If you too lack thick, natural brows, then you know the importance of a great eyebrow pencil to help frame and highlight your eyes. I have tried numerous products, but have finally settled on the Tarte EmphasEYES For Brows High Definition Eyebrow Pencil.

Here are the reasons why, in no particular order:

-The tip is fine, creating natural-looking brush strokes that better mimic natural eyebrow hairs.
-No sharpener needed for this pencil, simply twist the tip and more pencil appears. No mess means easier applications on the go!
-It’s waterproof and can withstand even an instense, sweaty workout.
-It stays put all day thanks to a patented plant-wax formula.
-The pencil comes complete with a small brush at the back end to help with styling and proper placement of your brows.
-You get a lot of pencil for $19.50. I have had my current pencil for so long that I can’t even remember when I purchased it!

The Tarte EmphasEYES for Brows High Definition Eyebrow Pencil is available at Sephora if you’d like to give it a try. I recommend it!

–Marisa

Stilista has gotten word that Madewell at 329 Newbury St. is hosting a Style Sessions Event this coming Thursday, May 17th from 6-8PM.

Complete with treats from KickAss Cupcakes, tunes by DJ Deja, a hair braiding bar courtesy of Lords and Ladies Salon in West Roxbury and style tips from their in-house experts, it promises to be a fabulous time.

However – as if that wasn’t enough – Madewell will be debuting a new collection just in time for the event AND there will be a secret, one-night-only deal taking place in honor of the party.

Sounds like a night not to be missed!
We hope to see you there!
–Marisa

Find a sleeveless or short sleeve version in a soft cotton or linen blend for summer and let the matching begin.  Tuck it into pants, crops, and pencil shirts for work, adding a cardigan or blazer for an extra finished look.  Wear it with your skinny denim or shorts for casual, pop on a high wedge and go for a night out.  I promise this will be your go to piece all summer long!

-Carly

–being obsessed with this type of top, I just picked up this linen blend from Banana Republic: 

Another product recommendation comin’ atcha blog-readers…

After writing about a must-have dress and top, my brain started churning and ticking off other go-to items that I have encountered during my numerous and varied shopping excursions. This week’s installment? The “perfect” belt – quite literally.

Madewell’s aptly named “perfect leather belt” is just that. Perfect.

Available in both black and brown, this no-frills waist enhancer is not too thick and not too thin, the always-right-answer when you are fashionably stumped.

And somehow, by the grace of the fashion Gods, it can be worn both at your hips and at your waist. Hard to believe, I know, but I have seen it happen on more than one occassion and have done it with my own “perfect leather belts.” (Because, of course, when I encounter something as useful as this, I have to get one – or two – for myself). Don’t believe me? Well, rest assured, if it doesn’t work out this way for you, the friendly staff at the Madewell at 329 Newbury St. will happily punch an additional hole or two into the belt to ensure its maximum functionality.

This is something that most of my clients are searching for and all are happy to find it at Madewell at a reasonable price point and of good quality. If you have been searching for the same, look no further!

Here’s to a belted Summer!
–Marisa

Thank you all for your continued support of Stilista Boston, we hope you enjoy the new format!

I love it when I stumble across a particular piece that is both fashionable and functional and can serve various body types equally well. Not only does it make my job easier, but it makes my clients happy. You may remember my blog about this dress. Well, I have made another similar discovery in this top by Splendid.
This top has a rayon front combined with Splendid’s famous, ultra-soft jersey back and sleeves. The overall fit is lean – which flatters my slimmer clients – but the subtle flow and drape of the rayon front and slightly roomier midsection is very forgiving to my fuller-figured clients. And, I recently discovered that Splendid also produces this shirt in plus sizes – quite literally serving almost every body type.
Additionally, this shirt is extremely versatile. It has enough interesting details to stand on its own with a pair of jeans, khakis or white pants. But, this top can also be tucked, belted or adorned with a scarf to make it look fresh and different. And, if the adjustable button-tab sleeves didn’t offer enough options for climate changes for you, Splendid also produces it in a sleeve-less version for the hot weather. Finally, all versions of the top come in the array of luscious colors that you have come to expect from Splendid. What more could you ask for?
I have stumbled across this shirt in it’s various incarnations at both Anthropologie and Nordstrom, but it can also be ordered at www.splendid.com and www.zappos.com.
Do yourself a fashion favor and add one to your wardrobe! I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
–Marisa

It has been a while since I blogged with a product review and I recently gutted my make-up bag to make room for a bunch of new products. So here is the first in what will probably be a series of make-up blog-iews…
Until recently, I had been using a cheap eye-liner purchased at CVS, unsure as I was that eye-liner was going to become a permanent part of my make-up routine. Once I decided that I was going to stick with it, I headed to Sephora to invest in a better quality product.
The first one I tried was Makeup Forever’s Kohl pencil eye-liner. I certainly liked how it looked and how easily it went on, but I quickly discovered that it wasn’t the product for me. One night – towards the end of my bar-tending shift – my eyes started watering and stinging. When I had a chance, I headed to the bathroom to investigate and discovered that my eyeliner had all but completely disappeared and – by process of elimination – must have run into my eyes, causing them to run and smart.
Needless to say, I headed back to Sephora to return the product, tell them my story and investigate a new option.
The sales associate at Sephora recommended Stila’s “Stay All Day” Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. She claimed that athletes – even swimmers – used it because it was virtually unstoppable once
applied. I was nervous to switch from pencil to liquid, but she assured me that it was extremely easy to use and that I should have no trouble after 2-3 days practice.
Well, she was right. Not only did I confidently apply it on day 2 of owning it, but I have been very happy with the results. Once it’s on, I don’t have to worry about it and I love the way that it defines my eyes with just the right color and even a little bit of shine. (I get the Dark Brown, but there are numerous shades to choose from, depending on your coloring and make-up theme for the day/evening). $20 well spent!
If you are on the hunt for a new eye-liner, I recommend that you try it!
–Marisa

My sister requested that I address the pros and cons of buying sale items at the end of a season in order to save for the next year, so here goes… (I readily admit that this post is a bit past-due in regards to what is going on in-store at the moment, but the lessons won’t change and I never like to ignore a blog request!)
While I certainly agree that stocking up while items are dirt cheap is a smart move, this can be a tricky situation if you don’t make smart decisions. Here are my rules of thumb:
1. ABSOLUTELY NO TRENDS. WHATSOEVER.
By definition, a trend will most likely not make a re-appearance next year. Don’t waste your money – short money though it may be. Instead…
2. Stick to the basics.
End of season sales are the perfect opportunity to add to your stash of t-shirts, cashmere cardigans, black pants, etc. However, don’t over-do it. If you have enough already, save your pennies to put towards purchases for the current/upcoming season instead.
3. If you fluctuate in size, be mindful of your choices.
Certain pieces of clothing – such as t-shirts, knits and other stretchy garments that are sized XS – XL – are more forgiving than others and can accomodate some weight gain or loss. If your weight fluctuates, only stock up on those more forgiving items and leave the items that require a perfect fit – such as denim – for purchase when the season rolls around again.
4. Replace items that are wearing out.
Don’t think that your black dress coat/brown knee-high boots/black office pumps can make it through another New England winter? Then search high and low to replace them while the prices
are right.
If you stick to these rules, chances are that you will score yourself some cheap pieces that you will actually use when the weather dictates them once again.
Happy Sale Shopping!
–Marisa

Be a Good Sport
Colorful and sleek, these garments will take you through the weekend in both comfort and style.

Shimmer and Shake
Glossy fabrics in muted, pastel tones ruled the runways this season. Since the shimmer is subtle, feel free to wear it during the day as well as night.

Crayola-Colored Day Dresses
Slip on an easy dress in a bold hue. You’ll be dressed in a pinch and on-trend in a second. By far, the easiest trend to master this season!

Prints, Naturally
The prints for this season are predominantly nature-inspired. Try a dress, top, shorts or even shoes and bags in florals and entire landscapes.

High Waists
Whether it’s in a pant, pencil or short, slip into a higher waist.
Happy Shopping!
–Marisa

1) Fit: think of your same proportions as with day to day wear. Good fit through the shoulders and chest, fitted but flowing from there down (for those of us not ready to show off our “six pack”). Modest leg line that shows off our best features from the waist down.

2) Color: Put it on your favorite body part. Use darker solid shades on problem areas.

3) Ease of Use: Everything should be comfortable, classic shapes, and in materials that will hold up well for years to come. Thank goodness for Dri-Fit!

4) Accessorize: Shoe companies have made it easy for us to express our personalities through our workout wear. Grab a neon shade to show off your outgoing personality!

5) Rock it: Yes, you are working out….however no matter how sweaty and gross we may look, if we feel great about what we are wearing it will shine through. Stand up straight (good for our core) and put the best you forward!

Have a great workout!

Carly