Nov 19, 2008

Always at the forefront of the beauty industry, Bobbi Brown is known for her approachable color palettes and ingenious skincare. And now, not only has Bobbi provided the makeup and tools to look your best, but she's come out with a brand new book chock full of tips from her 25 years in the business. The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual contains insider info on every topic from hunting down the right foundation to how to care for your hands and feet. Want in on the secrets? SheFinds is giving away copies of the book to 5 lucky readers!

Just share with us your favorite Bobbi Brown makeup or skincare product in the comments section below. And check out some of Bobbi's insider tips:

The holidays are a chance to have some fun with your makeup. Whether your personal style is natural or a bit more dramatic, there’s an easy way to put a festive spin on your makeup (and still look like you). Here’s how:

Go Metallic. High-shimmer shades are the quickest way to put on the glitz. Accent your eyes with metallic jewel-toned shadows and pair with a coat of shimmery gloss.

Add highlight. Fake a candlelit glow by choosing neutral metallics like gold, bronze, and copper. Used sparingly, these colors add just enough warmth and luster to the skin.    

Think classic. Red lips are shorthand for glamour, so if you’re feeling bold, go for it. Just be sure to balance a big statement lip with a more neutral eye. (I like dusting luminescent silver eye shadow over lids.) If you’re intimidated by red, try mixing a red you like with your favorite neutral or brown lipstick. You’ll likely feel more comfortable in your own custom shade.

If you’re at work and don’t have time for a complete makeup overhaul before your holiday party, you can still transform your daytime look to evening in just five minutes flat. Here are the products you need and how to use them.

• Flat or shimmer white eye shadow: Dust it over your browbone.

• Jet black eyeliner: Smudge it as close to the base of your lashes as possible.

• Shimmery blush: Layer it over the blush you’re already wearing.
  

In order to enter the giveaway, write to us in the comments section and let us know your favorite Bobbi Brown product. The contest ends a week from today, so act fast. 

If you can't wait to win, pick of a copy of The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual at amazon.com.  

Liquid Leggings: Good For Skinny Thighs, But What About The Rest Of Us?

Nov 19, 2008

Those of us who remember this trend from the 80’s are in a full-on fashion flashback now that we’re seeing leggings all over again. Originally paired with baggy sweatshirts, today’s celebs are bringing the style back with leggings in unique styles, fabrics, and cuts. Stars like Rihanna are rocking liquid leggings on the street and we're all thinking they actually look somewhat decent....on her.

Question is, if you’re not a size zero, how do you make this trend your own? Well, you can wear them like tights under a longer sweater, with a dress or skirt, or pair them with a long jacket. The idea is to keep tops simple and longer to elongate the line. Keep the color of the leggings complementary to your top half to create a streamlined effect.

For those of you who wouldn't dare try the actual liquid look (we hear you - anything that reflects light off your thighs should be approached with great caution), you can try a muted version of the trend with these Shiny Knit Leggings ($39.50) from Express. For something even more matte, we suggest these Silence & Noise Leggings ($38). And if you just want a pair with more pizazz than your average cotton ones, pick up Lindsay Lohan's 6126 Zipper Leggings ($123).

Fight Back Against Itchy, Stabby Shirt Tags (And Fix The Labels On Your Scarves While You’re At It)

Nov 19, 2008

 
I can't count the number of times I've donned a new shirt and walked out the door feeling fierce, only to get a sudden stab in the side courtesy of one of those itchy "Remove Before Washing or Wearing" tags. So what are we to do? Cut away and risk snipping a hole, loosing a pivotal thread, and losing the care instructions? Or suffer silently while itchy tags wage pointy-edged war with our necks and sides?

Fortunately, now you can keep the tags, but quell the itching by tacking a swatch of Dritz iron-on, no-sew hemming tape on the tags' backs. At only $2 a roll, the lifesaver that is hemming tape helps keep our clothing in tact and our itching at bay. And while layering with tagless tees (like the entire tee line from Old Navy ) is an option in the winter, hemming tape is a nice little insurance policy that no one will ever have to tell you to tuck your tags.

Bonus: You can use this tape to press down annoying tags that stick out on your winter scarves. 

Get yours: Amazon.com

We Know What Will Be Gone Way Before The 24th - And We Tell You In Our Sold Out Guide

Nov 19, 2008

Our annual Sold Out Guide hit inboxes yesterday, and already early holiday shoppers are snatching up featured gems like these Chinese Laundry Turbo Boots ($98) from Gossip Girl. We urge you to scour the guide and educate yourself on what gadgets, accessories, clothing, and beauty products will surely be hard to come by in the weeks ahead.

We've listed the retailers who offer hot items like the Wii Fit, Current/Elliott Boyfriend Jean, or UGG Metallic Boots, but be warned - they'll soon run out of the goods if you don't act fast. 

Get an early start and shop our Sold Out Guide today.

And sign up for the SheFinds newsletter to ensure you are the first to hear about the latest trends, deals, and novel gift ideas. 

Deal Of The Day: Up To 48% Off Classic Button-Downs At Ralph Lauren

Nov 19, 2008

Ralph Lauren knows how to make classic oxfords – and now that they're less expensive than usual, it's a great time to try one out.

This sriped broadcloath shirt ($64, was $125) looks great with dark denim and brown leather, as shown here.

If you’re in the market for a classic white shirt, check out this poplin version ($79, was $145) with just a bit of stretch.

Equally sharp under a vest, suit jacket or just a scarf, the Leigh Striped Shirt ($89, was $145) will become a go-to for daytime.

More sales and deals on the web:

Up to 60% off AK Anne Klein footwear at 6pm.

30% to 70% off at shopbop, plus free ground shipping.

Save an extra 40% on already reduced merchandise at Ann Taylor LOFT.

The sample sale scoop – shop these sales today for big discounts:

Cosabella and White + Warren at Rue La La

Be&D, C&C California and Elle Macpherson Intimates at Hautelook

Christian Lacroix at Editors’ Closet

Joya Candles, Hollywould, John Hardy and Iisli at Gilt Groupe

“New Research” Shows Diamonds Will Be A Hot Commodity For The Holidays…. Yeah Right

Nov 19, 2008

Here’s a marketing strategy that’s out of touch: Diamond retailer De Beers has announced it’s more than doubling its marketing spending this holiday season because they have “new research showing diamond jewelry will be the number one gift for the holidays in 2008.” Aren't we in a recession? I’m betting their research involved the Dear Santa lists of hopeful girls everywhere, and not interviews with their husbands and boyfriends. You know, the guys who are supposedly going to be buying all of these diamonds.

Personally, I’ve given up hope that I’m going to get the diamond studs I’ve been dropping hints about.

If you’re not lucky enough to find a diamond in your stocking this year, make yourself feel better with a flashy bauble that’s actually affordable.

 

Emitations has fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry that look like several popular celeb styles. This pave CZ cocktail ring ($315) would be the perfect bling with your holiday LBD.

 

J.Crew’s affordable and elegant jewelry is classy and versatile. This fireball necklace ($98) is an eye-catching mix of semi-precious beads and shimmery crystals.

 

Lee Angel’s shoulder duster earrings ($94) with light-reflecting stones shine (almost) like the real thing and leave something in your wallet.

Shop our Sold Out Guide for what will truly be flying off shelves this season.

Top Five: Not Your Average Houndstooth

Nov 19, 2008

Menswear-inspired fashion is everywhere this season, but putting an outfit together and still looking feminine can be tough when choosing manly pieces. The trick is to select items that either have a menswear-inspired cut OR a masculine fabric pattern, but not both.

We think houndstooth is an ideal way to sport the look, especially when you seek out this pattern in non-traditional colors and sizes (like the nearly identical parkas we featured in a recent Taste Test). Take a look at our top five picks for subversive houndstooth. 

This tiered A-line coat ($140) will keep you warm while looking chic this season.

 

Alice + Olivia plays on the traditional black-and-white houndstooth pattern on a smaller scale with these wide waistband pants ($275).

 

 

 

The black-on-black houndstooth pattern of this ABS pleated dress ($170) is a subtle twist on the usual LBD, and it’s a flattering cut.

You’ll love this Kelly cloche ($95) because it goes with just about everything.

 

 

This grey houndstooth jacquard skirt ($125) has a sheen that will let you dress it up for holiday parties or down for the office.

 

 

News: McQueen For Target Is Looking Mighty Punk, De Beers Hopes You’ll Buy Their Diamonds This Xmas

Nov 19, 2008

1. The first images of Alexander McQueen's line for Target have been revealed by WWD. If you can't wait until March to take home a piece of the designer, get your McQ fix at Net-a-Porter now. [WWD]

2. De Beers has significantly upped its marketing budget for the holidays in the hopes that diamonds will be a popular seller. For other must-have items, check out our latest Sold Out Guide. [Gawker]

3. Rumors are circulating that Anna Wintour may soon retire. Perhaps the talented new hire from Stylista could take her place. [PageSix]

4. Shop designs for Count Me In and support women entrepreneurs this holiday season. Pick up a business card holder from The Whimsical Stork or a wishbone necklace from SBG Designs.

Sample Sales Without The Evil Stares And The Claws

Nov 18, 2008

Most women I know have a love/hate relationship with sample sales. Everyone loves the chance to score pieces from her favorite designers for more than half off; not everyone loves being blindsided by a Birkin so someone else can grab that last dress.

Sample sale websites give you the same stellar discounts for a teeny tiny fraction of the hassle (sometimes you have to type in your credit card info really fast…). And lucky for you, we feature the day’s sales from the five top sample sale sites every day at the bottom of our Deal Of The Day post. Just click on the links for your SheFinds invite to each site.

In Deal Of The Day, you'll find sales from all our favorite sites: Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, Editors' Closet, ideeli and Hautelook. You're bound to find something for yourself - or for the next person on your "BUY GIFTS!!" list.

Today, for example, you can buy this Alice + Olivia dress at Gilt Groupe for $138 – as compared to the retail price, $330. Add up the savings, and it’s like Christmas every other day.

ShopSmart Proves Pricetags Mean Nothing When It Comes To Decent Beauty Products

Nov 18, 2008

Think a hefty price tag and adspeak terms like "ionic" and "tourmaline" make for better beauty tools? Think again. ShopSmart, a sister magazine of Consumer Reports, reveals in its January issue that pricier doesn't always mean better. In the article, ShopSmart puts blow dryers, straightening irons, and mascaras in head-to-head combat to find the best "smart splurges" and the budget buys that beat out the big guns.


In the super-scientific blow dryer battle, it was revealed that higher wattage doesn't equal faster drying time, and that higher price doesn't equal better features. The bargain buy, Revlon's Ionic Ceramic Pro Stylist ($20), had more useful features than the top-scoring splurge, Bespoke Labs' Featherweight Dryer ($200).


Think the CHI iron took top honors in the straightening iron category? Nope. The iconic ionic straightener ($130) was among the nine irons tested, but it didn't crack the top spot. That honor went again to Revlon, whose Perfect Heat Ceramic straightener ($25) didn't boast ionic, tourmaline, or nano silver technology, proving that technobabble is just that.


And as far as mascaras went, while a department store brand, Lancome Definicils ($24) did rank high among testers, a drugstore formula, Max Factor Lash Perfection Volume Couture ($8) did just as well in the lengthening and thickening contest. And, surprise, surprise, pink-and-green staple Maybelline Great Lash ($4.48) got a "very good" overall ranking, but brought on complaints of clumps with some testers.

Get the full results of ShopSmart's beauty battles in the January 09 issue—it hits newsstands today.

Taste Test: Which Cuffed Rain Boots Keep You Dry For Less Cash?

Nov 18, 2008

Who wants to spend an arm and a leg on boots that were made for puddle jumping?  Apparently one designer rain boot purveyor thinks the answer to that question is "everyone." Their knit cuffed rain boots will make a splash in your bank account, retailing for $225. Another nearly identical pair goes for a cool $30— their cuffed rain boots will keep your feet dry and help you save money for a rainy day.

Click on the bargain boots above, then click over to our post on more ways to stay stylishly dry when the weather takes a turn for the worst. 

Gossip Girl Serena Bares All To Her New Man - Including Her Legs In A Non-Existent Skirt

Nov 18, 2008

The costume designer on Gossip Girl really loves to put Ms. Serena in inappropriate outfits for family events. But this week, instead of her boobies being on display like normal, they went for the world's shortest skirt. But wait, wasn't Jenny's skirt a couple of weeks ago the shortest you've ever seen? Think again.

However strangely seductive her family-time outfits are, they're still dang cute. But how is she supposed to eat turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie in that thing? Personally, I prefer sweatpants on this binge-eating holiday.

To mimic Serena's look start with a cowl neck version of her blouse from Ann Taylor LOFT ($40). 

Her turkey day look wouldn't be complete without the short gold skirt, now would it?  Try this yellow mini skirt by Carla Knapp ($147).

Polish off with much needed accessories. Spanx makes a great pair of patterned body shaping brown tights with tummy control ($42), and you can snag this bib necklace made of a lavish cascade of faceted red beads for only $38.

Deal Of The Day: 50% Off Streamlined Cashmere Sweaters At Shopbop

Nov 18, 2008

The clean, classic shapes of the three sweaters below make them easy choices with jeans or trousers.

Leave this Super Fine Cashmere Cardigan ($149.50, was $299) at the office for extra chilly days – it goes with almost anything.

A boat neck and ruched shoulders make this long sleeve cashmere sweater ($130, was $260) just a bit different from other favorite sweaters.

Heather grey cashmere ($122.50, was $245) looks great with dark denim.

More sales and deals on the web:

As seen in the SheFinds forum: Save on totes, clutches, makeup bags and more at writeonandmore.com’s pre-holiday sald.

15% off all fine jewelry at Netaya with coupon code AFHOL8.

Save 20% on all-weather rain boots at Piperlime.

The sample sale scoop – shop these sales today for huge savings:

Francesco Biasia bags at Editors’ Closet

Plenty by Tracy Reese, Emma & Posh, and Beyond Yoga at Hautelook

Alice + Olivia and AG Jeans at Gilt Groupe

Goldenbleu shoes at ideeli. Use invite code shefinds.com.

Penguin at Rue La La

Sponsored Post: Don’t Be Shy - Show Off This Season’s Shapewear From Bare Necessities

Nov 18, 2008

Find the shapewear that’s right for you. See some of BareNecessities.com’s favorite brands - shapewear that's meant to be seen. Yummie Tummie tanks slim your midsection and hide lumps. They are available in an array of colors and are perfect for layering.

SPANX® Shapewear: These celebrity faves come in a variety of figure - fixing styles. SPANX® body shapers can be worn under even the most form-fitting clothes without visible panty lines. Enhance your body with Body Wrap. It's seamless shapewear for today's woman. Gone are the days of corsets and girdles. Body Wrap is a functional and reliable option for our body-shaping needs!

See more shapewear brands at Bare Necessities.

Latest Blog Posts From MomFinds

Nov 18, 2008

Stop the Flu from Visiting Your Family this Winter

 

• Here are some simple, helpful tips from CloroxClassrooms.com that you can pass onto your kids (and use yourself as well) during that nasty flu season.

Toy Find: Laugh & Learn Smart Bounce and Spin Pony on Sale

 

• Remember last year’s big hit, the Smart Cycle? It did so well combining physical activity with learning that Fisher-Price came out with a version for the younger set.
  

Win it Wednesday: Win a $100 Shopping Spree for Holiday Cards at Minted.com

• Get those holiday cards done early (and for free!) with this week’s prize courtesy of Minted.com, a fantastic site loaded with gorgeous customizable greeting cards from baby announcements to wedding announcements. 

New Skincare Craze Vavelta Gives A Whole New Meaning To “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” – Be Warned

Nov 18, 2008

I’ve covered cutting off pinky toes to fit your shoes better and I’ve asked if you’d devein your hands, but this time I’m warning you, if you’re eating or playing with your toddler, stop now.

According to the Daily Mail UK, the new skincare craze that is sweeping England is a product called Vavelta. The treatment appears to rejuvenate and restructure older and/or damaged skin from the inside out by actually causing lower layers of cells in the skin to completely rejuvenate. It’s also supposed to be a permanent solution, unlike Botox. Even though a vial of the stuff can run you almost $1500, the women in the trial are showing life-altering results.

The kicker: the active ingredients are little cells called fibroblasts, which are derived from baby foreskins donated by mothers at