Haven's Hot Cocoa Mani + Pedi is Perf for a Winter Waldorf Wedding

Happy holidays, dolls! The pic on the left was taken on Saturday at my friend Jordan's wedding at the Waldorf-Astoria. Are we not looking fance? Pictured clockwise (L-R) are: Brian, me, Jordan (the groom), Jerry, and Dana.


I did much to prepare for this wedding, as you can imagine. First of all, I must share how utterly refreshing it was to attend a wedding in NYC (my first) where I had the luxury of getting ready in my own apartment instead of a hotel room where I am coerced into doing four other girls' hair and makeup in addition to my own in the allotted 40 minutes. Such is the hazard of beauty writers: friends think we're dermatologists, stylists, and makeup artists. I love to do the hair and makeup of others, just not when I don't have access to all of my supplies and am RUSHED. You know.


Anywho, I also had time this week to book some pre-wedding pampering which included a Hot Cocoa Manicure Pedicure at Haven Spa.

First, my feet were soaked in a warm chocolaty milk bath. Then, my feet and legs were scrubbed with Haven's house brand of products called Plum's cocoa exfoliant. It smelled divine, like real cocoa - not too sweet. Then, a massage with Plum’s all-natural cocoa butter lotion ensued. I LOVE this lotion. It's so rich and creamy and is THE antidote to flaky winter skin. Lastly, my nails were polished with a fun Essie red color meticulously applied by the technician, Emma. A luxurious mani followed and nearly a week later, there is not a single sign of wear and tear. NOT ONE. It's still glossy as heck. Haven's manicures are rumored to last ten full days and I'm confident that will be the case this time. My pedi is also looking just as perf as it did on Wednesday. Haven is located at 150 Mercer Street 212.343.3515. Hot Cocoa Manicure + Pedicure (75 minutes): $60.

The wedding was gorge and even featured socks for all the female patrons, just like at a bar mitzvah. Totally genius. I remarked that I'd go clubbing (an activity I usually loathe) every single night if I were provided socks to wear instead of uncomf heels. Also, since we're on the subject of shoes (or not wearing them, rather), I must report that I rocked my new Hollywould shoes over which I've been salivating since October. Well, the bow was ripped off the left shoe while I was walking and I would up having to use my GUM to get it to adhere back onto the shoe, MacGyver style. Can you EVEN? It worked pretty well; that bow went nowhere until I got home.

Stay tuned for a White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Styling Spray giveaway! I'll post the entry form later today.

HUGE Hollywould Sale.

HUGE. Everything is $79. I know it's a recession, but for the LOVE. An opp like that comes along once in a LIFETIME. You and I both know I finally bought these shoes (left, reduced from $395) which I lusted over forev.



I also bought this dress (reduced from $450!). I heart it. Little tip from me to you: the shoes aren't listed on the menu bar, but if you type in the type of shoe you're looking for (i.e., pump, wedge, heel, flat) they'll come up. Click here to access the sale.

You're welcome,
Amber

Phenom Finds for Festive Phillies Fans.

Boys always hate this about me, but I'm kind of a fairweather Philadelphia and Boston (and occasionally New York) sports teams fan. There are a couple of exceptions: I ALWAYS adore the 76ers and the Red Sox. But the other teams are more fluid. The dynamic works for me until two of my cities' teams are playing EACH OTHER, such as in the Superbowl in 2005. I had a mage internal conflict about whether to root for the Eagles or the Patriots. Totes difficult for me. I ended up rooting for the Eagles because I feel loyalty to Philadelphia as I've lived there the majority of my lifestyle. Even though the Patriots' win post 9/11 at the 2002 Superbowl was kind of epic.

In 1993, I was in 7th grade when the Phillies were last in the World Series. My dad somehow scored my fam AMAZING tickets at the now defunct Veterans Stadium where we watched the Phils play the Blue Jays from RIGHT behind home plate. I think it was my first baseball game and I was deva when they ended up losing. As you probably know (or maybe you don't, since this probably isn't a typical forum for sports fans), Philadelphia hasn't basked in the glory of a major win since the 76ers won the N.B.A. title in 1983. I'm so ready for a Philly victory and to support the team, I've compiled a list of my fave Phillies-red items of late:

CHANEL Nail Colour in Dazzling ($20)

A gorge persimmon shade that gives me the CHILLS, it's so pretty. It's ridic long-lasting as well. My nails are currently rocking it and have been since last Thursday - with only minimal chipping.

Hollywould Cherry Pamela Pump (Pictured, $395)

These shoes. are. to die. They say, "Welcome to my holiday party," n'est-ce pas? They're made in Italy and come with their own pom poms. A shoe which acts as your own personal cheerleader. Can you even? I can't.

Go Phillies!

UPDATE: My cousin Jonathan informed me those Phils seats were given to us by my dad's (and my, but you know how it's confusing when your parents' cousins are your cousins, even though they're older than your parents?) cousin Phil (so the Phils tickets were given to us by Phil!). AND it's possible that the Red Sox could be playing the Phillies in the World Series. I mean... can't they consider my needs?? That would be the worst internal conflict of all time!