Just got this email in my inbox from a company called Cozy Cot (a social networking site geared to women) that always has great beauty and fashion info. They just sent me this ad this morning for SK-II and I am salivating over the kind of beauty deals they offer in Asia. Their kits are awesome and so NOT the kind of deals we get here in the U.S. I think the best I have seen is a free product at Saks when you buy $300 worth of stuff. Anyway, check it out. Ahh, a girl can dream.
-j« September 2009 | Main | November 2009 »
October 2009
October 31, 2009
October 28, 2009
Pen Pretty Loves: Chic Sacks With A Purpose
As a bonafide bag lady (someone who has more bags than food in her refrigerator), I am always looking for that perfect utilitarian accessory that looks great slung over my shoulder. Whether it's the newest Marc Jacobs handbag, or my classic go-to Goyard tote, I am never without my most beloved accessory. But lately, I have been obsessing over accessories for my accessory, like bag inserts and fold-up re-useable shopping bags that, BTW, are getting nicer and nicer. It seriously beats the ugly grocery store versions that don't stash away too nicely in a designer handbag.
I've discovered Envirosax and am in love with all their chic designs, particularly the La Boheme series. Now THIS is a bag I would be proud to carry my groceries in. And heck, it even comes in handy when I have to carry stuff from work home, that won't fit in my handbag. For example, shoes - since I walk to the train station from work in tennis shoes or flip flops. And the best part? It folds down to a compact size and fits perfectly in any bag. No bag should be without one.
My next favorite accessory for my accessory is the Chameleon Insert. I've had one for a while now and am ready to trade it in for a newer model, since I am unfortunately outgrowing the size I bought. Basically, they are bag inserts that hold all your stuff in one place, so when you switch bags, all you have to do is lift and drop the insert into another bag. Voila! Never be without all your things again. They have all different sizes but recently they added sturdier ones that are a bit taller for my bigger handbags. Genius. How did I ever survive without one? It's amazing, an expensive handbag by itself is just not enough - ya gotta merch it up!
-j
October 23, 2009
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: Usage Report
So after 4 months of daily use (2x per day) I have finished my first 215ml bottle of SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence. The image above was taken in August and I first purchased the bottle on June 19. At $185 per bottle plus tax, I can safely say that if you use this stuff as regularly as I do, with a quarter size dollop every time, plan on spending about $200 three times a year to keep it going. For me, I would gladly pay it since it is the catalyst of my entire SK-II regimen. CANNOT live without it! Ever. For now, I am using my smaller 75ml bottle, which the SA at Saks says I should save as a "travel" bottle since the cap comes off and you can refill. Very cool. And I especially love that it's all glass, too! I got this size from the "Cate's Favorites" kit I got at SKII.com. When I am done, I think I will splurge on the new, Limited Edition size bottle at a whopping 250ml. Hmmm. I wonder if I can get another month or two out of that bigger size. Ok, better start saving some money now so I can buy and find out!
-j
October 22, 2009
Twilight Woods by Bath & Body Works - Available online!
So I was told 11/2/09 was when the Twilight Woods line would become available in-store, then lo and behold, I decided to check BBW's site last week and there it was. The whole collection with the full size perfume in all it's glory. So I called the store again just to be sure they didn't have it, which they didn't, then ordered online. I should be getting it in the next few days! Probably before the 11/2 launch date! Can't wait. I also got the shower cream and body cream since they were having a "Buy 3 Get 2 Free" deal. In fact it's still going on if you wanna check it out!!!!
-j
October 21, 2009
The Halloween Beauty Plan: Inspired By Anne Boleyn
So I have had a few days to think about accessories and makeup to wear with my "Victorian Queen" costume for Halloween. So far, I am most enchanted with Anne Boleyn. No surprise there. As a devout viewer of Showtime's The Tudor's, I think they did the best job of capturing the opulence of that time. Anne Boleyn, played by Natalie Dormer, looked amazing in every episode, and it amazes me that people actually used to dress like that at one time! Of course, they didn't have the cosmetics we have today so that's probably why they made up for their bare faces with elaborate clothing and jewelry. Just a guess. Anyway, here are some images to inspire me, and you too - if you are heading down the Tudor path for Halloween. Hey, Anne did get beheaded, so maybe I can draw blood across my neck and carry a head in a sheet or something.
Ew.
Never mind.
-j
October 17, 2009
Found! My Halloween Costume: Victorian Princess/Queen
Just went out tonight and picked up my Halloween costume at Target for $40. It's called the "Victorian Queen" and it's so fun to wear, I've been running around the house in it, literally feeling like a princess. It was a little more than I wanted to spend, but it's definitely something I can keep for future Halloween parties! It reminds me of Anne Boleyn, who is one of my favorite historical characters, so I can hardly wait to dress it up with hair and makeup. It even comes with a matching headpiece and hoop skirt to give it that 17 century regality as if I were at King Henry's court ;) To all you out there still searching, Target has it all - you'll have fun shopping for one. It's gonna be great to not have to spend double what I paid just to rent one!
-j
October 14, 2009
Twilight Woods by Bath & Body Works - YUMMY! Perfect scent for Fall
On November 2nd, Bath & Body Works is releasing their newest Twilight Woods scent. Now, I never would have taken a whiff if I wasn't a Twilight fan, but I did and I am hooked. This is definitely my new Fall/Winter scent. It's sweet, and warm and feels like I am wearing a delicious cashmere sweater. The actual bottle isn't for sale yet, but I was able to get the roll-on fragrance and will be layering it over my Vanilla Noir body cream till I can get my hands on the big bottle. Bravo BBW, another addicting fragrance well done! And I thought I would never find something better than their Brown Sugar & Fig scent!
-j
October 12, 2009
Kindle + iPhone = HEAVEN
This Christmas, I was thinking of asking the hubby for a Kindle. I was hoping it would ease the strain on my eyes when I read in bed at night (yes, I am sleep deprived because of my addiction to books), but come to find out, there is no light on it at all - just black text on a gray background. While there are plusses with the Kindle, such as its built-in dictionary and capacity to store thousands of books, I was pleased to find out that there is an iPhone App for Kindle that's free. Yes, free! Of course, you still have to pay for the titles at $9.99 or under, but I am over the moon about not having to spend the $250 for the actual unit up front. I had a Kindle under my nose all along! And as for the dictionary feature, apparently there is a free Dictionary App on iPhone too! (Sigh) I love my iPhone. So much. Anyway, back to my iPhone for more reading. Just downloaded (in like, less than a minute) the 5th book in The Vampire Diaries series - and I can't wait to dig in. My eyes literally say, "aaahhh," reading against the crystal clear, black-text-on-white-background on the unbeatable iPhone screen. Even with the room dark, I can see clearly and am completely engrossed. Guess I'll be hoping Santa brings me Amazon Gift Certificates for Christmas instead. My eBook library is about to take off!
-j
October 10, 2009
Pen Pretty Loves: Jetsetter.com
Let's face it. Traveling these days is a downright luxury. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but as a devout member of Gilt, I was invited to try their sister site Jetsetter during their Beta phase and all I can say is "wow." Basically it's a sample sale selling luxurious hotel rooms in some of the best properties in the world at way, way below retail prices. What I love about it is they have these fantastic travel writers that have the amazing job of flying to the properties and writing reviews that make you feel like you are already there. It's like reading a really good travel magazine with great writing, except when you are done, you have the option to go there at a deeply discounted price. Anyway, check it out at www.jetsetter.com and see for yourself. Or shall I say, "take a trip" for yourself!
-j
October 09, 2009
Pen Pretty Loves: Chick Lit on DailyLit.com
This is the coolest thing ever: Reading classics on your iPhone like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre? Done. Check it out at www.dailylit.com. Now if they can only get the Twilight Series on their list of books for my daily dose of Edward Cullen. Hmmm...
-j
