Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Las Vegas Restaurants: Bachelorette Party Ideas

Whether you're planning your bachelorette party like us or headed to Vegas just for fun, you'll be overwhelmed with the restaurant choices. A few years back, celebrity chefs began their quest to take over the Sin City. They've provided us with a tremendous selection of fine restaurants. We've narrowed down our list and have started to make reservations which are important especially if you're going with a big group.

First, since we're going to see Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, we're looking at Koi for sushi. Yes, you can go to Koi in NY or LA, even Bangkok; but not all of us are from one of those big towns and even if you are, you may not go often. Don't miss the dragon rolls or the cod- they're delicious.




We love to go to a steakhouse, especially in Vegas. It's a great beginning if you're having a few cocktails and there are always a ton of men around. This time we're going to try CUT Las Vegas by Wolfgang Puck, who's never let us down in one of his fine dining restaurants.



We're curious to check out the Wynn's new tower, Encore, so what better way than dinner at Sinatra and a night out at XS? Sinatra's Italian food and retro styling with an ode to Frank seem very Vegas.


One more unique-to-Vegas restaurant is CatHouse, which is the first spot to equally fuse fine food and risque entertainment. It attracts celebs, is modeled after a 19th century bordello and encourages voyeurism. We're curious, aren't you?

Travel Toothbrush - New Find


Over Fashion Week, we were invited to one of of favorite places in the universe, Robert Verdi's Luxe Labs. While there, we were got to do everything from get a mani next to Miss J from America's Next Top Model to preview the new Tarina Tarantino collection to learn about an ingenious new travel toothbrush, courtesy of CVS. Travel toothbrush is a bit of a misnomer, the Colgate Wisps are more of a go-anywhere disposable toothbrush, like your gym bag, your carry on or your cocktail bag on a night you think you may get lucky. The miniature toothbrushes come individually sealed, four to a pack, contain toothpase, can be used without water and have a pick on one end that can be used when you don't have floss handy. The Colgate Wisps won't leave your mouth as fresh and clean as a Sonicare would, but it sure beats putting toothpaste on your finger.

Wish they had these babies when we were single!

Sponsored Post: Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge

I can cross off one of the Sydney Lifepoints off my lifelong to do list: Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. That's me mid-climb a few years back.

A few words of explanation about the oh-so-attractive jumpsuit: You're required to wear them for safety reasons (ditto the harness and sunglass leash) so nothing drops onto an unsuspecting pedestrian or driver below. The jumpsuits are gray so they--and you--blend in with the bridge, so as not to ruin the vista for everyone else not on the climb and so the drivers on the bridge arent' distracted by sudden movements.

As far as the experience itself, as the photo above attests, you experience some pretty phenomenal views from the top of the bridge. There's nothing quite like seeing all of Sydney, including the iconic Opera House from that vantage point.

Everyone wants to know if it was scary to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The three hour climb up the bridge was a little nerve wrenching, but not overly so. I would put it on par with riding the Tower of Terror at Disney World.

The only downside? I climbed on my birthday and the experience left me a little too pooped to enjoy the night. Of course, that could have been the jet lag and Champagne combo, too!

Intrigued? Enter to win a trip to Sydney on Facebook.

Hair in Las Vegas - Bachelorette Party Ideas


If you're going to go to Vegas for your bachelorette party, you gotta go out with Vegas hair, meaning, big, voluminous, sexy--a la Sharon Stone in Casino. We generally get a blowout before we go, then like to schedule one while we're there. While we can usually rock our blowouts for 5 days safely; in Vegas, between the partying, late nights and sunning by the pool, we find we like a little refresher midway through the trip. Plus, Vegas salons are an ideal place to pick up celeb gossip (we once had our hair styled by the same person who had recently worked with Eva Longoria) as well as finding out where the hot spots are for that night.

We're fans of Michael Boychuck's COLOR Salon at Caesar's Palace. With it's all white decor, it makes us feel like we've "dyed" and gone to heaven. No matter how hungover you are when you enter, you'll leave energized and ready for your next night out on the town.



We've never been to Kim Vo at the Mirage, but we did interview the celeb colorist a time or two back in the days when we worked at Life & Style. Kim was on Shear Genius and cops to coloring a number of famous blondes, including, Britney Spears, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson and Pamela Anderson.


Finally, the Salon at the Bellagio has rooms set aside for bachelorette parties (weddings, too) so you and all your besties can get your hair, nails and makeup done at the same time.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Benefits BAM


In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Emily Elizabeth is donating 40% of the sales of their Three Essentials Necklace trio in pink gold to Feel Your Boobies, a campaign to remind us the importance of self-exams.

Maybe we're feeling sappy because Anne's getting married soon; but "faith, hope, and love" are three things we'd love to keep close to our hearts. And friends, it's all for a good cause.

Virgin America's Fly Girls


Back when we were teens, we wanted to grow up to be flight attendants. Our mom talked us out if it. (Fortunately? Unfortunately? We're still not sure.) Regardless, we'll def be tuning into Fly Girls on the CW when it premiers later this year. According to one article, the show "will take place over eight half-hour episodes, looking at the on-the-go lives of five Virgin America flight attendants who jet to locations such as Las Vegas, Miami and New York." We can't wait!

Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa in Beverly Hills


For the West Coasters - We would like to make you keen on a unique, full service nail salon in Beverly Hills. The Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa uses 100% Natural ingredients and organic products. The owner, Fawn Ton combines her beauty knowledge from her Mother, a beauty industry veteran and her grandfather, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. All treatments are blended with natural soy products so there are no toxic smells. Your mind can rest easy that what you are applying on your fingers is healthy! Maybe this explains how all the treatments help to rejuvenate the body naturally. When you go, you might bump into celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, Leann Rimes, Jessica Lucas, Heidi Montag and Regina King. The spa offers a wide range of natural treatments - Caviar Pearl Facial, Jade Hot/Cold Stone Massages and hand/foot treatments such as Coconut Hand & Foot mani/pedi or the signature Himalayan Green Tea hand & foot treatment which includes Green Tea Soak with exfoliating Himalayan Pink Salt scrub and hot towel wrap with organic cream massage. We feel better just hearing about it...too bad we're in NY or we'd be there in a heartbeat!

Las Vegas Hotels - Best Pool Scenes in Vegas

Crossing our fingers that when we're in Vegas for our bachelorette party in October that the warm weather is still going strong so we can sweat off our hangovers by the pool. But which Vegas hotel has the best pool scene?

Since we're staying at the Palazzo, we're definitely planning a day at Azure, the adults only European-style pool. We'll be treated to frozen grapes and Evian misters and indulge in Canyon Ranch spa treatments, bellinis and food from Wolfgang Puck's.


Palazo pool
For those looking for a daytime party, there's Tao Beach at the Venetian, sister property to the Palazzo. Check out Voyage TV's video on the crazy pool scene.

tao beach at the Venetian
A visit to the Palms for a poolside spa treatment may also be in order. A Cherry Smash (a foot and calf scrub and massage) sounds like the relief we'll be needing after a night out of dancing in stilettos.

Palms pool
Our friends on Facebook raved about the pools at Mandalay Bay, which include a wave pool and a lazy river. We'll have to figure out a way to crash since it's guests only.

Mandalay Bay pool

Monday, September 28, 2009

Bachelorette Party Ideas: Shows and a Night Out in Vegas

We've booked our plane tix to Vegas for Annie's bachelorette party, now we're trying to figure out what trouble we'll get into while we're in town, a Thursday through a Sunday. Our group on Thursday looks to be the smallest, so we're considering a show.

Of course when you think show in Vegas, Cirque de Soleil comes to mind first. Annie has already seen "O", so that was ruled out. After that, we're concerned about which casino the show is in. Getting cabs can be a pain when casino hopping, not to mention a buzz kill. We know we want to go somewhere we can multi-task: See a show, eat dinner and hit a club.

Topping our list is Criss Angel's Believe (or it was til we found out Criss is off the night we're in town). The show, described as a, "haunting exploration deep inside the inventive mind of mystifier Criss Angel as he hovers between the land of the living and a surreal," made the cut because it's at Luxor and we're curious to check out the new Cathouse Lounge.


criss angel believe


Next on the list is KA, at the MGM Grand. Its acrobatic feats, Capoeira dance and martial arts sound sexy. Plus, we would like to dine at Joel Rubuchon's restaurant at the MGM and there are enough clubs in the hotel, we're bound to find one we like.


cirque de soleil ka



Then there's Le Reve at the Wynn. It's created by Franco Dragone and we don't know much about it, though the photo below almost convinces us it would be worth our while to see. Plus, we know the clubs and restaurants at the Wynn are all winners--especially the dreamy Tryst.

le reve wynn
For some silly, sexy fun, we're considering checking out Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. Aubrey O'Day has joined Holly Madison in the singing, dancing, stripping extravaganza. Add in that we could start the night with spicy tuna on crispy rice at Koi and we may just have our winner!

Holly Madison peepshow

Of course, if Cher were in town when we were, all bets would be off. We would head over to see her faster than you can say Diva.

Makeup at the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Show


We went backstage at the Tommy Hilfiger fashion show during fashion week to hear and see the latest from some of fashion's greatest hair and makeup professionals. Amidst the chaos of photographers and models running in from various shows with wet hair, we managed to grab a quick couple of minutes with MAC's Lisa Butler. She explained to us the vibe she was going for and how it correlated with Tommy's new line that was being displayed this season during fashion week. The overall look for the models was "sweet." The models looked sophisticated, yet they also incorporated the girl-next-door look. Lisa said (in a British accent that made us jealous) that they had a "blond, American look" which embodies Tommy Hilfiger's line of clothing.


She pulled off the look by using Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation with SPF 15 and a natural finish cream which consists of a water-powder mineral blend. This keeps the skin looking fresh without being cakey. For the eyes, she used Nanogold eyeshadow, for the cheeks she used Rosy Outlook, and for the lips, she used a lipstick that has yet to be named but it looks like a pink bubblegum. To finish the look, she used a light coat of mascara and a clear brow set. The makeup did not overpower the models, nor was it meant to catch your attention. Like his clothing, it was supposed to look natural and wearable.

Be sure to check out Tommy's new flagship store on 5th Avenue and 54th next time you're in NYC!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Web Snob Roundup September 25th

55 Secret Street watches celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson demonstrate the perfect messy ponytail backstage at Vena Cava's Spring 2010 show.

Stiletto Jungle shops the top picks from the debut Kate Spade clothing collection.

All Lacquered Up wants to hear your opinion on the Celebrity Lace Nail Trend.

Is Khloe Kardashian's wedding really for Kourtney? Allie is Wired reports the rumor.

Bag Bliss shows how easy it is to create your own one of a kind Laudi Vidni Handbag!

Bag Snob has a sneak preview of the MUST HAVE Bottega Veneta Cruise 2010 Collection.

Beauty Snob goes back stage at the Vera Wang Spring 2010 Show to witness the magic Lucia Pieroni, Color Creator for Clé de Peau Beauté.

Coquette gets a preview of the new RACHEL Rachel Roy collection at Macy's with Rachel herself!

The Daily Obsession invites all those in Seattle to check out an amazing, private art exhibit open this weekend only.

Fashion Pulse Daily shows how Norma Kamali's fashion are way more than meets the eye.

Before you color your hair, read this Fall Hair Color Trend report From Pantene Stylist, Hallie Bowman on I'm Not Obsessed.


The Jet Set Girls dish about Betsey Johnson designing an Eloise suite at the Plaza.

Check out the five fall items Second City Style says you should pick up now that will still be chic come spring.

SheFinds can't wait to go a-line at the office this fall.

Shopping and Info found the leather jacket worn by Elena on Vampire Diaries.

Stylehive has compiled a collection of fun finds inspired by Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" video... how come we weren't this endearing in our geek phase?

The Beauty Stop explains how to tell if your mineral makeup is the real deal.

The Shoe Goddess chats about accessories with Monica Botkier!

eye4style gets sexy in the most unsexy way imaginable.

Clinique Great Lips Great Cause


October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we're bringing you products that give back. The Clinique Great Lips Great Cause key chain set is available at Sephora. $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with each purchase.

It contains three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit, and Whisper, along with a "C" and pink ribbon charm. You'll never have to fumble through that cute, over-sized handbag again to find your favorite gloss!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Travel Tips to Cancun


We learned a few things on our recent trip to Mexico. First if you're staying in a resort area like Cancun, don't worry about getting sick. We didn't have any problems, even though we drank plenty of water and cocktails. When in doubt order a cerveza.

Renting a car is easy, cheap and fun. It gives you independence to drive where ever you want and take quick day trips down the coast. The hotel zone is a short drive from the airport and sits on a single road, navigating that is no problem; but the city center is something special. It’s a series of concentric circles with street signs that are so faded they’re virtually impossible to read. Luckily we were in no rush and met a few super friendly locals that helped steer us in the right direction. We were stopped by the policia one evening on our way to dinner, and though he told us we were speeding, we’re pretty sure our only violation was leaving the Ritz-Carlton. At least it’s a good story.


We had a couple of great dinners, one at Elephanta, which is a new Indian restaurant that sits on the lagoon at La Isla. (That's the view from our table above.) The onion kulcha with raita, palak paneer, and chicken tikka masala were excellent. We also went to Harry’s for the tomahawk steak and great people watching. Unfortunately, Frommer’s and Fodor’s both recommended La Habichuela, which was a huge disappointment. There are two locations- we went to the one in the city center. It was so forgettable that I plan on writing the guide books to let them know.

Do bring a stack of $1 bills and small denominations in general. This tip is from ShallowGal and came in handy. Everyone takes dollars but gives you change in pesos. You’ll need the small bills for tipping and the markets, which I didn’t enjoy nearly as much as I thought I would.

Naturally I forgot my phone charger but the business center at the Ritz-Carlton keeps several on hand and lent one to me gratis. The business center is always a great place to print out your boarding passes for the plane ride home, unless you're flying internationally in which case you'll need to check in at the airport.

Next time we're going to stay longer so we can visit Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres. A three day trip was too short to do as much exploring as we wanted. Do you have any advise to share with our readers about Cancun? We love to hear it. Happy travels!

Beauty Tips from the Daily Makeover Beauty Bloggerati

On Our Radar: Twilight Tour


While we're partial to True Blood and are quick on our way to becoming huge Vampire Diaries fans (we're solidly on team Stefan), we do understand the appeal of the Twilight series. Edward is, after all, the ultimate romantic hero. And with New Moon's release only a few short weeks away, we wanted to let you know about the Twilight Tour to Forks, Washington starting at Seattle's Hotel Vintage Park, Monaco or Alexis.

Included in the package is a ferry ride to the Olympic Peninsula and then a guided tour through Forks in an adventure-outfitted Mercedes Van or Jeep. You'll see Twilight Highlights like Bella's truck and the Forks Police Station. Then it's on to the Hoh Rainforest, La Push and finally a stop for dinner at Bella Italia in Port Angeles, the scene of Bella and Edward's first date.

Are tours to Mystic Falls (supposedly Virginia, but filmed in Georgia) next?

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Win a Trip to Vegas

Virgin America is such a cool airline. First they went WiFi fleetwide, then they started serving Absinthe on board (nothing like a little hallucinating buzz to make the trip go by) and now they're partnering up with Le Tourment Vert absinthe for a Suite Surrender contest at the Palms.

You already know we're fans of the Barbie Suite, but the Hardwood Suite with in room basket ball court...



...and the Hugh Hefner suite look pretty darn cool, too.

Brazilian Hair Treatment: Before and After

Keratin Hair treatment, afterWe know how much you love learning more about the Keratin hair treatment. JSG's Hope tried it herself, we did our best to answer your questions about the keratin hair treatment, then we gave away a treatment. Here's our lucky reader, Joely, who won the Brazilian Blowout at NYC's Concept Salon.

This is Joely's hair before. She had straightened her hair that day with a straightening iron then put it into a ponytail.


This is Joely during the treatment. Stylist, Jo, applied the straightening solution, then blow dried Joely's hair straight to set it. After that she washed Joely's hair and used a conditioning mask.



Voila--the final results. Joely said she could feel a difference immediately.



Here's what Joely had to say two weeks after: All I can say is wow! You really don't even begin to appreciate what a great treatment this is until you wash and dry your own hair for the first time post-treatment. It's truly amazing how much time it saves me in the morning and I no longer have to use the straightener to get polished-looking hair. I even went to a wedding last weekend when it poured all day Saturday and everyone couldn't believe how my hair didn't frizz up at all! Thank you so much for this great opportunity!

Note: JSG readers get 20% off the Brazilian Blowout at the Concept Salon. Mention JSG when booking your appointment! Call 212-644-6366 to book.
For more on the Keratin Hair Treatment, see our Q&A with the specialist at the Warren Tricomi salon and our Q&A with the Keratin specialist at the Blackstone Salon.

See Hope's before and after photos of the Keratin treatment.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sponsored Post: Win a Trip to Sydney!


Are you familiar with the Lifepoints App on Facebook? You get points for any number of life activities ranging from the extremely basic (Learn to talk); to the painful (Watch your best friend flirt with your significant other) to the aspirational (Publish a book).

What does this have to do with Australia? From now until October 31 enter to win a trip for two to Sydney via Facebook and Lifepoints. First, fan Sydney on Facebook, download the Sydney Lifepoints App, then write in 30 words or less on the Sydney Fan page what Sydney Life Experience you would most like to have.

For those who aren't sure where to start, here are a few ideas, courtesy of the Sydney Lifepoints App:

• Climb to the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Head for the clouds at Sydney Tower
• Cruise Sydney Harbour on the Manly Ferry
• Discover Sydney's underworld of tunnels
• See sharks and crocodiles in the underwater world at Sydney Aquarium

(Hopefully not on the list is experiencing a dust storm like the one Sydney had this week.)

Check back in over the next couple of weeks--we'll be sharing stories of our own adventures in Sydney, including climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and checking in with local Aussie experts on their favorite adventures.

Sex and the City in Morocco

Kim Catrall wedding dressWe've heard a few rumors that Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are headed to Morocco for the Sex and the City movie sequel. According to one website, the movie was set to be filmed in Dubai, but the producers were refused permission. We hope that Morocco actually gets to play itself in the film, unlike Malibu/Mexico in the first one.

la mamounia

We're guessing that the ladies will stay at La Mamounia in Marrakech, which is scheduled to re-open on September 29 after an extensive 3-year renovation. If they do, they would be in good company; celebs from Nicole Kidman, the Rolling Stones, Kate Winslet and the late Yves Saint Laurent have all laid their heads down at the ultra-swank resort. Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much with James Stewart and Doris Day was filmed at the resort as was Marlene Dietrich's Morocco.
la mamounia 2
Read an interview with the Didie Picquot, General Manager of La Mamounia.

As for Kim Catrall being spotted in a wedding dress last week outside the Plaza? We can only hope Samantha pulls a Big and jilts her groom!

UPDATE: Find out which Moroccan hotel Sex and the City is actually being filmed at.

Win A $200 Smashbox Swag Bag Every Week!



Let's start your day off right with this post. It doesn't get easier and more fantastic than this! Each week, Smashbox is giving one lucky winner the Ultimate Smashbox Swag Bag filled with $200 of Smashbox Cosmetics. We love Smashbox products. They make awesome eyeshadows in every color you can imagine. Plus, they tend to have really cute and creative packaging, which always entices us to buy buy buy!


To enter, sign up for the Smashbox Facebook application and follow the directions from there.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Betsey Johnson at the Plaza

Betsey Johnson Spring 2010
Betsey Johnson can always be counted on to throw a show so fun- that it's like the prom we wish we had. It's always filled with party dresses, naughty girls with morning after makeup and hair and lots and lots of candy.

This season, Betsey Johnson's presentation was at the Plaza, where she dressed Eloise as the beloved mischief maker might be reinterpreted by Hugh Hefner.

eloise betsey johnsonApparently, Betsey really likes the Plaza, and the Plaza really likes Betsey. She signed on to decorate a two-bedroom Eloise-themed suite. We hope it's on the tip-top floor and includes a bed for Weenie and some raisins for Skiperdee.

This isn't Betsey's first foray into hotel design. She has her own Betseyville on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. That's the bar, below. And if memory serves, we swear she designed a villa at the posh Half Moon Bay in Jamaica. In our mind, we picture a room with yellow wallpaper and pink flowers--tres Betsey!
betseyville bar

Ritz-Carlton Cancun



We just returned from a fabulous trip to the Ritz-Carlton Cancun. While September is the quietest time of the year for hotels, it’s an ideal time for travelers. The plane flight was a great deal, we had the beaches to ourselves, the rooms were less expensive and we didn’t have any problems getting into restaurants. If you’re looking for nightlife, there was still plenty of that too. September is hurricane season, which is a risk: you’re gambling on good weather. We were lucky, it was beautiful for our long weekend stay.

The Ritz Carlton sits at the 14.5 km marker which is far from the "club zone" and on the most peaceful section of the strip. Although the Ritz-Carlton is big enough to host a large wedding or conference, the service is so attentive and personal, that you feel as if you’re at a much smaller resort.

We stayed in a beachfront suite which was the largest and most luxurious room we’ve ever stayed in. It had the expected Ritz-Carlton amenities like an expansive marble bathroom and comfy feather bed. It also had three balconies, separate dining and living rooms, a powder room, two televisions, an espresso machine and a doorbell (because the room was so big you couldn’t hear if someone knocked). Our corner room gave us sweeping views of the ocean. In fact, all the rooms at the Ritz-Carlton are ocean view. While we could have spent more time exploring the island, we kept returning to our “Home Sweet Suite.” It’s going to be hard to stay anywhere else when we return.

There was plenty to do at the hotel. We took a cooking class at the Culinary Center (more to come on that later), spent an afternoon lounging at the new Beach Club, and took a tequila tasting in the Lobby Bar. The room service was excellent: I always order their muesli, but the open face breakfast quesadilla was delicious too.

Cancun has a lot to offer; but if you're looking for R&R, you wouldn't have to leave the hotel to be perfectly content. Below are more pictures from our trip:

Blake Lively's Hair at the Emmy's

Blake Lively Hair at Emmy's
While some people we know were not digging Blake Lively's hair at the Emmy's (namely our friend, Daneen), we think it suited her stunning red Versace gown perfectly. The braid had a Princess Leia edge to it, which matched the slight space age feel of the dress's red paillettes and asymmetrical back cut out.

We give Blake a perfect 10 for the night's look: It's exactly how a gorgeous, 22-year old with a killer body should dress for a major awards show. Plus--as she demonstrated on the carpet with Ryan Seacrest and when presenting an Emmy--she has the grace to match.

We got the deets on Blake Lively's braid straight from her stylist, Renato Campora, of Frederic Fekkai.

The inspiration was, "A goddess style updo inspired by the modernity and elegance of the red Versace gown."

To create Blake Lively's hair at the Emmy's, Campora applied mousse onto her wet hair. He then blew it out smooth and applied styling gel to prep the hair. Next, Campora teased all her hair and pulled it up into a high ponytail. Yes, he did use extensions in the ponytail for a longer, more dramatic look. Afterward, he braided Blake's entire ponytail and fastened at the end. Campora finished by applying a finishing creme for a smooth and sleek effect.

Campora exclusively used Frederic Fekkai products, available at Sephora.

Monday, September 21, 2009

How to Look Gorgeous at the Emmy Awards with Bruce Grayson

I was thrilled to talk with makeup artist Bruce Grayson about getting Emmy Award looking fabulous. Bruce is super friendly, open and warm. I hope to meet you in person one day soon, Bruce!

We started off by swapping Inauguration 2009 stories and quickly moved on to the Emmy Awards which were held last night. Bruce spent yesterday at private appointments around L.A. with his celebrity clients then to the Emmy's where he worked non-stop until the wee hours.

Below are the recommendations he makes for his clients on the red carpet and for each of us--not only on special occasions--but everyday. I'm especially excited about the specific color recommendations Bruce gave for great red lips from budget to lux.

Skin
Prep your skin with a good moisturizer. Your makeup will wear better and look more natural. Bruce swears by Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream which hydrates and restores volume to your skin. Once your skin is primed, use a tinted moisturizer for light coverage.

Highlight one feature
Choose one of your features to highlight: eyes, lips, eyebrows, even perfect skin can be your best feature. Just don't do all of them at once, you'll look like you're trying to hard.

Red Lips
The red lip is not only big for fall; but is a true piece of Hollywood red carpet lore. Try Dolce & Gabbana's Iconic lipstick, Lancome's L'Absolu Rouge or CoverGirl's Incredifull in Maximum Red.

Lashes
Great looking lashes go with red lips. Use two different mascaras (one defining, one volumizing), always use your lash curler beforehand and again after. Looking for a budget mascara that has a great impact? Bruce recommends CoverGirl LashBlast because it adds tons of length and volume to lashes.

Blue Liner
Blue liner may be big for fall also; however use it judiciously, because not everyone can pull it off. It looks best with brown and hazel eyes. Lean toward a navy blue that's easier to wear than an aqua.

Preparing for the big event
If you have a big event coming up (hello, Anne's wedding!), start prepping your skin weeks before the event. Eat well, rest, and drink lots of water. Keep your bangs cut and have your hair color done and get a facial the week or so beforehand.

Up and coming
Bruce tells us to keep an eye on January Jones who has a great look and is very versatile. She'll be everywhere in the next couple of years.

Did you have a favorite celeb at the Emmy's this year? Anne's was Blake Lively with her sexy plunging red Versace dress and long, high braid which was age appropriate and sophisticated at the same time. Hope's fave was Leighton Meester with her gorge red lips (and matching bag), glowing skin, wavy updo, and draping white gown.

To help you look your best we're giving away a gift basket with the entire line of Olay Regenerist products.

Sign up for our newsletter below before Friday, September 25th for your chance to win:

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Mary Louise Parker at the Emmy's: Her Makeup Made Easy

Not only do we love Mary-Louise Parker on Weeds; we love the look she wore to the Emmy's last night for her nomination for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. In fact, Hope's been looking for a purple one shoulder dress for a very important occasion coming in November. Any chance she'd loan out that gorg Zac Posen gown?

Makeup artist Tina Turnbow from Maybelline created a smoky eye to complement the purple dress. Here are the deets:

Tina’s inspiration for Mary-Louise’s entire look was the gorgeous opal-toned smoky eye she created with Maybelline New York Expert Wear Stylish Smokes in Amethyst Smokes. Tina used all four shades in the palette to play up her eyes and add drama; the deep purples complemented her creamy skin and dark hair. She then followed with Maybelline New York Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner in Black on the upper and lower lash lines. To showcase the gorgeous jewel tones of the shadows, Tina only applied one coat of Maybelline New York Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara in Very Black. Pulse Perfection.

For Mary-Louise's lips: for a barely-there, neutral lip, Tina lined the entire mouth with Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Liner in Toast. She then followed up with Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in Nearly There.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Christina Applegate at the Emmy Awards: How to Get Her Smoky Eye


Some actresses impress us on the red carpet and some depress us. Christina Applegate always rises to the occasion and pulls out a very glamorous look for the Emmy's. This year she was nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in "Samantha Who." She wore a lovely dark blue Basil Soda gown which inspired makeup artist Joanna Schlip to give Christina a sexy retro smoldering eye.

Here's how she did it:
Joanna reflected the drama of Christina’s dress with a smoldering eye. Using the dark gray shade from Clarins Colour Quartet for Eyes in So Chic, Joanna gave a smokey depth to Christina’s green eyes. To add definition and drama, she applied Clarins Eye Pencil in Black around the upper and lower lash line and inside the wet line, then finished with three coats of Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in Black.

Photo Credit: Mathew Imaging/WireImage.com

Ted Gibson Travel Essentials Kit


Our quest to find great hair care on-the-go continues: today we found the Ted Gibson Travel Essentials Kit. It contains Daily Cleanse and Nourish shampoo and conditioner, both in TSA friendly 2 oz. sizes; Ted's Hair Sheets which will prolong that sexy blow-out; and our favorite hair spray, Beautiful Hold, which has the best gardenia scent ever. We'll be packing this on our next girls' trip!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Gossip Girl Handbags

Gossip Girl
The plot of Gossip Girl may have jumped the shark, but we'll still be tuning in every Monday to catch the fashion. While this past week's episode was a little heavy on maxi dresses--which we loved during the summer, but have already relegated to the back of the closet--we did like the accessories, at least. Nate's new girlfriend, the Republican Bree Buckley, played by Joanna Garcia (New York Yankee's Nick Swisher's real life rumored girlfriend), was carrying the Be & D Cosette Satchel, similar to the one below, available at Bloomies.

Gossip Girl handbag

XOXO

Friday, September 18, 2009

Web Snob Roundup 9-19-09

55 Secret Street went backstage to talk makeup with MAC at Jason Wu's Spring 2010 show during New York Fashion Week.

Stiletto Jungle shops the new Fall line from Liz Claiborne by Isaac Mizrahi.

Was Kanye West’s Taylor Swift interruption planned? Allie is Wired has the new theory.

Bag Bliss: Top 10 Contemporary Designer Handbags.

Coquette was at NY Fashion Week for the debut of Vivienne Tam's new HP Clutch.

Fashion Pulse Daily checks out the fall Felix Rey collection, and offers readers an exclusive

The Jet Set Girls
picked their favorites from the L.A.M.B. spring 2010 accessories.

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating Urban Outfitters silk T-shirt dress.

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating Urban Outfitters silk T-shirt dress.

Second City Style covered a ton of Spring '10 shows during New York Fashion Week, but Michael Kors was one of our favorites.

SheFinds will be toting an entirely affordable handbag this fall.

Shopping and Info wants a pair of Ann Demeulemeester wedge boots.

StyleBakery.com's coverage of the Top 10 Trends for Fall continues with punk rock, shine, legwear and boots.

Stylehive has the scoop on Alice + Olivia's super cute celeb-filled Parisian-inspired presentation at Fashion Week!

The Beauty Stop takes a close look at the Spring 2010 Marc Jacobs fashion show makeup.

The Shoe Goddess loves Leighton Meester's choice of these hot Giuseppe Zanottis for the VMAs!

V-Style is giving away Ecos laundry detergent to the reader who desires clean clothes and a guilt free existence.

Meet the Daily Makeover Beauty Bloggerati


On Our Radar: The Lorien Hotel and Spa


This spring we were fortunate to attend the opening of the Lorien Hotel and Spa in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. We are looking forward to our first stay there this weekend where we're celebrating Anne's bridal shower. We reserved the Presidential Suite for our small party which includes the lush terrace above. September is a great time for travel and hotel stays especially. Occupancy rates are low which drive down the prices.

We opted to choose a suite where we can share some quality time with our good friends and dole out sage advise on marriage to Anne. The suite has a bedroom, separate living room and dining area. Mostly, we're happy the weather is looking good so we can curl up on the outdoor sofas.

Lorien Hotel and Spa has a ton of great packages. One that impressed us is the "Regional Rates for Neighboring States" where residents of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia get 20% off the Best Available Rate until February 28th, 2010.
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