The Fashionable Gal

Mar 12

OSCARS | Get the Look for Less with Maggy London

Posted on: March 12, 2010 @ 3:00 pm No Comments »

Not all the dresses seen at this years Oscars were winners, and those that were… Well, they’re not really in our price range, now are they? Fortunately, these “look for less” versions from Maggy London (via Nordstrom) are both more affordable, and more realistic for the average woman!

Maggy London Stretch Satin Sheath Dress

I have zero interest in Kristen Stewart, but I am fond of her dress. I love the LFL version above, which is a great option for Easter!

Maggy London Twist Bodice Chiffon Dress

I loved Queen Latifah’s look, although I know some people are putting it on their “Worst Dressed” lists. Purple and sparkly are just the way to my heart, I guess! This option from Maggy London is just as lovely, and of course, perfect for Spring!

Maggy London Lace Bodice Mesh Dress

Tina Fey is lovely and hilarious – and in the dress above, she’s downright sexy. I would have preferred a two-sleeve/strap version, so I love the Maggy London version above. It has that lingerie feel, but isn’t over the top – so it’s great for a night out when you want to impress!

What were your favorite Oscar night looks? Which did you hate? What do you think of the dresses above? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Spring 2010 Nail Trends | China Glaze Edition

Posted on: March 12, 2010 @ 12:00 pm No Comments »

As usual, there’s a rainbow of “in” colors for Spring & Summer – pretty much everything bright and cheerful. Three nail polish shades I’ve been seeing over and over again are yellow, teal, and green. Which is super exciting for me, because those are three of my favorite colors.

China Glaze recently released a fabulous new collection called Up & Away (which I chatted about here). It features the three colors I mentioned, in absolutely to die for shades. For your benefit, I shall stop with the talking and proceed to the pictures…

Happy Go Lucky:

This is absolute sunshine in a bottle. Great coverage with 1 coat, flawless with 2.

Flyin High:

Surprisingly, this photographed very accurately. It’s a creamy, gorgeous shade that’s either sky blue or teal – or somewhere in between.

Four Leaf Clover:

This is the color I’ve been waiting for all my life. It’s the perfect green. The photograph doesn’t do justice to how deep and glorious this polish is.

You can pick up these shades, as well as there rest of the Up & Away Collection on Amazon (via the links above).

Cult of Individuality Launches Women’s Collection for Fall 2010

Posted on: March 12, 2010 @ 9:00 am 1 Comment »

The rugged men’s denim brand Cult of Individuality, that has gained a following since its Spring 2009 launch among Hollywood hitters like Jerry O’Connell, Jamie Kennedy, Kevin Dillon, Gilles Marini, and Peter Facinelli, launched their Cult of Individuality women’s collection at Project Las Vegas and Coterie earlier this month.

The line will be a female appropriation of the men’s brand that is known for its “cult classic” fits and innovative washes that aren’t often seen at the sub $200 retail price point. The men’s collection is sold in top denim specialty stores nationwide, as well as at Bloomingdale’s. “I brought Cult of individuality in first as a price point strategy, but now it has turned into a player within our denim assortment due to their washes and fits gaining momentum day by day” says men’s buyer Alan Fernandez of Atrium in New York City.

Cult of Individuality designer Ron Poisson is answering his buyer’s demands for a female equivalent of his well-performing novelty men’s collection. Debut fits include the “Bohemi” bootcut, the “Karma” straight leg, the “Teaser” skinny, the “Flirt” denim legging and the “Alter Ego” boyfriend fit. The line features a signature pony hair patch on the back of the waist. Treatments and techniques include hand abrasions, acid wash, enzyme wash, rip and repair, dip dye and more. The wholesale price range for Cult of Individuality’s women’s collection is $98-$135 retail. The line will be carried by denim specialty stores including Atrium, E Street Denim and Sebastian’s Closet for Fall 2010, with the first delivery in July.

“Cult of Individuality jeans feel like home the moment you put them on, they feel like you’ve had them forever. My line is for people who live in their jeans and simply love denim,” says Cult of Individuality designer Ron Poisson. The company is based in City of Industry, CA, with sales operations out of their New York City showroom.

If you’re a denim fanatic, this is surely exciting news! I’m sure we’ll be seeing these jeans popping up on female celeb soon – and you’ll be able to snag your own pair in just a few months! I love the classy, comfy look of Cult of Individuality’s denim (and I’m a big fan of those shoes, too!). Will you be picking up a pair?

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Written by Laney
Filed Under Fall Fashion

OSCARS | Spring Hair Trend: Messy Up Do How-To

Posted on: March 11, 2010 @ 3:00 pm 1 Comment »

Celebs including Faith Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Miley Cyrus, Penelope Cruz, Zoe Saldana and Kristen Stewart all embraced this look.

To get the look at home, celebrity stylist Oscar Blandi (who created Faith’s look and has worked with Penelope and Jennifer) suggests following these steps:

Step 1 : To create this look, the base is critical. Let 70% of the hair air dry and apply Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray from roots to end. Flip the hair upside-down and blow-dry on low mild heat.

Step 2: Secure all the hair at the nape of the neck with an elastic, using your fingers as a comb to separate the hair for a natural pulled back effect. Wrap individual hair sections around the ponytail and secure with hair pins for a undone chignon.

Step 3: Lightly pull out hair around the hairline to create a tussled loose frame around the face.

Step 4: Finish with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray for shine and a flexible hold.

I did not write the article above – it was sent to me by the PR agency that represents Oscar Blandi. I do use Oscar Blandi products and am a big fan of them!

TSA-Friendly Boutique 3floz.com Takes Off

Posted on: March 11, 2010 @ 12:00 pm No Comments »

I think this is a phenomenal idea – it’s a pain to transfer favorite products into tiny bottles just to get them on a plain. Plus, the cost of tiny bottles adds up… Yes, they’re reusable, but I’d rather not have to wash mini shampoo and conditioner bottles when I get home from a long trip. Buying minis is a great solution, but before now, it was hard to find a lot of faves in tiny sizes.

Buying travel size products is also a great way to test products before you invest in a full size. There’s nothing worse than wasting money on a $50 skin cream that makes you break out. Or a conditioner that leaves your hair oily. Or a body wash that makes your skin dry. I think you get the point – trying before buying is ideal, and 3floz gives you the opportunity to try – for a lot less!

This is also a great way to introduce your man to grooming products… Give him a few little products to try and see if you can get him hooked! If he won’t use them, at least you didn’t blow a big chunk of money on full size products!

There are currently 25 brands on 3floz, including Yes to Carrots, DDF, Go Smile, Jonathan, and many more. There are individual products, but the site also offers kits that contain all the products you’ll need to travel with.

Orders of $100 or more ship for free, and the site runs other promotions as well. Currently, you’ll receive a free gift with any DDF purchase!

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Written by Laney
Filed Under Beauty Products

Project Runway Video Game Giveaway – 3 Winners!

Posted on: March 11, 2010 @ 9:00 am 14 Comments »

OFFICIAL INFO:

“Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized brands, and The Weinstein Company, executive producers of the award-winning reality series Project Runway, announced that the Project Runway videogame, based on the mega hit-TV program, is making its way “from the runway” into retail stores. This fashion forward title, developed by Tornado Studios, is currently available for Wii™ and PC.

A must have “accessory” for series fans; Project Runway the videogame puts players in the role of aspiring fashion designers. Similar to the show, “designers” are presented with a range of theme challenges as they create fashions, select models, and style them with hair, make-up, and accessories. Players can then go from designer to model and show off their creations and work their way down the runway using the Wii Balance Board™ accessory. Capturing the true essence of Project Runway, the title features the show’s key talent Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia as well as eight contestants from season six including reigning Project Runway winner Irina Shabayeva.

In addition to the core reality show competition, the Project Runway videogame for Wii™ includes a variety of fun, family friendly game features inspired by the content from the show. These include:

a Wii Balance Board-compatible catwalk game
an interactive garment studio
a fashion career mode
hair and make-up studios
a high-profile fashion photo shoot”

Game trailer and contest info after the jump!

How to Dress Like You Have a Trust Fund (Even If You Don’t)

Posted on: March 10, 2010 @ 3:00 pm 3 Comments »

The Socialite Look: How to Dress Like You Have a Trust Fund Even If You Don’t

By Bridie Clark,
Author of “The Overnight Socialite”

You know the type: It’s raining, or 3 am, or the middle of yoga class and this woman looks crisp, pulled together, ready for her close-up. Her hair is freshly blown-out, her jewelry is tasteful Cartier. Linen wouldn’t dream of wrinkling when she wears it. Seeing her, you envision a walk-in closet full of neatly folded Italian cashmere. She must be rich, you think. Her look would be impossible to achieve — or maintain — without a trust fund and a lot of free time.

Actually, the “socialite look” — we’re talking Aerin Lauder, not Paris Hilton — is just a matter of mastering a few basic rules.
1. Figure out what works and stick with it. Anchor your wardrobe with clean lines, good fabrics, classic tailoring. Develop a signature look . . . even a uniform. Avoid trends. The look you’re striving for is fresh but timeless, and most trends have an expiration date.

2. Before you make a purchase, try to calculate Cost-Per-Wear. A Burberry trench that you’ll wear every spring for the rest of your life could be worth a splurge. Likewise you’ll always want to wear a great watch, “everyday” jewelry with just the right amount of bling, a simple clutch for evening, a T. Anthony tote that’s comfortable but chic. A little black dress is part of every socialite’s arsenal — make sure yours fits perfectly, and you’ll wear it all the time.

Zoya at New York Fashion Week! (Part 2)

Posted on: March 10, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 5 Comments »

NYFW: Suno – Fall 2010
Show Date: Saturday, 2/13/2010- 4 PM
Location: Milk Studios (450 W. 15th)

Products Used: Zoya Remove+, Zoya Anchor Basecoat, Zoya Nail Polish in Tasha, Zoya Nail Polish in Jolie, Zoya Armor Topcoat.

Suno’s opening presentation was jaw dropping to say the least. Using their signature Kenyan prints, designers Max Osterweis and Erin Betty playfully combined them with fresh innovative ones. This chaotic mix of patterns gave off and fun, lively vibe that any party girl would want to add to her collection.

Manicurist Amber Stores used Tasha with a thin coat of Jolie to create a luminous look flattering the make-up. Prior to polishing Amber prepped each set of nails using Zoya Remove + and Anchor Topcoat finishing with Armor Basecoat.

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NYFW: Diesel Black Gold – Fall 2010
Show Date: Tuesday, 2/16/2010 – 2 PM
Location: Warehouse 44th St.

Products Used: Zoya Remove+, Zoya Anchor Basecoat, Zoya Get Even, Zoya Armor Topcoat, Zoya Hurry Up speed drops, Zoya Renew Polish Rejuvenator, Zoya Nail Polish in Tasha, Zoya Nail Polish in Erin, Zoya Lemon Dream lotion, and Zoya Germinator.

Diesel Black and Gold’s Fall 2010 show screamed confidence. They stuck with the distressed, faded jeans, but this time they add a more gothic/ western vibe to their looks. This season had a plethora of black denim to choose from and for the more adventurous type there was a pair of black leather pants paired with a denim long sleeve shirt. All over the board there was black in denim and leather form, flannels, light blue denim pieces, and clean, tailored suits sprinkled in throughout the collection.

Manicurist Amber Stores sprayed each hand with Zoya Germinator prior to manicure. She then prepped each nail with Zoya Anchor basecoat as well as with Zoya Get even. She then polished each nail with a base of Zoya Nail Polish in Tasha and then a top layer of Zoya Nail Polish in Erin creating a gorgeous nude nail. After polishing she finished with Zoya Anchor Topcoat and Zoya Renew. Lastly, for a nice, sweet touch Zoya Lemon Dream lotion was used to soften all hands.

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NYFW: Thuy – Fall 2010
Show Date: Tuesday, 2/16/2010 – 3 PM
Location: Bryant Park – Salon

Products Used: Zoya Remove+, Zoya Anchor Basecoat, Zoya Get Even, Zoya Armor Topcoat, Zoya Hurry Up speed drops, Zoya Renew Polish Rejuvenator, Zoya Nail Polish in Tasha, Zoya Nail Polish in Erin, Zoya Lemon Dream lotion, and Zoya Germinator.

Layers! Something must have been in the water at Fashion Week because almost everyone was using layers, including Thuy. Thuy, however, used layers with pockets and folds creating a beautiful hip fullness.

Thuy also used nudes using Zoya Tasha was used as a the base color with Zoya a layer of Erin over the top for a bit of glamour. Manicurist Sunshine Outing prepped each nail with Zoya Remove+ and Anchor basecoat finishing with a topcoat of Armor.

Thuy brought the crowd, and in this crowd were some BIG names, Kim Kardashian, Housewives; Kelly Bensimon, Danielle Staub, Jill Zarin, Alix McCord, Simon Van Kempen, Tabatha Coffey, Olivia Palermo, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Eve Salvail, Susie Essman, Mia Moretti, and Markus Klinko.

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NYFW: Susan Cianciolo – Fall 2010
Show Date: Wednesday, 2/17/2010 – 4:30 PM
Location: White Box Gallery

Products Used: Zoya Remove+, Zoya Anchor Basecoat, Zoya Get Even, Zoya Armor Topcoat, Zoya Hurry Up speed drops, Zoya Renew Polish Rejuvenator, Zoya Nail Polish in Gia, Veruschka, Ibiza, OC Cooler and more, Zoya Lemon Dream lotion, and Zoya Germinator.

Combining art and fashion in a gallery presentation, Susan Cianciolo’s Fall 2010 collection was more of a performance piece than the usual standing model presentation. The show Underneath the, Sea Inside a Mountain used the artistry of clothes, makeup and nail design to transport viewers to a place where they could frolic through the fields with Julie Andrews or if they so pleased, swim the seas with Ariel. Flower Children and Mermaids in an explosion of hand crafted colors and patterns all under the flashes of an artfully placed group of Japanese paparazzi. A performance indeed!

Happy to have over 300 fashion colors to choose from to create her part of the vision, Manicurist Jackie Saulsbery prepped each nail with Zoya Remove+ and Zoya Anchor Basecoat and then polished the nails in a rainbow of colors including Zoya Veruschka, Zoya Gia, Ibiza and Zoya OC Cooler and finished each look with glossy coat of Zoya Armor.

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NYFW: JSong – Fall 2010
Show Date: Wednesday, 2/10/2010 – 1 PM
Location: 499 Seventh Avenue

Products Used: Zoya Remove+, Zoya Anchor Basecoat, Zoya Get Even, Zoya Armor Topcoat, Zoya Hurry Up speed drops, Zoya Renew Polish Rejuvenator, Zoya Nail Polish in Jessica, Tasha, Bailey and Suzanne.

Romantic Fantasy is the ideal way to describe JSong’s collection. Designer Way Zen used the motto In Nature’s Magical Garden and the clothes definitely represented that. JSong followed the main theme of fashion week this season, layers, with a unique JSong spin using layers of eyelets in the shape of leaves, crochet shawls, and sheer tops with patterns similar to peacock feathers.

Manicurist Jackie Saulsbery prepped each nail with Zoya Remove+ and a basecoat of Anchor. She used Zoya Suzanne, Zoya Tasha, Zoya Jessika, Zoya Bailey and finished with a topcoat of Armor.

(All information above is from Zoya and Zoya’s Blog.)

Mayo Clinic Book & Journal Review & Giveaway!

Posted on: March 10, 2010 @ 9:00 am 27 Comments »

“In our work with literally thousands of patients, we’ve identified the critical habits of people who maintain a healthy weight, and the habits of those who don’t.

With
The Mayo Clinic Diet , we’ve boiled this research down to five simple habits to help you take off the extra weight — and five habits to break so that you can keep it from coming back. Plus, we’ve made it easy, because what works best when it comes to weight loss is keeping it simple!

The Mayo Clinic Diet is composed of three sections to get you started, to keep you on track, and to give you the knowledge and tools you need to keep those unwanted pounds off for good

Lose it! is a two-week quick-start program designed to help you lose 6 to 10 pounds in a safe and healthy way.
Live it! is a long-term plan in which you continue to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week until you reach your goal. Then, you learn how to maintain your healthy weight for life.
All the extra stuff includes meal planners, recipes, tips on overcoming challenges and much more to help you along the way.

The Mayo Clinic Diet puts you in charge of reshaping your body and improving your health — for a lifetime.”

I received a copy of The Mayo Clinic Diet – both the book and journal – for review. I was thrilled when it arrived, but disappointed that it wasn’t a diet that would work for me. That was NOT because there’s anything wrong with the plan, and it’s actually great for you ladies – as I’m going to give my copy away.

OSCARS | Red Carpet Style Intimate Apparel

Posted on: March 09, 2010 @ 3:00 pm 1 Comment »

Do you ever wonder how stars get away with such low cut, backless, or side slit gowns? Regardless of their age or the cut of their outfit, these ladies always have everything right where it’s supposed to be. They look perky and fabulous, and of course, you never see a stray strap.

They’re not just using flesh covered stick ons over their “naughty bits,” as you (and I) might have previously though! Instead, they’ve got all kinds of strategic lingerie and amazing bras that keep them perky and perfect all night long. Below are some of the best bras for keeping it all together, regardless of the occasion.