Archive for August, 2009

FALLing for Trenches.

August 31st, 2009 by Ruth

Picture 18

 

The season’s change is among us and lucky for me, fall is my favorite time of year. There’s nothing I love more than slipping on a pair of my fancy flats, bundling up in my favorite sweater, and slipping out the door in a chic trench.

Dating back to the 19th century and Thomas Burberry, the trench coat has been a wardrobe staple throughout history. Brought to the fashion forefront by none other than Calvin Klein, the trench remains popular and most certainly, in vogue. 

 

 

While the good things in life don’t come for free, you can snag them at discounted rates. From the season’s trendiest finds to designs on a dime, we’ve sourced the greatest finds.

BlueFly.com Mackage

BlueFly.com, the original fashion discount web site, has the season’s trendiest trenches at  30% off the original price. This silver, wool, herringbone Mackage trench keeps the cool weather out with its high funnel neck and lined inside. Sleek leather trimmed pockets and a metallic finish make you look top notch. 

Picture 2

This classic A-line DKNY Raincoat protects you from the elements while maintaining impeccable style. For a little under $100, this raincoat is a no-brainer and makes a great addition to anyone’s closet.

Picture 3

 

Available at Gap.com, this moleskin coat is a durable coat perfect for the person on-the-go. The classically chic silhouette is guaranteed to flatter at an affordable $88.

Picture 4The best investment you’ll ever make: The Classic trenchcoat.This gorgeous trench from Banana Republic is a timeless and versatile topper to any ensemble. Designed in lightweight cotton, this trench will take you through the seasons in chic style for a little under $200.

You lost that summer feeling.

August 31st, 2009 by Catherine

10591-1019100-dI try to hang on to that summer feeling for as long as I possibly can before cold winter winds sweep in to erase them altogether. Most of my friends feel the same way, so when one of them found this charming necklace from Juicy Couture, I thought it was a cute way to keep summer alive until it comes back again. On sale now at Nordstrom, I think I’ll be able to make it through the winter with a little more sunshine!

Love Clarins? Show your support on Facebook!

August 29th, 2009 by Catherine

logo

As one of the world’s leading skincare brands, Clarins has officially launched its own Facebook fan page for you to share. But it doesn’t end there. Be one of the first 5,000 people to sign up and you’ll receive a free three-week sample of their new Multi-Active Day skin care cream! 

Through their fan page you’ll be looped into new launches and be the first to learn of product deals and sales, among many other perks. If you’re ready to show your love for Clarins on Facebook, click here to get started!

Daily Diamond: Kooba Jules Messenger

August 28th, 2009 by Catherine

0411815318844R_300x400The fall semester has started for most kids throughout the country and although my school days are long gone, I can still appreciate a good messenger bag, like the ones I used in place of backpacks. I just loved (and still love!) being able to stash all my daily needs in one bag, sling it over my shoulder and be all set. 

So with the new school year upon us, it’s only fair to think about buying a new messenger bag to celebrate. Kooba’s Jules Messenger is a smaller, more chic version of what I once brought to school, but reminiscent of my high school days all the same. Made from sleek leather, it will not only withstand the abuse of commutes and the elements, but will look better and better over time. With loads of different pockets, you’ll have plenty of space to store whatever you need to get you through the day, looking stylish, no less.

How cheeky!

August 28th, 2009 by Ruth

ConstrainImage.ashxAlthough I have pretty good luck in the smooth skin department (knock on wood), I have always been envious of that Hollywood glow actresses seem to radiate on the red carpet. After many failed attempts to recreate this look, I finally found Jouer’s highlighting crème (rumor has it Frieda Pinto used this at the Golden Globes). After applying a little bronzer, I slicked on a little of this golden, shimmering crème and instantly felt like I could tackle the Oscars and a trip to St. Tropez – no problem. It gives just the right amount of sheen without being too sparkly or sticky.  Jouer also makes a “poppy” cheek tint that works as a great compliment if you’re looking for something a little rosier. 

Iced, iced baby.

August 28th, 2009 by Catherine

Iced coffee-webI’ve tried and tried to mimic the iced treats I occasionally buy at coffee shops but seem to fail every time. The drink always winds up too watered-down and unappealing to me, so I’ve given up. And then I stumbled upon this little gem from Lamill Coffee. Easy to make and utterly delicious , you simply add your own grounds to the filtered top, which rests atop a pitcher with a chamber of ice that quickly cools your brew as you pour hot water over the coffee. The result is a perfectly delicious, affordable brew made with love in your own home. And at $30 for the pitcher, it’s an affordable steal that will save you bundles on your designer iced coffees.

Geek Chic.

August 28th, 2009 by Catherine

The other day I ran out of contact lenses and wound up wearing my nerdy glasses that I save for bedtime hours and occasional allergy flare-ups. But it caused quite a stir with friends I haven’t seen in a long time, who adored my suddenly geek-chic look. Turns out, my ripped up jeans, men’s T-shirt and Old Navy flip flops reach a new level of chic with a pair of dark-rimmed glasses topping it all off. 

14431654_01_bTheir raves inspired me to go out and buy another pair of glasses from Urban Outfitters. Perfectly retro, yet sweetly nerdish enough to pull off the innocent school charm of days gone by, I plan to wear these long into the fall and winter when I’m feeling uninspired to accessorize with gusto. Available in black and tortoiseshell for $14, they’re such an affordable way to add some flair without a lot of effort.

Viva, Las Vegas!

August 27th, 2009 by Catherine

I’ve been begging and begging (and begging) my boyfriend to escape with me to Vegas since we started dating nearly 4 years ago. We haven’t gone and now that he’s booked a trip with his buddies, it’s not looking too promising that he will ever make me his wingman there. No worries though – we’ve got plenty of other vacations in our history, plus a bevy of other trips to come.

So when he’s taking his trip to Sin City in October, I’ll be planning my much chic-er trip with my girlfriends to the same city, only later in the year. The MGM Grand has just slashed prices on select dates through February and throwing in a slew of perks, including entrance to Studio 54 and Tabu, and most importantly, entry to their all-you-can-eat buffet. I’m so there.

Click here to book through MGM’s website and remember – what happens in Vegas doesn’t really stay there. I hope you’re reading, boyfriend!!

You’ll always be my boo.

August 27th, 2009 by Catherine

I’ve always adored the scent of baby products. Whether it’s the result of my own childhood memories is debatable, but I can’t get enough of the pure and sweet scent of these lotions and body washes. 

da_room_spray_bWhen I first learned of Noodle & Boo, I made a beeline for their counter at Nordstrom to quickly try some of the products. And just as I expected, it was love at very first smell.  The brand’s signature fragrance, crème douce, smells just as you’d expect a baby to smell like – delicate, milky and ever so sweet. Their line of products is just as adorable. With everything you need to keep you and your little ones smelling cherub-like, my absolute favorite is their Room Spray. Blended with peach, water blossoms, ripe mixed berries and clover honey, with top notes of warm milk and vanilla beans, the combined scent is pure loveliness and an ideal pick-me-up for stagnant-smelling rooms. 

Available here for $20, it’s a great gift for anyone with or without kiddies!

The Hunt: Lovely Lip Gloss

August 27th, 2009 by Catherine

I’m a self-proclaimed lip product junkie and I’m not afraid to say it. Long before “experts” made claims about lip gloss addiction, I knew I was hooked but to this day just don’t care. If this is what addiction looks like, it’s safe to say my family won’t be staging an intervention anytime soon.

Rose Lip Treat No 4 LipPetalIf you, too, are a lip product junkie, then please feel free to embrace my latest obsession from London-origin, Pixi. The charming cosmetics line has expanded over 10 years to offer everything you need to look polished and sweet, from blushes and foundations, to nail polishes and fragrances. Their latest launch, called Rose Lip Treat, has made its way into my cosmetics clutch already. Available in 4 lovely shades, it’s soothing enough to de-chap my lips with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, but adds enough color and shine to pull my look together in a pinch. You can find their Lip Treat for $12, along with their other obsession-worthy products, at Target stores nationwide and online.