May 2009 Archives

On June 2nd the Hollywood Improv will host a very special stand up comedy event that you cannot miss. It is a charity event that benefits "Laugh Links", a program that is a part of "A Place Called Home" which provides at-risk youth with a secure, positive family environment where they can regain hope and belief, earn trust and self-respect and learn skills to lead to a productive lifestyle free of the gangs, drugs and poverty that surround them. Laugh Links is such a great program, it teaches at risk kids to write their own stand up comedy material as well as perform it. It reinforces basic skills like writing but more importantly, it is a way for them to express their experience through laughter. This event is huge because it is their big moment to get up in front of hundreds of people at the legendary venue and show everyone what they've got. Please join me and help support these awesome kids. Tickets are only $20, get them HERE.

55 Secret Street gets stung (in the best way) by MAC's Naked Honey Body Wash.

Stiletto Jungle previews summer's must have new lip products.

All About the Pretty can enjoy luxury shopping while vacationing on the beach at the Luxury Collection Boutique Mall in Cancun.

All Lacquered Up experiments with the matte nail trend by wearing matte and glossy nail art.

Allie is Wired features Lauren Conrad talking about life after The Hills.

Bag Bliss pick of the week: Buti Croc!

Bag Snob has the latest from Kara Ross F/W 2009 collection!

Beauty Snob discovers the magic of silver: COR silver soap!

Couture Snob is questioning Balmain's couture craft...what do you think?

Fab Sugar - sends out a trend alert: are bow belts making a come back?

Fashion Pulse Daily kind of can't wait for fall to wear the cashmere-rich TSE fall 2009 collection.

Second City Style isn't waiting for the sun-kissed glow of summer, we are faking it now with matte bronzer!

Shopping and Info used a black bodysuit to channel Angelina Jolie's corset dress.

StyleBakery.com found chic beach cover-ups for every budget.

Stylehive is telling you to spring for a spring trench coat!

The Beauty Stop explains how to pick the right sunscreen for your skin type.

Know any men who need makeovers? Send their pictures to The Fashion Bomb for a chance to win them free gear from Parish Nation!

The Shoe Goddess loves that these Loeffler Randall flat boots can be worn in the summer!

TheMakeupGirl checks out Sunsilk's Captivating Curls line and has bouncing curls with zero frizz in 100% humidity!

Tot Snob found a walking elephant that fits in any room.

The perfect color for the season and the price is right for an exotic. Need I say more? Everyone is looking for a white clutch for the summer but who wants to plunk down a grand or more for something you need a few times over the course of 3 months? But this very lovely clutch, simple with dark wood detail, can actually make an annual appearance for years to come. And it is ostrich! It doesn't have the quill bumps all over, thus the nice price, but I like that the composition of texture and non-texture is made into a feature. Each one will be slightly different but the placement is specific, not random so each will be uniquely yours. The character, the ease, the cool, the versatility and a slight edge - all for $395 at Barneys New York. Might go on sale but you better act fast (or at least beat me to it!!).

I am a bit in shock that the year 2010 is around the corner. Where has this decade gone? It's been the most amazing decade of my life, which is why I don't want it to end! And by the looks of Cruise 2010, I will be missing 2003. The most disappointing accessories collection thus far is YSL. Yes I know that Cruise is not a big season but why do a half ass job if you're going to show at all? Oscar de la Renta and Chanel take just as much care with Cruise bags as they do for Fall. Well, maybe not as much but it's damn close. I really loved the RTW from YSL but the bags are dismal at best. How original is an envelope clutch? I love the look from many other designers that I don't have high expectations of but from YSL??? An envelope clutch and a canvas bag with a giant Y on it? Blech. Thanks but I'll wait for Spring 2010. What say you my snobs?

YSL at Net-a-Porter.com

People have been asking about summer wedding bags and some crystal beaded miniaudiere easily comes to mind. But how about not so obvious, like this Rose Chiffon from Mary Norton? Perfect for the bride, although I don't know where she would be carrying this, not down the aisle, right? For my wedding, I had a giant tote bag full of things that I thought I might need that one of my brides maids had to carry around (and ended up sitting under a table all night). I was thinking this is more for a guest, with a summery dress. It kind of looks like a Chanel, although Chanel is a camellia and this is a rose, but hey, I'm no botanist. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

Why choose between a beautiful piece of jewelry or a gorgeous bag when you can have both on a single fabulous accessory that does not cost an arm and leg?!?!  Kara Ross designs the most exquisitely crafted and affordable jewel bags I have ever seen. Last season I coveted a black python clutch hand painted in silver; this season, it's the jeweled purple Nox python clutch ($768 upper left) with an amethyst buckle. My love of purple is beyond the fad of recent years-- my 96 year old grandmother adored amethyst stones and purple orchids and I have inherited her love of this royal shade.  For Fall/Winter 2009, Kara also offers a palate of neutral hues (for those less adventurous!)-- the lovely Nox taupe python clutch (above right $768) and the Nola hobo ($810 left) in taupe leather with python trim detail is timeless and chic for daily use.  For a dose of high glam, go for the Mia metallic python ($782 bottom left) with dark brown croc trim.  And I love the utilitarian chic of the Adora chocolate clutch in ostrich leg ($538 bottom right).  Utterly delicious!  The collection will hit stores in June.  Or check Kara Ross website for complete list of stores in your area!  Net-a-porter has a few must have Kara Ross clutches currently on sale here! 

All this talk of "tea bagging" in congress apparently has inspired Mark and James to make a tea bag bag but in a literal way. It is in the hip and cool disco beads but why this shape? All it needs is a tag at the end of the strap for the full effect. It is not that bad but still, you'll walk around looking like you're looking for a big pot of hot water. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $465.

This is the most streamline and sleekest design ever and of course it is from Valextra, the King of simple chic. Nothing is snobbier than having absolutely no pretense. I don't have to flash my wares or even let you know what where or how. You know what I'm talking about, you see a girl with something amazing on and when you ask her where she got it, she smiles coyly and says, "Wouldn't you like to know?". How freaking snobby is that? Actually, that example goes beyond to bitchy, but you get my point. But that pretty much sums up the reason behind the lack of logos on brands like Valextra, Hermes and Bottega. This tote seems overly simple but look at how the straps are fused to the body of the bag, it is the most subtle of details but really really cool! At Barneys for $3270. Comes in this Verdes Prato Green and Oyster as well as a nude and black.

Beauty Snob - has summer time survival kits that will keep you looking fresh even through the hottest of days.

Couture Snob - Sale Alert! 50% off Oscar de la Renta 5/27

Fab Sugar - Has prepaired a list of 15 must have sandals for the summer.

Nitrolicious - is having a Veuve Clicquot Traveler Set + Blanket giveaway in light of the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.

Purse Blog - Thinks Katherine Fleming's Bradbury Hobo has put the little black hobo back on the radar.

TheFind - Has found a program that will launch your dream career as a Hollywood Stylist.

Tot Snob - found a great summer road trip companion with this Zookies Art Portfolio.

A little bird told me that Oscar de la Renta boutiques and website will go on sale tomorrow!   Oscar doesn't mess around; when he goes on sale he goes directly to 50% off. None of this 25%, 30%, or earn silly points stuff with him. He wants you to have fabulous bags, dresses and shoes in time for summer fun in the sun!   I have prepared the must have bag list for you so you don't have to think about it.  The Mumbai in neutral pale olive calfskin (now $995) is a butter soft tote that you'll need for daily use.  Tesoro clutch in nude python is a staple that you'll use everywhere!  I also love the adorable Darjeeling Minaudiere with birds ($1,450 not on sale, it's for next season)-- Oscar still has a youthful cheeky sense of humor!

Call Mindy or email her today to reserve your size (check Couture Snob for must have shoes and dresses!) and the bags you crave.  214-346-0400 She is happy to ship internationally as well!  (Jump for complete list of US boutiques)