Naked eyeshadow palette

[ulta.com]

I've been in a serious eyeshadow rut. I was looking for a palette with everyday colors plus a few more sultry night-time options. I chose Urban Decay's 'Naked' palette from Ulta ($44), and I must say that it's my new fave.

All twelve colors are so pretty. The majority of the shades have a hint of shimmer. This shadow lasts all day, too. It comes with a travel-size eyeshadow primer, which I think really helps. I'm partial to gel eyeliner, but the dual black/brown "24/7 Glide" pencil goes on easily and stays put all day. Another plus is that the palette isn't huge, so it fits nicely in a makeup bag for traveling. It's definitely going to be a honeymoon-must, and at this rate, I might need to buy another one!

Travel pillows

[anthropologie.com]

I saw these pillows in my new August Anthropologie catalog and flipped. I need some pillows for my new neutral and black bedding that my fiance and I picked out, and I think these may be the ones. The European pillows include "Streets of Amsterdam" ($98), "Streets of Paris" ($88 - my personal fave) and "Streets of Brussels" ($68). I love how they have watercolors on the backs. On a sidenote, I adored these 'Caladoc Heels' ($258) in the catalog, too. The rich wine color and oxford style definitely have me adding these to my fall wishlist.

J. Peterman catalog

[all images jpeterman.com]

I received a J. Peterman catalog in the mail, and the travel and fashion lover in me was instantly intrigued. The company offers unique pieces for both men, women and home that were picked up from all over the world.

The products aren't shown as typical photographs either. Instead, they're lovely hand-drawings with cleverly detailed product descriptions. Most of the items are probably for a bit older crowd, but the concept is interesting nonetheless. The prices are fairly reasonable, too. Here are a few of my favorite items...

-Above photo, 'The King' English Pub sign, $850. It's one of the pricier items, but it'd be a cool conversation piece.

-'Carnival in Venice Mask,' $138. If you can't get to Venice, bring Venice to you!

-'Bali-Time Rose Caftan,' $79. I love the description of this, "When they return home in the evening, they take off the western garb, put on a caftan (yes, the men too), and immediately sink into what they proudly call, 'Rubber Time.'"

-'30's Derby Dress,' $179. This dress is so pretty and summery. It'd go perfectly with a mint julep.

-'Picasso at Vallauris Shirt,' $44. If it's good enough for Pablo Picasso, it's certainly good enough for the rest of us!

-'Italian Spectator Shoes,' $198. These Italian brogues come in men or women's versions. I'm glad that oxford shoes are still going strong for fall.

Lust: Prada Postcards sunglasses

I love cat-eye shades, and Prada's Postcards sunglasses from the S/S10 collection are definitely at the top of my list. [nitrolicious.com]

The $205 sunglasses are available in six fun colors named after cities: green (Milan), light pink (Los Angeles), clear with pink lenses (Manhattan), transparent with light grey lenses (Paris), transparent grey with orange lenses (London) and black (Lisbon). What a fabulous idea!

Though I adore the flashy Milan pair, I think I would either buy Paris or Lisbon since I'd get more wear out of them. I will be checking my local Sunglass Hut for these stat.

"Shoes for everyone!"

I know that most people don't go to the beach and see a movie, but I do - especially when it's the sequel to Sex and the City. I didn't think the second installment of the film was as good as the first, but it's still a must-see for any SATC fan.

The film begins with the too-long and slightly pointless wedding of Stanford and Anthony. Carrie sports a tux as the best man. Liza Minnelli also sings "Single Ladies" (kinda scary) while an all-male choir sings show tunes.

Most of the film takes place in Abu Dhabi after Samantha gets an all-expenses paid trip from a Middle Eastern producer for her and her besties. It was fun seeing them somewhere other than the Big Apple.

Leading up to the trip, each girl is having her own issues: Carrie feels like she and Big have lost their "sparkle;" Samantha is trying to fight off menopause; Charlotte is stressed out by motherhood; Miranda just quit her job due to a sexist boss. So, they all could use a lavish vacay. They fly over in a luxe plane and are staying at an even more luxe hotel with personal butlers.

Carrie randomly runs into Aidan (John Corbett) in the market. She agrees to go to dinner with him which leads to a lapse in judgment. I was all about some Team Aidan when it was a TV show, but c'mon Carrie. Her self-centeredness can be annoying at times.

Anyway, in typical Samantha style, she gets into trouble after she meets a gorgeous man (Brit actor Max Ryan) in the desert and flirts too much with him in public - it is the Middle East after all. Then they lose all of their privileges and have to get out of Dodge.

The fashion is unreal, but we'd expect nothing less from the talented Patricia Field. At one point they're riding camels in couture. Carrie wears A LOT of Halston Heritage in the film. My favorite is this one-shoulder dress she wore with a festive turban (above photo). While in the market on their way out of the country, Carrie buys $20 souvenir shoes for everyone hence the title.

Overall, I'd say that it's not as bad as all of the critics are saying it is. It's SATC, afterall, so I say lighten up!

Memorial Weekend beach picks

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer. I always go to the Outer Banks with my family. Here are some of my must-packs for the long weekend...[victoriassecret.com]

-Easy cover-ups: Unfussy swimsuit cover-ups are always nice at the beach. I like this 'Tie-dye Beach Dress' from Victoria's Secret. It comes in purple, pink and green for $39.99. [nordstrom.com]

-Havaianas: These are the only flip-flops I will wear. They're comfy, colorful and classic (how's that for alliteration!). Nordstrom has some solid colors on sale right now for $11.90. The 'Fun' pair pictured is $22. I also often find them at Ross or Marshall's.[anthropologie.com]

-Tote: An indestructible tote is a must. Anthropologie has two totes on sale for $9.99, 'Hardy Camellias Tote' and 'Go Green Tote.'

[forever21.com]

-Straw hat: Covering my face at the beach is crucial. This 'Side Bow Fedora' from Forever 21 is a steal at under $9 and it's very chic.

[jcrew.com]

-Shorts: I bought these slightly loud bright kiwi '3" Chino Shorts' ($40) from J.Crew when they were having their shorts sale. This is their shortest length.

[saksfifthavenue.com]

-Sunnies: Sunglasses are a beach must. Actually, they're an everyday must. Seriously, I am blind in the daytime without them. I'm obsessed with these Dolce & Gabbana 'Goldtone Frame Sunglasses' from Saks. I love the shape and the gold-tone brow. Plus, I don't think they're too unreasonably priced at $260.
[jcrew.com]

-Swimsuit: No, I don't own this swimsuit yet, but I will be buying it before my honeymoon. The 'Tulle Underwire Top and Retro Hipster' (top $60, bottoms $56) from J.Crew are inspired by French swimwear. Who knew you could have tulle on swimwear? It's available in buff pink, dusty baltic and black.
My beach read of choice is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. Now, if someone could just invent sand-proof nail polish I'd be all set!

Tiffany & Co. Marrakesh collection

[all photos tiffany.com]

Paloma Picasso's Marrakesh collection for Tiffany & Co. is stunning. I'm a fan of Picasso's, and not just because her father, Pablo Picasso, is one of my favorite artists, but I've always liked her designs for Tiffany's. Her 'Marrakesh' collection is "inspired by the intriguing patterns of Morocco," according to tiffany.com. Morocco is already a must-see on my travel bucket list.

My favorite three pieces are the gold earrings, bracelet and necklace above. Gold is, of course, very expensive at the moment. The 18k bangle is intricate yet simple ($4,950). I've been wanting a go-with-everything gold necklace. This pendant on a 16" chain is a bit more affordable than the bangle at $825. The earrings are priced at $1,475. Ahh, but they would go well with just about everything!

Here are a few of my other favorites in the collection...Sterling silver ring ($425)

Turquoise and diamond 18k gold band ring ($1,800) - wouldn't that make a pretty wedding band?

18k gold tassel earrings with lapis lazuli, turquoise and round brilliant diamonds ($16,000 - yowza!)

Check out the rest of the Marrakesh collection here.

"Letters to Juliet"

I saw Letters to Juliet last night after seeing the trailer for what seemed like ages. I was excited to see it, and the film was just as I expected.

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is on a pre-honeymoon in beautiful Verona, Italy with her fiance, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal). Victor is opening up a restaurant in NYC, so he is spending his time there with food and wine vendors. While attempting to explore the city alone, Sohpie visits Juliet's (as in Capulet) balcony. Women come from all over the world to leave letters about their love problems. She meets "Juliet's secretaries," who collect the letters daily and reply to the women.

While helping the secretaries collect the letters, Sophie finds one hidden in the wall written by Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) 50 years before. She writes about not going to be with her true love, Lorenzo Bartolini, because of her parents' disapproval. Claire, who is now a widow, comes to Verona with her handsome grandson, Charlie (Aussie actor Christopher Egan), in hopes to find her long-lost love. Charlie is more the practical than romantic type, so he is doubtful.

Sophie embarks on the journey to find Lorenzo with Claire and Charlie. There are lots of Lorenzos, but they can't seem to find the right one. Meanwhile, Claire and Charlie fall for each other.

The trailer does show most of the film's highlights, but the movie is very sweet, and it has an always-appreciated happy ending. The best part about the movie is the amazing Redgrave and her real-life and movie "Lorenzo" Franco Nero. I also loved seeing Verona and Tuscany. They're definitely must-sees on my next trip to Italia.

New Orleans!

I went to visit a friend in New Orleans this past weekend. It was my first time there, and I wasn't sure what to expect because of the mixed things I'd heard in the five years since Hurricane Katrina. It was a wonderful trip though. New Orleans is a great city, rich in history, culture and delicious food.

Though NOLA isn't best known for its shopping, we went to some really cute boutiques on Magazine Street. My favorite shop was Fairy. I found two dresses that I will probably wear to wedding events. Their prices are reasonable, and the customer service is great. We then had a fantastic lunch at St. James Cheese Company.
We also walked around the Garden District. The homes in this area are gorgeous - they have these huge windows and gas lamps. The house used in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is there (above), which happens to be right next to Sandra Bullock's house. The famous Lafayette Cemetery is also in the neighborhood, where many movies like Interview With a Vampire have been filmed.
Obviously The French Quarter is a must-see at night. We walked by the Lalaurie Mansion, which is supposedly one of the most haunted places in the country. Nicholas Cage bought it before he knew its history then couldn't sell it.
There's an art market at Jackson Square on Sundays. It's also near the St. Louis Cathedral and Cafe du Monde. The cafe has delicious coffee made with chicory and beignets (French for powdered doughnut/funnel cake-like things). A can of their coffee is a nice souvenir. There's also a great restaurant for brunch around there called Stanley, a nod to A Streetcar Named Desire, of course.

One of my favorite places that we ate there was John Besh's restaurant August. The French cuisine is superb, and they use local ingredients. We also happened to be seated in between Mos Def and Jonathan Vilma, a Saints player. Then in walked Tim Robbins, who is filming The Green Lantern there.

I'd definitely like to go back to N'awlins again!

"Fences" on Broadway

When I was in New York City this weekend, I lucked upon a preview of the revival of August Wilson's play, Fences. Oh my goodness - it was hands down one of the best plays I've seen. My sister's friend works for the producer, so we had incredible box seats, too.

Denzel Washington and Viola Davis starred in the Kenny Leon-directed play. Washington won a Best Actor Academy Award for his role in Training Day. Davis was nominated for her role in Doubt. When you see celebs in plays, you never know if they have the acting chops for it (*cough* Julia Roberts in Three Days of Rain), but let me tell you, these two have the chops and more. They were unbelievable.

Fences was written by Wilson in 1983, but the play is set in the 1950s. Troy Maxson (Washington) has been married to Rose (Davis) for 18 years. Troy's best friend and confidant is Jim Bono, who served time in jail with him and works with him as a trash collector presently. Troy has a son, Cory, with Rose and a son, Lyons, from a previous relationship. Gabriel is Troy's brother, who was wounded in the war and is now mentally handicapped. Because of his injury Troy has enough money to buy the "roof over their head," which is brought up throughout the play.

Troy is always looking to move up in the world. He eventually is promoted to a trash truck driver. He has a strained relationship with Cory because he dreams of playing college football, and his dad wants him to just learn a trade. Troy always claims that he was good enough to play major league baseball, but was discriminated against for being black.

Even though Troy appears on all levels to love Rose, he has an affair with a woman named Alberta, who is never seen by the audience. They end up having a daughter, Raynell. The twist occurs when Alberta dies during childbirth. One of the most powerful scenes in the play is when Troy tells Rose about his affair. I literally could see tears pop out of Davis's eyes.

The play officially opens today and is running for 13 weeks through July 11 in the Cort Theater. Tickets range from $61.50 to $131. 50. If you're in NYC, go see this play before it's too late!

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"

I just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Despite the lengthy title (which I kept messing up when recommending the book to people), it's a delightful book.

The novel is written in a series of letters. It may take a while at first to get the hang of who is writing whom, but after twenty or so pages I got it. The characters are so likable, and I really sympathized with them.

Author Juliet is the center of letter correspondences. She eventually tries to piece together a novel about Guernsey, one of the Channel islands, after World War II is over. She corresponds with a particular group of islanders who formed the Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The society is essentially a book club that was formed one night by chance. It amazingly helped them get through the awful German occupation of Guernsey.

Juliet begins to truly care for the people she's writing about and eventually goes to visit them. Once she visits them, she knows she'll never return to London. There's also a touch of romance. My only complaint is that I wish that Juliet and Dawsey would've realized their love for one another sooner.

Also, I really want to visit Guernsey now. Perhaps I will on my next trip to England or France.

Mapshade

[anthropologie.com]

I always had a map on my wall growing up, which my mom attributes to my love of traveling. That said, I was instantly smitten with this map lampshade from Anthropologie. The fact that the 'All Around the World Shade' is over half off definitely helps too. It's $69.95 from $148.

What a great find and unique piece for your house. I may just go get an inexpensive lamp from T.J. Maxx or Marshall's then spruce it up with this shade.

Beautiful St. John, USVI

Last week my fiancé and I got back from visiting a friend who lives in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix and St. Thomas are the other two USVI). We found a great deal on the flight thanks to Airfarewatchdog.com. It was so beautiful there, not to mention a toasty 80+ degrees. We flew into St. Thomas and took the $6 ferry from Red Hook over to St. John.

We stayed in Cruz Bay, the most populated area on the island. Frank Bay was the nearest beach, which was perfect for going to the beach early in the morning. Apparently it's expensive to stay on the island, so we were very lucky to have been able to stay with my friend. Thankfully she also has a Jeep navigate the very steep hills and switchbacks.
The beaches are absolutely gorgeous with clear turquoise water. My favorite beach is Solomon Bay beach (above). After hiking about 25 minutes in Haivianas to get to the beach, it was well worth it. The beach is sort of secluded since many people don't want to make the hike. There are two picturesque palm trees that have grown sideways on the beach.

We also went snorkeling. That's always fun until water starts getting in the mask! My friend told me after the fact that the last time she'd been snorkeling there, she saw a shark. I'm glad she withheld that tidbit. Hawksnest is another wonderful beach pick, and it's a favorite of locals.

Grocery store food is expensive there. See the nearly $10 strawberries above, and we also accidentally bought a $9 box of Kashi bars. Oh well, at least the restaurants are reasonably priced in comparison. We had a wonderful meal at Waterfront Bistro. Other favorites included Happy Fish sushi and La Plancha del Mar, both in the Marketplace.

Now for the bar scene. Woody's is a favorite haunt of Kenny Chesney, who has a house on the island. High Tide right on the water was another fave of ours. Skinny Legs on the Coral Bay side was a lot of fun. Two signature island drinks are the bushwacker and limin' coconut. There is also St. John Brewers that serves up three different beers.

Don't be surprised to see wild donkeys and goats running around the hilly island. Another interesting island fact is that most locals where hook bracelets that, depending on the way they're worn, show if the person is in a relationship or not. The story is based on an old legend about a fisherman's wife giving him a bracelet made out of a hook to symbolize their love before he went to sea.

Overall it was a wonderful trip, and I would definitely love to revisit St. John someday.