Conversations with My Daughters x RoC®

As a woman over 40 I can honestly say the worst thing a person can say to me is that I look good for my age. And the funny thing is that it usually only happens after I tell them my age. It's that qualifier of "for my age" that always makes me cringe a little. Why can't a woman just look good? Period. While typically I'm complimented for my youthful appearance, unfortunately it's those backhanded compliments that tend to resonate. I'm so excited to team up with RoC® Skincare to share my ageist experiences - and the amazing new RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® MAX Daily Hydration Crème.

The last time I really cringed was last year at my younger brother's wedding. I was getting ready and the photographer showed up and asked me where to set up. I'm guessing I was the first person he bumped into so I pointed him in the direction of both the bride and groom who were also both getting ready and then he asked me; "Are you the mother of the groom?" Wait, what? I was so confused because while I'm technically old enough to have a child of marriageable age, it never occurred to me I looked old enough to have a 37-year-old son. I know they met before so he knew what my brother looked like (and if not his exact age, he must have had some kind of approximation). I told him I was the groom's slightly older 42-year-old sister and then to add insult to injury he answered, "Oh, you look good for your age." And in that moment I wanted nothing more than to punch him in the face. Thanks, dude. But I think what really made me mad is that I said nothing.

Digging into this phenomenon, RoC® partnered with Wakefield Research on a nationwide survey of 1,000 women aged 40+ to take a closer look at the impact of negative words on women as they age. This language is something that needs to change as it’s a problem women are facing every day. They found that 82% of women have been told that they look “great for their age” in the past year. Plus, a majority of women would rather not be served a compliment at all than receive one paired with the modifier “for your age.” I know that's true for me! In fact, women have received this backhanded compliment on average every six weeks in the past year. And even more frustrating, 87% of women agree that society expects women to act their age - but look younger. Crazy, right?

The goal of this research is to heighten awareness and pull back the curtain on these misguided negative phrases to change the current vernacular that can have a huge impact on a woman’s self- perception and how she defines her beauty. One’s beauty should be determined by her actions, her methods, but not her age.

I'm a mom of three, and I always have to consider how my actions and words will affect my littles. I try to teach my daughters body and beauty positivity. Every person is special in their own way. I want my girls to feel beautiful inside and out. I make sure to tell them everyday just how beautiful they are. I also try to give each of my kids special attention and often take them out on mommy and me dates to check in and have some serious and not-so-serious conversations alike. Little girls feel just as much pressure to be thin and beautiful - probably as much as older women do. I want Ella and Ava to learn from my example. I make sure they see me working out, eating right, indulging in moderation, and taking care of my skin. I've already taught 10-year-old Ella how to cleanse her face, properly remove makeup, moisturize and do an occasional face mask. If my girls see me taking care of myself, loving myself, then they'll understand just how important self-care is and make sure to love themselves too.

Most people ask me my beauty secret when they hear I'm 43. Truth is, so much of it is good genes (thanks mom and dad!) but I've also been taking care of my skin since I was 16 years old. I've been pretty lucky and other than a bout with adult acne in my 20s, I've had good skin most of my life. Over the years I've used skincare from everywhere. From drug stores to fancy department stores - both high and low end, and I've found that fancy packaging and/or a high price tag does not determine how effective a product can be. This isn't the first time I've used products from RoC® - and I was excited to try their new RETINOL CORREXION® MAX Daily Hydration Crème, which is available at national food, drug and mass merchandisers.

If you're not familiar with RoC®, it's a leading French brand with over 50 years experience developing products that guarantee visible and lasting results for healthier, younger looking skin. They were pioneers of stabilizing the first over-the-counter retinol for daily use. Every RoC® product is artfully-crafted and scientifically-tested to ensure nothing but the best in quality.

RoC®’s RETINOL CORREXION® MAX Daily Hydration Crème is a new dual-benefit cream offering the best of both worlds: a powerful retinol formula that reveals deeply hydrated and beautiful skin. Made with the maximum level of RoC® Retinol and a 24-hour moisturizing formula clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots while leaving skin looking healthy - in just one week, with with continued improvement each week. It's an exclusive oil-free and non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores - perfect for my sensitive skin! I've been using it for about one week and already my skin feels more hydrated and refreshed. And I'm looking forward to seeing even more improvement in the coming weeks.

Join me and women like actress Thandie Newton who are flipping the script on this #ForYourAge conversation. To quote Thandie, “Life is an exciting, beautiful journey, and we discover ourselves in it a bit more every day. And choosing products to help us figure out who our best self is, love the journey and fearlessly progress toward the destination is where the future (and fun) of beauty should lie.”

You can read more about this campaign at www.rocskincare.com/for-your-age.

Have you ever been told that you look good 'for your age'? Next time that happens to me you better believe I won't remain silent. Join the movement and help us celebrate beauty at every age.

Thank you to RoC® Skincare for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.  

XO
Michelle

Simply Venom

One of the secrets to aging well is being ahead of the game. When a much younger 30-year-old acquaintance told me she does Botox regularly I was shocked. While I'm sure it could help, I'm not quite ready to take that step - nor do I think I'm there yet. Recently I've been adding more anti-aging beauty products to my regimen. Not so much to turn back time, but to retain status quo. When Simply Venom reached out me to try their Day and Night Creams I jumped at the chance. What's so special about Simply Venom is that it's a safe, non-invasive alternative to Botox - and can even be used while pregnant!

To start, no, there isn't any snake venom in Simply Venom. Similar to a snake bite, the powerful ingredients relax the muscles. Medical grade injectables work the same way by unclenching your muscles that hold wrinkles in place. Simply Venom was developed by two anesthesiologists, Dr. Monica Lilore and Dr. Milija Milic. The doctors spent two-and-a-half years developing SYNOX-MD, a proprietary complex of active peptides and a purified yeast ferment delivery system to enhance penetration. This system helps tighten skin and build collagen - and safely mimics the effect of a snake bite or injectables in a topical application.

The Simply Venom Day Cream and the Simply Venom Night Cream, retail for $59 and $69, respectively. It's 100% paraben free, gluten free, dye free and fragrance free. And unlike many other anti-aging skincare brands, they fully disclose the listing of clinically recommended percentages of their active ingredients. You can read more about their ingredients and benefits here on the Simply Venom website.

This week I turned 43. I've never really been afraid of aging because I've always looked younger than my age. When people ask me my secret I tell them it could be because I don't drink, I've never done any kind of drugs, I try to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen, and I've taken care of my skin since I was a teenager. But truthfully I'm just lucky. So much of aging is genetics. When I was in high school, if my then 40-ish dad put on a baseball cap, people thought he was my boyfriend. When I was in my 20s my mom picked me up from a doctor's appointment and the nurse told me my sister was waiting for me. Don't get me wrong, it was hard being a teenager who could pass for under 12 - though it saved my parents a ton of money on admissions. Even when I was 30 (and super pregnant!) a clerk at a bodega near my apartment refused to sell me a lottery ticket because he didn't think I was 18. But once I hit my late thirties I finally started to appreciate my parent's gift to me.

I've been using the Simply Venom duo for several weeks now and I see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of my skin. I love how light and non greasy they apply, and my skin looks visibly plumped and brightened. I apply 2 pumps a day of the day cream to my face, neck and chest in the mornings and 2 pumps at night of the night cream after washing my skin.

Don't get me wrong, when I look closely I can see shadows where they don't belong, there is a single line across my forehead that drives me nuts, and my skin is so much drier than it was than just 5 years ago. While there's no magic pill or fountain of youth, there are steps you can take to fight the sands of time. You're never too old or two young to start taking care of your skin. I love that Simply Venom's philosophy is all about #agegoals and always looking your best.

Have any of you tried Simply Venom? I'd love to hear your feedback - and how long you've been using it. What were your results?

Thank you to Simply Venom for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own. 

XO
Michelle

NYFW 2017

I was just thinking it was time for highlights and I'd realized the last time I got them was right before New York Fashion Week. That's when it occurred to me that I had never shared any photos from the last NYFW. Honestly I played hookey again and only attended one show. It was snowy and cold so I was more than happy to take it easy again. So here is where I went and what I wore.

After attending a pre-NYFW event with Scarlett Hao, she invited me and Belle to MB45 Studio downtown for a free mani and blowout the next day. You know I always say yes to freebies so it was kinda a no-brainer. After a bitter winter, we were gifted just one magical unseasonably warm day so I took advantage and put on a spring outfit and some kicks for a day on my feet. I had a fashion week party to attend that evening so I had some cute booties in my bag too :)

Belle

Scarlett

Nothing super exciting - just cute and casual. You've seen this H&M dress last summer here and this green jacket before here. The necklace is AV Max - and their sample sale is actually on this week! Head to my previous post (here) to read all my latest sample sale picks!

After my blowout I ran to have my hair cut and looking back at these pics I kinda regret it. I'm going to resist the urge to fix my hair for a while - other than a few new highlights soon. I do have to say that as much as I loved the idea of the quick pampering, my mani didn't make it thru the day (and it was gel!) and at this point I'm a pro at waving my hair that I don't really need anyone else to do it.


*********************


The one show I attended was Anniesa Hasibuan. I actually met up with a few blogger friends which is probably the reason I showed up LOL. I can do a show solo (it's a faux pas to ask for a +1 so you're usually on your own) but it's always more fun with friends. I love that Belle went for it with her layered vintage look. Some mean girl actually said she looked like a vintage sofa - but I'm guessing it was because Belle was sitting in front of her in the front row of a show that morning LOL. #jealousmuch?

I actually spotted Belle on WWD in this look. So proud of my girl! And so excited for her because she's getting married this weeked!

I always chicken out when it comes to dressing for shows. I put together crazy looks than right before I leave I put on more subdued numbers. Most of this is on repeat other than my new Kate Spade furry hat. Got it for about $25 (RV $128) at Nordstrom Rack and I couldn't resist. We had exactly two minutes to shoot because we were running late for the show so we shot a couple and ran inside. It was also late in the day so the light wasn't all that great.

Just a few scenes for the Anniesa Hasibuan show. Shira of A Sequin Love Affair got inside first and was nice enough to save us a few seats :) The show was chock full of modest looks with a play on textures and dramatic silhouettes.

I figured my last post was so long I'd take it easy on you. You can read all this week's sample sale picks in my last post here.

I have a busy week so be sure to watch me run around on my Insta stories :)


XO
Michelle, Living the Life...

Bargainista Almost-Spring Style & Epic (Jimmy Choo!) Sample Sale Haul!

I've had this adorable eShakti dress for a few weeks but I've been waiting for it to warm up a bit so I could finally wear it. I got sick of waiting and just threw a cape on and matched up my mom's Prada bag for my niece's engagement party. I'm so jealous of all the bloggers on Insta in cute shorts and tanks - and the warm, sunny weather that goes with it. I pulled out my new colorful Sophia Webster Chiara heels and some tasseled earrings to add a touch of spring. Speaking of Sophia, her NY sample sale is coming on the 10th. I have the details down below with all my sample sale picks for the week.

eShakti is a great website where you can customize dresses (and some other garments) to your specs for less than $100 a pop. You can shop by size or for $9.95 you can put in your measurements and have it cut for your body. You can also select from sleeve options or varied hemlines free of charge. I customized my dress by removing the pockets (I don't like having extra fabric at the widest point of my body) and I input my measurements for a perfect fit. I meant to make it longer but forgot so this is above the knee and I would have preferred it knee length. This dress actually comes with a belt but I chose not to wear it because it made the dress even shorter. The last dress they sent me wasn't as successful because some of the seams were sewn sloppy - and details like that drive me nuts. Luckily they have free returns so I sent it back and chose this dress instead. They always have coupons and promotions but right now their best deal is $25 off your first order which is pretty good considering most dresses are $50-80.

Popular dresses sell out pretty quickly (mine is no longer available) so if you see something you like - jump! I did find a similar dress here. eShakti is the perfect solution if you have a hard time finding clothing that fits - or want something that everyone else doesn't have. Right now they are flush with cute summer dresses so I recommend checking them out ASAP.

Head to toe:

• Earrings: AV Max, sample sale, $5 (their sale is coming up again - see details below!)
• Cape: Vince Camuto, sample sale, $25
• Dress: Eshakti, RV $59.95 + $9.95 customization fee, gifted
• Bag: Prada, borrowed from my mom again :)
• Shoes: Sophia Webster, Nordstrom Rack, $107 (RV $575)

You can shop my style here:

Thank you to my amazing 12 year old son who left the party buffet to shoot me in the streets of Queens. He told me he wants to start getting paid for taking my photos. I told him his own computer and cell phone were payment enough. Plus I have to do the editing which is the hardest party anyway.


**************


Because it's been a while since I shared a peek at my blogger mail and sample sale scores...

I know I rag on Influenster a lot but this time they came through with a winner. I got this Lancôme Voxbox with a Matte Shaker Lipstick, Bienfait UV Spf 50+ and Visionnaire crescendo 28 day peel. My favorite is obviously the lipstick but the peel was ok too. They included the sunscreen to put on after the peel to protect your skin. I actually got a $50 gift card in the mail from Influenster this week - I guess I won a contest for completing a badge. The way Influenster works, you sign up and they send you free products to review. You can often get stuck with boxes of random stuff but every so often you get a good one. They also require you to do a ton of tasks/reviews to complete a badge for each box. If you're a blogger just getting started (or even a regular mom) this is a great program to join.

I've received some pretty good feedback on my flatlays lately so I wanted to break it down for you with a few tips. I always shoot outdoors on sunny days to get the best lighting. I'm sure strangers are looking at me funny when I drag a large white foam core board (I get mine at a local art store) outside in my front yard or driveway to shoot with my DSLR. If you shoot too early in the morning you can get a strong shadow so I like to try to shoot early afternoon. Later in the day the light won't be as bright so my photos get a bluish tint. Even if I brighten up my pics when I edit, I'll usually use the Juno or Ludwig filter on Insta to really pop the white. I also try to create contrast in my pictures so I've been grabbing whatever colorful flowers are growing in my front yard. I refuse to do the marble flatlay that every one seems to be using because I like the white to break up my busy, colorful feed.

I usually don't buy eye cream because I live off samples from Sephora (cheapskate tip 101) - so I was excited to try Lancôme Visionnaire Yeux when it popped up on Octoly. It's so good! In just a couple days I saw a HUGE improvement in the texture if my under eye skin. And it brightens so I don't need as much concealer as I used to apply. I have really sensitive eyes and allergies so I can't wear most eye products - but this totally works for me. I highly recommend it. I grabbed the L' Absolu Rouge Hydrating Shaping Lipsticks so I could have something else to review with the eye cream. I've really only worn the rose color but I don't like that they don't have pointed tips (it makes it harder for me to apply). I'm actually wearing the rose (pictured below on the right) in my photos above with my eShakti dress.

As you can see, I've been on an Octoly bender ordering up free luxury makeup. If you have over 10k on Insta or YouTube, you can apply for Octoly here to shop their free shop. They send you free stuff of your choosing in exchange for a post. I've been trying to either showcase my style or promote sponsored posts on Instagram as free stuff doesn't pay the bills. However, Octoly has been tempting me with pretty amazing high end goods - and they let you clump together 3 reviews at a time. It's like shopping Sephora for free so I'm hooked.

I knew all the pink would be prefect for my YSL Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Star Collector by YSL Beauty. I needed another YSL item (I like having at least 2 items to review at a time) so I grabbed The Shock mascara in Underground Blue. The blue was very subtle but it clumped too much for my taste. My all time favorite mascara brand is anything by Korres - which is super natural and gives you that fanned out, un-clumpy lashes without falsies look. They do have sample sales a couple times a year but never seem to have the mascara :(

I love my Samina bow slides in hot pink that I was gifted at the Nina Shoes fall preview. I wish the heels were a little lower so I could wear them daily. I paired them up with my Kate Spade diary that I got on sale at Nordstrom (I could only find it full price now, sorry) thanks to a tip from Tracy's Notebook of Style.

I was excited to try the Dior Airflash foundation even though they didn't offer my color - I just chose the lightest color available (200 light beige) and figured I'd apply lightly. I love it. I usually prefer a dewy finish but this literally made every imperfection vanish. You spray it on and it's amazing. I grabbed the Rouge Dior lipstick in 634 strong matte and it's ok but again, the bullet does not have a pointed tip.

Linking up all these goodies should you need them too :)

Finally, here are my favorite sample sale scores from the past couple weeks.

Rebecca Minkoff wasn't as exciting as years' past but I still managed to score some goodies on the last day. I'd hoped they would do epic markdowns on bags at the end (they did not, they went to $75 across the board but the selection was weak) but they did slash all clothing prices down to $20 so I grabbed a leather "Rockin" skirt (RV $398). Not sure when I'll wear a mini again but who knows. I had my eye on the Minnetonka Moccasins collab shoes but I found they ran big and they were not made in half sizes. I'm typically a 9.5 in her shoes but in these I would have needed a 8.5. Luckily their sample 9s run a little smaller than the production 9 so I snapped these up for $20 (RV $98). All the shoes at the sale (except the samples) were $84 for 3 pairs ($28 each) on the last day so my partner in crime, Belle and I split three pairs. I got an extra discount on my sample shoes, which were originally priced $30, when I complained they should not cost more than the brand new boxed shoes. They had a few really cute booties but these "Jennies" (RV $225) were the only ones left in 9.5. I wish they were at least leather because I haven't been able to wear suede with all the rain we've had lately.

Saving the best for last, let's talk Choo! Jimmy Choo, started markdowns earlier in the day than expected so I missed most of the good stuff on their last day. I still managed to snap up these crown glitter "Crown" heels for $100 (RV $895) and my piece de resistance, my $2,895 Lockett Petite Boho Purple and Silver Sprayed Metallic Dégradé Python Shoulder Bag that was just $350. I was annoyed that they charged an $200 upcharge for exotic skin on the last day (they usually don't) as it would have been just $150 at previous sales, but I felt better when I googled the price. I was also informed that it was on the $700 luxury table (which didn't get marked down at all) on the first day and it probably shouldn't have been with the regular bags anyway. Because it was a current design and I loved the color I went for it. Most of the bags at the sample sale on the last day are typically pretty beat up and several seasons old so I got lucky. As it was, someone must have put it back because it wasn't there when I first arrived. The reason I was late to begin with was because I was at a sponsored event - and my paycheck more than covered all my Choo finds, hence justifying my splurge. I also grabbed a couple pairs of $50 men's shoes for my son for his Bar Mitzvah but one pair turned out to be too small for him. He's 12 and already has bigger feet than me - and mine are pretty big LOL.

I found a few of these (or similar on sale) so I linked up what I could:

So I realize I could have easily split this post into 2-3 different ones, I like just putting out one post a week. It's long, so feel free to come back and finish at any time. But like all my posts, they are jam-packed with info that you probably don't want to miss.

And now for my sample sale picks for the next couple weeks...

Sample sale season is on and new ones pop up daily. I recommend checking sites like Chicmi, which has the most comprehensive NY listings these days (they also cover London, LA and San Francisco). Some of the best sales are word of mouth and may not even appear anywhere online. I always share the sales that I personally shop and the ones that tend to have the best values for designer bargain hunters like myself.

So if you're super cheap and super chic - this is where you need to be:

DVF
The last few sales have been pretty lackluster but they always have some inexpensive accessories or $40 shoes worth checking out. Wait for markdowns.
June 1-4
F-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-4
260 Fifth Avenue

A.V. Max
My all time favorite jewelry sale boasts prices of $5-25, friendly smiles and mimosas in their beautifully lit showroom. You'll see. You can read past sale reports here and here. The designer Amy often asks customers how they found the sale so be sure to mention I sent you :)
June 5-9
M 10-5, T 10-7, W-Th 10-5, F 10-2
39 W 38th St, 10th Fl

Etro
Not sure how pricing will be but I love their use of patterns and colors so I'll be taking a peek.
Met Pavillion, 125 West 18th St
June 5-7
M-T 10-8, W 10-5

Carmen Marc Valvo
If you need a gown on the cheap check here first. Samples range from $25-100 and stock maxes out at $300.
June 6, 10-6
132 W 36th St, 2S

Vince Camuto, 1.State & More
This Clothingline sale was where I found my $25 cape pictured above a while back. It's sample sizes only so don't bother if you're not a 4/6 (though I've spotted plus-sized samples as well in the past).
June 6-8, 10-6
261 West 36th Street, 2nd Fl

Natori
There is usually a crazy cheap lingerie sale about now and I'm not sure if it's this one. If you know which one I'm talking about please comment below!
June 7-8, 10-4
Dana Co Showroom, 102 Madison Avenue, 3rd Fl

Halabaloo Kids
I love their detailed designs and I read prices were $10-40 so I'll be taking a peek for my girls.
June 8-9, 9:30-6
423 West 43rd Street, Ground Floor

Sophia Webster
My all time shoe love is finally back in NYC. This past month she had a pop up downtown and I was lucky enough to meet her. I put on one of favorite pairs and of course forgot to ask her to sign them. Then again it probably would have been pretty gross to pull off my stinky shoes as ask her to sign LOL. At this point all the RSVP spots have been filled so you'll have to arrive after 2pm if you don't already have a reservation. Prices are good but not dirt cheap. You have to really love her shoes to go. Hoping they'll have a sample table again as that's where I did most of my damage last round. Read about my last adventure here.
June 10, 10-6
80 Wooster Street

Boden
Usually not super cheap and you have to dig thru piles of stuff to find anything decent (lots of used and damaged goods mixed in) but this brand has a cult-like following and worth a trip for their super fans.
June 10, 10-4
Met Pavillion, 125 West 18th St

Teri Jon
This sale is every modest girls dream for party dresses. At previous sales sample dresses started at $75. Read a past sale report here. Lines are crazy so get there at least an hour early on the first day for best selection.
June 11-12
M 9-5, T 9-4
241 W 37th St, 2nd Fl

Alice + Olivia
I usually don't get a lot, but what I do buy is usually pretty amazing. Samples are the best deal (usually size 2-6) and you can read past sale finds here and here. Not sure what's gonna fit me from here but you betcha I'll be buying for future size 6 (I started T25 again) Michelle.
June 12-17
M 12-8, T 9-8, W-Sat 10-8
260 Fifth Avenue
Purchase an early access voucher for $10 here - I highly recommend it for this sale!

I plan on being out and about next week. Be sure you're following my Insta stories for a peek inside sales as I shop. Hope to see you around! As always, please say hello :)

Happy shopping!

XO
Michelle Amidst the Sample Sale Madness