Posts Tagged ‘Beauty’

Vacaciones en México

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Sorry we haven’t posted lately…but due to some big happenings I’m throwing out an equally big excuse. First, I had a baby boy about three weeks ago (!!), as alert readers might have guessed from my sneaky “Covet Shopping for Baby Bumps” post last November. (By the way, that Moschino blazer I snatched up was a very stylish lifesaver for the office.)

Secondly, Nancy got engaged and was recently on vacation in Mexico. Props to her BF-now-fiance for cleverly not being predictable and popping the question AFTER the trip instead of during it. And  Nancy has happily taken to her new status well by properly obsessing over her gorgeous ring. Best of wishes to them!! I’ve been so busy with the baby that haven’t heard the full story yet, but look forward to catching up with her this week.

What's hotter than a defrocked priest?

What's hotter than a defrocked priest?

So what’s packed in fabulous Nancy’s bag for a trip to the tropics? When I travel to Mexico, my imagination goes wild so course I’m envisioning their trip was something out of “Night of the Iguana,” the 1964 classic (shot off Playa Mismaloya, near Puerta Vallarta) dripping with scandal. Though, unless their travels included an encounter with a defrocked priest at hot as Richard Burton, it was probably slightly more tame.

Below, her guidelines for a stylishly packed bag.

- Array of bikinis in prints and solids (including a new Eres suit…love!)

- Cover up tunics and light dresses; lots of maxi dresses

- YSL straw tote beach bag

- Favorite straw Panama hat

- Silk tops, including a new studded top from Jodi Arnold; denim short shorts

- For shoes: Havaianas and jelly slides, Missoni wedges

Sooo, if you’re looking for inspiration from Covet Shop, we’ve compiled these two outfits, as styled by Nancy. Muy bonita.

Roberto Cavalli Long Floral Printed Dress, Bottega Veneta Vintage Clutch, Jimmy Choo Prize Sandals (sold), Gucci Buckle Sunglasses

Roberto Cavalli Long Floral Printed Dress, Jimmy Choo Prize Sandals (sold), Gucci Buckle Sunglasses

But ladies, it’s not all about the fashion – for beauty picks, Nancy smartly likes to “keep it simple” for trips and just include basics like bronzer, lip gloss, Bumble Surf Spray, and mascara. But since I’m the beauty chick here, I’ve taken the liberty of adding some of my faves. First, take a peek at M·A·C’s impending “To the Beach” collection – not available until May 28, but you heard about it here. For me, the joy and design of the packaging weighs in at about 70% of my purchase influence (since ladies, let’s face it, lots of beauty products work equally well), and — well — as a beachaholic these new items are stunners. They just make you happy, period.

Lipglass in Easy Lounger, new Cream Bronzer...take me away

Lipglass in Easy Lounger, new Cream Bronzer...take me away

We’ll leave you with these three beauty essentials for your escape – trust me, this is just about all you’ll need to look fantastic – in addition to the lip gloss and bronzer, of course. Oh, and some deodorant.

Don't scare beach-goers with your pasty legs; prepare beforehand with Jergens Natural Glow (comes in various shades, plus the choice of Revitalizing or Firming); Korres' delicious Lip Butter; and Bumble's Surf Spray (Nancy's pick)

Don't scare beach-goers with your pasty legs; prepare beforehand with Jergens Natural Glow (comes in various shades, plus the choice of Revitalizing or Firming); Korres' delicious Lip Butter; and Bumble's Surf Spray (Nancy's pick)

Style-Hopping the EU Fashion Capitals

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Spring has arrived in New York! And while it’s gorgeous here, we’re going to skip off to Europe’s fashion capitals this week for inspiration from Paris, Milan and the UK. Bon voyage.

La France: Florals, Denim and Feathers

From Numero's online Galerie: Stunning, and delicious

From Numero's online Galerie: Stunning, and delicious

For those venturing outside of the mainstream editorial viewpoint, I sought out Jalouse and go-to international style pub Numéro from which I couldn’t resist this gorgeous pic, above. Lately, I can’t seem to get enough of this hot-hot-hot pink, and if you’ve got un goût pour les fleurs (this is my French major coming into rare use here), we offer you this delightful assortment from Covet Shop…for window shopping or strolling the boulevard, wherever you may be.

Stella McCartney Floral Maxi Dress, Moschino Ruffle Dot Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Floral Halter, Roberto Cavalli Floral Tank Dress

Stella McCartney Floral Maxi Dress, Moschino Ruffle Dot Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Floral Halter, Roberto Cavalli Floral Tank Dress

Jalouse, for its cover, focused on an “Into the Wild” prairie look, which of course becomes painfully chic with the careful insouciance of a side braid — which style blogger Garance Doré (who’s posting in English now, as well) also showcases (inset).

Side braids, for the impossibly stylish

Side braids, for the impossibly stylish

We don’t have any denim on the site at present, but these tops look fabulous with jeans…

Temperley Pebble Tunic, Marc Jacobs Floral Tiered Top, Temperley Jamila Kaftan Tunic

Temperley Pebble Tunic, Marc Jacobs Floral Tiered Top, Temperley Jamila Kaftan Tunic

Andiamo in Italia: Vogue Curvy…Celebrating Style of All Sizes

Back in February of this year Vogue Italia launched Vogue Curvy, a microsite within Vogue.it that celebrates a woman’s bounty with videos, shopping tips, daily suggestions, fashion/beauty, “Curvy News” and a blog. We love that it’s called “Curvy” and not “Plus-Size,” btw. Who’s to say what’s considered “plus” in a world where perceptions of beauty and body image are in the eye of the beholder? As Vogue Curvy cites in its “Flashback or Flashforward” post, “Are we outlining the identikit of the new beauty standards for the next years, when abundant figures will be considered the perfect ones? Will curvy women of the whole world be envisaged as the new beauty icons?”

Vogue calls out women like Christina Hendricks and Sofia Loren as its curvy icons

Vogue calls out women like Christina Hendricks and Sofia Loren as its curvy icons

For Covet Shoppers, we’ve pulled together some size 10s currently listed on Covet Shop, as well as some platform shoe selections (since they were a prominent theme in Vogue Curvy’s Daily Suggestions/Style Advice).

Milly Candy Ruffle Dress and Ruffle Tube Tob, Abaete Burn Out Dot Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Etro Flutter Silk Dress

Milly Candy Ruffle Dress and Ruffle Tube Tob, Abaete Burn Out Dot Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Etro Flutter Silk Dress

YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pumps, Moschino Cheap and Chic Scarpa Suede Pumps

YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pumps, Moschino Cheap and Chic Scarpa Suede Pumps

Across the Pond…to the UK

When London’s calling, we love Grazia’s “Style Hunter” feature, which snaps street stylish ladies and commenters chime in (with the most “constructive” getting printed in the magazine. Here, Samia Nasr shows that even 42-year-olds can still rock short shorts.

http://www.covetshop.com/495/All_Clothing

http://www.covetshop.com/495/All_Clothing

Behind-the-Scenes Downtime with Covet Shop

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Even Covet Shopettes need to be pampered sometimes. Last Wednesday, for St. Patrick’s Day, Nancy invited me to the lovely Maria Bonita Spa, located in New York’s Nolita, to celebrate the day “Brazilian Style.” Fernanda Lacerda, the owner/sultry Brazilian (of course), has purchased from Covet Shop before and befriended Nancy on Twitter.

At the event (where we were happily surprised to run into bloggers from Eye4Style, StyleITOnline, Miss Whoever You Are and Heather Park from M.A.C.) guests indulged in Caipirinhas while the spa gave us the royal pampering treatment consisting of: Envix Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment; the Perfect Blow-Out; and a Maria Bonita “Irish Manicure.” While Nancy got the full trio of services, I only had time for the mani, which was described as “Brazilian Style” by manicurist Rosalina.

My Butter LONDON 3 Free, in Thames, was the envy of the other bloggers...

Green with envy for my Butter LONDON 3 Free, in Thames

I’d never heard of a Brazilian manicure, and thankfully she described it before starting because – otherwise – I’d have mistakenly thought that she was purposefully botching the job (in a rather astounding way).

Rosalina explained that this technique involved a more intense cuticle push and trim on both the sides and bottom of the nail, then “overpainting” the sides and cleaning up at the end.  This allows the color to wrap around the whole nail and, she said, would last longer. I was impressed – not even one little chip until Saturday. They still look fairly presentable today, one week later, but definitely one of the best manicures I’ve had in a while.

Now…what to wear with this color…I’d say this just-in Badgley Mishka Bustier Dress, paired with a Gucci Horsebit Clutch to show off the nails.

Keeping it simple and chic with and LBD and clutch

Keeping it simple and chic with a LBD and clutch

Maria Bonita Salon and Spa, which features South American beauty treatments and hospitality, is open Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Luck of the Irish Package (an amazing deal!) costs $70 and is available until May 2010.

Covet Shoposcope – Pisces

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Happy Birthday, Pisces! To celebrate your unique combination of creativity, natural style, dreaminess and escapism (and, on the flip side — your over-emotional nature, sneakiness and penchant for hedonism), we’ve put together some fish-worthy Covet Shop picks for you this month.  But first, our round-up of stylish celebrity Pisces — who are naturally drawn to careers in the arts. We couldn’t resist including a brooding Benecio Del Toro, this Richard Avedon shot of Elizabeth Taylor, or my girl crush…Juliette Binoche.

Clockwise, from left: Queen Latifah, Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Taylor, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Binoche, and Benecio del Toro

Clockwise, from left: Queen Latifah, Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Taylor, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Binoche, and Benecio Del Toro

Vintage Chanel

Pisces are typically found enjoying the finer things in life, such as strolling Via Montenapoleone or attending an exclusive museum fundraiser. What to wear? This Chanel pant suit, of course.

Chanel 2pc Pant Suit (new!); Rochas Square Patent Pumps

Chanel 2pc Pant Suit (new!); Rochas Square Patent Pumps

Water Sign Frocks, and Nails to Match

Since I only discovered new BFFs, Ginger + Liz during Fashion Week at the Robert Verdi Luxe Laboratory Suite, I hadn’t included them in my nail polish round up last week. So in honor of these two gorgeous ladies and their polish collection (which is free of toluene, formaldehyde or DBP), here are two of their smokin’ shades paired with some new Covet Shop outfits.

From left: See by Chloe Color Block Tank Dress with Hold the Drama polish; Temperley Jumila Kaftan Tunic with Trance polish; Etro Flutter Silk Dress

From left: See by Chloe Color Block Tank Dress with Hold the Drama polish; Temperley Jumila Kaftan Tunic with Trance polish; Etro Flutter Silk Dress

Last But Not Least – Shoes

Because Pisces must always maintain an air of mystery and left-of-center edge, let’s not forget important details such as shoes. God forbid a Pisces should ever have to wear dreary loafers or simple pumps, so we’ve put together these selections for the more boho Pisces – perfect for spending the workday lounging around at your friend’s studio drinking sangria, or sneaking off for an illicit tryst.

Stella McCartney Knit Booties; Jill Stuart Claudia Boots; Prada Butterfly Wedges

Stella McCartney Knit Booties; Jill Stuart Claudia Boots; Prada Butterfly Wedges

Pick Your Pleasure: Technicolor Hair, Valentine’s Nails, FW Ink…

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Drifting in and out of reality and fantasy, thanks to Fashion Week and Valentine’s Day. So let your imagination wander…

Tripping Out? Go ask Alice

Inset, colored fringe and a soft punk edge for the hair at Cynthia Rowley; Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter

Inset, colored fringe and a soft punk edge for the hair at Cynthia Rowley; Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter

Is anyone not running out to see Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland when it hits on March 5? The thought of this psychedelic  overload is inspiring us to be a bit more daring these next seasons — and along those lines we loved Cynthia Rowley’s new fall/winter collection (above, with jewel-toned fringe). Being backstage, we also got to see Eva Scrivo’s crimped extensions up close: Gorgeous, textured and edgy, and practically good enough to eat.

Dying to know who did Johnny’s makeup…speaking of beauty, you’ll also need to get your hands on OPI’s Alice in Wonderland collection, reviewed here brilliantly by All Lacquered Up.

Absolutely Alice; Mad as a Hatter

Absolutely Alice; Mad as a Hatter

Now that you’re in the mood, some Covet Shop picks we’ve assembled for the occasion:

Outfits, from left: Temperley Mini Kaleidoscope Dress, Balenciaga Giant Work Bag, Stella McCartney Velvet Stud Sandals; Milly Ruffle Tube Top, Missoni Geometric Skirt; Marni Circle Shift Dress,Pierre Hardy Suede Pumps, Milly

Outfits, from left: Temperley Mini Kaleidoscope Dress, Balenciaga Giant Work Bag, Stella McCartney Velvet Stud Sandals; Milly Ruffle Tube Top, Missoni Geometric Skirt; Marni Circle Shift Dress, Pierre Hardy Suede Pumps

Delicious reds, for your nails

Valentine’s Day ends tomorrow, of course, but celebrate red nails all month anyway (it is, after all, American Heart Month). Booking an appointment at my favorite nail salon, Jin Soon, as we speak, after assembling this juicy collage.

Jin Soon for M.A.C., Dance All Night; Sephora's Red Alert 6; Chanel Le Vernis, Shanghai Red; Nars' Vintage, Limited Edition in Hunger; Essie's After Sex; London Underground by Butter 3Free

Jin Soon for M.A.C., Dance All Night; Sephora's Red Alert 6; Chanel Le Vernis, Shanghai Red; Nars' Vintage, Limited Edition in Hunger; Essie's After Sex; London Underground by Butter 3Free

Tattoo You

We heard that Anya Hindmarch opened some Pop-Up Tattoo Parlours this week in London and NYC (which unfortunately ended yesterday), but what a fabulous idea. We heart the mermaid (below, at left). But if you want to go hard-core, pay a visit to Sailor Jerry (”Stewed,” at right). And don’t forget to pick up your new, bad-ass consignment outfit online at Covetshop.com.

From left: Roberto Cavalli Asian Floral Dress; Balenciaga Giant Folder Bag; Alice + Olivia Dot Dress; Brian Atwood Starlet Decollete Pumps; Giuseppe Zanotti Zipper Ankle Booties; tattoo from Anya Hindmarch Pop-Up Parlour; t-shirt design from Sailor Jerry
From left: Roberto Cavalli Asian Floral Dress; Balenciaga Giant Folder Bag; Alice + Olivia Dot Dress; Brian Atwood Starlet Decollete Pumps; Giuseppe Zanotti Zipper Ankle Booties; tattoo from Anya Hindmarch Pop-Up Parlour; t-shirt design from Sailor Jerry

S.W.A.K., the Covet Shop team

SWAK

Chanel craze…we called it

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Chanel, Chanel and more Chanel. We predicted this back in the fall when Coco Before Chanel came out, and sure enough — classic striped sailor shirts are flowing back into fashion. (To make this post truely authentic, I really should be wearing the one I just bought as I type.)

The iconic sailor shirt makes a comeback.

The iconic sailor shirt makes a comeback.

For example, The Wall Street Journal reports on “stripes galore” in spring orders at Saks, parades of blue-and-white clad mademoiselles promenading in the streets of Paris, and the allure of hunky deck swabs; while WWD’s couture preview says Anne Valérie Hash has slashed up a Jean Paul Gaultier Breton shirt for her upcoming show based on reworked garments. Fortunately, Covet Shop has some fabulous new Chanel finds that we’ve just released!

From left: Chanel Vintage Quilted Shoulder Bag, Temperley Beatrice Sweater Tunic, Chanel Patent Riding Boots; Chanel Vintage Floral Bag, Marc Jacobs Ruched Cocktail Dress, Christian Louboutin Heart Patent Pumps

From left: Chanel Vintage Quilted Shoulder Bag, Temperley Beatrice Sweater Tunic, Chanel Patent Riding Boots; Chanel Vintage Floral Bag, Marc Jacobs Ruched Cocktail Dress, Christian Louboutin Heart Patent Pumps

Perusing the blogs further, the craze for green polish, especially Chanel’s Jade Le Vernis nail color, is going strong and (at post time), we noticed a bottle that sold on Jan. 19 for $305. Mon Dieu. Does this mean we’re out of the recession?

Chanel’s Num?o De Porte-Bonheur: Five

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Lots of fashion and beauty chatter about Chanel this week, so we ‘d like to pay homage to her lucky number, five, with our Top 5 buzzworthy Chanel tidbits:

1. Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou. The film, directed by Anne Fontaine, has received mixed reviews thus far: Panned by the NY Post as celebrating a glum heroine and her success via luck and prostitution; and picked apart by the New Yorker, in part, because gamine du jour Tautou can’t shake Am?ieand isn’t sour enough. However, we are looking forward to seeing it so stay tuned for our thoughts (after we have a chance to check it out this week).

2. Chanel at Covet Shop, of course. Pay homage to Chanel with these late summer/vacation or fall ensembles. Visit covetshop.com for more Chanel items!

Clockwise, from left: Terry Swim Dress, Vintage Logo Earrings, Vintage Blazer, Cambon Reporter Bag, Caviar Backpack Bag

Clockwise, from left: Terry Swim Dress, Vintage Logo Earrings, Vintage Blazer, Cambon Reporter Bag, Caviar Backpack Bag

3. The gorgeous new Chanel N?5 ad/film. Have you seen it yet? Perhaps I’m lacking Tautou’s haunting eyes, fabulous hair, and sensual insouciance, but all the lads I met on trains while living in Europe for two years didn’t quite measure up. Then again, I wasn’t wearing Chanel N?5 at the time, so guess all it makes sense.

Chanel N?5 Ad

Chanel N?5 Ad

4. Chanel Nail Colour. Remember the absolute mania Chanel caused for black nails thanks to Vamp (in the ’90s) or Black Satin (more recently)? Not sure anything can quite reach those epic levels of nail frenzy, but based on the online coverage for this limited edition Jade…let’s wait and see.

Also comes in Jade Rose, if you're not feeling quite so envious

Also comes in Jade Rose, if you're not feeling quite so... envious

5. Chanel Iman. OK, this one’s not about the House of Chanel—but we happened on a Style.com blog post from the fall 2009 shows stating that Chanel Iman, like Covet Shop fans, loves a good designer deal. The model was reported as saying her favorite pastime, while in Milan, is shopping for discounts.