The other thing I love about it is Uma Thurman’s character. She proves that a woman can still be sexy even when she’s dressed in layers and trades heels for Sorels. I think she is at her most beautiful in this movie. Her “natural” makeup gives her a “I just walked a mile in the cold and snow” glow and I have invested time and money in trying to re-create the look. And, I think I’ve finally mastered it! I spent the holiday weekend doing very “Minnesota” activities and had several local gals ask what makeup I use along the way.

Uma and her “snow glow”

Now, when you see how many products go into achieving this look, don’t be dismayed. It actually only takes me about 7 minutes to complete and many of you can probably eliminate some steps (I am not blessed with beautiful skin). Some products I have profiled before and some are new to my routine. Those are the ones I’ll focus the most on.

First step is prep. I mix a little of Paula Dorf’s Jet Set Glow tinted moisturizer ($35) with Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm ($34). Jet Set Glo adds a little more moisture and glow to the beauty balm. I first started using it in the nineties when I read it’s what the makeup artist for “Sex and the City” used on Sarah Jessica Parker. I’ve been a fan ever since. The beauty balm does a great job of covering, but if I have a certain blemish that needs a little help, I dot on Loreal’s Magic Lumi concealer ($12). I finish off with a dusting of Bare Mineral’s Ready powder foundation ($29). A little goes along way when it comes to this powder. It has great coverage and keeps the shine at bay. For those of you with perfect skin, you can totally skip this step!

Next comes the color! I use Shiseido Lacquer Rouge RD501 Drama ($25) as a cheek stain (which I actually dot on my apples before powder). It’s not sticky and lasts all day. I follow that up with my all-time favorite bronzer, Too Faced Snow Bunny ($29). A swipe on the forehead, apples, nose, and chin gives a perfect winter bronze. And then it’s time for my new love, Stila’s Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Coral ($20). This blush actually works with your PH so you get the perfect color for your skin. I apply to my apples with a very light hand, as it has ample pigments. My cheeks now have the look of a gal who’s been playing in the snow. And on my lips I use the newest from MAC-après Chic lipstick ($15). après Chic is MAC’s latest collection and all the products were made to give you the look of someone who’s been skiing the slopes all day.

Last, but not least, I do my eyes. I keep it very simple. I first put Dior’s Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28) on my lashes and follow that with two coats of MAC’s new mascara Extreme Dimension Lash ($20). This mascara is seriously fabulous! My eyelashes actually reach my eyebrows (and no flaking or clumping). Speaking of eyebrows, I just swipe on Revlon’s Brow Fantasy ($8) to add some color and hold them in place. Then a spray of Urban Decay’s De-Slick Makeup Setter ($29) and I’m good to go!

Now, Like I said, it seems like a lot, but it’s actually quite simple. And I’m sure you have products at home that will work just as well. The key is to have glowing skin, in-from-the-cold apples, a more natural eye, and just-bitten lips. You’ll look happy, healthy, and like a true winter girl!

“Feeling Minnesota”. On Medicine Lake looking at the icehouses. Very “Beautiful Girls”!

Here’s an excerpt:

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For Always Tote $498
Okay, so maybe the price tag is more like a big gift than a stocking stuffer, but this is my dream tote. The red leather is scrumptious, the satin lining divine, and the cell phone and PDA pockets necessary. This tote comes in three colors and will hold all a girls needs.

Cityscape iPhone Cover $38
This was my purchase (I think it fits me very well). They have many different designs to choose from and are super fun for the fashionista in your life.

Bendel Wellie Keyfob $48
How fun is this! Keyfobs are a great stuffer and makes every girl feel a little more glamorous.

2012 Deck the Halls Snow-globe $68
Snow-globes are a holiday decor must and this one is so chic. Start your collection now and add to it every year. A wonderful tradition!

2012 Strut Your Stuff Desk Diary $98
The perfect organizer for the gal who prefers paper to electronic (like me). She’ll definitely be more efficient with this beauty in her bag.

Choose Me Mug $25
This would go so well with my new Keurig! Ideal for the coffee lover in your life.

Holiday Signature Candle $30
I’ve written before about my love for the Bendel candles and this one captures the scent of the holiday perfectly! Be sure to check out all their aromas-they are divine!!

If you live near a Henri Bendel store, I highly recommend you stop by this holiday season. You’ll be sure to find many wonderful gift ideas for all the ladies in your life.

Fashion icon, Jane Birkin, rocking the pea coat in the sixties

Ali McGraw in “Love Story”

A very modern take on the pea coat

This fall I needed a new coat for a trip to Chicago. I tried on oodles and could not find one I liked. And then I thought, “What about a pea coat”? I haven’t worn once since junior high (and really wish I would have held on to mine). I found a fabulous black one from Calvin Klein. It’s a wool-cashmere blend (so it’s not so itchy) and I love it! I feel very sophisticated and put together in this jacket and it really works for almost every situation. Here are my top five picks for this versatile wonder.

Top Left: Laundry Faux-Fur-Collar $320
Top Right: Miss Sixty Faux-Leather Trim $225
Middle: Calvin Klein Wool Cashmere Blend (my choice) $129.98
Bottom Left: Kenneth Cole Reaction Wool Blend $140
Bottom Right: London Fog Wool Blend $140

all available at Macy’s

So, if you’re in the market for a new jacket, try the pea coat. You won’t be sorry (and they’re all on sale for the holidays)!

Anne Hathaway looks amazing in this black ensemble. The form-fitting dress is sexy and the longer hem makes it classy. Add a little fur jacket, suede bootie, neutral lip, and simple jewelry, and you have the perfect outfit for all your holiday parties.

Gwyneth Paltrow is always chic. She makes what could be a very casual outfit into something fabulous. A tailored jacket, tank, and silky trousers are instantly raised to a new level with the addition of fringed heels.

Kristen Stewart has really become a fashionista. Leather dress paired with quilted leather jacket (great idea to add a different texture when wearing similar fabrics) is biker chic and a strappy bootie is so, so sexy. Add smoldering makeup and you have an urban uniform that will keep you rockin.

Karolina Kurkova also opts for leather. A pencil skirt and fitted bomber jacket make a terrific pairing and a simple pointy heel adds sophistication. Swipe on a burgundy lip and you are right on trend.

I adore this look worn by Olivia Palermo. I would absolutely wear this to work. I’m a huge fan of layering and this is done just right. A long trouser, stellar heels, and black pearls complete the look. It’s classy, trendy, and fun.

Victoria Beckham always gets it right. A cropped blazer with a tired miniskirt is flirty and fun and the only accessories you need are a dangerously high bootie and little box clutch.

Taylor Swift is sporting my usual work look. Cropped black pant, peplum top, little heels (or booties now that’s it’s cold), and a red lip. Simple, elegant, and fabulous.

Stacy Keibler has my second favorite work look-leggings, long top, and a shorter layering piece. Adding a colorful clutch adds interest to an already stunning ensemble.

You can never go wrong wearing black-on-black. It’s always perfect for every and any occasion. You will look classy, chic, and sophisticated.

Today I want to talk about my new favorite product. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge is the perfect combination of stain and gloss. Inspired by Japanese lacquerware, one coat of this gloss provides intense color and deep luster. The formula improves dry, rough, or peeling lips, and leaves your pucker very moisturized. And you never get that icky bleed some rich colors can leave. I love both Disco (RS 404) which is a very vibrant pink and Drama (RD 501) which is the perfect red. Disco took some getting used to as I never wear such bright color, but it really wakes me up. Because it’s a stain, the color lasts all day, and I really only reapply once. Yep, it’s that moisturizing!
Here’s a little secret I shared with the girls at the Shiseido counter-this lacquer is also the most amazing cheek tint. I know, you’d think it would be too sticky, but it actually blends in perfectly. Word of warning, a little bit goes A LONG way. Just the tiniest bit on your fingertip is all you need for rosy cheeks. I’ve also found it’s a great way to look refreshed when you’re having a long day. Dot, dot, and you look instantly revived!

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge $25

Oh yeah-the tube is small enough to fit into any purse which is great. No more lugging gloss, stain, lipstick, blush, and brush-you have all of that in one tube!

The collection is available at Macy’s for a limited time starting September 12th. Locally, it will only be at the Southdale location, but you can always try on-line too. And if you think you want to view the collection, contact me for a private showing!!

Another item I want to cover is Fashion’s Night Out. This event will be held in fashion cities world-wide on September 6th. This global initiative was originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy, and put the fun back into shopping! It has been wildly successful and continues to grow each year. Minneapolis has many glamorous events planned and the festivities run from 4-9pm. The hubs and I will be attending Macy’s red carpet fashion show and will then scoot over to Neiman Marcus to take in their last FNO event here in the Twin Cities.

For more information on FNO events in Minneapolis, please visit Downtown MPLS

Even if you can’t make it to the festivities, just get out and shop on September 6th. Brick and mortar stores can use all the support they can get!

I’m going to try really hard to blog more often. I miss it and all of you!!

As you can see (and no, this isn’t me), it really does work. From the first application, my hair was shiny, more manageable, and very silky. And I can also vouch for the humidity claims. This summer has been one humid mother, and this product keeps my hair smooth all day long. Applied to towel-dried hair, Crack makes blow-drying a snap. The brush glides through hair and makes the whole process much easier. I’m left with hair that has tons of volume and looks smooth as glass. I’m already addicted. But a warning, a little bit goes a long way.

Crack $19.95
available at Ulta

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

Daughter of one of my idols, Carine Roitfeld, this art director and model is now based in NYC. She consults for labels like Miu Miu, Zac Prosen, and Jean Paul Gaultier and it’s no wonder. She always looks amazing and is almost always in black. She is both glamorous and edgy.

Clemence Posey

As an actress, she has starred in such works as “Harry Potter” and “Gossip Girl”. As a model, she has been the face of Chloe fragrance and G-Star, and has walked the runway for Chanel, Burberry, and Balenciaga. What I love about her is her freshness.

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Actress, singer, and the daughter of Jane Birkin (you know, the woman who inspired the infamous Hermes Birkin bag). And if that’s not enough, she is the longtime muse of Balenciaga’s designer, Nicolas Ghesquiere. I admire how she takes classic pieces and makes them edgy.

Lou Doillon

Also the daughter of Jane Birkin, this gal is an actress and has modeled for Gap, Pirelli, and is a muse for Givenchy, Burberry, and Vanessa Bruno. She has fun with fashion and always adds the right accessories.

Elisa Sednaoui

Model, actress, and fashion week fixture, Elisa also has the honor of being the “spiritual” god daughter of Christian Louboutin (I wish). This beauty has starred in ads for Chanel, Armani, and Roberto Cavalli. I love how she is very bohemian yet still uber stylish.

It isn’t hard to see why French women are so stylish. They just get it. They would never leave the house in sweats, yet they still have a casual air about them. It seems as though they don’t try hard but there must be a thought process somewhere. Or maybe they’re just born with it. Either way, I think they are fabulous!

The main room at Douglas Lodge. Named for former Attorney General Wallace B. Douglas who was a pivotal figure in the battle to save timber in the park at the turn-of-the-century. The lodge was built in 1905.

Itasca State Park is set on 32,000 acres and contains 100 lakes. Lake Itasca, which is crystal clear, has a fabulous beach and the best changing rooms/showers I’ve ever used. The sports facility offers the rental of bicycles, boats, and other outdoor recreational equipment. There are several boat launches and it’s quite nice to paddle to the lodge for a meal.

Lake Itasca Tours offers a 2-hour boat excursion on the Chester Charles II. The lodge will pack you a picnic lunch or you can purchase snacks and beverages on board.

Wilderness Drive is a 10 mile stretch that takes you through the heart of the forests. Beautiful winding road with plenty of wildlife and nature. Gorgeous!

There are so many hiking trails there’s no way you can experience them in one trip. We took the Dr. Roberts trail. This trail winds for 2 miles through forest and bogs. There is also the Old Timer’s Cabin on a point that was once used for honeymoons. It is only 4 logs high!

On the trail. So tranquil, but the flies were stalking me!

There was a huge storm a few days earlier and there were many trees down. It didn’t matter-I would have found my way around anything to get away from the bugs!

The storm knocked a tree onto a tent (no one was hurt). The hubby goofing off!

The park also features the Aiton Fire Tower. This 100 foot tall tower, which was restored in 1998, is worth the climb. The view is amazing. You can see over the top of the forest, spot the lakes, and really appreciate the wonder of nature.

Only 6 people can be on the tower at a time. I didn’t think I’d make it to the top, but I am so glad I did.

Guido 100 feet up. Look at that view!

I’m trying to summon the energy to climb 100 feet!

One of the really special points of the park is the fact that the headwaters of the Mississippi River are located here. Here the mighty Miss begins her 2552 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s quite spectacular. Very small, very clear, and full of people! Some were swimming, some were wading, and others were walking across the slippery boulders.

Can you tell the hubby is a writer/photographer? Look at all that gear!

The rocks were way too treacherous for me, but there were plenty of others willing to give it a go.

We always stop to listen to the demonstrations. Here, a young park ranger teaches me about fishers.

After a day of exploring, we headed back to our camp. One of the best parts of the trip was that our good friends live close by. They came over to hang out with us for the evening.

Best buds, campfire, and being outdoors. Makes for a very enjoyable evening!

If you’re looking for a wonderful place to camp and explore, I highly recommend Itasca State Park. It’s a true gem!

For more information, please visit the DNR