Archive for May, 2006

Someone needs to stop and buy these fantastic vintage patent leather Ferragamo shoes right now! If they were in my size, you can be sure that you would never even be able to get your hands on them because they’d already be in my closet. I am a firm believer in the Ferragamo brand. The shoes are built to last for years and years. My mother and her friends have pairs of Ferragamos from their 20’s and they still look wonderful with yearly maintenance. These shoes are a steal at only $35, available at ParkerHawn.com.

P.S. Check out ParkerHawn.com for Pam Scrima’s other fabulous vintage pieces. Some of my other top picks include: black beaded lace cocktail dress, Koret patent leather handbag, cream brocade cocktail dress, Etienne Aigner basket handbag, Evan Picone navy peep toe pumps and YSL white shoulder bag with navy trim.

This week for the Great Mascara Hunt, I am reviewing the Lancome Cils Booster XL primer.

The Lancome Cils Booster XL primer comes in a round tube, matching the current packaging look of other Lancome products. The primer itself is white and claims to give lashes an “XL boost” to maximize results. Upon applying, make sure to wipe off any excess since the primer does tend to build up onto the wand. To me, this means that after a few weeks of use, there will be definite clumping in my lashes. There are probably better primer products out there on the market, in this respect.

After application, you can see a thin white layer over your lashes so you must follow up with some mascara (unless you want people to stare and wonder why you have albino lashes). It’s a very wet formula, so if you want ultra dramatic lashes, then put on your mascara right away. If not, wait a minute or two before applying.

I tried the primer yesterday and it did help lengthen slightly and thicken a lot. Lancome also suggests that the wand helps separate lashes, but I did not find this to be true – at least for me. Maybe it’s because of the wet formula and applying my mascara right away…or maybe not. I ended up having to use a mascara comb. Overall, the look acheived was very dramatic, but I’m not sure if it was my mascara or the primer. In either case, I think I will reserve this for night time events.

Product rating: 7

Banana Republic has announced that one of the five faces for their new fragrance campaign will be former New York Observer reporter/socialite Jessica Joffe. She will represent the sage-colored “Jade fragrance – a floral-fruity mixture of tropical grenade, musky cotton flower, and Kashmir wood.” Read the full story here.

Get up to 90% off sample sale pieces from Yoox.com, so stock up on discounted Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Alaia and many others. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

- Green blazer by Stella McCartney for $198
- Black wool voile dress by Versace Classic for $62
- Pale pink trench by Alexander McQueen for $138
- Simple black tank by Balenciaga for $30
- Bronze tunic by Costume National for $98
- Black & white top by Helmut Lang for $30
- Little black dress by Donna Karan for $79
- Printed flower coat by Matthew Williamson for $68
- Satin skirt by Stella McCartney for $70
- Black wool voile pants by Narcisco Rodriguez for $70
- Dark brown leather belt by Miu Miu for $30
- Cream white coat by Capucci for $89
- Peach circle printed top by Marni for $58
- Crepe trousers by Stella McCartney for $89
- Black silk skirt by Chloe for $64
- Printed silk top by Alexander McQueen for $48

P.S. If you are in the San Francisco area, check out the Underground Denim sale this weekend.

If you ever look at my desk, there are always papers and file folders piled up. I am constantly shifting things around, checking deadlines, etc. These vintage-looking bird and cage file folders would be the perfect way to spruce things up and help keep me organized. And well, if not…at least my desk would look a bit prettier when it’s a mess! They are sold for $18 in a set of 12 at SugarPaper.com.

These necklaces from Citrine by the Stones strike that perfect balance between strong and delicate. I love the toughened up brass chains, but the crystals/beads themselves lighten up a piece, giving it some femininity. I particularly am crazy about the Grace necklace from their Violetta collection. It’s got a ton of glamour, but is still very strong. It’s a bit heavy, so balance it out with softer pieces from your wardrobe. See more at ByTheStones.com.

How can you not love this black dress from Errol? Dubbed the “Jo Jo Dress,” this little chiffon number covers up, but still subtly reveals skin. It has batwing sleeves and a crossover V-neck with ruching at the bustline. The ribbon banding in the front emphasizes the waistline and ties simply in the back. Overall, it’s a simple cut, but very figure flattering. I think it gives off a vibe that says “Yes, I just threw on a dress and am effortlessly sexy.” Pair it with these retro black patent Edrie Wedge Pumps by Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit for bar-hopping with the girls OR these metallic Lea Sandals by Tracey Ross for a backyard BBQ with friends. Purchase dress at ShopBop for $286.

Need last minute gift ideas? Here are a few of my suggestions:

- Addison bowls from Crate & Barrel
- La Mer & Lambertson Truex Bag travel collection
- Giada’s Family Dinners cookbook by Giada De Laurentiis
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s anniversary edition
- Lollia Breathe or Dream candle
- Mixing bowls from the Nigella Lawson collection
- Bougainvillea duo set by Anthousa
- Large leather satchel by Etro
- Spa treatments at Bliss or similar
- Silk bias check scarf by Burberry
- Dot stamp kit from Sugar Paper
- Multi-chain pearl necklace from Tiffany’s
- Hammered metal vases by West Elm
- Same day delivery pink roses from FTD

The prep school girl in me wants these badly. Silvery gold with tan leather detailing…my heart is fluttering a teeny bit. I would pair these with a pair of dark denim, buttoned up shirt, cool belt and a retro-looking headband.

Buy these Belle by Sigerson Morrison shoes at Sassanova.com for $285.

With weather warming up, we’re all going to be heading to the beach/pools to cool off. But pool chemicals and mineral deposits, in combination with saltwater and sunshine, can give your hair a greenish cast or turn your hair color brassy. I picked this trick up from my stylist that will help counter it! Try a club soda rinse after you get out of the water to get rid of chlorine and salt. Then follow with a deep conditioner containing jojoba oil or keratin which will help increase moisture, elasticity and shine.