Fall Shorts in Effect

Although fall is just around the corner, (and believe me, anyone who owns as many boots as I do is always excited for fall) there's still a warm haze in the air. It's the perfect time to marry shorts and late summer items you never got to wear. (I call it exploring the back of the closet)!

This combo from last weekend in SB was exactly that. Wooly shorts combined with a lightweight blouse and open-toed booties.

I snagged these babies years ago, (they were knock offs of a coveted Alexander Wang pair) and they still feel relevant in this transitional weather. A rich, fall color but still open toed for the season's end. You can find similar styles here, and here.

Shorts: Sanctuary, Top: Vintage, Booties: Rampage

Although fall is days away on the calendar, I'll cling to my summer evenings just a little bit longer.

With Love,

Noa B

Underwater Makeup: Making it Stick!

I've been asked to do underwater makeup before. In fact I've even been privileged to meet the man responsible for Daryl Hannah's splash makeup, complete with tail. After chatting with the amazing Thom Shouse about his underwater exploits and personally making up a mermaid for an underwater ad, I've realized that waterproofing color is much simpler than most people think. There's an art to looking lovely in water. So whether you're headed to the beach for the last of September's summer weather or lounging at a pool, here are some easy, EASY products to help you on your way.

 

1: Start with a cream base. Skip the extra moisturizer and primers as your skin will become too slippery. I found a perfect, phenomenal combo in Rimmel, 9 in1 BB Cream, mixed with L'Oreal BB Magic. The Rimmel creates a creamy, dewy base and the L'Oreal Magic seals the makeup like a demi-matte topcoat. Rub 1 large dot of Rimmel across the entire face, then do the same with the L'Oreal until your skin feels perfectly even.

 

 2: Blush and eyes: Use creams and creams only. This may seem obvious, but you want the products to feel a little sticky and adhere directly to the skin. I like Stila's Prime Pots which double as eye primers and shadows, as well as their convertible, creme blushes. I chose a neutral Primer pot and dabbed it from lid to crease, and I dotted one spot of cream blush on the apple of each cheek.

3: Next I added cream concealer where I needed it, (in my case, directly under the eyes). 2 brands that tested really well underwater are NARS' new cream concealers and Clio, creme pot concealers.

 4: Last but not least, I rimmed my eyes with a waterproof pencil for definition. For underwater or beach time, skip liquid and gel liners altogether, (they'll run) and don't use any Kohl pencils as they'll smudge. Opt for a 100% waterproof formula. I like MAC Powerpoints in Engraved, (black) and Bountiful Brown. Add a single coat of waterproof mascara and you're good to go. I like L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Noir. Skip the extras such as bronzer or shadow but feel free to use a cream highlighter on cheekbones or the inner eye. (I like NARS as well).

The proof is really in the pudding. To test this makeup I swam 20 laps underwater and then popped my head up for a quick shot after doing multiple, underwater headstands. Yup. No running. No movement. Just soft, touchable makeup that looked wet and sunkissed.

With Love,

Noa B

Style Abroad: Amsterdam Days and My Name

During my first evening in Amsterdam I discovered that style is global, and apparently, so am I! Check out the name of this boutique... (I kind of want a Noa Lifestyle franchise now)...

 

One thing that became abundantly clear during my travels throughout Europe was that style, fashion, and the American fashion market are a global phenomenon. For better or for worse, I couldn't turn a corner in London, Amsterdam or Paris without bumping into an American chain. One very prominent one was American Apparel. I was tickled by the sight of two, young hipsters creating a chalk, graffiti spread at the base of this store front. When they exited I had to snap it.

But this image was the one that I found most fascinating. It's a perfect panoply of Dutch life in the old city. In order left to right: Teenage boy, elderly man, hipster chick with recyclable bag, and little blond fashionista, all waiting to cross the square. All sharing one, common element. The Bicycle.

There was so much beauty and tranquility here. Canals, canals, and more canals. Everything was old world and lovely. Just as I hoped it would be.

Jeans: Vigoss, Jacket: Boutique, Lariat: JewelMint, Snakeprint Flats: BCBG, Blouse: Zara

With Love,

Noa B

Pistoletto and Fun at the Louvre

That wacky weather otherwise known as Europe in August certainly required a lot of planning, and a lot of layers. Between the chilly mornings and evenings mixed with scorching afternoons, my husband and I traveled with layer-able outfits.

This one was easy. Light tee under a leather crop jacket with riding boots. Seems a bit heavy, but it was just right when morning walks began coolly, and when miles on foot required durable shoes.

And we really did walk countless miles, including the time we spent inside the Louvre. Within those walls I was more taken with the temporary additions and colorful pieces designed by contemporary artist Pistoletto than the permanent wings.

I.M. Pei's massive pyramid was fairly new on the scene when I last set foot here in 1990. A lot has changed but this structure is my favorite thing set inside this otherwise Gothic enormity of a building.

Seen below are the Pistolettos, which were cleverly displayed in between the permanent exhibits. You wandered from area to area and every now and then, they just appeared. The majority were playful interpretations of individuals walking through space and somehow photo-laid onto large, mirrored surfaces. It was so startling to see them that initially, you felt you were walking into another person.

 My personal fave: right here, towards the end of the sculpture hallway.

When, (and if) I ached to see something that brought back years of art history lectures, there were always Odalisques and a few gems to boot...

All in all, there are much more intimate and enchanting museums to visit in Paris than the Louvre with its enormity of vast, medieval collections. But whether it's a first visit or a re-acclimation, it's worth seeing once! After all, you might just bump into a stranger in a mirror!

Jacket: ASOS, Wax Coated Jeans: LF, Tee-Old Navy, Boots: Boutique

With Love,

Noa B

Paris, LBD's, and Another Kind of "Gallerie"

Welcome to the interior of the Galleries Lafayette, the most luxurious department store in Paris. This 7 story dome rivals Harrods in London or Saks in Manhattan for sheer luxury as well as hip, young brands and gorgeous, cosmetic counters.

I was so excited to finally find some non-American labels that I attempted to take clandestine pix of the clothing. However, after a few rather irritated looks from the shop women I put down my camera and just took it all in instead. But I couldn't resist snapping this Secours, knit dress I eventually left with. It's a chic, open knit with a puff/bell skirt. (I also couldn't resist wearing red lips for at least one day while shopping in Paris).

I definitely managed to do some damage to my wallet and walked away with at least 4 LBD's, but this was by far, my favorite piece. A black, silk satin, tutu number with crinoline on the bottom, designed by a young, up and coming graduate of the St Martins School of Design who purchased the rights to the Brigitte Bardot name. Hence the line, Brigitte Bardot. The sales girl who helped me asked if I would mind her shooting me in the dress. I was more than happy to comply.

After doing some damage at Secours, BB, and Paul and Joe Sister I strolled upstairs to the roof of the Galleries to catch a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city. How many department stores can boast a vista like this?

Soon reality took hold, and my lighter feeling wallet forced me out the door and on to other exploits. But I had a grand time gallivanting around the displays and taking in all the fabulous, fall fashion. 

With Love,

Noa B