Unusally I give myself a jump-start by reading blogs (I’m on such a DIY-blog kick, loving: YHL and LGN), and the occassional downer when catching up on news, but on Monday, I was happily greeted by the arrival of The Zoe Report!

Finally!!

While I’m sad-sad-sad that she’s copyrighted her trademark phrases, which would most-definitely crazied-up this entry a bit, I’m thrilled to be acosted by Rachel (yes, we’re on a first-name-basis) in all her caftaned glory each morning.

In addition to the catchphrases, Rache’s daily newsletters are also littered with the funkiest of fashionPorn.  This week’s picks included:

• Brian Atwood’s F09 Lola Platform – the shape is to DIE for.  the leopard print she featured is so over the top.  SO ZOE.

• Anita Ko’s Pyramid line – while I’ve been feeling the pyramid stud trend for a while, it’s been hard for me to integrate the hardcore styling into my accessorizing.  I’m completed obsessed with this bracelet, which, when worn beside a classic gold chain watch, would do the trick perfectly.
• Skyn ICELAND’s firming eye gel pads – the only one I wasn’t feeling this week since a) I don’t struggle with poufiness or dark circles under my eyes, and b) seriously?  I love the chick’s crazy style, but her skin doesn’t exactly look like it’s the epitome of health.  This is the one area where I’d go with Gwynnie’s Goop over Zoe’s.
• Raquel Allegra’s Shredded and distressed tees -  you’ll have to check the newsletter for the image here, as I haven’t been able to track it down for your viewing pleasure.  I love the backstory on the designer and her artistry, but am leery of the Zoe’s styling tips, which recommend wearing them in biker-on-biker fashion, complete with leather.  I fear this would be too much for me, and think I’d probably sport it bloused and tucked into a tulip skirt (satin for night?), accessorized with blackened silver/gunmetal grey chunky, layered chains – YUM!  I have the *exact* necklace in my mind, but the internets are failing me!  This one from Target would do though:

I am looking forward to a Zoe-filled end of my summer, what with the nuggets of crazy I’ll be blessed with each morning AND the return of the Rachel Zoe Project – sign me up!!

Finally, here’s a little shoutout to my girl, Rachel.  Girl, I want to thank you.  You brought styling into the mainstream and I’m pretty confident that had I been so aware of your work eight years ago, I would have gone in a very different direction with school.  As it is, I know what’s possible partially because of you whereas before, I always tied a career in fashion to designing, which, with my complete lack of drawing or other artistic skills, was definitely not in the cards for me.  Now, I’m setting my sights further (I’ve applied for two styling positions with Kohl’s Corporate – fingers crossed!!).

APPLES.  out.

Here they are:

L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray – I had a friend bring this back from Paris in high school, and have never found anything comparable.  Since then,  I’ve been using Sebastian’s Shaper (a poor substitute)…but now Target has come to the rescue!

Smashbox Photo Finish Bronzing Primer – I’ve used the original and oil-free versions of this, but so far this summer, I’ve been hooked on it.  It may be a mental thing, but I think this does an excellent job of complementing my (faux) tan, and not making me look chalky or orange.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Liquid Foundation – This truly has the greatest consistency of anything I’ve tried – super sheer and freckle-friendly, especially when applied with a damp sponge, and it melds with my skin, totally blending in with it.

Crest White Strips Premium – White teeth make SUCH a difference in a person’s appearance.  After my first time using these bad boys, I was greeted with immediate compliments on my teeth and smile, which were always just on the big/horsey side to me (when she was in the olympics, I got WAY too many (non)comparisons to Nancy Kerrigan…joy.).  When I looked ino having my teeth zoom whitened before the wedding, my dentist actually told me to use Whitestrips for a little boost, but that professional whitening wouldn’t do anyhing further.

Stila Lip Glaze – I adore the Berry shade, as it’s sheer, and takes away from some of the natural pinkness in my lips; it’s also not too sticky.

I also have a few longtime faves:

• The Shu Uemura lash curler
• Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Trio in Shimmering Sands – the first makeup product I ever bought, and I still use it!
• Bare Minerals Mineral Veil – nice for keeping me un-shiny and still dewy all day
• MAC Shimma Paint creme eyeshadow
• Covergirl mascara – I used to use Fantastic Lash and have lately switched between Lash Blast and Eyelights Exact; I’ve tried DiorFlash and Lancome Definicils, and always end up preferring good old CG
• Bumble and Bumble’s Volumizing spray – the. best.
• My perfume – either Micheal Kors or Burberry London (I wore YSL’s Cinema for the wedding, so I break that ou occassionally as well)

Lately, I’m in search of new:

• Deep conditioner – I currently have Ojon’s Restorative Treatment and do not love it – too greasy…
• Dry shampoo – I’ve used B & B’s brunette hair powder for years, but they’ve reformulated to a spray, which is just gross…Oscar Blandi’s is supposed to be superb – I’m planning to pick it up next time I pop into Sephora
• Beach/Salt spray – I’m getting toward the end of my last bottle of the discountinued (and fabulous) John Frieda Beach Blonde spray, which perfectly blended oil, salt, and perfectly summery scent…B & B’s Sea Spray is no comparison…

Do you have any beauty standards to share?

Rehashing my newest loves:

• Page 5 – Lia Blouses…green polka dots or plaid (hmm…I am mad about plaid…)???

• Page 6 – “Library Print” ANYTHING!  …gorgeous, bookish, and all in silk – it’s too much!

• Page 12 – New Dream Argyle Sweater Dress -have I mentioned my love of argyle?  – ‘Cause I adore it…!

• Page 14 – Bridget Shirtdress – me + shirtdresses = love; me + shirtdress + plaid + ruffles and fitted waist = poor me!

• Page 20 – Rafaella Dress – I have an affinity for velvet that I’m not ashamed of – it’s always rich looking, but J Crew has elevated it further here

• Page 28 – Double-face Bella Coat – Hopefully this one will go on sale, as I do love my (sale-begotten) wool coats from here, and this one looks especially great; love the puckered high collar and buttons to the waist!

• Page 28 – Satin Mary Janes – a perrenial fav – so happy to see them in a dressier fabric and fun colors!

• Page 36 – Harper Wide-Leg Pant – I’ve already sung the praises of the wide leg on a bottom-heavy gal and these look especially delicious

• Page 56 – Pinwale-cord Linda Dress – I tried this on in-store in the Brick color, but they didn’t have my size – too bad because it’s adorable,and especially so with suede tall boots!

• Pages 84 – 85 – Cotton Cady Dresses – My ideal bridesmaid dresses – if only they had extended sizes…how perefect (and wearable!) in espresso!

• Page 88 – Silk Organza Daphne Gown – Ugh!  Another front-runner for my wedding dress?!  It might be a little too “me” though, and not fancy enough for the fanciest day of my life…?  I showed Art and he didn’t love it…Oh well – I DO!

too bad I just got the catalog today and it’s already SOLD OUT though!

• I even found great wedding shoes (possibly) while on the site – although they don’t really go with this dress, I don’t think…?