Lower Eastside Charm

This is my little spot in the lower eastside where I come to find darling shoes, bags, accessories, and a pleasant conversation. You come here and you automatically feel happy and at ease. Erin, the owner of the boutique will welcome you with her smile and help you find what you're looking for. But, the best feeling is when you leave...knowing you just purchased something fantastic! There's always something you'll find here, so come prepared.

Clarabella

279 E. Houston St. (between Clinton and Suffolk)

New York, NY 10002
Tel: (212) 979-0270

http://www.clarabellanyc.com/

http://www.clarabellanyc.com/blog/

*Porcelain Doll just loves getting messages from Clarabella on upcoming events, sales and art exhibits from local artists. Erin will keep you busy, so make sure you sign up on the mailing list!

For the Provacative and Confident Woman

*Photos from 2009 Spring Collection

This is not a look you try per se - THIS is for the woman who already IS. She's perfection in her own way, one whose scent is not necessarily her perfume, but rather her confidence. She dresses primarily (if not only) for herself and is cognisant of her power. She is in control and knows all too well of what she's capable of. You just love to hate her...

P H I
71 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012
Tel: 212 966 0076

http://phicollection.com/

How to pronounce: FEE
Person to see: Margaret
Price Point: $$$$

One Stroke Brows...that look natural...

Kanebo Kate Quick Powder Eyebrows

Ingenious...a little sponge powdered tip that creates magic! I found this on my recent trip to Hong Kong. I've never seen anything like it that does the job in one clean stroke without any mess! I hit every beauty shop that carried the Kanebo Kate line in central Hong Kong to buy this in my color, BR-3. It was sold out everywhere I went, but I managed to get 4!

Benefits:

1. compact
2. no mess
3. one application - no need to pencil in, then brush, gel, etc.
4. save time
5. creates a soft natural look
6. $12

Kanebo Kate is a fairly new line that launched early 2007 from Kanebo (Japan). You can't find it in the States...yet. But, for now, you can order online.

http://www.akinaiblog.com/

Paris Chic on W. 4th St.

No need to hop on Air France to do a little Parisian shopping... You have everything you need here to look "french kissed" (and even practice your french with the owner, Ludvine).

It's a haven for the following:

Vanessa Bruno

Claudie Pierlot

Notify

Prairies de Paris

Tsumori Chisato

LUDVINE

172 W. 4th St. near Jones Street, New York, NY 10014

Tel: 646 336 6576

http://www.boutiqueludivine.com/home.html

My love for liquid liner

For years, I've used black liquid liner on my eyes for a fresh, clean look. I've tested all kinds of brands in the past, but always come back to my love...Almay Liquid Eyeliner. It's non-irritating and hypoallergenic (believe me girls, there are some formulas out there that cause redness and a slight burning feeling), glides on effortlessly and washes off clean with just soap and water!

Tips:

1. Don't be nervous - you'll need a steady hand
   


2. Use a liquid liner with a solid tip, not a thin brush that will wiggle in all directions during application



3. Use your lash line as a guide and then increase or decrease for your level for dramatic effect (the thicker the line, the more dramatic)
   


4. If you make a mistake, take a damp Q-tip and wipe off necessary areas



5. Remember, this is LIQUID, so give it a couple seconds to completely dry



6. Waterproof formulas will be harder to remove, so make sure you have a good eye make-up remover

Liquid Liner Pens: These are great for handling purposes if you are used to using a pen/pencil, but I find that these pens dry up quicker, so I don't get as much use as the traditional liquid liner. Your traditional liquid liner will last forever! Should it dry up a little, just add a drop of water and you're good to go. Or, just get another one!

Porcelain Doll's Picks:

1. Beginners: Almay Liquid Eyeliner / under $10 / local drugstores http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=24060&catid=98579&cmbProdBrandFilter=45832&brand=8168&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=98579&trxp2=24060&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND
   
2. Masters: Shu Uemura Liquid Eyeliner / refillable cartridge / $18+ / SU boutique or fine department stores http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/products/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=572