A Trip to Amsterdam to see Girls Against Boys

Girls against Boys.

May 3rd  I jumped on a train to Amsterdam to see my friend play with his band.  I couldn't get anyone else to go with me, so I just went for it.  It turned out to be the best thing I could have done.  It was so nice to be on my own wandering the streets of Amsterdam.  Checking out shops, people watching and enjoying the atmosphere.  Later that evening I hooked up with my friend Eli and grabbed something to eat before the show. 

The show was fantastic. I think so many bands mature in a way that makes them more interesting to see than when they are just young men.  Although I have to admit, I never saw them play when they first set of in the late 80's. But I wasn't disappointed.  

It was an amazing night.   From there we hit a club where our friend was Djaying, "ThugFu**er".  It was almost as if I stepped into another world.  One a mother of two doesn't get to join too often.

Glamor Girl Portrait: Liadan

Fooling around with a new Ap for my iPad, thanks to my sun, I had fun tricking out this amazing photos of Liadan.  I took this photo originally for a class I taught at PS261: Intro to Fashion: 2011

A little bit goes a long way

Lately, my skin has been dry and the texture has been ashy.  I'm sure the lack of natural Vitamin D from the absence of sun is a lead contender in the battle to figure out the cause– besides aging.  I've been furiously applying my night creams, and nothing seems to help.  Cheap or expensive.  Thick or thin.  They just don't feel like they are absorbing– or they absorb too fast.  

I discovered an oil in a sample size that I liked by Dr. Hauschka, but  when I tried to purchase it, the lady insisted it was for oily skin, not dry.  So deflated, I walked away.  

So, my curiosity over Linda Rodin's Luxury face oil finally had me. Here was an oil, and made by a gorgeous woman– a woman redefining what it means to age.  So if she really uses it, then what's a better model?   I might as well try it out.  Unfortunately, it's not easy to come by in germany.  However you can order it online through this british website: http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/   Luckily, it's available on Amazon. And Luckily, again, I was on my way to visit relatives in the states, so I had it shipped there.    

When I first applied it, I wasn't sure I could handle the smell.  It's made from flowers and botanicals, and apparently one of the flowers is Lily.  Yes yes, they are gorgeous. But I have such a sensitive nose, they have always bothered me. But, in the name of beauty I sucked it up.  You are only to apply 2-3 drops. So I did.  And after 20 minutes, the smell went away. Now I only smell it in the first few minutes.  And apparently everyone else likes the smell of Lily's, because I keep getting asked what new fragrance I'm wearing... in a positive way.  Good.

And my skin.  So soft lately!  So fresh.  It's starting to come around!  Now if only Spring will!

RODIN Olio lusso is made from a blend of 11 essential oils derived from flowers and botanicals. Applied morning and night, olio lusso is perfect for anyone seeking hydrated skin, and a luminous complexion. Apply a few drops of RODIN olio lusso on a clean, moist face morning and night.

Inspiring Ladies: Linda Rodin

I suppose any girl has some amazing woman  they look to for inspiration.  When your a child it's probably the teenager that babysits you, or the older sister of your friend.  Then when your a teenager it's the girls in their early 20's. And so it goes.  What you look for, depends on who you are.   Strong minded women. Glamours and Chic.  Independent and wordily.  And then, now, for me.. the aging gracefully, comfortable who she is, yet still glamours and chic.  

I seem to be looking at women who are my age or older (just like the pattern), who have their own unique style, and have only done minimal maintenance to keep their youth.  I'm all about dying your hair, some make-up and a little botox to keep myself from looking mad, or sad. But too much and you look more your age than without.  It's true. The more you see a woman with her face pulled tight, you can see that she's covering something.   It just becomes a mask.   

We shouldn't be looking back--- using younger women as influences. They are for their younger peers to be on a pedestal.  And older woman should look to her peers and elders for inspiration.

Never go back... only forward.

Today's Inspiration:  Linda Rodin

Linda Rodin, (60 something) is a model of elegance!  She started modeling when she moved to Italy to study at the age of eighteen.  Returning to New York in the Seventies, she ran a successful, SoHo boutique, had stints as a stylist at chic stores like Henri Bendel, and then as a fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Eventually, she became a freelance stylist—acknowledged as one of the best in the business.

In 2007 she created her own skincare line: RODIN. Creating something that she was unable to find for a woman of her age.  Something that would "caress the skin noticeably and without any delay."   RODIN Olio lusso—and lipstick—are the only products Rodin uses on her skin and hair.  

RODIN Olio lusso is made from a blend of 11 essential oils derived from flowers and botanicals. Applied morning and night, olio lusso is perfect for anyone seeking hydrated skin, and a luminous complexion. Apply a few drops of RODIN olio lusso on a clean, moist face morning and night.

I haven’t worn makeup since I turned 30, except for lipstick which I never leave the house without. It always brightens your face. I hate glossy lips and only wear matte colors like Guerlain’s Rouge 129. My favorite pencil is Shu Uemura’s 365 lip liner, which was discontinued. Now I use a bright pink one from Makeup For Ever called Aqua Lip 16C. 

For my daily regime, I wet my face with warm water in the morning, pat it dry and put my oil on while the skin is still damp. At night, I wash my face with a cleanser like Cetaphil and repeat. I don’t re-cleanse after sleeping. 

Each of the ingredients in my face oil has a certain property. Rose hip seed treats sunspots, primrose treats rashes and calendula oil from the marigold flower is good for healing inflammation and irritation. 

The most overrated thing is expensive towels for drying your face. Thick towels are too heavy and leave your skin bone dry. A moist face absorbs product better. I buy cheap Indian cotton towels from Dress Shoppe on Second Avenue. They’re 10 bucks and never get fluffy, but they’re good because they’re not absorbent 

In the summer I use any sunblock over 20 SPF from Dermalogica. I used to be a Bain de Soleil girl way back, but I ruined my skin. Now I’m neurotic in the hot sun. I cover up in a burqa. 

My new healthy habit is drinking green juice made with kale, spinach, ginger, lemon and celery. It’s like having a salad. All the models drink it, which makes their breath stink, but it’s delicious. 

I prefer dark nails like Chanel Vamp and Essie Wicked or nothing at all. Jacqueline Padilha is a genius Brazilian manicurist who comes to my house.

My secret weapon is Fran Wilson’s Moodmatcher lipstick. I’ve been using it since I was 16. It’s green and you can put it under everything. It keeps your lips colored even after sleeping. 

A common myth is that oil makes your hair greasy. Bob Recine, who created our formula has a motto: just a teeny drop every morning. It has juniper and rosemary and smells divine. 

I’ve always maintained a thin figure. I don’t drink water except at night. My liquid is a cappuccino every morning and two glasses of wine at night. (I can totally relate to this) 

To relax, I see David McCabe, a private massage therapist. He’s fantastic. You feel like you’re back in the womb. 

My biggest beauty indulgence is a monthly Triad Medical facial from Dr. Colbert. It’s so luxurious but it only takes 20 minutes. First they clean your skin with a little suction that I call a mini vacuum cleaner, then they do a treatment that feels like your skin is getting popped and they finish with a minor peel. You walk out literally looking 10 years younger. 

I’ve never colored my hair. I’ve been using Clairol Shimmer Highlights shampoo for blondes and white hair for years. I see Leonard Golino for a blowout every week. (she makes me want to go natural... but I'll wait till I'm 55) 

The secret to aging gracefully is maintenance. Botox is fine in moderation, but the more you do the older you look. You can’t chase youth. You’ll just look old with a facelift. (didn't I just say this! LOL. Words of Wisdom)

—Excerpts from an interview by Nicole Berrie, Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204555904577167123704941372.html)