LA is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle and even a state of mind! Come check out the "LA Story" for what's hot in fashion, beauty, events, stores, sales, places to go and what's going on as I cruise through life in LA -LA Land!
The Napoleon Perdis DeVine Goddess Lipstick collection pays tribute to the strength and beauty of ancient Greek goddesses.
Channeling his Greek heritage, Napoleon Perdis, make-up artist extraordinare (who recently opened a store on Hollywood Blvd. The party was so extraordinarily packed, that the Fire Marshall was ready to close the doors. EEEK. More about this later)
Available in five different finishes in thirty shades, each lipstick carries with it the essence of the all-powerful mythological allure that the goddesses possessed.
Channeling such goddesses as Aphrodite, Calliope and Calypso, each lipstick boasts a sumptuous blend of natural waxes, shine-infused polymers, the emollient properties of evening primrose, jojoba and apricot nut oils and free radical scavenging anti-oxidants, ball to form one of the most high performance lipsticks ever created.
Pro-tip: For devastatingly desirable lips – lavish with Lip Lacquer-- the non-sticky slightly sheer but oh-so-sexy lipgloss that's to die for!
Available for $22 at Napoleon Perdis stores, Saks Fifth Avenue and select independent retailers
If you aren't aware of what's cooking on this situation, here's some back story here on the LA Story and you can read the posts below about bloggers being harassed via phone and letter by attorneys for Steve & Barry over the publishing of PUBLICALLY POSTED photos of the Sarah Jessica Parker "not so fashionable savvy" line that Steve & Barry are launching 6/4. What's really interesting about this is that the attorneys are threatening bloggers -- some of whom write multiple blogs and some who work in print as well-- who have a powerful reach out there to fashionistas everywhere.
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!
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!
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.
Spongeablesand 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.
Spongeablesare 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:
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!
. 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
diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
lighten age and brown spots
Improve skin tone while smoothing and softening skin
Reduce some of the problems with acneic skin
Makes nutrients and moisture more available to the skin
Deep cleans the surface of your skin
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.
There were a few great shows at LA Fashion Week. One of them was a stand-out because where in previous seasons, denim lines dominated the runway, this season there was hardly any denim on the runway as a collection.
The sole denim line featured was Oligo Tissew line has always been about denim as a fabric piece and not the raison d'etre for the line-- meaning it has a full formed collection of tops and bottoms that have serious fashion sense.
Here's a collection of shots that shows you that Christopher Enuke knows what he is doing-- not just with jeans but knits, jackets, pants, denim treatments so that they aren't just your basic jeans-- but he creates unique -- and wearable-- fashion that would work on both coasts!
Photos Courtesy of IMG Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
What you can't see close up is the pinstripe on the pants.. and the jacket is a nicely tailored piece that could be layered with a pencil skirt over a long cashmere sweater.
Waxed denim treated with metallic color suddenly loses the denim effect and becomes something else-- something unique and definitely wearable both day and night-- particularly in LA. Dress it up for holiday with a velvet jacket or some shimmering iridiscent halter top or drop a casual tee to tough it up as Enuke has done here.
A great coat-- while I personally don't love plaids, this one works with the tucked in jeans and it sets off the print tee. It's about fall and Enuke clearly has a collection that shows all aspects and not just mini-dresses
Pieces work together or separately.. and he's married colors that others might think won't work but they work beautifully because of the contrast of the textures.
Perfect fall textures and colors-- even though it's yellow, it's an LA vibe.
Yummy oatmeal sweater sweetened with horizontal stripes and a dusty lavender tee
Oligo Tissew at its best.. one of the most autumnal collections that actually work day and night with a true wit and inspiration that makes it practical for Angelenos and those on the "right " versus the "left" coast.
Yes my darlings, it's that time of year again. Now that the award shows are pretty much over (though I know I owe you about 4-5 more podcasts and at least 6 blogs on Oscars. YES, I know I am late but I promise that I will get them done.)
We now have LAFW upon us. While you have seen all the hoopla from London, Milan, Paris and NYC.. nothing quite compares with LAFW-- for sure insanity because who else would put think about putting a tee shirt line down the catwalk-- not once but THREE times. Sigh..... We shall save that rant for another blog because it was a real doozy of one about 6 AM (and if you know me, you know I really am up at that time.)
We have much to share and we will bring you the most succinct coverage on a blog set up just for the FW coverage courtesy of our beloved editor in chief who listens to us bitch, whine and moan, the ever patient, Lesley Scott whom we love and adore and toast with a couple of cocktails (or three or four).
Anyway, please enjoy this theatrical interlude before we immerse you in the lunacy of LAFW, Oscar wrap ups and realize that we my darlings are going to stop taking life so darn seriously. After what we saw pre LAFW in the hoopla of brands participating and then vanishing from the schedule of LAFW and the rollercoaster ride of not knowing if we are going to be allowed into LAFW because of the cuts made by IMG and Smashbox to the space--well, we are in serious need of levity.. but then I digress.
We need a vacation!! We need to go to Kauai or Key West or someplace WARM with lots of tall icy glasses tinkling with ice and sporting charming little umbrellas or cute little swizzle sticks done as flamingos and us wearing as little as possible in the way of swimwear.
So sit back and share with us this respite of filmatic composition that should be nominated for best short film for the next Oscars. If they want to redo it, I will audition for the part of the little girl.
Look for a sassier, less serious take on life and more serious about things that are important-- like chocolate, great drinks, adorable charming men, and fabulous clothing--as well as that perfect___________ (you fill in the blank with your item of choice-- be it fashion, beauty, food, beverage, cinematic or audiofile/phile). Thank you to the "Goodbye to the Normals" because we are normal no longer- not that we were in the first place.
Confused? Not to worry, the XUBAZ site has videos (and lots of them) to show you how to use and wear XUBAZ.
Two signature Xue Holes, located above the lower pockets, make the XUBÁZ™ Functional Neckwear fully reversible, and allow you to wear your pockets either "in" or "out". Available in a variety of different synthetic fabrics, colors and textures-- of varying weights so that these actually are a functional accessory and not just some weird thing to carry around-you can find a fabric color, finish and a fabric weight that will be perfect wherever you are going:
XUBÁZ™ Virage--lightweight high tech fabric.
XUBÁZ™ Mondial--heavier weight but with a distinct lustre and drape.
XUBÁZ™ Mongolfière-- for cooler weather--sueded finish on one side, fleece microfiber on the other
XUBÁZ™ Cargo--lightweight with a sueded finish.
Price points range from $34.50 to about $45.00.
Where to find this amazing travel pack/scarf? http:// www.xubaz.com or Xubaz, LLC 1-866-699-8229
Eco-friendly website GreenDimes.com introduces their first ever Tree Promotion, in celebration of Arbor Day
Providing an easy and manageable way for EVERY person to make a difference in improving the environment and in honor of Arbor Day, Greendimes.com is launching three promotions to drive membership to the organization and to help plant more trees to support the environment:
1. For existing members: Every new member you refer to GreenDimes.com, 25 extra trees will be planted in your name 2. For new members: Sign up now and 25 extra trees will be planted in your name 3. For everyone:Add GreenDimes.com as your friend on MySpace and 10 trees will be planted in your name
About GreenDimes.com GreenDimes (www.greendimes.com) is the easiest and most cost-effective way to stop unwanted, paper junk mail. Sign up for $36.00 a year and they remove your name from all of those pesky mailing lists while planting a tree on behalf of every member, every month. Since its launch in September 2006, GreenDimes.com has stopped 157,000 pounds of unsolicited mail, saved 401,000 gallons of water and planted over 77,000 trees. The launch of Tonic , the parent company for GreenDimes.com, marks the commitment to achieving a broader good.
What's In It For You: It's a challenge dude and dudettes and the gauntlet is thrown at you to participate and show some concern for the environment. YOU can make a difference in global warming! GreenDimes.com founder, Pankaj Shah, wants to plant another 175,000 trees to get the total number planted to 250,000 by March 22, 2007.
Get to it-- it's only going to cost you a little time-- not a dime!
Skip the drippy liquids and gooey creams and get wise to the DRY POWDER mineral powder sunblock that provides physical block for 8 hours, is water resistant has spf 30+ and dusts on with a brush SUNFORGETTABLE from COLORESCIENCE. Listen to creator Diane Ranger talk about the important of organic, mineral powder sunblock, SUNFORGETTABLE
Sunforgettable!! The EASIEST,longest lasting sunblock that I have found. POWDER sunblock that dusts or rolls onto the skin. It's water-resistant, translucent and doesn't irritate sensitive skin or eyes and works well even on babies!! Great for guys who hate goopy or drippy sunblocks and won't change the color of your skin/foundation during the day.
Personally I use this every day. I talk about this to everyone-- because sun damage, pre-cancerous situations and hyperpigmentation are no laughing matter and you can prevent it with this one easy to use product.
Say goodbye to dry, chapped skin with an amazing hand cream that has been re-introduced by Earth Therapeutics. Gardener’s Hand Repair truly lives up to its name. After just one application, I could really feel a difference in the texture of my skin. It instantly hydrated my hands and made them soft – but it absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy finish.
I love the name, Gardener’s Hand Repair, since I spend a lot of time outside in my flower garden But non-gardeners will certainly appreciate the benefits too! You can apply this cream at the office without worry since it absorbs immediately, even with repeated applications.
The sent is light and fresh – cool and green with just a bit of citrus. As it blends with the warmth of your skin, a hint of cinnamon emerges. It includes pure plant extracts such as chamomile, tea tree oil and Echinacea root. And it’s cruelty free and meets vegetarian standards.
For such a luxurious cream it is also very reasonably priced – 6 oz for $7.99.
Gardener’s Hand Repair and other products from Earth Therapeutics are available at www.earththerapeutics.com or call 800-789-3579.
This is the FIRST EVER Amo & Bretti Cashmere Sale. If you are IN LA -- if you KNOW anyone in LA, send them to this sale. It's HOT!! SIZZLING doesn't begin to describe how luscious, soft, gorgeous and collectible this cashmere is! It's absolutely addicting. Buying one will NOT be enough!
(there is a reason I am telling you. I am not going down as the only casualty to cashmere addiction. I am taking YOU with me!)
