Holy Hammacher.

Tucked between Lexington and Third Avenues on 57th Street in New York City is a very awesome funland called Hammacher Schlemmer. Now, when you say "Hammacher Schlemmer" I feel it's important you put your back into it, if you know what I mean. Say that with purpose (and a German accent if at all possible). It is a wonderful, all-inclusive retail environment where you'll find the best of everything and the coolest doo-dads. Things you totally need but had no idea.

present picks from HS:

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"The Million Germ Eliminating Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer"
Every time you return to your newly cleaned hotel room and realize you left your toothbrush out. You will never really know what the maids did with it while you were out shopping. The horror.
This is for that.

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"The Wind Defying Packable Umbrella"
Hands down the best umbrella ever; I need a second. When I moved to New York I was quickly impressed with the need for a sturdy umbrella or mine would constantly end up on the street corner every time it rained, with the other sad umbrella skeletons. I straight up used this thing as a shield at times and it withstood the challenge. Plus, it's pretty solid so when it's packed up I'm quite sure you could use it as a beating mechanism, so to speak.

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"The Jeweler's Steam Cleaner"
My jewelry looks awful and ruddy because I can never figure out a permanent cleaning solution (so so sad). So I just want to cut to the chase on this deal. What I know works is a steamer, because I'd always prefer to have my stuff cleaned at an actual Jewelry store. Though I'm sure this will end in many steam burns, having access to a steamer at all times would be very convenient. I can't handle another disappointment in this department so I hope it's awesome.

You never know what you'll find at your neighborhood Hammacher Schlemmer. Actually there's only one location plus the online store. It's a bit of an institution, having been in business since 1848; basically you should go there or at least play on the website. It's fun.


bye,
jayteewo.

Hey, guys.

I'm so much busier than you so I haven't been able to blog for your enjoyment. Just kidding. I'm neither busier than you nor able to blog for your enjoyment.

I've been Transitioning. Moving. Shaking. Painting. Stressing. Thinking. Working. Driving. Designing (my new place: it's both fun and frustrating). Eating (NOT healthy). Spending a LOT of time simply looking at Milo Sun (yes, he is getting better looking as the days go by). Staying off the computer a bit, to be honest. Sometimes I need a break from this bitch. It basically rules my life and since I have a problem with authority, I tend to rebel. But I'm back so everyone just CHILL.

The level of disorganization that I'm at right now is making me all spastic and I'm ready to flip. It affects everything!

NEXT: I want new lingerie for Summer. I'm gonna make that a thing. Pale hues and lace seem just about right.

bye,
jayteewo.

I want Wednesday: jade/seafoam/mint edish.

Ya know, there's no excuse for me to ever miss an "I want" post. All I'm ever talking about is shit I want.. need. My apologies. Personal lives appear to have a direct affect blog production. 

Today I am doing a mint-themed "I want." What is it about that lovely tint of green that is a jade/seafoam/mint combo? You know the one. I always love that hue. Here are some of my favorite things recently discovered while obsessively scouring the internet for truly important products that I neither need nor can I afford. This is goin great. Enjoy. 

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I wasn't really buying into the whole "Maharaja slipper" trend (or whatever) until I came upon these little beauties, Martini Spike by Jeffrey Campbell. Dammit, Jeffrey, chill out with the sweet shoes. I can't keep up (nor can I guarantee I won't bust my ass almost immediately upon trying to walk in a pair of those massive McQueen-esque platforms.. more on that later).

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I need to say little to introduce seafoam Japanese Washi tape with tiny white polka dots. A nice array of decorative Washi tapes is the adult version of a sticker collection.

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I'm, whoa, way into colored skinny jeans. Since my obsession in general with skinny pants is really hangin in there, the addition of color is a nice change of pace (slight change). Especially those with a nice mid-rise, ya know, I like to keep that shit nice and conservative these days. While I really enjoy the J Brand fit better (more on that later), they do not have nearly as many colors as the Joe's Jeans version. Also, Joe's has like, six shades of green. The above picture is of Atlantic & Lily Pad, the two most jade/seafoam/mint-y ones. They have, holy cow, 55 colors total. Bonita :)

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This 'here comes the sun' print is really nice. It's been inspiring me to paint things with green skies and tonal works in the variety of green, too. Can't get enough. 

peace,

jayteewo.

The carryall clutch.

I'm going crazy for the non-descript, plain leather pouch clutches that seem to be a trend right now. I've purchased my first one: the American Apparel Leather Carry-all Pouch. After agonizing over the color and size, I went with carmel in medium and I instantly regretted not going Large. Rather than deal with AA's annoying online merch return policy, I'm keeping it (that's what they want!) as I suspect I'll want another anyway. I do like it a lot, though; very roomy and it's cool because there are SO many colors and you don't get to choose your zipper color- I ended up with navy. Pretty! AA has three sizes in the leather, plus metallic and suede versions.

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I like this style because you can fold it over or just hold it as is. It's literally, a rectangular leather pouch with a zipper on one side. I think it's classy and I've seen some pretty cool versions of it, such as the below BEAUTYful metallic one from Gift Shop Brooklyn that has pockets inside. I also included a picture of the larger one she makes in bleach tie-dye. LOVE the juxtaposition of the sweet yet edgy top portion with a conservative, rustic leather base.

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I truly think in my heart of hearts that if you are going to participate in this clutch trend, you need to own a plain black one. This one is much larger and perfect to fill that staple need. She has some very pretty colored suede ones, also.

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bye, 

jayteewo.

2012 Golden Globes fashion.

Who knows the answer to "why have I taken this long to write a post on the Golden Globes?" so don't worry about it. The point is, I'm doing it now. I'm here for you now.

I made a note to write this post when I saw Reese Witherspoon's dress. She had the second aha! fashion moment of her career, I think (first being the 2007 yellow Nina Ricci dress). Good for her, I love Reesey. The other four ladies at the 2012 Golden Globes in my top five are Charlize Theron, Michelle Williams, Salma Hayek, and Claire Danes.

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Reese wore Zac Posen (meow) and she looked really happy. Red is really working on her. I like how dramatized the sweetheart, almost geometric when paired with the seams at her waist that guide the hourglass shape. Very pretty and non-stuffy hair.

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Charlize Theron was muy elegant in her Christian Dior. I'm so obsessed with that light pink, peachy neutral. It is so feminine and old glamour; always going to work. The neckline is gorgeous and I like how it would have been easy to put the embellishment in the center but Dior placed it slightly left to connect the ruffle.

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And honestly, I liked Michelle Williams' overall look than I did just her Jason Wu dress on its own. But it is pretty and unique and appears to have a nice texture, which I always enjoy.

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Same for Salma Hayek. She has to go on this list cuz she's such a hot chick. Gucci had the job of keeping her girls up all night. Lookin good.

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Where have you been, Claire Danes? Oh, you've totally been on a television show that's relatively popular and I've just overlooked it? Oh, ok. That's cool. I must say, this J. Mendel backless number is probably her best red carpet look ever. You have to admit it's getting better, it's getting better all the time.


sincerely,
jayteewo.

I want Wednesday.

Dammit, I want so many things every day of the week. Craaaap. Right now this Deux Lux weekend bag is at the top of my list. Look how pretty the sequined base is! I love it. I think I need the black one because I like that it is basic in the sense that it is a neutral but has a dash of fancy to it with the sequins on the bottom portion. Shit, why the hell not? I wonder what the inside looks like. I would need a nice little getaway to use this, which of course, would hold only my shoes.

Speaking of, how about these kitten heel boots by Kickers? I'm not familiar with the brand but I think I'm into it. They're super cute, possibly to the point of unattractive. But don't worry, they circle back around to cute. Just my style.

later,

jayteewo.

Movie Monday: Hanna.

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I got this damn movie for my dad for Christmas thinking it was sure to please and I was way off. Did. not. get good reviews from him. It's mine now, I guess.

I loved Hanna for some reason. It is full of action and has a very unusual storyline. Saoirse Ronan plays Hanna, the only child of an ex-CIA agent who has been simultaneously hiding out for x amount of years and teaching his daughter to be an assassin. They have an enemy. Something happened to Hanna's mother and Eric Bana's wife. What is it?! Go.


it's Monday,
jayteewo.

Red lipstick.

Ok. I will go OFF about red lipstick, or lipstick in general. Having realized I was woman enough to rock lipstick of any hue, I've found I automatically feel prettier wearing lipstick. Funny thing is, when I do wear lipstick I wear little else on the rest of my face and I still feel pretty. Lots of black mascara, an evened out complexion and a subtle pop of color on the apples of your cheeks and, boom. Nicely groomed and defined eyebrows sure as hell don't hurt either, baby.

The shade above is MAC Ruby Woo matte lipstick combined with a limited edish, thus no longer sold, called "Red She Said." "Ruby Woo," a bright red matte, is a solid staple to have in your collection. 

Here is a link to an article with tips on wearing red lipstick. I agree on all but the one towards the bottom about lip liner: Real Simple, you have this wrong: You actually cannot wear a nude liner under red, I don't give a shit how close to your natural lip color it is. Your natural lip color doesn't mix with the red, you idiots. AND I don't agree that you simply must have matching liner and lipstick. I frequently wear my Red lipliner beneath my Vegas Volt lipstick (both by MAC). It looks super pretty you just have to be sure to blend up to the edge of your lips so as to not look like a Boriqua. Unless you're into that. This is also a nice article from Allure, plus one from Elle on shades every gal should own. 

Here are a couple beautyful ladies looking fabuloso in red.

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I should note that, though I avoid using photos with this mug in it, it's really the only way to illustrate lipstick.. just so you know. Maquillaje is a great word.. also, just so you know. 

Some things to remember:

• Red is powerful. 
• Lipstick is a clever way to brighten up your face, if well executed. 
• It is important to line and fill in your lips with the liner and layer the lipstick on top of that if you actually want the color to stay throughout the day.
• reapply and blot. 
• don't be afraid to take it all off mid-day and start over, sometimes you just need to do that. This shit isn't magic.
• Do not wear nude liner under red, regardless of it's similarity to your natural lip color. 
• You can mix colors of liner and lipstick, if not only to expand your color options. Just be sure to blend up to the edge of your lips- avoiding the Boriqua look (again, unless that's your end goal).
• Lipstick is a big statement - keep the rest of your features in supporting roles so the lipstick can do its job.
• lots of black mascara, sans shadow
• an evened out complexion 
• a subtle pop of color on the apples of your cheeks 
• + nicely groomed/defined eyebrows. 
• Maquillaje is the Spanish word for make up (lapiz de labios is lipstick).
• Sorry about my face. 

see ya bitches, 

jayteewo. 

Getting to know you.

When you are getting to know someone there are many methods by which to go about it. I was thinking recently that it is so intimate to share home videos or childhood photos with a new person in your life, whether they are of romantic or platonic interest. Showing someone photos/videos of your past is like trying to tell them who you are as a whole. There are things that can't be explained with words. Surely the above handsome little.. girl could not be explained with just words. It's risking the judgement or feeling safe enough with someone that you are comfortable revealing your whole self to them. Videos, particularly. "No, my face isn't crooked, it's just that my mom cut my bangs," or "yes, I've always had climber's legs." It's a relief to get to this step. Here I am, all of me, take it or leave it cuz it's all I've got.

meow, 

jayteewo.

Etsy find!

So I think I should tell you guys about this Etsy find that I found. You will like it. Pieces & Chloe is a very sweet company that fashions "dainty, modern, simple, wristwear"  I say sweet because it is just that. They are threaded bracelets; very delicate and feminine.

Di is very thoughtful in her work and presentation, going so far as to include a personal handwritten note discussing the jewelry she'd made for me. I like the fineness of her pieces and you can mix and match all the pretty styles and color offerings which are very tasteful and muted.  I picked six styles and six colors and asked Di Kim to use her creative judgment on the combinations :) The company has a neat story also.. 

"Pieces & Chloe is named after [my] two furry loves: Chloe, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Reeses, a red Doberman Pinscher named after the PB-&-chocolate candy. Inevitably, "Reeses" became "Pieces", and the rest is history. Each "piece" has been named after one of the many canines who have brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to [my] world." 


You should definitely check it out. 


best,
jayteewo.