This is sort of a mishmash post, a relatively new thing for Sugar & Spice. I have lots that I want to share with you (yes, you!) and I figured, why not put it all together.
Speaking of sultry looks (or, perhaps, wannabe sultry looks) here’s my favorite NYC summer date idea, which costs nearly nothing: All you need is a bottle of your favorite wine, two glasses… and a fire escape.
On summer nights when you want to be outside, yet you don’t feel like venturing too far from your apartment, consider your fire escape. Climbing out of the window is always a funny adventure (especially with wine glass in hand), but once you’re out there, the twinkling lights of the city are lovely. One of my favorite parts is people-watching on the street below. Pedestrians rarely look up, so it feels like you’ve found a secret spot, outside of your cramped and probably humid apartment. This is a really nice thing to do solo or with a friend too. It’s relaxing, and a great place to think or catch up with someone you care about. I got the idea from one of my favorite blogs, Cup of Jo, which I talked about in my last post (check out the Cup of Jo fire escape drinks post). And if you don’t have a fire escape, find a friend that does, or head to a park or beach nearby. The point is to find a spot that’s not too far from home and that’s outside — where you can enjoy a great view, even if it’s just the person you’re talking to. (Ha!)
We’re big fans of fire-escape drinks.
Here are a few beauty products I’m loving…
Recently, my dear friend Jen got me a subscription to Birchbox. Opening up my mailbox to see the bright pink box full of little makeup goodies always makes my day. Here are the latest products I can’t get enough of (from Birchbox and elsewhere), pictured above, from bottom left to right:
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in Black: This was my favorite item in the July BirchBox. I didn’t even know Cynthia Rowley had a beauty line. (Turns out this is the second time a special Cynthia Rowley beauty line was launched exclusively through Birchbox.) Everything about this pencil is awesome: It glides on smoothly, it’s super easy to take off with makeup remover (usually it takes me several tries to get eyeliner off), it stays put (despite the sweltering heat), and the pencil’s design is so pretty! When I run out, I’ll definitely buy the full-size product.
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer: This shade looks dark in the compact, but it gives me an awesome naturally bronzed look. (There’s no shimmer.) I do have to blend it really well on my cheeks so I don’t have random brown patches, though. I usually layer my pink blush over this to give the colors a bit of depth. It also defines my cheekbones better than the blush alone, which I love. The best part? It really does have a sweet cocoa-y smell.
Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave-in Conditioner: This also came in my July Birchbox. I’ve been using it almost every day. My hair is curly, fine, and dry at the ends, so I love using leave-in conditioners to battle frizz, especially in summer. The scent has taken me a bit of time to adjust to (it’s a little strong and perfume-y), but otherwise it makes my hair look fabulous — and frizz-free — despite the NYC summer heat. A miracle!
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara: I pretty much always apply this mascara, but after using the Amazonian Clay 12-hour Waterproof Concealer for years for spot treatment, I thought I’d try Tarte’s mascara. This is the travel size, perfect for throwing into my bag when I’m going away for the weekend. The mascara contains olive oil and it’s free of additives like parabens, gluten and mineral oil. I love that it’s a more natural alternative (that does certainly pump up my lashes more than Great Lash) for an everyday mascara.
Onwearing your summer memories… I remember the first time I wore this cropped shirt. It was last year, on a warm night in June. My sister and I walked the 20-minute trek along the beach in the near-dark to Ocean Beach, a community on Fire Island that was close to the house we were staying at with our family. The excitement built between us as we got closer to the bright lights of the town. We ended up at one of the busiest bars along the strip. It’s the one with sticky floors and a band that plays until about 11, followed by pulsing DJ music. The best moments are when the crush of bronzed bodies seems to sway, jump and dance together. We had to carve out a spot on the dance floor, and then we barely left it. I can still taste and feel the energy of that night. When my sister and I are together, I feel unstoppable - like any amount of amazing things can happen. All those memories come rushing back, just from putting on this shirt!
As far as the We Are Handsome x Soludos palm-tree-print shoes (to shop, look here and they’re on sale here), which I love, love, I’ve yet to have a defining summer memory in them. Still to come! Here’s to making the most of the last bits of summer — and looking amazing while doing it!!
Xoxo, H
Photographs by Tom Schelling.