Obsession: Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten

Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten, $18

Though it's been on the market for quite some time now, I've only just discovered Kitten. As much as I love makeup, most days I like to keep my look pretty neutral. This is the perfect shade! The universally flattering shadow adds just the right amount of sparkle, but looks really natural whether it's applied wet or dry. I dab a little in the corner of my eyes (a wonderful trick that makes you look more awake!) and it instantly brightens up my face. Kitten works great as a base too! I've definitely integrated it into my daily makeup routine.

Recipe: Magnolia's Banana Pudding

Back in May, a friend of mine made this banana pudding for one of our "Teen Vogue Intern Nights." I'm not a huge fan of bananas or any heavy desserts, but this was delicious! I later Googled the recipe and luckily, it was pretty easy (and inexpensive) to make. I made a batch for a recent holiday party and the results were great! I'll definitely be making it again.

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups ice cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix, preferably Jell-O brand
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 (12-ounce) box Nabisco Nilla Wafers (I used the mini kind)
• 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (I only used 2, since I don't really like bananas!)
  
  
  1. In a small bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well, about 2 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight, before continuing. (I was short on time, so I only let the pudding set for 2 hours. I didn't notice a difference.)
  2. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain.
  3. To assemble the dessert, select a large, wide bowl (preferably glass) with a 4-5-quart capacity. Arrange one-third of the wafers to cover the bottom of the bowl, overlapping if necessary, then one-third of the bananas and one-third of the pudding. Repeat the layering twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer of the pudding. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours - or up to 8 hours, but no longer! - before serving.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Wish List: Aldo Lecarlos Boots

Lecarlos Boot, $130

Thanks to my days as a fashion intern at Teen Vogue, I've mastered the art of running all around New York City wearing heels. These are the perfect boots for this season and I'm in love with the whole "girly hiking boot" trend. Hoping to find these under my Christmas tree!

Shake Up Your Makeup: Fuschia Lips

L'Oreal Shine Struck Lip Color in Arresting

Obsession: Essie Nail Polish

I've been a nail biter for as long as I can remember. Lately, I've made a conscious effort to stop chomping on my fingers, and alas, I finally have nails longer than 2 centimeters! Of course, I immediately set off trying to find the perfect polish to show off my newly grown nails. I fell in love with Essie right away. From the huge variety of colors to the smooth texture to the cheeky names, Essie is my go-to brand for polish. At about $8/bottle, it's not the most economical option, but it has a shinier finish (even without a topcoat) and lasts longer than others. Here are my favorite shades:

Inspiration: Heat Wave

Natasha Poly by Inez & Vinoodh Vogue Paris April 2010

 

 

 

Behati Prinsloo by Camilla Akrans for Harpar's Bazaar US April 2008

Jacquelyn Jablonski by Sebastian Kim for Vogue Germany July 2010

Kim Noorda by Laurie Bartley in On the Road Harper’s Bazaar UK June 2010

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia July/August 2010 Masha by Susanne Spiel

 

 

It's over 90 degrees in New York City. I NEED FALL TO COME NOW.

Deal of the Day

Inspiration: Birds of a Feather

Clockwise from top left: Barbara Palvin by Liz Collins for Numéro #115, Mariacarla Boscono by Phil Poynter, Carmen Kass by Dusan Relijn or Numéro #105 and Magdalena Frackowiak in Vogue China September by Sebastian Kim

Goodbye, Teen Vogue!

A couple weeks ago, I finished up a six month stint as an intern in the Teen Vogue fashion closet. It was an amazing experience! I loved drooling over the samples that came in and working along side of such sweet girls. Over the past six months I've learned so much about different designers and how much work it really takes to put together the glamorous editorials that make Teen Vogue so wonderful. Here are some pics!

Standing by the famous Teen Vogue sign, located on the 9th floor of the Conde Nast building

My fellow interns and me-love these girls!

Surprise visit from Miss Teen USA - you never know who could pop into the closet!

My fellow interns eating lunch in the famous Conde Nast cafeteria

Magnolia cupcakes-definitely a fashion closet fave