image via Layermi

It was the strong, unapologetic and independent women of today that have inspired me to search for the right tools to make life easier in the new year. Sure we have heard of fashion tape, push up bras and quick do it yourself fixes from your grandmother but the renaissance woman of today needs something even better than that. No matter the issue, find the solution for it with these products. The same way you expect to reach for your aspirin in the bathroom mirror, these are your must haves as you step into 2011.

You have heard of “The Great Unwashed” being written up the New York Times and while we might frown at the lack of soap, your hair is rejoicing with natural oils. It is common knowledge that if you wash you hair every single day and apply hot tools to your mane it will become damaged and dry. The All Nighter Styling Powder is simply dry shampoo, which you can use to prolong your beautiful hair without washing it again and again. Apply it to your roots where oils are created and watch it being styled in the process.

Have an issue that needs fixing? Miss Oops! has made it their business to make the tricks that fix life’s little annoyances. Their list of products geared towards beauty and fashion seems endless and I am constantly checking for updates. Be ready to be the life of the party, because you will never have an oops moment with Miss Oops on your side. A great example are their Show Stoppers, which are reusable silicone nipple covers protecting you from an oops mishap.

We can all spot those those trendy sheer tops and sexy deep v neck shirts or dresses you’d love to buy. We also pass them up because no under garment in your drawer matches up to their level. Not if you are the creative fashionista of today. Layermi has solved that problem with their easy and lightweight bandeau bras. They are soft and comfortable, yet fit precisely to your body. I have become addicting to wearing them with everything. Try it and once you wear one you will never want to return to ugly under wire.

The multitasking sophisticated lady of 2011 does not pump gas unprepared. If you hate pumping gas all together and loathe the smell on your hands afterwards, Pump Glovesare your answer. The gloves have a classy look that make you want to wear them to more places than just your gas station. These gloves just might start a trend, however protecting your hands is always in style.

When the modern woman travels there is packing. La Fresh has saved me on more than one occasion. With their wipes in hand, life gets easier and a lot more convenient. There is a wipe for almost every need you might have; face and body for both men and women, cleaning, manicures, travel and personal care. My favorite product from La Fresh is their 100% biodegradable and waterproof make-up remover. These miracle wipes are not like any other, resistant makeup melts under their touch with no greasy residue or alcohol added to my sensitive skin.

images via the hip hostess

Since Winter can bring on the blues, I like to surround myself with visual images of what happiness means to me. The image of a dandelion reminds me of my childhood and a time when life seemed simpler. What cherished memories or images mean instant happiness for you?

Ok, here is the deal! There has been inconsistency in my blogging activity lately. Hands down. It’s true.  And here is the reason: I have been extremely exhausted. No-no I’m not trying to throw a pity party! Not at all. I’m just saying that sometimes your social gene and your energy level collapses and you need some private time to recharge, breathe and rejuvenate. I even woke up one morning around 5:30 am before a shoot and found my self doing a bit of yoga again after… well… 13 months..? Wow! Rockstar gone Yogi…? Perhaps not. But, either way last week has been pretty intense on many levels…

For instance: I had a 4 hour long meeting with the owner of Amusedom (which is the artist network where through I have decided to publish my next book) and in a week from now we are going to disclose 10 pages, plus pictures and the cover of my book ”NYC head over (high) heels”. A lovestory between NYC and me, packed with the best and most up to date tips about the city that never sleeps. Where to eat, shop, drink, stay, party, art, who to kiss and where to do it. It’s all there…

It will be available in print, for ipad, iphone, kindle and of course normal downloads after New Years.

So…. enjoy Thanksgiving and see you on the other side…

Colorful images of beverages- by Steve Mack/Rob Loud Photography for Taylor PR Event 
 

Taken by Missoni Fall 2010 video by Anger

MISSONI by Kenneth Anger from Wonderland Magazine on Vimeo.

Fashion: Louis Vuitton bikini, tunic from the local Anjuna market in Goa, India, vintage jewelry and shades, Object belt on top of my grandmother’s gold cheetah belt, Dolce&Gabanna hotpants, Louis Vuitton handbag and Steve Madden sandals

Natascha & I

..I am not, however who can resist a good flea market. If you are visiting New York and want to stock up this Fall/Winter on great military jackets, funky jewelry, vintage handbags, kicking boots and other unique items a flea market is the place to go. The Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is no “digging for the special items” kind of market, all is out in the open and you will most likely find what you are looking for. Everyone knows if you want to make something old new again going with a true vintage is better than a factory made replica. I just wish I took more photos and learned to negotiate before spending all my cash within the first 15 minutes. This market is a must see and trust me buy buy before someone else gets their hands on item you’ve been wanting. Next time, it might not be there.

The Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is open every Saturday & Sunday, located on 39th and 9th in NYC.

“Real Fact” #919 from the back of a Snapple cap – “The lollipop was named after one of the most famous racehorses in the early 1900’s, Lolly Pop.”

The candy on a stick was invented by a George Smith manufacturer in Connecticut. The most famous horse at that time “Lolly Pop” was an inspiration that has made the horse, or at least his name immortal.

below – image of a vintage card