the forest floor, brush, flowers, plants, fallen leaves and dry needles commingled. Stillness surrounded me as I inhaled the fragrance and let it dance across my imagination. I paid attention to my hair floating beside me.

If you read this blog regularly, you know quite well that I don't expect to test a beauty product, and then see the vast American landscape unfolding before my mind. The scent was so incredible that I was reluctant to interrupt it. I rested in the bath as long as possible, for at least a half hour, before washing my hair with Andre Walker Keratin Shampoo two times and then applying conditioner.

I finished by sudsing up with lots of Crabree & Evelyn citron soap. It was kind of like sucking on a lemon drop after a magnificent feast. Sweet and delicious! When I finally stood up, I noticed the water in the tub appeared lovely and almost opalescent, and observed the tempered glass window gleaming from the mid-afternoon sun.

Stepping out of the bath, my knees felt weak and strange as I stared at the tiny bottle, no taller than my thumbnail, that had produced such an effect.

 ***

Disclosure: I purchased a small 1 ml sample for $4 through the Aftelier Perfumes website, but full-sized .5 oz bottles are sold for $45. (Recommend investing in the whole bottle if your pursestrings allow it XOXOX.)

Rachel Zoe Has a Baby Boy and His Name Is Skyler Morrison Berman

Hooray for Rachel Zoe and her new baby! 

Zoe and her husband Rodger Berman said in a statement to People: "Mom and Dad ‘LITERALLY’ could not be happier or more in love with their son!”

Lady Gaga Visits Twitter Office With Confusing Hairdo

Lady Gaga wore a fresh, bizarre outfit to Twitter's office. By the looks of her companions there, she was, of course, the most fashionable person in the office. Never one to bore us, she appears to have fashioned a wig into a crown and then pinned it with jewels.

The hair is too wacky for regular girls, but the way she accessorized her ensemble is spot-on for summer. She has kind of a Brooklyn vibe going on there.

Anyway, if you must complain, look at that stranger's zip-up sweater behind her. Call the fashion police!

Source: Gagadaily

Beauty Fix: Benefit Ooh La Lift and Skinny Skinny Dry Shampoo Reviews

My quest for perfect beauty products continues! Sign of a true beauty addict? At various subway stops, I choose the exit that will deposit me closest to Sephora. I did this the other day in Times Square, but I also know which exit to take in Union Square. ;-)

Benefit's Ooh La Lift Review

The weird thing is that my latest discovery at Sephora in Times Square has been around, but I never really appreciated it. After dabbing some Nars concealer under my eyes, I blended in Benefit's Ooh La Lift ($22, both available at Sephora). I am honest as the day as long, and I swear, thanks to the Ooh La Lift, I instantly looked well-rested and (here's the killer part) more youthful. So love love love Ooh La Lift. I practically tap-danced out of the store.

skinnyskinny Dry Shampoo Review

In olden times, Marie Antoinette would wear powdered wigs. I am so glad that times haven't changed much, and we still can just sprinkle stuff on our real heads and talk about cake.

I am a believer in washing hair, but dry shampoo is ideal and convenient for touching up your roots in the afternoon. Recently, I tried skinnyskinny's Black Pepper and Rose dry shampoo ($32, skinnyskinny.com) while visiting the company's shop in Williamsburg. For one, it's organic. So I feel very safe shaking this powder on my fickle head.  Once I put it on, I discovered this product instantly freshens your hairdo.  The scent is sweet and not too powerful. Unlike some versions by competitors, there is no "chemical" scent to speak of -- phew!

Also, call me silly, but I was a little afraid the pepper scent might make me sneeze. Thank goodness, no!

I "heart" both these products. Hope you have a chance to try them out too!

All My Hot Friends Are Blogging Now

Two cool friends, two cool sites.

1. Alexys is off to the races at Fashionbater. Follow that girl!

Alexys is too modest to mention that she looks this stylish, uhhhh, every day. I have spent many afternoons with her in Los Angeles, with nary a dull outfit or conversation. We always have so much fun.  http://fashionbater.blogspot.com

2. Natalie's site Stereogrammar.tumblr.com just launched. The topic at hand: obscure, electronic-60sish-neat-avant-garde music. Also, apparently, the brain of Natalie (she is very sweet and can fit inside an eggshell carton) is filled with owls that dance to electronic music.  (I learn things about my friends when they blog.)

P.S.

Fashion mag i-D posts "The Exhibitionist Issue" with online-only features.

Anna Dello Russo wears a fluffy skirt on CNN.

Stefano Gabbana Tweets View of Beijing

Nothing like an "arrivederci" from ol' Stefano to start the day off right.  See the snapshot he posted a minute ago.

Last-Minute Steal: Gilt's Laura Mercier Sale

Relieved that not everything is sold out just yet. I meant to mention to you....

Gilt.com is holding a Laura Mercier beauty sale, like, now. I'm torn between the Zen Palette, $24 (original price $60), and the Crème de Pistache Bath and Body Quad, $45 (original price, $75).

Click here: www.gilt.com/eyeshadowgovernment

Elizabeth Taylor

I miss her already. Elizabeth Taylor died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital today.

What a loss.... There are few actresses who captured the American imagination the way Elizabeth Taylor did.

Kenneth Turan writes an appreciation, "Elizabeth Taylor: The Eyes Had It." [Source: LAT]

Barbara Walters Recalls Last Hospital Conversation With Elizabeth Taylor [Source: The Hollywood Reporter]

Also, Liz applying eye makeup (Michael Musto XOXOX blogged this video clip about two weeks ago):

Get the Look: Liv Tyler's Shiny, Wavy Hair

Actress Liv Tyler stepped out for the premiere of her new film "Super,"  but not without some "super"-vision from celebrity hairstylist David Babaii.

1. To give Liv pretty and loose waves, Babaii added a few drops of Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment to her hair.

2. Then, he wrapped sections of her hair around a large-barreled curling iron and allowed the curls to fall naturally.

3. Next, he applied Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment again from roots to the end for loads of shine. (Babaii pumps the pequi oil treatment into his hands and applies it with his fingers.) This is his new favorite product.

4. Finally, Babaii spritzed some light holding hair spray onto his fingertips and massaged the product into Liv Tyler's roots for added lift and movement.


P.S. Is it just me, or does Liv Tyler look almost as young as she did in the "Crazy" music video?

Buy it: Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment ($32), Sephora.

XOXO,
Charlotte

VIDEO: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Full-Length Film

If you liked the trailer I posted earlier, you'll love the whole film.

Mascara Rules My World, But Don't Let It Vacuum Your Eyelashes

Hey lady friends,

If you like your lashes long and bushy AND wear mascara, use eye makeup remover before you go to bed.

I always thought it was an old wives' tale that if you fall asleep while wearing mascara, your lashes will fall out. BUT I have been kind of a slacker lately, and I think my lashes are ever so slightly thinner. There just seem to be less of 'em.

Anyhoo, you don't have to break the bank on an eye makeup remover. Just use Sephora's Instant Eye Makeup Remover ($8) and Almay Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover pads ($5, Drugstore.com).

Deep thoughts....hope this isn't too obvious. Check back mega-soon to read all about the results of my "makeup break" (7 days without foundation, golly!), beauty tips and product reviews.

XOXO,
Charlotte

Sunday Listenin': A.C. Newman - Like a Hitman, Like a Dancer

This video isn't brand new, but it is GOOD. Quality wins.

Also, I could totally play that violin part. Just saying...

My pick-up is set up.



(Betcha didn't know I played the violin.)

Dress of the Day

Hey gals,

Ain't nothing but blue skies ahead!

Twirl about in this edgy, feminine cotton voile dress, available at Shopbop.com's new ONE BY boutique. I want the blue and white versions. Lust!

One by Levi's X Opening Ceremony Dress ($275), Shopbop.

XOXO,
Charlotte

Reese Witherspoon to Walk Down the Aisle in Monique Lhuillier

Reese Witherspoon will wear a Monique Lhuillier dress to her wedding on March 26. [Sources: Us Weekly, Radar]

I plopped her head on this Lhuillier bridal dress. Getting dressed on the computer is so easy! Ready, set, I do.

Trailer: Keira Knightley in Coco Mademoiselle Movie

Actress Keira Knightley wakes up in a golden room, changes into a cute motorcycle outfit and zooms away. So fancy! So Chanel!

Here's a preview of the flick:


Do you dig the matching toasted almond pants and motorcycle helmet? I do.

Lollipop, Lollipop, Ooh Lolly...

I'm fond of manicures but whenever I paint my nails the old-fashioned way chez moi, my friends ask me if I got them done at a nail salon. Here's a picture of my homemade nails! They're a little uneven, but so what? I lacquered them with my favorite Essie shade: Lollipop.

These talons are terribly chatty.

Avril Lavigne's Safety Pin Tattoo: Yay or Nay?

Avril Lavigne got a new tattoo this weekend. I am giving her pink hair highlights a thumbs up, but the jury is out on the tattoo. She definitely gets an A+ for pure guts. It must hurt to have a needle on your neck!

What do you think?

Brave soldier!

The safety pin tattoo.

P.S. According to her latest tweets, she's under the weather. Rest up, girlfriend!

Quick Take: Five-Minute Beauty Look

Are you a little afraid of makeup? Or just pressed for time? This is a sparkling, warp-speed beauty look that even the most timid can try.

Prep: Spray Jurlique Purely White Brightening Mist across your face. Kakadu Plum fruit extract, which is packed with Vitamin C, helps brighten skin for a radiant and youthful look.

Pucker Up: Apply Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover ($24). This flattering shade makes your lips take center stage, but isn't too shiny or matte. (I'm utterly mad for this particular glossy pencil and won't leave home without it.)

Cheeks: With a fan brush, lightly apply Nars blush in Douceur ($27) along your cheekbones for a deceptively natural flush.

A Finishing Touch:  Fragrance can complete any look. Try Bobbi Brown's classic Beach perfume ($55), which smells like sunblock, jasmine and sand. Wear it on a cloudy day for an instant pick-me-up feeling.

HOT NEWS 

Lady Gaga has designed a Japan Earthquake Relief Bracelet.

Barneys + NARS host a Twitter beauty contest! Follow @BarneysNY and @NARSissist, and tweet your best beauty tip. Here are the need-to-know rules: http://bit.ly/fJ6tjG. The winner will receive a spring makeup wardrobe from NARS with an estimated value of $251.

Elle reports on life lessons from Jane Eyre.

Do you speak French? If not, just pretend. French Vogue has posted a story about Anna Dello Russo's adventurous fashion week outfits. Meet you at the Ritz in Paris any day!

XOXO,
Charlotte

Going Nude + Leighton Meester Sighting

I'm on Day Six of living without foundation, and my skin is happier for it. There is no word for taking a break from wearing makeup and drinking coffee, but I guess it's a bit like rehab. It's not exactly glamorous, but worth the effort. You could call it a "skin-cation."

Of course, if I had my way, I would slather on gobs of foundation and wear a huge gold ballgown every day. This kind of Peace Corp-ish aesthetic is new for me, and I'm embarrassed to say...I sort of like it. My skin is still uneven in places and a bit spotty, but much improved.

When I pop out of the house this afternoon, I might dip into my mineral powder. Sue me. I still do feel naked wearing just lipstick, but it's been nice to go bare too.

 
**

Recently, I bumped into Leighton Meester in a shop. I kept my cool and didn't even say hello. For the record though, she was wearing a perfect, fitted navy jacket, a ruched black skirt and sheer tights. Also, her hair was swept into an adorable up-do. I was instantly smitten.

Get the look!

DKNY Navy Gold-Tone Button Blazer ($395; Bloomingdales.com). This jacket has a cute ruffle in the back.

Blue Gold Button Double Breasted Blazer ($135; Topshop).

Vivienne Westwood Mini Gallop skirt ($310; Zappos Couture).

March Loves: 'Jane Eyre' + Philosophy Field of Flowers Lotion

Hey girlfriends,

I am psyched about a few things today: the new 'Jane Eyre' film (go team Brontë!), Philosophy's Field of Flowers lotion and my birthday (Lol, 32 days away!).

My coffee shop friend Kate Beaton made this funny comic strip about the Brontë sisters checking out Lord Byron. (Kate feels sorry for Anne Brontë, their mostly forgotten sister, but we all know that Charlotte B. was clearly the most talented.) Anyway, Kate is amazing and I can't wait to see the movie too.

Also, during a recent jaunt to Sephora, I happened upon Field of Flowers ($24) lotion. You could rub this on your hands instead of perfume, and be quite content. The floral scent has a meandering, cheerful quality.

Back to Jane Eyre, though. If you haven't read the book, Jane spends a lot of time wandering around outside in England and being a governess. She falls for some guy named Rochester who is cute (to her) but, like honestly, a total freak. (Do not chase guys like him!)

If you want makeup to match your "Jane Eyre" movie-going experience though, I might toss on some eyeshadow in a heath-colored hue. Try Nars cream eyeshadow in Nomad ($23), which is a shimmering, mossy green.

Moving On Up

Since moving to my new, improved dwelling, lately I like to dress the (extra-chic) part.

After relocating all my books, clothing and piles of beauty products, I want to feel like this is truly a fresh start. So I wash my hair practically every day with Tommy Guns Jasmine and Wild Nettle Shampoo (which I bought a few months ago) and spray my wrists with Bond No. 9's Signature scent (a dear friend gave me this smoky oud scent). I wear skinny jeans, pearls and cashmere scarves. It was warm for a moment a few days ago, so one morning I was even able to trot out in my blue French dress and sparkly tights with black sandals.

Usually, I wear my go-to lipstick and head to the cafe. This week, I will be beautifying and organizing my apartment. Maybe I will have one table just to display perfume, and set another table aside for jewelry and mementos....

I recommend the Tommy Guns product as a winter shampoo and the Bond No. 9 Signature perfume forever.


Buy it: Tommy Guns Jasmine and Wild Nettle Shampoo, sold at the Tommy Guns salon on the Lower East Side and various Scoop Stores; Bond No. 9 Signature Perfume ($330 for 100 ml, $250 for 50 ml), available at the fragrance house's various boutiques.

Please! magazine, again and again.

Ceiling of the New York Public Library.

Peacocks!