Indulge

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2010-07-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

We've moved! Please save our new url as CaptivateBlogs.com/Indulge
Thanks!
Jacqui

Grooming gifts for dad this Father’s Day

2010-06-17T09:32:00.005-04:00

From a sun safety kit to a muscle rehab cream, we have the best grooming gifts for dad this Father’s Day.

Our friends at Real Beauty have put together a comprehensive list of gifts for dad. Below are a few of our favorites.

Jack Black Performance Remedy Body Rehab and Muscle Soak

Lab Series Frequent Flyer Kit

Old Spice Fresh Collection and T-Shirt

Gillette + Art of Shaving Proglide Power Shaving Set

Visit Real Beauty for the full list of grooming gifts for dad this Father’s Day.

Hair tips from the set of 'Sex and the City 2'

2010-06-15T10:12:00.001-04:00

IT&LY HAIRFASHION, N.A., Inc. proudly supplied hairstylist and spokesperson Frank Barbosa with their full line of professional only cruelty free hair color products from Milan, Italy for use on the set of Sex and the City 2.

Frank Barbosa's Hair Color Tips for the film include:

1) My favorite techniques for coloring for the big screen are to color in a 3 tier circular pattern taking very thin slices of 3 to 4 base colors in the same tonal range from either the Colorly 20/20 or Aquarly color lines made by IT&LY HAIRFASHION for interesting movement and definition of the hair, it is a time consuming technique but the end result is amazing.

2) I also always seal hair with glazing shine like Pure Water Drops to give that Hollywood finished look. What we see in the results here is healthy shiny beautiful hair.

3) So important to have a non sulfate shampoo like Purity Design's Pure Shampoo to keep color regulated throughout filming and use an acid rinse to close cuticle and keep color in the hair, otherwise it could oxidize out due to the elements being sun, swimming, washing, with hard waters etc.

4) I also recommend a head scarf hat or sunscreen for your hair. There are many fashionable brands to pick from today..

Fashion's Night Out on Rodeo Drive

2010-06-03T09:37:00.002-04:00

Fashion's Night Out has big plans for the west coast this year. According to our friends at FNO:

The Rodeo Drive Committee has announced that nearly fifty-five of the street’s retailers will participate in Fashion’s Night Out on Friday, September 10, 2010. Rodeo Drive will lead West Coast efforts, as part of the global shopping event, and will erect the first-ever Ferris Wheel on the street. The festive atmosphere will also include in-store events, cocktail parties and extended shopping hours for all guests.

Virtual beauty trade show

2010-06-01T10:16:00.001-04:00

Brands such as DECLÉOR PARIS, Jane Iredale, and RapidLash will being offering product demos, event networking and presentations at the one-of-a-kind virtual beauty trade show called Spa Hospitality Expo.

There will also be presentations from key note speakers such as CEO and Founder of Seventh Generation Jeffery Hollander. The show will go live on May 26th and on demand for 90 days for those who register for free at healingartguide.com(click on registration link on the top right corner).

Stay out of the tanning beds

2010-05-27T10:03:00.001-04:00

If you are still using tanning beds, you may want to wake up and realize it is not 1985 anymore. If that weird tan lines and threat of melanoma are not enough to convince you to stay out of a tanning bed, than maybe the facts from a recent USA Today article will inspire you.

A study of 2,268 patients reported today in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found people who have ever used tanning machines were 74% more likely to develop melanoma than others.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, in July listed ultraviolet radiation-emitting beds as "carcinogenic to humans," its highest category of cancer risk.
The FDA is considering recommendations from an advisory panel that suggested that teens be barred from tanning salons, or at least get parental consent before tanning.
Congress included a 10% tax on indoor tanning in the health reform bill to help pay for expanding medical coverage and to make it harder for teens to afford indoor tanning.

Click here to read the full article

Kerastase is offering free in‐salon hair ritual and blow dry service today

2010-05-26T09:01:00.002-04:00

These are the details of the program, according to our friends at Kerstase. The
The event will take place in the eastern half of the US on May 26th and the western half of the US on June 23rd. Clients can
visit kerastase‐usa.com/ourtreat to verify the event day in their area.

"Kérastase will once again offer women across the country a gift of indulgence with the
2nd Annual Kérastase Our Treat Event. In 2009, Kérastase initiated the first‐ever Our Treat Event, offering clients a complimentary Kerastase in‐salon hair ritual and blow dry service. Last year, nearly 700 salons participated in this unprecedented event, offering nearly 13,000 complimentary Kérastase rituals to clients who attended. This summer, Kérastase plans to surpass last year’s efforts by hosting two momentous events for brand loyalists allowing them an opportunity to indulge in the highest level of personalized care and professional service (a $100 retail value).

With the overwhelming success of last year’s event, Kérastase chose to use this year’s program as a platform to give even more, and in the spirit of this has partnered with Locks of Love ‐‐ a non‐profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from medical hair loss from any diagnosis. As Kerastase is dedicated to giving back
to its enthusiasts, this partnership will provide clients with the opportunity to do the same and support a worthy cause. A donation of $10 will be suggested to participants following each complimentary treatment and blow‐dry."

Whiter teeth at any age

2010-05-25T09:34:00.002-04:00

New York Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Elisa Mello has provided Indulge the following information for getting whiter teeth at any age:

20’s
What’s happening?
Dark foods and drinks might be causing your teeth to yellow. Skipped your daily floss? Teeth may have plaque, making them prone to temporary stains because substances stick to plaque (this is why teeth discolor after a glass of red wine or coffee).
Treatment:
Whitening toothpastes can help with surface stains, but choose one with baking soda and peroxide. Baking soda helps reduce acid in the mouth to curb stains while peroxide lightens. To keep plaque under control, have regular checkups at the dentist, floss daily and brush with an electric toothbrush.

30’s
What’s happening?
In addition to surface stains, you’re now contending with internal stains (as teeth age, the inside portion turns yellow). Everyday wear thins the exterior of the teeth, so more of the dark interior shows. Chewing ice, clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth all exacerbate the problem.
Treatment:
To erase stubborn stains, peroxide needs to stay on teeth longer, so try a peroxide rinse and whitening toothpaste to break up stains. Your best bet for lifting internal stains: a home whitening kit that you leave on for 30 minutes, twice a day for 10 days. If you bleach teeth for months instead of weeks, you can damage them, making your smile look “blue transparent”.

40’s+
What’s happening?
Cumulative damage causes sensitivity and exposes more of the yellow interior. Teeth become sponge-like, soaking up stains and darkening faster. Aging and some medications dry the mouth. With less saliva, teeth are more vulnerable to discoloration.
Treatment:
Continue using bleaching treatments and brush with a whitening toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Also try to stimulate saliva by chewing on sugarless gum. Saliva makes teeth shiny so they look brighter.

Giveaway from Audrina Patridge

2010-05-20T09:41:00.002-04:00

Audrina Patridge, of MTV’s “The Hills” is working with Sigma Makeup to giveaway the Sigma Makeup Essential Brush Kit for 10 of her fans. All you have to do is go to http://www.sigmamakeup.com/

The Sigma Makeup Essential Brush Kit contains professional quality brushes for the face and eyes. They are technically perfect and precise. Easy to use, soft and durable. All brushes were carefully hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated ferrules. Each kit comes with cleaning instructions and a brush guide.

Burger Week: Great aprons for men and women

2010-05-17T11:26:00.002-04:00

In our house we throw one big party a year and I know I like to be ready by the time the guests arrive. Although, I may be glammed up, there still are plenty of food preps- which means I need a killer apron!

In honor of burger week I am focusing on chic aprons that make getting caught in your apron a good thing!

Haute Hostess Aprons feature comfortable, fashionable aprons for both men and women. They sell holiday designs, bridal patterns and aprons that are reminiscent of cocktail dresses. The Glam It Up Luxe features handmade aprons that are decorated with stunning ribbon appliqués.

A more playful look for burger week could be found in the sorority girl line of aprons or even the collegiate series featuring the bold colors from universities. I’ll opt for the red and black for the University of Tampa!

With names like Alexander, Peter or Charles, the men’s aprons are a traditional apron cut and come several different masculine designs. Your favorite host can choose from tweed, plaid, pinstripes or even leopard – which they say P. Diddy wears.

Meanwhile, in Captivate Web Land, we've kicked off a new feature this week to prep you all for those Memorial Day, unofficial-start-of-summer BBQs: Burger Week! All the blogs are involved, so be sure to surf on over to check out the offerings:

-Captivate Cooking has the burgers and sides to keep your grills sizzling with gourmet treats and your guests begging for the recipes!

-Our online Watering Hole quenches everyone's thirst with 8 simple, delicious drinks.

-Want to imbibe but are unsure of how your bathing-suit diet will be affected? Weigh-In has Slimming Summer Drinks as an alternative to bottle of beer!

Tongue Cleaner by SuperSmile

2010-05-11T08:43:00.003-04:00

The Tongue Cleaner by SuperSmile is one of the easiest products (IMO) you can use to instantly improve your breath. After brushing your teeth, just runs the ridged edge plastic cleaner back and forth on your tongue, rinse it off well and repeat. It is a little gross to see, but what is even more disgusting is potentially walking around with that gunk in your mouth all day. The best part is the amount of control you have over how far back it goes on you tongue- which prevents gagging.

There is nothing good about bad breath, and it can hurt you in both business and personal relationships. This tongue cleaner is a $4 item that is worth the investment to try out. I tried it and have given out a few because I think they work so well, and so fast. There seems to be no better tongue cleaner on the market for the price, ease and effectiveness.

Lessons I learned from my mom

2010-05-06T09:02:00.003-04:00

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I’ve decided to share the top 5 fashion and beauty lessons I learned from my awesome mom.

Stay out of the sun. As a melanoma survivor, my mother has not seen the sun in at least 25 years, and her skin looks great because of it. She has incorporated sun block and fashionable hats into her vacation routine so the sun can never find her.

Try it on. No matter what something looks like on a clothes hanger, it may look completely different on your body. Don’t rule it out if it has potential.

Vintage is wonderful. Consignment stores are some of the best places to find gorgeous vintage clothes, shoes and handbags. Shop there without a goal and you never know what you’ll find.

Bring a sweater… because you’ll always need it!

Load up your glove compartment with every product you could possibly need… but probably never will use!

Feel free to send in your mom’s best tips and I’ll post them on Indulge! JPini@captivate.com

CeraVe Review

2010-05-04T09:29:00.004-04:00

CeraVe hydrating cleanser, moisturizing lotion and PM moisturizing lotion are a great combination. The hydrating cleanser thoroughly cleanses the face, while leaving it soft and moisturized. The daytime moisturizing lotion is lightweight, but effective with almost no scent at all. And, the PM moisturizing lotion – obviously created to use at night –has a controlled release so it moisturizes all night long and throughout the day – without ever feeling greasy.

Each piece of the CeraVe skincare line is lightweight, but fully hydrating and has “Multivesicular Emulsion” (MVE) delivery technology. According to the company, “MVE ensures that these ingredients—including essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and emollients, that moisturize and soften skin—penetrate deeply into the skin to hydrate and nourish. It is also designed to allow for continued absorption of these ingredients throughout the day while “locking in” precious moisture.”

CeraVe was also created to help restore the skin barrier for people who have eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. Comparatively speaking, CearVe is inexpensive (around $10-$15 per item) and has outstanding results. I recommend trying CeraVe’s hydrating cleanser, moisturizing lotion and PM moisturizing lotion.

Major sale on Clarins products

2010-04-27T09:02:00.002-04:00

UPDATE: Sale now starts Thursday, April 29!

Looking for a great gift for mom this year? We’ll have part 1 of our Mother’s Day gift guide coming out on Thursday! And, just like our holiday gift guide- everything is $50 and under. But, we did want to share a great sale coming up tomorrow on Gilt Groupe. Clarins will be featured and the discounts are sure to be incredible.

According to the company, Clarins is the leader in luxurious skin care, and has everything you need for looking fresh and staying beautiful. For the past 50 years, Clarins has combined advanced technology with the best of Mother Nature, creating botanical-based products that are as kind to the environment as they are beautiful and pure.

Gilt Groupe has amazing sales on designer that are both big and small for men, women children and house wares. This week they are featuring great discounts on Fendi, Badgley Mischka, DKNY Kids and Harrys of London. It is free to join and instead of waiting for them to get back to you with a Gilt Groupe invitation- you can click the link below to use mine for instant access to all of the remarkable sales.

Join Gilt Groupe with my invitation: http://www.gilt.com/invite/jpini

This is Gilt Groupe's picks for great Mother's Day Gifts... and sales coming tomorrow:

1. Clarins: Super Restorative luxury collection. Gilt price: $149. Original Price: $196. Sale starts Thursday, April 29, at noon ET.

2. Judith Ripka: Blue crystal and silver ring with gold accents. Gilt price: $630. Original price: $1,050. Sale starts Wednesday, April 28, at noon ET.

3. Trovata Lounge: Simone robe. Gilt price: $74. Original price: $176. Sale starts Wednesday, April 28, at noon ET. 

4. Furla: Elizabeth hobo in fuchsia. Gilt price: $299. Original price: $495. Sale starts Wednesday, April 28, at noon ET.

Fashion’s Night Out is staging the largest ever public fashion show in NYC history

2010-04-22T10:52:00.001-04:00

A press release from Fashion's Night Out:

Fashion’s Night Out will stage the largest public fashion show in New York City history on September 7, 2010 at Lincoln Center, the initiative announced today. The show, produced by Vogue and SPEC Entertainment, will boast more than 200 of the industry’s top models and give nearly 1,500 guests a look at the key trends of the fall 2010 season as identified by the magazine. Tickets for the fashion show will be made available through the Lincoln Center box office this summer, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the New York City AIDS Fund.

"We felt it is important for people to see what wonderful fashion will be in stores at that moment," saidVogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour. "This show will focus on the key trends we’ve identified for fall sothat shoppers will have plenty of inspiration to join the fun during Fashion’s Night Out."

"Making fashion and design accessible and exciting for everyone was one of our biggest goals when we firstset out to launch Fashion’s Night Out," said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. "This fashion showis yet another great opportunity to showcase the industry’s exceptional talent to a broader audience ofNew Yorkers and visitors."

"The Council of Fashion Designers of America is proud to be a part of this historic show celebrating Fashion’s Night Out," said CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg. "We feel this is an unprecedented opportunity for the fashion industry to connect with the consumer in a fun and meaningful way."

Spring Beauty Tips

2010-04-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

Celebrity makeup artist Mary Greenwell has partnered with Silhouette to give some quick tips below on beauty trends to look out for this season. With clients from Gisele Bündchen to Gwyneth Paltrow and Penelope Cruz to Princess Diana, Mary Greenwell is one of the world’s most sought after makeup artists.

o Big false eyelashes! Choose lashes that sweep out at the corner – very retro sixties. You can even add false lashes on the bottom outside corner for extra definition.

o Floral eyeshadow colors. Bright greens, blues, corals and pinks were popular on the catwalks, but lilac and mauve, as seen at Michael Kors, Versace and Dior, were a hit. Brush them all over the lid and up to the brow to achieve a bright, springtime look. And for added drama, bleached brows are also in this season.

o Let eyes shine through with rimless eyeglasses. Eyes are the windows to the soul, and to hide your eyes is to hide your personality. The eyes, including the brow, are very important to reveal your whole beauty and rimless glasses allow someone to see your entire face. Whether your style is classic and minimal, extravagant or luxurious, Silhouette flatters your best features. Add some Spring sass to your look with Silhouette’s exquisite collection. The elegant style statement can complement your spring makeup style and wardrobe.

o Take care of yourself: Always apply eye cream and a daily moisturizer. Smile lines and crows feet can be aging, so keep the little wrinkles at bay! Don’t bog your system down with sugars and fats, and protect your body from free radicals with Vitamins C and E. Drink plenty of water to help prevent dry eyes – they will sparkle more if you eat the right foods.

Green Spot Studio Oscar Challenge

2010-04-15T09:08:00.009-04:00

Can a small jeweler make a piece of jewelry that will be worn to the Oscars? We think so, and we’ll soon find out as we follow the design and journey of an Oscar-worthy piece in the Green Spot Studio Oscar Challenge.

Green Spot Studio's Tracey Jenkins Darji, one of Boston’s most renowned jewelers, has set off to make a piece of jewelry that will be worn to the Oscars. Just to give you a sense of her amazing work, I’ve scattered photos of a few of her existing pieces through this post. Indulge is thrilled to track the design, creation and travels of her Oscar-worthy piece (still in the developmental phases) over the next few months as it makes its way up and down red carpets, shines through photo shoots and eventually ends up at the Oscars.

Tracey writes on her jewelry blog, “A fashion designer can spend 1 or 2k on fabric and labor and come up with an amazing gown. Jewelers, on the other hand, usually spend at least 100k, on the low end. Celebrities are so excited to say their jewelry is worth 2M and up. How can small jewelers compete with that?”

But, she has taken on the task and writes, “Over the next couple of weeks I will outline the entire challenge, share my design ideas, budget, materials, and thought behind why I am making my choices… and then the photos will start coming!”

Tracey! We are thrilled for you!

Tracey is a celebrity in my eyes for sitting with my fiancé and designing and creating my incredible engagement ring (ok... since you INSISTED on seeing it- here is a picture of my engagement ring :), but her exceptional experience in the jewelry world goes beyond my ring. In 2002, Tracey obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Industrial Design, following studies that were concentrated in Florence, Italy and Boston, MA but also brought her throughout North America and Europe. After a brief but successful stint as a consultant in the Corporate Art world, she returned to school and her earliest passion, graduating the North Bennet Street School’s prestigious two-year Jewelry Making & Repair program in the spring of 2005.

We'll be following Tracey's progress as this amazing piece of jewelry evolves!

In the meantime, visit Green Spot Studio for more information or to contact Tracey. Or, follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

iPhone applications for the virtual fashionista

2010-04-13T10:11:00.002-04:00

Love to try out new beauty products without a major investment? We have details on iPhone applications that allow you to test out glasses, hairstyles and make-up.

Silhouette, the world’s only exclusively rimless eyewear brand, is the first eyewear company to introduce an iPhone application to help wearers highlight their natural beauty and individual personality.. Its Virtual Mirror application allows iPhone users around the world to virtually try on a nearly unlimited selection of Silhouette eyewear shapes, colors and combination possibilities to create custom frames which flatter their best features and allow their natural beauty to remain the focus. Download it at www.silhouette.com/iphoneapp/ and test it out for yourself!

Other beauty applications that can help users put their best face forward include:

MakeUp: Upload a guide to the best celebrity-inspired makeup tutorials. These videos give step-by-step instructions on how to apply makeup to get the ultimate celebrity look.

HairStyle: HairStyle will help you avoid hair disasters with more than 125 real hair styles and 53 color options, helping you make the right choice for your locks.

Earrings that accentuate your face

2010-04-06T09:33:00.003-04:00

Have you ever noticed that some earrings highlight your face beautifully, yet others seem too small or too heavy-looking? That is because the shape of your face makes a big difference as to how earrings look on you.

David Mamane, CEO of largest online jewelry boutique MyJewelryBox.com offers tips on what styles work best with your face frame.

Oval Face:

Since oval faces are well proportioned, studs and smaller hoops work best in order to not make a face look too long.

Round Face:

Chandelier or dangling earrings are the best match for the classic round face shape as they draw attention to the cheekbones and jaw line and can balance out a wider forehead. Hoops are not a good match for a round face as they make the face appear rounder.

Heart-Shaped Face:

The best earrings for a heart-shaped face can be chosen by considering earrings that are heavier at the bottom. Also, Earrings in bold designs and bright colors will draw attention to your cheekbones.

Square Face:

Earrings that have rounded edges look best because they will soften a square face. Medium to long styles are best but large, angular styles can make a square face appear wider.

$25 Gift Certificate contest

2010-04-01T09:43:00.002-04:00

One of our favorite designer consignment websites is holding a great contest for the month of April. Tra Tutti.com will be giving away a $25 Gift Certificate every single day in the month of April. Everyone can enter, but a purchase earns you TEN entries in the drawing!

For details visit:
http://www.tratutti.com/about-us/anniversary-25-daily-give-away.html

Teeth-whitening tips

2010-03-25T10:42:00.002-04:00

Getting a brighter, whiter smile does not have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the easiest ways to whiten your teeth start at home.

We turned to dentist to the celebs Dr. Lisa Torrado for some simples ways to get a glowing smile.
She told us:

Over the counter whitening strips are an inexpensive alternative to professional bleaching kits or office bleaching
Daily brushing and flossing after every meal is the most inexpensive and easy way to maintain a healthy, beautiful looking smile
Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and a dab of toothpaste are the perfect ingredients to a home whitening concoction
Do not use teeth whitening recipes that involve lemon or orange peels- they decalcify and de-mineralize your enamel making it more prone to decay

Thank Dr. Torrado for these great tips. Click here to contact Dr. Torrado for more dental information.

Bucket bags are back for spring

2010-03-23T10:00:00.004-04:00

Bucket bags are back for spring and we have a list of some of our favorite in starting at around $25.

1. Forever 21's Glitter Canvas Tote goes from day to night perfectly. The canvas is casual enough for the warm Spring days, but the glittery handles dress it up flawlessly. $27.80

2. Fossil Felicity Multi Bucket is made of colorful canvas. It adds a splash of color to any outfit, but is waterproof – making it the perfect choice for a rainy April day. $59

3. Kenneth Cole makes a stunning Tote of the Town Bucket bag. It is leather and features a top zip. It comes in green, light pink, blak or white. At $189, it probably won't break the bank – but does make a great investment piece for years to come.

4. If you really want to splurge, go for Prada's Daino Bucket Tote in Mimosa. Available at Barney's, this leather bucket bag retails for $1350. It is a bright, fun bag for the fashionista who loves designer bags.

Cleaning Up Chemicals in Herbal Essences Shampoos

2010-03-18T09:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks to our friends at the Mother Nature Network for this great information on Proctor & Gamble shampoos. They are reporting that the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says 18 shampoos in the Herbal Essences line will be reformulated to reduce levels of a cancer-causing chemical called 1,4-dioxane.

The founder of the Green Patriot Working Group (GPWG) tested the product and found levels of the chemical that violate California’s Proposition 65, the toxic enforcement act- – so P&G agreed to reformulate the recipe.

MNN reports P&G has been working hard on sustainability and does not test beauty and grooming products or individual ingredients on animals. Although, P&G has more work to do on eliminating potentially harmful ingredients from products. Hello Hydration, by Herbal essences contains additional ingredients that considered potentially dangerous.

Amazon.com Widgets

“Most Socially Responsible Handbag”

2010-03-16T10:19:00.001-04:00

Handbag Designer 101, the world’s handbag designer resource, announced today that WorldofGood.com by eBay, the largest online marketplace for socially and environmentally responsible shopping, will sponsor the “Most Socially Responsible Handbag” category for the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards (IHDA). This partnership will recognize the world’s most socially responsible designers' bags that meet certain ethical and moral standards in regards to production, employment and philanthropy while impacting the local culture.

The Winner of the 2010 ‘Most Socially Responsible Handbag’ category will receive featured coverage on WorldofGood.com’s community as well as guidance on how to become verified by a third party trust provider organization and sell on the WorldofGood.com marketplace.

Invitation to Gilt Groupe's wedding weekend

2010-03-10T15:12:00.001-05:00

Gilt Guide is a member’s only shopping site that features great deals on designer clothes for men, women and children as well as housewares. This weekend (March 12-14) in is their wedding weekend featuring bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding gifts and so much more. And, we have your invitation to joing Gilt Groupe below.

They’ll also have jewelry, shoes, suits for the groom, get-pretty prep packages for the bridal party, decadent lingerie, and stuff-of-dreams honeymoon packages courtesy of Jetsetter. And if your head’s spinning with the task at hand, chin up — Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings has culled her personal picks to help aide in the planning process.

Shop sales from Caroline Herrera, Vera Wang Lavender Label, Thread, Temperly London, Judith Leiber, Tara Pearls, Lu Lu Frost, Tutu Couture, Checkerboard Stationary, juice cleanses, chic hotels and more.

Normally you need to wait for an invitation- so good thing we are friends- we’ll invite you! Click the link for your invitation to join- courtesy of Indulge:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/jpini

Winners of our Axe Hair products giveaway

2010-03-09T09:02:00.002-05:00

Congrats to the winners of our Axe Hair products giveaway (and thank you to all who entered)! Below are their names and a little blurb about their wackiest hairstyle. Hopefully these Axe products help!

If you did not win our contest, you still have a chance to win Axe’s contest … details below.

Winner #1 Colin K. from Red Bank NJ
His wackiest hairstyle: “My craziest hairstyle would have to be from my punk years. I had 1.5 ft. liberty spikes in high school all over my head (Google image Liberty Spikes). I used to use Knox gelatin and hair dryer every morning, creating each spike, one by one. This would take about 45 minutes but it was so worth it! These spikes were so bad a** and it was my signature style in high school! They would not move no matter what I did. I could walk down to the beach in a hurricane with this set-up and nothing would move above the ears.”

Winner #2 Peter C. from Massapequa, NY
His wackiest hairstyle: "8 inch mohawk. Used elmer's glue to spike it. Was a real pain to wash out.”

Winner #3 John T. from Spring, Texas
His memorable hairstyle:
“The worst has to be my first Army haircut.”

Winner #4 Bruce G, Fort Collins, Colorado
His wackiest hairstyle: "I have had two pretty wacky hair styles. Once, I did a reverse mohawk with the middle cut out and the sides pretty much straight out. Did get the looks, but lost a bet to my kids. Another time, I did the multi-color in the design of a Bengal Tiger. I though it looked pretty good until new hair started to grow, so I had to "un-dye" it.”

More prizes ... in the Hair Action Challenge

But, that’s not the only contest we have on our radar. Axe is also doing a “Hair Action Challenge” in which AXE Hair is giving guys and girls a chance to win cool prizes by uploading their best Hair Action moments. Prizes include two tickets to a major sporting event in 2010 and AXE Hair prize packs . Visit Facebook.com/AXE for more information.

Naturally tame curls while you sleep

2010-03-04T09:18:00.002-05:00

Branché Silk Charmeuse Pillow Covers keep your curls in order the natural way- without all the chemical-laden products. Made from the finest quality mulberry silk, Branché pillow covers let hair slip and slide while you toss and turn, preventing against hair loss and breakage, and smoothing frizzy curls as you sleep.

Branché Pillow Covers, however, are made of a lofty 22 momme weight silk, and are naturally enriched with 18 amino acids that nourish the hair throughout the night.

Perfect for curly girls who are tired of the time-consuming treatment their hair requires daily, Branché Pillow covers are a luxurious yet simple way to let their locks indulge.

They average about $75 online, with more detaila found here: http://branchebeautysleep.com/

Win great prizes and products from Axe

2010-03-02T10:09:00.010-05:00

Unless they are embarking on GLT, the ‘beauty routine’ of a man can be pretty low maintenance – so having the right products is essential. If you’re a reader of Indulge you know one of our favorite brands for men is Axe. Not only are the products high-quality, they smell great and are extremely affordable.

From Just Clean Shampoo to Just Soft Conditioner or Clean and Control 2 in 1, the men’s shampoos and conditioners have a rich, masculine scent. They leave your hair soft and clean and smell great when used. One of the biggest differences between Axe and regular shampoo is some of Axe's formulas are created specifically for cleaning hair of styling products. One of our favorites for that is the Deep Clean Shampoo – find out how to get it free below.

If you want a hint of fragrance, go for the body spray. Our favorite is Instinct, which features the rich smell of leather – but you really can’t go wrong with any of them (used in moderation.) Axe Deodorant Body Sprays kill odor-causing bacteria and smell terrific.

Axe also has an impressive line of styling products that leave hair in place, but not sticky or gummy. Depending on your style, we like the Shaggy look- great for the surfers and snowboarders (Shaun White- we recommend this for your hair). Another of our favorites is the Refined, for the clean-cut look (used daily by my lovely financial analyst fiance) and we also love Charged styling putty for the spiked up look. The spiked hair-look is one of the hardest styles to achieve without having a sticky, crunchy feel. This is a great product for getting that look while maintaining a smooth, soft texture.

In honor of our love for Axe products, we are giving away (3) Charged Styling Putty and (3) Deep Clean Shampoo Hair Scrub- to de-glue and remove oil. Just send me an email at Indulge@Captivate.com with your name, address and age (must be a US resident with aUS Shipping address over age 18- full rules can be seen below this post) along with a line or two about the best, funniest or craziest hairstyle you’ve ever had. The winners will be chosen at random on March 9, 2010.

More prizes ... in the Hair Action Challenge

But, that’s not the only contest we have on our radar. Axe is also doing a “Hair Action Challenge” in which AXE Hair is giving guys and girls a chance to win cool prizes by uploading their best Hair Action moments. Prizes include two tickets to a major sporting event in 2010 and AXE Hair prize packs . Visit Facebook.com/AXE for more information.

Thanks Axe, for this great giveaway!

GENERAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.2. ELIGIBILITY: Each promotion is open to legal residents of the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) and Canada who are 18 years or older at the time of entry unless otherwise stated. Employees of Captivate Network (“Sponsor”), Gannett Co., Inc., and each of their subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of, or any person domiciled with, any such employees are not eligible to enter or win. You are not a winner until you have been notified as a potential winner, your eligibility has been verified, and you have complied with all terms of these rules.3. HOW TO ENTER: [Send an email to Indulge@Captivate.com with a line or two about the best, funniest or craziest hairstyle you’ve ever had (to run with the winner's first name, last initial and city on Indulge), along with your name, age and address where prize can be shipped. Contest opens 12am EST 3/2/2010 and closes 12am EST 3/9/2010 THE FIRST NAME AND CITY OF WINNERS WILL BE POSTED ON INDULGE, PERMISSION IS GRANTED BY THE WINNERS BY SENDING IN THE EMAIL ENTRY. The Sponsor is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late, postage-due, misdirected or illegible entries, or for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind, including, without limitation, malfunctioning of any network, hardware or software, whether originating with sender or Sponsor. All entries become property of Sponsor and none will be returned4. SWEEPSTAKES WINNER SELECTION & ODDS: Sweepstakes winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received by Sweepstakes deadline. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.5. PRIZES: [2 Axe Deep Clean Shampoo, retail value of $5.99) [2 Axe Charged Pomade, retail value of $6.99)6. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE: Winners will be notified at the email address and/or U.S. mail address provided on winner’s entry form. Email or mail notification: Sponsor will email or mail notification at the address provided. Return of prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Failure to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner’s disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to a substitute winner.7. PRIZE TERMS: PRIZES WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE WINNERS Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are non-assignable and nontransferable. No substitutions allowed by winner. Prizes and individual components of prize packages are subject to availability and Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. Acceptance of any prize constitutes winner’s consent to the publication of his or her name, biographical information and likeness in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not won and claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsor.8. PARTICIPATION: By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsor. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by a virus, non-authorized human intervention, tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the promotion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate any promotion at any time. Should a promotion be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes based on the eligible entries received before the termination date.9. CONSTRUCTION: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein.10. The decisions of Sponsor regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of a promotion shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the promotion. If you have questions on a specific sweepstakes, contact: [Jacqui Pini 978-845-5042], or for a list of winners: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Jacqui Pini Captivate Network 2 Executive Drive, Suite 301, Chelmsford, MA 01824].

SampleSale.com sells discounted designer clothes

2010-02-25T09:53:00.004-05:00

From Gucci sunglasses, to men's English Laundry shirts or women's BCBG dresses, we have to scoop on a new website selling designer clothes at up to 85% off the retail price.

TheSampleSale.com is the hottest website for exclusive fashion labels sold at affordable prices. Every day the finest women's, men's, accessories and beauty brands are sold at incredible discounts. The March sales are listed below.

All new member sign-ups get $10 credit in their account right away!!

Click the link below to join the samplesale.com

http://www.thesamplesale.com/a-18857-japini.aspx

Style alert: Pierrepont Hick ties

2010-02-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

Looking for a unique new tie? Indulge loves ties made by the husband and wife team who run Pierrepont Hicks.

Inspired by the look of a kilt, these ties feature luxurious fabrics. Also, some ties are two-toned, meaning the back half is a different fabric or color than the front half. All of their ties are made 58-inches, but longer ties can be made upon request.

My favorite is the Giles two-tone, $79. The light colors combined with a heavy fabric make it great for many seasons. It is finished with Dupioni silk lining.

Pierrepont Hicks is based in Minnesota and has all of their ties made in NYC’s Garment District.

Click here to shop Pierrepont Hicks

Chocoholicks, chocolate-flavored lip glosses

2010-02-11T09:45:00.002-05:00

Looking for a sweet gift for Valentine's Day? We have the perfect beauty product for the chocolate-lover in your life!

Chocoholicks is an assortment of four chic, chocolate truffle-flavored lip glosses. Housed like exotic confections, when applied each gloss releases a sweet surprise reflective of its shade name. Savor these sweet treasures as the natural flavors melt on your lips for the ultimate guiltless pleasure. This product is only available in-store. For locations, please visit janeiredale.com.

Love for Ban.do headbands

2010-02-09T09:47:00.003-05:00

Ban.do headbands are not only fashionable, but comfortable as well. They have the ability to perfectly dress up a ponytail or wear them with your hair down- either way looks great!

Not only do I love these Ban.do’s, but so does Taylor Swift (she owns 30 of them), Katy Perry, Kelly Osbourne, Zoey Deschanel and more!

These headbands are available at the very chic TraTutti.com and start at $34.99.

Red Nails Support American Heart Month

2010-02-04T09:14:00.004-05:00

February is American Heart Month so switch out your nail polish and give to a remarkable cause that benefits heart research. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the US.

In an effort to help teach Americans about the significance of taking care of your heart, Np2 Nail Perfection is donating 10% of all sales of red nail polish to the American Heart Association.

Np2 Nail Perfection’s 2-in-1 bottle not only looks cool, but it is convenient to have the top coat right there with your color. The base coats come in radiant colors and are paired with a clear protein nail treatment top coat to provide long lasting wear and healthy nails.

I’ve used this product and found the colors to be amazing and last a long time. As a runner, I am always impressed when my pedicures don't easily wear off, and Np2 did not. The clear coat is incredibly shiny and it dries fast. More information can be found at http://www.np2beauty.com/

Necklace supports victims in Haiti

2010-01-28T08:57:00.004-05:00

Jewelry designer Danielle Stevens has created an elegant engraved necklace that you can purchase to support Haiti. She’ll be donating 80% of all sales from the Help For Haiti Necklace to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Operation. Necklace is available for $40 through her website only: http://www.daniellestevens.com/.

Style your hair like Nicole Kidman at the SAG Awards

2010-01-26T08:47:00.004-05:00

Nicole Kidman looked stunning at last weekend's SAG Awards, so we were thrilled when we got the scoop on how to obtain her hairdo. Celebrity stylist, and favorite of Indulge, David Babaii tells us how he created her elegant ringlets.

How to style your hair like Nicole Kidman at the SAG Awards:

Step 1: Gently towel dry hair and spray Bohemian Beach Spray throughout.

Step 2: Gently rough dry the hair moving hands in various directions to create texture.

Step 3: Once dry, fashion a center part and divide tresses into 4 sections (sides, back crown & nape).

Step 4: Starting at the nape area, alternate between 1" and 1 ½" ceramic curling irons, taking "V" shaped partings. Then wrap hair around the inside of the barrel, holding for 10 seconds then gently release the curl. With each alternating curl, slide fingers up the curl to gently create a soft back combing effect and enhanced texture.

Step 5: After finishing the entire head, use fingers to add extra Bohemian Beach Spray to loosen the curls and highlight the richness of the hair color.

Thanks to David for his celebrity hairstyling tips!

Website specializes in curly hair

2010-01-21T09:30:00.003-05:00

NaturallyCurly.com is a great resource for everyone who has, or wants, curly hair. Here are a few things we learned from perusing the sites:

1. Silkening is a mild lye-based chemical (sodium hydroxide) or perm that is put on hair for 5-9 minutes to loosen the curl.

2. People are still getting perms I guess, because there is terminology for cutting off a perm. It is called the 'big chop.' I can recall a few big chops by my sister in the mid-1990s

3. “No poo” means no shampoo. It’s a term coined by Lorraine Massey, author of “Curly Girl: The Handbook.” Details on 'no poo' can be found in this article.

4. NaturallyCurly.com has a celebrity sections with details on styling your hair like Rihanna, Kate Walsh, Thalia and even Howard Stern. Details on curly celebrity hair.

5. CurlPix allows you to send in pix of your curly hair or check out other pix, including more celebr photos.

Proactiv changes formula

2010-01-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

Whether you have the occasional, or not-so-occasional breakout, or just use it for maintenance, many women in the 30+ age group are avid fans of Proactiv. It not only has the ability to prevent and elinmate breakouts, it also leaves skin very smooth and young-looking.

Proactiv just announced that, for the first time in 15 years, it has changed its formula. It is the same effective formula now enhanced with exclusive new micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide acne medicine designed to get acne fighting medicine into the pores fast, penetrating even clogged pores quickly. The company says that current Proactiv customers report faster and gentler results with new Proactiv.

In addition, Proactiv announced today that Katy Perry has signed on to share her story about dealing with acne and finding Proactiv.

Best and worst dressed of 2009

2010-01-14T09:59:00.005-05:00

Just because you have money, doesn't mean you have style. iVillage did a review of the best and worst dressed stars of 2009. The full list can be found here. Below are a few samples ...

WORST: Lady Gaga

BEST: Michelle Obama

WORST: Adam Lambert

BEST: Suri Cruise

BEST: Kate Gosselin

WORST: Jon Gosselin (haha)

Vegan, eco-friendly hand washes

2010-01-12T08:47:00.005-05:00

We can’t wait to try out Desert Essence’s new product: Moisturizing Hand Washes.

Not only do these hand soaps come in incredible-smelling flavors such as grapefruit, coconut, vanilla chai and lavender, but they are good for the environment. Created using wind power, these soaps are cruelty-free, 100% vegan and biodegradable.

Organic jojoba oil and shea butter moisturize and mild cleansers eliminate dirt while leaving skin soft. In addition, they do not contain parabens, sodium laurly/laureth sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances or colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol or petroleum based ingredients.

At just $6.75/bottle they are 25% off for a limited time. Purchase them on the Desert Essence website.

Achieving volume in 2010

2010-01-07T08:53:00.005-05:00

Celebrity hairstylist Philip Pelusi has some tips if you're looking for lush, voluminous hair without looking like you just walked off the set of 'Sweet 16.'

Use a volumizing conditioner and shampoo: Volumizing products (such as the P2 InCrease Volumizze Shampoo and Conditioner) are formulated not to weigh hair down. Be careful to apply conditioner only to ends.

Give Your Roots a Boost: Apply a root lifter before blowdrying, from midshaft to root (try Mod di Phy Define Root Lift Volumize Spray)

Blow dry for “oomph”: Lift sections of hair toward the sky as you blow-dry, directing hot air toward your scalp.

Don’t blow-dry upside-down: To keep volume modernized, do not flip your head over

Back-brush instead of tease: Instead of teasing your tresses with a comb, use a flat-backed brush, which will damage your hair less

Mist hairspray – Heavy hairspray is more likely to weigh hair down instead of give it volume. Spritz hairspray in to the air and walk through it (try Mod di Phy Fluid Shaping & Finishing Spray)

11 Beauty and Style Resolutions for the New Year

2010-01-05T09:14:00.003-05:00

We love iVillage's 11 Beauty & Style Resolutions for the New Year!
Here they are- and click if you want to read the full article.

1. Organize Your Closet: Invest in a set of matching hangers and implement an organization system simple enough to maintain year-round.
2. Shop Smarter: Always try everything on before purchasing and if you're not 100 percent in love with how a piece looks on you, move on.
3. Splurge on a Staple: Be sure to choose a classic style in a neutral color that will flawlessly complement your every day style.
4. Purge Your Beauty Bar: Sort through cosmetics, tossing any cream or liquid makeup over a year old and any powders (whether it's eye shadow, blush or bronzer) that's been around for two years or more.
5. Indulge at Home: Start off with a soak in the tub or a steam in the shower, followed by a full-body exfoliating scrub, moisturizing hair mask and a mani/pedi.
6. Switch Scents: Ask for samples before buying and wear each scent to find out how it agrees with your body chemistry and how long the scent lasts.
7. Research Before You Buy: With a plethora of beauty blogs, forums and science-based reviews, a quick internet search can save you from impulse-buying the hot new anti-aging cream that’s full of ingredients way too harsh for your sensitive skin.
8. Invest in the Perfect LBD (little black dress): Always appropriate, elegant and flattering, the perfect little black dress has the magical ability to take you from mess to dress-to-impress in seconds flat.
9. Keep Your Brushes Clean: Brand new cosmetics will still get contaminated with skin irritating bacteria if you don't clean your makeup brushes and applicators after each use, or at the very least once a week.
10. Find Your Signature Accessory: A piece so personal, that worn by another it lacks the same spark, your signature accessory should be decidedly representative of your inimitable personality.
11. Take Time to Beautify: Vow to make time to look your best as much as possible in 2010.

Thanks iVillage for these great resolutions!

What are your beauty and style resolutions? Leave them in the comments!

This year I plan on donating everything that doesn't fit and I do not wear. I also planon switching out items, say I buy a new white cardigan... the previous one gets the boot.

Happy 2010!

Fabulous fashions for New Year's Eve 2010

2009-12-30T10:52:00.003-05:00

Looking to ring in 2010 ... looking like a 10? USA Today has a fantastic how-to guide to emulate the most fashionable celebs. Featuring the styles of George Clooney and Zoe Saladna, this guide will show you how to get the red carpet look for less so you can look fabulous at your New Year's Eve celebration.

Click here to read New Year's Eve fashion: Ring in 2010 looking like a 10

The most fashionable women of the decade

2009-12-29T09:13:00.001-05:00

From Jennifer Aniston to Jennifer Lopez or Gwyneth Paltrow … who were the most fashionable women of the decade?

After reviewing the past 10 years of red carpet moments, runway fashions and everyday outfits, VOGUE selected its favorite 10 looks on celebs from each year. Now, it is your turn to narrow down the most fashionable women of the decade by voting for your favorite styles of the decade.

Vote through the link below and results will be posted January 25, 2010.

http://www.vogue.com/polls/bestdressed/best_dressed_of_the_decade

Under $50 Gift Guide Holiday 2009 Part 2

2009-12-15T12:07:00.009-05:00

And ... here is the second half of our under $50 gift guide! Please read to the end to see the winner of our Glade gift basket giveaway! Thanks to all who entered the contest and enjoy our holiday 2009 gift guide ... featuring great gifts for men and women under $50

11. Yoga Sandal (slippers)
Why they are unique: According to the company, “the slope of the footbed, and spreading the toes, exercise the muscles of your feet and increases the mobility of your bones.”
Added bonus: Every purchase allows you to make a 20% donation to the cause of your choice. Price: $36.95
Purchase Yoga Sandals here

12. ACE Excursion Bag
Why it is unique: It features a durable, nylon shell to ensure that men’s grooming products do not get crushed. Also, collapsible sides allow him to fit it into the small luggage.
Added bonus: It contains two compartments for separating tools from toiletries and a mesh pocket to hold random items.
Price: $15.99
Purchase Ace Excursion Bag here

13. Platinum mini envelope clutch
Why it is unique: It is created with recycled clear dry cleaner bags.
Added bonus: It is lined in duct tape and features a decorative vintage button on the front. Price: $45 wholesale
Purchase Platnium mini clutch here
14. Pink pearl stud earrings
Why they are unique: The peach/pink color in cultured pink freshwater pearls occurs naturally (not color-treated). They have 14K posts and backings and make a statement by being feminine, but more unique than traditional white or black pearl stud earrings
Added bonus: Order today (12/15) for free ground shipping before Christmas. Take 10% off with coupon code “holiday” through 1/1/2010
Price: $41.00
Purchase pink pearl earrings here

15. The Beauty of Your Eyes by Talika
Why it is unique: The kit includes Lipocils, Eyelash Conditioning Cleanser, Eye Decompress and Eye Therapy Patch.
Added bonus: Use of all of products gives you a comprehensive approach to caring for both lids and lashes.
Price: $48
Purchase the Beauty of Your Eyes by Talika here

16. RadaPro at-home nail station
Why it is unique: It makes manis and pedis easy with a hand/foot support stand. Also includes a polish holder, accessory tray, pump bottle for polish remover and washable 100% cotton slip covers.
Added bonus: 20% off for the holidays
Price: $19.99 (sale price)
Purchase at-home nail station here
17. Green-Souled Shoes
Why they are unique: The company works with local artisans from developing nations to produce a 100% up-cycled sandal (that is a sandal that is entirely made out of rubber tires and inner tubes with no staples, pins or glues).
Added Bonus: For each one sold, the company gives one pair away to an underprivileged child. Price: $45
Purchase Green-Souled Shoes here

18. Westin Heavenly Bed Pillow
Why it is unique: If you’ve stayed at the Westin, you know, but for everyone else, the Westin is renowned for having comfortable beds and bedding.
Added Bonus: Great gift for a traveler who knows the drill Price: $35 (for standard)
Purchase Westin Heavenly Bed Pillow here

19. Lippy Hippie
Why it is Unique: POP Beauty’s 20 luscious lip glosses are great for every diva on your holiday list.
Added Bonus: POP Beauty, is a fun, UK brand of cosmetics that recently launched in the U.S.
Price: $25.00
Purchase Lippy Hippie here

20. ShaveMate Titan 6 Shaver
Why it is unique: Six blades are positioned for less irritation and makes a great stocking stuffer.
Added Bonus: Simply press the bottom of the razor handle and out comes the foamy shaving cream. It holds enough for 1 week. This product comes in women’s as well.
Price: $9.99
Purchase ShaveMate Titan 6 Shaver here

Congrats to Renee C. from Chicago! She is the winner of our 2009 holiday gift basket courtesy of Glade!

Indulge 2009 Gift Guide: Everything Under $50

2009-12-07T16:23:00.024-05:00

Dear Indulge readers,

Happy holidays! I had a big “indulgent” gift guide ready to go, but then I got a funny feeling about promoting a list filled with expensive items after such a poor economic year.

These days more than ever people are lucky to have a job, and the last thing I want to do is put together a gift guide filled with caviar face cream and cashmere pashminas. This year’s gift guide is dedicated to 20 fashion and beauty gifts for men or women that are all under $50, unique in some way and come with an added bonus. I hope this helps you give a great gift without spending a ton of money! Below is the first half of the list and the second half will be posted on Tuesday along with the name of our prize winner.

Happy shopping!

Jacqui

PS… read to the end and see the awesome gift basket our friends at Glade are giving one lucky winner!

1. Rollable Flats
Why they are unique: They are black or silver shoes that roll up to fit in your purse or glove compartment anytime you need to switch shoes. These ballet flats will provide you great comfort from those stilettos you thought were such a wonderful idea!
Added bonus: They come with a pink organza storage bag. Use code NOEL15 for 15% off all orders at http://www.goodtobeyou.com/ (through 12/31/09)
Price: $15
Purchase at: http://www.goodtobeyou.com/nefaflrosh.html

2. RIPT Apparel Tee-Shirt
Why they are unique: Each shirt is on the website for 24 hours, then heads to ‘rest in peace’ in the t-shirt graveyard and will not be sold again.
Added bonus: Very few people will own it and there is a great story behind it.
Price: Today's was $10
Purchase at: http://riptapparel.com/

3. Banglz
Why they are unique: Banglz are ½ pound weighted bands that look like trendy bracelets and give the wearer a workout throughout the day.
Added bonus: Mix and match with different stylish interchangeable sleeves. All online orders $50 or more will receive 20% off with the coupon code “CHEERSTOYOU.”
Price: $24.95
Purchase at: https://www.banglz.com/

4. Shower Steamers
Why they are unique: These mood-buster steamers pack a powerful punch of aromatherapy in any shower.
Added Bonus: Choose from steamers designed to help with a cold, hangover, headache or stress.
Price: $3.95
Purchase at: http://www.catchingfireflies.com/products/mood-buster-shower-steamers.html 5. Shower Spex
Why they are unique: For the man or woman in your life who wears glasses, these bands glide over your shampoo and conditioner bottles and make it easy to identify one from another in the shower.
Added Bonus: They come in a variety of prints and will hopefully ensure hair doesn’t get accidentally washed or conditioned twice!
Price: $9.99
Purchase at http://www.showerspex.com/

6. Twitter ID necklace
Why it is unique: Get a Twitter name or hash tag made into a sterling silver necklace.
Added Bonus: This a totally customized gift for the tweeter in your life. Also, for $12 you can add a diamond to the necklace.
Price: $49.95 (sterling silver no diamond)
Purchase at: http://survivalofthehippest.com/order.html
7. L’Occitaine Experience VivaBox
Why it is unique: This gift box includes 4 deluxe samples of L’Occitaine creams and 1 gift certificate to get a full size bottle of whatever type of cream ends up being the favorite.
Added bonus: Comes with a bonus shea butter hand cream. Use code viva09 for 10% off through 12/22.
Price: $39.99
Purchase at: http://www.vivaboxusa.com/secure/productdetail.aspx?pr_id=13
8. Return to Beauty
Why it is unique: This elegant hardcover book by Narine Nikogosian is filled with simple recipes for beauty products and solutions for men and women. I own this book and love how so many of the ingredients are basic products most of us have handy.
Added bonus: There are so many recipes in here it can be used all year without a repeat. A gift that keeps on giving.
Price: $16.50
Purchase at: http://www.amazon.com/Return-Beauty-Old-World-Recipes-Radiant/dp/1439126062

9. iPosture
Why it is unique: By sensing when a body is slouching, this tiny device it alerts the user with brief vibrations to correct it.
Added bonus: It is on sale for the holidays and made it into our list by a nickel.
Price: $49.95
Purchase at: http://www.iposture.com/
10. Aquabag
Why it is unique: This is an insulated bag that holds a water bottle, but also contains a built in wallet and two side compartments
Added bonus: Coupon Code CAPAQUA2 good for 25% off Aquabags beginning now through 12/31/09
Price: $29.99
Purchase at: http://www.myaquabag.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=28

Giveaway! Courtesy of our friends at Glade (love the holiday collection- see my post) we are giving away this awesome gift basket to one lucky winner! Just email your name and mailing address to JPini@captivate.com I'll announce the winner in round 2 of our holiday gift guide on Tuesday. Contest opens 12/10/09 at 12am EST and closes 12/15/09 at 12am EST. Official rules are below.

It contains:

Two Glade Candles from the Holiday Collection, in Apple Cinnamon and Bayberry Spice

Bellagio® Gourmet Cocoa Chocolate Truffle, a true liquid chocolate bar

Home Classics® Fleece Throw

Mineral Bath Soak Stress and Tension by The Village Company, made from natural lemon oil, rosemary, and eucalyptus,

A Holiday favorite, 'The Polar Express' DVD

Woven Strap Small Shelf Tote, great for both stylish display and storage of accessories

GENERAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.2. ELIGIBILITY: Each promotion is open to legal residents of the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) and Canada who are 18 years or older at the time of entry unless otherwise stated. Employees of Captivate Network (“Sponsor”), Gannett Co., Inc., and each of their subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of, or any person domiciled with, any such employees are not eligible to enter or win. You are not a winner until you have been notified as a potential winner, your eligibility has been verified, and you have complied with all terms of these rules.3. HOW TO ENTER: [Send an email to JPini@Captivate.com with your name and address where prize can be shipped. Contest opens 12am EST 12/10/2009 and closes 12am EST 12/15/2009] THE FIRST NAME LAST INITIAL AND CITY OF WINNERS WILL BE POSTED ON INDULGE, PERMISSION IS GRANTED BY THE WINNERS BY SENDING IN THE EMAIL ENTRY. The Sponsor is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late, postage-due, misdirected or illegible entries, or for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind, including, without limitation, malfunctioning of any network, hardware or software, whether originating with sender or Sponsor. All entries become property of Sponsor and none will be returned4. SWEEPSTAKES WINNER SELECTION & ODDS: Sweepstakes winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received by Sweepstakes deadline. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.5. PRIZES: [
Two Glade Candles from the Holiday Collection, in Apple Cinnamon and Bayberry Spice
Bellagio® Gourmet Cocoa Chocolate Truffle, a true liquid chocolate bar
Home Classics® Fleece Throw
Mineral Bath Soak Stress and Tension by The Village Company, made from natural lemon oil, rosemary, and eucalyptus,
A Holiday favorite, The Polar Express DVD
Woven Strap Small Shelf Tote, great for both stylish display and storage of accessories RETAIL VALUE$41.41, excluding tax 6. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE: Winners will be notified at the email address and/or U.S. mail address provided on winner’s entry form. Email or mail notification: Sponsor will email or mail notification and affidavit/release forms at the address provided. Return of prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Winners are required to confirm acceptance of the prize, complete an affidavit of eligibility/liability and publicity release which must be returned within the time period specified. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner’s disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to a substitute winner.7. PRIZE TERMS: PRIZES WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE WINNERS Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are non-assignable and nontransferable. No substitutions allowed by winner. Prizes and individual components of prize packages are subject to availability and Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. If the prize involves travel or other benefits for a companion in addition to the winner, persons traveling as guest of the winner must also sign any affidavit or release as Sponsor may require. Acceptance of any prize constitutes winner’s consent to the publication of his or her name, biographical information and likeness in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not won and claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsor.8. PARTICIPATION: By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsor. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by a virus, non-authorized human intervention, tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the promotion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate any promotion at any time. Should a promotion be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes based on the eligible entries received before the termination date.9. CONSTRUCTION: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein.10. The decisions of Sponsor regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of a promotion shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the promotion. If you have questions on a specific sweepstakes, contact: [Jacqui Pini 978-845-5042], or for a list of winners: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Jacqui Pini Captivate Network 2 Executive Drive, Suite 301, Chelmsford, MA 01824].

Kate Hudson's hairstyle at the 'NINE' premiere

2009-12-06T08:50:00.000-05:00

According to David Babaii, these are the details behind Kate Hudson's hairstyle at the 'NINE' premiere.

Celebrity hairdresser (and one of Indulge's favorites) David Babaii prepared Kate's wet hair by massaging a dime size amount of David Babaii for WildAid Hair Polish into her hair. For greater control, he parted her hair into 4 sections (both sides and crown leaving the nape area free). This helps achieve the perfect blow dry. Babaii dried each section straight, giving the ends a soft rounded finish with a David Babaii for WildAid Blow Dryer. For added lift and volume, he sprayed some David Babaii for WildAid Volcanic Ash Root Amplifier. To finish, Babaii french braided her shorter layers to sweep hair back and away from her face. For hold, he used my Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray. It doesn't weigh your style down or make it feel tacky. At the end of the night, Kate's look was completely fresh without any product build up.

Winners of our Axe Giveaway

2009-12-04T10:12:00.002-05:00

Congrats to John B. from Holmes, PA and Chris C. from NYC, the winners of our Axe Giveaway! Enjoy your new products!

Once Bitten, Don’t Be Shy

2009-12-03T10:24:00.004-05:00

By guest blogger Amber Plante (normally our Byte-Sized blogger)

Luna Twilight Just Bitten lip stain
Shade: Blush
Cost: $18
Buy now: http://www.twilightbeauty.com/

Laugh all you want, but I’ve been bitten by a vampire.

The culprit? Luna Twilight’s Just Bitten lip stain, one of a complete line makeup products inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling ‘Twilight’ series and Summit Entertainment’s blockbuster films.

This latest merchandising monster has two main themes – Luna Twilight and Volturi Twilight – to coincide with the release of ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon,’ the second of the 4-part series, which smashed box office records and grossed over $200M worldwide since it’s theatric release Nov. 20.

Luna Twilight, the tamer of the two brands, is represented by a barren tree symbolizing the romantic forest backdrops of the stories setting in the small town of Forks, Wash. Awash in a palate full of pinks and berry, this line embodies the beauty of being human, and the romance of falling in love. Of course, you can’t overlook the First Light Face Glow, which gives the wearer an ethereal hint of something special.

Volturi Twilight is the one who beckons the bad girl. Those who’ve read the book recognize the evil thread winding through the tale of the Volturi, the eldest and most powerful of all vampires, and this colorful makeup reflects that sentiment. The Immortal Liquid Body Shimmer makes you sparkle like Edward and Alice, while the signature Twilight Venom (yes, the famous DuWop product with a vampire spin) plumps your lips to make the nice and kissable.

Starting at around $20 a pop, the Luna Twilight lineup is the sophisticated big sister, for sure, but you can expect to get the ‘bite’ for your buck. The Volturi products are cheaper (expect to spend $10-15) and more geared toward the teens than the adults, but I don’t see why all ages can’t enjoy both. And, for the purists, the Luna Twilight lip-cheek-eye palettes ($28) are named for your favorite female characters.

On an impulsive whim, I purchased my Luna Twilight Just Bitten lip stain in Blush at Nordstrom. I was taken first by the cache of the brand and enthralled by the packaging (so pretty to pull out of your purse!), but it was the quality and color that really sold me.

Just Bitten: Blush ($18) is a rich berry red that sweeps on the lips like silk. This line of lip stain is more of a balm than a matte lipstick, which gives it a dewy appeal that’s so on-trend this season. As such, the color can be as light as a just-kissed blush or pack the drama of a true blood red.

Both lines are naughty, nice and a bit silly, even for the diehard fans of the books and films, but the quality can’t deceive anyone.

Yes, I’ve been bitten by a Twilight vampire, and I’ve got the blood red lips to prove it.
(Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I’m Team Jacob.)

New Haircare Products by Axe

2009-12-01T09:08:00.003-05:00

Here at Indulge we are big fans of Axe products and their commercials. The ads are a lighthearted take on helping men achieve better hair, and in some cases we couldn't agree more!

I have gotten a few samples from the folks at Axe and always use my fiancée as my guinea pig to test them out. I have to say, after he tested the Axe body spray he smelled so fantastic that he is now a regular user. Those are very light and you really only smell them when you are right next to the wearer (unless of course you go crazy with it... but everyone knows that is wrong).

Anyway, I am here today to talk about the new products Axe has in its hair care line. First off, we tried out Axe Freeze 2 in 1 Cooling Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner. When I say "we" I mean I tried it too. While it is a men's product, I wanted to see the cooling effects for myself ... and I sure did. This is a very refreshing product that leaves your hair feeling extremely clean and fresh. It definitely had a bit of a cooling tingle and I could see it as a great product post-workout or every day that you would want a invigorating clean with a cool masculine scent.

Next up, the Axe Sleek Smooth & Sophisticated Shine Pomade. This too has a opulent, manly scent that is not overpowering. The pomade is a cool blue color and works great after using the Freeze shampoo/conditioner. I recommend using them together. In case you're wondering, I did not sample this product, but my fiancée did and was please with the results. I thought his hair looked great, in place but not too stiff. He said the texture of the product was nice to use and held his hair in place for the day without feeling overly rigid.

Do you want to try these great products? I am giving away one of each in a random drawing. Email me your mailing address with subject "Axe Giveaway" at JPini@Captivate.com from 12am EST 12/1/2009 through 12am EST 12/3/2009 and tell me if you'd prefer the shampoo/conditioner or the pomade (I'll do my best to accommodate). Full contest rules are below.

GENERAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.2. ELIGIBILITY: Each promotion is open to legal residents of the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) and Canada who are 18 years or older at the time of entry unless otherwise stated. Employees of Captivate Network (“Sponsor”), Gannett Co., Inc., and each of their subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of, or any person domiciled with, any such employees are not eligible to enter or win. You are not a winner until you have been notified as a potential winner, your eligibility has been verified, and you have complied with all terms of these rules.3. HOW TO ENTER: [Send an email to Indulge@Captivate.com with your best secret for having fabulous hair, along with your name, age and address where prize can be shipped. Contest opens 12am EST 12/1/2009 and closes 12am EST 12/3/2009] THE FIRST NAME AND CITY OF WINNERS WILL BE POSTED ON INDULGE, PERMISSION IS GRANTED BY THE WINNERS BY SENDING IN THE EMAIL ENTRY. The Sponsor is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late, postage-due, misdirected or illegible entries, or for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind, including, without limitation, malfunctioning of any network, hardware or software, whether originating with sender or Sponsor. All entries become property of Sponsor and none will be returned4. SWEEPSTAKES WINNER SELECTION & ODDS: Sweepstakes winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received by Sweepstakes deadline. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.5. PRIZES: [1 Axe Cooling Shampoo/Condition, retail value of $5.99) [1 Axe Cooling Smooth and Sophisticated Pomade, retail value of $6.99)6. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE: Winners will be notified at the email address and/or U.S. mail address provided on winner’s entry form. Email or mail notification: Sponsor will email or mail notification and affidavit/release forms at the address provided. Return of prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Winners are required to confirm acceptance of the prize, complete an affidavit of eligibility/liability and publicity release which must be returned within the time period specified. Failure to sign and return the affidavit or release or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a winner’s disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to a substitute winner.7. PRIZE TERMS: PRIZES WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE WINNERS Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are non-assignable and nontransferable. No substitutions allowed by winner. Prizes and individual components of prize packages are subject to availability and Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. If the prize involves travel or other benefits for a companion in addition to the winner, persons traveling as guest of the winner must also sign any affidavit or release as Sponsor may require. Acceptance of any prize constitutes winner’s consent to the publication of his or her name, biographical information and likeness in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation or further compensation. Prizes not won and claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsor.8. PARTICIPATION: By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes as solely determined by Sponsor. In the event the Sweepstakes is compromised by a virus, non-authorized human intervention, tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the promotion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate any promotion at any time. Should a promotion be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes based on the eligible entries received before the termination date.9. CONSTRUCTION: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein.10. The decisions of Sponsor regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of a promotion shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the promotion. If you have questions on a specific sweepstakes, contact: [Jacqui Pini 978-845-5042], or for a list of winners: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Jacqui Pini Captivate Network 2 Executive Drive, Suite 301, Chelmsford, MA 01824].

Achieving the perfect smokey eye

2009-11-24T08:20:00.003-05:00

Looking for a smoldering look this holiday season?

Christopher Drummond, who has worked with celebrities, such as Jennifer Lopez, Brooke Shields, Jane Fonda, Glenn Close and Eve Ensler, gave Indulge these great tips for getting the perfect smokey eye:

1. Start with a beige shadow base all over the entire lid
2. Take a gold shadow, and apply it 3/4 of the way up, not quite all the way up to the brow. Leave some space between where you stop and the brow
3. Apply a blue/grey shadow from the crease (middle) of the eye to the base of the lashes. Be sure to blend it well, back and forth. This helps the product adhere, and stay on longer
4. On the outer corner of the lid, blend in a purple eye shadow to give some extra “sizzle.” Blend well
5. Finally, use a black liner to line the base of the lashes. Follow with mascara.

Thanks Christopher for this great infomation!

RealBeauty.com officially launches today

2009-11-19T09:38:00.002-05:00

RealBeauty.com, a comprehensive beauty website officially launched today! It has so many unique features so we decided to highlight some of our favorite:

The “Beauty Book”: A tool that gives users personalized information, advice and product recommendations detailed to their skin type, hair type, body issues and product preferences

Other beauty topics: Including hair, makeup, skin, body and fragrance

Wellness topics: Including diet and exercise, stress relief, sleeping better, and eating habits

The Fragrance Finder tool: Users can find perfume suggestions based on a thorough quiz that gauges the top aromas for them.

Win free stuff: It has a great selection of contests where you can win beauty prizes- including a Radiancy Face Trainer

Magazine content: RealBeauty.com also features content from Hearst Magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Redbook and Good Housekeeping.

Holiday Gift Guide iPhone App

2009-11-12T09:31:00.002-05:00

Need help with your shopping list this year? We have details on a new iPhone app that aggregates the top products from leading fashion magazines and retailers.

The NearbyNow Holiday Gift Guide worked with Seventeen, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, All You, Real Simple, Sunset, Details, Southern Living and Cooking Light magazines to incorporate their holiday gift selections into the app. It also reached out to retailers, including Nordstrom, Bon-Ton, Macy’s, Charlotte Russe and Buckle, to include their top gift selections.

iPhone users can download the guide from iTunes and begin their holiday shopping. They can go through the gift guide in several ways – either directly within a magazine or retailer’s guide or by choosing from lifestyle criteria (eg “green gifts”). Once they find the gifts they like they can either find it online or nearby. This is one app I am going for this year as I am a diehard shopper and lover of my iPhone.

Wear summer clothes year round

2009-11-10T09:04:00.001-05:00

Don’t put your summer clothes away yet. Style guru Lloyd Boston shared his tips for stretching your warm-weather wardrobe through the winter.

Pair dresses and skirts with tights: Boston says opaque, textured, lace, and even fishnets are in for this fall season. And they also look great paired with a bootie (a short boot).

Wear a scarf: Warm up fast with a smooth scarf. Boston recommends embellished scarves--gold beadings, bedazzling and sequins.

Keep your peep toes peepin’: Pair your peep toe shoes or pumps with a pair of tights. Boston suggests you can wear jewel-toned tights with dark peep toes for an even more fashion-forward style.

Flowers in bloom: Boston says ‘throw a dark-colored cardigan over a chic floral blouse and belt it at the waistline. It'll be so chic!’

It’s still shorts weather: Boston says ‘dark and colored tights underneath shorts (even denim ones) look really great with boots, a classic belt and your favorite summer tank. [Just pair ‘em] with a blazer or cool jacket.’

Thaaks Lloyd for these great tips! Lloyd Boston is host of Fine Living Network's Closet Cases and Style at Any Age.

How to style your hair under a hat

2009-11-05T09:08:00.003-05:00

Celebrity hairstylist, Philip Pelusi reveals how to make your hair look great under the most common hat styles of the season. Thanks to our friends at Trent & Co. for providing this great information!

According to Pelusi:

Hat Style: Fedora

Hair Style: Contrast the angles of the hat with loose feminine waves.

Why This Works: Loose feminine waves are a great way to wear your hair under a Fedora. This type of hat has very sharp “menswear” angles. This is off-set by the softer hairstyle.

How To Achieve This Look: This type of hair style works best on medium to longer length hair. If hair has a natural wave, simply apply a curl enhancing products like P2® by Philip Pelusi® ReCurl to boost waves and BeachComber to add texture and let hair dry or dry with a diffuser attachment on your blow dyer. If hair is straight, use a big barrel curling iron to add curls, some facing towards and some facing away from the face.

Hat Style: Newsboy cap

Hair Style: Create ballerina-esque bun at the nape of the neck.

Why This Works: Wearing a ballerina-esque bun at the nape is perfect combination with this tomboyish type Newsboy cap look. Also the Newsboy cap is supposed to be worn low on the forehead and this tends to cover most of the entire forehead. Wearing a ballerina bun pulls the hair back off the face opening to face up.

How To Achieve This Look: Part hair in the center and smooth hair back into a low ponytail at the middle of the nape. Use a hair smoothing bore bristle brush and a hair smoothing product like Tela® Beauty Organics Composure. Apply product to the ponytail also and brush smooth. Twist ponytail in one direction and wind around ponytail and secure with a few hair pins. Put on Newsboy and you are ready to go.

Hat Style: Beret

Hair Style: Tuck the hair back into a side pony so that soft strands peek out.

Why This Works: A side swept ponytail is a perfect way to wear your hair under a Beret. A Beret has a French romantic look and this feminine ponytail really compliments that. Tuck the hair back into a side pony so that soft strands peek out.

How To Achieve This Look: This look works best with straight or smooth hair. Create a side part and use a bore bristle paddle brush and a hair smoothing product like Tela® Beauty Organics Encore and brush into a low side ponytail at the nape on the opposite side of the part. Secure ponytail and put on Beret. The back of the Beret should slouch to the opposite side of the ponytail.

Hat Style: Shearling hat

Hair Style: Pull the hair half-way back, then unclip when the hat comes off to get the hair's bounce back.

Why This Works: Shearling hats are beautiful and warm but they often crush the hair. A hair half-way up look is a great idea to make the hair look great while the hat is on and preserve the hair for when the hat comes off.

How To Achieve This Look: Style hair as usual and then apply a product that can act as a dry hair setting lotion like P2® by Philip Pelusi® Increase. Then divide hair in half from ear to ear and twist up the crown of the head and secure with a clip. This will work as a dry set. Once you take the hat off and remove clip, toss to separate hair and revive hair with a hair refreshing product like as P2® by Philip Pelusi® RefresHair®.

The new something blue- bridal tattoos

2009-11-03T08:45:00.004-05:00

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ... with the exception of something blue, this list is a pretty easy list for any bride. But, if you décor is black and white or orange and yellow, how do you inconspicuously fit in the blue portion of your traditional bridal duties?

As a bride-to-be, I am always looking for new ideas in the bridal world, so I was especially interested when an email came into my inbox titled “The New Something Blue.” It was from a company called “I Do Tattoo” and they sell cute little blue tattoos that brides can wear exposed, under the dress, on a foot… where ever they feel most comfortable. It is just a creative way of wearing something thing blue. I Do Tattoo sells 8 exclusive tattoo designs. They send two tattoos and a picture frame with the image you selected screen printed on it- as well as a space for you to put a photo of your tattoo- so you can always remember your special something blue.

Fashion’s Night Out is Returning in 2010

2009-10-29T09:12:00.001-04:00

NYC Mayor Bloomberg along with NYC officials, Vogue and Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) organizers announced FNO will be coming back on September 9, 2010.

"The numbers are in, and it's clear that Fashion's Night Out was a tremendous success," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Thousands of New Yorkers attended the events in all five boroughs, supporting the City's retail and fashion industries and helping a worthwhile cause. It's sure to be an even bigger event in 2010."

A study done by ShopperTrak showed there was a likely a 50% increase in retail foot traffic and NYC & Company's own post-event survey of 1,300 consumers reported 75% purchased goods during FNO.

Indulge covered the weeks leading up to, and the actual FNO event in 2009 and we’ll be doing the same in 2010. Stay tuned to find out about the new designers and stores participating and all the fun events to support this shopping pep rally.

About Fashion's Night Out
Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry's economy. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. On September 9, 2010, Fashion's Night Out will return to New York City to put the fun back in shopping, with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. On the same night around the world, and led by twelve international Vogue editions (London, Paris, Milan, Berlin, Madrid, Moscow, Athens, Taipei, Tokyo, Beijing, Sao Paolo and New Delhi), each country will tailor its Fashion's Night Out celebration to appeal to its city's unique retail environment.

‘Return to Beauty’ and a skin intervention

2009-10-27T09:29:00.002-04:00

Coming up on Indulge…

‘Return to Beauty’
We got a sneak peek at Narine Nikogosian’s new book ‘Return to Beauty,’ which is a cookbook-style book filled with easy to create (at home) skincare recipes.

The book is divided into many sections, including areas for pregnant women, men, ‘simple solutions (hair care, nail care), seasons and sun signs. Being the Virgo that I am, I hopped right over to the Virgo section and will soon be testing out the mystic melon moisturizer!

The recipes seem simple, inexpensive and use ingredients most of us have at home. Stay tuned for my full review.

Skin intervention
I am only 30 years old, but the time I spent on the beach in college has absolutely caught up with me! My goal is to take a few years off my face and now with my wedding coming up that has gone from a goal to a priority.

First up, Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention, by Oil of Olay. This is a two-phase treatment and according to Oil of Olay’s website, this is how it works:

“Phase One: Nights 1-7 of this intervention are specially formulated to ignite the cellular turnover within skin's surface, infusing your skin with repairing moisture and an Olay peptide + B3 complex.
Phase Two: Nights 8-14 helps fill wrinkles with polishing micro-powders and hydrating moisture. The formula, with a high concentration of Olay's peptide + B3 complex, helps you to experience a lifted look to your skin.”
I should have my full review in 3 weeks.

Amazon.com Widgets

Copy Scarlett Johansson's hairstyle

2009-10-21T16:04:00.004-04:00

Copy Scarlett Johansson's hairstyle

David Babaii took Scarlett Johansson's long strawberry blonde hair and transformed her tresses into a dramatic side swept, short textured bob.

Step 1. Apply Hair Polish applied to damp hair and loosely drying it.

Step 2. Wind large sections of hair and spray it with Bohemian Beach Spray, while finishing the drying process.

Step 3. When hair was completely dried, use your fingers as a comb to gently undo the twisted sections.

Step 4. Use your fingers to brush hair to one side as not to disturb the texture and cup the long locks under giving the illusion of shorter hair.

Step 5. Secure the style with bobby pins and spray Mise en Plis Light Styling to hold it in place.

Thanks to our friends at Janice McCafferty Communications for sharing this great info!

Amazon.com Widgets

Great finds at Lucky Shops

2009-10-19T16:07:00.005-04:00

Attention fashionistas! If you are planning on heading to the NYC-area Nov. 6-7, then be sure to check out "Lucky Shops."

Set-up in a casual environment filled with music, giveaways and drinks, Lucky Shops will feature shoes, bags, accessories and more by designers such as Jill Stuart, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Ed Hardy Fragrance, Maybelline New York and Kate Spade. Most products are offered at prices up to 75% off retail.

Interactive aspects of Lucky Shops include a Jeanius Bar for denim – featuring free hemming while you kill time along with a Garnier Fructis Beauty Bar with complimentary hair touch-ups and more.

Lucky Shops will also highlight a "Shops for Success” boutique, which includes gently used items from Dolce & Gabanna, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta along with celebrity-donated vintage designer pieces. Proceeds from the Shops for Success boutique go toward Dress for Success.

The event will be held at Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. Tickets for Nov. 6 are $35 and for Nov. 7, $20.

Amazon.com Widgets

Pink products for October

2009-10-12T15:43:00.014-04:00

October is breast cancer awareness month and every year more and more pink products are showing up to benefit breast cancer organizations. Below are a few of our favorites for 2009. Also, stay tuned for October 21, Captivate Network’s spotlight day on breast cancer awareness.

First off we have Piggy Paint, a natural, eco-friendly nail polish created for girls. Their unique water-based formula is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, but dries to a hard durable finish. This year they are offering the "Fight Breast Cancer" gift pack ($19.99) shown below. For each one sold, they will be giving a bottle of polish and remover to a woman who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and 10% of sales will also be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Next we have The Body Deli’s Pink Grapefruit Botanical Butter Scrub ($32). $6 of every unit sold will be donated to the local California cancer charity, Gilda’s Club, on behalf of The Body Deli.

Thanks to our friends at the Recessionista (one of Indulge's favorite blogs), we heard about this trendy bag. Avon is selling Marimekko tote available to benefit breast cancer for only $10.00. 100% of the net profits ($6.24) will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Keds has created a limited-edition Pink Ribbon Champion ($40). 100% of the sales from this shoe will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

A good way to mark the day someone becomes cancer-free is through this calendar key ($44). For each "PINK" key sold, $10 will be donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pink Days Ago ($5) is a little a digital timer that is a way for women to remind themselves to do monthly self-exams. 10% of the proceeds from Pink Days Ago sales go to an organization called the Network of Strength.

During the month of October, Glam Headbands will be donating 10% of their web sales to Dig Pink, a non-profit organization that raises money for the fight against breast cancer.

Finally, on a related note, we wanted to share this unique website with our readers. Uptown Liz is a site that promotes products from companies whose proceeds go to charity. It was created by Ramona Russell in memory of her 28-year-old sister Liz, who died from breast cancer. You can shop on this site by charitable cause or product category, knowing that every time you make a purchase you are making a difference.

Amazon.com Widgets

Review: Fragrance Collection by Glade's holiday scents

2009-10-09T07:00:00.003-04:00

We tested out some new, indulgent candles by Glade, or is it Gla-dey (love those commercials.) Our take? Fabulous work- they smell like department store candles! Today, our review deals with a splash of fruit, a sprinkling of pine and some soothing scents of jasmine.

First let's start with the pomegranate and cranberries, hands down our favorite! Have you every walked into someone's house and just been transformed by the delicious scent of their candle? This is one of those. As a seasonal candle, the cranberry brings in the essence of the holidays, while the pomegranate gives it a fruity smell that is incredibly fresh. I highly recommend this scent if you like fruit-scented candles.

Next up was the fresh pine and cedar candle. Once we lit this I literally had to control myself from bringing out my holiday decorations. The scent of pine cedar wood, vanilla and warm amber is truly reminiscent of a frosty winter day or elegant homes decked with wreaths. It is delicious, but definitely a November-December-January scent. Lite it too early and Santa may show up!

Finally we had the jasmine and wild orchid candle. This was more of a rich floral scent, but very elegant and reminded me of something that I would smell in a spa. Of the three candles, I thought this is one that would work best any time of year. It seemed to be a little stronger-scented than the others, so it is definitely geared toward those who love the scents of jasmine, orchids and pink peony.

The 3-wick candle is around $10, but do a little research and you'll find there are plenty of coupons out there. I recommend all of these and have listed them in order of my favorites. Please feel free to email with questions about them!

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8 men's grooming products under $8

2009-10-07T16:05:00.004-04:00

Men should not have to break the bank to get nice hair, a clean shave and clear skin. We just heard about Every Man Jack, a line of men's products sold at Target, and they were kind enough to send us a list and descriptions of their bestselling products under $8.

8 men's grooming products under $8, by Every Man Jack

1. Skin Clearing Face Wash ($5): Salicylic acid treats and helps prevent current and future breakouts while coconut-derived surfactants remove deep-down dirt and oil.

2. Signature Mint Shave Gel ($5): Menthyl lubricates skin to reduce shave friction, marine extracts soothe and moisturize, aloe + Vitamin E heals and protects, Signature fragrance refreshes and glycerin helps skin retain moisture.

3. Face Lotion SPF 15 ($5): The light, non-greasy formula hydrates and helps heal razor-irritated skin while protecting the delicate skin of your face against UVA and burning UVB rays.

4. Lip Balm SPF 15 ($3): Helps protect lips from sunburn as well as prevent and relieve chapped lips with the smooth texture.

5. Signature Mint Face Scrub ($5): This gentle scrub uses a blend of coconut-derived surfactants to remove dirt and oil; marine extracts and Vitamin E to soothe and moisturize; and polyethylene beads to remove dry and dead skin.

6. 2-in-1 Daily Shampoo ($8): Vital Hair and Scalp Complex™ gets deep into follicles for stronger, healthier looking hair. Fruit extracts naturally exfoliate the scalp to promote healthy growth while peppermint essential oils invigorate. An added conditioner gives hair a softer feel.

7. Spiced Pepper Body Bars ($5): Its vegetable base cleans, the marine extracts soothe and moisturize and glycerin holds moisture on the skin.

8. Thickening Grooming Cream ($8): This lightweight cream helps create the look and feel of thicker, fuller hair. Gives hair natural, touchable hold that's never stiff or crispy.

Fall 2009 makeup trends

2009-10-06T08:54:00.004-04:00

This fall, makeup is all about going green, reaching for the gold and staying hydrated! Makeup artist to the stars Christopher Drummond (also a licensed esthetician), shares his top fall makeup trends for fall:

· Gold Eyeshadow – Gold eye shadow looks great on many skin tones and resembles the sun-kissed look of the summer. Christopher Drummond Oro Shadow can be applied in a small amount with the finger tips for a beautiful “worn in” look or it can be layered for more intensity.

· Hydrated Skin – There is nothing worse than chapped, dry sky in the winter. Finding the right moisturizer that is not too greasy, but still protects your skin is key. My preference is always Dermalogica- sheer tint redness relief is great for winter!

· Deep Green Eye Liner – Lately I’ve been wearing a lot of navy blue eyeliner and I am excited to try out a rich green color. My secret, so I do not look like I am fresh out of a Debbie Gibson video, is to wear a thin line on my upper lips and line my lower lashes with the colorful liner and then put a layer of black eyeliner over it. I think it gives the illusion of a little color, without being too bright. This fall, Christopher Drummond will be releasing a new liner called Peacock.

Thanks to Christopher Drummond for these great tips. Also, checkout his Christopher Drummond Beauty line. The 100% natural, vegan and organic-based makeup is infused with an exclusive blend of Brazilian Açai, botanical extracts, and trace minerals.

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Review of LuxLash eyelash extensions

2009-10-01T09:26:00.021-04:00

Loving my new lashes

“You could be in a mascara commercial,” one of my co-workers said the first time she saw my new eyelashes. The professionals at LuxLash, on Boston’s elegant Newbury Street, applied eyelash extensions to my lashes last week (see my lashes in the photo on the right and close-up below). The lightweight synthetic eyelashes made my own lashes look rich and full ... I’ll tell you all about how it works.

How eyelash extensions work
LuxLash in Boston is a chic salon that does lash extensions, brow-shaping, “eye-britening” and boutique parties. It was clean and inviting with friendly employees that are very professional and warm. With the light sounds of Frank Sinatra in the background we sat and talked a bit about my eyes (e.g. do I wear contacts, etc.). Next, I reclined in a chair and Melissa got to work on my lashes. She began by securing my lower lashes with what would seem like tape, but was very comfortable and did not hurt coming off. I closed my eyes and was not to open them until the procedure was over (about 90 minutes for a full set). She welcomed me to nap or just relax … and it truly was peaceful. One at a time, Melissa meticulously selected a lash and used a tiny bit of odorless adhesive to apply the synthetic lash right on top of each of my upper lashes. She put 60 on each side and they are a very natural length, shape and size. It simply felt like she was touching my lashes throughout the experience … in fact, it was easier than getting a manicure. It was uncomplicated and will last for 2 months!

The end result
I never leave the house without a little bit of eyeliner and now that is really unnecessary. I am wearing absolutely no make-up in the photos on this page. If you are every feeling a little drab and want to boost you look I highly recommend lash extensions. They add a nice spark to your face and I have had many compliments from people who think these are my real lashes. I have never been fearful to try new things, but if you are hesitant, I suggest you try the 7-day lash extensions.

Maintaining eyelash extensions
Maintenance is simple and from lash curlers and cleansers to lash hairspray, LuxLash has a full range of products to help you clean and care for them. They offer a complimentary appointment a week after you have the lash extensions applied and they will add more, or change the length depending on your preference.

It should be standard with any beauty experience that you test it first before getting it for any big event in your life. That being said, if you are getting married, I try the lashes out for a little while before the wedding to let your eyes get used to them and in case you have any adjustments you want to make. This is simply a suggestion, but I would get a full set about 7 weeks before your wedding and comeback 1-2 weeks before the wedding for a fill. That way you know exactly how they feel, but they'll still be fresh for the big day. I fully intend to maintain my lashes for the next year so they look great at my wedding.

I highly recommend lash extensions from LuxLash, I now have thick eyelashes that look full, not fake. If you want to try them out, they have locations in Boston and Beverly Hills (yes… many celebs get lash extensions too) and one coming soon in Las Vegas. Prices range from $250-$450 depending on the package you choose.

This is a close-up of my lashes (no make-up at all):

Photos below provided by LuxLash

Get runway-style hair

2009-09-29T09:49:00.004-04:00

Philip Pelusi and his Tela design team, created an elegant, yet chic look for models at the Kati Stern’s Venexiana Mercedes Benz fashion week show.

Details on how to get this runway look:

Make a side part and take three inches of the hair closest to the front and pin to the side.

Take another three inches from the crown of the head, right behind the section of hair you just marked off and pin that to the side as well.

You should be left with two sections of hair on both sides of your head.

Take the hair from the right section, and twist hair into a low ponytail, you should go from your temple to the nape of your neck.

Take the hair from the left section, and do the same but make sure you keep hair on an angle.

You should be left with 2 “rolls” on each side of you head.

With the hair in the low ponytail, you should coil pieces together and allow them to fold into each other, just use pins to hold hair in place.

Take the top section from the crown of your head and twist that piece loosely like a rope and pin it to your head.

Take the last section of hair and fold the hair into the rolls with your finger and pin all loose pieces with your finger.

Thanks to our friends at Trent & Co. for sharing this great infomation!

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Green your beauty regimen

2009-09-24T07:47:00.002-04:00

Want to learn how to "green your beauty regimen?" Our friends at the Mother Nature Network give the following tips: (note- full article can be found on MotherNatureNetwork.com)

Tip 1 "Use it or lose it:" Don't buys gimmicky products that you will not use. You are just wasting money, packaging and space in your house.

Tip 2 "Start on the inside:" Instead of paying big bucks for creams and lotions, start on the inside by drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet will give you a glow you cannot buy in stores.

Tip 3 "Nurture the outside:" Use a good loofah and quality sunscreen and stay out of the sun. You'll thank us!

Tip 4 "Try a make-under:" Go to a beauty counter and ask how you can minimize the amount of products/make-up you are using. Less is more in most cases and you'll see a refreshing change in your schedule, wallet and look if you minimize just a bit.

Tip 5 "Minimize:" Don't use travel sizes (unless you're traveling) and look for companies that offer recycling programs. According to MNN.com, "MAC Cosmetics offers incentives like free lipstick when you return six empty containers. Origins also has launched a recycling program and will accept empty containers from any cosmetic company."

Tip 6 "Shop 'green':" MNN.com says "You'll find soap, moisturizers and other beauty necessities from Earth-friendly lines such as J.R. Watkins Naturals, Tom's of Maine and Burt's Bees on shelves at local drugstores, grocery chains and mega-marts. Time to purge — and splurge — with purpose."

Thank to our friends at MotherNatureNetwork.com for all of these awesome tips!

2009 Natural Health Beauty Awards

2009-09-22T09:12:00.001-04:00

Thousands of readers and a panel of dermatologists helped Natural Health Magazine select the 25 winners of its 5th Annual Beauty Awards.

FACIAL CLEANSER
Olay Definity Penetrating Mousse Cleanser

FACIAL EXFOLIATOR
Skin 2 Skin Oatmeal & Pomegranate Scrub

EYE CREAM
Yes to Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel

FACIAL MOISTURIZER
AVEENO Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

FACIAL NIGHT CREAM
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Night Health Bedtime Face Cream

ANTI-AGING FACIAL TREATMENT
Aveda Green Science Firming Face Creme

LIP BALM
Burt’s Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8 with Passionfruit

HAND CREAM
The Healing Seed Virgin Organic Hempseed Oil Hand Cream

BODY MOISTURIZER
Avalon Organics Grapefruit & Geranium Hand & Body Lotion

BODY SCRUB
Aura Cacia Nourishing Body Polishes Fair Trade Certified

SELF-TANNER
Pur Minerals Get a Little

BAR SOAP
Dove Go Fresh Burst Beauty Bar

BODY WASH
Nature’s Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Velvet Moisture Body Wash

SUN CARE
John Masters Organics SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen

SHAMPOO
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo

CONDITIONER
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Moisture Conditioner

HAIR COLOR
Natural Instincts Champagne Indulgence Collection

HAIR STYLING PRODUCT
Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Smoothing Crème

BLUSH
The Body Shop Nature’s Minerals Cheek Color

CONCEALER
Jane Iredale Zap & Hide

EYE SHADOW
Almay Pure Blends Eyeshadow

FOUNDATION
Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Liquid Foundation SPF 15

LIP COLOR
Aubrey Organics Natural Lips Sheer Tint

MASCARA
Kiehl’s Marvelous Mineral Mascara

NAIL POLISH
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

LC Lauren Conrad, a new fashion line

2009-09-17T08:02:00.005-04:00

If you're like me and don't miss an episode of 'The Hills' then you know how fashion-forward the girls are.

While Heidi tends to be too overdone for my taste (think Barbie's worst nightmare), and Stephanie's sweatband-esqe headbands are painful to look at, I think the other girls – especially Lauren Conrad (LC) – are totally on the mark. LC tends to embrace the trends without becoming a slave to fashion. Past seasons have shown her in leggings and tunics along with sundresses, braids and sporting short black nails. She takes on fashion in a way that is daring, but always tasteful.

That being said, I was quickly deflated to see that her first fashion line, Lauren Conrad Collection line was so expensive. By 'so expensive' I mean simple cotton tank dresses for $200+ ... yes the kind of purchases most of us would regret making. Bloomingdales and Kitson apparently had trouble moving her pieces, maybe because of the price, and that line is no longer.

The good news is Kohl’s Department Stores is launching LC Lauren Conrad, a contemporary lifestyle brand for women, in approximately 300 Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com this fall. Judging by Kohl’s prices, I think we’ll see some great fashion at prices that are much more reasonable. Check out LC herself on this YouTube clip showing some of her new pieces.

http://listener.embsvc.com/forwarder.aspx?ID=06b1854b-f8de-4891-b8f4-ef1a97f46fa6http%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dyds-i767DTs

What are your thoughts on the fashions of ‘The Hills?’ Is Audrina trying too hard, don’t forget Kristin Cavallari … or do you like Heidi’s huge hairstyles? Tell me what you think!

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Selling luxury goods on eBay

2009-09-15T09:09:00.004-04:00

Skinny jeans look terrible on me, but that did not stop me from buying three pairs last year. Or what about the gold bangles from Coach that I was so sure I was going to wear. If I had back half the money I have spent on trendy items that I do not wear I probably would have paid off my student loans by now ... (actually, we are talking about Boston University so maybe that is a stretch) but I'd have more money for sure!

I've tried selling things on eBay, but have found the constant flow of questions and non-payers to be a total pain, so I was interested when I heard about this woman who specializes in selling luxury goods on eBay. While I am sure there are many people out there who will "sell your goods online" Ann Wood is known in the eBay community as having a great storefront to buy/sell luxury goods.

Wood focuses in selling designer clothing, handbags, and shoes, jewelry, watches, crystal, china and collectibles. She’ll take pictures of your items, do research to ensure it is priced right and do all the work with sellers so you get paid quickly. All that extra money you can go straight to the mall … I mean the bank and deposit it!

Let us know if you know of another reputable consigner on eBay as I am sure we can all use some extra money these days!

To view Ann Wood’s latest items on eBay, visit her Web site or click here to see her Trading Assistant information.

Finishing mists for make-up

2009-09-10T09:11:00.003-04:00

If you are into wearing eye shadow or wear some sort of a mineral make-up or foundation base on your skin, then you know what your face will look like untouched a few hours later. You eyelids may crease and your blush can wear off. Wearing these types of make-up requires touch-ups and if you don't have time or energy for that than you may be interested in a new finishing spray by Skindinävia.

I have not yet tested this out, but the folks at Skindinävia say their finishing mists keep your makeup on for 16 hours without drying out or winding up in your pores or creases in your skin. The best part is all you do is spray it on after your face is done and you can use it with any type of make-up. There is a wide variety of products for every need and they range from $19-$39 depending on the size.

According to Skindinävia, these are details on their top selling finishing sprays:

10 Years Younger Makeup Finish: Keeps makeup hydrated and out of wrinkles.

The first anti-aging product for your makeup. Reduces the appearance of lines by keeping makeup from settling in them. Innovative mist holds makeup by keeping the surface chilled and well hydrated for hours avoiding drying and slippage. Six hygroscopic (water attracting) moisturizers stop foundation, eye shadow, blush, and concealer from flaking or becoming powdery and helps reduce makeup slippage into pores, fine lines, wrinkles, or scars. Unique pigment dispersion system helps avoid clumping and conceals uneven texture or discoloration, such as sun damage and age spots. Works with all types of makeup.

Cool Flash Makeup Finish: Chills makeup in warm temperatures (and during hot flashes) avoiding meltdown

Helps makeup beat the heat. Great for hot flashes, active lifestyles, warm climates, beach days, summer, gym workouts, and vacations. Works to prevent meltdown and caking for hours on foundation, eye shadow, blush, and concealer. Unique encapsulated cooling technology chills the makeup surface 20°F, like an air conditioner, keeping a fresh look in the warmest temperatures. Works with all types of makeup.

No More Shine Makeup Finish: Absorbs oil and controls excess shine.

Oily skin types can now have perfect makeup for hours with fewer touchups. Contains oil control system that both absorbs excess oil and controls surface shine throughout the face and T-zone. Stops makeup sliding and meltdown without excessive drying. Weightless mist cools makeup surface 20°F degrees to curtail oil from sliding through as shine on foundation, blush, and concealer. Light dispersing particles deflect shininess to deliver a matte look for up to 16 hours. Works with all types of makeup, great for teens.

Fashion's Night Out is taking place on Thursday

2009-09-08T09:18:00.005-04:00

Fashion's Night Out is taking place on Thursday!

Here are a few updates from @FNONYC Twitter!

Debra Messing joins Michael Kors at Macy's Herald Square

One lucky shopper will win a pair of Isabel Morant boots on Sept 10 from Curve

Diddy & more hot guests will be appearing @ the Skye Nicolas + UC event

Ralph Lauren plans a series of events for Fashion's Night Out at multiple stores http://bit.ly/gDAbU

Limited edition Fashion's Night Out bracelet by Folli Follie-100% proceeds 2 9/11 Memorial & Museum #fno09http

Donna Karan & DKNY R celebrating Fashion's nite Out with Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova & Rock/Jazz pianist, Eric Lewis http://bit.ly/dDAt2

Neiman Marcus celebrates in all 40 locations nationwide- here's what's happening in Denver.http://bit.ly/ri71g

Amazing in-store sweepstakes during Fashion's Night Out - over 60 fabulous fashion prizes can be yours http://bit.ly/UTYCO

Check out the AMAZING Fashion's Night Out in-store sweepstakes- you could win a Carolina Herrera wedding gown! http://bit.ly/ic2PX

About Fashion’s Night Out: Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. On September 10, 2009, more than 300 stores will stay open late to put the fun back in shopping, with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. In addition, two important New York charities—the September 11 Memorial and Museum and the NYC AIDS Fund—will benefit from the initiative. On the same night around the world, and led by twelve international Vogue editions (United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Russia, France, Brazil, India, Spain, China, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan), each country will tailor its Fashion’s Night Out celebration to appeal to its city’s unique retail environment.

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Bayside Signature Sugar Honey Pecan Scrub

2009-09-02T15:46:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Tracy Harper, spa director at Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Bayside Spa, for sharing her recipe for the Texas Hill Country spa’s signature scrub.

Bayside Signature Sugar Honey Pecan Scrub

Ingredients:

2 oz. of Brown or Raw Sugar
2 oz. of Crushed Pecans
1 Tbsp. of almond oil
1 Tsp. of honey
2-3 drops of lavender, rosemary, or citrus oil for scent

Use: In the shower, scrub gently in circular motions.

Macy's plans for Fashion's Night Out

2009-09-01T09:18:00.004-04:00

Fashion's Night Out is just 10 days away! We got the chance to talk to Elina Kazan of Macy's about their plans for the big night.

Elina told Indulge that all 8 of their NYC stores will be celebrating Fashion's Night Out. Each store will have a mix of celebrity and designer appearances, fashion shows, mini-makeover stations, styling sessions, shopping perks and give-aways.

Macy's Queens Center store is hosting the kick-off event for Fashion's Night Out with Vogue Editor In Chief Anna Wintour and designer Michael Kors in attendance. Both will debut the Vogue Pop Up Boutique along with a few celebrity guests. The kick off is at 5 pm with a performance by HAIR.

At Macy's Herald Square flagship store, designer Rachel Roy will be introducing her fusion collection, Rachel Rachel Roy which is exclusive at Macy's. Rachel will be at Herald Square at 6pm, then at 7pm Michael Kors will arrive a la red carpet style with a celebrity guest for the launch of his latest fragrance, Very Hollywood Michael Kors. At 8pm, they will have reality tv star Jill Zarin host a shoe shopping party. In addition the Macy's window will have artwork from the French Institute's Crossing the Line Fall Festival exhibit.

Thanks to Elina and Macy's for this great info!

About Fashion’s Night Out: Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. On September 10, 2009, more than 300 stores will stay open late to put the fun back in shopping, with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. In addition, two important New York charities—the September 11 Memorial and Museum and the NYC AIDS Fund—will benefit from the initiative. On the same night around the world, and led by twelve international Vogue editions (United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Russia, France, Brazil, India, Spain, China, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan), each country will tailor its Fashion’s Night Out celebration to appeal to its city’s unique retail environment.

Top trends for fall 2009, by elle.com

2009-08-27T09:38:00.002-04:00

While we have a little time left of summer, we definitely should be transitioning our shopping to fall. To help us out, Elle.com has listed top trends for fall 2009.

Top trends for fall 2009, by elle.com:

1980s style: If you’ve been to TopShop at all, you'll know what I mean. I may have been in a dressing room line with Debbie Harry and Pat Benatar from what I could tell! you’ve seen poufy sleeves, acid-washed jeans and pleated pants are all the rage.
The Cocoon Coat: It is protective, warm and cozy. With larger that normal sleeves and pockets, this is a piece that will go great with many looks.
Grey and black: Your fall looks will be chic and smoldering in these rich shades.
Fur: Can’t comment on this one. I strongly dislike both real and faux fur… but it is up to you to wear whatever you want!
Hats: From tailored to trendy, hats were all the rage on the runway.
Hot pink: Turn up this baby-doll color a few notches and wear it as a dress or a shirt and pair it with black leggings! We love the look of a strand of rich, dark Tahitian pearls laying over the neckline.
Slashed shoulder: From one-armed long-sleeved tops to tops with a cut-out shoulder or just one strap, this is a look that shows some skin without going overboard.
Gold: Brighten up fall with shades of gold and yellow.
Sparkles: Reach for a sequined skirt with a plain top or just wear sparkly accessories. Just don’t go overboard!
Thigh-high boots: depending on where you work- I am not sure these are best for the office, but as I said in #4, it is up to you to wear whatever you want!

New developments on Fashion's Night Out

2009-08-25T07:00:00.002-04:00

Fashion’s Night Out is right around the corner! We’ve been following them on Facebook and Twitter… and here are some interesting recent developments!

Oscar De La Renta will be at his Madison Avenue boutique singing for a few friends and top clients! More details on Oscar De La Renta at Fashion’s Night Out

Supermodel Daria Werbowy will be promoting Vogue eyewear at SunglassHut. More details on SunGlass Hut and Fashion’s Night Out.

Celebrate Steven Alan's fifteenth anniversary on 9/10 with a reverse-seam shirt at the special price of $95! More details on Steven Alan and Fashion’s Night Out.

Meet design Monica Botkier aand receive a free gift with purchase at Saks. More details on Monica Botkier and Fashion’s Night Out.

Bond No. 9 is featuring perfume workshops, a 20%-off sale, blending and contests!
More details on Bond No. 9 and Fashion’s Night Out.

Bluberi will feature one-on-one shopping, styling lessons, gift with purchase!
More details on BlueBeri and Fashion’s Night Out.

Win a $5k shopping spree! Enter here http://www.fashionnightoutsweeps.com/

I have not even scratched the surface of all the exciting events coming up on Fashion’s Night Out! Check out FNO's Facebook page, follow them on Twitter (username: FNOnyc Hashtag #FNO09) and visit their website.

About Fashion’s Night Out: Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. On September 10, 2009, more than 300 stores will stay open late to put the fun back in shopping, with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. In addition, two important New York charities—the September 11 Memorial and Museum and the NYC AIDS Fund—will benefit from the initiative. On the same night around the world, and led by twelve international Vogue editions (United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Russia, France, Brazil, India, Spain, China, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan), each country will tailor its Fashion’s Night Out celebration to appeal to its city’s unique retail environment.

Shape's Beauty Award Winners

2009-08-19T10:51:00.003-04:00

Thanks to our friends at Shape magazine who sent over the following details on their 6th annual beauty award winners!

Best Facial Moisturizer – Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Testers loved this product's "totally natural-looking color" and "non-greasy" feel. Plus, the light-reflecting mica it contains helps even out skin tone, while the SPF 30 prevents future damage.

Best Facial Cleanser – Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser
The blast of grapefruit scent is a perfect morning pick-me-up that offers dramatic results – fewer breakouts, oil-free skin, and clear pores.

Best Body Moisturizer – Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing Body Lotion
A mix of vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids combine to deliver intense hydration and exfoliation in this moisturizer.

Best Antiperspirant/Deodorant – Dove Visibly Smooth Clinical Protection Antiperspirant/Deodorant
This potent sweat stopper has the maximum amount of the wetness-fighting ingredient Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrexgly allowed without a prescription to leave you feeling dry.

Best Eye care – Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
This formula contains caffeine to banish puffiness and dark circles. It also combines Vitamin B and Glycerin to hydrate skin and lessen the look of wrinkles.

Best Eye Makeup – Maybelline the Colossal Volume Express Mascara
This mascara presents over-the-top-lush lashes by combining collagen-infused thickening formula and a brush big enough to cover every lash in one single stroke.

Best Lip Color – Covergirl Outlast Lipstain
Not only does this lip color last long, but it contains Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid to ensure lips will stay soft and hydrated.

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Big news from Fashion’s Night Out

2009-08-17T09:06:00.005-04:00

We are so excited to announce Fashion’s Night Out has divulged their list of participating retailers! Below is a press release with all the news details of the big day. Thanks to our friends at Fashion’s Night Out for sharing this great info:

Fashionsnightout.com today unveiled its highly anticipated list of participating retailers and the exciting events they have planned for shoppers during the five-hour September 10 extravaganza. Stores throughout New York City’s five boroughs will host celebrity and designer appearances, musical and Broadway performances, styling seminars, fashion shows, and photo exhibits, and will offer limited-edition Fashion’s Night Out merchandise, gifts with purchase, refreshments, and more! Fashion’s Night Out invites shoppers to visit http://fashionsnightout.com/directory.php to discover what their favorite store, designer, or brand has up its sleeve for the evening.

Fashionistas can also take advantage of daily updates on Fashion’s Night Out’s Facebook page and Twitter (FNOnyc) feed. “On the evening of September 10, Fashion’s Night Out, spanning all five boroughs, will highlight why New York City’s vibrant and diverse fashion-and-retail industry is admired throughout the world,” said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company. “The citywide celebration will showcase the unique shopping opportunities available to New Yorkers and visitors, while encouraging retail support and giving back to important NYC causes.”“Little did I think when the idea of Fashion’s Night Out was first dreamed up this past March during the Paris collections that we would have over 700 and counting retailers, designers, and brands joining us on the night of September 10,” said Anna Wintour, editor in chief, Vogue. “Of course, I’ve always known the New York fashion industry to rise brilliantly to a challenge, but I am absolutely thrilled, awed, and more than a little proud that it has reacted so brilliantly to this initiative. There is so much planned that we could shop till dawn and still not see and do everything.”

“Fashion’s Night Out is that rare opportunity to meet the person behind the label,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA Executive Director. “Some of the best known as well as up-and-coming talent will be out and about all across New York during the event." Designed to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the economy, Fashion’s Night Out will be the single largest shopping event in New York City history. Created by Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York, the initiative on September 10 will also mark the support of two important New York charities: The September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center will receive 40 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a limited-edition Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt at participating retailers. The NYC AIDS fund will benefit from a citywide clothing drive (sponsored by IMG) that will begin on the 10th at various retail and public locations, and will culminate on September 12, 2009. For more information on the evening’s charitable endeavors and ways people can help, log on to fashionsnightout.com/volunteer.php.

Highlights of Fashion’s Night Out include:Fashion/beauty appearances (partial list): Fashion and beauty’s elite will be making special appearances at retailers throughout the city, including Max Azria, Badgley Mischka, John Bartlett, Manolo Blahnik, Oscar Blandi, Bobbi Brown, Thom Browne, Tory Burch, Roberto Cavalli, Francisco Costa, Georgina Chapman, Kenneth Cole, Diego Della Valle, Frédéric Fekkai, Alberta Ferretti, Patricia Field, Robert Graham, Douglas Hannant, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Jason Hoffman, Alejandro Ingelmo, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Aerin Lauder, Nanette Lepore, Adam Lippes, Trish McEvoy, Gilles Mendel, Rebecca Minkoff, Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Mulleavy, Josie Natori, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Thakoon Panichgul, Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Lela Rose, Rachel Roy, Maria Sharapova, Shipley & Halmos, Shoshanna, Christian Siriano, Peter Som, Albertus Swanepoel, Elie Tahari, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Edward Tricomi, Patricia Underwood, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang, Vera Wang, Joel Warren, Stuart Weitzman, Jason Wu, Yeohlee, David Yurman, and Giuseppe Zanotti, among others.

Celebrity/model appearances (partial list): Joy Bryant, Lauren Bush, Ciara, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cindy Crawford, Lynda Carter, Lily Donaldson, Nacho Figueras, Chanel Iman, Hugh Jackman, Alexa Ray Joel, Jessica Joffe, Carmen Kass, Miranda Kerr, Karolina Kurkova, Yasmin Le Bon, Adriana Lima, Angela Lindvall, The Misshapes, Taylor Momsen, Pharrell, Sasha Pivovarova, Coco Rocha, Liev Schreiber, Stephanie Seymour, Arlenis Sosa, Hana Soukupova, Jessica Stam, Julia Stegner, Caroline Trentini, Ivanka Trump, Kerry Washington, Erin Wasson, Daria Werbowy, and Caroline Winberg, among others.Kickoff: The evening’s festivities will kick off with a visit by Anna Wintour, designer Michael Kors, and a surprise celebrity guest to the Macy’s Queens Center at 5:00 p.m. They will meet with shoppers and Macy’s chairman, president, and CEO Terry Lundgren inside a special Vogue boutique created to showcase the best trends of the season. There will be a performance by the Tony Award–winning cast of Hair, and Ms. Wintour and Mr. Kors will sign the Fashion’s Night Out tee for the first 50 customers.

Map and Incentives: The official map of Fashion's Night Out, created by American Express, will highlight the 700 participating retailers throughout the five boroughs. In addition, American Express will be offering benefits exclusively available for Cardmembers at stores and restaurants throughout the city. On September 9 and 10, maps will be distributed at key commuter sites across New York City, including Grand Central and Penn Stations, the Port Authority, the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and Columbus Circle. Look for Fashion's Night Out street teams at these and select high-traffic shopping destinations during peak morning and evening rush hours. For additional distribution at Official NYC Information Center & Kiosks log on to http://www.nycgo.com/?event=view.article&id=55512

In-store sweepstakes: Shoppers will have the opportunity to win an amazing array of prizes on September 10 as part of citywide in-store sweepstakes. Retailers will provide entry forms between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Prizes include tickets to designer fashion shows; a makeover with beauty expert Bobbi Brown on the Today show; a made-to-order wedding dress by Carolina Herrera; haircuts by Sally Hershberger and Oscar Blandi; or an opportunity to visit a Vogue fashion shoot with renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Free Transport: Enthusiastic shoppers looking for a lift around town will be able to take advantage of some free transportation in Manhattan. Courtesy of Payless ShoeSource, four Gray-Line double-decker buses will provide the Official Ride of Fashion’s Night Out, looping between downtown and midtown, and stopping at key shopping locations. For something a little more intimate, Aveda’s Experience Center at Fifth Avenue and West Nineteenth Street will provide complimentary pedicabs within a fifteen-block radius south of the store.

Get Angelina Jolie's hairstyle

2009-08-13T08:54:00.005-04:00

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt both looked incredible at the Hollywood premiere of ‘Inglourious Basterds’ this week. Jolie wore a strapless leather Micheal Kors dress and Pitt was matching in a black shirt with a black linen suit that would have made Johnny Cash proud. They epitomized the Hollywood rock star look … something you can easily recreate and we are here to help.

Thanks to our friends at Janice McCafferty Communications, we were able to get the scoop from Jolie’s hairdresser on exactly how he gave her that sleek hairstyle.

Here are step-by-step instructions for getting Jolie’s hairstyle by celebrity stylist David Babaii:

1. First, David applied Hair Polish to her entire mane followed by spraying Volcanic Ash Root Amplifier to the root area for lift and volume.

2. Next, he parted hair into 3 sections (This is David's "key" signature tip). Beginning at the nape area, he used the David Babaii for WildAid Blow Dryer with the nozzle attachment for direct styling. To achieve her look, David blow dried her hair using a large round brush to smooth tresses straight and shiny.

3. When done drying the entire head, he took large sections and wrapped hair around the same round brush. With the blow dryer and nozzle in hand, blow an additional blast of hot air for 10 seconds and then hit the cool button for a burst of cool air: this sets the shape. Carefully release the section from the brush and continue until you have completed the whole head.

4.To finish, spray Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray.

Click here for more information on David Babaii or visit his line of WildAid hair products

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The Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt

2009-08-11T07:00:00.003-04:00

Not only does the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt (right) look great, but it also supports the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

About the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Where the Twin Towers once stood, the Memorial will have two large pools with huge waterfalls running down the edges. The names of those killed in the 9/11 attacks in NYC, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, along with those killed in the February 1993 World Trade Center bombing, will be inscribed around the edges of the pools.

Areas of the museum, including “Survivors Stairs” and two original steel tridents from the Twin Towers, are designed to express the enormity of the attacks. The museum will include a private suite set aside for families of victims as well as public places where anyone can reflect.

More on the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Alice + Olivia, Loehman’s, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman are among those selling the official Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt. A full list (see those in red font) of places to purchase the shirt can be found on the Fashion’s Night Out website.

About Fashion’s Night Out:
Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. On September 10, 2009, more than 300 stores will stay open late to put the fun back in shopping, with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. In addition, two important New York charities—the September 11 Memorial and Museum and the NYC AIDS Fund—will benefit from the initiative. On the same night around the world, and led by twelve international Vogue editions (United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Russia, France, Brazil, India, Spain, China, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan), each country will tailor its Fashion’s Night Out celebration to appeal to its city’s unique retail environment.

View our previous post on Fashion’s Night Out

Shopping attitudes and behaviors

2009-08-06T09:08:00.006-04:00

My last post on Fashion's Night Out highlighted the true importance of the retail industry. Going to a store or online and buying just one item has such a positive effect on our economy and the survey below proves that many are still doing that.

Thanks to our friends at Lucky (my favorite magazine), for sharing the results of a new study in which they identified The Alpha Shopper, a dominant consumer who is still going out and buying things.

Compelling statistics from the national sample of 1,090 American women about the Alpha Shopper include:

• 87% of respondents purchase fashion/accessories monthly, up from 86% in 2008

• 95% feel that shopping is helping the economy

• 73% strongly feel they can enjoy shopping today without being excessive

• 57% are shopping for investment items while 43% are shopping for trend items

• 78% say their splurge purchases are on items that inspire them

• 91% of consumers say they look for stores that offer investment and trend pieces

Click here to visit Lucky online

Showcasing the Power of Fashion

2009-08-03T15:52:00.010-04:00

The world of fashion is vibrant, creative and ready for you. Great fashion motivates us to dress up and go out, to compliment a perfect stranger and feel incredible about the way we look. Many businesses truly depend on retail and by supporting the fashion industry we can all help spark the economy.

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is reenergizing consumerism by getting retailers to come together on the evening of Sept. 10 for a night filled with music, incentives, contests, imaginative window displays and, of course, great fashion. This will take place in NYC and 12 other worldwide fashion hubs to inspire consumers and strengthen the economy. FNO is a collaborative effort by Vogue, NYC & Company, the city of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

According to FNO, “next only to finance, fashion is the second-largest sector of industry in New York City – the headquarters of more than 800 fashion companies employing 175,000 people and generating $10B in total wages.”

Indulge is fully supporting FNO and will be covering many aspects of the program through the month of August. We are very excited for our August 17th post when we’ll announce the full list of participating stores! In the meantime, checkout FNO's Facebook page, follow them on Twitter (username: FNOnyc Hashtag #FNOO9) and visit their website.

Check back next week when Indulge will have the scoop on the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt.

How to get Scarlett Johansson's hairstyle

2009-07-29T15:14:00.005-04:00

David Babaii had a Marilyn Monroe-style on his mind when he created Scarlett Johansson's hairstyle for the LA Shorts Fest '09. We were lucky enough to get the details on how he created this 1940s bob without cutting any hair!

How to get Scarlett Johansson's hairstyle from the LA Shorts Fest '09:

Step 1: David dried her hair using hair polish and then divided her tresses into 3 sections: top with a side part, sides and back leaving the nape area free. To create these large barrel sized curls, he took alternating "V" shaped partings to avoid any part lines from showing through.

Step 2: David used a 1 ½ inch FHI Heat Ceramic Curling Iron throughout Scarlett’s entire head. The sides and back curls were pinned into an assortment of sized looped curls giving the deception of a bob.

Step 3: On the top, he lightly brushed her hair to one side creating soft waves. For an extra sparkle, David brushed back one side and secured with a ornamental hair pin.

Finish it off: For hold, David used his Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray.

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New research on tanning beds

2009-07-29T13:07:00.001-04:00

It is just another reason not to go in a tanning bed … Cancer experts are saying tanning beds and UV radiation are both “definite distinct causes of cancer.” Most lights used in tanning beds give off mostly UV radiation, which causes eye and skin cancer.

Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers, said the categorization means specialists are convinced tanning beds cause cancer, but added they may not be as strong as other carcinogens like tobacco.

A new analysis of about 20 studies demonstrates the risk of skin cancer rises by 75% when people (under age 30) begin using tanning beds.

In Britain, melanoma is the No. 1 cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s.. Typically, skin cancer rates are highest in people age 75+.

If you really want a broze glow- use a self-tanner. There are many good ones to choose from and my selections for some of the best self-tanners and bronzers are in the photos below.

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YogaPaws, leave the yoga mat at home

2009-07-28T08:56:00.006-04:00

If you’re sick of toting around a yoga mat you may want to give YogaPaws a try! YogaPaws were created to give your hands and feet enough support and cushioning that you can practice most yoga positions without a yoga mat. They have a cloth lining on the interior to soak up sweat and are small enough to just flip in your bag and go about your day.

This is a great everyday option for some, or maybe a better option for others just when they travel and do not feel comfortable borrowing a a yoga mat (and do not want to check one in their luggage.)

YogaPaws offers styles for men and women and are $34.95 and come with a Yoga-Syz DVD. More information on YogaPaws.

Win a trip from Cetaphil to a tropical location

2009-07-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

What makes you feel comfortable in your own skin? Cetaphil wants to know and they could award you a terrific prize for sharing!

This very cool contest (see my entry below) is asking applicants to complete the sentence “I feel comfortable in my skin…”

One very lucky winner will receive a seven day, four person trip to a tropical Marriott & Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resort destination, a Kate Spade totebag and $500 American Express gift card to purchase their preferred getaway items.

How to enter? Go to the Cetaphil contest website and create a photo collage of includes your selected vacation spot, your preferred Kate Spade bag, your much loved Cetaphil products and maybe a photo of you doing one of your favorite things (or you can select from stock pix of favorite things!)

Good luck! Check out my “I feel comfortable in my skin…” entry below and feel free to vote for me… and, yes, that is a photo of me running in the corner!

Comfortable in My Skin - Round 1

Sponsored by Visit Cetaphil

Vegan shoes

2009-07-20T09:55:00.006-04:00

If we knew what it took to make many of our favorite products, we probably would not wear them ... sadly many animals are injured and killed and many people abused just to make one simple pair of shoes.

I recently heard about olsen Haus, a vegan shoe company. From heels to flats, the shoes are trendy and fun and according to the company's website "Products are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms and factories that are personally checked for ethical practices & environmental impact."

For more on vegan shoes, visit olsen Haus' website. Also, visit the Mother Nature Network to see an a recent interview done with olsen Haus' Elizabeth Olsen on vegan wedding shoes.

Fun fact: According to the olsen Haus website, the following people were vegan or vegetarian!

Albert Einstein
Sir Issac Newton
Van Gogh
Plato
Susan B. Anthony
Charles Darwin
Abraham Lincoln
Mark Twain
Henry David Thoreau
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Rosa Parks
Socrates
Pythagoras
Mahatma Gandhi

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Summer hair tips by Rodney Culter

2009-07-16T09:04:00.007-04:00

Rodney Culter, owner of the famous Cutler Salons, has worked with Jaime King, Bridget Hall, Kate Moss as well as designers Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Toni Maticevski and countless others. Today he is here to give readers of Indulge a few tips on fighting humidity as well as directions on a gorgeous summer hairstyle.

Tips to fight humidity by Rodney Culter
· Always rinse your hair with cool water after shampooing and conditioning to seal the cuticle
· Blow-dry with a thermal protectant treatment spray (like Cutler Protectant Treatment Spray) as it will seal the cuticle and protect from heat damage
· Make sure you have a nozzle on the blow-dryer and direct the air from roots to the ends to fight humidity and keep high shine

How to do a messy bun, as seen on the runways of a recent Angel Sanchez show
· Spray Cutler Protectant Treatment Spray into hair to fortify and strengthen. Scrunch to add texture
· Loosely pull hair straight off the face and secure in a ponytail
· Rough up the ponytail and twist into a messy bun
· Secure with bobby pins

Not only does Culter run the Cutler Salons in NYC, he also has an outstanding collection of Cutler hair products (also available online).

Organic Shea Butter Herb Soaps

2009-07-15T10:29:00.004-04:00

Looking for a quick little gift for someone? We are loving these Organic Shea Butter Herb Soaps, $8/bar, by JK Soul Salts. Each soap is elegantly wrapped in handmade paper and features an inspirational mantra.

Made from raw organic shea butter, dead sea salt and essential oils, these soaps come in your choice of lavender, orange blossom, sweet grapefruit, Tahitian vanilla and more.

View more details on Organic Shea Butter Herb Soaps

International Massage Week

2009-07-14T05:00:00.003-04:00

International Massage Week starts July 15, 2009! This week was launched to give people insight into the benefits of therapeutic massage.

In honor of this special week, we talked to mySpaShop.com Founder and leading spa consultant Kim Matheson.

How did you get started in the spa industry?
Kim Matheson: I’ve always been interested in health and wellness. I studied Hotel Management in College and landed at the Desert Springs Resort and Spa right out of college. Once I had fulfilled my management training program, I became the Director of Resort Activities then I was lucky enough to be lured to the Spa by mentor Janet Denyer (now the CEO of Gene Juarez) I worked my way up the food chain form Programming Supervisor, to Spa Marketing Manager to Women’s Spa Director. From Marriott I joined CSI (Club Sports International) and helped develop their spa programs within the 80 high end clubs. Ultimately I landed at The Peninsula Spa in NYC. After managing that Spa for several years I joined a consulting firm, Natural Resources Spa Consulting, Inc. then owned by Janet Denyer, which I purchased in 2001 when she left to join Elizabeth Arden Red Door as COO. The Spa industry has always fascinated me, with the depth and breadth of the offerings and the industry had few business professionals when I entered it in the late 80’s. It was a perfect fit for me. I adore exploring the world of well-being and creating a safe and enticing sanctuary for people to explore.

What are some of the lesser-known benefits of massage?
Kim Matheson: The deep sense of well-being generated by massage is under-rated. I travel constantly and am my computer and phone often, it takes a real toll on my back. Plus I enjoy working out, sometimes a weekend warrior Massage helps keep me going.

Anything you would like to add? Kim Matheson: Find a good massage therapist and create a wellness plan for yourself. There are many proactive things we can do for ourselves, however when working with a professional they can help take you to the next level.

If you want to honor International Massage Week at home, MySpaShop.com is reducing the price of Just Good for You Wild Rose & Jasper Body Oil, a soothing body lotion, by 30% for the month of July!

Thanks to Kim for this great information! Visit mySpaShop.com for great spa products, expert information and more.

Vintage Bjorn Borg sunglasses

2009-07-13T09:01:00.006-04:00

I love vintage clothes and accessories just like everyone else, but I thought the style of the "True Vintage Bjorn Borg" sunglasses was especially classic. They are for sale on a website called "No Mas." The white plastic Bjorn Borg glasses have a late-1970s early 1980s look to them and make for an interesting (yet cool - if you can pull it off) vintage look.

Fore $375 you get the Bjorn Borg sunglasses and a pair of shorts.

UV-protective clothing

2009-07-08T10:45:00.005-04:00

Sadly July 4th usually marks the mid-point of the summer and while many places (like my home, Boston) have seen nothing but rain, I do believe sunny days are here to come!

I like to spend a lot of time outside, but do not like to get too much sun exposure so this year I have been wearing UV-protective clothing- this is measured by UPF.

LL Bean describes UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor on it's site. This is a rating of a materials ability to block UV rays. It is similar to your sunscreen's SPF, but UPF ratings refer to both UVA and UVB protection; SPF rates only UVB protection.

Why UV-protective clothing works:
According to the Mayo Clinic, UV-protective clothes work because the fabric is tightly woven. Companies also may insert chemicals that absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the fabric.

How to shop for UV-protective clothing:
Check labels for a high UV protection factor – they range from UPF 15 to 50+. A UPF 50 garment blocks 49/50, or 98% of UV rays. If you are outside just wearing a normal white T-shirt it is rated at about UPF 5, which means 20% of UV rays pass through the fabric to your skin.

Some of my favorite sites for UV-protective clothing include:

LL Bean's SunSmart line: Features cute bucket hats, breezy pants and tunics and more for men women and children.

REI: features Sun protective clothing by REI, Columbia Sportswear, Royal Robbins, ExOfficio NorthFace and more.

Cabana Life: Colorful and trendy styles for women and children

Ayana: As a bonus they are having a 25-30% off sale!

Eco-friendly jeans

2009-07-06T16:37:00.004-04:00

If you want a wardrobe filled with green clothes, what better place to start than an everyday basic like your denim. Ok, in case you have been living in a cave since 1990 we don't literally mean "green jeans," but instead eco-friendly denim.

Eco-friendly denim options:

Levis: They have an eco line of jeans that are made from 100% organic cotton. If you are looking on their site, search eco and most of the styles should come up.

Good Society: This brand offer jeans that are made from organic cotton, “certified fair-trade” and are cut well. Funds from each pair go to the people in India who made them and 10% of Good Society’s profits go toward environmental causes.

Arizona Jeans: These jeans are made from pre-consumer recycled cotton from the fabric mill (basically cotton that normally goes to waste). These are actually really cute and a great price- on sale for around $25 at JC Penney.

Loomstate: This company is commited to organic farming and uses 100% certified organic cotton. They make jeans (and other clothing ) for men and women in great styles. Also, like many of these other brands, Loomstate manages the full manufacturing process. They only work with factories that maintain the highest environmental and labor standards.

Also, visit Greenloop for more eco-friendly denim and other apparel.

Thanks to Mother Nature Network for much of the above information.

Celebrities in Old Navy

2009-07-02T09:08:00.011-04:00

Want to look like a million bucks without spending it? Some of Hollywood’s chicest young stars – including Audrina Patridge, Kristin Cavallari, Jessica Lowndes, Brittny Gastineau, Kim Kardashian and Brittany Snow – came by the Old Navy supermodelquin sharehouse in LA wearing Old Navy’s latest looks for summer.

You can get these- or similar styles now at you local Old Navy! All of the looks featured cost under $35!

Gilles Montezin's bridal collection

2009-06-30T09:12:00.003-04:00

Every woman wants to looks her best on her wedding day and now designer Gilles Montezin is here to help! He has introduced his first bridal collection which includes a waist slimming construction called “Le Cinch™”.

“Le Cinch™” is a version of the traditional corset – but it gives nearly twice the figure enhancing impact. The dresses are designed to be comfortable and help the bride get a flawless hourglass profile! According to the company, the "Le Cinch™" offers a bride a reduction of two to four inches from the waistline.

Dresses range from $4,000 - $7,000 retail.