SICKA THAN AVERAGE

The X Factor -- Zina Beverly Hills XX Pendant

When you think of Beverly Hills, what comes to mind? Is it the palm trees lining the street along Rodeo Drive? The names immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? The Beverly Hills Wilshire hotel (which so many of us associate with romance thanks to Pretty Woman)? Whether you associate the famous 90210 zip code with the old-school Aaron Spelling TV drama (or its current CW incarnation), upscale fashion boutiques, sprawling mansions owned by Hollywood starlets, Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion, or trendy eateries (outside of which hordes of paparazzi gather, hoping for a peek at a major star), there's no denying that Beverly Hills is synonymous with wealth and caché.

Which is why Zina Beverly Hills opted for a youthful but sleek, classy design when creating a limited-edition pendant for the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau. Commissioned to craft a piece that would capture the Hills' aesthetic and energy, Zina developed the "XX" pendant (pictured above), a sterling silver piece measuring 0.58 inches in width and 0.32 inches at its longest point.

I love how the X shapes are a bit asymmetrical, so that they almost resemble jacks (you know, like the game you played as a child). The differing heights of the "x" shapes create a sense of movement and give the pendant a dynamic feel, which add to that whimsical feel. The impeccable workmanship and the cleanness of the silver, however, add an impeccable gracefulness. Moreover, I appreciate how the "XX" letters can have so many unique interpretations. It could refer to the two X chromosomes that determine the female sex. It might be a nod to the concept of "X marks the spot." Perhaps, it's a reference to "XOXO" (which, when written, signifies hugs and kisses). The possibilities are endless.

What can I say? It's just got that "X" factor!

Zina Beverly Hills XX Pendant, $60. Available starting November 16th at ZinaBeverlyHills.com.
Pre-order yours now!

Red Hot Scent -- CH by Carolina Herrera

Normally, if someone used the word "spicy" in reference to a Latino designer (such as Venezuelan fashion deity Carolina Herrera), I would roll my eyes in supreme annoyance and exasperation. But, in describing the new CH by Carolina Herrera fragrance, the usage of the words "spicy" and "hot" is far from offensive — after all, at the heart of this oriental floral you'll find such notes as Sri Lankan cinnamon, which gives the scent that much more of a kick.

Created by Firmenich's Olivier Cresp (who has worked on such famed scents as Thierry Mugler Angel and Nina Ricci Nina), Puig's Rosendo Mateu, and Carolina Adriana Herrera (Carolina Herrera's daughter and quite possibly the heir to the former's empire), CH by Carolina Herrera features top notes of Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon and grapefruit, a heart of Sir Lankan cinnamon, Bulgarian rose, jasmine sambac, and praline notes, and base notes of sandalwood, suede, cashmere and amber. The citrus notes (lemon and grapefruit) are just subdued enough and yet they manage to add a clean, fresh feel to the fragrance which maintains its youthfulness. Bulgarian rose and jasmine exude elegance and status, while the praline notes add a tad of sweetness that is balanced out by the exotic, spicy cinnamon notes  (it's the perfect example of "sugar and spice and everything nice"). Finally, the woody and leather-y base notes give the scent its more carnal, sensual quality. 

When I wear it, I think of sitting inside a tea house, smelling the fresh brews, enjoying wisps of incense wafting through the air — all the while reading a book inside of which I've tucked a dried, red rose. How is that for an enticing image to accompany the scent?

CH by Carolina Herrera Eau de Toilette, $70 for 1.7 oz. and $90 for 3.4 oz. Available at Nordstrom.com

Carlos Falchi Arrives at Target!

 

Carlos Falchi may not wrestle with large, menacing reptiles like the Crocodile Hunter (may he rest in peace), but he certainly knows how to dye, stitch, twist, and manipulate their leather to create intricate, elegant handbags with tons of bite. Best known for the exotic skins he uses to craft his handbags (caiman, crocodile, and python are among the most popular materials) and the manner in which he hand dyes the fabrics to give them a brighter, bolder look. But, as with most designer handbags, Falchi's pieces tend to come with a price tag that will make most women sigh in disappointment. Not to worry though — on November 1st, Falchi is revealing a new collection for Target that's affordable, chic, and consistent with his luxe but fun-loving aesthetic.

The Carlos Falchi for Target collection includes hobos, satchels, cross-body bags, and small purses in patchwork-esque designs that fuse various types of faux snakeskin. The collection focuses on jewel tones: from emerald greens (as with the satchel pictured above) to gray smoky quartz and rubellite tourmaline (as with the small purple purse pictured at bottom). And while the synthetic fabrics won't have the supple, delicious feel of the authentic exotic skins Falchi uses in his high-end line, they still manage to look expensive and elegant (which is, after all the point — it's not like you were planning to cuddle with that authentic croc bag, right?).

The collection hits Target on November 1st and will be available through Dec. 27t, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $49.99. 

 

Into The Sea With Depth's Skin Care Products

Not to sound like Greenzo, but I'm always excited to try new botanical, skin care products — especially when it seems that the company involved has a genuine interest in protecting the Earth and its natural resources. So, when I heard about Depth, a new, 100% vegan line of skin care products derived from marine botanicals, my curiosity was piqued.

As soon as I tried Depth's Sea Berry Body Wash, which has a thin, almost aloe vera-like consistency, I noticed how gentle it felt against the skin. Once you start working it into the skin, it does lather up a bit (though don't expect any type of creaminess or any foaming effect), and it rinses off with ease for a "no muss, no fuss" situation. Like all Depth products, the body wash relies on marine plants— mainly brown, green and red algae — to detoxify and moisturize skin, and it contains no artificial colors or fragrances, no parabens, phthalates, petroleum, or any other harsh and potentially hazardous chemicals or minerals.

Sure, I  would not necessarily reach for the Sea Berry Body Wash when I want the whole showering/bathing experience feel a bit more seductive and indulgent (for those purposes, I'd probably reach for Elemis' Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath & Shower Cream, Korres' Bitter Almond or Guava Shower Gels, or one of Philosophy's 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath products). But when I need to just wash up and go, this is a good standby option — plus, it's a soothing formula for those with really delicate, extra sensitive skin, or those whose skin is feeling itchy, irritable, or inflamed. I actually tried incorporating the Sea Berry Body Wash into my son's bath time, and the experiment was a complete hit — especially since this particular scent is slightly reminiscent of bubble gum (which, admittedly, was a bit unexpected).

The Depth Hand & Body Lotion is also quite gentle, providing a soothing, cooling effect as it moisturizes the skin. The skin readily absorbs the lotion so that, within minutes of application, your skin feels noticeably softer. I do, however, wish that there were a greater range of lotions to address everyone's unique skin needs, as some of us need a bit more moisture — as I mentioned, the lotion does hydrate, but I still felt like I needed a nice dose of shea butter, argan oil, or some other heavy duty moisturizing agent for my extra dry skin.

Interestingly enough, while the lotion I tried was also the "Sea Berry" scent, its sweet yet tangy smell was dramatically different from that of the body wash — and way more appealing. I scoured the ingredient list trying to ascertain the source of this unique scent, but I was completely stumped! None of the ingredients — which, aside from marine algae, include sunflower seed oil, aloe juice, and sea lettuce — would yield this scent, as it's apparently derived from an "aromatic blend," through which botanical aromatics are distilled and blended with pure essential oils.

The complete range of products includes three additional scents: Mangrove Citrus, Bay Coconut, and Ocean Blossom.

Depth Body Wash, $9.99; Depth Hand & Body Lotion, $9.99. Available at Whole Food Markets nationwide and Drugstore.com

Douglas Little Dell Laptops -- A "Little" Piece of Heaven

If you live in the New York City area and you've strolled in front of Bergdorf Goodman recently, you might have been struck by five window displays alongside Fifth Avenue, all of which incorporate a Adamo by Dell laptop with skins customized by Douglas Little, the founder and creative director of D.L. & Co: Purveyors of Curious Goods. The collaborative effort between Bergdorf Goodman, Dell and Little shows the continuously shifting relationship between art, technology and fashion.

Each of the windows has a unique theme that corresponds with the aesthetic of the Adamo laptop on display. The "Web Master/Master the Web" window, for example, features a suspended mannequin, hanging by a intricate web of silver necklace chain and, in the mannequin's hands, you'll find a black Dell Adamo laptop with an etched spider web pattern and Swarovski crystal accents (as pictured at top). The "Princess & The PC" window, meanwhile, is a whimsical play on the classic "The Princess and the Pea" fairytale — in this case, what prevents the finicky princess from sleeping comfortably isn't a pea but a laptop (which she can't seem to detect because it's sop very slim). To match the Victorian-esque theme, Little designed a cream and pink, tapestry-like design (as pictured second from top) with a single, pearl-sized gold dot along the center (presumably, his cheeky nod to the "pea" in the story). One of the most jaw-dropping designs is the "Reshaping Technology" window, which features the Adamo fitted in a custom crocodile corset masterminded alongside costume designer Michael Schmidt. Another vital figure in the collection's design and execution was Haryn DeLeon, who was responsible for all the laser cutting on the laptops.

And here's the most beautiful part. While these laptop skins were not mass produced, one of these one-of-a-kind designs will be available to consumers through a sweepstakes with Elle.com.

To enter, simply visit Elle.com and fill out the entry form. You can return to the site once a day for a chance to enter through November 13th.

Walk in Hello Kitty's Shoes -- Checkin' Chooka's Hello Kitty Rain Boots!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Hello Kitty is one saucy lady. This year, she celebrates her 35th birthday, which means Sanrio has collaborated with quite a few companies (from Asics to Mimoco) to create limited-edition good that celebrate the one character that is truly the cat's meow. One of the most recent, stylish releases are the Hello Kitty-themed Chooka rain boots, available in a handful of styles including "Punk Button," pictured at top, and "Retrospective," pictured second from top.

How can you resist the playful but slightly rebellious, spunky vibe of the "Punk Button" boot? It conjures up the same mood as this pink tie-dye Vivienne Westwood Anglomania dress I saw last year (and, as you know, Vivienne Westwood is one of the pioneers of the punk fashion movement), but it also has the fun-loving, girls-just-wanna-have-fun, '80s-inspired spirit channeled by the likes of Rihanna (in her "Shut Up And Drive" and "Disturbia" phase) and Avril Lavigne (now that she's added a bright pink strip to her hair).

The Hello Kitty "Retrospective" style, meanwhile, features an Andy Warhol-esque design, with the same illustration of Hello Kitty replicated in various tints and arranged so that the tiles are all lined up from side to side and top to bottom. It's wearable pop art for Hello Kitty fans. Who needs art to hang on walls when it can be worn on your feet?

Chooka Hello Kitty "Punk Buttons" and Hello Kitty "Retrospective" Rain Boots, $59.95 each. Buy at DLLRainwear.com. Visit ChookaBoot.com for more info.

Color Therapy -- Palettes by Tod Young Candles

The colors we paint the walls of a room express so much about our personal style — or, at the very least, about the mood we want to create within that particular room. If the walls are painted white or ecru, you may be a traditionalist, someone who prefers classic but understated style (or perhaps you're just very indecisive and reluctant to paint for fear that you'll eventually grow to detest the selected color). If they're painted red or yellow, you're probably someone who likes to make bold decisions and who has a strong resolve and a desire to be surrounded by energetic, lively people and things. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the emotional sensations that different colors evoke. Now, imagine if you could take that sensory experience of translating a visual reference (in this case, a color scheme) into an emotional mood or mindset and then amplify it by incorporating a scent that corresponds with the visual cue. That's precisely what interior designer Tod Young set out to do with his collection of candles and room fragrances, Palettes by Tod Young.

The collection includes six distinctive scents, each corresponding to the defining color scheme within a room: Neutral Tone, Jewel Tone, Pastel Tone, Primary Tone, Earth Tone, and Gray Tone.

The Neutral Tone candle, for example, incorporates violet, spring iris and jasmine notes, rounded out by sheer rose water, fresh citrus, white musk and blonde woods. The scent is soft and very clean. I could detect the violet and iris notes most prominently, but the citrus and musk enveloping those florals made the scent lighter and airier.

Pastel Tone, meanwhile, includes notes of fresh greens, cycamen, white jasmine, lavender rose, and pink waterlily with just a splash of green apple and succulent peach, as well as vanilla, amber and rosewood. This candle is considerably stronger than the Neutral Tone one, and the florals are much more prominent here. Personally, I found the scent a bit too powdery and too precious for my personal taste but then, I'm not a pastel color kind of a gal.

The Primary Tone candle blew my away — it's my hands-down favorite in the whole collection. The candle features tropical fruit notes such as guava and pineapple, blended with passion fruit, orange, cassis, peach, jasmine petals and ylang ylang, which are finally rounded out with heliotrope, vanilla and white musk notes. As soon as you bring the candle close to your nose, you'll detect the dominant guava note and feel like you're in a tropical paradise. As much as I wanted to be skeptical about the idea of scents that interpreted color schemes, I have to say I'm starting to become a believer. After all, this was my favorite candle and I have a bright red couch with a painting above it that has blue, green and yellow colors. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it's enough to make me wonder!

Next, there's the Earth Tone candle, which smells like dark chocolate. Technically, the candle contains notes of mahogany, sandalwood and dark chocolate against a backdrop of patchouli, cedarwood and vanilla, but you'll really smell the chocolate note above all else. Chocolate seems like an obvious olfactory interpretation for earth hues, but it does work nicely. I do wish, however, that some of the woody notes were a bit more prevalent here. Still, when the aroma of dark chocolate fills the room, there's a sensuality and a warmth created that's very alluring.

The Gray Tone candle is centered on the crisp, refreshing scent of mint. A floral bouquet of fressia, cyclamen, jasmine and muguet, along with notes of amber, clean musk, and hints of citrus, give the scent a more feminine sensibility, but the guiding note here is definitely mint, so it's perfect for those who want to create a mood that's clean, crisp and simple.

The Jewel Tone candle includes such notes as sparkling orange, iced pineapple, and a citrus and berry blend, combined with amber, vanilla and sheer musk. Out of all the scents, this might be my least favorite — it made me want to cough as soon as I took a sniff. None of the notes reign supreme, which is slightly confusing since, as an end result, the scent feels a bit confused and off balance. But hey, the wonder of this collection is that it offers something for everyone.

Palettes by Tod Young, then, not only offers something to correspond to every color palette, but it speaks to each consumer's distinctive palate.

For more information, visit TodYoungInc.com

Holy Ole! -- Ole Henriksen Feel the Difference Perfecting Mask With African Red Tea

Prior to trying this product, I'd never heard of African Red Tea. Come to think of it, I'd never even heard of red tea! Green tea? Yes. Black tea? Sure. White tea? Absolutely. Herbal tea? Most definitely. But red tea? Nope. So what exactly is red tea? Well, a simple Google search (what did we ever do without Google, right?) indicates that it's a beverage made with the dried leaves of the Aspalathis linearis plant (also known as Rooibos), which is colloquially dubbed "red bush" and is indigenous to South Africa. Red tea is said to be loaded with antioxidants (particularly polyphenols), which protect the skin from free radical damage (and hence ward off visible signs of aging). Hmmm, could this be the next "it" ingredient, following on the heels of the acai and goji berries? Could be, my friends.

Ole Henriksen's Feel the Difference Perfecting Mask With African Red Tea is delectable on so many different levels. Let's start with the fact that it has a gel-like consistency and is both lightweight and clear — yes, ladies, clear. If you're big on facial masks, then you know finding a good one that isn't a revolting avocado green, muddy gray or brown-black color is a formidable feat. Seriously, the first time my toddler saw me wearing one of those Swamp Thing-esque masks, he burst into tears like I was the Boogie Woman and, as he sobbed miserably, I had to sprint to the bathroom to rinse the darned mask off, then rush to his side so he could see it really was mommy all along. But, with this mask, I can even answer the doorbell, greet the mailman or the pizza delivery guy, and not feel the least bit embarrassed. That's one point scored off the bat.

Now, let's talk about the experience itself. When you first apply the mask onto slightly damp skin, you'll notice a cooling sensation and a slight tingle — especially around those areas of your face where skin is tender and where aging signs tend to pop up (around the eyes, on the forehead, at the corners of the mouth, etc.). The cooling sensation is intense enough for you to perceive it and enjoy its soothing effect, yet subtle enough so as not to feel jarring (after all, you don't want to feel like you've stuck your head inside the freezer!). Within ten minutes, the mask should be dry and ready to be rinsed off. And here's the excellent twist: when you rinse the mask off, you'll actually feel another burst of coolness on your skin (the result of the increased oxygen flow to your skin's capillaries). When you pat your face dry, you'll notice your complexion will look brighter, smoother, and more taut.

The Feel the Difference mask contains: soothing chamomile extract; caffeine to boost circulation and hence reduce puffiness; algae extract and wheat protein to firm the skin; grapefruit and orange extracts to promote cell renewal and infuse the skin with brightening vitamin C; sweet almond oil and shea butter to hydrate; and pomegranate extract and African red tea, which have high levels of antioxidants and can promote cell renewal and protect the skin from free radicals.

Another plus: the mask has this sweet, slightly citrus-y smell that's invigorating and refreshing so that, as you wait for it to work its magic, your body and spirit feel energized too.

What can I say? I felt the difference (yes, that's a pun based on the name — I couldn't resist!).

Ole Henriksen Feel the Difference Perfecting Mask With African Red Tea, $35. Visit Sephora.com

NARS Fall 2009 Collection -- The Glitz, The Shine, The Shimmer

 

 

My love of Nars Cosmetics is epic. I remember searching for the perfect shade of red lipstick years ago and finally stumbling upon their Jungle Red lipstick — that was a "Eureka!" moment like no other. A few months later, I scoured beauty stores for a pink lipstick that wasn't too precious, that had a bit of edge, and I found Klute, a frosty lilac pink that lights up your whole face. I could go on and on about similar moments, but you atch my drift. Nevertheless, it should come as no surprise that, when it comes to Nars, I expect quality and innovation. As I assessed their Fall 2009 collection, then, I was most anxious to try out the Silk Road eyeshadow duo (pictured at top), the Mekong eyeshadow (pictured second from top), and the Damage lipstick (not pictured above— for the sake of clarity, let me reiterate that the image above is of a much lighter shade and that, for a better idea of the shade, you should refer to the swatch below).

What surprised me most about these shades is how different they look when you apply them. The Damage lipstick almost looks like a terracotta shade with pink undertones but, when you glide it on skin, you'll see that it's more of a mauve-ish grape color (scroll down to view a swatch of the shade). It's a gorgeous, versatile shade, but it is rather different from what you might have expected. For me, it was a pleasant surprise as the resulting shade captures the icy glamour of winter.

I also liked the Mekong shadow, a dusty, dark espresso brown with gold speckles. It's important to note, however, that the shade is considerably darker on the skin than it appears in the packaging. On the skin, it looks almost black and has a sooty quality to it (see the swatch below). Still, the gold speckles add just the right amount of shimmer without making you look like a disco queen.

The Silk Road Eyeshadow Duo probably packed the most surprises. While, in the packaging, the lighter shade looks like a semi-matte beige shade, on the skin, the color looks like an ethereal,golden pink with snow-like microparticles that add a heavy dose of shimmer. The accompanying shade, meanwhile, looks like a rose gold color saturated with gold speckles when applied on the skin. Both shades are lovely and complement each other well but, due to the heavy amount of shimmer, you may want to consider integrating a matte shade as a base when creating a really elaborate look. 

Below, you'll find swatches of these shades, as well as a photo of a simple look I created with them.

Silk Road Eyeshadow Duo:

Mekong Single Eyeshadow:

Damage Lipstick:

Finished Look:

To create this look, I applied the lighter shade of the Silk Road duo along my lids and brow bone, then layered the darker shade atop, focusing only on my lids. Next, I applied the Mekong shade to the outer half of my lids. Once I'd blended the shades together, I finished off the look by using an eyeliner brush and applying the Mekong shadow along my upper and lower lash lines. Finally, I applied the Damage lipstick (can't neglect the lips, right?).

 

Nars Silk Road Eyeshadow Duo, $32; Nars Mekong Single Eyeshadow, $22; Nars Damage Lipstick, $24. Available at NarsCosmetics.com and Sephora.com

The Beloved Ingenue of Luxury Handbags: Khirma Eliazov

The greatest fashion editors go beyond reporting on the latest trends and actually take the initiative to set trends of their very own. Think about Anna Wintour's chic bob and oversize sunglasses or André Leon Talley's outlandish outfits (which have included capes with abstract prints, turbans, and coats with embellished lapels, among other madness). Khirma Eliazov, a former accessories market editor at Vogue, Teen Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, understands this concept perfectly. Rather than just inspire other budding fashionistas with her personal style, she is gifting us with a line of inimitable luxury handbags that stand out from the fray with their whimsical silhouettes, Park-Avenue-goes-Art-Deco designs, and trademark stingray patterns.

Handbag styles ranging from the Mignonne Pouch (pictured above) to the Rojika Saddlebag were an instant success at the Khirma Eliazov pre-trunk show at Henri Bendel during New York Fashion Week and at the Coterie Sole Commerce expo. After such a dazzling debut, Khirma Eliazov has sashayed into such high-end stores as Henri Bendel (where the bags will be available starting Nov. 15th), Milk in West Hollywood, Curve in NYC and LA, Diavolina in LA. Prices range from $150 for a small wallet to $1500 for a large handbag.