SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Put A Ring On It

I've always been perplexed by people who show their "Relationship Status" on Facebook — particularly, when they change it every two to three weeks from "In A Relationship" to "It's Complicated." But hey, if you want to profess your love (or announce your single status), then do it through fashion.

Scosha NYC's new sterling silver rings, part of their Babylon collection, feature a revolving top layer with the words "Taken," "Free," "Yours" and "Love" etched in capital letters. Just slide the layer to reveal your status and let your hands do the talking.

Scosha NYC "Free, Love, Yours, Taken" sterling silver ring, $165. Visit ScoshaNYC.com

Neck and Neck: Career Gear Celebrity Tie Auction

I hardly ever feature men's apparel or accessories since I'm catering to all my sisters out there, but when I heard about Career Gear's Celebrity Tie Auction, I couldn't resist: I just HAD to let you ladies know about it. Besides, I know some ladies who can work the hell out of a bowtie or even a traditional tie (Madonna? Check. Janet Jackson? Absolutely. Janelle Monae? Yessir!), so perhaps some of you also know how to make the androgynous aesthetic work for you.

Here are the details. On June 5th, the nonprofit organization Career Gear is launching an online auction featuring ties donated by such celebrities as André 3000 (who designed the bowtie pictured above), Jack Nicholson, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Eric Bana, Kevin Spacey and Linda Fiorentino.

Career Gear's mission is to assist economically disadvantaged (or down-on-their-luck) men who are looking to enter the professional sphere and need some help building a wardrobe that will not only get them in the door, but will boost their confidence and their ability to perform at their fullest potential. The proceeds from the auction, then, will benefit the organization, which provides suits and ties to so many people in need.

In these difficult times, it's particularly important to help organizations like Career Gear, so here's your chance to do your civic duty and score a Father's Day gift, nab an impromptu present for your man, or bid on a tie for your own self!

The Career Gear Celebrity Tie Auction launches June 5th on CareerGear.org

Gelaskins Go Glam

Most graphic artists and illustrators are suckers for Apple — whether it's an iPhone, iPod, or Macbook, they can appreciate the sleek, sexy silhouettes (not to mention the applications and performance functions) of Steve Jobs' products. So it shouldn't be that surprising that a few of the most exciting, dynamic artists, both in the US and abroad, have created some original pieces to further elevate the artistic standing of Mac computers.

Just check out these new Gelaskins, designed for the Macbook. These portable art prints can be applied to the cover of the laptop to both protect it from any scratching and to give it a bit of personality and color. The first "Red Metal" design was completed by world-renowned, German graffiti artist DAIM, who is known for creating some of the most fascinating optical effects using 3D letters and geometric shapes. The second design pictured, titled "Flow," is the work of California-based visual artist Sam Flores, who is known for the innocent, childlike characters and exotic landscapes in his paintings and illustrations.

Hey, why not buy your laptop some new clothes?

"Red Metal" by DAIM Gelaskin and "Flow" by Sam Flores Gelaskins, $29.95 each. Visit RevolveClothing.com

RapidLash "Show Us Your After" Blogger Contest: Week 4

Okay, gals, so the RapidLash "Show Us Your After" Blogger Contest wraps up this week. Over the last four weeks, I've been using RapidLash eyelash serum, which promises to deliver longer, thicker, more lustrous lashes, on a nightly basis. And, as you probably know, I've been documenting my progress, posting a photo each week so as to track any changes. I'm happy to say my eyelashes HAVE, in fact, grown a bit over the last month. In fact, check it out for yourselves:

So let's recap:

BEFORE PIC (WEEK 1)

Click here for the story

WEEK 2

Click here for more details and that week's piece

WEEK 3

Click here for that week's post


WEEK 4

You're reading the story (okay, couldn't resist the joke! lol)

Okay, ladies, so what do you think? Do you see a difference? I sure do!

Remember: the blogger who shows the most improvement over this 4-week period will win a gift basket filled with a year's supply of beauty goodies for herself AND her readers (so you guys win too!). A winner will be selected on June 1st, so keep your fingers crossed!

Be Aggressive With Alice + Olivia For Payless

I love checking out what Alice + Olivia cooks up for Payless every season because, no matter what, it's always funky, colorful and youthful. In the past, we've seen purple Maryjane heels, lime green wedges, strappy sandals with chunky heels in purple and fuchsia, polka dot ballerina slippers, and much more. And for its Summer 2009 collection, Alice + Olivia is really letting loose, with a collection of daring, fun-loving platform sandals in gladiator styles, animal print, polka dot patterns and more.

My absolute favorite shoe in the collection is the Beatrix Patent Platform Sandal pictured above, which features a bright yellow 1" platform and 4.5" heel and a geometric, two-toned, black-and-white patent leather upper. The construction of the patent straps is funky in and of itself — notice how the straps are wider at the edges, thinning out along the middle and then widening again for a very trippy, pop art-inspired effect. And the adjustable strap in the back makes for a perfect fit.

Wearing 5" platform sandals may sound intimidating but I assure you that these are comfortable shoes and, surprisingly enough, relatively easy to walk in. So why not reach for new heights?


Alice + Olivia for Payless Beatrix Patent Platform Sandal, $38. Visit Payless.com

TGIF: TOYWATCH Twitter Giveaway!

 

As if the end of the work week weren't enough of a reason to celebrate, three-year-old timepiece company TOYWATCH is offering us another reason to thank God it's Friday. Through the end of June, TOYWATCH (the line favored by such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Naomi Campbell and Miley Cyrus) will be giving away one of its funky watches to a lucky Twitter follower.

Here's how it works: each Friday, TOYWATCH will choose a different watch style to give away. Early in the a.m., TOYWATCH will post a question on its Twitter account for its followers to answer and, the person who offers the most intriguing response (offered via Twitter, of course) will be selected as that week's official winner.

Some of the watches they'll be giving away include pieces from their incredibly funky Neon Plasteramic collection (such as the amazing purple and pink watches pictured at top), their playful and irreverent Crystal collection (which includes watches featuring a clear acrylic bracelet and stainless steel dial, such as the piece with the green bezel pictured at the bottom left), and the more demure Heavy Metal collection (which consists of watches bearing metallic dials and bracelets made with acrylic and yellow gold, rose gold, or gun metal).

I myself am gunnin' for one of those Neon Plasteramic watches so y'all have some competition on your hands. Ha!

UPDATE: There actually is no question for today's giveaway! All you have to do is tweet this "I am entering to win a ToyWatch!! http://cli.gs/TWTattoo follow @toywatch and RT to enter as well. Winner will be announced at 5pm PST" and you'll be entered. And, FYI: today's watch is the Tribal Tattoo watch, which is AWESOME!

Make it your business to log on to Twitter.com/ToyWatch today! You have until 5 p.m. PST to enter!

Handbag Heaven: MCM Spring Fever Sale

I've been having a fling with the color turquoise for almost a year now. I've had other color fascinations (bright yellow and kelly green among them), but I keep coming back to turquoise — especially when the summertime rolls around (maybe it's the island girl in me). So, of course, I think I would look like a true "bawse" (you gotta pronounce it like Rick Ross to sound extra official! lol) with this turquoise leather MCM purse, which features adorable gold embellishments along the zippered frame. And, fortunately for me, I can now get this awesome bag at a discounted price thanks to MCM's Spring Fever Sale!

Those of you in NYC can buy MCM handbags and accessories for 30-50% off retail at this fantastic sale, which started May 26th and goes all the way through the end of June.

And, if you bring a print-out of the card pictured below, you'll get a complimentary MCM summer beach tote with your purchase (while supplies last, of course).

Time to bag it up!

Visit The Shops at the Plaza (1 West 58th Street at Fifth Avenue, New York City). Call 212.832.2626 for more information. The sale lasts through the end of June.

Allow Me To Re-Introduce New Balance's 966 Collection

Y'all already know how I feel about my kicks: they need to be comfortable, have some bangin' colorways and the type of unique design details that will have everybody asking, "Where'd You Get Those"? (word to Bobbito Garcia). When it comes to performance and comfort, New Balance kicks have always met my admittedly high expectations. And, while NB has historically been a bit shier than some of its competitors when it comes to thinking outside the box with color schemes and design details, over the past few years, the brand has been steppin' it up and stompin' the yard. Case in point: their 966 collection, designed by New Balance Japan.

Though the collection was briefly introduced last year, it's now being re-released in the US for Spring/Summer — and it's bigger, better and brighter than ever. Each shoe incorporates patent leather, suede and leather materials (as well as a mesh fabric) and features special Pantone color swatches along the heel. The 966 is available in three colors: purple/pink (pictured at top), white/multicolor (second from top) and pink/red. All the colors remind me of candy bits (think Now and Laters, Skittles, Mike & Ikes, etc.).

I'm particularly smitten with the purple/pink 966 sneaker — it may just be my favorite New Balance release in recent history (well, along with the black/white NB 460). It's like eye candy!

New Balance 966, $110. Available at PickYourShoes.com

Find Your Passion With M.A.C.'s A Rose Romance Collection

With a breathtaking collection of pinks, mauves, lavenders, violets, magentas and reds, M.A.C's "A Rose Romance" collection lends homage to the most venerated and oft-referenced bloom in the history of poetry, dance, music and film. Tulips, violets, daisies, irises, gardenias, carnations — they're all beautiful, but there's no flower that's as synonymous with romance, femininity, love, and passion as the rose. Just think about how many songs bear the word "rose" in their titles: from Sting's "Desert Rose" to Aretha Franklin's "A Rose Is Still A Rose", Bon Jovi's "Bed of Roses", Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", Bette Midler's "Rose", Seal's "Kiss From A Rose", Monica's "A Dozen Roses", and so on... Our fascination with roses is undeniable — and, when you play with these inspired eye shadow hues and lip colors, you'll want to send M.A.C a dozen long-stemmed blooms in appreciation .

Here's a look at some of the stand-out offerings in the collection:

 LIPS
 

"Magnetique" Lipglass, $14. Visit MacCosmetics.com

If you've ever marveled over the vibrant cerise pinks often found in Bourbon roses, you'll appreciate this precocious, violet magenta hue.

Virgin Kiss Lipglass, $14. Visit MacCosmetics.com

The name says it all. This pale, shimmering pink adds just a touch of color (and sparkle) to the lips so that the resulting look is innocent and resplendent.

 

A Rose Romance Lipstick, $14. Visit MacCosmetics.com

This might just be the perfect shade of pink — "A Rose Romance" incorporates purple undertones without going so far into the family of cooler shades that it risks appearing too wintry. This shade is no bubblegum pink — it's elegant and classy but also demure and inviting.

Loving Touch See Thru Lip Color, $14. Visit MacCosmetics.com

If you're looking to add just a hint of pink to your pout, reach for this sheer light pink hue. But just remember: you'll have to keep reapplying if you're going for a more intense effect.

EYES

Et Tu Bouquet? Eye Shadow, $14.50. Visit MacCosmetics.com

Remember Kirsten Dunst's turn as Marie Antoinette and the gorgeous costumes she wore while presiding over her court in Versailles? Well, this shimmering pink gold shade is the type of color Marie Antoinette would have incorporated into her majestic wardrobe — and her elegant boudoir.

"Of Summer" Eye Shadow, $14.50. Visit MacCosmetics.com

This mauve-ish pink works wonderfully as a base color — particularly since the matte hue blends seamlessly with all the other colors in the collection.

Silverthorn Eye Shadow, $14.50. Visit MacCosmetics.com

This silvery gray color makes me think of the cover art for Tori Amos's Under the Pink album — there's a mystique to the hue, particularly when paired with a pale rose shade, that's both beguiling and slightly sinister.

Circa Plum Pigment, $19.50. Visit MacCosmetics.com

Lavender roses are said to be a symbol of love at first sight, of enchantment and the color purple itself is oftentimes associated with spirituality, creativity and royalty. Sweep some of the "Circa Plum" pigment over your lids or brush underneath your lower lash line to add a mysterious, theatrical flair to your look.

Mutiny Pigment, $19.50. Visit MacCosmetics.com

Like bulbous morning dew drops atop a rosebud, this lush sky blue brings any pink or purplish colors to life, adding a sense of vitality and freshness.

CHEEKS

"Blush of Youth" Beauty Powder, $22. MacCosmetics.com

Remember that schoolgirl crush you had, that Jordan Catalano-esque guy in your life who could make you blush with a single glance? Well, he may be the stuff of memories but those rosy cheeks can be brought back to the present with this light pink shade.

 

Lady Fingers: Glam's Manicure/Pedicure Sets

In the words of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (yup, I'm bringing it back), it's summertime, time to sit back and unwind — and, for us ladies, that means getting our hands and our feet in order. Seriously, before you slip into those sandals or flip-flops, make sure you don't look like you could trim hedges with your toenails.

You may already be on top of your game as far as making appointments with your nail spa but, since you most likely intend to go on a few mini getaways (or full-fledged vacations) throughout the season, you should invest in a manicure/pedicure set that you can just toss in your purse and whip out as needed. And Glam's adorable mani/pedi sets offer you all the tools you need to keep your toes done up and fingernails poppin'.

Each 4" x 3" manicure/pedicure stainless steel case includes a nail file, nail clippers, cuticle pusher, and more. Among the designs availabe, you'll find the über girly "Kaleidoscope" print (pictured at top), a more demure black-and-white "Pink Bird" motif (pictured at center), and a slightly retro "Crazy Paisley" pattern (last from top) in bright turquoise, orange and pink.

GLAM Kaleidoscope Manicure/Pedicure Set, Pink Bird Manicure/Pedicure Set, Crazy Paisley Manicure/Pedicure Set, $28 each. Visit GlamStyleOnline.com