70% Off at Shopbop.com
The Deal: Save 70% on top brands at shopbop.com --check out their unique dresses, shoes, accessories and more.
What We Say: Designer dresses. Over 50% off. Let's do the math: 35 pages, 12 items each page--that's 420 items that Shopbop is dangling in front of our eyes. Let's examine some choices:
The Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Mini Dress is a bright blue, silk jacquard dress with a unique V-shaped neckline with ruching. Original price, $275.00. Now $82.50.
The Chloe dress by Rachel Pally is a hot little number with cut outs at the neckline. Now $69.30, down from $231.00.
We're loving the patent lace up sandals by Opening Ceremony. The flat sandal is obviously a trend this summer, but this particular pair stands out with its laced up tie. Was $308, now $92.40.
Pictured: This AKA New York Print halter dress has a print we can't even decipher. Whatever it is, it's pretty, and the loose silhouette accents your body without squeezing it tight. Was $318.00, now $95.40.
Customizable Makeup Palettes
What: Tailor-make your beauty with customizable makeup palettes.
What the experts say: What good is a makeup palette if it contains only one or two items that suit you? In steps customizable makeup palettes, which allow you to combine the best of what works for you into one easy-to-use palette.
“Palettes are a great way to organize your makeup and streamline your makeup routine,” makeup artist Bobbi Brown writes on her website. “Pick your favorite shades and custom-fill your choice of palettes. It’s the ultimate in personalized beauty.”
What we say: We love it when we come across a smart idea that simplifies our lives! Think about it: Rather than dig through an overflowing makeup bag filled with tons of product, we can access our go-to colors in one easy-to-use palette. Each palette compact comes empty, and you can pick and choose which items you want to plug into it.
We’ll take this one, and this one, and this one…with Bobbi Brown Empty 4 Pan Palette you can tailor your eyes and cheeks to your liking. The eyeshadows and blushes are on the pricy side—$20 to $22 each—yet provide dazzling results in a spectrum of just-for-you hues. We also dig Prescriptives Colorscope Large Compact , which allows you to piece together a product puzzle of innumerable color combos. For example: Snap in two Cheekcolors and a Highlighter, or do up your eyes with six Eye Color Singles—the options are endless (and slightly less expensive)!
For the ultimate in inexpensive personalization, we’ll be counting on mark Snap To It Mega Custom Color Palette, which allows us to play mad-scientist makeup artist without shelling out to much dough (each Custom Pick Eye Shadow is $4; each Good Glowing Custom Pick Powder Blush is $6).
Photo: Artistry.com
Product Review: Totally Slimming Jeans from Signature by Levi Stauss & Co.™
What: Angela slips into the new Totally Slimming Jeans from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, which will be available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide starting this August, for under $20 a pair.
The Lowdown: Here's the deal -- the traditional five-pocket style Totally Slimming Jeans were designed to address women's typical problem areas -- stomach, thighs, rear end -- using a high-stretch fabric (more than the typical 1%) and including a built-in tummy control panel. I must admit, the pair I received was just a wee bit too big on me (one of the pitfalls of sample products) but I gave them a go anyway.
Here's what I loved: the denim (in a really nice dark wash) felt great -- soft but substantial, with plenty of give and stretch without becoming shapeless. Here's what I did not love: the design is deemed to be "at the waist", which, on me at least, turned out to be high-waisted. And not in an edgy, LA cool kind of way, but instead in a super-high mommy jean kind of way. According to an article on the jeans in the Wall Street Journal, testers liked where these jeans hit higher on the back, in order to avoid over-exposure when bending down, etc., but for me? The rise just seemed waaaay too long.
The big question, of course, is are the jeans slimming? Overall, probably yes -- partly because of the fabric and partly because of the dark wash and lack of embellishment to break up the long visual line of the jean. Are they a miracle jean? Uh, no, but we didn't really expect them to be.
Yea or Nay: If the high-waistedness of them doesn't bother you, or they fit you differently than they fit me, then I would say they're a yea, especially for the price. Just try them on before you buy, to be sure.
Buy It: Coming in August to your local WalMart.
Which of These Questionable Trends Have You Worn?: Daily Poll
Don’t Forget to Enter: Vogue Italia Contest
Our contest to win a copy of Vogue Italia's July issue (which is selling out from many newsstands) ends tomorrow! Don't forget to leave a comment on that post for your chance to enter! In case you hadn't heard, Vogue Italia's July issue features all black models in its editorial photographs, including Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Iman, and many more beautiful ladies.
Click it: Vogue Italia: Win This
Image from NYTimes.com
Free Beauty Gift with Purchase at NORDSTROM
What: Get a free beauty gift with purchase during NORDSTROM's Anniversary Sale.
What We Say: Most of the time, we shop at NORDSTROM Rack because the prices at the department store are a bit too steep. But with their Anniversary Sale, we can purchase high-end beauty products and get free make-up, skincare, and perfume. In pouches, which we can use to store make-up. The brands offering gifts with purchase vary from the high end to very high end: Lancome, Clarins, Bliss, Christian Dior, and more. We like the Lancome and Estee Lauder offers the most: several free samples, in a pouch, with a purchase of $29.50.
Underwear Contest, Plaid Belts, White Jeans: See Jack Shop
Our look at See Jack Shop this week happens to concern topics on or below the belt. Check out what they're talking about over there!
-- Direct the men in your life over to the Hanes Underwear for a Month contest. They leave a comment on the post, they're in the running to win ComfortSoft boxer briefs. They won't have to wash underwear for an entire month because they'll have a pristine pair every day.
-- White jeans. The idea frightens many women. Did you know they're taboo for men as well? Eager to broaden their horizons, the males over at See Jack Shop discuss the idea of wearing them and looking great.
-- Plaid has all of a sudden grown as a trend. Is it because of Gossip Girl? Perhaps. Here is See Jack Shop's take on the top five plaid belts for men. They can wear a simple shirt and shorts or jeans, and elevate their outfit with a shot of color at the waist.
Want more men's fashion? Click around on See Jack Shop!
High vs. Low: The Statement Shoe
Make a statement with every step you take. Hardcore, edgy shoes have been spotted on pretty much every designer's runway, and it doesn't look like they're going anywhere for a few seasons at least. We love them because they enable you to step out in style, yet still maintain a pretty simple look overall. With shoes this eye-catching, we recommend pairing them with a sexy skinny jean and fitted tank or classic blouse. It's an ensemble that will get you noticed without being too overwhelming or over the top. One look at your feet and people will know you mean business - all the more reason to rock them this year. It's clear that 2008 is shaping up to be the year of the statement accessory be it shoes, handbags or sunglasses, and we think a true fashionista will make the most of them. Now, check out these equally stunning pairs. So, which is which?
Best Makeup for Women of Color (on a Budget): Reader Advice
Some of us here at TBF are women of color, and some of us are not. Regardless, anyone who's spent a little time learning about the beauty industry knows that the make-up made for the masses is generally not geared towards the skin tones of women of color. The big brands have done better as of late -- like Cover Girl's Queen Collection -- and Kathryn, of course, has referred readers to brands like Black Opal (specifically for their great foundation) in the past, But we want to know your thoughts -- what's your favorite make-up brand/product for women of color, on a budget?
Cover Girl Queen Oil Free Moisturizing Make-Up, $6.99, Drugstore.com
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