55 Secret Street

100 Unforgettable Dresses by InStyle's Hal Rubenstein

 

As I work on my own coffee table book, I can really appreciate a job well done in this area.  Hal Rubenstein's 100 Unforgettable Dresses focuses on the lasting impact certain memorable dresses have had on our culture. From Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress from "The Seven Year Itch" to Princess Diana's striking "Revenge Dress" to Jennifer Lopez's undeniable plunging green Versace in 2001, Hal gives you fascinating anecdotes, gossip and behind-the-scenes stories on some of the legendary looks that have transcended the fashion world.  

 100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein, $35.00.

$55 and Under: Eau De Nous Fragrance

 

 

During New York Fashion Week last September, I had the pleasure of trying Eau de Nous, a collection of fresh, pretty fragrances created by Puerto Rican-born sisters Daya and Vally Fernandez.  Daya told me that day that she and her sister were inspired by the breezy scents they remembered from their childhood in Puerto Rico.  I am not usually one for sweet fragrances but, like the occasional Riesling, I will move out of my comfort zone on occasion.  My favorite, Jasmine Joy, has honeysuckle, sandalwood and jasmine oil but the rose and lily-infused Bebé Breeze runs a very close second.

Eau de Nous, $50 for 3.8 fl. oz.  Jasmine Joy, Gardenian Gift, Citrus Charm and Bebé Breeze.

55 Beauty Bag: @Maybelline 24-Hour Color Tattoo Cream Gel Eye Shadow

One benefit (if you can call it that) of getting way behind on beauty blogging is that you have even more time to try various review products and see how you really like them past the honeymoon phase.  I started using Maybelline's new 24-Hour Color Tattoo Cream Gel Shadows  just before the holidays and almost daily, I am "Bad to the Bronze" or "Too Cool" if I'm not in the mood for "Bold Gold."  The shadows are very pigmented but manageable and, while I can not attest to the 24-hour claim, I can say that the color truly does last all day - with no dreaded crease.  A light touch with your middle finger should do the trick.  If I don't make enough time at home (which is... all the time...) I finish my makeup on the subway and I must say, I appreciate the quick transformation from "Meh..." to "Wow!"  Highly recommended...

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow, $6.99.

$55 and Under: Handmade Cupcake Hair Clips

Completely adorable crocheted hair clips for little girls or for those who are young at heart. 

Bitty Bows Boutique Handmade  Cupcake Hair Clips, $7.99.