A day that only comes every 4 years!
Happy Birthday to all the leaplings out there!! Anybody having a birthday celebration today? If you are, I hope it’s a huge party 
I know of a gentleman who is having his big sweet 16th bash today and he is 64 years old! How fab is that? It’s a special day in more than one way. It also marks the end of the dreadful February, and it’s Friday! You should treat yourself.
In another news, Ma Petite Chou will have a new home soon. My guy got me my own domain name as a surprise gift (after he saw how frustrated I was with Blogspot when they locked my site for almost a month back in January), he’s helping me with the move right now. He’s smarter with this techie stuff than I am. I’m very excited to have my own site. I’ll announce the new address as soon as it’s up and running.
Now onto some great shoppings for the weekend!
For today only, OnlineShoes.com is celebrating Leap Day 2008: Buy One, Get One 29% Off!
Arden B.‘s got every dress on sale until 3/23/2008, which is $20 off every regular priced dress! When is a better time to pick up some hot spring dresses than now?
15% OFF all purchases sitewide at CharlotteRusse.com! (exp. 3/31, applied upon checkout)! And check out their clearance sale up to 75% off.
The fab streetwear store Karmaloop has a massive sale up to 80% off! And the shipping is free! Best time to pick up some cute tees and hoodies!
So many great deals on shopbop.com at 70% off! You might need somebody to hold you back a little.
The adorable collection from Twenty8Twelve by Savannah & Sienna Miller is available at eLUXURY.com, comprised of beautifully finished denim, luxurious knitwear, perfectly cut dresses, casual pieces and coats, the emphasis is on quality, cut and finishing.
Chic and cheap on Armani Exchange‘s sale page!
AVON’s ANEW Skincare & Beauty Sale! Buy 1, get 1 for only $5.00!
The heiress
I’m on the hunt for some estate inspired jewels. They have been big statement sparklers over the winter season, and they will continue to be in the spring. There’s gotta be gems, gold, silver, crystals, pearls, and of course diamonds. The bigger, brighter, and shinier the better. The designs are classic and ornate, and exude opulence. If you are one of the lucky ones that actually have estate jewels from your grandma, bring them out of the vault 
.
Lemon Quartz Flower Ring by Sazingg $9,295 (eek!)
Roberto Cavalli Amythyst glass stone necklace
$490
Jewel Button Earrings by Siman Tu $250
2 Carat Multi-Gemstone 14K Yellow Gold Ring $275
Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski crystal necklace
$90
Juicy Couture Bow drop earrings
$52
Nadri Tiered Chandelier Earrings
$138
Sterling Silver Emerald Oval Pendant $75 $29.99
Splurge or Steal – Miu Miu vs. Forever21
These Miu Miu pumps were the obsession of many shoe addicts when they first came out late last year. Now they are finally on sale!
Miu Miu Patent brogue pumps
$625.00 on sale for $437.50! Still expensive.
But you can always count on Forever21 to provide a much cheaper version Mandy Pump $25.80
Shirts that are great for work and play
I’m so ready to ditch the thicker fabrics after a long winter. And in the effort to keep my new year’s resolution of dressing a bit more sophisticated and put-together for work (even though my work environment allows uber-casual dressing, I feel it’s more of a personal improvement), I’m looking for new cotton shirts that aren’t just boring white shirts (not that they are bad, in fact they are absolutely essential to any woman’s wardrobe), but with a twist of fun and uniqueness so that I can still look cute outside work. Also they are great separates to have, right? 
3.1 Phillip Lim Bow Necktie Blouse $225
Theory Cona Top
$190
Free People Smocked Waist Blouse $88
MaxStudio SILK CHARMEUSE PLEATED TOP
$168 $68
Vanesa.B Matador Inspired Jabot Blouse $68
A# Embroidered Detail Pleat Blouse $68
Pleated Blouse
$19.99 $15.99
Lulu’s exclusive coupon for us!
I’m so happy that LuLu*s Fashion Lounge has activated the exclusive coupon code ma-petite-chou for us again! I know a lot of you love that store, too! So just punch in the code and save yourself 15% off. It’ll be active until April 1, 2008. Now’s a perfect time as they have a ton of new spring arrivals. The dresses and the flats are freakin’ cute!
Carnaby Street Dress $50
Swirling Sixties Shift Dress in Lemon $52.50
J’adore Paris Top in Black and White $29.50
Bubble Pop Electric Top in Pink $38
Delicious Pocky Natural and Gold Floral Ballet Flat $21.50
Classified Dinner Blue and Gold Crown Charm Eyelet Ballet Flat $25
Naughty Monkey Headliner Red Chevron Stripe Pump $72
Big Gray Everyday Bag $34
A Touch of Sparkle Bangle $8
How to become Paris’ BFF
When I heard about Paris Hilton’s genius of an idea of looking for a new pal for a reality TV show, I thought what a ludicrous joke it was. But apparently it’s true. My favorite Toronto Star columnist Vinay Menon came up with a simple 10-point guide to succeeding as Paris Hilton’s BFF that had me laughing my head off. Here’s some mid-workday humor for you
1. STAYING IN TOUCH
Parties, club openings, photo-ops … Paris is a busy gal. So electronic communication will be vital. When chatting on the cell, keep sentences short and on-point. When texting or emailing, don’t scrimp on exclamation points, cattiness or emoticons. Example: “U won’t believe!!! Saw Nicole @ Madeo!!! Still eatin’ for 2 ”
2. UNDERSTANDING YOUR PLACE
Friendship is co-equal and steeped in mutual respect. Whatever! You are a sidekick. So if Paris decides it’s time to dance on tables and you don’t feel like dancing on tables, too bad, you’re dancing on tables. (See also: “I don’t feel like … making special brownies/getting a Brazilian/partying at Villa/telling whatshisface it’s over/holding the video camera while you two do it/posting bail/accessorizing Tinkerbell.”)
3. THE LOOK
Wake up. Brush veneers. Straighten dyed hair. Apply multiple coats of makeup. Squeeze into revealing outfit. Affix oversized sunglasses to skull. Light cigarette. Exit house.
4. SOOTHING THE PRINCESS
To comfort Paris, simply ridicule her enemies: “Honey, who cares if you own 17 dogs and the Humane Society is pissed? Those people are fat slobs!” “Sweetie, did you see what Perez wrote about Lindsay this morning? What a skanky bitch!” “That exec said what about your new album? Please, he’s a disgusting pig!”
5. YOUR NEW DIET
Cristal. Kobe beef. Hennessy. Oysters. Grey Goose. Sushi. Jell-O shooters. Animal crackers. (Repeat daily.)
6. WHAT’S YOURS IS HERS
So there you are inside a thumping L.A. hotspot when Paris suddenly decides she loves your skirt. Your response? Take it off and give it to her. After this happens two or three times, you’ll hardly remember what it was like to party fully dressed. Other items that are no longer really yours: jewellery, old love letters, purses, drug test results, ex-boyfriends, cars, throw pillows and, should she ever need a transplant, internal organs.
7. KEEPING QUIET
Everybody wants to know what Paris is really like. Your answer: “Paris is really cool. She’s just Paris.” (There will be time for lucrative tell-alls when you’re no longer best friends. See No. 10.)
8. LEARNING THE WALK
When out in public, pretend you’re in a movie and the director has asked you to ambulate in slow motion with excessive side-to-side head movements that suggest you’re watching a tennis match in zero gravity.
9. GETTING ALONG WITH HER (OTHER) FRIENDS
Phoniness is the key. Air kisses are mandatory. When listening to conversations, smile or snicker where appropriate.
Should you be asked a direct question, always answer with: “Let’s go to Fred Segal!”
10. PREPARING FOR THE INEVITABLE
Here’s the last thing to remember: this new friendship will probably only last until the season finale (or six months, whichever comes first). Enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Then go find an agent.
(Source: thestar.com)
Filed under Articles, Celebrities, Funnies | Comment (0)Boots on sale!
Not much time for necessary boot-wearing is left, which is a good thing. I love my boots, but I’d like to take a break. Besides when the weather gets warmer, it doesn’t mean we can’t wear boots anymore. We’ll just switch to lighter ones. Now it’s a great time to pick up some fantastic boots on sale. Some of these sales really blow me away.
Scorah Pattullo Baba Mid-Calf Boot
$610 $183!! Comfort and style in one! And I love the dark green suede.
Women: Rockport Pamet – Brown suede
$160 $95.99. You can’t ask for a more classic and elegant boot than this. You can wear this for many winters to come.
Women: Fornarina Beauty 6388 – Beige
$260 $99.99. Love the high wedge and the light beige shade, but I wouldn’t want to risk them when there’s still snow on the ground.
Women: Dolce Vita Allure-5 – Alabaster
$200 $98.99, I’ve been wanting a pair of white boots for a long time now, again with so much on the ground I can’t justify wearing a pair outside. This would be better served in warmer weather.
Women: Pink Studio Donatella – Wine
$100 $59.99. Gotta have a subtle-y red boot!
D Co. Copenhagen Bootie $198 $49.99. This one would make a great transitional boot into the spring!
Steve Madden RIDING BLACK LEATHER BOOTS
$129.95 $69.99. A great deal for the ever classic riding boot!
Cute things – Betty Boop accessories
I love Betty Boop and I’m a little shy to admit that, teehee. She’s just so cute, I can’t resist her even though I’m getting too old for her. I found all these cute Betty Boop handbags and wallets on All Things Trendy and I’m quite giddy about ordering one although my friends are going to laugh at me, lol. I wish the picture quality was better.
Betty Boop Luggage Travel Handbag Purse Sexy Lips and Legs $29.99
Betty Boop Luggage Travel Handbag Purse Sweetheart $26.99
Betty Boop 2Cute4U License Plate Handbag Purse $69.99
Betty Boop and Pudgy Heart Wallet $17.99
Betty Boop Lucky Lady Las Vegas Dice Wallet $17.99
Miu Miu Floral carved sandals
Shoes are becoming the focal point of outfits in the new season, and designers are giving a lot of attention to the heels. These Miu Miu Floral carved sandals ($550) straight off the runway are the so elaborate and yet seem very wearable. So gorgeous. I wonder if we’ll ever see them getting copied in the mass market.
Ask Petite Chou – doctor’s skincare lines
This is a question that I’ve been wondering too.
Dear Ma Petite Chou,
There seems to be so many Doctor and Dermatologist created skincare lines. They all have incredible claims and because they are doctors they must know things that we don’t, right? It’s really hard to pick one. Do you have a favorite?
Dana
Doctor created skincare lines are so seductive, aren’t they? Every time I hear about a doctor’s line, I want to try it. I naturally want to believe what the doctor says about the miracles their products can perform. But alas I can’t try them all, most of them tend to be very expensive. I love reading reviews about these products. If you don’t regularly check out MakeupAlley, you should. It’s my fave cosmetics review site. So back to the question, I wish I had a much better picture of all the doctor lines on the market, I can only speak with my very limited knowledge that MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross is my favorite. All of the products are fragrance-free so they do not irritate any sensitive skin. The serums and moisturizers aim to protect and repair skin. So if you are looking for great anti-aging products, invest your money in some of its moisturizers and sunscreens.
MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Oil Free Moisture $75. The best seller for the brand, seriously a formidable moisturizer. I wish this could be a staple on my bathroom counter, but it’s just not cheap. I got it when I was going through a pretty bad phase of breakouts on my face. My doctor prescribed Diffrin for me. It made my skin so dry, red and itchy. But I was scared of putting any moisturizer on my face in fear of making the breakouts worse. My pores just love to trap everything and anything inside them. This moisturizer really helped me through the tough time. Besides containing a boatload of antioxidants and cell-repairing agents that your skin will just happily soak up, it also has this high-tech compound called Chelating Complex which prevents metals in the tap water from binding to your skin cells. Sounds complicated huh? I don’t understand it. I just know the moisturizer makes the skin all nice and smooth.
Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion $42. I have a friend who swears by this sunscreen, says it’s much more than a sunscreen, it’s got all the good stuff of a moisturizer plus the sun protection. She just forgoes any moisturizer and wears the sunscreen alone. It also contains the compound Chelating Complex.
Continuous Eye Hydration Advanced Technology $45. This is an all-encompassing eye serum. It provides intense hydration, delivers antioxidants, boosts collagen production, de-puffs the eye area, AND protects against milia-causing residue, you know those pesky white little bumps that grow around the eye when you use a cream that’s way too rich for your skin, well you don’t have to worry about that with this eye serum.
So does anybody use MD Skincare and love it? What other lines do you like? If you have a favorite, please recommend!
Filed under Skincare | Comments (3)Deal Alert – Chelsea Pea Coat by G By Guess
Chelsea Pea Coat by G By Guess $109.50 on sale for $53.95!! Now that March’s almost here, I can only hope the temperature will be rising slowly in the near future. I can’t wait to ditch my winter coats! This light wool coat will be perfect as a replacement. And pea coats are always cute.
My favorite Oscar’s best-dressed
I didn’t watch the Oscars last night, but everybody has to pick a favorite best-dressed actress right? Mine is the Hollywood’s Nicest Actress Anne Hathaway. I just love her. She’s always so elegant and poised. This grecian goddess dress is to die for and cannot look any better with her gorgeous milky skin. Her makeup and hair was perfection. I’m really glad she did an up-do to really show off beautiful neckline and rosettes.
Who’s your favorite?
(Source: people.com)
Filed under Celebrities | Comment (0)A New Contest – LittlePretty Giveaway!
I’m so excited about this and I think you guys are going to love this contest exclusively to Ma Petite Chou readers! LittlePretty is giving away this beautiful Lucia Necklace by MILARA DESIGNS ($110), a juicy cluster of amethyst peardrops and deep sapphire Swarovski crystals hang on a delicate 14K gold fill chain, and with Swarovski accents near clasp. The owner of the awesome online jewelry boutique LittlePretty, Claire Hunsaker, is such a darling and I love her inspiration for LittlePretty. She wanted it to be a one-stop-shop for independent designers, where you wouldn’t have to spend a small mint to get fresh design. The initial collection includes 85 unique pieces from eight gifted designers, priced from $50-$250 retail. Although the prices won’t expand, the designer list will. Be sure to check out the site!
So my darlings, all you have to do to enter is leave a comment here. The contest will be open for a week. Enter by Midnight EST on Saturday, March 1. I’ll randomly draw a winner (a name out of a hat) on Sunday, March 2. Be sure to leave your name in the comment, don’t use “Anonymous”, otherwise I won’t know who you are if you win Good luck to everybody!!
NOTE: It’s open to everybody worldwide. LittlePretty ships internationally!
Filed under Accessories, Contests/giveaways, Online Stores | Comments (272)3.1 Phillip Lim Spring
“Effortless chic” is used to describe way too many labels it’s getting sorta trite, but when I think of 3.1 Phillip Lim, I really do think of “effortless chic”. Phillip Lim said it the best himself.
“3.1 is about the clothes that refine instead of define. A refinement that’s a bit classic in attitude, but imparts a sense of individual style, without looking or feeling forced. Confident, unidentifiable, chic, and most of all effortless.”
I’m loving the new spring pieces featuring beautiful dresses, jackets, skirts, and tops in neutrals and brights.
Silk Lattice Blouse $355
Fringe Blouse $195
Fringe Halter Dress $650
Rolled Collar Coat $525
Classic Trench Coat $625
Swimsuit time?
Why do stores like to taunt us so much? This is the bleakest time of the year, stores have already offered up new swimsuits for us to look at and weep. I can’t help but wanting to try some on. I wanna know…how early do you start buying swimsuits or thinking about buying swimsuits? I’m obsessed with these, not that I have any use for them right now.
Hot damn! Why are Betsey Johnson’s swimsuits so sexy?
Also love this one, very retro-chic and coyly sweet.
My personal GILT Invite for Ma Petite Chou Readers
My Personal Invite Link to Rue La La for you
