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« January 2009 | Main | March 2009 »

February 26, 2009

IFB Links à la Mode February 26

As the lovely IFB bloggers wrapped up New York Fashion Week and headed to London, we've got lots of great fashion week coverage below. Also check out our own London Soiree which happened this week!

  • A Few Goody GumDrops - Giveaway of Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans! Enter to Win!!
  • alixrose - Interview with Monika Dasai, CEO of Sole Envie, on how her company will change the way women shop for shoes.
  • Breakfast at Saks - Christian Siriano for Payless Debuts at NY Fashion Week
  • Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - the elegance of pearls
  • Debutante Clothing - Debutante Clothing finds a red carpet worthy vintage Balmain cocktail dress
  • Dogmom’s Dish - Erickson Beamon for Target: Bodacious Brilliance to Stimulate Your Senses
  • Fabfrocks - About a million reasons why I still love Betsey Johnson…OK, not a million, but definitely more than three!
  • fashion in my eyes - Boy meets modelling
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - A Fashion Week recap, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Tibi, and Narciso Rodriguez!
  • fete a fete - Cute workout attire from IVEE
  • IFB_links2.26.09.jpg

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - Photos from Dress Up Soiree LONDON!
  • Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fashion - Favorites from Fashion Week: Rachel Roy, Peter Som, TSE, Christian Cota, and more.
  • MISS GLITZY - Her personal shoe museum, the story of I. Miller, a dynasty of American shoemakers.
  • misslikey - never forget your gloves
  • Or False Glitter - Hannah Marshall and Ipso Facto: A day of London Fashion Week
  • Shopping and Info - Loving the ruffle bags - all the rage for Spring and in the nude even better!
  • Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Oscar 2009 Hits and Misses for the lovely starlette’s that dawned the red carpet!!
  • Style Gourmand - Style Gourmand talks to Ray Chang, Art Director at Oscar de la Renta, about art, fashion and his endless search for the perfect grey suit.
  • Style Symmetry - Would you wear red eye makeup?
  • Style With Anna - Get Angelina Jolie’s 2009 Oscar Inspired Dress and Emerald Jewelry
  • THE COVETED - A visit to the house of Wendy Brandes
  • Your source for all things wicked and awesome - Kate Moss makes black magic look extra yummy in this editorial. It’s all about acessorizing in just the right way!

  • independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/02/26/links-a-la-mode-ifb-weekly-roundup-9/

    Tagged as: Accessories, celebrity, clothing, entertainment, fashion, fashion design, fashion show, jewelry, Lifestyle, shoes, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    February 25, 2009

    Givenchy Beauty at Brian Reyes NYFW

    For the Brian Reyes Fall 2009 show at NY Fashion Week, Givenchy Le Makeup creator Nicolas Degennes provided the perfect makeup to reflect the modern sophistication behind the fashion line. The focus is on the gorgeous peepers.

    givenchy.jpg


    Runway makeup doesn't mean it has to be hard. Check out the beauty tips below so you can replicate the fresh look! I love the emphasis on the lower eye line. So very French!

    givenchy_chart.jpg

    givenchy_beauty_tips.jpg

    Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, fashion, fashion design, fashion show, Lifestyle, makeup, NYC, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    ALICE chocolate

    ALICE Chocolate could be the new Louboutins of the cacao market. The beautiful sliding case packaging certainly made me learn to eat my chocolate in a more refined and dainty manner. It's akin to an epicurean ritual, like afternoon tea at the Ritz. The next time I do have tea there, I might bring these chocolates with me.

    ALICE_Timothy_Hogan.jpg
    Timothy Hogan


    With delicate citrus notes, the chewing gum sized pieces are 68% cacao and is sourced from manually-harvested Wild Amazonian Criollo (fair trade and sustainable, bien sur). Inspired by all the famous Alices in the world, one might think of Alice in Wonderland, Alice B. Toklas, Alice Prin, or our very own Alice Waters!

    Available exclusively at the chocolate salon in Bergdorf Goodman.

    www.alicechocolate.com

    Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolatier, fair trade, food, food & drink, gourmet, green, Lifestyle, shopping

    feteafete.com

    indiDenim Intellifit (update)

    My custom indiDenim jeans have finally arrived! I must say, the Intellifit scanning did a good job at delivering a custom fit. I got the SoMa bootcut design with Orchid (camel) embroidery style on the back pockets, which were so cute.

    You can still get 30% off if you do the Intellifit in person at their Emeryville office. The bf also loves the fitting on his pair, and he plans to buy another style soon.
    womens_soma_indidenim_jeans.jpeg
    (Women's SoMa jeans)


    I do wish there was an option to select the height of the hem, since not all women wear high heels. I alternate between flats and heels a lot so it'd be nice to have the jeans 1-2 inches shorter to accommodate all the heel heights.

    orchid_indidenim.jpg
    Orchid (camel) - One of the many embellishment options


    They now have 2% stretch fabrics to choose from. For the curvier ladies, they now have a plus fit (Ashbury). More options for more body types! Yay...

    Tagged as: clothing, denim, fashion, jeans, pants, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    February 23, 2009

    Clairesquares

    Caramel and shortbread lovers might get in lots of trouble with Clairesquares. Founder Claire Keane (love supporting local green biz gals!) has made a gourmet version of her native Irish Wellington squares. A thick gooey layer of caramel is topped with Belgian chocolate (milk or dark) and finished with a nice shortbread layer on the bottom. Are you drooling yet? Sugar lovers take heart - these don't have trans-fat or corn syrup.

    clairesquares.jpg


    I really love the hand-dipped Flapjacks. These treats are highly addictive. Crunchy and sweet, I can eat these toffee-flavored oat bars all day if I can only get away with it. For the allergy prone, these are also wheat-free. Yippee.

    clairesquares_flapjacks.jpg


    www.clairesquares.com

    Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, confection, dessert, food, gourmet, green, natural ingredients, San Francisco, snack

    feteafete.com

    IVEE

    After munching on so much chocolate, I am in dire need of a few workouts. Since I can't afford to hire a drill sargent to bark at me during the wee hours of dawn, getting geared up in IVEE workout clothes will be the next best thing to motivate me on my self-imposed exercise regimen.

    IVEE_Sophia_Vivian.jpg
    Sophia top in pink with white Vivian pants


    The new online site now lets you pick from the cute collection that's usually sold at the likes of Sports Club/LA. Mix and match according to your exercise alter ego. Yoga divas can try the Trinity Bamboo Terry Hoodie, a luxuriously soft outerwear that's so comfy you wanna bum around all day in it. The sustainable bamboo material also anti-microbial, for those who hate to deal with sweat and germies.

    The Ava top is adorable and a flattering fit for most body types. I liked the Vivian pants a lot - it's quite slimming for those who think they need the thinning effect.
    Ava_ivee.jpg

    Orders over $150 get free shipping.

    www.iveestyle.com

    Tagged as: clothing, fashion, green, natural ingredients, pants, shopping, sportswear, tops, workout

    feteafete.com

    February 19, 2009

    Coco-luxe New Bars

    Coco-luxe Confections just launched three new chocolate bars, and I'm happy to say they are yummy! The Roark Bar, their highest cocoa content dark chocolate bar, is an intense, high octane boom with cocoa nibs. Great for the cocoa purist, this one sure packs a punch. This one is inspired by the character Howard Roark from Ayn Rand’s The Fountain Head.

    Spumoni_cocoluxe.jpg


    I dug the Bessie - it's a rich milk bar with fun piebald patches of white chocolate. The white patches add a subtle vanilla edge to the bar, which I approve. The Spumoni is a tasty white bar with dried cherries, pistachio, and cocoa nibs. Love how the tartness of the cherries contrasted with the white chocolate. Founder Stephanie Marcon created this bar in honor of her Italian American roots.

    Do try their other bars. I like the Monkeyin' Around (milk chocolate mixed in with banana chips and cocoa nibs).

    cocoluxe_bars.jpg

    Available at gourmet retailers and at the Coco-luxe Boutique (1673 Haight Street, San Francisco) and online at Coco-luxe.com. If you go to the store, don't forget to get their award-winning caramels!

    Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate bar, confection, dessert, food, gourmet, San Francisco, snack

    feteafete.com

    PBS MASTERPIECE Charles Dickens

    Charles Dickens fans take note - the new season of PBS MASTERPIECE just began this week, and will feature an encore presentation of the “David Copperfield” with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in his first film role (3/09 - check listings), and an Andrew Davies version of “Little Dorrit” (starts 3/29), and culminating with “The Old Curiousity Shop” (5/3).

    PBS_Dorrit.jpg
    Claire Foy in Little Dorrit; BBC 2008/ Mike Hogan for MASTERPIECE


    The Brass Sisters also teamed up with PBS to develop Dickensian comfort foods (Sheila and Marilynn Brass of Heirloom Cooking with The Brass Sisters) for the MASTERPIECE Book Club. You can download recipes like Hearty English Meat Pie, Shepherd's Pie, and Irish Sponge Cake. Or Try the scone recipe below!

    Currant Cream Scones
    by Marilynn and Sheila Brass
    Makes 12 scones

    Scones were the comfort food of the Victorians. A Scottish contribution to the English culinary menu, they were enjoyed hot with butter and jam, and clotted cream. Originally made with oats, the composition of scones has become more refined because the texture of flour and sugar and the size of eggs have become more standardized. The cooks of Dickens’ time had to break up their sugar with metal nips because it came in large cones wrapped with blue paper. They also had to pulverize it to the desired grain. Flour varied from mill to mill, and eggs came directly from the hen. Scones were enjoyed by the upper and middle classes, but the ingredients were too costly for the very poorest in Dickens’ England.

    pbs_scone_dickens.jpg


    2 cups flour (plus ¼ cup for kneading dough)
    1 tablespoon baking powder
    ½ teaspoon salt
    ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    ¼ cup butter
    ¼ cup sugar
    2 eggs
    ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
    1 tablespoon grated orange zest
    1 cup dried currants, plumped in ¼ cup orange juice*
    ¼ cup sugar


    1. Set the oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cover a 14-inch by 16-inch baking sheet with foil, shiny side up. Coat the foil with vegetable spray or use a silicone liner.

    2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

    3. Cream butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Combine eggs and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream and add to butter mixture. Add grated orange zest. Add sifted dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough begins to form. Squeeze orange juice from currants and incorporate fruit into dough with your fingers.

    4. Place dough on a generously floured surface. Knead gently five times, turning corners of dough toward the center. Pat dough into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Using a floured knife, cut dough into 12 equal wedges. Using a floured wide spatula, transfer each wedge to baking sheet. Brush wedges with the remaining heavy cream and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until tops of scones are lightly brown and bottoms are golden brown. Place baking sheet on a rack and cool about 10 minutes. Serve scones warm with butter and jam. They are best when eaten the day they are made.

    *To plump currants in tea, orange juice, or water, bring the liquid to a boil, immerse the raisins, continue to boil for 1 minute and set aside to allow them to absorb the plumping liquid. If needed immediately, place in plastic container and chill in freezer for 10 minutes. If not used the same day, refrigerate and use when needed.


    Recipe originally appeared as “Marion A. Carter and M. E. Carter’s Cranberry-Orange Cream Scones” in Heirloom Baking With The Brass Sisters by Marilynn and Sheila Brass, published by Black Dog & Leventhal, Inc. © 2006 Marilynn and Sheila Brass. Photographs copyright © 2006 Andy Ryan.


    Check it out at: www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/dickens/

    For more MASTERPIECE Book Club recipes: www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/bookclub

    Tagged as: Books, celebrity, cookbooks, cooking techniques, entertainment, film, food, recipe, Television, TV show

    feteafete.com

    IFB Links à la Mode February 19

    NY NY! - The major Fashion Weeks have begun - here in New York we have some great coverage, New York favorites on Studio Purpura, threeASFOUR on The Coveted, and some Barbie thoughts on Fashion in My Eyes. Couture Allure dresses the stars in vintage, and if the recession is making you nervous Style Amour talks about what you should do if you get fired from the fashion industry.

  • Breakfast at Saks - NY Fashion Week from afar - Breakfast at Saks reviews the William Rast show
  • Consume or Consumed - Harnessing a Trend: Exposed Slips
  • Couture Allure Vintage Fashion - Dressing the Best Actress Oscar nominees in vintage.
  • dramatis personae - Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler: Booze, Beads, & Costumes–Experiencing Mardi Gras like a Local.
  • Egregiously yours - Spring look book, part one: chambray blue, luminous grey and crisp white.
  • fashion in my eyes - Barbie all the way!
  • fete a fete - shu uemura Spring Mirage mode makeup!
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - PR: Frienemy or BFF?
  • Juicy Watermelon - Juicy Watermelon Meets Hello Kitty
  • IFB_Linksalamode_feb19.09.jpg

  • Modelizing - more bergdorf loving from me
  • Or False Glitter - Adventures in heels too high to walk in
  • Retro Chick - Work, Rest & Play: Asymmetry
  • Shopping and Info - The English version of J Crew and loving the prices.
  • Solo Lisa - Danish-born, Vancouver-based designer Malene Grotrian hosts an exclusive fashion show in her studio
  • Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - New York Fashion Week Fall 2009 - Rouge reds, Bold Metallic Colors and Fur!
  • Style Amor - I GOT FIRED FROM THE FASHION INDUSTRY!: 5-Tips On How To Move On With Your Life and Career
  • Style Symmetry - Who doesn’t love Marilyn Monroe?
  • Style With Anna - Fashion Tips For The Skinny Guy
  • Summershoes - International Size Guide to find your right size around the internet
  • THE COVETED - threeASFOUR AW09/10 presentation
  • the musings of ondo lady - Wanderland Boutique, the cool pop up store that is taking Manchester by storm.

  • For more, go to: independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/02/19/links-a-la-mode-ifb-weekly-roundup-8/

    Tagged as: beauty, fashion, fashion designer, fashion show, Lifestyle, makeup tips, NYC, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    February 18, 2009

    shu uemura Mirage spring 2009

    shu uemura continues to shine with their Spring 2009 Mirage collection. The soft, playful, and light colors create an optical illusion that resemble a beautiful mirage. Using light and shadow, the gentle shades are made to enhance each woman's special features.
    shu_uemura_spring09_mirage.jpg

    The sophisticated eye shadow palettes are mellow and delicate. It looks bright, but once you finish applying the colors your eyelids end up glowing. I like the utopia a lot. It makes me feel like a female subject in a Monet painting.
    shu_uemura_09_fantasia.jpg

    Jason Hoffman, shu uemura Principal Makeup Artist, suggests the following for the Fantasia palette:

    “You can absolutely mix any combination of the three colors and layer on the lid. My favorite look for the Fantasia palette is to mix the pink and the lavender on the lid with a shu uemura Kolinsky Hair Brush, which deposits more color, then softly blend the grey into the crease. For a little more definition to the eye, add Drawing Pencil in 14 ME Light Blue, and Liquid Eyeliner in Black.”
    shu_09spring_utopia.jpg

    shu_09_mirage_14MELightBlue.jpg


    The cheek palettes are superb. The cream and powder duos are meant to be more like subtle and buildable highlighters, not like a traditional blush. The orange phase gives a more defined, sculpted look, while misty glow gives a dewy luminosity to the face.
    shuuemura_09spring_orangephase.jpg

    For the misty glow, Hoffman explains that “Both colors in the Misty Glow palette are for highlighting. The cream color, which gives a dewy glow, is great for cheeks and lips. The lighter pink powder is a great powder highlighter for eyes and cheeks. If you wanted to use both, I would layer the two, and apply the cream first and then set the cream with the powder for longer wear.”
    shuuemura_spring09_mistyglow.jpg

    Also love the lip duo tint & gloss. Perfectly soft for the springtime romantic look, this gives a fresh wash of berry red and a hint of gloss. Use alone, with the gloss, or with any lipstick.
    LipDuoTintandGloss.jpg

    Available at www.shuuemura-usa.com.

    Local SF Bay Area beauty queens can get this special spring look at the SF boutique:

    shu uemura
    1971 Fillmore St.
    San Francisco
    415-395-0953

    Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, blush, cosmetics, eye shadow, eyeliner, fashion, lip color, lip gloss, makeup, makeup tips

    feteafete.com

    Basil Hayden Wish Cocktail

    If it's trendy enough for the fashion trendsetters, it's good enough for us! Fashion lovers at NY Fashion Week were seen sipping the Basil Hayden Wish cocktail at the Cynthia Rowley show.

    rowley_NYFW_09fall.jpg
    Image by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images


    A tangy, passion-red libation inspired by Rowley’s Fall 2009 collection, it's super easy to make at home:


    1.0 oz. Basil Hayden
    .50 oz. DeKuyper Luscious Strawberry Patch
    .50 oz. Fresh Lemon Sour
    Champagne


    Shake all but champagne and strain into a chilled champagne flute.

    Top with champagne and serve with a small fresh strawberry on the rim.

    Basil%20Hayden%20Wish%20-%20CR%20Fashion%20Show.jpg
    Credit: Beam Global Spirits & Wine

    Tagged as: cocktail, cocktail recipe, drink recipe, Fall fashion, fashion, food & drink

    feteafete.com

    February 13, 2009

    Biotherm Aquasource & Multi Recharge

    Between the drying heaters and winter cold, my skin is rather knocked up lately. Luckily I don't need to deal with crocodile skin, thanks to the new Biotherm products. The Aquasource Super Hydrating Fluid came to the rescue with its concentrated hydration from thermal spring water and 70 mineral salts. I imagine it'd be perfect for long-distance flights. It's supposed to provide 24 hours of non-stop moisturizing.

    biotherm_mutirecharge_superhydrate.jpg


    Another choice would be the new Multi-Recharge Super Hydrator for exhausted skin. Ginseng is the main energizing ingredient, sending a boost to tired skin.

    Check it all out at www.biotherm-usa.com.


    Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, moisturizer, shopping, skin care

    feteafete.com

    February 12, 2009

    IFB Links à la Mode February 12

    Love is in the air...or at least it's at the checkout counter. The divisive holiday otherwise known as Valentine's Day is fast in sight. We can get stylish AND ethical gifts for Valentine's Day on Retro Chick, fun fashion gifts under $20 on Star Fashion, funny and goofy ones on Fashion Pulse Daily, and of course you can treat yourself with some sweet and feminine perfumes on The Coveted. Produzentin has put together and amazing shopping guide, and Dramatis Personae questions the value of members only sites. And if you’re sick of shopping… Style Symmetry gives great tips on hosting a clothing swap.

  • Breakfast at Saks - Must Have Shoes: Omelle
  • Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - All the rage of resin jewelry.
  • Dogmom’s Dish - Flash-tastic Golf Fashion From Across The Pond
  • dramatis personae - On Member Only Shopping Sites
  • fashion in my eyes - Miami love
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - A funny (yet fashionable) Valentine's Day gift.
  • Fasshonaburu Fashion - Winter to spring transition style tips
  • fete a fete - Fascination with Fascinators!
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - Photos you can use on your blog without breaking the law
  • produzentin - produzentin’s online shopping guide
  • IFB_linksalamode_feb12.jpg

  • Retro Chick - Have you got that Lovin’ feeling? Stylish & Ethical Gifts for Valentines Day.
  • Shopping and Info - Lilac and lavender tops and dresses in mind for the spring color of the season.
  • Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - Get the luxe look of an Alexis Mabille tie waist skirt for less
  • Star Fashion Addict - Fun valentine gifts under .00
  • Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Christopher Deane - Emerging Designers Who Embrace the Lace & Love the Chiffon!
  • Style Symmetry - How To Host a Clothing Swap Party!
  • Style With Anna - 10 Fashion Tips at the Gym
  • The Art of Accessories - Show the man in your life some love this Vday!
  • THE COVETED - Elixirs of Love
  • The Subadult Years - Ethics versus service… what is more important?
  • Thrift Eye - Shoe Typeface

  • independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/02/12/links-a-la-mode-ifb-weekly-roundup-7/

    Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, gifts, Lifestyle, shopping, Style, valentine

    feteafete.com

    February 11, 2009

    spoon Valentine Promo

    NYC catering company spoon is offering a 10% discount in honor of Valentine's Day. Locals can order the cute and homey Chocolate Love Cake, or send a loved one a Valentine's Day gift tower. I dug the Apple Butter - it's sourced from local farmers and can make a great apple pie filling.

    spoon_jams.jpg


    Just enter the code SPOONLOVE (in capital letters) to receive the discount online, bring in the blog post, or mention the code SPOONLOVE in the New York store, located at 17 West 20th Street. The offer runs through Feb 28, 2009.

    spoon_valentine_tower.jpg

    www.spoonnyc.com

    Tagged as: discount, entertaining, food, fruit, gifts, gourmet, Lifestyle, promotion, shopping

    feteafete.com

    The Trouble with Romance

    Just in time for the big Valentine's Day, there is a romance-comedy flick called "The Trouble With Romance" available on On-Demand/Pay-Per-View. Whether you're single or attached, the four vignettes explore the confusing world of relationships and why we even bother to fall in love.

    Roger Fan (Better Luck Tomorrow, Rush Hour) was hilarious as the immature, clueless boyfriend. This one is entertaining for the guys out there, since there is a funny toilet scene that you might not want to miss.

    troublewithromance.jpg
    Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Kip Pardue in "The Trouble With Romance."
    (Credit: Lacy Terell; Courtesy of Sweet Violet Films)


    David Eigenberg (Sex and the City) has a good turn as a husband who refuses to get into a threesome with his wife and a co-worker, while SF Mayor Newsom's wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Mad Men) conjures up a hallucinatory closure in the hotel bathroom with her ex-lover.

    See the trailer here:


    THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE, Directed by Gene Rhee; 88 minutes; Rated R. Available for the month of February (via On-Demand/Pay-Per-View). The film will open its theatrical engagement at the Quad Cinema in New York on February 27, 2009.

    Tagged as: celebrity, comedy, drama, entertainment, film, Film Stars, holiday, movie, TV show, valentine

    feteafete.com

    February 9, 2009

    Last Minute Valentine Gifts

    To all my V-day procrastinators - the big day is coming up this weekend, so here's some last-minute Valentine ideas...

    MarieBelle has gorgeous Valentine boxes that come in 36, 25, 16, 9 pieces of their signature truffles with cute retro graphic designs. Some truffles I liked were the Passionfruit, Spices, Gianduja, and Cardamom flavors. The deep red glamorous snakeskin-textured box is so sturdy you can reuse it as a jewelry or crafting box. Another good choice is their yummy Tropical Fruit Caramels assortment. Made from a family recipe, the handmade confections are packaged with vintage images and hand-decorated with glittery accents. Flavors include: Condensed Milk, Kiwi, Piña Colada, Guava, Strawberry, and Mango.
    MARIEBELLEValentines4.jpg


    Guilt-free flowers: Whole Foods is offering Whole Trade Roses from Ecuador for $19.99 per dozen. Producers of these flowers ensure fair wages, safe work conditions, and environmentally friendly business practices. Available at all Whole Foods Market locations in Northern California and Reno.
    Wholefoods_fairTrade_roses.jpg

    For the boys, Burberry's recently launched The Beat men's fragrance is a good option. It's quite the woody cologne (notes of leatherwood, vetiver bourbon, cedrat, black pepper, and violet leaves). It's a very strong masculine scent, different from typical men's colognes. I like it enough to wear it myself.
    the_beat_men%27s_burberry.jpg

    For those with no budget whatsoever, do it the old-school way. Letterpress designer Sarah Drake has a free printable black and white Valentine card graphic for super last-minute greetings. Just print some out and use some colored pencils to personalize! Get it at:www.sarahdrakedesign.com/shop/index.php?act=viewShop&productId=34

    sarah_drake_Valentine.jpg

    Tagged as: chocolate, flowers, fragrance, gifts, greeting cards, holiday, seasonal, shopping, valentine

    feteafete.com

    February 6, 2009

    TCHO Your Love

    TCHO has some nifty Valentine's gifts for chocolate fiends. Their Love Quote gift tins come with 12 "Chocolatey" hearts that feature great lines from Mark Twain, Robert Mitchum, e.e. cummings, Elizabeth Browning, Pearl Bailey, and Shakespeare ($25 per tin).

    These hearts are made from molds that TCHO purchased from a castle-factory in Dresden, Germany. Many chocolate hearts were made during and after the Cold War from these molds. So when you give these away, you are also giving a piece of history. Super neat-o.

    TCHO_Valentines.jpeg

    Alternatively you can also get your loved ones a Cube with 5 Hearts for $9. It includes a heart card for you to write a love note.


    *Don't forget to submit a picture of you and your sweetie in a smooch to their "TCHO Your Love" gallery on their home page!


    Available at www.tcho.com/store/valentine or at the TCHO Beta Store on Pier 17 in San Francisco .

    Tagged as: chocolate, food, gifts, gourmet, Lifestyle, San Francisco, shopping, valentine

    feteafete.com

    Colorescience

    I think I might have found a mini fountain of youth. The Colorescience Line Tamer SPF 20 does the trick in fuzzing out redness, pores, and fine lines. It won't work if you have major sun damage, but I used a small amount (about half a pump) and it magically minimized the feathery forehead lines and pores. I am not leaving the house without this on!

    Colorescience_line_tamer.jpg

    Good for all skin types, this is a brightening skin spackle. Just dot it on and smooth into the skin. It has SPF 20 and smells nice (lavender), so that is a lovely bonus. Your face is evened out so you won't need as much makeup or foundation. If you're blessed with great skin in the first place, then this can be your foundation.

    For photo shoots and special events, get the Finishing Brush for touch ups. The rice starch and oat protein will absorb the oil, and transitional pigments help maintain perfect makeup color in any light. I liked the clear Invisibly Matte, while Snow Leopard softens sallow undertones.
    colorescience_finishbrush.jpg

    www.colorescience.com

    Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, face powder, makeup, makeup primer, powder, SPF, sunscreen

    feteafete.com

    February 5, 2009

    Charles Krug 2007 Sauvignon Blanc

    This year, it's pretty wise to stay in for V-day, unless you want exorbitant menu prices and crazy couples next to ya (See the amusing sfgate.com article).

    Instead of wining and dining extravagantly, why not cook at home and get some quality wine without breaking the budget? Napa's Charles Krug has a nice, bright 2007 Sauvignon Blanc for $18. If you join their wine club it's only $14.40.

    krug_sauvignonblanc.jpg


    Tropical and crisp (notes of guava, grapefruit, and melon), this gold medal winner is a friendly one to get for a party or an intimate dinner. This is straight from Napa Valley's oldest winery, which grows their grapes organically. Very drinkable by itself or with many dishes.

    charleskrug.com

    Tagged as: dinner, drink, entertaining, food & drink, gifts, holiday, napa, organic, valentine, wine, wine country, winery

    feteafete.com

    IFB Links à la Mode February 5

    Allrighty, ladies and gents...this week's Independent Fashion Bloggers' Links à la Mode is served. Enjoy!

    This week we have lots of lovely things: John Waters Inspiration from Mademoiselle Robot, Menswear inspiration from Solo Lisa; 39thandbroadway contemplates equality in the fashion industry; Or False Glitter talks about negative male perceptions on style; Fete a Fete dishes out new Givenchy Spring colors, and reLYME dishes new Smashbox beauty.

  • 39thandbroadway.com - We are fierce, fabulous, fashionable women; now show us our freakin money!
  • A Few Goody GumDrops - Interview with fashion editor Lien Ta about Oscar Style and Fashion!
  • Calgary Fashion - Calgarian Up and Coming Designer raises the bar for Project Runway Canada contestants.
  • Couture Allure - An open letter to Blumarine about body image in their advertising.
  • fashion in my eyes - Tour de Paris
  • féte à féte - Givenchy spring beauty colors!
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - IFB wants you to DRESS UP for a global soirée
  • Iwanttowearit. - Karl and Katsyua Kamo rock the paper and scissors for the Chanel couture show!
  • LeCityKitty - An even edgier option of blacl polish, Flatte Black by Knock Out. Oui Si Chic
  • Little Black Book - Exploring the fusion of fashion and music through singer songwriter Lady GaGa
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  • Mademoiselle Robot - Worshiping John Waters & getting inspired by his films
  • Modelizing - bergdorf goodman 5f window display
  • Or False Glitter - Pondering negative male perceptions of my style!
  • reLYME - Smashbox new spring live brings out your inner muse.
  • Shopping and Info - Angelina Jolie's Hippie Chic black dress for Spring 2009.
  • Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - Menswear-inspired looks for the ladies
  • Style Symmetry - Eyeliah sits for 10 artists to paint her portrait… not naked!
  • Style With Anna - Valentine’s Day Contest - Win This Fabulous Necklace!
  • Technology Starlet - Journey of a Pro Fashion Techie and her HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition
  • THE COVETED - Packing light for the compulsive over packer.
  • the musings of ondo lady - Meet Chanel Ward, the fab blogger who brings us Hip Candy and 6 other blogs including Michele O. Style.
  • Tagged as: beauty, entertainment, fashion, fashion design, giveaway, Lifestyle, music, shopping, Style, Trends

    feteafete.com

    February 4, 2009

    Armani Onde

    Armani's new Onde fragrance collection is nothing short of dazzling. Inspired by the exotic journeys to the East, each of the three perfumes (Vertige, Mystere, and Extase) are encased in beautiful vintage-inspired bottles and colored silk tassels. They're so pretty you want to collect them all.
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    Vertige has a very floral feel. It consists of the lush frangipani flower, with splashes of jasmine. Black liquorice and patchouli help round it out, sending us on a whirlwind tour of the Kama Sutra. The bottle is designed after the temples of India.

    Representing Japan, Extase is all about the powdery mimosa, Egyptian jasmine, and narcissus. This is the sweetest fragrance out of the group, but it's very likable. Really flowery scents usually aren't my thing, but the pink pepper, Sicilian Bergamot, and cedar balanced it out.

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    Mystere is my favorite of the trio. Starting out spicy and rather bold, the incense and amber go surprisingly soft towards the end of the first sniff. Moroccan Rose and vanilla takes the edge off this sumptuous scent. This one takes us through a sensual trip to the Middle East. I really like this- it will definitely seduce the boys.

    The ONDE Collection is available beginning in February exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and online at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

    Tagged as: beauty, fashion designer, fragrance, gifts, holiday, perfume, scents, shopping, valentine

    feteafete.com

    Harvard Sweet Boutique

    Harvard Sweet Boutique knows how to pack a punch for sweet tooth gals like me. Founder Sue George makes a mean fudge brownie, that's for sure. Their cute packaging is also very enticing, with green-and-white polka dotted and checkerboard boxes (reusable too - how green!). Your taste buds can tell that everything is made from scratch.

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    I practically inhaled the Chocolate-Glazed Macadamia Caramel Shortbread Bar. Talk about a quadruple threat. Choco, nuts, and sticky caramel on top of a buttery shortbread layer. The Buttercrunch cookies and Chocolate Toffee cookies are addictive too. Ditto for the Milk Chocolate Almond Tofffee.

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    For your sweetheart, you can send the Valentine Tower. Filled with decadent Raspberry Chocolate Brownies, Sweetheart Shortbread Cookies, and truffles galore, it will be a hit for your darling.

    www.harvardsweetboutique.com

    Tagged as: brownie, chocolate, cookies, dessert, food, gifts, pastries, shopping, snack, toffee, valentine

    feteafete.com

    February 3, 2009

    Fascination with Fascinators

    Lately I've been on a huge fascinator hat kick. Already a fan of vintage clothing, I longed for the days when I could dress up in glam outfits like my grandmother did when she was swinging out on the dance floor. When I saw fascinators being in vogue again, I've been on a mad mission to collect these beautiful pieces.

    This Milly fascinator from HairFascinators.com is so cool! I can't carry this color off, but maybe one in red...or just classic black.
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    This Nicole fascinator from the Hems and Bustles shop on Etsy is great for brides, but I'm tempted to get it for myself! It will be so cute for tango dancing. You can use it with a headband or birdcage veil.

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    Nicole bridal fascinator from Hems and Bustles


    JoomiNYC has some neat 4-inch ones dotted with Swarovski Crystals, silk flowers, feathers, and jeweled ribbons.
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    Tagged as: Accessories, bridal, fashion, fashion design, hats, Lifestyle, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    Kiehl's Simply Mahvelous Lip Glosses

    Kiehl's just introduced four new neutral shades of their Simply Mahvelous lip gloss collection:

    · East Village Vibe - Rich, creamy milk chocolate tone
    · Lights on Broadway - Earthy rose tone with light shimmer
    · Mahvelous Mauve - Creamy medium soft plum tone
    · New York Nude - Medium sand dune tone

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    The Lights on Broadway is so light it basically amplified my natural lip color with a nice sheen. I dug the rich moisture factor from the the mango seed, grape seed, and apricot kernel. They help make it smell so nice and tropical!

    They also have a special Valentine's gift lip gloss trio.


    Buy it at www.kiehls.com.

    Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, gifts, holiday, Lifestyle, lip color, lip gloss, makeup, shopping, valentine

    feteafete.com

    February 2, 2009

    Lundberg Family Farms

    In an attempt to eat healthier, I tried the Lundberg Family Farms' gluten-free Penne Brown Rice Pasta for dinner the other night. It was a nice surprise to see that being healthy didn't mean taste had to be compromised. The penne had a nice al dente texture (not mushy at all - yay!) and held its shape after boiling it according to instructions. The recipe suggestions on their site are great for a quick meal at home when you're too tired to make a grand feast.

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    I also really liked the organic Tamari with Seaweed Rice Cakes as a snack. They're packed with twice the amount of brown rice (compared to other rice cake brands) so it's double the flavor. The farm runs a sustainable practice (doesn't grow GMO varietals), so it's friendly on your body and for the planet.

    www.lundberg.com

    Tagged as: eco-friendly, food, gluten-free, green, healthy, healthy snacks, non-GMO, organic, pasta, snack

    feteafete.com

    Sidlab Haute Smoothing System

    Sidlab Haircouture's new Haute Smoothing System is great for those who need to tame the crazy curls or frizzies. It consists of three treatments - the haute one smoothing shampoo, haute two conditioner, and the haute three smoothing gel. Also great for fine hair, the products will get rid of any winter static flyaways. This system will make your hair super shiny and smooth - you'll want to touch your hair again and again.

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    For healthy hair you might not even need the conditioner, but dry hair will really soak it up. These are Paraben and Sodium Laureth Sulfate-free, so it's a good option if you're trying to eliminate harsh chemicals from your daily hair care.

    www.sidlabhair.com

    Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, eco-friendly, hair care, hair product, shampoo

    feteafete.com