Beauty

New Nail Color Alert: OPI’s Spring Collections

OPI is one of the more prolific nail polish companies, and it hasn’t disappointed us this spring, offering three new collections. OPI continues its collaborations with Serena Williams and adds a tie-in with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. OPI is also expanding its super-popular Shatter collection and offering a lot more colors.

Click through to see the new collections, all of which will be available in May

Beauty

Could You Cut Your Shower Time Down to Three Minutes?

     The Body Shop, one of the original eco-conscious brands, has issued the “Earth Lovers Three-Minute Shower Challenge” just in time for Earth Day. Yes, they want you to commit to taking three-minute showers. To help time yourself, the company suggests playing a three-minute song and trying to finish by the end. Or, you could always count to 180 slowly.
Could you do this? I often shower twice a day, sometimes three times if I work out. I know, I know. Hundreds of gallons of water gone. By the time you shampoo, condition, hair mask, wash, shave, and daydream, ten minutes are gone easily. Oh, and I also crank the water as hot as it will go. I’m not proud of this; just trying to highlight how easy it is to waste resources without even thinking about it.
This challenge coincides with the launch of the Body Shop’s new 100% biodegradable Shower Gels for Earth Lovers. They’re infused with herb and fruit extracts and contain Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera from Guatemala. Nothing to feel guilty about there.

New In Nail Color: OPI, RGB, CND

Nothing gets us more excited than new nail colors. Luckily, nail companies are keeping us on our colorfully painted toes with frequent fresh offerings. Now that the weather is changing, we’re ready to trade our beloved Essie “Merino Cool” for some new shades.
Click through for the latest offerings from OPI, RGB, and the long-awaited CND Shellac additions.



Credit by Cheryl Wischhover

It’s Happening: Givenchy x Converse (Sorry, They’re Only Available in Japan)

Givenchy artistic director Riccardo Tisci will make his followers–and Converse obsessives–very happy when they learn of his collaboration with the sneaker label, inspired by his men’s Spring 2011 collection. The latest edition of the Converse Addict shoe series will hit stores on April 27, but alas, only in Japan. Interested parties in other lands will have to resort to eBay







Credit by Lauren Sherman

Must Have this Spring!! Part 2

These New Fragrances Are Inspired By Your Blood Type!!

There’s been a lot written lately about blood and fragrance, thanks to Lady Gaga. And the Blood Type Diet has been around for a few years, with varying opinions on the efficacy and science behind it. But now an Italian fragrance company called Blood Concept (tagline: “Let It Flow”) just released four unisex fragrances representing each of the human blood types: A, B, AB, and O.
According to a press release shared by perfume blog Now Smell This, the company says of its offerings:

Our four fragrances, A, B, AB, O, retrace the evolution of manhood through time and its record of information, history and mutation, so well kept in the vital flushing of blood.
BLOOD CONCEPT is a mystic ritual with no flowers to be found: deep as primeval Africa in O, aromatic as the scent of familiar land in A, bold as unpredictable itineraries in B, sharp and freezing as a metropolitan skyline in AB.

In slightly more understandable terms, A is an aromatic green garden accord, B is a spicy wood, AB is a mineral fragrance, and O is a leather fragrance; they all have metallic notes, to remind you of, yes, blood. The bottles look medicinal and you apply the fragrance with a dropper.
Fragrantica, another fragrance blog, scored an interview with Giovanni Castelli and Antonio Zuddas, the founders of the brand. They told the site:

Every fragrance composition is a mix of relevant elements of the era in which every blood type came out. O is the first blood type, the oldest one, so it has to be deep, strong, like first human beings. Then comes A, when people started to eat vegetables and get more sedentary. Then B, when people started to travel and mix habits and foods. The youngest type is AB, born when people started to mix themselves with different blood types (A+B). The fact you are O but you prefer A—it’s what we wanted to create, compatibility and its combinations. Like when we talk about real blood types. As a matter of fact, perfume is about compatibility, always.

Now, this actually makes perfect sense to me (sort of) and is a pretty original idea, if a bit goth. The “no flowers” claim ensures that they’re going to be unique smelling. I was pleasantly surprised that this seems like a serious–if kind of kooky–endeavor rather than a gross out like Surplus. The “serious” perfume blogs are talking about it, so this line may become a niche, culty fave. The fact that no actual blood is involved is a relief, if nothing else.

Recommened for Shopaholic!!

Katie Grand Wears Miu Miu on Safari, and Other Things We Learned From Visiting Miu Miu’s New E-Shop 

Lately, all my favorite brands have been hitting the net with e-commerce, from Suno to Mary Kate and Ashley, and today Miu Miu.

Miu Miu is definitely late to join the web game (at least among major brands), but that doesn’t mean it won’t come in handy for fashion fanatics who are too busy traveling to pop into a brick and mortar store. Among said fanatics may be Love editor Katie Grand, who took her trusted Miu Miu frock on safari with her in Kenya. (Which I only know thanks to my twitter stalking of @THELOVEMAGAZINE) Don’t worry, you can get the same dress here for $2,420.
Along with pretty much every piece of pretty ready-to-wear, you’ll also find trinkets (including tiny coin purses shaped like Miu Miu bags), baubles (such as a pompom headband), and shoes and handbags (including the most perfect fluro yellow shoulder bag).
So make sure to check out Miu Miu’s new site, and maybe grab some pieces for your next intercontinental adventure.

 

Must Have this Spring!! Part 1

 John Derian Decorates Repettos for a New Capsule Collection

It’s difficult to leave John Derian‘s East Village boutique without buying something. Or several things. A purveyor of curiosities, Derian may be best known for his vintage inspired paperweights and plates, but his store is filled with everything from French notebooks to Hugo Guinness linoleum prints.

And as of last night, Repetto ballet flats have been added to the mix. But not just any slippers: these limited edition styles are the result of a collaboration between Derian and longtime friend/Repetto North America director Michael Flanagan.

“My friends have been wearing the shoes for so long–I just thought it was a good match. And the printing is amazing,” he told us at last night’s in-store event celebrating the partnership. Derian’s signature vintage prints adorn each style, giving the traditional ballet flat a subtly ornate touch.

The shoes retail for $295 at Bergdorf Goodman, Opening Ceremony, Alan Bilzerian, and John Derian stores

Face shapes and the cuts that work on you!

 
A simple guide to the dos and don'ts;

The first point is that I believe most people can wear an assortment of haircuts and lengths. The most important thing to consider is, are you going to feel confident and comfortable with the haircut? Our job as the professional is to customize the look to suite your face shape, hair type, life style and make sure you can replicate the look at home and the upkeep is in your financial budget.  

Round Shapes

These are interesting when it comes to the cut and there is a natural inkling to put a square hair cut on a round face. Example: 1- Length Bob: my concern with this look is that is actually draws attention to the roundness. My suggestion is to maintain some length under the jawline and create face framing layers that will soften and balance the face shape. Sweeping bangs also work nicely that blend in with the exterior layers.

Square Shape

Square Shape

We’re probably talking about a strong angular jawline and a square bold forehead. Sideways movement across the front is critical and don’t even think about going near blunt bangs. Long layers that connect from your cheekbone to the ends work best. Also, Curly hair is also a great option. 

Oblong Shape

Oblong Shape

I am a big fan of short hair but be aware of the shag as it will elongate your face even more. So, maintain some width and fullness in the layers. Full bangs that sweep across the forehead also work especially, when dealing with longer hair. So, big voluminous glam hair is puts you on the right path!

Heart Shaped

This is the tricky one the difference between a really really bad hair day and feeling special. This is where we need a little hair behind the ear and neck that is visible from the front. The objective is to add a little bit of fullness so as to balance out the small chin. Avoid heavy blunt bangs as it will leave you top heavy and draw the eye to the chin. Feathered soft layers that connect from the bang area continuing through the cheeks to the nape this look is workable on most lengths and hair textures. 

Oval Shape

You guessed it you’re the lucky one anything goes! In fact, even a center part works for you. So you have no excuses for having the wrong haircut but be sure you have a look that works with your natural texture.