Archive for October, 2009

Sunday Riley Modern Skincare is a new skin care line that combines the best of biotechnology with botanicals. Founded by Sunday Riley, the line was born out of Sunday’s own severe hyper pigmentation and her need to find a solution. When she couldn’t find anything that would solve her concerns, she drew upon her own knowledge about healing botanicals learned from her grandmother and modern science. The result is an anti-aging line that rejuvenate and refresh skin. Each product contains a “proprietary NV-5 Native American Botanical base, which detoxifies and rejuvenates the skin while combating inflammatory responses known to trigger the appearance of aging skin.” There are seven signature products: Good Genes Treatments, Skin Adrenaline, Cashmere SPF 30 Sun Defense, Bionic Anti-Aging Cream, Start Over Eye Cream, Disrobe and Liquid Diet Water Weight Loss Body Treatment.

We tried Disrobe, which is hydrating body lotion that also helps tone and firms skin. It claims to get rid of skin “crepiness,” provide UV protection and purifies by eradicating toxins.  First, we love the sleek and simple packaging, as well as the clever name. Pump out the white opaque lotion and apply to skin; you’ll immediately feel this tingly cool sensation.  You also definitely feel like your skin is getting a nice dose of moisturization. Touch your skin and it will feel soft and supple!  We’ve been applying this to our legs and thighs after showers; after three weeks, we definitely notice that overall, they look slightly better toned and softer with daily use.  If you can splurge on the $65 lotion, it’s definitely worth trying!

Find out more about the line at SundayRiley.com and order at Barneys.com.

I used to think that I couldn’t wear really dark colors because I’m so pale, but so many brands have come out with collections revolving around the darker shades that I had to rethink that position because I really didn’t want to miss out on playing around with them.  (That’s the great thing about makeup – you can test it out for as long as you want in the safety of your bathroom and perfect your look before making your public debut).  For fans of the darker colors, Chanel’s new Noirs Obscurs collection is one that’s not to be missed. (more…)

Fusion of Color is an indie line of natural mineral makeup based in Chicago that I think you’ll want to check out. Why? Well, it offers similar products as the big name cosmetics brands out there, but for a far lower price. They even offer small, inexpensive sample sizes of some of their products so that you can try them out easily. Among the mineral makeup they make include finishing powders, primers, eyeshadows, blush, and more. Everything is made in small batches to preserve the utmost freshness. The founder of Fusion of Color, Kathy Duncan, reached out to me and sent over some samples of her makeup for me to try.

Perhaps what I was most impressed by was the Aura-Lusion powder, pictured above. It’s a great alternative to those pricier “high def” powders out there. It’s sheer and manages to smooth and brighten your face in just the right way. I also really liked the eyeshadows–a wide range of colors that are amazingly pigmented that you can apply with your fingers or a brush. For foundation, Kathy has even custom-blended shades for her clients. It’s always great to discover independent beauty brands to add to your radar, so check out Fusion of Color!

This was the question I posed on my Twitter account last week when I was invited to join her for a celebratory dinner at the National Arts Club. President of The National Arts Club, Aldon James and Chair of The Fashion Committee, Chrishaunda Lee presented Betsey Johnson with the Lifetime Achievement in Fashion Award, complete with cocktail hour, a three course meal, speeches, music and dancing.

My twitter friends, and sage fashion advisers, simply suggested that I substitute “pink tie” for “black tie.”  As is turns out, they were all completely right on suggesting a “multicolored Betsey outfit,” with “ruffles for sure, hot pink if possible,” and “sequins, definitely sequins.”  (See all 3 represented in the picture above.) (more…)

After reading an article in this month’s UK Harper’s Bazaar, I made a commitment to cut out sugar from my diet.  It’s a simple concept…but hardly simple to execute.  When I get a craving for something sweet, I try to reach for a flavorful tea instead. 

My newest favorite is Malabar Sunrise which I discovered from LA company ALGABAR.  I generally don’t enjoy flavored teas, usually finding them more tart than anything else but Malabar Sunrise is a smooth, aromatic tea without a hint of sourness.  Plus, I love that I get the full bodied flavor of coconut without any of the fat of coconut milk.  It’s truly a delicious way to start off these winter mornings- the only thing better, of course, would be a real Malabar sunrise!

Robin Black made a name for herself as a key makeup artist on the runway for Diane von Furstenberg and Damian Hurst for Levi’s. Having worked with celebs such as Chloe Sevigny, Jessica Alba, and Kristen Bell, Black is best known for her “classic with an edge” style and minimalist beauty philosophy. Now, she’s heading up the new beauty studio, Face at Warren-Tricomi LA, offering a wide range of services including makeup, brows, lashes as well as outcall/mobile services. Let’s find out what she’s loving this month! (more…)

I’ve been obsessing over this adorable shrunken schoolboy blazer at Gap for the past month. I tried it on again in the store yesterday while shopping with TDO editor, Stacey – which only reinforced how much I love it.  There’s a lovely fit and I love that you can roll up the sleeves a bit to reveal the pinstriped lining. It’s totally practical and is perfect to layer over a tee or thin sweater. If you pair it with jeans and flats, it’ll take on a very classic preppy look; with a leather skirt and a ton of chain jewelry, it’ll get transformed into something a bit more edgy.

I didn’t walk away with it during this trip, but will later this week when there’s an extra 25% off with use of your Gap/ Old Navy/ Banana Republic card. Available for $98 at Gap.com.

55 Secret Street has her eye on a few leather jackets and silk tops you can wear with jeans.

Stiletto Jungle explains how to make the leggings trend make sense with your body type.

All Lacquered Up discovers an affordable alternative to Chanel Jade in Essie’s Winter Nail Polish Collection.

Listen to Leighton Meester’s new single ‘Somebody To Love’ on Allie is Wired.

Bag Bliss has fallen for the Michael Kors Uptown Astor Tote!

Think you can’t find a sporty AND stylish bag? Bag Snob found this YSL tote.

Haunted House shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath? Really? Beauty Snob has these spooky treats.

Coquette shows you the best in faux fur coats and vests.

The Daily Obsession remembers the trip that made her fall in love with traveling.

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Kristin Cavallari’s evening look for under $200. Head to toe.

KRISTOPHER DUKES is hating Marc by Marc Jacobs zipper earrings

Second City Style interviews Clinton Kelly as he’s on tour with Macy’s to Make Over America!

SheFinds is all about looking good with the best picks for dressing thinner.

Shopping and Info loves vintage Chanel necklaces and bracelets.

StyleBakery.com hunts down this season’s hottest coats, including 50 styles under $100

Stylehive has rounded up an assortment of eco-friendly versions of all of our favorite beauty products!.

The Beauty Stop explains how to get Hayden Panettiere’s fresh and youthful look.

V-Style delves into Lindsay Lohan’s debut as Ungaro’s artistic adviser.

A few weeks ago, I gave our Chicago readers the heads up that Erin Gallagher Jewelry was moving their retail location from the West Loop up to the Lincoln Park neighborhood (closer to me, yay!). Well, EG is now settled in their new location, and they’re celebrating with a great party. In honor of their grand opening, they’re giving away the gorgeous ruby ring pictured above, valued at $1500!

All you have to do is RSVP to rsvp@egjewelry.com and be ready to party at 7pm on Thursday, October 22nd. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and live beats by Sub Rocka at the new studio at 2034 N. Halsted, and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win the ring. Click to see the invite for more information, and good luck! (more…)

I’m a huge fan of Clarisonic.  I used the original one every single day for over a year until recently, when it suffered a quick and painful death due completely to the fact that I am a total klutz and have an extremely hard bathroom floor.  (I also managed to kill my T3 hair dryer this way a few months ago.  I really need to stop trying to get ready in such a hurry because it’s costing me a lot of money!)  I was Clarisonic-less for a few weeks and very, very unhappy about it, so when I got the chance to try out the new Clarisonic PLUS, I couldn’t jump at the chance any faster. (more…)