A Model's Best Kept Secret

No, it isn't a finger-condom to prevent skin & nail deterioration caused by repeated purging.

It's this. Models and beauty editors have known about what I am going to divulge for years.

Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil, in place of your moisturizer.

3 drops is all you'll need. Massage onto still-damp skin after bathing.

Available at Barney's New York, and online at:

http://www.beautyhabit.com/

Do this: Abdominal Pike

For those looking to tighten the abdominal area, cardio is Blair to your Serena.

You must trim excess fat off of the belly area in order for your ab muscles to show through. (That means you should not still be eating Thanksgiving leftovers!)

Friend #2, however, is an effective core exercise(s).

The abdominal pike, using an exercise ball, will engage your major core muscles, burning and tightening them with a simple, repetitive motion.

Start in a plank position (basic push-up) with your feet on top of an exercise ball. Engage your core, and pull (roll) the ball towards your chest, forming an inverted V with your entire body. Tighten your abs when you reach the highest point, and then slowly return to starting position.

Click on the title of this post for a video demonstration (with optional jack knife exercise).

Do you hear that? It's the sound of a thousand holiday calories screaming in pain.

It's summer in Rio, so prepare to suit up.

Drink This: Kombucha

Kombucha (pronounced kom-boo-chah) is a fermented tea, made with a particular strain of fungus. The tea is allowed to steep as the fungus grows. Once prepared, it is best served over ice.

There are countless purported health benefits, some of which are:

Better digestion

Metabolic support

Skin clarity

Actually, I'll stop right there. If keeping thin and clear skin aren't enough to sell you, you've come to the wrong page, my dear.

Several brands of kombucha are now available at le supermarche and health food stores, but the best brand, hands-down, is GT's Kombucha. Using organic ingredients, the kombucha is available on its own, or as Synergy, mixed with organic fruit juices.

As the Original formula tastes like a port-o-potty after a day at Lilith Fair, I suggest opting for the Synergy, in Gingerade, Mango, Guava, or Gingerberry.

One final, but crucial benefit: it can cure your prosecco hangover in a matter of minutes.

What are you waiting for?

xoxo.

Crave Worthy: Priorat

From Wikipedia.com:

Priorat is a comarca (county) in Catalonia, Spain. The central part of the comarca, "Priorat històric," produces the famous and prestigious wine of the Denominación de Origen Calificada Priorat. Wines from elsewhere in the comarca are denominated as Montsant. The area is also known for the production of hazelnuts.
Priorat had a steady loss of population during the 20th century, but has recently as of 2004 experienced a more prosperous economy, resulting in an end to this trend. In 2001, the population was 9,196, with only the capital (Falset) exceeding a population of 1,000.

This region of Southern Catalunya is producing some of the most intense, inky red wines you'll find anywhere in Espana. Indigenous varietals such as garnacha commingle with imported grapes of the syrah, cabernet, and merlot varieties, lending a minerally, jammy flavour and velvety mouth-feel.

Fill the Aston Martin (Alfa Romeo if you're Nasty) with a case of this wine the next time you make a trip to Majorca. (Save your white/rose riojas for Ibiza.)

Just be careful you don't overdo the jamon. It is still swimwear season, after all.

xoxo.

Song of the Day: Chanson du Jour

We are well into Vilebrequin season (http://www.vilebrequin.com/), so I hope you've been beach-ready for some time now.

If, however, you still need someone to pry that pain au chocolat out of your (fat) fingers, what is required is much more serious.

You'll need an overhaul of your outlook on fitness.

We want nihilistic. We want soul-crushing. We want teeth-baring.

This is your soundtrack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdkmhquF60o&feature=channel

See you by la piscine.

xoxo.

Word of the Day: Epaulette

It's time for a little ecole. Since you probably fell asleep or passed notes during French class, allow me to point out what you've been missing.

From Wikipedia.com:

"Epaulette (pronounced /ˈɛpǝlɛt/[1]) is a French word meaning "little shoulder" (from épaule, meaning "shoulder"). Epaulettes are a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia or rank by the military and other organizations. Colloquially, the word has also come to refer to some types of shoulder strap."

The epaulette can take even the most basic black turtleneck and give it that detail that takes you from the Bowery to St. Germain-des-Pres. (That last word is pronounced "pray" for my readers in Indiana.)

It seems that American retailers are finally beginning to pay attention to "insignificant" sartorial details such as fabric, cut, and finish.

Invest in a turtleneck and a short-sleeved button down with Epaulette detailing, and you'll be prepared for whatever life throws you. Whether it's Paris or Provence.

Ecoutez-moi bien.

xoxo.

Chanson du Jour: Song of the Day

"Good Girls Go Bad" by Cobra Starship featuring guest vocals by Leighton Meester.

Mlle. Meester is smoking hot and an Arriviste favourite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGqUYuMuGPQ

Enjoy.

xoxo.