Fabulous Flats
Step into summer’s most luxurious, yet wearable trend—leather sandals adorned with crystals and gemstones
Bacau Sandals by Kate Spade, $268 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase and saksfifthavenue.com
So Wild Ankle Strap Sandals by Kenneth Cole Reaction, $69 at Nordstrom in Westfield Montgomery mall and nordstrom.com
Luna Crystal Sandals by MICHAEL Michael Kors, $150 at Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie and neimanmarcus.com
Moonlight Magic Rhinestone Sandals by Mystique, $160 at Sassanova in Bethesda
Aries Sandals by Seychelles, $75 at Nordstrom in Westfield Montgomery mall and nordstrom.com
Gwenda Jeweled Sandals by Via Spiga, $195 at Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase and bloomingdales.com
MELT-PROOF SUMMER MAKEUP
Heat and humidity can be tough on makeup, so we asked Bethesda makeup artist Lauren Jaber to share her summer routine. “Less is more,” Jaber says. “And it’s worth investing in high-quality, long-wear products.”
STEP 1: PREP WITH PRIMER
To keep humidity at bay, apply a matte primer to moisturized skin, concentrating on your T-zone, chin and cheeks. Not only does primer help makeup stay put, but it also minimizes the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone.
LAUREN’S PICK: MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer, $36 at Sephora in Chevy Chase and sephora.com
STEP 2: LOOK TO LONG-WEAR
When temperatures rise, Jaber recommends switching to a long-wear foundation, which is specially formulated to last all day. Warm a few drops between your fingers before lightly patting the product across your face.
LAUREN’S PICK: MAC Pro Longwear Foundation, $32 at MAC in Chevy Chase and maccosmetics.com
STEP 3: SAY GOODBYE TO SHINE
Use a large brush to lightly dust sheer powder along your T-zone. This important step locks foundation in place while reducing shine.
LAUREN’S PICK: NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder, $36 at Bluemercury in Bethesda and bluemercury.com
STEP 4: CHOOSE CREAMY SHADOWS
Cream formulas are less likely to crease or smudge, says Jaber. Use your ring finger to dab shadow across your lids, followed by a coat of waterproof mascara.
LAUREN’S PICK: Dior Beauty Fusion Mono Eye Shadow, $31 at Neiman Marcus in Chevy Chase and neimanmarcus.com
STEP 5: SET IT AND FORGET IT
Finish your look with a water-based setting spray. If you need a midday touch-up, reach for blotting papers—not powder—to eliminate excess oil in a flash.
LAUREN’S PICK: NYX Cosmetics Blotting Paper, $4 at Ulta in Silver Spring or Rockville and ulta.com
BEHIND THE BRAND: SimplyGenie
After learning their toddlers shared the same September birthday, friends Andrea Walker and Valerie Biaggi decided to throw a joint party. But despite visiting multiple stores and websites, the pair was unable to find original designs with a handcrafted feel. “We thought, there must be a solution for busy moms who want something unique and special,” says Walker, who lives in D.C.’s Foxhall neighborhood and received her MBA from American University. And so in January, SimplyGenie was born.
The online boutique offers customizable “parties in a box” and handmade decorations, shipped to your door. Parents (and kids) can choose from a range of themes for party supplies such as invitations, tableware, hats, banners and party favors. Walker says Bethesda parents are partial to the “Preppy Collection,” which includes themes such as pink sea turtles and blue whales.
“It’s the special details that count, personalizing the basics and picking a theme that your child will like,” says Biaggi, an event planner who lives in Chevy Chase.
SimplyGenie’s designs are created by artists from around the world. The popular “Children’s Illustrator Collection” was designed by Chilean artist Michelle Koryzma, a nod to Walker and Biaggi’s childhoods—both women grew up in South America. Products are printed and hand-assembled in D.C. and Silver Spring, so local customers can receive their orders in as few as three days.
Walker and Biaggi have some pointers for parents hosting parties. “My No. 1 tip is to have everything done beforehand,” Walker says. “I see so many moms who can’t enjoy the moment because they’re worried about making everything perfect.” Adds Biaggi, “Remember that you’re celebrating a special occasion, so don’t overthink the party.”
SimplyGenie, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, 855-510-5500, simplygenie.com. Parties in a box are customizable and start at $50.