Customizable Converse: Chuck Got a Mustache

Converse store NYC

So I finally got around to visiting the newish Converse store on Broadway and Spring Street to spend the gift card I received in my Lucky Magazine’s FABB conference gift bag. Since retiring two pairs of chucks last summer (my beloved black and turquoise pair), I was overdue to replace them. I committed to low-top reds ($45) but wanted to visit their NYC Flagship store to spend the remaining balance on getting them customized.

My customized chucks!

It took three store visits before having the patience to go through with the process –that store is either always busy and/or severely understaffed. After finally coming to terms with there being no busy-free time to go, I sucked up the wait, got my shoes (I was a whole size smaller then I usually am), and headed over to the customize station. There was a table with several iPad’s that allow you to scroll through various fonts, patterns and images to decide what you want put on your shoes and where (price varies depending on which areas you want covered). I opted for the outsides of my shoes, and put a mustache and my name on one side, and had one of my favorite quotes put on the other, “What would you attempt to do it you knew you could not fail”.  I filled out

My first gray…

Today I went for a walk in the woods with my male-friend (we’re spending the long weekend in VA), when we noticed a tick on his leg. I have never seen a tick and needless to say ran back indoors to check myself.  So much for the getting back to wilderness. During a routine check through my hair I found something! But it was no tick… at the ripe age of 27, it’s my first gray hair!

One hair follicle down just few hundred to go before I can start reviewing hair color products! Oh joy, so much to look forward to.

Women’s Health Magazine Hosts 5th Annual Beauty Awards

Women’s Health Magazine’s June issue, which is now available on newsstands, features the winners of their 5th annual beauty awards. Combining readers, experts, and editor’s picks, the recipients span 28 categories across hair, makeup and skincare. For any of you that follow me on twitter (@PCbeauty), I gave you a sneak peak into the winners a few weeks ago at a special event Women’s Health hosted in celebration. The winners are also available on their website.

Regardless of my agreement on the products selected, it’s a really great opportunity to chat with their editors and my fellow bloggers about which products are our favorites and why. I love the ‘I would have chosen…’ or the ‘that is a great product but have you tried…’ and especially the ‘you liked the…? It did not work at all for me’ conversations. It really imprints the magic of beauty products and how impossible it is to pick a product that’s perfect for everyone. The best part about these awards is sparking that conversation and curiosity. As consumers, it inspires us to try something different or introduces us to a product we may have otherwise never have thought to purchase.

On a tactical level, I liked a lot of the Reader’s Picks. Many we’re no surprise –NARS Orgasm blush (also an Experts’ Pick), CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (it’s always between this mascara, Maybelline Great Lash, Dior Show, and Lancome Definicils)… Others have been on my list due to their outstanding reputation (I’m looking at you Best Lipstick winner Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey) and

Kiehl’s Celebrates their 160th Anniversary in True NYC Fashion

New York-based skin care brand, Kiehl’s Since 1851 celebrated their 160th Anniversary last week across the street from their iconic flagship location on 13th and 3rd Avenue. While the rain was pouring outside, the stars we’re shining bright inside. Guests included Pharrell Williams, Susan Sarandon, Kevin Jonas, Alan Cummings, Richie Rich, Ana Matronic and Babydaddy of the Scissor Sisters and Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol of The Misshapes.

My lovely date Erika (who’s wedding I just got back from in Acapulco!) and I got there on the later side and the party was bumping! We had ourselves a little dance party, but didn’t hold a candle to Richie Rich. He decided to get up on stage and do an impromptu performance to Prince’s Raspberry Beret for us (this could be the best video ever–only thing missing, glitter!).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ZejtMylpI&feature=channel_video_title

Kevin Jonas took a second from his phone conversation to blew us a kiss…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDPPs3stVFM

Then we concluded our night on one of Kiehl’s iconic motorcycles, where I thought we were taking pictures in a photo booth –even better, a flip book photo booth! Erika and I look insane. I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlcd_VMUcKE&feature=channel_video_title

If you’re in NYC check out the Kiehl’s Flagship Store at 109 Third Avenue. As part of their heritage project, they’ve included a brand-new installation of an interactive 160th Anniversary Retrospective at the store.  Cheers to you Kiehl’s for 160 years of great skin care products!