Wednesday Ideeli Sales

Wednesday Ideeli Sales

La Mer Collections - Watches

When she turned her jewelry drawer upside down to find a watch to wear and came up empty-handed, Martine Iliana decided to design her own stylish, feminine timepieces. Inspired by her journeys to South Africa's vivid markets, Bali's lush flower gardens, Italy's leather crafters, and Thailand's deep, blue oceans, La Mer Collections is known for colorful delights that are hand assembled in the United States. Accessorize your wrist with a single La Mer piece or stack them up in a bright rainbow!

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MM Couture (Miss Me Couture) - Fashion

As with those tasty little candies that also bear double M's, there are plenty of reasons to dip your hands in the MM Couture candy bowl. If you've got the party, then MM Couture has the perfect piece, from ultra-feminine floaty draped dresses to cool-as-a-cucumber jumpsuits. MM Couture designs are modern and multi-dimensional-daytime romance gives way to a rollicking evening of passion and panache. Fresh with a generous helping of flirty, MM Couture is the sleekest answer to all-occasion dressing.

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Cia.Maritima - Swimwear

That vacation in Brazil you've been dreaming about—you know, the one involving swimming while gazing at Rio's dramatic coastline, generally looking glowing and gorgeous—might still be a fantasy, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start by wearing some of the best beachwear in the world. From, where else? Brazil. Cia.Maritima is Brazil's most coveted swimwear line—no small feat in a country that practically lives on the beach. From its famous Brazilian cut and indestructible high-tech fabrics to the bold prints, stylish embroideries, crystal beading and intricate lace, you'll never go back to suits from the northern hemisphere again.

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Baudelaire Soap

Baudelaire Soap

You'll find these prettily packaged soaps at boutique hotels around the country and decorating the countertops of Tom Cruise, Prince Charles and Oprah's houses! These soaps are usually at least $30 but are currently on sale starting at just $12 for a pack of 6. Baudelaire specializes in truly unique products made from all-natural ingredients from around the globe. Most everything comes from small, family-owned businesses that have been creating their concoctions for years, like Apiana, a skin-nourishing soap that uses honey made by bees in the Swiss Alps, or Chianti Cashmere, a fragrance-free line featuring fresh goat's milk from Tuscany. And now, you can give your own powder room the A-list treatment. I am usually a liquid soap type of gal but if it's good enough for Oprah I'm willing to give these soaps a test run! At sale price I am itching to try the chamomile, lavender and rose soaps.

Shop the ideeli sale (starts at 12pm EST)
Visit the Baudelaire Soaps website

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Monday Ideeli Sales

Monday Ideeli Sales

Lisa Curran Swim - Swimwear

More than a decade ago, Lisa Curran was scouring the shops for a swimsuit to accommodate her curves and was unable to find a bikini she liked. She tried mixing small bottoms with larger tops, but that didn't give her the look she wanted. That's when she realized that other women were frustrated by the same problem, so she jumped in with a solution: Lisa Curran Swim. Using the finest Italian fabrics in innovative prints, Curran created a collection of swimwear with options ranging from the daring and barely-there to designs that offer more coverage. Whether you're relaxing on a beach towel, sipping cocktails poolside, or taking a romp in the waves, Lisa Curran has got a suit shaped for you.

ideeli prices for this event start at $29. Shop now.

Venetian Gold - Jewelry

From legendary masked balls to the romance of the canals, Venice has always been a place of mystery and allure. When it comes to the ancient artisanal practices, nothing is quite as beguiling as the renowned glass made in this storied city. The classic glass jewelry by Venetian Gold carries on these traditions and combines them with modern Italian design, handcrafting each piece with precision using centuries-old glass making techniques. Made from molten glass that is interwoven with precious metals like 24 karat gold, .925 silver, and copper aventurine, each of the richly colored pendants, rings, bracelets and beads by Venetian Gold are unique works of art.

ideeli prices for this event start at $19. Shop now.

Report Signature - Shoes

Sure, you've got your favorite pair of jeans and the can't-miss party dress. But your signature? It's gotta be the shoes. No outfit is complete without a great pair. (Not for nothing were the great fashionistas of our time—paging Carrie Bradshaw!—total footwear obsessives.) Meet your new signature: Report Signature. Since 1993, the Report label has been wowing choosy girls with its footwear, but its ready-for-the-evening Report Signature collection of super-sexy pumps, sandals, and boots may be our favorite among them. With silhouettes like fold-over booties, caged gladiator sandals, and stud-embellished stilettos, they're sure to get you noticed.

* Begins Tuesday, 7/27/10 at 12pm EST. Shop ideeli now.

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Got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion

Got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion

I recently had the chance to try Got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion. I have used several Got2b hair styling products in the past so I didn't hesitate at the chance to try another product from the brand.

From Got2b: Don't cheat your hair -- give it the royal treatment with got2b smooth operator smoothing lustre lotion. This decadent lotion shapes, imparts an amazing weightless lustre and softness. Protects against damage from heat styling and contains a UV protectant.

The claims: 

• Shapes, Smoothes and Controls Fly-aways.
• Imparts an Amazing Weightless Lustre and Softness.
• Protects against Damage from Heat Styling and Contains a UV Protectant.
• Control, Silken and Splurge with this Smoothing Lotion.
• Comes in Pump Bottle.

What I Liked: The product smells great, nice and girly. I like having the option to use t on wet or dry hair without compromising the fragrance. Product odor is deal breaker for me (like with this other product). It did control fly-aways, held shape when I curled my hair and possibly protected my strands from UV rays.

What I Didn't Like: I did not notice any silkiness, lustre or softness using this product. My hair is usually soft, silky and bouncy but this product was a bit heavy for me. This creamy textured lotion seemed to weigh my hair down no matter the amount or method I used. And although it did a nice job holding curls, it had no lasting effect when attempting a sleeker, straight look. Most importantly, the heat style protection was non existent for me, my ends looked and felt fried.

Overall: I feel this product is good depending on usage. For me, it is good for controlling fly-aways, updo's and loose waves. It is not so great with heat styling protection. Though it did not fair well with straightening, I can't help but chalk that up to a possible climate issue. I live in Florida and it's the middle of summer. So for now I will stick to my regular style regimen and revisit this product during winter...with my favorite heat protector spray of course.

You can purchase Got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion for about $3.50 at Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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10 Free Mineral Eyeshadows from e.l.f. Cosmetics

10 Free Mineral Eyeshadows from e.l.f. Cosmetics

Surely by now we all know about e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face) cosmetics. Great makeup at extremely reasonable prices with most products being just $1. If you have never tried the brand, don't rush to judgement based on cost as the price may be cheap but the glam factor is rich. I have quite a stock of e.l.f. products and if I had purchased similar items from a department store it would cost hundreds of dollars!

Now to the fabulously awesome promotion eyeslipsface.com is currently running! You can get 10 free Mineral Eyeshadows of your choice with any purchase of at least $20! That's right, 10 for free! If you've ever wanted to try these shadows or need to restock, now is the time as it would normally cost you $30 to buy 10 mineral eye shadows. So save 30 bucks darlings!

Simply add $20 of product and your 10 selected Mineral Eyeshadow in your shopping cart. At checkout enter coupon code EGMES to get your e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow free! The promo ends July 31, 2010. Click here to get your 10 free Mineral Eyeshadows at e.l.f.

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Block Out, Don't Break Out!

Block Out, Don't Break Out!

I have been using Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Sunblock for over a week now so this is my half point review. So far the sunblock passes a major test for me...no breakouts! It is very important for me to use products that do not irritate my sensitive skin. I am very pleased that daily use of the product has not caused any breakouts so that is a huge 2 thumbs up!

As you can see Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Sunblock is a white liquid yet it goes on extremely sheer, no one will even realize you have it on. Also what I love is that this product has no overbearing odor. I am on the go a lot and love to travel so the 1.4oz containers I received are perfect for me, as I can toss them in my purse or take them in my carry on luggage for travels.

I still have a major test for this product which is overall effectiveness with the SPF70 protection. I am pretty sensitive to the sun. Having Lupus, I tend to get rashes, flaking and sometimes burn after about two weeks of moderate sun exposure. With that being said, sunblock is a must for this Florida girl! So an updated, final review will come shortly. But at this moment I love Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Sunblock! If you'd like to try it, you can get $2 off your UltraSheer® purchase at Neutrogena.com/suncoupon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Dakota Fanning's Marie Claire Fashion

Dakota Fanning's Marie Claire Fashion

Growing into quite the young lady, Dakota Fanning graces the cover of Marie Claire's August 2010 issue. At age 16, Dakota is a darling exhibiting class as she literally grows up in front of the world. Many have watched this talented actress blossom on and off screen but as she states in her Marie Claire interview, "I'm not a little girl anymore". Dakota seems conscious of her age regarding her career and real life.

It is refreshing to see a teen who is aware of the image they portray, decisions they make and self respect they should have. In my opinion the fashion spread of Dakota in Marie Claire was executed brilliantly. The looks, while typically not how Dakota dresses daily, were chic trendy and most importantly, age appropriate. Glam it down and you've got some everyday ready-to-wear, glam it up (as in the issue) and you've got great event wear, depending on personal style. I am absolutely in love with the Dolce & Gabbana dress (pictured left). The bracelets by Tom Binns Design are fabulous and on my shopping list right now!

Read the interview at MarieClaire.com and see the full spread in the August 2010 issue. (Or subscribe to Marie Claire like I do!)

Top left - Rag & Bone jacket, Levi's 501 shorts, Gucci tights, Jennifer Behr headpiece, Fiona Paxton necklace, Tory Burch cuff, Caroline Baggi bangles (pearl), Jen Kao bracelets.
Top right - Chanel jumpsuit, Chanel rings.

Here are seven pieces I found to get Dakota's full cover look on a budget (photo: top-left).

More Forever 21...

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Britney Spears' New Clothing Line

Britney Spears' New Clothing Line

Britney Spears' clothing line for Candie's was recently launched and is being sold at Kohl's Department Stores. Originally the collection was dubbed Britney for Candie's however, BritneySpears.com, Candies.com and Kohls.com list the collection as Candie's Designed by Britney. As a Candie's lover and from the ads I have seen, I thought the collection would be somewhat appealing. Often the ads of celebrity lines are not reflective of the actual merchandise made available and this may be the case with Candie's Designed by Britney as well. I have not stopped by a Kohl's store yet, therefore I am withholding full judgement for now. But I can say I am not impressed with the online selection of apparel at this point with the exception of 2-3 pieces. I hope to see better selection in store along the lines of the ads portraying the collection.

In fairness I will say that Kohl's online selection pales in comparison to in store selection at least 95% of time. I do give judos for the collection being affordable for the masses with prices online ranging from $6.70 to $40.60 including  apparel, handbags and jewelry. The handbags and jewelery are quite adorable. You can shop Candie's Designed by Britney in Kohl's stores or online at Kohls.com

More Candies...

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