July 30th, 2010 by
Lucie Amberg
I’m browsing the summer sales in search of great pieces– the kind that will transition into fall. With significant discounts available at even pricey retailers, it’s possible to shop some splurge-y stores without blowing your budget.
Of course, we all know that shopping sales can be an exercise in patience. It’s often difficult to find the items you want in the size you need, but if it were easy, they wouldn’t be on sale! If you’re up for the challenge, the savings make the extra effort worthwhile.
And today I’m clearly kind of crazy; I’m shopping for bargains at Saks.com. However, by scouring the sale section, I came across a couple of cool, investment-worthy pieces at affordable-ish prices. Check out what I found along with some quick wardrobing thoughts via Polyvore:
BCBG MaxAzria Drape-Back Micro Modal Knit Blazer ($150 to $93.99) This blazer initally struck me as basic blah, but then I got into it. I like the emphasized shoulder– still a big trend– and it’s really all about the back. The draping there is so interesting (and has the added benefit of camouflaging extra weight below the bra line).
Marc by Marc Jacobs Nancy Straight-leg Zipper Jeans ($198 to $78.99) I haven’t tried this exact pair, but I’ve liked Marc jeans in the past. These are a great price with a good silhouette, and they satisfy the current demand for zipper embellishments.
L.A.M.B. Darlington Printed Mini Crossbody Bag ($175 to $69.99) I really love L.A.M.B. handbags (despite the fact that I blame Gwen Stefani for this one time when Don’t Speak was stuck in my head for about 2000 hours). I’m very into this cute crossbody and love the touch of fun it adds to the outfit.
I rounded out the look with a raspberry colored top, black platform pumps, and on-trend black crystal hoops. I can totally see wearing this for weeknight dinner with friends, weekend brunch, or even a casual work day.
Keeping it real, this isn’t my very favorite of the summer sale ensembles I’ve found, but overall, I’m very happy with the pieces and the prices. It’s a good interpretation of the 80s street chic trend using up-to-date items that won’t look dated. (Oh, and we all know there are some really bad interpretations of the 80s revival, like um… this. Seriously, Helmut Lang, that is a fail.)
So how do you feel about shopping Saks for its sale? And are there particular items you look for?
Posted in Accessories, Blazers & Jackets, Fall Fashion, Handbags & Purses, Jeans, ON SALE!, Shopping, Trend Alert
Related Topics: 80s trend, Fall Fashion, lucie, ON SALE!, Saks Fifth Avenue, Trends, Zippers
July 29th, 2010 by
The Fashionable Housewife
Have you heard of the Beauty Rebellion Project yet? If you are into cruelty-free beauty you may already be a part of this movement! What is the Beauty Rebellion movement and who’s leading it, you might ask? The Beauty Rebellion Project is a group of stylish, young conscious consumers who understand that true beauty is cruelty-free. They rebel against the traditional ideas of skin care, hair care and cosmetics and have made it their mission to spread the word about
new and established cruelty-free beauty brands through fun events and hip venues throughout Los Angeles.
Keeping with a cruelty-free theme, those who attend one of these hip events can expect to enjoy cocktails, vegetarian cuisine, goody bags with cruelty-free products and of course amazing support from the droves of beautiful people who support this amazing movement! The first rebellion event will be in August 2010. For the upcoming event, some of the MANY cruelty-free sponsors include: Aveda, Dermalogica, DermaDoctor, Earth Natural Essentials, InStyle, Manic Panic, Mountain Girl Soap, Naturopathica, Sibu Beauty and Urban Decay. Urban Decay is sponsoring a full-sized vegan palette for every goody bag! Many thanks to Jen Mathews (founder of the popular beauty blog, My Beauty Bunny) and The Beauty Rebellion project for bringing attention to this cause.
So, do you want to go to a cruelty-free beauty party in Los Angeles? Sign up for their mailing list and JOIN THE REBELLION!
Posted in Cruelty Free, Random Info
Related Topics: My Beauty Bunny, The Beauty Rebellion Project
July 29th, 2010 by
The Fashionable Housewife
Denim & Rose Face Palette
Packed with deep, shimmering blues and icy greys and pinks for eyes and fresh rose shades for lips and cheeks, this palette is the beauty equivalent of dressed-up denim. Whether you’re in the mood for flushed cheeks or a sparkling, smoky eye, you’ll have plenty of options for day or night.
$60 on bobbibrowncosmetics.com
What do you think of the colors? I think they are really pretty! I love the case too. If you bought this palette, would you save it for special occasions or use it everyday?
Order now and get a complimentary Full Size Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Ash with $65 Order. Click here and use coupon code ASH8. 
(Offer ends 10/01/2010)
Posted in Eyeshadow, Makeup, Makeup Palettes
Related Topics: Bobbi Brown, Bobbi Brown Denim & Rose, Fall 2010, makeup palette
July 29th, 2010 by
Andrea Smith
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Propylene Glycol (PG), most likely.
These common ingredients found in most drugstore shampoos and conditioners may seem harmless, and save you money, but they might be costing you something else. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS can cause blindness and lead to the formation of cataracts. Since SLS penetrates the brain, eyes and liver and remains in those areas long-term it can retard the healing process of certain cells and even degenerate them. For example, eyes that incur cell damage would not be able to heal properly while SLS is in the system. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) used by the US government, SLS can also cause burning sensations, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting.
Propylene Glycol is a chemical derived from petroleum; it can be found in most shampoos and conditioners of a pharmaceutical grade. Industrial grade PG is present in anti freeze, paint, laundry detergent and de-icers. While the jury is still out on exactly how harmful the pharmaceutical additive is to the human body long term, during testing with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel, it caused eczema and skin irritation in 50% of the participants who used it. Cases of liver, skin, and kidney damage were also reported by the MSDS.
It is a personal rule of mine to avoid SLS (and any cousins of SLS) products, and I don’t see much difference in the performance of SLS-free versus consumer brands with sulfates. The cleaning power is just as good, and much less damaging for my totally chemically damaged hair. Try a few natural shampoos and conditioners to keep your insides as healthy as your outside.
An added bonus of using SLS free shampoos is that perms and Brazilian blowouts last longer, and hair is less dry and frizzy over time with repeated use, so what’s the harm? Try a few of these SLS and PG free shampoos and conditioners in lieu of standard popular brands (most are pretty cheap) :
Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Shampoo
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
De-luxe Color Save Conditioner (For Color Treated Hair)
Earth Science Hair Treatment Conditioner
Next time you are about to pick up that economy sized bottle of shampoo or conditioner, take a quick perusal of the ingredients, you may be enlightened!
Posted in Shampoo
Related Topics: Conditioner, Hair Care, Shampoo
July 29th, 2010 by
Lucie Amberg
If there’s one thing I like it’s a sales event with a clear mission.
If there’s another thing I like, it’s shoes.
Put the two together, and I’m in hog heaven, which is why I’m pumped up about today’s Shoes Under $100 boutique at HauteLook.com. No word on what brands they’re offering, but they’re advertising a diverse range of styles. Check it out:
When you don’t have the time to change your outfit, or have the funds for an entirely new look, a new pair of shoes is the next best thing. And with HauteLook’s event offering every pair under $100, everyone can indulge. From flip-flops to carry you through summer to wear-anywhere flats to on-trend oxfords and chunky heels, we’ve got a range of fashionable styles that chic ladies will love. Treat yourself to a fashionable fix at amazing savings with these perfect designs, all for under $100!
So it sounds like there’s something for everyone– and at prices that won’t have you shaking your piggy bank.
Happy Hunting!
This event begins at 11 AM Eastern time/ 8 AM Pacific. Not a member of HauteLook yet? Click here to join.
Posted in Affordable Fashion, ON SALE!, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping
Related Topics: Hautelook, Hautelook.com, Shoes
July 28th, 2010 by
The Fashionable Housewife
I’m having some serious shoe lust with these gorgeous Sofft Raine Pewter Patent Shoes
. I’ve been absolutely smitten with them since I spotted them a few weeks ago. I can’t get them out of my mind!!
Fashion has rained down on your feet with the Raine peep-toe pump from Söfft®. Shimmering patent leather upper with stud and suede accents at vamp and heel. Adjustable mary jane strap with flexible goring at the instep for a secure fit. Leather lining and footbed aid in drawing moisture away from your feet. Leather-wrapped heel and synthetic outsole provide stability and traction. Comfortable 3″ heel.
These shoes are just absolutely amazing… a perfect choice for Fall, don’t you agree??!!
Price: $94 – $108
Places to Purchase: Amazon.com
, Zappos.com
, SuperShoes.com
, Shoeline.com
and QVC.com
Posted in Fall Fashion, Shoes Shoes Shoes!
Related Topics: comfortable heels, Comfortable Shoes, Mary Janes, Peep-Toes, Shoes, Sofft, Sofft Raine
July 28th, 2010 by
The Fashionable Housewife
Summer sun demands our skin to be in tip top shape from head to toe, to help us pull off shorter hemlines and brighter hues. These summer lotions are perfect to add to any gal’s hydration routine.
Elizabeth Grant Vitamin C Hand & Nail Cream
Hands can show the evidence of aging and sun damage just as much as frown lines and crow’s feet. This non-greasy and quick absorbing hand and nail cream delivers an intense dose of Vitamin C to lighten hyper-pigmentation and increase collagen production. Contains Torricelumn and three other major hydration ingredients to boost moisture levels all day long and strengthen the nails.
Vitamin C Hand & Nail Cream eliminates dryness and brightens and protects the skin giving your hands a more youthful appearance.
Price: $25
Click Here For More Info >>
Completely Smooth Hair Inhibitor
Completely Smooth, an advanced, naturally derived hair inhibiting body lotion is designed to help you combat pesky hair growth while softening and pampering your skin. Applying lotion is already part of your daily routine, why not start your day off with a moisturizer that also reduces hair growth! Similar strand stunters don’t even come close to the powerful potency of Completely Smooth. Its strong formulation includes Capislow™, a plant extract that is scientifically proven to visibly lessen hair texture, density, length and growth.
Completely Smooth is the little beauty ally you’ve been waiting for. Being smooth has never been so simple. Completely Smooth Body $42 and Completely Smooth Face $28: is available at all completely bare locations and via completelybare.com
Price: $28 – $42
Click Here For More Info >>
Bliss FatGirlScrub
Bliss FatGirlScrub
promotes circulation through exfoliation and massage. It helps reduce accumulation of stagnant fluids that contribute to lumps and bumps all while sloughing off dead skin cells that may be blocking the penetration of slimming solutions applied after.
I recommend using it with the Bliss Slimulator
to achieve faster, more visible results. I love this scrub and use it weekly on my thighs. Since becoming pregnant again, I have found it also helps increase circulation on my lower legs too.
Price: $38.00
Click Here For More Info >>
Posted in Body, Face, Skin Care
Related Topics: Bliss, Bliss FatGirlScrub, Cellulite, Completely Smooth, Elizabeth Grant Skin Care, Exfoliate, hair inhibitor, hand cream, nail cream, Scrub
July 28th, 2010 by
The Fashionable Housewife
Barely There® CustomFlex Fit™ Striped Lightly Lined Wire-Free Bra
This women’s barely there bra provides complete comfort. With knit-in details and wire-free stretch cups, this bra offers flexible, feel-good support all day long. It’s more flexible and supportive than an ordinary bralet. Because of the contoured cups, it’s actually shapes and supports you.
It has Adjustable Quick Change™ convertible shoulder straps that allow you to cross the straps in seconds to wear with different tops and tanks. It also features a seamless, tag-free design that prevents skin irritation. It’s so comfortable, you could wear it to bed!
Pair with a matching pair of Barely There panties for a fabulous foundation.
Price: $24.00
Purchase: BarelyThere.com, Kohls.com and Kohls stores, BareNecessities.com
and of course Amazon.com
.
Posted in Reviews, Undergarments
Related Topics: Bare Necessities, Barely There, Bra, bralet, Bras, CustomFlex Fit, most comfortable bra, wire-free bra
July 27th, 2010 by
Sara Cornell
My skin is fair and super sensitive to the sun. I burn easily, freckle profusely and get dark patches all over my face. In my quest for even toned skin, I have tried dozens of products that claim to reduce or eliminate dark patches and fade freckles, even going so far one year to have laser treatments – which didn’t work and REALLY hurt. Recently I was given some samples of a new product from Janson Beckett Cosmeceuticals called Vitamin C&C Facial Serum, and I’m delighted to report that after 2 weeks of consistent use, I see a noticeable difference in my skin. Some of the splotchy areas are significantly lighter, and the darkest spots are breaking up and beginning to fade.
Vitamin-C is a clinically proven potent and beneficial antioxidant. Study after study has demonstrated that it “kick-starts” collagen production in sluggish less energized skin cells. When applied to an area where fine lines and wrinkles are present it boosts the collagen levels and helps fill in the unwanted fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C&C Facial Serum’s dual source Vitamin-C formula combines precise concentrations of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbate. This potent Vitamin-C serum helps to protect against and repair environmental skin damage and signs of aging while stimulating collagen synthesis.
I also used their Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer (SPF 40) in conjunction with the Vitamin C&C Facial Serum, and I have found my new favorite sunblock. The light silky moisturizer goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and almost feels like you’re wearing nothing as it protects against the damage caused by the sun and environment. I was in Tucson, AZ last week and even though I was outside a good part of each day, I felt like my skin was totally protected, even nourished with these products.
At $34.95 for the sunblock and $44.95 for the Vitamin C&C Serum, the products are a bit pricey but well worth the money. And a little bit goes a long way. Janson Beckett offers a full line of skin care products, which are doctor endorsed and animal friendly.
You can find the complete line of Janson Beckett Cosmeceuticals at Dillard’s Department Stores, Amazon.com
and Dermstore.com.
Posted in Aging / Wrinkles, Face, Reviews, Skin Care, Sun Protection
Related Topics: Dermstore.com, Janson Beckett Cosmeceuticals, Review, SPF 40, Sunscreen, Vitamin C, Vitamin C&C Facial Serum
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