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Tuesday
Mar092010

Givenchy Ange ou Demon Le Secret Fragrance

Givenchy's latest fragrance, Ange ou Démon Le Secret, is finally available in the U.S. A spin-off from the original Ange ou Démon (2006 release), this new scent is a floral fragrance that's based on jasmine and white peony, with top notes of Italian winter lemon and green tea. A base of white musk and patchouli rounds out the predominantly floral theme. uma_thurman_givenchy.jpg As I've gotten older I've veered away from most heavy floral scents, but this one is delicate enough for me to wear. This fragrance is also intended to reveal the 'angelic' side of Ange ou Démon. givenchy_angedemon_LeSecret.jpg Uma Thurman illuminates the screen in this commercial for Ange ou Démon Le Secret (directed by Mira Nair). Isn't she just gorgeous? There's also a behind-the-scenes video that's located here.

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Tuesday
Mar092010

The Tablehopper's Guide To Dining & Drinking In SF

Finally...we now have a San Francisco dining guidebook worthy of five stars. Marcia Gagliardi's new book, The Tablehopper's Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco, is on sale today! Divided into over twenty practical sections, this book contains nearly 600 restaurant reviews that will keep your relatives, friends, dates and colleagues hankering for more. The next time you have visitors, you need to get this book and read it well before they get here. I love the one-, two-, and three-day itineraries. Marcia even lists last-minute and planned-ahead meal suggestions to make your life easier. It's like having a personal concierge at your fingertips. tablehopper_cover.jpg Along with romantic suggestions for the lovebirds, there's another useful tidbit for those who need tips on where to dump their soon-to-be-exes. That Shituations chapter alone is worth gold (or several laughs). If you haven't read her fun and sassy e-column, you're missing out on SF's latest and juiciest food news. For those starving for celebrity sightings, if you subscribe to Marcia's weekly e-column you'll definintely get the dish on all the gorgeous stars that have dined in our fair city's finest establishments. www.tenspeed.com For editorial consideration, a review book copy was provided for this review.

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Friday
Mar052010

The Frye Company S/S 2010

Not only are Frye shoes made to last, they have lots of classic and funky designs to brighten up your shoe collection for Spring. Here are some styles I've got my eye on: You might have seen this cute Carson Pull On boot featured on last month's issue of O Magazine. The berry pink shade totally rocks. The navy shade is really nice too. The Hutch Pull On is a similar style, with a great turquoise blue color that's ideal for Spring. carson_pullon_frye.jpghutch_frye.jpg Carson Pull On in Berry & Hutch Pull On in Blue If you're a classic kinda gal, these might tempt you. The Samantha Woven boot has an interesting weave on the shaft and a lovely stacked heel. The Jane Tall Cuff is quite versatile - you can wear it with the cuff up (over the knee) or down. If you wear it down, you can control the length of the cuff to suit your tastes. The topstitching is also done by hand. The sole is also cushioned so it's real comfy and sturdy. I love them; I feel like I can rule the world with these boots. samantha_woven_frye.jpgjane_tallcuff_jane.jpg Samantha Woven in Saddle & Jane Tall Cuff in Taupe The Maya Vintage Stud Sling is really adorable too. With a peep-toe opening and tiny studs this one is girly and edgy at the same time. The teal color is so pretty. maya_stud_sling_frye.jpg Maya Vintage Stud Sling peep-toe in Teal For those who adore ballet flats, the Emma Honeycomb Stud is a great choice. The honeycomb studs make a nice accent to an otherwise plain design, and it also comes in bright yellow, green, black and various shades of brown. frye_emma_stud.jpg Emma Honeycomb Stud ballet flat in Iris www.thefryecompany.com For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Thursday
Mar042010

IFB Links a la Mode - Fashion Flashback

Fashion Flashback

Edited by Debutante
As fashion weeks starting winding down, some are looking forward to the next trend in fashion. This week, I was thrilled to see so many bloggers focusing on the past -the history of fashion. An obvious passion of mine, vintage fashion has never been so influential. fête à fête reviews a gorgeous collection of vintage inspired jewelry. Fabulous Finds narrates a 1950s styled romp through Palm Springs. Oranges and Apples shares inspiring vintage Life magazine images. In politics, if you don't learn from history, you're destined to repeat it. In fashion, if you don't learn from history, you won't know you are repeating it! IFB_03.04.10.jpg Bobbins and Bombshells - Fashionable History: Mary Quant Confessions of a Fashion Editor - Couture Cakes Dedicated Follower of Fashion - Spring/Summer Trends 2010 - The Tourist Dozen Dresses -DIY Skirt, the tutorial! dramatis personae - B&Lu $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway! Fabulous Finds Gal - A Sunny & Dreamy Retro Holiday In Palm Springs With The Photographer Bersa Fashion Pulse Daily - Marchesa Fall/Winter 2010 Fasshonaburu - Who's Who of Fashion Week fête à fête - Larkspur & Hawk's vintage inspired jewelry Glossary - Please meet Paula and her pretty Pink Bow! hello beauty! - Bobbi Brown Spring 2010: Cabana Corals & Makeup Face Lift Collections (with video) JewelryWhore - Interview With Corvus Noir! Oranges and Apples - Vintage fashion photo inspiration from the Life magazine archives Out Of Order - Bonnie & Clyde Prom Mafia - Betsey Johnson does DC Retro Chick - Estethica Ethical Design Spotlight: Tara Starlet Stop Getting Low-balled As A Blogger | Independent Fashion Bloggers Superstylin - Total Fashion Dork Status The Fashion Planner - YouTube Beauty Gurus True Queen - One Dress That Will Take You From Work To Play in 3 Different Ways Tweed & Tea - My name is Jacqui, and I am a perfume addict... ventures of jenn. - ode to the maxi White Rabbit - The Man Behind the Lens

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Wednesday
Mar032010

Kenneth Cole New York S/S 2010

The official start of Spring is 2.5 weeks away (yes I'm counting down the days). To usher in my favorite season I'm been thinking about ways to spruce up my Spring wardrobe without killing the piggy bank. This lovely stretch silk Cowl Neck Dress from Kenneth Cole adds a splash of color and sophistication. The floral patten is feminine yet sexy in a subtle way. It looks very chic with a trench coat. KennethCole_2010spring.jpgkennethcole_2010.png Kenneth Cole Cowl Neck Dress I don't usually wear navy, but this dress has an elegant tuxedo front that captured my attention. You can dress this versatile piece up or down. kennethcole_tuxedodress.jpgtuxedo_detail.png Tuxedo Silk Dress If you haven't tried the 925 Technology, you need to get your tootsies into some of their shoes. The entire line of footwear now offers flexible rubber soles and Poron foam layers for shock absorption, so you can actually wear 4-5 inch heels and not worry about blisters and sore arches. kennethcole_whatahottie.jpg What A Hottie with 925 Technology These sandals are a bit too wild for me but they are great party shoes. You can even dance comfortably in them all night - what a novelty. kennethcole_partyallnight.jpg Party All Night metallic leather sandals www.kennethcole.com

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Thursday
Feb252010

Suki Natural Skincare

I was in search of an enzyme face peel that isn't irritating and eventually discovered Suki's Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel. As one of the rare companies that use 100% natural ingredients, I was happy to see that this product has a potent efficacy. It contains cranberry glycolic acid, along with an advanced botanical enzyme complex of pumpkin, apple and papain. White willow bark is also added to exfoliate the skin. suki_renewal_peel.jpg After I had applied a thin layer, I felt a slight tingling on the cheeks but I didn't see any redness after I had washed it off. My entire face was noticeably brighter, which is amazing to see after just one application. It looked so radiant that I didn't need to add my usual night serums. You can also use this as an overnight spot treatment for blemishes. If you do need a brightening product, they have a Targeted Bio-Brightening Face Serum. Arbutin, songyi mushroom and licorice root are the key ingredients that will lighten the skin. This is certainly a safer alternative than using chemical lighteners. This concentrated product is also suitable for folks with rosacea. suki_tinted_moisturizer.png I also tried their Tinted Active Moisturizer SPF 15. I was worried that the shade was too dark for me (at least in the bottle) but the sheer texture blended right into the skin. This is not your typical tinted moisturizer. It contains lots of good-for-you nutrients (pure minerals, organic jojoba, organic rose extract) and it doesn't look chalky. Derived from white willow, the natural salicyclic acid will help reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts. www.sukiskincare.com For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Wednesday
Feb242010

Get A Perfect Complexion With Givenchy Mister Light & Mister Mat

I'm not the type to slap a lot of gunk on my skin, and I don't like thick concealers and foundations. Alas, I'm a total night owl so I've been sporting panda eyes for a long time. I also tried a few duds before and they made me a bit skeptical to consider another heavy product that would sit right on my skin. Fortunately, the Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen from Givenchy changed my opinion of this makeup category. The product is so lightweight it literally disappeared into the skin, and for the first time in many years, I didn't have dark circles! It was quite a novelty. MisterLight_givenchy.jpg The shade I tried, Mister Macaroon, worked perfectly. It worked so well by itself that I didn't need to use foundation at all. I also liked how it didn't create those nasty lines around the eyes. This concealer also has SPF 10 and it contains plant extracts (tangerine and almond) to revitalize the eye area. MisterMat_givenchy.jpg And, if you have combination or oily skin, the Mister Mat Matifying Foundation Primer is your best bet to tame the shine. You can get by with a small amount of product and the smooth powder-gel texture feels very comfortable on the face. It also lasts for hours so you might not need a touch-up. www.givenchybeauty.com For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Thursday
Feb182010

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue

There was quite a hoopla a few months ago when Shu Uemura Art of Hair first launched their highly coveted Essence Absolue. The protective hair oil is touted as the moisturizing antidote to extremely dry hair (Jennifer Aniston's stylist uses it on her lovely locks). Infused with the precious camellia oil, this is like the all-purpose 'liquid gold' for all types of hair issues. You can use it to tame frizzy hair, add intense shine, and protect it against UV rays. You can also use it as a pre-shampoo treatment (use 4 pumps) if you've got really damaged hair. EssenceAbsolue_Shu.jpg I used this as a leave-in conditioner after drying my hair. I only used one pump, and it was enough to give me that just-came-back-from-the-salon look. There's no oily residue at all when you're done applying it to your hair. Either each strand was that thirsty for moisture or my fingers were that dry to begin with. The result? My hair has never been so shiny and soft. It's not cheap, but if you want that luxurious feel and maximum shine, it's worth the splurge. This wildly popular product has been sold out for months and folks had to get on a waiting list. A little birdie told me that they will be having it in stock next week, so keep your eyes peeled for it! www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Wednesday
Feb172010

Larkspur & Hawk At Barneys New YorK

I first fell in love with Larkspur & Hawk's gorgeous fine jewelry last year. Inspired by antique jewelry designs from the 18th and 19th centuries, designer Emily Satloff successfully reintroduced the 18th century craft of using colored foils to produce a dramatic brilliance. Just look at the Grace Ring. The intricate 14k white gold ring is lined with 22k yellow gold, and the blue topaz contains leaf foil to bring out the extra sparkle. From the same collection, the 18k rose gold Grace Pendant contains a lovely rose quartz with a fuchsia foil. larkspur_grace_ring.jpglarkspurHawk_gracependant.jpg Grace Ring & Grace Pendant The oxidized silver Olivia Day Night Earrings would go so well with the green amethyst on the Sophia Ring. The little ring of diamonds add such an opulent touch. These colors are so rich - they make you feel like royalty, that's for sure. larkspur_olivia_daynight.jpglarkspur_sophia_ring.jpg Olivia Day Night Earrings & Sophia Ring If I had a gala to attend, these Jane Day Night Earrings (with blue topaz and magenta foil) would be my top choice. And how about these Celeste Earrings? I can't believe it's the turquoise foil that's making it look so radiant. Jane_daynight_larkspur.jpgceleste_larkspurhawk.jpg Jane Day Night Earrings & Celeste Earrings Most of these pieces are available exclusively through Barneys New York. Some designs are available via www.larkspurandhawk.com.

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Tuesday
Feb162010

Vouelle S/S 2010 Shoe Collection

Looking at Vouelle's Spring/Summer 2010 shoe collection, it makes me feel as if summer is indeed here. These jetsetter heels are just what we need for a glamour-filled vacation along the Mediterranean. The glitzy Penelope and Veruschka platform sandals are de rigueur for the luxe beach parties of Saint Tropez. PENELOPE_vouelle_2010.jpgVERUSCHKA_vouelle2010.jpg Penelope platform sandal in watermelon patent leather and Veruschka in sherbert suede. The Jacqueline thong sandal is absolutely charming. It's so dainty and feminine - totally something I've come to expect from Vouelle. Working with Eric Charles Donatien of Maison Lemarié, the delicate organza fan is carefully handmade by the world's reigning plumassier. I wish I can see this in person, but from the image you can sense the detailed craftsmanship on this design. JACQUELINE_vouelle_2010.jpg Jacqueline silk satin thong (in watermelon shade) with organza fan and Swarovski crystals. For the first time ever, they've launched a playful gummy flat sandal. This is great for the chic minimalist who wants a dash of color. ALI_vouelle_2010.jpg Ali gummy sandal Even the classic pumps are given a fun makeover. Check out the pink transparent plastic panels on the Gina satin pump. The white and salmon edging on the Bisset pump makes it stylish yet appropriate for the office. GINA_vouelle_2010spring.jpgBISSET_vouelle.jpg Gina satin and plastic pump in watermelon and Bisset pump. Luckily for us, select styles from Vouelle are now being sold at three locations in the U.S. Find out the store locations at www.vouelle.com.

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