Archive for June, 2009

Unless you’re an avid fashion news reader, you may not have heard this yet.  Official word came out this morning from H&M press offices that Jimmy Choo will be doing a capsule collection in 200 stores on November 14, 2009, which in addition to the obligatory stilettos, will also include men’s shoes and accessories.

Wow!  I’ll be honest- those H&M capsule collections have never interested me much but I’m already loving the Jimmy Choo looks from the limited photos the brands have released. I imagine, however, that I’m far from being the only one and may just end up paying for regular Jimmy Choos to spare me the insanity that is sure to ensue on November 14!

Jemma Kidd is world-famous fashion and beauty icon.  This English countess was a fashion model before she became a makeup artist with a full-fledged cosmetics line.  After working with many major fashion houses and beauty brands, she founded the The Jemma Kidd Make Up School in 2002. Makeup collections called Jemma Kidd Make Up School and Jemma Kidd PRO followed four years later. Most recently, Jemma has collaborated with Target for her JK Jemma Kidd line. So what is someone so fabulously talented as Jemma obsessing over? Let’s find out! (more…)

I had never really heard of Aldo Shoes until I moved to New York where there is seemingly an Aldo on every corner. Not too long ago, I wandered into one of their stores in Soho on a complete whim. Not looking for anything in particular, I browsed through the racks and ended up falling in love with at least four pairs of summer sandals. Isn’t it funny that when you aren’t looking, you find so many appealing buys?

My college budget kept me from snatching up any shoes at that moment (as I had just filled my shopping quota for the month) but I made a mental note of the pairs I liked most. Now, a few weeks later, I am ready to head back to Aldo to make my purchase. After careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to go with the Landero Sandal in black. A step above your average flip flop, these adorable black flats hit on many of this seasons trends without being too over the top or loud. This sandal is a more minimalist version of the gladiator faze and the hip patent leather finish adds a chic touch. I love the slim sole design that makes walking the streets in style a cinch. The sandals come in both a traditional black and fun summer purple. A major selling point of the Landeros is their versatility. These shoes could be dressed down with denim shorts and a solid tank for a casual park day, or be worn with a summer dress and fun jewelry for a more sophisticated evening look. The best part, though, is the price. For only $40, your feet will look phenomenal and your wallet will still have money left over for what else but shopping!

I have to say that most potted lip products bother me. Who has the time to use a lip brush and moreover, who wants to dip their finger into a pot and then having to find a tissue to wipe off the excess? However, I have found that there are a few balms that I make an exception for. Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint Lip Balm SPF15 is one of those that I’ve been using obsessively, despite its pot packaging status.

I’ve always been a fan of the original Benetint, but only recently discovered that Benefit made it in a lip balm form when I attended an event at a Benefit boutique.  The makeup artist put a touch of it on my lips as a finishing touch, and I loved how rosy and glossy my lips looked! With a faint scent of rose, this lip balm formula includes a blend of vitamin E and sunscreen. It gives my lips the perfect pop of color (that is buildable – from totally sheer to a brighter pink) while keeping them moisturized.  Aside from the previously stated, what is the reason I actually put up with the pot format? You can rub the excess balm into your skin and it totally gets absorbed without any type of stickiness.  To me, that’s what makes this little potted gem a winner!

Retails for $20 at BenefitCosmetics.com and Sephora.com.

I think we can all agree that as hard as it is to get out of bed in the winter, getting up in the summer is equally as hard for different reasons.  (It stays lighter longer, so inevitably I end up staying out later and getting less sleep, so when that alarm goes off, I usually utter some not so pleasant words).  One of the only things that can make me a little more eager to throw off the blankets and greet the day is if I know that I’ll be using a product (or two) that I love in the shower.  It always makes that first step out of bed a little easier.  Right now, the products that are putting a little spring in my morning routine are from BeingTRUE. (more…)

When I think of the white dress, I think of that girl with the sun-kissed glowing skin and wavy beach hair strolling along the shore barefoot. Her already alluring look is further set off by a crisp white dress that makes her tanned skin just pop. This iconic summer image is undoubtedly one we are all familiar with (and maybe a tad bit jealous of, too).  Of course, you don’t need to be a beach goddess to work the white dress though. No matter what your personal style or look may be, a white dress can easily fit into any wardrobe. With the wide range of styles and accessories available, the white dress can come across looking edgy, glam, sleek, preppy, or simple.  No matter how you choose to wear it though, the white dress always screams summer and is always sexy! Here are my favorite picks for the season ahead, all under $150 and guaranteed to transform you into the image of summer in no time.

The Kimchi Blue Tenerife Dress from Urban Outfitters is the perfect cotton summer dress. It hits above the knee to show off those tanned legs and has thin adjustable straps to showcase your bronzed shoulders. The empire waist creates a beautiful silhouette and the entire dress is trimmed with a crochet lace appliqué for a fun added touch.

I am such a fan of the Love YaYa Davis Dress for a different take on the white trend. This wide necked, flutter sleeved mini dress looks great with a pair of platforms or chunky heels. The cut makes accessorizing easy. I picture wearing it with a long necklace, a bold bangle and some high-heeled gladiators for a more edgy take on the white dress.

Banana Republic’s Linen Shift Dress delivers a version of the white dress in classic summer linen. The loose fitting style of this dress makes it perfect for muggy summer days. I absolutely love the floral appliqué designs that trim the open neck, drawing some attention in a tasteful way. This dress is perfect for a poolside party or night on the beach. Pair it with some colorful wedges and bold earrings for an adorable and versatile look.

Who: Amanda Cohen

What: Dirt Candy

When: Tues-Sat (Wed-Sat Summer 2009) 530-11pm

Where: 30 East 9th Street, between Ave. A and First Ave.

Why: Because vegetables get a bad rep when it comes to taste, and Cohen is changing that one dish at a time.

Dirt Candy takes two of the most common myths about vegetarian foods and busts them both: a) it’s healthy and b) it’s not delicious. That’s not saying that being healthy and delicious are mutually exclusive either- there are salads on the menu, but why order that when you could instead go for their specialties and perhaps some the tastiest vegetarian cooking you could have. (more…)

Editor’s Note: Today’s dedicated post is brought to you by guest writer, Jessica Elerby, of  lensshopper.com, who explores the cosmetic use of color contacts.

While busy shopping for the most expensive and trendiest fashions, we are often distracted from the more innovative ways of looking our best. Today’s obsession is dedicated to the color contact lens.

I have, since junior high school worn regular contact lenses to correct my myopia. Seldom have I considered them as a fashion accessory, and it was only just last Halloween that I tried color contact lenses. What I discovered however, was an affordable and innovative way to correct vision and enhance my otherwise toneless eye color. (more…)

My new favorite hostess warming gift are these Tokyo Milk soaps, with its luxurious triple milled shea butter formula, elegant scents, and beautiful paper packaging.  Each of these 9 Tokyo Milk soaps come wrapped in heavy duty exclusive hand embellished printed paper.  The soaps are cleverly named such as Just Dessert, a fragrance of crisp apples, peaches, and violets; Toyko Two Step, with sugared grapefruit, lychee, and sweet jasmine; and Staccato Number 13, featuring white orchid, amber, orange flower, and gardenia.

I was stunned when I opened my Bees perfumed soap, and examined the paper to find an exquisite, delicately etched design of bees gathering over old fashioned roses,  adorned with traces of glitter.  The White Vetiver scent reminded me of what you would find an old fashioned apothecary, with its woodsy, powdery musk.  The fragrance lasts comfortably on your skin, and each block is enough for multiple washes.  In fact, each block is so big that I recommend that you cut the block into pieces to make it more manageable for your shower.

Best of all, each generous block of soap costs $12, making an assortment of 3 or 4 an affordable and unique hostess gift.  Tokyo Milk soaps were featued recently on New York Times’s The Moment blog and can be found on BeautyHabit.com.

In May’s Lust List, I wrote about Goldeneye, an exclusive resort in Oracabessa, Jamaica. I saw it featured on the Travel Channel show Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches and had lusted for a visit ever since. A few weeks ago during my vacation in Jamaica, I had the chance to stop in for lunch and a tour of the property — and it was everything I expected and more. I shouldn’t have been surprised though, as Goldeneye is another member of the Island Outpost group of hotels. Started by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Island Outpost has some of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean (the Caves is one as well).

Given that it was James Bond author Ian Fleming‘s home, the property does have a certain element of mystery. It’s a long stretch of uninterrupted nature right on the water, with trees and beaches as far as my eyes could see. With only 4 villas and a main dining area, it can be as private or social as you’d like. Goldeneye owns several jet skis and a glass-bottom boat for guests to venture with. There are even secluded beaches that can only be reached by water! As for the cuisine there, my lunch was amazingly delicious Jamaican food, including curry goat (which my boyfriend deemed the best we ever had in Jamaica) and jerk chicken. But the jewel of the property is definitely the Fleming Villa, the author’s personal residence. With multiple bedrooms and a private cove beach, it would make for an unforgettable experience with your friends or loved ones.

So now I’ve got some good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that Goldeneye will be closing soon. The good news? It’s closing to develop some of the surrounding acres of the property and building more villas for guests. Keep up with the development schedule at goldeneyedevelopment.com as when it reopens, it’s definitely the place you’ll want to see and be seen in the Caribbean. For some of the photos I took during my sadly too brief visit, keep reading on… (I’m particularly fond of my food pictures, as it makes me really miss Jamaican food!) (more…)