Sephora: The Makeup Junkie's Favorite Drug, Now In Book Form

I'll admit that prior to reading the Sephora book (Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority) I thought it would basically be one big Sephora ad. In some ways I was correct - the book never misses an opportunity to plug something the store carries - but Sephora stocks so many different brands and products that it didn't too one-sided or advertorial. In addition, the interviews with makeup artists and beauty experts were pretty interesting, and the glossary of ingredients is the kind of thing that could definitely prove useful.




Unsurprisingly, the book is filled with the lush photography that makes glossy magazines so appealing to cosmetic junkies everywhere. In fact, beauty junkies are probably the ones who would enjoy it the most (although some of the makeup application tips are probably a little too simplistic for them). It might also be a good bet for people who are just starting to get into wearing makeup, as it has some great basic information (and most of it translates across the board, so you don't necessarily have to shop at Sephora to get something out of it). All in all, this book was better than I expected.

Fashion & Modern Art

I'd be willing to bet that many (if not all) of my readers recognize the link between art and fashion, and that fact that in some cases, fashion and art are essentially the same thing. After all, designers like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen (among others) have certainly created some gallery-worthy pieces. Thus my latest article in Second City Style - Fashion IS Modern Art.

"I’ve always viewed fashion as a form of art in and of itself; however, lately I’ve been seeing prints and silhouettes that remind of me of a more conventional type of art....

Check it out here.

Its Sandal Season!

In most parts of the northern hemisphere is now warm enough to wear sandals, and fortunately for shoe-coveting women everywhere, there are tons of fantastic options this season. Some of my personal favorites include strappy gladiator wedges (these can be difficult to pull off though), sky-scraping platform wedges, and anything beaded and heavily embellished (actually, ornate/elaborate shoes are always my favorites).

There are plenty of gladiator-esque shoes out right now, but I tend to prefer the wedge or high-heeled versions, partly because I am short and prefer to add some faux-height with my shoes, and partly because they are more flattering. Any shoe with straps around the ankle runs the risk of making your legs look stumpy, but flats are the worst culprit. Just say to no stumpifying shoes, please. Here are some choice selections:



Speaking of adding length to your legs and overall height, platform wedges are also big this summer, especially pairs with sculptural or highly detailed heels. Wedges made from cork are also very light and comfortable to wear - the cork is very shock-absorbent. Some of these shoes are basically small works of art you can wear, like these:



Glittery, sparkly, bejeweled, or otherwise embellished sandals are a perpetual hit. I'm loving all sorts of bold bright colors right, like orange, coral, and sunshine yellow. Try unusual combinations, like a turquoise sandal with a yellow dress or a royal purple shoe with red or blue. Also, mix your fancy sandals with more casual pieces, especially the flats - fun shoes should not be restricted to formal occasions and evenings. Here are some pairs that Cleopatra herself would approve of:



Of course, no matter which pair(s) of sandals you choose, make sure your pedicure situation is under control. I might be pointing out the obvious here (I know my fabulous readers would never leave the house unkempt!), but really, you don't need to go to the salon - home maintenance is not only fine, it is necessary.

My New Apartment: Interior Design & Home Fashion

The reason I haven't posted in a few days is that I just moved into a new apartment - one that is almost twice the size of my old one (yay!). Of course, that means I have significantly more room to decorate and the furniture and such from my old place is much more spread out - which means there is room for new stuff! I've got the furniture situation pretty much taken care of (new things are on the way), but I have tons of shelf space that is looking pretty bare.

So what are your favorite places (online or otherwise) places to shop for fun home accessories and such? If you've written a great post or article on interior design or related topics, feel free to leave me a link in the comments.

Bored With "The Classics"

I am sick of basic black, tired of simple elegance, and bored to tears with anything stripped down and minimal. Classic good taste might always be in style, but damn is it ever bland - the sartorial equivalent of plain white rice.

"A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika."

- Diana Vreeland

I'm craving beading, pyschedelic prints, and colors so saturated you could drown in them. I'm thinking Pucci, Cavalli, and Talitha Getty caftans topped off with oversize earrings and jingling bangles. It is almost summer - time to send classic good taste on vacation.

And dust your wardrobe with paprika.



Anyone else feel the same?

Weekend Splendid Reads

Check out these fantastic posts from the Splendicity community:

SHOPPING

Style Tots has Suri Cruise's Ladybug shoes that Oprah liked so much.

Style It Less gives you 10 Cameron Diaz's red pumps for less

Let's Go Shopping finds some Great Deals at Ferro Cosmetics

My Wardrobe Today reviewsvarious popular foundation and face products.

eye4style loves Balenciaga bags AND the trend of invite-only, online sample sales, so she offers up an exclusive invite to Rue La La for readers.

Teen Style Lounge shares a must-have workout DVD for a summer slim bod.

BEAUTY

This mascara ended A Touch of Blusher's mascara search...

Raging Rouge announces the MAX Factor May Makeover Giveaway. Over $750 of MAX Factor products will be divided among TEN winners!

Beauty Banterdishes on the most important moisturizer for oily/ acne prone complexions... and it's less then 10 dollars!

get to know marina from makeup loves me a little bit better, as she shares all her beauty secrets with you!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gives you the products that Billy B uses on SATC's Kristen Davis!

FASHION

She Knows Best thinks A Little Shoe Change Didn’t Hurt John Mayer

The Latest Luxe is having Double the Fun in Christian Louboutin Slingbacks

The Fashionable Kiffen has a whole bunch of Mother's Day gift ideas.

Wardrobe Oxygen suggests some ways to look polished at work during the summer heat.

STYLEnosh is asking, Are you a style hater?"

Why did Michelle Tractenberg, J. Lo, Lauren Bush and Fergie Have all give the cold shoulder at the Costume Institute Ball? Haute and Bothered's got the dish

Have you voted in the Snarkstress's Fashion Icon poll yet? Katie Holmes and Reese Witherspoon are neck and neck, but after recent photos of Katie Holmes in NYC, you just may be swayed.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Bohemian Moms

Still haven't picked up a gift? If your mother is the glamorous gypsy type, check out these ideas:



On a related note, I covet everything in this particular set. Do want!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Preppy Moms

Does your mother tned stick with the tried and true classics? Is she on the preppy side? Then check out these gift ideas -after all, you've still got a few days to pick up a gift.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Glamorous Moms

Is your mother into sparkle, glitz, and glam? Still need a Mother's Day gift? Check out these ideas:



Or shop for the best deal on more fabulous Mother's Day gifts with Shopzilla.

Eccentric Glamour By Simon Doonan

If you're looking for some fun (and fashionably inspirational) summer reading material, look no further than Simon Doonan's Eccentric Glamour: Creating A More Insanely Fabulous You.

Check out my book review at Second City Style.




Or just read the first two paragraphs of the book:

"Why the hell wouldn't you want to be one of the fabulous people, the life enhancers, the people who look interesting and smell luscious and who dare to be more gorgeously fascinating than their neighbors?

I recently left my apartment dressed as Queen Elizabeth II. Not queen as in corgis and tweed skirts, but queen as in decked out like a giant flashing Christmas tree on the occasion of some totally major state dinner. Accessories? Just a few: long white gloves, two rhinestone necklaces,
eleven bracelets, three brooches, six rings, a sash, two dangly earrings, three medals, a hubcap-sized tiara, and a giant pair of bifocals."

It only gets better from there.

Fun With Polyvore

What did fashion bloggers do before we had Polyvore? It's such a fun tool for putting together and displaying ensembles - check out this inexpensive summery outfit I just created.


I'm really liking sunshine yellows and warm turquoise blues, probably because spring is here and those shades evoke memories of one of my favorite places in the world, southern Spain.

What hues are you craving right now?

Mother's Day Gifts: The Fashionable Mom

It is now less than two weeks until Mother's Day - have you found a gift or made plans with your mom yet?

Here are some of my favorite chic ideas:

If she is a jewelry person, a cute pair of earrings might be a thoughtful gift - and turquoise is a perpetual classic, and it is flattering on almost any skin tone.

Maybe she is more of a handbag fan? If your mother doesn't already have a Longchamp tote, and especially if she tends to err on the preppy side, one of those stylish bags could be a great and useful gift. If she is more of a glamourpuss, however, this burgundy beaded clutch might be a good call.

Another excellent option is high end cosmetics or skincare, or a decadent fragrance set; these are particularly good if she's not the type to splurge on herself. Buy her a luxe version of her favorite fragrance - and if you're not sure what that is, or just want to introduce her to something new, you can hardly go wrong with something from Guerlain.


Of course, gifts alone don't make the holiday, so if you can, why not make brunch or dinner for your mom, or clean/organize a room for her? It seems simple, but a break from household chores might be the most relaxing gift of all.

Or head to Etsy.com and pick up something unique and handcrafted - this is especially good if your mom is concerned about being eco-friendly, as much of Etsy's stock fits that bill (here's their Mother's Day Showcase).


If none of these suit your fancy, or you're looking for a real splurge, why not check out this set of gift guides at 3Luxe? From espresso machines to fancy stationery to digital cameras (great for capturing special occasions, like say, Mother's Day dinner?), there is something for all types.

So what are you doing for the holiday?

Here's Some Splendid Reads

Check this week's Splendid reads - and have a great weekend!

SHOPPING
Wardrobe Oxygen offers some wardrobe alternatives to the less-than-flattering pieces in your closet.


My Wardrobe Today reviews Clinique cosmetics and skincare.


eye4style shops jewelry designer Philip Crangi's limited edition collection for The Gap.


STYLEnosh spends quality time with online shoe stores.



BEAUTY
Aging Fabulous tells you about anti-aging the natural way.


TheScentedLife has a craft crush on Disquieting Designs.


Raging Rouge is officially addicted to Treat O'my Goodness Pink Grapefruit Organic Body Cream.


A Touch of Blusher loves the Golden Dior pendant.


eBeautyDaily tests new self-tanners, but goes back to old faithful, Xen-Tan.


Beauty Bantermuses over the must-have Spring nail items... including the most sought after Spring polish colors!


15 Minute Beauty Fanatic is really loving Kiehl's new Superbly Restorative Products!


Beautynomicsshares to us her review about the skin care sensation REVALESKIN


makeup loves me takes the blue lash trend straight from the runway to you.


Teen Style Lounge shares 5 cheap and easy at-home tips for gorgeous skin. this spring.


FASHION

CelebLook asks which of Miley's looks is your favorite.


The Fashionable Kiffen shares her packing tips in Travel Wardrobes 101.


Haute & Bothered's gone green with tree chic fashions that are naturally haute!



Let's Go Shopping writes about Spring 2008 Hottest Make-Up Trends.


Snarkstress loves how Eva, Miley, and Alicia are scarfing it up this season.

To Dress or Not to Dress? Next Fall, That is the Question.

From today's NY Times:

"ANYONE who pays attention to fashion may want to know that those in charge of deciding these things have pronounced doom on the dress. They, meaning mainly fashion editors and designers, claim the dress is dead. Kaput. Three years of women in dresses is enough.

“The eye is looking for something new, and so is the psyche,” Anne Slowey, the fashion news director of Elle magazine, said last week from the set of “Fashionista,” a new fashion reality show in which she will play herself, a fashion editor, only meaner. “The dress has been done to death,” Ms. Slowey added, “not to sound really cliché.”

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Does anyone else think this is just a little off-base? I, for one, tend to think that the current popularity of the dress isn't going to wane any time soon. The article discusses how that, after the summer ends, women are going to hang up their dresses and go back to pants and pieces with a masculine edge this fall.

Now - there are plenty of women who are simply not that into dresses or skirts in general, and more power (and pants) to them. That said, most dresses are so easy to wear and so comfortable that I can't imagine women giving up that kind of effortless chic any time soon. Besides, you can always throw a leather jacket or menswear-inspired blazer over your dress for that harder edge.
So what do you think? Is the dress's current reign going to be over when fall hits, or are you forever a dress girl?

Travel Wardrobes 101

One of my fashion-related skills is packing light and packing well. For instance, I just went on a fairly long trip where I managed to fit everything I needed into a carry-on size backpack and my purse - and the fact that my load was light definitely made the entire experience more carefree and relaxing.

Here is my method (I usually set aside a few hours for packing as well):

1. Consider the reason for the trip - obviously, you will need different clothing for a professional/work type trip than you would for a vacation.

2. What is the climate and overall atmosphere/feel of the place like? - for instance, I'd probably take different clothing to say, Paris, than I would to somewhere more rural, or somewhere tropical.

3. Any special events - will there be a reason I need something formal? Anything else that might call for out-of-the-ordinary clothing? Any special accessories necessary? Make sure you pack those essentials first and foremost.

Now for the actual packing - I like to lay everything out on my bed or any other large flat surface, so I can see if the colors blend. This leads to my next point - I like to ensure everything I take can be worn as part of multiple outfits, which tends to mean I stick with one fairly neutral color family, e.g. blacks/grays/blues. Brighter colors and accents can be added with accessories.

For me at least, it's really important to see everything together like so I can edit out what doesn't belong. I tend to bring more tops than bottoms (a pair of jeans can be worn for more times than a shirt, usually) and I stick to darker colors, because they are less likely to stain. I also like to only bring one or two pairs of shoes - casual and dressy - simply because shoes take up tons of room. Same goes for handbags. However, I do pack lots of tiny/compact accessories like scarves and jewelry so I can mix up my outfits when I get bored.

I also try to edit down my beauty routine - I bring tinted moisturizer, mascara, one eyeshadow palette, and a lip gloss or two - and that is about it! Of course, sunscreen and essentials like shampoo are necessary as well, and if you travel a lot it is best to invest in a set of small containers you can fill up with your favorite products. Also, if you're going with friends or family, you might to consider sharing things like shampoo - not everyone needs to carry their own tube of toothpaste.

Last but not least, be sure to leave room for souvenirs!

Do you have any stellar packing tips? Share them in the comments!