I'm so glad that floral designs are in for Spring fashion. Coach has some adorable jewelry that feature shiny, glitzy flower-shaped pieces. These would go so well with springtime dresses and skirts.

Daphne Flower Y Necklace & Stone Flower Ring

I also like this sequined silk ponytail scarf. So very retro. You can wear it in your hair, around your neck, or tie it on your purse. I can see myself wearing one for an Easter brunch, or while riding a bike on a sunny day. Spring officially begins next weekend - I'm so excited!

Multi Bias Texture Op Art Ponytail Scarf

See more styles at www.coach.com.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, necklace, rings, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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 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 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 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.

Emma Honeycomb Stud ballet flat in Iris

www.thefryecompany.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: Accessories, boots, fashion, leather, sandals, shoes, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

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!

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

Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, fashion, jewelry, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Party All Night metallic leather sandals

www.kennethcole.com

Tagged as: Accessories, clothing, dress, fashion, sandals, shoes, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

Tagged as: beauty, concealer, cosmetics, makeup, SPF

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, hair care, hair product, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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 Day Night Earrings & Celeste Earrings

Most of these pieces are available exclusively through Barneys New York. Some designs are available via www.larkspurandhawk.com.

Tagged as: earrings, fashion, jewelry, Luxury, necklace, rings, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

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 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 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 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 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.

Tagged as: fashion, fashion designer, footwear, Luxury, shoes, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, blush, cosmetics, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

Grace Flats & Grace Wedge Sandals

To view more styles, go to www.coyenokes.com.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, fashion designer, leather, Luxury, shoes, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 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 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 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!

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.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, Handbags, purse, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

Tagged as: chocolate, dessert, food, gift, Northern California, San Francisco, shopping, valentine

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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...

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).

Don't forget to check out their website for V-day goodies under $35, or the new FORM 2 vibrator.

www.jimmyjane.com

Tagged as: gift, holiday, Lifestyle, Luxury, San Francisco, shopping, valentine

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

Tagged as: body care, body wash, essential oil, gifts, health, holiday, holistic, organic, San Francisco, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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

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] – Interview with Amy Smilovic of Tibi

Tagged as: beauty, fashion, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeshadow, giveaway, makeup, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Shu Uemura is channeling the sexy glam rock icon this Spring. Inspired by the stage lighting from a Parisian discotheque, their new Egerie 2010 Mode Makeup collection helps you unleash your inner rock star with ease and sophistication. This line is for the modern spirit who wants to rebel yet remain elegant at the same time.

The Eye Shimmer Duo consists of two separate products. The first item is a liquid shimmer base. You start with a thin layer over the eyelid, then finish with a swath of sparkling powder. You can actually wear the liquid base by itself for an alternate look, but the finishing powder amps up the glam factor. It also has an interesting texture - it looks like a grainy powder but as you blend it into the lid it has a smooth feel that you expect from a solid cream-to-powder eyeshadow.

I liked the Glint Blue (brown base & silvery blue powder) and the Starry Violet (grey base & lavender-pink powder) shades. They're completely buildable, so you can use it for either day or night looks. This product will definitely draw everyone's attention to your eyes.

As for the face, the creamy Satin Radiant Stick comes in two shades. The Highlight stick adds a very light pink-white shimmer to the forehead and upper cheekbone, while the Blush color brings a natural and healthy glow to the 'apple' of the cheek. It's totally user-friendly - you can't over apply since it's so light. You also don't have to worry about using it in natural light. It would be pretty hard to end up like a kewpie doll with this product.

Katie White of The Ting Tings was smokin’ at the Grammys with the Egerie colors. The indie-rocker, whose band was nominated for the “Best New Artist”, rocked a sultry look created by celebrity makeup artist Amy Chance. Incorporating Katie's signature mod look, Amy worked her magic and shared her tips:

“I prepped Katie's skin with shu uemura’s red:juvenus revitalizing retexturing cream. I then used their new UV Under Base Fluid underneath her eyes and to her cheek bones. I used Armani Luminous Silk foundation to even out her skin tone, and then applied shu uemura’s Glow On blush in M Pink 31 on the apples of her cheeks. I highlighted the top of her cheek bones with Glow On in P Gold 94.

Credit: Getty Images

On Katie's eyes, I used shu uemura's new Eye Shimmer Duo in Glint Blue so her eyes would sparkle under the lights on the red carpet. We then used the Pressed Eye Shadow in Black 990 IR in her crease to deepen her eyes and give her a "mod", vintage look. I lined her top lids with Painting Liner in Black, and then lined her lower lid with the Drawing Pencil in ME Black. I accented her lashes with Individual Flare Lashes and Precise Volume Mascara.

Katie loves pink cheeks and lips, so to give her a final pop of color, and stay with her retro mod look, we finished her lips with Gloss Unlimited PK 344, a gorgeous bright pink. We finished her skin with Armani Fluid Sheer foundation to even out her skin tone and give it a bit of shimmer.”

www.shuuemura-usa.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, blush, cosmetics, eyeshadow, makeup, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ladies and gents, V-day is just around the corner. If you happen to forget the flowers and love notes, do not forget about the chocolates! Recchiuti Confections has all the gourmet goodies to help you play cupid this Valentine's Day.

For a very limited time, the brand-new XO Box contains two types of chocolates to make your sweetheart smile. Each dark chocolate cherry truffle contains a candied cherry that's slightly tart and not too sweet. The rest of the box is filled with some of the most drool-worthy burnt caramel champagne hearts known to man. The intense salty-sweet caramel is gently caressed by Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs. I promise you, these will make your lover swoon...

If you want to give something more playful, the Valentine edition of the Candied Hazelnuts will win his or her heart. These toasted burnt caramel hazelnuts are coated in milk chocolate and finished with a satisfyingly crunchy candy shells. Don't underestimate these little treats - big things do come in small packages.

From now until 2/14, the website is offering an automatic 20% discount on all products on www.Recchiuti.com! Need I say more? So get down to the Ferry Building or order online today....before they run out of your favorite chocolates!

www.Recchiuti.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gift, gourmet, holiday, San Francisco, shopping, valentine

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Guerlain's Spring 2010 makeup colors emulate the first blush of springtime romance. Inspired by the delicate shades of the Far East, the Cherry Blossom collection is filled with fresh hues of pinks, corals and violet. From packaging to color payoff, this is just a stunning line.

After a cold, wet, and harsh winter, you just want to dive into these beautiful colors. The Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs eyeshadow palette in Jeu d'Ombrelles is a kaleidoscope of purple, blue violet, pearlescent pink and white. The purples look dark in the image, but it actually goes on lightly, so it's easy to build up to a nighttime look.

The Blush Eclat in Cherry Blossom resembles an intricate part of a geisha's silk kimono. Isn't this just gorgeous? The light pink and coral shades are accented with shimmering rose to create the perfect flush on the cheeks. This is fairly pigmented, so don't slap this on.

It's all about the lips this spring, at least according to Guerlain. Replacing the Maxi Shine formula, the new KissKiss Strass delivers maximum sparkle to your lovely lips. Available in ten permanent shades, I'm particularly in love with the shimmery Rouge Broderie 321 shade (bright raspberry) and the Rose Strass 361 (sheer pink).

For the Rouge G addicts, there is a new Rouge G Le Brillant formula. Yes, ladies, this coveted lipstick collection now features ten additional colors for you to play with. I like Bella B63 (deep rose) and Bianca B21 (pink-coral). It has the same creamy texture as the original formula but this one adds a shiny finish, giving you more flirting power. C'est jolie, n’est-ce pas?

www.guerlain.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, blush, eyeshadow, Lifestyle, lipstick, Luxury, makeup, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

In honor of Valentine's Day (yup, it's coming up real soon!), Linnea's Lights has a very meaningful gift idea for the women in your lives. As a featured scent for the romantic holiday, the small family-owned company is selling a special edition of their popular Currant Rouge hand-poured soy candle.

Sadly, for many women suffering from violence across the world, they won't be celebrating V-day. For this very reason Linnea's Lights will be donating 10% of sales to Vday.org to stop the violence. This partnership is indicated by the red heart-shaped stamp on top of the Currant Rouge candle lid.

Of course, if fruit-based scents aren't your lover's preference, there are other scents to ignite the flames of desire. The Amber is sensual but not too overwhelming - it's definitely magnetic with Egyptian Musk blended into the formula. Linden is a clean and fresh floral scent for those who like an everyday fragrance for their home.

Online retailers that sell Linnea's Lights candles: linneaslights.com/locations.php

To find out how you can help end violence against women and girls, visit: www.vday.org

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: candles, fragrance, gifts, holiday, shopping, special events, valentine

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I have to admit, I like to sleep in on some mornings. As a result I end up tap dancing my way through a 15-minute rush so I can dash out the door. I splash water on my face, slap on the SPF and lipstick and I'm good to go.

As a new year's resolution I'm making more time for myself, even if it's building a few extra minutes into my beauty regimen. To make things easy, Clarins has a new Gentle Beauty Soap that works well for my routine.

As their first organic product (certified by ECOCERT) it contains 83.5% organic ingredients (shea butter and hazelnut oil) and has less air than traditional soaps. This means it has a greater mileage for you and it lathers up wonderfully. The light citrus scent is uplifting and works well as a body and face soap, so you can also wash your face in the shower.

If you prefer a liquid cleanser, the popular Gentle Foaming Cleanser will remove dirt without drying the skin out. Enriched with cottonseed and katafray bark extract, it'll protect the skin from the drying effects of hard water. The tamarind fruit acid also helps clear blocked pores by eliminating dead skin cells.

For best results, Clarins recommends their unique suction cleansing method, which was developed by founder Jacques Courtin Clarins:

-Squeeze cleanser into hands and apply to face using quick, tapping motions working from inside out. You will hear a slight suction sound as the cleanser removes dirt and impurities.

-Rinse cleanser off the face with cool water and follow with toner. This is more effective than rubbing cleanser into the face as the dirt will create microscopic tears on the skin's surface which lead to breakouts and irritation. It also is gentler than tugging at the skin which causes wrinkles by stretching the skin.

us.clarins.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, body care, Cleanser, facial cleanser, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, soap

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Eminence Organics has a really comprehensive and award-winning organic skin care line, but it's great to see that they finally launched a collection of USDA Organic Certified personal care products.

Perfect for the harsh winter, the Shea Butter & Mint Moisture Balm will smooth out all your rough spots. The refreshingly minty balm is packed with organic avocado, shea butter, and tea tree to address cracked feet, elbows, and knees. I do like how it delivers lots of moisture without leaving a greasy residue. The twist-up applicator is also super convenient for the gym or travel.

Want soft and germ-free hands? The non-drying and chemical-free Tea Tree & Mint Hand Cleanser is enriched with organic chamomile, aloe vera and tea tree oil. The 2 ounce size is great for travel bags and larger purses, so you can always get clean hands when you can't locate a nearby restroom. If you want more peppermint goodness, also try their new Vanilla Mint Hand Cream.

eminenceorganics.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, moisturizer, organic, shopping, skin care, Winter

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Some of you might have learned about Caroline Chu skin care earlier this year, and the lovely Ms. Caroline has kindly offered to host another fabulous beauty giveaway!

Just for the holidays, we're giving away a deluxe Facial & Body Care Holiday Set to one lucky reader. This set includes full-size bottles of Caroline Chu fragrance, body lotion, gentle facial cleanser, and shower gel (retail value $124).

For a limited time, you can also get a 20% discount (use code: feteafete20) on www.carolinechu.com. The discount is valid now through December 30. To make things even sweeter, a free gift is also included with purchase.

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Caroline Chu giveaway http://tinyurl.com/yjs6buj ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which product 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 'Caroline Chu 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, December 24, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Caroline's products are also available on Zappos.com and QVC.com. Check them out!

This giveaway is generously sponsored by Caroline Chu Skin Care & Cosmetics.

Tagged as: beauty, gifts, giveaway, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Recchiuti Confections just started their Twelve Days of Christmas promotion! For the next two weeks they'll be announcing daily specials (discounts, contests, special events, prizes, etc.) for the holiday season.

Here's your chance to taste some of the world's best chocolate confections. And, if you follow them on Twitter you get to learn about discount codes (15% off when you enter or mention the code JOLLY online or at their SF retail shop).

Get the yummy Christmas Motif Chocolates (signature Burnt Caramel flavor) for your loved ones. Or try the amazing Candied Orange Peel Box. Each piece is hand cut and candied in-house, and the superb quality shows off the artisan technique. I usually don't like candied orange peel because it's so bitter but these are so delicious.

The Key Lime Pears are also sublime. These delicately thin pear crisps were baked in tart key lime juice, then dipped in chocolate. If you want something way more decadent, the newly formulated Peanut Butter Pucks should do the trick. Despite its richness, it's still quite hard to eat just one piece.

www.recchiuti.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolatier, food, gifts, gourmet, holiday, San Francisco, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Linnea's Lights has a great collection of eco-friendly candles to light up your holiday festivities. Made of soy wax, pure essences, and lead-free cotton wicks, the line is named after the founders' Swedish lineage and the national flower of Sweden.

The holiday scents include Pomander (orange, clove, winter spices), Winter (spruce, mint, cinnamon, cranberry), and Fir. If you want something fruitier, other great options are Fig (with peach and vanilla), Currant Rouge (with citrus and tart apple), and Cassis (blackcurrant and green herbs).

Packaged in recycled materials, each of the double wicked candle burns up to 60 hours. The handcrafted candles are also triple-scented so it will maintain a strong and steady fragrance throughout the entire burn. The package also contains a little matchbox, which is a thoughtful touch.

www.linneaslights.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: candles, fragrance, gifts, holiday, scents, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you managed to plan ahead and bought some holiday gifts, you now have the fun job of wrapping them up! I do love some of Snow & Graham's holiday gift wrap and stationery. The designs definitely put you in cheerful spirits.

Isn't this Gum Drops gift wrap fun? Makes me think the Sugar Plum Fairy is about to drop in for a visit. Ditto for the Cardinals design. So darling!

Their boxed letterpress greeting cards are also lovely. They're printed on really thick stock so it has a luxurious feel to them. The Cherry Blossom and Snowflake designs are especially lovely. And don't forget to get a few noteBlocks for everyone. They'll remember you all year long as they scribble their notes on these cuties.

www.snowandgraham.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: gifts, greeting cards, holiday, shopping, stationery

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

If you need to buy some gourmet chocolate, Valrhona is making your holiday entertaining and shopping a bit easier. Their new online shop has all their great chocolate products (baking bars, retail bars, etc.), and they even have a new and elegant packaging to boot.

The dried fruit and nut confections within the impressive Equinoxe collection are so addicting that I had to really control myself from eating the entire box. The Milk Fig and Biscuit box had the perfect combo of alternating tastes and textures. You can crunch on a buttery biscuit pearl that's encased in creamy milk chocolate, then later chew on a chocolate-covered piece of dried fig. Trust me, it's absolutely delicious.

If figs are not your thing, there's always the lovely Gianduja Almonds and Hazelnuts box. For a really deluxe array of treats, you can get everything in the large Equinoxe Collection Box. This contains Almonds & Hazelnuts covered with Dark and Milk Chocolate, Biscuit, and Candied Orange Peel.

Or, if you're watching your waistline, the cute new mini-canisters of Crunchy Pearls and Candied Orange Rind (sooo good) will ensure that you won't over-indulge.

For more tempting ideas, the Mendiants are little disks of milk and dark chocolates, each topped with a hazelnut pearl, dried apricot and pistachio. These are so pretty that they'd look fantastic on a silver tea tray.

I also liked the Palmira bar from the Estate Grown Bar collection. With notes of honey and nuts, this bar featured select Criollo beans from the Palmira plantation in Venezuela. The Ampamakia bar from Madagascar ran a close second for me, with notes of cherry plum and plum.

For a limited time, if you buy more than $65 worth of products, you get free ground FedEx shipping.

www.valrhona-chocolate.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, food, gifts, gourmet, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The gals over at Benefit Cosmetics know how to give some good bargains. You don't have to spend a huge fortune on their holiday makeup and you'll end up looking super fab with their party-prepping color sets.

The new Glitz Glam & Gloss set ($26) features 6 new shimmering lip gloss shades. Each gloss comes with a specially-designed soft cushion paddle to make application easy. These glosses also smell like fruity bubble gum.

This set comes in the following colors:

Friends in High Places (sparkling raspberry)
Kiss You (clear fuchsia)
Almost Famous (copper penny)
Zone Out (golden nude)
I'm With The Band (golden pink shimmer)
Fresh-Squeezed (pink grapefruit)

For the gals who travel a lot, the Celebutante Personal Stylist Makeup Kit ($34) contains some of Benefit's most popular makeup products, all in one cute and lightweight travel-ready box. This kit even comes with a mini pamphlet that shows you how to use the makeup, so you don't even have to stress about it. How handy is that? This popular item seems to be sold out on Benefit's website but the HSN site seems to have some kits left, so hurry along before they are totally gone.

This awesome kit includes:

High Beam Complexion Enhancer
Benetint lip and cheek stain
Dallas Face Powder blush & bronzer
Lip Gloss in I'm with the Band (shimmering, pale pink-beige)
Full Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice (naturally nude)
Full Finish Lipstick in No Competition (medium heathered plum)
Velvet Eyeshadow in Leggy (pink nude)
Velvet Eyeshadow in Dandy Brandy (copper spice)
Dual-ended fluff shadow/talent brush
Small face powder brush

www.benefitcosmetics.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, gifts, holiday, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Diptyque has some luxurious gifts for this holiday season, and it's quite hard to choose which one to get for your loved ones. Every scent I've smelled from this Parisian company is quite bewitching.

To bring in a festive environment, the new trio of Holiday Limited-Edition Candles are a lovely addition to the home. Available in Roasted Chestnut, Evergreen, and Resin, these gorgeous candles are housed in colorful and elegant glass containers ($68). If those are not in the budget, there are also mini candles ($28) to consider. They come in the following scents: Feu de Bois (Firewood), Pomander (Orange/Clove), Cannelle (cinnamon), Amber, and Pine.

The new milled soaps are great (and affordable) stocking stuffers for the fragrance addict. I was especially entranced by the Do Son (tuberose, orange tree leaves, rose, benzoin, iris, and white musk) soap. I'm not a huge floral gal but this one really surprised me with its freshly intoxicating scent. I was also very happy to see it available in the unisex L'Ombre dans L'Eau (black currant leaf and Bulgarian rose). These soaps are so fragrant it made my bathroom smell so nicely. They also lather up beautifully. The soap collection also features scents of Philosykos, Tam Dao, and L’eau ($15 each or three for $38).

www.diptyqueparis.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: candles, fragrance, gifts, holiday, Luxury, scents, shopping, soap, Winter

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Vosges Haut-Chocolat has some mouthwatering chocolate flavors for the holidays. Their lovely Holiday Truffle Collection pays homage to nostalgic Victorian holiday traditions. This limited edition collection is also adorned with a keepsake Jonathan Adler peace sign ornament.

Be prepared to be wowed with updated twists on classic flavors like Holiday Plum Pudding. I really loved the creamy and decadent Mascarpone and Ceylon Cinnamon Snap (Italian mascarpone, Ceylon cinnamon, organic sour cream, 45% deep milk chocolate). The Candy Cane Peppermint (All natural candy cane, peppermint, 65% dark chocolate) is deeply refreshing and the Eggnog and Jamaican Rum (Appleton Estate rum, Grenadian nutmeg, ginger, Dominican Republic white chocolate) is just amazing if you love eggnog.

For more chocolate bliss, the Marchesa Casati Truffle Collection is a luxurious pearl that is meant to be slowly savored. This collection is named after Luisa Casati, one of the most scandalous figures of the early 20th century. She inspired chocolatier Katrina Markoff to create a sinfully delightful black sea salt caramel that's enrobed in 85% bittersweet dark chocolate. These precious truffles are then showered with real freshwater pearl dust. This is a rare and special collection and it will run out, so get yours soon!

Vosges also has an exclusive holiday discount code! Just type in BLGF09 at checkout and you'll get a 10% discount from now through December 31, 2009.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gifts, gourmet, holiday, limited edition, Luxury, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

If you need a gift for that someone special, Jimmyjane has some sensual ideas for you. These fun items are guaranteed to place a smile on their lips.

The EMBER candle range is featuring a new special edition scent, Absinthe + Sugar Water. This sweetly sexy candle contains notes of fennel and anise to heighten your senses. It also smells a bit masculine so both men and women will stick to this like catnip.

As you inhale this intoxicating aphrodisiac scent, you can also pour the melted oil onto your partner's skin. Not only does it make for a stimulating massage, the oil will moisturize with its spa-grade jojoba, shea butter, Vitamin E, soy, aloe and other botanical extracts. This lead-free candle also contains a clean-burning cotton wick and will last 72 hours.

To compliment the EMBER, the Contour Q ceramic massage stones will work those tough kinks out. This latest addition to their massage line contains two designs that are meant for the pressure points. One has soothing rippled grooves while the other has stimulating bumps of varying sizes. You can also soak these in warm water for a hot stone massage effect, or cool them in the fridge to stimulate the circulation. Or...for more fun, check out their tutorial on how to use these fantastic massage stones.

For those who want something naughtier, JimmyJane just launched their new FORM 2 Rechargeable Waterproof Vibrator. This was part of a design collaboration with industrial designer Yves Behar.

The tip of each ear is individually powered for simultaneous stimulation, and this compact design is supposed to provide more intensity than other comparable products. With five intensity levels and four vibration modes, you're in for the ride of your life.

www.jimmyjane.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: candles, gifts, holiday, Lifestyle, Luxury, massage, San Francisco, shopping, vibrators

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

If you didn't get to participate in the Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping madness, here are some holiday gift ideas for your loved ones. Heck, get some of these goodies for yourself - you need some pampering too!

Newly released in the U.S., Argento represents the spirit of Argentinean wines. They're reasonably priced (under $20) and are so easy to pair with holiday food. I especially liked the elegant 2008 Bonarda and the 2008 Malbec from the Reserva Range - both are extremely smooth and drinkable with meat dishes. The Torrontes is a lovely white, with notes of peach, citrus, mint, and eucalyptus.

With the dry and cold weather, we need the Bamford Body Organic Collection to nourish our alligator skin. Made with 99% organic ingredients, the chamomile body oil and body lotion are both lovely and soothing.

To stave off the extra pounds, don't forget to get some Huge Lips Skinny Hips lip gloss. Not only will your appetite shrink from the hoodia, you lips will also plump up nicely! My personal favorite shade is the holiday-ready Red Sole.

For those who are looking for an eco-friendly accessory, Escama Studio has some ingenious purses and jewelry that are made from recycled aluminum tabs. These are designed in San Francisco and the Brazilian artisans that hand craft them are ensured a fair living wage.

For cult fans of Burritoeater.com, the website has some cute T-shirts for the guys. They are only $15 (price includes shipping!) and makes a fun statement for the burrito-loving men in your life. The back of the shirt also has a slogan, "Bite, Chew, Mull." Smart words to live by for the burrito fiend.

If you've never heard of Meaghan Smith, you soon will. This up-and-coming Canadian singer has a really beautiful voice, and she just released a heartwarming holiday EP called "Wish Upon A Star". She will soon release a new full-length album in February, so go check out her tunes on her website here.

The single eyeshadows from Jouer Cosmetics make great stocking stuffers. The customizable and portable packaging makes for a fun beauty routine. Get a few shades for your favorite beautyholic!

Redken has a cool Grooming Essentials Gift Set for men, which includes a daily shampoo, cleansing bar, and a non-flaky holding gel. As for the ladies, the new Body Full hair care line will take care of all your volumizing needs.

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, gifts, hair product, holiday, Lifestyle, makeup, music, shopping, wine

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

If you need a few pieces for your holiday makeup arsenal, Lancome's collection, L’Absolu Rouge Soirée, has a few gems that will sparkle up your look. The great thing is, many of these items last for 8-16 hours.

The Sparkling Cherub Sheer Warming Illuminating Powder is a two-tone highlighting powder with shimmering accents for the entire face and decollete. It's not too shimmery, so you don't have to worry about adding too much glitter to your face.

I do like the long-lasting La Laque Fever Lipshine in Untamed Plum. It smells like fruity candy, and the fun grape shade is slightly sheer but has enough color to get flirty.

For the eyes, the versatile Color Design Cream Eye Shadow blends easily for a creaseless powder finish. There are three shades in the collection: Haute Smoke (smoky taupe), Pink Lace (pink champagne) and Garter Belt (dark wine). It dries really quickly and it won't budge for hours and hours. I also liked the Ink Artliner in Plum Tease; the pretty plum hue makes a festive cat eye. Compared to other brands that seem to dry out quickly, this gel liner is very easy to work with.

They also launched the new Oscillation Powerfoundation, their latest vibrating makeup product. I don't usually like mineral powder foundation since many brands are quite messy. If you've never tried mineral makeup this one might be a good starter. It has SPF 21, lasts up to 14 hours, and has a super natural finish that looks just like your skin. And it's not messy at all.

Delivering 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, the applicator's subtle action gives an even spread of powder across your face. The Beige 10 shade really matches my skin tone. I've never had such a natural finish on my skin before. It's even great for sensitive skin.

Lancome is also offering a special Friends & Family online deal starting today through November 30. Get 20% off on all purchases plus free shipping! Enter the promo code HOLIDAYJOY2 at checkout (Not valid on eGift Certificates, beauty boxes and gift sets).

www.lancome-usa.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeliner, eyeshadow, gifts, holiday, lip gloss, makeup, mineral makeup, shopping, SPF

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Links à la Mode : Finding What Works
by Jennine

Man, editing the links this week was painful, only because there were so many fantastic posts, so be sure to check them all out in the IFB forums! This week we have loads of great interviews, a few wonderful lookbooks from our members, and had a recurring theme of personalizing style. From the DIY projects of M.I.S.S., Monoxious.com, and Quirky Fashion, to customizing trends on Clutch 22, dramatis personae and The Art of Accessories we’re finding what works!

39th and Broadway – Wendy B Tells All!
Clutch 22 – AMSB Challenge #3: How to Style a Hot Pink Mini
Denim Debutante – How to: Easily Find the Right Denim Sizing for You
dramatis personae – A Girl’s Guide to Faux Eyelashes
Fashion Pulse Daily – Candela NYC: Casual, Carefree, Cool
Fete a Fete – Giorgio Armani 2009 Holiday Makeup: Crystal Collection
Fresh Pie! – Piewacket: Outtakes
Gloria’s Jeans – Flight of Fancy: How to Travel in Style
IdilViceFashionRocks: – wedding in las vegas
Idiosyncratic Style – Pearls of Wisdom: The Holy Fashion Grail
Large Black Diary – Official neck trend of 2009
M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY Convertible Chain Jewelry
Monoxious.com – DIY Clothes Tutorial: Shirt to skirt.
Painfully Hip – Painfully Hip Design Collective F/W 2009: Daphne
Quirky Fashion – How To Make a Fascinator – DIY Fashion Story
Retro Chick – Luscious Lingerie – Miss La La’s Boudoir
Sweet Fancy Treat – The Nomadic Way
The Art of Accessories – How To Accessorize With Belts
THE COVETED – Everyone is beautiful: Our relationship with beauty isn’t always easy
The Curvy Fashionista – Plus Size Fashions by the Ines Collection
The Working Wardrobe – Designers Who Work It: Orlando Espinoza Transcends Both Time and Trend for the Working Woman

Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, denim, fashion, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giorgio Armani's new Crystal Collection has a gorgeous collector's item for the beauty queens. Decked out in black and silver crystals, the limited-edition holiday colors are concealed inside the two-tiered Crystal Palette compact. If I didn't know any better it looked more like an art deco inspired jewelry case. The first level features a neutral iridescent body powder with a sparkling overlay while the bottom holds four metallic eyeshadows (shimmery jet black, bronze metal, silver, and jade).

Two lipsticks are also introduced within this collection. Embellished with crystals, the Crystal ArmaniSilk lipsticks come in a bright and rich ruby red and a shimmery bronze for a less intense lip.

If you need more lip colors, the new Rouge d'Armani lipsticks are another great collection to try. These long-wearing shades are supposed to last up to 8 hours and won't feather. These are highly pigmented and feel super light, as if you're not wearing any lipstick. I really liked Pink 505, a dark berry shade that should look great on almost everyone. The magnetic closure is also an ingenious touch.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Tagged as: beauty, eyeshadow, holiday, Luxury, makeup, seasonal, shopping, Winter

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Go Fashion Bloggers, Go!

Edited by Debutante Clothing

As more and more print magazines fold, bloggers seem to be growing in professionalism and media legitimacy. When bloggers such as Previously Owned and kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS can get the scoop on international designers, you know the fashion playing field is being leveled. If bloggers can host great giveaways like Retro Chick’s, I wonder why the FTC needs to play big brother. Fashion Pulse Daily wants to know if you even care. It seems we are becoming the pretty, little websites that could. Yay bloggers!

39th and Broadway – Gender GAP
Aysha's Rabbit Hole – Cosimo Damato new hat collection!
Bobbins And Bombshells – pics from her trip to Phoenix including a mini vintage shopping guide.
Decline Designs – Won’t Get Fooled Again: Counterfeit Melissa Shoes
Denim Debutante – 3 Need-to-Know Tips to Help You Find Your Perfect Pair of Jeans
Earth Vs. – Picking and making the best of your new (or old) winter coat
Fashion Pulse Daily – What do you really think and care about the FTC guidelines for bloggers?
Fasshonaburu - – An upcoming label everyone should know about: Minimarket
fête à fête – Lia Lintern’s divine Winter 2010 coat collection!
Friend in Fashion – Giveaway – win a custom made dress or skirt.
Further Ado - – When fashion and architecture collide
I'n The It Girl – Assad Mounser Jewelry
Idiosyncratic Style – Top 10 Creepy Collections… loving the “darkside” of fashion.
kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Susi Quillinan of Peru
M.I.S.S. – Video Interview with Lydia Hearst – her top 5 favorite things about Fashion Week
Monoxious – How to make your own embellished lace tights
Oranges and Apples – Personal Shopper Giveaway – win a parcel of thrifted goodies tailored to your style, needs and ideas!
Previously Owned – Puerto Rican Fashion Spotlight: Stella Nolasco
Retro Chick – Win a Lowie wrap and gloves worth £129 courtesy of Cerise UK
The Coveted – Reviving Vintage Knickerbockers, The Perfect Fall Trouser
The Curvy Fashionista – Plus Size Curves and Fashion at the California Womens Conference

Tagged as: Accessories, coats, fashion, hats, jewelry, shoes, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think I found the next best thing to having regular facials. Not that I'm against being pampered on a monthly basis, but when you have a not-so-stellar beauty budget like I do, you might want to invest in the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System.

It does cost as much as a facial treatment at a fancy spa, but this amazing cleansing device does wonders for your skin, and it'll last way longer than a month. All you need is a good cleanser and the Mia, and your skin will soon be as soft as buttah. You'll be glowing like an English rose within one usage, and that's not an exaggeration. Even if you're a die-hard spa girl, an aesthetician had mentioned that a Clarisonic brush will maintain facial results between visits.

The gentle cleansing brush moves at 300 movements per second, delivering a super deep cleaning. The soft brush doesn't irritate at all - in fact, it's a nice stimulating massage for the face. My pores felt less clogged and the skin tone was greatly improved.

It also has a self-timer, so it turns itself off after a minute. Another great thing about this model is that it's smaller and lighter than the classic model, so it's ideal for travel and it's also waterproof (great for the shower!).

www.clarisonic.com

Tagged as: beauty, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Givenchy Le Makeup's 2009 holiday collection is all about the classic beauty of pearls. If you're looking for something more muted but still want a dash of shimmer, this collection's for you. The colors are soft and romantic, giving you an all-over glow.

The Le Prisme Perles eyeshadow quad (in Precious Pearls) comes in a deluxe packaging. It contains almost three times more product than their normal quads, and the pearlescent shades are light grey, gold, pink and silvery white. After you're done with the holiday parties, you can definitely use these colors for springtime looks. Dressed up in a black satin box and wrapped in a pink and black satin pouch, it feels like you're about to open a box of pearls.

A very light lip color finishes the look, so be sure to check out the Rouge Interdit Shine in Pearl Shine. I like to use it with a darker lip liner, but if you want a shiny nude lip, a few swabs of this iridescent shade and you're ready to go. Or, you can also mix this with the Gloss Interdit in Tender Pearl (a sparkly baby pink).

I'm really diggin' the liquid eye liners from this line. They're just so easy to apply - you can do a super thin line in one swipe, or ply it on for a thicker cat eye. The Parad'Eyes liner in Elegant Pearl is a pearly silver shade that will turn your eyelids into shimmery jewels.

The entire collection is available at Sephora stores and online at Sephora.com.

Tagged as: cosmetics, eyeshadow, holiday, lip gloss, makeup, shopping, Winter

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Lia Lintern has some of the most stylish and feminine coats I've seen in a long time. Ladies, if you want to stand out in a sea of drab gray and black wool coats this season, get one of these colorful darlings.

Odessa coat by Lia Lintern

The 2010 Winter collection is nothing short of divine. My favorite is the Sofia coat. I just love the corset back and the rouched neck collar. It can double as a winter dress. What a beauty.

Sofia coat with self-tie corset back

My other fave is the Odessa style. This cashmere wool blend coat features a pretty trapunto lattice snowflake design on the waist panel. I'd feel like a snow princess wearing this one.

Geneva coat with countoured pin tuck design

These coats are not terribly budget friendly, BUT...like all high quality pieces, these gorgeous couture coats are designed and made to last for a long, long time. So think of it as a long-term investment. Plus, you are guaranteed 6 months' worth of tweaking if the fit is not perfect. It's like having a custom tailor in NYC!

Viktoria coat with upper collar and flared lapel

For the budget fashionistas - the discontinued Yuliya coat is now offered at a 50% discount. There is a size 4 and 6 left. I'm so putting this on my holiday wish list...

lialintern.com

Tagged as: coats, fashion, fashion designer, jacket, outerwear, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Halloween is coming up real soon, so all you chocoholics should stock up on gourmet treats from Recchiuti Confection's new fall lineup.

The cute and kooky characters within the 2009 Halloween Motif Boxes crack me up. Each box comes with four different hand-illustrated images that haunt their oh-so-delectable Burnt Caramel chocolates. Get them before they vanish on Halloween night!

I'm not a huge fan of the waxy Junior Mints, but these new Peppermint Thins are now my favorite mint candies. Made with Willamette Valley peppermint and fresh muddled mint, these lovelies are drenched in pure bittersweet chocolate. Heavenly and so refreshing! I can't seem to stop eating them...

If you want to help a local arts community, get the third edition of the Creativity Explored Box. Each Burnt Caramel chocolate is adorned with the artwork of SF artist Vincent Jackson. $2 from each sale goes to Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.

www.recchiuti.com

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolatier, food, gifts, gourmet, holiday, San Francisco, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Inspired by the radiant light of Venetian architecture, the new Palazzo d'Oro holiday collection from Clarins is a strong contender amongst all the other brands. I haven't tried their makeup before but these two limited edition palettes are worthy of a consideration for your holiday makeup.

The Gold Attraction Eye Quartet and Liner Palette contains a sparkling brown, silvery pink, beige, and golden yellow that will produce multiple easy-to-create holiday looks. It also comes with a dark chocolate eye liner to form an intense smoky look. I think the shades are neutral enough to extend into year-round day to evening looks.

The Gold Attraction Face Palette is a stunning golden beige powder that will light up your face, arms, neck, and shoulders. This has a beautiful lace work motif that's just so eye-catching. You don't need to use a lot of this as the sparkling powder will really stick to the skin.

Encased in pale gold pouches, the heavy gold metal compacts expresses the luxurious feel of the contents within. The magnetized edge of the compact opens and shuts with ease, making your makeup routine a tiny bit easier.

On sale at us.clarins.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeliner, eyeshadow, gifts, holiday, makeup, powder, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Fashion Roller-coaster

Edited by Jennine

Wow...we've got an interesting bunch this week...word from fashion weeks has put us on a roller coaster from the creepy toenails on Shoe Daydreams to the stunning Alexander McQueen on ferOHHHsh, a much needed shopping bill of rights on dramatis personae, and Bay Area Style File wonders why cigarette cases are marketed to teens at Urban Outfitters. We've also got some new faces in our round up including one of my favorite French blogs, Morning by Foley whose beautiful photography reminds me how sweet fashion really is.

39th and Broadway - Stop Glamorizing the Recession!
Bay Area Style File - Crimes of Fashion: Chain Mess Cigarette Case
Bobbins and Bombshells - Fashionable History: Veils
BRICK MY LANE - The Longer Length SHOWstudio
dramatis personae - Ashe Mischief's Shopping Bill of Rights
Fashion Pulse Daily - Goth Chic Rules the Runways
ferOHHHsh - Alexander McQueen Spring 2010: McQueencaps
Fete a Fete - Dolce & Gabbana's new Fragrance Anthology
Independent Fashion Bloggers - FTC Ruling : An Ethical Double Standard?
Little Black Book - Velvet touch
Morning by Foley- A beautiful afternoon with girls, a fairy and bows...
Prom Mafia - Halloween, Recessionista Style. How to make smart and stylish choices when deciding on a Halloween costume.
Rags to Reverie - A stunning editorial from V Magazine and how I got my copy from New York City
Random Fashion Coolness - Garance Doré
Retro Chick - Ethical Design Spotlight - SPUN
Shoe Daydreams - Bad Trends in Feet: Gargoyle Toe & Clear Claws
Style Symmetry - New divine dresser to watch out for Giant Dwarf!
Sweet Fancy Treat - Interview: Uma Turan - Milliner
THE COVETED - Berrylicious Colors and a New Mascara to Die For from Benefit Cosmetics
The Curvy Fashionista - The Real Curves behind the cover of Glamour's November Issue
the3st - Interview with Marina Makaron

Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, fashion, Lifestyle, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

If you're a Dolce & Gabbana fan, you can now round out your runway ensemble with a fashionable scent from their new Fragrance Anthology collection. The names of the five unisex fragrances were inspired by tarot cards (1 Le Bateleur, 3 L'Imperatrice, 6 L'Amoureaux, 10 La Roue de la Fortune, and 18 La Lune) and each one is represented by an iconic model.

Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova, Naomi Campbell, Fernando Fernandes, Noah Mills and Tyson Ballou are the faces behind D&G's fragrance line.

Most of these are more on the feminine side, but I prefer 6 L'Amoureaux (The Lovers). The masculine notes (bergamot, juniper berry, pink pepper, cardamom, birch leaf, orris root, musk, and wood) is like catnip to me. It doesn't smell overwhelmingly woodsy as some of the other men's fragrance out there - perhaps it's lightened up so women can wear it easily.

If you do like florals, you might like the 10 La Roue de la Fortune (gardenia, jasmine, tuberrose) or 18 La Lune (lily, rose, tuberose). 3 L'Imperatrice is a bit fruitier with watermelon, kiwi and red currant, and 1 Le Bateleur is a sporty fragrance with watery cedar and vetiver.

www.dandgfragrances.com

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Dos and Don'ts of Style

Edited by Debutante Clothing

I just turned 35. It’s a landmark year not just chronologically, but style wise. I am now approaching that next age bracket in the How to Dress for Your Age features in mags. You know the ones. Thank goodness for my blogger pals here at Independent Fashion Bloggers. You’ll find some of the best style guides here this week. Guides such as Mischief My Dear’s advice on finding the perfect LBD and Fasshonaburu’s Spring 2010 trends guide. But beware the urge to dress too sexy. 39th and Broadway tells you why toddlers and stilletos don’t mix, and Squareectomy questions the taste level of visible thongs. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : October 1st

39th and Broadway – Toddlers, Stilettos, Thongs, Oh My!
Awakened Aesthetic – features t-shirts by the Samburu Project, which provides drinking water to Northern Kenya.
Bobbins And Bombshells – veiled headband fascinator DIY tutorial
Debutante Clothing – vintage paper dresses that are anything but disposable
Fasshonaburu – peaked shoulders, sequins and tribal were on the runway again, but here are five NEW trends from Spring 2010 NY Fashion Week!
fête à fête – Vouelle’s new Fall-Winter 2009-2010 shoe collection, straight from Paris!
Friend in Fashion - – A vintage tale: gorgeous lace & bows
Hong Kong Fashion Geek – VPL’s anatomy-inspired spring collection, and how to replicate the skeletal fascination
Idiosyncratic Style – Awesome style from the brit drama Skins
Independent Fashion Bloggers – When should you start charging money for your blogging experience?
Jewelrywhore – Madeleine Albright is kicking butt with her brooches
Mishief My Dear – four versions of the Little Black Dress that should be in every woman’s wardrobe
Oranges and Apples – A guide to vintage shopping in Berlin
Squareectomy – More Exposed Bits: the less flattering side of the fashion world
Super Kawaii Mama – Travel Essentials to keep it glam! The secrets to staying fancy in flight.
The Coveted – Do Fashion Blogs Glamorize Smoking?
The Demoiselles – Elle answers a reader’s question about being an in-betweeny – not quite plus size, not quite “regular”
The Fashion Planner – shows you how to get the look of Marc by Marc Jacobs.
The Working Wardrobe – perfecting the business “ice breaker” by working your accessories (that don’t thaw out your assets).
Where Is That From? – eco fashion show featuring local Toronto designers and design collectives

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I had raved about the amazing effects of Nectar Essences in the past, and their De Stress spray keeps me sane while battling daily stresses. This incredible line of holistic sprays will address everything from regulating sleep problems to balancing emotional ups and downs. Plus, these floral sprays smell so good!

Luckily for you, we're doing a special giveaway of the new Balance spray for one lucky reader!

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Nectar Essences giveaway http://tinyurl.com/lkcakc ). 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 Esssences 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, October 1, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: giveaway, health, Lifestyle

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm a devoted fan of Vouelle's ultra romantic shoes and I was terribly excited to see their new designs for the Fall/Winter 2009-2010 season. They're getting a bit more funky and whimsical, which is always a fun thing for all the holiday parties and soirées. Just look at this showstopper 4C stiletto! Aren't those patent leather pinwheels completely adorable? If you wear this shoe, you can be sure no one else will have it.

Vouelle's 4C stiletto

I so want these Dana R satin pumps. It may be in black, but the ruffled side decoration and sexy feathers will turn heads all evening. They just scream 'Paris chic' to me.

Dana R pump

And who can resist these Emma pumps? These sassy satin and patent leather heels are totally great on their own, but you can also get a custom pinwheel added to your shoes for that extra special accent.

Emma 75 pump with pinwheel option

For you American shopaholics, I've got great news. Vouelle just started selling their lovely shoes in the U.S.! If you're in the Las Vegas area, the In Step boutique inside the Wynn's Encore resort will carry some of their exclusive designs. Call them at 702-770-5490 for more info.

To see more designs, head over to www.vouelle.com.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, France, Luxury, shoes, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want more dramatic eyes for this season's makeup look? Bobbi Brown has a new Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow that gives a dazzling high-shimmer effect. The line comes in 8 shades and you can layer it over your favorite shadow to make it pop. You can also use your fingers to apply, so there's no need to get an extra brush just for this product. The generous amount in the pot should also last you for a while.

The Antique Gold is a deep gold sparkle that will be a great base for all those evening looks. The Starry Night is a pretty navy blue sparkle that is pretty sheer - great for layering. It didn't slide, crease, or fade off one bit. You do need to apply it quickly before it dries off, otherwise it might be tricky to re-touch. You also need to be real diligent about cleaning the shadow off. It's super glittery, so make sure you use a good eye makeup remover.

I also really liked the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Caviar Ink. It's one of the smoother gel liners in the market, and it comes off pretty easily. I hate to admit it, but I like it better than the Shu Uemura painting liners. I also liked the matching Eye Liner Brush - it makes application so easy-peasy. I love drawing a thicker line, so this brush is perfect for it.

www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Tagged as: beauty, eyeliner, eyeshadow, makeup brush, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Clarins has always believed in using botanicals for their skin care products, and their new line is no different. The Multi-Active Day collection features two key ingredients (Ambiaty and Heperidin) to deliver powerful antioxidants and to prevent cellular breakdown. The line also features Quinoa Seed to nourish the skin, and Katafray extract provides extra hydration to the skin barrier.

This line is aimed at fighting early wrinkles, so it's more for younger skin (ages 25-35) or those with relatively low levels of skin damage. The Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion SPF 15 provides a weightless texture that your skin will just drink up. It's so light I almost had to check if I'm actually wearing the lotion. This is ideal for oily skin, but it's suitable for all skin types.

The Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream also has shea butter to give an extra moisturizing oomph. I like the texture of this cream a bit better. This comes in three formulas: All Skin Types, Dry Skin, and Normal to Combination.

clarins.com

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ladies...got any plans next Tuesday evening? If not, you should check out the Fashion, Fun & Bubbles Cocktail Party at Silks Restaurant. Located inside the Mandarin Oriental, attendees will be able to sip on all the Domaine Chandon Champagne they can handle, participate in a Krug Champagne tasting, and best of all, experience the Shu Uemura cosmetics line.

Other fun highlights include:

• Belvedere Cocktail Bar
• Culinary Delights by Orlando Pagan, Chef de Cuisine of Silks
• Introducing the Fall line of VindyCo, San Francisco’s up and coming fashion designer
• Marisa Youlden Jewelry
• Music from Carl Banks
• Complimentary Goody Bags for first 50 tickets purchased
• Door Prizes and Raffles

Ticket prices: $40 each OR $75 for two!

Tuesday, September 22
7:30 - 10:30 pm
Silks (Mandarin Oriental Hotel)
222 Sansome Street
San Francisco

*For more information or to purchase tickets contact Priscilla Young at 415.276.9773 or email pyoung@mohg.com.

Tagged as: beauty, champagne, fashion, food, San Francisco, special events, wine

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shifting Gears

Edited by Jennine

It's here. Summer's (basically) over, back to school, back to work...even in fashion today is the official first day of Fashion Week madness, and New York is only the beginning. I've always thought once Labor Day rolled around, we shifted gears realizing that the year is almost out its time to start packing it all in! This week, we've got an amazing round of links...seriously, it was so hard to pick only 20. Style Amor wonders if we really need fashion week at all...Heavy Heels sense the Winds of Change, as models start chopping their locks, The Demoiselles start a getting healthy project for a bunch of ladies, kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS gets an remarkable interview with Patricia Ayers.

Art of Accessories - Translating the Trends: Ruffles
BRICK MY LANE - The ruffled neckpiece: part 2
dramatis personae - Plus-Sized Bras for Busty Gals Fashion Hippo - Giveaway: Tory Burch Logo Clutch
Fashion Pulse Daily - FelixRey.com: Fashion Pulse Daily Readers Get an Exclusive 20% Off!
fete a fete - Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Manta Ray & Eyes To Kill collections
Heavy Heels - Wind of Change
Idiosyncratic Style - IdStyle File: Kaitlyn Regehr
Independent Fashion Bloggers - How Important is Trust? A Review of Trust Agents
Intrinsically Florrie - Luella Loveage
kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS - Interview with Patricia Ayres
Little Miss Makeup - Is applying liquid eyeliner your biggest beauty frustration?
Meilily - Ruffled Makeup Bag by Christian Siriano for VS Makeup
Retro Chick - Planning an Autumn Winter 2009-10 Wardrobe
Style Amor - Do We Need Fashion Week?
Style it You - Breaking Barriers
Style Symmetry - The Last Hurrah Giveaway
Stylish Thought - Stylish Thoughts on Coco, Karl & Feminism Super Kawaii Mama - Worn Wild – MSFW’s Dark Side
THE COVETED - Mahtab Azimi's Cozy Little Black Dress
The Demoiselles - We're Getting Healthy

Tagged as: beauty, fashion, Lifestyle, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Partnering with renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, Dolce & Gabbana's The Make Up collection is too luxurious for words. With the glamorous Scarlett Johansson as the face of their ad campaign, she perfectly embodies the provocative spirit of this seductive line.

The gold metal packaging makes you feel like a million bucks, but the contents within is even better. With a powdery rose scent, the Classic Cream Lipstick is inspired by 1950s beauty. The formula is light yet creamy, giving the right amount of moisture on the lips. I don't normally wear bold red shades, but the cool and pearly Chromed 230 was the perfect femme fatale look for me. I love it. This also lasts for quite a long time, and it's the first red lipstick that didn't bleed! That in itself is worth buying this lipstick.

For the eyes, the Smooth Eye Colour Quad is your ticket to sophistication. All the colors are buildable, so they actually appear lighter on the lid. To get a smokier look all you have to do is add more layering. The silky texture feels great on the skin, and you can use a wet or dry brush to create various looks. The gorgeous Mediterraneo palette has warm shades of shimmery gold, forest green, matte brown, and deep silver while the Elegance palette contains shades of matte grey, steel grey, metallic green, and porcelain gold shimmer.

The Luminous Cheek Colour blush is one of the most decadent blush compacts I've seen. It comes with a sturdy mini brush that actually does a good job of depositing the right amount of color on the cheeks. The Rose shade is soft and delicate, giving a romantic wash of color that's also good for subtle contouring around the temples and chin.

www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com

Tagged as: beauty, blush, cosmetics, eye shadow, fashion, Lifestyle, lipstick, Luxury, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Style Within Means

Edited by Debutante Clothing

As the summer winds down and I start planning my Fall wardrobe, I’m overwhelmed by thoughts of how to create a wardrobe on a budget. This week, we have a ton of posts on how to find great style within a budget. Fashion Pulse Daily gives us the top denim looks under $50 and The Recessionista is reporting Anna Wintour is heading to Macy’s for Fashion Night Out. Enjoy!

39th and Broadway – The horrific treatment of young girls working behind the scenes in the fashion industry!
A typical Atypical – a summary of vintage eras and style history
Bonne Vie – Bamboo: Eco-friendly, or Green Disaster?
Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Interview with alternative model, Khrist!
Debutante Clothing – Q&A with Fashion Scholar and Historian Heather Vaughan
Decline Designs – Can you go a week without wearing any black?
Fabulous Finds and Co. – Lily Cole is ready for her close-up
Fade to c5c5c5 – fashion, art and interpretation
Fashion For Writers – feel good fashion from the Clothes Closet
Fashion Pulse Daily – Need jeans for fall? Check out Fashion Pulse Daily’s top picks, all under $50
Fasshonaburu ponders exactly why September is the most important month in fashion
fête à fête – Givenchy’s romantic Les Poetiques Fall Le Makeup Collection
Friend in fashion – A Sydney Story: a bridge climb, shopping and a proposal!
Grechen's Closet – Why I support independent designers
Idiosyncratic Style – A Fit of Inspiration: John Bender – Stealing style from the Breakfast Club’s resident bad ass
Jewelrywhore – Reviews Anna Sheffield for Target
Retro Chick – DIY Jersey Spaghetti Scarf Necklace
Style Margarine - – 9 Reasons why we need to over dress
Stylist Diva – Unique, Modern Plus Size line with an Edge – Carmakoma.
The Coveted: Review & Makeup Lesson Video of Guerlain Fall Collection
The Recessionista – Anna Wintour a Recessionista? She’s Heading to Macy’s Queens for Fashion’s Night out Sept. 10

Tagged as: beauty, fashion, Lifestyle, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shopaholics in NYC, mark your calendars so you don't miss the exciting Fashion's Night Out event. The entire city will be buzzing with tons of shopping deals on the evening of September 10. To celebrate fashion and to promote the economy, everyone from Versace to Kiehl's will be offering giveaways and exclusive parties on this special occasion.

In honor of Fashion Night Out, Jurlique will be offering a free, full-size cleanser with any purchase of two products or more (a $40 value). A favorite among celebrities such as Kate Moss and Maggie Gyllenhaal, their products are made with certified biodynamic botanicals. See for yourself at the Madison Avenue and West Broadway (Soho) stores.

While you're there, don't forget to smell the new and incredible Jasmine Shower Gel. It's the next best thing to having a jasmine garden! Comprised of 92% natural ingredients, this gentle body cleanser has a proprietary biodynamic blend of herbs and botanicals to keep your skin soft and hydrated. If you're in need of new skin care, the Purely Age-Defying Eye Cream and Purely Age-Defying Hand Treatment are both luxurious, high-performance products that will fight the aging process. Both items have a great moisture factor and contain ingredients such as Black Elder and Arnica to fade off the fine lines and discolorations.

If you're not in NYC, don't fret just yet. To kick off the festivities, Jurlique is doing a special giveaway with us! We're giving away the Replenishing Foaming Cleanser (retail value $40) to one lucky reader.

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Jurlique Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/ndfpye ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which product 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 'Jurlique 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, September 10, at 11:59pm EST. USA residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, body wash, fashion, giveaway, moisturizer, NYC, shopping, skin care, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Giorgio Armani Beauty's fall collection is all about the softer smoky eye, and their new Manta Ray Eye Duo palettes offer an array of colors to fit every style. As usual, these colors were inspired by the materials used in Giorgio Armani fashion accessories. Because they're less intense, these are also timeless shades that you can carry into springtime looks. I really liked the n° 3 palette, a romantic lilac grey and light fuchsia.

For the lips, the Armani Silk Lipstick n°92 keeps the focus right on the dramatic eyes. The grey-blue tones in this soft plum lipstick add intensity to the lip without giving a jarring contrast.

For more Fall runway variations of the smoky eye, the color purple is now the new black. The Eyes to Kill eye shadows feature a cool palette called Gun Metal Grey. This purple smoky eye can be paired with both nude and dark lips. The palette's unique bull’s eye design provide three shadows to easily line, shade, and highlight the lids. The other color palettes come in Black Steel, Brown Copper, and Red Iron. For really killer eyes, finish the look with the super volumizing Eyes To Kill Mascara.

Let's not forget about skin care! Their new Crema Nera OMC³ contains a potent Obsidian Mineral Complex, which is a patented blend of four minerals (Iron, Silicon, Sodium and Potassium). These minerals are naturally present in black obsidian stone, which gives strength to the rich soil of Pantelleria. This richly-textured cream also contains an SPF 15 sunscreen, so it does the double duty of protecting and regenerating the skin. Lines are plumped out and skin layers are restructured in no time.

Get your Fall look at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eye shadow, lipstick, Luxury, makeup, shopping, skin care, skin cream

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Givenchy Le Makeup Artistic Director Nicolas Degennes shows off a romantic mood in his Les Poétiques 2009 Fall-Winter makeup collection. Shimmery and vivid pinks, soft silvery lavender, and metallic gold all play a role in the dreamy and melancholy palette.

I adore the limited edition Prismissime Eyes palette in Poetique Blues. The powdery texture is super silky and glides on so nicely. The shades are all buildable from sheer to opaque. The golden beige/pink shades compliment the purples so well. You can definitely end up with a light smoky look with this palette. It's going to be one of my favorite compacts to use this season.

For a dramatic eye, you can line your eyes with the Para'Eyes Liner in Poetique Lavender. The liquid liner is a dark blue shade with a metallic finish, giving it that extra ooh la la. Finally, to finish, the lips are toned down a bit for this look, with delicate pinks ruling the game. The Rouge Interdit lipstick in Poetique Iris is a pink tinged with blue, rounding out the soft and dreamy expression.

Givenchy also just launched their new men's fragrance Play. The playful scent carries top notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, bitter orange, and grapefruit. Amyris wood, black pepper, and coffee flower act as middle notes while vetiver and patchouli round out the sensual base notes.

I personally love it. It smells so nice I want to wear it myself as a unisex cologne. The cute bottle looks like an Mp3 player too. Doesn't Justin Timberlake look cute in their ad campaign? Click on the video link below and check out the behind-the-scenes ad shoot with JT.

www.parfumsgivenchy.com

Tagged as: beauty, Fall makeup, fragrance, limited edition, Luxury, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm a lucky girl. As a chocolate reviewer I get to try many types of chocolate, and I'm always proud to see a local chocolatier start a new adventure in the abundant world of cacao. Enter Cocoa Absolute, a new premium boutique chocolate company.

A former pastry chef, Jewel Zimmer's foray in gourmet chocolate is a sensual wonder. Working with chocolate that's made from exotic single-origin cacao beans, she then adds her unique alchemy to each flavor profile by infusing each square with cocoa extract. These delicate pavés of chocolate are almost too beautiful to eat - almost.

I love the Rose 70% box. Made with Forestero beans from the Congo, this one has delicate floral and citrus subtleties. Jewel decided to pursue this feminine route and added rose essence to the chocolate. The result is just sublime and fragrant. Your palate is left with lingering notes of a rose bouquet, but it's not sweetly overwhelming. If anything, it reminds you of past love affairs or a clandestine rendez-vous.

The Brulee 66% is made from prized Criollo beans from Venezuela. This one has burnt sugar and sea salt - totally extraordinary. I liked how the salt particles played on the palate, as if quietly teasing the senses. The packaging is also sleek and sexy, matching the seductive contents within. While they make great presents for the gourmand in your life, I'd be loath to give them away.

To buy your own Cocoa Absolute, go to www.cocoaabsolute.com.

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolatier, food, gifts, gourmet, Lifestyle, Luxury

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

We all love 4-inch stilettos, but do we really want to walk a mile in them?

After years of research, Kenneth Cole has finally found the answer. Their new 925 Technology has a lot going for it in terms of providing comfort for the wearer. Each shoe has two layers of PORON foam (for shock absorption), a flexible rubber sole, and a flaxseed pillow for arch support.

For the Fall season, they just launched a special Silver Edition of 925 Technology footwear, and they have several cute silhouettes for your basic needs. I tried on the black Silver Belle pump and I have to admit, they're pretty amazing. I hardly wear 4-inch heels for fear of permanently damaging my feet, but these were quite comfortable. Granted, it's never gonna feel as comfy as your old tennies, but these are the next best thing. You can wear these and not worry about seeing the podiatrist or chiropractor.

Each design also has a snazzy silver heel and will only be available on a limited basis, until they sell out. Going forward, they will apply the 925 Technology on all their women's shoe collections.

To see more styles or to buy your heels, go to www.kennethcole.com.

Tagged as: Accessories, Fall fashion, fashion, fashion designer, Lifestyle, shoes, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

From Moscow with love, the new Russian Beauty Fall 2009 makeup collection from Guerlain is inspired by model and muse Natalia Vodianova. Capturing the fragile essence of Slavic beauty, the bohemian colors are all about rosy lips, fresh cheeks, and smoky crimson eyes.

The collection features an Ombre Éclat 4 Shades Eye Shadow compact (406 Tsarina), which includes shades of faded orange, brick red, old rose and aubergine. This rich palette is reminiscent of enchanting dresses worn by Russian princesses. The sumptuous black-and-gold compact is just plain gorgeous, making you feel like royaly each time you open it. To make a smoky eye, the Retractable Eye Pencil in silvery purple Bohemian is a great way to accent the eye line. For a daytime look, use the Gold or Silver pencil to add a sparkly accent.

To get natural lips, the Kiss Kiss Baby Nourishing Lip Balm is the way to go. The sheer shades add just the right amount color on the lip, giving that 'just bitten' effect. Wild Mango Butter and Luffa Oil make these balms really moisturizing. Plus, this also have SPF 10 to protect the lips. If you're in a hurry and have no time for your usual makeup routine, slap on this balm and you're set. I really like the 220 Red Nude shade - it's the perfect wash of rouge. For those who want to keep it real simple, they have it in a clear shade (200 Cristal Nude)

Another new launch to look out for is the Parure Gold Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Foundation. Gold Radiance Pigments, Myrrh, and a peptide blend help illuminate the skin in a subtle manner, giving a restorative glow to the complexion. Lines are diminished, pores are reduced, and dull areas are camouflaged.

It sits very comfortably on the skin, and the shades almost blend into your own skin tone (at least for me). It comes in two options, so you get to pick the texture you prefer. I like the ultra lightweight fluid for a medium coverage. For lighter cover up I like use the powder, which you can build up to a desired coverage. It almost feels like a combination of liquid foundation and pressed powder. And, it smells so nice!

Available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman stores. For more info: www.guerlain.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeliner, eyeshadow, Fall, Fall makeup, lipstick, Luxury, makeup, shopping, SPF

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

A Stylish New World

Edited by Jennine

Here we go with this week's round of stylish links. Editing this week was quite difficult as there were so many great links to choose from and everyone had some fantastic news on the fashion front. One of the great things about the internet is that we can all find out what the smaller labels are doing and thinking. This week we have great interviews from 39th and Broadway, Fabulous Finds Gal, Style Gourmand and A Typical Atypical. We also have a brilliant DIY project on what to do with your fabric scraps on Brick My Lane.

39th and Broadway: Designer Interview with Delirius
A Typical Atypical: The wonderful Every Little Counts! With 15% off for readers!
Bobbins and Bombshells - Vintage Finds of the Week: Mad Men Secretary Accessories
breathe design: Enter to win accessories from the eryn brinié Fall 2009 collection!
BRICK MY LANE - DIY: putting scraps of fabric to good use by turning it into a ruffled neckpiece
ClandestineChic - Interview: Patricia Valery of Evil Needles
Denimaniac - Wood Wood's S/S 2010 collection: a bit of street, a dash of fash and a whole lotta style!
dramatis personae - Quality vs. Vegan/Environmentally Sustainable
Fabulous Finds Gal - Gardens in Grey; By Fashion Photographer Julia Pogodina And An Inspiring Interview
Fashion Pulse Daily - What was Your Favorite Summer 2009 Trend?
Fasshonaburu - A review on the now purchase-able Under.Ligne, the diffusion line by Doo.Ri.
Fete a Fete - Dancing all night and your 5-inch stilettos killing you? Bring some Rollasole emergency ballet flats with you!
Independent Fashion Bloggers - NYFW SS10 Schedule + tips on getting in
Market Publique - Art Class: Vintage Abstract Prints
midnight feast - The Jean Genie
Retro Chick - Win Reese Witherspoon's first fragrance for Avon
Sterling Style - New York's Rachel Antonoff Holiday 2010 Collection
Style Gourmand - Ag Kij of Net-a-Porter discusses Net-a-Porter's new iPhone app and how technology and fashion co-mingle.
Style Mom holds it down for fashion bloggers as one of the only IFB members at Blogher 2009 in Chicago
Stylish Thought - Cats with Style: Boxing Kitten
THE COVETED - Mummy Dearest: Iris Van Herpen taking inspiration from the macabre
Unfunded - Vintage sequins, sparkles and sprinkles

Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, fashion, fashion designer, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm always a fan of organic clothing, so I was happy to discover Hyde's line of comfy yoga wear. While this line is for yoga and stretching, these pieces are also great for lounging around the house or for running errands on weekends.

The Trieger tank has nice wide straps, so it won't slip while you're working out a complicated pose. The built-in bra keeps your girly parts securely in place as you bend down for those long stretches. This one also has a neat v-neck on the back, which looks quite stylin'. This top is made with 92% organic cotton, with 8% spandex.

The Engineered Seam Pant has a flat waistband so you can roll them up or down as you see fit. I like the ankle length because other types of yoga pants tend to be too long and kinda get in the way. These also have cute seams that curve around your legs, making it a bit quirky. These pants are made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex.

Once you're done with your practice, don't forget to cover up. The Lux Zip Hoodie is the ideal lightweight outerwear. The soft and decadent Italian cashmere and merino wool blend completes your athletic look in a feminine way. The bell sleeves also make a nice flattering line for the arms.

Hyde carries a Men's Practice Pant, so if your S.O. goes to yoga with you, get him a pair. Apparently, Deepak Chopra is a fan of them.

www.yogahyde.com

Tagged as: fashion, Lifestyle, organic, outerwear, pants, shopping, sportswear, tops

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Nobody does fragrances like Diptyque. I've been in love with their candles and home sprays for many years and it was so nice to see the launch of their new Art of Body Care line. Inspired by journeys to Aleppo, Byzantium, Alexandria, Cordoba, and Florence, your senses are taken on a whirlwind trip around ancient civilizations.

The collection consists of five luxurious products to pamper the entire body. I love all of them, but my favorite has to be the intense soufflé-textured Crème Riche (with Turkish rose, organic honey, argan oil), followed by the Precious Oils (organic sweet almond oil, argan oil, and macadamia oil). It's a dry body oil that absorbs almost instantly, with notes of iris, cedar and vetiver lingering on the skin.

The rest of the line is just as decadent. The Gelée Lactée creamy body wash is a concentrated olive oil formula peppered with notes of bay laurel, rosemary and lemon. The Lait Frais (fresh lotion) is very uplifting with its green notes of petitgrain and orange blossom. The velvety Baume Généreaux (hand balm) is filled with apricot kernel oil, shea butter and argan oil.

Diptyque also just introduced L’Eau de Tarocco, the new unisex cologne. The fruitiest fragrance of Diptyque’s cologne collection, this one has notes of blood orange, grapefruit, saffron, Bulgarian rose, cedar wood and white musk. If you haven't tried any of their fragrances, this one is a great one to start with.

For the jet-setters, the new travel collection features mini candles, body washes, and body lotions in your favorite scents. Each candle has a 30-hr burn time, and is available in Figuier, Gardenia, Jasmin, Mimosa, and Baies. The body care items are available in Philosykos, L’ombre dans L’eau and Tam Dao.

www.diptyqueparis.com

Tagged as: beauty, body wash, fragrance, Lifestyle, lotion, Luxury, organic ingredients, perfume, shopping, skin care, travel

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Feminine Mystique

Edited by Debutante Clothing

The caliber of blog posts amongst the IFB members never ceases to amaze me. We run the gamut of style and fashion here. This week’s picks definitely appeal to the dueling femmes in me – the old fashioned gal and the powerful feminist. The debutante in me loved all the lovely posts about pearls including modern choices from Fashion Hippo, as well as the history of Mikimoto pearls by Fabulous Finds Gal. But nothing makes me clutch my pearls more than affordable Chanel looks by HiFashion. The feminist in me was thrilled to see smart posts about smart girls and smart fashion. Threadbared talks about academia and fashion, while 39th and Broadway explores the continuing inequality even within such a female driven industry like fashion. Enjoy!

39th and Broadway – Women are the backbone of the fashion industry, yet inequality reins supreme.
A Few Goody Gumdrops lets out her inner rockstar with Alexander McQueen’s Skull Knuckle Duster Whipsnake Clutch!
A typical Atypical – The Phenomena of “The Sale”
Debutante Clothing contributes back to school style for “Hot for Teacher” at Style Sample Magazine.
Dramatis Personae reviews the B&Lu Femme Dress.
Fabulous Finds and Co. – Mikimoto Pearls: The Story Behind The Cadillac Of Pearls.
Fashion Hippo – Modern Pearl Necklaces that aren’t your grandma’s pearls
Fashion Talk by Lovely Lovisa – I am the Resurrection
fête à fête – Get plumper lips with Givenchy Le Makeup’s new Gloss Interdit collection. Also, enter the lip gloss giveaway for three lucky readers!
Hi Fashion – Coco avant Chanel: how to get the Chanel look for less.
Individual Chic – What makes a good ballet flat
Retro Chick – Iconic British Union Jack style.
The Capitol Fashionista – Arise Magazine, the magazine that keeps you informed about what’s happening in Africa and around the globe.
The Coveted – Review of the New Bobbi Brown Nude Collection with Video Tutorial
The Demoiselles – Elle gets bombarded with subversive, negative advertising by Estee Lauder, and decides to take action.
The Fashion Planner shows you how to build your back to school wardrobe.
The Recessionista – Happy 80th to Jackie and Mad Men’s Casting Call for that 60’s look.
Threadbared – Pondering the mutual near-exclusivity of academic fashion studies and style blogs.
Unfunded unveils Creative Recreation’s new women’s line.
Work Chic – get 10% off Fit in Clouds foldable flats.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, Lifestyle, makeup, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I love wearing stilettos like any other woman, but you have to admit those things can be darn painful. I might be able to stand in them for about an hour or two, but if you're going to be dancing in them all night, you better be prepared to bring some Rollasole flats as a back up. Your beat up soles will thank you later.

Made with a really flexible sole, these cute emergency ballet flats will transform your sore toesies into happy feet. They come in a cute mini-shoebox, complete with a shoebag to store your high heels. Just unroll them and slip them on. Instead of constantly begging your friends to drag you home, you can now walk home comfortably. They come in gold, black, silver and pink, and they can be re-used too!

They're all the rage in the UK clubs right now, and they plan to sell them in the US soon. Goodbye pain, hello comfort!

Follow them on Twitter, and get them at www.rollasole.com. They ship all over the world.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, shoes, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Ladies - here's your latest arsenal to plump up your fabulous lips. The new Givenchy Le Makeup Gloss Interdit collection is finally on the counters. Available it 15 gorgeous shades, these opaque glosses are more of a liquid lipstick. My personal favorites are Lilac Confession, Rose Taboo, and Indiscreet Beige. For a fun look, I recommend Succulent Orange and Glamorous Fuschia. The Velvet Purple is great for a goth look.

The pearlescent (Silvershine) and mirror-like (Silverglass) particles give the non-sticky formula an exceptional shine to the lips, as if you've been painted with airbrush makeup. For a plumping and moisturizing effect, microspheres of hyaluronic acid settle on the lips to fill in fine lines. The texture is comfy, without being too thick.

The lovely and elegant Liv Tyler, spokeswoman for the Gloss Interdit campaign.

Aren't these colors just divine? Makes you wanna get them all, doesn't it?

Want to try this wonderful new gloss? Here's your chance! The fabulous ladies at Givenchy are teaming up with us to give away two glosses to THREE winners each!

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Givenchy Gloss Interdit Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/m6ewfk ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which 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 Gloss Interdit 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 Thursday, August 13, at 11:59pm EST. USA residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, cosmetics, giveaway, Lifestyle, lip color, lip gloss, Liv Tyler, Luxury, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBacks (0)

It's hard to believe that summer is winding down, but in the world of beauty, the Fall collections are here. Kicking off the color celebration is Aaron de Mey's new colors for Lancôme. Embodying the free spirit of a woman, the Declaring Indigo collection is pure sassy French irreverence.

Think deep blues, bright golds, and sexy reds. As one of the star items, the Ink Artliner in Indigo Charm is a gorgeous shimmery deep blue eyeliner that's great for subtle to dramatic looks. You can do a thin line for daytime makeup, and then build it up for a vampy cat eye. The gel formula makes it easy for on-the-go application. Pair it with the Le Vernis nail polish in Indigo Paris and you've got it made for this season's hot look.

Here's your chance to get the collection for 20% less! Just print the coupon below, and bring it to any of the Lancôme boutiques (in NY, CA, NJ, and TX) for an exclusive Friends & Family 20% discount. This coupon is valid through 8/08/09. This discount is not valid at any other Lancôme locations, counters or lancome-usa.com.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, discount, eye makeup, eyeliner, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

All my gal pals know I adore Shu Uemura cosmetics, but their Art of Hair hair care made me fall even deeper in love with the brand. I highly recommend the Moisture Velvet collection. I only used the shampoo, and right after rinsing my hair already felt much softer. After using the conditioner, the hair turned into a shiny curtain of silk threads. The moisture factor was so high it lasted into the next day. Camellia oil is the main ingredient in creating such a luxurious and velvety texture. This is also safe for color-treated hair.

I also tried the new Prime Plenish vitalizing shampoo and conditioner, and it's just as lovely. This line is ideal for aging hair, as the products help strengthen thinning and time-weakened hair by rebuilding the saline bonds. The key ingredient here is jasmine oil. Once considered an extremely precious flower in Japanese culture, it was available only in emperors' imperial gardens. The jasmine scent is intoxicating. It felt like I was swimming in a garden of flowers.

Get your Art of Hair hair care at www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com

Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, hair care, Luxury, shampoo, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I can never have too many cake platters. I don't bake nearly enough to justify the desire for having these...but still, I want all of Whitney Smith's gorgeous designs.

Just look at these pretty babies. I want this dogwood flower cake platter in several colors! I'm thinking about getting the emeraude green, or the petal pink...perhaps the robin egg blue too.

The scallop edge platters are just as pretty. They sure motivate me to churn out more cupcakes in the kitchen, that's for sure! Even if you don't bake, these vintage-inspired platters make great decor items, or for serving other food items, such as cheese and crackers.

Then, when you're done admiring your cakes and pastries, you can serve them on these lovely matching plates. It's time for me to plan another tea party...

whitneysmithpottery.com

Tagged as: art, artisan, ceramics, gifts, Lifestyle, pottery, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

If you've been curious about BOSS Orange, the new Hugo Boss fragrance, here's your chance to try it. The lovely Debbie (aka The Perfume Fairy) from DM Fragrances is kind and generous enough to host this great giveaway with us. This time, my UK readers can enter! I'm real excited about this.

British beauty Sienna Miller is the face behind this campaign. The fragrance notes are crisp apple, white flower, vanilla, and sandalwood. This sounds just right for summer! The retail value of the 30ml Eau de Toilette runs for about $43 (£26.00).

Photo credit: Cliff Watts

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete BOSS Orange Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/nlsafo ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which Hugo Boss fragrances you like or have tried before (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 'BOSS Orange 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 Tuesday, July 28, at 11:59pm EST. USA & United Kingdom residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, fragrance, giveaway, perfume, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Hollywood's fave hair care expert Philip B has come up with a great Travel Kit for all your hair needs. I like how this one comes in a paraben-free formulation, so you know there's less chemicals in your shampoo. Anywhere you go, you can bring all your favorites in a convenient package.

There's enough shampoo to last you well over a week. The kit comes with 2 oz. bottles each of these best-sellers: Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo (with 2.3% pure peppermint oil), African Shea Butter Gentle & Conditioning Shampoo, Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo, and a Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse.

www.philipb.com

Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, hair care, hair product, shampoo, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ladies - want to win a sexy trip for you and your BFF to NYC? Here's your chance to do so. Purple Lab is hosting a rockin' Kiss and Tell Your Huge Lips Skinny Hips I.D. contest with Brickfish. Just choose the lip gloss color that best represents your style and personality, then upload a photo of yourself. It's that easy.

The most viral entry gets the grand prize: a glam trip to the Big Apple, hosted by the lovely Karen Robinovitz, creatrix of this wildly popular lip gloss! Karen will take the winner around town, showing her the inspirations behind the lip colors. There will be private pole lessons, burlesque school, and you also get to stay at the chic Smyth Hotel in Tribeca! Runner-up winners will get some of Karen's superb glosses, natch!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to www.purplelabnyc.com/kissandtell.html to enter today! The contest ends August 27, 2009.

If you haven't tried the fabuous lip-plumping gloss (with Hoodia to keep those hips skinny), get yours at b-glowing.

Tagged as: beauty, contest, Lifestyle, lip gloss, makeup, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Wow, I'm totally in love with my pair of Frye Rory Scrunchy Boots. Not only are these darn comfy, but they're also casually sexy and the leather is so buttery-soft. I'm a new fan of this brand! You can wear this new style year-round, with skirts or dresses. The heel isn't too high, so you won't be wobbling around. The circumference of the shaft isn't too skinny either, so for those who don't have toothpick legs, this one's for you.

Rory Scrunchy boots

I love how this company's been around since 1863. They really know what they're doing in terms of quality and comfort. These Bethany Strappy Softie boots are also real cute. The ruching at the toe is a great touch. Must add to my wish list.

Frye Bethany Strappy Softie style

Get these styles and more at www.thefryecompany.com.

Tagged as: boots, fashion, leather, shoes, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm having lots of fun with paper products these days. I'm a big fan of sending notecards (email is so impersonal sometimes), and to my delight I found some eco-friendly notecards from Petit Collage. They're printed with soy-based inks, and are made with 100% recycled paper. The set comes with four designs (by artist Lorena Siminovich) and the cute keepsake box stores twenty assorted cards in total. Plenty of writing opportunities to refine your penmanship.

For gift-giving, I always believe in presentation. The Dots & Jots Mix & Match Gift Bags are a convenient way to store your trinkets. Fabric designer Denyse Schmidt created this adorable collection of lovely bags for all sorts of uses. They're great for crafting or scrapbooks too. It comes with twelve assorted bags, in three different sizes and six designs. And, it has cute stickers to boot!

If you like to entertain like I do, these Paper Patisserie Place Mats will turn you into the next Martha Stewart. The next time you have some friends over for tea and cakes, just whip out these paper place mats and your table will be transformed into a feminine and cozy spread. How very civilized!

Tagged as: crafts, entertaining, greeting cards, paper, shopping, stationery

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm always excited when Eminence Organics has a new collection, and their new Summer Lovin' line doesn't disappoint. While I adore their Sun Defense Minerals, those who prefer a cream base will love the new Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32. It has a great souffle texture that just melts onto the skin, so it's non-greasy. It almost feels like a water-based cream. Plus, it smells like like a spicy vanilla cake, which is always nice!

Now, if you're a sunscreen klutz like me and forget to reapply it after a couple hours, you might risk a sunburn. That's when the Aloe Mint Hydrating Cream Gel comes to your rescue. The cooling peppermint oil and aloe vera juice will heal and calm the irritated and damaged skin. It's gentle for sensitive skin and won't clog pores. I applied this after a day in the sun and my skin's pretty happy afterwards.

And, if that's not enough, you can supplement the healing process with their soothing Hibiscus Calendula Recovery Masque. Once you use this to rejuvenate the moisture levels of your sun-kissed skin, you'll be ready for the beach again!

eminenceorganics.com

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

International shoe designer Chie Mihara has some very cute and feminine styles for her upcoming Fall/Winter 2009-2010 collection. I am definitely putting the the strong and sexy Misha heels on my wish list. I love the tan cotton contrast piping around the red suede. Gorgeous! These could almost be tango shoes. Sometimes I feel that thin stiletto heels will break off at the most unfortunate situations, but these heels will last a long time.

Misha style

With her eclectic background (born in Brazil, of Japanese descent), Chie went around the world studying fashion and eventually landed in Spain. She's been designing her own coveted heels ever since. These shoes are comfy and classy, with a touch of modern whimsy of course.

Aren't these Pantoja shoes darling? It also comes in a silvery metallic fabric for those who want a little drama. Love the short heel.

Pantoja shoes

Available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and www.chiemihara.com.

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, Lifestyle, shoes, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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 (1) | 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)

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 randomly-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)

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)

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 (4) | TrackBacks (0)

shu uemura had their 26th Tokyo boutique anniversary party here in SF last night and luckily I got to join in on the fun. As we noshed on sushi and bopped to groovy tunes, we got to check out the new 2009 Tokyo Lash Bar collection. What fun and dramatic styles! I just want to wear all of them...

Alana is rocking out the Marine Tide lashes. Gorgeous.

Fleur-ever lashes

Fermina wearing Goldglam Leaf lashes. You can wear them on the upper or lower lash line.

Nicole sporting the Snow Twist lashes for that ice princess look.

www.shuuemura-usa.com

Tagged as: beauty, fashion, lash, Lifestyle, San Francisco, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Father's Day is less than a week away - are you all ready to shower Dad with pampering gifts? Here are some lovely ideas for you to consider...

Givenchy's highly concentrated GIVENCHYMAN skin care line includes a Powerful Renovating Skin Peel to exfoliate dead skin cells. Follow up with the effective Intensive Age-Fighting Force to boost elasticity and fill in wrinkles or the Pro-Energizing Massive Moisturizer to deeply hydrate the skin.

Banana Republic has cute mini sizes of each of their men's fragrances fom the Discover collection. You can get one for $10, or 2 or more for $7.50 each. The Cordovan is a nice woody melange of green fig, leather and spices.

Clarins recently introduced their new ClarinsMen anti-aging collection, and the Line-Control Eye Balm is a non-greasy, moisturizing treatment that gives complete nourishment for the entire eye area. Paracress, Maritime Pine extract, Shea Butter, and Purslane extract help reduce crow’s feet and puffiness.

C.O. Bigelow's Elixir Blue Shower & Shave Gift Set ($14.50) is another great option if your Dad needs a new shaving routine. This includes a Barber Hair & Body Wash in Elixir Blue™ fragrance, a black body sponge and a trial-size Premium Shave Cream.

Tagged as: beauty, fragrance, gifts, holiday, Lifestyle, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm pretty excited about Freedom of Choice's new e-commerce site. I can now shop for my fave styles online!

What's even better is that I got to try the new Marie bootcut jean in Cobalt wash, and it is a fantastic fit. The slimming silhouette made it look like I shrunk a size without spending torturous days at the gym. Slipping into these 2% stretch jeans was totally comfy as well.

The tulip-shaped stitching is so cute! Very feminine. I like the gradiated thread colors of this design.

If you're going for the punk biker look, the Triumph skinny ankle length jean has an edgy zipper closure on the front pocket, knee patches, and knee darts. A total sexy fit channeling Joan Jett. Whiskering and distressing completes the "Speed" wash.

For all other new styles, including some cool sale items, go to focjeans.com

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Givenchy's 2009 summer Collection S is truly a sexy greeting from paradise. Inspired by warm sand and the sun's pure drops of light, Artistic Director Nicolas Degennes does it again with this spectacular collection.

Presented in two color quartets, The PRISME AGAIN ! VISAGE is a limited edition powder compact that provides a natural and radiant finish. The #13 Sun Mango is perfect for lighter complexions, and the #14 Sun Cinnamon is ideal for darker tones. I love the Sun Mango - the shades just melt onto my skin. The light Radiant Blossom fragrance reminds one of walking through a lush, tropical garden on a sultry summer evening.

For sparkling kisses, the new POP GLOSS CRYSTAL delivers with 446 Sun Rose, a coral pink with white shimmer, and 447 Sun Coral, a glam orange with white and red shimmer.

The PRISMISSIME MAT & GLOW Face Powder has 9 colors to sculpt out the sun queen in you. The matte shades help even out the skin for a natural visage, while the glowing ones highlight the contours for a luminous look. These customizable shades also work real well as an eyeshadow! To use, just mix all 9 shades together with a circular movement, then apply over the face, shoulders and décolletage.

To celebrate the collection's launch, we're giving away one Prismissime Mat & Glow in the new Sun Caramel shade to a lucky reader. This gorgeous 9-color face powder (retail $53) will keep you looking like a sun goddess all summer.

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Givenchy summer beauty & Prismissime Mat & Glow giveaway http://tinyurl.com/kmt9jv ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on why you like this brand, or what you'd like to try from this line (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!

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Sunday, June 14, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

www.parfumsgivenchy.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, giveaway, limited edition, Luxury, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Ozone Design has lots of cute, feminine, and funky legwear designs to show off your toesies and legs. I can't wait until the A Rose is a Rose knee-high style is available later this Fall. I just love the turquoise and violet colors. Very sexy yet sweet.

Wearing the Walking on Roses socks made me feel like an English schoolgirl hiding in a secret garden. These would be so neat with maryjanes.

The Asia (in Brown) knee-highs are perfect for flattering your gams...wear with some pumps and you're on your way to becoming a Lolita.

www.ozonesocks.com

Tagged as: fashion, legwear, shopping, Style, Trends

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out the new Magnifique parfum commercial featuring Lancôme ambassador Anne Hathaway. Filmed at New York’s The Box, Anne is working the sexy and confident persona of the Magnifique woman.

To see Anne in the new commercial and to get her Magnifique makeup look: www.lancome-usa.com/fragrance/magnifique.aspx

In celebration of the new commercial, we're giving away one bottle of Magnifique Eau de Toilette to a lucky reader. This spicy, floral, woody fragrance is an intoxicating scent perfect for a summer’s night out.

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Lancome Magnifique EDT giveaway http://tinyurl.com/ommafj ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below on why you like this brand, or what you'd like to try from this line (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great!').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. DO NOT forget to send your name and address to this email after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically.

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Friday, May 15, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, fragrance, giveaway, makeup, perfume, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBacks (0)

Now's the prime time for weddings, hot summer soirees, and other special events. As you pull out that sexy backless number to show off your figure, you might wonder how to deal with the tricky wardrobe situation. To bra or not to bra? Go bare or cover up?

If you want to cover up, Fashion Forms might have the answer. Their new Seamless Backless Strapless Bra will hold up for 4-6 hours if you want some type of support. Thanks to the silicone adhesive, you can wear it up to 25 times. This is a good option for those sporting risque halters or complicated frocks. Just peel off the protective backing, press on the bra to the skin, and you're ready to go.

If you're not comfy with adhesive on your skin, another good choice might be the Infinite Options Bra. You can go nuts on all the strap combos you can pull off. You can even do one-shoulder looks. That one also has removable gel push up pads for those who want to enhance their bust line.

www.fashionforms.com

Tagged as: Accessories, bra, fashion, lingerie, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May is Asian Heritage Month, and to celebrate this, we're doing a special and fun book giveaway with Hachette Book Group! We're giving away 3 sets of books of the following great titles:

Free Food for Millionaires By Min Jin Lee
Trail of Crumbs By Kim Sunée
The Fortune Cookie Chronicles By Jennifer Lee
Transparency By Frances Hwang
Strangers from a Different Shore By Ronald Takaki

Each winner will receive the entire set of books (five books per set). What a deal, huh?

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete: Win a set of books! Asian Heritage Month Giveaway w/ Hachette! Enter at http://tinyurl.com/pqg2gb ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below on which title you'd like to read (please no generic ones like 'this sounds great!').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. DO NOT forget to send your name and address to this email after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically.

Three winners will be chosen at random. Deadline is May 31, at 11:59pm EST.
U.S. and Canadian residents only. No PO Boxes please. Good luck!

www.hachettebookgroup.com

Tagged as: Books, giveaway, Lifestyle, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out the following makeup used by Lancome for the Metropolitan Museum of Art for Vogue's Costume Institute gala. The star-studded evening included hosts Marc Jacobs, Kate Moss and Justin Timberlake, and many luminous beauties from the fashion and film realm.

Celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez gave Anne Hathaway her ultra-dramatic look with smokey eyes as the focal point. Leslie swept Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow in Statuesque over the entire eyelid, then dabbed Color Design Eyeshadow in Daylight on the brow bone.

She finished with several coats of Lancôme L'Extreme Mascara in Black. Anne’s sheer, neutral colored lipstick--Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Couture Suede—was the finishing touch.

Supermodel Du Juan's look:
Lancôme makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor created Du Juan’s radiance by using Lancôme Artliner in Brown on the upper lash line. He then added a few coats of Lancôme Virtuôse Black Carat Mascara, giving her lashes a boost of volume and length.

Andrew added just a touch of color to the eyes with Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in ME Brown 860 and ME Pink 100. He lined the lips with Lancôme Le Lipstique in Natural Mauve and topped it with La Laque Fever gloss in Pink Dimension, resulting in a pretty pink pout. A dusting of Star Bronzer in Bronze Dore gave Du Juan a sun-kissed complexion.

(Image credit: Style.com)

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, eyeliner, fashion, lipstick, makeup, mascara, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A few items from Guerlain's summer 2009 Terracotta collection is making me swoon. I just LOVE the smooth, moisturizing Gloss Cashmere Velvet Matte Gloss. It has the perfectly matte lipstick look, yet it just glides on so thinly like the lightest lip gloss. It's liquified lipstick that defies definition.

It's so smooth and soft (no wonder they named it Gloss Cashmere), and it's not drying at all. You can also play around with it and mix it with a gloss for another look altogether. The Rose Pondichery is a sweetly neutral shade while Rouge Sultan is the classic sexy red.

J'adore the Fard Indien Mineral Eyeshadow. The silky and even texture is great for blending into a smoky eye. The Jungle Dust is a gorgeous mysterious forest green that will go well on many skin tones. Blend it with a light gold shadow and you're done!

The new Rouge G de Guerlain lipstick is a killer product in terms of luxury design. Jewelry designer Lorenz Bäumer came up with this seductive spygirl accessory, making you feel like a star of your own Bond flick. The white-gold coated case flicks open to reveal a mirror (I was wondering if it's got a secret camera-pistol too) that also lets you pull out a highly pigmented lipstick.

Ground Ruby crystal powder (lab-synthesized) and liquid mother-of-pearl help provide unprecedented radiance and light refraction. Gugul resin acts as a natural wrinkle-filler while wild mango butter keeps your lips super soft.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, makeup, summer, Trends

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

shu uemura is having a 20% discount on all purchases (and FREE standard shipping) with any purchase over $50 between today through May 7. If you need to stock up on your favorite lashes, eyeshadows or cleansing oils, here's your chance to do it with a nice discount. Just enter the special promo code: NEWSITEBLOG upon checkout.

They also just launched a new site design, with a brand-new custom makeup palette feature. If you register as a shopping site member you can select a free deluxe sample. Whoo hoo!

www.shuuemura-usa.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, discount, eyeshadow, Luxury, makeup, promotion, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ok, I know y'all are nice kids but if you haven't gotten Mom her prezzie yet (6 days away!), here are a few last minute ideas:

Vosges' new Les Fleur Heart Box collection is sublime. Featuring the pretty Les Fleurs du Chocolat collection, these truffles are topped with organic flower petals (rose, nasturtium, orchid, and marigold). The Siam Cirtron truffle is so delicate and lovely (hints of jasmine tea, lemongrass, and coconut enrobed in white chocolate). Platanos y Orchidus has a burst of caramelized bananas and Jamaican rum.

If your budget is lower, get some yummy Bombalinas. The Barcelona Almonds are brilliant - smoked hickory almonds mingled with Maldon sea salt and 45% deep milk chocolate.

Kiehl's has perennial faves and bestseller skin care products, and the folks there can tailor to any budget. If mom is a floral lover, get the new Gardenia lotion & cleanser set for her.

Spoon NYC has a great Breakfast in Bed Gift Basket. Serve her breakfast in style with the Perfect Buttermilk Pancake Mix, Vermont Blueberry Maple Syrup, Small Batch Strawberry Jam, Stumptown Organic Coffee, and The Best Ever Granola.

If Mom likes to eat her arrangements, get her the edible Hearts and Berries 'floral' arrangement of pineapple hearts and chocolate-dipped strawberries. If she's a gardener, she will re-use the keepsake watering can.

Tagged as: beauty, chocolate, flowers, food,