Chit Chat Woman of the Week: Jennifer Garner

Jen looking fresh and fabulous at the Oscars Jen's post-baby premier debut: fantastic & healthy!

I have to admit: I've never been a huge, huge fan. But I have greatly come to admire this woman's discretion and sense of privacy for her and her family's life. Lately she's been working the red carpet for her newest release Ghosts of Girlfriends Past while sporting a fabulous and healthy post-baby body. She always looks so fresh, natural, glowing with inner happiness and confidence which I love. Incredibly genuine and not caught up in the frenzy of photogs and media coverage; a private, everyday woman. Jen has recently been showering compliments on her husband, Ben Affleck, lovingly thanking him for staying home and watching the two girls while she's off promoting. If only we all could have a man of such caliber & that smile of hers to boot!

Guilty Pleasures

I started thinking today what my weaknesses are.  Things I crave and adore.  Things I just cannot resist!  Hopefully I am not the only one that has these guilty pleasures!

Cupcake on King St. chocolate chip cheesecake cupcake.  Drrooollll

Puppies.  Even guys have a weakness!

Online Shopping. Obviously. At 11am and 12 pm those onilne private sales open, and I'm at my computer at 10:58 am and 11:58 am ready to browse the sales.

ICE CREAM.  Ice cream makes the world go round.

What can't you resist?

An Excuse to Shop

Not only is it spring season, it is wedding season! I am attending two weddings next month and absolutely need something great to wear. What a better excuse to go dress shopping! I'm looking for something vivid and bright, something not typical black or solid color. Here are a few things I have my eyes on:

This French Connection Fly on by Dress, $178, is a very demure dress with bright embroidery.

This Anthropologie Ascend Dress, $158, would standout in a gathering.

The bright colors of this Sunner Floral Obi Tunic, $299, are beautiful!

All of these and all the others I've searched through are more than my budget for buying these wedding outfits. I am going to physically roam around King St. here in Charleston, and also back at home in D.C. and see what deals I can get! Ill update on those findings soon!

Getting Crafty

My roommate in took a jewelry making class in college and the other night she busted out her jewelery making tool kit to fix a broken earring she had made before. This had sparked some curiosity in my part wondering if I could play around and fix something for myself. So the other day during lunch I stopped by the craft store and picked up some beads and necklace making materials. I was inspired by the recent trends of statement necklace and decided to see if it was possible for me to fashion a trendy accessory piece.

The first necklace I made, I had in mind the J Crew Bubble Necklace and used it as the inspiration for my first piece. I couldn't find large enamel beads or anything close to what the Bubble necklace has... but I just used the design of the "bib" layout of the necklace.

The J Crew Bubble Necklace

My first attempt to make a statement necklace! It's somewhat similar... kind of? Haha I made it for my friend's birthday, and I'm hoping she likes it! It took me a few hours to bead and attach pin hooks, etc. I started to play around with it around 9 pm, and got so carried away that I didn't notice that it was 12:30 am when I was halfway done. So I finished it the next night and started a new project. I had searched through my old jewelry drawers and found an old bracelet that had broken. I loved the beads it had and used them in a new necklace. I had incorporated some left over beads I used from the first piece. I love this one!

These pictures were taken with my phone... I will update with some better images of the necklaces. And hopefully I will be posting more creations!

This One's For the Guys - Guest Contributor Rich

My friend Rich is contributing to Chit Chat and discussing his morning routine. There are some great skin care tips directed for the guys, but some of us gals could definitely benefit too.

This installment is focused around a gentleman’s facial skin care. As we can all agree, it is important to always look our best. We eat healthy, we work out, and we buy nice clothes, so why ignore our face? Whether we’re on a job interview or sitting poolside, having a nice smooth skin is a must. Let me take you through my daily routine and shed some light on some unfamiliar territory.

Like all men, my daily routine starts in the shower. I never really feel awake until I wash my face. You’ll want to avoid harsh soaps or acne type products (ie. Clearasil). These products will dry your skin out and cause it to itch or even flake. I recommend Philosophy Purity Made Simple. This is a gentle face wash that defiantly won’t dry out your face or leave you smelling fruity. ~$32

Once I’m out of the shower and my face is dry, its time to moisturize! Adding moisture to your face is the key to healthy looking skin, especially in the winter. The trouble is finding the right product that won’t leave your face greasy or wet during the summer months. I err on the side of caution and apply a light moisturizer. I also choose a moisturizer with some SPF sun protection. Why not? As the days are getting longer, we’ll be spending more time outside. I use Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew™ SPF 15. One pump is all you need to cover your face and neck. It goes on light and rubs in very quickly. ~$40

Remember guys, the sun is your enemy. 40 may be the new 30, but looking 40 should be avoided at all costs. If you are going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time, I recommend Neutrogena® Age Shield Face Sunblock. With SPF 70, you can be sure only one application is needed for all day protection. Don’t forget your ears and the back of your neck! ~$11

It is very important to wash your face at night before sleep. The grime of the city and smoke from the bars will damage your pores and cause irritation. To change up my routine, once a week or so I exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This brightens your skin and prevents breakouts. You’ll want a gentle product that won’t over dry your face. I use Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. ~$25

After washing, I apply Korres Thyme Honey Cream. This is a great light moisturizer that will soak deep into your skin overnight. Unlike your daily face cream, there is no need for any SPF. Just dip the tip of your finger into the jar. ~$32.50

I personally suffer from dark circles under my eyes. To mitigate them, I apply Kinerase Under Eye Rescue. This isn’t a necessary step for everyone. It just takes a little dot right under the eyes. ~$60

Seem like a lot? Well, it is! Getting into a daily (and nightly) routine is crucial for success! Pretty soon it will just seem like brushing your teeth or applying deodorant. Worried about the cost? Drop some hints to your girlfriend. She’ll be so impressed she may just order the whole lot for you. Just be aware she may be using them too when you’re not looking. These products should easily last 4 – 5 months with daily usage.

There is nothing more macho than having a soft, young looking face. Ciao for now.

Well it's great to know some guys take the time to take care of their skin! I may just use some of these items myself. Knowing my boyfriend though it would take him a little to get into the habit of using all these products. Perhaps I could buy one thing, like the moisturizer, to start out with. Good skin care is important for everyone! Thanks Rich!

It's Earth Day!

I am trying to be more cautious today about the environment and how I can decrease the amount of trash, energy, and "eco-unfriendly" things in my daily life. I'm thinking it will help me focus on good eco practices in the long run. Now, so far today I have attempted to use less energy by opening my blinds up this morning and getting ready without having to use unnatural light, I did have to turn on one lamp to make sure my make up was well blended and I didn't look cakey... but it was a lamp with an energy saving bulb :) . I have also planned to not drive to the gym after work, but to ride my bike to the Cooper River Bridge and run across it for my workout. I think they are pretty good efforts for Earth Day.






And along with those practices, I've decided to scope out some eco-friendly fashions that aren't necessarily organic cotton tees that say, "Hug a Tree.":

This Leyendecker Lisa Dress, $275 is smokin' hot!

This Ruche Silk Sheer Bow Charcoal Blouse, $45, is very feminine and romantic.

How awesome is this Virginia Johnson Jaipur Tunic, $210 ? This looks so comfortable and would be amazing with a cinched belt.

It was very difficult to find a great eco-chic heel, but I came across this sexy Terra Plana Geta Heel, $195. Made out of vegetable tanned leathers and with a recycled memory foam lining, so they are very comfortable.

For the Guys, Autonomie Project Ethletic Low-Top Sneakers, $54.

A dainty necklace made out of recycled metals, Melissa Joy Manning Links necklace, $150.

Earth Week

As numerous trends come and go, the whole Green Fad will probably be here to stay. It's probably the greatest fad, next to platform pumps, that is completely beneficial to an individual's lifestyle and to the environment. I have contributed to the green movement in various ways:

• My roommates and I use nylon shopper bags when we go to the grocery to cut back on using any plastic bags (we have a whole bunch under the sink that we reuse as trash bags for our bedrooms/bathrooms, doggy waste bags, and as lunch bags).


• I've started to turn off my computer at night and unplug it. Hopefully I am saving a bunch of energy and lowering our monthly electricity bill..


• and I've purchased an aluminum water bottle to refill when I go to the gym instead of buying plastic water bottles. It's been a cheaper investment and has decreased the amount of trash.

Here are some sites and things GREEN:

Realsimple.com has some great Green tips including alternative natural cleaning solutions (ketchup to clean your pots and pans?!).

The Gilt Group is holding a Eco-Friendly Fashion private sale featuring Matt + Nat, Loomstate, Stewart + Brown, Edun, and Stella McCartney for LeSportSac in honor of Earth Day. Some of their proceeds from these sales are going to the Audubon Society and to Conservation International!

Loomstate, known for their organic cottons and ecofriendly fashions, recently launched a limited Target collection.

Weekend Anticipations!

Friday: that glorious word that defines the final day of the work week (for most). Not only am I thrilled for the events of this upcoming weekend (Lily Allen concert anyone?!), I’m also looking forward to simply relaxing, walking about the city and enjoying the markets, Sunday brunch and divine espresso pick-me-ups. Last weekend, Easter Sunday, I had the pleasure of a leisurely afternoon, enjoying a delicious & artistically prepared mocha from Peregrine Espresso with a good book, all while perched atop a picnic table outside the Library of Congress in downtown Washington, D.C. The fading Cherry Blossom trees still kept good company and the sun was warm and strong. C’etait magnifique!

The amazing mocha, right after its creation
8th Street SE, Washington, D.C.
The outside facade of Peregrine Espresso, late afternoon
My shadow grazing the stone patio of the Library of Congress, mocha in hand

Beachy Keen

One of my best friends recently posted pictures of her wonderful Easter weekend trip to Palms Springs, CA and it has inspired me to share some recent photos from the past two weeks.

Maybe some of you can appreciate the looks of warm weather and sun since winter hasn't quite left its bite yet! But I am lucky that Charleston has had some warmer days and dedicate this posting to Lauren, Carter, and Stephanie, who I wish I could spend the sunny days with!

My main squeeze, Juliet, came to visit me from Philly!

Yes this is the bathing suit I had bought and mentioned on the Fruit Flush posting. If you notice I am not wearing the brazilian bottom that would expose 3/4 of my behind to the world. My bum is not fit yet to be wearing them.

My lovely roommate Brett and I took the sea kayaks out for a row.

My first whole sand dollar that I found!!!

I started to get "artsy" with my camera. I found an old crab cage and took a picture of Brett and her solo cup.

She decided to Zumba in the middle of the sand bar, or make a silly pose.

Brett rowing us back to shore from the sand bar.

My two loves, Dale and Mr. Sully, lounging on the hammock Easter Day.

Sullivan Harper

Sully jamming to Dale's dad's acoustic sounds.

It was a very, very enjoyable and relaxing weekend. I was looking forward to spending Easter at Dale's home in Myrtle Beach because I was planning on running off to the outlets there and the heavenly Anthropologie store that just opened, but I had spent too much time at the beach and by the time we left Sullivan's Island and arrived in Myrtle, the stores were about to close. I did convince Dale to take me to Anthropologie because I had 20 minutes to shop before closing. I was determined to find a skirt and was not going to leave the store empty handed. Too bad every skirt in the store was priced over $120!!! A big price jump from my previous visits, but I went to the sale racks and found a lovely checkered, multi-colored skirt for $20! I bought it, obviously and left the store with a shopping bag right at closing time.

Faking Fabulousness

I have acquired a little bug over the weekend and am feeling quite under the weather. My nasal congestion is horrible, my eyes are puffy, and my skin is clammy. I took a half day of work yesterday to sleep it off, but it's not 100% gone quite yet. Although my body feels miserable, I want to avoid looking like a zombie (unless my boss tells me to go home for looking so sickly which could be a good thing). I am saving up my sick days and sticking through the work day.

In order to look awake and not so ill, here are some make-up tips to fake fabulousness:

Exfoliate your face in the morning to rejuvenate those skin cells! Let your skin look lively and bright post nose blowing and eye rubbing from the night before. I use St. Ives Apricot Scrub , under $5, and then moisturize with Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizer, under $9.

Before putting on my makeup, I use a light-reflecting primer that makes for an even application and brightens your face. Benefit "That Gal", $28.

Conceal those red spots and hide the under eye circles with a creamy concealer. I use M.A.C's Studio Finish Concealer with SPF 35, $16, then pair it up with a light coat of M.A.C's Studio Fix Power plus Foundation, $26, which evens out your skin tone.

Avoid looking clammy and look sun-kissed after applying bronzer on the apples of your cheek and across your forehead, nose, and chin. NARs Bronzing Power, $30, gives a great natural glow to off set a washed out face.

Brighten your eyes by sweeping an iridescent shimmer on your brow line, tear corners, and under your lower lash line. Your eyes will look brighter and more awake, trust me! Benefit "High Beam", $24.

Finish off by curling your eyelashes and using a volumizing mascara to make your eyes pop. This Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $19, has been my favorite throughout high school. Givenchy Phemonen'Eyes Mascara, $28, has a small wand to separate and ad volume to minimize the puffy look of your eyes.

Hope this works out for your hangover mornings or ill sleeping nights. I did this before coming to work today, and my boss said I looked ten times better than the day before. All I forgot yesterday was to apply the ever so significant bronzer on, so I'm guessing I was a bit washed out.