Hearts Like Stars

Fashionable Halloween Clearance Rack Steals

2009-10-31T14:35:00.010-04:00

As you probably know, the day after (and sometimes day of) Halloween is when stores pull all of their theme items and throw them on a clearance rack for 50-75% off. There's not much you can do with a ceramic jack-o-lantern past it's sell-by date, but there are a few style items worth snatching up at a discount for year-round usage.

1.) Black, purple, glitter and other wild nail polish. Since when do those not work in January?

2.) False eyelashes - even some of the crazier sets can be fun around the holidays and for parties or going out. Falsies don't have to be expensive to look amazing.

3.) Stripe, fishnet and fun colored tights. Also not a halloween-only accessory.

4.) Skull jewelry (but leave the spiderweb and pumpkin earrings on the shelf, please)

5.) Glitter.

6.) Novelty socks. Does anyone see what's under those snowboots in the winter? If you find cuddly ones for 99 cents, stock up.

7.) Next year's costume. Like any end-of-season purchase, stash it away in a box for next year and be so excited when you realize you don't have to fight the crowds and pay full price next October. Suckers!

PS: Two notable Halloween free shipping deals from sweet websites:

- ASOS.com (UK) is offering free shipping to the U.S. this weekend on EVERYTHING.

- MAC Cosmetics is offering free shipping on any purchase during "the witching hours" between 6PM and 3AM tonight.

Olsonboye Is Definitely No Elizabeth and James

2009-10-27T18:12:00.007-04:00

The Olsen twins' line "Elizabeth and James" is overpriced, but usually pretty sweet design-wise. Same goes for rock-spawn Charlotte Ronson's namesake clothing label. So WHY IS IT that when they decide to do a normal-priced line for JC Penney they let their design staff go on vacation, sketch juvenile garbage and send it into production? (My hypothesis: JC Penney brings out the bad outfit in everyone.)

Starting Nov. 6, you'll be able to purchase Olsen garbage under their new JC Penney-exclusive label Olsonboye. It's their "ancestral" name but totally makes it sound like the clothes are for male children. Marketing geniuses, those gals! Here are three "outfits" from the Olsonboye line. If I see you in any of them, don't act like you know me.

Good Girls Need Badass Boots

2009-10-23T10:34:00.004-04:00

Combat boots are definitely back, clearly obeying stylist's orders to subdue the explosion of floral tea dresses and tulle that have cropped up the past few seasons. Dr. Marten definitely wins the combat boot popularity contest, and it is for this reason I'd prefer to see my stylish minions in anything but. My choice is among the boots above - each pair puts a different spin on the style and won't leave your bank balance in the trenches.

Forever 21 "trooper" boot, $29.95; GoJane combat boot, $32; Seychelles "meteor shower" boot, $149.95; Steve Madden "axee" boot, $159.95;

Why I Love/Hate Alexa Chung

2009-10-23T09:05:00.001-04:00

In case you live under a very unfashionable rock, you've probably heard the name or seen the face of 25-year-old model Alexa Chung. She's the new half-Chinese Agyness Deyn, basically. Dresses a bit kooky, screws stinky musicians, makes awkward faces and pretends to be totes fer-real even though she's been raking in mega-cash for 10 years (for the hard job of hitting the genetic and societal aesthetic jackpot) and doing classic Stephanie Seymour shit like living with grossly senior photographer boyfriends.

If it sounds like I resent her, of course I do. I find loaded people who purposely dress high-low to be oh-so "Common People." But at the same time a strong sense of closet envy - a little bit of "that's how I would dress if I stole your wallet" - endears her to me. I covet her expensive shoes and sold-out Topshop exclusives, and even more so, her access to them. I check the MTV Buzzworthy blog for "What Was Alexa Wearing Today?" updates on a weekly basis. No, I can't bear to watch the show she hosts (I dare you to sit for 5 minutes and not want to be shot in the ears) but still, I obsess. Feel free to join me.

Rodarte Target Collection Pics!

2009-10-22T09:58:00.001-04:00

The official press kit for the Rodarte for Target collection (due Dec. 20th) is not yet up on Target.com, but unofficial preview pics have been leaking since early August, when the above snap was taken on the sly by a Paper magazine reporter.

From what I see so far, it's vintage budoir with a side of grandma's attic. Any female who came of age in the early 90's knows that good old fashioned GRUNGE is the intersection of those sartorial avenues! Maybe it's nostalgia (I finally got rid of my huge "kinderwhore" vintage leopard coat from a 1994 the other day... maybe just in time for a new one?) but I'm loving these looks. Top of my list is the yellow version of the bow-shoulder slip dress. The line will run you from $9.99 for the knee high stockings on up to $79.99 for the catty coat.

P.S. - As for the up-to-your-tits tights with the bow... the only way I can imagine rocking those is layered over leggings or opaque tights and worn as pants. Under a dress that bow would appear to be the most fucked up outie belly button ever seen.

Review: Clinique Deep Comfort Hand Cream

2009-10-22T09:42:00.001-04:00

After my research into who's animal testing and who isn't, I was wondering where to turn once my former go-to winter hand cream (by bunny-beaters Neutrogena) runs out. Leave it to my friends at Clinique to save the day! I've had the opportunity to test out Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream ($17.50 for 2.5 oz.) which becomes available in November 2009, and I can't recommend it enough.

At that price point, I might call it a luxury for "just a hand cream" but I put literally a pea-sized amount in my palm and it did the job for both hands, so I think you could stretch one tube for almost an entire winter. It's extremely rich and thick but absorbed almost immediately. My skin felt really soft, not just surface-soft, and there was no heavy fragrance to it at all.

Verdict: Worth it! Try it at a Clinique counter next month and see for yourself.

P.S.: There's already a Deep Comfort Body Butter and Body Moisturizer out now. In November, a Body Wash is also set to be released.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Coming March 7

2009-10-21T15:11:00.004-04:00

[Looks from Gaultier's spring 2010 RTW collection via WWD.com]

Target seems to be reaching higher up the fashion heap every time for their collaborations as time goes on, and I'm completely loving it. Shouldn't all designers have a line for broke people? French legend Jean Paul Gaultier is designing a capsule collection set to launch March 7, 2010. It is said to be "inspired by American women and pop culture from the past and the present."

[Image from "City of the Lost Children"]

You may know JPG best for the conical Madonna bra, but what comes to mind for me is the costume design he did for the 1995 film "City of the Lost Children" - all nautical notions and breton stripes. With Chanel's 2010 resort collection bringing the nautical look back full force, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Gaultier to deliver something in that genre. However, judging by the stated inspiration, I'm concerned we might get smacked in the face with more 1980s-90s throwback trends.

Is Your Brand Tested on Animals?

2009-10-15T14:10:00.008-04:00

Do you buy beauty products that are needlessly tested on animals? You might be supporting one of these asshole companies, and have no idea. Check out PETA's page where you can search for animal-loving companies by product category. If you're too lazy for that, here's a little guide I made:

Going to Target for Makeup?
DO buy:
- Almay
- Revlon
- Physician's Formula
- Burt's Bees
- Bonne Bell
- Wet n' Wild
- Yes to Carrots
Don't buy:
- Cover Girl
- L'Oreal
- Max Factor
- Maybelline
- Neutrogena

Going to Sephora/Department Store for makeup?
DO buy:
- Bare Escentuals
- Bobbi Brown
- Clinique
- Clarins
- MAC
- Origins
- Stila
- Smashbox
- Too Faced
- Urban Decay/ Hard Candy
Don't buy:
- Lancome
- Shiseido

Buying perfume or cologne?
Good: Calvin Klein
Bad: Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani

Use 99 cent shampoo?
Good: White Rain
Bad: Suave

Going to Target for hair products?
DO buy:
- Kiss My Face
- Burt's Bees
(Target also often carries some of the salon brands listed below)
Don't buy:
- Aussie
- Clairol
- Dove
- Garnier
- Head & Shoulders
- Neutrogena
- Pantene
- SoftSheen
- Sunsilk

Going to the salon for hair products?
DO buy:
- Aveda
- Bumble and Bumble
- Pureology
- Rusk
- Paul Mitchell
Don't buy:
- Matrix
- Redken (Note: In the past I have reviewed and recommended Redken. I love their products but in this day and age, animal testing is unforgivable and I am boycotting the brand until they stop.)

Going to Target for skin care, personal hygiene and hair removers?
DO Buy:
- Burt's Bees
- Calgon
- Kiss My Face
- Nad's
- Tom's of Maine
- Yes to Carrots
Don't Buy:
- Aveeno
- Clean and Clear
- Dove
- Gillette
- Ivory
- Johnson & Johnson
- Lubriderm
- Nair
- Olay
- Ponds
- ROC
- Secret
- Soft & Dri
- Vaseline
- Veet
- Zest

Going to the Mall?
L'Occitane, LUSH, The Body Shop, Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret all offer cruelty-free personal care and fragrance products.

30% Off Friends and Family Sale at Nine West

2009-10-15T13:31:00.010-04:00

The Nine West Friends and Family Sale is 30% off full price, 20% off sale price shoes with code NWFRND6. Expires Sunday, Oct. 18th at midnight.
My picks:

Boutique 9 Charissa ~~$285~~ $199.50; Lunia ~~$139~~ $97.30

Demode (pre-order) ~~$89~~ $62.30 ; Ambelu ~~$79~~ ~~$59.99~~ $47.99

Deanna ~~$160~~ $112 ; Nyek ~~$79~~ $55.30

ASOS Mid-Season Sale is ON

2009-10-09T13:13:00.006-04:00

ASOS Mid-Season Sale opened online today. Get that holiday party frock early so you're not picking at stretched-out XXL leftovers with sequin bald-spots by November. Just be sure to go up in the right hand corner and switch the currency to USD so you're not unpleasantly surprised at your sudden drop in funds. That exchange rate is a bitch.

Where Do You Get Your Panties?

2009-10-08T14:34:00.002-04:00

I have a serious panty purchasing compulsion. I have like 90 pair - some with the tags still on - and yes, I throw out my old ones with regularity. I get mine pretty much everywhere: Marshall's/T.J. Maxx, Forever 21, Macy's, Aerie, and of course Victoria's Secret. My favorites used to be the VS cotton low-rise bikini, but the did away with the cut and introduced a new VS cotton bikini that was supposed to be a lower-rise version of the regular bikini. I got a coupon for a free pair the other day so I grabbed one to try them out. Holy Baywatch Bathing Suit. How anyone can wear these with a low rise pair of pants is beyond me, they're cut up to your tits with a hi-leg opening and suited for the longest ass in human history. Horror. Where should I turn to find great panties now? Help.

Origins GinZing Eye Cream

2009-10-08T07:31:00.000-04:00

Origins GinZing
Claim: "Refreshing eye cream to brighten and de-puff"
Cost: $29.50
Verdict: Worth it.
Why: It de-puffs and leaves behind a subtle light-reflecting shimmer that works well under concealer to hide dark circles.
Details: GinZing goes on light and has a cooling sensation. Typically de-puffer products cause your eyes to water - this does not, yet it's still effective. The active ingredients responsible are caffiene and ginseng. The soft shimmer it leaves behind helps refract light and detract attention from your dark circles. This is a great double-duty product (maybe you can toss that highlighter pencil?) and reasonably priced.
PS: Any product claiming to erase dark circles is bullshitting you right to your face - dc's are hereditary and have to do with the thickness of the skin under your eyes. The best you can do is a product like this, which helps sooth the skin and camouflage the darkness.

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

2009-10-07T15:03:00.011-04:00

H&M Divided Exclusive Collection
[Images via H&M Magazine Autumn 2009]

I have to give H&M props for their stellar stock this season (Autumn/Winter '09). It's a massive wash of black and sequin with splashes of deep berry, emerald green and burnt gold, ravaged denim and exaggerated shoulders. I want so many things I'm finding myself eBaying for items just to be sure I can afford it all.

More H&M Divided Exclusive collection
[Images obviously via Nitrolicious.com]

To ice the cake just a little bit thicker, December 5th brings an exclusive collection of knitwear, accessories and lingerie from French fashion legend Sonia Rykiel. There is nothing on the H&M website but a wordy press release and a portrait of Sonia, and google search for leaked images only produced this:

If the Sesame Street inspired sweater/scarf on the right is in the collection, call me Big Bird cause I'm totally rocking that shit.

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara Sucks

2009-09-28T18:16:00.004-04:00

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara
Claim: "12x More Impact Instantly"
Cost: $7-10
Verdict: Don't waste your money.
Why: The dry clumps look like someone threw pepper in your face.
Details: My first purchase of this product was the waterproof formula. It left a flurry of tiny black flakes in my lashes and below my eyes after just an hour of normal wear. To be fair, I've never used a waterproof (that wasn't Clinique Lash Power) that wasn't a dry crumbly mess, so I decided to drop another $7-ish at Target and try the regular formula before I dissed it. Same thing happened! L'Oreal generally makes decent cosmetics, so this line is a HUGE disappointment.

Pureology Super Smooth

2009-09-22T13:47:00.004-04:00

If you don't like floral scents I'll tell you right off the bat to steer clear of Pureology's latest line Super Smooth, which launches next month. I don't mind a little flower power, although even for me the fragrance is a bit too strong when I use the shampoo ($27 for 10.1oz.), conditioner ($27 for 8.5oz.) and serum ($24 for 2.5oz.) all in the same day.

That said, you can't really go wrong with Pureology products if you have color-treated hair. The zero-sulfate formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens keep the wear and tear on your dye job to a minimum and the natural oils, shea butter and aforementioned geranium all contribute to awesome moisture. The hair masque (an OMG $50 for 5.1oz.) is great too, but the price is a bit much.

The Best of One Shoulder Dresses

2009-09-21T23:45:00.000-04:00

The one-shoulder dress is categorized as a "trend", but it's a good investment because it comes back pretty frequently (unlike, say, Hammer pants.) Check these out, organized by price range:

UNDER $100

ASOS folded one shoulder dress ($82.07); ASOS frill empire dress ($69.30); Gianni Bini lila dress ($47.40); T by Alexander Wang ($85); Aqua one shoulder dress ($88)

UNDER $200

ASOS Black corsage dress ($136.78); Aqua Couture peplum dress ($155); ABS one shoulder gown ($129.90) also in wine; Alice & Olivia Joyce dress ($130); Tbags print one shoulder dress ($134)

UNDER $300

Rachel Pally Aphrodite dress ($246) also in black; Tadashi ruched matte jersey dress ($298);

Over $500

Alexander Wang slinky one-shoulder dress ($575)

MAC Style Black: Fierce, Not Food Court

2009-09-20T23:18:00.008-04:00

I was in Nordstrom today and fell fairly obsessed with MAC Cosmetics "Style Black" collection. I was skeptical of a Kat von Disaster when I first heard about it, but it's truly a line of versatile and wearable items (save the black lipstick, which I can't imagine will be a big seller.)

The mineralize eye shadows are particularly stunning - Cinderfella and Blue Flame are on my wishlist. They go on smooth and rich, and the glitter is ultra-fine. There are several products in the line that aren't new, but just mesh well with the collection so they are included (Mattene lipstick in Night Violet is a re-issue) - below is a list of the items that are really debuting.

Cremesheen Lipstick ($14)
Black Knight - Creamy true black
Mattene Lipstick ($14.50)
Midnight Media - Dense matte black

Glimmerglass Lipgloss ($18)
Bling Black - Sheer black with gold pearl
Blackfire - Sheer black with pink purple pearl
Blackware - Creamy true black

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19)
Cinderfella - Black with silver pearl
Young Punk - Black with pink purple pearl
Gilt by Association - Black with gold bronze pearl
Blue Flame - Black with blue pearl

Grease Paintstick ($17.50)
Black - Intense black

Nail Lacquer ($12)
Seriously Hip - Black with gold particle pearl
Baby Goth Girl - Black with pink and purple pearl

Gossip Girl Fashion: Stylist Spills About Season 3

2009-09-09T15:34:00.009-04:00

It's no coincidence that this Sunday is the launch of Anna Sui's Gossip Girl inspired Target collection - they're making sure it goes hand-in-hand with the premiere of Season 3 (Monday at 8pm on the CW.)

We know what Anna envisioned Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa wearing this fall - but what will they really wear? Check out what stylist Eric Daman has to say about what the girls (and in turn, the rest of us buying Forever 21 knockoffs) will be wearing this season.

Jenny:

Serena:

Blair:

Thus far there is no video update on Vanessa's style from the CW peeps. Maybe they figured out everybody hates her? (I don't know why I do, but I just do.)

American Apparel Discounts

2009-08-28T13:22:00.005-04:00

There's something so appealing about a store loaded with basics in every color of the rainbow.

Not so appealing is paying $60 for a hoodie. It's a PLAIN HOODIE. Unless you wear it inside-out no one knows it's not from K-Mart.

AA products are usually well-made, so I do buy them - just not from AA, but rather from these way-cheaper sellers:
HarringtonOutlets (currently an eBay store only)
CheapesTees.com

You can't find the whole American Apparel line in these online shops, but in terms of tees, tanks and hoodies, you're set.

AA also occasionally has some good deals on random sizes and colors of specific items:
AA Special Deals

MAC Make-Up Art Fall 2009

2009-08-27T21:59:00.007-04:00

[Images via MACCosmetics.com]

In addition to a new collection of purple nail colors, a forthcoming burst of electric eyeshadows, a collection of screen-ready falsies and a collection rooted in the absence of color, the color wizards behind MAC Cosmetics recently handed the reins over to three contemporary artists who each created 2-3 looks using a mix of new and old favorite MAC shades.

There were a few peacock-y eyeshadow looks I wasn't feeling, and a couple of "been there, done that" compositions, but I thought these two were outstanding. What a great way to take this summer's vivid palette into the colder months - by marrying them with a smoky eye. For those fearful of the flamboyant, this is a way to pop your bright eyeshadow cherry without feeling clownish.

Get the list of products and how-to tips (in printable PDFs to tape to your bathroom vanity) for both of these looks at the official MAC site.

This Week's Private Sale Boutiques (Editor's Picks)

2009-08-24T11:10:00.002-04:00

Mon
Earnest Sewn - Gilt Fuse
Ella Moss, American Vintage - Billion Dollar Babes
Andrew Clark creations (jewelry) - Editor's Closet

Tue
Faryl Robin - Gilt Fuse
Missoni - Hautelook

Wed
Black Halo - Gilt Fuse
Philosophy (beauty) - Rue La La
Hobo (handbags), Splendid - Billion Dollar Babes

Fri
Plenty by Tracy Reese and Mara Hoffman - Gilt Fuse
Burning Torch, Frankie B. - Hautelook

Need an invite to any of these sale sites? Hit us up at HeartsLikeStars@gmail.com

Trend Alert: Metallic Snakes

2009-08-12T16:44:00.006-04:00

Clockwise from top right: Pave snake earrings, $30, emitations.com; Vintage Snake Belt, $9.99, eBay.com; Coiled snake necklace, $12, Torrid.com; Dereon snake bracelet, $68, MaxAndChloe.com; A.B.S. Snake ring, $75, MaxAndChloe.com; Blu Bijoux snake bracelet, $48, MaxAndChloe.com.

If you're unsure whether the snake trend is "you", give it a test run and rent one of these cute Kenneth Jay Lane cuffs in black ($14/week, $30/month) or white ($17/week, $50/month) at Bag Borrow or Steal. Non-member prices are a smidge higher, but not by much, and shipping is free.

Loves It: M.A.C. Brow Pencil

2009-08-09T18:11:00.005-04:00

Too waxy and the color clumps. Too thick and your brows look like they're hiding behind the soft-touch lens of those old White Diamonds commercials. Just right: M.A.C. brow pencil.

The twist up pencil is the width of a fine-point Sharpie, allowing you to accurately sketch in the extra bulk your brows are missing without creating a too-dark, heavy deposit of pigment. The design also eliminates the hassle of constantly sharpening for precision.

This product has really revolutionized my brow situation, and at a reasonable $15 I HIGHLY recommend it.

Deal of the Week: Stila Shadow Set

2009-08-09T18:05:00.004-04:00

Sephora currently has the 6-shade eyeshadow Stila Pearl palette on sale for $20 - 50% off the original price.

Normally I steer clear of multi-shade palettes - as we all know from experience, there's always one color you use and 3 you never touch. With a white, two neutral pinks, a blue, a green and a soft gold, this set quite neatly covers your bases.

WTF: Swimsuit Vending Machines

2009-08-06T13:58:00.005-04:00

This Sunday The Standard hotel chain (L.A., Hollywood, New York, and Miami locations) will debut a swimsuit vending machine offering a bikini in three sizes and a pair of boardshorts for men, each costing about $75. The hotel partnered with Quiksilver to offer this innovation in convenience.

What happens if it gets stuck on the hook like that bag of Cheetos so often does? Pop in another $75? I suppose if you're paying for a room, drinks, etc. at The Standard, that won't be a problem.

Where do you buy your panties?
	Victoria's Secret
	Department Store
	other mall store (Aerie, HM)
	Target
	Other