Here are just of my favorite (beauty and style) things:

1. Clarisonic – Since I started using this a little over a year ago, I think my skin has noticeable improvement.
2. Pink – Not just because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month either!  Pink has always been a color that I’ve loved, and with so many shades, it’s flattering to nearly every skin tone.  And it’s available in clothing, lipstick, blush, and nail color.
3. Heels – I’ve always loved them, giving rise to the theory — so many heel, so little time.
4. Jeans – No matter the cut, the wash, or the label, nothing says sexy like a great fitting pair of jeans.
5. Bare Escentuals foundation – While I continue to sample everything else that comes out, I always go back to this favorite.
6. Black – My wardrobe staple, and a solid base to build from.  Having a staple like this means everything I buy will go with numerous things in my closet.
7. Ballet flats – Normally a heels gal, I broke my foot earlier this year and had to re-discover flats.  They’ll still never replace my heels, but ballet flats can pull together a casual or evening outfit.
8. Body scrubs – Although I love going to a spa for a body scrub, even using it at home helps keep all those dry bits of skin at bay.
9. Scarves – A simple and inexpensive way to change an outfit, and to turn drab into wow.  Done well, it almost makes me feel European.
10. Louis Vuitton hand bags – Especially when you can buy them at the flagship store in Paris.
11. iPhone – With all the available apps, you’ll never be far away from all the information you need.
12. Kiehl’s Silk Groom – This simple, all-purpose product help keep me well coiffed in addition to making my hair feel soft.
13. Diamond Studs – Part of any earring wardrobe, these can be worn with an evening gown or jeans.
14. Gold Hoops – The best size will depend on your face structure and hair, but every girl needs a pair.
15. Bubble Bath – The ultimate in relaxation.  Better with a book or magazine.  Even better with a glass of wine.
16. Pajamas – Whether for sleeping, lounging, or a romantic evening, I love my pajamas.
17. Massage – Nothing takes the stress out of my body like a deep tissue massage, and every time I have one, I tell myself not to wait so long before the next.
18. New York Times – A cup of coffee and the Sunday style section makes for a great weekend.
19. Hats – I used to wear them more often, and I think I’m ready to get back into wearing them again.  The classic fedora for the fall and winter may be a way to ease back into the trend.
20. Make up Bags – For travel, for home, for in the car, for at my desk, I love pretty little bags to keep my necessities in.
21. Animal Print – I wasn’t sure that I could wear this trend, but there are so many different choice that everyone can find a way to pull it off.
22. Champagne – The perfect thing to hold in your hand when your wearing a little black dress.
23. Mascara – Some how, even if I’m not totally pulled together, mascara makes it look like I am.
24. White shirts and blouses – They always look fresh, go with everything, are easy to accessorize, and with enough styles and fabrics that you can’t own enough.
25. Prada Infusion D’Iris perfume – My current go-to fragrance.
26. Paris – Fashion capital of the world, and where women don’t get fat.
27. Kindle – To read all that great chick lit and fashion biographies.
28. Pedicures – My feet are not terribly attractive, but a good scrub and polish gets them sandal-ready.
29. InStyle – Probably my favorite fashion magazine.
30. Splendicity – Reading every day keeps me up on the newest designers, latest trends, and all the new products coming out.

What are your favorite things?

Photo credit:  SXC

Post from: The List Maven

Here are some things you can do:

1. Reconsider self tanner – Sure, it made you look sun-kissed during the summer, but think about whether that faux glow is a look you want to continue on into fall and winter.
2. Be careful with the bronzer – Along the same lines of the self tanner, an overuse of bronzer this time of year looks like you’re trying to hard to let go of summer.  A little highlight is one thing, the all over bronzy look is another.
3. Check your makeup – Chances are that you have a few things left over since last fall.  Take a long hard look at these items and make sure that nothing is past its prime.  Toss mascara out after 3 months.  If something smells funky, out it goes.  If it looks like it’s changed colors or is contaminated in some way, toss it.  When applying something to my face, my adage is, if in doubt – toss it out.
4. Check your colors – There are classic eye shadow and blush shades that never go out of style.  That’s why they’re called classic.  Other colors can be combined with new shades to give an updated look.  Some were just mistakes to purchase in the first place.  This is a good time to throw them out.  Make an appointment with your favorite make up counter for a new fall look.  Be sure to bring along any favorites so that you learn how to incorporate them into your look.
5. Take a hard look at your hairstyle and color – Is it time for a change?  How long has it been since you’ve changed (updated) your hair cut or color.  Nothing says old like clinging to a style that looked great – five years ago.  Schedule a consultation with a stylist and get some ideas, and then make an appointment later if you decide to go ahead with the change.
6. Dig out your fall and winter clothes – Try things on, and if they don’t fit, give them to a women’s shelter or back-to-work program.  If things need mending or altering, arrange to have that done.  If you didn’t wear it last fall, you probably won’t this fall either, so save yourself some closet space and give it away.
7. Check your shoes and boots – Get repairs made, heels repaired, new soles put on, or slip guards put on the bottom.  Shine them up.  If they’re too tight, have them stretched to see if they’ll fit.  If they’re uncomfortable, give them away to a new, loving home.
8. Try a new fragrance – You may have loved those floral scents for spring and summer, but try something new for wall and winter.  Go a little woodsier, maybe a bit more exotic.  The weather may be cooling down, but there’s no reason that you can’t heat up the place.
9. Get out the fall handbags – Time to retire the straw and lighter weight fabric bags, and get out the hearty leather for every day wear.  Satchels, bucket bags, slouch bags, and other classic shapes are always a good choice come fall.  Make sure that you take care of any repairs, too.
10. Adopt a new attitude – Be confident, even when you’re not.  Be happy, even when you have struggles.  Give to others, even when all you can afford is a smile.  Be thankful, for every day that you’re given.

Do you have any tips for fall?

Photo credit:

Post from: The List Maven

Growing up, it may have been back-to-school shopping with mom and dad.  In college, it may have been the opportunity to pick up one or two fun pieces for fall.  And for many businesswomen, this is the time to stock up on basic wardrobe items in addition to finding a couple of new fall outfits.

I’m at that in between shopping phase.  I wear a uniform for my day job, so only need to have a minimal amount of business clothes.  So, I get the luxury of finding fun things – both for home, and those that will pack and travel well.

Here’s what I picked up at the sale yesterday:

Pajamas:  I’ve been needing some new PJ’s, and was excited to see a nice assortment from PJ Salvage.  These twill pajamas are a classic boyfriend-style pajamas, made out of super-soft cotton and don’t need multiple washings to be comfy.  They had several fun patterns, and I chose a leopard print and a cherry pattern.  Sale priced $37.90.

I also found another pair of pajamas from Shimera.  I couldn’t find a photo online, but they’re in plum patterned cotton, with a t-shirt top (Sale priced,$15.90) and a drawstring bottom (Sale priced, $27.90).

Pants:  This was all about jeans!  And first off was a look at traditional denim.  I was hoping to find something at an affordable price, as I’ve grown a bit weary of paying close to $200 for a decent pair of jeans.  I found a great choice with the reasonably priced Kut from the Kloth, so chose to pick up two pair.  They were both a boot cut stretch jean, the first in a dark wash with button flap back pockets (sale priced $49.90), and the second in a medium wash with back flap pockets ($59.90).  The rise was a a higher fit, and the inseam long enough, so they fit comfortable and are easy to move around in.  While I won’t put these on my sexiest jeans list, they are comfy and attractive jeans for every day wear.  And at this bargain price, who can pass them up!

The other pair of jeans were the Joe’s Jeans Chelsea skinny pants.  These are out of a stretchy double knit, and look like ankle length leggings out of a heavy material.  These are hip and fun, and finally hitting the US a couple years after I saw them all over Paris.  They fit snuggly, and should be worn with a longer top.  I can already think of all sorts of things that I can wear these with!  Sale priced $79.90.

Handbags & Shoes:  These are probably my two favorite departments in the store!  I saw the Marciano studded satchel in the catalog, and was curious to see what it looked like up close and personal.  I wanted to feel and smell the leather, and see if the larger sized bag looked okay on my arm.  I love the removable chain-link strap, which, along with the triangle studs, gives it a little biker chick look while still maintaining a classic style.  The leather feels wonderful, and the pin-tucked pleats and wide top closure at impressive detailing.  Loved the bag, had to have the bag!  Sale priced $189.90.

Because of the traveling side of my life, I am always looking for comfy shoes that don’t take up much room in my suitcase.  I try to have a couple of go-to pair that I can rotate among, and the Puma Mostro sneakers will be a welcome addition.  The leather and mesh give it a sporty lightweight look, and the off-center Z-strap helps gives you a secure fit.  These aren’t a serious running shoe, but they’ll be great for vacation or general walking around town.  Sale priced $64.90.

It’s likely that I’ll be going back for another pass through on the Anniversary Sale, probably to spend some additional time in lingerie (stocking up on basics) as well as spending a bit more time in the shoe department.  These are good prices, and shopping wisely now means that I can get through a number of months without additional purchases.  (Yeah, right!)

Did you go to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?  What purchases did you make?

Photo credit:  All from Nordstrom

Post from: The List Maven

Most of us can’t afford to buy a new wardrobe each season, so we rely on a few accessories to extend what’s already in our closet.

Here are 5 must have accessories that will take you all the way through summer.

Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from harsh light and UV rays with a pair of fashionable glasses that offer 100% UV protection. If you participate in a lot of summer sports, you may need specialized glasses – especially if you’re on the water a lot. For everyday wear, however, choose a flattering style for your face, choose a frame color that is flattering for your skin tone, and most of all, the lenses need to have UV protection. Make sure they’re comfortable to wear in addition to looking good.  I like this pair with round frames by Versace. Available from eluxury, $190.

Versace round sunglasses

Hat. Another fashionable yet practical summer accessory, a hat will protect hair, skin, and eyes while still looking good. Save the baseball cap for when you’re playing ball, and find something that will look good when you’re out shopping, lunching al fresco, or spending an afternoon at a picnic. Try the versatility of this Squishee Bucket Hat by Eric Javits. The bucket hat is a popular style, is easy to wear, and this one looks like it’s straw, but is really made of a fabric that maintains its shape. Available at Nordstrom, in black, antique, or natural, $170.

Eric Javits squishee bucket hat

Scarf. Fashionable and practical, a scarf can add pizzazz to an outfit or serve as a little extra warmth when temperatures drop. Find one small enough to wear around your neck, and spend some time learning a few of the many ways to tie and wrap it. Choosing a larger scarf give you additional ways to wear it, and allows it to be wrapped about your shoulders or across your lap if you need a little extra warmth. You can also use it to quickly cover your hair if you need to rush into a building and need protection from wind and rain. There are lots of fun prints to choose from, including this leopard print by Himalaya Trading Company. Available at Overstock.com, $39.99.

Leopard print pashmina by Himalaya Trading Co.

Belt. Another accessory that can change the look of an outfit and extend its versatility, the belts seen on the runway have been both wide and skinny. You likely have a skinny belt already in your accessory wardrobe, so consider going wide this summer. Wear with a dress, over a jacket or sweater, or topping off a skirt. You’ll find lots of variety to coordinate with your wardrobe. I like this wide patent belt that comes in black and sable. Available from Ann Taylor, $59.

Wide patent belt from Ann Taylor

Tote bag. Yes, they can be oversized, but that’s the exact reason you want a tote – to carry around all the stuff that you need for a day about town. You can tie a scarf around the handle, stuff your hat and sunglasses inside, and keep all your other essentials handy. There are lots of fun styles and materials to choose from, so it will be easy to find one (or more) that fit your personal taste and budget. I’d love to add a little color with a tote, maybe something like this Dolce Gabbana shopper in red. It’s classic enough to be an investment piece, and can go with anything from a little black dress to jeans. Available from MyWardrobe, $724.50.

Dolce & Gabbana Red Estelle shopper

Check your favorite stores to find variations of all these summer accessories that will fit any budget. There are choices in every budget range, and if you choose carefully, you’re summer selections should take you into fall.

Photo credits: eLuxury, Nordstrom, Overstock.com, Ann Taylor, My Wardrobe

Post from: The List Maven

I’ve got two of the hottest new products around sitting right here in front of me, and holy smokes I can’t wait to share! The best part? I get to give away a set to a lucky reader!

First, awards season is approaching us (and the swanky holiday party season is HERE) and this is probably the coolest kit I’ve ever seen. The Melissa Rivers Red Carpet Ready Kit, provides you with some of the best products from Fashion Forms that were designed to keep you looking and feeling your best. No more unsightly bra straps, readjusting or tugging to keep your outfit in order, you can now rest assured that your attire is in place and perfect throughout the duration of your night. This fabulous kit and must-have for any occasion comes packaged in a beautiful fashion forward clutch purse and includes:

• Dress & Lingerie Tape with Dispenser – This easy to apply double sided tape is not only transparent, it is guaranteed to hold even the most daring dresses and tops in place.
• Ultimate Silicone Gel Petals (with travel case) – These extremely soft and now REUSEABLE gel petals provide you with a smooth look with or without your bra. Easy to apply and even easier to remove, these petals can be worn up to 25 times!
• One Size Adhesive Bra – This reusable adhesive bra, provides the support and coverage you need without all the straps. This one-size wonder can be cut to your perfect size (A-DD).
• Strap Tamers – At last, the easiest and most effective way to stop falling bra straps. These bra concealers, made from high tech durable plastic and stainless steel, are ideal for everything from wedding gowns to active wear and sleeveless.

You can buy the Melissa Rivers Red Carpet Ready Kit at every major department store including Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Neiman’s, Nordstrom and online at Fashion Forms.

Next up, is this unbelievable innovation in handbags: The Miche Bag. The set I received has three shells, plus the base bag. Yes, I said “shells” – this bag is meant to save you time and hassle, as well as be fashionable and fabulous!

It’s so fantastic… I can’t say enough how much I adore this! You have one base bag, and the shells attach and remove magnetically, so you can change your style up whenever you need to, without having to move your stuff to another purse! I’ve got the shiny black shell for when I need to be basic yet fabulous, the bright yellow shell (as seen at left) for when I’m feeling fun and frisky, and a really great fuschia shell to go with me when I’m feeling girly. There are some really great other ones, including this giraffe print/red one… I’m SO buying that one to use as my “power” bag!

Available nationwide, the Miche Bag base retails for $29.99 and each shell is $19.95.

So here we are with another giveaway, this one ends on Monday, December 22, 2008. To enter, you must be a resident of the USA, and leave a comment below! Winner will be drawn at random at noon on Monday (Eastern Time). One winner, BOTH products!

Post from: The List Maven

SHOPPING

NY Spender suggests that “if you buy only one pair of shoes this fall, buy one with stacked heels.“

Her Accessories is celebrating the cooler weather with a roundup of her favorite fall jackets.

Gleaming Things loves Givenchy’s look of layered chains, but they just aren’t in the budget right now – these picks are though!

Shopalicious finds a very stylish quilted handbag — with an eco-friendly twist! (Plus a coupon for 10% off!)

Chic by Nature has a great wrap top that you can wear out and then to bed.

There’s some serious inspiration afloat over at All That & a with more inspiration-themed jewelry.

FASHION

Sasha of Style Manila creates a boho-look on an 11-year old named Sylvie.

Tops 2 Bottoms shares an style idea, Layered, Belted, and Plaid for her weekly Work Wear Monday series.

Viva Woman shows you how corsages can make your attire more feminine and romantic.

Style…a work in progress finds inspiration in a little bear called Paddington

Petite Fashionista shows you how to update your Fall wardrobe with pieces that will keep you; comfy, cozy and chic!

The Space Between My Peers categorizes the looks at the bottom of the formality scale into Three Levels of Leisure.

BEAUTY

Beauty Bento Box features the elegantly packaged, eyeliner-slash-eyeshadow Kohl cosmetic, Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Liner.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to get an easy, elegant smoky eye with the Smoky Eye Quad from Chanel.

My Women Stuff discusses whetherSilicone is good or bad for the skin.

Krizia from Beauty Match declares: We tried Pro-V Restoratives and said bye-bye FRIZZ!.

Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at three bright handbags that look more expensive than they are”.

Post from: The List Maven