The Must-Haves: Snob Essentials Jewel Box

Posted on February 17, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\ –n

1. an essential possession: the Snob Essentials Jewel Box Bag

–adj

2. essential: a must-have spring bag

Hello Dolls! So, I stumbled across this “must-have” during a recent Instagram binge and immediately fell in love. A quick search and voila, the Snob Essentials Jewel Box, from Snob Essentials.

It’s the absolute cutest cross-body bag with a chain, available of all places on HSN! (I know! I too was surprised.)

It’s also available in yellow, pink, and white. Swoon!

Will you be ordering one for Spring? It’s a MUST-HAVE!

Until Then, Keep Sharing the Pretty! | The Pretty Domestic

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on February 14, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Happy Sunday Dolls! You know what day it is; and in keeping with the “love month” theme, I’m sharing one of my favorite Champagne Sunday libations. Piper-Heidsieck Champagne.

These deep red, little lovelies are packaged in fours; and yes they are sold with the adorable sipping straws.

Piper has also merged with world of fashion, when in 1999, Jean-Paul Gaultier made a stir by dressing the bottle in a red vinyl corset, with delicate lace detailing on its curves. Its curvy silhouette, more sensual than ever, became an iconic object of daring luxury, boldly on-trend. The face-to-face with creativity continues at the regular rhythm of inspired collaborations. The most audacious designers are invited to challenge the established order with, always, the same standards of excellence.

Je t’aime! Chin, chin!

Until then; keep sharing the pretty!

The Pretty Domestic

Source: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

Je T’aime!

Posted on February 14, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Hello Dolls! It’s Valentine’s Day! So, whether you being pampered, or pampering yourself, do so in grand style!

And, if you’re doing a little last minute Valentine’s Day shopping, peep The Pretty Domestic Love List:

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour Rouge Rubis

Tom Ford Scarlett Rouge Lip Color

Hunter Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots | “Wellies”

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Zippy Wallet

Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil

‘Japonica – Goji Tarocco Orange’ Three-Wick Candle

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

The Must-Haves: Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer

Posted on September 30, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\ –n

1. an essential possession: the Mischo Beauty “Brave is Beautiful Collection” is the must-have fall nail lacquer

–adj

2. essential: a must-have luxe nail lacquer

Hi Dolls! You know I love beauty products and when I find a good one, I’m loyal. If you recall, last November I introduced you to Mischo Beauty, a luxe nail lacquer, after attending the DC launch of the line – Pretty New ~ Mischo Beauty Luxury Nail Lacquer. The inaugural line, Fashion Week, was so fab with colors aptly named The Tents, Front Row, Invite Only, and #NYFW that I wanted to check back in almost a year later to see what’s new in nails.

I reached out to beauty brainchild, Kitiya Mischo King, who graciously agreed to give us a peek into what going on with Mischo Beauty and fall nail trends. Peep the deets below.

PD. Last time we saw you was in November at the Washington, DC launch of Mischo Beauty. Tell us what’s been going on with your line since then?

K. We’ve been working tirelessly to grow the brand! We are now available at The Emerald Door (www.emeralddoorsalon.com) in Silver Spring, MD – which is our first retail account. We’ve also launched two new collections – “The Icons Collection” for Spring 2014 and “The Brave is Beautiful Collection” for Fall 2014.

PD. If I recall, Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer is “5 Free.” Remind us what that means and why it’s important?

K. The term “5 FREE” means that the nail lacquer formulation does not contain the following toxins: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor. These toxins can cause some ugly side effects such as nausea, light-headedness, headaches, and more. They’ve even been linked to cancer and birth defects.

PD. Let’s get to what’s important. What’s on trend for nails this fall? Colors, shapes, lengths? Is the long pointy nail still in?

K. Our favorite trends for Fall 2014 include winter pastels, tonol dressing (from head to toe), metallics and knits in every variation (dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, pants, etc) and the new Fall 2014 collection pairs well with them all! As far as nail shape and length are concerned – yes, we’re definitely still seeing the “stiletto” nail!

PD. What about a couple of tips for maintaining healthy nails.

K. Our absolute favorite tip is the fact that a healthy body results in healthy nails! It’s important to make sure you’re exercising, maintaining a balanced diet full of green vegetables, drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, taking a multivitamin and getting adequate sleep!

PD. I know that all of the Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer colors are your babies. But do you have a favorite? What are you featuring in your line for the fall?

K. Honestly, I love them all! The Fall 2014 “The Brave is Beautiful Collection” includes four new, daring, 5-free shades which are a tribute to the bold choices of women who curate fabulous lives in the face of challenge. Determination never looked so good.

PD. Will you be expanding Mischo Beauty to other beauty products in the future?

K. Yes! We are working on launching a full collection of color cosmetics to be released in the very near future. Please stay tuned!

Thanks Kitiya! We sure will! We look forward to chatting with you again soon!

L to R: FAIT ACCOMPLI (NUDE): Boss babes never sleep since luxury does not come cheap. #youdidTHAT; CATWALK (CONCRETE GRAY): Calm, cool and fearless. Life is your runway. The world steps aside for a woman who knows her mission; RUN THE WORLD (BLACKEST BLACK): You never tire of the beautiful life and you are not afraid to grab it by the horns. Shape shifting and magic are your specialties; and PHENOMENON (METALLIC RED BLACK): Your favorite position? CEO. Naturally, the world hangs on your every extraordinary move.

About Kitiya.

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … I’ll Have What She’s Having!

Posted on September 28, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Today’s Champagne Sunday comes to you with a twist. I thought it would be fun to try some cocktail recipes courtesy of our fav stars. In other words, over the next couple of weeks, we’ll have what she (or he) is having. First up, “The Big O,” Oprah Winfrey!

Oprah has about five “go-to” libations, the Moscow Mule, Pomegranate Martini, Frozen TangOrita, Oh Mai Mai Juice, and the Legends Lemon Drop Martini, which we are featuring today.

Aptly named the Legends Lemon Drop Martini because “O” served this cocktail during her 2005 Legends Ball. Peep the mixology below.

Oprah’s Legends Lemon Drop Martini

Serving Size: 2

Ingredients:

Juice of six lemons
4 tablespoons of sugar
6 fresh mint leaves
4 shots of vodka
Ice in shaker
1 sugar rimmed martini glass

The Mixology. Mix lemon juice, sugar and vodka in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with mint and enjoy! Chin, chin!

While you are sipping on your Legends Lemon Drop Martini, enjoy scenes from Oprah’s Legends Ball.

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

Where Fashion Meets Fitness

Posted on September 23, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Hey Dolls!

I have been working diligently on amping up my fitness game. Earlier this year I began running, May 5th to be exact. And, am proud to announce that I ran my first official 5K on June 22nd. Yep, I finished and with a respectable time. I have definitely become addicted to running, and of course shopping for running gear.

My go-to running gear is Under Amour, compliments of an early summer haul from their sample sale. Even still, I always have an eye out for stylish workout ensembles. Enter Net-A-Porter.

Net-A-Porter is an online luxury retailer. A fabulous repository of high-end/designer ready-to-wear. Recently, scrolling through their Instagram page for some mindless entertainment, I stumbled across a video post entitled The 7-Day Body Reboot under the #netasporter.

The 7-Day Body Reboot is a series videos from Nike Master Trainer Joslyn Thompson and nutritional expert Rosemary Ferguson. These Dolls partnered with Net-A-Porter to create a week of workouts and health-boosting recipes designed to train and tone the body.

Of course, Net-A-Porter is going to ensure you stay fashionable during your workouts, so they also introduced Net-A-Sporter. Net-A-Sporter is “sportswear as chic as everything else in your closet. Smart tennis looks that are anything but traditional, precision running pants, yoga and dance clothes you can really move in and a dedicated area for après-workout – this is sport with style.” Love! Finally, they’ve also included the best in health and beauty products.

A love that Net-a-Porter recognizes that beauty is an inside out proposition. No need to look good, if you don’t feel good! Bravo Net-A-Porter!

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on September 21, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Sadly, tomorrow is the last day of Summer. It’s a little overcast in my neck of the woods, but I am determined to send the season out in style. We are grilling this evening and I have the ingredients on hand for the perfect end-of-Summer cocktail.

I recently sipped on a Cucumber Martini when my Doll Rebecca whipped up a batch during our vacation to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s the perfect drink for a warm day, crisp and refreshing. Peep the mixology.

Cucumber Martini

2 oz. vodka
3 slices of cucumber
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Lemon or lime

The Mixology. Muddle the cucumber really well in shaker. Add vodka, simple syrup, and lemon. You can substitute for lime. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy.

Chin, chin!

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

Do the Clothes Make the Doll?

Posted on September 19, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Or, does the Doll make the clothes? We will find out soon enough. Why? Because Kerry Washington has teamed up with “Scandal,” Costume Designer, Lyn Paolo and Elliot Staples, Head of Design for The Limited, Inc. to create a line in homage to the beautiful clothes worn by our favorite “fixer,” Olivia Pope. Check out Ms. Washington and the designers talking about the inspiration for the collection.

What to expect? 78 polished Olivia-esque pieces ranging from $49 to $250, including chic capes, coats, and smart pants suits. Here’s a sneak peek at the Scandal collection, to debut in The Limited stores and online next week.

So for you “gladiators in suits,” do the clothes make the Doll; or does the Doll (Kerry Washington) make the clothes? What say you?

Don’t forget to tune into the season premiere of Scandal on Thursday, September 25th!

Images: The Limited & The New York Times

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

The Hiatus is Over! 50 Shades of Red … The Recap

Posted on September 18, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Hey Dolls!

You thought I forgot, didn’t you? Of course not; but I did take a much needed summer detour. The hiatus is over, so let me give you a quick recap of 50 Shades of Red, Vols. I – VI.

50 Shades of Red … Vol. I

The Shade: Rouge Coco Shine “Dialogue,” with Framboise Precision Lip Definer, and Levres Scintillantes Glossimer 04, all compliments of Chanel. I could never fully commit to the color ~ just too much pink/magenta undertone. I would probably rock the gloss sans lipstick.

50 Shades of Red … Vol. II

The Shade: L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in “Target” Red ~ ironically a quick purchase from said Target ~ with a MAC Lip Pencil in Brick. “Target Red” is the perfect shade of red, and lasts “foreva.” It has somewhat of a matte finish, which I love, but my lips still retained their moisture.

50 Shades of Red … Vol. III

The Shade: MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil. Very severe. In the tube, it was a beautifully rich, deep burgundy, but it played really harsh on me; needed frequent reapplication, and the liner was a bit too dark.

50 Shades of Red … Vol. IV

The Shade: Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. I’m not a gloss girl, but I love everything about Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. This little number is a top contender for my fav red lipstick.

50 Shades of Red … Vol. V

The Shade: ZuZu Luxe Vino de Amor Lipstick. There’s nothing about Vino de Amor Lipstick I don’t like. The color – check; long wearing and moist – check, check; the ability to wear it without lip liner (something I rarely do) check, check, check!

50 Shades of Red … Vol. VI

The Shade: Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss. Tried to like it, but didn’t. It was extremely transparent and required a lot of reapplication. It also felt very gritty. Nope!

Le Confession
I traveled to La Posoda Resort & Spa mid-May disappointed by my experience with my Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick a la Ms. Moss, yet still committed to following through with 50 Shades of Red … Vol. VII. The highlight of my trip was going to be spending time with friends, as well as my Mother and Aunt Mary Kay, both of whom are of the world of Grande Dolls. These women are always dolled up. It doesn’t matter where they are going – ensemble, hair and makeup are always just right! As we shopped, ate, and chatted, Aunt Mary Kay pulled out a tube of the prettiest pink lipstick. It was gorgeous and matched her perfectly glowing tan complexion. I had to have it. GASP! But, what to do, what to do? Could I abandon 50 Shades and the disappointment from Ms. Moss, make myself happy and ask Aunt Mary Kay the details of this beauty? You know where I’m going, I did the latter, and for the past several months have been wearing Make Me Pink Lipstick 135 by Maybelline. You heard me right, Maybelline! (Clutch the pearls!) I’ve never received so many complements. I love the color, texture, it’s moisturizing, long-lasting and looks good with a tan. On a scale of 0 to 5, I give it 5 pink lips!

But a commitment is a commitment. Here’s where we are. Make Me Pink Lipstick is being retired today! After all, Summer is almost gone and we can now return to our regularly scheduled program with the Bobbi Brown Red Alert Edition of 50 Shades of Red … Vol. VII. Yep, I’m trying all four!

Image: Instagram

Whew, that’s off of my chest. At least you can say a Doll is honest. Glad to be back!

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on July 13, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Today’s Champagne Sunday recipe is an homage to my BFF and ultimate Doll, FT! She introduced me to this cocktail during a marathon Dolls’ evening at Wit & Wisdom at the Four Seasons. It’s true name is The Aviator, but I have renamed it, “Have A Little Faith.” Peep the mixology below.

“Have A Little Faith”

Ingredients.
2 ounces of Hendricks Gin
1/4 ounce Maraschino Liqueur
1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
Dash of Creme de Violette

The Mixology.
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and strain. Lately, I am crushing on the Nambe Infinity Cocktail Shaker.

Garnish with a flamed lemon peel, Luxardo Cherry and serve. Chin! Chin!

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

The Pretty Domestic | Life with Elle

A Lifestyle Blog Musing On All Things Luxe, Lifestyle + Beauty

The Must-Haves: Snob Essentials Jewel Box

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Je T’aime!

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … I’ll Have What She’s Having!

Where Fashion Meets Fitness

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Do the Clothes Make the Doll?

The Hiatus is Over! 50 Shades of Red … The Recap

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!