Who doesn’t love free stuff?  If you missed our last giveaway and are just waiting for the next one (look for it in a few weeks), we’ve got something to tide you over.  Allure’s fabulous web editor, Fiona Gibb emailed to let us know that they’re launching their August Free Stuff issue today.  They’re giving out some amazing prizes including: Burberry Prorsum Patent Leather Pumps, Harajuko Lovers Fragrances, Chanel Nail Color in Rose Tourbillon, Olivia Harris handbag, Estee Lauder TurboLash Mascara (which we will be reviewing this month) and much more. In fact, there are 34,328 prizes in total. Check it out and enter now!

Say no to ho! Talk about a mantra in the making. Reading Simon Doonan’s new book, Eccentric Glamour, was a veritable parade of mantras - every page bears timeless advice that all of us glamorous gals (and guys) should have in our back pocket. In between the digs at the Paris Hilton-style tartlets that parade as fashionistas, Doonan (a.k.a. the creative director at Barney’s New York) offers timeless tips on creating not just a perfect look, but a style that’s unique - with just a touch of eccentricity. Or, maybe more than a touch. Interviewing icons of eccentricity like Iman, Kelly Wearstler, and Lucy Liu, Doonan uses their unique style to teach by example.

Doonan can be comically brutal, relating a tale in which he cautioned America’s Next Top Model contestants against “letting their clothes write checks that their personalities cannot cash.” But he can also be brilliant, suggesting we approach our personal style like an objective third party. Rather than allowing fashion to become a source of stress and confusion, as it often can, Doonan advises us to “[a]bandon the role of insecure, sweaty, nervous ingenue, you are dressing an important star who has her own iconic look. Yourself!” He adds, “[E]ach and every blouse and pocketbook has the potential to communicate something horribly fatal or utterly fabulous about you.”

This book is a must-read for any die-hard fashion addict; Doonan is sharp, witty, and unfailingly fashionable. Between his advice and the amazing fashion icons he’s interviewed, you’re sure to pick up a slew of fashion confidence, as well as a few tips and tricks. But more than that, it’s the perfect gift for a teenage girl, who is just learning about fashion and developing her style. And it’s also on my list for that woman we all know who’s relying too much on short skirts and tight tops as a substitute for true “fashion.”

Grab your copy today, and when you’re done reading, pass it on to a friend who’s in dire need of some sound style counsel.

Some must-reads from around the web this week…check it out!

• Which dress is a must-have for W’s fashionable editors? Go here to find out!
• Win a selection of Dior’s summer ‘08 collection at Beauty Maverick!
• All Lacquered Up has the details on Chanel’s limited edition Robertson Boulevard polish collection. We’ll be stopping by the Chanel store in LA later this May to see for ourselves.
• MAC’s Dazzleglass wowed The Beauty Bug - and we had the same reaction when we (finally) checked them out earlier this week.
• We were just chatting with the gals at Product Whores about new products they loved - and they kept mentioning John Frieda’s Weather Works collection. Read to find out why.
• Head over to Shop Diary and you could win a huge SATC giveaway!
• We didn’t end up covering the Met Constume Institute Gala this year, but we urge you to head over to The Cut for the fashion dirt from the event.
• We think a gold watch a classic item that every woman should have. If you need suggestions, our very own Becki has suggestions for you at Shopping’s My Cardio.
• Stila expands on their cult shade, Kitten, with an eye shadow wash; Jessica from the Daily Beauty Reporter is enamored.
• Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie is smitten with Benefit’s Posietint because it gives her that oh-so-perfect flush on her cheeks.
• Did the Dove Real Beauty Campaign actually stay true to it’s mission? Jolie Nadine has more.
• Want to boost cleavage? Makeup Loves Me is sold on Victoria’s Secret’s version.
• Need a last minute gift for mom? The Jet Set Girls have suggestions!
• Hooked on Beauty finds fuss-free mineral makeup - so now you don’t have an excuse to not try it!

All Lacquered Up is one of the best resources for nail polish news and reviews online, so when we got the opportunity to interview its creator, fellow blogger Michelle, we jumped at the chance to talk to her about why she decided to start blogging, how much time her (very impressive!) polish swatches take to create, her all-time favorite nail colors, and much more. Check it out!

The Daily Obsession: Why did you decide to create All Lacquered Up?
Michelle Mismas: It all happened on a whim with very little planning, which is very much my style. I had been posting on the Makeup Alley nail board for a couple years and even though it is a great resource for polish information, the message boards are hard to search. I was an avid blog reader, especially Blogdorf Goodman, so I decided to start a place of my own to share info on new collections, colors I love and nail related news. It all just evolved from there.

TDO: You spend a lot of time swatching colors and photographing them for your site. How much time do you spend on this process? Tell us more about it.
MM: Sometimes I wonder if I’ve dug myself into a hole by focusing so much on sharing nail polish swatches. It’s very time consuming and there just isn’t enough time in the day to share all the colors people want to see. But ultimately I do what I do to help my readers, and I feel that without seeing the shade on the nail, it’s like shopping blind. In the bottle, nail polish can be very deceiving, so I hope I’m doing a service with my images. (more…)

We received a email from Chanel this morning announcing that Audrey Tatou will be the new face of Chanel No. 5 for 2009. The French actress will be replacing Nicole Kidman. Chanel will be partnering with director Jean-Pierre Jeunet for their next No. 5 film, whom Ms. Tatou has also worked with in A Very Long Engagement and Amelie, one of our favorite films ever!

We ADORE the elegance of Chanel ads, and they are always memorable. You can be sure that we’ll be keeping our eyes out for the new No. 5 film in 2009.

Listen to the ladies of TDO in a Coutorture interview talking about the blog, the process, and the friendships we’ve formed as a group blog. Thank you Julie for giving us the opportunity to talk about the process of making TDO and our lives as bloggers.

Guess what? The fabulously sweet and talented Jessica Matlin (a.k.a. Allure’s official beauty blogger) has included us in a piece on Allure’s Daily Beauty Reporter. Side note: If you’re not already reading her posts everyday, you should be. They’re witty, intelligent, fun…and she brings a fresh voice to the world of beauty. But we digress…

Along with Sara from Bit by the Beauty Bug and Annie from Blogdorf Goodman, Jessica asked us to give our opinions on select spring fragrances. Check out what we had to say - and which scent is worthy of purchasing!

Who doesn’t love Gossip Girl? The target demographic for the show may be for adolescents, but nearly every one of my friends (including myself!) is addicted to this teen drama series. (We’re very excited that new episodes begin on April 21.) I’ve envied Serena’s gorgeous hair, Jenny’s eclectic fashion sense and Blair’s fictional access to a designer wardrobe.

Well, at least the latter you can get your hands on. Behind Eleanor Waldorf’s fictional clothing line is the very real designer, Abigail Lorick. She’s responsible for our addiction to the fabulously styled show - and her label, Lorick New York. The entire line conveys elegance, feminity and small doses of quirkiness.

Take the ladylike Century Jacket ($502). The lines are sleek and modern, but the puffed sleeves and dramatic belt soften it up. It’s a beautiful piece that you can have in your closet for years to come. I think it would be perfect for an interview, with a simple blouse and the Pencil Skirt in Grey Dot Print ($215).

But what you really want to know is how to rock the GG look, right? (more…)

A few interesting articles this week on the web…check them out!

• Lauren Conrad setting beauty trends? Fashionista has more.
• Allure interviews Michelle from All Lacquered Up about her five favorite polishes.
• The Jet Set Girls alerted us that Cusp has launched an online store!
• Nail pens actually work! Beauty Addict reviews Sally Hansen’s version.
• Everyone could use a little (beauty) therapy, says makeup loves me.
• Check out Coutorture’s interview with perfumer Linda Kramer.
• WWD tells us why brands should take bloggers seriously.
• Marchesa will be designing a bridal line to be launched in April, reports The Daily.
• If you ever need convincing why expensive shoes are worth their price (we don’t!), check out this New York Magazine article.
• Want gorgeous, smooth locks? Bit by the Beauty Bug tests out Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother with winning results.
• Express is jumping on the designer bandwagon, snagging Celia Birtwell for 4 limited edition collections. More at Shopdiary.
• The New York Times will make you think twice about the next perfume you choose, as well as your makeup choices.

Yet another week passes, so take note of some beauty & fashion happenings:

• The Daily reports that Target has tapped Richard Chai for its next GO! International collection.
• Could Bally shoes be sexy? Yes, with the help of Brian Atwood, says The Jet Set Girls!
• What retailer deserves the title of “Most Influential?” Fashionista weighs in.
• ShoppingsMyCardio found the most gorgeous Anya Hindmarch clutch that we totally covet.
• Take a peek at Chanel’s summer makeup collection at BellaSugar.
• Bit by the Beauty Bug has the most delicious-looking blueberry polish for your face.
• Miss out on Lancome’s PS Kiss last season? The Daily Cookie has found a near match.
• Want to know what the best lipsticks are for spring? New York Magazine gives you their top picks - and then, helps you shop for them.
• Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Find out how you can get discounted designer bags at ShopDiary.