Renaissance woman

You are going to have some fun reading British Vogue’s 2008 style predictions. The actress to watch for, the all-rounder…Renaissance woman, caught my eyes especially. A journalist, model, and musician at the age of 26. Talk about your beautiful, intelligent, talented and accomplished wonder girl. Doesn’t she make you feel envious? I absolutely covet her red coat, too.

Being “accomplished” used to mean excelling at the piano, speaking French and having good teeth. These days the stakes are somewhat higher, as up-and-coming screen beauty Clemency Burton-Hill proves. At 26, Clemency’s life already makes for awe-inspiring reading. She was a violin scholar at the Royal College of Music, secured a double first from Cambridge and a Kennedy Scholarship to Harvard, and, after a stint in the Vogue features department, has become a respected journalist, a model and a musician – in addition to her burgeoning acting career, of course. She hit the public eye earlier this year for her role in political drama series Party Animals, and will soon appear in hard-hitting film Shoot On Sight, which deals with terrorism in Britain. Other projects include The Phoenix with Peter O’Toole, The Wreck with Jean Simmons, and an ITV drama series The Palace.

(source: vogue.co.uk)

Facial Massage Roller

You are going to laugh at this. I laughed too when I used it the first time. This is a facial massage roller for slimming and tightening the face. Sounds kinda far-fetched right? I saw this on one of my favorite Chinese beauty TV shows. You roll it on your cheeks, it can tightening and contour, and de-puff your face by targeting the lymphatic glands in front of and under the ears. Asian girls are obsessed with beauty gadgets, I’ll tell you. The girls were testing it on their faces, it looks so funny, but I couldn’t resist so I immediately jumped on eBay to see if I could get it. Lo and behold, it wasn’t hard to find. And it didn’t cost much so I figured what the heck and ordered one. I wasn’t really interested in slimming, but if it could tighten, that’d be a bonus. One of my biggest fears about aging is sagging jaw lines. So I’m open to any preventative measures. I’ve been using this roller thingy for a week now. It actually feels pretty comfortable on the face, and my cheeks are rosy after the “exercise”. I’ll have to use it everyday to see if it really tightens my face. I guess I’ll be able to tell overtime. Just hope it doesn’t break before then, haha! If you want one, you can get it dirt cheap here on eBay.

Steve Madden Sale

I was browsing SteveMadden.com‘s sale and clearance pages. For me, since Steve Madden copies the designer shoes, it’s no sense in getting Steve Madden shoes in full prices (especially if they are bad copies, you know). But if they are on sale, they can be steals. Here are some of the stuff that I wouldn’t mind getting.

TAPDANCE BRN PATENT $79.95 $49.99. The bow makes an otherwise conservative shoe pretty adorable.

DIGNIFY TEAL FABRIC $69.95 $49.99. A wow shoe to go with your LBD. I especially like the way the two straps cross over, they are the perfect width at keeping it comfortable and elongating the lines.

CHAVELA PURPLE FABRIC $89.95 $69.99. The rose doesn’t look cheap, which is a good thing.

MANDARIN GOLD LEATHER $79.95 $29.99. Classic and fabu! The light pinkish gold is gorgeous.

S3019I SILVER 188 $109. So apparently Steve Madden has branched out to clothes and bags too. I’ve seen this dress in quite a few magazines. It’s got plenty of sequins but still somewhat delicate.

S2263i SILVER MULTI $168.99 $69.99. I quite like the simplicity of this dress. The overall silver tone with the sequined neck-line are enough. I’d pair a royal purple glossy belt for a bit more drama.

Splurge or Steal – sequin dress

Have you fully embraced the sequin dress? I’m totally into it. My guy thinks it’s totally bizarre and over-loaded. He would ask me “are you sure you are not going to be all like ‘oh my God what the hell was I thinking?’ when you look back at yourself in 10 years?” I’m like, “hmmm…you have a point, and I just might. But it’s one of those really really fun clothes to wear that I’m so in the moment, I don’t really care if I will think that or not.” You know what, a sequin dress would be perfect for the New Year’s eve party when you are all the glitzed up for the festivities. What’s a better way to steal the show right? You can spend a bit more or a lot less.
Here are two fantastic versions to choose from.

The splurge if you are really feeling it:

Juicy Couture Sequin Scoop Neck Tank Dress $298

And the steal (amazing price!), which is just as adorable:

JJ Basics Sequined Tunic Sweater Dress $58 $37.90

An insider’s guide to surviving the party season

I hope everybody’s getting their LBDs/sequin dresses/red hot Louboutins’ worth with all the parties! Here’s another great article that has some really smart tips on coming out of all the parties unscathed, An insider’s guide to surviving the party season, from somebody who actually goes to parties for a living. I love her tips on networking.

There is nothing shameful about arriving alone at a party. I do it most nights. Walk confidently to the bar and banter with the barman over your first drink until someone talks to you. If nobody does, join a friendly eyed clique until you see someone you know. Don’t play with your phone – you may as well wear a vest with “I’m a neurotic wreck” emblazoned across the front.

If you’re being greeted with a recognition you don’t share, grab the nearest person you know and effect “the demi-intro”: “How rude of me – this is my friend Peter.” The forgotten person will then introduce themselves and put you both out of your misery.

(Source: http://telegraph.co.uk)

Hair Masks

Is everybody’s hair like mine that in the winter it gets really dry and unruly? The indoor heat and low humidity are my hair’s enemies, they make my hair dull. I know we should change up our hair care routine in the winter, just like we change our skincare routine when seasons change. Hair masks are so darn useful, I really should be more diligent about using them, not be a lazyass. If your hair’s very dry, over-processed and damaged, you can definitely benefit from them. I like several hair masks from the drug store that are really inexpensive and work fantastically for restoring shine, body, and manageability. Wraping a hot towel on the head and leaving it on a long time is the key.

Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment $9.19

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask $6.99

Dove Advanced Care Repairing Treatment Therapy $5.60 $4.99

Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Shower Works Hair Treatment, Moisturizing Formula $5.99

philosophy shear splendor age defying conditioning mask $22. I splurged on this mask ’cause I heard so many good things about it. It works wonders, really! I put it on my scalp too, it doesn’t make my scalp oily, and is actually calming, because sometimes my scalp itches and I unconsciously keep scratching my head (a big no-no if you can help it). Treat yourself with this mask, you’ll love it. But of course I always have my old favorite drug store brands handy.

P.S. Drugstore.com’s got a great promo going on right now, you can get $10 off $40 when you use PayPal. Hurry, it expires 12.21! If you are already a PayPal user, why not right?

Additional 20% Off all Sale Items at eLUXURY today!

What’s better than our Sale Extravaganza? Taking an additional 20% offeverything featured in eLUXURY‘s Sale Extravaganza! For today only! And get Free Shipping on all orders $150 or more. If you’re really crunched for time on Christmas shopping, don’t miss this deal to get something truly special for that special someone. Take 20% off the sale prices shown here. You can do the math

Fendi Crossword Perforated T-Strap Sandal $765 $459. I’ve loved this sandal forever. I’m so tempted to get this at this discount.

Marc Jacobs Collection French Pump $635 $379

Roberto Cavalli Oil Slick Bootie Pump $905 $539

Tod’s Mercer Sacca Media $1,550 $1085

Zac Posen Antonia Bag $1200 $839

Roberto Cavalli Stretch Wool Tuxedo Pants $1,075 $645. If we could only own one pair of dressy pants, I’d imagine these would be perfect.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Clarice Wool Dress $358 $214. Gorgeous shade of hot pink. And the shape is tres adorable.

Robert Rodriguez Bell-Sleeve Trench Jacket $495 $297

L.A.M.B. Plaid Dolly Dress $385 $269. Perfect combination of sweet and sexy.

Vince Striped Sophie Long Sweater $340 $199. Chic and warm, another great sweater that you can swear as a dress too!

Coutorture’s Weekly Giveaway – Lewis Cho dresses!!

Darlings, you’re going to love this week’s giveaway! It’s a big one and I’m sure all of you will be busy with Christmas and all, so this contest will run for two weeks. We are giving away 2 Royal Blue Jersey Dresses from Lewis Cho to 2 lucky readers! Look just how gorgeous the color and how interesting the cutting is. They retail for $198 a pop and come in petite, small, medium and large. I would just die if I won this dress! So please please enter now in the badge in the side bar there. Best of luck to everybody!!

30% off at Misamu

We’ve been having a huge snow storm since last Saturday. A lot of people didn’t make it into work. I was one of the brave (and stupid) souls that did make it in. Nobody seems to be in the mood to work. I can’t believe I’m already starting to feel the winter blahs, and it’s not even Christmas yet. Well, I’m trying to cheer myself up with…what else…online shopping! Misamu is offering 30% off on all non-sale items with coupon code presale. There are so many gorgeous dresses and swimsuits (among other things) that I want, which also means they are something that I do not need (no formal parties and no tropical getaways for me). But they are sure great to look at, huh? And you must check out Kenneth Jay Lane’s new jewelry pieces for the holidays. They are just stunning!

Jovani Ball Gown White/Silver 585EUR 409.50 EUR

Velvet Milie Dress Smoke 165EUR 115.50EUR

ViX Biarritz Bikini Peach 178EUR 124.60EUR

ViX Positano Bandeau Bikini Peach 198EUR 138.60EUR

ViX Savana Tube Bikini Black 178EUR 124.60EUR

Kenneth Jay Lane Red Apple Gold Chain 104EUR 72.80EUR

Kenneth Jay Lane Silver Chain with Polished Silver/Crystal Balls 189EUR 132.30EUR

Kenneth Jay Lane Gem/2 row black diamond chain jet ovals necklac 265EUR 185.50EUR

The shopping bag Bag

(Retailers are giving shopping bags a makeover, turning consumers into walking ads. At left, Lord & Taylor bags; center, a bag from Lululemon Athletica; at right, the Scoop bag.)

Do you save and reuse the shopping bags if they are particularly nice and durable? Do you actually covet ones from upscale retailers and tote them proudly like a second purse?

Once a flimsy afterthought in American retailing — used to lug a purchase home from the store, then tossed into the trash — the lowly, free store bag is undergoing a luxurious makeover.

From upscale emporiums to midprice chains, retailers are engaged in a heated competition to make the most durable, fashionable shopping bags. They are investing millions of dollars in new flourishes like plastic-coated paper (Macy’s and Juicy Couture) and heavy fabric cord handles (Abercrombie & Fitch and Scoop).

Behind the battle of the bags is a significant shift in behavior that has turned consumers into walking billboards for stores. In cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, customers have begun treating shopping bags as disposable purses that can be reused for weeks, if not months, to carry laundry to the cleaners, books to the beach or lunch to the office.

Lord & Taylor’s bags threaten to upstage those of its glossier rivals, like the ultrachic Bergdorf Goodman, whose traditional lavender bags, emblazoned with the image of well-dressed Park Avenue ladies, are thin and frail by comparison. Its handles, for example, are taped on, rather than threaded through the bag and tied into a knot, as they are at Lord & Taylor.

Not to be outdone, Bergdorf has spent nearly a year secretly redesigning its bags, which will be introduced to consumers in fall 2008. Its goal? “Something with greater longevity than the existing bag — a keep-me quality that does not feel disposable,” said Aidan Kemp, vice president for advertising at Bergdorf.

Read the rest of the article Never Mind What’s in Them, Bags Are the Fashion.

(Source: nytimes.com)

Origins’ Friends & Family Offer – 20% off

We are down to the last stretch of Christmas shopping now. How’s everyone doing? Pretty good right? There’s still time! And I’m so glad most of the online stores are expediting their shipping. I love Origins. They have some of the best packaging and best smelling products, not to mention they love using green and white tea extracts in their products. You know how much I love tea and all the goodness that comes with it. Check out the great gift ideas. I know whoever you get it for will be thrilled. Now’s a great time to introduce them to Origins. Take part in the Friends & Family offer with 25% off your purchase and 2nd day free shipping! with code 1207FF2. Valid 12/16 through 12/18. Don’t miss out.

Calm Together $26.50. Includes:
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla body smoother
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla body souffle

Spoiled Silly (A value of $66.50) $58. Includes:

• Shedonism™ Intensely bubbling bath syrup
• Shedonism™ Exotic floral essence rollerball
• Shedonism™ Deeply hydrating butter cream
• Shedonism™ votive candle

A Perfect World™ Intensely hydrating body cream with White Tea $30. Massage generously over clean, slightly damp skin. You’ll notice significantly smoother and softer feel on your skin thanks to the highly-hydrating Shea Butter, tightening and toning Mimosa, and antioxident rich white tea!

Perfection Collection (A value of $90.00) $59. Includes:

• A Perfect World™ White tea skin guardian
• A Perfect World™ Antioxidant moisturizer with White Tea
• A Perfect World™ Intensely hydrating body cream with White Tea
• A Perfect World™ Creamy body cleanser with White Tea
• A Perfect World™ Liquid moisture with White Tea
• Head wrap

Wellness Retreat (A value of $113.50) $90. Oh the ultimate body pampering kit! Includes:
• Youthtopia™ Skin firming cream with Rhodiola
• Checks and Balances™ Frothy face wash
• Modern Friction™ Nature’s gentle dermabrasion
• Precipitation® Continuous moisture recovery for body
• Ginger Burst™ Savory body wash
• Incredible Spreadable Scrub™ Ginger body smoother
• Cotton Bath Mitt

Not to miss – 25% off at LoveMyShoe

LoveMyShoes.Com, a savvy shoe bargain hunter’s best friend, is offering 25% off on ALL items on the site with coupon code HOLIDAY25, that includes sale items too, from now until December 20th! Brand names at wholesale prices! In case anybody in the family is wondering, shoes are on my wish list too. Let’s look at some pretty shoes, shall we?

STEVE MADDEN Riding Boots $129.98. A clean-lined riding boot is a girl’s best friend this season. This one is simply cool.

MISS TRENDY round toe high heel suede boots $59.98. This earthy green shade is another great neutral to own.

NATURE BREEZE round toe low heel bootie $39.98. I’m a total convert on the girly ankle boots now, especially ones with bows. I want the grey one.

WILD VIDA pointy toe pump patent $27.99. Classic shape with this season’s hot rich purple patent and gemstone accent. If you need a pair to go with your party dress, these would be perfect.

BRONX hh pointy toe pump w/strap $59.99. I quite like the alternative take on the regular mary jane. The cross over strap is modern and sexy. And the heel’s the perfect height for office.

JESSICA SIMPSON hi heel suede closed toe $69.98. Oooh bright blue pump! More than once I thought I could really use a pair of bright blue pumps to go with a certain outfits, but when it came to commit to a pair, I chickened out. I really want these. Bright blue pumps are just eye-catching, girls would come up to you shrieking “oh my god I love your shoes!”

MISS SIXTY hh peep toe $124.99. So pretty. Isn’t the little rose detail just darling? Miss Sixty has such cute designs.

Heidi Klum wants you to eat McDonald’s

Think Supermodel Heidi Klum eats McDonald’s herself? Methinks not. But I’m sure she gets paid handsomely for being in the ad.

(Source: splashnewsonline.com)

Office Party – a chance to let loose or work in disguise?

So everybody has office parties to go to right? (Not for me this year.) Do you enjoy them? Do your co-workers get out of control at these parties? Do you have horror stories to tell? Our company Christmas parties were always very enjoyable (I hope they resume giving them next year). I get to dress up and put on make up and feel all pretty and lady-like. And I love chatting with other girls about our dresses, shoes, bags and jewelry. That’s my favorite part. It’s also amusing to see people act unlike their normal selves after a few glasses of wine. Last year this girl from my floor who I always thought was demure and professional got really drunk, she was dancing with a wine bottle in her hand and her false eyelashes were dangling from the corners of her eyes! I think you should definitely enjoy the party, otherwise people will say you are a standoffish snob that doesn’t know how to have fun, but probably shouldn’t get drunk and spill wine on your boss. Even if you don’t remember what happened the next day, your boss and co-workers will! This article says people should definitely follow some office party rules. And I want to know if you agree with them.

“This is not about getting together with friends to relax and revel in holiday spirit,” said Liz Ryan, a human resources manager for 20 years and now CEO of WorldWIT, an online network for professional women based in Boulder, Colo. “This is a forced, artificial situation of good cheer,” Ryan said. “You’re at work with work people. Getting loose, getting real, don’t apply.”

Finally, thank the host. This will definitely set you apart from the crowd.

Wish list – dresses

My family asks what new clothes I want for Christmas. That’s a tough question, I want everything! But if I have to choose one type of clothing, I have to go with dresses. If I had my way, I’d ask for all these gorgeous numbers from the ultimate dress boutique, eDressMe.

Black Organza Ruffle Dresses by Betsey Johnson $425. Ok, honestly I don’t know where or when I’d wear this dress. The last time I wore organza was at my own wedding. But I just love how gorgeous this dress looks, it’s like a black lily. Only Betsey Johnson can make such a beautiful creation. She’s truly a girl’s girl.

Strapless Dresses by Shoshanna $365. Love the warm orange-ish red shade. The belt really polishes it off. Perfect for office parties.

Ruched Metallic Sleeveless Dresses by Nicole Miller
$440 $220. How does everyone feel about full-blown metallic dresses? I wonder if it’s one of those things that in 10 years when you look back on it, you’re going to be like all “what the heck was I thinking?” Who knows?! But it sure does look fab to me right now. I love the ruching in the front and then tapered shape at the bottom. Very sexy.

Wool Jumper Dresses by Jill Stuart $345 $172.50. I wonder if my love for jumper dresses will ever die down. Hmm…maybe when I’m 40 and I cannot have the excuses to wear this young-looking cute dress anymore, but that’s a long ways away. I love this one! Love the color. I have a red one, a black one, a grey one, a plaid one, I just don’t have a blue one!

Black and White Applique Dresses by Anna Sui $548. I’m a little perplexed by this Anna Sui dress. Anna Sui’s dresses are really unique and interesting, this one is no exception. The lines at the front and shape of the skirt are really interesting. It’s not exactly a bubble or balloon. It’s like…a lantern? It’s haute!