Chic Girl Style: A style, beauty and fashion blog!

Atelier Cologne

A new and noteworthy cologne has hit Bergdorf's and Neiman's called Atelier Cologne. Honestly I have not had the chance to try any of the Atelier concoctions but an article in W Magazine peeked my interest. Atelier Cologne creator Sylvie Ganter, having experience at Fresh beauty brand and Hermes fragrance sales division, wanted a line of eaux de colognes with the personal detail and precision she had observed while working at Hermes.

Ganter explains while eau de colognes smell fresh they don't last. But Atelier Colognes are colognes absolues which are still fresh but very long lasting with more personality kick.

Containing higher concentrations of essential oils than the standard eaux de cologne, prices range from $145 to $175.  The Bois Blonds blend containing 20% neroli (a very expensive oil) makes it the pricest. Assuming the scents live up to their name the price sounds quite reasonable for a seemingly personalized cologne with the staying power of a parfume.

Here are the fragrance descriptions:

Atelier Cologne:
Perfume house crafting colognes of character. The master perfumers of Atelier Cologne blend unexpected and rare extracts with signature fresh citruses to create Colognes Absolues, concentrated formulas with distinctive and long-lasting sillage. Each scent captures treasured emotions and powerful memories.

Atelier Cologne, creator of the Cologne Absolue, crafting scents of character inspired by the singularity of a moment.

Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue
A zesty and energizing burst of crushed ripe fruit; plays off sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual notes of geranium.

Grand Neroli Cologne Absolue
A romantic ingenue; wraps elegant orange blossom flower around layers of clean herbal notes, warm musks and addictive brushstrokes of vanilla.

Trefle Pur Cologne Absolue
A landscape of vitality; surrounds violet leaves in green woods, freshly cut grass and dewy earth.

Bois Blonds Cologne Absolue
A sophisticated yet mischievous elixir; entwines unique and precious woods and incense with sensual orange flower and vetiver.

Oolang Infini Cologne Absolue
A full-bodied, mysterious concoction; captures blue tea and bergamot in the warmth of smoke and leather.

Clarisonic Pro Review

I was fortunate to have received the Clarisonic Pro Cleansing System for Christmas! Being pregnant, with all the crazy hormones and unable to use my Retin-A had wrecked havoc on my skin. So obviously I was super excited to try the Clarisonic! What separates the Pro from the other Clarisonic Brushes are a few things. It may only be purchased from a Skin Care professional (Dermatologists and select Spas), it goes up to 4 speeds (as opposed to 3) and includes a body attachment brush. Funny enough I was very eager to try out the body brush but haven't had the time or chance to yet.

The set comes with Clarisonic skin care samples, that I have yet to try, the face brush head, body brush head and the charger.

My routine is this: I wash my face with Origins Checks and Balances to remove my makeup because I don't want makeup to get on the Clarisonic brush.  Then apply Philosphy's Purity Made Simple, a cleanser recommended on many forums to be used with the Clarisonic. Purity Made Simple alone is not very foaming and doesn't remove my makeup as well as the Checks and Balances but works extremely well with the Clarisonic. The Checks and Balances, in my opinion, is actually a bit too foamy to be used with the Clarisonic.

One full charge has been lasting me 2 1/2 to 3 weeks and I use it on setting 4, the setting Spas use when they give you a Clarisonic facial. It beeps to tell you when to move around the face, first two beeps are 60 seconds and last two are 30. First beep for forehead, second beep for nose to chin, third for cheek and fourth beep for other cheek. However, I do my forehead last otherwise soap gets in my eyes. So I do nose to chin first then split the second beep between the two cheeks and do the last two beeps for the forehead. I also tend to let it cycle through 1 1/2 to 2 times to do my neck and go back to certain spots if needed, so I'm letting it run more than most people.

After my first Clarisonic use I was hooked! Although the brush is very gentle your face feels stimulated and well circulated. I was really impressed by how clean my skin was. I assumed just using Checks and Balances alone was doing the job but I realized it wasn't removing all my Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55. Even powder traces still come off on the brush so I know I'm getting the deepest clean possible. I tried using it morning and night but found that was a little too much for my skin, even when I didn't use it on setting 4. But using it just at night really prepares my skin to absorb night creams. Clarisonic claims it helps reduce wrinkles and I understand how that's possible with the increased circulation and extra face cream absorption but I've only noticed a slight benefit. The major things for me have been extremely softer skin, smaller pores, less black heads and virtually no breakouts (despite my hormones!) and of course the deep down clean.

Here's a huge tip: No matter what model of the Clarisonic you purchase make sure you go through an authorized dealer! I have read forums where Clarisonic is not agreeing to the 2 year warranty (1 year for the Mia) if purchased at certain online stores, Amazon being one of them. Sephora is an authorized retailer and click here to get a list of authorized retailers from the Clarisonic site.

It's a pricey investment, but well worth it!

Low Luv by Erin Wasson

I'm loving these gorgeous vine and twig looking bracelets by Erin Wasson, now available at Saks!

Beauty Events Galore!

Both Saks and Neiman's are hosting in stores and online beauty events!

At Saks recieve a bag full of beauty goodies with any $75 beauty purchase. Use code "PURE" for online shopping.

At Neiman's recieve a denim bag full of even more goodies with any $100 beauty purchase. No code necessary for online.

Spring 2010 - Gray Nailpolish Trend

A month or so ago I picked up a beautiful gray shade by Essie called Chinchilly. Last week was the first time I used it. My thinking was I'd better hurry up and wear it now before Spring comes and I'll have to sport trendy pinks and lavenders. So I was very excited to see this post on Bella Sugar stating that Chanel's new Particulière nail polish is the color of the Spring season! Other putty/gray recommendations are OPI You Don't Know Jacques! and Essie Mink Muffs.

Maternity Formal Wear

So in April I will be attending the Houston Grand Opera Ball. Being a white tie event I am freaking out about finding a formal gown. I have searched sites for maternity formal wear and really nothing tasteful exists or it's more cocktail than white tie formal. So I'm thinking I will just have to find a normal dress in an empire cut in a size or two (or three or four!) larger than I normally wear. My complaint is that I've tried just ordering online like I would always do before being pregnant, usually getting a perfect fit 99% of the time, but so far being pregnant I have struck out 3 times! Very frustrating for a major online shopper! So I've learned my lesson and will for sure being trying on in the store. Another issue is that I can't shop too early as I might grow more.

When I knew nothing about pregnancy I just assumed we were all like Giselle in that only the belly grows so you know, you can just wear your normal size in A-line type choices. Well I was certainly wrong! About 10 weeks in my rib cage started expanding and still seems to be doing so! And I'm not even going to discuss the growth of my hips, thighs and butt! Needless to say I will have to start my shopping adventure in April but here are some ideas:

All dresses avialable at Saks or Neiman's.

Well I'm back . . . kind of!

No, I shouldn't say kind of, I am for sure back for now! The reason for my hiatus, you ask, well I'm pregnant! Seven months pregnant to be exact and my husband and I are having a boy! Being our first child we're not really sure what to expect so I say I'm back for now, as there is a possibility when this baby arrives I might be out on another hiatus. We are super excited to say the least and of course a little nervous. Having a boy threw me off guard as I was sure we were having a girl. I've got to leave my handbag collection to someone! But people say there is a certain closeness a boy shares with his mom and the term "daddy's girl" comes with reason. Plus I've been scouring stores for chic boy sweater vests and little suits, preparing to dress up my chic little man!

BEWARE - Don't look scroll down if you're freaked out by ultrasound pictures! For some reason my grandmother is, hence the warning. Otherwise here he is!:

Le Labo city exclusive collection!