It’s still Winter, but I’ve got Spring – and a trip to Paris in late March – on my mind.  What better occasion to start shopping for cute, wearable, walkable flats for a Paris (or NYC) jaunt?  I certainly love boots, but with the frigid temps this Winter, I long to throw on a flowing skirt, a cardigan, and a cute pair of flats!  It would be lovely to take a nice, slush-free walk.  Hurry up, Spring!

The Perfect Dahlia Flat from Ann Taylor, is a classic leather ballet flat made from printed satin and held to the highest standards of quality. It has padding from heel to sole for incredible comfort, which means these flats were made for walking. It has a rounded square toe (that almost seems like an oxymoron, huh?), which has plenty of room for your toes but still a line that elongates the leg. Leather lining and ridged leather sole. It’s 1/4″ heel is just perfect.  Can’t you just imagine skipping around Paris in these? $98

Frye Gleaming Dandy Skimmers – I found these are Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores. I definitely agree with them that Frye has mastered the art of chic simplicity! This smooth green leather flat has great stitched detail with lovely gold piping. I love the shape and the detail on the heel.  It’s so flattering to the foot!  I know so many women who worry that flats make their feet look large, but the detail here flatters the heel and arch and makes feet appear small and shapely.  $128

For a comfortable flat, you really cannot go wrong with the selection at Cole Haan.  They have a complete line of flats and heels with Nike Air® technology.  The concealed Nike Air® technology offers ultimate cushioning and maximum support – so you can walk all day without sore arches.  The Air Dana Ballerina Flat is  classic ballerina flat redefines modern artisan sophistication in a favorite American silhouette.  My favorite is the plumeria snake-embossed leather.  The pearlized leather Air Dana has a fully padded leather sock lining.  The stained leather sole with rubber forepart also has a mini stacked heel for some extra arch support. $148

I don’t think a girl can live without an adorable pair of flats with a bow or floral detail on them! I love the Lovely Flat from Børn, available at Nordstrom. An over-sized flower graces the round toe of a supple leather flat with a cushioned foot bed. The upper and lining are leather, with a flexible rubber sole. This one comes in pink, green, yellow, and black. I can’t even choose a favorite. Green or yellow?  Pink or black?  Decisions!  I may just need more than one pair! $84.95

These flats from Lucky Brand are hard to put into a category, but they are so fun and colorful I just had to include them in my list of favorites!  Lucky Brand’s Hazel flats add a pop of color to any outfit with their modern art-inspired patchwork and feminine shape. They go with so many things.  You can punch up an otherwise neutral outfit with the lovely accent shades of turquoise, orange, and even pink.  I am imagining them with skinny jeans in an uber dark wash and a cute hobo bag to take me from shop to shop in the City of Lights. $89

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and beauty rituals must be observed. How do you get ready for the romance equivalent of the Super Bowl? We from UpSpring PR’s Beauty Team are opening our Little Black Book just for you:

Cost-effective, painless and fast, book yourself a legendary Brazilian wax at J’Aime Day Spa for $30.

It’s time for your impeccable manicure, so here are a few of our favorite NYC spots:

Minx Nails Manicure at Vada Salon come in a variety of metallic colors and designs for $40.

Not looking for the Minx Manicure? Well, then your choice is Rescue Beauty Lounge. Just $30 for the best manicure in NYC!

It’s proven that men love to run their hands through sexy, touchable hair. That means you need to book that blowout post-haste. Make an immediate appointment for the best expert blow out in all of Manhattan at Concept Salon, for the bargain price of just $35.

So, now that the experts at J’aime have tidied things up, let’s take a look at a bit of lingerie! Let’s be honest what you wear on the date isn’t half as important as what you’re going to be revealing. Whether it lies beneath your clothes or you’re going to “slip into something more comfortable,” this is when the lingerie is the center of attention.

Step outside of conventional red negliges with Victoria’s Secret Mesh & Lace Bikini. Just $70 for the set.

And for the perfect finishing touch, we’ve turned to the experts at Agent Provocatuer for a garter belt sure to send chills up and down his spine.

Get the Love Garter for $50 and complete your Valentine’s Day outfit…well, the one that really matters that is.

Taking the evening from nice to naughty, our Valentine’s Day Essentials guide just wouldn’t be complete without after hours activities for two! Here’s our lust list of our favorite Babeland must-haves:

Be Romantic:

Babeland’s Massage Candle Trio ($28) sets the mood while warm, hot wax transforms into massage oil for a romantic rub down.

Be Seductive:

Another Babeland favorite, the Babeland Body Kit. Complete with edible oils, melting massage bars, bath fizz, a vibrating flash light and candles, you will be sure to have an out-of-body experience. All for just $25.

Be Playful:

For the adventurous ladies out there, get competitive with a game of Dirty Dice. With one die dedicated to body parts, and the other to action commands, let the dice decide where the night will take you.

You are running out of time, so book your necessary appointments now and indulge in a Valentine’s Day beauty binge! It’s sure to be a night you will never forget.

Ahh, Valentine’s Day. Has Cupid struck you with gift ideas yet? We’ve got the scoop on what to bequeath your lady friend on the most romantic day of the year. Even if she doesn’t pluck daisies or don pearl necklaces, your gal is sure to appreciate our handpicked goodies.

I’ll start you off with the Philosophy Flirty Girl Set ($35, Sephora). Inside, you’ll find three sweet surprises. The first is a good-sized bottle of all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and bubble bath to start your evening. Pucker up– the creatively designed box also comes with a shimmery Lip Shine. And instead of splurging on massage oil, you can use the yummy scented Body Lotion to work out those knots.

This vintage inspired mini-dress by Blaque Label ($148, Karmaloop) balances sexy and sweet. She’ll be impressed with your style when she sees the lacy cocktail frock, which can be dressed up with black tights and a funky fedora, or worn solo with a classic pair of black pumps.

If your budget is small, but your heart is big (we know, bad pun) consider these cutesy ankle socks from Topshop ($6, us.topshop.com). The black background gives an edgier kick to the white heart pattern, and the material will keep her tootsies warm and fashionable on frigid winter days.

If your lady loves rings (but you’re not ready to pop the question), take a peek at the Lulu Guinness Crystal Pave Ring ($75.50 at LuluGuinness.com). The white bronze ring has a lip-shaped design with red crystals adorning the top. Just be sure to stand upright when you hand her the box.

We know you think she smells great, but since variety is the spice of life, let’s take a gander at the Gucci ‘Flora by Gucci’ Eau de Parfum Spray ($80, Nordstrom). The scent is inspired by past royalty, and contains notes of citrus, pepper, and sandalwood. The fresh new scent comes in a delicate container with an elegant black bow.

Toying with the idea of lingerie? Figure out her sizes (make sure to get them right, gentlemen!) and pick up the Flirty Lace Balconette Bra ($28.50) and Flirty Lace String Thong ($12.50) at Express. The “Hot Stuff” color is perfect for your valentine, and although it looks expensive, the price is easy on the wallet.

Speaking of wallets, here’s a fun option from Wetseal. The Quilted Flower Hinge Wallet ($10.50 at Wetseal.com) is girlie, sweet, and will add a feminine touch to a sexy LBD. It doubles as a clutch and will keep her hard-earned cash safe in a zippered inside pocket.

Still stumped? If your girl adamantly refuses to be given anything Valentines-y (but you still want to look like a don), surprise her with these delicious scented candles from Henri Bendel ($35).  The frosted glass containers have Bendel’s signature stripe, and since it’s already in a pretty box, you don’t need to spend extra on gift-wrap.

Happy hunting, gentlemen!

Now through Saturday January 30th, 2010, spend $50 with Lancôme at Saks Fifth Avenue and here’s what you can walk away with: A black mini bowling bag filled with a slew of makeup samples, such as a Color Design eye shadow compact featuring several star shades, Color Design Lipcolor in Pale Lip and the always-popular Définicils Mascara. Choose your own anti-aging trio, including a day cream, eye cream and serum, from the Rénergie, High Résolution or Absolue Premium ?x collections.

This offer is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and only runs through this Saturday, January 30!  Don’t miss out – take advantage of a great opportunity for Lancôme goodies and samples!

In 2009, there wasn’t a conventional handbag in sight. Designers released funky, structured totes with zippers, studs, grommets, and other bold adornments to catch the eye and infuse a glamorous rocker element to collections. This spring, however, is going to be all about the classics. Natural materials with subtler tones will reign supreme on the runways. Pop your embellished totes in the closet for safekeeping and check out these must-haves for 2010.

1) Neutrals and subdued hues complement all shades and are great for the days when you want a bold outfit to stand out. This Jackie North-South tote from Liz Claiborne comes in a rich brown color and a comfy strap for lugging files to work. The platform bottom ensures that your folders, computer, and lunch will remain tidy on that bumpy subway ride. At Dillards.com, $111.

2) Unisex handbags for men will appear on the streets as gentlemen ditch their knapsacks and briefcases in favor of feminine styles. I’m a fan of this tangerine satchel from Topman, which features an adjustable shoulder strap as well as a top handle. Spill your coffee on the way to work? No problem- the material is machine washable. At Topman, $60.

3) Cross-body straps will become more popular as both sexes begin wearing bags closer to their bodies. Check out the Sasha Crossbody from Fossil, which features a large front pocket to hold your essentials and is made from shiny vintage leather. With inside pockets and a zip close, this earthy eggplant tote is perfect for a day of shopping in the big city. At Fossil, $108.

4) Nature-inspired bolds are a refreshing burst of color among the season’s beiges and browns. I dig this fabulous beach tote from Diane Von Furstenberg. The fuchsia background and tropical flower prints are sure to cheer you up on rainy days (and speaking of rain, there’s an inside zip pocket to make sure your cell phone stays dry). $75, at Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

5) For a groovy option that doesn’t involve prints, consider this juicy red hobo from Joe’s Jeans. The leather strap is adjustable and includes a cross-body option, and the slouchy shape makes it a great match with your favorite pair of jeans. The Celine Hobo is available at revolveclothing.com, $159.

6) Pouches provide you with a way to carry numerous items while keeping the shape of your bag intact and not appearing overstuffed. I like this bohemian sack by Cleobella. The material is hand-woven canvas, and the print is suitable for both beach and office. The best part? This hue goes with any shade, and I think it would be particularly lovely with a lemony summer dress. Cleobella, $94.

]]> http://beyondbeautybasics.com/high-five-top-spring-2010-handbag-trends/feed/ 1 http://beyondbeautybasics.com/holiday-high-five-top-5-stocking-stuffers/ http://beyondbeautybasics.com/holiday-high-five-top-5-stocking-stuffers/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:26:56 +0000 Jennifer Long-Levy http://beyondbeautybasics.com/?p=4055

Need to give your BFF, your favorite coworker, or a family member a little holiday gift or stocking stuffer?  We’ve chosen our ten favorites for this season

#1 – The Crazy Sticks by CrazyLibellule and the Poppies:  The Parisian perfumer is known for its deliciously addicting scent solids encased in small tubes, perfect for carrying in your clutch purse or tucking into a holiday stocking. They are easy to apply and layer, and you can go crazy and have fun mixing scents.  Some of my favorite scents are from their Poule de Luxe Collection, which has a lot of Vanilla-based scents such as Vanilla Lemon Pie, Vanilla Fruit Sorbet and Vanilla Ganache.  Why not smell delicious?  $18 at Sephora.

#2 The Small Makeup Bag from Apple & Bee: You all know how much we love green and organic products at Beyond Beauty Basics.  Apple & Bee creates their bags with high-quality natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo silk, and calico. The company has a neutral carbon footprint and donates a portion of its profits to environmental charities. The small bag retails for around $22 and can be found online at the Apple & Bee website, The Vitamin Shoppe, and green retailer Spirit Beauty Lounge. Small makeup bag measures 4″H x 7″W x 0.5″D.  In keeping with the season, I chose the turtle dove print!

#3 Be Delicious Delicious Bites: Discover two flavors of DKNY’s Be Delicious fragrances. The Be Delicious Delicious Bites gift set comes with two of my favorites: the original DKNY Be Delicious and the latest, DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom. The original scent is a modern feast for the senses, a juicy fragrance that combines the scent of apple with a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers and sensual woods. Like the city that inspired it, Be Delicious celebrates individuality with refreshing spirit. Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is a radiant new fragrance that marries freshness, vibrancy, and femininity. The gift set comes with two 0.24 oz mini bottles of each scent. $38 at Sephora.

#4 Stila Kitten Collection:  This great set features eyeshadow and lip glaze in Stila’s number one selling champagne-pink shade called “Kitten.” Stila’s Kitten Collection comes with the best-selling Eye Shadow shade, which is also  now available in Stila’s legendary high-shine Lip Glaze formula. This set combines the two so you (or whomever you’re shopping for!) can get the complete Kitten look that will have you smitten. Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E for additional skincare benefits, the moisture-rich gloss also contains ultra-fine pearl shimmer that provides amazing shine. An added bonus is that the Kitten Eye Shadow can be worn wet or dry. It stays on all day without creasing or smudging. $18 at Sephora.

#5 Burt’s Bees Mini Lip Gloss Gift Set: This 4-piece set comes with four Super Shiny lip glosses.  The Burt’s Bees Mini Lip Gloss 4-Piece Set is just $14.99 at Target.com.  It comes with Sweet Pink, Nectar Nude, Pucker Berry, and Zesty Red.   Burt’s Bees products are 100% natural.  Drench your lips in moisture and beautiful sheer color gloss.  These hydrating natural lip glosses are flavored with citrus oils for a kiss of fresh-squeezed flavor.  This one is definitely on my list!

If you’re like me, these in-between seasons bits on the year may make for confusing mornings getting ready for work (too early in the season for turtlenecks/cords/tweed??).  The not-so Fall weather in New York City this year has made it extra confusing.  I haven’t even had to break out my winter coat yet!  While I hope it does not mean December will bring a record chill, it has helped me carry a few of my summer pieces into the chillier Fall months.

1. Layering: The easiest way to get more mileage out of those lighter fabrics is to layer, layer, layer. Some essential layering items include cardigans, t-shirts, blazers, and those gorgeous little summer tanks and camis you thought you’d miss all winter.
2. Leggings & Tights: Think of this as an addendum to the layering rule.  Florals are very in this season, and a great way to bring your cotton skirts into the colder months is with leggings and opaque tights.  Tights are also so hot with open-toed this year, so you can continue wearing those (well, until your toes get too cold!).
3. Splurge on a Statement Coat: While you generally want to buy as little as possible in this economy, a great way to update your look is with a coat that makes a statement.  Nothing is worse than ratty outerwear!  The most people will probably see of you is in your winter coat.  If you already have a great coat, some great updates include a great patterned scarf, a brooch, or updating your buttons.  The Double-cloth Lady Day Coat from J.Crew comes in basic colors to modern brights and is sure to punch up your winter wardrobe.
4. Dress Up Your Classics With Accessories: Some basic wardrobe pieces for winter are cardigans. This season, cardigans are everywhere, both classic and with embellishments such as ruffles and beading.  These extra details can be expensive, but you can get this look with your existing classics.  Like with a statement coat, a scarf, brooch or new buttons can make a huge difference.  Layering a great simple cardi with a trendier ruffled blouse (try to avoid ruffles on ruffles, too), or adding a great belt in a punch of color or a great print, like J.Crew’s Cheetah calf-hair belt (left).   Another trendy favorite is adding a fantastic necklace to your wardrobe, like the Nouveau Gem Necklace (pictured right) also by J.Crew (J.Crew is just a great place for classic looks).  Pieces like this also work great with basic turtleneck sweaters for a simple, classic, stylish look.
5. Resole or re-heel last year’s boots: A lot of boots are just classic and can work from year to year.  A good idea is to update last year’s boots by getting them polished and resoled. Last year I got a great pair of knee-high boots by Dolce Vita.  They need some fixing-up on the heels, but I’d be so sad if I had to find a new pair instead!
   

It’s tough to find the right fragrance, especially when you’re getting spritzed from all angles at the department store.  All you really want is to find the perfect cologne that works great against your skin and make you “smell good.” Well here is a little help from our High Five for top men’s cologne in 2009.  These picks have proven to receive some positive compliments from those who have sniffed around me.

I Am King by Sean John - You certainly feel like a king when you spray this sweet and refreshing scent. It’s not a statement of arrogance but rather “a motto of all men who will buy this fragrance.?, says Sean Jean Combs. This cologne has top notes of tangerine juice, orange, cranberry and French berries; middle notes are cassis and sea water; base notes are amalfi lemon, French labdanum, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss and sandalwood.  Sean John again wins Fragrance of the Year 2009 at the 37th FiFi Awards for this unique masculine freshness that I love to use daily for work.

Female feedback: “Mmm I just love that fresh scent of yours.”

Rock Volume I by John Varvatos – John Varvatos is definitely one of my favorite designer scents and has done it again with this limited edition fragrance putting an “edgy feel” and new twist from the original which shares the same top note of sage. Inspired by John Varvatos’ passion for rock ’n roll, the blend of rose absolute and coffee makes this a perfect wear for a fun date! This cologne transforms you with an image of sensuality and an explosive rock ‘n roll vibe.  Oh and the packaging is hands-down impressive having a bolt cap and a heavy metal shell with classic John Varvatos icons carved into it that encases the bottle. You can definitely “Rock ON!” with this scent.

Female feedback: “You smell so delicious, what are you wearing?”

Green Irish Tweed by Creed – I really shouldn’t be sharing my top secret fragrance for fear of everyone (including women as this is considered unisex) will be flocking to get this in their collection.  Usually, I save this favorite fragrance of mine for special events because it’s not exactly inexpensive and it normally gets sold out during the holiday season. Created originally for Cary Grant and worn by Robert Redford and Richard Gere, Green Irish Tweed is an elegant, yet sporty scent with notes of mysore, sandalwood, ambergris, violet leaves, French verbena and Florentine iris. I also suggest layering with other Creed fragrances for a nice mix of aromas.

Female feedback: “You always smell so heavenly!” “You HAVE to tell me what cologne you’re wearing so I can get it for my husband!”

Attitude Extreme by Giorgio Armani - What a perfect name to describe this power fragrance by the design house of Giorgio Armani. It’s a stronger, more intense version of Armani Attitude from 2007. It’s more masculine and unforgettable with notes of Sicilian lemon, star anise, cedar, cardamom, coffee, patchouli and amber. It’s been reworked to display masculinity in a dark, seductive, and potent fashion. I love to wear this in the evening as it strikes a sense of elegance and extreme attitude.

Female feedback: “I couldn’t help but admire your fragrance, you just smell really good.”

Tokyo by Kenzo – Inspired by serene nature and colorful nights in a modern metropolis Tokyo, this fragrance has a distinct masculine scent. It consists of a blend of ginger, lemon, grapefruit, shiso, cardamon, green tea, pink pepper and bitter orange. The allure of this cologne is the ability to blend a modern urban feel with the Japanese tranquility. It’s for the guy who loves the luminous, vibrant lights and scenery of a crazy electric city. Feeling energized from this fragrance, I’m ready for a night out on the town and the busy nightlife.

Female feedback: “Either I love how you dance or that you smell so yum, both work for me.”

The holiday party season is just around the corner and the Estee Lauder Holiday 2009 Ultimate Red Color Collection is here.  This collection contains an array of beautiful winter colors, shimmer powder, reds, purples, and lipsticks in  sexy deep colors.

Seeing the collection has gotten me excited for all of the upcoming holiday parties and weddings I will be attending this season.  It’s made me think I’ll need some sexy red satin peep toe pumps.

For the Face:

• Limited Edition Opulent Shimmer Powder

For Eyes:

• Limited Edition Gel Eyeliner in Black
• Limited Edition TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara in Gold
• Limited Edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Gold Opulence
• Limited Edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Lavish Plum

For Lips:

• Limited Edition Signature Lipstick in Gold
• Limited Edition Signature Lipstick in Simply Red
• Limited Edition Signature Lipstick in Cranberry
• Limited Edition Signature Lipstick in Blackberry
• Limited Edition Opulent Shimmer Gloss in Gold
• Limited Edition Opulent Shimmer Gloss in Cranberry

Nail Color:

• Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Burgundy
• Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Gold

The look in Ultimate Red:

The look in Lavish Plum:

I’ve already been playing with some colors from the collection.  I HAD to have the shimmer powder.  It works well on your face but also looks great with evening wear if you just brush it lightly on your shoulders and décolletage.

My favorite for eyes was the eyeshadow quad in Lavish Plum!  The colors had such a dramatic impact but were easy to apply and I got a great going-out look (lately I’ve been attending a ton of bachelorette parties!).
My husband loved the Simply Red lipstick.  I have full lips, so I tend to shy away from colors that aren’t neutral, but this was so fun for a nighttime look – perfect for ANY party!

Last Friday Purple Lab hosted an intimate Breast Cancer Awareness event at NYC’s members-only Norwood Club. The night was positively perfect; guests were treated to a scrumptious tea service (I love Harney and Sons tea – so classy!) and got to listen to Geralyn Lucas read passages from her amazing book: Why I Wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy. It would be an understatement to say that Geralyn was inspiring. Her story is one that everyone should read and if you haven’t heard of it yet – go buy (or borrow) her book. Seriously.

Also, Purple Lab’s creatrix Karen Robinovitz presented one of the best products I’ve seen in years: SWAC (Sealed with a Cure) lip-gloss. Before I get into the amazing story behind this lip-gloss, lets’ talk about how great it feels to wear it. The lip-gloss goes on smooth and silky without being sticky. But don’t think its one of those non-sticky lipglosses that goes on like water and lasts about 20 minutes; this gloss stays on for hours. The color is a shimmering pale pink so you can literally wear it anytime, anywhere and it’s scented with a hint vanilla so it smells delicious.

Now to the great back-story: a portion of the proceeds from each SWAC lip-gloss sold goes to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. “The Triple Negative what?” you ask yourself? Yeah, I had no idea what it was before last week either. Turns out it’s an extremely aggressive form of cancer that affects younger woman. Sounds like something you should be aware of right? The lip-gloss color itself is named ‘Nancy’, in honor of Nancy Block-Zenna who lost her fight with triple negative breast cancer two and a half years after her diagnosis.

Thank you Karen Robinovitz for creating such a great product with such an important cause!

For more information on triple negative breast cancer, please go to www.tnbcfoundation.org.