Coquette

Valentine's Day Gifts at Coach

Coach can help you celebrate Valentine's day with it's signature Vermillion color. I'd be happy to take either the Mini Borough Bag in Retro Glove Tan Leather ($378) or the new Bleeker Mini Riley Carryall ($258). The bags are just the right pop of color to have now with your dark winter clothes and will give you a head start into the warm weather we can look forward to this spring. I also love the new blush colors that are available now in most of the bag and wallet styles. Even if you don't have a Valentine, aren't you worth it to treat yourself? Coach has always been one of my go-to places for gifts because of the variety they have and their prices don't hurt your wallet either!

Here are more great Vday gifts at Coach:

The Large Clutchable in Bar Stripe Leather ($498)

Madison Felicia Crossbody in Two Tone Python Embossed Leather ($218)

Bleecker Mini Skinny in Painted Dot Coated Canvas ($38)

Heart Locket Bangle ($128)

Poppy Freesia Blossom ($65)

Half Inch Hinged Leather Turnlock Bangle ($118)

Pave Stud Rose Gold Earrings ($48)

Waverly iPhone 5 Case in Multi Heart ($38)

NARS Final Cut Collection + Sephora NARSissist Cheek Kit

Just in time to bring you out of the gloomy weather comes this new NARS Final Cut Collection featuring four shades of pink from soft blush to cherry pink. There is also a new NARS 'Final Cut' Illuminator ($30 at Nordstrom) that's a shimmering lavender pink. The satin lip pencils have been my favorite since last summer. They work well alone (the color lasts!) or mixed in with your favorite lip gloss or lipstick. As for blush, most gals know that NARS is a beauty staple. The colors are always perfectly pigmented. In the new Final Cut Collection, I am using the Stourhead Satin Lip Pencil and the New Attitude Blush.These products are currently only available at Nordstrom. (They will be available at NARS boutiques and narscosmetics.com in March.)

NARS Final Cut Blush ($29 at Nordstrom): Sex Fantasy (pale lavender), New Attitude (cherry blossom), Final Cut (peach coral) and Love (tea rose)

NARS Final Cut Satin Lip Pencil ($25 at Nordstrom): Stourhead (pale lavender), >Villa Lante (cherry blossom), Torres del Paine (peach coral) and Descanso (tea rose).

Just wait, there's more! Head to Sephora now and grab the new NARSissist Cheek Kit ($49 at Sephora). These kits are limited edition and go fast. In stores on Feb 1st but I already found it online for you. The blush kit comes three popular shades - highlighting blush in Devotee, blush in Orgasm (peachy pink with gold shimmer) and a brozer in laguna. It all comes with a new updated blush brush. I can see this set as your essentials blush kit for the spring/summer.

Note: Review lip and blush products were provided by NARS.

My Favorite French Pharmacy Skin Care + Beauty Products That Are Available in the U.S.

(Photo: Nuxe)

While in France, I always make it a point to visit one of my favorite places - the pharmacy. Pharmacies in France are well known to carry a multitude of skin care and beauty items. In fact, the one I go to in the southwest specializes in beauty and even has an upstairs area for facials and spa treatments. Most of the stuff I like is available in the U.S. via Amazon, although the prices are a little bit more expensive than it would be in France. Truth be told, these products are worth it and you do end up saving more than buying expensive luxury brands for really good quality.

One brand that I just discovered is Nuxe an eco-friendly brand that features products from botanical innovation. My favorite product that I use multiple times a day is their honey lip balm. (Miele is honey in French). Choose from the Nuxe Reve de Miel jar ($12.51 on Amazon, $6.99 shipping) or the Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick ($10.15 on Amazon, Prime shipping) This balm keeps your lips hydrated without need to re-apply or over apply. I also love that it goes on matte so your lips aren't shiny. This enables you to layer on your favorite lipstick beautifully! I have both the jar and the tube. I keep the jar next to my bedside and the tube in my bag. I love that the tube applicator is shaped like a triangle for the lips much like a lipstick which makes it easy and fun to apply (especially for my 5 year old who pretends she's wearing lipstick). We bought a bunch to stash for the next year until we go back. Trust me, this is the lip balm to have in winter!

The E.Leclerc Beauty Pharmacy in Biscarosse (south-west of France).

Here are more of my French Pharmacy favorites:

Avene Thermal Spring Water ($18.99 on Amazon for a pack of 3 50 ml cans, free shipping)
To keep your skin refreshed, this portable spray gives you a hydrating mist for your face. Most French women use some sort of misting spray to keep their skin looking fresh. I love how soft my skin feels after I use it. A drink for your face!

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($17.16, amazon prime free shipping)
I like that this eye cream is light and the small tube makes it portable for your handbag or travel. I mix it in at night with my regular eye cream sometimes as I feel like the retinol really helps reduce my fine lines.

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner ($22.14 on Amazon, $4.15 shipping)
Bioderma is a line I truly love. I got this pore refiner the first time and use it around my nose area. It's the perfect primer under makeup.

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque ($27,50, prime free shipping)
This is a great mask when your skin is feeling dry either seasonally or after a long fight. I like that it's easy to use. Just apply on face, leave on for 10 minutes and then tissue off the excess. Done!

Bioderma Crealine H20 Wipes ($24, prime free shipping)
I already use the Bioderma Crealine cleanser every day. I got these wipe versions that are perfect for travel, especially on the plane. So soft!

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution 500 ml ($33, prime free shipping)
I use this cleanser everyday to really get all my makeup off. I usually start with this and then use my regular cream cleanser after. I personally don't think it's that great at removing heavy eye makeup though but does a good job for the overall face, especially since it is a no-rinse cleanser.

Banana Republic - 40% off Sale this Weekend!

Celebrate the weekend and the sale happening now at Banana Republic where you can get 40% off your entire purchase with the code BRSAVE40. (Offer ends Jan 20). I love the playfulness of the Leopard Jacquard Full Skirt ($89.50) and the emerald color in the Bold Dot Blouse ($79.50).

Here are more of my picks from Banana Republic:

Banana Republic Bold Stripe Metallic Trim Tee - Black ($39.50)
Banana Republic Sloan Pencil Skirt in Wild orchid ($79.50)

Banana Republic Caitlin Pump ($128)
Choose from natural/black or black/white

Banana Republic Gemma Wrap Dress - Blood orange ($98)

Banana Republic Floral Jacquard Pleated Full Skirt - Riviera blue ($98)

Banana Republic Fitted Non Iron Sateen Shirt - Aquarium blue ($69.50)
(Lots of colors so stock up and get a few for spring!)

Banana Republic Abstract Print Roll Sleeve Blouse - Bright celedon ($79.50)

Banana Republic Two Tone Textured Pullover - Deep neon yellow ($79.50)

Banana Republic Go To Denim Shirt - Dark denim ($69.50)

Banana Republic Poppy Statement Necklace - Mint ($69.50)