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Charles David Recalls Shoes - Read This Before You Take a Header

Filed under: Style in the News

broken high heel

Charles David is recalling thousands of shoes due to a fall hazard caused by the heel. Photo: jupiterimages

We've fallen because of the heels on our shoes more times than we care to admit, but Charles David is issuing a voluntary recall of about 3,200 pairs of shoes due to a fall hazard -- the heels could detach and cause the wearer to take a tumble. (Only one such occurrence had been reported thus far, and thankfully, it didn't result in any major injuries.)

A variety of styles and colors from both the Charles by Charles David and Charles David of California lines are included in the recall, all with item number #SAMPCHSHOE or #SAMPCDSHOE.

The shoes, imported from Spain, Italy and China, were sold nationwide at Nordstrom Rack stores between April and June of this year for $22 - $80.

If you purchased a pair of the recalled styles, you're encouraged to stop wearing the shoes immediately and return them to a Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack for a full refund.

For additional information, call 800-804-0806.

Michelle Obama Style - First Lady Meets Pope Wearing Traditional Black Veil

Filed under: Style in the News

President Obama and Mrs. O meet Pope Benedict XVI for the first time. Photo: Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images

Here we thought Michelle Obama was in a bright and summery and bold-patterned phase, then she goes and throws us a total curve ball with this all-black ensemble -- complete with veil -- she wore to the Vatican today.

For President Obama and Mrs. O's first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, the First Lady wore a black organza bow blouse, black crepe skirt and black silk veil, all by Moschino.

She also chose the Italian brand earlier this week in Italy, securing a Liz Claiborne cardigan with one of the fashion house's brooches. (A perfect example of the high-low mixing Obama is known for.)

Continue reading “Michelle Obama Style - First Lady Meets Pope Wearing Traditional Black Veil”

Beyoncé's Diamond Fingernails - Delivered by a Bunny Hand Puppet

Filed under: Style in the News

Beyoncé's diamond digits in "Sweet Dreams" video. Click on the pic to see those nails in action! Photo: MTV.com

Have you caught Beyoncé's new video for "Sweet Dreams?" See those diamond-encrusted fingernails? They're actually rings. And the star found them in a puppet. (Let me explain.)

Jewelry designer Jules Kim -- who creates super edgy accessories under her line Bijules -- knew that the nails/rings would be perfect for Beyoncé, but didn't know how to get superstar's attention since the singer is bombarded with products all the time. Thankfully, someone else did.

"Studded nails rings cannot just go in a black box," says Jules. "This super soft and cute hand puppet looked at me, twitching his lil' nose and said, 'Use me. I will deliver them, Jules!' How could I say no to that face?"

So Jules put the rings inside the hands and head of the puppet and sent it to Beyoncé so she had to basically wear the puppet to get the jewelry out. Jules had no idea if this would work, or if the performer even liked bunnies, but when divine inspiration via a plush rabbit hits, you just have to go with it.

The diamond-and-18k-gold rings cost $4,500 each -- so Jules had better be relieved that her bunny didn't make a beeline for the racetrack and instead arrived safely at B's front door as planned.

This little bunny delivered these $4500 pave-diamond nails to Beyoncé -- and the stunt worked! Photos courtesy of Bijules.

What's New in Beauty - Nail Trends

Red polish instantly morphs into shimmery copper gold. Photo courtesy of CND.

So many exciting new things for nails! Check out what's new:

CND Effects: Shimmery and iridescent polishes are nothing new. But these special effect topcoats from CND are. The new line (launching late Fall 2009) is made up of shimmery, iridescent, and glittery color washes that instantly transform any shade of polish. Add the Crimson Sparkle Effect to black nail polish, and you get a sparkly ruby. Add Sapphire Sparkle Effect to pale pink polish, and get a multi-color cotton candy hue. We got a sneak preview and can't wait to try them all!

Dashing Diva Gelife: If you're the kind of girl who chips your manicure on the way home, Dashing Diva's Gelife mani is for you. Instead of polish, a technician coats nails with 2 thin coats of colored UV gel (choices are pale pink or bubble gum pink for now) that look identical to polish. The gel hardens in minutes in a UV drying machine, and you're out the door with polish that won't chip. (Similar to acrylic, the gel simply grows out with your nails and can be soaked off sooner if need be). For $45, it's the perfect choice for before a vacation or honeymoon.

Pop Beauty Nail Glam: If you were a fan of Hard Candy and Urban Decay's coloriffic polishes of the '90's, you'll love what's going on at Pop Beauty. Their Nail Glam line has some of the coolest, brightest, and funkiest shades yet. We're loving Brave, a shimmery, electric green.

The Piticure: No, this one has nothing to do with your feet--Dove coined the term "Piticure" as a pedicure for your armpits! Dove recommends exfoliating them (gently, but regularly) with a washcloth or sponge to remove bacteria and keep the skin smooth and ingrown hair-free). This new concept coincides with the launch of Dove's Visibly Smooth deodorants, which moisturize skin and minimize hair growth over time.

Carla Bruni's Hubbie Nicolas Sarkozy Names $81.28 Million Jet After Her. Making Men Everywhere Look Cheap

Filed under: Style in the News

French President Nicolas Sarkozy (aka President Bling-Bling) has named his new Dassault Falcon 7X jet "Carla One." Photo: DassaultFalcom.com

Come fly with me! President Sarkozy keeps the romance alive by naming his new $81.28 million jet "Carla One." Photo: Eric Feferberg, AFP/Getty Images


Supermodel-turned-singer-turned-French First Lady, Carla Bruni, is no stranger to high-end, often spotted in Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, but now she's gotten a taste of a whole new new level of luxury -- presidential jets!

According to the Daily Mail, President Sarkozy ("President Bling-Bling" to the French press) ordered a huge round of planes last year for presidential use.

Now, the first jet, a Dassault Falcon 7X (worth a whopping $81.28 million), has been delivered with "Carla One" hand-painted on the side!

With an Airbus A330-200 on the way (could this be "Carla Two?"), Sarkozy will soon have the largest plane of any European leader, but still smaller than President Obama's Air Force One.

Bruni and Sarkozy's relationship developed over "a shared love of private planes which goes back to the days when they were dating." reports the Daily Mail.

Perhaps in a measure of damage control, aviation expert Jean Guisnel of France's Le Point magazine says that the interiors of "'all official French planes'" are "'sober and elegant," the site reports.

But with these two, we're betting that doesn't exactly mean shabby chic. Bring on the champers!

Urban Outfitters' New Build Your Own Bike - Go Ahead, Pimp Your Ride

Filed under: Stores We Love

Coordinate your ride with your clothes! Urban Outfitters' online bicycle shop lets you DIY your bike. Photo: Bikes.UrbanOutfitters.com

While Topshop's NYC store loaned out bikes for free earlier this summer, Urban Outfitter's has upped the (spoke) ante, and is offering an online build-your-own bicycle shop!

Partnering with Florida's Republic Bike, Urban has taken the company's Aristotle v.1.5 single-speed bike to a whole new level.

Each model comes in three frame sizes to accommodate different heights, but the real kicker is that you can choose your own colors for each bike component.

Continue reading “Urban Outfitters' New Build Your Own Bike - Go Ahead, Pimp Your Ride”

Beauty Products - When to Splurge, When to Save

Filed under: Cosmetics

Want to know which products you can score at the drugstore, and which are definitely better to splurge on? We've compiled a go-to guide to help you save money! Don't shop for cosmetics before you read this:

When To Invest, When To Go Cheap

    Do you really need a designer lash curler? Is expensive shampoo truly special? Leading beauty experts reveal when bargain beauty buys are just as good, and when spending a few more bucks is actually worth it. By Melissa Goldberg

    jupiterimages

    Foundation: Invest
    Higher priced foundations use finer pigments that blend more naturally and allow your skin to breathe. They're also less likely to contain pore-clogging ingredients. Plus, you can find your perfect shade with the help of a professional, says celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose.

    Clinique Superbalanced Makeup, $20.50

    Clinique

    Sunscreen: Go Cheap
    The most important goal is to block both UVA and UVB rays, so specifically look for that protection stated on the box, says Wayne, NJ Plastic Surgeon Dr. Parham Ganchi. Expensive versions provide no extra sun care benefit. "Remember, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine for anti-aging prevention. If it's not, it doesn't matter how much or how little it cost," adds Ganchi.

    Banana Boat Ultra Defense UltraMist SPF 50, $9.99

    Banana Boat

    Fragrance: Invest
    "It's never a good idea to skimp on fragrance – really, who wants to smell like cheap perfume?" says Franco Wright, owner of LA's Scent Bar. "But you don't have to break the bank to go designer either. Opt for a smaller size bottle, or figure out which note you love so much in the fragrance, and sample less expensive blends of that note," adds Wright.

    Payard Bergamot Truffle Eau de Cologne, $48

    Payard

    Hair Dryer: Go Cheap
    "I've used expensive dryers that cost hundreds of dollars, and they've burned out faster than my BabyBliss that I've had for two years!" says New York hair stylist Danielle Irene. What to look for in your hair dryer: 1600 watts or higher, changeable heat settings and a cold button. Remember to clean out the dust net regularly to extend the life of your dryer.

    BaByliss PRO Porcelain Ceramic 2000 Turbo Dryer, $39.95

    BaByliss

    Makeup Brushes: Invest
    Higher end brushes are made of softer, finer quality bristles that more professionally apply and blend product on your skin, says New York makeup artist Nicole Bryl. Good brushes will last for several years or even longer with proper care; be sure to wash your brushes once a week with gentle baby shampoo and lay flat to air dry.

    MAC 217 Blending Brush and MAC 129SH Powder Blush Brush, $22.50-$34

    MAC

    Moisturizer: Invest
    While the hundred dollar plus versions are "rarely worth it," moderately priced moisturizers can contain advanced ingredients that truly make a difference in your skin, and are often more customized to different skin types and specific concerns, Wayne, NJ Plastic Surgeon Dr. Parham Ganchi. "The key to good skincare is to apply regularly and be consistent," adds Ganchi.

    Clarins Line Prevention Multi-Active Night Lotion, $72

    Clarins

    Nail Polish: Invest
    The good news is that high quality nail polishes are just a few dollars more than the cheap kind. "You get a bigger bang for your buck, since the polish lasts longer and chips less," says New York manicurist Jin Soon Choi. If you're craving a cheap thrill, go for fun seasonal pedi colors since toes are less exposed than hands, suggests Choi.

    Essie Nail Polishes in Eternal Optimist and Flirty Fuchsia, $8

    Essie

    Mascara: Go Cheap
    "Mascara is the makeup product most used on a daily basis. It's messy and dries out fast. Why not buy a great cheap one every six weeks so that it's fresh? That's what I do!" says New York makeup artist Nicole Bryl. "My all-around favorite is L'Oréal. If you're sensitive to mascara, try gentle Almay," adds Bryl.

    L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara, $7.50

    L'Oreal

    Body Lotion: Go Cheap
    No matter your skin type or concern, the drugstore offers all kinds of highly effective body lotions that offer high performance for very reasonable prices, says New York dermatologist Dr. Marsha Gordon. "My advice is to really understand your skin type and know what it needs in order to select the lotion that will work best for you," says Gordon.

    St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion, $5.79

    St.Ives

Tory Burch Wants You to Get Away!

Filed under: Contests & Giveaways

tory burch summer prize

Celebrate summer with Tory Burch! Photo courtesy toryburch.com.

There are so many things we love about Tory Burch -- bright colors, gorgeous fabrics, unexpected details, an amazing beach getaway to Los Cabos. Wait, back up just a minute. Beach getaway to Los Cabos?

That's right! Tory Burch is giving away some amazing prizes, and the grand prize winner will receive:

  • Round trip airfare for two to Los Cabos, Mexico
  • Four nights at the One&Only Palmilla
  • Dinner at Jean George's Market and One&Only's Aqua
  • Two luxurious spa massages
  • A $1,200 Tory Burch wardrobe

You can enter daily all month long to win a variety of prizes and increase your chances of winning the grand prize.

And you might want to get started now -- we already have!

Banana Republic is Mad for 'Mad Men' and You Could Win a Walk-On Role

Filed under: Style in the News

Mad Men Betty Draper Banana Republic window

A sneak peek at one of Banana Republic's upcoming "Mad Men"-inspired window displays. Photo courtesy of AMC/Banana Republic

Hey, "Mad Men" fans: Are you a saucy Joan or a chic Betty? A sly Pete or a dapper Don? Well, now you can dress the part thanks to Banana Republic and AMC.

As if you weren't pumped enough for season three of the hit series, AMC has just announced a new and innovative partnership with Banana Republic.

The collaboration will bring the influential style of "Mad Men" to a B-Rep near you for the three weeks leading up to the show's premiere on Sunday, August 16 at 10 pm ET/9 pm C.

From July 21 through August 11, Banana Republic will be teasing you with some major "Mad Men" madness.

Expect themed window displays featuring scenes from the show, modern takes on iconic Sixties office attire (cross your fingers for tight mohair sweaters!) and season three details.

Continue reading “Banana Republic is Mad for 'Mad Men' and You Could Win a Walk-On Role”

Breaking News - Dolce & Gabbana's Arrested Employee, Kate Winslet Likes Wrinkles and September Issues Shed Pounds

Filed under: Style in the News

DOLCE & GABBANA PUBLICIST ARRESTED
Ali Wise, publicist for the famous Italian design duo, spent last Tuesday night in jail for hacking into the voice mail of interior designer and socialite Nina Freudenberger. Details on why the press agent would be interested in snooping have not been uncovered as of yet. This is not the first of troubling news this past year for the design house.
[Gawker]

A LIGHTER LOAD IN SEPTEMBER
For readers anticipating those glossy pages of the latest fashion eye candy, the bountiful fall issues seem a ways off. But, for publications and high fashion advertisers, the process is nearly complete and the page number results are emerging. Be prepared for slimmed down versions of the haute handbooks, such as Vogue and Glamour.
[WWD]

TWIGGY AS MUSE
Her waify build, doe eyes, long lashes and pixie cut made her a fashion icon. At 60 years old, the seemingly ageless Twiggy Lawson is the new face of Olay, and has an upcoming photo retrospective in London's National Portrait Gallery.
[Modelina]

KATE EMBRACES AGING FACE
Former super models aren't the only women flaunting their age. Recently Rachel Wiesz called for a ban on Botox during in Harper's Bazaars U.K. feature. Now, critically acclaimed actress, Kate Winslet tells the U.S. version of the magazine she doesn't like to be "airbrushed."
[E! Online]

COULD AN ANTI-AGING PILL EVER EXIST?
While some are accepting of their crows feet, others are wishing to remain forever youthful. A study was published this past week regarding a pill that added to the lifespan of mice. Before you call every pharmacy in a 1000 mile radius looking for the drug, the downside is the longevity pill suppresses the immune system. There was also no mention of looking like a sexy young starlet for eternity. Sigh.
[BNET]

UH...SPEECHLESS...
Its been a week of grand avant garde gowns in Paris, but this sock monkey dress lacks an appropriate adjective.
[The Frisky]

How You Voted

    Threesome or topless?
    More than 3/4 of you think the CK campaign 'Threesome' campaign was more risque than Wrangler's topless models. Get the full story here.

    Inzemove and Fred & Farid

    Do these ads belong in the U.S.?
    StyleList readers were nearly evenly divided on this, with 52% thinking that they should run in the States, and 48% finding them inappropriate. Get the full story here.

    Inzemove and Fred & Farid

    Curly or Straight?
    While 30% of you think she's so beautiful that her hair doesn't even matter, 49% of you prefer her curls. Get the full story here.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Jon Furniss, WireImage

    Offensive or artistic?
    Just over 50% of StyleList readers said they weren't offended by this shirt, but didn't know if it was totally appropriate to wear in public. Unfortunately, that wasn't the opinion in Dubai. Get the full story here.

    Photo: eBay

    ebay

    Strapless dresses on 13-year-olds
    StyleList readers think strapless dresses should be saved for older girls -- 41% of you think the look is too mature. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Is Megan the new Angelina?
    Half of you think Megan needs to get her own identity and quit copying Angie, but more than a quarter said Jolie doesn't stand a chance against this Fox. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Did Calvin Klein respond to public's outcry?
    The controversial "threesome" billboard in Soho has been replaced with this one, but 51% of you believe it was just to keep people talking about the brand, not because CK caved. Get the full story here.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Calvin Klein's Racy Ad
    Is it art or practically pornography? About 40% of StyleList readers found this billboard obscene. Get the full story.

    Maggie Coughlan, AOL

    Palin's Pedi
    Do you think Sarah Palin's funky pedicure was appropriate? If so, you're in good company -- 68% of you said it was fun and fabulous. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Bright, Light, or Dark as Night?
    How do you like your toenails painted? Over half of StyleList readers prefer their piggies with bright, perky polish. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

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