Every so often, I’ll take a class with a friend — and we never get much time to chat — so this set-up not only encourages that, but it offers up the opportunity to meet new people (and who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone to give you motivation to stick to a new fitness regimen). Rogue will be opening a permanent, female-only, studio in Manhattan next month where they’ll offer a slew of classes (including ones that don’t include post-workout kibitzing), but until then, they’re sticking to pop-up classes.

They recently hosted one at event/catering company Herb-n-Peach‘s gorgeous penthouse loft with the help of KiwiSweat (a company that regularly hosts pop-up fitness classes) and the excitement in the room was palpable. The classes are female-only and attract — at least from the one class I attended — a mix of all kinds of body types, so no worries if you’re new to working out. The instructor was very laid-back so you can push yourself as hard — or not — as you want without feeling uncomfortable.

Truth be told I’m more or less a teetotaler, so alcohol holds very little appeal to me, but I love the element of socializing that comes with this class and, while for now it’s only available in Manhattan, this is something people can easily organize on their own. Why not sign up a group of friends for a class and organize a little happy hour afterwards to make it all the more likely you’ll stick to coming to the workout?

Image: Rogue Female Fitness

No related posts.

Yesterday, it was all about bright clothing. Today, we’re going to focus on bright make-up. Pretty awesome, right?

I was flipping through the March issue of Glamour when I spotted the “beauty editor secrets” page, where a few ladies were dishing about their favorite new products. One gal said she tried out this super-pretty, aqua-colored eyeliner on a whim, and her boyfriend totally loved it. Call it “engagement liner” (you know, like “engagement chicken“?), because she got engaged in a week’s time!

Now, I am not going to be getting engaged anytime soon, so my objectivity is still in tact on this one. I wasn’t thinking about the ring when I heard this tale of magical make-up, I was thinking about all the amazing bright-eyeliner looks I’ve been seeing as of late. It’s definitely the beauty trend to try! Here are a few I’m itching to pick up:

Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Bora Bora, $22. Ah, the one that started it all. The beauty editor raved, and the color is so sparkly and bright and gorgeous — I can’t resist. I have always loved aqua, it’s one of my favorite colors, so I’d love to grab this from Sephora. Wouldn’t it look great with a simple white tee, frayed denim shorts and yellow wedges? Just a thought.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Graffiti, $19. I normally can’t use eye pencils. For some reason, the lines they make just do not good on my eyes! But for this, I might make an exception. The small pencil is supposed to slide on smoothly and stay put for a long time. And in this totally gorgeous shade of bright green, reminiscent of this look back from the holidays (hint: change out the red lip color for a pale pink), I think it’s a must… Right? Isn’t it??

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Iridescent Fuchsia, $23. I have heard that Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Lip is amazing, so I’m thinking Aqua Liner must be too? It’s water, tear and smudge-proof for starters. I mean, who doesn’t love that in eye make-up? And with the great bright colors, including a very spring-appropriate shade of iridescent fuchsia, I don’t see what’s not to love.

For spring, try out an eyeliner in one of these bright shades, or all of them — why not, right? I mean, a pop of color to make your eyes standout is a beauty investment. It’s worth it.

No related posts.

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to NYC Real Estate, Hamptons Homes, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign

Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet, or UV, rays can happen in any season. While some consumers are careful to slather on the sunscreen during the summer months, many stop their sunscreen habits when the weather cools down. The truth is that your skin benefits from yearlong protection.

Have you ever overheard someone speaking about “free radicals?” They, most assuredly, were not talking about dreadlocked hippies sporting tie-dye at a music festival. Free radicals are harmful electron particles that can do permanent damage to the skin. The UV rays of the sun contain free radicals that can speed the aging process, causing hyperpigmentation and creating wrinkles on youthful skin.

How can you protect against these free radicals? Sunscreen and sunblocks containing an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 15 can protect against UV light. SPF 30 is typically considered suitable for all complexions. Many companies have created products with SPF counts over 50, but they offer no added guaranteed protection. The only way to ensure effective sun protection is to reapply your sunscreen or sunblock throughout the day. Never apply sunscreen once and assume that you will be protected the entire day, even if your product has a high SPF count.

Good news, women! Many of today’s cosmetics, moisturizers and toners have been designed with sunscreen included in the formula. You may already realize that some of your favorite cosmetics contain UV protection, but if they do not, there are several options to fit every lifestyle. Even ladies who prefer to go natural can find moisturizing facial creams with UV protective sunscreens that are hypoallergenic and oil-free to keep pores unclogged.

Whether you intend to keep your sun-kissed glow with tanning beds or use bronzers and self-tanning sprays, be sure to smooth some sunscreen on your skin first. Healthy, young-looking skin is in season every day of the year, so protect your skin against dangerous free-radicals no matter the forecast.

Do you have any tips to share for keeping your skin safe from sun damage? Please leave us a comment below!

No related posts.

Not only was South Carolina a mere two-hour plane ride from Manhattan, but before heading to Kiawah Island I also got to see Charleston — which is adorable! And they have great shopping including Blue Mercury, Cos Beauty Bar, and even Gucci — and the resort itself is breathtakingly gorgeous, even now in February (their low season), and it’s HUGE! Literally, you need a car to get to some of the golf courses and restaurants which are spread across the resort, but everywhere you look there is meticulously kept green.

I went to Kiawah with my golf-loving dad, who was on cloud 9 to be there. The resort is hosting the prestigious PGA Championship this summer, so for a golf lover it was paradise. While I don’t care all that much for golf, the courses at the resort were stunning (I can’t imagine the upkeep), and while it wasn’t warm enough to take advantage of the fact that the resort was beach-side or of their multiple outdoor pools, I did take a dip in their indoor pool. So even if you’re not into golf there are plenty of ways to relax.

The great thing about going to a resort during their low season is that it’s super calm and you don’t have to plan too much ahead. Getting a spa appointment or a treadmill to run on in their fitness room was super easy and they have a huge multi-room lobby where I spent most of my time relaxing and reading by the fireplace. Low season also makes the resort a lot more affordable and they have a number of special packages.

Lastly, I can’t go without highlighting their fantastic spa, because for any gal or guy looking for an escape, this one is hard to beat. The treatment rooms are super spacious and while I was there I had the sauna, steam room, and hot tub all to myself! I’ve been to many hotel spas and this is definitively one of the most impressive. I got their signature massage and even though my therapist was a teeny tiny skinny woman, she had a crazy amount of strength was able to really work out some of my deep knots.

Learn more about the spa and the resort here and please share comments if you’ve been or plan on going!

No related posts.

Brights for spring aren’t exactly groundbreaking or new. I mean, with sunnier weather should come sunnier shades, right? Even though it’s not like this trend has never happened before, you can still make it fresh again for the upcoming season. You just have to come up with the best strategies for rockin’ it. Here’s how to wear brights and neon the right way.

Add straw elements. I really love the emergence of straw accessories the past couple of years. I have a straw fedora I am totally obsessed with. I just picked up an awesome straw clutch I will be carrying around this spring. Straw totes are a staple for the beach, and can double as a sidewalk item. Straw wedges are chic… and these pieces will all look amazing with neon. The straw offsets the power of the bright color, but still has a sunny vibe. Make sure to work this pairing into the summer months.

Color block. Do not be afraid of wearing brights and neons together. Pair a turquoise tank dress with a lemon bag and orange sandals. Do a magenta blazer with kelly green shorts and yellow wedges. Just a couple of rules, though: Make sure that you are working in solids only while color-blocking, and don’t go all in one color. Head-to-toe lime green isn’t cute. A cerulean skirt and a lime green tee is. Stick to the latter.

Use denim as a neutral. Denim should be your spring and summer staple. I live in denim shirts during the warm weather months. You should, too. (Not that I am biased. They are just so comfy and breezy and cool!) Denim works sort of like straw, because it definitely offsets a bold color. Especially if you’re just stepping out to go shopping or to some other casual location, wear your brights with denim. Every girl should own a great shirt, pair of shorts and vest in denim.

That’s it, friends! You can freshen up brights with just those few quick hints. When you’re shopping for neon though, think about what looks best with your skin tone. I recommend yellows, greens and blues on paler skin tones and oranges, reds and pinks for warmer ones. You really can’t go wrong. Invest in color for March through September. It will always be in style.

How do you wear your brights?

No related posts.

There’s no joy quite like the one that comes with getting a package full of new products to play around with and when you can snap them up for yourself at guilt-free prices it’s all the better! With that in mind, here’s the lowdown on all the just-launched COVERGIRL products, which have been developed with the help of the brand’s global creative design director, Pat McGrath (she’s the famed makeup artist responsible for the runway looks we see at the like of Prada and Marc Jacobs). McGrath has access to some of the world’s most amazing skincare and beauty products, so her insight is surely invaluable for COVERGIRL. As an added bonus, she shot a few how-to videos with top model Jessica Stam to give us some tips on creating a bold lip, and another with tips on creating a smoky eye. Get them both using some of the new products below!

COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick. If you’re looking for a versatile product that lets you mix and match shades, while being portable, check-out these wands that Pat designed, each of which feature cream and shimmer shades.

COVERGIRL + Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation. This is one of my favorite drugstore finds because it combines foundation with a wrinkle fighter (ladies, it’s never too early to go into preventative mode!). This is a product Pat says she uses often on the runway.

COVERGIRL LashBlast 24-Hour Mascara. This formula doesn’t go on as smooth as some of the more expensive mascaras I’ve used (I’m thinking of Dior and Givenchy, both of which I love), but you can’t argue with the price (about $6), and the stiff bristles make clump-free application very easy.

COVERGIRL LineBlast 24-Hour Eyeliner. I’m finally back to wearing liner again! I was a little bit sleep deprived for awhile, and liner accentuates under-eye bags, so I was avoiding it for a few weeks. But now that I’m back from a four day trip to South Carolina I’m back to smooth under-eyes, and this liner supposedly lasts up to 24 hours (though I would never suggest sleeping with makeup!).

COVERGIRL LipPerfection Runway Shades. Pat hand-selected the 16 runway-inspired shades that just launched based on the trends she not only saw, but helped create!

New From COVERGIRL Queen Collection:

The Queen Collection has won a ton of “Best of Beauty” awards, so I wouldn’t expect anything less from the new products:

• Lasting Matte Pressed Powder, which come in a variety of shades.
• Vivid Impact Eye Liners, which were designed specifically for women with deeper skin tones.
• Lash Fanatic Mascara, which has a specially designed brush to help create volume while separating lashes.

All these products are getting me super excited to see what’s going to be cooking backstage at this season’s New York Fashion Week shows!

Image: CoverGirl

No related posts.

Happy Blogger Tuesday, all! I could not be more excited to introduce today’s lovely lady of style. To say I am obsessed with her wardrobe (and the way she puts it all together) would be a terribly gross understatement.

Meet Blair. She’s my current style crush, and she’s about to be yours, too. Blair is the blogger behind Atlantic-Pacific, posting all her major fashion moments for readers to see. I love how effortless her style seems. Pulled together, but just so innate; she knows what works for her, and there is a natural cool factor to all her looks. You have to spend some time perusing through her blog to see what I mean. Like, no. Seriously. Go see. But first check out today’s gorg outfit right here. This, my friends, is how you wear a maxi skirt in the winter weather. Let’s talk.

Layers, please. The layers make this maxi skirt work so well. In the summer, you might wear this piece with a simple tee or tank. In the winter, it’s about pairing items that show off the skirt, but keep you warm. A long or large coat would cover up your outfit too much and look mismatched with floaty fabric. A tucked sweater and oversize vest reveal a waist and elongate your bottom half–but are still seasonally appropriate.

Don’t be too… obvious. A sweater and a maxi skirt? A vest for a coat? Not something every girl would think of wearing. But don’t these style choices look fabulous? Try things out. Take a few risks. Don’t just follow cookie-cutter guidelines. That’s no fun!

Line it up! Normally, we stress that if you wear something oversize on the top, you should wear something fitted on the bottom, or vice versa. Proportion is important. Obviously, Blair’s look kind of breaks that rule. Want to know why it still works? It’s streamlined. The vest and skirt make a straight line from shoulder to feet. If you make lines with your clothes, there’s a clean sophistication that just looks flat-out pretty.

Those gloves… OK. Isn’t there something super-glam about long gloves? Maybe I always wanted to be Cinderella, or maybe I just love Audrey Hepburn’s style in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but I adore Blair’s gloves. The bunched leather modernizes this piece. I totally need to steal me those.

Now, PLEASE go check out Atlantic-Pacific for more of Blair’s great ideas. And be warned: You’re going to get sucked into the style vortex. Set aside some time!

No related posts.

There’s much to talk about today, readers… Will Jason Wu be the hit for Target that Missoni was? (Most likely.) Am I nixing my OPI nail polish obsession for all things Essie? (Maybe.) Am I freaking-out excited over my recent Tarte make-up purchase? (Most definitely!) With that little teaser, let’s get to it!

Essie Luxeffects nail polish. I was browsing the beauty aisle at Walmart, looking around for anything to jump out and catch my eye. I’ve recently been lusting after Deborah Lippmann nail polish, so when I spotted Essie Luxeffects on the shelf, I totally snatched it up in a heartbeat! This intense glitter polish is perfect for adding extra sparkle to your beauty routine. You can wear it alone, or paired with another nail color for a cool effect. There were a few fab colors, but I purchased Essie Set in Stones for $8. Compare that to Deborah Lippmann’s Today Was a Fairytale, which sells for at least $20. Amazingly similar, right? And for less than half the price, I’m on board!

Jason Wu for Target. Did you brave the lines for a taste of Jason Wu’s Target creations? I did! This cutting-edge designer’s line for the retail giant hit the shelves on Sunday, and there wasn’t a piece in the entire collection for more than $60. I was most in love with his dresses, which were definitely flirty, fun and feminine all rolled into one. I snagged three, along with an adorable polka-dot blouse and a sweet black-and-white clutch. I have to say, this is definitely my favorite Target collaboration yet. Wu made quality items–great prints, fantastic materials, impeccable details–for the price he put on his garments and accessories. After this, I will expect BIG things from future designers who bring their clothes to the masses.

Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner. I stopped in at Sephora on a sort-of whim last week. I was really hoping to find some cake liner, because after doing some research, I was fairly certain this would be easier to apply than liquid liner and provide better coverage than a pencil. Well, this particular Sephora did not have cake liner. But I looked around and spotted this Tarte Clay Liner. It looked easy to apply, came with a double brush and was only $22. More than I normally spend, but since I have eyes where not much of my top lids show, I really needed to find a liner that could create a thin line right on the lashes so my eyeliner would stop looking so severe. There was just one matte black clay liner left, so I took this as a sign and bought it. Well… I am in love. It goes on beautifully and lasts a long time without smudging or getting caught in the crease. Made with Amazonian clay and without parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes, I highly recommend it.

What are you obsessing over this week?

No related posts.

2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac – I have the regular Mac size clutch, but I recently saw the mini mac while I was out shopping and adored the slightly smaller size. It also comes in tons of beautiful colors!

3. Cleobella Cantina Crossbody – I don’t wear green at all but, for some reason, I really love green accessories. I think it’s a great color to wear casually with jeans, and it really stands out. Plus, I love the size and the cute details of this bag.

4. Marc By Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag – I feel like I rarely see people with blue leather bags; I like this one because you can really stand out from the crowd with it. The whole design is very classy and would look great for work paired with a v-neck sweater and black trousers.

5. Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Jaden-1029 Satchel – This bag actually looks more roomier than the other ones I chose which is kind of why I like it. I mean, I like the compact size of the others, but sometimes you do need to carry just a bit more in your handbag, and this one fits the bill. You can carry it like a satchel but the additional shoulder strap will help a ton if your bag starts weighing you down.

How do you feel about small crossbody bags? Are you able to part with some of the stuff that you usually carry in your larger size bags? It was hard for me to let go at first, but I’ve learned to only carry the things that I actually need, and not the things I used to carry for “just in case”.

No related posts.

Happy Friday, dolls! Guess what? I’ve been seeing March issues of my favorite mags start to pop up on newsstands! (Yep. I just bought Lucky and now I’m waiting for Glamour to make its way into my mailbox…) You know what that means. It’s totally February. It’s totally time to start planning on spring. I can see the light at the end of winter’s cold, dark tunnel.

Sometimes, though, it still feels so early to be thinking warm weather, daily sunshine and cute, colorful clothes. If you’re on that boat, then just start imagining transitional pieces to take you into the pre-season. Here are some of my favorites you can work right now as you await the gorgeous months ahead.

White blazer. Forget the old rules about white. You can wear it anytime you want. I particularly like a white blazer for transitioning into spring. Wear it with a maxi skirt and lace-up boots, or with skinnies and flats. The white will brighten up your basics, or serve as a great backdrop to a colorful top.

Lightweight knits. In aqua, yellow, orange… spice things up with these lightweight sweaters. They’re a big trend for spring, but also work as a phasing-out-of-winter piece. Wear with boyfriend jeans and a scarf right now. When the temperature increases, pair brights with a full skirt or colorful straight-leg pants. You can literally wear these super-thin sweaters year round.

Bright flats. Pick up ballet flats in simple brights or two-toned color. Then, roll your jeans into a cuff and show them off. A belted cardigan will look totally cute with your denim. Or you could always do a bright skirt and tights to work the color-blocking trend. Flats are an essential, so try to pick up at least one pair in a pretty shade.

Crossbody bag. If you’re not into a girlie straw tote for spring/summer, then choose this low-key carryall. Something about crossbody bags just scream “warm weather” to me. The newest styles come in neon colors, and are actually being made a little larger (so you can easily fit your wallet, sunglasses, keys and lip gloss) than the skinny, tiny versions of yesteryear — and I completely adore this upgrade. You can easily make this piece your standout item. Don’t be afraid of color, or even a zig-zag pattern or floral print.

My biggest tip for transitioning your wardrobe? Don’t feel the need to dive into spring/summer if you’re not ready to completely overhaul your closet just yet. A few key pieces like the ones above will totally satiate your apetite for the new season’s clothes until March and April.

What transitional pieces will you be purchasing this month?

No related posts.