Get The Look: Modern 90's Grunge

Ah the 90s- what a clever decade. Made most famous by sitcoms like Seinfeld, Friends, Full House, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, Fresh Prince, and one of my favorites Frasier. Yes, I'm completely serious. Speaking of entertainment, when I think back on my youth, I remember having tons of fake pets to keep me constantly busy. There was my furbie, my multiple tamagotchies, pound puppies, and giga pets. Imagine if they made stickers to place on the back window of your mini van (if you owned a mini van) for all of those lessons in virtual responsibility! 

 I remember jamming and doing the running man to music blaring through my boombox. It wasn't a party unless TLC, Alanis Morisette, Color Me Badd, En Vogue, Barenaked Ladies, Kris Kros, 2pac, and Red Hot Chili Peppers were invited! While I agree this is a very eclectic mix of music, I want to remind you this was the 90s man. So as another year comes to a close, and our fashion trends come and go let us get a taste of what is to come...or repeat. The 90's grunge look is back, and here is how we styled it with a modern twist. 

Get The Look: Modern 90s Grunge by duskandrubies featuring green sunglasses

Lipsy sleeveless top
$26 - lipsy.co.uk

Forever 21 top
forever21.com

The Row leather trousers
net-a-porter.com

Yeswalker black booties
yesstyle.com

MCM leather strap backpack
$875 - monnierfreres.co.uk

Ray-Ban green sunglasses
$280 - superette.co.nz

Slouch hat
$100 - black.co.uk

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

I can never make just one New Year's resolution, and I think that is a good thing. Why not reach for as many goals as one can muster in one year? Plus, I don't want to put all of my time and energy into losing weight- that would just drive me crazy. Instead, I always make a few resolutions for different areas of my life like, relationships, health & fitness, aspirations, family, spirituality, career, and self. This way as each year passes I am moving forward in as many ways as possible. I also don't beat myself up if I don't reach my goal in one year. Some goals take more time! 

For my health & fitness resolution, I wanted to lose weight the healthy way. I wanted to lose weight, gain muscle, go to the gym more, and maintain healthful eating habits. Although I started losing weight in February and not December 31st at 12 am, I am continuing my journey of healthy weight loss going into 2014. This year I am 13 lbs lighter than I was last year. I consider this a complete win, and am enjoying taking my time as I lose weight and move towards my goal!

Here are some tips to help you keep your resolutions this year:

1. Celebrate your efforts towards your goals even if you haven't met, or completed them yet. It is the steps we take in the right direction that count. 

2. Don't measure your progress strictly by "how much". Meaning, don't measure by how much money you saved, or how many pounds you lost, but by all the changes you have endured and the growth you see in yourself as you have steadily worked towards your goals.    

3. Remember, some goals take more than one year to complete! Think about the goal you are setting. Is it a two-year goal? Three year? Four year? Setting appropriate goals means understanding what you can actually achieve in a certain time frame. Reaching our goals is supposed to be fun and gratifying, not stressful and overwhelming. 

4. Keep yourself motivated throughout the year. With weight loss, I find it works best to give myself short goal incentives. At the end of every month I would celebrate with something special like a new dress, a small stay-cation, or a new book. 

5. Make more than 1 resolution! Instead of focusing on the resolution you didn't meet, what about all the ones you did, or are in progress? Having more than one resolution gives you more than one opportunity to make it stick. 

Want to know how to make these completely motivational weight loss trackers? It's simple...

DIY: MOTIVATIONAL TRACKERS

Step 1: Find or buy 2 glass jars (Mine are candle holders from the Dollar Tree)

Step 2: Hot glue one of your glass jars/ candle holders onto a glass candlestick holder (also from the Dollar Tree) 

Step 3: Use scrap booking letters to label your two glass jars. For an even easier DIY use stickers to label "pounds lost" and "pounds to go". Further decorate your glass containers however you please! 

Step 4: Find or buy marbles, buttons, glass gem filler, or anything else you can get your hands on to use as counters. Pebbles from the beach will work as well, and they're free...and Voila! 

Step 5: With every pound you lose, you will be able to move a stone from your "pounds to go" pile into your "pounds lost" pile. It is a very rewarding feeling! 

You can use this DIY to track anything! It could be miles you ran during the week, money you saved, or even each resolution you plan to reach this year. Find what inspires you to be better this year, and start moving towards it.

What are you planning to make your New Year's Resolution this year? Share with us through e-mail, facebook, instagram, or in the comment section below!

Like always stay lovely, 

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog

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Foodie Reviews: Celebrating My Birthday At The Plaza- Tea Style

The Plaza is one of my favorite places in the city, so it was perfect when my sister, Nicole, treated me to afternoon tea to celebrate my birthday! Take a look at all the fun treats and sweets we tried together below. It is a bit pricey, but completely worth the experience.  

(Left- Right): The Fitzgerald Tea For The Ages & The New Yorker

Smoked Salmon W/ Caviar

Smoked Salmon W/ Caviar

Curried Lobster Salad W/ Local Apple

Roquefort, Shaved Grapes, And Watercress

Deviled Quail Egg Salad

Prosciutto W/ Mozzarella and Pesto

Roasted Turkey Sandwich W/ Pomegranate Chutney
Roast Beef W/ Horseradish
The Fitzgerald Desserts
The New Yorker Desserts

The Palm Court Tea is fit for foodies of all ages. Each morsel is more delicious than the next.  And, you will want to try it all!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies 

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The Leather Spa

Because even our accessories need a little rejuvenation! 

In the winter everything loses its supple elasticity, and its smooth and silky texture. I am not just talking about our skin, our hair, our nails,  (gahh my cuticles in the winter drive me crazy!) but also our leather handbags, shoes, and accessories. You know your favorite designer boots that are no longer available and look visibly weathered? You know the ones  I mean. They are so weathered you tell yourself they look "vintage" just to make yourself feel better. Although, deep down, you are well aware that your shoes are one walk up 5th Ave away from literally turning into dust. I think every girl has one pair of jeans, shoes, or favorite accessory that if anything happened to it would get on her knees and wail to the gods about how unfair life can be, then maybe eat some chocolate... or a brownie... to numb the pain...

Anyway...

 

I have a pair of boots that are my absolute favorite that are in dire need of saving. So where can you go to save a pair of leather shoes? Why a spa of course; The Leather Spa to be exact and it was one of the best Spa experiences of my life. 

Let us take a look at the before picture shall we (Dusk & Rubies is a sucker for a good before and after sequence):

 

 

The proof is in the (figgy) pudding. So while your moisturizing your face and conditioning your hair this wintry season, don't forget about giving your bags and shoes a little TLC! 

 

Here's The Store Information:

The Plaza Hotel
1 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019

Tel: 212.527.9944
plaza@leatherspa.com
Find this location on foursquare

Business Hours

Mon – Fri 10am - 7pm

Saturday 10am - 6pm

 

Stay Lovely,

 

D.R

 

Editor and Curator of

 

Dusk & Rubies



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TKO Watches At Henri Bendel

While walking through NYC, the possibility of bumping into someone interesting is extremely likely! You can never fully expect who you could meet (Like that one time Bruce Willis gave me directions, and my sister became so excited her flailing arms hit me hard, square in the chest and almost re-started my heart).  Yeah, a girl needs to be prepared! I've learned to bring my Canon everywhere I go, because you never know when inspiration will strike.

Well a few days ago, while perusing Bendels I noticed a funky watch. I immediately called my sister over, and as we admired a rubber skeleton watch for its perfect color (Mint Milano), and its expert price point (only $125!), graphic designer and co-designer of TKO watches came up and introduced himself! 

Get Their Milano (Rubber) Skeleton Watch  Here In:
 Rose, Purple, Mint
for other colors visit their website: here

TKO stands for The Knock Out which is a watch brand notable for its daring designs. We are not talking about the Justin Timberlake song which is A-MA-ZING by the way, but rather these fun and fashionable watches!

                         

Kevin told us a lot about his brand. The watch we admired was featured in Elle magazine! That was not the first time TKO had been noticed by the press. TKO was chosen by Oprah and featured in her Favorite Things- that's big time! Remember how I said daring desings? Well TKO uses slap band technology for some of their watches. Remember slap-bracelets? Well, what is also amazing about TKO is they have an entire line of slap-band watches, which has taken the 90s slap-band technology and made it super posh through their expert craftsmanship, designs, and use of luxury materials.

What we love about these watches are their vibrant colors, and their construction. I loved how these watches were made out of rubber, and light in weight, making them perfect for warmer weather, vacations, beachwear, and running around (whether at the gym or around the town) 

Kevin graphic designer, and co-designer of TKO watches, 2013

Kevin also gave us the insiders scoop to what will be trending this Spring, 2014, in accessories! If you think the patent leather trend is going to go away just because the weather will be warming up, then I have to tell you that you are mistaken! Patent leather is here to stay, and you will see it in all accessories including TKO's watch sets at Henri Bendel. They come with bands in amazing colors. 

So, where will you wear your TKO watch? And, what do you think about patent leather yay, or nay? Sound off in the comment section below. Personally I love patent leather I think it always looks great, adds an instant glint to any outfit, and it wears well!

Stay Lovely, 

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog

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Holiday Beauty Giveaway!

Saving time is really important to us here at Dusk & Rubies! We are always busy either writing, working, creating new designs, teaching, going to events, visiting stores, and supporting women and small businesses. It takes a lot outta a girl! But it shouldn't keep us from looking our best. That is why Dusk & Rubies is giving away one of our favorite time saving beauty products! Yay free stuff- now that is lovely!

What you can win:

elf's Shimmering Facial Whip is a multipurpose, on-the-go whipped highlighter packed with Vitamin E to instantly brighten and soothe skin with no greasy after-feel. Ideal for using on your cheeks, lips, eyelids or anywhere you would like a radiant pop of shimmering color. 

Watch how to use it here:

Can't see the video? Click here

Rules for entry:

Like us on facebook

And answer our fun question in the comments below!

Everyone has had a "its been that kind of morning" morning. Tell us your funniest, craziest story about that time you were running late!

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Custom Orders Can Still Be Placed Until December 18th!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

CONTINUE READING

How To: Do Your Make-up for Work In 5 Minutes

You know that feeling when the big boss is holding a meeting in the early morning and you're rushing to get there on time? Well I do! Here is a way to keep it looking flawless, and make a great impression, because you'll get to work early using these quick and easy make-up tips!

 

First: Apply Tarte's Maracuja Creaseless Concealer under eyes, and to problem spots with the pad of your pointer finger.

Second: With a powder brush apply Cover Girls's Trublend mineral formula to the outer areas of your face. (The areas opposite your T section)

Third: For easy contouring in seconds use e.l.f's Essential Clarifying Pressed powder in a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone. Use this as a highlighter: dust down your nose, cheek bones, and middle of your forehead, and chin.



First: Using e.l.f's blush brush apply Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12- hour blush (I used doll face) to the apples of your cheeks.

Second: Using e.l.f's blush brush apply Tarte's Amazonian Clay Bronzer under your cheek bones and blush, to your temples, to your jaw line, to the sides of your nose, to add contour and shading. (This step slims down face as well as gives your look perfect balance.

Step 1: Apply e.l.f's shimmering whip to the arches underneath your eyebrows, down your nose, in the inner corner of your eyes to brighten and add a little glimmer to your day.

Step 1: Using your eyelash curler curl your eyelashes by pumping your curler multiple times. (Short quick squeezes are the key to sky high lashes!)

Step 2: Brush on Tarte's Lights Camera Action 4 in 1 Mascara.

Step 3: After your mascara dries curl your eyelashes once more for extra height!



Step 5: Sephora makes this amazing hydrating lip balm called Sugar and it comes in different shades. All smell delicious, and all leave your lips soft and shiny.

I have used all of these products and completely endorse their quality! They are available at:

 Tarte Cosmetics Website

30% off Friends and Family Sale going on now

and #teamlovelies you're all my friends

the coupon code: DECFF

E.L.F Cosmetics Websites

On orders $25+ add code GC10 to the coupon code

box at checkout to receive a FREE $10 Gift Card automatically

shipped with your order.

Sephora Website

Try this look the next time you're in a hurry! And, let us know what you think in the comments below.

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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A Few Of D&R's Favorite Things: A New York City Holiday Guide

While you can find both cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels in NYC, here are a few of my favorite things, where to buy them, and their price, for the next time you're visiting Manhattan.

1. Freshly Manicured Digits

In the city and notice your nails look less than posh? We can't have that! Head over to Clover Nails located at 435 Park Avenue (Between 29th & 30th St) Yes, I said Park Ave, but don't be scared off by the address. This salon is one of the most reasonable nail salons around. A manicure cost me $10, and a gel manicure is $35. Ask for Valeria; and tell her I sent you! She does an amazing job. Not only was I completely entertained with the uber chic people watching out of their second story floor to ceiling windows, Valeria cleaned up my nail beds, and truly pampered me. All of the women who work at Clover Nails are Goddesses! I went on a Thursday, without an appointment and they saw me right away. This place is a treasure.

Open Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am- 7:30pm


2. Vegan and Vegetarian Options

During the holidays you can choose to pack on the weight, or eat healthy at certain times so you can indulge a bit later without gaining an ounce. I think I'll take the second, and a delectable organic tofu and shaved cabbage salad from le pain quotidian (think: arugula, carrots, toasted seeds, and miso-ponzu dressing...yum). The best part is there are locations all over Manhattan, so wherever you are you can find one close by and enjoy a tasty and healthy organic dish!

3. Christmas Trees (Besides Rockefeller)

What I love most about the holidays are the many Christmas trees of all shapes, sizes, décor in every lobby, storefront, office space, window display, and park all over the city. Want to snap a memorable family photo, couple photo, or besty photograph without all those people you don't know getting in your picture? Opt for these slightly less famous, but still gorgeous all the same Christmas tree locations:

The Metlife Building Lobby

Park Avenue South (walking towards the train station

the street is lined with outdoor office building Christmas Trees, and all of their employees are hustling and bustling inside- not outside of their buildings.)

The Plaza Christmas Tree

(Can't miss it! Right when you walk in from the main entrance on 5th Avenue in front of The Palm Court!)

4. The Gingerbread House @ The Palm Court

 Of course The Plaza would be on this list twice. See their amazing gingerbread creation (This thing is so huge it needs its own velvet rope!) Located inside The Palm Court.

5. Holiday Work Party & Drinks


Anejo Tequileria is the perfect place for a holiday work party, or get together with the girlfriends before heading home for the holidays. This Tequileria not only has grade A tequila flights but also a delicious tapas style menu. I recommend the Mezuna and Spiced Cashew Salad ($9), and the Tamale De Lamb Barbacoa ($12). For tequila flights I suggest trying the Extra Anejo ($30). To save some cash order a Pacifico, which is similar to a Corona and the only lite beer on the menu ($7).

Location:
668 10th Ave. at 47th St.
212-920-4770info@anejonyc.com
Open for dinner Mondays through Sundays at 5:30PM
Brunch Saturdays and Sundays 11:30AM-3:30PM

Have any tips for those traveling into the city? E-mail us, and tweet us #d&rtraveltips to let us know! And, of course leave comments below!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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