Writing about beauty, style, fashion, and all related things, has exposed me to so many wonderful products, designs, shops, stores, and more, that sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.  Every once in awhile, though, it helps to stop and take a few minutes to really appreciate the stand outs of the group.
Here are just of my favorite (beauty and style) things:

Clarisonic – Since I started using this a little over a year ago, I think my skin has noticeable improvement.
Pink – Not just because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month either!  Pink has always been a color that I’ve …read more

When you think of fashionable cities, which ones come to mind?
Since I’m recently back from Europe, where even casual wear like shorts and a t-shirt looks incredibly chic, so those are the cities that I first though of.  But where else?
In a recent survey, by trend-tracking group Global Language Monitor, here are the top 10 Most Fashionable Cities:

Milan
New York (last year’s number 1)
Paris
Rome
London
Los Angeles
Hong Kong
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Las Vegas

If you’re looking for fashionable US cities, these ranked top in the survey:

New York
Los Angeles
Las Vegas
Miami
Dallas
Atlanta

The survey is based upon results of a proprietary algorithm that tracks words and phrases in print and electronic …read more

This Monday, May 6th, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be opening the Costume Institute’s spring exhibit – “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion”. The exhibit employs multiple media forms to highlight just how inspirational and important models are to world of fashion. More than just a historical overview of fashion and design, visitors can expect to be surrounded by a variety of icons and memorable moments that have shaped the way everything has evolved.
From WWD:
Curated by Harold Koda of the Costume Institute and guest curator Kohle Yohannan, the exhibit features 86 looks arranged mostly by era. It welcomes visitors …read more

Maybe it’s wrong to partially like a clothing line because Penelope Cruz, one of the most beautiful women in the world, happens to be promoting the brand. Mango’s Summer Collection is soft, pretty and perfectly casual. Here are seven reasons you might want to check it out.
1. Penelope Cruz and her also super fashionable sister Monica have developed 25 piece line of clothing and accessories for the brand.
2. Tomboyish plaids are paired up with a girly neckline and sleeves for a unique take on your typical cowboy look.
3. Limited edition Solidarity t-shirts are cute and fun – with profits going …read more

Leggings had a practical fashion start, going back to the 14th century when they were worn by both men and women for warmth and protection.  Today, however, they have a more dubious reputation, the style having been tortured and abused through many bad fashion statements.
But if you have any doubt about the staying power of leggings, take a look around the fashionable streets of Europe.  There they are worn by women of all ages and shapes.  I think they’re here to stay. . . at least for a little while.
Basically, leggings are tight, form-fitting trousers (not tights!) that generally go …read more

After reading that men are innately attracted to women wearing the color red, clothes in that color have been flying off the shelf!
If you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon, here are some great red selections that will make your irresistible all through spring and summer.
 

Sunburst Ponte Dress from BCBG MAX AZRIA, is a sleek pullover dress with nice stitched details at the bodice and waist.  $218 at Sak’s.
French Connection Women’s Solar A-Line Dress has a sweetheart neckline, with a fitted bodice.  $178 at Bloomingdale’s.
 
The lean shaped cardigan from Simply Vera by Vera Wang is perfect for adding a little …read more

Hearts are fashionable all year long, not just for Valentine’s Day. 
So add a little heart and soul into you your life with these treats that are appropriate all year long:
Genuine Murano Glass Heart Pendant.  I developed an appreciation of Murano glass after my visit to Italy last year, and this heart-shaped pendant makes a unique and artistic bauble.  Handmade in Italy, with 24-karat gold foil, this heart hangs from a contrasting cord.  On sale now at Overstock.com for $29.69.
 
The cat lover can celebrate that special bond with their four-footed friends with this fabric covered heart from Heart …read more

Clothes are expensive, and building a wardrobe can be a big ticket expenditure.  But, at some point you’re ready to move from your poor indie look to what I call the “I’m a grown up with a job” look.
When it’s time to look and act like a professional, you need to start off with quality core wardrobe items.  Those things that are classic in cut, color, and style, and which will last for years.  (Think Audrey Hepburn or Princess Grace.) Although these pieces may cost more initially, classic styles can last forever, giving your pieces a very low amortized …read more

Looking stylish 365 days a year doesn’t have to be difficult when you have a daily reminder and examples of gorgeous style.
Since most of us don’t have a stylist coming in every day to help us pull our wardrobe together, try hanging one of these calendars on your wall for a daily reminder to be fashion forward.
Here’s four to choose from.  (My favorite is the shoes!)
 

Images:  All from Amazon

I cannot begin to count the ways that I have abused my skin and hair over the years.  Nor the bad fashion choices I’ve made.  It’s time to take responsibility for those choice and banish them once and for all. 
So here’s my list of 10 Beauty & Style New Year’s Resolutions for 2009:

I will take my make up off every single night.  No matter how tired I am, my skin will thank me for taking a few extra minutes to take care of it.
I will find a foundation (or two) that I truly love and stick with …read more