Sensual Seduction: Outspoken by Fergie

When I think of Fergie, my mind instantly flashes to door knockers or being covered in candy NOT a surprising blend of notes that whip into something both delicious and sexy.

Fergie’s signature scent for Avon, Outspoken, is not for the weak as the fragrance strongly hits your nose at first spritz. It opens up with notes of iced berry, starfruit and wild saffron- a blend that dances in your nostrils with the ability to transform your mood from sweet to sexy. At the heart of the scent lies floral nuances of tuberose (we all know I love tuberose), jasmine and passion flower for a sensual experience, while the base notes of ebony, leather and vetiver (another one of my favorite notes) finish of the scent.

The scent is, in essence, sexy without being vulgar.

It wouldn't be Fergie if there wasn't some element of sex appeal and that is achieved perfectly with the design of the bottle. This deep colored, feminine flacon contains a cap inspired by the luxurious décor in Fergie’s bridal suite on her wedding day. Sweet, non?

Outspoken retails for $28.00 and is available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

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Disclosure: sample was provided for editorial consideration.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

30 Seconds to Gorgeous: Jane Iredale Eye Steppes

Jane Iredale Pure Impact Collection

No one loves small, compact items more than I do. I generally love anything that can fold, bend, snap and wrap for an easy to use, hassle free day. When that something can simply your makeup routine by mere minutes, I love it even more.

While I'd love to think of myself as someone who can whip an eyeshadow brush out and create the best smokey eye-- I'm not. Luckily, Jane Iredale is aware of folks like me and created Eye Steppes for the eyeshadow challenged.

Eye Steppes compact in goBlue

Thoughts of what shade will look the prettiest with your natural eye color and which colors can and can't be paired are easily solved with a trio of amazing eye shadows, out right now as part of their newest collection Pure Impact.

Shades L-R: goBrow, goBlue, and goGreen

Three compacts, each containing five shades, that contain shades that complement and flatters brown, blue or green eyes. All are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested for a make-up result that will feel as good as it looks.

Eye Steppes easily snap apart to mix and match or carry alone

Knowing that women carry their makeup with them for touch ups, Jane's got your back as each can easily be snapped out of one container to another.

Eye Steppe compacts are available in the following shades:
* goBrown includes Sea Green, Blue Sky, Tan, Forest and Licorice.
* goGreen includes Allure, Iris, Sepia, Slate and Grape.
* goBlue includes Oyster, Rosy, Taupe, Swiss Chocolate and Smoke.

The compacts are available for $56 at shop.janeiredale.com. Tweet

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

NY & DC Ladies, It's Time to Whip Your Hair

(yes, Willow Smith's song ROCKS my world. Don't judge)

Master hairstylist, Ted Gibson, loves making women beautiful and, honey, you're no exception.

Starting this Friday, when you book an appointment for either Great Lengths or Platinum Seamless hair extensions, you'll receive a complimentary hair cut and color service.

That's up to $700 worth of services.

If you're interested in sewn in extensions will receive a complimentary relaxer and haircut, or $150 off of your total.

You KNOW how I feel about my relaxer and I'm kicking myself for getting mine done a month ago.

Just be sure to ask about the extensions promotion when booking your appointment and will need to come in for a consult.



Ted Gibson New York
184 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10021
212-633-6333

Ted Gibson DC
5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Level 2
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-951-4445

If you're not in the NYC or DC area, fret not, because Ted also offers clip in hair extensions in 8 shades for $150.


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Pendleton x Worksman Bicycles at Urban Outfitters

There's something quite cute about biking around the city. As someone who loves old movies, I tend to have daydreams about me bking across NYC à la Audrey Hepburn

All of this, mind you, is brought on by news that Urban Outfitters has a fun and new collaboration coming out October 4th. The uber cool company has an exclusive bicycle designed by Pendleton Woolen Mills and Worksman Cycle. Seems like a natural fit considering Pendleton has been creating its trademark jacquard blankets for over a century while Worksman is America's oldest manufacturer of industrial-strength delivery bicycle.

The bike, handcrafted by Worksman, features Pendleton's Chief Joseph pattern (first introduced in the '20s) on its fenders and frame. The arrowheads symbolize bravery and point in the four cardinal directions.

Available in black and white styles and will set you back $750 (whew!). The bike is available exclusively at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

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Buy This Now: Lancôme French Touch Mini Rouge Lipsticks

This year marks Lancôme's 75th Anniversary and to celebrate the brand is releasing a limited edition collection of lipsticks so beautiful, it needs to be snapped up without any doubts.

The French Touch Mini Rouge Lipsticks ($40) are housed in a mini silver container etched with a pattern reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. It's a nod to Lancôme’s founder Armand Petitjean’s vision of jewel-like lipstick holders.

All four shades are available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide, with the Cherry Kiki shade available at Neiman Marcus in October.

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS2011: Backstage at Jason Wu

Photo courtesy of Aveda

“The Jason Wu hair look for this season is simple yet sophisticated, with 1970’s inspiration. We’re braiding chiffon—scraps from the collection—into the hair and twisting the ends into a flower. This look captures the happiness and excitement of spring and summer.” -Odile Gilbert for Aveda

Photo courtesy of Aveda

Odile prepped damp hair with Aveda Smooth Infusion™ Style-Prep Smoother™ for smoothness and to tame flyaways. Using a fine-tooth comb, she created a strong, clean part on the right side of the head and then blow dried straight using a Mason Pearson brush.Next hair was tightly pulled back and separated into four sections along the nape of the neck. Each section was sprayed with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for shine and flexible hold. Next hair was tied with a long ribbon or piece of fabric—in a shade close to the hair color—around the top of each section of hair.

One section at a time, the fabric was braided throughout the hair and secured at the bottom with an elastic. Excess fabric was left out at the bottom of each braid. Each braid was sprayed liberally with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray for ultra-strong hold. All four braids were collected and tied into one large bow at the end to create a ‘flower.’ The fabric ‘flower’ was pulled upwards and secure at the nape of the neck with hair pins, creating beautiful braided loops stemming from the flower. The look was finished with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray.

Photo courtesy of CND

Jason Wu's show marked the debut of the exclusive Jason Wu Colour & Effect Collection in collaboration with CND. To complement his vivid color palette and 40's/70's silhouettes, Jason Wu chose classic oxblood red Veronica Colour from his new collection for manicures (nails were done by Wanda Ruiz and the CND team). Pedicures were done in peachy nude Perfectly Bare Colour from CND's limited edition Spring Colour & Effect duo (available in March 2011).

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS2011: Backstage at Band of Outsiders

For Band of Outsiders' Spring 2011 show, Shiseido’s Artistic Director, Dick Page created two makeup looks. The looks were inspired by the variety of scenery at the presentation as well as the distinctly different clothes of the two groups featured in the presentation.

The “BOY GIRL” FACE was described by Page as “clean, glowing skin.” Page left the skin clean and applied just a touch of Shiseido Makeup Natural Finish Cream Concealer to cover up redness or blemishes. For the eyes, he applied Shiseido Makeup Automatic Fine Eyeliner in Black (BK901) all around the eye, and focused on lining right into the upper and lower lash lines and into the eye socket.

Next, he sketched a scrubby line of Shiseido Makeup Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil in Black (BK901) into the outer corner of the lower lashes. He then applied a bit of Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment on top of the liner which allowed the color to melt. Page finished the look by applying a coat of Shiseido Makeup Perfect Mascara Defining Volume in Black (BK901) on the lashes.

Page applied Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment with his finger for a soft lip.

For the second group of makeup looks (“GIRL GIRL”), again the look was clean and glowing skin.

Dick left the skin clean and applied just a touch of Shiseido Makeup Natural Finish Cream Concealer to cover up redness or blemishes. Using a damp sponge, Page applied Shiseido Makeup Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Golden Dragon (RD601)- available February 2011- on the apples of the cheeks, under the eye area, along the temples and bridge of the nose.

The eyes were "dewy and natural” by applying Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment on the eyelids.

The lips were given a subtle trace of color with Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Lounge (RD709) with his fingers. The lipstick will be available February 2011.

Photos from Vogue.com

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS2011: Backstage at Charlotte Ronson

Charlotte Ronson's 90s grunge yet feminine take on Spring 2011 was complemented by a beauty look the screamed casual. The makeup look was a mix of grunge- natural and organic- using little color on the face and emphasizing natural skin tones.

Photo from WWD.com

"We want to make it look like they did their own makeup for stomping around at Burning Man," explains Sephora PRO Beauty Lead artist, Gilbert Soliz. "By not covering their faces in color, we're using their flaws to our advantage."

To get the look, Soliz started off with Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer to even out skin tone give skin a natural, dewy look. The face was finished off with Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit and Smashbox Bronze Lights Suntan Matte Bronzer to warm up the model's faces. To give eyes a "barely-there presence" Soliz and the team used Sephora Collection Professional Clear Natural Mascara.

The hair was styled by the super cute and fun, Jeanie Syfu for TRESemmé. Syfu used Surf Spray and Sea Salt Spray for “bed head texture.” Two small braids were made in front of the head and throughout the hair (randomly). Rather than seal ends ith an elastic, Syfu told us, at an event, that she sealed them with a straightening iron.

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Jane Iredale Mad Men Eye Makeup

Sunday nights mean I grab as many snacks as possible and stay in my living room watching Mad Men and tweeting like crazy. Mad Men rules my world. Missing an episode is not an option.

Jane Iredale is releasing a few fun videos as part of their new Eye Steppes series (more info to come!). When I saw this about Mad Men, I thought it'd be fun to share while we wait for Peggy, Joan and the gang later on tonight. 

Happy Sunday!

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Why Don't You...Vol 8

OK, I know...I suck. I haven't done my "Why Don't You..." column in a about two months and I apologize. First I went to Haiti (and didn't schedule posts) then came back, knee deep in work, Fashion Week happened and I'm now catching up with life.

But guess who's bizzacckk...

Taken in Haiti, August 2010

• Follow @astro_wheels he's a NASA astronaut who takes some amazing twitpics from space (found this on Gala Darling
• Star a tumblr and fill it with your wildest dreams
• Eat macarons Martha Stewart has a pretty simple recipe
• More macaron pictures I miss Paris
• Stare at pretty pictures then take your own
• Wear red lipstick everyday this week
• Eat Burger King for breakfast and don't be ashamed
• Buy some awesome shoes
• Say Thank You
• Shake your routine if you normally do a middle part, switch it up with a side part. Wear jeans everyday? Rock a skirt everyday.
• Flirt with everyone Settle for nothing less then what you truly want

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

A Girl Gets Into Shoes...Through Shoe Dazzle

It's no secret that I'm a better beauty girl than fashionista. I crave and live by comfort and I won't try not to subject myself to discomfort. With that said, my usual routine of jeans and a tee shirt has been majorly affected as I am now a working girl in the fashion industry. Whether it's through client events or blogger events, I"m always meeting new people and, yes, these people judge you by your looks.

Everything from your clothes, accessories, shoes and bag is secretly scrutinized.With that said, being subjected to such stylish people, I've developed an insane love of shoes. Heels have become a new love and I want to explore said love without a)breaking the bank and b) being uncomfortable.

Enter Shoe Dazzle. If you're not familiar with the company, here's the rundown: created by Kim Kardashian, it's a membership site for shoe lovers. You take a personality quiz which analyzes, or attempts to analyze, your fashion sense and then delivers shoe options based off of your answers. All for $39.95 a month. The best part is if you do not like the options they send you, you have the option to skip the month and not get charged.

I've been a member since May 2009, however, it started off rocky as my shoe options weren't all that and I'm terribly afraid of ordering clothes/shoes online (I have big feet and sizes are always screwy).

In Which She Orders Jeans Online...

The problem with ordering jeans online is that you don't always know how it'll fit and you're basically living on a prayer until it arrives on your doorstep and you get to try it on.

I've been having this ongoing battle with J Brand jeans ordered from Rue La La. I love Rue La La. It's practically the only "sample sale" site I order from (I have no idea why but they ship unbelievably fast).

Back in June, I ordered a pair of J Brand "Joplin Palazzo" Indigo Wash Wide Leg in a size 25. I thought nothing of it primarily because I am a 25 in just about every denim I could think of. And the 24s were sold out. I have a love of wide leg jeans that I can't quite explain. I love the look and feel of denim that glides with you as you walk.It doesn't constrict you and at the end of the night, you're not hopping around your room, fighting t rip the jeans off from around your ankle.

You know you do it too.

When my jeans arrived, I was practically swimming in them. Sad Eileen. Luckily Rue La La has an amazing return policy (you get back what you paid sans shipping) and I was given a credit.

J Brand Kat Wide Leg: Photo from Revolve Clothing

Three months later, J Brand returned and I was determined to get a pair of wide leg jeans (oh and they were $49). The J Brand "Kat" Wide Leg (pictured above) was/is perfect. The deep indigo color and lack of distressing makes it versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Clean cut, no pocket design- this was a match made in denim heaven.

Obviously I laid down the law (the VISA) and ordered in less than 60 seconds (I only paid $10 for shipping). About four days later (told you they had fast shipping!) I came home to a pair of beautiful jeans - that's now a size too small.

I ordered a size 23 (I didn't even know they made size 23) a) by accident because I could have SWORN I ordered a 24 and b) thinking that the 25s were way too huge the first time around so I just had to go small. But I went too small.

And now I am a sad, sad woman clutching a pair of jeans wailing "WHY!" in her living room.

The leg room is perfect (not tight but not baggy) and the length is just about right (they touch the floor when I'm barefoot meaning I can rock some heels with this bad boy). The waist, however, makes me feel like I'm the most bloated person in the world. Heaven forbid I shove an apple in my mouth whilst wearing these jeans for the buttons just might go flying across the room poking out the eyes of those unaware and within a 5 feet radius.

I'm quite particular about my denim and I blame my years as a "Denim Expert" (read: sales associate) at Lucky Brand Jeans. There I was taught so many things about jeans (how they are made, the different fits, how to help others find their perfect fit, etc.) that I turned into a snob. Sure I buy Forever 21 skinny jeans because they're $9.80 but I don't expect them to last me longer than six months. I don't take them seriously- I simply wear them with a T-shirt and wouldn't dare try dressing them up because I know there are issues with fit. After a couple of washes, the jeans are practically useless. The right pair of jeans hug you in places that you want to be hugged and forgives you in places the world doesn't need to know about.

These jeans are hugging me a bit too tight.

I've worn them around my house over the past half hour and it was okay...not great but at the same time not too bad. Should the waist give a little then I should be fine, however, if these do not stretch at the waist than it's a total waist of money.

Now because this is the longest post in AMERICA (my bad) I guess I should leave you with one word of advice: when ordering jeans online, if possible, go to your local department store and try them on BEFORE ordering online. Get familiar with the brand and try to get an idea of what size you are. That way you're not left sitting on your living room floor writing a blog post complaining about how unfair life is because your jeans don't fit.

Now my question to you, faithful readers- do you know if J Brand jeans stretch at the waist and not in the thigh area? Help a sista out...

xoxo,
Eileen aka I Will Never Get My J Brands Right

PS: If you want to try shopping on Rue La La, here's an invite.

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

That Ubiquitous Gold Watch

It's no secret that I've been pining for a "grown up" watch for some time now (ummm...since April 2008). Due to my clumsy nature, however, I've put off getting a real (read: expensive) watch primarily because I just know I'll bang my wrist/drop it on concrete/accidentally step on it with my heels (all of which has happened to me before).

However, as part of my Big Girl Transformation (BGT) I've decided that it's about time I invest in something good. Someone once told me that people in fashion judge you by your handbag- my mother judges you by your watch. And when my mom notices something, it kind of has to change.

Rather than get the same rose gold Michael Kors watch that just about every woman in NYC has, I ran to my favorite place (right next to Sephora)- Juicy Couture. Juicy is having their Friends & Family (ends today!) so now was my time (HA! watch jokes). The watch was on sale for $169.99 and add my F&F, I got a pretty sweet deal.

This watch is gorgeous is very sense of the word. What I love most is that it's feminine yet has a masculine aesthetic that is quite appealing.

I'm really into pairing masculine and feminine elements and the easiest way to do so without look costume-y is through the use if accessories. My wrists are on the very small side so I was BEYOND thrilled to learn that Juicy takes out links for you to fit the watch just right.

links that were removed and given to me should I want to add them in later

I'm thrilled to have finally got a watch that I can wear everyday and dress up for the weekends and special occasions.

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Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Get the Look: Jennifer Garner

Looks like I"m not the only fan of Juicy Couture!

Jennifer Garner was spotted rockin' Juicy's Rib and Waffle Knit Cardigan ($198) over the weekend while playing soccer at the park in Santa Monica.

To get the look, finish it off with a pair of light wash bootcut jeans (may I suggest the Zoe Bootleg jean- $119) and sneakers (I love anything from Nike) and you're good to go!

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

HauteLook Beauty Week

Like a good friend, I'm here to help you find the best in beauty without making you go broke. So when I find out about a good deal, I like to share.

You're welcome in advance. Or if you're like me and trying to save money-- my bad.

HauteLook, the LA-based private sale site, is thinking about us beauty gals for a bit with a week long special of beauty sale events. This jazz started on September 20^th (ok...I"m late..whatevs) and lasts through September 24^th featuring three to four top beauty brands every day with discounts around 50% or more.


Monday, September 20^th
Somme Institute
Stila --ummm HELLO!!
InStyler
NuFace

Tuesday, September 21^st
DDF
LORAC- Definitely shopping this one!
GO SMILE
Sprayology

Wednesday, September 22^nd
Rapidlash
D'Arcy Skincare
NYX Cosmetics --OMG I'M EXCITED!!
LightStim

Thursday, September 23^rd
Freeze 24-7
Hand Perfection
Tan Towel
Hairuwear

Friday, September 24^th
Enessa
Red Ginger
amika
NuBrilliance


Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Wake Up! Patyka Absolis Spearmint Refreshing Body Wash

Having experienced Fashion Week on both ends of the stick (working it both as a blogger and someone working in the "industry"-- somewhat) I must say I have been BEYOND exhausted. While I've been able to recover somewhat physically from the madness, my mind hasn't been able to catch up as quick.

Thankfully, I was given a sample of Patyka's Absolis Spearmint refreshing body wash and I praise Jesus Himself everyday for it.

This spearmint organic body wash is gentle and creates a silky foam that leaves you feeling clean, refreshed and fully awake. Unlike most body washes, it doesn't leave a residue post shower nor is it drying. Its scent refreshes in shower and stimulates the mind. Again, I can't stress how gentle this is on the skin- I even use it on my face!

Use this to feel awake and rejuvenated on a daily basis- fashion week rehab or not. Patyka's Absolis line is available at www.newlondonpharmacy.com.

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS2011: Alice + Olivia

If there's one thing I love about alice + olive is its unabashedly girly and whimsical style. You're almost guaranteed a collection full of bright and flirty colors. In a single thought, alice + olivia is a girly girl's dream.

For Spring 2011, Stacey Bendet mixed bright pops of color with wild prints in a bohemian French girl meets American whimsy way. There's a bit of every girl no matter what her taste.

The salmon wide leg high waist pant definitely takes the cake in my opinion, as it's both on trend without fussy.

The collection is ideal for spring with its soft peach tones, flirty and wild prints, surprise pops of color.

The shoes will be hitting stores February and is said to give the a+o girl the "perfect retro kick."

Full of draped day dresses, colorful prints, washed distressed silks, embellished jackets and soft, slinky knits and high waist pants, the a+o girl has evolved from the pink and black some may know to a sexy yet cool Parisian woman.

All photos courtesy of Alice + Olivia

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Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Win a set of NARS Pure Matte Lipstick!

Head over to the NARS Facebook Pure Matte Tab and take their poll for a chance to win a set of their newest lip product, Pure Matte Lipstick in all six shades.

Over the next five weeks, 10 NARS Facebook fans who take their poll will be automatically entered to win so get there quick!

Two drawings will occur on or around NOON EST each Wednesday. For complete contest rules, click here.


Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS2011: Backstage at The Blonds

With CND's Kristina Estabrooks leading the charge, the nails at The Blonds show was nothing short of showstopping.

Photo courtesy of CND

Photo courtesy of CND

More than 22 different nail looks (including hand-painted upside down Eiffel Tower manis) were created for the show bringing to life the Barbie doll designs, sequined bikinis, and body-hugging corsets the designers created for their line. Using crushed glass and Swarovski crystal combinations, the CND team used various Colour foundations including Girlie Pink, Eclectic Purple, and Anchor Blue.

Photo courtesy of CND

Tweet Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.