#Blogmas Day 14: Holiday Candles from Bath & Body Works

Happy Monday, y'all! Hope you had a great weekend and are ready for more #Blogmas action here on the blog! I've said it before, but the holidays are not the holidays without a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works burning in the background. And one of my favorite things to do is pop into the store near Grand Central Station and just stick my face into each and every one of them until I decide which are THE BEST. It's a very scientific process, and part of my own personal catalogue of Christmas traditions. Anyone else? No? Well, that's okay... I've done the embarrassing legwork for you then! Below are my personal top 4 Holiday 3-wick candles. And, as always, pay attention to sales because you can get an amazing deal on these. In fact, as of now (for a limited time only) they are $15.00 marked down from $22.50, so get to shopping!

1  Cinnamon Caramel Swirl Basically a christmas cookie/dessert in the form of a candle. Yum!

2  Mahogany Teakwood This is a totally masculine, woodsy scent that (not gonna lie to you) kind of smells like a sexy man! I told another lady who was sniffing it, and she bought two! Heyyy girl.

3  Vanilla Bean Noel This is a classic. It's just so sweet, creamy, and totally just  warm, and I love burning it in the kitchen.

4  Frosted Cranberry This is also totally an annual classic, and really reminds me of home. It's fresh and fruity, and totally festive.

#Blogmas Day 11: Holiday Wish List - 2016 Planners

It's that time of year where you really start to wrap your head around the fact that it's about to be a new year. Whether you start getting your resolutions ready, or you at least try to get your affairs in order, a new year totally feels like a new beginning. And sometimes even just the feeling of a new beginning is important for keeping things in a busy, overwhelming life feel fresh, new, and fun. This also happens to be the perfect time to start the new year right with a planner. In the digital age, I know my phone and computer calendars keep track of my appointments and office obligations, but there's just something so charming and fun about keeping personal plans, birthdays, and other fun fetes in a beautiful agenda book. And why stop there? There are meal planners, diet planners, grocery planners, even content planners for bloggers and vloggers and people who work from home. I put together a few planners that I either have and am currently using, or have had my eye on for a while now. They would make excellent holiday gifts for someone special who's looking to grab 2016 by the horns and live their best-ever life!

1  Kate Spade 2016 Planners  I'm currently using the gold polka-dotted planner and it makes me so happy to look at it every day.

2  Skinnytaste Meal Planner I've blogged about this before, and I'm loving using it to plan out my meals (and grocery shopping/cooking schedule) for the week.

3  The Erin Condren LifePlanner This planner has a huge cult following on the internet. People create products specifically for it, they blog and vlog about it in Plan With Me videos on YouTube – it is kind of like the Rolls Royce of agendas.

4  Ban.do 2016 Agenda  These are so cute, and the design is flawless. I love the look of these planners, and they come with super cute stickers. This would be an amazing gift for someone in high school or college, but hurry because they are selling out fast!

#Blogmas Day 6: Holiday Wish List - Clinique

You guys know I love my Clinique. In fact, this list was tricky to put together because I pretty much have it all, or I've certainly tried it all, already... But I'm itching to add the below items to my collection because I haven't found something I love yet from other brands. And when that happens, I know I will always at least like and trust a product from Clinique. They are my home base brand, and I'll keep coming back forever no matter how far into other luxury and drugstore products I venture.

1  Airbrush Concealer 
I am struggling to find the perfect under-eye brightening concealer. In a past life, when my makeup game wasn't quite as strong, I tried to use this concealer as a way to cover spots and blemishes...wrong. But I do have a feeling I will love this under and around the eye area, and to make my brows really pop.

2  Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey
There was a magical time when Clinique sold its Almost Lipstick in tons of amazing shades. Though, it seems to have been discontinued (other than Black Honey which went totally Pinterest-viral a few years ago). Anyway, the formulation is amazing, so creamy and subtle, and it really just enhances your natural lip. I was heartbroken when they nixed my favorite shade, Flirty Honey, but Pink looks pretty similar to me!

3, 4 Chubby Stick Hefty Highlight and Sculpting Contour
I tend to run dry so, for me, cream contouring is a better bet than powder to prevent the dreaded cake face. My current cream contouring kit from Color FX is great, but it's only something I can do when I have lots of time to put my face on at home. But my typical makeup routine is something a bit more grab-and-go, so I would looooove to try these.

5  Cheek Pops
My blush game is sorely lacking, to be completely honest. I just went forever without using it because I thought bronzer was enough. Other than the occasional pat of Nars Orgasm on the apples of my cheeks, I am a complete blush newbie. This post could actually just double as makeup fails, come to think of it. But I think these Cheek Pops are adorable, and I'd like to get at least 2 or 3 different shades in the New Year.

6  Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks
This formulation is beyond amazing. Possibly holy grail, honestly. I have tried TONS of mattes, and loved a few. But this! I received a sample of Matte Crimson, and it has become my new favorite go-to red. It's matte-like in appearance, but never loses the feeling of being an amazingly creamy texture on the lips. I want to stock up on lots more shades, so I have a Long Last Soft Matte lipstick for every occasion. I'm obsessed.

#Blogmas Day 2: Holiday Wish List - Benefit

I thought it would be fun to share a few little brand-specific Holiday Wish Lists here on the blog this month. The holiday season is a fantastic time to try new products you've been eyeing, or maybe wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself but you can always add them to a little wish list so family/friends/loved-ones can get you something that's a treat, and that you'll love this season! I have a few brands I stick to again and again... (ahem, Clinique and lately Urban Decay) but there are several brands out there that I really want to take a deeper dive into this season and into 2016. So, kicking off this series, below are several products I've had my eye on from Benefit Cosmetics. Full-disclosure, I'm a total packaging design junkie and Benefit always kills it in that department! Plus, the Benefit Brow Bar at the 34th Street Macy's is my go-to brow waxing hotspot...so without further ado below are things I'm definitely adding to my wish list from Benefit Cosmetics!

1  Air Patrol
This BB cream eyelid primer is the latest product release from Benefit, and the tip is advertised as being even softer than your pinky for that delicate skin on your lids. In swatches and reviews, it seems to really help eyeshadow appear fiercely pigmented and last all day! While I love my current eye primer from Too Faced, I'm always up for trying something new so this makes the wish list for sure.

2  Puff Off!
I am obsessed with this metal applicator tip (it's shaped like an iron!!) that helps this under-eye gel go on cool and it even claims to smooth creases. It's literally like an iron for your eyes! I do love my under-eye rollerball from Clinique, but this is too cute not to try!

3  Majorette
This is a cream-to-powder blush in a natural peachy color that I've swatched time and time again. I need to just get this already! And the packaging is just so cute, I can't even handle it. I love the classic majorette-looking packaging, and it kind of reminds me of my high school marching band days, because our school colors were very similar! So so so cute.

4  Eye Bright
I have wanted to try this product (and Lemonade) since I was in high school, when I was obsessed with the retro-inspired bright eye makeup looks from the movie Down With Love starring Renee Zellweger. Full disclosure: this is a terrible movie but I still love it to this day. Don't judge me! Anyway, I have no idea why I've never just purchased this product in the last 10 years...but I don't really have eyelid discoloration, and (until fairly recently) I fancied myself fairly bright-eyed naturally. But honey, 30 knocked yesterday and I answered, so let's give this product a whirl!

5  High Brow Glow
The girls at the Benefit Brow Bar always top me off with a little bit of this under my arches, and I love the subtle shimmer and lift that it gives. It really shows off that perfect "groomed" brow shape, and it's totally something I should incorporate into my current brow routine.

6  The POREfessional: Agent Zero Shine
I love the idea of an in-purse powder to carry with me wherever I go. And this unique packaging (it's tube-like, quite a different territory for powders) makes it look so easy. It even includes a brush! My combination skin rarely gets shiny shiny, but no matter how much I prime, I can't really keep my foundation from disappearing throughout the day. So this product would be a life-saver in terms of adding a bit of polish when I'm on the go.

And there you have it, my all-things Benefit wish list! If any of these ended up in my stocking on Christmas morning, that would be quite alright with me! Have you tried any of these items? Leave a review in the comments. I'd love to hear your take on these products!

June is Bustin Out All Over!

Forgive the "Carousel"/Leslie Uggams reference, but I am so thrilled that Summer is here! Well, sort of...New York City has been experience some fairly heinous weather lately that has felt a bit more like October. But I have decided not to let that cramp my excitement!

With the start of my second summer here in the Big Apple, I wanted to share with you some of my summer favorites that I've been reading/listening to on my commute.

The Age of Innocence | Edith Wharton 
This old New York story is full of lust, scandal, and impropriety all wrapped up in a 'Society' package.

New York Diaries | Edited by Teresa Carpenter
This compilation of journal and diary entries, each written on one of the 365 days in a year, spans four centuries of New York life.

No One Belongs Here More Than You | Stories by Miranda July
This book of short stories are conversational and thought-provoking and I enjoy Miranda's quirky take on subjects from the mundane to the self-actualizing.

The Heavy: a Mother, a Daughter, a Diet | Dara-Lynn Weiss
This book has been the topic of much debate, especially when it comes to parenting and dieting/relationships with food. But I ultimately admire this mother's choice to put her 7-year-old daughter on a diet after reading this insightful book.

All of these tunes can be found on my Spotify playlist Perfect Summer, shown below. Give it a listen and leave a comment listing a few of your favorite reads and tunes this summer!

Inside the JSQ Makeup Bag

I am definitely a girly girl when I have time to be. I love makeup and products and I especially love the design and the packaging! However, my hang-up is that I am busy. Like busy, busy busy. But I still like to look and feel great, even if it means I'm putting on mascara in my car, or brushing on foundation at my desk using Photo Booth as my mirror. That's why I've assembled a compilation of all of my must-have products that I keep in my purse at all times. You don't need a million tubes, brushes and bottles to feel fresh and pretty. So I've managed to pare my makeup must-haves into 12 essential products Inside the JSQ Makeup Bag. Do any of you have essential products you can't live without?? I'm always looking to branch out (you'll notice I'm kind of a Clinique girl for the most part...)

1  A Pretty Makeup Bag like this one by Kate Spade. You have to keep everything organized, and not just flying around your purse! Plus, organization is a huge time-saver.

2  Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector works miracles. I, like a lot of people, have visible pores on my cheeks and nose and this smooths out every imperfection! It's kind of like Drywall Spackling for your face. It fills in pores, without leaving them feeling clogged and oily, and leaves your skin soft and pretty.

3  Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray is a new addition to my bag. You just spritz it on your face, either over or under makeup, and it's an instant moisturizer that feels like a 5-second trip to the spa. I use it if my skin feels dry, or just if I need to de-stress.

4  Roll-On Fragrance is a must for your bag. Perfume barely lasts until lunch on my skin, but I love smelling pretty. I keep this in my bag to freshen up my perfume here and there, or to quickly apply fragrance in between the office and a night out.

5  Aveda Control Paste is amazing for taming fly-aways, and perfect for styling bangs. You only need the tiniest bit of product on your fingertips, and then if you pull it into the ends of your hair, you will be frizz free!

6  Too Faced Shadow Insurance is an eyelid primer that seriously changed my life. With this under your eyeshadow, it is guaranteed to not crease, smudge, or fade all day long. If you're going from day to night in a hurry, just add some smoky shadow and freshen up your liner, and you can be ready in 3 minutes!

7  BeneFit Eye Bright is a miracle. If you have redness around your eyes after those late nights at work,  dab it in the inner and outer corners of your eyes, or around the rim on those red spots And poof! You look like you got at least 8 hours in.

8  NARS Duo Eyeshadow in "Silk Road" is really the only daytime eyeshadow you need. I love changing it up for different outfits or from evening looks, but when I'm in a hurry, I want a quick neutral palette that goes on like butter and lasts all day long. NARS can be pricy, but it's great quality, and if it's your go-to color, it's worth spending a little extra cash.

9  Rene Futerer Naturia is the absolute best dry shampoo money can buy. If you color your hair, especially red hair, you know it fades quickly, and several hot showers a week do not help! Use this for that one extra day between washes, and it works miracles. Plus you're saving your color!

10  BeneFit Bad Gal Lash is a perfect on-the-go mascara. It's thick, full brush coats your lashes perfectly for maximum thickness and lengthening all in one. Not only does it give you long, thick, sexy lashes, but the brush's thickness makes it easy to apply even in a moving vehicle (as long as you aren't the driver...)

11  Clinique Even Better foundation is a recent switch for me. I used to use Superbalanced Makeup by the same brand, but I have freckles galore, and in the fall and winter I prefer a base makeup with just a bit more coverage. This is smooth, oil-free and with an SPF 15, which I think is crucial! These reasons and many more are why I made the switch to Even Better.

12  Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows is last but certainly not least. In fact, if I could only leave my house with 1 type of makeup, it would be this. My 2-minute makeup routine involves this liner for my brows, and then I just dab on a little mascara and some chapstick and I'm out the door. This tiny little pencil gives you the ability to fill in your brows with thin, natural looking strokes. And the best part for me is that there is no sharpener needed in my entire makeup bag!

So there you have it, ladies. A peek inside my makeup bag for my 12 absolute Must-Have Items. Am I missing anything? Do you have a product you can't live without? Leave a comment below, because I'd love to hear your Must-Haves too!

Seven Degrees of Sunnies

Sunglasses are a must-have accessory for a billion reasons. They block harmful UV rays from your precious peepers and prevent crows-feet from all that summer squinting. Celebrity Stylist Rachel Zoe even said they are your "Ultimate Do-Not-Disturb" sign. But for the happily un-famous folks not fleeing from paparazzi, sunglasses most importantly allow us to transform our entire look in as much time as it takes to slide them on! They're like putting on an instant costume! And the more variety you have, the more you can change it up from day to day, whether it's Audrey Hepburn or Penny Lane...So without further ado, The 7 Essential Must-Have Sunglasses.

1  Colorful, Summer Sunnies
These slightly retro shades are perfect for a beach vacation or just a drive with the top down // Buy them here

2 Hollywood Glamor Glasses
This subtly cat-eyed pair are are ideal for sitting by the pool in a floppy hat and a retro bathing suit, sipping a lemonade...or this! // Buy them here

3 Classic Ray Bans
Or in this case, similar look, but a fraction of the price! These glasses are perfectly dark, for those ultra bright days // Buy them here

4 Flirty Frames
These nude frames look great on any skin-tone, have a fun gradation of color, and add a touch of romance to your summer look // Buy them here

5 Tortoise Shell Shades
Tortoise Shell sunglasses are a Must-Have Item in my opinion. They are classically cool, and go with everything // Buy them here

6 Aviators!
These are just effortlessly cool. Wear them with long, messy hair, and you're bohemian. Wear them with a ponytail and it's simple, utilitarian glamor. And they are so lightweight, you barely feel like you're wearing sunglasses at all // Buy them here

7 1970's Inspired Specs
I firmly believe that every woman should have a truly enormous pair of sunglasses. But when you go 70s-chic, you can get away with it without being too obnoxious. And, these gold frames go perfect with a tan... // Buy them here




All of these glasses are from Forever 21, for only $5.80 each! I highly recommend buying sunglasses on the cheap, because they are really easy to lose, scratch, or accidentally sit on...I start my summer with quite a few more than I end with, but at this price, I have zero guilt.

Autumn and Winter Wrap Up

One of my favorite new readers, Bailey posted a comment that I loved so much that I decided to dedicate an Ask Jenna Sais Quois post to it! So I decided to sum up some of my favorite Autumn and Winter trends for her! Check them out below, and let me know if there are any I've missed!

1 Chunky knits in rich colors or basic black 
2 Classic Ray Ban sunglasses
3 The "infinity scarf" had a big moment in 2011
4 The faux fur collar, on many different types of jackets
5 Military inspired pieces, including outerwear
6 A classic, structured handbag with metal details

7 Leather gloves to add a pop of color   
8 The cardigan, whether feminine and detailed, or boyish and basic
9 Chanel nailpolish in any of these colors
10 The flirty, flouncy high-waisted skirt
11 Brown oxfords (with black tights)
Brown with black was a huge trend this Autumn and Winter
12 Classic round-toe pumps, patent leather
13 Tall riding boots
14 Black suede "slouchy" booties worn with tights, or skinny jeans

Must-Have #12

The air is getting crisper by the day, and I refuse to put the heat on until December. I am a twenty-something working her first job! What do you think, that I'm made of money!? But the way I've been keeping warm is a secret I am more than happy to share with you, in the form of an Autumn Must-Have Item! So, without further ado, I introduce...

#12 L.L. Bean Moccasin Slippers

{Photos via L.L. Bean}

These things are truly a Godsend. I originally spent a great deal of time coveting Cate's pair last winter until I ordered some of my own. They come in a multitude of colors to choose from, but I prefer the traditional Brown.

Well worth the $50 price tag, these are the first things I slip my feet into when I get home from work, and it's like swaddling my overworked toes inside a cloud. Not to mention the retro factor of wearing moccasin slippers...Now I just need a dog to fetch me them, and a pipe to smoke. Until then, a cup of piping hot pumpkin spice coffee will suffice for now!

Must-Have #10

Back in November, I did a little Fall/Winter must-have list, inspired by the Nina Garcia book The One Hundred. Since Spring is here, (although there is snow on the ground as I write this...) I thought I would add to the list here and there with some more weather appropriate Must-Have items for the Sping/Summer seasons. 

Take a look at this classic photo of style icon, Audrey Hepburn. Now, as much as I wish I could go out for a bike ride looking exactly like this from head to toe, I can certainly replicate what is happening south of her ankles...

#10 White Ballet Flats

They are the perfect shoe for Spring because they go with anything, they're comfortable, and they allow you to change out your black ballet flat for a more season-appropriate look. I bought my first pair of these 6 years ago, and have been wearing them to death ever since. Time for some new ones, and I have my eye on this pair from Aldo for $40.00. There are plenty of round-toe options as well if you are over pointy shoes. 

I'd like to add that here at Jenna Sais Quois, I like to feature only beautiful and delightful things and leave the "Don'ts" at the door, but I have to say just one thing...There is no room in a woman's wardrobe for rubber flip-flops. Ever. So use a white flat or a more structured thong sandal to get you through Summer stylishly.

Edit: Okay, okay...the shower of a dorm bathroom or locker room, or the beach (on the actual sand!) are appropriate places, if you must...

Must-Have #9

These are something I discovered in High School on many, many trips to our favorite Thrift Store Locale, The Village. I started to think about accessories and really putting together entire outfits back then, and there was a whole area under glass devoted to these beautiful and sparkling Must-Have items.

#9 Jeweled Brooch

They are stunning, whether vintage or vintage replica. You will never stop receiving compliments on the ones you are sporting on a sweater or jacket, they can instantly dress up a daytime look for an evening out, and they just make you feel decadent! What else can you ask for?

Must-Have #8

This Must-Have item is one of the few I've blogged about that I don't actually own, myself. I am in the market for one this Winter! In terms of outerwear, I'm a firm believer that you should always let it work with your outfit, rather than against it. I love bold colors, and interesting fabrics but also appreciate the simplicity of basic black. However, there are some situations where a person is in dire need of this item

#8 Camel Coat

A camel coat is a staple because it is the perfect coat to wear when black just seems redundant (i.e. over an all-black outfit) or when white seems to contrasting. It also goes splendidly with brown or navy blue, which alone makes it a Must-Have. The best part is, it has the power to dress up jeans!

This particular coat is from Express, and it is slightly out of my price range at $168.00. Is it in your budget this Winter?

Must-Have #7

This is going to seem like a pretty specific Must-Have, but it's important. You will live in these shoes. Dress them up, dress them down! wear them with pants, opaque tights, or bare legs! Wear them during every season, or type of weather imaginable! They are a necessity. Why? Because when you wear them, you are channeling this fashion icon:

#7 Black Patent Leather Flats

These are all options available at Piperlime.com at varying price points. Links from top to bottom: here ($270), here ($79) and here ($59).

Must-Have #6

With the Holidays fast approaching, we'll all be heading off to plenty of parties that will be an excuse to get a little extra dressy. This is why every woman needs this Must-Have item.

#6 Jeweled Evening Bag

Why jeweled, you ask? Well, jewels aren't so important as flirty and feminine details that make the bag interesting, or exquisite like this one from Banana Republic. The bejeweled portion is pictured in detail below. It comes in red (an online exclusive color), smoky topaz (not pictured), gray and black, and can be yours for $89.50. It's perfect for dressing up a casual outfit, or carrying while fully glammed up for a party. I especially want the red one!

Must-Have #5

#5 Spectator Pumps

I am absolutely in love with these shoes, whether they are in-style or not, because they're CLASSICS. You see Bette Davis step off to board her cruise ship in Now, Voyager or you see Julia Roberts wearing them to the polo match in Pretty Woman. They clearly stand the test of time.

You can try them as a Mary Jane, or a flat, and they come in plenty of colors besides black & white (see images below). However, I am a self-professed traditionalist, and I definitely prefer the classic pump shown above.

Must-Have #4

With Winter quickly blowing into town, outerwear becomes more and more important. Everyone needs a good coat that can make the transition from Autumn to Winter to Spring, and that brings me to the Must-Have 3-season coat.

#4 Pea Coat

Originally designed for Sailors in the Navy, the Pea Coat is probably the most classic coat you can incorporate into your wardrobe. It's got beautiful lines, big buttons, and traditionally comes in black or navy blue but is now available in a wide array of colors like this red version from The Gap. My favorite versions are made of wool, which is traditional. It is also the warmest, but don't be afraid to try the Pea Coat in a myriad of different materials!

Must-Have #3

Sunglasses are important no matter what season it is. First and foremost, they protect your eyes from harsh sunlight, but they also prevent you from squinting which reduces the appearance of fine lines or "crow's feet" around your eyes. Not to mention, Rachel Zoe calls them your "Ultimate Do-Not-Disturb Sign." With the right outfit, they have the ability to transform you from the girl on her way to the office to Jackie O. Which brings me to the third Must-Have item.

#3 Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

The reason I love Tortoise Shell so much is that it is versatile. It goes with black, brown, navy blue, or any other color. It also works beautifully on people with any hair color or complexion. These are both from Target. Here are the links to the first and second images. Both are $16.99 and would be excellent stocking stuffers.

Note: People only associate sunglasses with Summer, but when the sun is reflecting on all that white snow, the light can be even brighter in the Winter!

Must-Have #2

#2 A Matching Luggage Set

I am someone who takes a very traditional viewpoint on luggage. It should always come in a matching set. Those with an eclectic style may see things differently, and that's totally fine! Other musts for luggage is that it must be durable, good-quality, and easily identifiable.

In the end, I would prefer a four-piece set, but I found the most gorgeous 3-piece set from a company called SteamLine Luggage that looks too vintage and beautiful to pass up! It's called The Editor Series, and is available in a vanity case, a carry-on, and a stowaway. It's a bit pricy, so if you find something like it for half the cash, let me know!

Must-Have #1

I have always been very interested in Must-Have pieces for women in terms of both fashion and accessories. I received Nina Garcia's book, The One Hundred last year as a gift, and it completely inspired me. Though I don't feel that I need everything in that book, there are certain things she hit right on the head, so I have decided to start dedicating posts to my own personal Must-Have items in no particular order.

#1 Bright Leather Gloves

Why? Because there is nothing more luxe than a pair of leather gloves that are softer than butter, and keep your fingers toasty during the harsh winter months, while also making you look fabulous. I like them in bright colors because they are chic, unexpected, and instantly transform your black wool coat into an outerwear ensemble.

The gloves pictured above are from Tommy Hilfiger, and are lined with cashmere. The little bows on them are a detail that takes them from ordinary to extraordinary! I saw them on The Cut this morning, and fell in love. Also, if leather is not your thing, there are plenty of faux options that are just as soft and equally as beautiful.