Entertainment :The Fashionable Gal

Frugal Summer Dating Tips from Andrea Woroch!

July 5th, 2011 by Andrea Palmer

Summer is the time to let loose and have fun. The sunny hot weather is only going to last for a few months, so getting out and enjoying the sun, sand, or city is a top priority. The last thing you need to be worried about is breaking the bank, while frolicking with your summer sweetheart.

1. Time-Sharing Babysitting
SitterCity.com shows babysitters in your area who will match your needs and budget, without busting your budget. Many families find it convenient to exchange babysitting services or have multiple kids from different families with a pair of sitters.

2. Avoid Alcohol
A glass of vino can make even reasonably priced dinners a little steep.Plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices which is usually in the early evening. You can enjoy most drinks and food at very reasonable prices at a tapas bar or during afternoon specials.

3. Date With Gift Cards
Use a discount site like CardAvenue.com to save on gift cards to cool places. They will save you anywhere from 5 percent to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities.

4. Plan a Freebie
Not all dates require money. Activities — like hiking, biking or visiting farmers’ markets — don’t cost a dime and give you a better chance of bonding with your date.

5. DIY Date Night
Create your own dinner with a picnic in a local park. For a romantic touch, pack portable speakers with a pre-mixed playlist on your iPod as well as a bottle of wine and a few chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Not only is this DIY date an inexpensive alternative to a night on the town, but you’ll score extra brownie points for taking the time to plan this special event.

6. Get Pretty on Pennies
The internet and youtube provide many opportunities to hone your hair & make-up skills, so there is no need to spend money on fancy salon treatments. Not a DIY beauty superstar? Ask a friend for help curling your locks and pop by Sephora for a free makeover to really dazzle your date without spending a dime!

7. Seek Smart Advice from Smartphones
The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that you can enjoy. The app randomly selects a “thing to do” for your next evening out, most of which won’t bust your budget.

8. Dial Into Daily Deals
Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals — up to 50-percent off — on activities like wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs.

Quick tip- If you’re worried about appearing “cheap,” redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom.

9. Go Cultural
Many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date.

10. Create a Thrifty Movie Night
Instead of dishing out $20 for two movie tickets plus cost of all the typical movie accoutrements (ahem, popcorn, soda, and candy) Pick-up a free DVD from your local library or a new release for just a dollar from Redbox. Then dim the lights and serve some freshly popped popcorn or your date’s favorite candy for a theater-like experience without the sticky floors and shadows blocking the screen.

For more money saving tips and tricks follow Andrea on twitter @AndreaWoroch.

Posted in Entertainment Related Topics: Summer, summer dating tips

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You Could Be a Star with Avon Voices‏!

January 31st, 2011 by Amanda

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Have you always dreamed of recording your own album? Have you always wanted to sing for the best of the best? Well here is your chance to share your voice with the great folks at Avon! I am talking about Avon Voices, Avon’s online singing talent search for women in which two winners will receive the chance to have a professionally recorded album (and perhaps global stardom!).

The finalists get Avon makeovers, professional musical coaching and studio time, they also get to travel to exciting destinations such as Hong Kong, Hollywood, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris or Nashville. Who wouldn’t want to win the chance to be the world’s next musical sensation? But you guys need to hurry; the last day to enter is February 13^th!

CHECK OUT THE PRESS RELEASE AND ALL THE AWESOME INFO!

AVON VOICES OFFERS ASPIRING SONGSTRESSES THE CHANCE TO BE HEARD BY MUSIC INDUSTRY HEAVY HITTERS FERGIE, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, DIANE WARREN, AMONG OTHERS

NEW YORK – January 27, 2010 – Thirty seconds is all it takes to potentially make it big and gain exposure to audiences from more than 60 countries and be professionally judged by music-industry greats like Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; legendary songwriter, Diane Warren; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress and Russian sensation, Valeriya, among others.

Be empowered! Avon Voices is inviting people everywhere to join a worldwide movement that unites and inspires through the universal language of music. Women around the world are making their voices count by telling their stories, sharing their dreams, and showcasing their talents at www.avonvoices.com.

It’s easier than you think. Through February 13, 2011, women can sing out on a 30-second video clip from the approved song list at www.avonvoices.com and be a part of a global movement. Talented finalists of the year-long program will travel to exciting destinations such as Hong Kong, Hollywood, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris and Nashville. With that comes professional coaching, Avon makeovers and studio time for performance videos.

Avon Voices is the company’s first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women in celebration of its 125^th Anniversary. At the conclusion of the program, Diane Warren will be providing an anthem to be recorded by up to 10 global finalists alongside many of Avon Voices celebrity judges. The anthem will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Awards Gala, scheduled for Fall 2011 in New York City.

This moving anthem, as well as other Avon Voices recordings, will be available for purchase in certain countries, and a percentage of your purchase will help advance the Avon Foundation for Women’s global campaign to end violence against women and girls. Find out more about music purchases at www.avonvoices.com. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.

To learn more about Avon Voices, go to http://www.avonvoices.com/ or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/avonvoices) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/avonvoices).

Posted in Entertainment, Uncategorized Related Topics: Avon, avon voices, fergie, vocal competitions

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A Look Inside: The Life of Designer Rachel Roy

September 12th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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‘Get a look inside the lives of the RACHEL Rachel Roy design team! Throughout June, a new video diary debuted each week spotlighting the lives and inspirations of the RRR design team, all self-filmed by each of the women with a flip cam. The final video of the series is Rachel’s video diary – taking us behind-the-scenes into her life as a designer and mother.

Find out Rachel’s favorite NYC spots (beauty buffs – check out the eyebrow threading segment!), meet Heather Harlan’s family, and see sneak peek sketches of RRR footwear. Rachel explains, “I love watching documentaries and reading about people’s lives. These flip videos are the modern version of this.” You can view the entire video series on YouTube or online at Rachel Roy.’

RACHEL Rachel Roy Design Team

* Mignonne Gavigan- RACHEL Rachel Roy Assistant Footwear Designer
* Rachel Richards- RACHEL Rachel Roy Footwear Design Director
* Wendy Levey- RACHEL Rachel Roy Associate Creative Director
* Heather Harlan- RACHEL Rachel Roy Creative Director
* Rachel Roy- Designer, Rachel Roy New York, Rachel Roy Signature & RACHEL Rachel Roy

Posted in Celebrities, Entertainment Related Topics: behind the scenes with rachel roy, heather harlan, rachel by rachel roy design team, RACHEL rachel roy, rachel rachel roy footwear, rachel roy, rachel roy video, rachel roy youtube, rachel roy's favorite nyc spots

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Mission Menus Challenge

July 29th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mission Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer’s the perfect time for little or no cook meals. Sandwiches get boring pretty fast, so it’s important to mix things up (lest you slip into the tempting trap of prepackaged junk food). A great way to introduce something a little different into lunch or dinner is to incorporate unexpected ingredients, like Mission Flour Tortillas. They’re kid friendly, convenient, and have a fabulous fresh baked taste – which makes them a great vehicle for all kinds of in season veggies and other fresh ingredients. Mission Flour Tortillas are cholesterol free and contain zero grams of grans fat, so they’re a great choice for the entire family. And, since they’re available in three sizes (small to large, 6″ to 10″), there’s a size that will work for just about anything you’re making.

Mission Foods is a great company to support because they give back to the community in a meaningful way. They’re a big supporter of Share Our Strength, which is a national organization committed to ending childhood hunger in America. To find out how Mission Foods supports this great charity, please visit their website.

Another great feature of Mission foods and Mission Flour Tortillas is their online menu inspiration. Mission Menus has a great selection of meal ideas that are quick, easy, and budget friendly. It’s hard to believe, but all of their great meal suggestions can be made for $10 or less! I’m really excited to try my hand at the Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Quesadillas – which only take 8 minutes to make!

On June 28th,Chef Sara Moulton and Mission Foods introduced the Mission Menus Challenge
. Chef Moulton is encouraging consumers (that’s you!) to submit budget friendly recipes for a chance to compete in a Mission Foods cook-off in LA. The contest includes a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover for one lucky winner, as well as a host of weekly prizes. The Grand Prize Winner will receive round-trip airfare and hotel accomodations for 2 to the Mission Menus Challenge cook off, which will take place September 10th, 2010, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles.

Recipe submission for the Mission Menus Challenge is open until August 9, 2010. Recipes MUST include Mission Flour Tortillas, be original, and feed a family of 5 for $10 or less. Now you see why they’re calling it a “challenge” and not just a “contest!” Good luck!

Posted in Entertainment, Sponsored Posts

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Shapeways.com “Draw Your Own Earrings” Contest

July 26th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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“You’re already a fashion buff, so take the next step; begin designing the next hot thing! Show off your skills by creating your earrings you can wear. Shapeways.com has just launched a new “Draw Your Own Earrings” service that allows anyone to design their own earrings and have them custom made at an affordable price (prices range from as little at $7 to $50, depending on material).

In honor of this new service, Shapeways is hosting a month-long sweepstakes challenging fashion mavens everywhere to get creative and design a pair of earrings that truly expresses their own personal style for a chance to have them custom made for free by Shapeways. Twenty-five winners will have their earrings made in a variety of materials, the first place winner in silver!

It’s simple. To enter, draw your earrings on the official sketch sheet and e-mail the design to Shapeways between now and July 31st. (No purchase necessary to enter). To download an official sketch sheet, read complete sweepstakes rules, learn about other great prizes, and check out some of the earring designs that have already been submitted, visit this link.

Shapeways.com is the online destination where consumers can make exactly what they want. Consumers can currently personalize more than 350 items, ranging from jewelry and cufflinks, to home décor, tableware and more, and also purchase unique giftware created by others.”

Posted in Deals & Steals, Entertainment Related Topics: customized jewelry, design your own jewelry, draw your own earrings, jewelry giveaway, shapeways.com, shapeways.com draw your own earrings

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Hampton Hotel Chain of Friends Giveaway!

July 12th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently, I found out about the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes. It’s just the type of contest I love to enter, so I want to share the details with you gals too!

Basically, Hampton Hotels are giving one grand prize winner a two night stay for themselves and 100 friends (in the form of 100 hotel rooms). There will also be 100 first prize winners, who will receive eekend stays given awaydaily for the winner and three
of their friends. Perfect for a double date weekend or you and a few girlfriends!

Entering is really simple; it’s a basic contest form that requires contact info. You don’t have to fill out any surveys, sign up for any emails, book a room, or any other catches that make the contest less than fun. It took me about thirty seconds to fill out the form, and now I’ve got my fingers crossed! Entry is open to anyone, so don’t worry if you’re not a hotel club member of have never stayed at a Hampton before.

What would you do if you won a stay for yourself and 100 friends? I don’t know if I could even think of that many people to invite! My birthday is this week, as is my mother’s, so I’d take her – plus all of our friends and family. It would be a great chance to reunite with relatives, meet some of her old friends, and get all my different social groups together in the same place!

Make sure to enter this great Chain of Friends Sweepstakes and feel free to share what you’d do if you won in the comment section.

Posted in Entertainment, Sponsored Posts Related Topics: hampton chain of friends sweepstakes, hampton hotel giveaway, hampton hotels, hampton sweepstakes, social spark

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New in Fashionable Fiction: Shoulder Bags & Shooting

July 12th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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“In Shoulder Bags and Shootings you will meet Haley, who’s life is beyond fabulous. She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt’s Department Store where Haley works. But, events turn for Haley when she finds the body of her nemesis in the trunk of Ty’s grandmothers Mercedes. Topping the list of suspects, Haley must solve this murder quickly before she becomes a killer’s next fashion fatality!”

I received a copy of Howell’s new book, “Shoulder Bags and Shooting,” for review. I read a lot of textbooks and heavier nonfiction, so a light chick-lit book is a great break for me, that also stimulates my mind. Vegging out in front of the TV is nice, but it doesn’t make me feel accomplished at all!

Howell’s style writing style is fun, which makes reading the book a breeze. I enjoyed the plot, although I did feel a bit lost – as this is part of a series of books about character Haley Randolph, there’s some back story missing if you jump into a later story.

I recommend checking out Howell’s website to find out more about the book, and to score your own copy. While you’re there, check out her contest to win a designer handbag!

Stay tuned for an article from Howell on how to shop for designer bags.

Posted in Entertainment Related Topics: dorothy howell, haley randolph, haley randolph novels, shoulder bags and shooting, shoulder bags and shooting by dorothy howell

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Inside Scoop: Style of Mandy Moore’s New Movie

June 23rd, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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COSTUME DESIGNER ANTOINETTE MESSAM TALKS ABOUT HER CREATIVE PROCESS ON THE NEW MANDY MOORE ROMANTIC COMEDY

“Love Wedding Marriage”

LOS ANGELES, CA June 1, 2010– Antoinette Messam has been a key figure in fashion for close to 20 years. Antoinette is well recognized as a Fashion Designer as well as a stylist and costume designer and has her own line of easy to wear, elegant and sexy clothing called iStyle. Her work in costume design spans the last fifteen years and almost 40 motion pictures.

Some of her recent work includes Crimes of Fashion and The Orphan; and she just finished the romantic comedy “Love, Wedding, Marriage” starring Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz, Jessica Szhor, Jane Seymour and James Brolin as well as rising star Richard Reid.

Q: Describe the look of “Love Wedding Marriage”.

A: The mandate from Producers for this film was that they wanted it to look like the Diane Keaton/Jack Nicholson movie “Something’s Gotta Give”. A pretty movie with pretty people in pretty clothes.

They should have told the Director, DOP and myself because we tried to give a new take on a romantic comedy with a little more edge, less pretty colors as compared to real colors. I hope it worked.

I just tried to have my characters/cast look like they were wearing their own clothes. Mandy/Ava was very relaxed and had a uniform for work that was contemporary and young, with her go to blazer thrown on for the clients and sexy as hell when not working. Kellan/Charlie was a young executive who I wanted to look relaxed and effortless in his very classic “Calvin Klein” collection.

Q: What was your favorite part of the costume design for “Love Wedding Marriage”?

A: My favorites were Bradley/James Brolin who wanted nothing more then to not look like James Brolin. He took every suggestion and broke it down to another level which I thought was great. Jessica Szohr wanted a new look from her “Gossip Girl” character so we just went for it and hoped when we showed up for set everyday she would not be sent back to put on more clothes. Less is more was our motto.

Posted in Celebrity Fashion, Entertainment Related Topics: antionette messam, costume designer antionette messam, love wedding marriage, love wedding marriage style, mandy moore, mandy moore style, mandy more love wedding marriage

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Erica Davies Summer 2010 on QVC TONIGHT!

June 8th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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“A vibrant collection that mixes exotic prints from around the world with bold vintage architecture is what captivates the look of Erica Davies’ new clothing line to air on QVC June 8th at 7pm EST. Davies describes the inspiration of her unique look as “a perfect blend of the stylish 1930s coupled with the sophistication and ease of island life.” Celebrity fans already include Elisabeth Rohm, Kayla Ewell, and Kristy Swanson.

Her brilliant designs are leading the charge to a summer that is sure to be full of new striking material. Davies is beyond excited about the new summer trends to as she mentioned, “I think we are going to be seeing a lot of clean energy from clean lines and embarking on the classics with a slight twist. Less is more!”

Erica also lets us on in the five summer “must haves” in every woman’s closet. “Sexy, classic neutral heels, classic white shirts, boyfriend blazers, classic little black dresses, and silk tanks in layering pieces. But never be afraid to venture from the comfort zone with tribal and animal prints, large floral motifs and different proportions in the most unexpected ways,” she says.”

I received the dress above (in the pattern below) from QVC. In the photo above, it looks like it could be very shapeless and unflattering… I was worried that it wouldn’t look right on my curvy figure, and that the material would cling to flaws.

Fortunately, I was totally wrong. For me, this is a miracle dress. It looks fabulous and is flattering, slimming, and fitted in only all the RIGHT places. You can see from the photo below that the shape really comes out once it’s on a body, and each detail has though behind it. I love the wide straps and the slight ruching, which are great camo if your arms need a little help.

The solid colors are beautiful, but this particular pattern really has my heart. Up close it looks like a mix between brush strokes and feathers – very unique and artsy but not in an over-the-top way. The length, colors, and overall cut make this an easy piece to transition from day to night – just change your shoes and perhaps your jewelry and you’re ready to go from lunch with the girls to dinner with your date.

I can’t wait to see Erica Davies on QVC tonight! I have no doubt that her whole collection will be stunning, and I’m looking to score another dress. I’m tempted to pick up this dress in another color, too! So, don’t forget to tune in to QVC at 7 PM EST so you can shop the collection for yourself!

Posted in Entertainment, Summer Fashion Related Topics: erica davies, erica davies on qvc, erica davies summer 2010, QVC, qvc summer 2010 fashion, summer 2010 dresses, summer 2010 maxi dress

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Steal Beauty Secrets from the Set of SEX AND THE CITY 2

June 7th, 2010 by The Fashionable Gal

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Did you see Sex & the City 2 yet? I wasn’t overly impressed with the plot, but enjoyed all the glamour – and of course, the fashion! Here are some tips on how to score the hottest looks and prettiest makeup from the movie.

Get Carrie’s perfect pout with Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss

Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss puts an instant smile on your face with stunningly lacquered, boldly beautiful, richly conditioned, luxurious lips. The formula contains rhodiola rosea, a botanical extract known to improve mood, working to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. One application and you’ll not only feel amazing, but look amazing as well. This high performance gloss is available in six sexy shades, also conditions and moisturizes with an exquisite blend of antioxidants, essential oils and phenolic compounds. Shades include: Joy, Happiness, Giggle, Nirvana, Euphoria, and Ecstasy.

Dare to bare in skimpy outfits like Samantha with ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Body Lotion

RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Body Lotion is a luxuriously rich lotion with the restorative power of Moisturizing Renewal Cream, the cutting edge product that launched RéVive, specially formulated for the body. It helps reverse the visible signs of aging with a body-specific concentration of Nobel Prize-winning, patented EGF and FGF, plus a gentle touch of glycolic acid that work in unison to help retexturize the skin. Also protects against free radicals.

Give off Miranda’s rosy glow with By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush

This allover multi-functional glow reviver warms up your skin tone with a highlighting color in a sheer liquid formula. Its perfecting powders smooth the skin and make your complexion glow with plumping radiance. This soft-wear micro-gel liquid texture is very easy to blend and modulate.

Re-create Charlotte’s innocent flush with TheBalm Stainiac

The perfect pop of color for your cheeks and lips, Stainiac hint of tint is perfect for all skin tones. Simply dab a touch onto your cheeks for a sheer wash of color or layer for added intensity. And the best part? Stainiac is formulated to give you more time before the stain sets, so it won’t streak.

Steal Carrie’s gorgeous glow using Darphin Aromatic Renewing Balm

This silky, rich, transparent balm blends six aromatic essential oils for a hydrating, overnight treatment for face and body. The balm restores radiance as it helps protect skin from environmental factors and soothes dry, parched skin. Follow the Aromatic Renewing Balm with your appropriate Darphin Cream.

Refresh and awaken the skin with Mr. Big’s favorite face gel, Action by Anthony for Men Rescue Gel Treatment

Aqua Cacteen hydrates, softens, and conditions. Green Tea, an anti-inflammatory, soothes and reduces puffiness. Caffeine firms and stimulates circulation. Apply a thin layer of gel cream all over the face and neck. Soothes, stimulates and restores balance to the skin. Gives the skin a wake up call. Once fully absorbed, apply moisturizer.

Tame unruly hair like Steve with Vavoom Design Pulse

The cult-favorite Vavoom range is turning up the amp on style with the launch of three new styling tools that help you achieve backstage pass worthy hair instantly. Infused with styling polymers for a lightweight, malleable, re-workable, long-lasting hold, Vavoom Design Pulse allows you to mold, shape and define your style for a look that will last all night and every day.

The Vavoom Design Pulse collection includes:

· Loosely Defined Texture Crème- Unique soft purple crème-gel unleashes dimension and body with a soft, clean touch

· Messy Couture Molding Paste- Firm yet smooth yellow paste separates hair to create texture with chunky pieces and controlled movement

· Glow to Pieces Shine Wax- Vibrant orange wax creates glam shine styles by separating, building and defining textured style

· Switch Flicks Wax-Gel- Wax on dry hair for piecy hold, gel on wet hair for hold with a clean, non-sticky, touchable feel