Make-Up Mix Up

I am one for fashion, but not 'facial fashion'. Through my years I have learned that I will certainly drop a buck in an instant on designer denim and an irresistible pair of stiletto's. Which means, I don't leave much budget for make-up and when I do shop for make-up I think of the pair of shoes I could be buying instead of the $100, no-good-cover up collection at a make-up counter. 

A recent hiccup in my low-maintenance cosmetic life threw me back into the stores to find a fix.  My absolute favorite mascara is Max Factor's 2000 Calorie and the UK brand was recently discontinued in the States. Although it is available to order online, its' a hassle to remember to order each time my tube gets low. So, I am here to share my cosmetic favorites and some fun things to try when you also need to find your fix. 

When the mascara you have used for years is discontinued and you are on a hunt for the perfect replacement, go to Sephora and get their LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler for $39 which features 10 samples of different designer mascaras! What perfect timing to have found such a fabulous set! I would much rather spend $3 and some change on 10 different tubes before I trash my cash on brands I know I'll end up hating...

If you're not one for foundation or all-over concealer but still want a little tinted coverage, you must try Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer from her Flawless Face cosmetic collection. It is incredibly lightweight and comes in regular and oil-free versions for $42.  Now, $42 might be considered "spending a buck", but this tube will last you at least 6 months, which averages out to only $7 a month. This is the product where a little goes a very long way and it's available in seven different shades so you can find the tone perfect for your skin. If you want to try but are hesitant in spending the money, simply ask for a sample!

 

Extra coverage under my eyes is incredibly essential. Concealers come in a variety of forms, brands and prices.  My favorite lands, again, with Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer.  This product is made specifically for your eyes to conceal dark circles and discoloration. It's formulated thinner than a concealer you would use on your entire face and was developed to be lightweight but full of coverage. Go to your local Laura Mercier retailer without concealer under your eyes and have a Laura Mercier expert color match this product for you.  You will instantly see the difference! Not only does it cover, it stays with you throughout the day and for only $22, this is another product that lasts. 

Quick Tip: Get the entire Flawless Face Kit from Laura Mercier and learn how to lightly layer your look with all the essentials. Available only at Sephora, this starter kit is valued at $159 and is offered at $65! Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Oprah and Kate Beckinsale paint their face with LM every day and we all know how flawlessly fabulous they all look, so indulge in the same products for the same flawless face! 

Laura Mercier retails in Sephora and Nordstrom and is making its way into more available retailers like Macy's and Amazon.com. My cosmetic tip: register at Sephora and they send you lots of fun coupons via email. I just got one for $15 off a purchase of $35 or more which means the $42 tinted moisturizer is only $27 with the coupon! Not to mention, department stores hardly run discount deals on cosmetics! 

Add that subtle runway shimmer to your look with Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam. This "iridescent complexion enhancer" can be added to your cheeks or brow bone for a highlighting glow. Simply dab it on the areas you want enhanced right over your bronzer or powder and rub in for that subtle sheen. Another great product that will last you all year long!

Men's Fashion Friday: Cosmetics

The cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been more-or-less funded by the female gender.  However, as men become more in tune with fashion, they are just as quickly becoming in tune with their facial fashion.  Cosmetic companies are revving up their product lines for men and stocking their shelves full of products that guys wouldn't have dared touch in years past. Men, stop creeping in your woman's make-up drawer for that anti-aging cream she spends a good buck on. Try out some products that were created especially for the male gender.

Lab Series is a higher end, high tech cosmetic line strictly for men.  They have a variety of products from shave gels and creams to acne treatments, facial therapy products and body wash. Lab Series' financial plan includes a prediction for the company to reach $100 million in sales and they anticipate the launch of their  new Age-less face cream called MAX::LS in February will aid in obtaining this goal. This $65 bottle of moisturizer claims to work magic in "erasing signs of aging." It's a daily moisturizer formulated to make you look younger with every application. Can you put a price on the cost of youth?

Don't think the Clinique counter is just for your mom or girlfriend. Clinique offers a Deluxe Great Shave Kit crafted just for men.  Included in this $45 shave set is Shave Aloe, Face Scrub, and Post-Shave Healer.  Each item comes in a regular size and a travel size along with a black toiletry bag for easy traveling.


Men might not wrinkle up as quickly as women, but they still get those unwanted lines.  Biotherm Homme has a new Age Refirm Eye Force Anti-Wrinkle treatment for men. It's serum works in a special way to help improve sagging skin around the eyes and plump up those unwanted wrinkles.

Men typically don't lube up with lotion when they get finished with a shower. But, it's just as important for men to lock in the moisture as it is for women. Neutrogena's MoistureWrap Body Lotion was created specifically for the likes of men. It's intensive lineup of ingredients helps lock in moisture, heal dry skin and relieve irritation. It attacks the issue from the root of the problem deep below the skins surface and heels you from the inside out. It's fragrant free which tends to grasp the liking of most men!

Gifts for Guys

Men can be just as picky and just as tricky to shop for as women. Whether you're shopping for your dad, husband, brother or something for your "bromance" (aka a guys best guy friend), you'll be sure to find some great and unique gifts this holiday season. It appears as though shoppers are going "atypical" and giving gifts outside of the old standbys. Here are some original and some, not-so-original ideas!

Make a toast to your hosts favorite tunes! Wines That Rock just dropped their new releases. If you're stuck on a gift and know that the guy you're shopping for loves Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones or Woodstock, buy into a customized wine with a tribute to their favorite legend or festival! They will have a great time making a toast while they karaoke to their tunes!

Help your parents or in-laws capture the memories this holiday season with the new Samsung DualView TL200 Digital Camera.  This is the absolute must-have digital camera this year and on the top of many wish lists.  The DualView is equipped with a front and back LCD screen for "DualView." That way, when you find yourself needing to hold the camera out to snap a photo, just take a peak into the front LCD screen to make sure you're on target the first time! Other fancy features include touch-screen, HD Movies, 12.2 megapixels and a wide-angled lens.

The Creators of Rock Band still have their thinking caps on with the release of DJ Hero. This is a great gift for a son or brother and is more compact than the rest of the games in the Rock Star collection. For $99-$119, depending on your retailer, you can purchase the game pack which includes all the essentials to play the game (turntable, game disc, etc). Sold separately for around $30 is a stand in which to set your turntable on, however, it's not necessary. Simply place the turntable on a table you already have and start spinning mixes with your inner DJ!

A fun gift for any guy in your life is The Man Can. The Plum Island Soap Co. took a typical paint can and revamped it to create a container for their spa and skin care products. Get your guy smelling spicy and sexy with the all natural produts from the Plum Island Soap Co. like Spicy Shave and Bay Rum and Fisherman's Butter.

Lulu Vintage Glass Necklace in InStyle - 20% Off!

We've hit the press again!  Stella & Dot's Lulu Vintage Glass Necklace is featured in the December issue of InStyle magazine (pg 317).

This vintage inspired treasure is covered in glass stones in berry hues.  The piece is delicately and stylishly finished with a velvet ribbon so you can adjust the length of the necklace to hit just where you want on your neckline.

Receive 20% off this item through December 30th! To get in time for Christmas, make sure to order by December 17th to avoid additional shipping costs.  Click here to place your order and upon check-out enter Promo Code: INSTYLE09

KNIT-ty Gritty

Knits are a great way to keep warm during the winter. Fashion a knit sweater dress with leggings or a knit vest with a layered tee and a pair of jeans. There are lots of ways to mix-and-match your knits with wovens and other textures to add dimension and most of all, warmth.

J. Crew's Merino Cable Vest is a tribute to classic comfort with its cable knit design. This is a great staple to have for your winter wardrobe as its basic but stylish and can be carried over into seasons to come. Not to mention, you can dress it up with trousers, down with jeans or wear it all layered up.

Sweater dresses make an appearance in some form or fashion virtually every fall and winter season. Featured here is Forever 21's Suzanne Crochet Tunic dress with a cowel neck, front pockets and oversized flutter-like sleeves. Wear this over textured leggings, throw on a chunky empire belt and finish it with a pair of booties for a hot fashion statement. This also makes for a great basic to carry over each season.

Hold the heat in with knit berets. The two pictured above retail at New York and Company, however, these cozy caps are featured in nearly every designer's winter collection. Knit berets are bohemian chic and can be worn losely pinned or tucked tighter for complete coverage.

Travel Sense

If you are traveling a lot, or even a little this holiday season, make sure to pack sensibly.  Compartmentalizing can keep your luggage organized and some essential accessories can help keep things compact.  There are lots of clever storage devices that help save space, not take up space.

Protect your bras when you travel with the Bra(g)! Adorable cases are shaped like your lingerie to pack your undergarments in so they remain protected and separate from your other clothes while traveling. A variety of colors and prints are available to suit your taste.

Simply stack your bras inside the hard case like shown to keep the shape of your expensive and delicate lingerie like new. 

Matching Panty Packs are also available.  The inside is compartmentalized for your "Clean" and "Not So Clean" underwear so you can be sure to keep them not only separate from each other, but away from all your other clean clothes as well.  The Panty Packs are soft and easy to pack and make for great gifts!

QVC has a fabulous Pink Silver Safekeeper Jewelry Case that is great to pack your jewelry in when you travel.  These amazing jewelry rolls come in a set of 3 for only $22!! Each roll has zippered compartments to seal in your jewelry. Large or small, there is storage for all your bling! Simply roll them up and pack them away.  Not only is it great for traveling and protecting your items, but with its anti-tarnishing material it will keep your jewelry from tarnishing for 25-40 years! 

Why carry around that bulky brief case when you can go slim and sleek with laptop skins? Leave the bulk behind when traveling and slide your gadget into a super skinny case. So compact it can even fit inside your purse or a carry-on bag. Nearly all major retailers carry some version of the skins, however, I recently discovered Hongkiat's Website.  Hongkiat carries a variety of selected skins, most designs which I have never seen like, the above photo where the skin not only serves as a case, but it also folds out into a clever mini desk area. Browse their selection for some one-of-a-kind styles and find the one that fits your liking!

Present Picks

'Tis the season of giving! The shelves are packed with fun finds and Tinseltown trinkets which is making this season of shopping lots of fun! Dip into some of my favorite treasures I have discovered while shopping and get that happy for your special someone to let them know you're thinking of them. One of my personal favorites has also landed on a Celebrity-Wish List!

The Jenna Pearl & Ribbon Necklace from Stella & Dot isn't just a favorite gift of mine! Rachael Ray also features it in her 2009 holiday gift guide! That's right, ladies... it's reached the celebrity wish list and you can get it for yourself or a special someone for only $44! Fabulous pearls are laced with trendy gros-grained ribbon to wear at any length you desire! Click on the link above and place your order by December 17th to get in time for Christmas.

From $44 to $500 is a splurge! However, I had to feature this and pay tribute to my intense dedication to shoe shopping.  Christian Louboutin has designed the ultimate toast for your "toes" with this limited edition shoe-shaped champagne glass featuring his infamous red-bottom soles! The concept celebrates an old French ritual when a man used to drink from a woman's shoe to profess his love.  Quite frankly, the only love I'd be professing is that for my obsession with stilettos! Drink from the heel but don't worry about spilling, Louboutin not only designs a shoe that fits, but he designed a shoe that sips!

Need a gift for someone who hates to cook but loves the smell of fresh baked goodies? Try Philosophies bubble bath cook book where she can dip into a bath rich in red velvet cake and scents of spicy gingerbread. Six different bubble baths and shower gels sit in this cookbook collection for only $35.  What a great gift for your mother or sister-in-law. Anyone difficult to shop for will love this tasteful, yet not-so-tasty set!

I was out shopping when I 'accidentally' stumbled into Victoria's Secret.  I am so fascinated by their new gift sets that the prices actually seem more justified for the product versus just the fancy packaging. My favorite money-worthy gift set this season is the Must-Have Fragrance Mist Gift Set. It includes four of their most popular fragrances: Dream Angels Heavenly, Very Sexy, Sexy Little Things and Sexy Little Things Noir for only $34.00! However, if you catch it on a sale day, you can get it for as little as $24.99!!

Want to get something for a hostess or a boss but know they are up to their eyes in holiday deserts and chocolates?  Essentially, you can still give the tasty truffles everyone loves from Godiva but without the calories. Godiva has a new line of fabulous candles with scents like Black Almond Truffle and Raspberry Ganache that smell just as delicious as the chocolates they are named after. For a retail price of $22.50 and 50 hours of burn time, you can get these "chocolate" treats at any local retailer that sells Godiva.

Slipper booties are making a comfy and cozy impression this season. Lounge around inside your home in style with Gap's Slipper Booties for $29.50. Keep your toes and your legs warm with heavy plush fabrics in a variety of colors and styles. The suede lining on the bottom prevents you from slipping and makes them extra comfortable. What a great gift for a sibling!

Men's Fashion Friday: Boutique Shopping

If you're a guy that despises shopping because you hate mall crowds, you're not the only one.  In the event you are not already aware, boutique shopping is not just something for the ladies. Enjoy the luxury of specialized merchandise in smaller spaces and escape from the hoards of clothes and crowds that seem to permeate through our larger retailers. Step into a specialty shoppe and you might never enter a mall again.  Take a peak below at some featured boutiques...

ALBAM 
 Modern Crafted Clothing, London

When a guy goes out of his way to show you his newly acquired handmade Deck Chukka Boots he purchased while on a trip to London, then you know it's a store to talk about. Especially since these remarkable shoes were handmade in the United States!

If you are visiting London, Albam has locations on both the East and the Westside. This boutique is knocking on its third year since opening doors and has made quite an impression with its quality apparel.  In an attempt to stay as close to home as possible, production of styles occur in Great Britain as well as the USA, Portugal and Italy. You might not see many of these locations printed next to"Made in the..." on tags but, Albam is communicating that quality products don't just come from the "Far East."

This retro-edge boutique is strictly menswear. Shop your knits, outerwear, shirts and accessories all in one stop. Visit their website to learn more about their fascinating philosophy and to browse their unique collection.

THE GLASS BOUTIQUE

Not up for malls or boutiques? Visit The Glass Boutique website where the best of the best items are handpicked and featured for your purchase. Yes, it's European, but if you are on the forefront of fashion and can't take a trip across the pond, then enjoy these luxury designs from the web to your wardrobe! Some familiar brands are featured, but go out on a limb and get that authentic fancy European brand to switch it up. Besides, with a no hassle return policy and low international shipping fees, it might be worth it to take that leap... across the pond!

FAB'RIK

fab'rik is a popular franchise that is expanding its southern Atlanta roots across the nation. When you walk in, you feel as though you are entering a private boutique closet as you are greeted with cozy couches and a complimentary glass of your favorite vino. Delicate lighting and urban chandeliers illuminate the boutique just right so you really do feel like you're shopping in the comforts of your home. Immaculate drapes cover the floor-to-ceiling dressing rooms for ultimate privacy, while at the same time adding another layer of comfort.

Here's the hot part: aside from their designer denim, everything in the store is under $100! Affordable boutique shopping at its finest. Delight yourself in high fashion button downs, the trendiest denim, tee's, accessories and shoes without the guilt of shelling out a fortune for the normal high-end boutique price points. Both men's and women's apparel is sold here, but it still remains simple and uncluttered. So, both you and your girl can make a one stop shop!

Boutiques offer a more special shopping experience and tend to have a greater ambiance than larger department and chain stores. Most are located in smaller strip malls while some stand alone. Try walking in to one the next time you're on the hunt for a new item. You might be surprised how much more relaxing, enjoyable and even personal specialty shopping can be!

For you coupon clippers, check out www.RetailMeNot.com to see what savings you can snip while out shopping!

Rent the Runway

Ever dream of fashioning the clothes you see on the runway but know you don't have the funds to maintain a high maintenance wardrobe?  Well, Ta-Da! Dream granted...you're wish is Rent the Runway's command!

Take a trip down the catwalk at www.RenttheRunway.com and get new looks shipped directly to your door at the click of your mouse! This special club requires a request for membership but once you are accepted you instantly enter a virtual closet with an array of designer delights to choose from! What an easy and fun way to expand your wardrobe.

Even better is the extra touch of service added in.  Of course, nothing comes free so there will be a membership fee. But, once you select a garment, RTR will ship it to your doorstep at your requested delivery date with two size options to make sure you get the perfect fit! Then, once your done flaunting that A-list designer item, just leave the dry cleaning up to RTR and mail it back with their pre-paid label. That's less hassle than borrowing it from a friend, dropping it at the cleaners, picking it back up and then returning to the rightful owner, wouldn't you agree?

Sign up now so you can get that runway ensemble for your holiday socials and that glitzy couture for New Year's Eve. You might not have a million bucks, but now you can certainly dress like it!

25 Days till Christmas = 25% Off

When December rings, December brings new trunk show specials!  Shop online at my December trunk show and qualify to redeem new party perks!  Holiday items are discounted 25% off when you spend $50 or more at a trunk show.  No need to attend one in person, I have set up a virtual trunk show online so anyone can shop. Stay away from the holiday traffic and click away in the comfort of your home. Quality jewelry ships prepackaged in irresistible Stella & Dot gift boxes so even the wrapping is already done for you! 

Simply click here for my E-Boutique

Select "Find Your Hostess"

Enter: Wish List 

Shop the site until December 17th to receive your order in time for Christmas! Spend an easy $50* or more and you will be prompted to choose your December Party Perks:

The Deco Squares Ribbon Necklace is a fabulous holiday piece and a great gift! Get this glitzy stocking stuffer for $74* (originally $98)! 

Our Ribbon Wrapped Deco Ring is the perfect compliment to the Deco Squares Necklace! Purchase this fabulous finger bling for only $29*! (originally $39)

The Greta Single Strand Necklace is 40 inches of dazzling Czech stones and glass beads. With it's incredible length you can wrap it or wear it long! Get this item for $52*! (Originally $69) What a style steal!

Shape-Up with Spanx Shapewear!

Did you just start trying on new LBD's for your upcoming holiday parties and quickly realize that you aren't in the shape you'd like to be in? Looking in the mirror can be depressing, especially when you're trying to look your absolute best. Well, don't fret! Go ahead and indulge in all your holiday delights and temporarily tuck away those extra pieces with quick fix shapewear!


The booming industry of shapewear offers products that will nip and tuck you without going under the knife.  Shape up your thighs, your butt and your tummy by slipping on a simple garment that constricts everything that might be "out of place!" Consider this a cost-effective plastic surgery alternative!

Spanx's new Slim Cognito Shapesuit will tuck any unwanted flub from head-to-toe! This seamless bodysuit works like a slip, compressing specific areas for a smooth look. The straps are adjustable and it's even equipped with a removable underwire so you can control your lift!

If you want the compression without the full bodysuit, Spanx also has a Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-Thigh Suit. This compression piece will shape your hips, slap in your thighs while also tightening and lifting your bum! The design is smart enough to completely eliminate unwanted bulges. Wear this under trousers, skirts, dresses and even shorts!

You might be expecting, but you don't have to completely look like it! Hide that babyweight with Power Mama from Spanx! The sizing system allows you to wear this shapewear throughout your entire pregnancy.  Simply pick your "pregnancy size" and your shapewear will expand when you do.  Even better, Power Mama doesn't just provide shaping but also provides lower back support. Don't go 9 months without this!

Get super sleek support with Spanx Hide & Sleek Hi Rise Panty!  Tuck in your tummy with this garment and avoid panty lines with its thong back. No need to wear an entire body suit when your only concern is the desire to tuck your tummy. Light, invisible, simple and remarkably comfortable!