Winter is coming and with a new season it is always nice to get a new haircut ... at least if you are in Hollywood! Let's take a look at what some of our favorite celebrities are doing with their hair these days.

Ashley Tisdale's hair: In a possible attempt to get away from her "Sharpay" character on High School Musical, Ashley Tisdale has recently been sporting a shorter, brunette hairdo. This photo is from High School Musical 3 premiere in Rome Oct. 26. Joss Stone's hair: Having cast herself as somewhat of a barefoot hippie, Joss Stone seems to have been glamorized. With sleek, smooth curls and a dark blond color, we think she looks gorgeous. This photo is from the "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign at the Hard Rock Cafe in London on Oct. 29.

Previous posts: SpinLash mascara review, Packing in style, Fall and winter 2008-2009 coat and jacket trends, Variety packs of mini-sized beauty products

Labels: Beyonce and Solange Knowles' hair, Denzel Washington's hair, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's hair, Matt Damon's hair, Zac Efron's hair

Labels: akasha, does it work, SpinLash, spinning mascara review

Every time I go anywhere on vacation I bring a separate bag for my shoes. I just think it is so dirty to pack them with my clothes. Shubi, a new accessory-maker, has the same idea. That is why they have designed cute little bags to transport shoes. These are great if you are a commuter and want to wear sneakers, winter boots or flip-flops and change you shoes at work.

Their products include a 1-piece shoe bag, $29; a 2-piece shoe bag, $38; shoe stuffers, $14/2; and a lil' shubi for kids, $24. Some photos ...



































Previous Posts: Winter coats trends, Variety packs of mini beauty products, Tools for early detection of breast cancer

Labels: diamond shoes, Packing in style, shop smart, shubi, travel accessories

From Old Navy to Target to T.J. Maxx, winter coats priced under $100 are on racks everywhere. Lower-priced retailers are watching the trends on the runways and offering their own, less expensive version. But what should you look for when shopping? Here are some winter coat trends that only will look like you (or your stylist) spent a fortune keeping warm this winter.



Bright colors: From yellow to red, pink and purple, nothing brightens up a dreary winter day like a bold-colored coat. You may not want to make this your everyday coat, but for a second coat a bright color is an excellent fashion statement and will go with more things in your wardrobe than you think. The one in the photo is by Ralph Rucci.

Shorter sleeves: This warmer-weather coat incorporates many of winter's hottest trends, including the ever-popular trench style, a pleated skirt and elbow-length sleeves. Any (or all) of these styles work well on coats. The one in the photo is by Filipe Faisca.

Winter white coat: Winter whites look gorgeous with black accessories (hat, gloves, etc) and can stay really clean if you wear it on days that the weather is not too messy. And, remember, the Labor Day rule about white does not apply here. The coat in the photo is by Nathalie Rykiel.



Previous Posts: Variety packs of mini products, Tools for detecting breast cancer early, Anti-aging around the world

Labels: 2008-2009 coat trends for fall and winter, fall coats, Fendi, Ralph Rucci, Winter coat trends

Do you have a very short attention span when it comes to beauty products? Or maybe you just love to try out new products, but don't have a lot of money? We have the answer. Many different companies offer variety packs of smaller sizes of their products- so you can try it all out, without the pressure of investing big bucks in one item you are not even sure about. These mini products are also great to stash in your bag or to take with you when you travel.

• 0.12 oz Smashbox Bionic Mascara


• 0.10 oz Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara


• 0.11 oz Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara


• 0.10 Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara


• 0.13 oz Too Faced Lash Injection Pin Point Mascara


• 0.10oz Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara


• 0.32 oz Urban decay Big Fatty Mascara


• 0.13 oz DuWop Lash Venom Mascara


• 0.13 oz Korres Deep Colour Mascara


• 0.17 oz Cargo Texas Lash Mascara.
  

Perfume:

Victoria's Secret, Must-have Eau de Parfum Gift Box, $42. This set features 7 of their scents in gorgeous 2.5 oz. sizes.

Includes:

• Dream Angels Heavenly


• Dream Angels Wish


• Very Sexy


• Sexy Little Things


• Body By Victoria


• The Fragrance


• Sexy Little Things


• Ooh La La


• Victoria's Secret Pink

Lipgloss:

Smashbox 'Rapture' Lipgloss Set, $29. This set features 6 shades of gloss in 0.12 oz. sizes.

Includes:

• Illume


• Ravishing


• Candid


• Lovely


• Stunning


• Radiant

Nail polish:

Essie 'Mega Mini' Treasures, $15. This set feature 4 shades of Essie nail polish in 'mega-mini' sizes.

Includes:

• Berry Hard


• Jelly Apple


• Pink Glove Service


• Imported Champagne

Eyeshadow:

Sephora, CARGO ColorCards, $24. Features a tine filled with 28 cards with a single use of eye show on them.

Includes shades:

• Aegean


• Mojave


• Bermuda


• Corsica


• Green Bay


• Yukon

Men's fragrances:

Calvin Klein Coffret, $32. This set, also recommended in our gift guide for men, features 4 popular Calvin Klein fragrances for men in 0.5 oz. sizes.

Includes:

• Euphoria for Men


• Obsession for Men


• Eternity for Men CK One

Labels: Beauty products in mini sizes, sample make-up perfume

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) reports that the 5-year survival rate is 98% when breast cancer is found early. Many organizations have recognized this and put out new tools designed to make it easy to remember to be screened for breast cancer.

The NBCF has an early detection plan on its website that, when customized, gives you the option of receiving screening reminders through your choice of email, SMS, calendar, IM, hardcopy or RSS feed. They also have a portion of their site where they are running inspirational accounts of people fighting breast cancer, an area where you can donate to educational programs and even a link where your click counts toward free mammograms.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure website also has a comprehensive section on early detection and screening. It gives news and information on different types of screening methods - including strengths and weaknesses to procedures. The Komen site also provides an informational document on breast cancer screening methods, when to do them and what questions you may want to ask your doctor.

The American Cancer Society dedicates a portion of its site to breast cancer awareness, prevention and treatment. While this is much less interactive than NBCF.org, it still has very detailed information on causes, risk factors, prevention, early detection, and more. It has a section on ways to talk to your doctor, as well as news and information.

Previous Post: Anti-aging around the world

Labels: Tools for detecting breast cancer early

It is no secret that men and women everywhere spend millions of dollars looking for the fountain of youth (in the form of anti-aging products.) From the U.S. to the UK, Japan and beyond, we decided try out anti-aging products from around the globe and tell you what we thought of some of the different varieties.

VIBRANCE HGH Crème / SKIN by Monica / USA
Price: $38.95
Purchase it here

What they say: SKIN by Monica Olsen™ Vibrance HGH Crème contains a rich blend of natural ingredients for skin rejuvenation and protection from other cosmetic contaminates. Use as a leave-on toner before applying color cosmetics and other facial products.

What we say: This has a silky, non-greasy texture and a little bit goes a long way. The smell is a little strong at first, almost like powder, but the benefits of the product are enough that it is worth putting up with for a few minutes or so (it goes away). Used 2x/day for 2+ weeks and it made skin start to look more luminous. It is tinted, but goes on clear.

Bottom line: I tend to like most Skin By Monica products and this one did not disappoint. I would recommend giving it a try. If you do not like scented products this may not be for you.

Seikisho Mask White / Sekkisei / Japan
Price: $28
Purchase it here

What they say: Add radiance to your skin. This cleaning mask helps remove impurities to extend skin’s translucence and beauty.

What we say: Seikisho’s Mask White is a pitch black, peel-off mask with a pleasant smell and a silky texture. It peeled off easily once dry, but did require some elbow grease to scrub off in the places where it stuck stubbornly to the skin. The end result was a brighter complexion and a fresh feeling you can only get from a mask that really did its work.

Bottom line: It is recommended, but not necessarily for anti-aging purposes. It did a better job as a cleanser and clarifier.

Id Gel / VMV Hypoallergenics / Philippines
Price: $20
Purchase it here

What they say: This unique, skin-safe, coconut-derived monoglyceride is superbly simple, but packs one powerhouse of a skin-protective and therapeutic punch. Treats the fungus that causes sweat acne, and is an impressive overall, broad-spectrum, topical anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-yeast, antifungal, and anti-protozoal treatment.

What we say: This product has several uses and seems to be good at all of them. It goes on like a gel, but doesn’t feel heavy or sticky at all. It softens skin, evens out wrinkles and treats acne in a way that did not seem like there was a lot of chemicals involved. The smell is neutral and the product is non-drying and not harsh at all. The only problem I had was the packaging- the cap would not stay on the bottle.

Bottom line: This is a great product and not a bad thing to keep in the bathroom for treating acne, possible fungal infections, anti-aging and shine control. Priced really well for something with so many different uses.
A-List Cleanser / Rodial / UK
Price: $77
Purchase it here

What they say: Rodial a-list cleanserTM is a skin brightening balm cleanser for the face. It cleanses, removes face make-up & dirt and helps to reduce the appearance of age spots & hyperpigmentation.

What we say: This product smells delicious, is very creamy and makes your face feel incredibly smooth. It also removes make-up really well.

Bottom line: A good anti-aging cleanser, but if you are the type who like a lots of suds and a squeaky clean feeling, it may not be for you. Confidence Injection Crease Concentrate / Dermelect / USA
Price: $79
Purchase it here

What they say: Formulated to tone and energize key facial muscle groups, the Hyaluronic Filling Spheres™ and RetiSTAR™ Stabilized Retinol actually holds the facial skin in place, works to penetrate and fill deep wrinkles that usually appear on foreheads, between eyebrows, on the corners of the mouth, and on the cheeks. The Hyaluronic Filling Spheres™ harnesses Hyaluronic Acid to the skin for high-intensity and rapid-action smoothing and softening results. From the first use, the stretching and smoothing results can be felt as the spheres are hydrated and then filled with moisture from the skin itself. RetiSTAR™ Stabilized Retinol provides an optical, wrinkle-distorting effect by increasing cell redistribution, forming a barrier function to retain the moisture. With consistent use, you will display a confident glow as your face will appear dramatically smoother, taut, and visibly lifted.

What we say: This is a really luxurious product. It has no smell and feels really velvety, almost a little oily going on your face. That lasts only for about a minute though. It absorbs very quickly and does not leave a shine at all, in fact it made my face almost more matte than before it was used. It leaves almost a soothing feeling on the face.

Bottom line: This is a great product, it hydrates and moisturizes without leaving you greasy at all. You can feel the retinol working and skin feels very silky and smooth.

Recent Posts: Big News at Bag Borrow Steal, Celebrity Look of the Week: Will Smith, Best Places to Shop, Discount Facials

Labels: anti-aging cleansers, anti-aging creme, Celebrity ant-aging, Do anti-aging products really work?, wrinkle reducers

From Louis Vuitton bags to Gucci sunglasses and Chanel bracelets, Bag Borrow or Steal is the largest online rented-luxury retailer. The company rents out high-end luxury goods at a discount to members (who pay a monthly fee) or to guests for any period of time- there are no late fees. And, if you fall so in love with something that you cannot part with it you can even buy it outright.

Now, as a result of its expanded product offerings (jewelry, sunglasses, belts and more) the company has changed its name to Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal. “We have already expanded beyond handbags into vintage, jewelry and sunglasses, and our members are asking for even more,” said Michael Smith, chief executive officer of Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal said in a press release. “Avelle more accurately reflects who we are as we expand our offering significantly beyond our handbag beginnings.”

If you have not yet checked out Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal website you are missing out. The selection of products is like nothing you could ever find all together in any luxury retail store. Plus, the way the company works allows even those on a small budget to wear gorgeous jewelry (Tiffany & Co., YSL, Cartier, Vera Wang), designer sunglasses (Tom Ford, Chloe, Prada, Coach) and luxury handbags by Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch Kate Spade, Kooba and more. They also make shopping easy with trend reports, new arrivals and tools to help you find the perfect piece for your needs.

The online rented-luxury retailer concept has been so successful that Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal is considering new items for the future, including watches, luggage, evening wear, cocktail attire, outerwear and everything couture.

Labels: Avelle, Chanel bracelets, Designer bags, Gucci sunglasses, Louis Vuitton bags, sunglasses and jewelry for rent, the new Bag Borrow or Steal, Winter fashion report

Indulge's Celebrity Look of the Week
Will Smith gets the nod for Indulge's Celebrity Look of the Week for the outfit he wore to Secret Life of Bees premiere this week. Smith paired a houndstooth tie with a grey vest and striped shirt. It worked really well for him. If you want to dress like Will Smith, check out this site's "How to Look Like Will Section."


Previous Celebrity Looks of the Week:
Leighton Meester

Previous Post: Best places to shop

Labels: celebrity fashion, Celebrity look of the week: Will Smith, secret life of bees

Lucky magazine, one of the ultimate guides to fashion, has put out its shopping awards list. Here are some of their picks ...

Best Boutiques- as selected by Lucky reporters across the country

Atlanta: Addiction

Boston: Stel’s

Chicago: P.45

Houston: Willow Boutique

Los Angeles: V Vintage

Miami: Oyuki

New York: Thistle & Clover

Philadelphia: Petulia’s Folly

San Francisco: Anica

Seattle: Last Waltz

Washington, D.C.: Zelaya

Best Boutiques- as selected by Lucky readers across the country

Atlanta: Blue Genes

Austin: By George

Boston: Mint Julep

Chicago: Akira

Dallas: Forty Five Ten

Houston: Lot 8

Los Angeles: Kitson

New York: Intermix and >Scoop
NYC

San Francisco: Ambiance



Addiction, Atlanta


















Thistle & Clover, NYC

For more great trends, accessories and closet staples, check out the November 2008 edition of Lucky magazine.

Previous post: Discounted facials at the Westin NYC at Times Square













A row of bracelets at V Vintage in L.A.

Labels: Atlanta, best places to shop in Boston, Intermix, Kitson, New York, shopping awards list, Willow Boutique

It is so important to look your best on a job interview and great skin is no exception. That is why the Westin New York at Times Square has created a Put Your Best Facial Forward offer. All facials at the ultra-indulgent spa at the Westin are 20% off for job seekers (between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) through November 30, 2008.

Facials include: Absolute Pearl, Active Pureness, and Hydramemory and the Recover Touch, with prices ranging from $120-$150 (before the discount).

And, while you are there you may want to check out some of there other services including the holistic hot stone therapy, the eye around remedy (to firm up skin around eyes), as well as a very interesting Mediterranean organic veggie wrap, which is a rebalancing organic body treatment using botanical extracts including tomato, artichoke and pumpkin. That Mediterranean wrap makes me a little hungry ...

For more information on the Put Your Best Facial Forward offer, visit www.Westinny.com

Previous Post: Host your own spa party

Labels: Discount spa treatments, facials, massages, nails, wraps at the Westin

Mobile spas are becoming a new trend in bachelorette parties, bridal/baby showers or just a gathering among friends. These on-location spa events are a great way to relax and unwind as a group as the licensed technicians will come to your home, office, a hotel and more.

Different types of spa parties
As you research companies in your area you will see that they range quite a bit from parties of 4 to much larger groups. In most cases the rates will depend on how many guests, the types of services and how indulgent the atmosphere becomes. Some of the more expensive mobile spas bring along food, candles, music, robes and even little gifts for the guests. If you want to stay at a lower price point and try out a little bit of everything, than you may consider mini-services. These could include very basic manicures/pedicures, make-up application and facials.

Planning the spa party
In most cases you have the guests select the services they want about 2 weeks in advance so the company can plan accordingly. It can all be tailored to your liking based up on the package you decide to go with. And, don’t forget, this is supposed to be relaxing and fun, so figure out the finances and the gratuity-situation beforehand. Some spas will allow each guest to pay separately, taking the financial burden off the host.

Mobile spa companies:

• Spa Chicks on the Go
• Mobile Spa
• Relax & Rejuvenate
• PuurSpa
• SPArties Mobile Spa
• SpaVroom
• Voila Spa
• Spa Girl Parties

Previous Post: Celebrity look of the week: Leighton Meester

Labels: express spas, Mobile spas host spa parties at home, spa parties for bachelorette, spafinder

Leighton Meester, who plays Blake Waldorf on the CW's Gossip Girl, is shown here at at the Marshalls "Shop 'Til It Stops" event. Meester gets Indulge's celebrity look of the week for her gorgeous hair. Subtle highlights and very loose waves add depth and volume to her hair. This is an easy look to copy at home by just using your finger to twist hair while it is still damp. This works best for people with naturally straight hair. Otherwise, blow dry your hair straight and then use a large-barrel curling iron to give waves to some pieces.

Previous Post: Breast Cancer Awareness Products

Labels: Celebrity look of the week, fall winter haristyles, Gossip Girl Hairdos, Leighton Meester's hair

Labels: American Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast cancer awareness products for men and women, Garth Brooks, pink products, Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Known for his somewhat creative displays on the runway, Japanese fashion designer Junya Watanabe does not disappoint at Paris fashion week. His latest creation brings us some huge, possibly fragrant, flowery hats. Here are some photos in case this fashion doesn't make it to your neck of the woods ...

Fashion knows no boundaries ... but if this woman sits in the front row at the movies we are all in trouble!

Thanks Junya Watanabe for bringing these hats to fashion week. While they are not functional, I must say they are beautifully designed.

Previous Post: Weitzman shoes made with diamonds

Labels: Japanese fashion designer Junya Watanabe, paris fashion week, spring summer hats