55 Secret Street

55 Favorites For Fall

45.  New York University - To make a long story short, I'm (finally!) back in school this fall after an extended leave that was due to my uh, financial challenges.  That's why my 55 Favorites took yet another unexpected hiatus.   I've been talking begging, pleading, wrestling and negotiating with NYU for the last few days - but I'm back!  Forty-four credits to go...  and then it's all over but the shouting.

46.  Voluspa Handmade Candles -  So, after I left NYU with my fall schedule firmly in hand, I walked up the street to Anthropologie and got a little on the spot aromatherapy.  It is rare when I think every single candle by one brand smells absolutely amazing - but I just couldn't believe the heavenly scent of these candles.  Burmese Rosewood, Baltic Amber, Santiago Huckleberry, Champaca Bloom & Fern, French Cade & Lavender - you just can't go wrong.  Another shopper in the store even told me that they last for long time.    If I hadn't just given NYU my last dime, I would have at least picked up one.  Next time...

47.  Vera Wang's 'Refined Ruffles' Long Gown - This nightgown is so delicate and pretty.  I could definitely see myself in something like this - until it gets cold of course.

48. Mahogany Dinnerware by Crate & Barrel (top) Every time I look in my cabinets, I think about this set.  They looked darker and richer in the store and have that 'sort of expensive' look that I like at a reasonable price.  Gorgeous.

49. Brown Sugar by Donald Bogle (top) This is an updated re-issue of his groundbreaking 1980 book which chronicled the lives and careers of black American superstars like Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horne. This updated edition includes our current superstars like Halle Berry, Whitney Houston and Beyonce Knowles - the  beneficiaries of the breakthroughs and sacrifices of the pioneers.   

50.  Anthropologie Nestling Measuring Cups -   I've never seen measuring cups quite like these in bright, fun colors with the measurements inscribed on each cup.  I spotted them during my post-NYU bliss and I think they are so cute! 

51.  Prada 'Tendre' Eau de Parfum Spray (top)  I am not one who likes Prada just because it's Prada, but after being drawn in by the atomizer, I really liked this.   Pretty, yet strong. 

52.  Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990-2005 - The Brooklyn Museum will present an exhibition of more than 200 photographs from the legendary photographer's career from October 20th through January 21, 2007.    Several years ago, I had the pleasure of spending a snowy afternoon in Leibovitz's studio in Manhattan as she shot an ad campaign featuring a group of legendary Olympians including Edwin Moses and Katarina Witt.   I also spent some quality time with Dan Jansen (the speedskater) at the buffet table, so it was quite memorable. 

53.   DuWop Shades of Venom Lipstick in Larkspur - Beautiful rosy shimmer with the trademark, tingly Lip Venom taste?  Sign me up!

54. Fresh Rice Dry Oil (top)  I have actually been in love with this for a while  (because it smells amazing), but it is truly a favorite for fall (and winter) for me because I love using it after a bath and sinking into my bed with my sheets and blankets smelling like it.  Hey, look... I've got to get my aromatherapy wherever I can get it!

55.  The Essential Luther Vandross -  Oh my... don't you miss Luther?  At first, I was considering a collection that was called the "Ultimate" Luther Vandross, but I decided to go for this one instead.  An "ultimate" Luther collection without So Amazing, If Only For One Night,  or If This World Were Mine?  Yeah, right!  Somebody's got a lot of nerve...

55 Favorites For Fall

     

34.   Fashion Week 2006 - Check out the videos on my sidebar courtesy of  Julie and Phil of Coutorture (that's where I get all of the fun giveaways  - you are entering your email, right?)  They have been busting their behinds trying to report on Fashion Week while operating outside of the hallowed tents, but they are working it.  They're interviewing fashionistas and wishonistas, posting videos and pictures and valiantly trying (hoping and wishing) to get into the Marc Jacobs show.  Stay tuned...

35.  Aveda Lavandou Plant Pure-Fume Candle -  I love walking in the door and smelling this.  Unlike some candles, this scent fills my entire apartment.  My only gripe is that it burns out so fast! 

36.  Dr. Hauschka's Rose Body Moisturizer (top) This is one of my all-time favorites for any season actually, but I really get into it once it gets cold because it smells so good. And it works!  I used it following the Bliss self-heating body polish I recommended and I swear, I can't remember the last time my skin felt so soft and looked so good!

37.  A-List Nail Polish by Essie -  I'm going to go out on a limb and veer away from my usual  pale staples and go for some color - on my toes.   I think I'll stick with Like Linen so I can continue to stretch out those manicures! 

38.  L'Occitane Shea Butter Exfoliating Foot Scrub (top)  So smooth and thick.  And effective !

39.  Walter Mosley's latest book Fear of the Dark -  I buy Walter Mosley sight unseen.  If I hear that he's got a new book, that's all I need to know. 

40.  Cuisinart Thermal Grind & Brew Coffeemaker -  I have always wanted a coffeemaker with a timer, but then I can't bring myself to spend more than twenty bucks.   However, I've been making do with my bare bones cheapo coffeemaker forever and ever and I think I'm finally ready to take the plunge. 

41. Cargo Lip Gloss Quad in South Beach (top) This limited edition quad is exclusive to Sephora.  I love that all four colors (champagne, rose bronze, sheer pink shimmer, rose pink shimmer) can work on my chocolately skin.   I find that I have to re-apply Cargo quite a bit, but it's oh so worth it.

42.  Target Strata Chrome Lamp with Red Dupioni Silk Shade -  Parlez vous Target?  Ha! Don't we all?   I have black floors and white walls in my apartment, and a shade like this would add just the right touch.  Now if I can get some decent furniture...

43.  Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick & Lip Kit - Yes, I am all about the shimmer brick this season.  Bobbi Brown has taken it up a notch by adding four new lip colors that are exclusive to this compact.  LOVE. IT.

44.  Oprah's New Season - I'm sorry, but you can't tell me nothin' about Oprah.  If she likes it, I love it! 

55 Favorites For Fall

   

23.  Race for the Cure for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I will be in Central Park bright and early on Sunday morning to volunteer for the New York race.   And I will be supporting my blog bud Nichelle, who is running in the race.  (Yes, you read correctly.  There are more of us!)  I finally got to meet Nichelle and a few of my other blogging buddies (Natalie!  Lesley!  Julie!) over the last few days, which is why I'm behind on posting.  But I digress...

24.  NARS Artist Palette in Rapture (top) - I have the Skin Deep Palette in my purse, but I'm ready for more color this fall.  And I'm always ready for more NARS.

25.   Nanowrimo a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month - This is a fun, kick-in-the-pants for writers (and would be writers).   From November 1 to 30, the goal is to write a 175 page, 50,000 word novel - off the top of your head.  No preparation, no rumination, no nothin'.  (In other words, the half-finished manuscript in your drawer doesn't count - but that idea you've been kicking around in your head forever does.)   Sign-up begins on October 1st.  Click here for more info - and good luck! 

26.  Bliss Steep Clean Self-Heating Body Polish - I just tried this today and I have to say - I'm in love.   I love to feel my beauty products working and this self-heating body polish made my skin so, so soft.  I think I may have found a new staple.

27.  Philosophy's Amazing Grace Bubble Bath (top)  I take more baths in the fall and winter - and I've finally grown out of using dishwashing liquid for bubbles.  And this will look a lot better on the side of my bathtub.

28.  Scarlet Rose Teapot for One by Sur La Table (top) Bedside reading never looked so good.

29.  Anthropologie Rambler Turtleneck Sweater - This is "Very Nichelle" as I like to say to myself.  A classic, all-purpose piece that can be worn with anything just about anywhere. Right up my alley.  

30.   Mira Nair's film The Namesake -  The release date keeps changing, but so far it's still 2006 for this adaption of Jhumpa Lahiri's novel. The film stars Kal Penn as Gogol, an architect whose parents named him after the iconic Franz Kafka character.   I hear that Jhumpa Lahiri even has a small part in the film, which should be kind of neat - but I'm just really excited that another Mira Nair film is afoot.

31. Dance Theater of Harlem's Open House Series - Every second Sunday, from November through May, the legendary dance company will feature open house performances (by students and guest artists)  exploring American, Middle Eastern, Asian, African, Brazilian and European influences.   A unique Harlem treat. 

32.  The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama - Barack Obama usually shows up on my Anovelista blog, but he is a favorite of mine and he's got a new book coming out in October, so here he is.

33.  Aztec Original Hot Chocolate by MarieBelle (top)  I treat myself to MarieBelle at least once a year (it lasts a while since I'm more of a coffee addict  drinker.)   And believe me, if I'm recommending a $22 (for 16 oz.)  hot chocolate, it is  outrageously delicious.   I'm going to do my best to avoid the equally delicious chocolates.   Maybe...

55 Favorites For Fall

12. Anything by Michael Kors (top) and  13. Anything by Zac Posen -  My Dream Designers.  And worth every penny!

14. The Body Creme by La Mer - My Dream Cream. And worth every penny! 

15.  Gaultier 2 by Jean Paul Gaultier (top)  I have yet to not love any fragrance by Gaultier.   This one is unisex - a powerful combination of vanilla, musk and amber.   A future staple for me for sure.  

16. All Aunt Hagar's Children by Edward P. Jones (top)  I am so behind in my reading (for enjoyment) but this collection of stories, set in Washington D.C. throughout the 20th century, will be one of my "catch up" books.    

17. WOW Gospel 2006 -  I will never be too cute to get my praise on!

18. Laura Mercier's Golden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc (top)  God, I heart Laura Mercier!  This is right up my alley - golden bronze perfection for my eyes and cheeks in five seconds flat.   As much as I love it, I just can't be bothered with taking hours to do my makeup (my hair on the other hand...) 
19. Deja Vu - No, not that Deja Vu - I'm talking about Denzel's new movie!  He plays a detective who experiences you-know-what when he is seemingly able to travel back in time and meet a woman as her murder approaches.  Paula Patton, the lead actress in Idlewild plays Denzel's ill-fated love interest.  I thought that was interesting because the previews for Deja Vu ran when I saw Idlewild and I didn't even realize that she was the same person!

20.  Carol's Daughter Hair Milk - No, I don't own stock in Carol's Daughter!  But I am newly natural and I wanted to try this because my new blog buddy Afrobella seems to be in love with it.  I have to say, I'm not disappointed. 

21. Apple Pitcher by Williams-Sonoma - Isn't it cute?  I would keep something like this on my desk for my water.  Anything to keep me entertained as I sit for hours on end writing.  It would also make a nice conversation piece.

22.  Diahann Carroll on Grey's Anatomy -I hear she's going to play Dr. Burke's mom and I'm just thrilled to see an actual diva get exciting work!  And... I've got a special place in my heart for Diahann Carroll.  Born Carol Diahann Johnson in New York, she modeled as a teen before her film and music career took off.  And the kicker for me?  She once competed in a "Negro" beauty contest with my aunt in the early fifties!

Uh, Shonda Rhimes?  Girl, you are the bomb...

55 Favorites For Fall

I'm baaack!  Sorry for the long hiatus - I didn't expect to be away so long!  However, I'm not one to blog unless I have something to say and this week,  I happen to have about 55 things to say!   Starting today, I will list (in no particular order) 55 of my personal favorites in beauty, fashion, books, art, culture and whatever else strikes my fancy for the fall season.   I wanted to do eleven each day, but since today is Tuesday, I'll sneak in twenty-two on a future post.  Here are the first eleven:

1. Wrap Dresses -  Okay, I love wrap dresses year-round, but I really love them in the fall.  Paired with long, high-heeled boots and I've got a an all-purpose uniform that fits in anywhere without looking like I tried too hard.

2. Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick (top)  Sure, the hand cream is a classic, but I love the lip protectant stick too.   Believe it or not, I got hooked on it a few years ago not as a freelance beauty writer, but during a brief stint as a fact-checker at a fashion magazine.  Sometimes fact-checking is alright...

3.   Paint It Black, the new book by Janet Fitch -  The author of White Oleander is finally back with her second novel, which follows a woman as she copes with the suicide of her painter boyfriend.  She also has to cope with his diva-like concert pianist mother who blames her for his death.  White Oleander was a thing of beauty to me, so I know Paint It Black is going to be insanely good.   I expect to be up all night with this one.

4.  Bésame Cosmetics - A few weeks ago, Bésame sent out samples of their products to beauty bloggers like myself.  I received their Vanity Case - a gorgeous golden compact containing concealer, powder, blush, eye shadow and eye liner.  However, my favorite is the eye shadow in the compact, Socialite Brown.  What I love about this shadow is that it stays put - I dabbed a bit on with my fingers on the train in the morning and twelve hours later on the train home it was still there, looking good.

5. Seven Guitars (Off Broadway) - If you missed the original on Broadway, I encourage you to catch this version of August Wilson's jewel (directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson) before it closes on October 7th. 

6.   Janet Jackson's 20 Y.O.  Gotta represent for the grown folks that grew up watching Janet on Good Times - and wore keys on our earrings back in the day.   I'm pulling for Janet a little because I remember all too well that, despite the monster success she had in the 80s and 90s,  she didn't always get her due.  Go 'head Miss Jackson!

7.  Coach's Chelsea Pony Satchel - I like the wristlet and the iPod Nano holder too.   I keep staring at it and circling it every time I go into Coach.  I may end up  with the iPod Nano holder as a consolation prize because at $798, the satchel just ain't happening for me right now.

8.   The new ABC show Ugly Betty - I played a similar role in the Conde Nast empire in the 90's - or at least that's what it felt like sometimes.   The original Spanish-language version, Betty La Fea, was a huge hit for years and this one has a few special features that caught my attention:  America Ferrera, who played the lead in the great film Real Women Have Curves;  Vanessa Williams as the nightmare diva editor and Salma Hayek.  I hear she'll turn up in various cameos - and she's also the executive producer.  I'll be tuned in...

9.  Black Style Now Exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York -  While the museum pulls in the masses (and their dollars) to ogle LL Cool J's hat, baggy jeans and other hip hop memorabilia, I'll walk right past that to the real black fashion history:  Outfits by Willi Smith, Stephen Burrows, Gordon Henderson and Ann Lowe, the woman who designed Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding gown for her 1953 wedding to a certain senator from Massachusetts.  On September 24th, there will be a discussion at the museum about legendary black models, capped off with a tribute to the first black international supermodel, the recently deceased Dorothea Towles Church (pictured.)  I am so there...

10.   Anthropologie's Mohair Mini Dress (top) It's a little out there but heck, I'd wear this to work - with knee high boots and  just the right sweater.  After work, off with the sweater and on with the party! (Or drinks! Or the opening!)

11.  Knee-high boots - I have to say, boots are one of my favorite things about the fall and winter. The reason?  My big feet!  I wear a size 10 (wide!) so finding shoes that fit well, don't hurt my feet and aren't ridiculously expensive
is always a chore.  But I rarely have a problem with boots.  Love them!