Go International: Libertine

Despite the rumors that Temperley would be the next designer on board for Target GO International, Libertine is the next official designer to create a line for the mega-chain. Libertine is a line I have always thought was intriguing; a beautiful clash of aesthetics that somehow come together quite nicely in a unique harmony of styles. It is clear from their press release that Libertine's unique mix of proper-prim meets punk will be a hit. I am already coveting their adorably tough signature silk-screened skulls!

check out their Target GO International Collection at http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/fashion/go-international/album.aspx?q=&id=4614&s=dateasc&pg=1

looks from past seasons courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/powersearch/results?&designer=design_house207&page=1

Eco-Chico: I'm Not A Plastic Bag

Call it Al Gore's "A Convenient Truth." Call it Stella McCartney's Eco/Vegan-conscious luxury line of ready-to-wear and skincare. Whatever the catalyst, global awareness is one of the most important (not to mention the trendiest) causes in our media-seeped culture.

Although shopping may help the economy (and give a much needed boost to a lazy Wednesday afternoon,) those shopping bags that we so easily amass may not be helping us out as much as we think. Trashed shopping bags fill a huge amount of land a year, and take thousands of years to biodegrade. I am no super eco-freako(props to those who are! I admire your resolve!), yet it just makes my stomach turn over to think that my little impulse buy could possibly lead to another notch against our beautiful world.

Therefore, it's no surprise that the tongue-in-"chic" canvas "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" by Anya Hindmarch is one of the hottest It bags across the world. This bag is encouraged to replace those irksome plastic baggies as the new shopping bag. Even though this is a great option, it would also make a great school or beach tote, and garner attention with its graphic lettering and nautical colors. Yet the icing is truly the price, and at only $15 a pop these bags are a no-brainer.

This It Bag is so hot, it sold out shortly in the UK as a special limited edition piece. Thankfully, fans begged and now a beautiful USA creme and navy edition will be available stateside this summer.

It most certainly is not a plastic bag. It is a little way to add style to your day, and a little love to the world

picture courtesy of http://fabsugar.com/208285

Brooke Shields, eat your heart out!

An old saying goes "The eyes are the windows into the soul." If this is true, than the brows are the panes. Brows define the face, and can range from shapes that come across as surprised, unruly, or strong. Needless to say, the "Ugly Betty" caterpillar look only works for comedy (thank God that America Ferrera can wash them off at the end of the day,) and the surprised, frighteningly thin penciled-in look should be reserved to TV land (in the form of Morticia Adams.)

Put down the tweezers and hold the pencil, because the new look is strong, gorgeous, and natural. A full Brooke Shields-style brow is the perfect complement to the floaty effervescent styles of both makeup and fashion for spring.

In order to pump up the fullness, I have been starting to use Anastasi Nu Brow
a regrowing serum that encourages growth and conditions those fragile eyebrow hairs. This is like the sister of my beloved Talika! I have already noticed a subtle increase in the fullness of my brows, giving my face a structured shape even without the use of makeup.

With just a little tweezer maintenance to clean things up, a beautiful set of brows can be easier than ever. And that's something to raise a perfectly arched brow at.

picture courtesy of http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10101000/10101928.jpg

Go International: Temperley?

Alice Temperley is rumored to be the next designer after Libertine to add a little designer cred to the Target Go International line. Temperley is a British talent with a very sophisticated and feminine approach to fashion, all rolled up with a little bit of bright, punchy colors and exquisite details to add a pinch of irreverence and fun. I heard this little gem thanks to one of my favorite bloggers, Blogdorf Goodman. Expect the line to reach racks across the country sometime in late summer or early fall. If her high-end line is anything like her Target line might be, I'm sure we'll all keep our, well, temper.

all pictures courtesy of style.com

Spring Break Bargain Beauty Binge 2007

Its Spring Break! For all of you who celebrated Easter this past weekend, I hope it was wonderful!

Scenario: You arrive at your fabulous spring break destination. You flop on the fluffy bed in your hotel room, happy to be out of the energy-zapping airport or an over-stuffed car filled with noisy people. You brought all of the necessities, sunglasses, bathing suit, beach towel, flip-flops, yet you still feel like you're missing something. Then you realize you forget your toiletries! This situation has happened to me too often, which is why I have come to love the ubiquitous convenience of The Drugstore. Down the aisles lie buried treasures, pieces of mass-marketed gold. The trick is knowing how to find them. In the case of emergency, I have outlined a brief guide on some of the niftiest new products that work in a pinch, whether you are stranded on a desert island or not...

Skin: This Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Daily Rejuvenating Serum smooths, softens, and brightens the skin, making it a great addition to any skincare regime. This saves and rejuvenates skin that feels parched and weather-weary.

Shave: Smooth legs are a vacation must, and I have found the perfect shaving combination with Venus disposable razors and Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave gel. The disposable razors provide a close shave, and the gel softens skin and prevents nasty irritation.

Glow: Even if you love the sun, no one likes the damage. That is why getting a tan from a tube is the best way to go. The classic Jergens Natural Glow standby is now even better in a firming moisturizer for your body and a spf-infused moisturizer for your face. Could it get any better than that?

Protect: Now that you've got your glow, protection is key. This Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock sprays like a hairspray thanks to the aerosol spray can, yet feels light and effervescent, like a refreshing spring mist. I can honestly say I loved the feel of this on my skin. A weird, yet great, added bonus is that the smooth feel seemed to slow down hair growth, making your shave last longer!

Extras: Those pesky pimples seem to pop up whenever you don't want them, even during that blissful spring break weekend. That is why a powerful spot-treatment is a must. The medicine in this Neutrogena Skin Clearing OIl-Free Concealer dries up those suckers while the green hue cancels out the unsightly red. In a few days you can say "Adios" to those unwelcomed little friends.

For a beautiful, freshly-pinched glow without the pinching, this Revlon Pinch Gel adds a long-lasting flush to give your look a sweet, innocent vibe. Blush is a great way to add color when makeup can get a little too bronze-y and predictable, plus you will want to smile more to highlight those fresh and girly cheekbones.

A bronze eye is the icing on the cake with a tawny tan. This finely-milled Revlon Diamond Lust Eyeshadow in Bedroom Bronze rivals department-store brands in its brilliance and shimmer. Dusted on the lid, into and a bit above the crease, and smudged a bit in the base of the lower lash line creates the perfect smudgy, smoldering, yet glowing eye.

Raccoon eyes are not hot, and they don't have to be inevitable with a waterproof mascara. This classic Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in its waterproof form offers pushed-into-the-pool protection. And if you accidentally smudge mascara onto your eye while applying, this handy new Revlon Makeup Eraser Pen offers an easy clean up with out screwing up the rest of your makeup. Its like a magic marker for your face!


On a vacation, lips need to look gorgeous, yet the application needs to be effortless. Neutrogena MoistureSheers is a lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm hybrid. This is a great product for all of those who can't stand it when they can't multitask (which I tend to fall victim to as well.)

Finally, unless your lucky and find the time (and the extra money) to indulge in a luxurious spa manicure, your nails can feel a little neglected. This Revlon Instant Nail Gloss is shiny, quick, and dries faster than you can find something to scratch it. I even have been known to whip this addictive brush out during boring classes and discreetly apply it. The perfect low-maintenance product for a high maintenance look.

Floppz

Spring Break has officially begun! For many the next week will be all about relaxing, letting loose, and having fun. For those of you beach-go-ers, the first fashion must is an amazing pair of flip flops that will define your laid-back look while you scuff around from going to the beach, to shopping, to restaurants, and to anywhere else that qualifies as marking a great vacation.

That is why these cute Floppz are the perfect complement to your relaxed yet effortless style. These sturdy flip-flops are customizable, from the foot bed down to the beading and other whimsical embellishments available to set you apart from the rest of those beach-y, sandy feet. And for all of you sports, school, and team fanatics out there, you can give a shout-out to your respective activity or show just how zealous of a fan you are, and it's a great alternative to the comfy but oh-so-predictable team t-shirt. And all this creative customization won't cost you a leg and a foot (hehe,) with prices starting in the $10 range!

Finally, that perfect pedicure is so worth it.