i’ve always been a watch wearer–to the point where my wrist felt nakey without one–but never really a watch lover. in the last year or so, though, i’ve really started to take notice of the different metal, leather, plastic and fabric bands wrapped around many a wrists. labeled by most as an accessory, an afterthought even, i instead see them as a staple to complete my daily wardrobe. without them, i no longer just feel naked. i feel lost. and thus the reason for today’s rumination–or, rather, obsession–over these lovelies.

[i saw this weeks ago and haven't stopped going all goo-goo, ga-ga over it.]

mr jones watches :: cyclops :: $185

[i'm not entirely sure how i feel about potentially paying $200+ for a plastic watch, but there's an appeal here i can't quite deny.]

toy watch :: plasteramic :: approx $225

[oooh, shiny.]

rue la la :: tumi :: $275

[simple and vintage-like. i dig it.]

j crew :: timex military watch :: $150

[feminine lady meets rebellious teen. scrumptious.]

shopbop :: la mer motorcycle chain wrap :: $110

[white and ceramic. probably not a good combo for my tendency to spill and/or drop things, but whatevs. it's rad.]

shopbop :: michael kors ceramic :: $450

are you there, santa? it’s me, murphy.

La marca La Mer cumple diez años en España celebrando resultados y poco a poco ha ido formando parte imprescindible de las mujeres que cada vez más se resisten a que el paso del tiempo les gane la batalla.

Paradójicamente el producto llegó a elaborarse como si de un accidente milagroso se tratara, pues como explican en la propia página web, un físico aeroespacial llamado Max Huber sufrió graves quemaduras químicas en la cara, al no encontrar en la medicina la solución que necesitaba, investigó durante doce años hasta que concibió una crema que le daría una tersura sin igual, nacía en ese momento La Mer como una mezcla milagrosa de ingredientes naturales tales como las algas marinas, calcio, magnesio, potasio o eucalipto, entre otros.

Los resultados han llamado a numerosos rostros famosos a adquirir La Mer como una hidratante básica en su día a día, pero lo cierto es que La Mer está al alcance de cualquiera, alejándose así de cremas desconocidas para aquellas que no solemos pisar las “alfombras rojas”. Es cierto que su precio supera al de una hidratante antiarrugas de gama media, pero si los testimonios de quienes la han probado son ciertos, bien merece renunciar unos meses a comprar un bolso o unos zapatos nuevos, y gastarnos ese presupuesto de más en comprar una crema que, sin saber muy bien a qué se debe, ha demostrado atacar directamente a las arrugas, consiguiendo una piel más tersa y eliminando las líneas de envejecimiento.

Desde luego que, ante las próximas fiestas navideñas, si lo que quieres es regalar unos “años de menos” a tus familiares, no tienes excusa para no comprarles La Mer, además la firma ha lanzado 3 sets especiales para la Navidad.

Want to spoil yourself or know someone who could use a little spoiling? La Mer has introduced some fab luxury sets just in time for Holiday shopping. Some of my favorites are:

The Connoisseur Collection ($395.00 USD) — This beautiful set includes Creme de la Mer (2 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum (9 ml) and The Eye Concentrate (6 oz) in a festive keepsake box. This is gift that not only will make someone feel pampered, but is transformative for the skin!

The Signature Collection ($240.00 USD) — This travel-ready set includes Creme de la Mer (1 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum (16 ml) and The Eye Concentrate (6 ml) in a traditional Creme de La Mer box. This is a great idea for those ladies who like to take a bit of luxury with them while traveling.

Legendary Luxury ($1390.00 USD) – Here is the ultimate gift for ladies who love Creme de la Mer! 16.5 ounces of Creme de la Mer will keep you or someone you love looking beautiful for a long, long time!

Looking for a little extra with your purchase? visit www.lamer.com online, and when you spend $300.00, you will receive the Small Miracles Collection. A perfect stocking  stuffer, this kit includes Creme de la Mer (.24 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum ( .17 oz) The Eye Concentrate (.1 oz) and The Hydrating Infusion (.5 ox). Enjoy!

La mer ( “French Kiss “)

Nuit, novembre 2009
Aquarelle sur papier, 24.2×33.3cm

Night, November 2009
Watercolor on paper, 24.2×33.3cm

夜、２００９年１１月
紙に水彩、２４．２×３３．３ｃｍ

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Color Bold Volume Lifting Mascara

Indulge your lashes in a full fantasy of jewel tones and big, bold, weightless volume.

Jewels for your eyes: Sapphire. Amethyst. Emerald. Amber. Garnet.

Which one would I buy? Amethyst? Garnet?

Helena Rubinstein Prodigy Liquid Light Serum Foundation

Helena Rubinstein new serum foundation – a treatment base that combines anti-fatigue skincare properties with 40% of water content to give you smooth, even coverage.

The “Liquid Light” Complex illuminates your skin from within upon application, giving you a flawless coverage.

Energizing Bio-Sap technology encapsulates Caffeine ( decongestant ), Hyaluronic acid ( moisture magnet ), Manganese Gluconate ( microcirculation stimulant ), Amino acids & Royal Jelly ( olig0-nutrients ) to protect & nurture your complexion while your are wearing this treatment base.

This wonderful foundation comes in an airless pump dispenser, so each drop of this skin perfecting elixir is delivered fresh to you with each use.

La Mer Treatment Powder Foundation SPF15

This luxurious, lightweight powder is infused with gemstones!

Gemstones capture light energy to create a translucent color palette, optically erasing imperfections to reveal a naturally flawless complexion. An exclusive Radiant Ferment works continuously to add visible clarity and brightness, revealing a more luminous appearance.

This versatile powder foundation is ideal for natural, long-lasting coverage and simple touch-ups over foundation.

I am very tempted to spend £65.00 on the little gem, as I love compact foundation.

Sur mon corps l’empreinte des marées.

Mille fois tu es venu et mille fois reparti.

Sur mes plages, les traces du mouvement lent,

quelques fois sauvage.

Mille fois tu es venu et mille fois reparti,

en emportant mon âge.

Mille fois sur ma peau je garde,

les reflets de ton passage…

As the holidays approach, we all know we’ll be spending our hard earned dollars on gifts for others, but a girl’s still gotta have a few items on her own list to keep her satisfied, right?! Without  splurging, we picked our favorite items currently on sale at ShopBop all for under $100. Enjoy!

La Mer Square Wrap Watch, $90

Splendid Jersey Top, $87

Ella Moss Celestine Top, $99

Addison Belt, $96

photos courtesy of ShopBop

La mer du Havre 5, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Huile sur toile, 38×55cm

The sea of Le Havre 5, Le Havre, October 2009
Oil on canvas, 38×55cm

ル・アーブルの海５、２００９年１０月
画布に油彩、３８×５５ｃｍ

La mer du Havre 4, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Huile sur toile, 38×55cm

The sea of Le Havre 4, Le Havre, October 2009
Oil on canvas, 38×55cm

ル・アーブルの海４、ル・アーブル、２００９年１０月
画布に油彩、３８×５５ｃｍ

La mer du Havre 3, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Huile sur toile, 38×46cm

The sea of Le Havre 3, Le Havre, October 2009
Oil on canvas, 38×46cm

ル・アーブルの海３、ル・アーブル、２００９年１０月
画布に油彩、３８×４６ｃｍ

La mer du Havre 2, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Huile sur toile, 38×46cm

The sea of Le Havre 2, Le Havre, October 2009
Oil on canvas, 38×46cm

ル・アーブルの海２、ル・アーブル、２００９年１０月
画布に油彩、３８×４６ｃｍ

La mer du Havre 1, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Huile sur toile, 50×61cm

The sea of Le Havre 1, Le Havre, October 2009
Oil on canvas, 50×61cm

ル・アーブルの海１、ル・アーブル、２００９年１０月
画布に油彩、５０×６１ｃｍ

Le port du Havre 2, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Aquarelle sur papier, 12.7×17.8cm

The harbor of Le Havre 2, Le Havre, October 2009
Watercolor on paper, 12.7×17.8cm

ル・アーヴルの港２、ル・アーブル、２００９年１０月
紙に水彩、１２．７×１７．８ｃｍ

Le port du Havre 1, Le Havre, octobre 2009
Aquarelle sur papier, 12.7×17.8cm

The harbor of Le Havre 1, Le Habre, October 2009
Watercolor on paper, 12.7×17.8cm

ル・アーブルの港１、ル・アーブル、２００９年１０月
紙に水彩、１２．７×１７．８ｃｍ

On pensait jamais bien voyager ensemble.  On est tellement différentes.

Encore aujourd’hui je ne peux pas totalement en saisir l’essence.
J’imagine que c’est juste quelque chose qui arrive.
Comme quand il neige et que tu marches dans la rue, et que pour une raison anonyme, il y a un flocon qui se pose dans ta bouche.

On s’était donné rendez-vous à Paris.

Dans un texte, comme ça, sur un blogue, «se donner rendez-vous à Paris» ça se mêle aux autres phrases sans qu’on y porte une attention particulière.  Mais dans la vraie vie, avec tes meilleures amies, «se donner rendez-vous à Paris» c’est plus qu’un évènement en soi.

Ça commencé avec du retard dans les avions.
Ça commencé avec presque 20h dans les machines volantes et les aéroports.
Ça commencé avec un appartement qui m’était prêté, dans un petit quartier de banlieue.
Ça finalement vraiment commencé, avec un miaulement de l’autre côté de la porte, et une bouteille de champagne qu’on a bue dans des tasses.

Après ça,
On était réunies.
Quatre.
Nous quatre :
À Paris.

Donc on fait ce qu’il y a à faire.
On module notre accent, et on trouve ça drôle.
On prend trop de photos, on squatte les musées, les statues.
On boit du vin à 2 euros sous les grandes pattes de la tour Eiffel.
On mange du confit, des croissants, et de la baguette.

Après Pigalle, on croise le Café des Deux Moulins.
Foire des péripéties cinématographiques d’Amélie Poulain.
On enjambe les pierres presque poncées des rues menant à Montmartre dans les petites collines abruptes que sont les rues y
conduisant.
On rit.
On est bien.
On est plus que bien
On est à Paris.

Nous sommes presque arrivées au point culminant de la butte aux artistes qu’on entend du Piaf.
On entend du crin grinçant sur des cordes.
On se regarde plus complice que possible.
On arrive.  Enfin.  Même pas essoufflée.

Un bonhomme est assis sur une petite caisse.
Sur son ampli.
Il a des lunettes rondes, et un dynamisme invitant.
Il est charismatique et humble.
Il ferme les yeux sous ses verres sphériques et happe son archet de passion, de sensualité, de ferveur.
Il déchaîne du Trenet.  La mer.

Encore aujourd’hui je ne peux pas totalement en saisir l’essence.
J’imagine que c’est juste quelque chose qui arrive.

On s’assoit.  Sans se consulter, le vote était unanime.
On s’imbibe.
Comme une éponge qui gobe.
Comme une étampe qui subit.

On était les quatre, à Paris.
Et après, on était les cinq, à Montmartre.
Nous et le violoniste.
Lui, son poil de cheval, et son coffre de bois.
C’était en fait juste ça.
Le violoniste qui entre son menton et son épaule, tenait le plus beau moment de notre rencontre.  Un moment inédit.   Un moment qui même en mots ne serait parlé pour lui-même.  Un moment où sans discuter, on en disait déjà trop.

À cet entretien, il y avait un lâcher-prise égorgeant.
Un abandon vulnérable et rarissime qui s’est imprimé dans nos annales incomprises.

Ce qui est inracontable,
C’est les meilleures histoires.
Ce qui nous échappe parce que c’est trop précieux,
C’est nous quatre et Paris.

As Heidi Klum says, in fashion, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out.  However, one piece that never goes out of style is a classy time piece. This season, Michael Kors introduced  a fabulous collection of fashionable watches that are reasonably priced.  A classic timepiece is something that never goes out of style!

Watch deal: La Mer Square Wrap Watch

Watch steal: Hermes KellyComes in a variety of colors!

Michael Kors Watch

I saved this image a while ago and lamely forgot to note the source. If anyone can help me, please chime in with the reference!

***UPDATE: Thanks so much to Janet from 3Potato4 for commenting with the designer’s name: the über talented Jim Datz created these labels, which I had originally found featured in an interview over at Grain Edit. Thanks again, Janet! Mystery/forgetfulness solved!

From hot to chilly, to humid to scorching – Texas weather changes everyday. The unpredictable weather causes skin to go from oily to dry and back again every time the temperature jumps. Keep that temperamental skin looking flawless from season to season with La Mer. The beauty line’s best seller and cult-classic Crème de la Mer is your cure in a cream.

Join La Mer Senior Vice President of Product Development and Innovation Loretta Miraglia today as she personally consults Dallas Divas on all of their skin care dilemmas. Get pampered and prepared for winter weather today from 11am to 2pm at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.

Sarah Bray

I’ve been having a hard time finding the drive to blog about anything lately, what with the tragedy brought about by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Mentioning anything about makeup or skincare in the middle of this turmoil didn’t feel right.

But my hope in beauty was quickly restored when I came across Estée Lauder’s Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) campaign started in 1992 by Evelyn H. Lauder and SELF Magazine’s then editor-in-chief Alexandra Penney, when the two launched the Pink Ribbon, now known worldwide as the symbol of breast health. The campaigns have raised millions in educating women that early detection can help fight breast cancer.

Here in the Philippines, the Estée Lauder Group of Companies (comprised ofEstée Lauder, Aramis Fragrances, La Mer, Bobbi Brown and Clinique) take part in the BCA by holding a Health and Wellness Weekend at the Fifth Level of Rustan’s Makati. I attended this event-packed gathering last Friday, together with breast cancer survivors and members of the icanserve foundation. All of us attendees excitedly lined up at the different booths sponsored by the companies mentioned above.

Tired eyes be gone! My eyes got some pampering courtesy of La Mer

I had a soothing eye massage from the La Merbooth and still wanted to get my skin analyzed at the Estée Lauder booth, as well as skin treat from Clinique, find a fragrance that fit me at Aramis Designer Fragrances, and a makeover from Bobbi Brown, but it was time for the Iyengar Yoga session held by Rina Ortiz.

If you want to take part in this packed event, it’s not too late. Today is the last day of the Health and Wellness event (click here for a schedule of today’s events). Explore the pinkribbon.com.ph website and see how you can take home special treats from today’s event, while supporting the cause of breast cancer awareness. Now that’s what I call good news.

Photos by Wacky Gochoco, courtesy of Estée Lauder Group of Companies

cela a été des bateaux des rivages …

I love (European) classical music; I’ve played it since I was five and think it can be one of the most emotionally moving and fulfilling things to do.

But it’s incredibly difficult to get me to go see a professional concert, especially a symphony concert.  Why?  Because the social etiquette surrounding the performance is so dull. And the program notes are often so pretentious.

Hence my amusement at this updated version of program notes from the New Yorker.  If the tone at classical performances were more like this:

The opening section, “From Dawn to Midday at Sea,” begins with the plaintive call of the oboe, announcing the rising sun. The English horn and the trumpet answer in a minor key, as if to say, “Thanks for the tip, asshole.” The flutes quickly change the subject, introducing the famous surging triplet melody. The theme bubbles and courses through the orchestra, constantly elaborated and ultimately recapitulated in a massive crescendo of horns and trumpets, at which point the flutes are totally drowned out and seem not a little jaded and you have to wonder if they regret having introduced the theme in the first place.

“The Play of the Waves” is often described as a scherzo, light and humorous, although, as in much of Debussy’s work, the laughs come at the expense of the violas.

…I’d be more willing to go!

Dude knows what he’s talking about.  Re: Debussy’s La Mer:

“The Dialogue Between the Wind and the Sea” pits roiling strings against strident brass, belligerent woodwinds, and unhinged timpani bent on physical reprisal. Again, the composer ingeniously juxtaposes regular and triple figures, a development that for many years was hailed as a breakthrough in modern composition, although it is now generally acknowledged to have been a printer’s error. Still, the layered rhythms create a spectacular lurching effect that vividly evokes the roll of waves, as well as a tremendous desire to urinate.

Pay him a visit and learn all kinds of illegitimate tidbits here.

By Bianca (duh!)

If you have not figured it out by now, I am materialistic as hell, so my favorite things post will solely contain items that you can buy. None of that hippy dippy, I love the rain crap Sylvia bored you with yesterday.

In addition to being materialistic, I am also cheap as hell. I know those two don’t really go together, but that is why I am way better than all of you. Go ahead and waste your hard earned money at department stores, I get my stuff at the drugstore (with a couple of exceptions), thank you very much.

So here some of my favorite things.

 Shikai Borage Dry Skin Therapy Lotion - My skin is temperamental as hell, and simultaneously dry and oily. In the winter, it gets dry in random places, and this lotion is the only one I have found so far that gets rids of the dryness without breaking me out.

Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets - My nose refuses to stay unshiny for more than 10 minutes. No matter what I put on my face, take off my face, or threaten to inject in my face, my t-zone is an oil factory that puts the Middle East to shame. I go through these oil blotting sheets like crazy.

L’Oreal EverPure hair care line  - I recently darkened my hair, and my hairdresser recommended I use sulfite free hair products to slow down the fading. The salon I frequent sells Tigi products, so I bought a shampoo and condition from the Rockaholic line. They worked fine, by my cheap ass had a hard time justifying paying almost $20 for each item. When I saw the EverPure line at the grocery store for $7 a pop, I decided to try it out. So far I am really liking the results I am getting from the smoothing line, with the exception of the frizz free serum. It’s only ok, and I actually found another product, while not sulfite free, that works better. Which leads me to:

Tigi Rockaholic Rock Out Shine Blaster - Love this stuff! It smells like all sorts of deliciousness, and it really works at getting my frizzy hair under control. I bought it originally because I loved the scent, and it’s totally worth it’s price tag.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product - This is another item I bought simply because it smelled good. I spray it in my hair after I blow dry, and I love it!

Creme De La Mer -  This stuff is hella expensive, and one of my only true beauty splurges. But I don’t use this on my whole face, it’s too rich. I use it on my eyes at night before I go to bed. I swear it makes my eyelashes thicker, and I am vain enough to spend over $100 on an eye cream that probably only does what I think it does in my imagination. But I am ok with that. Also, I have had my current jar for over 2 years, so when you think about it, the cost really isn’t that bad.

Wet N Wild Eyeshadows - Yes, you read that correctly. These eyeshadows rock. They come in a trio or larger palette, are cheap cheap cheap, and they last all day with not a lot of creasing. If you are a makeup snob, it sucks to be you, because I think these are better than a lot of expensive shadows available right now.

I was also going to talk about some of my favorite wines, but I will leave that for another day.