More That's SO 2006: It's 2007 now

To Keep for 2007: Nautical Themes

Girls dressing up as sailors? That’s been tres cute since South Pacific. Once again, I think it’s a keeper for this spring. Check out some of my favorite nautical themed items

Aerie Anchors Away Boxers $15.50, AE.com

Nanette Lepore "Anchors Away" Drawstring Top $240, Nordstrom

Sperry Top-Sider Ballet Moc $59.95, Shoebuy.com

CZ Anchor Set, $65, Emitations.com

To Lose for 2007: Oversized Sweaters

It’s time to admit it: oversized sweaters are unattractive. You know the last time you wore them was in 7th grade when you were trying to cover up your new little girly boobs. Anything that goes over your bum in a chunky way is OUT. Please find something else to wear over your leggings girls. Don’t even get me started on Lindsay Lohan’s outfit here. Thigh highs?

Those shoes are SO 2006: what to wear for 2007!

To Keep for 2007: Ballet Flats

Comfortable and chic? I’ll take ‘em! I love the look of ballet flats, and I love that my toes aren’t squished into a pointy front (my baby toe is singing their praises). Ballet flats are a definite staple for your spring wardrobe and are versatile enough to go with skirts, skinny pants, and shorts.

Just got these JC ballet flats for Christmas, so pretty.

Jeffrey Campbell Ballet Flats ,various prices

To Lose for 2007: Platform Ankle Boots

Not sure if any of you wear these, but if so, please, I beg you, throw them away. They look like a torture device, yikes!

Thank you Dlisted, for the lovely MK Olsen pic.

Makeup Tips from Bobbi Brown (aka Jaime at Bloomies)

Just when I thought I knew almost every make up tip out there, my visit to the Bobbi Brown cosmetics counter was eye opening (literally).

The awesome makeup guy, Jaime, asked me about my skin care routine and skin type. He started out with my eye area. I don’t have a dark circle problem, but there is a small bit of darkness near the corner of my eye/nose area. He first used the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream, which serves as a primer for the eye area, as well as moisturizing the delicate skin around the eye. Next was the Corrector, which is a thick concealer, in Light Bisque. One of the tips for the application of the Corrector is to use a brush to not only conceal the under eye area, but also the space from your eye to your nose. He even put a little on the upper side of my nose to make it look thinner. (Thin noses are definitely very in right now, many celebs have rhinoplasty to make their noses thinner!)

He then blended the Corrector with the Creamy Concealer Kit in Ivory, and let me tell you, I looked like I just woke up from a 10 year nap! When your eye area is brighter, you look refreshed and immediately prettier. I don’t think I’m ever going to leave the house without this stuff. A definite must buy. (Best of all, the Corrector and the Concealer Kit now come in a limited addition compact: Concealer To Go)

I told him that I didn’t use a foundation, just a tinted moisturizer. I actually like my Lancome tinted moisturizer better, the Bobbi Brown one was a little too matte for my taste.

So here comes the big revelation, besides the under eye illuminating process, from the Bobbi Brown counter: Grey Eyeshadow for eyebrows!

Most women either pluck their eyebrows or fill them in. I fill mine in with a brow brush and brown eye shadow. But the brown wasn’t very subtle. Not that I was sporting a Dracula uni-brow or anything, but the color just wasn’t right. Apparently, if you have brown hair, grey eye shadow is the way to go when filling them in. I didn’t believe it until I saw how great it really looks!!

He finished up my eye look with a Graphite Shimmer Ink eye color, which comes in a gel form. He said that once the gel sets, it won’t move on your eye until it’s removed with make-up remover. When I first saw the color I wasn’t too impressed because at first it looks like an unexciting grey color, but once it dried it look like millions of tiny mirrors on my eye lids. How alluring! I didn’t end up buying it, but 2 hours later when I saw all those little shimmery mirrors I was hooked.

Jaime also wrote out exactly what he did and painted a paper ‘face’ so I would see how to do the application at home. I definitely recommend him for future make-up adventures!

I'm Back!

After a week off from blogging, I'm ready to get back to work! I missed you all :-) Stay tuned for fresh new posts coming soon!

~Tara

Blog Break

Hi everyone! My day job is taking over this week, so I won't be blogging until December 20th. Sorry for the inconvenience, I hope you're holiday shopping is going well!

~Tara

Coming Soon: Holiday Makeup

I’m hitting the sleek counters of Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Nars and Mac this weekend for a few different holiday makeup looks. I’ll have looks for your office party, your icky holiday sweater party, or just for perusing the holiday windows!

P.s. If you want me to check out a different cosmetic company let me know :-)

Kiehl's Can Do It!

NYC weather is about to turn to the Dark Side. My lips can feel it! They actually “cracked” yesterday. Despite my efforts at applying lip gloss very often, they’re still suffering. Maybe I’m over glossing?

I realized I had to turn to the experts in lip therapy, so I went straight to the Kiehl’s website. My friend at work swears by Kiehl’s Baby Lip Balm. It’s pediatrician tested with very gentle ingredients to reduce any allergic effects.

I also saw that the Kiehl’s pots of Light Lip Gloss are back. I went to the Kiehl’s counter a few months ago with an empty pot of Golden Melon, which the sales girl claimed they didn’t make any more. I think I was duped! Well thankfully, they’re back now in 4 especially shiny colors. We can all sleep at night now…and with perfectly crack-free lips!

Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm $7.50

Kiehl's Light Lip Gloss $11.50

Kate Spade Sample Sale!!!

Kate Spade Sample Sale

I went to the preview for this sample sale today. There were so many things that I wanted, but I focused, and only bought presents for others...errr...sure I did :-)

But this is serious shopping girls, with seriously fabulous merchandise!

Here are some tips for navigating the sale:

-Grab a huge canvas bag first thing - you can stuff your smaller items into it, even if you're not buying the tote. I actually saw a woman dragging a box full of handbags behind her, some shopping cart!

-If you remotely like something, take it, you can always put it back, but this is not the place for indecision.

-They take cash and credit cards, no checks.

Time:

Monday (that's today!) 3pm-7pm

Tuesday, Dec. 5th 9am-7pm

Wednesday, Dec. 6th 9am-5pm

Place:

Metropolitan Pavilion

110 West 19th St. (between 6th and 7th ave.)

There is also another entrance for the Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th St., don't be fooled, the front entrance is on 19th St.

Happy Sample Sale-ing

Sister Blister....

Fabulous Girls Gift Guide: Sisters

She steals your Chanel lip gloss, hogs the bathroom, and swears that plush cashmere sweater really belongs to her; she’s your sister, and probably your first real friend. I love shopping for my sister because I just buy things I know I would like, but have a twist to them, which is more her style.

Here’s a list of sister gifts, for your favorite sister blister :-)

College Girl:

Kate Spade Pencil Case Kate Spade, $75
By some miracle, I found this pencil case at the Kate Spade outlet at Woodbury Common Outlet (Harriman, NY), at a price too low to reveal!

Book Worm:
The Bookseller of Kabul Amazon, $10.39
I picked up this book because of the intriguing women wearing the traditional burka on the cover. This is an eye opening look into what is really going on in Afghanistan, especially from a female point of view.

Gym Freak:

H2O Audio iPod Nano Waterproof Case Swim Locker, $63.95
She runs up those hills to Sean Paul, now let her swim to him too!
Note: Does not include waterproof earphones.

Party Girl:

Silk Lattice Print Halter BeBe, $69
Sassy without being skanky: I’ll definitely be borrowing this one.

She’s Got It All:

The Charm Necklace Ann Taylor, various price
If there’s nothing she doesn’t have, go with this design your own charm necklace.

Granola Girl:

Yogi Tea Trader Joes, various prices
I’m mildly (ok it’s more like crazily) obsessed with this Yogi Tea. Green Tea and Chai Tea are delicious, and don’t get bitter like other kinds. You can actually feel the antioxidants working. And it's not weird to give tea as a gift.

Yoga Mat Tote Bag Martha Stewart, make your own!
Don't be intimidated! Your tree-hugging sister will be flattered that you took the time to sew a bag for her yoga mat. Maybe she’ll even wash it now, eww those things can get smelly….

Shoshanna Sample Sale

It must be that time of year, the sample sales are everywhere. And this one is today and tomorrow!
Shoshanna Sample Sale

Swimsuits were $175, now $50. <---Fabulous Girl Pick
These swimsuits are reminiscent of pin-up girls of the 40's. I love my gingham blue/white check one.

Party dresses were $380, now $125.
Also very retro with that 50's look, full skirts, tulle, can you say underpuffers? YES!

Jackets were $350, now $100

Thursday Novemeber 30th., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

231 West 39th St. (between Seventh & Eighth Aves) ste. 422.

DVF Sample Sale!!!

Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale:

I couldn't enlarge the image without it being fuzzy, so here are the details

December 11th-15th

Monday 1pm-7pm VIP

Tuesday 9am-7pm

Wednesday 10am-7pm

Thursday 10am-8pm

Friday 9am-3pm

260 5th Ave (between 28th and 29th St.)

And thanks to C at Bloomies for the tip ;-)

Part 3: Guess who’s coming to dinner? Dresses and Miscellaneous

I had to include some dresses in this series. I wear dresses all the time, whether it’s a party, work, or going out on a Friday night. Dresses can be very casual, or very fancy, so I’m of the opinion that there is a dress for every occasion!

L.A.M.B Embroidered Scoop Back Dress Nordstrom $565
This dress is a stunner! It’s very old Hollywood glamour with a silk organza overlay, and a nipped-in waist. Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina? Oui!

Maggy London Matte Jersey Dress Nordstrom $118
This red jersey dress is casual enough for me to wear to work, but can be dressed up with jewelry for a holiday party, maybe even my office holiday party?

French Dot Velvet Pencil Skirt J.Crew $98
This skirt would go perfectly with a gray silk blouse.

Silk/Cotton Beaded Wrap Sweater Ann Taylor $98
Gold and cream are a classic combination. This sparkly sweater with cream-colored pants is very sophisticated.

I’m going to contain myself and not include my list of ultimate cocktail dresses in this post. I hope you can put some great holiday party outfits together (or at least get ideas) from my posts and good luck meeting his parents! Cheers to not wearing a reindeer sweater!

Part 2: Guess who’s coming to dinner? Festive Pants!

Unfortuately the Gap no longer makes red satin pants (like the ones everyone in my family has for Christmas!), but the following trousers will go with the tops I put in my last post.

Velvet Cropped Trousers J.Crew $98 These will go great with ballet flats, or heels
Match with Jolie Top

Margo Stretch Velvet Pants Ann Taylor $49.99
Will also compliment Jolie Top

Ultimate Sash Pant White House Black Market $98

Great with Ann Taylor Silk Stretch V-Back Top

Margo Wool/Cashmere Cuffed Wide Leg Pant Ann Taylor $118

Classic winter white pants, pair with Plum Silk blouse

Margo Medallion Jacquard Straight Leg Pant Ann Taylor $118 Wear these “fancy” pants with a conservative cream colored blouse

I was very surprised with the large selection of pants that Ann Taylor has for the holidays. They also put several outfits together on their website that are appropriate for a 'meet the parents'.

Part 1: Guess who’s coming to dinner? Holiday Blouses!

I had a difficult time finding red tops, which are so festive for holiday parties, but all of these blouses are gorgeous.

Nanette Lepore Surrealist Floral Print Top Saks Fifth Avenue $285 <--- Fabulous Girl Pick
Pair with black satin pants

Victoria's Secret Red Ruffle Top Victoria’s Secret $48

Pair with black pants, or winter white. If you button the front, it's not as hoochy as this pic

Stretch Silk Beaded V-Back Ann Taylor $49.99

Pair with black pants, or light beige (the back of this top is a must-see!)

Plum Satin Puff Sleeve Blouse Tufi Duek $229

Pair with winter white, and these velvet pumps Martinez Valero Bank Velvet Pumps

Jolie Blouse White House Black Market $59.99

Pair with black tuxedo pants- definitely understated elegance

Charmeuse Pleated Front Bow Top BeBe unknown price <---Fabulous Girl Pick

Pair with black satin pants. This top is sexy, without being revealing.


Milly Silk Top Bergdorf Goodman $123

Pair with winter white pants

You can probably tell by my choices, that I love very feminine looks, and I'm slightly obsessed with this season's black and white trend.

Reader Request: Holiday Party at Your Boyfriend’s Parents, What to Wear??

I recently received this question:

I am meeting my (serious) boyfriend's parents for the first time this holiday season at their annual holiday party they host at their house. I have been reassured that a dress would be too much- what do I wear????

I know exactly what kind of party you’re talking about. Probably a mix of family and friends, where someone is guaranteed to wear a sweater with a reindeer on it. You need to make the right impression and appeal to his dad, his mom, his sister, and his second cousin once removed!

I thought about what I’ve worn in the past to these parties, and I usually wear pants and a fancy blouse. Pants and a top can be very glamorous too, and who doesn’t want to channel Katherine Hepburn?

I sorted a few of my favorites into three posts following this one (a few dresses might have slipped in, I couldn’t help myself). And always remember: it’s better to be a little more dressed up than to be dressed down.

She decided to go with "naughty" this year...

Fabulous Girls Gift Guide: Random Fabulous Gift

Anne Taintor Wall Calendar for 2007: This is a small compilation of Anne Taintor’s hysterical retro pictures with modern commentary. Saucy, sexy and sometime positively naughty! At the end of 2007 take the calendar and frame the individual months. You can also get the full line of Anne Taintor products at Anne Taintor.com

There’s one for every occasion or frustration with men or life! Here are some from past and present calendars

O'Brother

Fabulous Girls Gift Guide: Brothers

Brothers are always difficult when it comes to gift-giving. They’re probably just going to give you socks anyway, so why not give the absent minded boys socks right back? Because we’re girls and we actually THINK about the presents we give. They’ll definitely appreciate these chic guy gifts, and maybe next year get you those cashmere slippers you’ve been after.

The Snowboarder: Shaun White Signature Goggles He’ll be impressed that you even know who Shaun White is! These goggles have the all important polarization which you must have to see those snow white kickers (snowboard slang for jumps, how cool am I?)

The Skier: Arcteryx Men's Delta LT Zip Fleece Arcteryx has come out of nowhere to dominate the ski clothes industry with their high tech fabrics and innovative designs. I like this fleece as a good layering item under a ski shell.

The Hipster: Entourage Complete First Two Seasons I’ve never actually seen Entourage since I’m sans Cable TV, but I heard it’s very now with the hipster set.

The Comedian: Family Guy Volume 4, part 2 Last year I got my boyfriend the Family Guy Movie: Stewie the Untold Story, and he watched it at least 3 times a week for a month. This has some of the best unrated, uncensored Family Guy episodes from last season.

The Metrosexual (do they even still exist?): Tiffany Money Clip This money clip is for that older brother who hates carrying around a wallet, and prefers to keep things simple in his Calvin Klein suits and Prada loafers. It’s always nice to have it engraved too.

The Runner: Ipod Shuffle Apple should call this the microscopic shuffle. It’s soooo small and perfect for runners who don’t want to be weighed down by bulky music.

The Skater: Heelys Two friends at work just got these crazy shoes/roller skates. There is a removable wheel that can be put in to roll around, and popped out for walking. Definitely for the brother who is still a kid at heart.

Get your Sephora Gifts while they’re 20% off!

Fabulous Girls Gift Guide: Guide to Sephora

Sephora is one of the best places to get Christmas and holiday gifts . With it’s beautiful wrapping (my friend Christine told me they are adding a feather touch this year, in keeping with the Marie Antoinette trend) and 3 free samples, I can get a little something for me and my friends!

Until this Friday, November 24th, Sephora will give you 20% off with the code FF2006 when you check out.

I LOVE these fabulous gifts, there is something for everyone you know, even those boys with cooddies!

Stila The Gift of Glaze Stila's best selling Lip Glaze in 6 colors. The tubes are a little smaller than the normal Stila Glaze size, even better for fitting in those small holiday clutches.

Murad's Spa Experience at Home Holiday parties have left you no time to hit the Spa? Get a little at home relaxation with Murad's spa experience.

Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer (in Green) In my house we call this "the Green Stuff." It covers and evens blotchy skin tones and helps your makeup stay on all night long.

Note: get the travel version which is not only cheaper, but also is easier to get out of the tube (rather than the glass bottle).

Fresh Cannabis Santal Gift Set For those smelly boys in your life. They may look cute coming back from hockey practice, but they sure don't smell cute.

T3 Travel Hair Dryer T3 now has this perfect travel hair dryer for those friends who want frizz free hair no matter what the humidity is at their destination.

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm the minted version of the classic rose lip balm. How very peppermint schnapps of Smith's to make it :-)

Lancome Colour Focus Palette This palette comes in a huge variety of color combos. I love the one that will hopefully pop up after the jump. It's a collaboration of purples and gold tones which look good on everyone for holiday parties.

Remember the 20% expires this Friday!! who knew you could get all your Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving?

There's a reason why Black Orchids aren't found in nature...

I feel like I have to weigh in on Tom Ford’s new perfume Black Orchid. It’s all over the magazines, and was more anticipated than Tom and Katie’s wedding.

I got this month’s Vogue, and in the back of the book was a little sample of Black Orchid. It wasn’t in the usual perfume-in-a-magazine folded flap form, but rather in a sealed plastic pouch (I would later learn why). The perfume itself was absorbed on a thin piece of gauze in the pouch. I tested it out on my wrist, and immediately noticed it’s distinctly oriental musk. You sense the individual ‘notes’ of Black Truffle and Ylang mingled with fresh Bergamot and delectable Black Currant. (not too sure what those ‘notes’ usually smell like, but that’s how it’s described). It then takes on a bit of a floral scent, which I found somewhat bearable, maybe even good smelling. I went to bed with it still on my wrist and thought that it was much too hyped up for what it actually turned out to be.

I’m not exactly sure how much time passed, remember I was sleeping, but all of a sudden every time I took a breath I smelled this revolting aroma. The perfume must have had a horrible reaction with my skin because the scent woke me out of a dead sleep! I had to wash it off in the middle of the night it was so revolting. Not only was Black Orchid over-anticipated, but it’s downright disgusting.

Bottomline: Caveat emptor, buyer beware! Even tester beware!

The Holy Grail of Hot Brushes

This Conair Hot Brush is one of the best gifts I ever received. I brought it to college freshman year, and by sophomore year my roommates and I had used it so much that the poor little hair styling miracle just couldn’t handle it anymore. With one quick popping sound it was down for the count. For the past 4 years I have been trying to find a replacement, but Conair doesn’t sell the Hot Brush in any stores.

Finally, after calling Conair, writing them hate emails and trying everything, I have found the Hot Brush online! Girls this is not just any curling iron. It gives instant body and volume to otherwise flat hair, as well as taming unruly thick/wavy hair. Whether you want to flip out, flip under, conquer bed head or just make soft waves, this iron is amazing, not to mention affordable. It’s definitely going onto my Christmas wish list!

Conair Hot Brush $21.99

Cell it, Gloss it

I can’t decide whether these lip glosses that can attach to your cell phone are really useful or just cheesy.

Functional? Yes



I love the Dermatone multipurpose lip/face balm, especially during ski season to prevent chapping and frost bite. I put it on everything from my nose to my lips! It has a convenient carabiner that clips onto your ski jacket for easy application (even if you have your mittens on) The only thing I didn’t like about this product was that it becomes more solid when it’s especially cold out (15° F) and it’s difficult to get out of the tube.









Fashionable? Maybe



I like how Sephora is marketing this Bourjois Effet 3D Mobile lip gloss:

Thanks to Bourjois you'll never have to leave home without your two essentials: lip gloss and a cell phone. This mini version of Bourjois' best-selling lip gloss, Effet 3D, has an adorable charm that attaches to any cell phone giving it a chic look and giving you more room in your purse. It's the must-have accessory of the season!

Since I’m always digging around my purse for either my cell phone or my lip gloss, this might be a good solution. Although not very professional, it does come in 8 shimmery colors. Oola la

What I was really looking for when I started my “lip gloss that attaches to key rings, cell phones etc” was the good ole’ Lip Smackers that came with a key ring in the cap. I think they might have been unfortunately discontinued due to their cheesi-ness factor….anyone remember Kiwi Strawberry?

To attach lip gloss to everything I own or not to attach lip gloss to everything own? I’m still undecided.

Kate Spade Sample Sale

Alert! Kate Spade Sample Sale!

Get your gifts a little cheaper this year! Click Here for Kate Spade Only three days 11/14-11/17

Presents for the Preggers

This post kicks off my new Holiday Gift Guide for the Fabulous Girl and from the Fabulous Girl. Black Friday is in just 10 days, so it’s time to get those shopping lists together.

It seems like every other woman I see lately has just given birth or is so prego she’s can’t wait to get that baby out! With the lack of sleep, dehydration and those crazy hormones, her skin is probably screaming for some relief. Fortunately Belli Cosmetics, Inc. has everything a new mother needs to make her feel like a fabulous girl again. And since most people will give her gifts for her bundle of joy, she’ll appreciate something that’s just for her.


Skin Care Solutions for Mothers Gift Set

The set includes:

Body Firming Serum - to help improve the ton and suppleness of hips, thighs, abdomen and arms. Stretch marks are definitely not in this season :-)

Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer – keep hands clean and smooth between those diaper changes, spit ups and spills

Eye Brightening Cream – she probably hasn’t slept in a few months, so give her back that well-rested look with this puffiness-reducing cream.

Belli Soothers

As a stocking stuffer these calming lemon drop candies sooth upset stomachs and have a refreshing scent and taste. I heard Britney Spears is a fan (I’m sure now she really needs them!)

Pure Comfort Nursing Cream

Sore boobs? Ouch! This is the ultimate moisturizing cream for the soreness associated with nursing. It refreshes the skin with ultra purified lanolin and is safe for nursing babies too.

All of these products can be found at the Derm Store, my new favorite place for getting hard to find cosmetics made by dermatologists. If you spend $75 they’ll send you everything in 2 days. Perfect for you last minute shoppers!

Red Velvet Cake: this ain’t no Steel Magnolias armadillo cake!

I’m sure everyone who has cried their eyes out during Steel Magnolias remembers the infamous red velvet armadillo cake. Since I saw that movie, I’ve been dying to try some red velvet cake and see what all the hype is about.


My first red velvet experience was perfect. My college roommate surprised me with cupcakes from the delectable Buttercup Bakeshop in NYC, and said I had to try their red velvet cake. It was amazing! The cake was a light vanilla (dyed red) with a hint of cocoa powder, while the frosting was a creamy (dreamy!) confectioner sugar cream cheese.



Unfortunately, I can’t always make it to Buttercup, so this weekend I attempted to make my own red velvet cupcakes…from scratch. I found this recipe, and no offense to Buttercup, I think it might be better. The cake was moist and surprisingly fluffy unlike the usual ‘from scratch’ cakes. I improvised a little on the frosting, but kept in the traditional cream cheese. This would be a great cake for a holiday office party (that’s my plan), you will definitely impress everyone!

Sylvia's Red Velvet Cake (or Cupcakes)

For the cake: 2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour 2 teaspoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 2 large eggs 1 cup buttermilk 2 ounces red food coloring 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Frosting: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine, softened 1 pound box confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans (I omitted the pecans)

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans (or makes 24 cupcakes). In a medium bowl or on a piece of waxed paper, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Beat in eggs one at a time. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk. Beat in food coloring and vinegar, then add vanilla. Spread the batter evenly in the pans. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn out onto a rack to cool. For the frosting: In a large bowl, cream the cream cheese and butter. Beat in confectioners' sugar until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Stir in pecans. Use frosting to fill and ice cake. (I also dusted the final cupcakes with a little cocoa powder) Slice and serve on individual plates.

I have a picture of my cupcakes, but it's too large to post here. You'll just have to use your imagination!

Courtesy of the FoodNetwork
Recipe from Sylvia’s Family Soul Food Cookbook, by Sylvia Woods and Family, published by William Morrow, 1999
Food Network Show: Emeril Live

Cure for the Common Ladies Shave Gel

The cool weather is no excuse for not shaving your legs. And although I’m sometimes guilty of “letting my legs go” I usually get to the point where it must be done.

For a while I’ve been turned off from those drugstore squirt bottles of shaving gels. They just seem like a man’s answer the fact that women actually shave too.

These shave lotions especially for women are a much better alternative.





Kiehl's 'Simply Mahvelous Legs' Shave Cream

I originally tried this product when it came in a huge tub, and was called Ladies “Close Shaverettes.” It’s a thick formula with herbal calendula & chamomile, so it leaves your legs extra moisturized and helps to avoid nicks. I’m excited that it now comes in an easy to use tube.













Benefit Bathina Sweet Satin Shave

Although this shave lotion comes in a large tub that is a little cumbersome in the shower (I had to dump out the water that got into it while the lid was off), it’s like luxurious whipped mousse. It’s very silky, also has chamomile, and makes shaving easy. If this came in a tube it would probably be my favorite.










Trader Joe's (Alba Botanica) Mango Vanilla Cream Shave

I couldn’t find an image of this lotion, and recently it hasn’t been available in the Trader Joe’s stores. But with a little searching, I found out that this amazing mango vanilla shave cream is actually produced by Alba Botanica. So if you can’t find the cheaper Trader Joe’s version, these Alba Botanica ones are the perfect replacement.

Reader Request: Stockings vs. Tights

With the resurgence of 80’s fashions, tights have made a comeback in a big way. I’ve always worn both stocking and tights, but there are some guidelines to follow for when and where to wear them.

First let’s start with my definitions:

Stockings or Nylons: usually sheer or somewhat sheer. Made from “miracle of modern science” wonder fabrics that suck you in, boost your bum, and could probably bake a cake. They come in many varieties, my favorite being fishnet.

Tights: Always opaque, they aren’t meant to do any tightening or lifting. They come in many colors, usually black, navy, and brown are classics. Some have patterns on them for the funkier fashionista.

Now here are a few examples of what to wear with stockings vs. tights

Suit: Definitely stockings. Suits are supposed to be conservative; you can never go wrong with a shear nude color.

Jean skirt: Tights. I see tights as a bit more casual, so they go perfectly with casual jean or corduroy skirts on the weekends.

Wool Hounds tooth skirt: I usually wear my black and white hounds tooth skirt with black opaque tights. They’re a good dark contrast to the statement-making skirt.

Cocktail Dress: Stockings again. Stockings look more dressed up, although I usually don’t even wear stockings with cocktail dresses, just moisturized bare legs.

And a final recommendation:

~ I try not to wear the traditional nylon stocking when I can get away with it. I find they run easily, and sometimes make your legs look shiny in a weird way.

~ I prefer fishnet stockings. Not only do they give every outfit a little bit more sex appeal, in a harmless way, but also they never run!!!! They can get holes in them (rarely), but you can wear ‘em and wash ‘em over and over again. Such a great deal for the money.

~ And best of all they make your legs look skinny. I’m not kidding! No more fankles (fat ankles).

So try some fishnets in black, nude, cream, and red. You will be surprised at how great they make you feel!

Black is NOT the new pink!

Trend Alert!

Since August the black nail polish trend has been seen everywhere from the nails of Lindsay Lohan to NYC socialites. Far from the Goth-grunge trend in the 90’s, these nails are short, small, and have no demonic meaning to them. Chanel put out a very popular polish, Black Satin, which was in such demand they re-released it.

However, after 3 months the Black nail trend has got to go! You can’t show up to your fam Thanksgiving party with black nails. I have it from a reliable source, that black is out, and fuchsia is the new pink! This was confirmed when I checked out the new OPI colors today.

OPI

So it’s time to take it off girls.

-Use whitening toothpaste to get rid of those stubborn dark stains around the cuticles.

-Give your nails a two week break before the holiday season begins (thanksgiving is three weeks away!)

-Use a clear or nude color in the meantime, and then opt for classic red brights or sparkly silvers for holiday events.

Plaid Please

If SJP and Alexander McQueen can do it...

One Christmas I received a gorgeous genuine Scottish plaid skirt from my aunt that had belonged to my grandmother. I was always a little apprehensive about wearing it because with its Kelly Green color it definitely stands out. But no more! Plaid is back! I’ve been waiting 5 years to wear my skirt confidently and now I can.

Plaid is everywhere this season, and not just in the old standby kilt skirt. I love these updated tartans.

For a cocktail party

Flats with the Audrey Hepburn skinny black pant

Gorgeous silk clutch

A bright scarf to be paired with the new swing-bell coats

Finally, if you’re actually Scottish, you can figure out what your clan tartan is and order a mini skirt in it! I’m definitely doing this…

Or if you’re brave enough to wear this luxurious Alexander McQueen mini kilt

Remember when wearing plaid; only wear one item of plaid. Don’t mix plaids, and try to keep the rest of your outfit simple. You've come a long way from Braveheart baby....