Thank God for Shelly, founder and owner of Go Girl. As a female who is commutes daily to New York City, I think Go Girl’s online shop is heaven. Lint sheets, nipple covers, moisture socks and double sided tape, Go-Girl has everything a girl on the go needs to maintain a polished look all day. Enjoy a 10% discount with code, GOGIRL, at checkout.
Categories: beauty · fashion · shops
Tagged: accessories, beauty, deals, discounts, fashion, online shopping, shopping
More than ever before, men are placing more importance in their physical appearance. I’m not quite sure the reason for the increased self-awareness of physical appearance, but I’m for one am glad that more and more men are becoming more conscious about the importance of appearance and joining the dandy revolution!
Matt Fox of FineAndDandyShop.com and http://fineanddandyshop.blogspot.com:
We’re in the middle of a dandy revolution! There has been a growing trend in the US over the last several decades toward more casual attire. In the past couple of years however, the resurgence of dandyism is proof of the backlash toward casual Friday (and Monday, and Tuesday, and…). From the skinny ties and tie bars of Mad Men to the popularity of bow ties and pocket squares, evidence of dandyism is everywhere. Even the conservative Wall Street Journal recently published an article about bow ties being fashionable. Although the resurgence dandyism is several years strong, I think the recent recession even reinforces it. We all need to dress to impress (and keep our jobs). Affordability has been a major priority of ours. All of our items are under $50 so we’re very recession-friendly!
FineAndDandyShop.com is an online shop providing dandy-inspired men’s accessories: ties, bow ties, hats, handkerchiefs, pocket squares, socks, scarves, wallets, cufflinks, tie bars, tie pins, money clips, and other miscellaneous men’s items. I’ve lived in NYC for 13 years and for almost as long as I’ve been here I’ve wanted to open a shop called Fine And Dandy with a similar concept. But NYC is an expensive city and opening up a store front shop just hasn’t been a reality. Last April I had the idea to give it a try online and I launched FineAndDandyShop.com this past October. The internet is amazing in that we’re able to reach people all over the world with similar interests.
Editor’s Picks:
BowTie, $35
Fedora, $35 
Handkerchiefs, $15 
Fedora, $35
Pocket Square, $19 
Travel Shoe Shine Kit, $19
Silver Knot Cufflinks, $39
Categories: fashion
Tagged: dandy, dandyism, fashion, FineAndDandyShop Blog, FineAndDandyShop.com, men's fashion
What’s better than sipping your favorite drink (i.e. cranberry juice and Belvedere)? Having your favorite drink with a bunch of friends at one of NYC’s trendiest spots in the heart of Times Square. The atmosphere and decor of Two Times Square, located in the Renaissance Hotel, is absolutely breathtaking and the American cuisine meals are extremely delicious. It’s the perfect spot to hang out and unwind with a few friends or co-workers after work.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: bar, club lounge, drinks, food, hangouts, hot spot, lifestyle, New York, New York City bars, New York City restaurants, New York restaurants, restaurant, Times Square, Times Square bar, Two Times Square Restaurant and Club Lounge
New York City, with its abundance of art, culture and social events, is a great place to be in the summer, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. In fact, many events held in the NYC area during the summer season are free; you just have to look for them or be lucky enough to stumble upon one. Hope to see you!
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
– August 5 to August 23: I love music and every summer I check Lincoln Center’s website for information about their summer events. What I love about Lincoln Center is that they welcome and showcase a variety of performing arts, from classical to salsa to hip hop.
Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival
– August 29 to September 7: If you’re an opera aficionado, don’t miss the Met Opera’s Summer HD Encore series shown in Lincoln Center.
ClubFreeTime.Com
provides hundreds of free events (theater, music, festivals, workshops, etc.) that occur in New York City. ClubFreeTime.Com is my number one resource for finding great events in the city that are free.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: entertainment, free event in NYC, lifestyle, New York City events
When I graduated from college, I was among the thousands desperately waiting for that one employer who saw enough potential in me to give my first break into the professional world. Of course searching for your first job (or second, third, etc.) is not at all quick and simple. It can take at least six months of rejections before obtaining a single yes. The process of the job searching can be weary and even depressing, but the key to maintaining your sanity and ambition is a lot preparation and perseverance. If you are currently undergoing your first job search (or looking for a new job) here are some tips to make your search more bearable:
The cut and paste template cover letters just do not work. In this cut throat job market, you need to use your cover letter to market yourself and convince potential employers that you are perfect for the position you are applying to. Tell hiring managers what your resume doesn’t and use keywords that are listed in the job description when explaining your competencies. For example, if the job description mentions that you will be communicating with different departments, say something like “In my current position, I have established strong relationships with our company’s marketing and website departments …” or “During my academic career, my English thesis on Shakespeare and Politics has enabled me to establish strong relationships with the Research Division and Curator of Art and Special Collections at Folger Shakespeare Library”.
Interviews are intense. Be prepared to meet not only the recruiter, but also hiring manager and about two or three people from the department you are applying for. And during these interviews, you will be asked a ton of questions about yourself, your abilities, and future goals, etc. Employers want someone who can do the job, but they also want to choose someone who will fit in with the department and organization. There are a variety of interview questions for which you should have answers prepared well before your schedule your first interview. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will feel during the interview and make a beautiful first impression. Find a friend to help you with the interview process by doing a few mock interviews. Here are some sites which I think provides great interview tips and sample interview questions: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm, http://www.quintcareers.com/intvres.html, and http://blog.emurse.com/2007/05/21/complete-list-of-behavioral-interview-questions/.
Believe or not, searching for a job can almost feel like a part-time job. In order to be on top of the job market game and view new available positions as they become available, you need to check various job boards like Indeed.Com and career sections from various companies’ websites.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: cover letters, employment, interview questions, job search, lifestyle, looking for a job, resumes, sanity
Cuff links can be one of the many accessories that men overlook in their everyday professional wardrobe, probably because they do not see the endless opportunities for personal expression when wearing a suit, shirt and tie. Cuff links are a great way to add personal expression without drawing too much attention to you and your attire. In fact, I think cuff links are a perfect for adding a touch of glamour in your office (or cubicle).
Two designers whose designs have caught my attention are Yael Sonia and Todd Reed. Yael Sonia’s cufflinks from her Perpetual Motion collection capture the essence in the movement of a child’s toy. The geometric shapes, clean lines and moveable parts are perfect for the minimalist man.
“Solo” cufflinks Retail Price: $3,072
For the man who enjoys a bit of luxury, Todd Reed’s cuff links are made with recycled gold and antique diamonds that does not bear any current environmental impact but offer a huge amount of elegance – consider it the Mercedes Benz of cuff links.
Cufflinks starting at $5,000 retail price
Categories: fashion
Tagged: cuff links, fashion, men's fashion
It was bad enough that many of us work hard for peanuts and these current economic conditions is not making the situation any better. In fact, we’re at a point where the basics of saving and budgeting are crucial for surviving the credit crunch. But just because we have to cut back on some of our spending, doesn’t mean that we have to sacrifice our beauty. Due to the economic blues, women are looking for more inexpensive solutions to skin care. While I may covet Peter Thomas Roth’s Power K Eye Rescue ($100), I’ve come to discover that Olay’s Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment ($29.99 or $14.79 at OTC Wholesale ) works just as well, if not better. So if you’re one of the many women looking for skin care products that won’t cause you to max out your credit, below is my list of the most fabulous inexpensive beauty products:
Skin Care Collection: Olay
My favorite expensive skin care collection is from Peter Thomas Roth and it took me a while to find an equal, inexpensive skin care line, but Olay’s Definity, Regenerist, Total Effects and Pro-X lines are AMAZING. For great deals on Olay’s products (except for the Pro-X line) check out OTCWholesale.Com.
Daily Exfoliator: St. Ives Apricot Scrub (drugstores, $3.99)
Besides Peter Thomas Roth’s Buffing Beads, St. Ives Apricot Scrub is the best daily exfoliator I have ever come across. I use it every morning and it never fails to leave my skin feeling incredibly smooth and soft.
Microdermabrasion: Olay’s Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System (DrugsDepot.Com, $25.19)
I’m a fan of Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion, but I find that for $25.19, Olay’s Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System
Cleanser: Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Nourishing Cream Cleanser (Ulta, $8.99)
Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple does a great job deep cleaning my face, but Olay’s Total Effects Anti-Aging Nourishing Cream Cleanser deep cleanses and controls breakouts. This cleanser can also act as an effective makeup remover (if you want to save money from purchasing a separate makeup remover).
AM Moisturizer: Aveeno Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 (Ulta, $16.31)
Moisturizing is an important step to skin care. A good moisturizer sith SPF will act as barrier between your skin and environmental conditions such as pollution, UVA and UVB rays, and inclement weather. I’m currently using Clinique’s Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer with SPF 25 because I received it for free; any other time, I would be using Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.
PM Moisturizer: Nivea Creme (Smallflower.Com, $2.95 to $15.50)
If Nivea Creme worked for Marilyn Monroe (before she began using Erno Laszlo’s products), it can work for us; but make sure that you obtain the Nivea Creme made in Germany only. Believe it or not, the product may bear the same name but the effects are extremely different–softer, smoother, glowing skin. This product is reputable for rivaling the famous Creme de La Mer. Unfortunately, Nive Creme made in Germany is not available in any U.S. store, but don’t worry. There are plenty of online sites such as Smallflower.Com that the sell this fabulous product.
Eye Cream: Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Cream (OTCWholesale.Com $14.79)
Again, while I love Peter Thomas Roth’s Power K Eye Rescue Eye Cream, I know that during my penny-pinching times, I can turn to Olay’s Definity Illuminating Eye Cream to brighten my dark circles and reduce my puffy eyes.
Makeup Remover: Ponds Cold Cream (Drugstore.Com, $8.99)
The only other makeup remover I have ever used was Charmzone Ziahn Cheongchung Cleansing Cream, which my mother introduced me to a year ago. It worked extremely well—melted my makeup, making it easy to wipe off. But as soon as it finished, I went back to my tried and true Ponds Cold Cream.
Toner: Alba Botanica Hibiscus Facial Toner (Smallflower.Com, $11.95)
I found Alba’s Botanica Hibiscus Facial Toner by chance while searching on Sunflower.Com. I decided to give it a try after running our of Biologique’s Lotion P 50 ($83). This gentle toner helps to balance the skins pH without overdrying. My face always feels refreshed and comfortable.
Body Lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion (Drugstore.Com, $7.99)
I have dry skin; therefore, I look for body moisturizers that really moisturize, and Vaseline’s Intensive Care Body Lotion does the trick. Tip: For ultimate hydration, moisturize as soon as you step out of the shower/bath to lock in the moisture from the water.
Body Cleanser: Olay’s Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter (Ulta, $5.29)
This is a fantastic moisturizing body wash. So great, you could skip the body lotion if you wanted.
Bubble Bath: Avon Skin So Soft Soft & Relaxed Night Bath Soak (Avon, $7.00)
I adore Philosophy’s Bath/Shower Gel in Caramel Apple because the scent is increditbly sensual. But when I don’t want to spend $16, I turn to Avon’s Skin So Soft Soft & Relaxed Night Bath Soak, which is just as sensous – perfect for relaxing after a long, long day.
Categories: beauty
Tagged: beauty, inexpensive beauty products, skin care
© Monkey Business – Fotolia.com
I grew up learning that what goes in my body is just as important as what goes on my face. As an adult, I believe my diet is more important than any “must have” cream on the market.
When I began getting pesky pimples as a teenager, I followed the advice my brother received from his dermatologist who had an “old school” approach to skin care and experienced positive results. I cut fruits and beverages with citric acid and caffeine from his diet and within a matter of weeks, my skin cleared up. While I haven’t cut oranges, chocolates and coffee from my diet completely, I have maintained a clear complexion by reducing my intake. I enjoy these treats every once in a while without it compromising my complexion. However, should I breakdown and drink orange juice throughout the day for a few days, I’m not surprised by the appearance of pimples on my jaw line or neck.
Diet having a significant influence on our complexions makes absolute sense. Not getting the right amount of minerals and vitamins can cause skin to become dehydrated, feel rough, lack radiance and become vulnerable to dreaded inflammation. I stand behind what I’m sharing with you because I’ve witness the effects on my own complexion.
Listed below is the “Beauty Diet” I follow religiously to maintain a healthy-looking complexion.
Aloe and Honey
My grandmother introduced me to Aloe Vera juice with honey while visiting her in Barbados. Drinking Aloe Vera juice helps to maintain a soft, clear complexion.
While supermarkets and health food stores may stock the already-made Aloe Vera juice with honey, I prefer to make the juice myself. Aloe leaves are available at most supermarkets for about $1. Simply remove the outer layer of the leaf to reveal the aloe which is a bit slimy. Cut the aloe in pieces so that I will easily fit in the blender. Since aloe is very bitter, honey acts a natural sweetener (but it’s worth noting that honey is full of beneficial anti-oxidants).
I try to drink a glass of aloe Vera juice before breakfast and before going to bed; but I will make sure to drink a glass before I go to bed.
Flaxseed
While suffering breakouts during my menstrual cycle, a friend of mine convinced to me to take flaxseed a week before my menstrual cycle begins to help balance the hormonal levels in my body. I knew flaxseed had a lot of medicinal benefits such as lowering cholesterol as well as reducing the risk of cancer and diabetes, so I didn’t hesitate to try my friend’s advice. Sure enough, sprinkling grounded flaxseed to my cereal every morning did work in preventing breakouts during menstruation.
I’ve also learned that flaxseed is a natural detoxifier and can help with weight loss. My flaxseed of choice is Nopalina Flax Seed Plus.
Hot Peppers
It’s no secret that anything hot and spicy will increase your metabolism and cause you to sweat, which helps to clear your pores affording you’re a radiant complexion. Meals containing a variety of peppers are a staple in my diet, especially with having a Korean mother who can cook Korean food which is rich in hot peppers (e.g. kimchi).
If Korean food is not within your reach, The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets does mention a celebrity who swears by drinking vegetable juice with cayenne pepper before bed as a way to wake up in the morning with glowing skin.
Seaweed
Before you twist your face in disgust at the thought of eating seaweed, know that seaweed detoxifies and re-establishes the skin’s moisture level as well as reduce the appearance of cellulite. Now I can understand how seaweed may not sound appetizing to some; however, there are a number of ways seaweed can be prepared; it’s all about finding a seaweed dish that suits you whether it’s seaweed salad or seaweed soup.
Water
This is such a no brainer, I thought twice about adding it to my list; but alas, we all tend to neglect the most obvious. There are hundreds that function throughout the day in mild dehydration, but do not realize how it affects their complexions. Drinking water is one of the most inexpensive and quickest ways of approving your complexion. Below are some of the benefits of drinking plenty of water on regular basis:
Acts as an agent to flush out toxins that can affect your complexion.
Prevents dry, cracked lips by keeping them hydrated.
Keeps the skin hydrated and flake free.
Healthy, clear, bright eyes
Glowing skin
Categories: beauty
Tagged: beauty, beauty diet, diet, skin, skin care, skin care nutrition
We’ve all heard of cosmetic tattooing at one point in our lives. I’m all for it, but to a certain point. Cosmetic tattooing is perfect to fix minor flaws we were born with or that have suddenly appeared when nothing else in the market works; this procedure also helps enhance certain features permanently. For example, I entered this world with faint eyebrows. Darkening my eyebrows with either a brow pencil or powder was an absolute must, because without it, I would look extremely tired when I was actually well-rested.
About three years ago, my mom introduced me to cosmetic tattooing, having done it herself many years ago when she was still living in South Korea. Since then my brows have never been so perfect! Many people can’t even tell. ”Where do you get your eyebrows waxed or threaded?” is the question I get asked all the time.
After having my brows enhanced with cosmetic tattooing, I never have to worry about barely-there brows, putting makeup on whenever I step outdoors, or achieving the perfect shape (tweezing is a breeze).
What to Expect:
1. Should only be done by a licensed aesthetician or plastic surgeon. The best way to find a reputable person is via word-of-mouth by a trusted source (obviously someone who has first-hand experience).
2. Pain. I’m not going to sugar-coat it. It’s going to hurt – some more than others. After all, you’re having a part of your face tattooed! But, if you really want it, you’ll find a way to withstand the pain. I did.
3. Once the procedure is done, you’ll notice that the color is very dark and shiny. There will also be some redness and maybe even swelling in the surrounding areas. Antibiotics should be applied right away to prevent infection. The swelling is not bad, but applying a cold compress will help to reduce it.
4. Allow approximately three weeks for the scabbing to clear and for the permanent color to appear. At that time, you’ll be able to notice any spots that need fixing or retouching (which should be free).
5. Touch ups are necessary every three to five years. Yep, that means you’ll have another three to five years to prepare for the pain.
Categories: beauty
Tagged: beauty, cosmetic tattoo, cosmetic tattooing, permanent makeup
Well-groomed nails are essential. Whether your nails are polished with the season’s hottest shades or buffed to a perfect shine, they can either accentuate or demolish the perfect look you meticulously put together before heading out the door.
Tips for Beautiful Nails:
Keep cuticles pushed-back and moisturized. There’s nothing worse than having perfectly polished nails with dry, rough cuticles.
All imperfections – even the smallest – should be taken care of immediately. Leaving a hang nail or chipped nail un-attended may lead to bigger problems latter.
Buff nails on a regular basis. Buffing nails improves blood circulation in the nail bed as well as smoothes ridges. Buffing nails also leaves such a natural beautiful shine you may end up skipping nail polish. The perfect buffer will have three sides: a buffer, filer, and polisher such as Onsen’s Super Magic Nail Buffer . Since using Onsen’s 3-in-1 buffer, I can’t remember the last time I wore nail polish.
Apply base polish to fill in any ridges on the nail bed and to prevent yellow stains from dark nail colors. When applying your nail color, it’s best to start from the middle and then the sides; some believe you should leave a small space without color on each side. Upon apply nail color, apply a top coat for maximum shine.
Categories: beauty
Tagged: beautiful nails, beauty, nails
