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Friday
Feb122010

Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals Spring 2010

Usually, when I think about anything with coral shades, it reminds me of the bright orange stuff from decades past. Luckily for us, Bobbi Brown has some refreshing and modern hues from their Cabana Corals makeup collection. The line contains a whole range of corals (pink, nude, and true coral) to fit each skin tone. I myself have never owned any makeup with coral, but I'm pleasantly surprised by how well some of these products worked out. CabanaCoral_bobbibrown.jpg Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals Collection I've never tried their famous Shimmer Brick until now, but the Pink Quartz compact gave a nice, soft glow, with just a hint of warming coral. If you haven't been sleeping enough hours, this will give your face a lively visage. CoralLipColors.jpg There are five new shades for the metallic and regular lipsticks. I tried the metallic Coral Reef (medium pink coral), which lent a very light and neutral lip color. The Cabo Coral (warm pink coral) lipstick was a teensy bit too bright for my tastes, so I dabbed on the new Coral Sand (golden peach) Shimmer Lip Gloss to soften it up. The result looked so pretty I felt that perhaps springtime is really coming soon... Check out the entire collection at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com. For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Thursday
Feb112010

Coye Nokes S/S 2010 Shoes

NYC-based shoe designer Coye Nokes has a lot of sophisticated designs for her Spring/Summer 2010 collection. The theme of these lovelies is inspired by an ‘urban riviera’ – the glamour of the French Riviera combined with a metropolitan edge. Aren't the Grace wedges fun? Paired with a thin, flowy skirt and a floppy hat, the turquoise ones would be so fun to wear on a hot summer day. CoyeNokes_SS10_GraceWedge.jpg Grace Wedge in patent leather and ecru metallic Architectural lines are brought to life by a Mediterranean color palette. I love the clean and polished look on the Joan Sandal. I especially like the sexy tapered heel - it makes the overall look more feminine. This sandal also comes in a black embossed python and a cognac calf leather. CoyeNokes_SS10_JoanSandal.jpg Joan Sandal in sabbia embossed python The Grace flats look pretty comfy; these also come in coral, gold embossed python and black patent. Now, if you want height, these Grace wedge sandals should do the trick. The curvy straps on this smokin' wedge makes it on my list for Spring. CoyeNokes_SS10_Grace%20Flat_Sandal.jpg Grace Flats & Grace Wedge Sandals To view more styles, go to www.coyenokes.com.

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Wednesday
Feb102010

Radley London Comes To America

Radley fans, take note. The quirky London handbag and accessories designer has expanded across the pond! They just launched their new US website and there's lots of cute purses, totes, and wallets to add to your spring fashion wish list. Their 2010 Spring/Summer collection is also now available online. radley_alcester.jpg Radley London's Alcester Medium Multi-Way Bag The Alcester multi-way leather handbag has a pretty hand-cut corsage. The sculpted top and contrast stitching add a whimsical touch and there's tons of pockets for organizing all your stuff. A detachable strap is included if you decide to use it as a shoulder bag. marsden_radley.jpg Marsden A4 Tote As an everyday bag, the Marsden A4 Tote is perfect for work and running errands. This is a classic bag that looks polished yet the chunky woven tab adds a bit of fun to the design. ormskirk_radley.jpg Ormskirk Medium Hobo Grab Bag I do love this red shade on the Ormskirk bag. This hobo style is a new design introduction for the Spring line. The daisy flower interior fabric lining is so feminine and cute! radley_pocketMED.jpg Pocket Bag (medium size) And let's not forget their signature Pocket Bag. This best-selling model is both practical and stylish at the same time (great for thin books and notepads). The flat design is really spacious inside and the cross-body strap has a zipped pocket for cell phones. You can wear this inside or outside your jacket and it's great for travel. For more styles, check out www.radleylondon.com. For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Wednesday
Feb102010

Last Minute Valentine Gifts From Whole Foods

Crunched for time? You'd be surprised at how many neat little Valentine's Day gifts your nearby Whole Foods Market has. They have lots of options for every budget. Of course, if you need something luxe, there's always caviar and champagne too. On the low end, the Sweet Somethings gift package ($20) includes 10 tulips, EO French Lavender Bath Salts, heart-shaped Whoopie Pie with Raspberry Filling, and Numi Organic White Rose Tea. If you order this online you save about $2. If you want a more traditional gift, they also have ethically-grown Whole Trade Roses for $19.99 a dozen. wholeFoods_sweetsomething.jpg If you're a major klutz in the kitchen, there's a Valentine's Day Dinner for Two that you can pick up for $39.99. It includes a Shrimp Bisque, Spinach and Beet Salad, Root Vegetable Gratin and a Cherry Balsamic Glazed Game Hen. Not too shabby for forty bucks. And...the sweets. Coracao Confections has some healthy raw chocolates made from fair trade and organic Ecuadorian cacao. They're packed with organic superfoods and sweetened with agave nectar and coconut sugar. Best of all, these treats are wheat, gluten, soy and dairy free. WholeFoods_Valentines.jpg Just head over to www.wholefoodsmarket.com/valentines to place your order by Friday, February 12 for in-store pickup on the 14th. It's that easy. You don't need to phone them, nor do you need to visit the store until the actual holiday. (Note: Promotions valid for Northern CA & Reno stores only; check your nearby store to make sure.) For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Wednesday
Feb102010

Jimmyjane Valentine Gift Sets

Just for the naughty kids, Jimmyjane has three exclusive gift sets for Valentine's Day. These gift bundles are quite the deal, considering the mega savings you'll get (at least 50% off retail prices!). The PLAY set ($44) consists of the WINK Silk and Suede Blindfold and the EMBER Massage Oil Candle (scented with TRUFFLE + GARDENIA). Originally valued at $93, you get to save 53%. And, the silk sash from the blindfold can double as wrist restraints - fun, fun fun! If you're less adventurous, you can use it as a sleep mask. Hey, whatever floats your boat... VdayPLAY_jimmyjane.jpg If you can afford to splurge a bit, the INDULGE set is only $184 (61% off - originally $470). This deluxe pleasure set has a LITTLE GOLD silent (and waterproof) 24k Gold Vibrator, an ICONIC vibrating ring, and two EMBER Massage Oil Candles (TRUFFLE + GARDENIA and GINGER + DATE). Jimmyjane_indulgeVDAY.jpg Don't forget to check out their website for V-day goodies under $35, or the new FORM 2 vibrator. www.jimmyjane.com

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Tuesday
Feb092010

Meadowood - Romantic Paradise In Wine Country

It's truly a blessing to be living so close to one of the world's best wine regions. There are so many great wineries and things to check out. When you're all tired from the Bacchanalial pleasures, you can relax and recharge your energy at a nearby luxury resort. Of all the resorts I'd pick, Meadowood in St. Helena would be a superb choice. Located near the north end of the Silverado Trail, the elegant estate is tucked away in a secluded valley that stretches across 250 acres of trees, lush hills, lawns, and hiking trails. estatelodge_deck_meadowood.jpg The estate seems like a paradise that's far away from reality. Your mind will stop obsessing about the fifty emails that you need to deal with, and the concept of relaxation is at the forefront of your mind. If you're a nature lover, you'd be thrilled to see so many different types of trees on the property. You can spot tons of Redwoods, Oaks, Big Leaf Maples, Douglas Firs, California Buckeyes, Madrones and Bay Laurels. meadowood_cottage.jpg There are 85 cottages, suites and lodges within the resort. All of them are tucked into the hillside, so you get the utmost privacy. We stayed in one of the spacious Treeline Cottages - the wood-burning fireplace was so warm that we didn't need to turn up the heat. There are two TVs so you can literally laze about all day if you really wanted to. Since it was raining, that's what we did! meadowood_suite.jpg Naturally, the property has a two-starred Michelin restaurant. Under the leadership of Chef Christopher Kostow, The Restaurant at Meadowood is a culinary destination for those seeking a world-class dining option. The Molten Parmesan Tortellini was beyond delicious. We both picked the extremely tender Giant Humboldt Squid entree; the cheese tasting was also one of the best we've seen. For dessert, we were wowed by the rich White Chocolate and Foie Gras Ganache and the interesting combination of Beets, Rose, and Cocoa. As if that wasn't enough, soft snickerdoodle financiers were set upon the table as a finishing touch. meadowood_restaurant.jpgRestaurant_meadowood.jpg Meadowood is not just all about relaxing - there's a big emphasis on health and wellness. Tennis courts, an executive golf course, croquet lawns, and swimming pools all surround the property. If you need pointers, a resident professional for tennis, croquet, and golf can help you improve your game. If that's not enough, they even have aerobics, pilates, and yoga classes, along with an on-site personal trainer. meditation_spiral.jpg I also got to visit their spa and tried their signature Meadowood Harvest Wrap. A detoxing dry brushing started the treatment, followed by a tea tree exfoliation. A hydrating masque is then applied and you get a sleep-inducing scalp massage as you're wrapped in warm towels. To finish the buffing, a Jurlique anti-oxidant lotion is smoothed over the entire body. With this body wrap, you'll end up with soft-as-butter skin. There are lots of events going on at Meadowood. From their upcoming Valentine's Day dinner to their summer charity wine auction, this Napa Valley destination is not to be missed. If I had my way, I'd love to get hitched at this gorgeous locale. www.meadowood.com For editorial consideration, a press visit was provided for this review.

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Monday
Feb082010

graffEats Guerrilla Dinner for Valentine's Day

Is your favorite restaurant fully booked for V-day? If you're feeling a tad bit nervous about your dinner plans, graffEats Guerilla Dining has a cute Valentine's "Dinner and a Flick" dinner that will save the evening (and your hide). The five-course dinner is paired with a unique viewing of five Valentine-related short films. For more romantic stimulation, Berlin's Show Me Love Lab will also be showing an art installation about the science of l'amour. graffEATS2.jpg Chef Blair Warsham will be whipping up your dinner. His guest chef has even gone through the trouble of importing special flour and water to make the Japanese noodle dish. Live music will be provided, and you can also get the optional wine/sake/beer pairing. As always, a portion of proceeds will go towards charity. graffeats3.jpg Here's the menu: Raspberry Braised Beet Panzanella & Roasted Shallot, Goat Cheese Carpaccio Foie Gras Parfait With Granny Smith Apple Confit, Black Truffle, Hazelnut House Made Organic Japanese Noodles With Miso, Sesame, Blackened Onion Eggplant “Charred” All Natural Flat Iron Steak With Braised Mustard, Confit Potatoes, black garlic Imperial Stout Ice Cream With Dark Chocolate & Chestnut Tart graffeats_vday.jpg For tickets and reservations, head over to www.graffeats.com

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Friday
Feb052010

SenSpa Body Scrubs for Valentine's Day

Tired of giving flowers and cards for Valentine's Day? If you're looking for a holistic gift for your honey, SenSpa's Wellness Apothecary is now offering a new line of handmade body scrubs for all skin types. Using the finest organic essential oils, these scrubs have the perfect amount of exfoliation and hydration for your skin type. All three lovely recipes are custom blended by Venetia, SenSpa’s Master Aromatherapist. senspa_apothecary.jpg Made with Thai Ginger Lemongrass, the Sen Earth scrub is a warming treatment that will improve concentration, relieve jet lag, and soothe lower back pain. This one is great for sensitive skin because it contains soft bamboo as the exfoliant. Bamboo also has enough natural moisture so this one doesn't have a carrier oil. This one smells so uplifting - great for reviving your spirit. Sen Fire provides a healing effect for the body. Fragonia and Pink Peppercorn oils help promote emotional healing, improve circulation, and relieve achy muscles. This one is quite therapeutic and is great for those who need additional moisturizing, as it's in a base of coarse sugar, sunflower oil and jojoba oil. Sen_Fire.jpg The calming Sen Moon contains Clary Sage, Geranium, and Sage to reduce daily stress. This blend has sea salt, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil for its formula base. I haven't tried this one but it sounds relaxing. If you live in San Francisco, you can visit SenSpa to watch Venetia in action. You can also custom order a perfume, cologne or essential oil for your optimum wellness, so make an appointment with Venetia today! www.senspa.com For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

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Thursday
Feb042010

IFB Links a La Mode - The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

Edited by Debutante Clothing

I'm always complaining about going out to fashion events by myself - I just don't have many friends that are into fashion. While some people think fashion is frivolous and contributes nothing to the world, others are curating museum exhibits featuring 20th century clothing. This week's links made me think about the love/hate camps in fashion. Starting with Grit and Glamour's post on bloggers getting backlash from fashion insiders, Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell's refreshingly funny admission of Tavi envy, or Fab Lab's hate of people who hate. But there is some love in sight - British Style Bloggers reminds us to look in the mirror and love ourselves. Enjoy!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

IFBlinks_Feb42010.jpg A Dress & A Bike - Why breaking the love of one particular brand has been good for my personal style British Style Bloggers- Some gems to remember Debutante Clothing - Going to a Vintage Show? Insider Tips & Interview dirty hems - lacroix by lacroix Fab Blab - Why I Hate People Who Ostracize Fashion fête à fête - Review of Guerlain's Spring 2010 Cherry Blossom makeup & the new Rouge G Le Brillant lipstick Friend in Fashion - Luxe Vintage grit and glamour - Fashion's Knickers are in a Twist hello beauty! - Benefit Stay Don't Stray: An innovative new primer to lock down shadows AND concealer Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell - Young fashion blogger incites curiosity, envy Independent Fashion Bloggers - Get Out There : How To Cover Events Without Feeling Like an Idiot Lillys Roses - How to DIY your own Chanel Jade nail polish Mariel's Castle - Haute Couture 101 Model Max - MAT GORDON: The ModelWatch Interview Oranges and Apples - Top websites for ethical shopping Retro Chick - Ethical Design Spotlight - Junky Styling Styletastic - To fur or not to fur? Stylist Diva - Are Fashion Bloggers taking over the world? Tatiana Supports the Arts - Etsy Window Shopping: Queen Elizabeth I Roundup the brooklyn posh blog - He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, red hot THE COVETED - Pretty Dresses at the VioletvilleVintage.com launch White Rabbit - The inspiration behind my Merlixa Designs millinery collection [the3st] РInterview with Amy Smilovic of Tibi

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Thursday
Feb042010

Givenchy Beauty Spring 2010 & Custom Makeup Giveaway!

The Givenchy Le Makeup line loves to reinvent itself each season. For example, their Spring 2010 launch has a new Le Prisme Mono eyeshadow. Each monochrome quad has four different textures (matte, iridescent, glittering, pearlescent) for each color, so you can achieve an endless array of looks. givenchy_spring2010_YeuxMono.jpg The Dressy Indigo looks so rockin' but it's too bold for my tastes. I preferred Hip Grey 03, New Look Mauve 02, and Casual Khaki 12. These cuties are so small and thin you can easily slip a couple into your purse without bulking it up. Paired with the new Parad’Eyes Liner in Mauve Impression (mauve with white and pink pearlescent highlights), your peepers will really dazzle this season. givenchy_yeuxMono.jpg The new formula for Le Prisme Blush has a higher concentration of pigments. Delivering more bang for your buck, you can really see the color payoff. The 4 shades within the quad may be used alone or mixed together for a custom look. I tried the Aficionado Peach 23 and the coral shades gave a nice pop of color to my cheeks. Givenchy_spring2010_blush.jpg The ultra lightweight Le Prisme Visage face powder has an improved texture. The Peach Plumetis 83 and Beige Mousseline 84 shades practically blended right into my skin, giving it a very natural finish. Like the blush, this compact has a new “clap & slide” case. The magnetic compact pops open to expose the powder, and the lower drawer slides out to reveal the brush. With softer bristles and a contoured angle, the brush design is also a new feature to optimize application. For added fun, these compacts have an eyelet for attaching cell phone charms. LePrismeVisage_2010_givenchy.jpg Now, here's the fun part! Givenchy offered to do a very special Custom Color Giveaway with us! Three lucky readers will be chosen for the fabulous prizes. Each winner will receive one Le Prisme Yeux Mono eyeshadow, one Le Prisme Blush and one Le Prisme Visage face powder of their choice from this new Spring collection. Givenchy_livtyler_2010spring.jpg To Enter: Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Givenchy makeup giveaway http://tinyurl.com/ybvs28o ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which product shade 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 'Givenchy 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! Three winners will be chosen at random. Deadline is Sunday, February 14, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck! www.givenchybeauty.com For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review. This giveaway is generously sponsored by Parfums Givenchy.

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