SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Amazing Americana Sweetheart -- Get Into The Fourth of July Spirit!

To paraphrase Katy Parry, make like a firework and let your colors burst this Fourth of July weekend with festive apparel, footwear, jewelry, home accents and entertaining details that show more patriotic pride than Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album cover. With these picks, you'll shine brighter than the stars on the flag!

 

Jeffrey Campbell Lita in Stars and Stripes, $154.95. Available at Solestruck.com

Tip your hat (or rather, tap your feet) in honor of Betsy Ross with the new Stars and Stripes pattern of Jeffrey Campbell's groovy Lita shoe. An ankle-high bootie, the Lita features a chunky 5" wooden heel; a 2" built-in platform; an exaggerated, '70s-esque squared toe; and corset-like lacing across the top of the tongue. 

 

SOBRAL Naturals Diamentes Necklace, $100. Available at SOBRALusa.com

Be the most dashing Lady in Red with this chunky necklace from SOBRAL, which features faceted, pebble-like resin stones in a tomato sauce red. 

 

Wildfox Couture America Crew Tee, $77. Available at WildfoxCouture.com

What says Fourth of July better than a white tee featuring an image of our nation's flag? And, thanks to the laid-back attitude, slightly faded fabric, and loose, drape-y cut of this Wildfox tee, you'll look and feel like you belong in Lenny Kravitz's "American Woman" video when you rock it. 

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff Endless Love Tote, $250. Available at Endless.com

Though best known for her widely coveted Morning After Bag and The BF silhouettes, both available in a plethora of leather colors, handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff knows just when to scale back the glam rock-ish studs, zippers, and buckles and, instead, get into a relaxed, hammock-time spirit, creating island-flavored straw pieces perfect for the surf babies but structured enough for city gals. The Endless Love tote, pictured above, accomplishes this feat with its wide natural straw and red straw stripes, its brown leather zip pocket, and its brown piping and shoulder handles.

Stripe & Crab 12-pc. Melamine Dinnerware Set in Red/Blue, $15.99. Available at Target.com

Hitting the beach house this weekend? Planning to host a cookout? Or is there a picnic on the agenda? Whatever your plans, consider investing in some kitschy melamine dishes to serve all the grilled burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, barbecued ribs, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese you whipped up. This twelve-piece set includes four dinner plates (measuring 10.5" in diameter), four cereal bowls (measuring 6" in diameter), and four salad plates (measuring 8.5" in diameter). The salad plates and cereal bowls feature red, white, and blue stripes, while the dinner plates feature a blue crab juxtaposed against the red and white striped backdrop.

 

Beyond Rings "Stars" 2-Finger Ring, $42. Available at Endless.com

In the spirit of the Pledge of Allegiance's "one nation undivided" segment, bring two of your fingers together in harmony with this two-finger piece from Beyond Rings, which features three raised silver star accents that create a 3D effect against the golden backdrop. 

Recap Of Sicka Than Average's "Fashion Blogger Forecast" Bash At Stone Rose Lounge

Above, from left: Celia San Miguel, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sicka Than Average; Eloy Hernandez; Sowmya Krishnamurthy of ICED Media; and Izzy Ruiz, Contributing Editor at Sicka Than Average.

Above, from left: Sowmya Krishnamurthy and Celia San Miguel

Gift bags with goodies from sponsors Physicians Formula, Redken, Junkprints, and Sally Hansen, as well as giveaway items from Katherine Kwei, SOBRAL, Swatch, Clarisonic, and FromTheBronx.com

 

Katherine Kwei Cleo handbag raffled during the party

Above, from left: Adriana Nova of Ideeli.com and Yana Lusher of MyOwnJudge.net

From left to right: Sowmya Krishnamurthy, Adriana Nova, and Celia San Miguel

Last Sunday, May 15th, we celebrated Sicka Than Average's third anniversary and the conclusion of Time Warner Center's amazing "Fashion Blogger Forecast" initiative (in which we were featured, to great fanfare, alongside three other NYC fashion bloggers). The cocktail party was held at Stone Rose Lounge in Time Warner Center from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. DJ Uri Adal presided over the wheels of steels, spinning a mix of dance, hip-hop, pop, and R&B, with a set that included everything from Usher's "OMG" to Bjork's "The Hunter," Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," Rihanna's "Only Girl in the World," Shakira's "She Wolf," and Lykke Li's "I Follow Rivers" (check out his full playlist here). Guests grooved to the music, enjoyed cocktails and appetizers, mingled, and took in the gorgeous view of Central Park from the sky-high windows lining the venue's walls.

Among those present were Malak Atut, founder and designer of ZAIKEN jewelry; rapper/producer Mike Jaggerr; jewelry designer Susan Suh; up-and-coming fashion designer Tori Nichel; super publicist Jourdann Lubliner of Kaplow PR; ICED Media Marketing and PR Specialist Sowmya Krishnamurthy; Nicole Newsum of Bratskeir PR; seasoned hip-hop journalists Jayson Rodriguez and Alvin Blanco; Cacy Forgenie Culture Editor at GlobalGrind.com; Adriana Nova, Social Media Manager at Ideeli.com; Raquel Huston, Integrated Marketing Specialist at TV One; beauty bloggers Paula Wade of OlderGirlBeauty.com, Meredith Edwards-Cornwell of RetrodivasBeauty.com, and Yana Lusher of MyOwnJudge.net; Public Relations maven Real Hamilton-Romeo; and many more.

All VIP guests received Sicka Than Average gift bags filled with goodies from our sponsors Redken (each bag contained either a bottle of Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum or a tube of Fresh Curls Curl Recovery); Physicians Formula (who provided us with their amazing Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Shimmer Bronzer, the answer to a healthy, summer-ready glow); and Sally Hansen (who graciously blessed us with their brand new, buzz-y Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips so we could give guests a special treat).

To add some excitement to the evening, we raffled off special prizes from more fabulous sponsors, with the key items being: a Clarisonic Mia in Garnet; a pair of SOBRAL Chick Shock Encanto Earrings in blue (priced at $58); a SOBRAL Pop Art Bangle (worth $50); a chic Katherine Kwei "Clea" Cross Body purse, which has a retail price of $300; a zebra-striped Swatch watch worth $60; two graphic tees from the brand new apparel line FromTheBronx.com; and two gift cards from Stone Rose Lounge worth $75 each.

I, of course, tried to look my very best for the big event, so I slipped into a va-va-va-voom, minimalist but ultra sexy, flesh-toned dress from Onno, reached for a pair of gold and aqua blue Kendra Scott earrings and SOBRAL's Cantalago Rio-inspired bangle bracelet, and Pour La Victoire's light aqua Aria slingback platform pumps. To add a dash of color, I selected a turquoise-colored handbag for the evening: the incomparable Katherine Kwei Clea in Turquoise, an embossed lizard lambskin cross-body bag with gold trim along the front flap and edges, a slim gold shoulder strap, and the designer's signature Chinese eternity knot motif along the top flap. To finish the look, I slicked my hair back, pulled it into a bun and accessorized with Colette Malouf's stunning Crystal Net Mother of Pearl Headband. Chck out the complete look in the photos here!

Overall, the nice was a huge success, and we're looking forward to putting together many more events in the near future. Take a look at some pictures from the event above and after the jump!

 

Calypso St. Barth For Target Collection Has A Vacation-Worthy Groove

Like the Liberty of London collection that preceded it, the Calypso St. Barth for Target collaboration spans across multiple product categories: women's and children's apparel and accessories; jewelry; shoes; home furnishings and accents (vases, scented candles, votive holders, throw pillows, candleholders, etc.); beauty knickknacks (makeup organizers, headbands, bobby pins, train cases, and ponytail holders); dinnerware sets (cereal bowls, glasses, serving trays, dinner plates, and bowls); and kitchenware (teapots).

The limited-edition collection is true to the French resort brand's free-spirited, beach-y, moneyed nomad vibe, with starfish-, sand dollar- and seashell-like prints, paisley patterns in coral pinks and sunset oranges, tie-dye fabrics in aquatic turquoise, Bali-worthy elephant motifs, and tons of beadwork, embroidery and linen or straw touches. In fact, it can be neatly divided into three themes: Sea, which features marine blues and prints that mimic the waves of the ocean and the splendors found in its depth; Reef, which boasts coral pink and orange colors; and Shore, a more minimalist assortment of white or tan linen, cotton voile, and straw pieces with embroidered beadwork.

Though we typically swoon over Calypso's swimsuit cover-ups and laid-back maxi dresses, we were most amazed by the dinnerware and home accents in this collection, some of which are shown above. Any summertime barbecue or cocktail party will get an aesthetic boost with a set of  gradient aqua and lime green tumbler glasses or some round plates with scalloped edges and turquoise, fan-like prints resembling the center of sand dollars. Or, if you're going for more of an Arabian Nights vibe, check out the pillar-shaped, silver-toned metal candleholders, with all-over perforations that mimic the texture of reef formations.  

Other standouts in the Calypso St. Barth for Target collection include: the Tie Dye Stripe Espadrille Wedges (pictured after the jump), which feature lime green insoles, 4" rope-covered wedge heels, a roomy peep toe, and open heel counters with buckled straps; the Linen Tote, a jute handbag in a natural hue with brown, white, and aqua stitching forming a web of concentric circles; and the various train cases and organizers, which range from a double-zippered, top-handle case to a square number stamped with a golden elephant illustration.

Check out more photos after the jump, as well as pricing for all the pieces pictured here!

Time Warner Center "Fashion Blogger Forecast" Webisode!

 

Last week, I chronicled my day of shopping at The Shops at Columbus Circle as part of Time Warner Center's "Fashion Blogger Forecast" campaign. I spent a full day visiting my favorite stores inside TWC: Stuart Weitzman (where I bought a pair of color-blocked, high-heeled, ankle strap raffia sandals), A/X Armani Exchange (where I scooped up a silver-toned, multi-strand necklace with mirrored bars adding an Art Deco feel; a black-and-white, graphic print scarf; a gunmetal-colored, hinged buckled cuff; a pair of wing-shaped stud earrings with pavé-set stones; and a matching wing-themed ring), bebe (where I found a sexy red bandage dress; a black leather motorcycle jacket with paillette details adding a bit of texture; a rocker-worthy, studded-out, cobra-shaped ring; and a chunky, twisted chain bracelet encrusted with clear cubic zirconia stones), BOSS Hugo Boss (where I found a lovely cross-body purse), and True Religion. I then showed you ladies how I put all these various components together and styled an ensemble for an evening out at Stone Rose Lounge.

Now, you can feel like you spent the day with me, hitting up the stores at Time Warner Center, slipping into your sexiest dress and some sky-high heels, then heading to Stone Rose Lounge, with the brief video above, which captures my activities throughout the day. Enjoy!

"Fashion Blogger Forecast" Webisode -- Shopping at Time Warner Center, Eating at Landmarc, And Partying At Stone Rose Lounge

Hey, gals! Hopefully you've been reading all about Time Warner Center's "Fashion Blogger Forecast" campaign and Sicka Than Average's involvement in this amazing initiative — especially my detailed account of my hunt for the best after-hours ensemble at The Shops at Columbus Circle last weekend, my subsequent piece on the amazing outfit I managed to put together for an evening out with my chicas at Stone Rose Lounge, and the launch of a new giveaway in which you can win over $130 worth of A/X Armani Exchange jewelry (pieces I myself wore in my final look!

We wanted to make you readers feel like you were trailing me throughout the day: from sashaying from Stuart Weitzman to bebe, BOSS Hugo Boss, A/X Armani Exchange, and True Religion; to enjoying appetizers at Landmarc; and putting together all of the day's purchases to create a steamy, ultra cool look for a "Girl's Night Out" with my BFFs at Stone Rose Lounge.

The best part: we filmed a video capturing all the highlights! Here's a link to the webisode, so make sure to check it out!

Mamma Mia! It's Our Mother's Day Gift Guide!

When a woman bears children, she doesn't automatically join some global network of disheveled, perpetually mismatched, scrapbook-obsessed, Slanket-adoring, "Jag"-watching, Reader's Digest-subscribing frumpsters. Those of us who added "mother" to our job titles while in our 20s and 30s are entirely too familiar with the terrible Mother's Day gift suggestions often made by print and online publications (terry cloth slippers? really?), and we long for the day when we won't have to feign delight when we unwrap our presents on the big day. So, with that in mind, we've created a gift guide for chic moms of all ages, packed with pieces that say "I love you, mom" in the most syrupy smooth tone.

So push those corny "No. 1 Mom" ceramic mugs aside, cancel the flannel pajama order, and let's get down to business!

 

Courtney Lee Collection Elise Cuff, $360. Available at Alene Too in Boca Raton, FL. Visit CourtneyLeeCollection.com for more info.

Wonder Woman's bulletproof bracelets would look downright wimpy next to this stunning 2"-wide, red lambskin cuff, which you can squeeze and adjust to fit your particular wrist size. At its core, the Elise cuff features an almond-shaped, silver-plated, Swarovski-adorned design with a slightly tribal feel (which is magnified by the red backdrop). An oversize, faceted, marquis-sty,le clear Swarovski crystal holds court at the center of the piece like a supernova, radiating the heat that takes this bracelet from pretty to jaw-dropping. This stone is then surrounded by two rows of tiny round clear crystals that perfectly mimic its shape, orbiting around the diva stone. Lastly, a single strip of rectangular-shaped crystals outline these two crystal rows, arranged in a slight angle so as to create a starburst-like motif that's perfect for a superstar like Elise.

 

Ritzenhoff Pearls Glasses, $44 each. Visit RitzenhoffUSA.com for a list of retailers near you.

Inspired by the French notion of "savoir vivre," a philosophy of life that involves knowing how to enjoy life's pleasures an not be overly consumed by work responsibilities, Ritzenhoff launched its Pearls collection, designed for Prosecco, a sparkling Italian white wine that conveys a sense of joy and playfulness. Artists like Jarle Hetland Bjorlin, Monica Ernst, Nicholas DeWael, and Sandra Kretzmann have lent their distinctive aesthetics to these fine glasses. These youthful, sunny, unique designs make each moment you toast even more memorable, 

 

 

 
Nancy Gonzalez Woven Crocodile Leather Straw Clutch, $810. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Handbag gurus associate Nancy Gonzalez with finely crafted pieces in exquisite, exotic animal skins, but the Colombian designer is constantly expanding her repertoire. Take, for example, this macramé-inspired clutch, which features a straw fabric in a summery, linen-y, muted tan tone, with beige crocodile leather woven over it, creating an intriguing knot-like pattern. Perfect for a poolside fête, a garden party, or an afternoon lunch, this clutch measured 12" in with, 14" in height, and 1" in depth.

 

 

 

Mars and Valentine Mother & Baby Ring, $225, and Mars and Valentine Mother & Baby Toggle Bracelet, $525. Available at Nordstrom.com

Forget some rink-a-dink necklace with the word "Mom" engraved in gawdy cursive letters —this is how you commemorate Ma Dukes. Jewelry brand Mars and Valentine integrates antique-looking, Western-flavored, etched, embossed, and engraved tokens in brass an sterling silver. If you want an audacious piece that will commemorate a mother's relationship to her child, opt for the Mother & Baby Ring, an open ring with a vintage-looking oval shape bearing the word "Baby" on one side and a slim brass almond shape with the word "Mother" on the other side. Measuring 3/4" in width and 1 1/4" in length, the ring also incorporates white topaz stone accents. Prefer a charm bracelet? Then check out their Mother & Baby Toggle Bracelet, which incorporates two-toned tokens and medallions.

 

Kilian Invitation, $1195, and Kilian Prohibition (Black Edition), $2895. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

The story behind Kilian Hennessy's handbag collection says it all: when his significant other attended a black tie affair wearing one of his sleek, Art Deco-inspired, glossy black perfume bottles as a clutch, the outpouring of compliments was formidable. She knew at that point that her man could expand his fragrance empire by venturing into the luxury handbag milieu.

The result is an exciting collection of black lacquered and hand polished Plexiglass clutches with Swarovski-encrusted mirrored clasp closures. Our top picks: the Invitation style, which features a square, yellow gold shape along the front with a mirrored sheen and two thin vertical rows on either side (one shorter than the next) adorned with tiny square and rectangular black Swarovski crystals; and the Prohibition style, inspired by 1920s-era Shanghai, which features black galuchat skin in a circular shape along the center.

 

 

ZAIKEN Jewelry Calligraphy Collection "Terms of Endearment" Bracelets, prices range from $600 to $2100. Available at ZaikenJewelry.com

A heartfelt letter sent via e-mail is a lovely gesture, but there's something way more intimate about a hand-written note or card, a piece of paper with refined cursive lettering that shows the author spent time and energy in expressing his or her thoughts. Zaiken taps into this idea with its Calligraphy Collection, which celebrates the ancient art of handwriting. To that end, then, the Terms of Endearment collection consists of bracelets with white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or blackened silver charms engraved with affectionate words like “Angel”, “Beloved”, “Cherished,” and “Adored” in scripts that seem refined but not standoffish, sophisticated but still authentic. The bracelets themselves, meanwhile, were mae using woven, macramé-style leather and silk so that they feel like upscale versions of the friendship bracelets we once toiled over as schoolgirls. What mom wouldn't want to know she's adored?

 

 

 

 

ECOYA Special Edition Mother's Day Candle, $36.00. Available at CandleDelirium.com

Let your mom enjoy some bubbly, all without ever getting inebriated. Your queen will find the scent of the Ecoya Pink Champagne Special Edition Mother's Day Candle positively intoxicating: from the zesty pink grapefruit note that opens the fragrance to the juicy, succulent strawberry note, and the powdery floral notes that add a delicate vibe to the experience. The natural soy candle's aroma strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, naughty and nice, without ever seeming too overpowering or overbearing.

 

 

 

 

 
Molton Brown Joy – Mother’s Day Gift Set, $58. Available at all Molton Brown emporia and at Moltonbrown.com

Whether she's sleep-deprived while nursing her newborn, exhausted from doing all the laundry and cooking, or fretting about her child's college fund, chances are the mothers you know are in some serious need of an extended R&R session. The Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Bath & Shower Gel in this gift set and accompanying Relaxing Yuan Zhi Body Lotion will help her unwind thanks to the aromatherapy benefits of the Chinese herb yuan zhi (senega root), which has long been used by holistic experts to calm the spirit and temper anxiety. The shower gel is also enriched with mango oil, so that it softens skin as you cleanse your body, and a combination of ylang-ylang, vanilla and rose oils add a sensual, indulgent fragrance. When mom needs a pick-me-up, meanwhile, she can reach for the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel and the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Body Lotion, which have a warm an spicy aroma.
 

 
Kendra Scott Nadine Earrings, $80. Available at KendraScott.com

A nod to modernism with an emphasis on strong lines and shapes, the 3"-long Kendra Scott Nadine earrings are made of 14k gold-plated brass and feature faceted gems like blue agate, peach quartz, turquoise magnesite, salmon magnesite, and yellow onyx along their lengths and at the post.

 

My Night At Stone Rose Lounge, The Finished "Fashion Blogger Forecast" Look, And A New Giveaway

On Monday, I told you gals all about the amazing time I had shopping at Time Warner Center as part of Sicka Than Average's involvement in the "Fashion Blogger Forecast" campaign. In my quest to style the perfect ensemble for a "Girl's Night Out" at Stone Rose Lounge, I perused through the stellar offerings at BOSS Hugo Boss, bebe, Stuart Weitzman, A/X Armani Exchange, and True Religion (all retailers in The Shops at Columbus Circle). I wanted an ensemble that was sexy but edgy, sophisticated but with a hint of the audaciousness and boldness we associate with glam rock — and, in the end, I put together the ensemble you see here for my after-hours chill session.

The main pieces in the final look are: an ultra snug, red bandage dress from bebe ($109); a black leather jacket from bebe with paillette details ($259); Stuart Weitzman's color-blocked, ankle-strap, raffia Bradfrod sandals ($359); a black leather cross-body bag from BOSS Hugo Boss ($450); and a black-and-white modal scarf from A/X Armani Exchange ($38). I then piled on the silver jewelry to add the necessary touch of rock-n-roll flavor. The statement piece here is a multi-strand silver necklace from A/X Armani Exchange ($38). Since the necklace was rather elaborate, I didn't want the earrings to be so large that the pieces would be competing for the limelight and so I chose a pair of small, wing-shaped stud earrings with pavé stone details, also from A/X Armani Exchange ($28). I then opted for a matching wing-shaped ring from A/X Armani Exchange ($32) and a large buckle-shaped, gunmetal-colored hinge bracelet from A/X Armani Exchange ($38). The last two jewelry pieces came from bebe: a multi-strand, twisted, silver metal chain bracelet with clear rhinestones ($24), and a mammoth silver-colored ring shaped like a cobra ($24).

Putting the various components together was fairly simple: I shimmied into the bebe dress and slipped my feet into the Stuart Weitzman shoes, then covered my back and shoulders with the biker-flavored bebe jacket. Next, I strung the A/X Armani Exchange necklace over my neck and secured the A/X Armani Exchange earrings to my lobes. Then, I put the A/X Armani Exchange buckle cuff on my left wrist and the bebe chain bracelet on my right wrist. Since the bebe jacket had zippers along the sleeves, I was able to unzip the cuffs for a peek-a-boo effect that enabled me to show off the bracelets even when I still had my jacket on! As far as the rings, I wore the cobra ring on the pointer finger on my right hand and slipped the A/X Armani Exchange wing ring onto the ring finger of that very same hand (I love wearing multiple rings on each hand!). To add some panache, I draped the scarf over my shoulders, tucking  it under the collar of the leather jacket.  I then grabbed my BOSS Hugo Boss purse (in which I tucked a tube of NARS Jungle Red lipstick), and headed to Stone Rose Lounge to meet the gals!

Since Stone Rose Lounge has such a "grown and sexy" feel to it (one wall is made of slithers of tainted, blood red glass), the outfit seemed pitch-perfect. I felt confident, and I'm sure it showed.

Below, you'll find more photos of the final outfit, as well as some shots of my night out at stone Rose Lounge, where I enjoyed some delicious cocktails, admired the view of Central Park from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and swapped stories with my homegirls. 

Check out the pics after the jump and don't miss the giveaway announcement — you could win part of this look, ladies!

 

Day Of Shopping At Time Warner Center For "Fashion Blogger Forecast" Campaign

 

Last Friday, I told you chicas the amazing news about Sicka Than Average being selected to participate in Time Warner Center's "Fashion Blogger Forecast" initiative. On Saturday, then, I headed out to The Shops at Columbus Circle to face my unique styling challenge: putting together an outfit for a "Girl's Night Out" at the Rande Gerber-owned Stone Rose Lounge, which is itself located inside Time Warner Center (on the fourth floor, providing a glorious view of Central Park). I spent the entire day shopping (hey, it's my version of cardio) and even had a videographer film me as I made my way to different retailers and selected the pieces I wished to purchase (stay tuned for the finished webisode!). As promised, I've put together a recap of the experience, complete with photos of my excursion, details on the spring style trends I observed while perusing through the stores, and the scoop on all my great buys. So....drumroll, please...let's press that rewind button!

I arrived at The Shops at Columbus Circle shortly before 10 a.m., decked out in a scoopneck, deep red, leopard print faux leather T-shirt from 213 Industry with a back zipper (part of their Fall 2011 collection); a 213 Industry cropped, black knit shrug with a shaggy texture and glittery stones woven into the fabric; fitted black Joie pants accessorized with a wide, stretchy 213 Industry belt with a jeweled buckle embellished with feathers and draped chains; a Twisted Floating Horseshoe Ring from Skinny Jewelry; and tons of silver jewelry from Little Rooms (the silver House Ring, the Radio Dial Double Finger Ring, the Lock Earrings, and the Seismograph Pendant). What can I say? I'm one of those women who gets decked out to go shopping. Now that  I think about it, I tend to dress up for much more menial tasks (like checking the mail). And considering how elegant Time Warner Center is, well, who wouldn't want to look their very best? Before I started shopping, I stopped by the Borders bookstore and got myself a nice cup of coffee. After I'd gotten my caffeine fix, I was ready to rumble!

Though I had a vague notion of the outfit I wanted to put together for my after-hours event at Stone Rose Lounge, I wanted to explore various options. Still, I knew a sexy dress would be the centerpiece of the look, and I knew just where I would find the perfect number: bebe.

So let's start our shopping day recap at this first destination!

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First Stop: bebe

There's a reason why fashion icon, reality TV star, and sex symbol Kim Kardashian is so fond of bebe (the Kardashian sisters even designed a fashion line for bebe): the store is always chockfull of on-trend apparel and accessories in vibrant hues, playful patterns, feminine silhouettes, and a young Hollywood vibe. Countless pieces spoke to current fashion trends — from sexy separates in neon hues to animal print, caftan-inspired, floor-length halter dresses; corset-style, one-piece jumpsuits; nautical-themed tops and shorts; honeysuckle pink micro dresses (one of Pantone's picks for Spring 2011); and skirts with undulating petal strip details.

I must have tried on about six or seven different dresses but, eventually, my eyes fell on this one piece that practically seemed to call my name: a bright red bandage dress in the vein of the Hervé Leger frocks seen on Blake Lively in Gossip Girl. When I slithered into the dress, I knew I'd found the elusive "one." The dress fit like a glove — it hugged every curve but, rather than accentuate any problem areas like a flimsy spandex piece would do, the material almost seemed to smooth out my silhouette and provide a degree of control (a la Spanx). The double shoulder straps, meanwhile, formed a V shape and then crisscrossed below the bosom, accentuating this area. It's a va-va-voom number for sure! The dress retails for $109, so it's a smart and reasonably priced piece — especially given that a saucy red dress is as essential a closet staple as the famed LBD.

To give the knee-length dress some rock-'n'-roll flavor, I chose a black leather jacket with slightly puffed-up sleeves (a subtler take on the inflated sleeves of the tuxedo jacket that Rihanna rocked to the 2009 Met Costume Gala), an angled zipper and zippered cuffs that imbued the piece with a motorcycle-ready vibe, and all-over pailletes to give the piece texture. The jacket retails for $259, which is an absolute steal for such a versatile piece. After all, what would an edgy New Yorker be without a black leather jacket?

Lastly, I sauntered over to the accessories table at the center of the store. Since I wanted to give my outfit a rocker edge, I gravitated towards oversize, audacious, silver-toned pieces, like a cobra-shaped ring (serpents are hot this season!) priced at $24 and a twisted chain bracelet with clear crystal stones priced at $24.

Check out photos of my time at bebe and the fabu dress!

 

 

Kitchen Confidential -- VIPP Introduces New Line Of Kitchen Tools

Tired of all those "shabby chic" kitchen wares, like those woven rattan and wicker bread baskets and those homely dishwashing towels with floral appliqués? Ready to toss that '60s diner-style Tablemaker salt shaker? Then here's something to quell your anxiety, my modernity-embracing mavens: Vipp has just launched a new line of sleek kitchen tools in monochromatic tones. The collection includes a bread box, salt and pepper mill set, and dishwashing set — all designed to maximize functionality while also emphasising Vipp's trademark aesthetic, via simple shapes, minimalist motifs, and clean lines.

The Vipp salt and pepper mill set, for example, is available in a black-and-white color combination for a nod to the Art Deco period. Each of the cylindrical ceramic mills features a stainless steel top lid with serrated edges. When you twist the cap, you'll hear a grinding noise that gives the experience a more authentic feel. The salt and pepper set comes with a painted black aluminum base that fits both mills, making storage both easy and stylish. This elongated, slim, elliptical-shaped base features rubber inserts that can be removed to simplify the cleaning process.

Next, there's the dishwashing set: a slim black bracket that can be mounted onto your kitchen wall and which features a stainless steel bar through which to loop towels (like the white cotton cloth included in the set), as well as unobtrusive notches on either side of the bracket on which to hang the dish brushes. The bracket's design alone eliminates the inconvenience of damp sponges or brushes that leak all over your sink and kitchen counter, accumulating bacteria and eventually getting a not-so-fresh odor. Once you hang the brush on its bracket, you can let it air dry, eliminating clutter and keeping the sink area clean and dry.

The dishwashing  brush, meanwhile, boasts a slightly curved design that makes it easy to reach the bottom of tall glasses and deep pots. The perforations along the rubber-coated handle lighten some of the steel core's weight without compromising the brush's sturdiness. Best of all, the rounded brush heads can be removed as needed, so there's no need to keep buying new brushes whenever the bristles look frayed and stiff.

Last, there's the Vipp bread box, a 3-gallon, rubber-and-stainless steel container measuring 16.3" x 7.5" x 8.9". Available in black or white, the elliptical-shaped bread box features a metal lid with a slim slit along the center and small ventilation holes all over the surface. The bread box also comes with a cotton bag in which to tuck your bread (or any other food you plan to store in the container) so as to keep it dry, fresh, and ready to eat.

Check out detailed images below, along with pricing info!

Love Actually -- Heart-Warming Valentine's Day Gifts

Whether you're treading through the giddy, "Teenage Love Affair"-worthy territory of a new crush or you're basking in the commitment-ready, forever-and-ever, "At Last" stage of your relationship, you know to cherish every heart-swelling moment in the journey known as love. Valentine's Day, then, provides the perfect opportunity to take a cue from Adele and offer our honeys a warm embrace to make them feel our love. And, of course, if we can put a smile on our lovers' faces with some  thoughtful tokens of our affection, all the better!

If you're a single gal, you don't have to pull a Liz Lemon and book a root canal on Valentine's Day to avoid the entire holiday. Cease the boycott and, instead, focus on spreading the love to your friends, family members, and co-workers via perky gifts and keepsakes. Another great idea: appoint yourself your own sweetheart, then indulge yourself and splurge on a shiny new gift. You deserve it!

 

 

 
Stacy Ray LA Gray Bullet Heart Sweater, $40. Available at StacyRayLA.com

Bring in Valentine's Day with a kiss, kiss, bang. Stacy Ray's lightweight Bullet Heart sweater, made of 100% cotton, features a relaxed, slouchy, lounge-ready fit, a generous scoop neckline, and thick cuffed sleeves. The heather gray color gives the sweatshirt a worn-in feel that makes it seem all the cozier and, at the piece's center, you'll find the outline of a heart made of black bullet casings (because, hey, love is a battlefield). Another reason why this Stacy Ray LA piece is number one with a bullet: 20% of the proceeds from its sale are donated to the Los Angeles School District, thereby supporting our nation's beleaguered education system.

 

Deepa Gurnani Clutch, $248. Visit DeepaGurnani.com for more info.

After launching her namesake hair accessories brand in 2006, New York-based, Indian-born designer Deepa Gurnani is channeling her flair for beadwork (she perfected her skills embellishing couture gowns for the likes of Emanuel Ungaro and Alexander McQueen) into new ventures like scarves, belts, and clutches. The above-pictured, envelope-shaped clutch, for example, features a rounded bottom edge that gives the piece greater weight and dimension, as well as slim rows of gold sequins running vertically down the bag's front, juxtaposed against vertical columns of wavy sequin trim creating Moroccan window shapes and revealing the hot pink fabric underneath.

 

beautyADDICTS SweetLIPS Lip Gloss, $17 each. Available at BeautyAddicts.com

All your sweetheart needs, to quote Prince, is "some extra time and your kiss." Make it a yummy smooch by giving your pucker a touch of color with one of these beautyADDICTS SweetLIPS glosses, which feature a bit of delicious vanilla. Packed with vitamin E and jojoba butter, these glosses hydrate, soften, and protect lips, while providing a subtle, sheer wash of color. If you like understated hues, try the Express shade, a sheer peach cobbler hue, and the Motivate color, a sheer lilac pink with bluish white glitter particles. Check out swatches of the Express and Motivate glosses!

 

 

Lisa Hoffman Madagascar Orchid Candle with Agate Coaster, $46. Available at LisaHoffmanSkincare.com

If you've ever been blessed enough to smell Lisa Hoffman's Madagascar Orchid perfume, then you know how it transports you to a lush tropical landscape thanks to the dewy floral notes: from the key white orchid note to the sheer jasmine, ylang ylang, and pink peony that harmonize with it. The Madagascar Orchid candle allows you to disseminate the soft, tender, romantic scent and have it fill the room, so you can bask in all its aromatic glory. For Valentine's Day, when you purchase one of these 9 oz. candles, you'll also receive a semi-precious agate coaster from Brazil featuring concentric rings in magenta, fuchsia, light pink, and crystal clear tones.

 

Leslie Greene "Marry Me" Message Pendant, $3290. Available at LeslieGreeneStore.com

Who wants a message in a bottle when they can get a secret note inside a shiny pendant? Jewelry designer Leslie Greene allows suitors to speak via their choice of tokens, with 14k gold "secret message pendants" carrying notes like "Children," "Love," and "Marry Me." The barrel-shaped, intricately etched pendants feature hinged top lids that can be opened up to reveal the messages hidden inside.

Rebecca Minkoff "The BF" Pouch, $295. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com

Say hello to your new BFF. You don't need OK Cupid! to tell you that you're 100% compatible with Rebecca Minkoff's "The BF" pouch, a cross-body style featuring a front pocket secured by two belt buckles with pyramid-shaped light gold buckles and arrow-shaped belt tips. The Minkoff cross-body bag measures 9" in width, 7" in height, and 2" in depth, and it features a 22"  gold chain strap with red leather braided throughout its length, along with a tassel accent featuring leather fringe. And that vibrant red color? It's enough to light anyone's fire!

 

Tweezerman "Lips" Zip File, $5.50. Available at Sephora.com

If you've ever tossed an emory board file into your purse and groaned when it re-emerged looking soiled and ragged, you'll appreciate this genius Tweezerman offering: a compact nail board packaged inside a  retractable plastic case that allows you to slip the nail file in or out with just a flick of your thumb. Each file features an 80/120 grit side for shaping and a softer side for smoothing nails. And, for Valentine's Day, there's a special lip print zip file. Spread the love and gift one of these clutch-friendly files to your co-worker, homegirl, or sister.

 

Nissa Jeweled Link Earrings in Coral, $175. Available at NissaJewelry.com

These free-spirited, gold-plated earrings feature sculpted, paisley droplet-likes shapes that seem to caress the lobes and which are decorated with perky coral-colored stones. Curb chain strands measuring 2.5" in length dangle from the earrings' center, along with a single strand of coral stones, for even more of a Bohemian vibe.