Last week, I was feeling particularly self-congratulatory after choosing to take the subway home - so frugal! - one night after a friend's birthday party instead of my usual cab. Congratulatory, that is, until a very hurried and thereby I am assuming very IMPORTANT man slammed into me abruptly on a subway staircase, knocking me down a flight of stairs, bruising my sternum and breaking my wrist in the process.
My ER visit was miserable and the pain excruciating, of course, (I'm a big baby in part because I've never broken a bone at all), but if possible, the subsequent annoyances have been even greater. The large splint on my arm will stay put for at least two more weeks, in lieu of a cast, so I suppose I'm lucky in that capacity. But you try washing your hair, putting on a bra or typing on an actual keyboard with just one functioning arm, it's tragic.
What I've learned along the way:
Patience is a virtue. I'm forced to acknowlege this mainly because doing even normal things, LIKE OH SAY CRAFTING THIS BLOG POST, now take me an eternity. Efficiency is what I miss most.
Some things are just better left to professionals. The nicest moment in my friendship with Amber happened this week- she handed me her emergency Drybar coaster (that's a gift card, for the uninitiated) and said "Here, you need this." And she was right (she also came up with the title of this blog post - thanks, A!) Bangs definitely require two hands. Even better if they are not my own.
Sleeves are the enemy. Seriously, good luck trying to put those on over an above-the-elbow splint. (So, don't neglect those tris, just in case.)
Few things in life are easier than a maxi dress. Particularly when fastenings are unmanageable and you're forced to shave with your non-dominant hand.
Lower lash mascara is just not that important. I'm lucky that I can put on tinted moisturizer, concealer, and highlighter - let me not push my luck.
The Cast System: 5 Things I've Learned From a Broken Wrist
Gifts for the Leo Woman: An Astrological Holiday Gift Guide
Despite my best efforts to avoid it, the holiday season has arrived. And this year, in part due to my dedication to astrologist Susan Miller's uncanny monthly predictions over at Astrology Zone, I've decided to focus my holiday gift guide into a minimum of 12 carefully edited editions, each focused on an astrological sign. Because I'm a narcissist, I'll kick things off with my own zodiac sign, which (for those of you who don't know me in real life) is LEO - the (for the most part) undisputed queen of the zodiac.
Now, for those of you who know a Leo woman, you know that narcissism comes quite naturally to us - we're rarely far from a mirror, and fancy ourselves QUITE the sex kitten. And while Leo woman is, in most cases, friendly, outgoing and loving, she's also bombastic and demanding - only the best for this girl, my friends. In related news, Leo women love luxury and are known to give in to every single one of their whims, often to their own detriment. In short, if you've got a Leo woman on your holiday shopping list, know that it's a tall order - gifts are a big deal to her, and practicality is eschewed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Estee Lauder Leo Zodiac Powder Compact, $70 - Leo does, after all, LOVE to look at herself and this gold (also a signature color of the sign) compact is impossibly chic.
- Alex Woo Little Lion Pendant Necklace, $168 - while perhaps not unique to her sign, the Leo woman loves jewelry.
- Agent Provocateur Bathing Bubble Wash, $48 - she lives for pampering, and these sexy bubbles make bathtime decadent and rich.
- Fleur du Mal High Waisted Tie Back Panty, $125 - Leos are widely regarded as the porn stars of the zodiac - indulge the fantasy in this cheeky peekaboo panty.
- Strange Invisible Perfumes Leo Eau de Parfum, $275 - Neroli, bergamot, and mandarin tame Leo’s boundless need for power, while lemon inspires focus. Jasmine Sambac balances Leo’s ringleader tendencies, encouraging trust and dissolving fear of the unknown. Ambrette seed anchors this fiery sign, granting tranquility and gratification.
- Drybar Gift Certificates - Like the lion, Leos are often defined by their mane. Treat her to a single blowout or a membership to this blowout-only salon (in multiple cities.)
Stay tuned for more in this year's Astrological Holiday Gift Guide - up next, Virgo!
Marilyn Monroe 50 Years Later: Celebrating an Icon
Source: lyssahoney.com via Dina on Pinterest
Marilyn Monroe is having a pop culture moment, and with good reason - August 5 marks the 50th anniversary of her death. Marilyn was renowned for many things - her girlish charm and vulnerability, her iconic style and of course, her legendary sex appeal.
Surprisingly, Marilyn could also drop some wisdom and her quotes on being a woman, happiness, love and sex are some of my favorites. For example, she once famously said, "What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course.” Cheeky, no? If the classic scent's not your style (I've tried to love it and just can't), here are a few alternate ideas on how to channel a little Monroe this month.
Andrew Hansford's new book Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla ($19.79 at Amazon) is a worthy read for any lover of fashion. The author takes a deep dive into the relationship between the starlet and designer William Travilla, with never-before-seen original sketches, patterns and costume test shots. Thought little known outside of the world of costume design, Travilla's designs are iconic, and you'll recognize them in an instant - think the notorious white dress seen in The Seven-Year Itch as well as the stunning pink gown in which Marilyn sang "Diamonds Are a A Girl's Best Friend" in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
As an homage to Monroe, blow dry bar Drybar has introduced a new style- “The Old Fashioned” - available now through the month of August at locations nationwide ($40). While you're enjoying your blowout, grab a glass of bubbly (on them!) and get distracted by some of Marilyn’s classics from FOREVER MARILYN: THE BLU-RAY COLLECTION ($73.86 at Amazon) streaming throughout the salon.
Last, but not least, you can always treat your skin with one of Marilyn Monroe's favorite indulgences - Erno Laszlo. The luxe brand's Hollywood Collection ($125) is packaged in a beautiful lacquered box, and brings together a generous assortment of five iconic products, loved by not only Marilyn but Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly and others. The Velvet Night Cream is a particular favorite of mine, with a texture that lives up to its name.