pop culture

healthy sweets for your sweetie

 This Valentine’s Day have your main squeeze bite into something sweet and healthy with these good-for-you goodies!

 

Babycakes bakery is great place to pick up treats if your sweetie is a vegan, these cupcakes are healthy, but still sure satisfy any sweet tooth

Strawberries are a great choice for Valentine’s Day.  They’re loaded with healthy minerals and vitamins, the kind that boost your immune system, improve brain health, and slow aging. Add a little dark chocolate and you’ve got a treat very few people can resist. Yeah, that’s sweet.

Dark chocolate — a potent antioxidant known to lower blood pressure — covered almonds are packed with protein and vitamins that not only taste great, but are healthy as well. Unless your sweetie is allergic to nuts — we suggest you find that out first — these are the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Angel food cake is really a star in the world of baking and confection. Named because of it’s light and airy texture, this cake is great because it’s low in calories but still offers a delicious sweet taste without the guilt.


pic of the day: a living legend on 5th avenue

One of the perks of living in NYC? You never know who you’re going to run into. Early this morning, Jenna, tarte’s creative marketing manager bumped in creative great Simon Doonan on 5th Ave. In her own words:

“So sleepy this morning… but awake enough to notice Barneys New York‘s Creative Extraordinaire Simon Doonan walking down 5th Avenue next to me… which is why I had to grab him (with force) for a photo op. Ha! The best part? He was oh-so-genuinely-nice and what’s nicer than being nice AND having amazing style? They go hand in hand.”

Have you ever run into a living legend on the street? Tell us all about it, or better yet, share a photo!

 

listen up: fresh from the recording studio

My top five favorite new tunes for a wintry weekend. Trust me, all your friends have these jams already. Don’t be the last to know, download these now!


1. Cage the Elephant, “Aberdeen”

From Bowling Green, Kentucky; these southern boys have made a name for themselves through high energy live performances and amazing lyrics —  making them a huge hit in the U.S. and U.K.

 


2. The Wombats, “Jump into The Fog”

While they have a completely different sound than The Beatles, the two bands share the same home, Liverpool, and man, do they know how to rock. The Wombats have that awesome British feel to them that we all know and love. Want to indulge in some musical Anglophilia?  Just plug in the headphones and turn it up.

 


3. M83, “Midnight City”

M83 is the brainchild of French musician Anthony Gonzalez. With a unique sound, M83 never disappoints. This is my go-to workout song when I’m feeling lazy and blah..it really gets my blood pumping!

 


4. Imperial Teen,“Runaway”

Having provided the soundtrack to the infamous and iconic scene of four teen beauties — the original mean girls — walking down their high school hallway in 1999’s twisted comedy Jawbreaker, Imperial Teen may be a throwback, but well worth a second glance. I’m thrilled that they are making such a strong impact. Check ‘em out!

 


5. The Naked and Famous, “Girls like you”

Who doesn’t love an import from Down Under?? The Naked and Famous is a New Zealand indie rock band from Auckland. Do yourself a favor and download them now. These guys are an incendiary force to be reckoned with.

 

best-dressed: Sundance style

The Sundance Film Festival is like the cool, downtown, little sister to all the other awards shows, with fashion just as independent and unique as the films. Forget those glamorous ball gowns and major labels; it’s all about rocker boots, great winter coats, and taking fun risks. tarte had the pleasure of spending some time at the festival, where we had the opportunity to see a few of our favorite actress and learn a thing or two about Sundance style.

Elizabeth Olsen

Lizzie Olsen is proving to be as much of a style maven as her older sisters. We love when celebrities play with colors and patterns; Olsen’s bright yellow sweater pairs nicely with her black-and-white scarf. And those corduroys! Doesn’t she look cozy?

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt rarely fails to look sophisticated and cool. And Sundance is all about cool. She hits the perfect balance between relaxed and red-carpet with this velvet tunic and booties.

Lake Bell

We applaud celebrities who take risks, whether with bold colors, unusual silhouettes, or lesser-known designers. Lake Bell is rocking this aqua shift – funky cut-out neckline, curve-hugging bodice, and all. The only thing that could add to this look? A sleek side-part and a smoky eye.

Estelle

British songstress Estelle never shies away from “a look,” so this blouse-jeans-pumps combo is relatively understated for her. But we love the pop of shimmer on the leopard print blouse, especially when paired with sparkly heels and a knockout red lip.

Kate Bosworth

Even in the middle of a snowstorm, Kate Bosworth manages to look pulled-together, with a statement bag, a hooded coat, and a splash of color. (Oh, and major sunglasses, of course!)

…And she cleans up nicely. Nothing’s sexier than sheer black sleeves on a ladylike evening dress.

Tinsley Mortimer

 

The socialite always looks chic, but we love that she toned things down for the laid-back festival. Nothing is cooler than taking casual elements, like nautical stripes and a slouchy hat, and glamming them up a bit – here, with a wooly vest and perfect, glossy waves.

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler is our go-to girl for fashion surprises. She has great eclectic style, and she isn’t afraid of wearing whatever she wants on the carpet. (She is a rock star’s daughter, after all.) So seeing her in this fuzzy, oversize sweater and motorcycle boots just makes us smile – and her impish grin tells us even she’s not taking herself too seriously. Who can blame her? She still looks gorgeous.

 

 

the ultimate mascara guide

Downton Abbey inspired style

Dan Stevens and Michelle Dockery in Downton Abbey

With Downton Abbey having just returned for season two and picked up a handful of awards at the Globes, we thought we’d check it out and see what the hype was all about — and we’re glad we did! The show is not only jam-packed with torrid love affairs, quick British wit, and dashing uniformed gentlemen –  there’s also the clothes. Oh, the clothes.

Set in an era where everyone dresses for dinner, the assortment of outfits in every episode is to die for: painstakingly tailored marvels that look simultaneously refined and glamorous. From beaded evening gowns to fitted ankle-length riding coats, we never knew that conservative twenties Britain could be so sexy.

We’ve found a few current pieces that flawlessly capture the essence of DA style, with just enough contemporary flare. Throw any of these on to instantly amp up your wardrobe’s vintage romance factor.

This mini-dress radiates retro-chic through elegant jewel tones, delicate lace, and structured shoulders.

What’s prettier than sheer black lace? The unique draping and scalloped neckline makes this Tadashi Shoji dress both romantic and modern.

Nothing says “twenties” like a beaded flapper frock. This pleated Sue Wong version is a less obvious, more modern iteration on the classic style.

Top any outfit off with a lovely tweed coat (the heart of a true British wardrobe) for an instant injection of ladylike chic.

But remember tartelettes, as with any costume-inspired look, the key to avoiding looking like an extra is toning down the period-piece drama with some modern twists. Balance these outfits with sky-high peep-toes, loose hair, and a fresh face (try our Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation and a bright LipSurgence™ lip tint) and you’ll be good to go!