The Black Dress Traveler

Glamour on the Go: Travel Friendly Beauty Products

I've always been a little bit of a rebel, but I still heed my Grandma Bertha's advice to never leave the house without lipstick and earrings! Whether you are commuting to work or jetsetting to your dream destination, a little bit of glamour makes everything better!

GIVE Scent
$48
When I opened up my bottle of GIVE for the first time and sniffed the beguiling blend of spicy vanilla and citrus with notes of amber, bergamot, and musk I said, "ooh, this is niiiiiice!" and immediately dabbed it on. GIVE is a distinctive and pretty scent that is truly captivating without being overwhelming - a flirty fragrance with staying power.

GIVE was inspired by yoga teacher Elena Brower's time in Italy where she discovered a Sicilian almond oil blend that moved her to create a fragrance of her own. GIVE is made with pure oils and a portion of the proceeds benefit Women for Women International, an organization that supports female survivors of war and conflict with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency. GIVE scent really lives up to the name!


29 Reserves Moisturizing Lipstick available at Cake Plate Boutique and online
$25
Napa Valley is nirvana for wine lovers but it is also an up-and-coming spot for beauty and fashion. Wine country fashionistas have made Cake Plate Boutique their go-to-spot for all things fashionable. Located in downtown Napa Valley, Cake Plate offers sweet designs from coveted labels like Milly, Trina Turk, and Lauren Moffatt - they even have their own sheath dress collection called CP by Cake Plate.




Of course, makeup is the finishing touch to any ensemble and Cake Plate now sells 29 Cosmetics. Founded by Lydia Mondavi (if you drink wine, you know Mondavi), 29 Cosmetics are infused with grape seed extract. A powerful anti-oxidant, the grape seed extract is a natural byproduct of the Mondavi's winemaking. The lipsticks and glosses have wine inspired names such as Wine Critic, Reserve Red, and Stompin' Grapes. I was sent a sample of the 29 Reserves Moisturizing Lipstick in Napa Juice and I'm impressed. The color is luscious and the lipstick feels very moisturizing. Another plus, 29 Reserves lipstick has SPF 20 to protect your pretty pucker from the sun's rays. Wondering about the name 29 Cosmetics? Highway 29 is the road that runs through Napa Valley.


Benefit Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-Up
$34
I am always searching for the perfect foundation and I have been pretty loyal to Cover FX but I must confess to my very enjoyable affair with Benefit's Hello Flawless. Perfect for travel, Hello Flawless delivers great and natural looking coverage in a no-mess compact. Included is a brush for sheer coverage and a sponge for more intense coverage. And, the added SPF 15 makes me very happy!

Sexy Scent: ILARI Roll-On Perfume is Travel Friendly & Alluring

Why not carry a little love potion number nine with you on your next getaway and everyday? ILARI roll-on perfume is an exotic blend of jasmine, sandalwood, musk, ebony wood and orange blossom encased in a convenient roller-ball applicator (.35 oz) and packaged in a small gold satin bag that makes it easy to carry. The suggested retail price is $65 and ILARI is availble at Barneys in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and online at www.ilarinyc.com.

The story behind the creation of ILARI is as intriguing as the fragrance itself.

"When Hillary Schneider, ILARI'S creator first moved to New York City from the Midwest she aspired to find what every post-graduate, twenty-something seeks; to have fun, make new friends, forge an identity and just maybe... find love. It quickly became clear she needed an edge  in this ultra-competitive world of New York City dating. She embarked on a quest to create her own, personal Love Potion Number Nine. Donning a complex mixture of scented oil and body mist, Hillary was stopped in shops, restaurants, and even on the street with inquiries about her complicated and not easily attainable fragrance blend. Approached outside a downtown restaurant one evening, an attractive, fellow diner remarked, with what she likes to believe was complete sincerity, "I could fall in love with a woman who smells as beautiful as you..." Hillary and the attractive stranger were married in July, 2009 in a very New York City wedding."  WOW!

HIllary generously decided to share her attention getting potion with the rest of us ladies and ILARI's signature blend gives a "slightly varied yet equally intoxicating aura on each woman who wears it." Will it work for you? Well, I gave ILARI a test run yesterday and received 2 compliments - I like those odds!

Very Hollywood, Very Chic, Very Michael Kors

In a world obsessed with Kardashians and Hiltons, a girl could be fooled into thinking that bad behaviour is the only way to get noticed. Am I the only one who reminisces for the days of old Hollywood where celebrities had real talent and weren't just savvy self-promoters? Dorothy Dandridge, Ava Gardner, Bette Davis  - those ladies had style, grace and class.

Maybe a trip to La La Land isn't on your agenda, but designer Michael Kors makes it easy to add a dash of Hollywood glamour to your everyday life. The reigning king of classic American style (and the most lovable of the Project Runway judges), Kors specializes in easy sophistication.  Here are six fabulous finds from Michael Kors that will make you feel like a star of the silver screen no matter where you are!

 Michael Kors Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum ($45-$85) - This sultry scent is a classy composition of iced bergamot, mandarin and gardenia. My beau could care less about what is in the perfume but he did say that Very Hollywood  was very seductive. I call that a five star review!

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Studded Yoke Dress ($120-$130) - The gunmetal studded yoke at the neckline gives this little black dress a modern edge on a classic silhouette.

Michael Kors Tortoise Double Wrap Watch ($180) - Don't keep your fans waiting! It's easy to be fashionably on time for your next appointment or flight with this timepiece surrounded by golden metal and a tortoise double wrap chain. A very elegant bracelet & watch all-in one!

Michael Kors Rehearsal Sunglasses ($350) - Oversized sunglasses are a Hollywood must and the perfect solution for jet lagged eyes.

 
  MICHAEL by Michael Kors Heidi Clutch, Dark Sand Python ($198) - This python print clutch is timeless and perfect for an evening out. I often use a clutch when I'm traveling to stylishly carry my passport and other travel documents - just insert the clutch inside your larger purse or tote.

Limited Edition Hollywood Signature Pen ($25) - Even in a high tech world, an old-fashioned pen is a must - you can't sign an autograph with a Blackberry! Write with this pen and your postcard from Hollywood will make them swoon -  the ink is scented with the Very Hollywood Michael Kors fragrance.

Smell Like Paris: Perfumes Inspired by Places

Scent has the power to conjure up emotions and memories. Years before I visited Paris, Yves Saint Laurent's scent named after the City of Lights was my signature fragrance. Each spritz of Paris added a dash of joie de vivre to my everyday routine and fueled my fantasies of one day seeing the Eiffel Tower.  (I snapped that photo in Paris 3 years ago.)

Capturing the essence of a city in a bottle is no easy undertaking but perfume makers continue to find inspiration in destinations. Sephora has a great selection of perfumes that hope to spark your wanderlust. Here are a few you may want to add to your fragrance library.

Yves Saint Laurent - The man behind this quintessential French brand is no longer with us but the house that Saint Laurent built remains a power player in the fashion and fragrance world.

Paris: $62
Notes: Rose, Hawthorn, Mimosa, Violet, Sandalwood, Moss, Iris, Amber, Musk.


Parisienne: $39 - $85
Notes: Blackberry, Damask Rose, and Sandalwood

Guerlain - Established in 1828, the iconic Parisian fragrance house Guerlain has created over 700 perfumes.

Champs-Elysees: $68
Notes: Mimosa Leaves, Rose Petals, Cassis Berry, Almond Blossom, Hibiscus Seed

Burberry - Offering more than their classic trench coat, the oh-so-British Burberry is a very fashion-forward design house.

Brit: $68-$88
Notes: Italian Lime, Icy Pear, Green Almond, White Peony, Sugared Almonds, Amber, Mahogany, Vanilla, Tonka Bean


Acqua di Parma - Established in the 1930's, this Italian brand remains a popular choice for those who prefer oldies but goodies.

Blu Mediterraneo: $40-$104
Five distinct fragrances inspired by Tuscany, Sicily, Capri, Amalfi and Panarea.


Lilly Pulitzer - The queen of preppy attire has branched out into fragrance.
Beachy: Inspired by Palm Beach. $29.50 -$48
Notes: Jasmine Blossom, Tiare Flower, Watermelon, Frangipani

Michael Kors- Fashion designer Michael Kors wants you to smell as gorgeous as you look.

Island: Three unique fragrances inspired by Bermuda, Fiji and Capri. $12-$62.  

Very Hollywood: $40-$85
Notes: Mandarin, Gardenia, Vetiver




Sephora doesn't have the monopoly on fragrance. For scents inspired by New York City, Bond No. 9 has a great selection. Their fragrances include Park Avenue, New Haarlem, Central Park and many more.

Bath Junkie - Prefer to create your own signature fragrance inspired by your favorite place? Find a Bath Junkie store near you and start blending. They have over 200 fragrances you can choose from to create everything from body mist to scrub and everything in between. I blended Spicy Georgia Peach at Bath Junkie to remind me of my sweet trip to Savannah. 

Better Off Red: Serious Shopping in Red Bank, New Jersey

Movie buffs may know Red Bank as the slacker chic setting for several of Kevin Smith's films (Dogma, Chasing Amy) but this Jersey Shore jewel has much more to offer. Fabulous boutiques, top-notch accommodations and simply beautiful surroundings make Red Bank a perfect choice for a blissful escape and some serious retail therapy.  

Getting There

Red Bank is a hop, skip and train ride away from New York City. Just catch New Jersey Transit at Penn Station directly to Red Bank. Travel time on the train is between 72-89 minutes depending on the time of day. An off-peak round trip ticket is $20. 

However, to really get into a vacation state of mind, the SeaStreak is the best way to travel. Skip the chaos of Penn Station and catch the SeaStreak Ferry at Pier 11/ Wall Street or at 35th Street and the East River. Why feel cooped up in a train car when you can cruise along the water and enjoy the view of the city slipping away.  And, did I mention that they sell cold beers and snacks on board? At $40 for an adult round trip ticket, the SeaStreak is a bit more expensive than the train. However, the ferry is faster and much more fun! When you get off the SeaStreak at Atlantic Highlands, you will feel like you've landed in a small New England town. 

 

Travel in style with 33 London Taxi.

Call ahead to let 33 London Taxi know when your ferry arrives and the world's most charming taxi driver, Mario Patino, will be waiting for you at the end of the dock with a smile and an open door to his very chic London style black cab. Of course, Mario can't be everywhere, and he has other delightful drivers to transport passengers around in cars from 33 London's fleet of black and silver taxis.  You'll feel a bit like an Austin Powers' femme-bot being driven around town in this spacious taxi that comfortably seats five plus luggage. Yeah baby! 

Where to Stay

 

Room at the Oyster Point Hotel.

The Navesink River is one of Red Bank's most charming attributes so a room with a view is a must.  The Oyster Point Hotel and Molly Pitcher Inn are two very different but equally excellent options. Both properties are owned by the JP Barry Hospitality Group, a family run business. Built in 1928, the Molly Pitcher Inn is a stately brick building with national landmark status and a Five Star Diamond Award recipient. Exuding old world charm, the Molly Pitcher Inn has first class amenities including a mahogany bar that is reminiscent of the bar at the St. Regis in NYC with the breathtaking bonus of a river view.  Since 1996, the Inn's Sunday brunch has won the Reader's Choice Award for Best Brunch. 

Offering the same top-of-the line service as the Molly Pitcher Inn but in a more contemporary setting, the Oyster Point Hotel was my home away from home in Red Bank.  Manhattan was out of sight and out of mind during my stay. Modern but cozy, the Oyster Point has been extensively redesigned with upscale contemporary furnishings and other refurbishments. Their new atrium is the perfect spot to enjoy sunset cocktails and a tasty bite to eat.

Retail Therapy

 

Chic and Sexy Coco Pari Boutique.

No sales tax on clothing makes New Jersey a shopper's delight and Red Bank's great selection of stores is retail heaven. From high end couture to funky and affordable, just stroll along Broad Street for an impressive and eclectic collection of shops.  Major retailers Tiffany & Co and Duxiana have a presence in Red Bank, and the town even has their own department store - Garmany. However, the smaller boutiques really make Red Bank shopping something special.  

A super sexy shoe from selve.

selve: Why buy shoes off the rack? At Selve you can treat your tootsies to a made-to-measure pair of bespoke footwear. Your feet are scanned to make sure you get the proper fit because, more likely than not, your left and right foot differ slightly in size. They can even measure your calves for a perfect fitting pair of boots. Once the scanning is done the fun begins! You can go as conservative or as crazy as you want when choosing the color of the leather and heel height.  You can even customize a matching handbag. Men's shoes are also available. Headquartered in Munich with a second store in London, the Red Bank store is Selve's first location in the U.S. Further proof of Red Bank's position as a major fashion player.

Coco Pari: If you love your big labels, Coco Pari is the store for you. Recently Voted Best Boutique in New Jersey (New Jersey Monthly Magazine), this is a must visit destination for an impressive selection of designers including Jimmy Choo, Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, and Roberto Cavalli. Of course, these big names come with a big price tag but Coco Pari offers some amazing deals in their sales basement. Need a last minute dress for a night out on the town? Coco Pari is open until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Wisteria: Located in the same space as Coco Pari, Wisteria is an oasis for high end skin care, fragrance, cosmetics and accessories.  Laura Mercier, La Mer, Creed, Natura Bisse, Sonya Dakar, Chantecaille and Nars are all sold at Wisteria.  As hard as I tried, I was too weak to walk away from a cute Kooba clutch at 20% off.

The Bee's Knees: Unassuming from the outside, The Bee's Knees surprised me with their selection of quality labels and pretty frocks. Trina Turk, Tibi, Tory Burch and Lilly Pulitzer aplenty filled the racks at this charming little store.  The 50% off rack had some great designer finds.

4B:  Owned by a former Los Angeles stylist, 4B is a small space with big style. Cynthia Vincent and Tory Burch filled the racks along with stylish handbags, colorful scarves and statement making jewelry.

Everything you need to make your place look great at Space Interiors.

Space Interiors: Looking to spruce up your home? Space offers interior design services and sells a modern and elegant array of furnishings and home accessories - including some really amazing pillows. In fact, SPACE worked with the Oyster Point Hotel on their new interiors.

Funk & Standard Variety Store:  The self-proclaimed "most bad ass store in town", Funk & Standard is the place to go for affordable bohemian chic dresses, retro t-shirts, and tchotchkes.

Jack's Music Shoppe: An old fashioned music store like Jack's is a breath of fresh air. The hours can slip by browsing through their racks of CD's and even vinyl. The latest new releases in all genres can be found at Jack's along with a bounty of used cd's. Sheet music and instruments are also available. Locals tell me that everyone's favorite Jersey boy, Bruce Springsteen, often shops here. Born to run and born to shop!

Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash: You can't mention Red Bank without mentioning Jay and Silent Bob. This is the place to shop for comics and merchandise from Kevin Smith's films. Doesn't everyone need a set of Mallrats "inaction" figures?

Ginger's Salon and Day Spa: End your day of shopping with some pampering at Red Bank's first day spa. Facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, hair styling and everything you need to feel refreshed and rejuvenated are offered at Ginger's. 

Beyond Shopping

 

Sunrise over the Navesink River from my room at the Oyster Point Hotel.

Of course, there is much more to Red Bank than clothing boutiques. The town has numerous art galleries, antique shops, and eateries. The recently renovated Count Basie Theater consistently draws some of the biggest acts in music and I will be heading back to Red Bank in a few weeks to see jazz musician Chris Botti perform. However, I know that even the gorgeous and talented Mr. Botti can't compete with the simple beauty of waking up early and watching the sun rise over the Navesink River.

To learn more about all there is to eat, see and do in Red Bank, New Jersey visit www.onlyoneredbank.com.

Spicy Georgia Peach: Savannah Inspires the First Black Dress Traveler Custom Scent from Bath Junkie

If you've seen me wandering around the Big Apple with a dazed look, don't worry, I'm just daydreaming about Savannah. My recent three-day getaway to the "Hostess City" has been on my mind since I returned to New York a few weeks ago. Thanks to my friends at Bath Junkie, I've been able to recapture the essence of my low country adventure through the magic of scent.

 

Me at the new Bath Junkie store in Soho with mom and daughter founders, Judy Zimmer and Jocelyn Murray.

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours last Friday with the Bath Junkie founders, dynamic mother-daughter duo Judy Zimmer and Jocelyn Murray, at their new New York City store in Soho. The NYC store has only been open a short while but New York Magazine just named them as "Best Beauty Store." When the conversation turned to Savannah, Jocelyn suggested creating a scent inspired by my trip. Of course, when I think of Georgia the first thing that comes to mind is peaches. And then I think of peach cobbler. Voila, and my first custom scent, Spicy Georgia Peach was born. A blend of peaches, buttercream, and cinnamon; Spicy Georgia Peach is a sexy balance of sweet and spicy.

Look for more custom Bath Junkie scents inspired by my favorite places! Trish Rubin, Brand Manager for Bath Junkie says, "Savvy women unite. Follow the lead of Wanda Mann as she travels in style and with smart sophistication! We can't resist! Choosing the right fragrance that creates the memory of Wanda's every junket is Bath Junkie's pleasure.  Bath Junkie's unique blend for Wanda, "Spicy Georgia Peach", captures the elegance of her Savannah journey. Wanda's travel memories live in luxury baths and lotions long after she returns home to NYC. We can't wait to theme Wanda's next journey with scents that embody a world of fragrance and her vibrant personality!"

              

     Yummy! Bath Junkie mixes up my body butter and scrub with Spicy Georgia Peach. I opted to add a dash of color to the scrub.

Bath Junkie launched in 1996, franchised in 2000 and now has 70 locations with more scheduled to open soon. The beauty of Bath Junkie is that their products can be customized. With more than 200 fragrances to choose from the possibilities are endless. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, scrub, air fragrance, home cleanser, and even dishwashing liquid can be infused with the aroma combination of your choice. You can even choose your favorite tint. Safe for even the most sensitive skin, Bath Junkie products are never tested on animals and most are paraben and SLS free. 

Think of Bath Junkie as a drop-in spa where you can pick up a tiny indulgence to pamper yourself at home.  Guests at my launch party on March 13 will receive a gift of Bath Junkie bubbling bath crystals scented with Spicy Georgia Peach. So if you haven't RSVP'd yet what are you waiting for!