Beauty Maverick

(ANTM Judge) Jay Manuel...

Just launched a product collection called
"Manual Override".

No, Seriously.

Saturday Brunch with the Girls

Had an early start today- met the girls at Sant Ambroeus for breakfast to catch up on all that's going on in their lives and to do a little people watching from the terrace. I have to admit, I needed a Kir Royal and coffee before my brain was even semi-functional (I'm never awake that early on a Saturday), but was in good shape within the hour...

As we were dining, I saw this striking women with a Betsey Johnson-esque haircut (probably in her 70's?) pass by our table sporting a cute Sonia Rykiel dress and a man at least 15 years younger on her arm. I took a bit of a double take as her crazy, confident style and positive energy made her totally ageless and undeniably attractive (I wish I had a pic to share!).

We seem to live in society where people are trying desperately to reverse the aging process, so I was truly inspired by the way this woman appeared to embrace her age (she had the typical wrinkles, gray hair, etc.) while maintaining a youthful sense of style, instead of choosing to be like so many woman who go under the knife to look like they're thirty yet have the aura of a woman twice that age.

Tame Your Tresses- Instantly.

I swore I wouldn't buy another hair product after my guy finally found my (very large) beauty stash in the closet last week. He cautiously asked me, "How many different treatments and styling products does a girl really need?", so I decided to throw out the majority of my sprays and things in hopes of simplifying my life. Well, I lasted all of five days and Ted Gibson's Hair Sheets were the at the root of my undoing.


These convenient little sheets have been created for all hair types (though I'd avoid going too close to the roots for those who have fine hair) and can fit into the smallest of handbags. They work wonderfully to calm and refresh your hair whether it's been attacked by the elements or simply requires a touch-up in the late afternoon/evening before heading out, so they're definitely worth keeping in your daily survival kit next to the H2O.

Retailer: Saks.com
Cost: $25.oo for 10 sheets

Sneak Peak: VO5 Extreme Style Revamped

Last night, I attended a re-launch party for the Extreme Style collection to see VO5's new take on the existing lineup (Left: pic of new packaging, the line's former incarnation was a more conservative blue). The presentation was interesting enough and the company's reps were actually approachable and friendly which was quite refreshing.

I hadn't tried the products in this collection before the restaging, but I quickly learned that  the bright new packaging is just a bonus as the products themselves are actually quite nice. My favorite product from the new lineup is the Weightless Volumizing Mousse, but you'll have to wait 'till August to try it- that's when the products actually hit shelves! Sorry ladies...

Get Glossed for Under $10

If you're anything like me, your hair could use a little love after the  chemical treatments, blow-outs, and sun damage it so graciously receives. My quick cheap alternative to a salon treatment goes by the name of John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze and comes in six shades so you're bound to find one that works with your natural/not-so-natural hair color.

I decided to mix things up last night and used the lighter brunette shade (I usually use the darker one) after a deep conditioning treatment (Bumble & bumble Deeep Treatment) and I have to say my hair looked amazing- even my guy noticed!

If you're already a fan of  the line, look out for a new clear Glaze from the masters at John Frieda in the Fall (I've tried a sample and it's amazing!!).

Retailer: Walgreens.com
Cost: $9.99

Animal Love

These gorgeous Palettes for PETA by Smashbox ('Earth Mother' pictured) are 100% vegan and support cruelty-free, kind living for animals through the PETA organization. If that's not enough, there's also an adorable little bunny embossed on the far right shadow in each palette!

Retailer: Sephora
Cost: $34.00

Lancome Flash Bronzer

Upon the recommendation of a highly regarded beauty editor I'd met through work, I picked up a bottle of Lancome's Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Gel for the Legs to use on my entire body and face too.

I'm a little cautious with self-tanners (especially one that says 'For Legs' on the tube...) as I've had one too many experiments go orange, so I chose to lighten the effect of the Flash Bronzer by mixing in a little of my facial moisturizer with the product for my face, knees, elbows, and hands. The self-tanner itself is tinted so application was super simple and stress-free.

Final verdict: I had a totally 'natural' bronze glow to my skin! I'm officially addicted.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $28.50

Stila Lip Glaze

The Stila Lip Glaze collection has so many shades to choose from, countless celebrity fans and makeup artist endorsements, they give the lips a brilliant shine, and also come in a plumping formulation, so what could there be to critique? Well, until recently it was the tiny size of these fabulous little pens.

I use to use one tube within a couple of weeks and be left wondering if it was worth it to just buy two at a time, but then the cost just wasn't worth it. Well, the lovely ladies at Stila have heard our cries for a good glossing and are offering their lovely Lip Glaze in a larger pen size (twice the size to be exact!) at the same price.

Happy shopping!

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $20.00

Rules of Wear

5 'rules of wear' that will never go out of style:

Always take a size up when in doubt
Though you may feel as though you look heavier, you will actually appear much larger than you are in clothes that pinch your sides, indent your thighs, or force your breasts to unnatural heights. If it's simply the numerical size that troubles you, cut out the tags and bin them before your new clothes enter your closet.

Accentuate one key piece in an outfit
Don't pair all of your favorite wild, unique pieces in one outfit. Let one element truly shine— If you have a crazy pair of boots you love to wear, a large pair of earrings, or a bright top you can't live without, pair the piece with an otherwise understated outfit.

Invest in a classic handbag
Whether you own hundreds of handbags or find yourself using your pockets more than a purse- a classic, medium-sized, black handbag from an established fashion house such as Chanel, Vuitton, Hermes, or Bottega Veneta never goes out of style (it actually becomes more coveted as it ages) and always adds a touch of refinement to any outfit, be it an evening ensemble or simply jeans and a basic tee.

Designer labels and logos do not equal style
Evident labels or logos from expensive fashion houses do not give one 'instant style.' In fact, you'll look more like a nouveau riche billboard with a D&G logo'd tee, Vuitton LV logo handbag, and CD logo'd Dior boots rather than cool. Brand names or logos can be great, just ensure you are not head to toe in everyone's name but your own.

Practice makes perfect
If you buy a new pair of shoes for an upcoming occasion, a sexy nightgown to wear for your significant other, or even a formal evening dress— give your purchase a 'test run.' Wear the item around the house and find your comfort zone before wearing the piece in front of others. This will allow you to look more confident and will ensure you know how the item fits when you move, sit and walk. Come the day of the event or unveiling you'll feel more self-assured, which in turn produces a radiance others can't help but notice.

Q5 with Jessica Alba

Whether she's sporting gym gear or walking the red carpet in couture, Jessica Alba exudes a timeless beauty and sense of style that consistently has men in awe and women in adoration of her.

I was recently given the opportunity to quiz the talented actress on the current trends in fashion and who most influences her elegant, yet youthful, sense of style.

Q1: Who are your personal style icons?

JA: An eclectic mix, from Grace Kelly & Audrey Hepburn to Carine Roitfeld and Gwen Stefani.

Q2: Which trend are you most excited about this season?

JA: Wide leg jeans.

Q3: What is your must have accessory for the a/w season?

JA: Oversized men's cashmere sweaters...

Q4: What up and coming designer interests you at the moment?

JA: Derek Lam.

Q5: How much do you feel your career  influences your sense of style?

JA: My success has exposed me to couture fashion houses which is something that I probably would never had the opportunity to experience.