January Beauty Favorites

1.  RG Collagen Shampoo + Mask:  I've been using this shampoo + hair treatment for the past 2 months now, and it's helped my mane tenfold.  It smells like heaven and smoothes like a boss. The formula contains argan oil and silk amino acids that treat and protect your strands, leaving you with ridonkulously soft hair.  If you're looking for new hair products, give this line a try!

2.  Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme ($25):  Hands down, the most amazing hand creme I've ever used!  It pretty much cured my cracked skin overnight, which is all sorts of awesomesauce.  Plus, it smelled magical so there's that!  Also, you can feel good about splurging on this product because $4 of it goes to support cruelty-free research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (!!!)

3.  Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation ($12.99):  I can't even begin to tell you guys how awesome this product is!  It works JUST as well as Amore Pacific's version yet costs a fraction of the price.  It gives my skin good coverage, and it's convenient for touch-ups on the go.  I use warm nude, and it matches my skin perfectly.  I'm definitely sold! I'll be repurchasing this over and over again.

The following products were sent to me to review as a judge for the AOL lifestyle winter beauty awards.  Click to see a list of all the judges!

4.  Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($48): If you guys have dry skin like me, you've probably experienced a strange tightness around your eye area.  It's not super uncomfortable or anything, but it's hella annoying.  These patches have really helped though, and they conveniently stay fixed on my face so I can go about doing stuffs!  Hashtag hustler problems. TIP:  Put them in your fridge for a cooling effect that feels great + helps with puffiness.

5.  Super Goop CC Cream ($32):  I absolutely loved this CC Cream.  I got it in light/medium, and it complemented my skin tone beautifully.  I'm all about this product because it gives me a natural but flattering finish - think my skin but better, ha.  If you need extra coverage, correct spots with dabs of concealer on top!  

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SS Eats: Fig & Olive, Part II

Pumped to tell you guys all about my latest nom adventure with Justin Schuble aka DCFoodporn.  We went to Fig & Olive last week to get our grub on.  I had heard really good things about their prix fixe lunch menu so I was beyond excited to devour it all.  

To start, we ordered two cocktails: The Fig & Olive and the Cucumber Cosmo.  The former was made with organic cucumber vodka, blood orange olive oil, simple syrup, egg white, celery, lime juice, and blood orange puree.  The latter was a mix of elderflower liqueur, cucumber puree, lime juice, and cucumber vodka. 

We were starving so we placed our order quickly.  Our waiter was super helpful and attentive!  Fig & Olive definitely gets a 10 for service, and as always, the ambiance was on point.  If you're big on beautiful decor, you'll absolutely love this restaurant.  Their interior is sublime!  I still can't get over how gorgeous their bar is.

Now, back to food!  Their prix fixe lunch set costs $29 for three courses, but you can start with a crostini tasting for an extra $8.  There are 9 different flavor combinations available, but I went with the Proscuitto, Shrimp, and Gorgonzola.

For starters, they offered four different appetizers as choices.  Justin went with the Salmon Crudo, and I ordered the Burrata & Heirloom Beet Salad.  The salmon was marinated in a pink peppercorn pomegranate dressing and was garnished with pomegranate and grapefruit segment.  

My dish had slivered red apple, radicchio di Treviso, and hazelnut and was topped with a dill apple cider dressing. I'm a sucker for cheese in general so this was pretty much a slam dunk in my book!  I haven't had burrata in forever either so I was excited to indulge.  

Now, moving onto our main entrees.  Justin went with the Riviera Salmon, and I got the Walnut & Gorgonzola Linguine with shrimp.  I don't eat fish so I didn't have a chance to try his dish, but he told me it was tasty.  It was accompanied by braised endive, baby kale, cauliflower puree olive & piquillo condiment.  

My noodles were tossed with white dried fig, shaved red pear, and scallion.  The sauce was very unique - I've never tasted anything quite like it before!  If you're a fan of interesting pasta dishes, give this a go!  Note:  the shrimp (or protein of your choice) costs extra.

For dessert aka my favorite part of any meal, we got both offerings and shared.  The Chestnut Mousse & Amarena Cherry (pictured below) came with a walnut meringue and cherry sorbet.  The other dessert was called Chocolate Pot de Creme, and it came with a crunchy praline financiers + vanilla cream.  I definitely preferred the second, but that's probably because I love chocolate everything so I may not be the most objective judge.  

Have any of you guys tried their food yet? They have several locations throughout the US so head on over it you live close by.  Also, who here's a fan of prix fixe menus?

A huge thanks to Fig & Olive for having us.

Editorial: Prickly Thorn, but Sweetly Worn

Hey guys, it's time for another editorial on SS.  I'm beyond pumped to share today's post with you guys - it's the first of three fabulous shoots I did with the incredible Jared Wolfe in his new studio in Alexandria, VA.  His work is always amazing, but these shots are my favorite by far!  I can't wait to show you guys the rest!  Stay tuned for lots of awesome things to come.

I'm wearing so many of my favorites in today's post.  I told you guys all about my boots HERE a while back so let's skip that and start with my new statement necklace courtesy of JWholesale!  I can't even begin to tell you guys how cute this piece is. I own a bajillion of their baubles, but this takes the cake, and it's even cuter in person!

My new dress is from Gentle Fawn.  You guys should be familiar with them already - since I've featured them on SS several times in the past - but if you need a refresher, they're all about steeze (style + ease).  Their designs are effortlessly fashionable and ooze quality with their fabrics and construction.  I seriously want everything they sell! Have you guys come across their brand in stores yet?

Other fabulous tunic-dresses for your browsing pleasure (under $75):

Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR || Necklace:  c/o JWholesale || Dress:  c/o Gentle Fawn

Shot by the amazing Jared Wolfe.  To book a session with him, hit him up here.