StyleBakery.com finds out which sunscreen products really work (and which ones don’t!)
Girlawhirl asks do women really spend almost a year of their lives deciding what to wear?
SheFinds puts together all the best waterproof makeup that stays put.
The Beauty Brains are de-lighted about using Chinese flowers for skin lightening.
Okay, your reaction was probably something like…”What?! How about under $50?” kind of close, or something like it? Well, I know $200 is steep these days, but if you’re planning on investing money into a handbag, a nice one at that, you will unfortunately have to pay the price. Yes, yes, we’ve gone over this a million times before. I won’t try to convince you anymore of this. Instead, I will show you some great bags for under $200…just as I promised. I guess everyone loves a deal because the first handbag I eyed on Nordstrom.com, a Steve Madden Crossbody Drawstring bag was already out of stock! It must have been it’s reasonable price of $180, a steal for colorblocked butter leather…oh well, we shall say farewell to this and move on, there’s plenty more where that came from.
All right, some “rockstar” ruffles never hurt I guess, and plus I haven’t picked any Betsey Johnson goods in a while. I do love the color of this satchel…I’m always a sucker for olive green. The ruffles are fun, I just wish it were a different shape is all. I prefer over the shoulder bags always. I have a secret fear of leaving behind a bag I have to carry on my arm or with my hand. Shoulder is best, but this one’s still pretty cute.
The ruffles are snake embossed on this bag. This one should turn some heads!
Betsey Johnson ‘Rockstar Ruffle’ Satchel $179.90
Now this next bag is one I REALLY like. It’s not only a better price, but the design is obscure yet drawing.
I love this Marc by Marc tote bag. A multicolored backdrop with little white clouds here and there makes this tote funky yet almost a little classic looking. Not sure if I’d use this in the fall or winter…probably not, but it would be perfect to start using again come February and keep using through the end of September. $117.60 is a high price for cotton canvas, but just by taking one look at this bag you know you are paying a higher sale price for the design and label. How can you resist?
Marc by Marc Jacobs Women’s Locket Pocket Big Tote, $117.60
So, this last one doesn’t qualify as a “handbag” officially, seeing as how it’s a mini pouch! But, I couldn’t resist this one.
How cute is this little zipper pouch! It’s meant to strap onto a larger See by Chloe satchel bag, which is not under $200 so is not included in this post, BUT it is the best shade of mustard yellow I’ve ever seen and of course I fell in love with it because it says “Dance or Die.” PERFECT! This is my new theme in life. It even has a little record player at the very bottom that seems to be playing out the words. The small graphic design is brilliant, and I would splurge on this and use it as a going out, bar hopping ID and lipstick bag. It seems to be just the right size for this, and strapping around my wrist as I dance the night away…
See by Chloe Dance or Die Small Pouch $66.50
Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more handbags.
You are probably familiar with what started as the summer replacement for Idol, but has become its own little phenom, So You Think You Can Dance. In my house we are obsessive watchers, not only for the truly talented and infinitely cut dancers of both genders, but for the tall drink of water that is your host each week: Ms. Cat Deeley.
Armed with legs to the ceiling and a charming Brit accent, Ms. Deeley is known in my house (mostly by my husband) as the Pretty Kitty. I have to admit, I am only slightly less admiring of the Cat than the hubby seeing as she is sharp, charming and never lets a live show go awry… unless Mary Murphy screams too much, but that’s another blog.
Being the fashion hound that I am, I love watching what Cat wears and often try to play “guess that designer.” I loved the white tux she sported earlier this season that owed everything to the YSL tradition of le smoking, and nothing to Celine Dion’s awful Oscars outfit from about one million years ago, remember? Pictured above is one of my other picks this season, a classic Dior LBD mixed with vintage jewelry and Sergio Rossi shoes.
I have noticed many of her outfits combine high end designer with vintage or more low-key labels. This is the mix that I always strive for in my own closet and one reason why I think Cat is always a stunner. Well, that and her sweet den-mother attitude that always seems to comfort the dancers who have been booted off on any given Thursday. Her attitude truly shows her style and grace, even if she can’t dance.
Photo Info: Photo from FOX/Mathieu Young found on www.omg.yahoo.com
ScarJo is back in the public eye, as you all know she is the new face of Spanish retailer Mango, and she is in the new Iron Man movie as the evil, but sexy redhead Black Widow.
Here are some images of what she was wearing at the Comic Con this past weekend, and may I say, I absolutely love her hair color. It’s so much more interesting than the dark brown she was flaunting a few months ago. But, the real deal here are the peep-toe heels by Christian Louboutin she was wearing to compliment her Dolce & Gabbana cream cotton cocktail dress. At first I wasn’t that keen on them, but as I started looking at them in more detail, I have to say I appreciate the design of the shoe, the different materials it has. I think it is definitely an eye catching shoe for a night out or to make a plain dress stand out, it just makes the whole outfit sexy.
So what do you guys think?
Image Source: justjared.buzznet.com
As a European in the US, I am finding out more and more about the fashion scene, new designers, new “it” girls, and for this summer new bikini lines, and SHIMMI is one of them.
Sandy beaches, exotic locales, glamorous pool parties or just relaxing with friends… what does a girl crave most? Scarlett Chorvat and Alison Renner desired the look and feel of a simple but stylish bikini.
Shimmi is created from the notion that swimwear has no rules. Scarlett and Alison have artistically designed their collection with cutting edge style, modernism and comfort. An appreciation for sexy chanteuse Jane Birkin, The French Mediterranean and rock n’ roll are just some of the influences that have inspired their first collection. The collection consists of unique, lightweight fabrics, playful patterns and vibrant colors that compliment skin tones. Beautiful fabrics are innovatively cut and designed to fit the everyday woman and the girl that is not afraid to be the center of attention, but actually loves it!
Raised in the Midwest and now living in L.A. both Scarlett and Alison left their hometowns to pursue successful modeling careers in the Big Apple. Their paths eventually crossed in Los Angeles years later. Combined, they have worked with notable photographers including Helmut Newton, Francesco Scavullo, Mario Testino, Walter Chin… Both have graced the covers of magazines as well as the campaigns and editorials inside of them.
Together they are determined to create swim wear for the girl that is always looking for that “perfect suit”.
Image Source: shimmicollection.com
Find at Smarter.com: Shop through a variety of bikinis.
One of the biggest, most important events of the fashion industry is only a couple of months away and designers and buyers alike are frantically preparing for the Spring 2010 line. NYC Fashion Week will officially kick off with a “Fashion’s Night Out” on September 10th, where designers from Lily Donaldson to Ralph Lauren will showcase some of their clothing. 
This commemorative shopping event is probably one of the fashion industry’s attempt at rejuvenating the economically faltered fashion-show industry. Two days ago, fashion elites and members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America met at a town hall meeting to discuss the impact that the recession is having on the fashion industry. Donna Karen said, “We are in a crisis.”
It’s really true though, tough economic times pretty much categorize fashion shows as irrelevant–I can count the number of people that I know who would be able to purchase the high fashion clothing showcased at this fashion show on one hand.
So the fact that the kick off event for this year’s NYC Fashion Week is a giant shopping celebration makes me think that fashion gurus like Diane Von Frustenberg must be feeling REALLY optimistic. She said at the meeting:
“There is no way when you are in the middle of a tsunami that you can change absolutely everything. But one thing that we can do and that I would like to do is make New York Fashion Week the most dynamic fashion week in the world.” (source: NY magazine)
But it’s not all about the spending. Fashion’s Night Out is also featuring a clothing drive and the donations will benefit the NY Aids Fund.
Image source: examiner.com
It’s always a great time to wear dangly earrings. Why would you not? BUT, summer really feels like the right time to wear them, since its hot, and you can put your hair up and your dangly earrings can fall right above your bare, suntanned shoulders. There are some types of dangly’s meant for summer, and some that are meant for fall, winter and spring. The ones I’ve pick today…which are on sale for an excellent price are definitely summer time material.
Cara Accessories Beaded Chandelier Earrings originally priced at $28, on sale now for $15.90
These are a great deal. Earrings like this will last if you take care of them, unfortunately the base metal that’s used to make these will eventually start to change color if exposed to certain elements like salt, sweat, and heat. So, if you’re planning to wear them on your next night out on the town or with the girls at the club…go for it, but they may tarnish after a few times of this. Either way, 16 bucks is not a bad price for such a lovely accessory. What to wear these with…anything really. Of course, as I’ve mentioned before, I am a big fan of the dangly earrings with hair up in a bun, and a soft cotton t-shirt and shorts. No heels, usually sneakers, boots or flat sandals. If you want to wear them in a more feminine way, a white sundress would pair lovely with these. It doesn’t have to be white though, any old sundress would look good with these earrings because they aren’t too flashy. My favorite part about these, and what drew me to them at first glance was the square-like shape these earrings fall in. I like the thin wire and chains that were used, and that shade of turquoise that the beads are in is one of my favorites. They are simple, but yet detailed just enough to be the only accessory you’d need for the day or night. The reason I wouldn’t wear these in fall or winter is because the earrings just look too summery for me. Fall and winter is darker–you are wearing more layers of clothing, and a lot of hoop earrings come back, or just simple drop bead/jewel earrings are good enough accessory to wear. Pretty, chandelier earrings like these should be saved for spring,and summer.
In this intense southern California heat, tank tops are a must have for almost every summer activity. But this season, the typical tight fitted wifebeaters and plain tanks have evolved. They’re now taking a backseat to the much more loose fitting racer back tanks. Forever21 is now carrying a huge selection of the new graphic and plain laid back version of the classic wifebeater. The racer back tanks are perfect for lounging near the pool. The light-colored and loose racer back tanks are perfect for wearing over your bathing suit when you don’t feel like tanning. The back of the neckline is knotted which gives it a more loose-fitting appeal. The overall length is longer than most tank tops and it is overall more flowy and loose than the classic tanks. This overly loose fitting style also creates a slimming illusion and you never have to worry about sucking in.
H81 Band 101 Tank: $16.90
This one is from Forever21 and has a fun graphic and would ideally be worn with skinny jeans–ideal for the punk rock chick. But regardless of what your style is, this racer back tank will definitely help you relax this summer. I’ve seen Forever21 carry colors from neon yellow to midnight black. They’re reasonably priced too! Graphic tees usually range from $10-$20, but plain colors typically don’t exceed $10.00. Racer back tanks also generally come in the tight fitting form as well; but I think the loose fitting, laid back version is much more relaxing and comfortable–this summer’s MUST have!
Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more racer back tank tops.
SheFinds discovers and categorizes all the best sandals.
The Beauty Brains are sick of being lied too and demand Photoshop free beauty ads. What do YOU think about this controversy?
StyleBakery.com rates this season’s best heels
Girlawhirl’s top 5 summer beauty essentials.
FocusOnStyle is starting Sharon Haver’s How-to Video Series at Barney’s NY with tips to How to Wear a Scarf 10 Ways
If any of you have ever been to Coney Island, you can understand my mini-obsession/love affair with it!! That place is amazing. I was in New York last summer and it was the perfect time to visit Coney Island. I didn’t really have any interest in going, but after some light convincing from my girlfriend, I went dressed in an old fashioned Betsey Johnson summer dress…perfect attire. It just so happened that a parade was taking place that day, but not just any parade…The Mermaid Parade. This thing is legendary and apparently last summer was the last time it was taking place! I was so excited to have been there experiencing it. Mermaids in every shape, size and color in all their glory atop floats that looked like gaudy goldfish bowl trinkets. But, the best part of that whole day was being at Coney Island in the hot summer heat. I felt like I was in some 1920’s film where every girl is in an old fashioned bathing suit walking on the boardwalk. The Atlantic crashing down onto the beach to my left, the epic Wonder Wheel and accordions blaring to my right. Coney Island is truly a special place. Didn’t make it there this summer, but DID find some fantastically dressed gals that were there enjoying this year’s Siren Music Festival which took place at Coney.
Put on by NY’s Village Voice, this year’s lineup included Built To Spill, The Raveonettes, A Place To Bury Strangers and many others. New York summer heat gets just as wicked as L.A. summer heat, except the humidity is something unforgivable. As we learned earlier this year from our Coachella post, it is crucial to be dressed properly…without, of course, sacrificing any style.
These girls look great, each with a unique style of their own. They were all asked what they were wearing, and of course much of it was designer mixed with vintage, or something old that belonged to their mothers or grandmothers. I love reading people’s answers when they are caught off guard and asked that question. Summery and stylish, these photo pics were my top three favorites from the festival. If you look closely, you can see all the fun that awaits in the background! A forever long old boardwalk that stretches along the beach, a roller coaster to scream your head off on, and funnel cake and junk food galore. I just love Coney Island…
Image Source: style.com
