OOTD: Winter's Last Gasp

Remember my blind optimism last week when I declared that spring had arrived?  Lies. All lies.  Today, the sky was gray, the rain was falling and there was a distinct chill in the air. To stay cozy and warm, I piled on the layers and here's where I landed:

• Henri Bendel umbrella
• Express sweater (no longer available)
• Forever 21 silk top (originally a dress, no longer available)
• J.Crew glitter belt (no longer available)
• Old Navy The Diva skinny jeans in black
• Loeffler Randall patent leather ruffle flats (no longer available)

New York Essential: Shobha Rosewater Freshening Cloths

While living in New York has many perks, there are also a few negatives. Near the very top of that list is...filth.  Consistent, forced encounters with...filth. Among the leading offenders is the subway, where I spend, on average, an hour a day.  By the time I depart the N train, I'm ready for a shower.  But since that would make for some awkward office bathroom time, I'm left to rely on Shobha's new Rosewater Freshening Cloths ($9).

These gorgeous, rose-scented cloths remove city grime from my skin and leave me smelling like roses, quite literally.  They're safe for the MOST delicate parts of your body, ahem ladies, so feel free to keep these stashed in your purse, your desk or your bathroom.

You can snag Shobha Rosewater Freshening Cloths online at www.myshobha.com or at Shobha locations citywide.

 

Spring's First Blush: MAC Mineralize Blush Duos

I'm hard pressed to choose one single must-have makeup item...I mean, how can a girl choose between eyeliner and lipstick, mascara and lipgloss? Ce n'est pas possible! Yet, if I had to name the one product that makes the most impact on my look daily, that's SIMPLE. Blush.  Hands down, a beautiful cream or powder blush brings life to my face.

My new Spring favorites come courtesy of MAC's Too Fabulous collection. These delicious, swirled Mineralize Blush Duos pair two complementary hues in one chic, abstract powder.  Applied with a big, fluffy blush brush, these Duos deliver a delightful, yet diffused, pop of color and, yes, LIFE to your look this season.

My personal pale-girl favorite is Two Virtues, a bright pink/purple (above, bottom), but regardless of your skintone, you're sure to find a blush to suit.

Shop Too Fabulous at www.maccosmetics.com.

The Beauty of Disorder: SEY Jewelry

When I find myself inexplicably drawn to a piece of jewelry, I find it really hard to resist buying. In fact, I'm not sure if I've ever resisted. Case in point, I succumbed the one-of-a-kind SEY necklace ($165) above today.

This spectacular long necklace is comprised of deconstructed watches and assorted mixed metals. I plan to experiment with it layered and worn solo.

Shop SEY at Barney's Co-op.

What's in HER Bag? Felicia Sullivan of FeliciaSullivan.com

Felicia Sullivan is firmly ingrained in my life, and I'm luckier for this. Not only is she a fabulous friend and a writer to ADMIRE, she's also my partner in crime by day, as we work together in social media.

Despite all of that together time, I never tire of her enormous brain, voracious wit (can wit be voracious? I think so) or intense passion for all things stylish and delicious. It's for these reasons and more that I'm excited to have a sneak peek inside her GORGEOUS Miu Miu deerskin tote today. Here's what she's packing:

• Weleda Skin Food
• Bare Minerals Sugar Plum lip gloss
• MAC’s Ruby Woo
• MAC’s Russian Red
• Payot Hydration Lip Balm
• Julie Hewett Lip Balm
• Kleenex tissues
• Lodis Wallet
• Iphone/charger
• Antonya Nelson’s Nothing Right (stories) -- always a book or magazine in my bag
• Keys/Gym Pass
• Scarf – always carry a scarf in my bag. Lately it’s Nepali by TDM Design

 

Read Felicia's musings on life, literature, food, style and beauty at FeliciaSullivan.com.

Play This (and a Giveaway!): Macy's Daily Fashion Challenge

 

Can you really put a look together? If so, Macy’s got the perfect opportunity for you to show your fashion chops. Meet the FASHION DIRECTOR DAILY FASHION CHALLENGE; a 30-day contest that lets the fashionista in you put it all together for a chance to win a $500 gift card every day.

The interactive outfit maker lets you combine the season’s hottest styles and accessories to style, shop, and share the perfect look. From putting together an outfit for a blind date to selecting the perfect look for a big work presentation, the challenges mirror everyday fashion challenges, as well as special occasions.

Here is how it works –

• Build the perfect outfit by dragging pieces to the virtual canvas until you are satisfied with the look
• Once completed, click submit to enter your outfit into the voting gallery
• Share your look on Facebook and Twitter and invite your friends and family to vote for your outfit
• The outfit that gets the most votes each day will win that day’s challenge and a $500 Macy’s gift card

 

Sounds easy, right? Cruise on over and check it out here, it's pretty fun!

Once you've had a chance to visit the site, come back and leave a comment on THIS post, sharing the challenge of the day. One winner will be chosen at random next Friday at Noon EST to receive a $50 gift card to Macy's. Good luck!

 

Reviewed, Approved: Biore Makeup Removing Towelettes

To say that my laziness knows no bounds is, quite frankly, no exaggeration. And that laziness means that, all too often, I slip between the sheets without a thorough face cleansing, wreaking havoc on my skin and leaving my complexion dull and blemished.

Thankfully, Biore's new Makeup Removing Towelettes with green tea make nighttime cleansing a little simpler. These refreshing, oil-free cloths remove the vast majority of my makeup (stubborn waterproof mascara needs some additional love) and leave not a HINT of residue on skin. If you've ever used any other makeup removing towelettes, you'll understand what a bold statement that is.

These days, I follow up with Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil and Dr. Brandt's nearly-amazing Blemishes No More Oil Free Hydrator. And while my skin isn't perfect yet (no product is a miracle-worker, let's get real!), it's definitely making progress in the right direction.

Snag them over at Amazon.com for just $6.49!

Cleanse On: Blueprint Cleanse Juice Til Dinner

While cleanses aren't for me (It's not a stretch to say that I LOVE solid food) and the raw food lifestyle is a more of a commitment (of both time and energy) that I'm willing to make, I was recently inspired to try the newest program from Blueprint Cleanse, Juice Til Dinner.

Juice Til Dinner is a hybrid between a classic Blueprint juice cleanse and a raw food diet. The program includes a two course raw food meal, two snacks and four fresh-pressed juices (2 Green, 1 Pineapple Apple Mint and 1 Spicy Lemondade - all delicious!)  per day ($85-$105, depending on location.) It's 100% vegan, gluten free, wheat free and about 95% raw.

I know myself and I can't make it through a full work day without solid food, so I plan to have juice for breakfast and a raw food lunch.

Here's what was delivered to me just moments ago.  Stay tuned for daily updates on my Juice Til Dinner experience via Twitter!

Link Love: Web Snob

Stiletto Jungle investigates three of the best under eye creams.

Allie is Wired Fashion Face-Off: Alexis Bledel vs. Kelly Osbourne.

Messengers are the "it" item of the season - get yours at Bag Snob!

Beauty Snob has that good cream blush for that healthy natural glow.

Coquette is drooling over the new Jodi Arnold for The Limited spring collection.

Fashion Pulse Daily plays around with the Macy's Fashion Director $500 per day gift card contest, PLUS gives away a $25 gift card as well!

I'm Not Obsessed wants to know what you think about Nicole Richie's new shoe line.

The Jet Set Girls share their favorite leather jackets for spring.

Second City Style got an exclusive interview with Nina Garcia about Lauren Ralph Lauren's new online fashion show and must-have spring trends.

Shopping and Info loves the neutral nude spring trend for dresses and tops that Jennifer Aniston wore to the Bounty Hunter premiere.

StyleBakery lists 20 trends you already own that couldn't be hotter this spring (lucky you!)

Stylehive finds 12 denim dresses that are actually stylish, and not from the 80s.

The Beauty Stop confesses that she doens't like Dior mascara.

The Shoe Goddess is in love with all of Nicholas Kirkwood's spring collection, including this chic suede and python sandal!

OOTD: Spring Fling Friday

Today is the FIRST day of 2010 that truly feels like Spring and I'm loving it! I let the season dictate my style this morning and here's what I'm wearing today:

 

• Loeffler Randall Silk/Linen Blazer
• J.Crew camisole (no longer available)
• LOFT scarf, gift of Loft and Lucky Magazine
• Laila Rowe denim leggings (no longer available)
• Joie flats (no longer available)
• Diane von Furstenberg sunglasses
• Balenciaga Giant City in Outremer

 

How did your wardrobe celebrate the season? Do tell!

*Borrowed pup credit: The amazing Lady of Casey Culture

Read This: How to Never Look Fat Again

Style expert Charla Krupp has built a career out of dispensing advice to women of all ages, via magazine editorial and television appearances.  Now, she's introducing a style guide on how to look 10 pounds lighter, 10 years younger, and 10 times sexier every day, all year--in summer, winter, even at the gym. Meet How to Never Look Fat Again.

I had a chance to read an advance copy of the book - and to ask Charla herself a few questions!

Charla, congrats on the book! I loved reading it and I'm curious, what inspired you to write it? Was How to Never Look Fat Again a long time coming?

CK: Fat is always the issue I’ve cared about…not, is this chic? Or, is this cool? But, does it make me look fat?? I think that many women think the same way as me.

The book is full of really USEFUL tips for women.  But of all the advice you dole out, what's the quickest and simplest adjustment that I can make to never look fat again?

CK: Wear the right underwear! That is 50% of looking thinner by tonight.

Shapewear is a recommendation that you make over and over again in How To Never Look Fat Again.  But when I wear shapewear, I feel so UNSEXY.  How can I strike the balance between looking great in my clothing and looking - but more importantly - feeling sexy?

CK: There are two lines from Spanx you should look at: Skinny Britches –12 different colors of lighweight shapewear. So fun and fashion-forward. And, Haute Contour—very sexy shapewear you will not be embarrassed to show.

Flats are "high fat" in your book, which is just devastating to me (I love a chic flat!) What shoes do you recommend for women like me that need stylish but comfortable shoes?

CK: Find a rubber soled kitten heel….I just bought one from Prada Sport.

I'm committed to a no fat wardrobe this Spring. What are the best trends to help me get there?

CK: Dresses, cardigans and nude colored high heel pumps! Stick with solids and forgo the prints….buy yourself a new bra and a great bike short so you look fit not fat whatever you have on. Be good to yourself. You deserve it!!!

While I'm not ready to commit myself to the no fat wardrobe that Charla outlines in the book, I'm curious...do you have any no fat wardrobe tips to share? Do tell in the comments and don't forget to snag Charla's new book at a bookstore near you or online at www.amazon.com.

What's in HER Bag? Julia DiNardo of Fashion Pulse Daily

My dear friend Julia DiNardo really SETS THE STANDARD for multi-tasking. Not only does she write the amazing blog Fashion Pulse Daily (and for other outlets like Stylelist), she's also a professor at NYU and the designer behind the aborbs Neighbor Teaze line.

With all of those responsibilities, I expected Julia to carry a wonderland of goodies in her bag - and I must admit, she didn't disappoint.

 

In her own words, here's what you'll find tucked in Julia's MMS Design Mary Kate Studded Messenger Bag from HandbagHeaven.com:

 

• My hands stay ultra-moisturized with Miss Oops Butter Hands
• I'm always on the go, so I love my portable, lightweight Duracell Instant USB Charger
• Blackberry Curve Phone
• Won't be caught without a slew of Fashion Pulse Daily business cards, a Metro Card, and my Starbucks Card!
• Always gotta shield my pale eyes for the sun - been rocking these Jones New York oversized shades quite a bit
• Keeping hydrated via The Heart Truth nalgene water bottle (a New York Fashion Week freebie)
• I'm always prepared for a fashion emergency with my Tide Pen, pack of tissues, mini brush, Purell, Opti-Free Contact rewetting drops, Marc Jacobs Grapefruit splash perfume in a mini atomizer from Sephora, Color Sensational Maybelline lip glosses in 'Born with it' and 'Triple Yum' and Sweet Thing Collection Nail polish in 'Minty, MAC lipstick in Peta Lure, and Dior concealer.
• For subway rides of 10+ minutes, it's imperative to have something on hand to read; my choice is one of my numerous magazine subscriptions (seen here, Marie Claire) or a WWD.

 

Thanks to Julia for participating!

Win This: Sue Devitt Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer

Truth be told, I'm bronzer-handicapped. But after years of testing products that were too orange, too gold or too glittery, I've finally found one that's JUST RIGHT (call me Goldilocks!)  So, what's my secret?  It's Sue Devitt's Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer.

This sleek silver palette houses a myriad of bronze shades from light to dark - simply blend with a large fluffy brush to find your perfect hue and apply to the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, your hairline and anywhere else that the sun might naturally hit.  It also works just as beautifully as a eye shadow palette and by now, I think you KNOW how I feel about multi-taskers (if not, let me reiterate that I LOVE THEM.)

Since I dig this bronzer more than words can say, I've partnered with the team at Sue Devitt for a giveaway. If you'd like to be bronzed and beautiful this Spring, simply leave a comment telling me what beauty product you simply can't live without. And while you're at it, visit the Sue Devitt Facebook Page and follow Sue Devitt on Twitter for some fab beauty tips!

Three winners will be chosen at random next Thursday, March 25 at 11PM EST to receive their very own Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer.

Good luck~!

Lock & Mane: An Exclusive Giveaway AND Discount Code!

While I love the mega-beauty retailers like Sephora, my heart lies with niche, highly curated beauty sites like Beautyhabit and LuckyScent. If you're anything like me and enjoy a more boutique beauty shopping experience,  meet Lock & Mane. This luxe e-tailer offers the BEST in haircare today, including some of my favorite brands like Philip B., Leonor Greyl, Klorane and Rene Furterer.

On Lock & Mane, you can snag everything from shampoo and conditioner to styling essentials and even accoutrement such as tools and gorgeous headbands and wraps by designers Jennifer Behr and Jennifer Ouellette.

Since I'm truly LOVING the assortment on site (my shopping list is about a mile long), I'm thrilled to be able to offer an exclusive Lock & Mane discount for readers. Simply enter code "Eye4Style" at checkout from March 18th-25th and save 15% sitewide.  

But that's not all...I've also got THREE Hot Tools Flat Irons (valued at $87 each), perfect for home or travel, to give away to eye4style readers!

If you'd like a chance to win, visit Lock & Mane and leave a comment below sharing the haircare brand that you love most from those featured on site. I'll choose three winners at random next Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Noon EST.

Good Luck!

File Under 'Non-Sensical": Koolaburra's Aurora Sandal

No. Just no.  If I want my ankles to be warm, why do I want my toes exposed? Koolaburra, I literally DO NOT UNDERSTAND this $140 sandal though I welcome any explanation you see fit to offer.

My Josie Natori Moment

I love nothing more than a designer that lives their own design philosophy and I can think of no one that epitomizes that more than the graceful and elegant Josie Natori.

An accomplished business woman and concert pianist (!) prior to launching her fashion career, Josie is of course best known as the creator of her eponymous line of ready to wear, home goods and decadent lingerie and sleepwear.

But Josie has more design up her sleeves and to fete the launch of her latest collection, Natori Essentials, I was invited to her stunning Upper East Side apartment (HELLO, REAL ESTATE ENVY!) last week.

Over decadent champagne and delicious dim sum, Josie herself walked an intimate group of online editors through the line and I found myself dying over the sleek, chic and eminently wearable separates (primarily in black). In particular, the voluminous cocoon cardigan as well as a yummy stretch lace pencil skirt (va-va-va-voom!) spoke to me.

The biggest treat of the evening (okay, second only to a private piano performance) was definitely a visit to Josie's closet. The size of most New York bedrooms and organized beyond belief, it was most striking due to her clearly defined style choices.

Lined with black separates and dresses (seriously, there was not another color in sight!), it's clear that Josie expresses herself through the enormous assortment of bold solid and printed scarves scarves, bejeweled shoes of varying heights and structured bags in a myriad of skins and hues. While I still need a bit more variety in my own closet, I found the simplicity inspiring!

To experience Natori Essentials, take a jaunt through the gallery below.

(Above, left: Me, looking pale, with Josie Natori herself.)

 

A Few Moments with Monica Botkier

Botkier is a longtime favorite of mine for luscious but hip leather bags, accessories and shoes. In fact, I've owned and loved no fewer than three Trigger bags in the past five years and added so many accessories to my wardrobe it's hard to keep count.  So, you can imagine my excitement when designer Monica Botkier (above) was kind enough to answer a few of my burning questions, despite the fact that she's a busy new mom (congrats, Monica!). Here's what we had to talk about:

I frequently tell my friends that the Trigger is a dream bag for the Type A's among us. Can you tell me a bit about what inspired you to create it? Are you a type A gal yourself?

MB: That’s very true actually. I often have Botkier fans tell me that the Trigger organized their life!  I designed the Trigger because I wanted a bag that was stylish, luxe and functional but didn’t break the bank. I  would say that I am slightly type A in terms of organization! Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find your cell phone and keys in a bag that is basically like a black hole, which most designer bags are. The Trigger has several pockets, a long key chain strap and multi functional inside compartments so the busy city girl can easily access her go- to items!

There are a lot of young handbag designers charging a pretty penny for their designs. What makes a bag worth its salt in your opinion?

MB: Quality, originality and functionality with a focus on custom designer detailing.

Do you always carry/wear Botkier or are there other handbag and shoe designers that you love?

MB: I'm usually toting around my own designs but there are definitely other designers that wear. I love Miu Miu and Barbara Bui. Louboutins are incredible works of art, but they are not an everyday shoe for me.

What bag are you carrying right now?  What essentials do you always carry?

MB: I'm  currently carrying our Howard St. satchel in natural snake. It’s an exclusive style that we made for Neiman Marcus and I love it. The natural snake color is my new neutral- an updated black or brown. My essential everyday items are my Blackberry,  Oliver Peoples sunglasses, sketchbook ( never know when I will get inspired!), my Flip video camera, Rosebud Mocha Rose lip balm, my Bailey wallet in coral and my Jetson cosmetic case.

Special thanks to Monica Botkier for participating. Learn more about Botkier at their newly launched blog.

Link Love: Web Snob

Stiletto Jungle shows how to prep for spring's short skirts by snagging perfectly shaved legs.

Allie is Wired is intrigued by Kate Gosselin's newest new hair.

Bag Bliss would totally rock the rocker chic Jimmy Choo Charity Project Pep Clutch!

Spring Trend Alert: Perforated bags at Bag Snob.

Beauty Snob has Bobbi Brown's new "Color Strips Collection" where you can do it all, effortlessly!

Fashion Pulse Daily's London Fashion Week favorites range from Vivienne Westwood to Burberry Prorsum.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Sarah Jessica Parker's look for under $320.

The Jet Set Girls are looking forward to the Liberty of London Collection at Target March 14th.

Second City Style rates Oscar's runway in our own version of He Said/She Said.

Get $5 Christian Louboutins at a genius new auction site--SheFinds has the 5 secrets and tricks to bidding and winning..

Shopping and Info loves the pretty spring trend of lilac lavender purple shoes and dresses.

StyleBakery's top 10 trends for spring countdown continues with statement jewelry, feminine florals and vivid techno prints.

Stylehive is loving clear jewelry and how it reflects in the sun.

The Beauty Stop suggests an inexpensive make shift nighttime hand moisturizer.

The Fashion Bomb discovers the hottest new street style photo blog, All the Pretty Birds.

The Shoe Goddess is not impressed with these bizarre Jimmy Choo Light-Up Platform Sandals!

My Badgley Mischka Moment

Designers are the real celebrities in my fashion-centric little world, so I was thrilled to meet the delightful Mark Badgley (right, above) and James Mischka (left, above) of Badgley Mischka this morning. At an intimate breakfast in honor of the American Glamour Badgley Mischka line for HSN, I was privy to a sneak preview of their latest collection (including apparel, shoes, bags and jewelry) and a few stolen moments with the charming designers themselves.

While I was, of course, beyond familiar with Badgley Mischka's red carpet-ready couture creations, the American Glamour Badgley Mischka collection was new to me. And while I'm admittedly not the target demographic for most of the HSN collections, I'm thrilled to report the line is FULL of stylish, versatile and AFFORDABLE ($39-$499) gems. Pieces that women of any age or style proclivity can snag and find a home for in their wardrobe.

I'm personally eyeballing the snake print chiffon tunic, along with some of the amazing costume jewelry, but I'm curious - do you see anything that you like in the sneak preview below?  If so, tune in next week.  They'll be on the air live on  March 17: 12PM (Jewelry Hour) and March 18: 12 AM-2 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM (Jewelry Hour) 3 PM-5 PM, 7 PM-8 PM, 10 PM-12 AM.

Happy Shopping!