Event // Lancome + Vogue at Saks 5th Avenue

Such a style-statement to be made by sporting lush lashes and chic shadows...

Lancome Show, the latest limited-edition eye collection from Lancome was styled by the iconic Alber Elbaz, and I'm so excited to be hosting an event with Vogue Magazine to celebrate!  Join me this coming Thursday from 6-8pm at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC! 

Lancome's four bestselling mascaras (including my must-try fave: Definicils!) and the brand's Color Design 5 Shadow Liner Palette will be styled up and strutting the runway in a fashion show featuring the some of the latest couture looks, and it doesn't stop there!  The collaboration also includes a line of stunning false lashes, and their beautifully illustrated cases are rounding out his first-ever makeup collection.

One of my favorite bits about the partnership is that Elbaz took his inspiration from the stories that the eyes tell by their shape, their expression, their emotion - Those elements combined with his appreciation of female beauty has turned out to be simply stunning! 

In true Vogue style, the magazine will be hosting a series of exclusive events at Lancome counters in flagship stores around the country.  Check the site here in order to find out if there is an event near you, and in you're in NYC, I'd LOVE to see you on Thursday night for a wonderful evening of swooning and stylish fun!

Important Info:  The event at Saks lasts all day on this Thursday the 20th (even though I'll only be there in the evening), but guests who RSVP can receive a makeover by top Lancome makeup artists, and there will be some seriously chic gift bags including items embossed with Elbaz's signature artwork*.  Sign up for your spot today by calling the Lancome counter at Saks directly (phone: 212.940.2199) to let us know you'll be able to make it!

Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue
(between Forty-ninth St and Fiftieth St)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Beauty counter appointments from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm 
and gifts from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm!

*You must call to reserve your appointment. One per customer, while supplies last.  Make an early introduction by tweeting to us (@LancomeUSA, @VogueMagazine & @styleandpepper) with #LancomeShow!

Do you receive the S&P newsletter?

Be sure to stay in the know by signing up for the Spicy Scoop!

Concrete Catwalk // Ready to Romp

We are back from our visit to the Midwest, and even though I'm technically still taking vacation time, I thought I'd go ahead and share one of the looks we snapped while we were in Kansas City last week.

When I packed, the weather was expected to be it's usual hot-and-muggy self, but we ended up having several truly gorgeous days and ate almost every single meal outdoors. (Yay!)  That said, I was SO glad to have tossed in this gauze-y summer scarf at the last minute, because it was nice to have a little something to throw around my shoulders, especially while my limbs get used to being bare for the season. :)

Speaking of bare limbs... I'm spending today at the beach with UGG Australia and a few of my blogging buddies, and am very excited to get in some surfing and sand-time before the first full day back at my desk tomorrow!  Be sure to follow along with the adventures on instagram and twitter, and I'll be back a little later today to tell you about a fun event for those of you in NYC who love seeing the very latest in makeup trends and might want to come hangout with me at Saks 5th Avenue on this coming Thursday night! 

Stay tuned for details, and in the meantime - SURF'S UP!

Keep reading for more of this look...

Life // Last-minute Lounging

Photo from last year's lake trip... Full outfit here.

Still relaxing in southern Missouri today, but will be back to a more normal schedule by the middle of this week...

Looking forward to "plugging back in" to our usual routine, and I have a feeling that the extended break will have me feeling inspired and rested up for some exciting new projects in the works.

Hope y'all are having a great start to the week, and I'll catch you back here tomorrow with an outfit post and some fun sneak peeks at what's to come on S&P!

Do you receive the S&P newsletter?

Be sure to stay in the know by signing up for the Spicy Scoop!

Beauty Bite // Savvy Sun-Care

Savvy sun-care!  Such an important part of anyone's beauty routine this time of year, and because we're headed to the lake tomorrow for a long weekend, I've got my tried and true favorites packed and ready to go.  In case you're still searching for the perfect product to block the harmful rays, I'm sharing my tried-and-true favorites here, and would love to hear any must-haves I may have missed in the comments.

Floppy Sun Hat // Most women invest a lot of money in their hair care throughout the year, so why let it get damaged in the Summer time?  A hat is the best way to keep treated hair safe, plus it doubles a chic accessory.  :)

La Vanila SPF 30 Lip Screen // The scent of this stuff alone is enough to make you buy it in multiples (smells like a vanilla cookie!), but as someone who is constantly trying to keep my chapped lips at bay, I put this on every single time I head out the door.

Aveeno Hydrosport SPF 30 // I honestly feel like I've tried every single body SPF (from drugstore to high-end), and this stuff is simply the best.  It goes on with the most perfectly even spray, absorbs quickly and ends up being completely dry to the touch in seconds!  I especially love that it is sweat and water proof, because I spray myself down before running outside and it makes a huge difference in keeping away the runners tan lines!

Kiehl's Tinted SPF 15 Lip Balm // I've been using this rosy gloss since middle school, and I love that the subtle color and shine almost seem too pretty to be doing any actual sun-protecting.  I have several tubes (one for each beach bag!), and it's the perfect way to add a little extra polish whether you're by the pool or by the sea.

Aveeno SPF 30 Daily Face Moisturizer // This little bottle of goodness is honestly the tip-top most important part of my daily beauty routine.  I've tried SO many different kinds of daily face moisturizer (even from Aveeno), and for some reason this is the ONLY one that doesn't get all wonky when I go to put concealer or anything else on top.  I buy this even when I still have a bottle half-full on my shelf because I'm afraid I'll unknowingly run out with no back-up on hand!

Aveda Protective Hair Veil // Another protective hair product, this spray-on mist is lightweight, water-resistant, and is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that will help moisturize, de-tangle and protect your hair from the sun.  I'm obsessed with Aveda's whole Sun Care Hair line, and also highly recommend the Sun Care Cleanser & Sun Care Masque.

Do you receive the S&P newsletter?

Be sure to stay in the know by signing up for the Spicy Scoop!

Featured // Verily Magazine

One of the best parts of my job is getting a chance to collaborate with some of the most talented individuals and businesses in the industry, and when projects come up that are both creatively stimulating and align with the mission that I've adapted for Style & Pepper, I always end up feeling like I couldn't possibly be any luckier.

Being asked to contribute to Verily fits exactly into that category, and I'm excited to show you the "First Date" spread that I styled and wrote for their first official issue!  We shot the piece here in Hoboken, and between the historic buildings, the darling shops & cafes, and the NYC skyline, it felt like the perfect backdrop for a little imaginary romance.

Not only do I love the way everything turned out, but the most amazing surprise was seeing that one of the images from our shoot ended up being on the cover - Pinch me!

Keep reading to see the entire spread, find out how to get your hands of a copy of your own, and to read about my tips for looking great on a first (or 500th!) date. :)