It's here: 2015, pause for gagging, has snuck up on us. Can you believe it? Shouldn't we be flying around on hovercrafts by now? Be wearing metallic monochromatic body suits? Saying things like "Zetus lupetus!" and dancing to Proto Zoa? Oh...what was that? Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century was set in 2049 and not 2015? Whatever. I was in the moment. Anyway. 2014 is behind you, a thing of the past. You can reinvent yourself, improve yourself or simply #treatyoself.
The holidays have come and gone and that means one of two things:
Thankfully, I'm here to make those decisions a little easier since you might still be out of it from that Christmas cookie coma. I've created a list of items that you'll need to make sure 2015 is the best year yet. From beauty to books, I've got you covered.
The holidays have come and gone and that means one of two things:
- Someone gave you that typical I-didn't-know-what-to-get-you-and-waited-until-the-last-minute Bath & Body Works shower gel and lotion set and you're wondering what you can swap it for
- You got the universal $50 Visa gift card from your aunt and uncle because they have no idea what you want anymore and you're deciding what to spend it on
Thankfully, I'm here to make those decisions a little easier since you might still be out of it from that Christmas cookie coma. I've created a list of items that you'll need to make sure 2015 is the best year yet. From beauty to books, I've got you covered.
1. Twisted Peppermint Candle: Bath & Body Works has hit the holiday nail on the head. Take back that weird jasmine scented combo set and pick up this 3-wick candle. Not only will your room smell great, but the candlelight has a natural calming effect on your body and mind. 2015 is a year for relaxation. When you're feeling stressed, light a few candles. With hints of peppermint, vanilla and a sugary musk, this candle is the perfect scent to carry you through the winter. Better yet? It's on sale! |
2. Glossier: Into the Gloss is one of my favorite blogs. This fall ITG founder Emily Weiss created and launched a skincare line, Glossier. With great branding and social media outreach, I was sitting by my Mac waiting until the products were available to order. When I received my perfectly packaged products, I was more than satisfied. You get a pink bubble wrap bag, a welcome post card and a sheet of stickers which now cover my laptop, phone and planner. If you're smart enough to get the entire Phase 1 set, the products come in a beautiful white box and includes a Glossier tote bag. I mean. Cmon. It's amazing. The only things more amazing are the products themselves, and the fact that they do not test on animals.
The Priming Moisturizer is my favorite of the four main products. I apply it under my make up every day. It has an oxygenating agent "supplies stressed skin cells with oxygen," reduces skin redness (my favorite part) and plumps skin while holding in moisture. The Balm Dot Com is punny and perfect for any and all dry areas. The thick, non sticky formula is great for sensitive skin and keeps the applied area hydrated all day. I keep one in my purse and one in my make up bag. The Soothing Face Mist is a rosewater and aloe spray to gently replenish moisture to your face after a cleanse at night and to start your day in the morning. The Perfecting Skin Tint does exactly what the name says, perfects your skin. After years of patrolling the foundations at Sephora, my pale paper white skin has had difficulties finding something that matched. Because of this, I was afraid to order anything that I couldn't test out first, but I decided to put my faith into Ms. Weiss and her crew and take the leap. To my surprise and satisfaction, IT WAS A MATCH! The breathable product includes Diamond Powder that "gives a brightening, blurring and pore-minimizing effect." That mixed with the "ever-so-slight lifted look" makes this product unlike anything you've ever used. The Liquid Foil Liners are the last two items they offer. You get both because they know how hard it is to decide. The metallic gold and silver shades are vibrant and lasting. I'll swipe mine on for NYE, but they're perfect for date night, girls night out or maybe a special Valentine's Day dinner? |
3. Nobody is Ever Missing by Catherine Lacey: Vanity Fair says this novel "could be the new, more literary Gone Girl." The main character Elyria leaves her life in Manhattan (um, why?) and takes a one way flight to New Zealand. Her husband tries to figure out what happened to her while she hitchhikes with strangers and lives in the wilderness. "Haunted by her sister's death and consumed by an inner violence, her growing rage remains so expertly concealed that those who meet her sense nothing unwell." I am a HUGE fan of Gone Girl and plan to make this book my first of 2015. For those of you who enjoy a little suspense and trauma, add this to your library. As we start 2015, I encourage you to join me in cracking open a book or two or twelve. This is one that made its way to the top of my short list, so let's start a book club and exercise our minds together?
4. Oversized scarves are one of my favorite accessories of 2015. They're quite simply a way to coverup my lack of effort outfit. Stained your shirt? Oversized scarf. Too lazy to find a new shirt and put the same one on from yesterday? Oversized scarf. Plus, they'll keep you warm and cozy this winter. Mine to the left can be found at Forever 21 for $8. To the right, Pinterest bingeing at its finest. |
5. Girl by Pharrell is the scent of the season and maybe even the year. Pharrell Williams and Comme des Garçons collaborated on this new fragrance exclusively at Sephora. The best part? It's unisex. I have a bottle, my brother has a bottle and my father has a bottle. It smells different, yet amazing, on each of us. The Fuscardo household cannot get enough of Girl and once you try it you'll understand why. The scent is described as "a stylish wood-based fragrance" and has patchouli, cedar, Australian sandalwood, lavender, violet and white pepper mirror among other scents. It's ultra-concentrated and lasts all night. The limited edition bottle is designed by Brooklyn-based artist KAWS and each one is unique. |
6. Bumble and Bumble's Brilliantine gives your hair the "languid, sexy, slept-in look" and is something my hair and I can't leave out of our beauty arsenal. A little goes a long way, so one bottle should get you through winter and well into spring. After many, many attempts, I've learned using a wand to curl my hair, then applying Brilliantine to pull the curls apart is the best way to get the tousled and piece-y look. It also has the tiniest hint of shimmer to it, so head to a Sephora near you to snag one.
7. Tarte Maracuja Oil was recommended to me by my BFF + beauty guru Stephanie, so I had no doubt that I would love it. This oil replaced my nighttime moisturizer and while home during break I use it under make up to battle the cold. After I wash my face, I apply 2-3 drops on my hands, rub them together and press the oil into my face and neck. The oil from the Amazonian maracuja fruit "targets your individual skin concerns and delivers harmony and moisture for firmer, brighter, smoother-looking skin." It controls oily skin, replenishes dry skin and targets acne prone skin. It's a miracle worker. You can find it at Sephora, Ulta or Tarte.com where you'll get 20% off your first purchase! Can't be mad about better skin and saving money. |
8. Bite Beauty lipsticks are everything I could ever ask for in a lipstick. Each one is high pigment, long lasting and moisturizing. Whether you pick up their high pigment pencils, luminous creme lipsticks, BB lips or agave lip masks, you won't be disappointed with the results. Solid exclusively at Sephora, "each Bite lipstick is infused with the age-fighting antioxidant resveratrol—the equivalent of five glasses of wine." My favorites are the high pigment pencil in Rhubarb, the luminous creme lipstick in Zin or Granache and the agave lip mask in Champagne. A swipe of lipstick will enhance any look, so find your perfect shade(s) and pout those lips.
9. Thigh high boots walk a fine line between fashionable and trashy. It took me months to find the perfect pair at Aldo. My tip is to stay away from leather if you want a heeled boot, stick to suede or scuba. This will keep you from looking like you're shooting a scene in Pretty Woman. Though they can get pricey, they are great investment and will last you through the year. Let's consider this the "#treatyoself" portion of the post, shall we? Pair with a skirt, skort, over jeggings or with an oversized knit for the ultimate cozy OOTD. Tip: Can't find your perfect pair? Enter thigh high socks. Same look, easier to find and much cheaper. Pair with black booties for a seamless line.
10. Skirts are the fastest way to femininity. Whether it's a mini skirt, pencil skirt, or midi skirt, you'll be able to find one that flatters your body. I'm currently into midi skirts both full and pencil. My favorite place to find midis are Missguided and Necessary Clothing. I feel so girly and flirty in a full midi and so sassy in a long pencil skirt. For days I don't want to pour myself into a pair of skinny jeans, a skirt is perfect. You can dress them up with heels, dress them down with a plain tee or edge them up with a leather jacket. Your options are endless, ladies, let 2015 be about those legs!
Bonus: My Daily Gratitude Journal is a great way to end your day. Reflect on just one thing you were grateful for that day and write one sentence about it. It takes 3-5 minutes and you don't even have to do it every day, start with a few times a week and go from there. Having a positive attitude and being grateful for what you have will only attract more things to appreciate. I found mine for $4 at Marshalls!
Happy YOU Year!
too much? too much.