SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Get The Scoop On Cyber Monday Sales!

Can't fathom standing in line at a store again after all the Black Friday? You don't have to! Get the party started today without ever stopping your Party Bingo round or even leaving your desk chair thanks to these great Cyber Monday deals. This is just a small sampling of what web retailers have to offer, but I think they'll go far in bring a smile to your shopaholic faces ;)

 

 

Today only, visit TarteCosmetics.com and get 40% off your purchase with the code CYBERMON9 — plus, you'll get a free Paul & Holly Double-Ended lipgloss and free shipping. Score!

 

Need to stock up on some sexy but comfy undies? Then visit Eberjey.com and get 20% off your purchase with the code CyberMonday. The offer is valid until 11:59 PM EST.

In addition to Shu Uemura's 20% discount on purchases of $50 or more (which is valid through Dec. 1st with the promo code WISH09), customers shopping at ShuUmeura-USA.com can also receive 7 deluxe-sized samples with purchases of $125 or more. The deluxe items include a Mesh Bag, Mini Gloss, Brightening Cream, Red:Juvenus Intense Vitalizing Concentrate, Pleasure of Japanese Bath in Hinoki, Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O, Deep Sea Water Mist in Chamomile, and Powder Foundation (all of which are pictured above). That means, today only, customers can enjoy the 20% discount, plus receive these 7 samples, and free shipping with the promotion code WISHDELUXE09.

 

Use the offer code VSSAVE20 at VictoriasSecret.com and save 20% off your order! The promotion is only valid today and excludes goods from Ugg and Frye, as well as the Miraculous Push-Up Bra and the 2009 Harlequin Fantasy Bra.

Need to add some oomph to your curly mane? Enjoy the Buy 1, Get 1 Free offer currently available at MissJessies.com. The offer is available through Dec. 31st, but why dilly-dally when it comes to such a good score?

 

If you spend $100 or more at Endless.com today, you'll save $30 on your purchase. No code is required, so just log on and shop away!

 

Today only, get a free 4-piece gift with any $50 order at Prescriptives.com. The gift includes travel-sized samples of the All Clean Fresh Foaming Cleanser, Instant Gratification Renewal Peel, Super Line Preventor Xtreme, and Super Line Preventor Xtreme Lifting Concentrate. You'll also get free shipping in addition to this gift. Use the code CYBER9 at Prescriptives.com

 

 

MAC Dazzleglass Creme Collection -- Razzle Dazzling!

Though MAC Cosmetics' Dazzleglass Creme collection hit shelves in October, to me, it seemed best suited for the holiday season  — especially given how much sparkle these creamy, luscious lip losses pack. So I admit: I've been holding out on you for a little bit, but only so that I could showcase this collection wen you'd appreciate the most. The festive range of lip glosses includes barely-there pinks, fiery oranges, bright fuchsias, and much more. I had the chance to try out four of the shades in the collection: Amorous, Luscious Spark, My Favourite Pink, and Soft Dazzle.  Below, you'll find photos of each, along with swatches, and descriptions of these. Trust me: they're poppin' and boppin'.

 

 
MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Amorous, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

A passionate cranberry red loaded with tons of sparkle, this is the lip gloss you'd want to wear at a holiday party, right before stepping beneath some mistletoe and puckering up for a sweet kiss (or maybe it's the lipstick you'd wear when kissing those naughty color copies at the office shindig — whatever floats your boat!).

Check out how it looks on the lips:

 

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Perfectly Unordinary, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

I'll admit that I was a bit apprehensive about trying on this color because, in the tube, it looks like the color of Pink Panther's fur. Fortunately, when you apply it on the lips, it transforms into a more subtle, carnation pink hue that's actually as delicious as pink frosting. Oddly enough, one of the colors I was hesitating to try on, ended up ranking among my faves!

Check out how it looks on my lips:

 

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Luscious Spark, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

When you look at this lip gloss shade in the packaging, your mind might wander from everything to Halloween decorations to campfires and tropical fish. Once I applied it on the lips, all my mental references turned to fiery phenomena — from fireplaces to rivulets of lava. Simply put, this shade sizzles. It does have an orange tint to it, but it's not so overwhelming as to make your lips look the color traffic cones. Instead, it livens up that pout with just the right amount of lip gloss fireworks.

Here's how it looks on the lips:

 

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Soft Dazzle, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

Out of all the glosses I tried, this is probably the most muted. It's an innocent pink with tons of shine (the pearly quality is accentuated here since the base color is so very faint). If you like understated makeup or are looking for a very natural, pink-nude shade, this might just do the trick.

Here's how it looks on the lips:

OTHER COLORS IN THE COLLECTION

I didn't get a chance to try all of these shades, but I wanted you to see the entire range of products, so take a look at some of the other Dazzleglass Creme hues available!

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Sublime Shine, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Do It Up, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in My Favorite Pink, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass Creme in Allure, $18. Visit MACcosmetics.com

Christi Harris Precision Brow Planing System -- Wow or Whoa?

Back in college, my friend T gave me a crash course on eyebrows. Up to that point, I'd been having my eyebrows waxed, but I hadn't bothered to go to any brow specialist — I'd been getting them done in the back room at the same nail salon where I got my acrylic nail fill-ins (yes, I sure did have acrylics back in the day! lol). Needless to say, there was no real science to how they removed the hair from my brow area, and so, while my brows were groomed, they were also relatively shapeless. T told me that perfectly arched eyebrows could really change the entire mathematics of my face, bringing out my eyes and framing my features. So when my brows started looking unruly and T volunteered to pluck them, I decided to let her work her magic — and I was stunned. She took those amorphous strips of hair and sculpted them, giving them a nice arch that made my eyes pop and helped to slim my face. After that point, I was obsessed with brows.

Of course, there's an art to tweezing — it's like tugging at a loose thread in a sweater in that, if you pull the wrong strand, the whole thing might just fall apart. If you get a bit excitable and overdo it, you'll wind up with brows the size of angel hair pasta. If you pluck wrong hair, you'll wind up with unseemly bald spots. So how do you know which hairs can go and which can stay? How do you work that arch? It's perplexing. And sure, you can go to a brow guru, but you'll wind up shelling out at least $100 a month — and, as much as you might love those brows, those prices are just obscene.

So what to do? Well, Dallas native Christi Harris, a former model and eyebrow expert, is hoping she can teach women how to sculpt their own brows from the comfort of their homes using her Precision Brow Planing System kit, pictured above.The central component is the Precision Brow Planer, a handy tool with a straight blade tip and a curved handle. If you place the blade above the brow, so that it's in a horizontal position vis-a-vis your brow, and you press it flat against the skin and move it downward in a steady movement, you can trim the area atop your brow to create a smooth line. Now, when you're tweezing, you're told never to touch the hairs on the top part of the brow because plucking the wrong one can have disastrous results, but with the Planer, you can groom this area — a it's pretty uncanny how much cleaner of a silhouette it yields. Now, to get the stray hairs sprouting up along the brow bone, you place the Planer right under your brow, flat against the skin, holding the tool at a 45-degree angle and moving it inward, guiding it in the opposite direction of the hair growth.

In essence, you're shaving the area along the brows, but the blade was cleverly designed, so the chances of cutting yourself are pretty slim (trust me: I'm a clumsy fool, and I'm pretty sure I would've had a tragic accident already if the Planer posed any real danger). It takes a minute to really get the hang of it (I kept having to remind myself to hold the Planer at a 45-degree angle because, otherwise, it's hard to maneuver the tool along the brow bone) but, once you do, it's a breeze. And the good part about it is that you don't have to tolerate any stubble as you would with waxing and tweezing, where you have to wait a certain amount of time in order for the hair to be long enough to pull it from the root. I was a bit concerned about ingrown hairs since that's been a big problem for me in the past but, so far, I have no complaints.

Now, the Precision Brow Planer is only one part of the Precision Brow Planing System. The kit also includes the following tools: Diffuser/Refiner brush (one side is a spiral brow brush while the other is a fan-shaped shadow brush), a Contour brush (for applying shadow along the outer "V" of your eye and along the crease), and a Designer/Definer brush (one side is an eyeshadow brush with an angled tip and the other is a stiffer brush meant for stippling). The tools are meant to be used with the Color Blend Trio, Adda Brow, and Diffusing Powder Duo. The Color Blend Trio is precisely that: three pigments ranging from a creamy, dark brown to a khaki-like color and a lighter, dirty sand hue. The idea is to use these shades to match the color of your brows, so that you can fill in any gaps you may have, as well as extend the brow as needed. Harris includes a pamphlet explaining where your eyebrows should ideally begin and end, where the arch should be placed, and how to obtain a symmetrical shape, and she recommends using the Color Blend Trio to accomplish this feat. The next step is to create a sense of texture so that the brows don't look painted on but, instead, have a more natural look. The Adda Brow deposits fibers that allegedly yield a hair-like appearance, so you're asked to take the Definer end of the Designer/Definer brush and stipple (use quick, dart-like motions) the Adda Brow into any areas that were filled in.   Once you've gotten the desired look and shape, Harris recommend using the Diffuser end of the Diffuser/Refiner brush (which is, in essence, a fan brush) and applying some of the Diffusing Powder Duo to set the colors and lighten the area overall.

So what are my thoughts on the kit as a whole? Well, I had the pleasure of meeting Harris and having her give me a brow consultation, and I was pretty impressed with what she managed to do with the kit's contents. I was curious to see if I could even begin to replicate the look at home. Sadly, I have yet to master the art — even after watching several video tutorials and studying the kit's pamphlet as if it were an LSAT prep book. The Brow Planer is a nifty tool, and I think anyone can appreciate this component, but I'm not too sold on the Color Blend Trio and the Adda Brow. The Adda Brow, in my opinion, is the most challenging aspect of the kit. As much as I tried to stipple and blend, I found that, when I extended my brows, it looked faker than a three dollar bill — as if I'd applied some Dracula-like Halloween makeup. Not cute. It did help to fill in small bald spots within the brow, but extending and thickening the brows proved way trickier. Personally, I'm gonna stick with the Brow Planer and probably pass on the rest.

Christi Harris Precision Brow Planing System, $39.95. Visit ChristiHarris.com

In Chill Mode? Just Unwind And Watch These DVDs!

Overjoyed that you finally get some time to lay back, gin-and-juice style? Then take a day or two to free your mind of any work-related worries, put the house work aside, and concentrate on QT with your family (or maybe some much needed "me" time). And what better way to unwind than to curl up on the couch and pop in some good DVDs? Here, a look at some new releases you might enjoy.

The Taking of Pelham 123, $15.99 at Amazon.com

In theory, this movie should be an absolute home run. Denzel Washington and John Travolta together? A hijacked train? A villain with a sense of humor? Check, check and check. Like most good action movies, this one starts out with a bang, quickly bringing in the suspense as an armed team of hijackers infiltrate a New York City subway train, isolate a single car (watching them pull off this feat is actually quite interesting) and begin bargaining with subway station officials, the police, and even the mayor's office, demanding that they receive a $10 million sum in exchange for not harming the subway passengers.

Travolta plays Ryder, the lead hijacker, who possesses an uncanny understanding of currency, trading, and the banking system (you learn why as they movie unfolds). Though magnetic, Travolta does overact a bit in this role — he seems to pick up where he left off in Face/Off and Swordfish and crank up the volume on the manic and over-the-top aspects of these characters. Denzel, meanwhile, plays Walter Garber, a subway dispatcher who happens to be on duty when the hijacking occurs. In the process of communicating with Ryder, the two develop a rapport, so that Ryder refuses to negotiate or communicate with anyone else — it's certainly note the first time we've seen this type of dynamic (The Negotiator comes to mind), but it seems a bit forced here, given that Garber doesn't have the power to control Ryder's fate in any way. Instead, the screenwriters and director want us to believe that Garber feels a kinship with Ryder due to a series of events that unfolded in the dispatcher's own professional life (he was demoted during an investigation into whether or not he took a bribe from a foreign train manufacturer).

And though the movie does take a turn towards ludicrousness about three quarters of the way through, it does manage to entertain. If you live in NYC or are intimately familiar with the subway system, just try to suspend belief  – if you analyze every detail about the hijacking, the passengers' conduct, the dispatchers' actions, etc., you'll find plenty of unbelievable bits. But if you just let yourself enjoy the ride, well, you just might.

The Ugly Truth, $14.99. Available at Amazon.com

The chick flick genre is alive and kicking, my friends. The Ugly Truth pairs Katherine Heigl and sexy Gerard Butler (of 300 fame) in an "opposites attract" tale where two people who originally despise each other wind up head over heels. Sure, it's one of the most predictable plot lines in the history of romantic comedies (When Harry Met Sally, 10 Things I Hate About You, Someone Like You, Something's Gotta Give, etc., etc.) but, then, we don't exactly seek cliffhangers and unexpected endings in chick flicks — we want the characters to fall in love and live happily ever after. The important thing, then, is whether the actors display on-screen chemistry, whether the dialogue is pithy and quirky enough, and whether there is enough pushing-and-pulling to keep the plot spicy and sexy.

And The Ugly Truth hits all these marks. Heigl is adorable as a neurotic, control freak TV producer who dreams of a chivalrous, respectful, successful man, but who has absolutely no idea how to catch the attention of any such man. Butler, meanwhile, is her Achilles' Thorn — a TV personality who offers women "the ugly truth" about how men think and feel (which often involves really crass and crude hypotheses). When he's brought on to her network and the two are forced to work together, sparks fly — but only due to the massive friction. But things take a turn when he makes a deal with her: he will show her how to snag the man she's been eying by solely using his methods and, if the project proves successful, she will agree to work harmoniously with him; if the project fails, however, he will resign and forever leave her life. Watching Heigl's naiveté start to fade away as she becomes cognizant of the truth of Butler's words is funny (at time riotously so), and Buter quickly wins you over as you start to see the more sensitive, hidden side of his personality. And don't all women crave a man who is a brute on the outside but a total softie on the inside?

 

Ugly Betty Season 3, $41.49 at Amazon.com

In Season 3, Betty is ready to make some major changes in her life. She's dumped Henry and Gio, and she's now moving into an apartment in Manhattan (how she can afford such a spacious crib on an assistant's salary is a complete mystery, but that's another issue altogether). This season is a complete roller coaster -- filled with some near-perfect episodes and others that fall way, way, way short. If anything, the season gives us an indication of how confused the writers and producers are in terms of the direction in which they should take the show.

The plots about Faye's mysterious death, Bradford's affair, and Claire's murderous actions have all been exhausted so, now, it's time to find new sources of drama. Sure, Wilhelmina does continue to scheme to take over Meade (blackmailing Christina into being the surrogate mother of her turkey baste kid, which she cooked up by extracting some sperm from Bradford's corpse — no, seriously), but when her ploys begin to falter, the writers seem lost as to what exactly to do with her character. The love affair she entertains this season, for one, is supposed to expose us to a different side of Wilhelmina — but, in the end, we crave the calculating, ice queen, the diva who takes no prisoners. Daniel, meanwhile, finds love in the most unexpected of places and begins to show a more adult, responsible side (though still dull as can be). Perhaps the most disappointing part of this season for me was Hilda's character and how little the writers did with her character.

Plucky Betty keeps trying to work her way to the top while maintaining a positive attitude and abiding by her moral compass — which is starting to get mighty tired by this point. We appreciate Betty's sense of right and wrong but it would be nice if, every so often, she'd actually trip up and make an error in judgment.

On the positive side, the two-episode ark guest starring Lindsay Lohan as Betty's high school rival, who winds up working at Mode and trying to sabotage Betty, was sheer genius. The weakest episodes, meanwhile, involve Betty's editorial internship program and the ridiculous season finale when Betty lands a promotion that's the publishing equivalent of going from candy-striper to surgeon.

The Proposal, $22.99 at Amazon.com

Who would've expected Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock to have such a great chemistry? And yet they do. Bullock gives a brilliant but understated performance as Margaret, a powerful book editor who is in danger of being deported back to her native Canada and who, hence, bullies her ambitious assistant Andrew (Reynolds) to marry her so that she can become a citizen. Though playing along could possibly land him in jail, Andrew worries that, if his intolerable boss leaves, he too will be fired, and so he begrudgingly agrees to move forward with the sham marriage.

With immigration officials on their trail, the "couple" has to act quickly — and the first step is introducing Margaret to Andrew's family in Alaska and hoping that they believe their romance to be true (otherwise they would be accomplices). Since Andrew and Margaret know barely anything about one another, their weekend excursion winds up being a crash course on what makes them tick.

Though Bullock typically plays girl-next-door, free-spirited characters with boisterous personalities, she excels in this role, as a powerful but repressed and socially awkward woman. Reynolds, meanwhile,  flexes his comedic muscle here — which is particularly impressive given that his character is so subservient to Bullock's character that he can't fully express his contempt for her and, instead, must rely on irony, sarcasm, and subtle facial expressions to release his frustration. What makes the movie most fun is how, even as they conspire to pull off this faux marriage, they still subtly take jabs at one another, pouncing on any opportunity to potentially embarrass the other — until, that is, the lie they'd been perpetrating becomes real.

TOUS H2O EcoChic Fragrance — Easy Breezy

When I first looked at the bottle of the new TOUS H20 fragrance, I was reminded of the Davidoff Cool Water Woman eau de toilette — both bottles are a resplendent aquamarine hue and both boast rounded shapes (the Cool Water bottle has a subtle pear-like shape, while the TOUS H20 bottle is shaped like a raindrop). The TOUS H2O bottle, however, is more striking, thanks to the faceted crystal (the Cool Water bottle is made of smooth glass), the pyramid shaped cap (which finishes off the droplet shape) and the golden tag dangling from it. And here's an interesting fact: this stunning bottle is made of 25% recycled crystal and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

The similarities between Cool Water Woman and TOUS H2O don't end with the aesthetic properties of their respective bottles. Both fragrances are meant to create a sense of freedom and carefree living, the type of sentiments we associate with the ocean waters and tropical beaches. Both, then, open with crisp citrus notes, then giving way to floral hearts. But while Cool Water Woman opens with top notes of citrus, quince, black currant, pineapple, honeydew, lotus blossom, and water lily notes, then moving on to mid notes of mayross, jasmine and muguet, TOUS H20 relies on a different combination of citrus and floral notes.

Developed by perfumer Sonia Constant, TOUS H2O features top notes of organic lemon, organic lavender, rose, jasmine, mandarin, and ginger, as well as base notes of amber, cedar, and Australian sandalwood (from a sustainably developed source). The result is a fragrance that's clean and fresh, sparkling and invigorating. For me, the citrus notes have the biggest impact here, since they add to the watery freshness of the scent.

Dubbed an "ecochic" fragrance, TOUS H2O features several ECOCERT-approved components, such as the organic lemon and lavender notes, and is packaged in a way that reflects an awareness of the need for environmentally sound practices. In addition to the recyclable glass bottle, the fragrance's packaging was made using materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Most importantly, TOUS partnered with Itermon Oxfam, vowing to donate a portion of the fragrance's sales to the organization, which helps to provide drinkable water to people living in Third World countries.

TOUS H2O Eau de Toilette, $71.10 for 100 ml bottle, $56.70 for 50ml bottle, and $40.50 for 30ml bottle. Available at Tous-Shop.com

Happy Thanksgiving! Give Thanks, Eat Up, And Get Ready For Black Friday Shopping

Happy Thanksgiving, my lovely readers! Today, as I reflect on all the blessings in my life and all the things for which I am so very grateful, all of you come to mind. I'm thankful for each and every single one of you!

Now, I know you want the scoop on shopping alternatives for tomorrow. Like me, the mere thought of venturing outside, vying for parking outside a mall, and dealing with shrieking, shoving crowds, might just make you want to pop a couple of Aleves. Fortunately, you don't have to deal with all the madness — the key is to gather up Intel on the best online deals for Back Friday so that you can stay home, nurse your hangover, and stay cozy in your PJs.

Here, a look at some of the greatest Black Friday events in Cyberspace.

Nine West is offering up to 50% off on select styles, such as these Jawbreaker boots, which are regularly priced at $149 and are now available for $74.50. To check out more of the sale items, visit NineWest.com

This online promotion literally has me counting the hours!! As a special thank you to its loyal customers, Zoya is offering them six FREE green nail lacquers (Envy, Irene, Tangy, Midori, Suvi and Veruschka) with any purchase of $20 or more. The "Green Friday" promotion begins today at 5 p.m. ET and expires tomorrow, November 27th at p.m. ET. To enjoy the deal, make sure to enter the promo code GREENFRIDAY at checkout. Visit Zoya.com

Tulle's coats are so adorable that they'll perk up any wardrobe, and their blouses, skirts, and dresses make for great staples. Starting on Friday, enjoy savings of 50% on all items on Tulle4Us.com — and free ground shipping.

I've been lusting after a Mackage coat all season. From high funnel collars to belted details, zippers, and sumptuous wool and leather fabrics, Mackage coats have this rebellious spirit, like high fashion meets the apocalypse, that's just sinfully fabulous. From Nov. 27th through Nov. 30th, enjoy savings of up to 40% on Mackage.com

Hayden-Harnett is kicking the festivities off early, with an in-store and online sale that opens today, November 26th and lasts through the 29th. Enjoy savings of 30% off on handbags, 40% off on apparel, and 20% off small accessories from their fall/winter collection. Visit HaydenHarnett.com

Can't get enough of Anna Sheffield's Bing Bang line? Now is your chance to snatch up one of her pieces at 30% off. The sale starts on Nov. 27th at midnight and lasts for 24 hours. Visit AnnaSheffield.com

You have to love Endless.com! Starting today, you can save 30% off on full-price boots and slippers for women, men, and kids. So, if you're still looking for that perfect pair of warm weather boots (or the perfect knee-high black boots, which is an elusive quest for me), this might be a great opportunity for you. Visit Endless.com

Lucky Brand is feeling mighty generous for Black Friday! Throughout the weekend (11/27-11/29), customers at Lucky Brand retail stores and at LuckyBrand.com can enjoy this fabulous promotion, whereby when they purchase one item, they can get a second item (of equal or lesser value) for 50% off the regular price. Visit LuckyBrand.com

Eidia Lush allows you to create a customized pair of heels using a vast array of fabric patterns that speak to many different styles and personalities. On Friday, you can get 25% off your order when you enter the code ELBLACKFRIDAY at checkout — and, if you follow Eidia Lush on Twitter, you might just learn about a giveaway or two! Visit EidiaLush.com

Holiday Gift Guide Part 2: For The Girl Whose Style Icon Is Aeon Flux

We all dream of kickin' ass and takin' names — whether it's as Catwoman, Lara Croft, Aeon Flux, La Femme Nikita or Fox (Angelina Jolie's character in the band-of-assassins flick, Wanted). And, of course, part of these fantasies infiltrate our fashion and beauty sensibilities, as we gravitate towards all-back wardrobes, tons of sleek leather, thick chains, smokey eyes, and studded cuffs, belts, and bags. If you're shopping for a family member or friend with a dark, slightly goth, rocker-influenced, daring, and aggressive yet luxurious sense of style, take a look at some gift ideas that would top her very own "most wanted" list.

DANNIJO Tali Cuff, $345. Available at Dannijo.com

When it comes to jewelry, an Aeon Flux type of gal will opt for something strong but slightly sinister -- such as this tall, oxidized, silver-plated cuff from Dannijo (one of my absolute favorite jewelry lines), which is covered in Swarovski crystals in black, clear, rose and purple hues.

 

Dolce Vita Flash Bootie, $189.95. Visit Endless.com

When stylish females get ready to rumble, they have to put on the proper footwear — which, apparently, involves black leather boots, preferably with platforms, spiked heels, or chain embellishments (think of the fight scenes in the film version of Charlie's Angels). These Dolce Vita booties feature thick, gold chains for an old-school hip-hop flavor that adds yet another bit of toughness to the design.

Anna Sheffield Edith Rope Link Ring, $736. Available at AnnaSheffield.com

Bad girls (or crime-fighting good girls) always stock up on knuckle rings, chains, and ropes — just in case any skirmishes arise. This Anna Sheffield ring has the movement of a real-life rope being twisted, turned, and made to move like a venomous snake ready to attack its prey.

Qi Cashmere Give Back Sweater, $370. Available at QiCashmereShop.com

No girl can wear black all the time (hey, even Angelina throws in some color from time to time). Add some whimsy to the wardrobe of the urban warrior in your life with this comfy cashmere and wool graphic sweater. It kind of reminds me of Jenny Humphrey's style on Gossip Girl -- edgy and downtown chic.

 

Zoya Matte Velvet Loredana Polish, $7. Visit ArtofBeauty.com

The Mrs. Smith in your life isn't particularly keen on technicolor nails. When this gal gets a manicure, she keeps her nails short and opts for a dark, sobering polish, such as this steely gray, which has an impeccable matte finish.

Ali Ro Sequin Boyfriend Blazer, $325. Available at Big Drop stores. Visit BigDropNYC.com for info.

Remember Alicia Keys' assassin character in Smokin' Aces, Georgia Sykes? Well, if there's one fashion lesson we've learned from female assassins and action stars, it's this: both your work clothes and your off-duty clothes, need to be edgy, figure-hugging, and glam. Pair Ali Ro's sequin blazer with some liquid black leggings, tailored trousers or ruched black pants, and come-hither pumps, and you've got yourself a red carpet ready Angelina Jolie or Victoria Beckham look — and, in case you haven't noticed, both ladies have a "killer" sense of style.

 

OTTE Fingerless Chain Gloves, $125. Visit OTTEny.com

This lady approaches fashion like a Mission Impossible assignment could arise at any moment — and, in order to properly execute it, she'll need to keep those fingers free. Fingerless gloves, then, are the way to go — besides, ever since the Michael Jackson "Bad" video (RIP to the King of Pop), they've been synonymous with coolness.

Suzi Roher Style #5465 Belt, $505. Available at SuziRoher.com

The "Bad" video comes to mind yet again as I regard this wide belt from Suzi Roher, which features: a strand of square, pyramid shaped, metal studs; a second strand of opaque stones and domed, pearl-like metal shapes;  a third strand of dog tag-shaped metallic plates with flowers etched on them; an a final strand of domed, pearly metal studs. How can you be hard-edged without the proper hardware?

 
Paige Novick Neptune Cuff, $460. Available at Zoe in Brooklyn, NY and ShopZoeOnline.com. For more information, visit PaigeNovick.com.

If you saw someone wearing this cuff, with its elaborate, interlocking chain strands, would you want to aggravate them? Enough said! Perfect jewelry choice for an in-your-face look.

DSquared2 DQ0031-01A Sunglasses, $395. Available at select Saks Fifth Avenue locations.

To create the perfect air of mystery, an Aeon Flux-influenced lady needs some vamp-y dark shades. These DSquared2 sunglasses, with their black acrylic frames and golden arms and bridge, strike the perfect balance between sinister and chic.

Hayden-Harnett Farrow Wide Cuff in Grape, $144. Visit HaydenHarnett.com

This cuff's purple hue is a nice change from all the black, and its cool, gray-ish undertones help to bring out the metallic vertical strips, which have a nice rigged edge thanks to the miniature screw details along the corners.

Rock & Republic Nivalla Shoulder Tote, $305. Available at RevolveClothing.com

A foxy urban warrior is not unlike a Girl Scout in that she needs to be prepared for any situation that may arise — and that means packing her handbag with more than just the bare necessities. A roomy bag, then, is key if she's gonna survive in the concrete jungle, and this Rock & Republic tote will have her more prepared than Dora with her Backpack.

Profound Beauty Arctic Straight Kit, $49. Available at ProfoundBeauty.com

Most female assassin characters wear their hair pin-straight, with choppy bangs and blunt edges. Nikita? Check. Aeon Flux? Check. This 3-piece kit will help you achieve this look. The Profound Beauty HUSH Time-Out Treatment helps to smooth the hair out and eliminate any existing frizz, while the STYLIST Linear Serum will protect your hair from any hot tools and keep it straight and sleek. Finally, the ATMOSPHERE Arctic Chill compresses hair fibers, reducing overall volume, for a very controlled look.

Jee Vice Witty Sunglasses in Black with Grey to Rose Fade Lenses, $300. Available at JeeVice.com

Perfect for going incognito, the Jee Vice Witty shades create a dramatic look with the black frames and the grayish rose-tinted lenses. Remember: mystery is key to pulling off any Aeon Flux-influenced look!

NYX Cosmetics Smokey Look Kit, $8. Available at NYXcosmetics.com

Can you imagine the X-Men's Storm wearing rosy pastels on her lids? Uhm, no. It's all about smoky eyes — and this kit makes it a breeze to pull off the look, with various gradations of gray, black, white, and silver. The kit also comes with two lipgloss hues in a pale pink and a peachy nude, to help you balance out the heavier makeup along the eye area.

ABS One Shoulder Knit Dress dress, $196. Available at ChickDowntown.com

This dress just screams danger — from its curve-hugging fit, to the one-shoulder silhouette that plays up your collarbones and muscular arms, to the liquid look of the black material. It's like Nikita's trademark dress but with a much more modern sensibility.

 

Kimberly Baker Daria Earrings, $165. Visit KimberlyBaker.com

From the pebbled silver backdrop to the sightly amorphous golden drops arranged vertically along the teardrop-shape, these two-toned earrings have a medieval vibe to them that makes them all the more intriguing.

LNA Black Zipper Leggings, $99. Available at ChickDowntown.com

Any Aeon Flux-esque female must be able to crawl, creep, climb, pounce, kick, crouch, and run with agility, flexibility and grace. Any pants that might constrict her movements, then, are simply unacceptable. With LNA's black leggings, she'll be able to perform any acrobatic feat — and the zipper detailing will keep her sense of style unscathed.

Paige Novick Clara Earrings, $425. Available at The Gallerie in Aspen, CO.

These earrings look like gorgeous meteorite fragments or shattered pieces of mirrored glass protruding out of jagged rocks — they're just out-of-this-world gorgeous!

Ariel Gordon Stack House Ring, $225. Available at ArielGordonJewelry.com

This woman isn't one for subtleties — and neither is her jewelry. Even when shopping for a more "sensible" piece, this woman wants it to pack some "pow!" and this Ariel Gordon ring manages to do precisely that, with six stacked bands and a strip along the side decorated with circular onyx stones.

 

Treesje Jovi Cross Body, $368. Available at RevolveClothing.com

This busy girl needs to always keep her arms free, and a fanny pack is way too frumpy for her. So why not gift her with a cross body bag that fuses together style and substance? With its multiple zippers and stud details, the Treesje Jovi bag is function at its finest. 

 

Sephora Complete Starter Brush Set, $45. Available a Sephora.com

Pulling off those smoky eyes is no easy feat, my friends. To get the look right, you need the appropriate brushes for the job. Fortunately, Sephora's Complete Starter Brush Set includes everything a gal needs to put her best face forward: Powder Blush, Stippling brush (to diffuse powder and create a more eve finish), Concealer brush, Fan brush (to apply just a touch of bronzer or blush); Eyeshadow brush, Angled Eyeshadow brush (to get right in that crease), Smudge Brush (so you can diffuse eyeliner and create a sultry smokey eye), a Lip Liner, a Pointed Liner (for use with gel or liquid eyeliners), and a Brow Comb/Brush.

 

Pretty Little Thing Mix Metal Earrings, $78, and Mix Metal Medium Necklace, $185. Visit PLTNYC.com

I always joke that I'm the Puerto Rican queen of sauciness, but jewelry designer Lirany Vasquez might have me beat! The woman behind the amazin'-mazin' (word to Kanye) line Pretty Little Thing just unveiled a new collection, Urban Safari, that features all the necessary accoutrements for shielding your warrior self in the most exquisite of armor.

 

Kimberly Baker Bianca Ring, $150. Available at KimberlyBaker.com

Though it looks like a double-finger ring, Kimberly Baker's Bianca ring is just one sassy single lady (cue Beyoncé song). It's amazing how far a single line of pyramid-shaped studs will do, isn't it?

glo Skincare Metallic gloEYE Pencil Trio, $22. Visit gloSkincare.com

Any urban warrior loves steel, iron, and any other metals she encounters. So why not add a bit of that sheen to her eyes with the gloEye Pencil Trio? These miniature liners make for a perfect stocking stuffer.

Dannijo Biker Cuff, $275 each. Available at Dannijo.com

They might be called "Biker Cuffs", but these Dannijo bracelets are way too fly for a Sons of Anarchy episode. But they definite work for someone like Charli Baltimore (Geena Davis' character in The Long Kiss Goodnight, not the washed-up female rapper).

Bare Minerals Lustworthy Lips & Lashes, $15. Available at Beauty.com

What man doesn't like a woman who can dominate him a bit? And if that lady can bat her lashes and pucker her lips seductively, well, she'll have everyone wrapped around her fierce little finger.

 

Curations With Stefani Greenfield Studded Tote/Hobo, $115. Visit HSN.com

Zippers, studs and drawstrings -- need I say more? Didn't think so!

Zina Beverly Hills Dune Bracelet, $135. Available at ZinaBeverlyHills.com

The "Dune" name seems appropriate for this bracelet, which has a slightly weathered, armor-like look that makes it worthy of a scene on Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.  

Dannijo Chanterilli Necklace, $675. Visit Dannijo.com

Being a true femme fatale means knowing how to navigate through the most tangled of webs and embracing chaos as needed. Celebrate life's disheveled, rock-n-roll entropy with Dannijo's Chanterilli necklace.

 

Sebastian Micky Green Gift Set, $45. Available at SebastianProfessional.com

When they're not going for pin-straight hair, femme fatales go to the other extreme, opting for tons of volume a la Aunty Entity. This limited-edition kit will help you pull off the look thanks to products like the Microweb Fiber, an elastic texturizer that adds movement to the hair, as well as a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and a limited-edition T-shirt designed by pop singer Micky Green.

 

Larkspur & Hawk "Such Is Life" Ring in 22K Gold and Silver with Pink Pavé Diamonds and Lilac Enamel, $4125. Available by special order only. Visit LarkspurAndHawk.com

Part of this femme's strength comes from an understanding that life is mysterious and full of surprises. A ring bearing the words "Such Is Life," then, seems like an appropriate gift for this no-nonsense gal.

 Sally XL Scarf in Black 100% Cotton Jersey with Hand Painted White Design, $95. Available at SLoveNYC.com

Hey, even Aeon Flux get a little chilly in the winter time. Give the daring damsel in your life an extra-long black scarf to match her leather jackets, black sweaters and leggings.

 

Badgley Mischka for HSN American Glamour Beauty Faceted Round Ring, $69. Available at HSN.com

Black is the color of choice for any night watch woman. Give your vigilante vixen a bold statement ring made entirely of black crystals.

 

Pixi by Petra Smoky Eye Creator, $30. Available at Target.com

This affordable set allows you to create an updated take on the smoky eye, with a double-sided eyeshadow brush, black gel liner, volumizing mascara, and an eyeshadow quad that includes a midnight blue, metallic amethyst hie, an olive brass color, and a dark brown shade.

Christian Siriano for Payless Geneva Front Zip Boots, $49.95. Available at Payless.com

If the zipper running along the front of this boot isn't enough of a reason to adore it, then check the coquettish peep toe. Plus, the synthetic leather packs as much shine as Catwoman's jumpsuit.

 

Jee Vice Dyslexic Brown Corduroy Sunglasses, $260. Visit JeeVice.com

The brown stripes along the frame create an optical illusion that mimics the texture of corduroy, while the oversize, square shape is reminiscent of military eye shields.

 

Avon Kiss Lock Ruffle Clutch, $9.99. Available at Avon.com

The ruffles may seem a bit cha-cha for the Aeon Flux-inspired gal, but the faux croc and deep dark color add an enigmatic feel perfect for those evenings when she has to do some mingling in black tie.

 

Love Rocks NY Crack: Double Gold Ring, $800. Visit LoveRocksNY.com

For style Queen Bees, a double finger ring is akin to a championship ring. Without it, you're just not certified. And, of course, it has to be unique and draw eyes to it. This golden Love Rocks NY features a squiggly, graph-like line that hits all the right peaks.

Mighty Fine Blondie Rockin Tee, $29. Available at BoutiqueToYou.com

Like Dylan, Drew Barrymore's character in Charlie's Angels, the kickass chick in your life will likely enjoy sporting some rock-flavored tees during her down time. And who could be more worthy of a T-shirt than the risk-taking, trendsetting Blondie?
 

Anna Sheffield Emma Drop Necklace, $195. Available at AnnaSheffield.com

Doesn't that blue drop look like the type of crystal ball that movie characters touch in order to conjure up lightning storms and such? Hence its coolness.

Bib Necklaces Worth Drooling Over

For decades, loving mothers have draped cloth bibs around their babies' chests to protect their adorable, miniature garments from drool, spit-up, and the many accidents that happen during the feeding process. But, at some point, jewelry designer smartened up and decided that, if they took the silhouettes of these bibs and used them as the framework for their designs, it would be the recipe for genius (and not of the baby variety). This season, we're seeing bib necklaces fashioned out of chiffon or silk rosettes, crystal clusters, chain strands, and beaded and embroidered fabric — all of which will make you look so fab that every man who checks you out will wanna call you his "baby."

Vera Wang Moonstone Crystal Necklace, $650. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com

Rosette Bib Necklace, $98. Available at BananaRepublic.com

Alexis Bittar Ivy Bib Necklace, $675. Available at Shopbop.com

Hanging Bellflower Bib Necklace, $138. Available at Anthropologie.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Branch Bib Necklace, $220. Available at Shopbop.com

GB Couture Black Beaded Fabric Flower Necklace, $550. Available at Fragments.com

Roped Posies Necklace, $38. Available at Anthropologie.com

 

RK by Ranjana Khan Crystal-Accented Bib Neckalces, $169.90. Visit HSN.com

Urban Outfitters Studded Bib Necklace, $29.99. Available at UrbanOutfitters.com

BR Monogram Coiled Bib Necklace, $150. Available at BananaRepublic.com

Clear Gem Bib Necklace with Black Chain, $49.50. Available at Ann Taylor LOFT stores or AnnTaylorLOFT.com

 

Ranjana Khan Multi-Stone Bib Necklace, $1200. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com

 

Peacock Bib Necklace, $24.50. Available at NYandCo.com

Alice + Olivia Multi Chain Embroidered Necklace, $176. Available at Shopbop.com

Dare To Try Zoya's "Truth Or Dare" Collection

I love Zoya nail polish so much, I could come up with about a thousand different catchphrases for them -- they're all incredibly corny but, hey, the sentiment is there (think  "Zoya makes you wanna go 'holla!'" and you'll get an idea of just how bad my catchphrases would be! lol). But the point is this: once you go Zoya, you never go back. Their colors are superb, the polish actually lasts more than a heartbeat, it dries quickly and evenly — and, wonder of all wonders, the polish hues look incredibly similar to how they look in their packaging (which, if you're a varnish-loving vixen, you know is hardly ever the case). So, of course, I was curious to check out the Truth or Dare collection they unveiled last month — not only was I bewitched by the photos of the polishes, but I'll admit that I got pumped by the precocious name, which brought me back to my slumber party days (and which also reminded me of the controversial Madonna flick by that same name).

So let's get down to business. The Truth or Dare collection is divided into two parts: Truth, a collection of glossy colors (perhaps speaking to the transparency of truth or the relationship between truth and light), and Dare, a collection of darker and more mysterious shades (perhaps speaking to the naughtier connotations of this word). The Truth collection, pictured at top, features six high-shine shades in fiery reds, golds, coppers and berry hues. The colors pictured in the top image, moving clockwise from the top left, are: Kalmia, an orange hue with tons of sheen; Anaka, a purple magenta hue; Drew, a glossy, pink berry color; Salma, a spicy red wit orange undertones; Penny, a light copper color; and Isla, a passionate red hue.

Pictured below you'll see how Kalmia looks on the nails.

Now, on to the DARE collection. Again, this collection includes six hues, all of which are creamy and rich but include only a hint of gloss and barely any shimmer (except for the blue Ibiza color, which does have some sheen to it). If Truth is all about luminosity, then Dare is all about frosty, cool, intriguing hues.

The colors in the Dare collection, pictured below, are (moving clockwise from far left): Demi, a purple mauve; Ciara; a burgundy plum; Pinta, a dark violet; Envy, a somber green hue; Ibiza, a sapphire blue with just a hint of shimmer; and Vanessa, a raspberry red.

Pictured below, you'll see how the Pinta hues looks when brushed on the nails:

Next, you'll find a photo of the Vanessa hue on the nails:

So will it be "Truth" or "Dare" for you, ladies? I'll tell you this much: nobody will be labeling you boring either way you go!

Zoya's Truth or Dare collection polishes, $7 each. Visit ArtofBeauty.com

Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Eyeliners — Double the Fun!

What woman isn't on a quest for the perfect liner? Whether you're looking for something that glides on tenderly, caressing your lids so as to cause absolutely no discomfort, or you're searching for a liner that will stay in place, shimmer coquettishly with speckles of glitter, or undulate like a marker to help you create the most exquisite wings or cat eyes, there always seem to be a cavalcade of liner options — each with its own set of pluses and minuses. But how often do you find eyeliner colors that actually fascinate you, that make you do a double take?

That's what makes the Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Eyeliner pencils such a welcome addition to any woman's makeup box. Each of these liners incorporate two rich pigments that work together like cookies and milk (or peanut butter and jelly, Martin and Gina, Starsky and Hutch, Bonnie and Clyde, or any other perfect pair your imagination can muster). Each of the pigment pairings, in turn, makes for a liner with a dramatic and slightly metallic color.

Six shades are available: 59 Violet Rosé, a pink and lilac hue; 62 Brun Mordoré, a golden brown; 60 Gris Perlé, a pearly gray; 57 Noir Emraude, a dramatic green shade with black undertones; 61 Vert Doré, a light green with gold tones; and 58 Noir Bluete, and  indigo blue with dramatic black tones. I had a chance to try the first four shades mentioned and I fell head over heels for them — particularly the Violet Rosé, which works perfectly for this season, when purple tones are popping up on lids, and the Noir Emeraude, which just has this classy, jewel-like feel to it.

Pictured below, you'll find swatches of the liners, along with a photo of the Violet Rosé when applied on my eyes. Feel the rainbow, ladies!

Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Liner Swatches (from top to bottom): 57 Noir Emeraude, 60 Gris Perlé, 62 Brun Mordoré, and 59 Violet Rosé

Me with the Regrd Effet Duochrome Eyeliner in Violet Rosé (applied to both the upper and lower lash lines):

Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Eyeliner, $12.50. Visit Ulta.com