Drugstore Gem: Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash

It's that time of the year when we have to start switching out certain skincare products. What worked during the summer may not cut it as the temperatures drop. About eight years ago I used Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash and I loved it.

The only reason I can think that I stopped using it is because I am such a product junkie that I moved on to something else.

I was in CVS a couple of weeks ago looking for a new cleanser after my facial and decided that since I loved Basis back in the day, I would still love it now.

The clean fresh scent of mint, lemongrass, and chamomile still do the trick. The formula has not changed at all. This is the perfect daytime cleanser for normal to oilier skin types and it's wallet friendly!

ShoeDazzle {Pink is Powerful}

As you all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and in support of this very important cause Shoedazzle has these lovely pink items for sale.

10% of the purchase of each item will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Drive Cleaning: A Lifestyle Convenience

My current favorite business in Chicago is Drive Cleaning. A pick up and delivery dry cleaning service that is making me a very happy camper.

Drive Cleaning picks up your dry cleaning or wash and fold laundry on Tuesday or Friday and brings it back within four days. If you schedule a pick up on Tuesday then Friday the driver is bringing your fresh crisp and clean garments to your office on Friday. I have used Drive Cleaning three times since learning about the service and I love it. My clothes come back in stellar condition.

They invoice every month on the 30th and the best part about their service is the delivery is FREE!!!!! That's right the pick up and drop off costs nothing extra. Their prices are comparable to the neighborhood dry cleaners. Anytime I can find a way to check something off my weekend to do list so that I can use my time for something I really want to do is a major plus in my book. If you're in Chicago, give Drive Cleaning a try.

For more information:
Drive Cleaning

The Beauty & Power of the Internet & Social Media

Some days I wonder how I got anything done before the internet. Conducting research using an actual book version of an encylopedia is almost up there with watching Lucy and Ricky Riccardo in their twin beds on a tiny black and white TV. Okay maybe not, but you get where I'm coming from. Over the past six years I have seen the beauty and the power of the internet work in my life in ways I would have never imagined. Now that we have social media in our lives, many of us are forces to be reckoned with. We're online networking, creating and building brands, chatting with the Who's Who in a variety of industries.

A couple of weeks ago I met up with Danyelle (The Cubicle Chick) and Jess (That Tech Chick) for dinner at Devon's Seafood. Local Chicago bloggers Rai (Swa Rai) and Jaye (Curvatude) were also in attendance. Danyelle and Jess are from Missouri and Texas respectively who met online and discovered their mutual love of blogging and travel and decided to start a travel series, The Traveling Chicks.


Fabulous bloggers dining 9/24/2010

I met Rai on Twitter. I noticed that she and  Nikia (ChiTown Fashionista) were just as fashion obsessed as I am and we were always tweeting something fashion related. Once we all met in person, we just clicked. The three of us together equals trouble but I'm the sweet and innocent one *batting my eyelashes*

I even met my bff, Adeea (The Trendy Socialite) in a now defunct online discussion group. That's the beauty and power of the internet. The amount of networking that goes on via Twitter is a wonderful thing to see and experience. I can't speak on the benefits of Facebook since I'm no longer a part of the FB hubbub.

If you do not have some sort of online prescence you are really missing out. What are you waiting for? Start a blog, set up a YouTube channel, sign up for Twitter and get to tweeting! Like it or not this is the age we live in. Embrace it and get involved.

Like Paula Patton said to Queen Latifah in Just Wright, "Don't be hatin' on your girl, when I become a brand."

Save The Date Chicago: 7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale

PREMIUM DENIM WITHOUT THE PREMIUM PRICE TAG
The Warehouse Sale teams with denim line, 7 For All Mankind bringing premium denim to fashion-savvy shoppers in LA, San Francisco, Chicago and New York

(Los Angeles, CA; September 10, 2010) The highly-anticipated Warehouse Sale is set to begin a four city tour that will kick off this October in Los Angeles, followed by San Francisco and New York before concluding in Chicago. The sale, which launched in LA and NY quickly became the must-attend sale for all denim lovers and bargain hunters alike of the year. This year, The Warehouse Sale is pleased to announce debuting sales in San Francisco and Chicago respectively.

The unprecedented sale will offer dramatic savings on thousands of pieces from the premium denim line 7 for all Mankind’s coveted collection. Full size ranges of both men’s and women’s styles of this high-end denim will be on offer for three days only at highly-affordable prices. In addition to denim, full ranges of 7 For All Mankind’s best selling tops, skirts, sweaters and jackets will also be on offer.

Slip into a pair...or three of the finest jeans from the company that started the premium denim revolution, 7 For All Mankind. Refreshing your denim wardrobe for Fall was never easier or more affordable, as the iconic brand holds its biggest sale events in the four cities.

7 For All Mankind was the first company to truly bring premium denim to scale. Since its launch in fall 2000, ‘7’ as it is affectionately known in the fashion industry, has become both an established modern classic for its sophisticated fits as well as a leading trendsetter for its newest fashion forward washes and designs. The brand became an instant favorite among

The 7 For All Mankind sale is produced by California-based, The Warehouse Sale, which travels to fashionable cities across the country, helping consumers find the perfect jeans and clothing at guilt-free prices

The sale starts on October 22nd at The Great Hall at Union Station through.

Shoppers are encouraged to register in advance at www.thewarehousesale.com where they will receive an invitation to the event for expedited entry. Based on previous attendance, this registration is strongly recommended but shoppers can also register at the door.

For More Information or to pre-register, please visit: http://www.7forallmankind.thewarehousesale.com/

The Fall Blues

While most bloggers are happily embracing their love of fall, excited for the chance to toss on cozy sweaters and rock a pair of hot leather boots, I am alone on my island crying and bemoaning the inevitable. I have the fall blues which will turn into the winter blues as is the case every year.

I despise the fall and winter gets no love from me either. I only get excited about September because of the magazines. I have a great appreciation for fall fashion and beauty campaigns.

The fall season brings all the things I loathe such as rain, high winds, bone chilling cold temperatures, and sometimes snow flurries. Here in Chicago, all of those can occur in one day. I fall shop out of sheer necessity not because I actually like sweaters, coats, and boots. Trust me. I don’t. My color palette for the fall and winter season is black and gray. I really don’t care what the hot colors and trends of the season are. I dress for warmth because my only goal is to stay warm and dry.

The fall is such an ugly time of the year. The sun rarely is seen, the city has this gross gray hue covering it and my mood takes a major nose dive. I need sunshine and warm temperatures to thrive. Please miss me with the leaves littering the sidewalk, the crisp (cold) air, and all that jazz.

 Nevertheless I have a VERY short fall and winter shopping list.

 **At least 4 more sweaters in Gray and black

** Stretch trouser cords from J. Crew

** Black Frye boots

** Dark gray North Face down coat

 **Thick wool socks

 **Knee length wool coat

So I’ll be pushing through this fall and winter season as best I can, like I do every year. The less I have to be outside in the elements the better for all involved.

Are you excited about the fall? I’d love to know why, so please leave a comment!

I Heart Visual Luxe

Welcome! Welcome!! Come on in and take a look around. Isn't the new layout fabulous? After seeing Christina's work on my girl Jamie's blog, Rural Glamour and what she created for my bestie's site, I was convinced she could revamp my corner of the web.

I had a few ideas of my own but wasn't sure of what I really wanted. Based on the sites in her portfolio, I felt comfortable giving Christina free reign to come up with something and she really delivered. We communicated via email and she was so easy to work with. The tone of her emails was very warm and friendly. She answered all my questions and was open to my suggestions. Christina could teach a class in customer service. Her professionalism and quick response really impressed me.

If you're thinking about having your blog or website redesigned I highly recommend Visual Luxe.





For more information:
Visual Luxe

Visual Luxe Portfolio

Christina's Blog

Fashion's Night Out The Chicago Version

Last Friday, Chicago joined in the Fashion's Night Out  (FNO) festivities that was a smash hit last year in New York.

Not one to miss anything fashion related, I took a stroll over to Michigan Avenue right after work to meet up with friends for the fashion show at Nordstrom and other festiveness along the Mag Mile.

After the fashion show, we embarked on a walking adventure down Michigan Avenue to check out our favorite stores. 

We went to Neiman Marcus where the highlights for me were drooling over the most gorgeous Manolo sandals that had feathers, Miu Miu spectator pumps with a massive high heel, and a cute pair of Chanel sneakers. I was standing about three steps away from Usher's mom, yes, you read that right Usher's mom, Jonetta Patton was in Neiman Marcus. She was buying shoes. I don't know what kind of shoes she was getting, but we were standing in the Chanel section. A million thoughts were running through my mind. I wanted to yell "Where's your son!?!?" or "Buy me a pair of shoes!!!" (Hey, it's not like she couldn't afford to, lol!) Alas, I said nothing. I did smile when she glanced my way. I tried to get a picture on the DL but there wasn't an opportunity and besides I didn't want to be the girl who got told off by Usher's mom, besides Tameka Foster No-Longer Raymond already has that honor. Let me stop being bad, lol!

The last stop on our FNO field trip was the Water Tower. The party was beginning to wind down by the time we made it there, but that didn't deter us. Stores were still open and we had a little bit of energy left to browse. Surprisingly we didn't buy anything! A group of shopaholics and not one purchase was made. Shocking! I think we were all having too much fun hanging out and enjoying the gorgeous night.

After experiencing Chicago's Fashion's Night Out, I have to get to New York to experience theirs. Something tells me that New York's FNO swagger is on a hundred thousand trillion (yeah I quoted Kanye West there. Just seemed like the right thing to do.)

Here are a few pictures from FNO:
http://alifeofstyle.blogspot.com/p/lightscameraaction.html

Also check out my girl Rai over at Swa Rai, who had upcoming Chicago photographer, Martin Needham snapping pictures for the night.
http://www.swa-rai.com/2010/09/fashion-night-out-chicago-style.html

~Kim

Jennifer Lopez Fashion's Night Out NYC

The always fabulous Jennifer Lopez launched her newest fragrance, Love & Glamour during New York’s Fashion Night Out celebration at Macy’s in Herald Square.

Mrs. Lopez-Anthony looked amazing. I absolutely love her look here. Her mini dress is by Lebanese designer, Georges Hobeika and she’s rocking a haute pair of Christian Louboutins. I like her very on trend greige (gray-beige) manicure also. Say what you will about Jennifer Lopez, but one cannot deny the fact that she has an amazing sense of style. Her dress is both sexy and demure, but most importantly her look is age appropriate.

Check the classic JLo appearance face, smokey eye, all over glow, and a nude lip. Those diamond earrings are may-jah! I for one, am not fooled by the rocks that she got.

For more information:
George Hobeika
Jennifer Lopez’s Love & Glamour

~Kim

Christian Dior Minaudiere {Beauty Swoon}

Is this not the most gorgeous makeup palette you have ever seen in your life?

 

Dior’s limited-edition Holiday 2010 palette Minaudiere (that’s tiny purse in French) is featured in the September issue of Allure and it is pretty much love at first sight for me. I need to see this gorgeousness in person.

The case and gold trim are so elegant and the colors will create the perfect smokey eye and nude lip looks. Honestly if I got my hands on the Minaudiere, I would be hesitant to use it. It’s just too pretty, lol!

The palette includes:

Dior Minaudiere Palette – $ 80.00 (Pricey but sooooo worth it.)
5 Color Eyeshadow in No.001 Five Golds
5 Color Iridescent in No.529 Endless Shine
Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in Gold Edition


Addict Ultra Gloss
Available in 2 colors:

• No.234 Pink Stiletto
• No. 992 Black Lame

Dior Le Vernis
Available in 2 colors:

• No. 226 Timeless Gold
• No. 916 Czarina Gold

For more information:
Dior’s official website

Lanvin for H&M {Fashionistas Everywhere Faint}

Early yesterday, Twitter was abuzz with tweets about a possible Lanvin and H&M collection. Lanvin???? Uber luxe, high end, sky high prices Lanvin collaborating with H&M? Shut the front door!!! Thankfully this was not just a rumor. My heart soars just thinking about it! *squeals*

“H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

On November 2nd, the entire Lanvin for H&M collection debut in a film on http://www.hm.com/

On November 23rd, the pieces will be in 200 stores. I plan to take that day off work and I'm sure there will be a line, so I will be standing outside my local H&M very early.

I can't wait to see the collection and I will be on the lookout for any sneak peeks that may come out before November.

Are you excited about Lanvin for H&M?

Stonewater Cove – A Hidden Gem in the Midwest

When you think about planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon, I bet the last place you think of is anywhere in the Midwest. Well take a look at these fabulous photos of Stonewater Cove Resort and Club located in Shell Knob, Missouri and start planning your trip.

Stonewater Cove is also a perfect destination for the family or a weekend with the girls or guys. There's a spa for pampering and adventure activities like fishing, mountain biking and zip lining.

 


Click here to read the official press release

Make It Last Forever {Protecting Your Pretty Costume Jewelry}

Today I want to share a tip on how to preserve silver tone, gold tone and other costume jewelry. Some people brush their jewelry with clear nail polish but I have found that the polish peels within a few months. Using a clear glaze like many craft artists use is the better way to go and will ensure that your pieces are protected and sparkling for years to come.

Supplies you will need:

• Sheet of wax paper
• 1 can of Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze

This project needs to be done in a well ventilated area or you can wear a mask. The spray has a pungent scent and it may aggravate allergies and asthma. Be careful!!

Gather all your costume jewelry and spread the wax paper out onto a flat surface. Shake the can of Krylon Glaze very well. Lightly spray the front and back of each piece of jewelry, then place on the wax paper. It won’t take long for the spray to dry but I suggest letting the jewelry sit overnight.

That’s all there is to it! Once your jewelry is completely dry, return it to it’s home in the jewelry box!

~Kim

Images courtesy of F21

Let’s Moisturize Our Situation, Shall We????

During my daily commute to and from work, I am shocked at the amount of dry, scaly elbows, ankles, and heels that I see. Where is the lotion? Has the art of applying a lotion or body cream died?? Is that no longer a part of the grooming process??? I don’t know what is going on but I do know that I don’t like it.

Let’s moisturize our situation, shall we? In other words make sure you apply a good moisturizing lotion everyday.

Two of the best lotions I have ever used are Lubriderm and Nivea.

These work best at tackling dry skin. They also have formulas for extra dry skin. I find that the original formulas work for most people.

Dry elbows are never a good look. Apply a nice layer of cocoa or shea butter to them if they are a little on the rough side. Now let’s move down to the ankle and heel region. I highly suggest you apply a generous amount of Bag Balm, baby oil gel, or cocoa butter. What’s the point of wearing a cute dress and your ankles and heels are snow white???

Till next time!

~Kim