Always Get Lucky

I've been meaning to share these comfy jammies/lounge wear that I picked up from Always Get Lucky at What Women Want last weekend.  I guess I've been too busy enjoying sunny Florida!  Oops!

Well without further ado, the softest, most comfortable jammies I've ever owned:

Want your very own pair of lounge wear by local designer Lucky Nahum?  Get yours here.

Hope your Monday is off to a smashing start!  Time for me to get back to the beach!

xoxo

Jenny

Those Girls Can Throw a Party!

Last Friday I attended Devil May Care Lingerie Co.'s Second Birthday bash!  What a great night!  There were snacks, cocktails by Model Martini, a DJ, a Camp DMC photo booth manned my Ethan of Ethan Calabrese Photography and a silent auction for charity.  

Here are a few pictures from the evening.  

Me and Co-owner Jenny Mahoney posing in Camp DMC!
See more pictures from the photo booth here.

The shop looked beautiful as always.

Oh ya know... just me and some bras.

Loving the Valentines Day display in the sitting area.  So pretty and not overdone.

I donated a signed copy of Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey for their silent auction to benefit Made the Same.  I also had a table near the door for a little author meet and greet promoting my book and my blog.  Met lots of great people and enjoying chatting with every last one of them.

Holding  a copy of Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey.
I have an essay in the book titled:
The Byronic Hero Archetype and Christian Grey:
Why America's Favorite Sadist is Nothing New

All in all it was a great night for a great cause.  Make sure you stop in this week to pick up something a little naughty for Valentines Day - they have lots of wonderful options!  And then order this from amazon:

Smile!  It's almost Friday!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Read last week's Rochester Business Journal article about Devil May Care here.

Hair and Makeup at the Del Monte

On Thursday, Rochester A-List sent me to The Spa at the Del Monte (one of my favorite places ever!!!) for a blow out and style and makeup application.   I know, I know - rough life.  Just try not to hate me forever.

Take solace in knowing that I looked like this when I arrived:

Yeah... this is what I really look like...

And now, the entire internet is able to see me in my greasy, bare faced glory.

Feeling better now?  Great.

Cuz now it's time to get a little jeal-ous.

Have you been to the Del Monte since their remodel?  If not, you have to go and check it out.  It's gorgeous.  They've taken serenity to a whole new level.  This is the new waiting area outside of the salon:

After I was greeted at the front desk, and my coat was taken, I took a seat on the sofa and waited for my hair appointment.  Jen Kaper was my stylist.  She came out to meet me and was super sweet.  She washed my hair, dried it, and then curled it with a fat curling iron.  I told her I needed it to still look good for an event the following night so don't be afraid to load on the hairspray.  (I'm from NJ, I'm used to it.)

These are the chocolate covered strawberries that I got to snack on with my fruit-infused water while my hair was being done:

And here is how my hair turned out:

I'm loving the lose curls.  They stayed put all night, and the next day I was able to wear my hair straight, but it had tons of body from being curled.  Any day I don't have to do my hair is a good day in my book.  Love!

On to the makeup portion of today's programming...

The Del Monte uses two makeup lines:  Le Metier de Beaute and La Bella Donna.

This age-fighting skin care line is the best of the best.
Sold at Nordrom, Neimans, and The Spa at the Delmonte.

La Bella Donna is a mineral makeup line based out of Los Angeles.
It's sold at Bergdorfs - but if getting there is a little too much of a hike,
you get head on over to the Spa at the Del Monte in Pittsford.
Made with natural ingredients, La Bella Donna is mineral makeup that is truly good for your skin.

I got to try La Metier.

Jennifer Gelb was my makeup artist.  She was such a doll.  She explained, in full detail, all of the products she was using and how she was applying them.  When she was done, my skin looked flawless, and my eyes, well, you'll just have to let me show you how they turned out...

Check out that shadow!  Love, love, loved my eyes!

La Metier's Kaleidoscope Color Theory sure is working!
Look how those eye shadow shades interact and play off each other.  Simply stunning.

Here's the finished product.  Isn't it amazing what professional hair and makeup can do?

Think it doesn't make a difference?  The proof is in the pudding - or in this case, the picmonkey photo collage...

There is no denying that I left the Del Monte a much-improved version of myself.  

If you have a special event coming up I would highly recommend visiting the Spa at the Delmonte for hair and makeup.  Both services are reasonably priced, the atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful, and the service is always impeccable.  The Del Monte has been go-to spot for a spa day for years, and now... for hair and makeup too!

Let me share a little trick of the trade with you...

Want to know one of their best kept secrets?  Makeup lessons.  You can book a makeup lesson for $50 to learn how to do your makeup like a pro.  Want to know the best part?  That $50 can be applied toward product!!!  So technically makeup lessons are FREE (at least that's what you can tell your husband!) See you're saving him money AGAIN!  

Think that's fantastic?  Well, you're going to LOVE this:  Feb. 8-9 & Feb. 22-23 the Delmonte is hosting Makup clinics so so you can look your best for Valentine's Day, a special "Date Night" or "Girls Night Out." All sessions are complimentary and can be customized to fit your needs. Reservations are required (585) 419-3000.

Seriously, why are you even still reading this?  Go ahead schedule your appointment... or at least go tell your husband he doesn't have to shop for Valentines Day (you know he hasn't bought anything yet) because you would love a Del Monte spa gift card.

I'll wait here.

Ok fine...

Be like that...

I guess I'll just have to leave...

Hope to bump into you at your next spa day!

xoxo

Jenny

The Flower City Fashionista

PS- Did you know Rochester A-List is giving away free spa visits each month through April?  To enter to win, be sure to get on the list.  It's free!  Click here to sign up now.

Who doesn't love a good party?

Just wanted to pass on the official invitation to Devil May Care's  2nd Birthday Party!  I'll be there with bells on (and a few signed copies of Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey).

Hope to see you there!

xoxo

Jenny

Photo booth Cocktails by Model Martini Tunes by Ooka Swirl and Fox Planet Silent auction to benefit Made the Same Prizes from Kouture, Cure, Made by Rachel, Natalie Sinisgalli Photography, Rochester Brainery Sweet William Vintage, Antique Mall of Rochester Head to Toe Salon, Peppermint Goddess Hour, & more xx!

Allora Grand Opening Celebration

Here is the official invitation to Allora Salon and Spa's grand opening celebration.  Be sure to read my review here.

Enjoy a Delectable Array of Hors D'oeuvres, Wine, & Champagne. Enter to Win Gift Baskets from our Vendors - From Skin Care to Hair Care. Treat Yourself with Product Samples and Exclusive Deals. Please R.S.V.P. to Guests@allorasalonandspa.com

49 West Main Street (Located In Mead Square - Behind Yotality), Victor, NY, 14564, 585/869-9010 xoxo Jenny

Allora Salon and Spa

Just in case you haven't heard, in addition to writing this blog and The Flower City Fashionista, I'm also the Fashion and Beauty Blogger for Rochester A-List.  This winter I'm being sent on special assignment to the best spas and salons in Rochester to try out their most popular treatments for beating the winter blues, keeping hair and skin healthy, and staving off the signs of aging.  Hey, it's a tough job, but somebody has to do it - might as well be me :).  

My first job (if you can even call it that), was to visit Allora Salon and Spa in Victor to test out their indulgent Winter White Spa Pedicure and treat myself to a deep conditioning treatment and blow out.  They even squeezed in a chair massage!  Let me tell you, a girl can get used to all this pampering.  I probably should have married royalty... Oh well, maybe in my next life.

Enough of my delusions of grandeur.  Let's get down to business.

How would you like this to be you?

Are you picturing yourself there yet?  Pretty awesome huh?  I would know - that's what I was doing on Saturday.

Thankfully it was 60 degrees out, so I was able to roll up in my sandals and leggings.

I hate winter.

Is it summer yet?  No?   Bummer.

Anywho, this is the busted condition of my toes upon my arrival:

So sorry you had to see that.

Minutes later I was seated in their pedicure chair ready for action:

Settling in for my Footlogix Winter White Spa Pedicure

Let me tell you about this pedicure:  Pure.  Heaven.  Kaitlyn spent over an hour on my feet.  It started with a steamy foot soak while I relaxed in their super comfy, state of the art Shiatsu pedicure chair.  Then it was a simple business as usual pedicure - you know the drill - only this one used Footlogix state of the art products that were tailored to my specific skin needs.  After my nails were trimmed, cuticles tamed back, and feet scrubbed - that's when the real pampering started.  I looooooved the vanilla bean sugar exfoliating scrub that was followed by a warm vanilla mocha foot and leg massage.  You would think it would be over after that, but no...then comes the creamy vanilla paraffin wrap.  While my feet were enjoying some soothing moisturization, Kaitlyn cleaned my rings (oh yeah not even kidding) and gave me a chocolate oil hand massage.  Did I mention the whole time I was drinking a white hot chocolate with Godiva liquor?  Because I was.  Yes, this pedicure included booze.  And it was De-Licious!

Then it was time for polish!

Getting my purple polish on (OPI Purple with a Purpose) - as per my three year old son's request.
(What can I say?  It's his favorite color.)

This was the end result: 

Viola!  Purple Toes.
Clearly I'm never going to have a career as a foot model - but you get the idea.
My feet have NEVER felt so soft!

There was a little bit of down time between my pedi and blow out, so when I was offered a chair massage with James to fill my time I jumped at the chance.  Who says no to a massage?  (Only an idiot!)  So after my pedi from heaven, I got a nice neck and shoulder massage and made a mental note to book a 50 or 80 minute massage with James for another day.  Before I knew it, it was time for hair with Tonia.

If you know me, you know how much I love a good blow out.  I live for blow outs.  If I never had to do my hair again that would be totally fine with me.  When I win the lottery, the first thing I am doing is hiring my own personal stylist, because blow drying your own hair is for suckers.  (This is why I shower at night, let it air dry, and put it in a pony tail in the morning.)  I hear the hot mess look is going be big in 2013.  Or maybe I just made that up to make myself feel better.  Either way...

Here I am with wet hair after my deep conditioning treatment:

Tonia started at the roots, and got my hair about 80% dry before she started using the round brush for volume.  Here I am mid-blow out:

After she finished with the round brush, she used the curling iron to give me some loose curls.  I love, love, loved the end result.  My hair hasn't looked that pretty in ages (if ever).  I NEVER take the time to curl it.  I'm thinking maybe I should...

Honestly, if I didn't know that was me, I don't think I'd believe it.

After I graciously thanked everyone for such a wonderful morning of pampering, I did what any self-respecting 30-year-old mother of two would do:  I went to my car and took self portraits of my new 'do with my i-phone.  Or maybe that's what any instagram-addicted 16-year-old would do - either way...

Don't worry, I wasn't driving.

Good.  Times.

Then it was back to reality for me.  (Had to go relieve the hubs of "babysitting duty.")  I tried to explain to him that it's not "babysitting" when they are your own children, but that's another story for another day.  On the bright side, we did have an actual babysitter (ok not really we had grandma) for Saturday night.   Date night was non-negotiable - you can't waste a good blow out!   It's like a cardinal sin or something!

So, I kissed the kiddos goodnight, put on my five inch leopard heels and a little red lipstick, and headed out for a night on the town with the hubs.

The curls made me channel my inner Farrah Fawcett.
What do you think?  Outfit details here.

I highly recommend Allora Salon and Spa - the staff was wonderful, services were top notch, and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing.  Three days later, my hair and feet feel softer than they have in ages and my shoulders are less tense.  Allora is a fabulous addition to the Rochester spa scene.

Be on the lookout for special offers for Allora Salon and Spa from Rochester A-List.  Not on the list?  Sign up now.  You won't want to miss out and you MUST be an A-list subscriber to qualify.

Can't wait to check out Allora for yourself?  Next Saturday, January 26, is their Grand Opening Celebration.  There will be raffles, food, and wine from 6-9.  You can rsvp to:  guests@allorasalonandspa.com.

Can't wait to hear about your visit!

xoxo

Jenny

Rochester A-List

Have you signed up for Rochester A-List?

If you haven't, you better because you're missing out insider information, exclusive perks, invitations, and VIP options for restaurants, fashion, beauty, events and entertainment.  When you sign up for A-List's e-mails, you'll always be in the know about what's happening in Rochester.  They send out periodic emails about what’s hot, what’s cool and where A-Listers are spending their time and spending their money: restaurant openings, spas, events, places to kick back or wind up- all with exclusive A-List perks.  Liking them on Facebook isn't enough - you have to be on The List.

As the A-List fashion and beauty blogger, I'll be hitting up the best spas in Rochester and trying out some of their most popular treatments for beating the winter blues and saving your skin from dry air and frigid temperatures. You'll want to be sure to be an A-List subscriber so that you can take advantage of the A-lister perks, deals, and gift certificate giveaways for all the spas and salons I visit over the next three months.  First on the list:  Allora Salon and Spa in Victor, NY.

What are you waiting for?  Subscribe to A-list - you don't miss a single thing...especially not a free trip to the spa!

xoxo

Jenny

The Flower City Fashionista
A-List Fashion and Beauty Blogger