The Fashionable Gal

Feb 08

Luxury Under the Sun at Rue La La NOW!

Posted on: February 08, 2010 @ 12:47 pm No Comments »

“Looking for a warm-weather getaway? Snatch up a sun-drenched weekend escape or week-long vacation from Rue La La’s Luxury Under the Sun Boutique within the next 48 hours! You will have access to special packages at The Destination Hotels & Resorts collection of award-winning hotels at premier destinations around the U.S. Here, a selection of the getaways:

* Relax at San Diego’s rustic Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. Indulge with a morning at the hotel’s premier spa followed by 18 holes at the world-class Torrey Pines Golf Course.
* Take in panoramic coastal views at Del Mar, California’s L’Auberge Del Mar, rated one of the best luxury resorts in the country by Condé Nast. Escape to the beach in this charming Southern California town.
* Head to a luxe eco-resort in Terranea, California. Just South of Los Angeles, the 120-acres Terranea Resort boasts 270-degree oceanfront views, Mediterranean-style accommodations, a world-class spa, and nine-hole golf course.

Additionally, Rue La La makes it easy for your readers to suit up in style, with a hand-picked selection of the chicest totes, sim suits, sunglasses and sandals in it’s Luxury Under the Sun Essentials Boutique.”

Other boutiques happening NOW at Rue La La include Stuart Weitzman shoes, Gucci Watches, and Gustto handbags! Upcoming boutiques I’m excited about include Cosabella, BCBGMAXASRIA, and Cuisinart – along with many, many more! If you haven’t already joined the party, do so now at Rue La La!

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Him

Posted on: February 08, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 2 Comments »

Alfani Sweater, Wandering Argyle V Neck – on sale for $14.99

Protocol Mug, Heated Auto Mug – on sale for $6.99

Scene It? The Simpsons Deluxe DVD Game

Hanes Plaid Woven Boxers with ComfortSoft Waistband, Pack of 3

Lab Series For Men Daily Essentials Set

The Art of Shaving The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave™ Starter Kit – Sandalwood

Men’s Health Magazine Subscription

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Her

Posted on: February 08, 2010 @ 9:00 am 2 Comments »

Guerlain Engraved Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact Grenade 65 – “Kiss Me”

Demeter Fragrance Library Hershey’s Special Dark 1 oz Cologne Spray

NARS Temptation Gift Set

Hanky Panky Low Rise Signature Lace Thongs in a Heart Box

Jezebel Low Rise Thongs with Scented Satin Sachet

14k White Gold Earrings, Ruby (1-1/10 ct. t.w.) and Diamond Accent Heart – on sale for $699

14k White Gold Diamond Accent Flower Stud Earrings – on sale for $84.15

Sticking Your Neck Out | A Giveaway for Success!

Posted on: February 08, 2010 @ 8:00 am 2 Comments »

Sticking Your Neck Out: Discover the Top 7 Ways to Reach Your Peak Performance
By Nikki Stone
Author of When Turtles Fly: Secrets of Successful People Who Know How To Stick Their Necks Out

As a motivational speaker for Fortune 500 companies and an Olympic gold medalist, I have seen what makes an individual most successful in the boardroom and on the slopes. Over the last five years, I have researched the similarities of forty different highly-successful individuals — including the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Prince Albert of Monaco, Dr. Stephen Covey, Shaun White and many more. And no matter the field or endeavor, I have found The Turtle Effect philosophy at the core of everyone’s success.

This philosophy was taught to me by my mother, who told me that I could achieve anything I wanted. I always held it close and adapted it to every situation I encountered. I’d like to help people breathe in this confidence and share the secrets that are common to those at the top of their given field.

Best Bras for Any Neckline (Grammy Style!)

Posted on: February 07, 2010 @ 3:00 pm No Comments »

When you’re watching celebrity events and award ceremonies – like the Grammy’s – do you ever wonder what the heck all the women are wearing under their dresses? No, not the way your boyfriend might be… I’m always wondering what kind of bras/covers/intricate breast maneuvering devices these ladies are wearing. I mean, they were dresses with plunging fronts, missing backs, see-through sides… So how are they’re boobs up front and perfectly shaped as if they were all wearing invisible miracle bras?

Well, I’ve got the inside scoop on some great undergarments that will help you pull of your own Red Carpet style – even if the only rug you’re posing on is the one in front of your bathtub!

The Natural 2303 Sexy Plunge Bra

“This low plunging bra allows you support for your most revealing tops and dresses. Molded, contour cups with medium padding provides shape and lift. Deep "U" front has hidden wire for added support. Unique convertible back strap enables low-back or traditional styling. Shoulder straps convert to halter straps. Straps include one clear halter strap, one elastic traditional back strap, one elastic low-back converter and two elastic shoulder straps; all straps are adjustable. An essential bra for a versatile wardrobe! Made by The Natural by Coconut Grove. Please Note: This bra cannot be worn strapless.”

Taylor Swift is wearing what is most likely my favorite dress of the year – regardless of the fact that 2010 just started. I love everything about it, including the amazing neckline and “straps.” Below is a bra that will help you rock a dress like Swift’s, along with many other Spring and Summer styles that are currently dying to break out of your closet (or find their way into it)!

The Natural 2225 Combination Wing Bra

“Wow! You can wear this bra several different ways — completely backless or with a clear plastic back! Molded, contour, underwire cups shape and support the breasts with light padding. Contour cups enable modesty while underwires provide support. Low plunge front enables you to wear lower cut tops and dresses. Adhesive wings adhere to your sides with included adhesive tape (for completely backless version). Adjustable, removable silicone straps can be worn as halter or strapless (for clear strap in back). This bra has two strap placements along the sides and two placements along the top of both cups. Includes 2 pairs of adhesive tape (4 adhesives total) and 2 adhesive tape savers, which allow you to use adhesives multiple times. The perfect bra for all occasions made by The Natural by Coconut Grove.”

Now what if you’re wearing a dress like Katy Perry and can’t really wear a bra at all? Well, there’s a solution for that, too… And it’s not going completely without and letting happen what may!

Dimrs Dimr Self-Adhesive Silicone Nipple Covers

“Dimrs Self-Adhesive Silicone Nipple Covers Dimrs are self-adhesive silicone nipple covers that are completely invisible under any type of clothing. Dimrs do not contain adhesive glue, they naturally warm to the body’s temperature and stick to the skin. Once Dimrs have been positioned horizontally across the nipple (with or without a bra) they are completely camouflaged and weightless. Wash Dimrs with water and mild soap after each use and they will be ready for the next wear. Wear your Dimrs with any piece of lingerie or on those occasions when you have to go without.”

So now you know – when in doubt, DON’T go without!

Valentine’s Day Recipes from Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

Posted on: February 07, 2010 @ 9:00 am 2 Comments »

“Waste Not, Want Not” and Make it Delicious!
By Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali,
Author of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy: A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes

There is no more appropriate time than now to think about how and why we cook. Food is a way of connecting with the people who surround us. Through it, we communicate emotions like love, compassion and understanding, and there is no better opportunity to communicate with our children than at the table. It’s where we can discuss our values of life that are important to us as individuals, as a family and as a part of the world we live in.

As overconsumption and greed have come to haunt us, now is a time for reflection. We should be looking back at the generations before us to understand their approach to the table. Growing food, shepherding animals, foraging for the gifts of nature is all part of respecting food. Nothing needs to be wasted. Bread can be recycled and used in soups, casseroles, lasagnas and desserts. Water is carefully conserved as in the pasta recipe I share below where the same water in which vegetables are cooked is used to cook the pasta that follows, and then that is saved for soups or for making risotto.

When one respects the food we prepare, it also leads to a more sensible and balanced intake of proteins, legumes and vegetables.

So “waste not, want not” and make it delicious!

Excerpt from Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy (Alfred A. Knopf, 2009)

Katy Perry’s Grammy Look

Posted on: February 06, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 4 Comments »

“How did Katy Perry get her flawless complexion at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards? Make up artist Jake Bailey used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation as the first step to create her gorgeous Indian princess meets Bettie Page inspired look.

To perfect Perry’s skin for on-camera close ups, MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation helps counter unflattering magnifying and unforgiving technology that can make fine lines and wrinkles, skin imperfections, shine, make up mistakes and incorrectly matched foundation look painfully obvious under a high definition lens.

About HD Invisible Cover Foundation:

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation is an oil-free, lightweight liquid formula with an extremely smooth texture. Enhanced with Silica Micro Beads that are biotechnologically engineered to act as minuscule light refractors, these beads refract both man-made and natural light to veil imperfections, creating a soft focus effect to skin. Sericite Mica is also added to the high tech formula to further reflect and refract light. Coated Amino Acid Pigments blend with the complexion to create the truest colors in a wide range of skin tone shades. To create a natural looking matte finish and to balance the light reflecting properties, Silicone Elastomer, a mattifying agent, is formulated into the product to neutralize shine, while nourishing moisturizers protect the skin from dryness.”

I haven’t used this particular MUFE foundation, but I do use their Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation (in No. 15 – Alabaster)and am a big fan. I do find it to be a tad drying, but then again, my skin seems to find everything drying. The coverage is great and it does control my oily prone skin, but I’m thinking about trying the High Def Foundation as an alternative product. If you use MUFE foundation or are contemplating trying it, you HAVE to get the HD Microperfecting Primer – it makes a huge difference with the way my foundation applies and how long it stays on. I use #0/Neutral, but there are several skin perfecting shades that will help with whatever your imperfections or skin issues may be!

Grammy’s 2010: Get the Look for Less

Posted on: February 06, 2010 @ 9:00 am 4 Comments »

Mary J. Blige looked stunning at the 2010 Grammy Awards. I love the cut of her dress, and the color is super flattering. These earrings from Fantasy Jewelry Box are a great match to Blige’s, but for what’s surely a fraction of the cost!

I might not be a Miley Cyrus fan, but I can appreciate a great outfit – and jewelry – when I see it. This Turquoise & Pearl necklace and earring combo is evocative of the warm nights ahead… even if they are still a few months away!

Fierce as usual! Fergie looks like a Barbie, and I love the dress. The silver embellishment and strap is such a neat way to add a pop of color. This bracelet match can be worn for either glam night out, or just to spice up a tee and jeans in a hurry.

If I could look like any celebrity, there’s a good chance I’d pick Ms. Swift. She’s just stunning! I adore her dress, jewelry, hair, makeup… You name it, she nailed it. These earrings from Fantasy Jewelry Box will help you get a little closer to the Red Carpet without breaking the bank.

Demeter Fragrance: Necco Sweethearts Collection

Posted on: February 05, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 1 Comment »

“NECCO Sweethearts Conversation Hearts remain today’s best-selling Valentine’s Day candy. The sweet and expressive pastel sugar hearts with the quirky sayings are as much a part of childhood today as they were 50 years ago.

NECCO manufactures over 8 billion hearts each year to keep up with the demand for this American icon.

While Necco sweethearts Conversation Hearts are synonymous with Valentine’s Day, it took Demeter Fragrance Library to make those Valentine’s Day sentiments all year long, with this collection of modern romantic floral bouquets.”

Demeter Fragrance Library Be My Valentine 1 oz Cologne Spray

“A unique, sparkling scent with peach skin, strawberry leaf, caramelized sugar and ylang ylang that captures the magic of Valentine’s Day itself in a bottle, all year around.”

Demeter Fragrance Library Love Me 1 oz Cologne Spray

“The most delicate of the Necco Sweethearts, this is a transparent and light fruity floral containing orange, lemon, bergamot, peach, white rose, ylang, subtle skin musk and soft vanilla, to be shared, but only up close and personal.”

Demeter Fragrance Library Call Me 1 oz Cologne Spray

“An unusual combination of lemon zest, jasmine, honeysuckle, water lotus and white rose, this scent is simply irresistible to anyone who comes in contact with it.”

Tarte Valentine’s Day Makeup Tips

Posted on: February 05, 2010 @ 8:00 am 3 Comments »

These “favorite tarte tips for kiss-proof lips, a romantic pout, flushed cheeks, bombshell lashes and sexy, smoky eyes. With perfect shades for every skin tone, let tarte’s makeup artist Angela Civale help you get date-ready on Valentine’s Day (YouTube video below)!

For kiss-proof lips:

New for Spring 2010, natural lip gel stains (which are mint infused) in shades Joy, Moody, Lust, Enchanted, Amused, and Charmed. These stains retail for $24 and are Sephora exclusives.

For a romantic pout:

Double-ended lipgloss (named after the most famous couples in history: Fred & Ginger, Tarzan & Jane, Odysseus & Penelope). The gloss retails for $10 now until Valentine’s Day – they’re regularly $19 – on tarte’s site. They’re also available from Sephora.

For faking that flush:

Natural cheek stain in True Love, which retails for $30 and will keep you flatteringly flushed all year round.

For sultry, bombshell lashes:

MultiplEYE Natural Lash Enhancing Mascara and Primer – $22 for the primer and $24 for the mascara.

For a sexy, smoky eye:

Eye Couture Day-To-Night Eye Palette, which comes in an adorable purple case and retails for $44. It includes ten fabulous shades of shadow, as well as some other must-have goodies.

**Use code VDAY at checkout and you’ll receive a FREE Jack & Rose lip gloss with a $50 purchase**