5 Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List from NYC Spa Owner, Jamie Ahn

Recently I wrote about my favorite places to go for massages, the Townhouse Spa.  Here, the Founder of the Townhouse and Acqua Beauty Bar in NYC, Jamie Ahn discusses her top five items to add to your holiday wish list and it's all beauty treatments and covetable pieces of fashion.  I have to say, we really do have the same sense of style.  I have a feeling you'll be salivating over at least a few things on here as well.  Enjoy! 1. Luzern Force De Vie Luxe Creme

It brings a glow to tired skin, diminishes signs of lines and wrinkles, promotes fresh cell growth, and deep hydrates. Excellent for those wanting a combination of deep moisture and powerful anti-aging actives.

2.  Michael Kors Shearling Boots

3.  Renove Royal Perfect Collagen Mask

It contains CO Q10 & Royal Jelly which provides firmness and elasticity to help make the skin look more revitalized and lifted (exclusive to Townhouse Spa).

4.  Hermes Scarf

5.  Gift Certificate to Townhouse Spa for a Gel Manicure

Gel manicures don't chip and keep a glossy shine, so they're perfect for  holiday party hopping...in addition to a Aroma Paraffin Hand Treatment, which is super moisturizing.

The Hunger Games Beauty: Katniss Approved Braids from the Spring 2012 Runways

I have to admit, I've haven't been posting as much as I should be lately because I've been a bit preoccupied.  Once I tell you why, I'm sure you'll excuse me.  It was The Hunger Games! For the past week and a half the triology has completely consumed my life!  Every aspect of it: social, work and sleep.  The only positive side of finishing is that I can get on with my life now, but I'll never find a story that compares (and as a dorky English major, I've read a ton!). In honor of the time I devoted to the Games and my new found relationship with the main character, Katniss, here's a collection of haute braids I'm sure she'd approve of. Even though Katniss always simply braided her hair straight down the center of her back, a variety of braids popped up through the novels just as they did on the Spring 2012 runways. From fishtails to halos, designers like Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Moschino, John Galliano, Sass and Bide and Ruffian all incorporated braids into their final looks.  Check them out and make sure you read The Hunger Games before the movie comes out!

Nailing in the Nude

Among this season’s prettiest and most attainable runway trends comes in the form of a tiny glass bottle containing a liquid in a lovely, modest shade: nude nail polish.  Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors both had their models sport nude nails on the catwalk.  For quite a while now, we have loved our vernis to make a statement, and to make it loud and clear. But perhaps a more subtle approach would better suit the more mature and refined looks coming down the runway as of recent, from vamp to nautical to safari.  After all, the bold nail does sometimes end up dictating our outfits (what really matches with shimmery aqua nail polish?).

The nude nail gives you the advantage of looking put together and polished (pun intended!).  It doesn’t scream, “Look over here!” Rather, it whispers, “…but even if you do, I’m prepared!”  There are a variety of shades that you can experiment with, from sheer pinks and flesh tones to ivories and peaches.  Even clear polish, light grays, or naked and beautifully buffed nails are fair game. Any of these options will be certain to give you a grown-up finish and let the true you shine through. So ladies, lacquer up and tone it down!

My top picks for the season: Chanel Inattendu, Essie Fed Up, Deborah Lippmann Im Not Innocent

Michael Kors Hits the Beauty Counter

Estee Lauder and Michael Kors collaborated this spring and are launching a limited edition Very Hollywood Makeup Collection.  Combining timelessness with luxury, two chic looks came out of the collection.

"The inspiration behind the collection is ionic Hollywood glamour, both past and present, interpreted for everyday life," Michael Kors explained.

Look 1: Bel Air BeigeLook 2: Rodeo Pink 

I'm more of a Bel Air Beige type of girl.  Which look do you like better?