Link Love: Tuesday Edition

It's procrastination central over at my desk today, y'all. Here are my fave blog links of the week, what keeping me in the know, entertained, etc:

Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie gives me an epic case of the WANTZ with her glorious review of the new Tom Ford Neroli Portofino collection (above). I need that Body Scrub and Bath Oil like I need air, water and a French bulldog, peeps.

Marina over at Makeup Loves Me gets down with the new, utterly gorgeous Jo Malone Decorated Home Candles by David Hicks. Suffice it to say, they've got me all lit up as well.

Jet Set Girl Anne (whose hair sends me into a blind, jealousy-induced rage, for the record) reviews Water for Elephants, and HEY, guess who attended the world premiere with her on Sunday night, courtesy of Dove? Oh, right, me (and the aforementioned Amber). Stay tuned for deets this week and satiate yourself with her post here.

Wendy at nitro:licious got a sneak peek at the latest Alexander McQueen collab with Puma, and there's MINK involved. Get the scoop here.

Sarah at Style It Online has the cajones to wear a JUMPSUIT, and I admire her for it. From afar, of course. I don't want to get TOO close to a jumpsuit.

What are you reading these day, homies?

What's in HER Bag? Sarah Conley of Style It Online

I spend what some might call an exorbitant amount of time with Sarah Conley. Not only are we fellow bloggers and friends, but we also work together. But regardless of how much time I spend with Sarah, it's never enough.  Her wits, wisdom, style and infectious energy are contagious.  In fact, if you're not reading her amazing blog, Style It Online, I'm actually concerned for your judgement. So when Sarah agreed to show eye4style readers what's in her bag, I couldn't wait to share!

Here's what's tucked inside Sarah's cobalt blue Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag:

• Scarf: Alexander McQueen
• Large Wallet: Liberty of London for Target
• Small card wallet: Tory Burch
• Sunglasses: DVF
• Makeup bag: Harajuku Lovers
• MUFE HD Powder
• Lorac Baked Matte Satin Blush
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
• MAC Liberty of London lipstick in Petals and Peacocks
• L'Oreal Lineur Intense
• Bandaid Blister Block
• Purple Lab Luxury Squared
• Forever 21 Blotting Sheets
• Revlon Colorstay concealer
• Milani 3D Glitter nail polish
• Sonia Kashuk brush
• L'Oreal Elnett volumizing hairspray
• Eyeglasses: Chanel
• Notebook: Ecosystems
• "I Like Stylish People" notebook: unknown
• Compact mirror: Bath & Body Works
• Chocolate Mints: Dylan's Candy Bar
• Mints: Icebreakers
• Random pens
• Keychain: Origins Peace of Mind

Tell me, how does your bag compare?

Introducing OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

This blog is about a lot of things but uber-personal style isn't really one of them.  That said, my friend Sarah Conley has really inspired me as of late, as she regularly integrates Outfit of the Day posts into her amazing blog, Style It Online.

Sarah's fearless when it comes to sharing her own style with the world, so who more apropos to make me a little more comfy with the idea? She was my photographer for today's outfit of the day:

Alternative Apparel Modal Silk Cowl Neck Tunic  (gift from Pure Addiction)

Yummie Tummie Strappy (gift)

Winter Legging ($38, American Apparel)

Forever 21 Zebra Ballet Flat ($22.80)

Blue "pashmina" ($5, street vendor)

Jewelry: Various, including the Rebecca Minkoff Loop Bracelet in Flourescent Pink ($48, Luna Boston)

New Year's Resolution: Avoid Diverted Beauty Products

The lovely Sarah from StyleIt joined me for a nice lunch and some shopping today.  We stopped by Duane Reade for some essentials and while cruising in the hair care aisle, we noticed a HUGE display of high-end, salon hair care products, including Matrix and Redken.

So, what's the big deal, right?  It's pretty common to see salon haircare in drugstores.  Well, you might be surprised to know that drugstores and other mass retailers are NOT authorized distributors for salon brands like Kerastase, L'Oreal Professional, Bumble & Bumble or Aveda. In fact, what you're seeing on store shelves is actually "Diverted" product, not authorized by the distributor. Do yourself a favor in 2009 and purchase your hair essentials from the proper channels as: 

• Diverted product is almost always more expensive - surprising, but true! You'll pay, on average, 10% more!
• Diverted product could be old or outdated (in fact, we spotted several discontinued products on the shelves of DR today)
• Diverted product could even be contaminated or watered down - so you're paying a premium for a product that isn't worth it.

 

David Cragg, the president of L'Oreal Professional Products (which include Redken, Matrix, Kerastase, Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Pureology and several other brands, though NOT Aveda or B&B, mentioned above), is featured in an anti-diversion video, which you can check out here. 

Don't forget to buy products through authorized outlets - for a salon locator, visit each brand's website.  If you're a Kerastase addict (as I am), you can even buy directly through their site - www.kerastase.com.