Archive for November, 2010

I have a total love/hate relationship with Target.  I love it because, well, you can get pretty much everything you need there and they always have fun new stuff and really, who doesn’t love Target?  But I hate it too because every single time I go, no matter how much I promise myself that I’ll just run in, grab the few things I need and leave, I always end up spending at least $100.  At least.  For a while I thought that I was going to have to ban myself from the store, but that just seemed too cruel, so now I just try and limit my visits to every other time I feel like going and that seems to have worked out okay.

One of the best things about Target in recent years has been their makeup lines, like NP Set and Pixi and Jemma Kidd.  They’re all reasonably priced and I find the quality to be very good – I think of it kind of like a mini Sephora and the beauty section is always the first place I head when I walk in (surprise, surprise!)  All of their holiday palettes are currently in stores (or making their way to stores) but since I haven’t seen them yet, here are a few of my other favorites that I’ve tried recently. (more…)

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Campy? Yes. Forced? At times. Entertaining? You bet.

Recently, I got a sneak peek of “Burlesque,” courtesy of Sebastian Professional, the official hair product used in the movie. (Plug: See the beautiful limited-edition box set below.) Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper is my favorite heavy-duty hairspray, so of course, I had to see what they did with the hair in the movie … asap.

I hate to have gone into the theater with low expectations, but frankly, the track record for these star-driven vehicles is not exactly well, stellar. (Remember “Crossroads” and “Butterfly”?) Surprisingly, with Christina Aguilera’s voice as the true star of the movie, I managed to ignore the film’s flaws — mostly rushed, unrealistic scenes or bits of dialogue, although there were some really witty lines and touching moments in there, too — as I anticipated her next song-and-dance number. I mean, imagine having a front-row seat and a zoom lens during a Christina Aguilera concert, complete with multiple wardrobe and hairstyle changes, and flawless makeup … priceless, right? (more…)

Having already been a fan of Tocca’s Aqua Profumata (translation: perfumed water) in the Salina scent, I was very excited to try the Amalfi version. What I love about the Aqua Profumatas in general are the light, subtle fragrances that they emit – so they are never overpowering or overwhelming.

The Amalfi fragrance is composed of light and refreshing notes. The top notes begin with crisp Cucumber and Mint, and then reveal a fruity-floral blend of Apple, Jasmine, Musk, Violet Leaves and Lily of the Valley. The instant I spray it onto my skin, it reminds of balmy summer afternoons and has me dreaming of a sunny vacation on the Italian coast — the perfect antidote to a chilly gray day this winter.

Retails for $38 at Tocca.com.

For this month’s Editor’s Vanity, I wanted to feature all my favorite skincare products.  Every one of these products I use on an almost daily basis every morning. (more…)

Last night I walked into the French Connection Soho store …and straight into a style blogoff!  Luckily, French Connection has always been one of my go-to labels for affordable, fashion forward pieces- so I was able to pull together something I would wear any night out in about 5 minutes flat!  I chose a gorgeous Oyster Pearl Dress, matched it with a faux fur coat and my own YSL Tribtoos- an outfit that I’m considering wearing to my own birthday party next month!  I loved the pieces so much, in fact, that I purchased the coat at the end of the night- at 30% off since they’re currently doing their Friends & Family Sale (through Sunday).  I wore the coat today- and absolutely love how warm it keeps me, despite being faux.

French Connection has launched the blogoff on their Facebook page so be sure to check out what other bloggers picked.  Oh, of course, if you love my outfit, please fan the page and vote for me by “Liking” it.  I’m row 2, far right!

Sang A Im-Propp is the designer of SANG A, a collection of exotic skin and leather accessories that was launched in Spring 2006. Her beautiful accessories (especially the bags!) use luxurious materials such as alligator, python, and ostrich skins, and are inspired by her background in dance, musical theater from the early 1900′s, classical films, and iconic actresses such as Sophia Loren. What is she obsessing about this month? Let’s find out! (more…)

Kenneth Cole has always been one of those affordable staples for me.  He’s figured out that perfect combination of classic and sexy- whether it’s adding just the right amount of slink and drape to a sheath dress or making a work bag in an exotic print.  When I attended a preview dinner for his SS2011 collection, I had the opportunity to meet Mr Cole himself, to whom I am eternally grateful for making the one pair of flats comfortable enough to take me through two years of working retail. He said that his Spring college is inspired by the desert, rain-forest, and the mountains and you can see the colors- such as green and brown- and textures- like snakeskin- of the different terrains incorporated into his pieces.

I was pleased to see a variety of Mr Cole’s accessories offered in gorgeous shades of light grey and beige- my go-to colors when I’m looking to buy something that will take me from spring to fall and back again.  Despite being light colors, both shades contrast wonderfully with your darker winter outfits and then bring out the pops of color in your summer dresses (see photo above) Grey and beige are also the best colors to work with if you’re experimenting with a monotone palette (see photo below)- as both come in a variety of shades that look undeniably chic when paired together. There’s really nothing you can’t wear these two colors with- they even look good when paired with each other! (more…)

Out of all the brands I use, I think I look forward to seeing Philosophy’s holiday offerings the most, mainly because there’s always such a huge amount of them.  Unlike a lot of brands that release a handful of new products around this time of year, Philosophy always has so many different sets and products, I’m practically discovering a new one every day.  It’s kind of fun!  It would be impossible to talk (or try!) them all, but here are some of my favorites: (more…)