Things My Mother Never Told Me: Body Waxing

If your mom was a teen in the 60s, 70s or 80s, there is a social disconnect when it comes to feminine hygiene/grooming....I know it's taboo to type about, but c'mon ladies....how many times have I been asked "Psst, I know this is kinda weird BUT what do you think about Brazilian waxing verse laser treatments?" when I start to wax someone's eyebrows?

Every woman who is even old enough to even consider waxing has a mother raised in the good old safari bush days, if you know what I mean.

Two things that I should state. Woman (and men) of all ages wrap your heads around this:

1. It is OK to wipe out the map. The new territory is there to be discovered.
2. On the other hand, it is OK to prefer a rustic, earthy approach to living. Your jungle was created that way for a reason- a little extra protection never hurt anyone.

Herein lies the problem. Just keep it groomed. NO one in public wants to get a glimpse of anything past that bikini line.

What about bumps? Pimples? Ingrown hairs?
After you get it waxed (or lasered), keep your skin exfoliated and you will be fine. Razoring down there is a load of nonsense and is way too scratchy (for you AND other people).

Note: you will also get more longevity between waxes if you do NOT shave in between your appointments.

How badly does it hurt? I am not going to sugar coat this. Your lady (or man) parts are getting waxed. Its like big band-aids getting ripped off your skin. But, for the sake of human decency, choose pride, here. Choose pride.

The 1940s Stole My Heart

Ever think you were born in the wrong time period?  The colors of fashion this Fall are so entirely vintage American, I just could not be happier. True mustard yellow, deep burnt oranges, mulberry meets plum, navy blues that lean towards royal, army greens... I want it all.

 Mash that up with tweeds, cable knits, denim and some fabulous structured silhouettes with a waistline that really destroy any overindulgent 80's-esque costume nonsense trying to vie its way into our hearts at the local mall.

Hair and makeup get a rejuvinating kick too with soft romantic silhouettes, curls abundant. Makeup looks that enhance all feminine features, rather than suggest ambiguity, are reminding us that we may chose suggestive eyes and kissable lips over blatant outcries for attention.

Oh, 1940s, let's return to this nostalgic moment. Throw some Count Basie into your record player and pull out The Andrews Sisters Christmas album because real-home, "down earth" melodies and elegant style is back. It is that authenticity that we all crave and it's just perfectly in time for the holidays.





Top photo from NeimanMarcus.com, Tory Burch Shirt Dress; Bottom photos from style.com, backstage at Dior Spring 2010

Things My Mother Never Told Me: Makeup

As woman, we have all had that Ah-HA moment when we learned something about image that our mother failed to teach us as young ladies...and so begins the series "Things My Mother Never Told Me."

1. Makeup: Cream on Cream, Powder on Powder.

Somewhere between concealer, foundation and setting powder, the order of everything else was completely left out. And, if you are anything like me, you improvised. WRONG.

Anything creamy or liquid should go on before dry, powdery products. This means, eye liners (creamy) before shadow (powder). Common sense- the shadow SETS the liner and keeps it from traveling. THEN, if need be, go back and add an accent or two atop your shadow. But, take it from my trial and error, it is annoying when liquid liner goes skidding across already powdered skin.

2. Makeup: Curl Lashes BEFORE Mascara

Honestly, you are just wasting mascara and giving yourself more cleanup to do if you apply before curling. Avoiding curling altogether by priming the lashed instead.

3. Makeup: Primer, What is It?

It is what it sounds like. It's just like balancing and prepping your walls for a new paint job. Skin Primer goes on after your moisturizer and before your foundation to even out skin discoloration and make your makeup last hours and hours longer without constantly touching it up. A 20th century gift to woman.

Lash Primer goes on before mascara and works wonders to protect and plump lashes. Also, prevents mascara from getting crispy on your tender lids.


4. Makeup: HOW to Look Bronzed Without Bronzer

It's ok to use two shades of foundation for dimension, rather than bronzing your cheeks to death with powder. Foundation glows from the inside out and looks much more natural and subtle.

5. Makeup: Camera Nightmare

Foundations with SPF of 20 or higher can create glare ("shine") when reflecting light of a camera. Stick to SPF 15 or lower in your daily lotions and foundations. Better yet, steer yourself in the direction of foundations MADE  to be used under lights.


Andrea's Top Picks: Foundation and Mascara

• Foundation Lancome Photogenic, Arbonne Liquid, HD Makeup Forever...these feel so breathable and balance tone in photos
• Mineral Powder: Arbonne ...your skin will be glowing.
• Setting Powder: MakeupForever HD Microfinish Setting Powder...softens overall makeup without in any way altering the colors.\
• Primer: Makeup Forever has everything from clear to tinted primer for controlling color imbalances in skin's tones...balances skin tones, makeup lasts for the entire day.
• Mascara: Lancome Primer and classic Definicils Mascara. Naturally defined lashes... I try to cheat on Definicils, but find myself going back again and again, dissatisfied with so-called competitors.

Photo Credits: Photo by Hannah Betts, Hair/Makeup by myself, Andrea Galdieri Bonawitz, Model Anna Dana

Shoe Essentials Fall/Winter 2011

.Shoes. Cant's live with out them. Really, truly a personal favorite. Keep your eyes peeled for these Fall/Winter Essentials:


Riding Boots. Preferably in cognac or some grey tone. Mmm, so wonderful and comfy.

 Oxfords: cute, gender bending. Buy them in leather, canvas, or suede...just get a pair. Any color, nuetral or bright will do. For shorter legs, I suggest buying a pair with a built in heel or wedge. Wedge oxfords are my favorite



Flirty Maryjanes. Update your closet. Softly pointed toes and a nod to the 40s are all around us. Engage your desire to play dress-ups.



Army influenced desert boots. A tip: wear them with short, tights and thin scrunch-able socks to show off the boot as a main accessory...a perfect way to transition from summer wardrobe to fall.

Images: Top Center Tall Color Block BDG Boot, Center Right 80%20 Oxfords, Center Left Minna Parikka Heart Maryjane, Bottom Center Clarks Desert Mali Distressed Suede Boot