A Life of Style: An All American Family? YES THEY ARE!!!!

A Life of Style Product Review: Olay Spa Exfoliating Ribbons

Last Friday was the end of a brutal work week. All I wanted to do was come home, put my feet up, stuff my face, and watch the debate. Of course things never work out as planned and I ended up having to run an errand that took me clear across town. Traffic was bananas and I wasn't exactly sure where I was going. My tension level was at an all time high. I made it home fifteen minutes before the debate began.

I used those fifteen minutes wisely - I took a shower, lol. Olay Spa Exfoliating Ribbons is all that and a bag of chips (I used to love that expression, lol).

The body wash feels like pure silk on the skin and the micro beads are gentle but very effective. It smells divine too. I've used all the other Olay body washes but this is by far the best of the collection.

A Life of Style: Chicago - Like It or Not...I Live Here

I was having coffee with a friend recently and our conversation turned to the upcoming chilly temperatures that Chicago is known for. A few people overheard our chat and gave us irritated looks that told us we should move somewhere warm. I couldn't agree more but my finances and my desire to relocate to a warmer area just aren't on the same page.

Don't get me wrong, Chicago is a fabulous city...in the summer. From October to March, Chicago is a cold and miserable beast. I live within walking distance to the lake which is great in the summer but during the colder months the lake sends the most bone chilling winds over the city. Okay I'm starting to get depressed, weather aside Chicago is a great place to live and the social scene is very diverse. I'm going to try to love my fair city all year round as opposed to turning my back on it when the temperatures plummet. And honestly the biggest complaint I have about Chicago is the weather, my other issues with the city are all political and that's a whole other post.

Welcome to my journey as I rediscover the fabness of the city.

A Life of Style Product Review: Spa Aquatique Marine Energizing Mist

Last night to kick off my newly revived at home pampering routine, I washed my face with Cetaphil Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily skin and applied Queen Helene Mint Julep mask.

While the mask was drying I watched Access Hollywood and caught up on the latest tinseltown happenings. I left the mask on twenty minutes then rinsed with warm water. After the mask was all rinsed away, I spritzed my face with Spa Aquatique Marine Reenergizing Mist.

Spa Aquatique Marine Energizing Mist was an impulse purchase while I was waiting in an extremely long line at Walgreens last year. I adore this mist because I can really feel it tightening my pores, it has a fresh, clean scent, and there's no sticky residue left behind.

The mist is very light so you can still apply your moisturizer and makeup without feeling as though you have tons of product on your face. I'm going to keep this in my bag and use it as needed throughout the day.

If your skin is oily, this is a great product to use. It costs $20 but before making that investment ask the beauty consultant for a few sample packets.

A Life of Style: Currently Coveting...

The Nine West Huilio is seriously calling my name but unless it goes on sale soon it will remain on covet status. $89 isn't that pricey but a markdown of 25% would be great ;)


What fashion items are you currently coveting?

A Life of Style: iShopFem.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact:
Lee Everett – LaunchPad PR
lee@launchpadpr.com
310 397-4321

IShopFem.com Launches First Ever Sample Sale Site to Offer Extreme Designer Discounts

Los Angeles, CA (Sept. 24, 2008) – Fashion Elements (FEM) and owner/Fashionista Irene Wong announce the launch sale of their new iShopFem.com deep discount sample sale website on Oct. 8th. Renowned in LA for her FEM sample sale events, Wong’s new site will feature top designer clothes, shoes and accessories at 50 to 75 percent off retail pricing. Each iShopFem.com online sale will last up to 72 hours with one to three designers or boutiques featured each week.

Irene Wong, who attended both Parsons and FIDM fashion schools, brings unique features to her new online shopping destination. “I wanted iShopFem to be different and more inviting than other online shopping sites,” said Wong, “so that anyone and everyone can make purchases - not just invited members. The site will have an email alert option for anyone interested in receiving sale updates, but the idea is to make these products more accessible and available at unheard of prices.”

For shoppers committed to first look opportunities, iShopFem.com will offer Premier membership that grants its members early-bird access 24 hours before each sale, VIP tickets to their live events, and special discounts on exclusive items.

Highly sought after brands like James Jeans, YSL, Pucci and CC Skye will be represented at the launch sale, but in keeping with Irene Wong’s commitment to exposing hot new designers, iShopFem.com will also feature the lines of promising up and comers.

As a promotion, the first 500 shoppers to register on iShopFem.com when the site goes live on October 1st will receive a free three-month Premier membership.

Future plans for iShopFem.com include a fashion social-networking forum where devoted shoppers can communicate about trends, styles and designers.

Launching October 15th: Handbag Planet

To celebrate their launch, Handbag Planet is giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours starting at noon on October 15th.

Check out their website to register for the giveway!!! Good luck =)

A Life of Style: Health & Beauty

Lately I’ve been very out of sorts – I’m not getting enough sleep, work is crazy busy, and my diet is awful. Needless to say, both my health and my beauty routine are suffering. And boy is it showing =(

In an effort to get back on track I am making a few changes:

* Breakfast – Yes I know it’s the most important meal of the day but guess what? I rarely eat breakfast. My mornings typically start off so slowly that I don’t have time for breakfast. My goal is to set aside at least fifteen minutes for a slice of toast and some fruit.

* Vitamins and Water – These are the only healthy items in my diet and it hurts to admit that I take my vitamins after digesting a fast food meal. I take a Woman’s One-A-Day multi-vitamin along with the GNC Women’s Hair, Skin, and Nails. I drink a lot of water during the day and typically choose water over fruit juices or a carbonated beverages. I'm trying to keep this up and resist the urge for a Cherry Coca Cola, which I've been known to drink two per day.

* Facial – Just what the spa goddess ordered! I’m scheduling a facial for next Friday because I am looking tired and no amount of makeup can alleviating the situation.

* Bedtime – Ideally I would love to be in bed by 10 p.m. every night…I’m so trying to accomplish this!

* At Home Pampering – I honestly can’t recall the last time I’ve applied a mask, pulled out my foot tub for a tootsie soak, or used a scalp treatment. I plan to make this a weekly activity.

* Yoga – The only form of exercise I truly enjoy. I take yoga on most Saturday mornings but I’ve missed a class or two. Must get back into my yoga mindset. Om…

What are some of your health and beauty tips? How do you reenergize and stay cute despite work and personal demands? Share your answers in the comments section =)

**Btw...that's not my work area pictured but it closely resembles it, lol! I hate paper work!

A Life of Style: Elle Magazine, October 2008

Last night I devoured the new Elle while sitting on my sofa reading it from cover to cover and sipping an ice cold Sofia Mini.

Let me start by saying how fabulous Jennifer Lopez looks on the cover and the photos taken with world famous designers, Dolce & Gabbana, Donatella, Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, and Georgina Chapman (Marchesa) are stunning.


In this issue, I found a lot of looks that I want to recreate and a long list of makeup and products to add to my wish list. The Fashion Stories beginning on page 402 were insightful well written pieces on clothes and the role they play during various moments in life.

This was one of the best issues I have read in a while or maybe it was the two Sofia Minis I polished off, lol. Just kidding!

Be sure to check out Elle Create Director Joe Zee's site highlighting the best of fall fashion from A to Zee.


Picture courtsey of Elle.com

A Life of Style: The Closet Makeover Pt. 1

The past few months have been all about decluttering and purging. My goal was to have my closet reorganized by now but that has not happened. The main reason my closet project remains unfinished is that I have a dream closet in my mind that doesn't quite match up with the actual space. Oprah Winfrey, Kimora Lee, and Toni Childs (from Girlfriends) all have closets that I would d-i-e for. But alas, I am so not in their tax bracket so the challenge for me is to create my own closet heaven. Of course there is a stumbling block to this oasis I long for.

Yesterday I began pulling out all my clothes, shoes, and bags to sort through what stays and what can go. This was a hard task because I have such an emotional attachment to my things. I tossed a mahogany Coach Janice's Legacy from 1995 into the what can go pile. Fifteen minutes later, I added it to the what stays pile. Honestly, I haven't carried that purse since early 2000 but it's the very first designer bag I bought as an adult. I'm never going to get anywhere with my closet makeover if I can't get rid of some things!

I just want to be able to walk into my closet and pull together an ensemble without looking at pieces I haven't worn in forever. The first step in this process is letting go of the emotional attachment to my old things. I'll keep you all posted on the process and hopefully have pictures to share.


Closet image courtesy of Domino magazine

A Life of Style: Essence Magazine, this is for you.

My fabulous BFF and Haute & Hair blog writer has posted a very interesting open letter to Essence magazine. Check it out!!!

I have been ready to leave Essence alone for the past three years because the articles are just yawn inducing recycled information that I've read a million times already.

What typically draws me to a magazine is the cover. Essence has used the same people on their covers and I am sick of it. The repeat cover offenders are Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mo'Nique (ugh!!!), Jill Scott (LOVE HER to death but how about Angie Stone or Ledisi getting the cover girl treatment???)

I invite you to check out Haute & Hair's open letter and share your thoughts!!!!



The Essence cover pictured above is from 2000 and as you can see a model was featured...there's a novel concept. MODELS on the cover of a magazine.

A Life of Style Mascara Review: Exceptionnel De Chanel Intense Volume & Curl

Last month I signed up to be a part of Allure Experts Reader Panel. Of course I'm overly excited about the opportunity to test products and give my feedback. The first item I received was Exceptionnel De Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. I curled my lashes this morning and began applying this luxury mascara. I haven't used a Chanel mascara in over five years...mainly because what I pay for one tube of high end mascara I can buy two lipglosses from MAC, Clinique, or Philosophy.

Honestly I can't say I'm loving the Exceptionnel De Chanel. My lashes have no volume and the curl is hardly worth mentioning. I got MUCH better results from Maybelline Colossal Volum Express. :(

This mascara is $28 plus tax and it fell way short of giving me extravagantly, lush, sexy lashes. I say save your $28+ for gas money, a latte, and a less costly mascara.

A Life of Style Fragrance Review: Intimately Beckham for Her

Intimately Beckham for Her has been on my fragrance list for a while. I adore Victoria Beckham, she's one of my style icons. As fabulous as her style is, I knew her perfume would not disappoint.

This is a very sexy scent with great dry down that lasts. I hate fragrances that fade after a few hours. Quite a few guys have told me that I smell good when I'm wearing IBFH and that's always nice to hear ;)

Intimately Beckham for Her has notes of white flowers, bergamot, rose petals, Casablanca lily, tuberose, orange blossom, vanilla, sandalwood and musk. I'm going to get the lotion soon so that I can really layer the scent. I purchased a 1.7 oz IBFH at Target for $34.99. There's a two piece gift set sold on Target's website for $29.99

If you're on the fence about trying IBFH, Walgreens has a sampler vial for .99, ask the beauty consultant if you don't see the small display. I got one for a fragrance shy friend, unfortunately she's got terrible allergies so her and IBFH were not a match made in smell pretty heaven :(

In conclusion, this is winner for A Life of Style =)

Fashion Week Spotlight: Tory Burch

Tory Burch is fast becoming one of my favorite designers. I love how she mixes and colors and adds quirky accessories. Ever since she came on the scene with those way too chic tunics a few years ago, I have been stalking her designs.


Here are my favorite looks from her Spring 2009 show which took place yesterday:

This collection was inspired by gardens in Italy, France, and Marrakesh.

Looking at this collection has inspired me to take a chance with my fashion and learn to mix patterns.

Fashion Week

Here are a few of my favorite looks so far from Fashion Week:

Marc Jacobs
Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese













Malandrino













I'll post more of my favorites looks over the next few days.

A Life of Style: My Fall 2008 Beauty, Entertainment, and Fashion List

Items marked ** are products that I would love to purchase but due to the economy…they are so not in my budget. Damn this recession=(

Beauty
L’Orѐal Skin Genesis Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate

L’Orѐal Skin Genesis Eye Serum

Tarte Eye Couture Eye Palette**


Pink Clarisonic Skincare Brush**

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For**


MAC Cult of Cherry: Tempting Palette, Spiced Chocolate Palette,**

Lavanilla Body Wash in Vanilla Grapefruit and Vanilla Blossom

Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfume Oil

Agent Provocateur Perfume

Sephora by OPI Nail Lacquer:
- On Stage
- Meet for Drinks
- Caffeine Fix
- Brunette on the Internet
- Metro Chic

Viva La Juicy Perfume

Carol’s Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub

Carol’s Daughter Khoret Amen Hair Oil

Coach Legacy Perfume

Coach Bleecker Signature Denim w/patent capacity wristlet**

Entertainment
Books: Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag by Michael Tonello, The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia, and Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You by Simon Doonan.

Music: Brandy “Human”, Sabrina Malheiros “New Morning", Hil St. Soul “Black Rose”, Jennifer Hudson, Morgan Page “Elevate”,

DVDs: 27 Dresses, Singles, Sex & the City DVD & part 2 of the SATC soundtrack, Mad Men Season One, Sex and the City: The Complete Series, House Party (yeah…a serious throwback, lol), and Diva.

Fashion
2 more pairs of Old Navy Diva jeans, dark rinse denim jacket, black cashmere hoodie, boyfriend cardigan, ruffled blouses, tie neck blouses, Uggs Elsey boots, more ballet flats, scarves, Gap long sleeve favorite tee, trouser cords from J. Crew, and a leather blazer.


Have you made a fall shopping list? I'd love to know what's on it. Feel free to share in the comments section =)

Little Black Dress...Wines

I went to the grocery store Saturday afternoon and after I had all the items on my list, I wandered around the store to see what else would catch my eye. I spotted Little Black Dress Wines and thought they were too cute. I chose the Pinot Grigio. I'm a white wine and chardonnay girl. Red wines give me the worst headaches so I steer clear of them. But I digress, when I got home I hopped online to get more information on LBD Wines. It was a brave move on my part to purchase a wine I've never tasted before but as usual I was swayed by savvy marketing and packaging, lol.

I haven't cracked my wine open yet but I promise when I do I'll tell you guys all about it ;)

Pictures courtesy of:

http://www.littleblackdresswines.com

A Life of Style: Personal Cards

A few weeks ago my friend met a guy while she was in Barnes & Noble. They had a really nice chat and when it came time to exchange phone numbers, she ripped a half sheet of paper from her notebook to write her name and number on. She was excited to get to know him better and was sure he would call within a day or two.

Well he didn't make the first call, she had to call him. He informed her that he was glad she called because he misplaced the paper her number was written on. I told her if she had some cute personal cards like yours truly...he probably wouldn't have lost her number.

Do you know how much random paper you can collect in a day???? Do yourself a favor and make some eye catching personal cards. I only use my business cards for professional events. I never feel comfortable giving a potential suitor my work information right in the beginning.

This is where a personal card comes in handy.

I just have mine printed with my first name, mobile number, and email address. If the guy turns out to be a dud or worse (a stalker), I can easily block his email address and phone number.

**I created the sample shown at VistaPrint.

A Life of Style Product Review: Maybelline Shadow Stylist in Casual Brown

Maybelline Shadow Stylist in Casual Brown has taken up residence inside my makeup bag for well over a year. This is a great everyday eye shadow. The color is gorgeous with just a hint of shimmer.

On those mornings when you're a little pressed for time Shadow Stylist is perfect - quick to apply and blend.

A Life of Style: August Product Haul

August was a great month for me in beauty and product purchases. Here's my haul...reviews forthcoming in later blog posts.

• Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps Acrylic
• Too Faced Cosmetics E/S - Sitcom Siren
• Cover Girl Wetslicks Amazemint - No Care Bear and Happy Hour (thanks to Jamie for the Happy Hour)
• Nivea Natural Tone Lotion
• L'Oreal HIP E/S Duos - Cheeky, Showy, Spirited, Gilded
• L'Oreal HIP Cream Shadow Paint - Nervy
• L'Oreal HIP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor -Spirited
• Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation
• Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil Powder
• Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl E/L - Dark Brown, Navy, and Plum
• Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara (I just bought this because it was so cute in the package --haven't used it yet)
• Intimately Beckham for Her