Summer 2009 Must-Have Accessory: Convertible Bag

the convertible bag is a multi-tasking bag that can be both a roomy tote or a fabulous oversized clutch! to put it another way, it can be folded over to go from a tote that holds everything you need to carry around in your everyday life, to a clutch that is fabulous for nights out. it's a must-have because a bag like this can be worn with anything and is, in my opinion, one of the new timeless pieces.







xo

Summer Beauty 2009: MAC Style Warrior

wow, i all i can say in response to MAC's new collection, Style Warrior. this amazing array of bold, bronzy hues, are packaged in exotic zebra and leopard prints to keep the theme wild and uninhibited.

i personally am not a fan of wearing animal prints unless it comes in the form of an accessory, and i think these qualifies as such, don't you? ;)

never before have we seen the "Wild Things" of the world come together in quite so many bold new combinations. introducing a dramatically different and deliberately diverse colour story, an eclectic and expressive way to exalt and admire the strength and solidarity of beauty with no barriers. a selection of all-over summer bronzing shades for lips, cheeks, eyes, and nails, featuring the innovation of Impassioned, Bronzescape and Scatterrays Solar Bits-- sunbursts to unleash the animal in every woman.

check out the collection...



Lipstick
Sunsational- sheer frosted beige gold
Brave New Bronze- creamy mid-tone pink nude
Purple Rite- mid-tone frosty orchid
Tribalist -creamy blackened berry

Lipglass
Liberated- sheer yellow gold with pearl
Gold Rebel -sheer copper bronze with pearl
Fierce & Fabulous- bright magenta purple with pearl
Style Warrior- blackened bronze brown with pearl

Eye Shadow
Soft Force- frosty pale white gold
Bright Future- frosty bright yellow gold
Tempting- sinfully rich coco
Vibrant Grape- bright magenta purple
Night Manoeuvres- deep charcoal brown with pearl

Eye Kohl
Smolder- intense black

Pro Lash Mascara
Coal Black- honest-to-goodness black



Beauty Powder Blush
Eversun- neutral peach bronze with gold pearl
On A Mission- pearly mid-tone plum

Solar Bits
Scatterrays soft metallic peach with gold pearl
Bronzescape- clean yellow brown with gold pearl
Impassioned- frosty cool taupe

Nail Lacquer
Peaceable- pearly pale golden beige
Violet Fire- bright creamy magenta purple
Mercenary- frosted blackened bronze

Brush
242 Firm fibre Brush with rounded edges for smooth, even
application of powder, emollient and concealer products



Bronzing Powder
Solar Riche- mid-tone deep orange brown
Refined Golden- finely spun golden with soft pearl finish

Lustre Drops
Pink Rebel- blue pink with gold pearl
Sun Rush- peachy bronze with gold pearl
Bronze Hero- hot bronze with fine gold pearl

Skinsheen
Medium Dark -sheer soft bronze with golden tan pearl
Dark -golden bronze
Deep Dark- deep warm bronze with rich golden pearl

Iridescent Powder/Loose
Golden Bronze- Golden brown with golden bronze shimmer

Brush
182 Buffer brush. a full, dome-shaped brush of extra soft goat hair. ppecially created to flawlessly blend powder onto the skin for an immaculate polished finish. excellent for all MAC powders and pigments.


find the entire MAC Style Warrior collection at MAC counters, stores and online at maccosmetics.com


xo

Summer 2009 Must-Have Accessory: Strappy Sandals

whether you prefer a flat gladiator style or a fierce pair of heels, the strappy sandal is the perfect accessory to wear with everything from dresses and skirts to cropped pants and short shorts.

i myself prefer a heel variation, since for some reason i really don't know how to walk in flats-- well, that's not entirely true. i just have become so accustom to wearing heels i feel funny when i don't, so i feel like i don't do it very well.



moving on, i think these styles may spark an interest in your quest for finding the perfect addition to your summer accessory wardrobe...



xo

Summer 2009 Must-Have Accessory: Statement Necklace

statement necklace-- whether you loop a long strand necklace for added layers, layer multiple necklaces or choose a bold collar style, this season is all about eye-catching pieces. of course (as a general rule of thumb), be sure to keep the rest of your look simple, and if you must wear earrings, choose a small pair or classic diamond (or cz) studs.






check out some more statement pieces (including the ones pictured above) that you may want to pull inspiration from or even purchase for yourself.


xo

Dress Up Your Summer!

the heat is on-- at least here in socal. so instead of complaining (well, ok...i admit, i do complain a bit-- it's hot!), i take it as an opportunity to seek out items that will keep me looking great and feeling cool all season. my best bet is always a dress-- these are some of my picks...



this bright Forever 21 Ruffle Floral Chiffon Dress is flirty and fun, and would be great to wear to the park or grocery shopping (wearing something cheerful like this makes it a little bit more enjoyable).




this Plaid Party Dress would be so fun to wear to summer barbeques!



this dress has little details that make it more sophisticated-- and perfect for a casual night out.



if i had any weddings to attend this summer, this Suzi Chin Maggy dress would be great, but since i'm not, it would still be great to wear for another occasion!

here are some other dress picks i think would be great for summer:




xo

Summer Beauty 2009: Bobbi Brown Nautical Collection

the new Nautical Collection from Bobbi Brown is available now, and i am loving it! it features the new products Sheer Color Lip Gloss and Sheer Color Cheek Tint, as well as the Perfectly Defined Mascara.

the Nautical Collection is inspired by easy, natural summer beauty. Bobbi has created these beauty goodies to give you a fresh, just-spending-the-day-on-the-beach-looking-fabulous look.



available in six shades, Bobbi's new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. these are translucent, light-weight, and go on smooth. i love the touch of color it adds-- so pretty! i also really like how the swivel-up packaging easily travels in my makeup bag, making it convenient and easy to apply anytime. colors include Sheer Blackberry, Sheer Lilac, Sheer Pink, Sheer Coral, Sheer Raspberry and Sheer Mauve.




the limited-edition Sheer Color Lip Glosses are the newest addition to Bobbi's Lip Gloss collection and are amazing! pretty colors with a see-through finish, all of the four shades would look gorgeous on any woman. i think they're a great, wearable compliment to the ultra-bright colors of the season. colors include Cabana Coral, Marina Pink, Popsicle and Sailor.


Sheer Cheek Tint in Sheer Pink and Sheer Color Glosses in Marina Pink and Popsicle


swatches of Marina Pink (on left), and Popsicle

check out Bobbi's video sharing her thoughts on this collection



check out bobbibrowncosmetics.com or visit your local Bobbi beauty counter to see the entire collection.

xo
images courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

My Top 10 Must Buys For Spring 2009

making lists of items you want to buy each season is a great way to ensure you'll remember what it was you were really craving to add your wardrobe or accessory collection. with all that goes on my life everyday (taking care of my kids, house and hubby; running errands, responding to emails, making phone calls, editing, etc.), i could easily forget that i really want to purchase a metallic bag for the spring/summer season. well, i don't have to worry because i've made a list! and thankfully have had it published on StyleBakery.com.

as you may know, i am the contributing beauty editor at StyleBakeryBeauty.com, and this is my second contribution to their style site. i had to narrow my stylish picks down to 10, but i managed to come up with a list of items that represent what i feel would be good to add to any spring wardrobe (and i kept everything under $100 each!).

take a look at my picks!

xo

Iman's New Global Chic Collection on HSN

Iman will be on HSN today and tomorrow to feature her newest items in her Global Chic collection, a line of fabulous handbags (as seen in the pics above) and accessories.

every piece is exotic, glamorous, and the prices are fabulous! there are also some makeup and clothing items in the collection, but i thought i'd share some of the jewelry with you since bold pieces are such a hot trend for the summer:



Antique earrings and Earth, Wind, Fire ring



Marquise ring



Hammered Cuff and Crystal Cuff

tune in to HSN today and tomorrow at the following times to see Iman present her Global Chic line:

4.24.2009

4pm-5pm*
5pm-6pm*

4.25.2009

12am-1am*
1am-2am*

10am-11am*
11am-12pm*

2pm- 3pm*
3pm-3:30pm*

6pm-7pm*

9pm-10pm*
10pm-11pm*


don't miss out-- happy shopping!

xo
*all times eastern

Essie Neon Collection

add a touch of neon this summer with Essie's latest polishes: Essie Neon Nail Polish Collection. have fun, rock out and play with color on toes and tips. Essie brings color intensity back with the Neon Collection - a new crop of bright shades that pop.

as a sequel to last year's high-demand neon hues, Essie's new vivid nail colors are uber-chic, bold shades that take cues from both fashion and art. vibrant pinks and purples on the Spring runways and pop culture's technicolor graffiti art explosion have inspired neons to have their day in the spotlight. the Essie Neon Collection is a palette of gorgeous acid tones that light up the night.

"i want women to have fun with nail color," says founder Essie Weingarten. "these colors make a strong fashion statement and have personality. they really will bring smiles to women’s faces."

shades include:

Punchy Pink- delicious berry icicle
Flirty Fuchsia- flaming hot magenta
Funky Limelight- brilliant day-glo yellow
Perky Purple- electric boogie violet


tip from Essie Weingarten: "since neon nail colors produce a matte finish, make sure to apply a base and top coat like Essie Protein Base Coat and Good to Go! top coat for a rich, high shine finish."

the Essie Neon Color Collection is limited-edition, and available now at essie.com and fine spas, salons and beauty stores nationwide may 2009.

xo

Summer Beauty 2009: MAC A Rose Romance

here we are again MAC lovers-- a new collection! i am loving this one, too. it's called A Rose Romance, and is available now-- take a look...

a tradition in haute-couture, an enduring icon of love and certainly the only flower acceptable to throw on stage at the Met or clench between teeth in a buenos aires tango salon, the rose remains beyond reproach. MAC creates a very modern Rose Romance, the lovely new colour collection for the summer season. spring buds blush in fragrant new hues when Just A Pinch Gel Blush debuts; Fix + Rose refreshes; and our bring-back favourite fragrance, Creations Hue: Dejarose, whispers anew… but with great beauty there is always passion and peril…mind the thorns!


Lipstick
Way To Love- creamy light yellow pink
A Rose Romance- mid-tone pink with gold pearl
Odyssey- spiked-up plum




Lipglass
Virgin Kiss- sheer pale pink with multi-dimensional pearl
Magnetique- frosted violet fuchsia
Steal My Heart- sheer bright pink with multi-dimensional pearl




See Thru Lip Colour
Loving Touch- sheer pearly light pink
Tender Tryst- sheer pearly plum
Secret Crush- sheer red berry



Pigment
Mutiny- clean sky blue with gold pearl
Circa Plum- frosty dirty mid-tone lavender





Eyeshadow
Of Summer- frosted light dirty mauve
Et Tu, Bouquet?- frosted pale pink gold
Creme de Violet- vivid pinkish-violet flecked with gold shimmer
Silverthorn- mid-tone gray with silver pearl
Shadowy Lady- darkly veiled plum





Gel Blush
sheer gel cheek blush in a pot delivers a rosy glow of coverage for a healthy complexion. Dewy texture blends into a thin film on skin, giving low to medium transparent coverage.

Just A Pinch - sheer red pink tint




Beauty Powder
Blush of Youth- clean pink with gold pearl
Summer Rose- soft violet pink with pearl



Nail Lacquer
Love & Friendship- creamy dirty mid-tone lavender



Splashproof Lash
Blacksplash- black



Creations Hue: Dejarose
a striking bouquet of lush bulgarian, turkish, and tea red roses is ruffled with dewy watery and luminous green nuances. velvety petals of exotic orchid, lily, jasmine and peony are teased with a hint of crimson red raspberry and the gentle texture of pink pepper. the interplay of light and dark woods, weathered teak contrasting with patchouli, adds to the intensity, while hypnotic incense vapours and amber crystals lend a sense of intrigue and allure to this sensuous creation.



Fix+ Rose
an aqua-spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the scent of 100% natural rose water. adds radiance, finishes makeup.


this collection is so pretty and girly, don't you think?

xo
all images and info courtesy of MAC

Summer Beauty 2009: NARS

NARS turns fifteen this year, and the brand's commitment to creating fabulous products that defy convention remains unwavering. the NARS woman has never really been content to fade into the background, and this summer is no exception.

"the look for the summer 2009 collection is sophisticated, but colorful," says Francois Nars, founder and creative director of NARS Cosmetics.



so whether your vision of perfect summer conjures up images of morocco's kaleidoscopic bazaars, the pristine art deco structures of ocean drive or the endless white sand beaches and cerulean waters of a caribbean island, this season’s vivid yet versatile color palette is the perfect complement.


Tropic Single Eyeshadow
for the latest eye shadow, there was only one blue François Nars had in mind. "the tropics are always inspiring for me," he says. this lush, silver-flecked teal is a precise image of the ocean’s reflective, rolling waves.



Scorching Sun Duo Eyeshadow
the glazed apricot and radiant orange duo, is designed "to imitate the effect of the burning sun," according to Nars. the sun-drenched colors allow for surprising wearability. the pair can be blended together to form a rich, burnt orange, or worn in tandem.



Irresistiblement Bronzing Powder
nothing evokes the feeling of summertime quite like bronzed skin. the newest shade, a rich golden terracotta, offers a flattering faux glow when dusted across the areas of the face where the actual sun would hit.



Falbala Lipstick
on the lips, this high-shine bronzy rose lipstick has a sweet, insouciant quality about it.

Outsider Lipstick
this is definitely not your grandmother’s coral. this deeper, glistening variety is a modern take on a time-honored classic.



Belize Lip Gloss
the pale pink mauve sprinkled with specks of gold simulates the color of a central american sunset and gives nude lips a sultry boost.

Tonga Lipliner Pencil
a creamy, long-wearing lip pencil in a shade of pink amber plays dual roles. use it traditionally, to outline lips and prevent lipstick from feathering; or color the entire lip with the moisture-rich pencil.



Adelita Nail Polish
this shimmering pearlescent shade of pink, is simultaneously sweet and saucy, the ideal embodiment of feminine strength.


so what do you think? anything stand out to you must have? let me know!

the NARS summer 2009 collection is available now at narscosmetics.com

xo
all images and info courtesy of NARS