Saturday, October 29, 2011

From Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread - "Can’t Live Without: Fall’s Perfectly Polished"

Cheri Botiz, Nordstrom National Beauty and Fragrance Director, dishes on her favorite fall accessory: nails!
9 – butter LONDON ’3 Free Wallis’ Nail Lacquer (Nordstrom Exclusive)
This new, exclusive fall shade is a showstopping metallic black-green. You can wear this with anything. What is ‘3 free’? butter LONDON is a 3-free company: no formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP (dibutyl phthalate). $14



10 – Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream
You always want to make sure you pamper your hands. This hand and nail treatment cream is formulated to preserve the smooth, supple appearance of hands. $30



I've raved about Nordy's blog before, The Thread. And I love the beauty focus of recent.  I highlighted a couple of the products from this post.  Cheri Botiz, Nordstrom National Beauty and Fragrance Director, dishes on her favorite fall accessory: nails!
I love, love, love the butter nail polish. In absolutely beautiful colors, you have to love one of the fall shades, exclusive to Nordstrom.  It is a metallic green, which is a bit out there, but I like the edginess this line offers.  And, I never leave the house without Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment cream.  It is amazing and really does strengthen the nails and cuticles.


So if you want some fun shades for Halloween, these are great options and perfectly wearable to work.  Cheers!

Friday, October 28, 2011

All Things Teal!

I hate to be trendy and even colors get trendy.  Last Fall moss and Summer blazing coral...and I have officially fallen in love with teal.  So much so, that my recent spends have had at least one item with this gorgeous shade.  And what better to have than a bag boasting this fashionable little number.  The Kate Spade New York "Knightsbridge Mod" - little Helena Shoulder Bag comes in the prettiest dark teal.  And I might add that I am not a big fan of patent, but this glazed leather beauty has the richest shine.

But why stop there.  I found this glorious color in J. Crew's wears as well.  The Tippi sweater in viridian is closest to and I must say this has become one of my favorite weekend grabs. The soft merino wool make it an easy staple with Fall's cool winds blowing in.

And how about "Bogs" for the coming rains, in teal -- too, shiny teal to be specific!  Love these, and who'd a thought that a rain boot could be so stylishly pretty!

And shoes, the DV by Dolce Vita Lucca Flat in teal are really a nice alternative to navy blue or even black.  These comfy numbers are in a beautiful, darker teal.

And undergarments, of course! Love these Hanky Panky Signature Lace Briefs.  These are so pretty and so comfortable!  I love the retro style and they truly are "no-line" which make them even better.

And probably my absolute favorite teal number is Diane von Furstenberg's Genevieve Dress.  In deep teal, this dress can really go from office to cocktail. I love the silk wrap and its right above the knee length give it just a him of sexy.  Love.

And in case you were not worn out of this sumptuous color there is more!  Sephora carried an exclusive OPI nail color called "Teal We Meet Again" and it is so gorgeous!  This is one of those colors in my opinion that can replace my navy for awhile.  It is like the fun cousin of teal...the zany mom!  ;)

What is your favorite color this Fall?  Cheers!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Jimmy Choo...Behind the Scenes with Tamara Mellon

Tamara Mellon, OBE Founder and Chief Creative goes behind the scenes to talk about the 2012 Icons Collection.  Mellon says:


"I wanted to create a modern capsule collection inspired by memorable styles from our history that represented milestone moments for the brand and embody the DNA of our house style.  These modern interpretations of classic designs represent the iconic glamour of Jimmy Choo today."


My personal favorite from the Collection which is an iconic sandal, and you may remember Carrie from SATC wearing this beauty in the episode she lost one (Carrie Bradshaw's Lost Choo in Sex and the City).  I love the bright colors.  It has been "remained as MARLENE for this collection with couture elements such as "hand-applied feathers and crystals."  Tamara introduces the capsule collection with some background on these iconic shoes.  


Check out the Behind the Scenes video with Tamara talking about the Icons Collection which was shot in New York (of course).


I also love that with its launch, 10% of the proceeds go to The Jimmy Choo Foundation which helps to empower women in leading healthier and safer lives.


Friday, October 14, 2011

J. Crew's Kirtley Tote...Great City Bag!

Mind you, the 30% off already on sale made this bag all the more appealing, but when the Kirtley arrived, I fell in love.  This is the kind of bag I'd take to New York walking through the city.  I love the way it slouches, but in a really good way.  The zippered top closure is great.  It can go from subtly sleek to a fabulous cross-body bag.  I agree with J. Crew
s description "as rugged as it is refined..." exactly.
It is a bit darker than the picture in "cobblestone".
I am certain it may make another mark-down so ladies, it is worth it!

Cheers.

J. Crew description: As rugged as it is refined, this roomy carryall is a must for urban adventures. In washed leather for that soft, had-it-forever feel with sturdy, reinforced corners so it can take whatever you throw at (or in) it. Three zippered interior compartments keep everything organized, and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap adds endless versatility. An interior front-wall patch pocket and a back-wall zip pocket keep pencils, cell phone and keys organized. Leather-covered chain handles, leather shoulder strap. Top zip closure. Brass-finish hardware. Cotton twill lining. Comes with dust bag. Import. Removable, adjustable shoulder strap fully extends to 20". 3" handle drop. 15 1/2"H x 14 1/4"W x 6"D.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Sephora Reveals...Allure's Best of Beauty!

For beauty junkies like myself, you thrive on "Best of  Products"that are all beauty.  I always like to check in on these lists to see how many are gracing and crowding my vanity!

Sephora has reported Allure's Best of Beauty Awards illustrating "the best and most innovative products of the year.  That in itself is a pretty big shoe to fill, but they are all there, each with beautiful and interesting packaging which in my opinion can be the first thing that draws me to them.

I wanted to highlight just a few of these "innovative products" and why I love them:

1.  I love Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.  While I often use a liquid liner, I prefer the ease in application of this gel-based formula.  It is easier to build the line and simple to correct.  And the beauty of this formula is that it dries quickly so it is not smudging on your lid.  It lasts ALL DAY!  I would agree that it is pretty "water resistant" this one is on my "favorite's list" for sure.

2.  Nar's blush is always on my number one product's list.  If you loved the color "orgasm" you'll love "super orgasm" even better! Compared to its sister, it has a "gold glittery" boost to this shade that is pretty perfect for just about any skin-tone.  In my opinion, this shade is pretty special and can be work during the day and layered further for an evening out.  I keep this baby on my vanity an in my purse.  And recently, I've been using two other shades for highlighting the upper cheekbone and above the eyes which really pops your eyes and cheeks.  Two of the shades I would recommend for this include Nico and Albatross.
Nico has more of natural look and Albatross more of a gold shimmer which also goes day to night.

3.  Nars Pro-Prime Multi-Protect Primer has a SPF of 30 (major bonus).  Nars boasts the "antioxidant", "anti-stress" and "anti-pollution" which protects and smoothes.  I just love how light it is on top of all of these benefits.  With so many products encouraging primer before make-up, this product includes all the things you would want to have and it prepares the skin perfectly and quickly before application of makeup.  The only negative is the size which I think they've reduced :( , but don't waste your time on the others!

4.  Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15 lipstick, need I say more!  Rich, highly pigmented color for medium to full coverage.  It touts YSL's "red, fuchsia, and orange" reinterpretation for a "tailor-made experience for each woman.  I just love the formula that is packed with good things without the other chemicals which can be found in other lip products.  My favorite colors include 20 Rouge Flame (cranberry red, blue undertones), 13 Le Orange (bright orange) which has been a hot color for summer and I'm taking it in to Fall!  And I also love 28 Rose Boheme (pink plum) which is perfect for everyday wear.  And like all YSL's product packaging, the beautiful gold-tone case is a beautiful piece for any handbag!

5. Last but not least, love Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads.  These little pads exfoliate with a self-tanner leaving your skin absolutely radiant.  The "Alpha Beta Glow Pads" tan without the harmful UVA/UVB rays.  There is also a healthy dose of Vitamin D which is known to benefit other vitamins and antioxidants found in this formula.  Bonus:  "Gentle enough for all skin-types, vegan and cruelty-free"!

Love, love.  So check out Allure's list which is packed with some really great beauty products and tools.  "Allure's Best of Beauty" and "Reader's Choice" Awards are recognized world-wide.  That is enough for me!

Cheers.