Beauty Maverick

January '08 Lust List

Hanes Classic Tank $8
Marni Large Leather Tote $1,620
Vince Oversized Cashmere Cardigan $290
Earnest Sewn Harlan Skinny Jeans $198
Louis Vuitton Cashmere Scarf $590
Lanvin Flat Knee Boot $860
Mont Blanc Vintage Fountain Pens Price Varies

Share the Wealth

Now that the holiday rush has come to an end, you've probably had a chance to sort through all your presents and found that one, two... or ten of those thoughtful gifts are not really to your taste. It's an annual tradition of sorts ;)

Whether they're clothing items, accessories, or beauty products, I urge you to take a few minutes to find a women's shelter in your area and make a donation. These gifts, that you'd otherwise discard or forget, can help give another women in your community a sense of hope and happiness for the new year. 'Tis the season, after all.

If you live in NYC, the following shelters would be extremely appreciative of your donation(s):

Vera House
6181 Thompson Road
Suite 100 
Syracuse, NY 13206

Women In Need
115 West 31st St.
NYC, NY 10001

New York City Women's Shelters
Multiple Locations-
Franklin: 112 Franklin Ave., Bronx
Jamaica Armory: 93-03 168th St., Jamaica Queens
Brooklyn: 116 Williams Ave., Brooklyn
 
Thanks so much & happy holidays! xx

Reader Query

Both our time and cash flow can be quite limited during the holidays, but that shouldn't stop us from looking our best (especially with all the parties and photo ops!). So, at the suggestion of a Beauty Maverick reader, I've put together a simple outfit that can be bought online in a matter of minutes and worn both day and night. Best of all, it won't break the bank.

The Outfit:

1. Elizabeth & James Black Mini Dress $275
This youthful, yet elegant, dress hides all those not-so-perfect spots that seem expand over the holidays and the neckline looks great with a quick up-do.

2. Falke 50 Denier Matt Opaque Pantyhose in Black $15
Opaque nylons will make your legs look slim(mer) and smooth, even if you haven't had time to shave/wax.

3. Mossimo Deann Patent Flats $20
These affordable flats will allow you to run around all day and still feel like dancing at night, whilst the patent adds a touch of glamor.

4. Urban Outfitters Large Vintage Ring $16
Modern and playful, an oversized ring is a great addition to any ensemble.

5. Club Monaco Baby Jennifer Clutch $79 ea.
These lovely little clutches come in a variety of different shades and textures, so you're sure to find one that suits your personality.

Love it? Hate it? Let me know your thoughts!

December '07 Lust List

Marchesa Strapless Cocktail Dress $3,090
Vertu Nurburgring Racetrack Phone $7,300
Manolo Blahnik Kati Sandal $665
RM by Roland Mouret Moon Dress $2,150
Bottega Veneta Lizard Clutch $4,500
Christian Louboutin Rolando Pump $610
Swarovski Tibet Ring $240

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Pot Pourri

I've always thought of potpourri as something you'd only see at your grandmum's house (along with silk flowers, needlepoint, and embellished towels...), so you can imagine my surprise when this elegant assortment of scented pine cones and pomegranates arrived at my door.

It sounds a bit funny to say, but Jo Malone has completely changed the way I see potpourri. The Pomegranate Noir Deluxe Set is beautiful in presentation and composition, generous in size (one box is plenty!), and the rich choice of fragrance is sure to make any house a home.

A perfect holiday or hostess gift.

Retailer: JoMalone.com
Cost: $125.00-$150.00

Bonus Holiday Giveaway: Winner

Your responses were all worthy of a little Hanky Panky, but only one person included all the information requested so....

Congrats to Emma M. from Arlington, Texas!
You've  won a holiday-inspired set of knickers, courtesy of Hanky Panky.

Thanks so much to all who participated xx

Bonus Holiday Giveaway

Last week's giveaway was my first, but definitely something I'll do again soon. It was so much fun! Through the generosity of  the participating brands, I was able to gift over $1,300 worth of beauty products to seven lucky Beauty Maverick readers. And, to thank you all for your support, I'm offering one more chance to win! 

One lucky lady (or curious gent...) will win a set of holiday-inspired knickers, courtesy of Hanky Panky.

Simply post a comment today (before midnight EST) explaining why you're in need of a little Hanky Panky this season. Please include your name, a valid email address (which will remain private), and your city & state of residence. Incomplete responses cannot be considered, sorry.

I'll review your responses and post a winner tomorrow morning, good luck! x

Thank you Lancome, Cargo, Kinerase, Darphin, Philosophy, Ted Gibson, Oscar Blandi, and Hanky Panky, for your generosity and kindness this holiday season.

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---
Some restrictions may apply. Contest open to US residents only. One winner per contest, winners may not win multiple contests.Contest open from time of post to midnight EST that day.

Sunday's Giveaway: Oscar Blandi Haircare

Congrats to Casie C. of Tempe, AZ! She’s the winner of yesterday’s wonderful prize, courtesy of Ted Gibson.

Enter to win today's giveaway~
These brilliant Oscar Blandi hair care products (valued at over $180) could be yours, just be the first to correctly answer today's trivia question in the 'comments' section of this post.

Today's prize includes:
- Oscar Blandi Acqua Marina, a styling aid for low-maintenance hairstyles
- Luce, an amazing rinse-out glossing treatment
- Trattamento Di Jasmine, a smoothing and strengthening treatment
- Trattamento al Fango, an intensive healing treatment for the hair
- Oscar Blandi Tocco Finale Sculpting Pomade
- Olio Di Jasmine, a lightweight shine-enhancing spray
- Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray
- Seta Silk Polishing Cream

In your comment, be sure to include: The (correct) answer to the trivia question, your name, a valid email address (which will remain private), and your city & state of residence. Incomplete responses cannot be considered, sorry.

Trivia Question:
Where is Oscar originally from?
(Hint: Look to his products for inspiration.)

Good luck! xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---
Some restrictions may apply. Contest open to US residents only. One winner per contest, winners may not win multiple contests. Contest open from time of post to midnight EST that day.

Saturday's Giveaway: Ted Gibson Haircare

Congrats to Sarah M. of McKinney, TX! She’s the winner of yesterday’s wonderful prize, courtesy of Philosophy.

Enter to win today's giveaway~
This amazing assortment of Ted Gibson haircare products (valued at over $175) could be yours, just be the first to correctly answer today's trivia question in the 'comments' section of this post.

The prize:
- Fix It Styling Gel, which provides a light/medium hold
- Tame It Shine Lotion, adds shine and texture
- Build It Blow Drying Agent, gives body and volume to the hair
- Daily Cleanse Shampoo and Conditioner, formulated for all hair types
- Hair Sheet Styling, revives and finishes any style

In your comment, be sure to include: The (correct) answer to the trivia question, your name, a valid email address (which will remain private), and your city & state of residence. Incomplete responses cannot be considered, sorry.

Trivia Question:
What city is home to Ted's high profile salon?

Good luck! xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---
Some restrictions may apply. Contest open to US residents only. One winner per contest, winners may not win multiple contests. Contest open from time of post to midnight EST that day.

Friday's Giveaway: Philosophy

Congrats to Joann N. of Salem, MA! She's the winner of yesterday'€™s wonderful prize, courtesy of Kinerase Skincare.

Enter to win today's giveaway~
The holidays just wouldn't be complete without a little Philosophy, so be the first to correctly answer today's trivia question and you could win this amazing assortment of seasonal treats (valued at over $180) to enjoy.

Today's prize includes:
- The Time Traveler Best-Selling Travel Set (which includes mini versions of Amazing Grace Body Lotion, 3-in-1 Shower Gel, Conditioner, and Hand Cream, Purity Made Simple, and their famous Hope in a Jar Moisturizer)
- The House of Miracles Skincare Set (which comes with Hope in a Jar, Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, and their Amazing Grace 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath)
- Portable Therapy: On the Go Relaxing Lavender Set, which includes a Lavender Face Spray, Hand Cream, and Hand Sanitizer
- A Memory: Cranberry Set, which includes a Cranberry 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath and a Cranberry Body Lotion
- Home Sick for the Holidays, a yummy set of their Milk and Cookie Ultra-Rich 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath 
- A full-sized set of their Candy Cane Hot Salt Tub and Shower Scrub and Candy Cane 3-in-1 Shampoo, Body Wash, and Bubble Bath
- Philosophy's (highly addictive) Cinnamon Buns Lip Shine

When responding in the 'comments' section of this post, be sure to include: The (correct) answer to the trivia question, your name, a valid email address (which will remain private), and your city & state of residence. Incomplete responses cannot be considered, sorry.

Trivia Question:
What's the name of the inspirational book written by Philosophy's founder, Cristina Carlino?

Good luck! xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---
Some restrictions may apply. Contest open to US residents only. One winner per contest, winners may not win multiple contests. Contest open from time of post to midnight EST that day.