Saturday, March 31, 2007

crazylibellule & the poppies

I mentioned in my previous post about Lucky magazine that I ordered an item I had seen in the magazine before I was finished reading the magazine. While I was patiently waiting for my packages to arrive I found out that there was more to the crazylibellule & the poppies fragrances than met the eye.

crazylibellule & the poppies was created by Isabelle Masson-Mandonnaud, the original founder of (what's now) Sephora. There are seven scents in three different mood collections. You can combine scents within each collection.

The packaging and price on these little gems is wonderful. $16 for five grams of fragrant happiness. The sturdy and whimisical retro-chic paper tube that holds these solid perfumes will have all your girlfriends wondering what this new item is in your makeup bag. Since they're naturally spill-proof, this is an easy to pack travel item.

The Shanghaijava collection is inspired by the Far East.
scents: Ananas Imperial, Blue Orchidee, Encens Mystic, Ginger & Coconut, Lilas Spiritual, Litchi Blossom and Musc & Patchouli. I ordered Ananas Imperial, Blue Orchidee and Litchi Blossom through Amazon. My favorite is Ananas Imperial; hour after hour I catch the subtle scent of blackcurrant with a hint of cedar and realize it's me. I found Blue Orchidee unobjectionable yet unimpressive; the orange and ylang seemed to stay with me, but faded entirely within a few hours. I thought I would love Litchi Blossom because it has litchi in it's base, heart and top notes; instead I was disappointed by continually smelling just the rose heart note.

Poule de Luxe Collection is a fragrance course in vanilla.
scents:
Vanilla Fruit Sorbert, Vanilla Lemon Pie, Vanilla Moka, Vanilla Pom d'Amour, Vanilla Pralines, Vanilla Macaroons and Vanilla Sucre Glace. I ordered Vanilla Fruit Sorbet, afraid that other selections may be too sweet. The raspberry and vanilla combo is very enticing and the faint iris makes this a winner in my book.

Les Divines Alcoves Collection is romance and sophistication.
scents: Amoureuse, Aux Anges, Dans tes Bras, Le Braiser, Presque Nuit, Ton Moi Prince and Tout Oblier. I ordered Tout Oblier. Reminiscent of Hermes' Hiris, the iris was soft and feminine without overpowering my senses. I am very intrigued by the berry, black pepper, tea, jasmine, rose, musc, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla blend in Amoureuse.

For more in-depth reviews of the Shanghaijava and Les Divines Alcoves collections go to boisdejasmin.typepad.com. Go to nowsmellthis.blogharbor.com for a detailed review of more scents from the Poule de Luxe collection.

Crazylibellule & The Poppies is available online at b-glowing.com, beautyhabit.com and amazon.com (the order is fulfilled by b-glowing).



up next: Shu Uemura dives into hair care

Diva & mom

My mom was visiting me this week (reason for lack of posts). We had a great time watching chick flicks and eating yummy food. We also went shopping (surprised?) and a quick stop at Target brought a nice surprise.

Two of my favorite British beauty brands, Boots and Rimmel are now at my Target. I really like both these brands and have to admit that I also have a selfish reason for rejoicing in my recent Target discovery, I don't have to go to Wal-Mart anymore (Rimmel was only available at Wal-Mart in the U.S. until last year). Wal-Mart never had the Rimmel collections I'd see in magazine ads and what they did have looked like it had been used as a tester.

The Rimmel Underground products have been in many Spring editorials and I have been waiting to get my mitts on them. Target had a HUGE six foot display with all these goodies. I was tempted by the glitter in the Stir It Up cream eyeshadow and the color combinations in the Three-Sum powder eyeshadow compacts but ended up purchasing two Gloss Over lip gloss compacts. The glosses are super sheer and very pretty.

worth noting: My mom absolutely loves the Rimmel Extreme Lash Mascara. She bought two tubes because it's always sold out in her stores. I almost fell over when I saw it was only $1.98. It gave her small straight lashes volume without clumps.

Boots was slowly introduced in the U.S. starting in 2004 and is now available at more than 1,500 Target stores. Target is carrying four ranges of Boots items: No7, Botanics, Time Dimensions and Mediterranean. No7 is a makeup line (their mascara for sensitive eyes is FANTASTIC); Botanics offers skin and body care products; Time Dimensions is an antiaging skin care system and Mediterranean is a bath and body care line. One of my friends raves about the Mediterranean bergamot body line (my next purchase?).

Check both these lines out when you get a chance. Rimmel and Boots offer great products at a price point that won't break the bank. Boots is available at more than 1,500 Target stores and over 500 CVS stores, select Boots items are available at target.com. Rimmel is available at select Wal-Mart and Target stores.

up next: crazylibellule & the poppies review

Monday, March 26, 2007

why spring cleaning is a good idea

I wrote a post last week about Spring Cleaning. After following my own advice and tackling boxes and bags of clothes and other miscellaneous items that seemed to just be hanging out, I not only have more space and less clutter, I have removed some past fashion mistakes.

Not in any particular order, here are a few no-no's that went bye-bye.

High Rise pants. These don't stop at your belly button, they actually cover it and hit the smallest part of your torso just under your ribcage. I found a few pairs and thought, "high rise is making a comeback, let's see just see what they look like". The good news is that they still fit. The bad news is that they not only look hideous but they are so uncomfortable I can't believe I once wore pants like this for 12 hours a day.

Tops that stop at your hips. The surefire way to emphasize the widest part of your body. And leaving these tops untucked with those high rise pants certainly couldn't have been a very good look.

Crop tops. These definitely only worked with the high rise pants. I haven't worn these in at least seven years (hopefully longer). The fact that I moved a few times and just couldn't part with these is just silly.

This was a case when I had no problem getting rid of a fashion faux pas, or three. I couldn't get to Goodwill quick enough.

What fashion mistakes are you hiding?

Sunday, March 25, 2007

More Travel Talk

I was reading my Packing for Travel post from last week and thought of a few other pieces of information that are worth mentioning.

Staying with family or friends? Pack less and do laundry. Instead of packing four black t-shirts, pack two then wash them when they're dirty. You can also hand wash easy stuff before going to sleep (workout gear, tank tops, socks, etc.) and let air dry overnight.

Try on the out of season clothing you want to pack. If you live in Chicago and are going to the Caribbean in February, don't just throw your bathing suit in your luggage. Try it on to make sure it still fits properly and it isn't showing signs of too much wear.


If you must check a bag, pack a change of clothes, including underwear and socks, in your carry-on bag. Don't check items you'll need in the next 24 hours (medication and makeup come to mind).

Okay, now that you have some (more) diva tips for packing, go plan that trip.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

InStyle April Issue

I couldn't wait to dig into my April issue of InStyle because it's the annual issue of their 148 Best Beauty Buys. But this issue has so many goodies it took me a few days to get through it. Where do I start?

I'll be boring and begin at the beginning.

Halle Berry looks stunning on the cover. The interview and fashion layout (pgs 144-151) is really spectacular. I found myself thinking, "She's smart, beautiful and talented, I want to be friends with her". The Halle Style inset has some great insights into why she always looks so great.

I loved the InStyle compilation of all the amazing gowns from the Academy Awards in "the Look of the Oscars" (pgs 176-188). My absolute favorite pictures in this section are the ones of Helen Mirren, Diane Keaton and Jodie Foster in "Nobody Does It Better". That title definitely sums up the grace, beauty and class those three women continue to display.

Four Faces of Spring (pgs 419-425) has the beautiful Maggie Q showing off bronze shadow, pink lips, black eyeliner and nude lip looks you'll want to replicate. Thank goodness Dior makeup artist Shane Paish tells us what he did and what products he used.

Organic Beauty (pgs 429-433) breaks down what the terms organic and natural in beauty products really mean. There's also a "how to" on reading an organic label.


saved the best for last: 148 Best Beauty Buys (pgs 455-486) speaks for itself. InStyle takes four different categories (makeup, skin, hair and body) and asks almost 50 experts in each category to name their favorites. Whether you are looking for foundation, sunscreen or nail color, InStyle tells you who's got the best. There's also a shopping list that provides internet addresses and phone numbers of where you can find mentioned products.

If you don't already have a copy, go get one. This one is worth re-reading many times. You can also go to instyle.com for a peek inside.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Kiehl's Yerba Mate Skincare

Kiehl's Since 1851 is ready to rollout their newest skin care line. The three product collection is formulated with the South American herb Yerba Mate.

Yerba Mate is harvested from a tree native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It is known to contain 24 vitamins (including A, C, E, B-1 and B-2), 15 amino acids and 11 polyphenols.

The Yerba Mate Tea Cleanser ($20.50 for 8.4 oz.) is a lightweight, foaming cleanser that will gently cleanse and effectively remove excess oil and residue.



The Yerba Mate Tea Toner ($24.50 for 8.4 oz.) soothes and balances skin after cleansing.

The facial moisturizer, Yerba Mate Tea Lotion ($35 for 2.5 oz.), is a lightweight lotion that will help improve skin texture, clarity and radiance without clogging pores.

The Kiehl's Since 1851 Yerba Mate skin care line will be available next month in the brands 155 specialty store doors, including its 23 freestanding Kiehl's boutiques as well as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York. You can also order from the Kiehl's website.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Real Simple April issue

I mentioned the Real Simple April issue in yesterday's post. After further review, there are a couple more articles I've got to bring to your attention.

The "broken promises" article (pgs 145-151) is definitely worth reading at least a few times. Packaging pros and makeup artists discuss why beauty-product malfunctions occur, whether they can be prevented and how to remedy problems. Lots of us figured out how to unclog our hair-spray but I didn't know you could repair shattered eye shadow.

And this month they "road tested" mascara (pgs 219-222). They picked out winners and runner-ups in eight categories from lengthing to won't smudge. The side note about what color mascara will enhance your eyes is very informative.

Gotta run, I just realized my InStyle is waiting for me to rifle through it. (I'll let you know what goodies I find in there)

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Spring Cleaning

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. Celebrate by "Spring Cleaning" your wardrobe.

Get rid of the winter clothes you didn't wear this past season. Chances are that if you didn't wear it this winter, you won't wear it next winter either.

Re-assess last year's Spring and Summer items. Are there any trendy items you won't wear? Were there some items that were never right and you found yourself fussing when you were wearing them?

Try clothes on if you're pulling them out of storage. Do you still like the fit? Did you miss a stain? Does anything need to be repaired? Is it still in fashion?

Take any shoes or handbags to the cobbler for repair. It's much less expensive to repair or re-sole your favorite leather sandals than it is to buy a new pair. By taking them in early, your shoes will be ready to wear on the first warm (and dry) day.


If you're struggling with the "getting rid of it" aspect, think of positive things to do with your purges. Donate it to a local woman's shelter, give it to a friend who would love to wear it or drop it off at Goodwill. Just don't hold onto it.

Still seem like to much to handle? Call in a professional. A Professional Organizer. They can help you make those decisions you've been delaying. If you happen to live near Stamford, CT, call Professional Organizer Matt Baier (my brother-in-law), otherwise go to NAPO.net for a local referral.

worth noting: I just received my April issue of Real Simple magazine today. Check out what Gail Blanke has to say about clutter in her article "declutter your mind" that starts on page 229. Great insight.

Hope you have a great Spring!

Monday, March 19, 2007

Packing for Travel

Thirteen years ago I swore I would never pack more than I could carry. Ever.

Back then carry-on guidelines allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage and one personal item. I went on a trip with a girlfriend and brought a garment bag and a duffle bag. It first occured to me that I had too much stuff when I was hustling in O'Hare to make a connection between the B and C gates. The further I went, the heavier that luggage got. The gate closed two minutes before I got there, and I know I could have made it if I hadn't been weighed down by my bags.

On the way home from that trip I thought I had my solution by checking one of my bags. When that was lost for two days I decided I would never struggle with luggage again.

I have only checked a bag once in the past thirteen years (I realize that there are exceptions to every rule and mine was made on the way back from Paris). Here are the guidelines I follow to make sure I've got what I need all in one piece of carry-on luggage.

Two simple words are my guide when packing for a trip: BE PREPARED. This "rule" applies to every tip listed below.

Check the weather forecast for your final destination. You don't want to arrive in Chicago with your favorite cashmere sweaters only to find it's going to be 60 degrees the weekend you're there.

Have a printed itinerary that includes your contacts and any confirmation numbers regarding reservations you've arranged (hotels, airlines, etc.). By having the names of people you spoke with or printed confirmation numbers, you'll be able to resolve any miscommunication.

Make a checklist of essential items. Then use that as your packing guide for every trip. If you travel at least once a month, I suggest a list for cold and warm climates.

Avoid over packing by planning your outfits. It's important here to be honest about what you'll be doing on your trip. If it's a business trip, you won't need three pairs of jeans. Will you really be able to fit a workout in?

No more than three pairs of shoes (total). Wear the heaviest pair, pack the other two. I love shoes, some would say more than most other women. I still stick to this rule (on warm weather vacations I allow a flip flop for a fourth shoe). Again, be honest. Planning on walking a lot? Leave the high heels at home.

Keep a toiletry kit packed and ready to go. When I unpack from a trip, I replenish what I've used so I'm ready for the next trip. Next time you stock up on your skincare, ask for a sample size of the products you're purchasing. Keep up to date with liquid restrictions for carry-on bags by visiting tsa.gov (currently you're allowed up to three ounces of liquids that fit in a quart size Ziploc bag).

diva tip: Invest in a bag that allows you to compress the volume of your clothes. Eagle Creek makes Pack-It Compressor Bags. Zip it up and take out the volume, up to 60%. Your clothes can get wrinkled, so I suggest using it as a laundry bag.

Flight 001 has a great line called Spacepak. There are six different bags: Suitor, Lingerie, Clothes, Underwear, Toiletry and Shoe. All except the Suitor Bag are double sided and labeled clean and dirty on the inside. There are four small vents that allow you to compress and release any air. They also have a suggested system of how to pack the different bags in your suitcase to optimize space. Spacepak is more expensive than some compressor bags but worth it since you won't suffer wrinkly consequences and can pack clean clothes in it.

Eagle Creek is available online at Rei.com and EMS.com. Flight 001 has seven stores and is available online at flight001.com.

Hope you can use some of that information next time you pack for a trip.

Happy Travelling!!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Poppy King

You could perceive naming a lipstick company "Lipstick Queen" as arrogant.

Meet the woman who deserves the title: Poppy King.

Poppy started her first lipstick company in 1991. She couldn't find a good brown or deeper color and felt the lipsticks available were too greasy. She then created what she wanted: rich, opaque, pigment filled lip colors. Her first collection was called "Seven Deadly Sins".

POPPY was a success almost instantly in (her homeland) Australia and then she launched the line in the United States in 1993. She appeared in many top magazines and television programs around the world.

In 2002, after more than 10 years as CEO of Poppy Industries, Poppy King dissolved her company and later that year was named the Color Designer and Vice President, Creative Marketing for Prescriptives.

Poppy never stopped thinking of lipstick and lip products; so in 2006 she returned to having her own business. This time using the nickname friends call her: Lipstick Queen.

I have been wanting to look at Lipstick Queen ever since the product line was released in December (I still have about 20 lipsticks from her Poppy days so I know what a color and texture genius she is). I finally got to check it out at the Barneys New York in Chicago last weekend and I was not disappointed.

Lipstick Queen's first product collection offers 20 lipsticks. 10 shades in two different formulas, Saint or Sinner. Saint has 10% pigment and Sinner has 90% pigment. Sinner is labeled as a matte lipstick. Remember, this is Poppy King, so this matte lipstick is actually very smooth and creamy. The Saint lipsticks are sheer and moist and provide just enough color depth for those who like something a little lighter.

There are beautiful colors (Rust, Wine, Red, Berry and Coral) and gorgeous neutral tones (Rose, Natural, Pink, Nude and Rouge) that will have your friends oohing and aahing every time you wear your shade. I thought I would end up with a Wine or Berry Saint, but after testing a few colors in both formulas I ended up with Wine Sinner. I fell in love with the color and creamy texture.

You've also got to visit the Lipstick Queen website. My favorite section was Shades. After you choose between the Sinner and Saint categories you find yourself looking at the product packaging and all ten shades of lipstick. What makes this section unique is that you click on the shade you're interested in and a larger image of it appears with a description of the color (I compared my lipstick and can say with confidence that the color you're shown is very accurate).

Lipstick Queen is available at barneys.com and select stores.

Welcome Back, Poppy!! I can't wait to see what you do next.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Must Reads in Lucky Magazine April issue

The April issue of Lucky Magazine is filled with so many wonderful pretty pictures I wanted to mention a few articles that deserve your full attention too.

The Beauty Spy section always catches my eye because there's so many new fun beauty products to discuss. Don't miss the "surprise bestseller!" on page 186. I was so intrigued by the cute packaging I couldn't wait to look through the rest of the magazine before checking out the Crazylibellule and the Poppies solid perfume on amazon.com. (I just ordered three of the seven scents and will let you know what I think when I've gotten a chance to try them)

The "Do It Yourself" article that starts on page 212 has four women getting advice from a dermatologist and a makeup artist on choosing sunscreen. All four women have very different lifestyles and there's great advice on how to tackle specific sunscreen issues.

I know you would find the Lucky Spring Bag Guide on your own, but it's so wonderful, I just had to gush a little. The 10 different categories offer such variety, in style and price, that you'll find yourself wanting more than one new handbag this season. Be sure to check out the model (and bag) pictured with each category to see how a specific style would work in real life.

Lucky Breaks (p.281-286) has one big and three smaller giveaways and 15 discount offers worth reviewing. Beautyhabit.com, Tocca and Rafe are just a few of the participants this month. There are also eight exclusive luckybreaksonline.com deals on page 54.

If you don't already have a copy, the April issue of Lucky magazine is in stores now. Visit their website at luckymag.com.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Why I Love Buying Clothes at Target

Yes, that Target. You've seen the great ads. But you're wondering if it's really the store for you. Do yourself a favor, go to your nearest Target when you have an hour (or two) to really explore it. You won't be disappointed.

To keep my focus, I'm just discussing women's clothing and accessories in this post.

I'll start by naming names. Clothing Designers offered: Issac Mizrahi, Mossimo, Liz Lange and their "Go!International" brand that currently features clothing designed by Proenza Schouler. And Target just introduced Handbags and Sandals designed by Rafe.

The Spring tees and shorts they have in store right now are definitely worth a look. Match a cute cap sleeve tee with a fun pair of Madras Plaid shorts and you've got a great outfit for under $30. The graphic tees, both men's and women's, are so cool you'll find yourself wondering if you should by three or four.

Whether it's a dress, blazer, jacket, sweater, tank top, skirt or pants, the clothing assortment is so extensive that you'll be able to find just what you want in no time. And if you're in the market for a new bathing suit, this is the place to go. Plenty of one pieces and lots of bikini options (tops and bottoms are sold separately to ensure a perfect fit).

Make sure you check out shoes. I'm serious. I saw a friend last year in these amazing metallic wedges and was surprised when she said she purchased them at Target. Not so surprised (I just hadn't looked) that I couldn't go out the next day and pick up a pair for myself. And the selection is even better this year. The espadrilles they're offering will keep you in step with 2007 Spring trends.

The belt selection is great too; I learned this from the same friend who brought the shoe selection to my attention. When I'm in the market for a new belt, I look at Target before I go anywhere else. And they haven't let me down yet. What's even better? They're under $20.

I hope you enjoy your Target trip as much as I enjoy mine. If you don't have a Target near you, you can find them through the Internet at target.com.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Stella McCartney and skinCARE

CARE by Stella McCartney, inspired by her personal philosophies, is a line of luxury skincare made with 100% certified, organic active ingredients. While many products in the marketplace throw the word "organic" around like a hot tamale, CARE by Stella McCartney is formulated under the rigorous standards of ECOCERT - an international organic certification mark.

CARE by Stella McCartney's nine products (two cleansers, one toner, three elixirs and two moisturizers) contain NO petrochemicals, silicones, chemical preservatives, endangered plant species and genetically-modified or animal-derived ingredients.


Both cleansers remove makeup and impurities. The Purifying Milk Cleanser, geared for normal to dry or sensitive skin, also soothes and comforts your skin. The Purifying Foaming Cleanser is better for those with combination or normal to oily skin.

The Toning Floral Water, meant to be used between cleansing and moisturizing, will tone, soothe and assist your moisturizer.

The three elixirs, think of these as serums, are designed to meet skin specific needs and compliment the 5 Benefits Moisturizing Lotion/Cream. The Nourishing Elixir helps to firm and revitalize your skin. The Radiance & Youth Elixir stimulates and energizes lackluster skin. The Soothing & Calming Elixir gently soothes and comforts skin that needs a little TLC.

I tried all three elixirs and the texture is different for each. The Nourishing Elixir has the consistency of a lightweight face oil, the Radiance Elixir is a quick drying gel and the Soothing & Calming Elixir is a lightweight lotion.

Both facial moisturizers hydrate and protect your skin. You're supposed to choose either fluid or cream depending on what texture you prefer. I tried the 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream; it's a lighter weight cream, not thick and heavy at all.

There are couple of things to consider if you're thinking of purchasing any of the CARE by Stella McCartney products. Since CARE by Stella McCartney is made with organic raw materials that are not refined or chemically modified; no two batches will be the same. When you go to replenish an item, the new one may have a variation in color or aroma level. And if you have known skin allergies, pay close attention to the ingredient list. All essential oils (there's quite a few) are listed on the product label so you can avoid any ingredients that cause you irritation.

Best way to try the line? Pick up the Discovery Set. You get a 5ml trial size of each of the three elixirs and the 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream. CARE by Stella McCartney is available at select Sephora stores and sephora.com.