Just In Case

June 7 , 2007

Just In Case Dad's already the proud owner of a nice, shiny iPod and you've spotted him yawning over the umpteen choices of overcomplicated sports-bands on the market, here's a belt that's fun, functional and unlike any belt buckle we've ever seen. Simply pull on In Case's Black Neoprene Sports Belt ($29.95) for the 5th Generation Video iPod and watch your troubles melt away while keeping your hands completely free. Durably built from heavy gauge, lightweight canvas and neoprene, the high-grade, reflective plastic covering keeps your iPod well protected. Whether you’re working out at the gym or just working around the house, this comfortable belt merges performance and convenience to make it ideal for anyone on the move. Dad might want to keep this hipster close by however because Mom might be on the move with it before the blink of any eye.

Hello Tomorrow Beauty Tour

The Weekend Edition

All Aboard! The Avon Hello Tomorrow Beauty Tour has set sail traveling across the country to get everyone who stops by gorgeous while helping to raise awareness for domestic violence. Stops will be made in such cities as Portland, LA, Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Salt Lake City and Houston from now through November 2007. At each stop, Avon beauty advisors will be on hand to give makeovers and consultations. There will also be beauty sampling bars with the latest and greatest that Avon has to offer in Color, Skin and Personal Care. BUT it's not all about beauty on the outside. Avon's goal is raise awareness for an important cause: the fight against domestic violence. At each city stop, the Avon Hello Tomorrow Wishing Wall will be set up and visitors can stop by and post a "wish" for a better tomorrow on the wall. Each poster is automatically entered to win $1000 to make their wish come true. And it doesn't stop there! In each city, a local domestic violence research organization will be honored, and at the end of the tour, the city who collects the most wishes on the wall will receive $20,000 from Avon for their local organization. You can visit www.avon.com/events for a city stop nearest you.

Red, White and Blue

Memorial Day Weekend Issue

Not only are they our nation's most beautiful colors but they also happen to be this summer's trendiest. Red is for the the flush you'll gain scooping up a tube of O-Glow while saving 20% off any Smashbox.com order now through 5/29/07 when you use coupon code: FFSUM7 at checkout. White is for turning winter's black nails into spring's hottest manicure: Full white nails. Blue is for Benefit's new California Kissin' lip gloss, which ships free thanks to this coupon code through 5/29/07. It may look like an odd blue in the tube, but in reality, leaves a beautiful glossy shine behind while whitening your smile too! Red, White and Blue honors belong with saluting our country's brave men and women any way you can thanks to the many suggestions available at USMemorialDay.org.

Style on a Budget

May 23, 2007

With gasoline prices rising faster than the temperature outdoors, what's a style-loving girl to do as she watches her budget drop into her car's tank? We weep daily that we may not be able to afford to drop $800+ for a new Balenciaga bag or $250 for summer's hottest wedges that the stars are all strutting around in. Now's the time for sales, bargains and dare we say...knockoffs. Fashionable penny pinchers rejoice for there are many savings that you'll find of great comfort. If it's shoes you're looking for, you'll definitely want to check out these 30 percent plus savings at Shoes.com and Bloomingdales (expiring 5/28 and 5/23, respectively). And for the Web's most stylish handbags at a fraction of the cost, check out Baghaus for sweet designer-inspired arm candy by Coach, Kooba, and L.A.M.B., amongst countless others. Their Classic Motorcycle Duffel inspired by Balenciaga (shown) would cost $849.99 for the real thing while Baghaus' twin version is merely $49.99 (available in denim/red or denim/white), plus save 12% on all orders $60.00 or more with coupon code: twelveoff60 at checkout. Look like the star that you are for less and save some ka-ching for your wheels. Just don't forget to put the top down while you're driving so everyone can woo at your style whizzing on by.

Beauty Coolers

The Weekend Edition

As the mercury rises you can almost hear the gasps over girls stepping into their cars only to find their favorite lip balm has melted into a great big puddle of goo. IcyBag is a fashionable way to keep your smallest (and some of our most highly coveted) items super cool. After all, if he can have a cooler for his six pack, why shouldn't you have one for your favorite beauty and suncare items? Pretty by design, IcyBags are a cinch to maintain. Just pop one in the fridge before you go to bed, pop it out the next morning and toss in your favorite items you want to keep cool. Ideal for storing little perfume sprays, sun block, and hand wipes too for a refreshingly cool treat on summer's hottest days. Each IcyBag ($14.99) comes with its' own custom gel pack that keeps what's tucked inside in the form which it was meant to be in.

Helioplex = Sun Safety

May 16, 2007

Sun worshipers are rejoicing over the highly anticipated introduction of Helioplex, a breakthrough new sun protection technology complex developed by Neutrogena that's specifically engineered to deliver very high, very broad and photo-stable UV protection. Neutrogena sunscreens with Helioplex™ cover the total UVA/UVB spectrum by harnessing the full power of two safe, FDA-approved sunscreens, Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. This unique combination blocks UVB burning rays and helps stop UVA rays from penetrating your skin's surface layers longer than either sunscreen can by itself. The sunscreens in Helioplex™ further protect skin by absorbing and transforming UV light into a harmless form of light. No other product can deliver SPF 70 protection at roughly the same cost of last year's now-so-retro sunscreen's. So go out and enjoy the sun a little longer this summer while resting assured you're getting the best protection available on today's market.

Destination: Target

The Weekend Edition

You're looking for some serious style? Target's here to put your sexy back! Not with one or two, but three designer happenings that are burning up the charts. Fashion's Jewel of the Nile, Isaac Mizrahi, has just unveiled his Bridal collection with a stunning collection of satin, silk and tulle dresses ranging in price from $89.99 to $159.99. Stirring some serious buzz is Patrick Robinson's collection (shown) that's bursting at the seams with dreamy grecian styles and lots of sultry swimwear.  We recommend clicking fast for this limited collection not just for its' hotness but mainly because it's slated to be carried only through July 15, 2007. Last, but not least, is the highly anticipated Holiday collection from Alice Temperly due in-stores and online this October. Through 6/30/07 you'll save 10% on your entire Target.com order when you use coupon code: TGTSAVQ2 at checkout.

Mommy Freebie

The Weekend Edition

A recent study on the financial worth of a Mother's job is estimated at $138,095 annually. With her average 92-hour long work weeks, Stay-at-Home-Mom's play housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundromat, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist. You can't put a price on a Mother's love because what she gives she more than gets back with countless daily returns. Similarly, some Mother's Day Gifts are priceless and this one, sponsored by Curél, is all that and more. Through May 31, 2007, simply log onto curel.com/winkflash to receive 50 free photo prints (make sure to jot down the Winkflash coupon code: CUREL2007) along with free samples of Curél lotions to help give mom a picture perfect Mother’s Day. Shipping for the prints is 99 cents and the first 100 to order will also receive an autographed photo from actress and Super Mom, Holly Robinson Peete.  As the saying goes, the most precious things in life are truly free though nothing's more precious than your Mom.

Dogg Toys

May 2 , 2007

Is your dogg chillin' a little too much in the house? They'll be jumping sky high when you treat them to a new toy created by hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg. Most barked about is the Plush Doberman dog toy ($8.99, shown) which isn't just a canine's best friend but also talks Snoop thanks to its' embedded sound chip. Snoop Dogg plush toys, including a boombox, headphones, and more, are the only pet items officially approved by the Doggfather himself. The entire line's available at Amazon.com, which also serves up the coolest canine couture including a sporty gray hoodie, Dogg K-9 Poly jersey and no Snoop collection could ever be complete with a leopoard print fur coat. Snoopin' out your own Snoopy's never been so ruff ruff.

Susse Style

May 1, 2007

Do you love your laptop, downloading music, shopping, reading blogs and spending lots of time online? What girl doesn't, right? There's a new line of swank bags in town available for global Cyber fashionista's and it's called Susse Collection. Susse girls frequently get away with online shopping during lunch hours and 4pm coffee breaks or she's a yummy mummy with young tots and, like Wonder Woman, is easily able to balance her kids on one shoulder and her career on the other. Men who pick up these chic Australian designs are showered with praise from their mums, sisters and significant others. Whatever the reason, Susse Collection designs a lavish range of bags, notebook cases, cosmetic carry-all's, baby bags, eyeglass cases, beach totes and more that tickle us pink. Tickling us even pinker is Susse's generosity in providing this sassy bag and wallet for our upcoming Mother's Day Giveaway. Can't wait? Save 20% on all regularly-priced items when you use coupon code: SUSSESTYLE at checkout thru 5/31/07.

Inside Out

The Weekend Edition

First they're skinny, then they're wide-legged. Cropped, below the hip, above the waist. What's a girl to do with so many trends in trousers to choose from? Rozae Nichols' new line, RN Convertible, starts with one fabulous jumpsuit that, with a drop here and a snap there, goes presto-chango quicker than Houdini. When fully extended, the trouser's (shown) fashion a chic dressy jumpsuit. Drop the top by folding it down, add a shirt, and you've got yourself some slinky high waisted trousers that'll carry you day into night. Roll and snap up the ankles and now they're the ideal pair of swingy Sunday pants. The options are endless and Rozae's collection offers even more choices with dresses, skirts and tops that change on the fly too. A great value as well, just one RN Convertible investment is akin to buying 3 or 4 styles with so many options it can make your head spin. Click here for store locations or stop by Ami Ami, Gypsy Moon and Willow St. Boutique for some select RN Convertible pieces available to purchase online.

Clothes Off Our Back

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Thanks to Jergens® and the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation®, an organization created by Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm In The Middle) and Bradley Whitford (The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip), starting today through May 3rd, Fashionista's have the rare opportunity to own the clothes off some very stylish backs. In honor of Jergens® 125th birthday, the “Beautiful Skin Is Fashionable” Celebrity Charity Auction offers up spectacular clothing and accessories provided and autographed by such beautiful people as Charlize Theron, Jessica Biel, Naomi Campbell, Penelope Cruz, Maria Sharapova and Tori Spelling with every penny raised going towards the angelic causes of Clothes Off Our Back®. Plus, the auction winners will also receive a complete wardrobe of Jergens® moisturizers so they can put their best skin out there no matter what they are – or aren’t – wearing. Put yourself on top of today's 'Most Fashionable' list while helping to bring some coin to a very worthy cause.

Bug Bites

The Weekend Edition

John & Kira's Chocolates are almost too pretty to eat. They're also socially responsible chocolates which, combined with their artisan talent and gourmet recipes, make them a perfect shop to stop by for Mother's Day. A Pennsylvania-based company that manufactures high-end chocolates that instead of using fussy cardboard, their chic chocolate arrives in a simple pine box adorned with the loveliest of bows, stamped and sealed with wax. Inside each box lie not the usual drunken cherries or buttercremes, but yummy concoctions mixed with ginger, lavender, fresh mint, lemongrass, and bergamot. The list is long and each is guaranteed to make your mouth water. Every chocolate is made fresh to order and personally made by hand. What caught our eye on the fly were these seasonal hand-painted Little Ladybug Gems filled with delectable raspberry ganache. ($28.00 for a box of 12). John & Kira's also makes the perfect corporate and wedding/event shop with similarly beautiful chocolates guaranteed to spark a conversation.

LandRollers

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Just how did Tori Spelling get back into such great shape just a few short weeks after Liam's birth? She's been having a blast with her revolutionary LandRoller skates.  And when Dancing With The Stars and Olympian Skater Apolo Anton Ohno creates a limited edition set of his own, you know you've got to roll around in a pair you can call your own!  So what's the buzz? LandRollers are a radical skate design that delivers superior performance while taking skaters to places - and surfaces - never before possible. You'll never be scanning the pavement for a hazardous pebble again. They outperform inlines and quad roller skates, providing skaters of all skill levels with an entirely new and improved skating experience. Only with LandRoller's patented Angled Wheel Technology™ can large wheels be mounted on a skate while maintaining a low center of gravity and a short wheelbase. Traditional skating dynamics are maintained while still delivering all of the advantages of large diameter wheels. These advantages include speed, smooth ride, increased glide time and the ability to skate over rougher surfaces. Try a pair just once and you'll never go back to inlines again!

Walks like a Duck

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Stars like Jessica Alba, Hillary Duff, and Katherine Heigl kept cozy and slip-free last winter with their Rubber Duck Brand Snowjoggers. Now that Spring's sprung, Jennifer Aniston's cooling her heels with the brand's classic and clean line of rubber soled feet treats. Our personal favorites: The original Rubber Duck Shao - official shoe of the Shaolin-monks in China (shown in Gold, $60.00). Besides their flex appeal, the shoe's soles are soft rubber, providing extra grip and comfort. For the planet's most colorful espadrilles, check out the Los Drillos line of pop 'n go footwear at a value price of $30.00 a pair in cool designs like Black Birds, Target, and Palms. Rubber Duck offers stylish shoes that fit true to size for both Men and Women, plus UPS shipping at the brand's official site is free with orders $50.00 or more.

Pawparazzi

The Weekend Edition

Pawparazzi Pets made a big splash at the 2007 Toy Fair and have quickly become the latest 'IT' toy for kids. Each interactive pet comes with its' own celebrity life. With individualized personalities, each toy’s adventures can be chronicled on the Pawparazzi website. Once online, kids can follow the escapades of their celebrity pet with the Pawparazzi Celebrity Weekly Tabloid. To further immerse your child in today’s online culture, every toy owner can post pictures of their Pawparazzi Pet or go to the message boards to interact with fellow owners. Jump start your child’s collection with pets like Salsa, the Latina singing sensation, Bailey, the aristocratic stylish fashion model, and many others. Starter sets with all the fixings are $29.99. Already a celebrity hit with the likes of Dakota Fanning who's a big collector of these cute and cuddly canines, Pawparazzi's available at these online retailers.

All My Clothing

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Do those hunky soap studs on All My Children know how to wear their shirts or what? First came Josh's Shout Out! Tees and then we feasted our eyes upon this new celeb craze: Inkslingers, as worn by AMC's Del.  Inkslinger's owner Mike Jezkiah has a chain of tattoo studios in Michigan with his more well known works decorating the bods of Kid Rock, Eminem and Britney Spears. His tattooing abilities are so amazing that he was encouraged to take his designs out of the tattoo studio and permanently place them in the most inventive of ways onto vintage tees, denim and leather jackets (sneakers, hats, and accessories are also on the horizon). The line blends the worlds of hip hop and rock and roll, and allows its' wearers to express their creativity just as they would if they were getting a tattoo without all of the pain and life-long commitment. Already Hollywood gold (Brad Pitt's a big fan), you can find out more about the collection at InkSlingersUSA.com, but sadly we could find no online ordering at press date. We did happily manage to find 28 of their flaming hot styles for Men, Women and Teens at Amazon.com.

Beauty Benefits

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Do you love your look? If you're anything like us, last season's beautiful holiday palettes are now making you yawn and like the bulbs popping up beneath the ground, your glamorous face is ready for a Spring perk-me-up. Benefit has amply answered the call with its' new collection of Love Your Look:  Makeup that matches your lifestyle whether you're a Lana (light neutrals), Gabbi (medium neutrals) or Betty (deep neutrals). Getting the Look has never packed such a punch with 3 new sheer cream blushers, 24 silky finish lipsticks, 12 creaseless cream eye shadow/liners and The talent brush: A new must-have for every gal's bag. Receive Free U.S. Standard Shipping with any purchase through 4/15/07 at Benefit Cosmetics when you use coupon code: LOVELOOK during checkout, plus two generously sized samples are included with every order!

Wrist Candy

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Remember Swatches? Well, Toy Watch has taken a cue from its' pliable predecessor with a gorgeous line of Italian-designed plastic unisex watches. Al Gore, Nicky & Paris Hilton, Jessica & Ashlee Simpson, Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman, among many others, have all been seen sporting these watches which are described as “Rolex-meets-Swatch”. Many Fashion Editors are touting them as the next big wrist-thing and its' high time you get your hands on one too. Find these and many other sought-after Spring Designers including: Missoni, Rock & Republic, Kooba, Ya-Ya and Juicy Couture at Adasa.com where shipping's free with orders $100 or more, plus you'll receive 15% off your order (excluding sale items, pre-orders and special order items) with coupon code: SSF15 at checkout.

Lollia = LOL

March 29, 2007

It's not 'Lots of Laughs' but rather, 'Lots of Love' that comes out of the box with a hop, skip and click on over to Lollia. Their bubble baths were featured in 2004's Oprah's Favorite Things Show while O! Magazine's current issue is raving about the shea butter hand cremes and so are we! Lollia is the baby of designer Margot Elena, an innovator of luxurious formulas and signature packaging for over a decade. Margot is well known for her first company, Archive, a well established luxury bath brand. She has designed products for some of the nation's top retailers including Restoration Hardware, Disney and Red Envelope. Every single product in the line had us at Hello from the extravagant 7.5" Tall Luminary candles whose glass casings are works of art in and of themselves to the lush bubbles you'll discover from Lollia's Dream, Breathe and Relax Bubble Baths in bottles so decadent we could barely find the courage to uncork one. What's new in store for those who are big fans of the line already is a delicately frosted and flirty collection of chemises, camisoles and pants in 100% dream drifting cotton that'll make every dream the sweetest you've ever indulged in.

Viga Massi

March 27, 2007

Upon completing your Spring cleaning, you're bound to be looking for a set of planters to show off your prize blooming bulbs or some one-of-a-kind objects to polish off your own Extreme Makeover. Viga Massi offers a curated selection of niche design objects, luxury gifts and unique home accessories from talented young designers and more prestigious established brands such as Reality by Harry Allen, D.L. & Co., Tocca, KOBO, Miller et Bertaux, LCDP Marsielle, and Moleskine. The store's a heavenly source of design inspiration offering a luxury retail experience online matched with superior customer service plus free shipping with orders $75 or more. Some of our favorites: perch! Plantorb ($96.00, shown) which, besides being a planter, can also be used as a a hanging vase, fruit bowl or birdbath - indoors and out; Miller et Bertaux's newest fragrance release: Close your eyes and...; Plus these wildly popular Cast Iron Bear Bookends - a must have for every literary's bookcase.

Sundae Yummy Sundae

The Weekend Edition

It's not everyday you happen upon a bath and body care line so scrumptious that even the family dog wants to take a bite out of it. That's exactly what happened when we had the privilege of reviewing Open Sundaes bubble bath cupcakes. In scrumptious flavors like Wisteria Lane, Blue Hawaii and Sweet 16, the cupcakes are so true-to-life you could box a baker's dozen up and present them as fresh-baked gifts to wow those nearest and dearest to your heart. The entire line of scrubs, bath bombs, body frostings, powders, candles, lip toppings and more smell like the yummiest bakery in town, without all the high-calorie guilt afterwards, and the products work major miracles on both your skin and aura. Styleforfree readers receive 15% off at Open Sundaes with this coupon code or click here for the scoop on why we give the entire line 5 big smilies!

Junk in the Trunk

March 20, 2007

Once you've cried over spilled milk, eggs and tossed groceries all over the back of your car the only kleenex which will wipe away those tears comes thanks to these tidy trunk organizers. Highland's Black Space Master Soft-Sided Cargo Organizer ($14.60) is a great multi-purpose organizer for your groceries, sports equipment, and emergency gear. Stacks and Stacks Car Trunk Organizer ($29.74) keeps grocery bags upright and folds away for easy storage. Hoppy's StorageMaster Cargo Organizer ($34.99) features three compartments that allow for more orderly storage in your vehicle. Case Logic's Folding Cargo Bag ($24.99) is another roomy option with top zip closure and hook attachment strips that stay secured to your carpeted floor.  But the highest-rated of the bunch goes to Case Logic's Large Trunk Organizer ($14.00) with velcro strips that attach to your floor and keep your bundle from slipping.  Perfect for everyday family outings, these clutter busters help you stay focused on the road and provide assurance that the junk in your trunk will make it safely and securely back home.

Anti-Jelly Beans

The Weekend Edition

Are you looking for a fast, easy way to uncover a new beach body? Do you want to feel great while you flatten your stomach, firm your behind and sculpt your arms? The Bean is a gigantic leap forward in fitness technology, that lets you work your upper body, core and lower body in proper form with no pain. An all-in-one workout tool that offers the benefits of a stability ball, incline bench and back pain rehab device. Whether you're a well-conditioned athlete or someone just getting back into shape, The Bean offers a workout that's right for you. THE BEAN can also help you relax and relieve back pain; it’s rounded yet shapely design comforts you, while you follow its easy stretching routine. Because The Bean is so convenient, versatile and time-efficient, people report feeling and seeing changes in their body in the first two weeks! More stable than a typical exercise ball, the rocking motion of the bean allows you to automatically combine three exercises in one: a crunch, pelvic tilt, and leg raise. Just sitting on it while watching tv increases the strength of your core. Comes with 6 free video workouts to make exercise fun and fast in as little as 10 minutes. Used and recommended by Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Football legend Roger Craig. Retails for $64.99, get yours on sale at Kohl's for $49.99 + save even more with these coupons.

Off the Red Carpet

March 13, 2007

Remember the good old days when Jeanine Lobell first launched Stila Cosmetics? There was an infinite sense of new with her cleverly designed cardboard color pots, limited editions and those brush-on lip glazes which everyone has since knocked off. Since being bought out by a major beauty conglomerate, the excitement hasn't been quite the same. If you're looking to put the fun back into playing with your makeup, look no further than Julie Hewett's Cosmetics line. Julie's as much of a celebrity as her line is and has worked with such award-winning actresses as Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman and Liv Tyler. For your own red carpet glow in a jar, pat a little Shimmy on your cheekbones. Get Mandy Moore's look during the filming of "Because I Said So" with the exclusive Mandy Palette. Looking for the most perfect eye kit in the world? Soiree works both wet & dry and provides dozen of neutral and dramatic looks no matter what your skin tone.  Best cheek color goes to Bud of Rose and the most lush lashes available to womankind come from JHLA's Rose scented mascara. Julie also creates the most glam worthy range of classic red lipsticks through her double-pigmented noir collection. Receive 10% off any order at JHLA with coupon code: STYLEFORFREE at checkout through 3/31/07 and don't say we didn't warn you: Prying your hands away from this line is next to impossible.

Spring Cleaning

March 8, 2007

Sunshine....warmth....can't you just feel those winter doldrums busting Spring cleaning days ahead of you?  When it's time to pull out the clothing that's been sitting in the attic all winter, turn to The Laundress for the Web's best selection of cleaning products and tips! Trying to properly clean delicates or take pristine care of your high fashion denim? Perhaps you're suffering from a recent pen explosion, stinky gym shoes or makeup on your white towels. You'll find tons of solutions for those pesky problems and many more. Aside from the super chic packaging, products from The Laundress actually put the fun back into cleaning. The fragrances are akin to walking through an upscale boutique's perfume counter and these will bring even your grimiest to a whole new level of clean. For old-timer's to the line, check out the amazing gift selections such as The Laundress Baby Bucket for the Mom and Dad who might be receiving a few too many fitted crib sheets. Mop the floors in total style with The Laundress Pail and keep stains a swipe away with a Stain Pacquette Box, full of on-the-go stain removing packettes that every fashionista's handbag must have tucked inside.

Hair for Mortals

February 21, 2007

Around the same time last year a well-known hairstylist with his own TV show came out with a highly buzzed about collection of hair care products. We bit, bought and were left flatly unimpressed. So why are we flipping our tresses over Nick Arrojo's (What Not To Wear) new hair care line, Arrojo Product? Over the past 25 years, Mr. Arrojo has held positions with Vidal Sassoon, Wella, Bumble & Bumble and Aveda. Aside from being a celebrity and industry giant he, more importantly, speaks to us mere mortals and his line does too. As its' concept was being developed, Nick's main objective was not to be clever or cool but he wanted consumers to be able to pick up a product and say, ‘yes, I know what this is, I know what it does and I know how to use it’ with minimum fuss. Whether you're looking for more volume, lush texture, more shine or a way to eliminate the flyaway's, Nick's line answers every call. As one of our Beauty Editors (who's a diehard fan of the show) observed, "Nick works miracles on people's hair...even with those who are unsusceptible to change." If you're unable to get an appointment at his NYC Salon, his line will have you flipping your lid at home without depleting your budget: The 12-product assortment ranges in price from $10 to $16.

Wrinkle Busters

The Weekend Edition

We've got nothing against Botox and, in fact, have gone under the needle on occasion ourselves. But aside from not being able to properly express your facial emotions, it's unsettling that you're going in to shell out at least $400 only to have poison injected into your face for vanity's sake. As such, we've been on an over year-long quest determined to find the best over-the-counter alternatives and have been extremely fortunate to stumble upon some of the best wrinkle zapping products on earth. With 4-6 weeks of daily pain-free use, our testers averaged a 45% reduction in the depth of even the most stubborn of creases and laugh lines. All while still being able to properly display our proud emotions.  Babor's Wrinkle Filler is newest on the market and is nothing short of amazing. It settles right in and doesn't leave a smidgen of annoying residue. We instantly saw results with their product which have only increased with each day's use. Peter Thomas Roth's Unwrinkle has a die-hard cult following. It not only provides instant plumping results but after several weeks of use reduces lines by up to 52%. Last but not least goes to Janson Beckett's DermaExcel 7 for the most stubborn and hard-to-remove wrinkles. Its' proprietary formula mimics what Botox does but in a topical form that relaxed our forehead lines right away, though it's their before and after pics that show the proof's in the pudding.

Wink Wink

February 14, 2007

From Penelope Cruz's look in Volver to Christina Aguilera's bring the house down performance on Sunday's Grammy Awards or as the legendary Diane Sawyer once proclaimed, "You can't put enough mascara on my lashes". Deep, lush black all around the eyes is back in a big bold way this Spring. Thanks to oodles of new formulas on the market: Clumps, cakes and smudges are but a distant memory. Some of the most winked about mascaras? LORAC Publicity Stunt, Imju Fiberwig and Fusion Beauty LashFusion. Most smudge worthy? Urban Decay Smoke Out Eye Pencil, TheBalm Pick-Up Liners and for those who prefer a more controlled line, Make Up For Ever's Eyeliner Cake. For an even more dramatic effect, try a pair of falsies on for size like Sugar Cosmetics Flirt False Lashes, ModelCo Lash Out Individuals or Sephora's Deluxe Lash Kit which includes everything needed for perfect placement. How to seal the deal so your look will last all day? A swipe of Bare Escentuals Weather Everything Liner Sealer and DuWop's Lash Lacquer will keep everything in place through laughter, sweat and tears.

Candles in the Wind

The Weekend Edition

White Flower Lei is a brand new Haute Couture hand made organic soy candle, natural glycerin soap & perfume company that launched straight into Fred Segal Studio and instantly became a celebrity favorite. The line of beautifully presented aromatic treats are designed, hand made & enriched with Reiki by Australian fragrance/candle designer Virginia Hey. White Flower Lei offers exquisite, luxury handmade perfumed products to delight & pamper you, still you, add bliss and well being to your inner environment; Charm and elegance to your home. Star fragrance of the collection? Many who've whiffed immediately present the honors to rei.Kii. Take a peek at WFL's BEAUTIFUL newest fragrances: The Casablanca Lily and White Chocolate Opera soaps are GORGEOUS. The entire line's packaging is so out of this world you can skip the gift wrapping. Styleforfree.com readers receive 10% off your order when you use coupon code: SFFVALENTINES001 at checkout through 2/15/07 and light up your life for a little bit less ka-ching and a whole lot more aroma.

Scentsability

February 7, 2007

Ancient cultures have historically placed great emphasis on the healing properties of aromatics. As one of the modern pioneers of holistic aromatherapy, Aromafloria continues to embrace and evolve this art and translates it into modern day luxuries for your senses. Their collection of bath, body and skin care products are expertly formulated with aromatherapeutic essential oils, medicinal herbals and exotic botanicals. If you're still looking for a great gift idea this Valentine's Day, Aromafloria's Pomegranate collection is the perfect non-calorie alternative to a box of chocolates and lasts longer too! Suffering from Insomnia? Retreat, restore and relax with The SleepEase collection.  Already an Aromafloria fan? Revisit today for their newest natural wonders including Aromatic Soy Candles in seductive blends of Mangosteen and Vanilla Ginger or our personal favorite: Sensory Fusion AromaBeads which beautifully accent your decor and provide a wonderfully scented environment thanks to everlasting recycled glass beads akin to special sea shore finds it would normally take you many back breaking days to scoop up on your own. Stop by today to create quiet, restorative moments and meaningful rituals that will elicit relaxation and keep you on your road to wellness.

Hip to be Square

February 5, 2007

Welcome to a new lifestyle of security and mobility! Using components from the Urban Utility Belt (UUB) system lets you keep your most essential items within easy reach and instantly accessible. The UUB is designed for maximum adaptability so you can create a system that's tailor made for you whether you're a man or woman. Simply start with one of their patented system belts ($55.00) and customize it to suit your needs via snap on cases that are perfect for hitting the dance floor or larger portfolio sizes if you're looking for a more a secure way to tote your notebook around town. UUB belt extenders make it a cinch to wear around the hip or over your shoulder handbag style sans the back-breaking weight. Besides looking far more modern than a fanny pack, what we love most about the genuine leather UUB's are the security they provide. Once you lock a case (or two..or three) onto your belt using the patented snaps, you and you ONLY are able to remove the cases and their contents.  UUB is a pickpockets' worse nightmare and a city walker's dream come true.

Coats with the most

February 1, 2007

Spring's new jacket makes a lasting impression with its' bold yet oh-so-retro silhouette. Easy, breezy and refined, they leave us reminiscing about weaving through Paris Carrie Bradshaw style and those golden glory days when Marlo Thomas was prancing around New York City on '60's hit show, That Girl. They're the sort of jackets you'd expect to find Audrey Hepburn or the more modern day, Angelina Jolie in. Think opera jackets in lengths that hit just above the knee, lots of beautiful portrait collars and romantically puffed cropped sleeves. At the knee length winners include Blumarine's Leopard Print, Ports 1961 Empire Waist Frock, Nanette Lepore's Hanky Panky and her All Aboard, Trina Turk's 'Jade', Charles Gray's Small Dot Opera and Karen Zambos' Vintage Couture Swing coats and jackets. Our favorite above waist styles go to Diane von Furstenberg's 'Laurus', BCBG Max Azria's 'Nancy', and Paige Premium's Denim 'Chalon' (shown).  Clearly the design master of the season's most haute couture overlays is Marc Jacobs who's expertly stitched up the 'Sasha' Sateen, 'Poppy' Sateen Jacquard, Dense Twill and Diana Dot coats. Even more evident is that romantic, feminine looks are in for Spring and we're tickled pink about that.

Extreme Home Scent-over

January 24, 2007

You can never be too rich, too thin, or have enough of these gorgeous fragrance diffusers on proud display in your home.  Is one set possibly enough? Not once you've taken a single whiff of these 3 month long lasting home fragrances. They're way better looking than any plug-in air freshener, far safer than candles and the scents are subtly dispersed in the room all day long - week after lovely smelling week. They also happen to make a great Valentine's gift as this bouquet of flowers will outlast the seven day roses. One of our favorite brands is Xela Aromasticks because of their beauty, distinctive range of aromas and the fact that a portion of each sale is donated to Goodwill Industries which helps people with disabilities. Top mood making scents for Valentine's are Red Currant and Stimulating Spice. Newest release are XELA Trias ($75.00, shown) designed to offer you the versatility of having a variety of scents in your home in one ready to go set. Styleforfree.com readers receive 15% off your order at Xela Aromasticks when you use coupon code: STYLE at checkout thru 2/14/07.

Rafe for Target

January 23, 2007

What's at the tip top of many a fashion editor's must have list for Spring? Few will publicly admit it but many are flocking to Target for its' exclusive line of Rafe bags, clutches and sandals. Blending sophistication and edginess, New York City designer Rafe Totengco offers visible proof that beautiful design can be affordable, too. We quickly scooped up one such hardware heavy bag in-store that immediately cried out to us "take me home" and compliments poured in when onlooker's swore it must have set us back three-hundred-plus, but in reality was merely $39.99. Newest online are the leather floral sandals (shown) featuring arch support and cushioned insoles. At just $24.99 a pair, we recommend grabbing your size as quickly as you can because they'll be disappearing faster than the ease at which they slip on. Click here for current Target.com coupon(s).