Thinking of the next fragrance to add to your collection?

I took a job kinda far from home, not by choice but by calling, should I say? This meant a lot of things, but one thing that quickly hit me was that I no longer had access to my lovely, amazing mother's collection of fragrances. Within weeks of my move, I had run out of my perfume. Usually, I would be able to go to mum's bathroom and spray on something from her collection before going out with the girls or for other outings. I didn't know what to do. :(

I stopped by the mall the next day and was so confused by all the scents. I ended up picking one of the few scents I tried on. Know why? After "smelling" tens of fragrances, your nose kinda starts rejecting stuff. Kinda like wine tasting I guess...

So, I was excited when I read a heading by Marie Claire: "Scents we Love: The Best of Fashion's Classic Perfumes." Apparently, the "allure of designer fragrances" is traced to the launch of Coco Chanel's No. 5. Hmmm!!!! Here are some perfumes listed.

Let me know if you've tried any of these and if you like them. I sure do need to build "Ure's collection of fragrances" right about now.

1. $92 Coach Love Eau de Parfum

Coach

 2. $75 BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic Eau de Parfum

3. BCBG Perfume

BCBG Perfume

4. $102 YSL Manifesto Eau de Parfum

5. $98 See By Chloé Eau de Parfum

6. $125, Reem Acra Eau de Parfum

Reem Acra

7. $117, Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum

8. $195, L'Wren Scott for Barneys New York Eau de Parfum

9. Narciso Rodriguez $104, For Her L'eau Eau de Toilette

 

10. $105, Marni Eau de Parfum

 

11. $230, Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1932

Look younger with these tricks

You probably know about the importance of moisturizers and sunscreens. But do you know what vitamins will help you retain that youthful glow? Here are "6 Skin Habits that Take Off Five Years" from Redbook Magazine.

1. Use a retinol: It reverses sun damage, lightens brown spots, improves skin texture and makes skin smoother, according to the Redbook article. I find that Retin-A itself is more effective depending on how damaged your skin is, though. Better to apply at night as it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. This means apply more sunscreen in the morning.

2. Get your Vitamin B: You can get B3 from meat, eggs, green vegetables and beans. It is anti-inflammatory.

From <Redbook>

 

3. Try a sonic cleansing system.
4. Use a white sunscreen.
5. Don't use your hands on your face.
6. Use a moisturizer. I endorse Clinique's moisturizers. :) Most of us know that anti-oxidants in moisturizers (and in foods) are good for the skin. Redbook speaks of cytokines, a naturally-occurring plant growth factor that stimulates collagen production. The ingredient apparently can be found in Kinerase Lotion for All Skin Types.

Remember these things as you take care of your skin this weekend.

Days of Fun Spring Makeup

Redboook published a report they call the "30 Days of Fun Spring Makeup." Here are a few days' worth.

Day 2: Do bold nails in a grown-up way with a rich violet polish like Julep Nail Color in Anne, $14. <Redbook>

Day 5: Test out hot pink lips with a tinted balm. Lancôme Baume In Love in Urban Ballet, $26, is super-sheer. <Redbook>

Day 15: Give nude nails a kick. The freshest versions are slightly apricot, like Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Peach of Cake, $7.99. Yum. <Redbook>

Touche up your house with some creativity!

I confess I've been bingeing out on magazine, especially Elle Decor, lately. And duh! I know the word "binge" is not a verb, but I'll use it that way any way. ;) I LOVE creativity. The architecture of the buildings in the magazines; the creativity of home accessories, from nice lanterns to "Balinese mosquito nettings on a 19th century Dutch Colonial bed from Sumatra." Doesn't that sound poetic? I'm in another world...
Here's a sneak peek into my world from Elle Decor.

Hoteliers Kit and Tim Kemp papered the foyer of their London townhouse in a vivid floral by Bennison. The longcase clock is Swedish. <Elle Decor>

An oversize 1960s gilt-wood mirror, a graphic marble floor, and Venetian-plaster walls bring glamour to the entry of a Manhattan apartment, which was renovated by Steven Gambrel. The armchair is covered in an Edelman hide, and the light fixture is by Charles Edwards. <Elle Decor>

Dresses that stunned at Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards!

When the ignorant in the West say that "Africa" is only full of the impoverished and destitute, I just have to shake my head and leave it at that. Nigeria is known, among other things, as a place of fashion: where style is as much of the culture as traditional dances and good food. ;) My eyes were "blessed" to see some amazing dresses that just made me smile. I'm sharing them with you here. The pictures are from popular blogs BellaNaija and LindaIkeji. Long live great style! :)

Ufuoma Ejenobor and Ugonna Omeruo <Bella Naija>

Omotola <Linda Ikeji>

Omotola: This dress is beyond amazing. Even Tiwa Savage was beside herself. <Linda Ikeji>

Spring bags to get NOW!

We are going hot today! Aren't you ready for the spring already? I've been "basking" (yea right) in delicious ole 19 and 20 degree weathers of late. A little HEAT won't be bad. The colors of spring are so exciting. Shoot! Let's rock these bags NOW. xoxo

Duro Olowu's collection is now available on jcp.com. Support!!

Yes. Feel free to say "different." Mar Y Sol clutch. everythingbutwater.com

Rachel Roy's Crossbody... I love me some Rachel <Redbook mag>

The rectangular shaped tote from oliviaandjoy <Redbook mag>

My Choice of Date Night Dresses You'll Love

Elle magazine recently published a trend report titled "50 Date Night Dresses You'll Fall For." You may find it here. Of the 50, I think only a few would flatter most, irrespective of skin complexion. Find those I favor here.

Matthew Williamson's, though nice, says to your date "I don't know you that well yet." I could wear it to work.

Halston's is just the right length to work with on a date. ;)

You couldn't go wrong with French Connection's sequined number.

You know I like me some lace: Robert Rodriguez from intermixonline.com

Acne Mallory's green dress is kinda flirty... I like! (Without the boots though)