AMI by Alexandre Mattiussi

I don't normally gush about men's fashion, but during our recent trip to Paris, I discovered Alexandre Mattiussi's AMI boutique in the upper Marais area. The store opened last December and has become all the rage amongst the fashion world. If only they carried women's wear! 

Credit: Yann Deret

I fell in love with everything - each piece was so wearable, understated, and effortlessly chic. The linen sports jackets and linen slub pullovers were my absolute favorites. Prices were very reasonable, and if you know of Matiussi's background at Givenchy and Dior, you'll soon recognize the exceptional fit in his casual wear collection. The friendly staff will also help you pick the best styles to fit your body frame.

AMI sports linen jacket, at Barneys New York.

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Joy Kills Sorrow's Wide Awake

Boston-based string band Joy Kills Sorrow will release Wide Awake, their new 7-song EP on June 4. Their rendition of The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" brings such fresh energy to the original version, adding an extra exuberant spin on the popular song. You can listen to it here.  

Credit: Shervin Lainez

The accoustic group has been anchored in traditional roots, yet this album has deftly weaved more modern elements of indie rock. I love the strong yet feminine vocals of Emma Beaton, which goes so well with their compositions. Elements of jazz, swing, rock and classical flutter through the notes of each track, which I enjoyed a lot. They defy concrete music genres, which is what makes them so unique. 

To promote their new album Joy Kills Sorrow will be touring the West Coast this coming week, so see if you can catch them live:

June 2 - Santa Cruz, CA at The Crepe Place 

June 3 - Berkeley, CA at Freight and Salvage

June 4 - Newberg, OR at The Newberg Music Center

June 5 - Bellingham, WA at Green Frog Café Acoustic Tavern

June 6 - Portland, OR at Alberta Rose Theatre

June 7 - Seattle, WA, at Fremont Abbey

For more info and additional summer tour dates, go to www.joykillssorrow.com.

For editorial consideration, a review copy was sent by the PR representative.

Spring Stationery and Gifts from Rifle Paper Co.

Rifle Paper Co. already offer enough stationery items to tempt me on a daily basis, but their new spring launches are making me drool double time. Who could resist the new iPhone cases, pocket notebooks and journals? I sure can't. 

Green pocket notebook from the Vintage Blossom Notebook Set.

I've got my eye on this stunning Spanish Rose iPhone Case:

I save most of my recipes digitally, but this vintage-inspired Citrus Floral Tin Recipe Box makes me want to write down all my favorites recipes – in my best handwriting of course. 

The Evelina Journal is just perfect for all your creative brainstorming. You can't help but get inspired with this lovely design. 

Available at riflepaperco.com. 

Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer

Just in time for summer, Giorgio Armani launched Flash Lacquer, a new lip gloss that provides an exceptionally high-shine finish. In fact, the finish is so brilliant it can maintain a nice luster even after blotting.

From nudes to pinks to dark reds, the lip gloss comes in over thirty gorgeous shades. I love Coral 300, a sheer light coral that's more on the pale tangerine side. I don't usually pick corals but this is a wearable one for light to medium skin tones.

Flash Lacquer in 526 Pink.
Coral 300

Available at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

Dolce & Gabbana True Monica Collection

Inspired by the sensual beauty of Italian actress Monica Bellucci, the Dolce & Gabbana True Monica Collection is an elegant and timeless makeup palette that emphasizes full nude lips and neutral smoky eyes.  

Dolce & Gabbana Make Up creative advisor Pat McGrath designed this classic lineup for easy, year-round use. Even if you don't wear a lot of makeup this collection can be your go-to for special occasions. 

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Clarins Splendours Summer 2013 Makeup

The Clarins Splendours Summer 2013 Colour Collection is all about bronzed cheeks, neutral eyes and bright shiny lips. 

I'm all about their lip products this season. The Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm is a hybrid lip color that's paired with a lip balm. The pigment core contains super rich color while the outer core repairs and moisturizes. It's available in four shades, and I just love 07 Crystal Gold Plum (golden rosy brown) and 08 Crystal Berry (dark berry). If you like bright pink, the 05 Crystal Rose is the perfect electric pink for summer. 

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Sponsored by HSN via Glam Media. 

Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection

Fashion aficionados everywhere jumped for joy when NARS announced its collaboration with shoe designer Pierre Hardy. Inspired by Hardy's summer 2013 shoe collection, the brilliant Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection consists of two large blush palettes and six nail polish duos. 

As an homage to Hardy's use of bold color and patterns, both oversized blush palettes showcase bright, highly pigmented shades. Each one also features Hardy’s iconic cubic print in a gold shimmer overspray. I absolutely love Boys Don't Cry, an electric red-pink with a touch of coral. It matches so well with the Vertebra nail duo. I'd be super careful with the application – it's quite easy to overdo it. Use a fan brush if you have it. Either way, this blush will last a very long time, even with regular use.  

Pierre Hardy for NARS Rotonde Blush.

Of the six nail duos, I love the Vertebra set (coral and dusty rose) the most. Each pair is packaged in a mini shoe box. It even comes with a tiny dust bag to store your nail polish – how darling is that? The no-chip formula is on the thicker side, so it's essential to work quickly to avoid clumping. I recommend two coats to achieve an opaque finish. It's been about a week and I hardly see any chipping, other than the tips wearing down a bit. 

The entire collection is available at www.narscosmetics.com. 

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's time to show Mom some major love for Mother's Day! To help you pick the right gift, we gathered a few ideas that will earn lots of brownie points:

A favorite brand amongst celebrities, the Eminence Celebrity Picks Gift Set will have your special mama glowing like a star. The set includes a travel-sized duo of the popular Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum and the nutrient-rich Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser. $35; www.eminenceorganics.com. 

Linnea's Lights has two new gorgeous candles for spring, and we can't get enough of them. Feminine and lush, the Peony candle features velvety peony petals, green stems and wildflowers. If you prefer something with green notes the alluring Wild Fern is filled with crisp greens, stems, herbs and sheer woods. $30 each; http://www.shopterrain.com. 

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Beauty Finds from Net-A-Porter

Net-A-Porter is the online destination for luxury fashion, but did you also know that the e-tailer launched a beauty category? Starting with a small curated collection, they now offer favorites from cult brands like By Terry, Rodin, Natura Bisse and Leonor Greyl. Additional brands will be introduced each week, so definitely keep an eye out for your must-have products. 

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