The Great Pumpkin

The Halloween Edition

What's the best alternative for your waistline while you're surrounded by a flurry of trick or treater's and mounds of chocolate? philosophy's Limited Edition pumpkin pie 3-in-1 bath and shower gel. Not only do you get to indulge in your best shower or bubble bath ever but there isn't a lick of calories in blend.  Want to go all out? Try blending it with some vanilla birthday cake. Other sweet treats in time for the Holidays? Double rich hot cocoa, gingerbread man lip balm, candy cane souffle, holiday blues (with 100% of its' proceeds being donated to The Ricky Martin Foundation this year), muffin man lip shine, and one of our all-time favorites is back: old fashioned eggnog. Now for your Halloween treat! With your philosophy.com purchase of $45 or more and coupon code: holiday at checkout through 11/08/06 - philosophy will throw in a free 2 oz ice cream man soufflé tube with your order!  Sinfully sweet and a 100% guilt-free pleasure.

A+Ford

The Weekend Edition

Tom Ford's Hardcover Book: $78.75. His azurée collection with Estee Lauder: $22.00 - $30.00. Hutton Sunglasses: $274.99. The long-awaited launch of his official website: Priceless. Designer Tom Ford, the genius behind some of Gucci's and Yves St. Laurent's most precious collections, now swoons us with TomFord.com.  Premiere site offering's include a wealth of information on his upcoming fragrance line, Tom Ford Black Orchid, along with a preview of his luxury men's wear collection slated for official debut April, 2007. Blanketed in his signature brown & black tones, the site will be rolled out in multiple stages eventually becoming home to The Tom Ford online boutique. At present you can study up on the designer's inspiring biography, view his eyewear collection and explore the lush oils, hair perfume and other fragrant products from his Black Orchid line.

Shimmer 'n Shine

October 26, 2006

As we all start contemplating what we'll be wearing to the upcoming Holiday invites here's a twinkling trend watch: Fashions that shimmer and shine. We're not talking about way over the top Tammy Faye type of sparkles. This season's most sought after presents a more refined radiance aided by subtle silks, mixed media, metallic threads and subtly colored lamé's.  Daylight event's most precious finds go to Robert Rodriguez's Drape Neck Vest, Trina Turk's Shimmer Black Trousers and coordinating 'Shimmer - Fresh' Jacket; while BCBG Max Azria's Stripe Silk Blouse is a 'round the clock stunner.  Kick it up a notch after sunset with this Strapless Party Dress from Laundry by Shelli Segal, Vera Wang's Beaded Satin Dress (shown), French Connection's 'Moon on the Lake' Sequin Sheath Dress, Mary L Couture's Bias Cut Charmeuse Gown with Godets, L.A.M.B.'s Silk Satin Zigzag Skirt, or Maggy London's Lace Top Halter Dress. How to polish the look with perfection? Our favorite beauty product of the new season goes to NARS Highlighting Blush Powder which works twice as nice when used to highlight the brow bone. All of these finds and many more seasonal picks are available at Nordstrom.com who will ship your entire order at no charge when you pick up a pair of regularly priced shoes to dazzle up your look before 10/30/06. Calvin Klein's Lucia pump fits the bill to perfection offered in such festive shades as Gunmetal Lame and Bronze Metallic Reptile.

Where art thou Romeo?

October 24, 2006

If Juliet were on a where art thou for the perfect accessory with which to reel in Romeo, she'd find a goblet full of sweet surprises inside india*romeo.com.  The line, handcrafted by mover, shaker and lovely-thing-maker Ileana Rodriguez, offers apparel, paper goods, housewares, and candy-colored adornments inspired by a love of all things vintage, a keen appreciation for color, and a desire to find functional, pretty, accessories for today's more modern Juliet.  Register for india*romeo's newsletter and you'll be entered to win a gift basket filled-to-the-brim with handcrafted goodness made by independent artists, designers, and crafters from all over the world in the Happily Handmade Giveaway. Styleforfree.com yonderers receive 20% off your order with coupon code: FREESTYLE20 at checkout through 11/05/06.

Slouch Potatoes

The Weekend Edition

Day after day your mother insisted that you sit up straight and stop slouching. But she definitely wasn't talking about the beauty you'll find inside when you slip on a pair of the season's hottest heels: Tall, slouchy boots that are made even more fantastic when they fold over a few inches beneath the knee. Why? Because they're the hottest pairing with Fall's super skinny jeans since bread and butter.  Where to find them? Check out 'Limonta' by Arturo Chiang ($225.00), 'Harness' by Michael Kors (shown, $269.00) or the incredibly luxe "Aliyah" by Lambertson Truex ($925.00) - all available at Bloomingdales where you'll receive an extra 20% off with coupon code: AUTUMN through 10/26/06. Other styles that rise to the occasion are Frye's Dorado Slouch (marked 49% off), Jessica Simpson's 'Parisa' ($188.95) or the 'Libby' ($138.00) and 'Felia' ($194.95) boots by Jeffrey Campbell. If you're not as comfortable walking in a high heel, there are plenty of slouchy flat boots to try on for size including Skechers Lela -Von ($112.95), Penny Loves Kenny's 'Bungee' ($74.95) and Dr. Martens 'Chloe' ($109.95). The most affordable kicks of the bunch go to Payless' Pepper Patent Boot ($34.99) and Aunika's Faux Suede Slouch Boots ($52.00) at Torrid.

Melrose Place

October 19, 2006

Like many of us, Begeren founder and designer Linda Ly has an inexplicable obsession with bags. With that in mind plus many a sleepless night surrounded by swatches, Linda set out to conceive her baby. The Begeren bag lady is of the no-fuss type who desires a bag that weds fashion and function.  Every Begeren bag is handcrafted in a sweatshop-free environment with patience, pride and careful attention to detail.  Add some depth to your autumn wardrobe with Begeren's beautifully textured Melrose clutch ($286, shown), available in vintage-cracked Italian leather or the softest woven-embossed lambskin. Perfectly sized to hold all your daytime essentials, yet sleek enough for a night on the town!  There are many a crave at Begeren but just a couple of our favorites include the street-smart Tribeca Laptop Bag and cargo pocketed Moorea Tote in Shamrock. Styleforfree.com readers receive 20% off your order with coupon code: SFFOCT exp 10/31/06 and tie one on for size!

Purr-fection

October 17, 2006

Leopard-print bags are popping up all over the arms of such celebrities as J. Lo and Jessica Simpson this Fall. They're the perfect complement to your sizzling jungle print dress and can single handedly transform an otherwise-blah solid outfit in black, chocolate or cream. We've found purr-fect purses at every price so your outfit can take a walk on the wild side for much less than the stars paid.  Splurges range from ArtisanStreet's Leopard Print Tapestry Carpet Bag designed by Margaret Thomas to Brahmin's Gabriel Black Singita Leopard Print Purse ($162.00). Less committed to the trend? Try Fleurville's Mini Mothership Leopard Diaper Bag ($152.00) or Betsey Johnson's Wild One Tote ($150.00), both available at Nordstrom. Or achieve the same look for far less with Mango Tango's laptop leopard tote ($39.99), this Leopard Print Dog Carrier ($32.99) or this mommy chic Leopard and Black Balmoral Diaper Bag ($39.99), all available at Target. Finish the look with these Leopard-print peep-toe patent leather pumps ($495.00) from Dolce & Gabbana. And if you want to couple match Demi & Ashton style, have him try Roberto Cavalli's Black & Sand Leopard Patterned Woven Silk Tie on for size ($98) - available at Forzieri.