Archive for October, 2010

Today’s Glamour Every Day Assignment: Get a Stylist

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

In Hollywood, everyone has one. But in the real world, most of us are left to fend for ourselves, forced to make uneducated style choices like how to wear ruffles without looking like a pirate and what kind of open toe shoes we can sport with socks.

To add insult to injury, there’s no one to help us create a library of cocktail party looks to choose from in a pinch (accessories, shoes and all) or to email us a customized packing list for our next tropical vacation. Or is there?

You may never see Rachel Zoe any closer than the distance from your futon to your flat screen but today, dolls, you too can benefit from a personal closet manager and fashion assistant to help categorize your clothes, keep track of outfits you’ve worn and when you wore them (lest you be caught on the concrete runway wearing the same thing twice) and even help create mood boards and inspirations for outfits you’re putting together. It’s all possible thanks to an iPod and iPhone app called Stylebook ($3.99 at stylebookapp.com).

The Stylebook App Interface

In search of great virtual style, I also tested out other virtual stylists including mvm.com, My Virtual Model, and istylista.com, an online personal shopping service founded by stylist Chantelle Znideric, but Stylebook emerged as a clear favorite.

Using the apps built in camera, I’m able to photograph my own clothes, bag, shoes and accessories. I can assemble looks on the fly by viewing a preview of my closet, and I can even create shopping lists for items still missing in my wardrobe. Individual pieces can be layered and resized to create virtual look books. And if I’m still not sure that any one look is going to wow critics (or co-workers), I can share looks with others via email to garner feedback or suggestions.

And while the Stylebook app can help with a variety of virtual wardrobe needs, some basic fashion sense is required to get started so I’ve rounded up a few on-trend tips to ensure that your virtual style is virtually perfect.

Three:  The most items in the same color to wear together.

If the shoe fits… build an outfit around it. Do make a standout pair of heels the foundation for a number of go-to looks.

Zero: The number of times you should coordinate your shirt with your shoes.

Mix it up: Do pair high end pieces with affordable staples form H & M, Zara, Forever 21 and the like.

More is more: When it comes to accessories, minimalism is so last year. Feel free to pile on necklaces, bangles and the like.

Have you tried Stylebook to create your own look book?

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Posted in Glamorous Travel, Glamour Puss Style | 1 Comment »

Mani Monday: Plucked from the Pumpkin Patch

Monday, October 25th, 2010

I’m infatuated with fall.

Blame it on the amazing weather we’re experiencing in Chicago; still crisp and beautiful a full month into fall.

Or the package of pumpkin scented beauty products I’ve just finished reviewing here.

It may just be the view from my balcony and the way it pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavored coffee I sip in the mornings as I sit outside and plan my day.

Fall in my backyard

Or the camel Calvin Klein coat that makes anything it goes over feel runway ready.

It could be the pumpkin waffles the country club in my neighborhood serves up at Sunday brunch. (Although, wait, I don’t eat those since they’re surely full of the white sugar and white flour my trainer insists I eschew.)

Whatever the reason, this obsession with all things autumn followed me to my favorite spa today where I insisted on an uncharacteristically colorful manicure in “Chopsticking to My Story” from OPI. Because, frankly, it screamed changing leaves and carving pumpkins.

Chopsticking to My Story

 Which autumn hued manicures have you fallen for this season?

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Posted in Mani Monday, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Party Pretty On A Budget

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

How to plan and pay for your own spa party

For serial party hostesses like me, inspiration for a spa soiree can hit at any moment. I’ve thrown beauty bashes inspired by stationary, cupcake flavors, even songs… Mani Monday, anyone? But for most women, a spa party is driven by special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, babies and the like.

The “why?” easily answered, start planning your spa soiree by deciding where you’ll host it. Whether at home, at a spa or even at your favorite local boutique, the “when” for your event will be dictated by your schedule and that of your host location.

Your favorite spa or salon is likely to have party options to fit a variety of budgets and may even offer some amenities free of charge for groups – think appetizers and cocktails. But don’t be afraid to think outside of the box in terms of locations. Your neighborhood boutique may be willing to close their doors for you and your guests on a typically slow Monday evening. Same with a local makeup studio; some will offer private use of their space an even gratis makeovers on week nights. My company, PrettyCity.com, recently hosted a beauty bash for 500 women at Flirty Girl Fitness, pole dancing classes and manicures rounded off the fun, festive vibe.

Once you have your dubs — who, what, where, when — locked down, it’s time to set your budget. I’ll keep my financial advice to one jewel even Ms. Orman would approve of: Decide upon your budget and stick to it mercilessly. To that end, read on for some money-saving party tips that would make even Suze proud.

Skip the paper invites. Classic invitations can be lovely but when looking to cut costs, E-vites are effective and economical.

Ticings from Ticings.com

Do opt for DIY “gourmet” food. If the sky’s limit, pick upscale nibbles and sweets for your guests but if cash is tight, you can turn to DIY elements to make even economical eats appear gourmet. For example, if offering cupcakes bake your own and add a custom Ticing, thin sheets of edible icing printed with designs using food-grade inks. Priced at about $12 for a dozen, you can choose from ready-made Ticings or upgrade to customized designs at ticings.com.

Autumn Leaves and Acorn Fondant Cupcake Toppers

At TwoSugarBabies on Etsy.com, edible fondant cupcake toppers are available in designs including monograms, baby footprints, modern flowers and more and sell for $10 to $18 per dozen with custom designs also available.

Just say no to flower power; flowers are gorgeous but there’s room to save by decorating with fresh fruits, lollipop bouquets and even candy buffets which can serve as décor and dessert.

You can save and still splurge by picking up budget-buys on most items but offering up one luxe element. Akin to wearing a Hanes white tank with your Citizens Of Humanity denim, a well placed signature element can up the quality of your spa soiree without sending costs skyrocketing.

For example, at a recent spa party I hosted at my home, guests were greeted by martini glasses on a silver platter upon entering. Each glass was filled with several hues of nail polish and a sign that read, “Take a drink, you’ll need it.” After lunch, pedicures for all were the surprise du jour and those martini glasses were the signature element that guests still talk about.

I already owned the glasses, and still do, and the drugstore polishes set me back $2.50 a pop, proving that your party doesn’t have to break the bank to become the talk of the town.

Posted in Pretty Parties | 2 Comments »

Tabatha Tells All

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

After watching Tabatha Coffey, star of Bravo TV’s “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” march into salons, tell the owners exactly what they’re doing wrong and berate the staff for being subpar, business owners are left feeling either defensive or inspired.

But as a consumer, it’s hard not to be pleased that Coffey is spreading the gospel of quality to salons across the nation, because while dollars are being pinched in most markets, consumers are still willing to spend to look pretty, and now, more than ever, feel pampered, too.

I chatted with Coffey about the craziness she’s seen in stylist chairs across the nation as well as how consumers can apply her no BS attitude to getting the look they want at their next salon visit.

Tabatha Coffey

CB: What should consumers beware of when selecting a new stylist?

TC: Clients should feel comfortable and listened to when they are going to a new stylist.

CB: Is the customer always right?

TC: Yes, to a point. As a professional I know what does and doesn’t work for a clients hair and will give my advice. If a client then decides to proceed with a service I think won’t work for their hair, I will be honest so their expectations are met.

CB: What’s the worst thing you’ve witnessed at the salons you’ve visited, Tabatha?

TC: I’ve witnessed so much that’s bad from lack of leadership, filth, bad work and bad attitudes, but the thing that really bothers me is when people aren’t open to change and improvement especially when there is always room for it.

CB: What is the biggest mistake salon owner’s make in running their businesses?

TC: A lot of owners don’t have clear plans, policies, procedures and visions for their businesses. They become complacent and let things slide, sometimes because they don’t like confrontation and other times because they haven’t been clear in what their expectations are.

To have a successful business you need to have policies and rules and always be aware to what is going on, so you can make the changes you need to make to keep yourself and your staff on track and adhere to the standards that you have set.

CB: You don’t seem to pull any punches; any advice for how we can all emulate your ability to communicate the good, the bad and the ugly effectively?

TC: It’s about honesty and sometimes the truth is hard to hear. As an owner you have to be honest with yourself and your staff so you can always reach or exceed client expectations, and keep raising the bar higher.

The only way to keep on track is by communicating and addressing issues and holding people accountable and not compromising your standards.

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be among the first to know about weekly features including Mani Monday and Freebie Friday.

Posted in Everyday Glamour, Glam Ramblings | 1 Comment »

Fall in Love with Pumpkin Inspired Beauty Treats

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Think pumpkin and you’re likely to conjure up pies and jack-o-lanterns, but when it comes to looking gorgeous, the benefits of pumpkin infused products are far from seasonal. 

Pumpkin is rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as Zinc, and it contains an exfoliating enzyme that’s sure to get skin glowing.  

But don’t just wander into your local drugstore or Sephora and pick anything pumpkin out of their product patch; I’ve rounded up a list of the best in pumpkin beauty products, from scrubs to peels and beyond.

mychelle.com's Incredible Pumpkin Peel

Incredible Pumpkin Peel

Why, yes it is. MyChelle’s Incredible Pumpkin Peel packs a big skin brightening punch in a petite plastic jar.  Crafted of organic pumpkin puree plus pineapple and organic ginger, this tingly little mask is ideal for sun damaged skin, dull skin and acne prone skin. Yes, you’ll feel the sensation as natural acids banish dead skin cells, but best of all you’ll see the difference after using this Incredible Pumpkin Peel. Get it for $26.69 at mychelle.com. 

Bella Luce Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub

Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub
Wherever you live, with one scoop of this fiery orange scrub from Bella Luccè fall is in full swing.  Pumpkin pulp and pumpkin seed oil combine with organic cane sugar and a host of other natural ingredients to make smoothing skin, from head to toe, as easy – and yummy – as pie.  Get it for $25.50 at bellalucce.com
 
 

Clientele’s Elastology Thermal Pumpkin Facial Scrub

Thermal Pumpkin Facial Scrub

Some like it hot and some will get it hot with just a splash of water and Clientele’s Elastology Thermal Pumpkin Facial Scrub.  Honey, apples, cinnamon and a blend of pumpkin enzymes are activated with water to create a warming, exfoliating mask that reveals a fresh, glowing complexion.  The result is a strangely soothing and spa like sensation that you’ll get in the comfort of your own home. In fact, you won’t have to leave home to purchase Thermal Pumpkin Facial Scrub since it’s available for $35 from qvc.com.

ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment

ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment

Ideal for those with sensitive skin, Kate Somerville’s exfoliating treatment polishes skin until it glows. Papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple enzymes promise to reduce the appearance of pore size and stimulate circulation, giving skin that I-just-went-for-a-three-mile-jog glow.  The Kate Somerville collection is adored by A-listers such as Olivia Wilde, Kristen Bell, Felicity Huffman, Kate Walsh and Kim Kardashian. But finding out what all the celebrity fuss is about will cost you; ExfoliKate Gentle sells for $65 for 2oz. at www.katesomerville.com 

Carve your own

You don’t have to venture out to get gorgeous; you can serve up this seasonal beauty mask in the comfort of your own home.  All you’ll need is one cup of fresh papaya, an 18 oz. can of pure pumpkin and one egg.  Mash the papaya, beat the egg and then fold all of the ingredients together. Apply the mask to clean, dry skin and allow the mask to sit for 10 minutes. Finally, remove with warm water followed by a splash of cold water.  A complete serving of pumpkin pretty skin is now yours anytime.

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Posted in Daily Love it or Leave it, Great Skin is the foundation for Glamour | 2 Comments »

Mani Monday: Drugstore Hues to Have and Hold

Monday, October 11th, 2010

I have a penchant for overpriced shoes and I don’t own a thing from Forever 21. It’s not that I don’t want to; my girlfriends always seem to sport adorable finds from XXI, but I’m never that fortunate. Just my luck, I seem to be the type who only unearths flattering dresses at Net-a-Porter.

Sinful Colors in Darkar Copper

So imagine my joy, no sheer delight, when I discovered a $2.50 drugstore beauty find right under my decidedly un-practical nose. It’s a nail polish brand called Sinful Colors and it’s available at most local drugstores for just over two bucks.

The colors are sparkly, long-lasting, shine-inducing shades of scarlet, gold, fuchsia and beyond. Like the ”Darkar Copper” I’m sporting today, it looks rich but it’s unimaginably cheap.

And that’s the kind of luxury I can’t afford to keep to myself.

What’s your favorite chic and cheap beauty buy?

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Posted in Glam Colors + Glam Cocktails, Mani Monday | 1 Comment »

Etsy Tour of Beauty

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

You’ve undoubtedly heard of Etsy.com, the online destination for handmade and vintage items from all over the world. Yet you may not have realized that amongst the jewelry, vintage apparel and pottery, there are a bevy of beauty products – from lipstick to skin care – worth taking note of.

Blueberries and Cream Whipped Soap

 Whip It Good

FairyBubbles’ Etsy Shop is filled with delectable soaps, body butters, lip balms and more all of which are handmade in the Lone Star State. But it’s the Blueberries and Cream Whipped Soap that caught my eye.

Rich and creamy, yet strangely fluffy, this moisturizing soap offers up a heaping serving of cleansing bubbles to hydrate even the most parched skin. Get it for $4.25 for 2 oz. at etsy.com/shop/fairybubbles.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Handmade glycerin soaps from Inner Earth Soaps

Soaps from Down Under

If good old fashioned bar soap is your thing, check out the sampler package of handmade glycerin soaps crafted in Australia at Inner Earth Soaps’ Etsy Shop. 

The six piece sampler ser includes your choice of best selling soap scents. Choose from Bloke Soap, Coconut Lime, Gardenia, Guava Fig, Honey Toffee, Kakadu, Lavender Mint, Lavender Silk, Mango Papaya, Mystic Spice, Ocean Spa, Orange Mocha, Pampered Pooch, Patchouli Lemongrass, Pomegranate, Strawberry Fields and  Vanilla Buttercream.  Get the set for $9.50 at etsy.com/shop/innerearthsoaps.

Cupcake Bath Bombs

Sweet Bath Scents

An adorable take on the bath bomb, I adore these cupcake bath bombs from Sugar and Spice Soap Co.

Crafted of a refreshingly short list of ingredients, these cupcake shaped products are long on moisture, thanks to an infusion of aromatherapy oils. And with a variety of delicious scents from Coconut Lime Verbena to Grape Soufflé and beyond, you’re sure to find one you’re sweet on. Get ‘em for $4.50 online at etsy.com/shop/sugarandspicesoapco.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taprobaine Parfum au Naturel

Handcrafted Luxury

Spend some time on Etsy and you’ll quickly discover that just because something is handmade doesn’t mean it’s a tchotchke.

As if to prove that point, THERAPEUTATE’s Etsy Shop features a variety of perfumes priced from $15 to $275 and crafted in Brooklyn, NY of organic, wild-grown and therapeutic botanicals, absolutes and organic grape seed alcohol. Taprobaine Parfum au Naturel is a favorite, inspired by a trip perfumer Rodney Hughes took to Sri Lanka. Get a 1.7 oz. bottle for $225 at Etsy.com/shop/THERAPEUTATE.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Mineral Lipstick Tubes

Naturally Pretty

At BLSoaps’ Etsy Shop, best-selling lip balms meet a hint of color in Mineral Lipstick Tubes. A dash of Vanilla flavors these lipsticks that are hand crafted of a stunningly short list of organic, natural and sustainable ingredients including Macadamia Nut Oil, Sustainable Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sustainable Palm Kernel Oil, Beeswax, Castor Oil, Oxides, Mica  and Flavor Oil.

The .07 oz. tube comes in Bitten, a deep raspberry red; Alchemist, a soft peach; First Kiss, a soft pink; Sweet Venom, a hot fuchsia; Andromeda, a deep shimmery red; Cacao Kiss, a warm bronze; Coral Crush, a bright coral; Morticia, a rich plum; Pomegranate Pucker, a warm sheer red; Honey Kissed, a sheer peach; and Smudge, a vibrant ruby hue.  Get’ em for $9.95 each at etsy.com/shop/BLSoaps.

Dry Facial Mask

Custom Skin Care

Also from BLSoaps, those looking to save face will love this dry facial mask replete with ginger, chamomile, calendula, lemongrass essential oil and comfrey. These 100% natural and preservative free masks can be customized at home based on your skin type (or your skin’s changing hormonal needs). To treat dry skin, mix the mask with yogurt or olive oil. For normal skin, dry masks can be combined with honey or just plain h2o, while oily skin is treated by mixing the mask with witch hazel, honey or even lemon juice. Get the masks for $7.95 each at etsy.com/shop/BLSoaps.

P.S. It’s Freebie Friday and I’m giving one lucky reader my fave Etsy beauty product. Just leave a comment, send me a tweet @prettycity or comment under this blog entry on Facebook and tell me what you think of Etsy.

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be among the first to know about weekly giveaways including Mani Monday and Freebie Friday.

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Posted in Glam Gifts, Glam Ramblings | No Comments »

Mani Monday: Still Sparkling

Monday, October 4th, 2010

My minx is gone (had to have it removed in the interest of testing new lacquers), but I wasn’t quite ready to quit sparkling. 

So today, Mani Monday, I’m opting for “Rage” from Orly, a rose gold foil with shine to spare. It looks as if my fingernails are dripping in champagne. Now, I’m off to find a party.

Rage by Orly

P.S. The winner of October 1 Freebie Friday is Colleen Tribout Politi. Please email me your mailing address at carolyn at prettycity dot com. Congrats!

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be among the first to know about weekly giveaways including Mani Monday and Freebie Friday.

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Posted in Mani Monday | No Comments »

Freebie, Frenzied Friday

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Korres AntiAgeing & AntiWrinkle Eye Cream

Today is my husband’s birthday. (Happy birthday, baby.)

Today is just five days from October 6, the day we host one of our biggest events in the season in Chicago, The Beauty Sample Sale, with SHAPE Magazine.

Today is the day my parents, my brother, sister and brother-in-law arrive to spend the weekend at my house.

Today is the day I host an intimate party for my husband and 40 friends to celebrate his birthday. It’s the day I pick up cupcakes, flowers, call those who haven’t RSVP’d and get my hair done.

Today was also the day my 9 year old lost a battle with the playground and won six stitches in his head. (He’s just fine.) So today is the day I go to the Emergency Room and remember how much I appreciate smart doctors and kind nurses.

And of course, today is Freebie Friday.

How fitting that today, of all days, I share with you one of my favorite products for keeping all of life’s daily stressors from leaving their mark around your eyes.

Korres Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Eye Cream reduces wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Ideal every day, but especially useful on those days when your to-do list requires more than cucumbers and good genes.  You can get it for $42 at korresusa.com

Happy Freebie Friday, my pretties.  Here’s to facing life beautifully, no matter what it throws your way.

Wanna win? Comment below, send me a tweet  @prettycity or post on facebook and check back on Mani Monday for the winner.

Keep livin’ the pretty life by subscribing to my blog via email or RSS. Plus, be among the first to know about weekly giveaways including Mani Monday and Freebie Friday.

Posted in Freebie Friday, Glam Ramblings | 4 Comments »