Pretty Just Cause

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Those with a passion for fashion and a heart equally full of compassion know what a special month October is. It's when our favorite designers release limited editions with most or 100% of the proceeds donated to such heroic causes as The Avon, Breast Cancer Research and Susan G. Komen Foundations.  Each item is a total win/win. Making the perfect treat for yourself or holiday gift that keeps on giving.  2005 is full of high-style finds and nobody wraps it all up in a neat little bow better than Nordstrom does. Their Wellness Awareness Event offers everything we're looking for under one clickable roof including Tweezerman's pink tweezers, and limited edition items from Stila, Estee Lauder and Thierry Mugler.  Win the PuchiBag Dog Carrier Auction and Cesar will donate 100% of the proceeds while you get to pick up a cute doggie carrier signed by celebs like Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria.  Make your mark with Avon's Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer Pin with all net proceeds going to the cause. New Balance is a great company donating proceeds from items including their full-zip fleece top, Performance Kinetic DT Jacket, Duffel Bag and Pink Ribbon Hat. Looking great with anything you choose to pair 'em with are Rock & Republic's Shop-Bop exclusive Joey embroidered jeans, Biatta's Pink Linear Essence lingerie line and Coach's Positively Pink Watch. There's never been a better month to shop and make a real difference.

You can Ring my Bell

The Weekend Edition

What's the shelf life for a cell phone these days? Same as that pair of 3 inch heels you thought looked so fab in April but are now leaving you with major shoe blah's? Get your hands on one of these 997 limited editions and you'll toss your old phone out faster than you can dial 0. Vertu is the luxury arm of Nokia and its' limited edition model has just been released to celebrate their participation in The Porsche Michelin Supercup and Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia. The Ascent Motorsport Limited Edition is a sleek cell phone constructed of liquidmetal alloy, oil resistant leather and a carbon fiber inlaid cover. Guaranteed to make any motorsport fan's holiday, available at select locations worldwide. If it's a bit too masculine for your feminine side, you'll find it hard to pass up the Vertu Ascent Pink Edition with the same high quality construction, chic pink hand embossed leather cover and jewelled bearings. Both are Bluetooth ready, feature concierge service, a loudspeaker, and modem support.

Fila V 2.0

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Are you looking for a hip, new shoe? Or a designer blog? Find both at Filativa. Fila's new baby is a fusion of the old and new. Of sport and style. The merging of Fila and Ativa (Italian for Active). The line sports some sleek, modern shoes for men and women and colorful bags too (We're mad about the pink corduroy tote, $32). Our hearts beat a little faster for the men's styles vs. the women's. The Men's RunDrive shoe (shown, $80) is available in a women's version - though we prefer the bolder colors of the Men's. The ultimate combination of running and driving shoe, it's ready for anything whether you're walking the wilds of New York City or mad dashing it up Boston's Heartbreak Hill. Our favorite Women's style goes to the Zen-Y, a pretty fusion of yoga and fitness shoe ($70). What's most cool about Filativa's site are its' interactive blogs from the line's designers: Dawn S., Richard M., Mike K. and Ivan G. Read about what inspires them, what gets them to create their styles and feel free to donate your two cents - they'd love to hear from you.

Achtung Baby

The Weekend Edition

We marvel at his music. And applaud his social activism. But just wait 'til you see Bono's clothing line, Edun. The brainchild of U2's Bono, his wife, Ali Hewson, and Rogan Gregory, a designer who emphasizes organic fabrics and ethical guidelines. Edun was conceived as an alternative approach to creating beautiful clothes in a respectful manner. The line is a marriage of social activism and aesthetic innovation. Its' goal is to build a business while creating sustainable employment in developing areas of the world such as South America and Africa. Styles for men and women are created in factories which represent the "gold standard" in skill and labor practices. One could expect no less from Bono. But how do the clothes actually look? In one word -- Amazing!  There's a real attention to detail, right down to the hip embroidered jeans with pockets that have Bono-esque expressions printed on their lining. Look at the collection at Edun's official site in Ireland. Or pick up the pieces online and at your local Saks Fifth Avenue (and enter to win a $1000 Saks Spree while you're there) and/or Nordstrom. Isn't it amazing how one person's life can make such a huge difference in this world?

Oh Make Me Over

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Once you've surpassed the age of 24, beauty tips and tricks you've read about in your favorite magazines start morphing into one another. Brush a little matching eye shadow on top of your pencil eyeliner to keep it from running on heated days. Sometimes it's best to apply concealer over your foundation, not before. And as the late, great Kevyn Aucoin once said - don't be afraid to tweeze the upper part of your eyebrows if you need to. Then once in a great cosmetic while you see someone like Tyra Banks on America's Next Top Model shove a piece of rolled up Kleenex underneath her top lip (to make it pout out for the camera) and you go WOW!  Enter Director of Estee Lauder's national makeup artist team, Paul Starr. His new book, Paul Starr on Beauty: Conversations with Thirty Celebrated Women ($19.97), is a gold mine of such surprising tricks. You've probably read time and again why it's not cool to put black mascara on your bottom lashes. But his book will fill you in on what color is A-okay to use on the lowers (especially during the Holidays) and why.

Hot Mama

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

The Hot Moms Club is an online group that believes motherhood is sexy and that just because you have a bambino or two, doesn't mean you have to toss your sense of style out the minivan window. Their site is a two part masterpiece. One part store (with t-shirts that Britney Spears and Courteney Cox have both picked up with verbiage like "My Mom is hotter than your Mom (shown) and "I've Got a Hot Mom"). Second part is a wealth of articles on such topics as Life, Relationships, Yoga, Health and great exercise tips by fitness expert (and Hot Mom) Jennifer Nicole Lee. Their site's a blast and truly deserves a bronzed baby shoe award.

Heavy Metal

The Weekend Edition

Bronze, Silver or Gold. Whichever metal you prefer, metallic fashion and accessories are red hot this Fall. Not to mention that they transition beautifully into the holidays. There's a great crop of luxe picks available online - each threaded, accented or completely covered in shine. One of our favorites is FCUK's Overnight Bag (shown, $85.50). Recently featured in Closer - it offers loads of space without being to much of a bag burden and features a removable shoulder strap. Looking for the hottest cowgirl boots around? Wear these sexy boots from Miss Sixty ($110.20) with everything from denim minis to prairie skirts for a Dolly Parton-esque glam cowgirl look this season! The aertex-style leather is trimmed with metallic gold and white leather for real rock n' roll style. Traffic People's Disco Y Top ($66.50) is a stunner with metallic lurex weaved throughout the fabric and gold square sequins that catch light so beautifully. And if you're on the lookout for the perfect holiday heels that have that Manolo look without the price tag, be a real twinkle toes in these fabulous glam metallic faux leather stilettos ($53.20). Inspired by top designers, these strappy sandals feature ankle tie detail and a killer heel, making them perfect for all those red carpet events a la Liz Hurley, or just strutting your stuff on the dance floor!

Oh Stella!

Thursday, September 15, 2005

If stylish young women are late for work this November 10th, they just might be queuing up at H&M. The Swedish fast-fashion giant expects an extra rush that day, when its one-time Stella McCartney for H&M collection arrives in some 400 of its doors. The launch, an encore to last year's collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, will be backed by a major advertising campaign starring Kate Moss wearing items like a hand-embroidered jacket that will be produced in limited quantities. Shown at right is a sketch from the highly anticipated collection. Click here for a listing of H&M stores in your neighborhood and don't forget to pack a good bag lunch -- maybe even a pair of brass knuckles.

Twisted Sister

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

It's Fashion Week and we can expect wall-to-wall coverage of the models, what makeup they're wearing, whose heels they're strutting in and which designer collections are getting the highest critical acclaim. What's a poor girl to do when all she wants is a simple barrette? We pay tribute to the jewels which adorn your tresses whether it's for a special night out, your wedding day, or you feel like putting a new twist into your daily routine. First stop is Lucky Charms. In addition to some beautiful jewelry, you'll find over five pages of creative hair accessories such as the Swarovski Austrian Crystal Floral Butterfly Barrette shown here ($10.50 + Free shipping with orders $75+). France Luxe offers the most chic hair options ranging from adorned bobby pins to couture hair bows. Select three items and they'll toss a fourth into your order for free until 9/30. Looking for a decent shower cap? Check out Sephora's Sephora Girl version ($5) - it's too cute and will perk up your travel woes in no time. We do wish Sephora carried more hair accessories but where they lack in that department, Ulta makes up for with 25% off Bellissima and Karina hair accessories plus take an additional 20% off your order with coupon code: 35220 until 10/31.  Get twisted sister and have some fun with your hair!

Cashmere Relief

The Weekend Edition

Propriete Privee's Cashmere T shirts have been worn by the Hollywood community secretly for the past two years, known for it’s sumptuous yet simple cashmere T shirts with a hand stamped logo on the cuff. Instead of accepting invitations it receives to participate in Hollywood award shows by donating its signature shirts for celeb goody bags, the company feels honored to participate in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts by donating one third of its gross sales proceeds. The company announced this morning that it will skip it’s presence at NY Fashion Week and use one third of it’s sales for the remainder of this fashion season to aid financially in Hurricane Katrina relief funds. Thru the end of 2005 one third of the value of all sales from the website will be donated to The American Red Cross relief efforts. ($100 per sale!) Propriete Privee, which translates from French, means “private property”- that which hundreds of thousands of the Hurricane’s victims no longer have. In a small step for the thousands of victims, this translates into one hundred dollars donated for every sale of it’s signature product, Cashmere Ts. “Although a Cashmere T shirt seems meaningless in this tragedy,” says designer Cynthia de Tolner, “we want to impact in any way we can. Our name has always had fascination in it’s meaning, and now we can truly walk our talk.” Great style, great cause and even greater creative thinking where Katrina relief efforts are concerned. We applaud you Propriete Privee!

Ray of Light

Thursday, September 8, 2005

Watch just one extreme home makeover show and it takes all but 15 seconds to see the before and after effects of updating a chandelier, whether it's in your kitchen or dining room. Add a touch of artisan flair and you've got yourself a centerpiece that'll have everyone talking the second the step into your home for blissful ambience. Dorian Webb's glass chandeliers (shown) are the crown jewel of today's showcase. Her designs use twelfth-century style Venetian glass, 24 karat gold, white gold and semi precious stones. $750 - $1750 for smaller sizes; $3000-$8000 for larger). If you're on a tighter budget, check out Great Chandelier's Color & Fruit selections, starting at $126 to achieve the Look for less. Plus take 20% off any Great Chandelier order with coupon code: shop through 10/31. More graceful creations from Lamps Plus (click here for coupons) are listed at left - each guaranteed to light your room up in an instant and make create a hue of pretty rainbows dancing beneath the sun's rays.

Orange County Chic

Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Whether you're a die-hard fan of Warner Brothers' popular television drama The O.C., or just love the trendsetting styles sported by the show's stars, you'll love The O.C. Collection from Necessary Objects available exclusively at Amazon. The 12-piece collection was designed by Necessary Objects' Ady Gluck-Frankel, in collaboration with the wardrobe supervisor from The O.C., and captures the young, contemporary boho-chic style synonymous with the The O.C.  From borrowed menswear looks to fabulous beach-chic styles, there are lots of sizzling designs that'll have you mixing and matching in no time. We fell in love at hello with the tweed mini skirt ($68) and cap sleeve sweater ($48), shown. Other must-see pieces include the sequin trim tube top, striped cuffed gaucho pants and 3/4 sleeve Morgan blouse.  In junior sizes (XS - L).  Putting together Fall's hottest look has never been so easy or as much fun.

Katrina

Look of the Week

No words can possibly describe Hurricane Katrina's wrath.

We're praying hard for everyone's safety. Now it's time to do all we can to help.

Click here to visit The American Red Cross and please consider doing anything you can - every little bit makes a huge difference.

For a growing list of charitable organizations and helpful resources, please click here.

Pet Shop Fun

The Weekend Edition

Oh the joys of owning a virtual pet! Teens and tweens know they're wildly entertaining. You don't have to walk them in bad weather, they don't shed, and most importantly, there are no messes left to clean up. The latest rages in the virtual pet kingdom go to Tamagotchi Mini (release date: October 21) and Nintendogs. Tamagotchi's latest ($8.99) is one-third the size of the original and can be attached to cell phones, key chains, backpacks, purses, jewelry and make a fashionable zipper pull. Cool design themes include Black Flames, Cosmic Pink, Purple Confetti, Tangerine Polka Dots and Striped Chaos. Nintendogs for Nintendo DS ($29.99) lets you pick a pup from more than 15 popular dog breeds, then care for and train it using the touch screen and microphone. Pet your pup, teach it new tricks, feed it, take it for a walk or interact wirelessly with your friends Nintendogs using its' innovative Bark Mode -- it's got tweens around the nation giving it two way fun thumbs up.

More than Fair Isles

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

What argyle does to freshen up summer's tennis courts, Fair Isle does for your fall wardrobe. This season of no exception, fashion's most talented designers have created some ready to wow you toppers that'll make your basic denims and tweeds going 'Shazam'. Caslon's fair isle patterned vest is the perfect layering piece (sizes 4-18, $52). INC's Fair isle Sweater is a romantic caramel colored short sleeve style with a cute tie accenting its' v-neckline ($59). Burberry's just introduced a richly hued fair isle v-neck for him ($295). Vince has a romantic button down cardigan ($285) for women available for purchase at Saks where you can also pre-order Iisli's gorgeous fair isle knit blazer ($358). But the hands down stunner of Autumn's more than fair crowd goes to J. Crew's updated and vibrant crew neck (shown, $68).  Maybe it's the way Maggie Rizer wears it, or J. Crew's infinite ability to take something old and making it stunningly fresh and new.

Whiffs of Fall

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Autumn's new fragrance introductions are flirtatious scents made of sugar, spice and everything nice.  From noses who know, which ones get the highest raved whiffs? Clarins Par Amour Toujours EDT ($30) with notes of pink peppercorns and hints of raspberry. Calvin Klein's Euphoria ($55) is an intoxicating head-turning fragrance with exotic fruits, rich black orchids and lotus blossoms.  Jaguar Woman ($68) will have you purring over its' mix of luscious fruits, soft woods and floral notes of peony and water lily. Baby Phat Goddess ($39.50) is a bold white floral bottled beautifully in a glam replica of Kimora Lee Simons' 30-karat diamond. Valentino's V ($51 - $75) is a woody, floral, oriental noted scent with freesia, figs and heady orange blossoms.  And the long awaited Miss Dior Cherie is out ($65, shown). Our personal favorite, it's a delicious scent bursting with strawberry leaves and fresh patchouli.

Get Inked

The Weekend Edition

Inky guys and gals love smelling fresh, indulging themselves in utter lushness and they respect the environment. They're also passionate about finding that truly unique combination of top quality bath and body products that also happen to be made of 99-100% natural, certified organic ingredients imported from and indiginous to the African continent. Dance over to Inky Loves Nature and treat your body to the yummy treats it deserves like their invigorating Self Love Body Scrub, Warrior Queen Cleanser or Magical Melanin Moisturizer. Styleforfree shoppers save 15% when you use discount voucher code: 100206060 at checkout. Registered with us? If so, you're entered to win a full-size set of Inky's products during our Back to School giveaway on 9/16!

Not Yesterday's Prada

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Scene stealing satchels, hobos and totes are showing up all over fashion's most stylish shoulders.  Gone are your standard black on black Prada totes. In are sophisticated yet deliciously handcrafted detailing in Fall's most exciting carry all's.  In their own right,  Prada's showing lots of colorful twists in it's fall accessory line up (all at least 20% off at Bluefly). Some of the freshest being their Tessuto Robot bag, Plex Gallo tote and Canapa St. Soho satchel. Another trend hitting handbag heaven are sweater knit bags with lots of cable and knit details (check out Paul & Joe's new Sweety Bag and you'll instantly empathize).   More we've fallen madly in love with are listed at left but keep your chic eyes open and savvy wallets on stand by as more will inevitably be making the scene as temperatures start dropping.  Click, browse, ooo and ah while you combat yesterday's handbag blues.

Skin Just In

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Stephanie Seymour, Candace Bushnell, and half of young Hollywood head to Manhattan dermatologist Patricia Wexler's office to keep their skin looking luminous. Now her long anticipated skincare for the masses is about to debut!  Buzz has it that the month or two wait just to get your hands on some will be well worth it.  Starting on October 19th, you can score any one of the nineteen product line up at Bath & Body Works Flagship stores, Fred Segal, C.O. Bigelow and Henri Bendel.  For us more impatient types, a six product Starter Kit ($45) will debut on September 19th.  Dr. Wexler's philosophy in her star studded line up is not to overflow your bathroom cabinet with more product than you need - just the right ones for your specific skin type and concerns.  Based on her reputation, we trust it'll be a system that'll have you looking like the A-list star that you are!

Toast with the Most

Monday, August 15, 2005

Whether you're toasting bagels or low-carb bread, this toaster is guaranteed to jazz up your day and kitchen's decor. These inventive toasters are created in France, offered in the States by Pylones-USA.  O Magazine likes the Rainbow style (bottom left) while Shop Etc recommends the Squares (above the rainbow).  Thanks to Shop Etc, you'll save 15% on your order using coupon code: shopetc at checkout through 9/30. Look around during your lunch break and have a ton of fun with similarly humorous yet chic items like these colorful coat hangers, super juiced pocket radios, or these lamps that'll make homework anything but boring this year. Pylones' a store with tons of funk from France!

One Beautiful Bazaar

The Weekend Edition

We know what you want Beauty guru's because we want the same!  Lots of cool new products your friends know nothing about (at least not 'til you tell them), in juicy new shades, formulations and flavors. But what could be more precious than the almighty GWP (gift with purchase)?  There are few things sweeter in life than a great GWP and Beauty Collection offers bunches of them. In addition to FREE Shipping with orders $75 or more, you'll find today's most sought after beauty brands from Jelly Pong Pong to Claus Porto, Sweet Spot Labs to Ojon, Blinc to Freeze 24/7. Styleforfree shoppers get 10% off your order when you use coupon code: style4free at checkout through 9/03.  And if that weren't enough - check out the $290 value Dr. Brandt set they're letting us award to one lucky registered winner on 9/16 and an $87 value Nuxe body care kit if you register with them!

Hollaback Girl

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line has been such an astounding success that she's just rolled out her newest intro into pop/fashion culture - Harajuku Lovers: A Fatal Attraction to Cuteness. The collection features affordable fashions and accessories for women, men, children and babies. Since it's so fresh (fashion editors are getting their first view today), the online store has a mere few items but more will be introduced over the next few weeks. One of our favorites is the Harajuku Lovers limited edition digital camera from HP ($349.99). Everything in the line (with exception to the camera) will retail for under $100 which is one of Gwen's highest priorities in creating the Harajuku line. Rock yourself over, take a look, scoop up a super cute tee and satisfy your own fatal attraction to cuteness - Gwen style.