SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Clinique Black Honey Lip Duo Sets the Stage for the "New Black" Beauty Trend

 

Twenty years before Chanel's 1994 introduction of the iconic Vamp Lipstick and matching Le Nail Vernis (the shade Uma Thurman rocked in Pulp Fiction), Clinique crossed over to the dark side, launching its sheer Merlot-meets-amber Black Honey Lip Gloss in 1971. The shade quickly amassed a devoted following, as woman raved about the hue being universally flattering. By 1989, the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($14.50 at Clinique.com), a glazed, semi-sheer version of the shade, hit counters to rave reviews.  

Now, for Fall 2011, Clinique has designed an entire collection inspired by its most beloved lip color. The Clinique New Black collection is meant to give women a slightly more mysterious look, without being as Elvira-ish as Chanel's Vamp lipstick or MAC's Prince Noir lipstick. The full collection includes the Black Honey Gradient Powder Blusher, Black Honey Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad, and Black Honey Brush-On Cream Liner, but the marquee player is the Clinique Black Honey Lip Duo ($21 at Sephora.com and Clinique counters nationwide).

The dual-ended Clinique Black Honey Lip Duo features the original Almost Lipstick on one side and a tube of Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 on the other side. As with the original Black Honey Almost Lipstick, the solid color side of the Black Honey Lip Duo boasts a lip balm-like texture, gently moisturizing lips while depositing a sheer wash of color that's only a touch darker than your lips' natural shade. To add a touch of razzle-dazzle, layer the Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 atop it and enjoy the shiny finish.

Though the Black Honey Almost Lipstick and Long Last Glosswear look like blackberry shade in their packaging, when applied, they have more of a sheer maple syrup tint to them mixed with a raspberry amber hue. 

On days when you want a subtle but sexy lip look, you'll want to keep the Black Honey Lip Duo handy. Just make sure to keep an eye on the silver cap of the Almost Lipstick since it does tend to fall off unexpectedly.

Check out swatches of the two products in the lip duo after the jump! 

Ligorano/Reese Shake Things Up With New "The History of Art" Snow Globes

 

 

A premature snowstorm left the East Coast blanketed in white frost this past weekend, only two days before candy-seeking trick-or-treaters were poised to visit their neighbors carrying pumpkin-shaped baskets. The first snowfall of the year may foretell a harsh and lengthy winter but, while the plump flakes floated in the sky on Saturday, many of us marveled at the magical view with the type of wide-eyed fascination you'd expect from a child who, after years of experiencing snow only via domed crystal globes, finally felt some real flakes falling on his nose.

In their latest endeavor, Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese of Ligorano/Reese have redefined the meaning of the snow globe, a symbol of Christmas joy and childlike wonderment, by manipulating the images within these transparent spheres. In their heavily conceptual The History of Art Snow Globes collection, Ligorano and Reese celebrate the most groundbreaking art periods in history, using the snow globe as a medium through which to celebrate a specific aesthetic associated with one of these movements. Instead of a depiction of Santa Claus at the North Pole, each snow globe houses the name of an art movement. The placement and color of these laser-cut acrylic letters, along with the font style used, work to convey the main aesthetic principles of that art period. 

The collection consists of twenty snow globes, each measuring 7 1/2" in height and 6" in diameter, signed and dated, and retailing for $400 a pop at ArtwareEditions.com. The twenty movements mentioned in the collection are: Abstract Expressionism, Bauhaus, Conceptual Art, Cubism, Dada, De Stijl, Expressionism,
Fauvism, Fluxus, Futurism, Minimalism, New Media, Op Art, Performance Art, Photo Realism, Pop Art, Superflat, Surrealism, Video Art, and YBA.

The Cubism Snow Globe pictured above, for example, features square, 3-dimensional, black-and-white letters arranged in an abstract manner as opposed to running along one straight line. Likewise, the Surrealism Snow Globe features light aqua letters suspended along the center of the globe, the font size increasing as one's gaze moves from left to right, so that the final result feels dreamlike and fantastical. The Video Art Snow Globe even features letters inside a plasma-like blue screen.

By manipulating font styles and dimensions, Ligorano/Reese capture the DNA of each art movement and, by communicating their visions via snow globes, they make each object feel all the more precious and, in so doing, amplify the magnificence of the art period it encapsulates.

 Check out more of these snow globes after the jump!

Deciphering Illamasqua's Enigmatic "Theatre of the Nameless" Collection

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to the greatest show on Earth!"

But be forewarned: this greeting isn't being uttered by a circus ringmaster clad in a red coattail jacket with gold trim, a matching bow tie, and a black top hat. And, while, there are no elephants or tigers in this particular show, it promises to be quite the spectacle. Choreographed by adventurous British makeup brand Illamasqua, this thrill-packed performance places you in the starring role, allowing you to decide whether you want to walk the tightrope with a cutting-ege look or stay closer to the ground.

There's a Stanley Kubrik eroticism to the Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless collection, an air of decadence and debauchery worthy of 1920s Berlin, when social taboos were non-existent and sex, mysticism, alcohol, music, and carnal pleasure reigned supreme. The colors of a thriving underworld are mimicked via pure pigments in blackened forest green and rusty copper; an aubergine liquid liner; nail lacquers in deep wine, pine green, and grayish purple; and fleshy beige, pink, and peach lip gloss and blush colors that celebrate the naked form.  

The dangerous, illicit, Dyonisian fantasy begins after the jump, when we'll walk you through the Theatre of the Nameless and its many spellbinding acts. Step right in!

More Halloween Treats For Those Plotting Stylish But Spooky Tricks

Make your wicked games all the more bewitching with these Halloween-themed, ghoulish accessories, home accents, and body products. You'll be casting such a powerful spell, everyone in your wake will be left singing Electric Light Opera's "Evil Woman."

 

 

Noir Jewelry Bat Girl Dome Ring, $300. Available at NoirJewelry.com

As part of its collaboration with DC Comics, Noir has designed this two-finger ring as a nod to Gotham's finest: the Dark Knight. The gunmetal-plated, solid brass ring features a slightly domed shape that follows the natural curve of the hand, with the wingspan being so wide that it covers most of your knuckles and the back of your hand. Black cubic zirconia stones are encrusted into the iconic Batman logo for a glam twist. Who needs Robin when you've got this piece as your sidekick?

 

Bath & Body Works Travel-Size Body Lotion, now $1.25 each from $5 each. Available at BathAndBodyWorks.com

Bath & Body Works really does have something for every occasion. This Halloween, it released a limited-edition collection of travel-sized body lotions bearing cheeky labels with pumpkin silhouettes covered with white gothic letters, illustrated carnival-esque backdrops, and spiderweb and Frankenstein themes. New, season-appropriate scents were introduced — among them: Black Candy Apple, a sweet mix of apple, caramel, and vanilla notes; Plum Potion, a tantalizing blend of ripe plum, zesty blood orange, and succulent black raspberry; Wicked Spiced Pumpkin, which smells like pumpkin pie with a hint of nutmeg; and Scream-A-Colada, a more tropical aroma that mixes coconut, pineapple and just a bit of rum for that naughty kick. 

 

D.L. & Co. Deft Skull Brights Votive Set of 4, $45. Available at DLcompany.com

Part of its Memento Mori collection, these candles feature skull illustrations meant to remind onlookers of their own mortality and of the need to live life fully. The bright colors of the glass votive jars — which range from an ultraviolet color to a freesia pink and a fiery yellow — infuse a playful spirit into the otherwise macabre designs. 

 

 

Delfina Delettrez x Alain Mikli Spider Sunglasses, $800. Available at OpeningCeremony.com

Insects, medieval motifs, gothic overtones, Tim Burton-esque creatures, and creepy but fascinating universes abound in designer Delfina Delettrez's work. A fourth-generation member of the Fendi family, Delettrez has mastered the art of making the weird whimsical, of transforming the macabre into the merry. Now, she has collaborated with eyewear brand Alain Mikli on a series of sunglasses, including these square frames, which feature a printed spiderweb at the top corner of one of the lenses and a han-painted, silver-toned accent at the temple.

 

 

Halloween-Themed Goodies Worth Howling About

Whether you're turning your home into a haunted space like Modern Family's Claire and Phil Dunphy; impersonating Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, or Snooki with your costume choice; creating an Elvira-worthy hairdo and a theatrical, hedonistic eye makeup look before hitting the club scene; or just dressing in your everyday clothes but infusing a hint of spooky fun via playfully eerie accessories, these spooktacular Halloween buys that will scare you straight!

 

Amrita Singh Skull Hoop Earrings, $100. Available at AmritaSingh.com

Tell-tale signs that it's Halloween: Tales from the Crypt-ish skulls covering the exterior of large hoop earrings. These metal-plated brass hoop earrings, measuring 2.25" in diameter, fuse together goth and glam aesthetics thanks to the dark theme and the clear and black crystals encrusted within the skull shapes. 

 

 

Lulu Guinness Bloomsbury Spiderweb Umbrella, $65. Available at LuluGuinness.com

If your local forecast calls for rain, don't let your high spirits be watered down. Simply break out this Lulu Guinness umbrella, which spans 1020mm when open, and show the world that the Itsy Bitsy Spider is so resilient that this creepy crawler can never be washed out. 

 

 

Target Skull Dinner Plates, $11.99 for Set of 6; Spider Web Cereal Bowls, $11.99 for Set of 6; Wine Goblets, $17.99 for Set of 6; and Spider Web 2-Tier Tray, $19.99. Available at Target.com

Hosting a dinner party? Sprucing up your home for those eager trick-or-treaters? Then set your table with these gothic plates, cups, and bowls. The melamine Skull Dinner Plates measure 11" in diameter and feature a textured, static-y finish, while the plastic wine goblets feature baroque domed details that recall the décor at a murder mystery dinner theater. If you're baking cupcakes, muffins, or any other pastries, display them on the two-tiered, black metal, spiderweb-shaped stand.

 

Case-Mate Frank, Monsta, and Tut iPhone 4 Cases, $24.99 each. Available at Case-Mate.com

All three of these iPhone 4 cases are constructed out of flexible silicone and feature cut-outs for easy access to the phone's control buttons and the camera lens. Choose between the Frankenstein-inspired Frank case, the sanguine Monsta case (which features raised accents for an easier grip), and the fang-tastic Tut case, with its angular slices and blotchy, inky splashes of color.

Bing Bang NYC Bat Studs, $38, and Wolf Mini Studs, $30. Available at BingBangNYC.com

Don't want Halloween to turn into too expensive and time-consuming a production? Then just add a hint of flavor to your ensemble with these Bing Bang earrings which correspond to the theme but can be worn all year long. The silver-plated, brass bat studs are only 1" wide, but they feature a bevy of details — fro etchings along the webbed bat wings to grooves along his body that resemble mussy hair. The sterling silver Wolf Mini Studs, plated in yellow gold, are even smaller, measuring 1/4" in size, but they pack quite the hair-raising howl. 

 

HBO Tru Blood Beverage, $16 for 6-Pack. Available at Store.HBO.com

Unlike Bill Compton's synthetic blood cocktail of choice, these carbonated beverages don't need to be categorized as B-positive, A-negative, or O-positive. Universally appealing, the Tru Blood beverage available at the HBO Store will appeal to those with a vampire fascination but no bloodthirsty tendencies of their very own. Each drink tastes a bit like orange soda but the carbonation is way more subtle here. Plus, when mixed with rum, it tastes like a spiked punch — perfect for a Halloween bash! 

Green Room Thursdays -- Surya Brasil Lip Balms

 

When Clélia Angelon launched Surya Brasil in 1995, she had a clear goal in mind: incorporating minerals, fruit and nut oils, and plant extracts indigenous to the Amazon in her paraben-free, lead-free, ammonia-free, vegan, and certified organic hair and body care products. Almost a decade later, Surya Brasil has expanded from the ammonia- and peroxide-free henna-based hair colorings that served as its launching pad to a full range of shampoos and conditioners, facial moisturizers, body lotions and scrubs, massage oils, clay masks, and facial toners.

The latest addition to the brand's ever-expanding offerings: the Surya Brasil Lip Balms ($3.49 each at SuryaBrasil.com), which are made with candelilla wax as opposed to beeswax in order to retain a 100% vegan formula. These pocket-sized lip balms contain such familiar ingredients as: jojoba oil, a vitamin E-rich antioxidant and natural antibacterial that is structurally similar to the sebum and is hence easily absorbed by the skin; softening and moisturizing cocoa butter; and sunflower seed oil, which is packed with vitamin A, which promotes cellular regeneration and also helps fight acne, as well as vitamins C and E, which protect skin from free radical damage. But, in addition to these ingredients, the lip balms contain deeply nourishing oils extracted from nuts harvested in the Amazon: murumuru butter, which is rich in fatty acids like lauric and oleic acid, making it a powerful emollient; buriti nut oil, which boasts a higher beta-carotene content than carrot oil, thereby delivering stellar antioxidant benefits, and which boasts a high content of oleic and palmitic acids that keep skin supple and moisturized; and ucuuba nut oil, which is also rich in fatty acids that keep skin looking young and smooth.

The Surya Brasil Lip Balms are available in four flavors: Chocolate Mint, Strawberry & Buriti, Cinnamon & Cupuacu, and Açai Berry. These flavors were obtained using natural fruit oils and spices, making their scent all the more authentic. The Stawberry & Buriti Lip Balm (my personal favorite), for example, smells like a ripe strawberry but the buriti nut in the formula adds a woody earthiness. 

When you first glide the lip balm atop your pout, its surface might feel a bit tough, but don't let that turn you off. Candelilla wax is naturally harder than your standard beeswax, which is why, in its solid form, it feels so very rigid. Fortunately, it also seems to melt much easier than beeswax so that, after your second or third use, the lip balm's creaminess will coat your lips effortlessly. In fact, part of what swept me away about the Surya Lip Balms was precisely this melt-on-your-mouth quality. Better yet, once you apply, you'll instantly feel relief as any cracks are soothed, dry skin is infused with moisture, and your whole pout is softened.

 

Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Sunglasses -- Retro, Rad, And Raving Mad

Dramatic, flashy, theatrical, over-the-top, colorful, urban, bold, kooky, experimental... All of these terms could be used to describe the aesthetic of designer Jeremy Scott. It follows, then, that Scott's limited-edition eyewear collection with fashion-forward optical brand Linda Farrow would not incorporate run-of-the-mill aviator frames, Jackie O styles, or Wayfarer-inspired shapes. Instead, the Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow glasses collection thrusts onlookers into the halls of absurdity, the world of weirdness, the comedy castle, the quad of quirkiness, the kitschiness kiosk, and the cabin of cool.

Scott tends to draw inspiration from the '80s, and this collection is no exception. Take, for example, the  Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow TV Glasses ($220 at PatriciaField.com), pictured at top, which feature two black squares with tiny round, flat, gunmetal-colored studs along their bottom ridge meant to resemble the buttons on old-school analog TV sets. The gradient gray lenses and the antennae detail at the top of the frame's left-hand side completes the effect.  

Similarly, the Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Smiley Glasses ($225 at PatriciaField.com) blend together a Janis Joplin-esque, groovy vibe via the frame's round shape with the lovable nerdiness of Dwayne Wayne thanks to the hinged flip top. The hinged top layer features two cross-shaped cut-outs resembling eyes and the upturned curve you'd find on any standard smiley face lollipop. The red lenses, meanwhile, add a slightly gothic effect to the otherwise goofy yet adorable design.

Always fascinated with mythical motifs (think of the many winged shapes in his designs), Scott turned to ancient Rome when designing the Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Caesar Glasses ($370 at PatriciaField.com), pictured second above. The gold-toned metal Caesar glasses feature wraparound style frames, mirrored lenses and, most importantly, laurel leaf motifs covering the arms for a Mount Olympus-ready look. 

Other styles in the collection include the red, plastic Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Cross Frames ($314 at PatriciaField.com), shown after the jump, which take the basic rectangular silhouette of '80s 3D sunglasses, including the square gray lenses, and then subvert it by adding intersecting rectangular shapes right where the lenses are located. The final result is completely over-the-top, especially given that the rectangular strips extend all the way down past the cheekbones, but that's part of their charm.

Perhaps the most bizarre piece is the Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Hand Frames ($259 at PatriciaField.com), which feature mannequin-like fingers "covering" the eyes. The sunglasses arms, then, resemble hands: the arms' tips resemble skinny wrists, widening as one's sight gravitates to the front of the frames, where the hands bend, so that the fingers fold over the eyes. The sculpted fingers are cleverly positioned, so that a space is left between the middle finger and the ring finger on either side, creating the illusion of "peeking."

Since these frames feature no lenses, they offer absolutely no UV protection, and hence their purpose is purely aesthetic. Measuring 7" in length and 2.5" in height, they're available in black, gold, or nude. That being said, these have a tendency to give me the creeps — particularly, the nude-colored option, in which the fingers feature red fingernails. Perhaps it's the fact that I watched the first season of Dexter and had nightmares about the Ice Truck Killer's prosthetic arm fetish, but these frames just frighten me.

Would I wear any of the Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow frames? Probably not (though, if I did, it would definitely be the Caesar frames). But I have to commend Scott for creating a novel collection that, even if a tad gimmicky, still manages to engage and entice.

Alexandre Birman Pumps Make Back-to-Back Appearances On Gossip Girl

 

How closely do you pay attention to the looks that stylist Eric Daman so deftly pieces together for each episode of Gossip Girl? If you always examine each look intently — and I'm talking the type of discernment required to win a championship round of "Where's Waldo?" — you might have noticed that, on Monday's "The Fasting and the Furious" episode, the Beatrice Grimaldi character (Blair Waldorf's new royal nemesis) wore these gold-toned Alexandre Birman Python Platform Pumps with a Diane Von Furstenberg dress.

Stunning shoes are par for the course in the Gossip Girl, so what made these pump's appearance so noteworthy was that they were featured in a different colorway in the prior episode. On the October 17th episode "Memoirs of an Invisible Dan," Leighton Meester's character Blair Waldorf rocked the multi-colored Alexandre Birman Mixed Media Platform Pumps, which retail for $750 at Saks Fifth Avenue, along with a dress from the Louis Vuitton Resort 2012 collection. 

Both of the pump styles feature glossy snakeskin uppers with cut-outs that yield a double helix-like effect, along with a double-layered platform and a straight stiletto heel. Aside from the difference in color (Waldorf's pumps incorporated purple, aqua, and acid green python whereas these blend together gold, yellow, and beige tones), the only substantial disparity between the two is the cork integrated into the mixed media style.  

In a way, given Gossip Girl's trend-setting reputation, it's shocking that two such similar footwear styles would appear in back-to-back episodes but, in another way, it's a genial move — after all, the woman following Waldorf's style steps is none other than her envious, manipulative, scheming future sister-in-law. Perhaps Daman and the writers are sending us a message via footwear: shoe tastes aside, Blair and Beatrice may have more in common than meets the eye.

MyHabit Launches Lulu Frost Sale Curated by Lisa Salzer

 

 

Since its launch, I've been raving about MyHabit.com, Amazon's foray into the flash sale realm. Not only are the bargains great (most sale items have price tags of at least 50% off retail), but the brand assortment is fantastic — no mall rat-approved brands like Ed Hardy or Skechers and, on the opposite end of the spectrum, few sales on aspirational luxury items targeted at the noe infamous 1% of the American population; no themed sales with pump-and-dump inventory that's been sitting in the back of a warehouse; and no events categorized under completely made-up style trends.

Adding to my excitement over MyHabit.com is today's Lulu Frost sale, curated by Lulu Frost designer Lisa Salzer herself. The selection of vintage-inspired pieces incorporates brass chain strands, Czech crystals, O-shaped horn links, silk ribbons, antique azure marquis stones, teardrop-shaped opalescent stones, and more.

Standouts include: the Lulu Frost Teardrop Earrings ($73), pictured second from top, which measure 3" in length and feature single brass chain strands and a prong-set, teardrop-shaped, sky blue Czech glass stone over a black, O-shaped horn link; the Sawtooth Double Bracelet ($115), shown third from top, which features saffron-colored silk ribbon threaded through a chunky, curb-link brass bracelet; and the Lulu Frost Disco Earrings ($90), shown at top, which are similar to the Teardrop Earrings but feature clear, faceted, round stones ar the post, single gold hoops leading to O-shaped horn links and yellow Czech glass teardrop stones dangling from the lower edge of the horn links.

The pieces are literally flying out of stock, so jump on this one now!

Naturalizer Fall 2011 Footwear Collection Hits On Major Style Trends AND Check Out Our Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to preview the Naturalizer Fall 2011 collection and meet Angelique Joseph, the company's Director of Product Development, as she explained some of the straight-from-the-runway trends that inspired her footwear designs. Historically, the Naturalizer brand has been synonymous with comfort rather than chicness, but Joseph is hoping to change the style discerning public's perception of the brand — all without sacrificing the wearability and ease yielded by the brand's trademark N5 Comfort elements: extra cushioning at the insole and under the ball of the foot, breathable linings on the sock cover and interior, balanced heel to toe shapes, flexible soles, and lightweight materials. 

One of the main sources of inspiration: the Fall 2011 "Remote Lands" trend, which materialized  on the runway via dramatic fur coats, shearling-trimmed handbags and footwear, embroidered floral elements providing a Bohemian flair, wool and leather coats with exaggerated fur-trimmed collars and sleeves, suede fringe handbags, and more. The Naturalizer Trinity Boots ($110 at Naturalizer.com), shown second from top, speak to this trend via microfiber faux suede uppers in an earthy tan, along with cream-colored faux fur trim along the sides of the shaft and at the wide cuff. The knee-high boots feature a 3/4" platform and a sturdy 2 3/4" heel for a reasonable total heel height of 3 1/2 inches. Another example of the trend: the Naturalizer Tyla Boots ($119 at Naturalizer.com), a lace-up bootie style with faux leather uppers, an adjustable velcro strap running across the vamp for a biker chic twist, and a fold-over faux fur-trimmed collar. The Tyla boots, shown above at top, easily topped the list of editor/blogger favorites (including my list, I might add), with their fashion-forward silhouette and the urban-meets-rural elements of their design. Another popular style within this category was the Kailtyn Oxford Brown Suede Wedge ($80 at Naturalizer.com), shown fourth from top, a lace-up suede wedge with folkloric-feeling contrast-stitching in diamond-like shapes along the side panels and a 3-inch heel.

The fascination with Mad Men-ish, '60s-inspired, retro prim looks also served as inspiration for the Fall 2011 Naturalizer collection. This trend was interpreted via tiny details such as rounded toes, vintage-looking brooch buckles, understated ruching, and bow details. Perhaps the Naturalizer Dinka Boots ($150 at Naturalizer.com) function as the best example of this trend. The knee-high Dinka Boots, shown third from top, feature leather uppers, a 2 1/2" heel, a rounded toe, and a lace-up detail with a dainty bow along the back of the shoe, at the base of the shaft.

Last, the androgynous aesthetic we saw on the Fall 2011 runways was infused into such designs as the Naturalizer Kendall Wedge ($69.99 at Naturalizer.com), a slip-on suede wedge style with fringed details and a stitched leather strap at the toe that lend the shoe a loafer-like effect.

And now for the fun part: one lucky reader will have the chance to win a pair of Naturalizer shoes from the Fall 2011 collection. Yes, gals: free shoes!

The giveaway starts today, October 25th, and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on November 4th. You must be 18 years or older to enter, and all contestants must reside in the continental U.S.

 

Now, to enter our Naturalizer giveaway, simply follow these steps:

1. Like Sicka Than Average on Facebook at Facebook.com/SickaThanAvg

2. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/sickathanavg

3. Visit Naturalizer.com, pick out your favorite style and, in the comments section below, list your favorite shoe style (make sure to mention the specific name) and your shoe size.

4. Make sure to leave an e-mail address at which you can be contacted should you win the giveaway.

 

That's all, folks! The winner of the giveaway will be announced on November 5th here, in our comments section, as well as on our Facebook page.