SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Paint the Town Red

Every time I look at the design embossed atop this leather bracelet, I think about the sycamore tree in The Alchemist -- maybe it's because of how powerful it feels underneath the words "Revolution," "Evolution" and "Devotion" but, whatever the case, that's always the first thing that pops into my head. It's kind of fitting, actually, given that in Coelho's novel, a young boy dreams of a buried treasure by the foot of a tree and, here, we find a bracelet with a tree design on it and the bracelet itself represents a gift of life. See, this is a limited-edition bracelet designed by Julia Roberts for Emporio Armani's Emporio Armani (Product) Red collection, which donates 40% of proceeds to the Global Fund. Every bracelet, then, represents one more step in the battle against AIDS in Africa.

Perfect for everyday wear, the leather bracelet is 0.75 inches thick and features sterling silver snap closures and tassles. Hey, if the Pretty Woman says it's certified, it must be so, right?

(Product Red) Julia Roberts Bracelet, visit EmporioArmani.com

Picture Perfect

Monica Botkier knows a little something about what looks good. After all, the New York City native started her career as a fashion photographer, shooting for mags like Mademoiselle and Surface. Perhaps it's that keen eye for detail, that appreciation for the aesthetic value of things, that makes her such a fantastic handbag designer. After launching her first collection in 2003, Botkier somersaulted to golden child status — and she's remained there ever since. Now, she's teamed up with Target to offer an affordable, limited-edition collection of totes, clutches and satchels.

Among my favorites are the above-pictured metallic hobo bags, which are made of PVC but look just like leather pieces. The gold and silver look cracked, which gives each bag a rugged, downtown feel. Each slouchy bag features an inside zipper pocket, as well as a convenient outside cell phone pocket. Also adorable are the python-print satchels -- with its two front pockets, button closure, bold hardware and sophisticated frame, the grey bag pictured above is perfect for the businesswoman whose got a bit of a naughtier side.

Botkier for Target Gold Slouchy Hobo Bag, $49.99; Gray Python Satchel, $39.99. Visit Target.com

Soap Opera

Dirty girls don't have ALL the fun, you know? Nice and, yes, clean girls can have a blast, too. Matter of fact: they can have a jolly ol' time while they get themselves all freshened up, especially if they're armed with these goodies from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.

What exactly are they, you ask? Ahhh, well, at first glance, they look like sweets from a yummy bakery (well, the red one looks like a sprinkled donut, doesn't it?! LOL) But, of course, you already know these aren't meant to be eaten. So are they soaps, you ask? Well, not exactly. Here's the interesting part: they're shampoo bars. Yes, you might have assumed that shampoo only comes in a bottle, but you'd be mistaken. LUSH's solid shampoo bars are deliciously scented and environmentally friendly (particularly since they don't come in any plastic bottles that need to be recycled).

So let me break down what each of these is all about.

The red bar is dubbed the New Shampoo Bar, and it's suitable for all hair types. The New bar both cleanses your hair and stimulates the scalp, encouraging faster hair growth. The ingredients include cinnamon leaf, clove, bay, rosemary and peppermint. The soap has an extremely potent cinnamon scent (kind of like when you pop open a stick of Big Red, except there's a much fresher, purer feel to this aroma).

The blue bar, meanwhile, is called the Seanik Shampoo Bar, and it contains a softening gel made from Pacific Coast seaweed, Japanese nori seaweed and softening salt, as well as lemon oil, and orange blossom extracts. It may not be the fairest of the bunch on a strictly visual level, but it does wonders for softening your hair and adding much-needed volume.

Last but not least is the white shampoo, dubbed the Ultimate Shine Shampoo Bar, which contains ylang ylang, coconut oil, gardenia and sweet violet leaf oil, all of which add shine to your mane. This one's my absolute favorite -- it smells like a freshly picked gardenia, and it brightens up even the dullest locks.

LUSH Solid Shampoo Bars, $9.45 each. Visit Lush.com

Beauty from Down Under

Admittedly, I was once skeptical about all these botanical/organic skincare lines. I figured that, if anything needed to improve elasticity, diminish the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes, and restore moisture to our skin could, in fact, be found in nature, someone would've already figured out the magic formula, bottled it up, and made a big fat bundle. Like most stuck-on-science Westerners, I figured the answers were in the lab, in some unpronounceable chemical compound. In the last few years, however, I've come full circle, discovering a number of alternative skincare lines that utilize natural ingredients and are both effective and gentle on our skins (not to mention mindful of our planet). Chief among these companies that have made me a believer is Jurlique, which utilizes ingedients grown and harvested in South Australia.

Jurlique's new Biodynamic Beauty line is so astoundingly effective you'll actually see results in days (which is a good thing for us impatient types! lol) The collection doesn't contain artificial fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, artificial colors, or any other cooked-up extras. The ingredient list, instead, includes: marshmallow (a key component of the Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion since it hydrates the skin); black elder and licorice (to conceal and combat any redness and discoloration); beech tree buds, blue algae and hibiscus (which can be found in the Biodynamic Beauty Serum and which work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles); and arnica and euphrasia (which can be found in the Biodynamic Beauty Eye Cream and help to soothe the skin and reduce puffiness).

I recommend getting the entire line, as the products do really complement one another well. And trust: in a week, you'll feel like a spring chicken... Okay, well, maybe a chicken isn't the best comparison given how we've integrated the word chickenhead into our lingo, but you get the point!

Jurlique Biodynamic Eye Cream, $45; Biodynamic Beauty Serum, $75; Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion, $55; Biodynamic Beauty Refining Treatment, $35. Visit Jurlique.com

Eye Spy Moscot

I apologize for being MIA, my lovely STA readers... Sadly, I managed to catch a helluva bug and haven't had much strength (yes, I'm apparently not just sicka than average, but also -- quite literally -- sicker than most! LOL) Anyway, I'm still trying to shake this thing off but I missed y'all, so I summoned up some energy to bring you yet some more goodies.

These quirky glasses right heeerrre (pronounce in Nelly's Country Grammar style for optimum fun) come to you courtesy of New York city-based eyewear company Moscot. The family business was first developed in 1915, 16 years after the family patriarch, Hyman Moscot, first arrived in New York City from Eastern Europe in 1899. Hyman became well-known for his optometry skills and the ready-made glasses he sold in the nabe, and eventually opened up shop. Soon later, Hyman's son Sol developed an interest in optometry and, in due time, took over the Sol Moscot Opticians company. In 1951, the flagship store moved to more spacious digs on Orchard Street (where the main store remains to this day) and the company's operation was passed on to Sol's son, Joel. Another passing of the torch occured in the 1980s when Joel's sons, Dr. Harvey Moscot and Kenny Moscot, took over the company. Now THAT's what I call a family affair, folks.

Not only do they offer top-of-the-line eyecare, but they also provide a wide selection of eyeglass and sunglass frames from noted designers and, of course, from their own signature lines: Moscot Originals and Moscot Spirit.

The Moscot Originals line is an ode to the aesthetic that first made Moscot frames all the rage in the 1940s. When you first look at some of the styles, you'll be reminded of icons like Andy Warhol, John Lennon, Malcolm X, Clark Kent (okay, so he's a fictitious character, but you catch my drift..), Capote, Lisa Loeb, Diane Keaton, and more. See, these frames have character -- they're bold, at times chunky, and undeniably nerdy (but in that sexy librarian, don't-you-wish-you-were-as-smart-as-me? kinda way). For summer, Moscot enlisted designer Chris Benz to create a limited-edition line of their Nebb frames.

The Nebb Limited Edition frames are available in four colors: peacock, cerulean (every time I say or write that, I think of that scene in Devil Wears Prada! Whoa! Who knew cerulian had such a history?!), orchid and golden olive. Only 200 pairs of each color are available and they will not be restocked, so these are truly limited (meaning don't dilly-dally). These frames are quirky as can be, and if you want to use as sunglasses, you can always get matching colored lenses with UV protection (as with the pairs shown above). Think about it: free-spirited colored frames for deep thinkers with an innate sense of style.

So are you a Scarlett-Johanssen-meets-Tina-Fey retro-loving smarty? Then show 'em what you're working with.

Nebb Limited Edition sunglasses, $260 a pair ($220 for frames only). Visit Moscot.com

We Are Marshalls

Sure, we all like Louboutin heels and Delman ballet slippers, but we can't always afford to buy these beauties (however loud they might be calling us!). But don't get it twisted, ladies: you don't have to resort to shopping at FabCo Shoes (not trying to diss, but their shoes pinch your feet in every possible place!). And, sure, you can shop at Aldo Shoes, Nine West, Banana Republic, and Steve Madden, but then you run the risk of bumping into a thousand other women teetering around in the same shoes. Which is why I'm always singing the praises of discount chains like Daffy's, Century 21 and Marshalls -- you can find high-quality footwear from top designers (from Sam Edelman and Jeffrey Campbell to Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Giuseppe Zanotti, Cole Haan and more) at ridiculously reasonable prices. Sure, they might be from last season, but who is really on it like THAT?! And, best of all, there's a limited amount of pairs for each style, which means less folks who have your shoes (two thumbs up for exclusivity). Out of all of them, though, Marshall's is nearest to my heart, as their selection tends to be way bigger and their price points tend to be much lower than the other chains.

I recently ventured to a nearby Marshalls and, of course, spent about 2 hours in the Shoe Megashop area, a new 5,000-square-foot shoe section installed within specific retail stores. The Shoe MegaShop feels like a stand-alone shoe store (minus the annoying sales people having to trekk to the supply area to find your size and taking 45 minutes to do so). Each aisle is set up so that the shoes are displayed on a top shelf and, once customers find a style they like, they can search underneath for the box with their respective size. In one aisle alone, you can find shoes by Miss Me, Enzo, Guess, Vera Wang, Delman, Nine West, Stuart Weitzman, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and more. During my recent field trip, I picked up these sexy patent-leather Anne Klein pumps, which go from a deep pink to a blush pink (they kind of remind me of Gwen Stefani's Galliano-designed wedding gown -- remember that?). Wanna be pretty in pink too? Find a Marshalls near you!

Anne Klein pumps, $29.99. Visit MarshallsOnline.com for store locations.

Princesas

Vera Wang's Princess fragrance has been a smash hit since its launch in July 2006, but now fans of the scent have got much more to play with than the spray perfume. Hey, true princesses are more than a bit demanding, right?

For summer 2008, Vera and the lovely folks at Coty, Inc. have rolled out a convenient Glittery Glimmer Stick (which you can apply to key points (neck, elbows, wrists, etc.) or glide on a larger surface area (like around your cleavage 'cause you KNOW you like to show that off!). You'll not only smell delicious, but you'll literally sparkle (in a great way -- not in that I-rolled-ovr-a-pound-of-glitter-and-Elmer's-glue-way).

Also new is the Shimmer Body Powder Brush, (which is perfect for sticky days when you can't imagine rolling anything besides deodorant on your body) -- the brush is convenient for use on larger areas (arms, back, legs, etc.) and its scent is substantially lighter than the glimmer stick (which is a good thing if you're going to be applying all over your body; otherwise, you may OD on perfume and actually repel rather than attract folks!). To be honest though, the glimmer stick is my jump-off -- it goes on smooth, the fragrance is long-lasting without being overwhelming, and it gives you just the right amount of sparkle (it's like you've been sprinkled with fairy dust).

Those of you not familiar with Vera Wang's Princess, it's really a gorgeous floral fragrance that's feminine but adventurous, with notes of Bulgarian rose, calla lily, wild tuberose, mandarin flower, gardenia, iris, and apricot reigning supreme and hints of vanilla, musk, and amber to balance out the sweetness. A whiff of this, and you'll have men ready to battle fire-breathing dragons just to get into your arms.

Vera Wang Princess Glittery Glimmer Stick, $25; Vera Wang Princess Shimmer Body Powder Brush, $35; Visit Sephora.com

Get Your Shine On

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you pull out your flat iron and, after manhandling yur unruly locks, you put a few drops of whatever haircare product in your bathroom is meant to smooth out any firzzy hais, add definition and maximize shine —and THEN you start getting the feeling that your hair looks oily and that those few drops you put in just messed your whole game up. That's just the friggin' worst!!! And, as much as I've used Fantasia iC Hair Polisher and the Organic Olive Oil Sheen Spray (both big sellers at most 'hood beauty supply stores), those products have to be handled with care if you want to avoid that whole my-hair-is-oilier-than-a-McDonald's-deep-fryer situation.

Which brings me to Nioxin Research Laboratories, Inc. and their new product, the Nioxin Smoothing Reflectives Glossing Color Shield. What's particularly cool about this product is that, not only does it treat dry, frizzy hair, but it also helps to guard color-treated hair (meaning that, if you've dyed or highlighted your hair, this product will help your color last longer and will really bring out the vibrant hues). The Smoothing Reflectives Glossing Color Shield contains a technology dubbed "Glyco-Color Shield," which bonds with your hair's keratin and creates a glyco-protein barrier, thus sealing the cuticle to lock in color. It also contains ingredients like kukui nut oil and silk amino acids for added shine and smoothness, as well as sunflower seed extract to neutralize free radicals from sun exposure.

The product is really effective but it's also really strong, so use sparingly: one drop for short hair, two for long — and make sure to rub it in between your palms and apply with care. It really does bring out all the overtones and undertones in colored hair, so I definitely recommend this for all of y'all with faux haircolor.

Nioxin Smoothing Reflectives Glossing Color Shield, $19.99. Visit Nioxin.com for stores.

Sale Alert!!! Nancy Koltes At Home Warehouse Sale

You don't have to be pregnant or shacking up with your boo to go through a nesting period. If your home is your castle, don't let the spot look like a torture chamber, a'ight? And unless you actually live in a dorm, there's no reason for all that collegiate furniture (no bean bags, Jaffa blocks, bead curtains and mismatched towels, ok?). Nah, get your grown woman on with some luxe linens and home accessories by designer Nancy Koltes, who is hosting her first-ever warehouse sale. Koltes' designs have an all-American sensibility thanks to their clean lines, crisp hues, and understated embellishments. Made in Italy, her linens are cozy, plush and - of course - dripping with elegance. Just take a look at these ecru and white Ikebana Towels -- don't you just want to drape yourself in one of these flowered towels? Well, now you can -- without feeling any buyers' remorse. The Nancy Koltes at Home sale kicked off yesterday and will go on until Aug. 10th, and items are available for up to 80% off retail. Don't you just love a good sale?

Ikebana Towels (pictured above): bath sheet, $69 (regularly $138) and bath towel, $34 (regularly $68). Available at Nancy Koltes stores in New York City, Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach, Charleston, Mill Valley, Denver and Haverford. For more information and store locations, visit NancyKoltesAtHome.com

Pop, Drop and Lock It

You've probably been focused on building up your tan this summer, but here's the tricky part: what makeup will work best on that newly sunkissed mug of yours? Chances are that blush you bought a few months ago doesn't quite bring out your beach goddess glow (if it's a violet-pink hue, it may just leave you looking like Chucky (homeboy did have some rather red cheeks!)) and those eye shadows you bought may have a cooler base than needed, giving you a more severe look instead of a carefree, dewy air.

So, aside from raiding a makeup counter near you, what's the alternative? Well, POP Beauty has an all-in-one solution for you: its Tan Popper kit, which includes nine eye shades (peach gold, fresh lime green, copper-bronze, true gold, chocolate glow, sooty blue, turquoise, pink and golden purple), three cheek shades (a blush, bronze, and glow-enhancing powder), three eye pencils (blue, black and plum) and a dual blend and liner brush. Need an extra incentive? The kit comes with instructions from international makeup artist Carina Fornegard on how to create two distinct looks dubbed "London Bright Lights" and "California Smoldering Glow".

Get it poppin'!

Pop Beauty Tan Popper kit, $38. Visit Sephora.com