November 2008

Holiday Gifts that Give Back

Try something new this holiday season. Buy a gift that gives back. The company that you buy this gift from will donate money to a charity or cause. It’s like giving two gifts in one! 1. TOM shoes For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. TOMS has already given 85,000 pairs of shoes to needy children around the world, from the US and Argentina to Ethiopia and South Africa. Visit TOMSshoes.com to find out more about this great opportunity. These cute shoes are available online at rugby.com for $58. 2. Kate Spade Clutch After signing up at agoodause.com, you can shop at over 850 sites where the retailer will donate a percentage of the sale to a charity of your choice.

Improve Your Life Through Fashionable Sleep

It is estimated that 50% of adults are sleep-deprived, which has serious health repercussions, including but not limited to an inability to think clearly, handle stress, maintain a healthy immune system, and moderate our emotions. So why not get your much-needed beauty sleep while looking great too? This patterned sleep mask will change your overall well-being for the better, and for a mere $20 on crinotti.com. Using this mask will create a pitch-black environment, and keep you from looking at the clock all night, which happens to cause anxiety. You’ll feel better, and be looking your best and most rested with this stylish sleep mask.

How to Maximize Your Shopping On Black Friday

Here are five tips that will help you get your best shopping done on the busiest shopping day of the year: 1. Don’t shop at peak hours. Go to the mall in the early morning or the late evening for your purchases. You’ll avoid crowds, lines, and the inevitably desperate search for a parking spot within a mile of the mall. 2. Plan ahead. Know whom you’re shopping for, exactly what you want to buy for each person, and where you can find these items. 3. Go with a list, and stick to it. Don’t be suckered in by flashy “On Sale” signs and people handing out coupons. You’ll just end up spending extra time and money that you didn’t want to. 4. Don’t underestimate the power of gift cards. It seems our friends and family are always returning or exchanging the gifts we buy for them because something isn’t right. Instead, save yourself and your loved ones the hassle and let them choose their heart’s desire when it’s convenient for them. You’ll know that you’ve gotten them exactly what they want, as long as you pick the right store. 5.

Give Thanks That These Fashion Trends Have (Hopefully) Disappeared

Perhaps some of the worst fashion faux pas in the past century, we should all give thanks that they have finally been retired. Though many will maintain that the 80s were the most fashion-forward decade, there is a reason why a majority of these faux pas come from the decade that saw the rise of spandex, jazzercise, and side ponytails.

10. Fanny packs

“Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” a Hit!

The premise of Tim Gunn’s latest television show is that he transforms fashion-challenged women to become hip and stylish, looking their best in a variety of situations. He not only improves her wardrobe, but also sends her to make up artists, hairdressers, and even a “life stylist.” Improving on TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” Mr. Gunn’s class, sense of humor, and adages make this show fun to watch and informational for viewers looking for their own sense of style. Fans can also visit his blog on BravoTv.com to find more fashion advice. However, it seems that Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style is simply an extension of his role on Project Runway – the quirky stylistic critic with endless platitudes and a pretentious vocabulary. But everyone wants to watch others receive fashion criticism while simultaneously learning how they can improve themselves, and so the show has gained immense popularity. Not to mention, Mr. Gunn’s idiosyncrasies are endearing, and contribute to his overall appeal and sweet nature. Yet, one must wonder – how long can the show go on? How many women can Mr.

Boots with Skinny Jeans Still in Style

With boots and skinny jeans becoming two of the hottest trends this fall, one of the most popular looks is to pair the two together. Don’t be shy about it – skinny jeans and boots look great together! If you’re planning to tuck your jeans into the boots, skinny jeans are your best bet, as they will not bunch and will be more comfortable inside the boot. Try mixing up this look by tucking other skinny pants (not just jeans) into your boots, or by wearing ballerina flats with your jeans. Or for a dressier look, try pairing skinny jeans with high heels, which creates the illusion of longer legs. All of these looks are super hot right now. If you’re wondering how to wear those stylish tall boots, check out this website.

Reese Witherspoon in Nina Ricci

Reese Witherspoon looked amazing when she arrived fashionably late to the premiere of her new movie, Four Christmases. She wore a navy satin boustier Nina Ricci dress with beaded embroidery and a bustled hem. Paired with a gilded necklace, gold earrings, and an exotic gold clutch, Reese looked better than ever. This just goes to show that after two kids, a divorce, and a new boyfriend, this girl has still got it. Her shoes are Banana Republic’s ‘Shiri’ satin oxford pump, sold for just $150. What a find!

Furla Afrodite, Chic and Sporty

I want this bag! This chic and sporty bag, by the designer label Furla, is reminicent of a bowling bag, is beautifully crafted from supple pebble leather and accented with a front zip pocket, signature logo fob and silvertone hardware.  Finished with adjustable leather handles. Believe it or not, this bag can be found for as low as $392!  It's a steal when you consider that it's a classic look, not too trendy, and made of high-quality materials, it is a worthwhile investment.

Delfina Delettrez Jewelry to Die For

If a man proposed to me with this ring, I don't think I would be able to contain myself.  Delfina Delettrez may be young- only 20 years old, but what she lacks in age she more than makes up for in talent. Delettrez is no stranger to the fashion world, she is the fourth generation Fendi, and her work proves her keen sense for edgy style.  She made her debut last year at Paris Fashion Week with a collection of whimsical skulls and frogs, as well as birds and poisonous animals.

Rachel Roy Apache Print Dress

One of my favorite young designers is Rachel Roy-not Rachel Ray- a California-born designer who got her start at 14 working at Contempo Fashions. From her Fall 08 collection this dress stands out as my favorite.  It's pure silk, with a brown abstract print.  This sleeveless dress has accordion pleats all-around, a ruffled stand-collar, and illusion neckline.  It's feminine, but not fussy.  Perfect for a fancy evening on the town. This lovely garment will set you back a mere $1,495!  But you'll be the toast of t

Hot and Sexy Black Bootie by Christian Louboutin

These booties are HOT! These super-cute Christian Louboutin Hidden Paltform Booties are made with black nappa leather, the tonal button detail along the gusset give these shoes a playful elegance.  The cresent toe and hidden platform make them comfortable yet sexy with the signature red sole. Christian Louboutin has some of the funnest and trendiest shoes around, and these are no exception.   But get ready to break the bank, these beauties are a whopping $825!

Issey Miyake, Reflections in a Drop

This fall indulge in a fragrance that will  drive your man crazy, in a good way, that is. The new fragrance by Issey Miyake, Reflections in a Drop, is "reminiscent of the instant a droplet of water falls from a flower's petal to encapsulate a fleeting moment of pure nature.  The top note, an original green accord, mingles with the delicious freshness of mandarin orange zest to add sparkle to the aquatic floral theme as it gently blends with the pastel woody trail." This limited edition fragrance is sexy and earthy, without being over-powering.  This complex scent is composed of reflections in millions of dew drops, freshness of lotus, mimose, accords of warm wood, aquatic accords, and a hint of musk.  It's perfect for wearing to the office, and works just as well for an evening of fun for just th