Put On A Happy Face

The good folks at VB Cosmetics recently sent me a jar of their Hydrodynamic Facial Masque, a moisturizing herbal treatment that nourishes and nurtures dry skin. It's chock full of essential botanical oils like eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, cedarwood, orange and jasmine - so it's got that great woodsy-herbal scent that I totally love.

I'm a bit of a skin care/mask junkie so I was eager to get the spa experience without the spa price tag - and this marvi mask was just the ticket I was looking for.

After about 20 minutes my skin felt noticeably more fresh, and dare I say, dewy. A definite must add to my skin care arsenal.

At a scant $22 for a 1.9 oz jar it's a total bargain. Treat yourself to a little r-n-r this holiday season and sneak away for a some 30 minute "me time" with any of Abrione's line. It's my present to you. Enjoy!

Trends Report: Easy As A, B, C, or DD

If you’re like most women, you are in the wrong size bra. Over 80% of us wear ill-fitting bras – that means backaches and a distorted shape that gives you lumps and bumps in all the wrong places. The right size bra is like an instant body lift so don’t be shy – seek out the help of an experienced sales person and get measured.

Position. Your breasts should be positioned halfway between your shoulders and your elbows – to achieve this; your bra must be level, front to back. Re-think your band size – try a smaller band and larger cups. If you wear your band high in the back, it throws off your proportions and adds stress to your shoulders. Wearing your strap lower will also eliminate the dreaded appearance of back fat, something that women of all sizes experience. To diminish jiggle, your band should rest against the breastbone without any tension.

Straps. Contrary to popular belief, a bra’s major support comes from the band, not the straps. If yours tend to fall then chances are your band is riding up and is too large for your frame. Go down one size. To avoid painful digging, opt for wider straps or look for “Shoulder Savers” which are removable and provide cushioning.

Cups. If you are small busted, a demi-cup bra pads the sides and gives a flattering lift and enhanced neckline. Larger busted women need underwire or back straps for better shape – consider a racer back style for added support. Avoid lacy or embellished styles that add bulk and opt for seamless varieties for a smooth sleek appearance.

Maidenform The Smooth Bra HerRoom.com

Wacoal T-Back Underwire Bra BareNecessities.com

Freedom Form Shoulder Savers Amazon.com

Another Tempting Online Spot For Shoes

If you've been reading for a while you know that I'm a sucker for shoes, boots, and bags. That's why it gives me great pleasure to announce that Charles David has finally launched it's online store.

The site is a breeze to navigate and it's even got some interesting behind the scenes videos and trends reports. Best of all? Most items are significantly reduced and they're offering FREE overnight shipping through the holidays.

Luxe Leather For Up To 70% Off!

The right belt can make or break your outfit - that's why I was psyched to find some must have pieces from Linea Pelle on Couture Candy's Label Spree site for up to 70% off.

These luxurious leather beauties usually retail in the $200 range so take advantage of the deals now before they disappear!

The Perfect Holiday Outfit To Wear In.

The "staycation" trend started earlier this year and I suspect that many more folks will celebrate this season's holidays quietly at home with close family and friends rather than gas up the guzzler or fly to far flung places.

I love this look from CUSP for several reasons, but mainly because it is the perfect low-key luxe outfit for such affairs. The silky charmeuse dress in a rich floral pattern by Rory Beca is easily dressed up or down with the right accessories - while the surrealist heels add the quirky touch that always gets me.

Dancing With The Stars, Sort Of

Okay, so it's not fashion or beauty related but I couldn't resist posting this pic first thing Monday morning to start this shortened holiday week with a laugh.

They've got some mad skills. Love the aqua feathers.

Enjoy!

Street Beat: Midwest Jess - Patriotic Style

Jessica Schroeder knows a thing or two about making trends her own. A quick look at her blog and you’ll find them all: winter florals, plaid, colored tights, and oversized sunnies to name a few. The Midwestern native’s keen sense of style comes from taking risks that pay off brilliantly.


Her inspiration outfit; a spin on patriotic chic, pairs a black stars and stripes scarf with a navy peacoat – Jessica thumbs her nose at the notoriously no-no combo of black and navy for an unabashedly individualist style statement. The wide leg flairs and caramel colored accessories add an early ‘70s Love Story inspired flair.


photos courtesy: Jessica Schroeder

Merona Swing Pea Coat Target	Old Navy Cashmere V-Neck Sweater Old Navy	Taverniti So The Soho High Waist Jeans DJpremium.com

See Red, Save Green At Bergdorf Goodman

Just in time for pay day - this buttery soft pair of Michael Kors Chalet Boots is marked down at Bergdorf's

Because who needs to pay the rent with kicks this fine?

Party People In The House

The bad news is your office's holiday party got canceled. The good news? You're still employed.




Celebrate on your own with these fabulous frocks by Walter available now on Gilt. There are skads of girly options most under $135.

Can't get in? No worries, just email me or comment and I'll send you an invite!

Have You Been To French Connection Recently?

A friend of mine asked me to help her find a cute cover up for a special event, so I took to the internet tubes in search of a shrug or cardi that she could wear long after her soiree was over.

This serendipitous event led me to French Connection which I inexplicably haven't shopped or thought about in nearly 10 years.

Imagine my surprise at all of the stylish goodness contained within their virtual walls. I adore this chunky Arabian knit sweater - perfect with leggings and slouchy boots - I will wear it all winter long.

Ditto this elegant black wool coat and curiously named wonder dress.



Winter wardrobe dilemmas solved.

Sign Of The Times, From The Post

Here's an assignment for you: kindly read this short blurb from Page Six and sound off.

I'm not sure what ticks me off the most:

1) the crummy economy
2) women who make their husbands do the "dirty" work
3) that the NY Post sees fit to set us back a hundred years with snarky anti-grrl rants.

Comments?!

What I Really Want This Morning: A Cute Vintage Knit Vest

Though I'm a veteran eBayer I never fail to get that deliriously giddy feeling every time I stumble upon a cool vintage seller.

While trolling the site this morning I came across this retro fabulous vest by Sally Jane Vintage, it's so fab I had to share it immediately.

The styling opportunities are limitless with this number...from girly to punk and everything in between - I'm in love.

For more stylish inspiration check out her store here.

Lipstick Queen - Black Tie - REQUIRED!

Tired of seeing this page when searching for the most elusive lippie of the year?

Never fear, The Lipstick Queen saves the day.

If you've been upset about missing the boat on the YSL Pur Black Gloss trend like yours truly you'll be glad to learn that Poppy has introduced her very own wearable version called "Black Tie Optional." True to form it comes in a totally glam package in either a lipstick or gloss pot and the effect is drop dead sexy: like a pair of silky black stockings for your lips.

Meow.

Order it online here.

Beauty.com & Rachel Roy Giveaway!

How would you like to buy $100 worth of beauteous stuff and get a $150 gift in return? It's a no-brainer right?

Beauty.com is currently offering a to-die-for glam gift with purchase: this vintage inspired case jam packed with samples of some of my most favorite brands including Korres, Fresh, Stila, Urban Decay, and Arcona to name a few.

Whatever you do, don't snooze - these special offers always sell out in a flash. I've got this in my cart, do you?!

Girly Cuff Love

I'm a sucker for anything that indulges my imagined inner rock star. That's why this cute bangle by Rachel Leigh totally caught my eye.

The bow is just so Park Avenue while the purple snakeskin, she is oh-so-naughty.

Find it at DJ Premium.

Trends Report: I See London, I See France: Spring 2009 Sneak Preview

One of the overall themes that emerged from the Spring 2009 Runway is that skin is in. For better or worse, über short lengths and skin-exposing cutouts made street wear look more like swimwear. Uncomfortably confronted with TMI we got to work interpreting the trend PDQ to make it more wearable:

· Wear leggings or tights, even with shorts (a trend from the street)

· Look for long blazers that cover your bum, but opt for slim-fitting cuts to keep it sleek

· An oversized vest is a good way to cover up and add layers of personal style; think asymmetrical hems, collars, or embellishments that say “you”

· Still not convinced? Ditch it – not all trends are workable; choose what’s right for you.

For more information on building the perfect wardrobe login now!

Generra Wool Belted Sweater Vest Bluefly.com

Dorothy Lee Trail Blaze Cardigan Anthropologie

Victoria’s Secret Ruched Organic Cotton Leggings Victoria’s Secret

UPDATE: Thanks to Wendy B: This amazingly similar to the runway piece found on eBay



Thanks for the tip Wendy :)