One of my New Year’s resolutions was to pamper myself–treat myself like a queen, if you will. (And you’ll probably see me mention my queendom a lot in the future.) Quite frankly, this girl woke up one day and realized she can’t let herself fall by the wayside any longer.

As the saying goes, “When you look good, you feel good.” Well, then one of the best ways to feel like a queen is to look like one. All day! That’s why, I’m making sure my makeup bag is stocked with these essential, long-lasting, won’t-melt-off-even-if-my-day-at-work-did-suck cosmetics:

Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer, $24.50

Why I love it? The felt tip marker makes for a simple and klutz-proof application, and it ensures that my pout is perfectly pink for hours! Plus, and maybe this is a bit of hyperbole here, but I felt like I was having a total out of body experience, catching myself in the mirror to see that it was still ever-present several hours later.

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray, $24

Why I love it? It’s a light-weight primer spray that makes your makeup–eye makeup, concealer, foundation–stay in place! And, it’s jam-packed with vitamins! Vitamins on my face is definitely more fun, then big, horse-pill sized vitamins any day of the week.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $20

Why I love it? OK, I was afraid of the concept of waterproof liquid eye liner, too. My hands have a classic case of the shakes, but I found that the tip of this little beauty makes for such a flawless application, and the promise of non-meltdown, was well worth the risk of a little trial and error. Definitely a must-have!

MAKEUP FOREVER HD Microfinish Powder To Go, $15

Why I love it? This talc-free powder makes the perfect topping to the masterpiece that is your face. It’s not heavy or drying. Don’t be fooled, though…this makeup really can pack a punch by holding up to its name. You know, because it’s called…oh, you get it!

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On chilly days, it’s often essential to keep your hands warm, while still being able to function. You know, selecting the right key on your key ring, checking your iPhone, giving the bird to someone who cuts you off in traffic, the usual.

One of the sure fire ways to keep your paws toasty is with glittens, a glove/mitten hybrid. They’re nothing new, but after wearing off the fingers on my old gloves, and feeling like a dejected bear in my mittens, I’ve decided to for a pair of merinos from J Crew:

And if $25 for a pair of gloves is a bit out of your price range, because believe me, it’s more than likely out of mine, you can try an adorably colorful and thrifty alternative, like these from Forever 21:

Now, go grab yourself a hot chocolate!

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The cold winter has undoubtedly been bone-chilling, even for me as a Floridian. And when the winter sweet tooth comes a-knockin’ on my door, I unfortunately can’t turn to my favorite sweet treat, ice cream.

In an attempt to quell my urge for something oh-so-sweet, I went scavenging in my kitchen this evening and discovered a relatively low-calorie, but very warm and indulgent mixed berry compote.

It is super easy and quick to prepare, and it’s so deliciously satisfying, it almost seems wrong. It is too delicious not to share. And believe me when I say the picture does not do it justice!

reLYME’s Mixed Berry Compote
You will need:

• 1 cup frozen berries
• 1/4 cup plain granola
• 2 teaspoons agave nectar
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 pinch cinnamon

To prepare, simply arrange the frozen berries and granola (I chose a mixture of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries) in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle agave nectar over the berry/granola mixture. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Place in the microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds or until the berries begin to soften. Let cool for a minute before indulging. The result is pure heaven.

Calories: Approximately 300
(Not too bad for a dessert!)

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Hello, lovelies!

I’m so excited for the new year. For some reason, more this year than any other year, I feel as though I experienced a renaissance of sorts when the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. Did you feel it, too?

2010 is definitely my year. I can feel it in my bones. That’s why I decided to really live this year. It’s time to make changes…to make this year, well, for lack of a better term, my bitch.

And if you’re one of those too-cool-for-school, “I don’t make resolutions” types, then so be it. But, I like to hold myself up to a new and brighter standard each year. So, I would like to share with you, if you’ll let me be so candid, some of my personal New Year’s resolutions. Behold, my resolutions for 2010:

♥Make my OWN decisions
♥Get a new hobby
♥Write every day
♥Travel to new places
♥Work toward my passion
♥Be more creative
♥Stop being fearful
♥Love more

Given my resolutions for the year, and you’ll see how some of them are connected later, I’ve decided to reroute reLYME in a new direction. (Parlez vous “I’m bored”?) Will I still cover fashion and beauty? Yes. But, that’s not my only love, dears. I love a lot of things, and I want to share my ideas, interests, and passions with you. Additionally, I’d like to be more open and honest, so you can expect me to get a bit -ahem- personal at times.

I am so excited for all of the changes happening in my life and those that will be taking place here at reLYME. I hope you bear with me, and more importantly, I hope you have an extraordinary 2010!

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Let’s play a word association game: I say, “Peanut Butter” and you might reply with, “Jelly!” I say, “American Idol” and you might think of something along the lines of, “Lame!” So, when I say, “Fashion,” I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if you didn’t immediately begin shouting the name of, oh…I don’t know, Lindsay Lohan. Of course you wouldn’t. (”Rehab” might provoke you to mention her name, however.)

Ever since she was a guest judge on this season of Project Runway, or since news broke that she is rubbing elbows with Ungaro, (Why, God???) people have been scoffing about her ability to well, do anything, let alone have a sophisticated opinion about style.

Well, now the fashion industry has bigger fish to fry.

LL’s new fashion line, dubbed 6126 is set to be released this fall. (I can’t help but wonder about the name, 6126. The number of DUIs she’s received? The number of male celebrities she’s hit on in clubs?)

Oh, but perhaps I’m being too harsh. It’s almost the new year after all. Maybe I’m just bitter because I miss the Mean Girls-era Lindsay.

At any rate, the fall 2010 line, ranging from leggings to leather jackets, will retail at a relatively decent price point of around $100-$150.

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Manhattan-based independent designers, Sara Jordan and Aimee Wolk, are putting a whole new spin on recycling.

Their vintage-inspired line, Sara Claire & Esther, features embellishments, buttons, trims, and fabrics that are re-purposed from thrifted or vintage garments. The feminine looks are reminiscent of childhood tea parties or fashion expeditions through mother’s or grandmother’s closet.

And what’s more? Their Fall 2009 collection is making me swoon! In shades and tailoring that can only be described as elegant, classic, and whimsical rolled into one. Check it out for yourself:

What are your thoughts on Sara Claire & Esther?

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With Halloween just around the corner, it’s very possible that there are those of us who still don’t have a costume. And heck, maybe like me, you’ve run into a friend who doesn’t have an idea yet either?

Why not go as the iconic smart-mouthed dynamic duo, Laverne & Shirley?

The outfit is simple enough, and can be created incorporating clothing you may already have in your wardrobe. No, you may not turn heads for being a scantily-clad, and dare I so uber-skanky twosome, but you’re guaranteed to get a, “Hey, it’s Laverne and Shirley!” here and there!

Laverne and Shirley Halloween 09 by reLYME featuring Celine

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Recently, a friend of mine, knowing that I am anti-fur, asked my opinion on whether or not she should buy a vintage fur coat for chilly New York City nights. This got me thinking about faux fur. Maybe it isn’t as warm as the real deal, but it’s cruelty free, and will warm your shivering bones to their core.

From vest to coat, here are four faux fur options to keep you toasty in cooler months ahead:

Forever21 – Urban Faux Fur Vest, $24.80

Topshop – Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat, $160

Express – Faux Fur Cropped Coat, $168

Fred Flare – Faux Fur Isabelle Coat, $153

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With the prospect of a new-home purchase, and getting settled in a new state, I can’t afford to be careless with my cash. So, when I saw these booties by Elizabeth and James for $395, I knew there had to be a cheaper way.

I was able to find a comparable pair from Forever21.com for under $25!

It may not be a perfect likeness, no double takes here, but with a savings of over $300, the sensibility is enough to make my feet and my pocketbook sing!

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I’ve always been a fan of a good scarf, which is funny as I’m a native Floridian (with a short time spent living in NYC.) I am a firm believer that a scarf can practically spruce up any outfit. As the months get colder however, it’s important to combine fashion AND function.

The Limited Infinity Scarf accomplishes both tasks beautifully.

I saw scarves like this all over the place last winter, but none of them seem quite as fantastic as this one. (Even my dear friend, Sarah from Style IT has one!)

In either a chunky version (above left) with open stitches available in three colors or a shaker version (above right) available in many colors, the Infinity Scarf is guaranteed to be the perfect warm companion to your chilling fall (and even winter) months!

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