fête à fête

The Whole Woman

Edited by Debutante Clothing

I love being a woman. I love that we can have the best of both worlds - being fun and feminine and a successful career women. This week, I've selected a round up of links that really represents the whole woman. From being natural and vulnerable enough to go without make-up as Style Symmetry does in her beautiful post, to The Demoiselles' post about breaking body image and fashion rules. And for those of us that are caught up in this difficult job-seeking market, there are even work fashion posts from Work Chic and Fasshonaburu. But we can't be so serious all the time right? So for women just needing a fun and frivolous escape, there are loads of fashion finds and even some giveaways to help us bask in our glorious womanhood. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : July 2nd

Bobbins And Bombshells finds the perfect vintage items for a picnic!
Bonne Vie: Jesica Milton - a few quick questions with a local designer (and advice for aspiring fashion designers)
Breakfast at Saks interviews Dana-Maxx about Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs and her new F/W collection 'Sex, Love, and Heartbreak'
Clutch 22: - Exclusive sneak peek at I Heart Norwegian Wood for Shrimpton Couture collection!
Daisy Fairbanks: Farewell to Farrah, Style Icon
Debutante Clothing: Sail Away with Vintage Sailboat finds
Dramatis Personae shares the Alice & Isa Boutique, showcasing the best of independent San Francisco designers.
Fabulous Finds and Co.: - Glam rock gals that have a serious talent in spotting the latest trends and creating them.
Fashion Fight Club: - New Legal Troubles for Forever 21 and the Bill Status of the Design Piracy Prohibition Act
Fashion Is the Best Medicine: - Revisiting trends Michael Jackson started, and no, they're not exclusively fashion trends.
Fasshonaburu: Boost job security by building your work wardrobe!

fête à fête: - Take care of your skin! Organic sun care from Juice Beauty
Mademoiselle Robot: Summer holiday packing tips!
Mystery Creature: Getting inspired & can work-wear look cool?
Retro Chick: Oxfam launches DIY competition with celebrity stylist Mrs. Jones
Style Symmetry: Going Make Up Less in support of all women's natural beauty!
Super Kawaii Mama: The Fabulous World of the Himegyaru
The Coveted: Win a pair of We Love Colors Tights!
The Demoiselles: Calling all extremists! Jennifer Nicole tells us all why, in fashion, being normal is a bad thing.
Think Thru Fashion: Farrah Fawcett's Fashion Lives On: Spring trends reflect the 70s style of the Charlie's Angels actress.
Work Chic: How you can incorporate vintage dresses into your work attire with our new video series!

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I try not to be a stressball, but due to the nature of my job I usually end up with 10 million knots on my back at the end of the day. As a worrywart, sometimes I have trouble sleeping too.

Luckily for me (and you!), Nectar Essences flower sprays are one of the ways I combat my anxiety. Founder Jenny Pao used her background in holistic healing and flower essence therapy to formulate her unique product line. Each spray is 100% natural natural including wildcrafted, organic and biodynamically farmed ingredients. They're safe for kids too.

Not only are they incredibly powerful, these are also effective natural remedies that will heal your body, soul, and mind. I LOVE the De Stress formula. It has 15 flower essences (including Rescue Remedy) and is scented with ylang ylang, jasmine and palo santo oils. I had a personal trauma happen and using the spray calmed me down enough to carry on with my daily life. I also used it on a couple friends and they just ate it up. The Sleep and Awake sprays will assist with your sleeping and waking patterns.

To see the magical effects yourself, we're doing a special giveaway of the De Stress spray to one lucky reader!

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Nectar Essences giveaway http://tinyurl.com/kwedq5 ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which formula you'd like to try (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Be sure to enter 'Nectar Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link in the body. DO NOT forget to email your name & address after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically!

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Thursday, July 9, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: fragrance, giveaway, health, holistic, Lifestyle, natural ingredients, organic, organic ingredients, San Francisco, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am addicted to the Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo from John Masters Organics. The ultra-moisturizing formula makes my shampooing into such a luxurious ritual. Packed with flax seed, jojoba, borage oils, and sunflower seed oils, this shampoo is aimed at repairing damaged hair. It doesn't contain any sodium lauryl sulfate, so it won't dry the scalp and hair shaft. The ylang ylang and bergamot oils will make you feel relaxed and more calm.

I also tried the Lavender and Avocado Intensive Conditioner. It gets two thumbs up from me. On top of the wonderful lavender scent, you can practically feel the avocado oil working its magic on my hair. This is also great for color-treated hair.

If you need something to keep your hair shiny and soft, the new Shine On is a leave-in treatment that uses organic kelp as a silicone replacement. Carrot seed oil, olive oil, chamomile, and calendula also help amp up the moisture factor.

If you buy from their USDA collection, you get 20% off the entire month of July.

www.johnmasters.com

Tagged as: beauty, hair care, hair product, organic ingredients, shampoo, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Korean food is one of my fave Asian cuisines, and I'm real lucky to live near so many Korean restaurants. But for those who are curious about making bulgogi, pa jeon (green onion pancakes), or bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), you're in luck. Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee demystifies Korean cooking in her new book, Quick & Easy Korean Cooking.

With over 70 recipes, you get to learn to make different kinds of kimchi, tofu hot pot, soups, noodles, kalbi (barbecued ribs), and much more. Best of all, these recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes. Even busy folks can cook Korean dishes!

The following recipe is for one of my absolute favorite style of noodles. Try your hand at it and I know you'll love it.

Sweet Potato Noodles (Japchae)

Japchae is traditionally made for parties or celebrations, but I like to make it for a light lunch or part of a big dinner. Dried sweet potato noodles can be found in most Asian supermarkets. They are incredibly chewy but healthy and delicious. This recipe works as a side dish (banchan) or can even be served as an appetizer or light snack.

8 ounces sweet potato noodles
1/2 bunch spinach (about 4 ounces), rinsed and trimmed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 ounces beef rib-eye, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick strips
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 medium onion, sliced
3 to 4 pyongo or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 carrot, shredded or cut into thin strips
3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup sugar
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Cook the sweet potato noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Be sure not to overcook the noodles, or they will lose their chewy texture. If you like, cut the noodles with scissors into 6- to 7-inch lengths for easier eating.

Blanch the spinach in boiling water. Rinse immediately under cold water, squeeze the water from the leaves and form into a ball, and then cut the ball in half. Combine the spinach, half the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Set aside to let the flavors soak in.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, the remaining garlic, 1 teaspoon of the soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil. Stir-fry until the beef is cooked, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion, mushrooms, and carrot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the green onions and stir-fry for another minute. Remove from the heat.

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the noodles, beef mixture, spinach, remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and the sugar. Serve warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Makes 4 or 5 servings.

Recipe used with permission from Chronicle Books. Photo credits: Julie Toy

Tagged as: books, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, drink, food, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

We all know Shu Uemura has a world-class cosmetics line (heck, Madonna uses the cleansing oil), but did you know their hair care line is just as divine? For a chance to try their luxurious hair care products, Shu Uemura Art of Hair is having a spectacular sweepstakes that they're hosting through June 30.

Only one randonly-selected Grand Prize winner will win one year’s worth of Shu Uemura Art of Hair products (retail value approximately $1680.00!). Wow. So my beauties, you only have about five days left to enter! To enter, go to www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com to fill out a profile.

Other fine print: U.S. residents only. This sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on June 30th, 2009. Existing Shu Uemura Art of Hair registrants and Salon Professionals are not eligible. Consumer non–registrants must register by completing their online profile, providing their complete name, birth date, zip code and a valid e-mail address to be entered. Limit one entry per person/e-mail address.

Tagged as: beauty, contest, giveaway, hair care, Luxury, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My pal Seneca over at Bittersweet Cafe recently sent me home with some Patric Chocolate bars. Since he's a discerning chocolate connoisseur, I know these are going to be good. My taste buds confirmed this fact after a couple tastings.

Image Credit: patric-chocolate.blogspot.com

It's pretty amazing how just three ingredients (no soy lecithin nor vanilla, just cocoa beans, sugar, and cocoa butter) can achieve such a great chocolate bar. The 67% Madagascar has lilting touches of red fruit, and there's a dash of toffee at the end. The 70% bar is just as lovely, with citrus and berries flooding your palate. Both are commendable bars for the micro-batch chocolatier.

www.patric-chocolate.com

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, food, gourmet

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Known for her soulful alchemy, Yosh Han's latest Time Travel fragrances conjure up sensations from the past, present and future. Created exclusively for the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, the ten fragrances have delightful names such as Caveman, Gold Rush and Victorian Violets.

Studio 54 has white pearl, juniper, coriander, lime, champagne. It even has sparkly glitter in the bottle. I can definitely pick up the lime. On my skin it gave off a powdery finish after wearing it for a while. Utopia has notes of French vanilla, nectarine blossom, cassis and green tea. This one gives off a sensual longing of an old romance.
My favorite is Aztec. This one has warm and spicy notes of chocolate, rose, nutmeg, pink pepper, and cardamom.

All proceeds benefit 826LA, a youth writing center in LA. Get your fragrance at www.826la.org.

Tagged as: beauty, fragrance, perfume, scents, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you work as hard as I do, I'm sure you busy bees are getting sick of the usual frozen dinner and canned soup options. Well, LeGrand's pestos are here to rescue your taste buds from those boring ideas. Made fresh every week, these pestos don't have any added sugar or preservatives.

They come in a few flavors (Garden Pesto, 4 Nuts & Cheese Pesto, and Sun-dried Tomato Pesto). I love the 4 Nuts & Cheese - so flavorful and zippy. If you're not a fan of pesto, they also have mild or spicy versions of their Olive and Sun-dried Tomato Tapenade and a Lemon Confit & Pumpkin Seed Aromatic Sauce. Think of this as slow food on the go.

At 5.5 ounces, these stand-up packs have 6 servings to feed a family. I love using the pestos on my omelettes and toast! Yummmm.

For recipe ideas, go to maisonlegrand.com. They can be found at Whole Foods.

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite the occasional foggy 'June Gloom' we have here in SF, it's still summer season and we need to remind ourselves to slap on the SPF. Sun care can be a boring thing to remember, but with a few items from Juice Beauty's, it should make your sunscreen application a little bit more fun.

The non-greasy Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer is a nice everyday full-spectrum sunscreen. This chemical-free moisturizer also has a brightening hydroxy-acid complex (made with certified organic fruit juices) and age-defying peptides to refresh the sun-worn skin. For the body, the Green Apple SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer soaks right into the skin. And yes, your face and body will smell delicious, just like apple pie!

The SPF 8 Lip Moisturizers have natural mineral sun protection and also contain certified organic emollient plant oils, mango and passionfruit juices, beeswax, and honey. This trio has a clear lip color and two very sheer mineral tints. Like the products above, they also smell delish. I totally dug the non-waxy feel.

www.juicebeauty.com

Tagged as: beauty, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, SPF, sunscreen

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

When I was in Paris last month I popped by the chic Hotel des Academies et des Arts in the 6th arrondissment to try their afternoon tea at Chez Charlotte. Tucked away from the busy Montparnasse/Jardin du Luxembourg area, this intimate spot is a cozy way to fill up on delish macarons and catch your breath before heading out for more sightseeing.

Named after owner Charlotte Inchauspé, the gourmet tearoom serves FABULOUS and world-famous Pierre Hermé macarons and fragrant teas from Le Palais des Thés (I actually stood 20+ minutes in line for these macarons at Hermé's Saint-Germain store). This artsy hotel is the only hotel in Paris to serve his macarons.

If you get the chance to stay at this luxury boutique hotel, I totally recommend it. The public areas and rooms are filled with hip and ultra-modern art and decor. There's even a neat wall art you can view from the glass partitioned section of the elevator. Plus, the manager Henri is super cool. He's very helpful in helping you with any questions you might have.

hoteldesacademies.com

Tagged as: drink, food, France, gourmet, Lifestyle, Paris, travel

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)