New Marc Jacobs Fragrances -- Plus a Giveaway!

Taking up valuable space on my vanity right now? The newest fragrances from Marc Jacobs, of course. Two limited-edition versions of the wildly popular Lola and Daisy have got me all aflutter.

Daisy Art Pop Adition takes the iconic Daisy bottle in a completely new direction. Bold, vivacious lipstick red topped with black and gold flowers is so perfect as fall approaches. Notes of wild strawberry, violet petals, gardenia, jasmine, birch and cedarwood create an intensely sensual fragrance with just a hint of playfulness. This fragrance is $88 for 3.4 fl. oz.

Lola Velvet is the Lola fragrance you've come to know and love, but now the colorful flower stopper is crafted in deliciously lush velvet. The fragrance contains notes of pink peppercorn, pear, ruby red grapefruit, rose, fuchsia peony, geranium, vanilla, musk and tonka bean. This fragrance is $68 for 1.7 fl. oz.

And now two winners will experience an extremely lucky day -- because I'm partnering with Marc Jacobs Fragrances to give away one bottle of each fragrance! Simply enter your name, email address and fragrance preference in the box below. The winners will be selected on Saturday, October 9 and notified by email.



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Friday, October 8 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Read More...

Revitalize Your Shower Routine: Molton Brown Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower

I'm normally not a fan of intense scents when it comes to my shower gels -- especially ones that I classify as more masculine. But there's something special about Molton Brown Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower.

Maybe it's the zesty, citrusy aroma that feels just a bit peppery. Maybe it's the fact that a dime-sized amount is enough to make my entire body soft and smooth. Or maybe it's the energy I feel every time I pour it onto my pouf.

Whatever the reason, this is one shower gel I'm keeping in my permanent stash.

Molton Brown Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower retails for $28 at moltonbrown.com.

Read More...

Trend-Spotting: Raw-Cut Rings

There's something about a raw gemstone that really speaks to me. I love the rough beauty it creates. And upon a finger, whether index or pinky? It's all the rage right now. Check out my favorite raw-cut rings after the jump.





Gerard Yosca Meteorite Ring ($100): I've long been a fan of Yosca's glittering wonders. With a few deliberately placed crystals peeking out amongst a cave of raw rubble, this is no exception.

Laura Elizabeth Rachel Ring ($286): Recycled silver dipped in gold lays the foundation for this stunning piece.

Isharya 18K Gold Plated Amethyst Druzy and White and Turquoise Agate Ring ($80): A rough-cut amethyst druzy surrounded by white and turquoise crystals create such an intriguing silhouette. Can't you just imagine this being the centerpiece of your entire outfit?

Monique Pean Pink Tourmaline Ring ($6750): Okay, this is WAY out of my price range. But I am totally lusting after this ring of pink tourmaline and white diamonds set in recycled yellow gold.



Pade Vavra Amethyst Chunk Ring ($185): What's better than an oversized chunky amethyst? An oversized chunky amethyst surrounded by chunky, misshapen gold.

Vanessa Mooney Clear Quartz Wire Wrap Ring ($114): There's something so deliciously organic about a murky unfinished quartz surrounded by tightly wound gold wire.

Samantha House Asteroid Ring ($95): Doesn't this just look like a present you're dying to unwrap? I love the misshapen selection of gleaming painted quartz beads.

Ken + Dana Design Cyndi Green Amethyst Ring ($145): This handmade ring, crafted from brass and rough-cut pyrite, really speaks to me. It just feels like buried treasure.

Petra Collection Triple Tourmaline, Clear Quartz and Green Quartz Druzy Gold Ring ($137): A cluster of faceted and roughly hewn jewels, set in textured bezels, makes for a standout cocktail ring.

DANNIJO Lucia Mar Cocktail Ring ($575): Whether you choose peach or blue, one thing is for certain -- your hand will be the focus of every event you attend.

Read More...

Drugstore Delights: Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash

I currently have 12 body washes in my shower. And you know what? I'm not exaggerating. But among my current favorites is Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash.

Not only does this body wash create an intense foaming lather (and we're talking just a quarter-sized amount upon a pouf), but it smells FANTASTIC. Mango and mandarin extracts bring a citrusy, fruity, utterly zesty experience to the shower that none of my other body washes seem to approximate.

And best of all? Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash is only $3.49 at drugstore.com. How can you beat that?

Read More...

Into the Night: CND Night Factory

I love when intriguing packages come my way. Yesterday was one such day ... because CND sent over Night Factory, one of their new limited-edition duos for Fall/Winter 2010. Night Factory leaves "a bit of permanent midnight on your fingertips ... a blue-green lightning bolt of pure pigment across an iron sky," according to the packaging. The duo is meant to complement the season's haunting and deconstructed pieces.



What I love most about CND's polishes is the application. Or is it the gorgeous colors? It's tough to decide, because they're both AMAZING. In the pictures below, I applied one coat each of Urban Oasis and Teal Sparkle. Can you believe how richly pigmented the teal hue is?

Urban Oasis is a deep, creamy turquoise-teal. It applies exactly as it appears in the bottle, which goes a long way with me as many colors don't do that. I only applied one coat and it was utter perfection!

Urban Oasis with Teal Sparkle on top, with flash

Urban Oasis with Teal Sparkle on top, without flash

Teal Sparkle is from CND's Effects line, which allows you to create different looks with your nail polish in an instant. This marshmallow-hued polish is flecked with tons of tiny teal-hued sparkles -- so it really amps up the teal of Urban Oasis!

Urban Oasis with Teal Sparkle on top, with flash

Urban Oasis with Teal Sparkle on top, without flash

CND Night Factory retails for $20. You can find it here.

Read More...

Mani of the Week: Dashing Diva After Party

Awhile back, I purchased a gift certificate for Dashing Diva on KGB Deals. I love this site -- every day, it has a different deal for a salon, spa or restaurant around New York City. (You can sign up for it here.)

In any case, I decided to use the coupon this past Friday. I got a Divaroma Manicure and Pedicure for $25 (normally $50)! I went with Dashing Diva After Party on my tips -- a gorgeous, creamy pinkish mauve. I normally choose crazier colors, but as I've been going on job interviews in the past couple of weeks, I thought it would be smarter to choose a more neutral hue.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Read More...

The Eye Cream That Surprised Me: Fresh Creme Ancienne Eye Cream

I'll admit it -- skincare products with a buttery, balm-like consistency sometimes scare me. Especially when I'm dealing with eye creams, as I expect them to have a rich, fluffy texture. But for Fresh Creme Ancienne Eye Cream, I'll make an exception.

Now, I'm not going to beat around the bush -- this eye cream isn't cheap. It's $95, to be exact. If the price hasn't caused you to have a heart attack, keep reading ... because THIS. PRODUCT. WORKS. Interestingly enough, it's inspired by the world's first emulsion-based cream, created by Claude Galen in the 2nd century A.D. It's even hand-blended in a European monastery!

This eye cream absorbs super quickly into the skin, nourishing and moisturizing the under-eye area instantly. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, decreases puffiness and diminishes under-eye circles -- perfect for me, since I tend to look like I've got two black eyes! A combination of meadowfoam seed oil (a fatty acid that penetrates the skin to hydrate and smooth), seabuckthorn berry oil (to protect and restore) and beeswax (a soothing anti-inflammatory) leave behind refreshed, glowing skin day or night. Even better, it's formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes or phthalates.

You can buy Fresh Creme Ancienne Eye Cream here.

Read More...

Bring on the Rain: Loeffler Randall Rain Boots Are Here!

If ever there was a pair of rain boots that could trump my Hunters, the new arrivals from Loeffler Randall would be it. Seriously, check them out...



The LR Rain Boot with Back Zip, as seen from the side
The LR Rain Boot with Back Zip, as seen from the back
The LR Rain Bootie in the season's hottest hue, army green

Could these boots be any chicer? Plus, I love that the tall boot is a rubber version of the line's cult favorite Matilde. (The bootie is a rubber version of the June.) And I'll tell you one thing -- I can't wait for it to rain!

The Rain Bootie retails for $165. The rain boot retails for $195.

Read More...

The Mascara That Changes Lives: AKA M.A.C Haute & Naughty Lash

Want a mascara that pumps your lashes up in just one coat? M.A.C Haute & Naughty Lash is the one for you. Just check out what my lashes looked like before...



And then look at what this mascara did in just one coat!



I'm totally into this 2-in-1 mascara that curls, lengthens and thickens my lashes so easily. I didn't even need to comb through them to remove excess!

M.A.C Haute & Naughty Lash retails for $18.

Read More...

Trend-Spotting: Sparkly Shoes

I'm of the mind that a little sparkle is never a bad thing. Whether you rock a glittery purple eyeshadow or a glitzy sequined pump, it just adds a little rocker glam to your look. And this season, sparkly shoes have become all the rage! (One of my personal faves -- the Kate Spade Charm, seen above.) Check out even more after the jump.



Miu Miu Glittered Crisscross Bootie ($595): Ah, if I only had close to $600 to spend on sparkly shoes ... I've been coveting these strappy sandals for AGES. I'm dying to rock them with skinny leggings and a slouchy tee.

Derek Lam Regine Sequin Booties ($990): These just scream Sergeant Pepper ... but in the coolest, most awesome way. All that's missing is a burgundy velvet jacket.



ModCloth Knock Your Socks Off Heel ($134.99): The menswear staple gets a glammed-up touch with rainbow sparkles. I totally love the satin shoelaces, too.

Vera Wang Lavender Label Mariel Glitter Ballet Flats ($225): Because no gal's life is complete without a sparkly pair of flats.

Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Pumps ($595): A bold mix of black and silver makes a dramatic statement on these sky-high heels.

Read More...

Fail-Safe Laziness: Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes

Sometimes I just can't bring myself to wash my face. And on those days, rather than let the grime of the city pile up on my face, I turn to cleansing wipes. I've tried a lot in my day, but my new favorites are definitely Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes.

The absolute best part of these wipes is most definitely the refreshingly zesty scent of citrus and vanilla. It wafts out of the package the second it's opened, and leaves such a beautifully crisp aroma behind on the skin. Vitamin C and micro algae brighten, firm and smooth the skin while cleansing even the most stubborn eye makeup and blush.

Sometimes, it just pays to be lazy.

Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes are $15 for a pack of 30.

Read More...