Thursday, December 31, 2009

Britney Spears Does it Again


Balmain Dreams Become a Reality

Winter Storm Warning: Weather-Appropriate Boots Needed

When New York’s first snowstorm of the season hit this past weekend, I was ill-prepared. On Saturday I decided to take my dog for a midnight walk in Central Park (the beauty of New York covered in snow has a short shelf-life). But winter began to feel like less of a wonderland as Sadie sprinted through knee-deep snow and slivers of ice seeped into my cozy shearling-lined boots (warm and weather-proof do not go hand-in-hand). Now, the search for the perfect rubber-leather-shearling boot begins. Here, a few favorites suitable for a range of winter weather—from a light dusting to extreme conditions.

Hot In Stores

Leica Camera




Leica’s going on safari with its latest olive green D-Lux 4 digital camera. Good luck hunting one down: Last year’s all-white version sold out in a flash.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Holiday Gift Guide: The Partygoer

Presents for your partygoing best friend—from Cinderella-style dresses to a New Year's-morning survival kit

Hot in STORES!!!

Holiday Gift Guide : Affordable Picasso

The most exquisitely original presents for the collector on your list—from cashmere sweaters to satin slippers

Holiday Gift Guide: The Collector

The most exquisitely original presents for the collector on your list—from cashmere sweaters to satin slippers
Art collector cards, Tate

Friday, August 14, 2009

Book Release: Obsession

Heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, author of four memoirs and two novels, gets hot and heavy in her latest, Obsession, out this month.

The erotic tale centers around Priscilla, who finds steamy letters written between her recently passed husband and a mistress. And so begins her obsession, and our (and probably Vanderbilt’s son Anderson Cooper’s) blushing.

New Makeup: Two-in-One Lip Color


Saving up for a Prius? Check out these hybrids! Fans of Fresh’s best-seller, the Sugar lip balm, will love the new Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, which combines the original’s rich moisturizers with a looks-like-your-lips-but-better hint of color. And DuWop Lipmousse, with the texture of decadent whipped cream, delivers the intense pigment of a lipstick plus the soft shine of a gloss.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Paris Fashion Week


Balenciaga, fall 2009; Louis Vuitton, fall 2009

Biker Chic Fashion


Kick your wardrobe into high gear with fall’s hard-edged styles, complete with studs,

chains, and zippers

10 Under $10: Budget-Friendly Beauty Buys

Sweet Thing : We love how soft and pink this makes our lips look all day long. Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm in Pink Sugar, $7.

All That Glistens
Everyone's favorite mascara comes in a glittery new formula and four gorgeous colors. Cover Girl LashBlast Luxe, $7.99



Violets Are You...
We're obsessed with this "rich" violet hue that flatters all eye colors and costs just under $5.L'Oréal Paris Eye Shadow in Plum Royale, $4.25

In the Pink
How sexy is this bright pink hue? You can even rub a bit on your cheeks for an instant face pickup. Max Factor Lipstick in Ms. Understood, $8

Shower Saver
This body wash doubles as a shave gel (and won't clog your blade). Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Shave Body Wash, $7.99

Emma Watson's Leather Look : Bewitching!

No surprise Emma Watson is related to a witch. It's pretty magical how a 19-year-old can make millions per movie, get accepted to Yale and laugh off a wardrobe malfunction on national television (Tara Reid should take notes).

Emma's most recent supernatural talent? Managing to look adorbs throughout the entire Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince press tour. Our favorite was the Proenza Schouler dress she wore to the film's New York premiere. It was edgy, yet still ladylike, just like the Brit beauty. Here's how to recreate the look for less:

Cast a spell with ASOS leather-look bustier ($58.85). They won't be able to keep their eyes off of you!

Not So Basic Black and White


Channel style icons like Bianca Jagger and Diane Keaton in crisp basics and bold accessories.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Reese Witherspoon to Launch New Fragrance


Blonde bombshell Reese Witherspoon has bottled up her creativity to make her first, fresh fragrance.

The actress is a global ambassador for Avon and is teaming up with the brand to launch her own perfume called In Bloom, Women's Wear Daily reports.

"It was a unique experience for me because I had no idea what goes into making perfumes," Witherspoon, 33, told WWD. "I thought you just pick a fragrance and it's easy. But there were all these different levels of creating a scent that were new to me, but really fun and exciting."

In Bloom is set to hit stores worldwide in November.

Madonna's Newest Louis Vuitton Campaign


Madonna took to a New York studio with photographer Steven Meisel and Marc Jacobs to photograph with the Fall/Winter Louis Vuitton handbag collection.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Denim getting the eye!


Denim gets dressed up in warm weather silhouettes and playful accessories

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

A new beauty product that can lengthen even the smallest of lashes


In yet another example of Japan’s ability to make almost everything smaller and better, the petite brush of Fiberwig’s Tiny Sniper delivers the same tubing formula found in the best-selling mascara, letting you meticulously lengthen the smallest of lashes.

Motorola's newest cell phone is green both inside and out

Motorola’s MOTO W233 Renew is the first cell phone made from recycled water bottles. Its battery lasts longer than most mobiles’, it arrives in recyclable packaging, and it comes in one equally eco- and eyefriendly color: green.

Flower Power

Offbeat floral prints make their way into dresses, jewelry, and bikinis for spring

Friday, June 26, 2009

ROCKER MODE STYLE


Leather-and-sequin-detail clutch, Gucci, $1,590, at select Gucci stores nationwide

By The SEA

Seek out summer’s chicest nautical-inspired clothing and accessories

Makeup for Gucci’s spring collection felt like a tropical getaway

For Gucci’s tropics-inspired spring collection, makeup artist Pat McGrath (who was leading her thirteenth show out of 30 for the season) no doubt had her sights set on an exotic getaway.

She created a shimmery, blue-green eye that looks dreamy and slightly disco, blending Make Up For Ever Professional Turquoise and Cover Girl Turquoise Tempest hues on the lid, and shading Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in Mint from crease to brow.

Bringing the lighter color up to the brow “makes the eyes look larger and open,” she says.

Land your dream job in dressed-up basics

Silk-linen blend cropped jacket, Spiegel

Oversize muscle t-shirt, Alexander Wang

Denim pencil skirt, McQ,

Rope tie knot necklace, Gabriel and Schwan

Stretch patent peep-toe bootie, Target

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

JEAN DREAM


Jessica Alba looks great in boyfriend jeans

1. Dorothy Perkins, £25
2. Nobody Denim, £168

3. MiH Jeans, £190

4. Miss Selfridge, £45


5. Musto, £60
6. JBrand, £238

7. Topshop, £40
8. Republic, £34.99

GET SHORTY, GIRLS!

SHOW OFF YOUR PINS WITH TWO STUNNING LOOKS

PARK TO PARTY

Keep cool in the heat with the perfect dress to take you from day to night.
1. Dress, £55, Kate Moss at Topshop
2. Hat, £85, Melissa Odabash
3. Belt, £59, Ralph Lauren Blue Label
4. Cardigan, £30, Next
5. Sandals, £29.99, Schuh
6. Jacket, £205, Armand Basi
7. Clutch, £129, LK Bennett
8. Bangle, £10, Accessorize (0870 412 9000)
9. Shoes, £40, ASOS

Samsung, Nokia heat up smartphone contest

LONDON/SEOUL - The world's two largest cellphone makers, Nokia and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, unveiled new phones on Monday, offering features comparable to iPhone and Pre, but at lower prices.

In the last two weeks Apple Inc's launch of an updated version of iPhone and Palm Inc's Pre model have heated up competition in the sweet-spot of an otherwise shrinking industry.
"What is clear is that we are heading to one of the most competitive fourth-quarters we have had," said Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi.

The holiday fueled fourth quarter is usually the strongest sales season for handsets and vendors launch their top models in time to reach the sales peak in October-December quarter.

The cellphone market volume is expected to fall about 10 percent this year as recession dampens consumer demand, but the market for so-called smartphones is expected to rise 10 percent to 20 percent, boosted by new and attractive models from many of the top vendors.

"Consumer demand for more capable devices seems to be accelerating despite the general economic doom and gloom," said Ben Wood, a research director at CCS Insight.

"Samsung and Nokia are playing smart by offering these sorts of products at punchy price points."

Samsung revamped in one go its smartphones portfolio, unveiling four new models to its Omnia range -- the Omnia II, the OmniaLITE and two OmniaPRO models, all using Microsoft Corp's Windows Mobile software.

Samsung also launched a new mass-market "Jet" model on Monday, which differs from some 150 phones Samsung launches per year with its full touch screen, a next-generation display and improved processor to deliver fast mobile Internet access.

The company said it will reach new, untapped markets of consumers who want smartphone functionality at a "reasonable price." It did not reveal the price of the phone, but analysts said it was comparable to most mid-range models.

Top cellphone maker Nokia launched three new handsets on Monday, including a new touch-screen model, the 5530 Xpressmusic, which would sell for 199 euros before subsidies and taxes, starting next quarter.

"Nokia is trying to address the very competitive mid-range space given the prices of the Pre and the new iPhone," said Gartner's Milanesi.

"Nokia can also benefit from a lower contract tariff than these two devices have, which will make the products more competitive, but certainly not offering a comparable user experience."

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Stylish Bag for the Summer heat!


Watersnake and leather-detail raffia bag, Fendi, $3,770

June Collection from ELLE

Stained-glass necklace, J.Crew, $125

Savvy Strategies for Seven Shopping Problems

Problem: You overspend

Solutions: Pay cash.
It's a lot harder to purchase a $200 jersey dress if you have to count out every $20 bill you give to the cashier, rather than pulling out a credit card. Hit the ATM before you go shopping, and vow not to spend any more than you take out.

Take a breather.
Before making a big purchase, exit the store. Once you've escaped the enticing lighting and persuasive salespeople, you may very well realize that, no, you don't need that tie-dye tunic after all.

Avoid "buy one, get the second one half off" sales.
"Do the math. You're not getting that great a deal – about 25 percent off," says Jona Kessans, a former department-store supervisor. If the item is $50, you'll wind up spending $75 total, as opposed to $100.

Visit less affluent areas for sale merchandise.
Ritzier areas are more likely to sell out of an item before it has a chance to go on sale. "Wealthy people are generally more likely to buy items at full price than to wait for them to go on sale," says Tara Makarechi, a former salesperson. So if you live in an affluent area but still appreciate a bargain, visit a neighborhood that has less traffic or a community that is less posh.

Do an inventory of what you already own before you stock up on the new season's merchandise. Although fall fashions beckon,, you may be less tempted to buy a new one. On the same note, "never go shopping when your closet is empty because most of your clothes are dirty," says Amanda Ford.

Problem: You hate fighting crowds and sorting through messy merchandise

Solutions: Shop during the middle of the week.
Not only are stores less crowded on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but you'll also get first dibs on new merchandise, according to many salespeople.

Wake up early.
"The best time to shop is in the morning," says Underhill. "The employees have yet to tire from irritable shoppers, the merchandise hasn't been picked over and displaced, and there's also comfort in the fact that you have time to come back for a purchase that needs to be mulled over."

Problem: You want to save time

Solutions: Make a shopping list.
You write down fruit, cereal, and toilet paper for the grocery store. Why hit a retail store, where you're likely to spend a lot more money, empty-handed? Write down what you want and where you plan to buy it.

Avoid the mall.
If you're looking for just one or two things, you may want to stop at a boutique or a freestanding department store.

Shop alone.
Women spend the most time in a store when they're shopping with a friend or a child, says Underhill. If you want to get in and out, go solo.

Problem: You're shy about asking for a discount

Solutions: Don't be shy.
"Ask for a discount on anything you buy - but not for a specific amount off. If you find a slight flaw or damage - or even if the product's packaging is mangled – you may be entitled to a discount.

Problem: The checkout line is way too long

Solutions: Ask the salesperson who has been waiting on you to put your item on hold. You can pick it up during a less busy time.

Head to another department to make your purchase. If you're in a large department store, for example, hit the less crowded men's or home-furnishings department.

Try it on now; buy it later.
Make sure the item fits, then see if you can order it online.

Problem: You love the skirt, but the only one in your size is on the mannequin

Solution: Give your name and number to the store manager.
Some shops will let you take clothes off a mannequin right away; others won't, due to safety and time issues, or the fact that retailers like their stores to be visually consistent.

Problem: Good service is hard to come by

Solutions: Share your story.
"Make the salesperson want to help you by explaining that you need a dress for a last-minute wedding or that you have a very important interview on Friday, assuming, of course, this is the case," says Ford. "Once the salesperson is involved, he may feel a bit more inclined to help."
Make friends with the salesperson. If you frequent a particular store or boutique, ask for a salesperson's business card, and always go to that person when you have questions about an item. Once you have established a relationship, the salesperson will be more likely to give you a heads-up about upcoming sales (when you're on the verge of paying full price) or to hold an item an extra day or two.

Ask twice, even three times.
In fact, many of the salespeople interviewed here - even some who work on commission – revealed that when asked to look in the back for an item, they will only pretend to do so, unless the customer refuses to back down. (They often feel it's not worth the effort, since the customer may not buy the item anyway.)

Think small.
Boutiques usually don't have as much traffic as large department stores, so you're more likely to get attentive service.

Look the part.
Sad but true! Some salespeople we spoke to shamefully admitted that they often decide whether to help a customer based on the type of clothes she is wearing or shopping bags she is carrying. If you want top-notch service – especially from high-end retailers who depend on a small percentage of shoppers for the bulk of their business (and thus don't necessarily need you to buy that one shirt) – sometimes it helps to play the game by dressing well and carrying a handful of shopping bags.

Bunny SHOP for SALE

Belted Tube Romper Perfect with a pair of heels for a night out! Denim tube romper is adorned by metallic trim at chest, shiny belt at waist and a studded Rabbit Head at chest. Zip closure rests at back.

Hand wash cold
Made in China
22 inches in length / 2 inch inseam
98% cotton, 2% elastic

Scent of a Playboy

The essence of male sexuality is perfected in the scent of a Playboy man.

What's summer's top jewelry trend?

City Style Statement Necklace
Multi Strand Necklace With Faceted Statement Stone Pendant. Lobster Claw Closure. Imported.


Rachel Leigh Simple Statement Short Necklace
With three mesh-linked chains of gunmetal, this Simple Statement necklace from Rachel Leigh is simply chic.


Statements by Amy Kahn Russell Multigemstone Sterling Silver
Lift your spirits with this Statements by Amy Kahn Russell Multigemstone Sterling Silver "Butterfly" Necklace. The necklace boasts four dyed-gemstone strands of green jade

Friday, June 12, 2009

Go Greek in crisp whites, deep blue hues, and gold accessories

The Extras
Patent leather sandals, Brian Atwood, $860, visit brianatwood.com

June Shops: Island-inspired Swim

Embroidered bikini, DSquared, $875