Origins Lipstick Has Flower Power

I'm usually not a lipstick girl- or not a vivid lipstick girl, anyway. But I kept seeing these hot magenta shades showing up on models all over the place this year, and it inspired me.
After a few misses, I found a shade I really love - Origins Flower Fusion Lipstick in Peony. Dab it on with a finger over lip balm to get a subdued shade like above.
Why it's great: It's super-moisturizing. Unlike others that claim the same, it's not goopy or sticky. Straight from the tube its gorgeous and rich, and as I said, dabbed on it's wonderfully subtle. No gross lipstick taste. (Plus I'm a sucker for pretty packaging- the pink metallic tube won me over.)
Cost: $16. A splurge, but rich jewel tones are going to be "in" beyond the new year, so it's a worthy one.

Big Hair? Yes, Please.

As I've mentioned about a million times, I have the wispiest, most annoying fine hair on earth. All the volumizing shampoos, thickening lotions, and upside down hair-drying in the world just doesn't seem to fatten it within remote range of the Bardot bouffant of my dreams. But I can't stop trying.
That said, I recently made a great advance in the right direction. I discovered PureVolume Thickening Mist by Pureology, a color-safe non-aerosol spray which packs a powerful dose of "oomph" for limp locks.

How: Spritzed on almost dry hair, I blasted it with the blow-dryer (head upside-down of course) and then wrapped it in a high, loose bun for an hour or so.

Verdict: All-day, non-sticky, BIG hair. Scent is light, pretty negligible.

Bonus: It's alcohol free, so your hair stays soft and conditioned by the organic extracts (papaya, lemongrass, etc.) And it contains sunscreens to protect colored hair. It's also vegan and animal friendly.

Price: $21...but you can fall in love with a travel size first for just $5!

Because Who Reads the Newspaper Anymore?

LA is filled with "eco-friendly" fashion. A part of me feels that this is because we get hit with global warming the worst. Last time I was at the beach, half the bathers looked like chicken nuggets.

Last weekend was the Sunset Junction Street Festival. Since Silver Lake is the epoch of green consumerism, it made sense Green With Envy had an enormous booth.

What caught my eye was the Newspaper Clutch. It's totally adorable and had to be inspired by a Project Runway challenge.

It's easily make-able and easily breakable, so I learned, $45 later.

The Most Expensive F21 Item Ever: $150

Totally cute, real leather jacket for $150. Pair this cropped number with a cute, floral dress -maybe like this?- and you'll look cuter than Agyness Deyn! (I mean, it's not hard...)

Earnest is the New Ironic

Just when I thought stuff written on t-shirts was so 6 years ago, Urban Outfitters busts out this one. It can be yours for $28.

CVS is Having a Beauty Baby

CVS is planning to open a new line of specialty stores called Beauty 360, which reportedly will carry 32 different lines of upscale cosmetics and skin care products. They won't spill the dirt on which brands, but 100 stores are planned to open this year. The first will be in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, Calif.

With a beauty megastore like Sephora around, I'm not sure what they're aiming to do. With 32 lines they wont be a competitor, so will they offer lower prices? Brands not sold at Sephora (like M.A.C.)?
I'm curious.

What the Fekkai?

For those of you who hit the shelves instead of the salon when you're looking for a dye-job, there's a fancier (and seemingly more pain-in-the-ass) way to do it starting this month.
High-end hair guru Frederick Fekkai has released his own line of at-home coloring kits called "Fekkai Salon Color" available at Bloomingdales for $30 a pop.
So how's it different? Well, you don't apply it with one of those handy ketchup bottles other box colors give you. You mix it up in a bowl and apply with a brush, like a hairdresser does.
Anyone else see potential disaster in this concept? I'm sure the color itself is great, but yikes. How do you brush at the back of your head and not glob the stuff all down your back?
Comment if you've tried it.

Two Cheeks, Two Blushes

Yesterday I hit Sephora with my good friend Liz, and as always, left with several things on my face I didn't arrive wearing.
Two of those things were cheek colors Benefit PosieTint and Smashbox O-Glow.
Bottom line: similar shades of sweet baby pink, totally flattering on fair-skin.

PosieTint ($28) is like its predecessor cheek stain BeneTint, only it looks less like food coloring and more like the consistency of nail polish. On the finger, it looks like a Barbie disaster, but on cheeks it looks natural (yet still noticeable.) It was the stronger pigment of the two I put on.

O-Glow ($26) is actually a clear non-sticky gel that magically turns the color you naturally blush. Okay, that's total B.S. But the color it did turn looked very natural, whatever chemical "magic" took place to change it.
I'm planning to go back and get some of this one for those minimalist days when fresh-faced actually means leaving the house with almost-bare skin. It's the kind of product I'd market to those hippie ladies who don't wear a stitch of makeup. (Most people, I don't care who you are, need a touch of color to look good.)
I haven't tried it yet (I'm leery of using any lip product tester, even with a disposable brush ...eww) but there's a matching O-Glow lip gloss ($22)that works the same way.

Fall Looks Fun

Check out the MAC Cosmetics website now for some great makeup inspiration. During the summer its easy to get into a utilitarian rut with makeup, dodging great colors to avoid looking like a Bomb-Pop melted on your face. When the cool breezes start to roll in, it's high time to work a little bit of character back into the old routine. I had a lot of fun clicking through the new looks they created for the fall runways.

There are 5 portfolios:
Artsy
De-Vine
Glamodrama
Honed
Seventease (which is of course, my favorite)

What Would Tim Gunn Say?

Word has it she designed this herself? Looks like she did!
What I wouldn't give to see Michael, Heidi and Nina weigh in.

Designer Mega-Sales: By Invitation Only

Two new invite-only websites slashing designer prices by about 60-70% have popped up on the web recently: Gilt.com and RueLaLa.com. (My fave is still Hautelook.com.)
How it works: They open up "boutiques" at a certain date and time filled with stuff from a particular brand (so far Gucci and Dior sunglasses, and Juicy Couture purses, pet fashions and sunglasses) and it's first-come first serve.
My advice: Stuff starts selling out in the first hour so you need to be on the ball if you like something.And how do you know if you like something? They give you a preview for days in advance.
Coming up next on RueLaLa is kitchenwares from Caphalon and fashion by Muse.
If you want in on this site, send me your email and I'll fire off an invite.

Small Bites

* Michael Kors is going to make a guest appearance on Gossip Girl this fall. He'll play himself, but who do you think he'll be interacting with? (My bet is Blair.)

* You can finally buy Bumble and Bumble products on their (totally revamped) site.

*Rumor has it that Jovovich-Hawk is just about over.

*Did they lighten Beyonce's skin in this L'Oreal ad? Uhm...

Review: NEW from Origins!

Back in the day, I used to save my masks for slumber parties. They were something to do, since we couldn't leave the house yet, but we didn't care what was in them or why.
Nowadays slathering a mask on is a less frequent and more solitary ritual, but one far more necessary-- if for no other reason than it forces you to take a few "me" minutes and hide out because your face is a mess. I got a chance to try out the new Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming Face Mask (Coming in September 2008!) tonight, officially kicking off a mask comeback in my skincare ritual.

What: This mask does double duty on the relaxation front, cooling and softening the skin with just a dash of aromatherapy thanks to natural ingredients like ginger. (It smells just like the other Plantidote products.)

Verdict: On contact the light green cream cools the skin. When it was close to dry I rinsed... and rinsed... and felt like the mask wasn't coming off. I finally realized it was just my skin, which had become unrecognizably smooth. My usually massive pores even looked smaller! When the drier weather kicks in, this stuff is going to be a lifesaver.

Price: $35

Review: BADgal Not So Badass

I'd heard all kinds of good things about Benefit BadGal mascara ($19), so I picked up a trial size tube ($9) at Sephora last week and have been wearing it the past few days.
What: BadGal has a HUGE brush at the end of the wand, just like Dior's DiorShow ($24) mascara. Both brands give you fat, bold lashes, but you have to maneuver pretty carefully to avoid hitting your eyelids with the massive applicator.
The verdict: I've worn both on moderately humid days, and BadGal does leave you in a semi-raccoon state by the end of the day. Sort of a bummer, since a sweaty night out is a perfect time to rock big fat lashes.
If you like huge brushes, my vote is DiorShow. However, be warned that it seems to dry out pretty quickly compared to other mascaras.

Topshop NYC Website

It's up, HERE, complete with a gallery of hipsters hanging out at McCarren Pool. (From a party to celebrate the opening of the store... even though it's not open for another two months?)
Regardless, there's also a drawing to win $1k to spend at the new shop when it ACTUALLY opens on Broadway and Broome in SOHO this October.

Orange Pop!

While dull earth tones, wimpy pastels and heart-attack black ensembles rule the rest of the year, summer is prime time for all-out brights. My loud color love right now just happens to be orange, so I've thrown together a few cute things worth rocking while the weather is still hot. Just don't wear them all together, unless you want to look like a Fanta ad.



Risky Business sunglasses: $10, FredFlare.com
Aviators: $9.99, Urbanoutfitters.com


Sunburst dress: $22.80, Forever21.com

BCBGirls Onella wedge: $39.99 on sale at CutesyShoes.com
Almost identical: $18.99 on GoJane.com. (Also in silver snake, black, yellow, white and fuschia.)

Justine hobo bag: $58, ShopSueyBoutique.com

Record necklace: $2.99, Girlprops.com
Faceted stone ring: $3.80, ForLove21.com

Rachel Bilson for DKNY

Here are the first images from "Rachel Bilson designed" DKNY line Edie Rose, set to hit stores like Macy's this fall. The clothes will range from about $20-$60, and judging by the promo shots alone, are pretty basic and tolerable. I'm especially digging the black dress with the sweetheart neckline and skinny yellow belt - very classic and versatile.
Whoever wore a Rachel Bilson mask while they designed these, nice job!
The next step is hunting these down in the store and checking that the fabric and fit are as nice as the images.

Surprise! Cheap Botkier Looks Cheap

I was sort of excited when I saw that Botkier was doing a Target line. Their Go! designers have been coasting decidedly downhill in the past few months, and considering a purse doesn't need to fit, I figured this would be a sure thing. Their $800 purses are hot (see above.)

Unfortunately, as you'll see here, their $50 Target bags look cheap and are totally plastic. Seriously, you can't make a real leather bag for $50? I'm pretty sure cows aren't becoming extinct.

Urban Outfitters UK: 10x Cooler Than Ours

Have you ever peeked at the UK version of Urban Outfitters? (I didn't even know they had one...)

They have a "boutique" section where they sell everything from Vivienne Westwood and Sass and Bide to Sienna Miller's line Twenty8Twelve. And they have the same kind of price-halving sales UO U.S. has.

No fair! Just when we're about to get our first Topshop, I have to learn of yet another way shopping over there kicks America's honky ass.

(And I already checked- they don't ship to the U.S. %@#$%!!!!!)

Atlanta Pants Pirates

Not that I'd typically advise anyone to purchase items out of the back of a van or from the inside of some guys trenchcoat, but this just a special warning for anyone looking to make shady purchases in/from Atlanta...

Apparently 50 stores have been robbed this year by area gangs who are looking for...not sneakers...not jewelry...but True Religion (of super-cute butt-pockets fame) and Rock and Republic jeans. Windows have been broken, clerks maced and punched, and at least a million worth of $200 denim has been lifted. The thieves are reselling the jeans for around $70.

I love a bargain, but in the name of pseudo-civilized behavior, hit BlueFly!
Other places to pick up designer denim on sale:
Overstock.com
RevolveClothing.com
ShopLAStyle.com

Gossip Girl is More Powerful Than We Think.

Today's New York Times reports about the cultural impact Gossip Girl has made on the fashion and retail industries. Merchants, designers, consultants, and television-deft people-watchers claim that the show is probably the biggest influence on the spending habits and fashion choices of young women.

It's an interesting article without any plot spoilers, so the GG addicts out there can read it, but chances are they don't need to know that everyone dresses like Serena or Blair.

Fourth of July Sales!

Sorry for the hiatus! We're back. And to re-start the fun I've got a handful of sweet coupon codes for Fourth of July sales online!

15% off at Lulu's Fashion Lounge: FOURTH
Free shipping at Fred Flare: BIGBANG
20% off at Shoebuy: must click through THIS link (e-mail exclusive)
15% off at American Eagle: 90385486
10% off and Free shipping at Karmaloop: GENIUS
$10 off anything at Victoria's Secret: SP812517 (you need a certificate number - mine was 723635699 you can try to re-use or change a digit?)
$3 off $15 at Threadless: lovesthreadless
20% off at Newport News: 500

Mega Clearance happening at:
Baghaus.com
NewportNews.com

Printable 15% off coupon for Filene's Basement: HERE

Goodbye for Nau

In April, a new store, Nau, open its doors in the Beverly Center. Nau was a store dedicated to "the balancing of beauty, performance and sustainability... from developing better, more environmentally friendly fabrics to raising the bar for functional, elegant designs." I was curious to check it out, and, a month later, when I finally made it through the West Hollywood traffic, the employees of Ben Sherman informed me the company went out of business.

Needless to say, e-hop, skip, and jump to Nau.com for 50% off of the rest of their entire line. This will be until July 31st.

N[au], if you’re concerned that you won't have an asset for clothing made out of cornmeal or whatever is considered "environmentally friendly", have no fear. On August 1st, some former Nau employees will re-launch with a new partner, Horny Toad, Inc. Contrary to my first impression, Horny Toad is a Santa Barbara-based lifestyle apparel company and not a sex-toy boutique for the reptile demographic.

Got Flakes? Get This.

Dandruff shampoos are like hot guys in bands. They have all kinds of promise but, by God, they smell terrible.

Sometimes, there are a few rare exceptions. Case in point:

L'Oreal brand PureOlogy just came out with a sweet-scented solution to those of you previously condemned to a shower uglified by Selsun blue bottles and tortured by "tingling" scalps.

Their dander-busting Hydrate shampoo and conditioner lay on the moisture, smell amazing, and come in cool silver long-neck bottles that won't tarnish the beauty of your little cleansing oasis. Major bonus? No damage to your color!

Barton's Bags

Mischa Barton's line of handbags hits British stores (John Lewis, Debenhams, and Fenwicks) on July 2. There are 30 designs and they range from $50-$350.
She swears she actually designed them herself.

Would you buy a Mischa bag?
	Yes, they're cute.
	Maybe - I'd need to see the other 28.
	Nah, too expensive.
	Hell no, they're fugly.

Coming Soon: Vibrating Mascara

For real. On July 17th Estee Lauder is launching a $30 Turbolash Mascara with a battery-operated wand that releases tiny vibrations as you apply. It'll be sold exclusively at Saks until later in the year.

What's the point? Supposedly the formula used dries instantly (so my long-time habit of sneezing immediately after applying will no longer leave me looking like a hysterical prom queen? Sweet.)

Lancome is also planning to release a similar product, called Ôscillation, that will allow you to get a super-even application.
Can you imagine trying to explain the buzzing sound in your purse by saying "it's my mascara?"

I'll follow with a review once I get my hands on these two and let you know if it really makes a difference. If I poke my eye out in the process, expect more typos than usual.

A Dab Will Do Ya

Wiping a cool cotton ball soaked in skin-refreshing potion across a greasy or sunburnt face is one of the small pleasures of summer for me. These are the two new ones that I can't live without:

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion - My fave for before bed, after a day in the sun and anytime my face is feeling a bit parched. It's super-soothing thanks to a myriad of plant ingredients and has a light earthy scent that reminds me of the natural oils I wore back in my high school hippie days.
The 6.7 oz. size costs $30 and will last you forever.

Kiss My Face Obsessively Organic Balancing Act Toner - Totally blasts the excess oil on those hot, humid, unbearable days without drying you out. Contains 78% organic ingredients and has a light citrusy scent. Even better, it comes in a spray bottle so you can quickly spritz a cotton ball whenever you're feeling greasy, no cap to unscrew. I use it several times a day, especially when it's steamy outside.
5.3 oz. will cost you $13.99.

Rolling Stone Does Macy's

Rolling Stone, the most famous and most craptastic music rag on the market (I'm pretty sure Peter Travers will give anyone "4-stars!" in exchange for a piece of gum) must be desperate for cash.
Soon you'll be able to buy their most famous covers in t-shirt form at Macy's for $36.

If you think that's pricy for a tee, know that you do get a free subscription when you buy. It's really a 2-for-1 bargain - you get to look like a tool for wearing an ugly shirt and look like a tool for reading Rolling Stone.

Macy's-Sized F21 Stores?

Looks like Forever 21's growth will continue - they say 4 years from now they plan to be a mall anchor store the size of a Nordstrom.
In addition to their latest accessories and gifts division For Love 21 (which sells similar knick-knack stuff to what Urban Outfitters sells), they have a men's division, a "couture" division (TwelveByTwelve), and the Free People-esque Heritage 1981 division.
If they continue and start selling housewares, books and other brands (they're selling Havianas flip-flops even now) it doesn't sound that unrealistic for them to go monster-sized in a few years.

Boobs McGee Starts Selling Bras

Next spring the Jessica Simpson brand is expanding beyond shoes (great designs - though they run big by about 1/2 size), apparel and accessories and launching a line of bras and panties.
Not a bad move for a girl known for her boobs!
Her brand is expected to top $300 million in sales this year.
Meanwhile Nick Lachey is... doing... something? Bwwaahaha.

Target's Gettin' Sephora on Ya

Target recently forged some impressive partnerships for their cosmetics department, and we'll see the results - complete with testers! - at the end of August.

The Napoleon Perdis and Pixi brands, currently sold at Sephora, and Jemma Kidd, who sells her high-end wares at Bergdorf Goodman, will each be producing exclusive lines for the mega-retailer that will sell for around the same price as items in their Sonia Kaishuk line (about $12-$39.)

Does anyone buy the Sonia makeup? I never have. I'll definitely be interested to try out these new collections, since they will actually have testers available.

P.S. Apparently Target now sells Origins, Clarins, Bare Escentuals and Kiehl's products too, though the brands have no exclusive deal with the chain.

Bumble and Bumble's Creme de Coco Masque

The packaging on Bumble and Bumble's new Creme de Coco Masque insists that "words can't describe" the amazing state it will leave your hair in, but allow me to give it a shot...

What: Of course, Creme de Coco sounds like a yummy drink you might order poolside on a posh vacation. The product smells like it too - thanks to all kinds of natural oils and extracts (coconut, mango and shea butter to name a few.) Seriously, if my IQ were like 6 points lower I might try to eat it.

How to: After shampooing, coat clean hair with the mask and leave on for a few minutes ( they suggest 7, but there's no magic number. If your hair is ragged and rugged, leave it on as long as you can!) I'd also suggest twisting it up in a clip if you have long hair, because all those nice oils that soften your locks might wreak havoc on someone prone to back breakouts.
To intensify the treatment, heat the hair in the sun or with a blow dryer applied to a shower cap.

Verdict: Super soft, shiny, tangle-free hair, as promised! At $24 for 5oz., this is a great way to treat yourself (and your hair) once a week or so, most especially if you're exposing it to sun, wind, chlorine and all those magical byproducts of summer fun. Speaking of, this is definitely going in my suitcase when I head to Miami Beach next month.

Knock It Off: Designer Bags

Clutch, Shop Suey, $38

Brown tote, $65 and blue tote, $29.99, BagHaus

I'm a big fan of rocking styles I can't afford via knock-off pieces. Trends just change far too often to blow your load on the big ticket, unless you're Madonna, in which case OMG MADONNA IS READING MY BLOG?!!

Anyway.
When it comes to bags, there are a few sites that stay right on the heels of the fabulous designs with both man-made and genuine leather imitations, while keeping the price point decidedly working-girl. Here are my two favorites:
*BagHaus
*Shop Suey

For Love 21 Launches

Forever 21 launched their new line "For Love 21" today, which offers accessories, jewelry, makeup bags, gifts and notebooks. All items carry the same small pricetags the brand is known for.
So far there isn't much, but these are a few great beaded necklaces fit for a beach vacation:

Orient beaded necklace, $8.80; Zaria beaded necklace, $6.80; Brushed pendant necklace, $6.80; Wooden chandelier necklace, $9.80.

Yves Saint Laurent Dies

French fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent died Sunday night of brain cancer at the age of 71.
He retired in 2002, so the brand of course lives on, but if you want to see how ridiculously talented he was when he was still working, check out some of his vintage designs. He headed up the design department for Dior back in the late 50's- early 60's, and then moved on to his own label in 1962.
One of his most famous creations was the 60's shift dress inspired by Mondrian's paintings: