Head To Toe with Emy and Po: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Nautical: Ahoy Po

Nautical stripes are pretty much my favorite thing going outside of ice cream snickers bars and white wine (neither of which you wear...at least not intentionally). I bought this shirt from Zara and considering it's been in steady rotation over the last two months, I think I can officially say that I got my money's worth. It goes with everything and the bold stripes are so clean and crisp that you can wear it just as easily in a corporate conference room as you can on the high seas (if you should happen to find yourself on one of those). Here I paired it with a white denim mini, but it also looks amazing with an accordion maxi, ripped up jeans or a pair of pleated shorts. And as an added bonus, it just so happens to perfectly match my new Kate Spade "Head in the Sand" satchel. The bag is on super sale right now (seriously it's more than 50% off)...so just on the off chance that you like it too...I've included the link below to the Kate Spade site. :)

For those Americans in the crowd, may your 4th of July weekend involve some water, at least one boat and a lot of nautical stripes.

<3,

Emy & Po

Blazer: Maje

Shirt: Zara

Denim Mini: Gap

Shoes: Nine West

Bag: Kate Spade

Watch: Michael Kors

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Nautical: Ahoy Emy

There's something so appealing about being on the water in the summertime, even if your version of "on the water" involves a Friday afternoon post-work bender at the Frying Pan. Just north of this legendary Manhattan summer drinking spot, however, you will find an even better way to satiate your nautical tendencies - Hudson River Community Sailing. GL and I recently had the opportunity to take a beginners' sailing lesson at HRCS after we found out about a great deal they were running via Groupon. Although neither of us had ever stepped foot on a sailboat, we had an amazing time, thanks in no small part to our awesome instructor Christin, who despite her approximately 4'8'' frame seemed more than capable of handling the boat on her own, whether or not her two 'students' were along for the ride. We spent the better part of 2 hours cruising up and down the Hudson river, learning some basic sailing lingo, and dodging NY water taxis, then capped off our adventure with a (highly appropriate) lunch from The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market. Best...day...ever...

*Note - this was not the outfit I wore during our sailing lesson - dresses are not compatible with maneuvering around a 24' sailboat, even if you're not really doing very much.

Dress: J.Crew

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: J.Crew

Belt: J.Crew

Sandals: J.Crew

Bracelet: Forever 21

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: NYC street vendor

Monday, June 27, 2011

Nautical: Inspiration

Ahoy friends! This week we are all about the classic nautical stripe and some not so classic ways to incorporate it into your summer look. First up, a collection of some of our favorite nautical inspired looks to help you get your sea legs. Then we'll be back later this week (and hopefully without the cheesy sailor references) with Em's look, Po's look and a round-up of some of our favorite nautical pieces in stores now.

<3,

Emy & Po

A gorgeous picture taken by Garance Dore. This shot showcases a very on-trend look - mixing the classic nautical stripe with a metallic accordion pleat maxi skirt...and of course, it doesn't hurt to have Cannes, France as the backdrop.

A ruched dress with flattering seems adds a little evening glam to an otherwise daytime nautical print (via Garance Dore)

Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere wearing a newer spin on the classic stripe with a long, pleated maxi and a vintage style belt

Olivia Palermo in a very chic take on the classic with a bell skirt, stilettos and some major statement necklaces.

A beautiful example of mixing nautical stripes with prints to create a fresh and eclectic look.

(via Vogue 2010)

Friday, June 24, 2011

Beauty Break: Wallet Watchers Drugstore Edition

When asked whether we would prefer to shop for our beauty necessities at Sephora or in the fluorescently lit aisles of a drugstore - the answer would most likely be Sephora. However, what the drugstore lacks in sophistication and glamour it makes up for in product effectiveness and cost efficiency. And while you may never get helped at the drugstore, at least you won't be harrassed by pushy make-up counter sales people.

With summer and all of it's beauty and grooming necessities upon us (self-tanner, sunscreen, razors, foot scrubs, etc.) we thought now would be a great time to highlight some of our favorite drugstore bargain buys.

Make-Up

Ardell Lash Kit: This is our go-to when we need to look extra special. Fake eyelashes (although a strange concept) really do make a big difference. Getting used to the application can be a bit tricky, but this lash starter kit makes it easy for anyone to apply.

Maybelline Eyeshadow in Stylish Smokes: We use this as a dramatic eyeshadow for evening and as a liner for day. It's much softer and more natural than a pencil, but dark enough to give you that extra va-va-voom at night.

Almay Blemish Heal Technology Pressed Powder: Best pressed powder and essential in the summer heat! It's not super cheap (~$14), but it lasts forever.

Face

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser: This foaming facial cleanser is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. It's made with soy, won't irritate skin and is fragrance free.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin, Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish Lotion: Ohh the woes of late-20s skin. Pimples? Got 'em. Wrinkles? Got those too. Thank god the wonderful people at Neutrogena created this lotion to solve both issues. Two birds, one stone baby.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Face Towels: A cheaper, but just as effective version of Tan Towel.

Body:

Palmer's Cocoa Butter w/ Vitamin E: The fact that this stuff is commonly recommended to new mothers for treating stretch marks should tell you something. It soothes the skin under eyes, softens dry hands and feet, helps heal scars, prevents irritation post wax/shave, etc. Truly a one stop shop in a bottle.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion: This is a great, natural looking alternative to a real tan. It dries quickly, is completely streak-free and even has SPF 15 protection built in.

CeraVe: It may not look glamorous, but this moisturizing lotion works. It was recommended as a dry skin cure by P's dermatologist during a particularly frigid February and her apartment hasn't gone a day without it since. It's not super cheap, but really, can you put a price on perfectly soft skin... ;)

For more information on beauty bargains check out the July issue of Allure magazine. It features two separate articles on drugstore beauty: Rich Women, Cheap Thrills; Secrets of the Drugstore - both with a complete list of Allure recommended products.

We are always looking for budget friendly new products so if you have any recommendations we would love to hear about them!!

<3,

Emy & Po

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Smart Shopping, H2T Style

While it's no secret that we love fashion (and by correlation, shopping!), we are regular girls who work hard for a living and manage our finances closely. Thus, we are ALWAYS on the lookout for ways to stretch our spending money - there is nothing we love more than a great deal! With a few smart shopping tricks & resources, it's very possible to build a great wardrobe and still have cash left over at the end of the month. Over the next few days we'll feature a few of our favorite stores, websites & tips for doing just that - we hope you enjoy and score some great deals of your own!

Revolve Clothing

Revolve carries an enormous selection of contemporary brands, has great customer service (fast shipping, free returns), and almost always offers a 10%+ off coupon code.

Some current working Revolve codes:
- TULIP (15% off most brands)
- CANDY (10% off all brands)
- Plus, new customers can get 30% off their first order! Email sales@revolveclothing.com, mention the new customer discount and your invoice/order number found on your purchase history page, and they will refund 30% to your card. Note that this won't work if you are a returning customer using a new email address (they'll know!)

Parker Dress

Matiko Sandal

ASOS

ASOS is an online retailer based in the UK that (happily for US residents!) opened a US website a little while back. Their house brand items are always very on trend without being over the top and frequently go on sale - this combination makes them a frequent destination for us when the online shopping bug bites. They have a massive summer sale going on now so go check them out - you'll thank us later!

Linen Boyfriend Blazer

Pleated Maxi Skirt

Mikkat Market

Started by blogger Katherine Kim, this site offers a great line of modern, well-priced, and all slightly unique separates. As an added bonus, Kim shows shoppers how to style the pieces together to create gorgeously interesting ensembles. Pieces sell out quickly, so don't wait too long if you see something you must have!

Striped Top

Asymmetric Ruffle Dress

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal's focus is on vintage and vintage-inspired pieces from brands like MinkPink and ArynK, all at very affordable prices. Check out their sale section in particular for some great deals!

Dolce Vita Maxi Dress

ArynK Tee

More smart shopping tips to come (and thanks to Christine for giving us the idea for this post!). Leave us a comment and share your favorite websites / smart shopping tips as well!

<3,

Emy & Po

Monday, June 20, 2011

Travel Tidbits: An American, trying to look cute, while eating her way through Paris

From the bread, to the wine, to the people (who are all impossibly attractive) to the elegance of the architecture - - Paris is one of my favorite cities to visit. I recently had the chance to spend a few days in the "City of Light" and thought I would share some of the highlights...

First up, across the river at Pont Neuf for a quick stop at two of E and I's favorite french boutiques - The Kooples & Sandro...

Next up - food and lots of it! Paris is famous for it's macaroons, particularly those from Ladureé. My favorite macaroons are from a patisserie called Pierre Hermé, which E introduced me to the last time we were in Paris. They have several throughout the city (unfortunately for your diet) and while their standard flavors (vanilla, pistachio, lemon, etc.) are delicious, the real treats are the more unique pairings. Be sure to try the Licorice & Violet, as well as the Jasmine, Vanilla and Olive Oil...trust me, it's amazing.

What did I wear for all of this Parisian eating? My new favorite (and waist band free) travel dress! It's short enough to wear flats without looking dumpy, but long enough that "I see London, I see France, I see Polly's..."(you know the rest) is still just a song. Additionally, it doesn't wrinkle, the navy hue is practically spill-proof and it does wonders when it comes to hiding any vacation "memories" (commonly referred to as pounds).

Here are a few shots from outside the Louvre in the Tuileries Gardens.

Dress: Club Monaco

Shoes: Franco Sarto

Hat: Club Monaco

Sunglasses: Cole Haan

Watch: Michael Kors

Merci for stopping by and Au Revoir!

<3,
Emy & Po

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Animal Prints: Po's Look

Diane Von Furstenberg once said that there is "nothing more feminine and flattering than a leopard print" and I could not agree more. It's feminine, powerful and over the years has become my most reliable wardrobe pick-me-up. It has transformed more days than I can count from feeling corn chips and coca-cola to champagne and caviar (okay okay - not champagne and caviar - but definitely worthy of food that can't be purchased at a drug store.)

While I own leopard in an unnecessary variety of forms (t-shirts, scarves, bags...seriously, it's getting a little absurd) I decided to go with this leopard print maxi dress for Head to Toe's first animal print post. It's a recent and delightfully affordable purchase that can be worn glam'd up for night or dressed down for day. Here I've kept things simple with a lariat necklace and black clutch, but if that's not your style this dress also looks great with a black blazer and heels or a jean jacket and casual sandals.

I hope you enjoy.