February 6, 2010

Product Review: Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil

I’ve used many different Kiehl’s products in my lifetime and I truly haven’t used a product of theirs that I did not like. They offer a variety of products that cover everything from head to toe. Kiehl’s has also been around since 1851…if a company has been around that long, they’ve gotta be good, right?

So out of every product I’ve used from Kiehl’s, I’d have to say that their Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil  is my absolute favorite. I have heard a lot about dry oils being good for your skin but I never thought about putting it in my hair until I read about its other uses on the Kiehl’s website. The key ingredients in this fabulous product are Apricot Kernel Oil (which moisturizes and softens skin) and Olive Fruit Oil (which is very beneficial for dry or damaged hair). This versatile product cannot only make your skin feel AMAZING but it can make your hair super silky AND it smooths out split ends.

I started using this product on my legs because my legs tend to get the most dry (compared to the rest of my body) so I bought it for extra moisture in the winter. I then noticed how much I loved the glow it gave my legs so it was a must-have for the summer as well (when people actually see my legs). After I read more about it online, I decided to try a little bit in my hair. I was skeptical at first because I thought it might make my hair oily…but trust me, it’s life-alerting! After washing my hair, I put a nickel-size amount in my hands and rub it through the ends of my hair and my hair has never felt healthier.

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You can purchase this product at www.kiehls.com or at most department stores. A bottle of the Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil costs either $30 or $42 (depending on the size of the bottle) and is worth every penny. It’s quite a versatile product and a little goes a long way. Soft skin and silky hair…what more can you ask for?

Have any of you used this product? If so, what do you think of it? If not, would you consider purchasing it? What’s your favorite product from Kiehl’s? I want to hear from you!

I am trying to better my blog to cater to you, the readers…if you could take a few minutes to take my [very] short survey, I would really appreciate it. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MBZKPL2

February 4, 2010

Elie Saab Spring 2010 Couture

Although I wasn’t actually at the couture shows in Paris, I [too often] go to Style.com, browse through every photo, admire each one and pretend/wish I was there. The one collection I was absolutely blown away by was Elie Saab. There were lots of dusty pastels, sheer fabrics, a ton of nude colors (very in for spring!), amazing detailing, great beading and a lot of leg. Many of these dresses I could see on the Red Carpet on celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Christina Applegate, and Diane Kruger. These celebrities appreciate glamour and I could see many of these dresses on all three of them. Some celebrities seen in Elie Saab on more than one occasion include Beyonce, Marion Cotillard, Toni Collette, and Mischa Barton. Clearly, this designer can cater to an array of ages and styles.

Here are my favorite looks from the collection:

See Full Collection Here

Also, check out www.style.com for all the Spring 2010 Couture collections and all collections from this past year.

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What do you think of this collection? What were your favorite pieces? Who was your favorite designer at the Paris Couture shows? I want to hear from you!

 

PS. I want to post things that not only I love but that you enjoy reading too. I created a very short survey that I would GREATLY appreciate if you all could take. Thank you! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MBZKPL2

 

February 3, 2010

Product Review: Shu Uemura Lash Repair

One thing I hear many women complain about, including myself, is their eyelashes. They’re either too short, too straight or not thick enough. I totally understand your pain. It’s also very annoying that the men in our life might have longer and thicker lashes than us…I know mine does and it’s just not fair! I have found a solution ladies and there’s no prescription required and it’s fairly inexpensive (compared to most eyelash enhancing products)…Shu Uemura Lash Repair is here to save the day!

I have been using this product for about two years now and my eyelashes have never looked better. This product does not make your lashes grow like Latisse but it conditions lashes with depsea water, protects lashes with almond extract and makes them stronger and thicker with lipids. I wake up in the morning and my lashes look thicker, more curled and overall much healthier than they did before I started using the lash repair.

Apply the lash repair at night and/or in the morning before applying mascara (as a primer) and you will see results within weeks. I’ve used lash lengthening products before but they’re expensive and you must be very careful how much you apply. A friend of mine started using Latisse a couple months ago and she was applying too much. Let’s just say she grew hair in areas around her eye that hair is not supposed to grow [yuck!] Because Shu Uemura lash repair is not meant to make your eyelashes grow, you will not have this problem. I’ve always been a little self-conscious about my eyelashes (a weird thing to be self-conscious about…I know) but I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable walking out of the house without mascara now.

Photo Credit

Shu Uemura Lash Repair $22

To enhance your lashes just that much more, I recommend using Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. I’m sure you’ve all heard many people rave and blog about this eyelash curler. Take it from someone who has tried MANY eyelash curlers…this one is the best. You get the best curl, no pinching and it’s the perfect amount of pressure on your lashes.

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So, what do you think of my product review? Have you used either of these products? If so, what do you think? If not, would you want to try them? I want to hear from you!

PS. I created a survey to get a help improve my blog. I write about things that I love but I also want to write about things YOU all want to know about. So, if you have a couple minutes (it’s very short) I would REALLY appreciate you taking my survey. It can be found here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MBZKPL2 Thank you!!

February 2, 2010

Modern Love: A Contemporary Twist for Valentine’s Day

Another lovely post by guest blogger, David James. Follow him on Twitter @jamesda1

Shop for loved ones or spoil yourself with the Rue La La Modern Love Valentine Boutique curated by ELLE’s Executive Accessories Editor Kate Davidson Hudson and Fashion Market Editor Jade Frampton.  Inspired by ELLE’s February, 2010 Modern Love issue the Boutique features the finest of lingerie, jewelry, delectable chocolates, champagne flutes and exquisite bedding available exclusively this Thursday, February 4, 2010 for 48 hours beginning at 11:00 AM!

The gifts were hand selected by ELLE’s discerning editors Jade Frampton and Kate Davidson Hudson, as the perfect expression of Modern Love for yourself or someone you love…

Rue La La’s Q+A with Jade Frampton:
What is Modern Love? 
To me Modern Love means embracing your individuality.  Its all about personal style and whatever makes you feel your best.  Weather its sharing a glass of champagne with a loved one or slipping on a beautiful lingerie set, its all about you and what makes you feel confident and sexy.
 
What traditional elements of romance are you still into?
I am old fashioned so love letters, flowers, chocolates all do it for me

Who are some couples who embody Modern Love in a great way?
JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bissette-Kennedy and Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
 
Rue La La’s Q+A with Kate Davidson Hudson:

 
What made ELLE undertake an examination of “Modern Love”?
Modern love is the idea that men and women personify love in individually unique ways. At Elle, we love to explore a women’s sense of self and personal style whether it is in the way she dresses, lives, or loves.

What was your best/worst Valentine’s Day ever?
My best Valentine’s Day was when my husband and I just started dating and he made a huge dinner at his apartment, including a home-made risotto. It might have been a little rubber-y, but the effort was so sweet.

Who are some couples who embody Modern Love in a great way?
The couples who’s love has endured them through the test of time…the Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s of the world.

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Having a major ooh la la moment! Rue La La has partnered with Bravo’s new fashion competition series, Launch My Line. Immediately following the season finale, you’ll be able to purchase the winning collection exclusively on RueLaLa.com.Tune in this Wednesday at 10pm EST to capture the good, the bad, the ugly – and the fabulous! And sit front row with Style Editor Rachel as she dishes on every can’t-miss moment LIVE via Twitter! Join the conversation this Wednesday at 10PM ET at http://twitter.com/rue_La_La

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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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RueLaLa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Rue_La_La 

RueLaLa on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RueLaLa

February 1, 2010

Red Carpet Fashion: Best Dressed at the 2010 Grammy Awards

So as you all know, the Grammys were last night. Not only was it a night of music, but a night of glamour. The best thing about the Grammys is that, unlike the Oscars or the Golden Globes, there is an opportunity to have more fun with your outfit and take a little more risk. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the risk-taking last night. The biggest fashion risk-takers, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, looked fabulous but I was expecting a lot more out of them. Lady Gaga took on the Red Carpet in a solar-system-looking Armani Privé gown holding a large spiky prop (very fitting for the Armani Privé Spring 2010 Couture show ). Rihanna came out in a long white Elie Saab gown with feathers along the front of the bodice and an open back. I would have actually liked the dress on a different celebrity if the feathers weren’t coming all the way up her neck, but for Rihanna, it wasn’t daring enough…especially for the Grammys.

Okay now it’s time for my best dressed list. Let’s keep in mind that I found most of these get-ups almost perfect but I found something wrong with just about everyone. I just wasn’t that satisfied with the overall fashion at the Grammys but here are my favorites of the night. Also keep in mind that because the fashion at the Grammys is meant to be a little more playful and fun (yet risky), these are either outfits people loved or they hated. These are the ones I loved….

#5: Beyonce Knowles in Stephane Rolland

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First off, I think the color of this dress looks great on Beyonce. It complements her skintone very well and the detailing is unbelievable. The one downfall of the dress is that you cannot appreciate the detailing by just seeing it on TV or in a photo. You really have to look closely to see all of the work that went into that dress. I’m also not sure if it’s Grammy appropriate because it’s a little dressy but that’s my opinion. I also HATE the earrings with the dress. But…she did a great job simplifying her hair to balance the complexity of the dress and she obviously looks gorgeous as always. The dress is absolutely gorgeous so it had to make my best dressed list.

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#4: Taylor Swift in Kaufman Franco

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Unrelated to the dress (and despite the fact that I hate country music) I think Taylor Swift is adorable. I know a lot of people are bothered by her, which I can see, but after seeing all the same alcoholic, fame-crazed people in Hollywood over and over again, I find her quite refreshing. She truly appreciates her fans and loves making music which I think is just wonderful. Back to the dress…I love everything that sparkles so she definitely grabbed my attention. I thought it was Grammy-appropriate, especially because she was nominated (numerous times may I add), the neckline was pretty cool and the back was quite striking as well. I really liked her hair pulled back a little to the side; it was very old-Hollywood, which I love. Overall, I think she looked very pretty but I felt like there was a little something missing. Can’t think of what…but something. She looked a little too skinny so that might have something to do with it. If you have a suggestion, let me know!

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#3: Fergie in Emilio Pucci

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Obviously this dress shows off Fergie’s body, which she can get away with because her body ROCKS. I love that color blue and I think it looks great with her skintone. I really like the silver going across the front because I love the contrast of that color blue with the metallic silver. It’s also a little space-like (just like Lady Gaga but she was VERY space-like). The dress was a little too short and tight for my taste but if you really hard for a body like that, you gotta show it off!

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#2: Heidi Klum in Emilio Pucci

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It’s hard for someone so beautiful with such an amazing body like Heidi Klum to look bad in anything. She is always smiling and her skin is constantly glowing and radiant. I liked that she simplified her hair and makeup because there was a lot of sparkle in the dress. Again, I love anything that sparkles and I really like short dresses with long sleeves (although I wasn’t a fan of Miley Cyrus in Herve Leger) especially when you have great legs like Heidi. She totally rocked this look and I absolutely adore her.

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#1: Lea Michele in Romona Keveza

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HELLO LEGS! Where have those been? YOU GO LEA MICHELE! She looked so fabulous I literally had to rewind when watching the Red Carpet to get another look. Wow. The dress wasn’t too complex but it fit her perfectly. I love the sheerness at the top and the feathered bottom. It hugs her waist so perfectly and makes her look tiny (in a good way) and the one-shoulder does wonders for her arms. Her hair and makeup are both gorgeous. There is not one thing I can find wrong with this look (except maybe she could have done a funner shoe but I’m still satisfied with the ones she chose) and a big shout out to Lea who has made my best dressed list 3 times in a row. Woo hoo!

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I also have to mention Carrie Underwood and Keri Hilson.  Carrie Underwood wore a dress by Georges Chakra which I found was a little boring but I thought the neckline quite interesting. She also always looks gorgeous so I can’t finish the post without a little Carrie shoutout. Same name, different spelling… Keri Hilson was looking smashing in Dolce & Gabbana but I thought the sequin belt looked a little cheap and the top of the dress was a little too tight. Otherwise, the color looked great on her and I love the mermaid silhouette.

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So, who are your best dressed picks for the Grammys? Least favorite dresses? I think there will be a lot of controversy over some looks so I really want to hear what you all think!