SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Spike Me! Solestruck Reveals New Sam Edelman Lorissa And Yuma Pumps

 

 

 

 

One of our favorite online footwear retailers, Solestruck.com, teamed up with Sam Edelman to bring back the Lorissa pumps first introduced in January — a style featuring a triangular peep toe and a stiletto heel covered with conical, gunmetal-colored spikes and studs. But, this time around, the Lorissa peep-toe pumps are available in a brand new assortment of seductive, lethally hot snakeskin prints like the gray-and-black python number pictured below (third and fourth after the jump) or the bronze snakeskin option pictured below, immediately after the jump. The Lorissa pumps feature a 4 3/4" heel and 1/2" platform, maximizing the dangerous, adventurous, May-Day-meets-Aunty-Entity effect.

Those who shudder at the notion of revealing their big toes through a tiny peep hole can opt for the new closed-toe version of the pump, dubbed the Yuma (an ode to the Arizona wilderness, perhaps?). Featuring a 5" heel and 1/2" platform, the Yuma pumps can literally be worn come sunshine or rain, and they're available in two perky snakeskin colors: a creamy pale yellow with oak brown accents, and a lilac-tinged, pale magenta with matte black stokes. And, of course, the leather uppers feature a sophisticated but authentic scaly texture, and the heels are covered in the weapon-like metal studs and rock stage-ready rhinestones that made us swoon over its predecessor, the Lorissa.

With these, you can walk hard and feel tough, all the while flaunting your feminine wiles.

Sam Edelman Yuma Pump, $209.95; and Sam Edelman Lorissa Peep-Toe Pump, $189.95. Available at Solestruck.com

Changing Seasons, Changing Skin Needs — Products To Ease The Transition From Winter To Spring

Given the slushy rain, miserable gray skies, and cold temperatures in New York City, it hardly feels like the end of winter. Still, if we abide by the meteorology-based seasonal calendar, we officially ushered in spring this past weekend. This arbitrary date can't dictate the whims of Mother Nature, but it does soothe our collective conscience by reminding us that, sooner or later, the seasons must change. With a bit of patience and a hefty scoop of luck, we'll be able to bid adieu to those chunky sweaters, winter coats, and fleece- or sheepskin-lined boots in no time.

It's tricky to navigate through this period of transition — we never know how light a coat to wear, how many layers to don, whether skirts are even an option... And the confusion isn't limited to apparel choices. Our skincare regimen, too, has to be slightly tweaked, as temperatures rise, humidity mounts, and our daily exposure to the sun increases.

So how do we know what products to turn to in this puzzling time? Here, we've rounded up a few great choices to get your skin on track for spring!

 

FACIAL MOISTURIZERS, FLORAL WATERS, SERUMS, AND TONERS

 

                     
Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $24.50; and Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel-Creme, $34 for 1.7 oz. Available at Clinique.com

Even if you don't normally grapple with dry skin, the arid, frigid, whipping winter air can leave your complexion looking flakier than a bowl of Special K cereal. With Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel-Cream, you can infuse your skin with moisture as often as necessary. The lightweight, non-greasy gel can be smoothed onto skin as often as necessary, but one application should actually suffice for the entire day but, if you see dry patches or your skin feels itchy and comfortable, feel free to reapply. As we crawl deeper into spring, you'll want to lessen your dosage (if you will) since your skin will adapt to the rising humidity and will likely produce more moisture naturally.

Now, here's the kicker: just in time for spring and summer, when so many of us wish to stray away from heavier foundations and powders that will melt under the sun's rays, Clinique has introduced the Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, a lightweight cream that will conceal blemishes and dark circles and yield an even, luminous finish without looking cake-y or feeling overly thick. And, of course, it's packed with aloe barbadenisis leaf water, which infuses skin with moisture immediately upon application. Six shades are available, ranging from a light creme brulée shade to a creamy bisque, a medium tan with caramel tones, a neutral toffee, and more. Not only will the color stay put throughout the day, but your skin will remain hydrated and you'll benefit from the SPF protection in the formula.

Super Hyper Hydrator with Coconut Water, $40. Available at Sephora.com

This velvety moisturizer gets bonus points for smelling like a glass of coquito but, most importantly, it is quickly absorbed by the skin, so you don't have to worry about any lingering greasiness (or shiny forehead situations). A few minutes after application, you'll notice your skin feels feathery soft — you can literally  run the back of your hand over the skin and feel like you're touching a down pillow or a peony's moist petals. The Hyper Hydrator relies on antioxidant-rich coconut oil and coconut water, both of which help to even skin tone and to soften the skin by gently sloughing off the top layers of skin, revealing a younger, more virginal and unblemished canvas. Other ingredients include softening cocoa seed butter, the humectant squalane, anti-aging ingredient DMAE, and lubricating glycerin.

     

 

 

Melvita Rose Floral Water, $19. Available at USA.Melvita.com

French organic skincare and haircare brand Melvita is coming up roses with ts new Eau Florale de Rose, a gentle toner that eliminates surface impurities, refreshes the skin, and balances the skin's pH level. Made from organically cultivated Rosa Damascena blossoms, the Melvita Rose Floral Water is an excellent follow-up to your morning cleansing routine and its gentle enough for mature, dry, and sensitive skin types. To use, you can spray some of the floral water onto a cotton ball and sweep over the face in gentle upwards motions. To treat stubborn spots (like pimples on the verge of eruption), gently press the cotton ball against the affected area and release. And, of course, if you need a pick-me-up throughout the day, you can simply spritz it onto your face (it's a rather fine mist, so don't be scared that a stream of water will emerge), even above makeup, since it won't make your foundation and powder smear or run. All of the ingredients in the Melvita Rose Floral Water are 100% natural and certified organic by ECOCERT, from the water distilled from fragrant Rosa Damascena petals to the citranellol, geraniol, and eugenol also found in rose petals.

 
 

 

Lierac Paris Hydra-Chrono Intense Cream, $50. Available at CVS and Duane Read pharmacies nationwide and at Skinstore.com

Aimed at soothing dehydrated skin, Lierac's Hydra-Chrono cream simultaneously accomplishes two feats: first, reactivating the skin's natural hydration process and, second, reducing visible aging signs. See, dehydrated skin aggravates the aging process, making any fine lines and wrinkles appear deeper and more firmly entrenched, like tiny rivulets (or even trenches) along your visage. By infusing moisture into the skin and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, you can camouflage these aging signs and emerge with more supple skin. The Hydra-Chrono goes beyond moisturizing at the surface level, instead relying on an Aqua-Pump complex that activates the skin's natural irrigation process. Using moisturizers excessively can sometimes lead skin cells deep inside the dermis to curb their natural production of hydrating oils, which can then lead to users becoming dependent on these moisturizers and creams rather than using them to complement the skin's natural hydration process. The Hydra-Chrono balm corrects this problem by relying on red micro-algae, which can increase circulation in the areas of application and help to repair oxidative stress, as well as TMG, a natural amino acid that helps the skin seal moisture. Apricot and safflower oils, meanwhile, instantly make skin appear more radiant, while glycerin immediately boosts hydration.

               

SK-II Skin Signature, $205; and SK-II Cellumination Essence, $150 for 1 oz. and $220 for 1.7 oz. Available at Shop.Sk-ii.com

Don't you hate when people refer to women over the age of 30 as over-the-hill? So do we! But while we may be first to hop aboard Jay-Z's "30 is the new 20" bandwagon, biology is still challenging our modern notions — see, a clinical study which SK-II conducted alongside dermatologist Dr. Shuhei Imayama of Kyushu University and Professor Osamu Kiwazuru of Fukui University revealed that, around age 35, women hit a "skin tipping point" zone, during which aging signs rapidly increase in visibility. In order to keep the scales tipped in your favor, then, SK-II developed a range od products that provide long-lasting moisture, strengthen the skin's natural barrier, and accelerate the repair process. The SK-II Skin Signature Cream is, of course, vital to this process, since it firms skin and increases elasticity thanks to conditioning Vitamin B3, Pitera, and Oil-Vityl, an ingredient derived from an olive species cultivated in Tuscany.  The SK-II Cellumination Essence, meanwhile, works as a potent serum, brightening the skin by diminishing the appearance of age spots and other topical discolorations and boosting light transmission to give skin a natural glow.

 

 

 

 

Zensation Collagen Rose Facial Toner, $35. Available at ZensationBeaute.com

This mild astringent relies on a mixture of ingredients — chief among them Damask rose water, which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helping to calm inflammations and kill acne-causing bacteria, and which can tone and help to restore the skin's natural moisture balance. Aloe leaf juice, meanwhile, soothes the skin, leaving skin feeling nice and cool after each toner application. And hydrolyzed collagen helps to restore elasticity to the skin. Manufactured in Switzerland, the Zensation Collagen Rose Facial Toner contains no irritants, alcohols, colorants, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or mineral oils, making it a suitable choice for even those with sensitive skin. The one drawback: you might have to get accustomed to the toner's scent since it doesn't exactly recall a bed of roses (to be candid, it initially smells like vomit but, in a matter of seconds, the odor softens, becoming more watery and pleasant).

 

 

LIP CARE CHOICES

 

Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açai Berry and Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter, $3 each. Available at BurtsBees.com

Most people know that Burt's Bees lip balms are, well, the bee's knees, but these new flavors set the bar even higher. Like all the 100% natural lip balms in the Burt's Bees line, these softening and hydrating tubes contain sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, castor seed oil, beeswax, soybean oil, and rosemary extract, but they each rely on an additional star ingredient: a powerful tropical fruit with proven skin benefits. The Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter incorporates mango seed butter, a natural emollient and lubricant, softening lips and leaving them smelling like a scoop of mango sorbet.

 

Aquaphor Lip Repair, $4.49 at Target, Kroger, RiteAid, and Harmons stores, and at Drugstore.com

Admittedly, I'm a bit of a snob when it come to lip balms — mainly because my pout tends to get so dry and cracked in the winter months that only the A-Team of lip moisturizers can rescue me from my distress. That being said, I was shocked at just how effective the new Aquaphor Lip Repair was in delivering some CPR to chapped and flaky lips. Packed with nourishing shea butter, hydrating and conditioning glycerin, protective and moisturizing castor seed oil, anti-oxidant rich vitamins C and E, skin conditioning panthenol, and soothing bisabolol (a chamomile derivative), this fragrance- and preservative-free lip ointment instantly soothes  lips while infusing them with moisture and ensuring that the moisture is sealed in for longer-lasting comfort. The Aquaphor Lip Repair has a Vaseline-like texture which makes it easy to glide over lips, and the squeeze tube allows you to apply the balm directly onto your lips with the angled tip or to squeeze onto your fingertips or a lip brush if you want to apply over your lipstick or lip stain. Best of all, unlike so many drugstore brand lip balms (Carmex and Chapstick both come to mind here), this lip ointment doesn't have an unpleasant, medicinal smell or taste. And at under $5, it's a hard bargain to beat!

 

 

EOS Lip Sphere in Tangerine, $3.29. Available at Rite Aid stores nationwide.

Like the prior lip balms released by EOS (which I've oft raved about), the new EOS Tangerine Medicated Anti-Bacterial Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Tangerine features nourishing shea butter, moisture-retaining jojoba oil, and vitamin E, but this newer version also features honey, a natural humectant with antiseptic properties, soothing green tea extract, and antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C, which protect skin from free radicals. Most importantly, the new 95% natural formula features a higher concentration of phenol (0.5%) so that the lip balm can soothe inflamed lips, prevent cold sores from popping up, and ward against any germs that can lead to unsightly acne around the mouth area. Though the tangerine flavor isn't quite as delectable as the Summer Fruit and Honeysuckle Honeydew, it's still a ray of sunshine for dry lips.

 

BODY BUTTERS, LOTIONS, SHOWER CREAMS, AND MORE

 

 

 

Arcona Green Tea Lotion, $18. Available at Arcona.com

Arcona rarely does wrong, and its Green Tea Lotion is proof positive of this fact. This pale mint green moisturizer is formulated with Paraguay tea infused with extracts of green tea to soften skin, as well as borage, macadamia, sesame, and kukui nut oils to deliver moisture. The lotion is as refreshing as a splash of green tea, but don't let the lightweight consistency fool you — a few "sips" of this moisturizer are all your skin needs to regain its vitality.

 

 

Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisturizer, $14.99. Available at major retail and drugstores nationwide.

Though this hypoallergenic moisturizer was designed to reduce the itching and discomfort associated with eczema, it works wonders on chronically dry and sensitive skin. The moisturizer relies on Flaggrin technology, infusing the skin with Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA), which structurally mimics skin ceramides and hence helps to restructure the skin; Arginine, an amino acid that accelerates the process of repairing damaged tissue; Pseudo Ceramide 5, which replenishes the lipids that help to create a healthy skin barrier, allowing the epidermis to retain moisture; and softening panthenol and allantoin.

 

St. Ives Triple Butters Intensely Hydrating Body Wash in Creamy Coconut, $4.89 for 24 fl. oz. and $2.99 for 13.5 fl. oz. Available at mass drugstores and grocery stores nationwide.

If these brutal winter months have left your skin ashier than Charlie Sheen's ashtray, you may need to consider a more aggressive moisturizing tactical approach. In addition to the body lotion you apply after showering, choose a paraben- and phtalate-free cleanser with hydrating ingredients. Right now, we're loving the St. Ives Triple Butters line of cream cleansers — which, as their name implies, feature three moisturizing butters: shea butter (which is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and F), jojoba butter (a humectant and smoothing agent), and cocoa butter (packed in essential minerals and antioxidant-rich vitamins A, C, and E, which brighten the skin and protect it from free radicals). The body wash feels silky smooth on the skin and, while it doesn't lather as dramatically as other soaps, remember that this is, in fact, a positive sign since the ingredients responsible for creating this lather tend to strip the skin of its natural oils (and they don't help the cleansing process by any means). The St. Ives Triple Butters Intensely Hydrating Body Wash is available in several scents including Creamy Vanilla, but we're most fond of the Creamy Coconut scent since it reminds us of the sunny months ahead and all the piña coladas we intent to drink!

 

Collective Wellbeing Dry Skin Relief Body Butter, $13. Available at CollectiveWellbeing.com

Since launching in 2004, Collective Wellbeing has stressed the use of natural ingredients and paraben-free formulations, but it's gone beyond commonly used botanicals like lavender and chamomile, experimenting with everything from crushed bamboo powder and crushed fennel seeds (used in some of its exfoliants) to pure cardamom and activated charcoal. It even earned bragging rights by becoming the first company to offer an all-natural, water-based, propylene glycol-free personal lubricant (oddly enough, this was the first product I tried in the whole Collective Wellbeing range, but it was so amazing that I had to learn more about the brand). Not only does Collective Wellbeing stress the use of natural ingredients and recycled packaging, but it has vowed to be a "zero emission" company, subjecting itself to annual carbon footprint audits and subsequently looking for alternative energy providers (like wind warms and solar energy plants) to continuously lessen its carbon emission until it reaches zero.

The Dry Skin Relief Body Butter, available in both scented and unscented varieties, targets uncomfortably dry skin with its combination of fair trade llipe nut butter, which moisturizes and fortifies the skin natural barrier, certified organic aloe vera to soothe any inflammations, and jojoba oil to retain the moisture infused into the skin. It's a rather rich product so you'll want to use more sparingly when the weather warms up and perhaps focus more on rougher surface areas like elbows, knees, and heels of feet.

 

 

Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate, $48. Available at Pomega5.com

When I first twisted off the cap of the Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate, I felt the urge to pop one in my mouth as I would do with a Vitamin E or Vitamin D capsule. Thankfully, I knew to thoroughly read the instructions before ingesting anything. As it turns out, these Pomega5 ampoules are meant to be applied topically to skin — all you have to do is twist off the small handle of the maraca-shaped capsules, rub the oil inside the pearl's clear film in between palms, and then smooth onto your face, hands, or cuticles. Omega 5, a powerful antioxidant and essential fatty acid commonly found in pomegranate extract, constitutes 60% of the make-up of these ampoules, while hydrating jojoba oil, brightening calendula oil, toning rosehip oil, balancing grapefruit oil, and repairing verbena oil account for the remaining 40% of ingredients. My favorite use: applying it to dry and flaky cuticles. Your manicure will look so much better!

Nahui Ollin's Archie Collection Brings Tee Riverdale High Crew Back To Life

Countless magazine and newspaper articles, online forums, and polls have been devoted to a single question rooted in comic book lore: "Are you a Betty or a Veronica?" The original frenemies seemed to be polar opposites, with raven-haired, sexy, hot-tempered Veronica obsessing over clothes and enjoying a lavish lifestyle,  and blond Betty epitomizing the sweet, academics-minded, good girl next door. But they were both endearing in their own way, as was lanky, crown-rocking Jughead, the vain jock Reggie, and freckled redhead Archie. And now, you can relive those childhood years when you pored over Archie Comics digests to read up on the Riverdale High crew's latest schemes, pranks, and romantic dramas. After years of binding candy wrappers, soda bottle labels, and gum wrappers, weaving them to create textured and vivid eco-friendly shoulder bags and clutches, 8-year-old brand Nahui Ollin is adding comic book pages to its list of recycled materials.

The Nahui Ollin Archie Collection consists of six handbag styles, among them the roomy Weekender (pictured at top); the Camera Bag, a dainty number with a denim wrist strap; and the modest Last Call purse, which features a detachable, slim denim shoulder strap and a U-shaped dark denim front flap with brown contrast stitching.

With these, you can roll with Betty and Veronica every time you hang your purse on your shoulder.

Nahui Ollin Weekender Archie Comics, $180.60; Nahui Ollin Camera Bag Archie, $30; and Nahui Ollin Last Call Archie Comics, $68.80. Available at NahuiOllin.com

Sonia Kashuk For Target Spring 2011 Limited Edition Collection

 

 

When you peruse through the offerings in the new Sonia Kashuk for Target Limited Edition Spring 2011 collection, you'll likely stare at the price tags with a confounding sense of incredulousness. Your eyes will stay peeled for any signs of a catch, be it a defective element or some hidden cost, but trust: you'll find none. Some times, however rarely, things really are as good as they seem.

Let's start with the brush sets, shall we? Both of the brush kits in the collection feature makeup brushes with long, slim handles made of real wood and featuring gold metal rings at their bases and golden cylinder shapes at the base of the tips, which are themselves made of cruelty-free natural bristles. The Cadillac of the two, the Gold Mine Seven-Piece Brush Set, includes a Power Brush, Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush, Blending Brush, Crease Brush, Small Eye Shadow Brush, and Smudge Brush — all packaged inside a beachy, envelope-shaped wicker clutch with curved sides that hinge at the center and a snap-on closure concealed by an organic stone that looks like it was picked up during a walk by the shore. Not only are the brushes incredibly soft, making it a cinch to blend both powder and cream colors without irritating even really sensitive skin, but the wicker clutch can work double-duty as a free-spirited, sunny accessory for summer brunches and poolside cocktail parties.

The more affordable version, the Small Treasure 4-Piece Purse Brush Set, meanwhile, features a Powder Brush, Medium Eye Shadow Brush, Crease Brush, and Pointed Eyeliner Brush, so you have everything you need for a radiant complexion with just a hint of color and a demure eyeshadow look. These brushes can be housed inside the accompanying burlap pouch, which is emblazoned with golden tribal symbols that symbolize Love, Strength and Unity, and which features braided drawstrings so you can cinch the bag at the top.

The final brush offering is the Roped In Kabuki Brush, which is ideal for mineral powder or for highlighting powder and bronzer since it helps to diffuse the loose color. Not only does it make the application process easier, but it's a lovely piece to display on your vanity set thanks to the chestnut-colored, twine-like rope wrapped around the gold metal handle.

On the cosmetics end, the Sonia Kashuk Spring 2011 collection includes two timeless offerings. First, there's the Blink of an Eye Pencil Set, which includes two cream eye shadow pencils in shimmering silver and gold an a slimmer eye pencil in a dark brown shade with a hint of gold shimmer. But the star product is, of course, the Spring Awakenings Face Palette, an all-in-one compact that helps you achieve an understated, radiant look. The slim, wicker-covered, tablet-shaped palette features a mirror on one side and, on the other side, four earthy eyeshadow colors, three sheer lip glosses, and a shimmering, sheer coral pink blush. The colors in the Spring Awakenings palette are meant to suit women of any age, ethnicity, and skin tone, so the colors are rather universal — from the bronze-tinged, shimmering hazelnut brown eye shadow to the glitter-packed, sandy gold shade.

Below, you'll find swatches of the shadows, glosses, and blush in the Spring Awakenings palette, as well as pricing details for all the offerings in the collection. Read on!

Alice Supply Co. x Trina Turk Collection -- The California Way

         

 

Two California-based brands have collaborated to increase the fun factor in cleaning house — literally. Fashion designer Trina Turk, whose playful geometric patterns and vivid floral prints epitomize Palm Springs chic, has teamed up with funky housewares brand Alice Supply Co., itself the brainchild of California surfer gals Raili Clasen and Maria Barnes, to launch two limited-edition collections. The first is a line of co-branded home products consisting of garden hose, toolbox, scissors, tape measure, bucket, dustpan, and dust brush featuring an original Trina Turk design. All the goods in the collection, then, are trimmed with a Mod pattern consisting of concentric navy-and-green square and rectangle shapes. 

The full collection launches in April but customers can already pre-order the two pieces pictures above: the 12" metal dust pan and the 14" wooden dust brush with synthetic bristles. With these tools, even sweeping up crumbs, dirt, and dust bunnies can be a stylish proposition!

In May, Trina Turk and Alice Supply Co. will release a second collection focusing on entertaining wares. The Backyard Cocktail Party line will include an ice bucket, a set of lowball glasses, a serving tay, and a ping-pong paddle set — all featuring a pattern worthy of Moroccan wallpaper, but in a perky yellow-and-orange color scheme.

Alice Supply Co. Trina Turk Dustpan, $26, and Alice Supply Co. Trina Turk Dust Brush, $26. Available at AliceSupplyCo.com

H&M Knot Violence Collection Has The Right Kind Of Weaponry

                           

       

                        
      

We may have all jammed to "Blister in the Sun," but H&M is encouraging us to try being Non-Violent Femmes this spring, and we couldn't be happier. Given the harrowing number of gun-related killings in this nation — from bone-chilling mass killings like the Virginia Tech massacre and the more recent Arizona shooting spree to everyday incidents involving jealous ex-lovers, gang and drug-related turf wars, accidental incidents involving curious children and handguns, household arguments gone awry, and more — it's about time we all collectively work to counteract the glorification of violence via music and film and, instead, urge people to demand stricter gun control legislation and a more responsible interpretation of the Second Amendment.

The H&M Knot Violence collection helps to accomplish this goal with tees, totes, tanks, and sleeveless dresses bearing peaceful slogans and modern graphic interpretations of the powerful knotted gun symbol first designed by artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd in response to the senseless killing of John Lennon. The Knot Violence baby tee (pictured fourth from top), for example, features a black revolver covered with white and yellow daisies, a roped knot covering the end of its barrel and the words "Knot Violence" emblazoned beneath the image, again with florals covering their length. A similar design was used for the Non Violence Tote, an organic canvas number with tiny black floral motifs all over its façade and featuring a knotted gun symbol at its center and the words "Non Violence" in canary yellow cursive letters covering the central graphic.

If the knotted gun symbol isn't your style, check out one of the tees with pacifist slogans, like the loose-fitting, peachy rose "Imagine A World In Peace" tank shown above, which features a flared, asymmetrical waistline.

Ten percent of all sales from the Knot Violence collection will be donated to the Non-Violence Project Foundation, a youth education and leadership initiative that encourages the creation of thriving academic, athletic, and creative environments for children and young adults so as to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

Holding The Bag -- New LPLP Linea Pelle For Target Collection

 

 

 

                 

 

 

 

 

Don't expect to find a more affordable spin on Linea Pelle's Addison Speedy style or its Dylan Weekender bag when you peruse through the LPLP for Target collection. Sure, the LPLP Large Hobo Bag (pictured second from top) vaguely resembles the Dylan Medium Tote in terms of its overall shape and dimensions (the latter measures 14" in height, 14.5" in length, and 5.25" in depth, while the former measures 14.8" in height, 16" in length, and 1" in height), but the LPLP tote doesn't look nearly as sophisticated and luxurious as the Dylan Medium Tote. Gone are the thin double straps adorning either side of the bottom of the bag, each covered with domed gold studs, the oversize square pocket along the front of the bag with the horizontal zipper, or the hidden top zip pocket directly above it. And, needless to say, the supple Italian leather is replaced with a polyurethane material meant to resemble leather (albeit not too successfully). Still, while the LPLP Linea Pelle Large Hobo Bag doesn't look as luxurious or expensive as the offerings in the original Linea Pelle line, it's still a great buy considering it's a third of the price. The lower front section of the hobo bag features two mini pouch pockets with curved top flaps tucked into slits adorned with domed, silver-toned studs, while the upper section of the bag is decorated with criss-crossed, buckled straps, one featuring larger, silver-toned, domed studs and the other featuring three rows of smaller, square pyramid studs and tiny pear-shaped studs. The two overlapping straps create a straitjacket-like effect that's youthful, fun, and slightly rebellious.

The very same overlapping buckled strap details adorn the front of the cobalt LPLP Linea Pelle Crossbody Handbag (pictured at top), though they work much better on this smaller model, particularly given how much the metallic studs pop against the electric blue. This smaller model measures 9.6 " in length, 1" in width, and 5.5" in depth, and it features both a slim wrist strap and a slim shoulder strap that attaches to the two metal rings along the top of the bag via silver-toned lobster claw clasps.

For a handbag that hits the midpoint between a clutch and a roomy shoulder bag, try the LPLP Linea Pelle Hobo (pictured fourth from top in pink), a versatile piece shaped like a crescent moon, with bulky, zippered cell phone pockets on either side, a curved zip-top closure, and slanted zippers in a trapeze-like form along the bag's front surface. The style is available in a punchy, deep honeysuckle hue or a biker chic black.

A sharp, envelope-shaped wallet measuring 7.5 " in length, 0.75 " in width, and 4" in depth also features rocker chic domed spherical studs all along its length, hence staying true to the collection's slightly punk aesthetic. The zippered wallet features a bill compartment and credit card slots within its interior, while the exterior includes a zippered hidden compartment for spare change, receipts, and tiny nick-knacks.

 Best of all, none of the bags retail for over $50. Score!

LPLP Linea Pelle Crossbody Handbag in Cobalt, $19.99; LPLP Linea Pelle Large Hobo in White, $34.99;  LPLP Linea Pelle Hobo in Pink, $29.99; LPLP Linea Pelle Wallet in Brown, $14.99. Available at Target.com

 

Aura Fixation -- Stuck On Hourglass Cosmetics' Aura Sheer Cheek Stain and Aura Sheer Lip Stain

In recent years, customers have been clamoring for makeup yielding a natural flush or boasting a melted-on-the-skin finish. Tarte Cosmetics figured among the pioneers of this trend with its best-selling Cheek Stain, a water-based gel stick that can be rolled onto the skin and blended to produce a dewy glow with just the faintest hint of color, as if cheeks had just been pinched. Similarly, brands have been toying with lip colors that produce a just-bitten look, rolling out lip stains (among them Stila's Lip & Cheek Stain range and Revlon's Just Bitten collection) meant to constitute a longer-lasting, more moisturizing, easier-to-achieve alternative to the traditional practice of applying lipstick and then blotting until the color seemingly sinks into the pout. Few brands, however, have truly mastered the cheek and lip stain realm — some cheek tints are so saturated with color that they produce clown-like, Raggedy Ann-ready orbs of color on the apples of cheeks; other creamier cheek stains can feature entirely too much glitter, producing a disco-esque look that deviates entirely from the goal of a natural flush; and most lip stains dry out lips so severely that color looks flaky, artificial, and altogether unattractive. But now, Hourglass Cosmetics is upping the ante with its revolutionary Aura collection of cheek and lip stains.

By applying her knowledge of skincare technology to the development of this color cosmetics range, Hourglass founder Carisa Janes successfully produced a collection of cheek and lip stains that deliver long-lasting moisturize and keep the skin supple and soft. The Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain, for example, boasts a water-based formula enriched with Vitamin E, which helps the skin retain moisture and also provides antioxidant protection. A rounded sponge tip, meanwhile, simplifies the application process and minimizes the potential for any messiness. And, since the sleek metal cheek stain tubes feature a twist-and-click dial along one end, you can dispense only the necessary amount for each application. This click mechanism allows the gel-like color within the tube to retain its original formula rather than being oxidized, drying out, or having the chemical makeup of its ingredients be altered via exposure to the pollutants in the air.

When you first apply the Aura Sheer Cheek Stain, it looks like a watery, almost oil-like, cream color but, after properly blending the color onto cheeks, the effect is much more subtle, like a lit-from-within glow. You can blend the color with the sponge applicator itself, use a separate sponge (like the Beautyblender) or simply rub onto the skin with your fingertips. The Aura Cheek Stain is currently available in three shades: Flush, a raspberry pink; Petal, a golden peach; and Rouge, a soft plum. 

The Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain, meanwhile, is a bit more saturated with pigment and not quite as sheer, but it too features a water-based formula for a buildable, semi-matte wash of color that can be layered to yield the desired intensity — be it a muted flush or a robust coat. Since lips are so prone to flaking, the formula is also enriched with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, soothing green tea extract, moisturizing and softening safflower seed oil, and an algae-based extract that stimulates elastin and collagen production. The Aura Sheer Lip Stain, then, works as a lip moisturizer and lip color in one, filling in the lines in your pout, sloughing off small flakes, and creating a smooth canvas while simultaneously depositing the sophisticated pigment. Like the Aura Cheek Stain, the Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain is packaged inside a modern tube and features a twistable dispensation system. Its sponge-like tip, however, is angled so that you can you can trace the natural contours of the mouth, from the slim corners to the heart-shaped peak at the center of the upper lip.

In terms of its performance, the Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain does not disappoint. For one, the color lasts for quite some time (as a matter of fact, when I swatched a shade on my forearm, it took an entire day and two showers for the color to fully disappear from my flesh), so you won't have to constantly reapply throughout the day. When I've worn it on my lips, I've gone as long as 6-7 hours without needing a follow-up application. The gel-like formula does moisturize lips, meanwhile, which makes the color look all the more nuance and sophisticated. Still, if your lips are extremely chapped or flaky, I'd suggest exfoliating and dabbing on some lip balm before applying the Aura Sheer Lip Stain since, naturally, the color won't go on as even if the surface isn't even, and the tendency will be for the color to migrate to those cracked crevices and peeling flakes. That being said, if your lips are in top form, you'll be more than satisfied,

The Aura Sheer Lip Stain is also available in three shades, which correspond to the hues of the cheek stains: Flush, Petal, and Scarlet (which is, in essence the same color as the Rouge, but simply with a different name).

I had the opportunity to road test the Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Petal and the Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Scarlet, so check out the photos after the jump so you can get a better feel for the collection!

 

Going All City With The Tumi TAG Collection

 

Back in the late '70s and early '80s, a Bronx-bred Puerto Rican teenager adopted the moniker "Crash" and splashed his alter ego's name all over the New York City subway system, spray painting incorporating shadowing to give his letters a 3D feel, adding comic book-worthy characters to spice up his aerosol murals, and finishing with playful details like bubbles and controlled drips inside his whimsical letters. Not only did John "Crash" Matos help to pioneer the subway art movement in New York City, but he was one of the few writers who made a successful transition to the art gallery real. Since he first started experimenting with works on canvas, which he first exhibited at Bronx hot spot Fashion Moda in 1982, Crash has gone on to show his Roy Lichtenstein-inspired pieces at NYC's Museum of Modern Art, the Galerie Michel Gillet in Paris, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit, the Musee D’Art Moderne et D’Art Contemporian in Nice, Belgium's Gallery Cotthem, and countless others.

Now, you can help Crash turn airports everywhere into his own gallery space by showing off one of the suitcases he designed for the new Tumi TAG collection. The travel collection includes suitcases, carry-ons, and and iPhone case, each showing a different section of one of Crash's original works of art. These hardside travel cases, then, function as pieces of one colorful puzzle which, together, reveal a beautiful whole. The Tumi TAG collection includes an iPhone cover that retails for a reasonable $45; as well as two International Carry-On suitcases (either a 2-wheeled or a 4-wheeled model), which go for $445 each; the Medium Trip Packing Case, which measures 28" x 17.5" x 11.5" and goes for $545; and the Extended Trip Packing Case, a large number for longer voyages that's priced at $595. Only 1,000 pieces of each style were produced for the collection, each with an original, numbered drawing by Crash tucked inside its interior.

If your traveling habits resemble those of George Clooney in Up in the Air, you'll appreciate the roominess of the Tumi Tag Limited Edition Extended Trip Packing Case, a wheeled suitcase measuring 32.5" x 20.5" x 12.5" and featuring a durable but lightweight, triple-layer ABS and polycarbonate shell, as well as retractable carry handles, an Omega 2010 zipper system, and surface-mounted locks. Features like a removable garment sleeve and zippered pockets inside the interior make staying organized a cinch, regardless of your destination.

Think of how much color you could add to a drab airport terminal by rolling through with one of these — your suitcase would stand out like a Rolls-Royce in a used car lot!

To celebrate the Tumi TAG collection launch, the brand is holding a special sweeps for its Facebook fans. Through March 25th, log onto Tumi's Facebook page (Facebook.com/TumiTravel) and fill out a contest entry form for a chance to win a suitcase bearing Crash's artwork. One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, March 18th; Tuesday, March 22nd; and Friday, March 25th.

Disney By Patterson J. Kincaid Collection Celebrates The "Prince Of The Forest"

Slouchy is the name of the Patterson J. Kincaid game, with vintage-flavored, no-fuss blouses, sweaters, dresses, tanks, and tunics that hang loosely on the body, appearing slightly boyish  — well, save for the pieces' understated feminine details, which include oversize pockets, delicate ruching at the sleeve cuffs, unexpected side slits, asymmetrical waistlines, and rounded V-shaped necklines. Now, the vintage brand has collaborated with Disney on a limited-edition collection of tanks featuring one of the most beloved tales in Disney's animated film canon: Bambi.

The five-piece collection of tanks, tees and sweatshirts feature vintage illustrations of classic characters and scenes from the original 1942 film (yes, the one that made so many of us shed tears over those mean hunters!).  Two thistle tee designs are available: first, there's "Baby Bambi" (pictured at top), a heather gray jersey number with an image of the most beloved deer in American pop culture; and "Patch Bambi" (pictured last from top), a weathered, navy-colored tee with a landscape-like, watercolor-esque sketch of a young Bambi in the forest, orange and yellow autumn leaves trickling down to his feet, the sky behind him turning purple at twilight. The same illustration featured in the "Baby Bambi" tee is also emblazoned across the "Baby Bambi" pullover (pictured fourth), a 100% cotton, oatmeal-colored, vintage French terry sweatshirt with a scoop neckline and a slightly athletic cut.

If you think the film's most memorable scenes involve the fawn's vivacious crew of playmates (the scene where he learns how to ice skate? Classic!), you'll appreciate the baseball-flavored "Forest Friends" tee, which features 3/4-length, black raglan sleeves, a rounded black neckline, and pencil-like sketches of an adolescent Bambi alongside the adorably wide-eyed skunk Flower and the foot-tapping rabbit Thumper along the white chest area.

Those smitten with Thumper's own thicket-appropriate tap dance (i.e. the relentless foot thumping that earned him his nickname) will swoon over the charming "Thumper" tank, a 100% combed ring spun cotton tank with a deep U-shaped neckline and curved bottom edges that slope a bit lower at the center for a more laid-back feel. The tank features a colorful image of the chubby-cheeked bunny standing amid a flower patch, and you can practically imagine him uttering the words, "Eating greens is a special treat. It makes long ears and great big feet. But it sure is awful stuff to eat."

The Disney by Patterson J. Kincaid collection ships in June, but you can pre-order online now (check out the details below), so get to thumpin' those little fingers on your keyboard!

Disney by Patterson J. Kincaid "Baby Bambi" Tee, $98; Disney by Patterson J. Kincaid "Thumper" Tank, $40; Disney by Patterson J. Kincaid "Forest Friends" Raglan Tee, $198; Disney by Patterson J. Kincaid "Baby Bambi" Pullover, $118; and Disney by Patterson J. Kincaid "Patch Bambi" Tee, $98. All available for pre-order at Disney.PattersonJKincaid.com