NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!!
This blog has moved to a new location! You can now find it at www.la-story.com.
I haven't left Fashiontribes.com. I am still part of the staff. It was to streamline the blogs.
Why the move?
So you can find it easier and the pages will load faster.
There's a ton of new podcasts and features waiting to go up. So check out the new location and let me know what you think!
Stevie Wilson
Get bronze this year-- without having to spend a minute in the sun-- courtesy of Estee Lauder. The array of products is flexible for any taste and application style. summer.
The array of pressed powder bronzers gives you from soft glow to matte or even shimmer bronze-- so you can get the precise look that you want! Shown above the Bronze Goddess Matte Bronzer, the large matte bronzer compact that is well worth any money as it's bound to last you all summer long!
If you want to softly go into bronze, then check out the Bronze Goddess Bronzer Duo compact-- same size as the matte in a golden bronze package.
You GLOW girl with the Bronzed Goddess Shimmer Pressed Powder Bronzer from Lauder!
For a soft sheen for all over your body in a loose powder presentation, check out Bronze Goddess Loose Shimmer Bronzing Powder. This is one cool sexy shimmery product that can be dusted lightly in to hair too!
Lauders LIMITED EDITION Luminous Liquid Bronzer from the Bronze Goddess Collection makes for fast work for an all over golden presentation.
All on counter NOW -- so go for the glow and get mom or anyone, one of these-- even yourself so you look like you just came back from the Caribbean or Greek Isles.
Available wherever Estee Laude products are sold and also online at esteelauder.com or gloss.com or any of the other online stores!
Stevie Wilson
It's crunch time boys and girls! Shop till you drop or find the perfect gift for your mom. Here are some quick ideas that you can find online and in stores NOW!
If it's jewelry that catches here eye, Check out Tadam for some amazing pieces at affordable price points.
Bellmore Earrings are a smash hit for summer wear and into fall and would be a memorable gift.
Mom would be star struck with this fab necklace called
appropriately "Star Struck" also from Tadam Jewelry.
What mother wouldn't love a gorge robe like this? Silk Charmeuse bi-colored embroidered long kimono robe features a detailed embroidered peacock on the back with Chinese characters embroidered on the front symbolizing long life, prosperity and good health. Three color combinations peach/ivory, lavender/pink, sage green/celadon from Shirley of Hollywood .
Moms love handbags-- well who doesn't? Check out this adorable piece from Kipling-- a duffle in a hot RED called Anatomy that is perfect for spring/summer!
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and while we love the sun and the golden glow, it's important to be aware of the importance of using sunblock to fight against skin cancer. This is a SERIOUS issue because this potentially deadly disease is preventable-- EASILY preventable by using sunblock every day-- regardless if it's sunny or rainy or overcast.
Every 67 minutes someone in the U.S. dies of melanoma; an astounding statistic for a disease which is nearly 100 percent curable when caught and treated early.
Because the incidence of skin cancer is increasing every year at, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer over their lifetime. Sun protection alone is not enough to keep us safe.
That’s why Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have partnered for “Skin Cancer Takes Friends,” a nationwide program offering women the opportunity make an appointment with one of more than 300 participating dermatologists nationwide for a free screening for themselves and a friend or loved one – so they can go together. Locally, 36 dermatologists in California are participating. For a full list of participating dermatologists, log on to www.SkinCancerTakesFriends.org.
While you want the glow of tanned skin check out the OLAY TOUCH OF SUN product which gives you a nice glow, smells good, and also has an spf in it. Remember sunblocks don't last all day. Please reapply often!
Get your checkup and check back in with me!
It's spring time! Magazines and the weather have you thinking about new clothes, accessories, beauty products-- and oh yeah-- don't forget about the couple of holidays like Mothers Day coming up along with weddings and even baby showers! So check out the deets on the most interesting posts for the week!
Aspiring Handbag Designers: eBelle5 wants you to be discovered
Girlawhirl readers save $50 on new Stella McCartney totes at Intermix
LA STORY Gets Into Hot Water--with Spongeables and Spongelles Infused Sponges!!
Papierblog looks at Singapore designer Khoon Hooi from Singapore's Spring fashion week
Second City Style on designer Cyndi Chan. Just in time for Spring/Summer '07..
SheFinds - -Fashion, Beauty, FINDS -- Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Lo.'s bangles
Styleaholics, get to know YANA Handbags, an artistic, luxe collection of beautiful bags.
The Jewelry Weblog is passionate about Passion Works' jewelry, which will put a smile on your face.
Bag Snob digs the anaconda bag from Devi Kroell, the bag designer du jour!
Because any boss lady - including Kristopher - sometimes lives in a Bubble" (Louis Vuitton Ring)
Christina is lusting after the perfect fake tan at eBeautyDaily
Showering is a daily necessity.. some even take multiple shower/baths in a day-- both for the enjoyment and also just to ditch the daily grime.
Spongeables and Spongelles are an easy way of cleaning up with sponge infused with gentle soap that comes in a variety of scents-- some more girly, some a bit more masculine, some kid friendly and some unisex.
Spongeables are an easy way of cleaning up with sp onge infused with gentle soap that comes in a variety of scents-- some more girly, some a bit more masculine, some kid friendly and some unisex.
The different colors indicated different scents which include: Sweet Jasmine, Sunkissed Fig, Sweet Lavendar, Marine Sunrise, Cucumber Melon (both great scents for men), Peony Passion, Citrus Basil, Tangy Grapefruit, Lemon Berry and Unscented. These cutely shaped sponges lather up after getting wet and last really well. There are adorable shapes for kids too!
What's really great about these cool sponges is that they come in different sizes depending on how long you want them to last. Want to test out a scent or going away on a trip? Try the 7 day sponge for a quick trip that you can toss. It's perfect to share on a weekend trip and toss it as you pack up to leave. Want to give an amazing gift for Mother's Day, Bridal or Baby shower? A couple of these sponges with some exfoliating scrub or tasty lotion would be a luscious gift.
Now you might be wondering about Spongelles.. since I just talked about Spongeables. There is a difference.
This is a higher end, more skin nuturing, nourishing, soothing, anti-aging product that includes extra ingredients like shea butter and more interesting fragrance blends and they feel (and smell) heavenly. No matter which flavor or size you choose, you can get a great treat -- and treatment!
Using patent-pending technology, SPONGELLES™ infuses natural glycerom and olive oil-based soap into a hypoallergenic sponge for rich, soothing lather. Shower or use it in the bath and escape to your own private oasis. Available in: Papaya Sandlewood, Peony Casis, Lily of the Valley, Green \Tea /French Lavender, Meyer Lemon /Citrus Accord, and Musk Hot Spice Ginger. One of the newest products out is the combo scrubby side paired with a sponge. It's the perfect treat for your feet if you are short on time for a pedicure or want to scrub dead skin from knees or elbows!
So check out the web for Spongeables and Spongelles. Find Spongeables at Drugstore.com! Check spas and select locations for Spongelles and their website. Maybe we can make this a bit more enticiing? Check out this cool offer:
Catch up on ALL the latest 411 on the hottest, newest items and trends on the blogosphere in fashion and beauty.
Bon Bons in the Bath dishes on the popular UK beauty store touching down Stateside next month.
LA STORY gives you a "hot scoop" about Gloss.com biting the dust-- or is that taking a powder?
Second City Style Interviews Tim Gunn About His New Book "A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style."
SheFinds The Product That Changed My Life: Hidden Straps
The Jewelry Weblog is bedazzeled by the latest bridal collection from Swarovski.
Coquette gets all ruffled up with this new trend for Spring.
eBelle5 discovers 5 Must-Have Vibrant Designer Clutches for Spring
A twist of lime, lemon or orange, please! Fashiontribes finds that citrus hues add zest to any wardrobe.
Girlawhirl catches up with the Kate Moss for Topshop news
Forget Gold & Silver...its all about Bronze! My Fashion Life rediscovers the Bronze Age
Papierdoll interviews emerging designers Lucky and Sarada Ravindra of Queue
April showers got you down? Check out StyleBakery.com's picks for the season's best coats, shoes, umbrellas and accessories that will (almost) have you rooting for rain.
Did somebody say spring shoes? Stylebites decodes the latest must-have styles!
Styleaholics finds the latest trends in silver and gold accessories
Stylehive is enamored with Huvafen Fushi, a Maldivian luxury resort where you can have your own private bungalow complete with a freshwater pool that leads right to the ocean.
Want that gorgeous glow for spring and summer? Want to rev up that shine on the lips? Or define those eyes? How about a blush of color so translucent yet gives you a unique glow-- of subtle to more distinct color.
You don't have to pay major bucks for these textures this season-- and it's not hard to find! Check out your local Clinique counter. YES, CLINIQUE!! While everyone's been checking out what's going on with other brands, Clinique has been quietly making a statement that makes it worthy of YOUR attention--because it's certainly got mine!
Besides having a slew of foundation options for every skintype and every type of coverage from sheer to full, textures from dewy to matte, Clinique's got you covered.
It's the color collections that have me WOW'ed!
Want that hint of illumination? Check out the Uplighting Liquid Illuminator in 4 colors from Natural to Bronze-- enough to take you from spring to summer in perfect style and you can mix these into foundation, dab it onto the high points on your face to create definition or wear it alone over well-prepped skin. $22.50
Want a hint of more color and a bit of inner glow but want a more powder finish? Fresh Bloom All Over Color is a GORGEOUS palette that you might not want to touch because it's so insanely beautiful-- but please do. You will love the colors available in four different compacts and all the shades in this flower portrait work together to give you both highlight and definition as well as soft glowing from within color. $29.50 (and it will last you all summer! )
Clinique Color Surge Shadow Quads give you color that really works together to give you a soft natural eye look or enough color to give your eyes POP! Definitely a worthy investment at $25 and in five distinctly cool quad collections. Nifty palette slips nicely into your bag or your pocket.
Clinique Long Last Shine Lipstick gives your lips that hint of color -- actually more than a hint but natural enough that you will feel comfortable wearing this on Saturday "day" as well as Saturday "night". It's soft shine-- just enough to create a nice balance based on the illuminators or glow powders and it comes in a glorious range of shades. Check out Beauty the perfect all purpose shade that I find is YLBB (your lips but better) -- even for me! At $14 each, it's not hard to pick up a couple of colors.
Check it out at Clinique.com or your local Clinique counter. This is one of those insanely great collections that I love-- and because it's Clinique, you know it's 1) not hard to find and 2) not going to vanish on you- though I would invest in a couple of Illuminators and Glow palettes because I bet those will sell out fast!
Makes for a nice gift for Mother's Day or for brides too!
If you see me floating around with perfectly glowing skin, thank Clinique. It's their stuff I have been wearing -- and loving!
Back in the "dark ages" of the web, there emerged tons of new sites for women-- particularly beauty ecommerce sites for women. Remember Eve.com? Beautyscene? Beautyjungle? Eve and Beautyscene died ignominious deaths. Beautyjungle was swallowed up by Beauty.com which was in turn swallowed by Drugstore.com but still maintains as a distinct identity. Sephora emerged first as a brick and mortar store and then launched online. Gloss.com emerged as a viable alternative because it was created by a collection of former execs from a variety of high end department stores who sold out to Estee Lauder but since developed a cooperative with cosmetic, skincare and fragrance giants: Clarins, Chanel and Thierry Mugler.
Brands involved from Estee Lauder included Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Darphin, Estee Lauder, Jo Malone, La Mer, LAB Series, MAC, Origins, Prescriptives, and Rodan+Fields along with several MAJOR heavy hitting fragrance brands (Missioni, Sean John, Kors and more) -- each a major brand and entity in its own right and owning a chunk of beauty real estate.
Prepare yourself for some bad news and (hold onto your holy grail Gloss products).. because Gloss.com is going to fold come June 2007. YUP.. That's right. While it was intimated in WWD earlier last month, it's official and I have held the lid on this story till now.
Why are they shutting down? According to the "powers that be" at Gloss.com, their market analysis showed that the online business was growing dramatically, but unfortunately Gloss.com business was the least competitive and showed the least growth amongst its competitors including their own brand sites and partner brand sites. Rather than keep slogging through the quicksand that Gloss has become mired in, they are going to focus on those sites doing well and skip the rest.
While Gloss.com has shown double -digit sales figures and Clarins in particular has seen significant sales (approximately $3,000,000.00 in 2006), the website seems to be faltering in showing a return on its investment. While it was created during an internet boom time - and survived the dot com/e-commerce crash-- it has required significant time and dollars to keep it going.
When one factors in the Estee Lauder Corp sites along with the Chanel sites already operating, one wonders what took so long for Gloss.com HQ to wake up and smell the lip gloss.
Fret not if you are a Clarins or Thierry Mugler lover! Websites for both brand will be launching soon in France and the U in May with other global web portals rolling out over the next couple of years. For Clarins customer base, it will be a more user friendly site.
For those Thierry Mugler fans, there is a site coming this month, shopthierrymugler.com, that is launching both in the US and France.
So my peeps, if you are a Gloss fan or have outstanding orders, get to it and stock up. Don't think there will be any sales of outstanding stock since these are high powered brands that can shift stock to stores. However I could be wrong in that assumption.. but I wouldn't put rest my mascara on that one.
The next question is how will this affect the other beauty e-commerce sites out there and those that are shaky, will they be able to stay the course? How will this affect the Chanel relationship with Sephora? Will this affect ANY of the Estee Lauder relationships with Sephora and will you see any beefing up of the cosmetic entities mentioned here in the different department/specialty store websites? How will this affect Beauty.com as well since they are known for their niche brands. Lots to think about boys and girls.. lots to think about.
Remember-- you heard it hear first.
Bag Snob picks the best of Jil Sander's Spring 2007 bags!
Coquette highlights the colorful shoes of Poetic License that shouts spring is here!
Girlawhirl Gift Guide: great gifts for spring holidays
A Designer Snapshot:: Carolina Herrera Talks to LA STORY.
Papierblog looks at the trending toward black for the Spring season
Check out Second City Style's Interview With Celebrity/Fashion Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann
SheFinds has products that help you avoid blisters
Styleaholics find out why dirty underwear is the best place to hide your valuables
Stylebites shares 5 super tips to getting the most from your handbag collection.
The Jewelry Weblogs says let's hop onto some cute Easter jewelry as well as a good cause.
Stevie Wilson
Check out the latest from Avon-- they've gone high tech with their skincare and innovative to boot! Get the latest products and delivery system to smooth lines, plump lips, refine your skin with these cool little products!
I am not going to tell you it's going to shave off years but you will look better, with better skin texture and less tired. Think of it as you-- only much much better! (We heart that!)
ANEW Retroactive+ Youth Extending Creams are designed for the twentysomething-to-35 crowd and specially formulated to prevent sun damage from surfacing and to prevent fine lines from turning into full-blown wrinkles.
ANEW Clinical Plump&Smooth is a unique product in a double-sided click pen with a smoother on one end to be applied around the lips to smooth over fine lines and a plumper on the other end to be applied on the lips to plump. This rocks my world!
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ANEW Alternative Intensive Eye Cream is clinically proven to lighten dark undereye circles by up to two shades. (This is my new personal favorite -- I have hereditary dark circles and I swear it helps!)
is clinically proven to lighten dark undereye circles by up to two shades. (This is my new personal favorite -- I have hereditary dark circles and I swear it helps!)
Check it out at avon.com or your local representative
One of the things we all notice when we look at models or celebrities is their skin. If it's on a magazine, you know it's been "photoshopped" till the skin has no lines, wrinkles, pores or any other discolorations. One would think that the person had perfect genes. Nope-- it's all courtesy of the photographer.
Celebrities and models work hard to look good and sometimes they slack off and they eat, drink, smoke and work long hours which takes its toll on their skin. So what do they do? They visit spas a lot for treatments. From lasers to plastic surgery, from peels to microdermabrasion, there's a lot that can be done to achieve perfection. However what about us-- mere mortals that we are-- who lack the unlimited bank accounts that some have? How do we get better looking skin.
1) make sure you eat right-- a balanced healthy diet along with vitamin and mineral supplements makes a huge difference
2) drink lots of water, refrain from alcohol whenever possible and make sure you skip the carbonated beverages too.
3) investigate medi-spa treatments like peels, dermaplaning and microdermabrasion.
Now that sounds pretty easy till you hit number 3. That last one can be pricy and requires ongoing trips and treatments that can add it to a healthy $$$$ figure investment. I am not saying don't go-- but choose what you want to do wisely!
Here's one thing you can do easily for a relatively small price tag-- Crystalift.
What is Crystalift?
It's a home version of the same machine used to perform microdermabrasion in a medi-spa or regular spa. This little machine is just like the lifting/vacuuming machines used in the spas and it's so easy to use! You will be surprised at the difference you will see in the texture and quality of your skin in a month.
This is not a "daily use" machine: it's a once a week treatment that takes 10 minutes! What makes this machine so special? It's the technology behind it and the micro-crystals that you use.
Crystalift’s™ “Dual-Action” design is revolutionary. It gently sprays a stream of micronized mineral crystals against the skin while vacuum-lifting the dead and damaged skin cells. This process removes surface cells which often contain pigmentation that emerge as age or sun spots.
Using Crystalift™ on a regular basis allows younger, newer cells to emerge to the surface and leaves skin radiant with less visible lines and wrinkles and a smoother, younger-looking you. It's an "all in one" simple to use system available for home use for the same price as one visit to the spa. Now that is something amazing! For the cost of ONE spa microdermabrasion treatment, you can buy a machine and do it yourself at home.
By using Crystalift™ every week, you will notice that your skincare become more effective. Why? Because it can penetrate into the skin better and faster and thus actually be more effective and thus you get better results. You can order the refills of the micronized crystals as needed or you can join the Crystlift Club to get regular shipments and you will see that your skin looks and feels better. Continued use can
Here's the real kicker-- if used regularly for a longer period of time, you will see some firming action. I can't say how much and I am not saying use this daily for 30 days and you will see it. I am saying try using this with your skincare on a regular basis as suggested on the website and I have seen some differences in my skin, it takes the skincare better. It has a finer texture that my friends have noticed, the sun damage has been fading, and also there has been some firming.
Results may vary from person to person and I am not saying you will see the same results but I also know that someone who had some issues with breakouts saw a decrease in breakouts and less oily skin because she used this machine.
With regular usage, you will see improvement in the look of your skin-- even sensitive skin types can (like me). The controls are adjustable and you can use less or more spray/suction power depending on your skin type. I started at the lowest and s l o w l y worked up to a stronger level
It's definitely worth a look-see-- especially since it is the same cost as a microdermabrasion treatment and it's returnable.
Check out Crystalift!
