V-Style

Giveaway! Win AminoGenesis' Perfect Reflection

Giveaway! This month’s giveaway is another skin care goodie. I know it will be hard to top Lash Food, but we are going to try with AminoGenesis’ Perfect Reflection anti-aging serum.

Perfect Reflection:  AminoGenesis’ Perfect Reflection anti-aging serum combines four powerful anti-oxidants (vitamin A, C, D and CoQ10) with AminoGenesis’ base formula of 17 amino acids. This silky smooth water-based formula penetrates the skin rapidly delivering moisture and skin-rejuvenating nutrients for the most beautiful, youthful and healthy skin possible! Price: $69

Perfect Reflection has been proven to repair sun damage, relieve dryness, decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity, texture, firmness, and smoothness. 

Simply comment below before July 22^nd for a chance to win

I Love Cover Girl's Exact Eyelights

I found it! I found the perfect, most fabulous mascara. I cannot even begin to portray how excited I am! The culprit of my luscious lashes is Cover Girl Exact Eyelights mascara. What’s funny though is my love for it has nothing to do with all that jazz Cover Girl and Rihanna are advertising. Supposedly it brightens your eye color. Well, I don’t see any extra brightness in my eyes and I have not discovered any tint, glint or metallic whatever on my lashes. The ads and their website go on and on about how this mascara will enhance your unique eye color, but I don’t see any of that.

What I do see is extra long, thick looking lashes that are individually separated. Even when I put on coat after coat, each lash gets longer and fuller without clinging to its neighboring lashes. It is so easy! I don’t even know what to say - I am just so happy. I have been using it for a couple weeks now to be sure I loved it prior to writing about it and I have to say, it is officially true love. I didn’t even pay that much - $6 on a Target sale shelf to be honest. Oh, the perks of behaving like an old immigrant woman can bring hot finds at sweet bargains.

How To Wear A Denim Shirt With Jeans

I have never ever been a fan of the denim shirt with jeans, but when I saw Terminator hottie, Sam Worthington posing in it, I thought to myself, denim huh. Top that off later that evening with a stimulating read about Jay Leno, a good man who consistently wears a denim shirt with jeans off camera. How can I tell Sam and Jay they are wrong? Alas, I cannot.

I’m not saying they are right, but I can tell you how to rock the denim shirt with jeans in the best way possible. First rule; do not add a denim jacket to boot. Then be sure your jeans are in nice condition and have a modern cut with a dark wash. The denim shirt should be thin and of a distinctly different color than the jean. That’s right, choose light denim for your shirt and make sure it fits you well. No bagging, no major bunching if you are tucking it in. Yes, that is correct, you may wear it tucked or untucked.

From there add a casual belt and shoes, if need be work boots – if you are laboring.

Sienna Miller Wears Jonathan Suanders

I am absolutely loving Sienna Miller in this Jonathan Saunders dress and Sergio Rossi heels. First of all Jonathan Saunders is downright exciting. The cuts and colors are just so – perfect! I don’t even want to write about it, I just want to wear it. The phrase ‘wearable art’ is completely appropriate. I am even thinking of blowing up some of his runway photos from this season’s line and framing them.

Now, I know women’s shoes have been rock & rolling for awhile now, but these Rossi heels do such an awesome job of staying feminine as well as rocking it. I also love the feel of that elastic material on my foot and the lines of this shoe is more flattering for the leg than other zipper adorned heels out there.

Throw in an adorably fashionably chippy, Sienna Miller, and I am applauding this image before me. 

Fables By Barrie Bathing Suits

When I thought about my blog for 4^th of July the first and only image that came to my mind was a Fables by Barrie bathing suit. I have never seen patriotic colors look cuter! The American flag triangle bikini takes a back seat to this sailor suit.

Wear this pin-up inspired swimwear to your pool party, beach fiesta, or any wet activity.  Besides the fact that they are flattering, you don’t have to worry about being indecent in front of children. While the Brazilian cut goes wild, Fables keeps it old-school with conservative lines, charming details and creative designs.

Launched by the sprightly and adorable Barrie Kaufman, Fables by Barrie is an American made product that brings about a feeling of fantasy in the wearer as well the people around them. Loving the mood of Fables? Check out her rompers, dresses and bustiers to boot.

 

 

Gap's New Dress by Vena Cava

For a bit of time now, Gap has not been exciting me, particularly when it comes to women’s dresses. So, imagine my delight and surprise when I saw this beautiful Vena Cava printed khaki dress available online. 

Granted it was a collaboration between Gap and Vena Cava designers (Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhal), but I am still excited to see the Gap tag on it. I swear that place was downright empty when I last walked through.

Dress the frock up or down by switching out heels for flats and feel free to wear it for work or weekend. Purchasing pieces versatile like this is key when every penny counts. Beyond that though, it’s always efficient to own fewer things that do more.

As a side note, I have not seen the dress in person. If you see it before me, let me know if it fits nicely or if the fabric is a bit stiff. 

GQ's 2009 Better Men, Better World Search

GQ and the Gentlemen’s fund 2009 Better Men, Better World Search kicks off to find the next ordinary guy doing extraordinary things. With over 200 nominations received and more than 37,500 votes recorded during the 2008 Better Men, Better World search I am looking forward to the search expanding in it’s second year.

The Better Men, Better World Search asks readers to get involved by nominating someone they know (friend, family, community activist, partner, themselves) who acts as an agent of change striving for the betterment of society through charitable work, volunteerism and/or community involvement.

Go to thegentlemensfund.com/nominate.asp between June 16^th and August 13th and nominate someone you know so they can donate $10,000 to their charity of choice, appear in the pages of GQ and receive a bit of cash themselves. I am thinking I will go nominate my friend Troy Machado. 

Beyoncé Wears Elie Saab on Letterman

It is amazing to me how different an outfit translates from runway to sidewalk. Often times it gets lost, looking good only on the stick model. Other times it looks better off the runway, as proven here by Beyoncé Knowles.

For an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman, Beyoncé looked amazing in this Elie Saab dress, which looked almost dowdy on the model Georgina Stojilkovic. It seems to me Elie Saab should put some more Beyoncé shaped models in their shows to better promote the line. After all, the major singer and performer is often seen in the label because it flatters her figure so nicely.

If you decide to don this white frock, know that you can wear this out to dinner, a cocktail party or even the office if your job is in a more creative sphere of work. Try it with pumps as well as strappy heels and save it for temperatures that don’t inspire a cover up. Putting a jacket over this kind of dress won’t work because of the bulky right shoulder. Think summer time, warm spring times and abnormally hot winters.

Try on Suede Boat Shoes

Boat Shoes. I would love to walk into an inland party and see every fashionable man wearing suede or canvas boat shoes. It says comfy cool. It says I like the sea. It says I am casual and athletic and really awesome because there is not a boat in sight, but I don’t care because I love boat shoes.

I adore a man that pulls off casual chic in unexpected items and that is what boat shoes can do. Converse are great and so are slim athletic shoes, but a non-leather boat shoe is more unique (the leather version can be too dorky).

I was reminded of this when I was reading an interview with Milan Vukmirovic: fashion designer, photographer, editor and co-owner of The Webster, a clothing store in Miami. He declared his favorite kicks to be boat shoes by N.D.C. I can’t disagree with him.

A gentleman can wear boat shoes, with: shorts, jeans, chinos, khakis, corduroy and casual slacks. So, go ahead and set sail on this one.

Best Blogs This Week

Stiletto Jungle found cream eyeshadow the really doesn't crease.

All About the Pretty All About the Pretty gives us what’s in her Beach Bag this week. 

All Lacquered Up Enter All Lacquered Up's giveaway and you could win bottles of Chanel Cosmic Violine and Mica Rose nail polish. 

Allie is Wired Allie is Wired has crazy celebrity teeth transformations. 

Bag Bliss suggests a money-saving idea: How to Host Your Own Clothes Swap Party

Bag Snob exclusive: Speedy Sequin from Louis Vuitton, Snob or Slob? 

Beauty Snob Falls for Bobbi Brown Fall Nudes collection! 

Coquette dishes on UK's vending machine flats from Rollasole to save your tired clubbing stiletto-wearing feet. 

Fashion Pulse Daily picks its canvas favorites for June, ranging from hats to bags and shoes! 

I'm Not Obsessed has to ask... do you think the shirt Kristin Cavallari wore while shopping is really worth $115?! 

Check out Second City Style's recent 'He Said/She Said' about the recent ripped denim trend. 

Shopping and Info loves the Chanel nautical stripe worn by Claudia Schiffer and Sienna Miller. 

StyleBakery.com Going away for the weekend? Find out what to pack at StyleBakery.com

Stylehive has rounded up our favorite bright and colorful pairs of sunglasses, perfect for the brighter days ahead...  

The Beauty Stop reports on the to-be-released Twilight Beauty Makeup from the makers of DuWop. 

The Daily Obsession brings you the chicest finds under $50. 

The Fashion Bomb compiles a fashion tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

The Jet Set Girls visit the Barbie Suite at the Palms Las Vegas. 

The Shoe Goddess is completely enamored with these super hot Giuseppe Zanotti platform boots! 

TheMakeupGirl visits the Ritz Carlton Spa in Marina Del Rey and has the best massage ever....

eye4style gets glossy at Dashing Diva...

Andrew Marc Handbags

No more bragging handbags please! By this time I would assume that people understand that a handbag littered with a brand stamp is so completely out of style and yet I am still spotting people tripping down the street carrying these hideous bags.

Needless to say I am drawn to purses that have better taste than to do such a thing, like many of the Andrew Marc handbags. Beyond the fact that the label is not flashed about, the bags are fabulous! My recent favorites are the Ballerina Alexa Satchel and the Architect Tessa Hobo. The satchel is a stunning turquoise that can be used year round, but is more than appropriate for summer. The perfect Pow piece for the woman who isn’t comfortable wearing bold colors, but craves a little pop.

Now, the hobo is a classic. The rich brown, practical pockets and slouchy utility look of it makes me want to go on an adventure. I am sure if I carried it around I would feel like Indiana Jones…in heels.

Audrina Patridge is Best Dressed at Reebok EasyTone Launch Party

Last evening I attended Reebok’s EasyTone shoe launch party to preview it’s look, explore the shoe’s technology and check out the celebrity butts.

Glamour took a night off for many of the famed ladies like Mel B, Kendra Wilkinson, and Vanessa Minnillo who wore athletic attire and Reebok kicks instead of the usual glitz.

Although not everyone let high-end style fall to the wayside for the EasyTone event. Audrina Patridge from the reality TV show The Hills, looked ravishing in her Karl Lagerfeld ensemble and YSL sling back, platform pumps. Hands down the best dressed at the event, the neutral palette and edgy details of the outfit truly embodied a chic and cutting edge aura. It also confirms the adage overdressed is better than underdressed.

“Look underneath [at the black patent leather lining] it’s a little naughty too,” she said with a girly grin when I gave her high praise for the look. Karl Lagerfeld always did know how to make a girl feel elegant as well as naughty, no?

Besides fabulous fashion and toned celebs, the event included a shoe bar that allowed the women attending to experience the sneakers and discover the toning joys of EasyTone.

Reebok’s EasyTone technology allows women to work their butt up to 28% more effectively than by wearing an ordinary sneaker, just by doing everyday activities like walking the dog or shopping.  It tones the butt and leg muscles by using advanced balance pods inside the shoe to create natural instability with every step. The micro-instability then forces muscles to adapt, and in doing so, have to work harder. 

Viola, a work out without working out. No wonder all the butts were so pert there. Wink.

Skin Benefits From Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I recently read an article titled, The Surprising Skin Salvation in Your Kitchen by Dr. Baumann.

“Ancient Greeks bathed with olive oil, and its skincare benefits have held up to the scrutiny of science. We now know that olive oil has at least four different types of antioxidants in it. Antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals that can lead to skin aging and skin cancer. Well-designed studies have shown that mice that drink extra virgin olive oil develop less skin cancer after exposure to UV light. 

But, that's not all. The most exciting finding, in my opinion, is that applying topical olive oil to the mice skin after UV exposure also decreased the number of skin cancers. So whether ingested or applied directly to the skin, the oil is interfering with tumor development.”

It is so important to simplify your life, your foods, your home, your health care, your beauty regiment. All these lotions out there that are supposed to hydrate, reduce cellulite, smooth, tan and whatever else are filled with preservatives, chemicals, processed junks and man made crap. Some are effective, some are not and some are legitimately poisoning you. 

At the end of the article Dr. Baumann goes on to say, “In my search, I have discovered some very special olive products. It is crucial to use extra virgin olive oil because it is made from the first press of the olives and has the highest amount of antioxidants. My favorites include La Amarilla de Ronda Organic Olive Oil and Costa dei Rosmarini Olive Oil. " 

So I contacted Ciao Imports to get some organic extra virgin olive oil. Now, besides using it in my food, I am moisturizing my entire body with it and I even use it to shave my legs. I love that organic extra virgin olive oil is making my skin look fantastic as well as preventing skin cancer. Yea.

Side note: I recommend using the oil in the shower so that you are not too greasy.

Charlize Theron Wears Rag & Bone Blazer

I have hated 95% of the 80’s revival… until now.  Eighties glam is busting out of storage and I like it! My favorite is the 80’s blazer as seen on many stylish folk including Charlize Theron and Molly Sims. I adore this Rag and Bone silver blazer these ladies are flaunting.

What makes it work? The rolled sleeves and long hem line on a blazer has been gone so long it needed this modern appearance. As Sims and Theron have shown, it looks great with a white top and tight black pants, but this jacket would also look fabulous with a tight short dress in a bold color or super dark denim and a plain blouse or tee.

80’s glam tip: Pretty please avoid overdoing it with the shoulders like Victoria Beckham because this is not pretty... although great for a futuristic nemesis costume. 

Synergie Aesthetic Massage at The Sanctuary

I love going to a Spa, whether I am getting a facial, a rub down, or a Synergy Aesthetic Massage, I feel like I just got a tune up. Last week I checked out The Sanctuary in Ocean Beach, San Diego.

I have been to many spas in the San Diego area and I have rave reviews for all but one. Each haven has its own charm, skill, and ambience, but Sanctuary was the first spa I entered feeling completely comfortable. When I arrive I am the only one there, this is a private spa. Small, tidy and appealing, I feel like the Spa is my own personal sanctuary (pun not intended) for the duration of my stay.

Two steps into the space I am greeted by Melissa, a delightful young woman who welcomes me as if I am a friend. Still she is very professional as well as affable when she sits with me before my session to discuss my health goals and describe the process of Synergie Aesthetic Massage.

Synergie Aesthetic Massage is a cellulite and toxin reduction treatment. It is proven to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite while improving circulation and eliminating toxins in your body. You have the option to buy 8 sessions or 16 sessions, the latter of which is guaranteed to eliminate not just cellulite but inches off your body too, or you get your $1,350 back (A price lower than many spas).

The pictures she showed me are amazing and to be honest I don’t quite get it. How a vacuum massage can eliminate inches off your body is beyond me. I also learn that after the initial package of 8 or 16 you can keep the results with just a monthly visit. Intriguing…

From there I get changed into a white compression suit that protects my skin from the vacuum as well as advance the results. I look in the mirror before Melissa comes into the room and I realize the suit makes me look like a hot futuristic slave. My boyfriend would love this.

The vacuum has various levels of suction that can range from feeling fabulous to being uncomfortable but I simply told Melissa to lower the level when I felt tenderness. I have sensitive thighs so it was a little painful in that area, but I never bruised.

As instructed, after the Synergie session I drank a ton of water to flush all the toxins that have risen to the surface and avoid feeling queasy or fatigued. I ended up feeling fine, but I didn’t notice any energy level increase, which was my main goal for the treatment. What I did notice was that my thighs were incredibly hot for the rest of the day.

The next evening I attend an event and run into the owner of The Snactuary Spa, Tracy Duhs, who tells me she didn’t see or feel anything different after her first session either. She then lifts her skirt and pinches her thigh, then touches her hand to me. No cellulite and her hands radiate heat. “My hands and feet used to be freezing.” How much is that package again? Sign me up.