Losing my mind over this bag!

I have yet to blog about the rubber and lucite trend- I have more research to do, but in the meantime...I am losing my freaking mind over this neon synthetic leather "rubber" bag from Furla!!!


$195 on Zappos.com

Furla is an Italian designer, known for their amazing leather goods.  (Trust me when I say the $195 is a totally reasonable price for one of their bags!)

If this 'mango' (more like a retina-burning neon yellow if you ask me, and I LOVE it!) color is too much for you, you can always play it safe(er) with hot pink

or this fabulous orange!


more on the rubberized and lucite materials soon!

Hello Kitty! Hello PRETTY!

I remember the Hello Kitty accessories stand in the mall and craft stores when I was a kid, and I would go nuts over the erasers, bubblegum scented pencils and of course - lip gloss!  I may not be in the market for plastic link bracelet - but I still love the brand all the same.  So, when I saw that Hello Kitty has teamed up with Sephora to come out with a fragrance and cosmetics line, I had to get in on this!

Pink bows, lilac eyes and mandarin spice describe the new collection, and its adorable!


Fragrance:  The Hello Kitty Fragrance, Exclusive for Sephora (stores and online) is the epitome of Japanese scent and style, with fruity overtones and spicy undertones.  Its simple enough for all ages, and not the bubblegum scent that will make guys think you're 7 years old!

The best way to wear this new scent is defiantly the solid perfume necklace! 

For $39, you get the pure solid perfume in an adorable crystal and silver necklace.  The pendant swings open and you can dab the gel-like product in your pulse points.  An awesome gift too for the teen girl in your life!

For Eyes:  Try the Charmmy Eyeshadow Stick, $16

I tried this on in the store, and I was surprised that it wasn't greasy, it was more powder-like!  Shown in "Fish Bowl" above, its a soft teal that will be perfect for summertime with a peach lip color!

For Lips:  Try Sweet Gloss, $16, it will being you back to your childhood lip balm with a sugary taste of strawberries and apples, and just a hint of color!


For Nails:  My fav item in the collection - nail stickers!!!!!  These are not for 10 year olds (only) - in fact, the lace pattern is totally mature!

A steal at $5, so put them on your toes too!!!

Perfect for your clutch bag on girl's night out:  Try this $35 palette (2 shade options)

You get 4 eyeshadows and 4 lipcolors in an adorable Hello Kitty case!  You can create a doll-like look like this:


And for the REAL Hello Kitty Enthusiast:  Splurge BIG TIME, with the limited edition Glittercute Collection, made with Swarovski Elements from $350 to $495 (don't worry, it ships for free!)


You get 8 glitter eyeliners and 4 brushes in a jeweled box, not sure its worth it, but there will always be someone out there that will buy it....


(such as the $1mil version Kimora Lee Simmons designed herself - now THAT's something they never had at the accessories stand!)

A Makeup Bag for Everyone!

With all this fabulous new makeup you fashionistas are buying - courtesy of my suggestions I hope - It is probably time for a new makeup bag to store all your new stuff!!!

So Splurge or Steal, I've got suggestions for you in cute colors too!!

Steal: Sonja Kashuk's striped cosmetics case, $5.99 at Target

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/182-4517406-4284037?asin=B0048HR45K&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B0048HR45K&CPNG=&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B0048HR45K&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Also available in this gorgeous pattern, that makes me think Mediterranean!


This season's cute bag:
MAC has their Wonder Woman Spring 2011 collection in limited quantities, available in major department stores this month, check out this blue metallic Wonder Woman case, $30:

How empowering!  Boost your superhuman strength with this adorable natural lip share in Heroine, $32.50 MAC Cosmetics:


Best Multiples:  Get more BAG for your buck, with a multiple set!
How about Organize.com's 3pc set in a great Black Brocade print for $22.99:

http://www.organize.com/piece-cosmetic-bag-set-paris-pattern-room-it-up-trade-room-it-up-trade.html

Best for Girls with lots of Brushes:
Vera Bradley's $28 square cosmetics case
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Kiss%20and%20Make%20Up%20Cosmetic/1001060.uts?utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=Google&mr:trackingCode=1F360032-47C7-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

The flat structure and the dimensions are brush-friendly, and great for travel because the bag will lie flat in your suitcase!  Spring-break anyone?!

Best for Gift Giving:
Going to a bridal shower?  How about this unique twist on a gift?  Stuff these cute bags with travel size items such as sunblock, toothpaste, shampoo, etc and some cash - for the perfect wedding/honeymoon gift!
$35 for the set at:
http://www.stunique.com/Mr-Mrs-Travel-Bag-Set-P1664.aspx?utm_source=amazon&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Amazon%2BFeed




For the girl who needs EVERYTHING with her:  You've gotta have space to stuff all your-must haves, and this durable and washable travel bag from Wally Bags - is just right!


Find it at Buy.com for $35.99
http://www.buy.com/prod/wally-bags-cosmetic-bag/q/loc/16234/217597468.html#images

For the Personalized Diva:
Personalize your style with this great initial cosmetics case - and a great price too!  $28 for all three pieces!

http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Cosmetic-Case-Set-with-Initial-Monogram-Dream-Dots-i30913.item?productid=10996&storeid=25&categoryid=1248&did=5548&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=free

For the Fashion Forward Girl:  Try a Tory Burch Cosmetic Bag, $65 at Neiman Marcus (stores and online)
 http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod120080022&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=V0MR8&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=V0MR8


I especially LOVE the navy/white and orange combo of colors - so hot this year!

For the Preppy Princess:  Try a Kate Spade case, I've got 2 to show you (just couldn't mention one) - the first is from the new Kate Spade line that launched 3 weeks ago, the line features black and white stripes, with a great patent finish!  You could spill on it and wipe it off!  Perfect for keeping your investment in tact!

Find it for $70 at Zappos

I also LOVE this red patent train case
http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Spade-Larabee-Small-Natalie/dp/B003XKN0RO
$85 at Amazon


And for the Luxury-Loving Girl, who won't settle for anything less than runway, splurge on a Louis Vuitton!  I splurged a few years ago, and I have to say, I love the worn look of the canvas leather more now than I did when it was new!  It really is a classic item you will have forever!  But warning, the pouch is small, its only for a few select items.

Cosmetic Pouch, $310, Louis Vuitton.com
http://www.louisvuitton.com/us/flash/index.jsp?direct1=home_entry_us

For a larger version, try a toiletry bag, $510

http://www.louisvuitton.com/us/flash/index.jsp?direct1=home_entry_us

Hopefully you have some ideas for how you will carry your key products in style this Spring!

Get ScarJo's Dolce & Gabbana Look!

Look at this bombshell!!  In Scarlet's new Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics ads, she is just oozing Marilyn Monroe glamour!  Dolce & Gabbana recently stepped into the cosmetics ring to offer a range of coordinating lip, eye and nail colors to compliment their seasonal clothing and accessory lines.  They are offering the cosmetics exclusively at Saks 5th Avenue stores and online.


Here is my take on how to get this look:

Try a matte foundation, such as Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet $34

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P177117&categoryId=S10801&shouldPaginate=true

On eyes, start with Make Up For Ever's aqua cream shadow (one of my favorites!) in #13
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P262109&categoryId=C20671#
Layer this product from lash line to brow bone

Then. start at the corner of the eye, and creating a "V" effect, use a soft, shimmery beige.  Try Bare Essentuals eyeshadow in Cashmere, $13
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61011&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5737

The liner used on Scarlett is very striking, to get this look, you need a high quality liquid liner with a sharp point.  Don't be afraid of liquid liner, with some of the great formulas out there, you can get that bold look easily.  Another tip, if the thought of the stark black liner is intimidating to you, try a grey shade!

My fav liquid liner is by Lancome, called the Artliner
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P54443&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=1741
Its an investment for a liner at $29, but the pigmentation and ease of application is worth the additional $$.  Try Noir or Smoke

A great brow pencil is essential!  I love the Anastasia line (introduced to me by my mom) MAC makes a great brow pencil too, and Cover Girl brow pencil in light brown is a staple in my makeup bag!

My rule of thumb is always to apply the same degree of blush that you are going to apply for lipstick, but for this particular look, a graduated bronzer will work best, applied low on the cheeks.  I love the whimsical look of Two Faced's Brightening and Perfecting Bronzer, $28

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P277302&categoryId=B70

For a high quality bronzing powder, again, the graduated tones make application easy for everyone - like Shiseido's Multi-Shade Enhancer $30.50 for case and refill

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P204332&categoryId=B70
What's great is its portability, with the brush included inside the compact!  Genius!

Finally, the finishing touch to this look is obviously the lipstick.  Scarlett is wearing #195 in none other than: Scarlett!
You can find the Dolce & Gabbana lip, nail and eye collection at Saks 5th Avenue online.

To apply:  start with a liner in a shade close to the lipcolor.  (Dolce & Gabbana in Fire or Ultra)
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446227982&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492713498&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=iXq8swW&ev19=1:1

Then apply a coat of the lipstick and blot with a tissue.

Finish off the look with a gorgeous siren red nail color.  You can splurge on the D&G version for $20 in Fire, or try a OPI for Sephora shade in a much more reasonable price range ($9.50), try the color High Maintenance
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=B3MAZ4FYG5D5ECV0KQRRPIQ?id=P217311&categoryId=C19281

Put the whole look together, and take Scar Jo's lead, and do the new Spring 2011 trend of "white on white" - and you'll be turning heads too!

You all wore it in the 90s, wear it now in a new way!

CK-1, one of the biggest selling fragrences of the 1990's (could it be because of those sexy unisex ads in magazines and on TV?)




My gosh, it was like it was coming out of the vents in high school! 

Since then, Calvin Klein has come out with several variations of the origional scent, such as the CK summer

CK Into You

CK Be

CK, We Are One

(to support AIDS research)
CK Electric


Now, Calvin Klein has launched a super-affordable denim and cotton clothing line under the CK 1 name!

Check out some of the new items in the line!

$35


$70


$44

Not forgetting, of course, that CK 1 has always been a unisex brand - so the line will feature mens and womens looks.

$40


$30

The line can be purchased directly from the Calvin Klein website
http://www.calvinklein.com/home/index.jsp



and it will launch in Macy's this Spring!

It seems like Calvin Klein marketing directors know that this brand works wonders for their bottom line, let's hope the jeans do the same for us!