April 11, 2010

Celebs Gone Designers

If you follow me on Twitter, you may experience my spontaneous rants in regards to “celebrities” (notice the quotations…they’re there for a reason) turned designers. As I like to say, “just because you were on TV for 22 minutes a week for 6 weeks does not mean you have an eye for designing handbags.”

On that note, let’s move on to the celebs gone designers that are ACTUALLY WORTH CHECKING OUT. These people  have a true sense for fashion and are huge icons in the fashion world.

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Elizabeth and James by Mary-Kate and Ashley Oleson

1. Luna Dress ($265 at shopbop.com), 2. Gypsy shoes ($225 at piperlime.gap.com), 3. Swoon Woven Wedge Booties ($425 at shopbop.com), 4. Zip Back Blazer ($395 at nordstrom.com)

Elizabeth and James has been one of my favorite brands for a while now. When I made my first E&J purchase, I didn’t even know it was the Oleson twins’ line! From blazers and dresses to shoes and jewelry, Elizabeth and James covers it all…and it’s all so fabulous! For more Elizabeth and James designs, check out www.elizabethandjames.us and be sure to check out Mary-Kate and Ashley’s upscale collection, The Row at www.therow.com

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DVB by Victoria Beckham

 

A few looks from her Spring 2010 Collection

Photo Credit

Who doesn’t love Posh? She always always the best dressed Spice Girl 🙂 Victoria Beckham’s line consists of eyewear, denim and and dresses. I have a pair of dVb sunglasses (green aviators with mirrored lenses to be exact) and I absolutely love them. My favorite dVb moments are Cameron Diaz at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and Jennifer Hudson at the Grammy Awards. Want more from Victoria Beckham? Check out www.victoriabeckham.com

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L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani

1. Vogul Sandals ($345 at heels.com), 2. Verdu Sandals ($325 at heels.com), 3. Vail Sandals ($300 at heels.com), 4. Signature Williamsfield Bag ($240 at zappos.com), 5. Ultraviolet Rhodes Bag ($305 at zappos.com), 6. Signature Melbourne Bag ($215 at zappos.com)

Gwen Stefani has been known for her cool sense of style which encompasses lots of color and geometric prints. She has shown at New York Fashion Week (see her full collections at www.style.com) and she has an amazing collection of shoes and handbags (see my favorites above). Gwen Stefani is one of those designers that designs clothing and accessories that she wants to wear (which I always appreciate in a designer…it’s what makes their pieces different from the rest). Don’t forget to check Gwen out on the cover of this month’s InStyle Magazine.

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 What do you think of these collections? Do you have anyfavorite celebrity designer collections? If so, please share! I always love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

 

 

April 6, 2010

The ELLE Black and White Collection on Rue La La

Are you prepared to go back to the basics?  This week, Rue La La introduces you to their chicest Boutique to date, The ELLE Black and White collection from Violet Moon Gaynor, Senior Fashion and Accessories Editor for ELLE magazine.


 
ELLE Black and White Boutique (virtual doors open at 11 am on April 9th): ELLE magazine has long been a trusted source for fashionistas from coast to coast, and with Violet Moon Gaynor at the helm of its fashion editorship, it is only befitting that the editor, and quintessential New Yorker, launches a line that not only epitomizes the New York look, but the classic foundation of style itself.
 
Gaynor expresses her devotion to the basics, “Black and white are my personal staples. As a New York City girl, black has always been part of my uniform (for work and play).  They’re an integral part of history and fashion right now, but it’s the cool combination and unique twists you can give these shades that really bring them to life and make them feel modern.”
 
The Boutique will feature the monochromatic essentials in black and white, with crisp tailoring and modern graphic prints.  Keep it simple, or pair these classic pieces with bold jewelry and vivid color for an eternally chic look.  
 
Whether you cleave to the faithful white button down with skinny leg trousers, or the over sized tee with a black skirt,  flattering cuts, and attention to detail will add a personal touch to every piece in the boutique.

From the LBD to the effortlessly chic uniforms of Coco Chanel and Lagerfeld, this week’s Elle Black and White Boutique proves that these style essentials will always have a place in fashion.

 
Not yet a Rue La La member? Join Now! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La — you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order!

For more on Editor Violet Moon Gaynor go to www.elle.com

RueLaLa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Rue_La_La
RueLaLa on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RueLaLa

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This post is from David James. Follow him on Twitter @jamesda1

April 5, 2010

Product Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Recently, I ordered a few things from Sephora online. When you order online, you get to choose up to 3 free samples with your purchase (very exciting by the way). One of the samples I chose was Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. And thank goodness I did! I had heard about this product before but I never thought anything of a foundation primer because I thought it was just a lotion. Smashbox proved me WRONG…it is one of my MUST-HAVE products (along with the Bobbi Brown Corrector and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment). It is rare to make it on my must-have list but Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer has made the cut!

 

 

Photo Credit

 

 

One pump of this primer goes a long way. I use the original kind (which is clear) but there are other color options like Color Adjust (which is green to minimize redness), Color Blend (which is apricot to conceal under-eye circles, veins and sunspots) and Color Balance (which is lavander for natural yellow skintones). Smashbox also offers one with SPF 15 and a Bronzing Primer as well. Since I tried the original, I bought the original because I loved it so much and knew it would work. It’s a gel-consistency but once you rub it in your hands, it literally feels like it has completely disappeared. It’s the strangest thing! Once you rub in onto your face, though, it instantly evens out and perfects the look of your skin. I am not exaggerating here. It makes a HUGE difference in your makeup routine (for other life-changing products, see my Flawless Makeup Routine post)

The description of this product (on sephora.com) says that Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is formulated to smooth and perfect your skin with its unique formula of vitamins and antioxidants that help to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fill in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. And trust me, IT DOES EXACTLY THAT!

For more information, see Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36-$42 at Sephora.

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So, what do you think? Have you used this product before? If so, what do you think? Do you use a different foundation primer? I want to hear your thoughts!

April 1, 2010

Spa Week 2010

I recently received an e-mail about this and thought it was such a great idea. I just had to share it with you! For those of you who love to get pampered, this one is for you!

The 12th Bi-Annual Spa Week Event is coming up April 12 – 18, when thousands of spa treatments that normally range from $75 – $500 are available for just $50 a piece at premiere spas, beauty salons and wellness centers all across North America.

How do you take advantage? Go to spaweek.com, click on your region, sign up, then browse the extensive list of Spa Week spas and spa treatments available. Then just call up and make your appointment(s). You can continue to book appointments until and throughout Spa Week.

Where is Spa Week? Click to view all the participating spas and available treatments:

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For my fellow Chicagoans, you’re in lots of luck! Because there are over 35 spas in Chicago and the suburbs participating in Spa Week. Some of these spas include Exhale Chicago, Red Door Spa, Ruby Room, Spa at the Wit and many more.

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So check out www.spaweek.com, find your state/town and get booking…because these great deals only last until April 18. Happy pampering 🙂

March 31, 2010

Coming Up on Rue La La

In need of a fashion pick me up?   This week, Rue La La’s virtual boutiques are providing you with a head-to-toe makeover experience, with timeless, fashion-forward necessities from A.B.S, Exhale Spa, and make-up from Bare Escentuals! I invite you to shop the  Exclusive Brands: Fashion and Beauty Boutiques, beginning  March 31  at 11:00AM EST for only 48 hours! Below you’ll discover more information about the Boutiques.



A.B.S (virtual doors open at 11am on April 2 ):  Allen B. Schwartz’s trend setting line of red carpet inspired looks have won the attention of stars from Catherine Zeta Jones and Jennifer Hudson to Carrie Underwood.  Known for his attention to detail, and fashion forward threads, this boutique is sure quickly sell out of the feminine frocks that have made A.B.S, a style favorite for fashionistas everywhere.  Grab your choice of flirty dresses, bold jewelry, and chic sportswear from the A.B.S boutique, this week.



Bare Escentuals (virtual doors open at 11am on March 31):  Bare Escentuals is the brand that brought you BareMinerals Foundation,  Buxom, and MD Formulations Skin Care.   Maybe it is Bare Escentual’s belief that while make-up should make you feel beautiful, and should also be good for your skin that makes it a favorite brand among the stars.  With celebrity fans including:  Jennifer Aniston, Natalie Portman, and Kate Hudson, you will surely fall in love with the variety of Bare Escentuals on sale this week.

**I’m absolutely love Bare Escentuals products! See some of my favorite Bare Escentuals products in my Flawless Makeup Routine post.

 

 

Exhale Spa:  Available Thursday, April 1st at 11AM EST for 48 hours. With a philosophy centered on the belief that the mind and body are connected, and that the best approach to well-being is through holistic means, this weeks Boutique will help you achieve that beach-ready body faster than you think.  Locations that will be involved in the Boutique include: New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Santa Monica and South Florida.

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Also, experience fabulous fashion and accessories items this week on Rue La La through these exclusive Boutiques:

  • Sportmax
  • Honora
  • Footprints by Brinkenstock
  • Bare Escentuals
  • Joseph Abboud
  • A.B.S.
  • Corneliani

 

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Not yet a Rue La La member? Join Now! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La — you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order!

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This post is from guest blogger, David James. Follow him on Twitter @jamesda1