December 2007

Win a Prize Package Worth $594 from The Well-Heeled Society [ShoeBlitz - Shoe Fashions]

On December 5th, ONE subscriber from The Well-Heeled Society will win a HUGE prize package worth $594!

The package includes:

~ A gift certificate for a set of six Closet Fetish shoe boxes
~ A rich Peppermint Pattie Pedi Kit from KLEAN Bath and Body
~ A $100.00 Gift Card from T. Georgiano’s Online Shoe Salon
~ One Welcome Dialogue wall typography from Wonderful Graffiti
~ A pair of My Sensual Past Elbow Gloves

What do you have to do to win?   Subscribe!!

Learn more on The Well-Heeled Society!

contests, fashion, prizes, shoe blogs, shoes, the well heeled society

Source: Win a Prize Package Worth $594 from The Well-Heeled Society [ShoeBlitz - Shoe Fashions]

Is There Such A Thing As Too Clean? [Dirty Talk]

Are you one of those people with a little bottle of hand sanitizer on your desk? Did you know that most people didn’t use soap to bathe themselves until the late 19th century? Katherine Ashenburg’s new book, The Dirt On Clean: An Unsanitized History, is a history of cleanliness. Salon has an interview with Ashenburg, and if you’re a germaphobe, prepare to be grossed out. In Ancient Rome, a man would oil his body, rub in with dust, and then go out in the playing field and work up a sweat. Then he’d pay someone to scrape off the sweat and dirt, and soak… in the public bath. In the early days of Christianity, Ashenburg says, “Cleanliness was kind of a luxury, like food, drink and sex, because cleanliness was comfortable and attractive. The holier you were — and this really applied to monks and hermits and saints — the less you would wash. And the more you smelled, the closer to God people thought you were.” Buddhists and Muslims thought Christians were filthy, “and they were right.”

When the great plagues came, the Black Death, in the 14th century, the king of France asked the medical faculty at the Sorbonne in Paris, “What is causing this hideous plague that is killing one out of every three Europeans, and what can we do to prevent it?” And the doctor said the people who were at risk for getting the plague had opened their pores in warm or hot water, in the baths, and they were much more susceptible. So in France and England and most European countries, for about five centuries, people really believed that it was very, very dangerous to get in water.

These days, from teeth-whitening strips to hand sanitizer, Americans are obsessed with cleanliness. Ashenburg explains that this development started with the Civil War — patient deaths were limited just by washing them and their linen, preventing infections. The idea of keeping clean caught on. “Cleanliness is democratic because it doesn’t cost much money. It’s progressive. It’s forward-looking. It has wonderful results,” Ashenburg explains.

Of course, many doctors and scientists believe we’ve gone too far — that we’re not giving our immune systems enough dirt and germs, and therefore allergies and asthma take over. In fact, Ashenburg spoke to doctors who believe washing your hands is important, but claim there’s no health benefit in bathing every day. “We’ve never needed to wash less in the developed Western countries, and we’ve never had more pressure to wash more. If your job is in front of your computer, and if you have a house full of labor-saving devices, you’re not scrubbing floors too often, and if you have access to a car or public transit where you live, you’re just not sweating the way that people did 50 years ago. But I think the daily bath is almost becoming the minimum. I’m hearing about more and more people who take two showers a day.”

Why do we feel the need to be so clean? And isn’t it crazy that our germophobia can actually be making us sicker? Save special conditions (camping, Burning Man, traveling in a foreign country), would you be able to start being dirtier in your everyday life? Could you take fewer showers? Ditch the hand sanitizer? Or do you just feel better when you’re clean?

The Filthy, Stinking Truth [Salon]

Earlier: How Long Could You Go Without Showering?

Source: Is There Such A Thing As Too Clean? [Dirty Talk]

Up Close and Personal With April Jacob of Pink Beauty Cosmetics

Now that I finally completed my interview with Michael DeVellis I can now move onto my interview with Pink Beauty creator April Jacob. It’s over a week late but it’s better late then never so lets move on! After my fabulous 5 days of Pink Beauty, I thought it would be appropriate to end it with an interview to get the goods on the creator of this amazing makeup line. After a few emails back and forth with each other, I could already tell the interview would be easy going - like two girlfriends chatting about their favourite things: makeup!

My interview with April took place November 22nd at 3 pm. We were supposed to meet in person at a Starbucks downtown but due to a surprisingly icy few centimeters of snow we decided to do a phone interview instead. Plus, we both agreed it was in her best interest to stay away from icy sidewalks especially being 8 months pregnant (that’s right - her and her hubby are expecting their first baby)! Having been there and done that, I totally understood.

Right before I called, I could feel nervous jitters starting to set in. I always get a little nervous before an interview especially if it’s with someone I admire. However, as soon as I heard her voice, my nervous jitters quickly disappeared. The excitement in her voice and bubbly attitude made me feel like I was talking to an old friend. I was expecting an “I’m-too-cool-for-you” attitude that is all too familiar with some people I’ve come across in the fashion industry. So, it was a nice surprise.

April, who has been a makeup artist for the past 10 years in all aspects of the business including television, film, print work and fashion as well as working at various cosmetic counters, had a good idea of what women wanted out of a cosmetic line.

“In my past experience I felt that consumers felt over whelmed by products that were currently on the market with how much time, effort and skill that we required to replicate a certain look. I knew I had to create a line for the everyday women that required minimal time and effort to use but still gave maximum impact and for reason all the products in Pink Beauty are buildable texture.”

When I think of the colour pink, I think of beauty, femininity, delicate, and soft. Pink to me, is such a personal colour because it really brings you back to your childhood. To like pink, you have to be a real girly-girl at heart and the name “Pink Beauty” definitely reflects that. And if you’re also wondering about the cute little dog in her Pink Beauty logo, there is also a personal story behind that and the inspiration for the line.

“I absolutely adore the colour pink - as do a lot of others! I was inspired by the beauty and purity of the colour pink. It represents so many beautiful things like grace, femininity, compassion, self acceptance – just to name a few. I wanted to create a line that would inspire inner beauty. So Pink Beauty not only makes you look good but feel good too! My dog Neesha was part of my inspiration for our icon Penelope – who is Pinkie’s dog in Pink Beauty. She is very dear to me and is with me everyday here at the office. One of the things that the colour Pink also represents is friendship and so I wanted to represent that element with our silhouette icons Pinkie and her little dog Penelope. Every colour collection is inspired by their glamorous adventures - the first one being Beloved which was our Spring/Summer 2007 Collection.”

I loved how the products were named after old fashioned names because it reminded me of the glamourous women of the past. Sharing a love for Old Hollywood glamour, deciding on the names also had a personal attachment for April.

Photo: “Elsie” is the lipstick shown in the middle - one of my faves!

“I wanted to have fun and playful names for the shades. All of the lip sheers are named after old fashioned girls names which is reminiscent of the old Hollywood glamour feel that the line has. Elsie and Beatrice lip sheers are named in honor of my two late grandmothers. I also wanted the lip sheers to have more of a personal connection - we all get attached to our favorite shade of lipstick that we wear everyday! Dearest – which is one of my all time favorite products in the line – was actually a bit of a mishap in the lab. I was looking to create a pinky bronze shade with a touch of pearl as all of the glosses from our Glamour Glaze Lip Gloss collection have. The lab submission came back with way too much pearl but I just loved the effect that it had with the two shades of the pink and bronze mixed together. I wore it everyday for the next few days. I received a ton of compliments from friends and even total strangers! Everyone wanted to know what I was wearing on my lips. I knew I had to keep it as it was and for that reason I named it Dearest! “

Choosing the names is just one aspect of creating a top-selling makeup line. Packaging sometimes can be make-it or break-it for me. A product not only has to have functionality but appealing packaging as well. I just adored Pink Beauty’s matte pink packaging.

“I spent a lot of time designing the packaging of Pink Beauty. I absolutely love beautiful packaging! All of the products are done in our signature baby soft pink. I get a lot of positive feed back from consumers about how they love that fact that their Pink Beauty really stands out in their makeup back amongst a sea of black products! There are two elements to the packaging – the soft matte pink packaging which represents the vintage old Hollywood glamour feel to line. However, when you pop off the top you see the glossy black which represents today’s modern sophistication. After all - Pink Beauty is all about 1940’s Hollywood glamour meets modern day sophistication created for today’s modern glam girl!”

As a makeup artist I’m always looking for products that will enhance my kit and make my job easier. Because her products are buildable and multi-use it’s perfect for the makeup artist on-the-go (and for anyone on-the-go!). Pink Beauty is a favourite with the makeup artist for Crossing Jordan and is currently being used on set! Right now, there isn’t a makeup artist discount, but in the future she is thinking about implementing a makeup artist reward program. When the beauty line was first established it was made to cater the everyday glamourous woman. Now that it’s fan base is growing, the line will be expanding in the future to include a foundation line and accessories with the possibility of refillable pans. The foundation line will be in stick form because it’s the easiest to use that can be applied with your fingers. The foundations will be yellow-based and not pink-based. Yay!

I love hearing about other women’s ‘must-haves’ in their makeup bag. April dishes on what are staples in her makeup bag. “I love Cream Radiance Rouge because it’s a multi-purpose product that can be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. ‘Delight’ would be the shade because it’s the most neutral and doesn’t have any red in it.” Bonus tip for her Eye Splendor Shadows: they can be applied with your finger if you want a single wash of colour! The texture is almost a creamy powder. I tried it and the pigment actually applies with the same intensity as using a brush!

Every woman has their own signature ‘glam’ look that makes them feel glamourous and beautiful. “My favourite look is to do a red lip and keep everything else soft and sheer. I don’t even use a liner on the eyes…just lots of Lash Extravagance Mascara in Lavish.” One of my favourite looks as well! Great look for the many holiday parties coming up! And now that she’s a new mom-to-be, April lists 3 products every mom-on-the-go needs. “Definitely Lash Extravagance Mascara, Cream Rouge Radiance for the eyes, lips, and cheeks and finish with Glamour Glaze Lip Gloss because it’s the quickest to apply. It’s not heavy or sticky and has lasting colour.”

April loves creating new products. Her love of traveling and seeing other cultures inspires her everyday. What she loves about being a makeup artist is being able to build personal connections with different women everyday and helping each of them find their inner pink glow! After speaking with April, I really felt her personal connection with Pink Beauty. It isn’t just another makeup line with a name stamped on it because you can tell she put heart and soul into it. She listened to what women wanted and designed the line for women on-the-go who want a little glamour without all the fuss.

As the conversation winds down, we gab about what she likes to do when she’s not working. “I love traveling and spending a quiet night with my husband and my dog Neesha”. With the soon-to-be addition to the family, those quiet nights will probably get a little louder hehe. We talk a little more about motherhood and first time jitters. It’s great hearing about what she’s been feeling and going through because it’s like I’m experiencing it all over again. Could we be seeing a lip gloss named after her baby? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Congrats April and I wish you all the best! Thank you again for such a wonderful interview and for bringing out my inner pink glow!

Pink Beauty is sold in various Holt Renfrew locations across Canada.

Source: Up Close and Personal With April Jacob of Pink Beauty Cosmetics

Weekly Igigi Shopping Spree [Dapper Diva]

Three reasons to pick out a wrap shirt for your next new top:

• It makes your waist look smaller. Honestly, if there’s a universal plus-size wish, this would probably be it!
• Your bust looks bigger in comparison. Perkier, too: with a dipped neckline and fabulous supportwear, everything’s exactly where it belongs.
• The wrap waist adds elegance to jeans. I’m constantly fighting to remain in my comfy jeans, and a shirt that steps things up really helps.

Get a peek of this silk dupioni blouse from Igigi.

plus size fashion, plus size teen fashion, special occasions

Source: Weekly Igigi Shopping Spree [Dapper Diva]

Announcements [Ladies Night]

Hey L.A. Jezebels, ceejeemcbeejee wants to remind you that there’s a boozy meetup NEXT Friday. Something about “dancing puppets.” Is that a euphemism? Anyway, if you’re interested, the info is here. Have fun; send us pix?

Source: Announcements [Ladies Night]

Fun Cropped Jackets

For something more trendy and fun this season (even though they will be dated after a season and will probably not quite as versatile), here are a few suggestions: Bold Colors: Adds instant oomph! This electric blue (right) is especially hot this season! (Both: Anthropologie) Plaid: Yes, plaid is still hot. Plus, it fits right into the Christmas mood! Here we have the more classic cut crop by J Crew (left) and a more edgy crop by LAMB (right). I especially like the wide plaid on the J Crew jacket. More Plaid: For something a little bit more subtle, versatile and less festive I am loving these two plaid crops from Vince (left) and Marc by Marc Jacobs (right). Patent: Well they are everywhere for shoes, so why not for cropped jackets? Yes, it may look like a raincoat, but styled by this way by Robert Rodriguez (left), its a very chic raincoat. And I just thought I’d throw in this crop by Ella Moss (right) even though its not patent just because I think the design looks so smart, simple and CUTE! Metallic: The perfect cover over your party outfit! I LOVE these two by Walter (left) and Express (right). The color and print is subtle and versatile, but the material gives it an extra shine that lends it a more night-time feel.

Image Sources: J Crew, Shopbop, Anthropologie, Express and Saks Fifth

Source: Fun Cropped Jackets

handbag horrors [Her Accessories]

I just recently received this email from my mom & decided to check it out:

HANDBAGS …

I never gave it a thought. Who would have thought?

Have you ever noticed gals who sit their handbags on public toilet floors - then go directly to their dining tables and set it on the table? Happens a lot!

It’s not always the ‘restaurant food’ that causes stomach distress.

Sometimes ‘what you don’t know ‘will’ hurt you’!

Mom got so upset when guests came in the door and plopped their handbags down on the counter where she was cooking or setting up food. She always said that handbags are really dirty, because of where they have been.

Smart Mom!!!

It’s something just about every woman carries with them. While we may know what’s inside our handbags, do you have any idea what’s on the outside? Women carry handbags everywhere; from the office to public toilets to the floor of the car. Most women won’t be caught without their handbags, but did you ever stop to think about where your handbag goes during the day.

‘I drive a school bus, so my handbag has been on the floor of the bus a lot,’ says one woman. ‘On the floor of my car, and in toilets.’ ‘I put my handbag in grocery shopping carts, on the floor of the toilet,’ says another woman ‘and of course in my home which should be clean.’

We decided to find out if handbags harbour a lot of bacteria. We learned how to test them at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake , and then we set out to test the average woman’s handbag.

Most women told us they didn’t stop to think about what was on the bottom of their handbag. Most said at home they usually set their handbags on top of kitchen tables and counters where food is prepared.

Most of the ladies we talked to told us they wouldn’t be surprised if their handbags were at least a little bit dirty. It turns out handbags are so surprisingly dirty, even the microbiologist who tested them was shocked.

Microbiologist Amy Karen of Nelson Labs says nearly all of the handbags tested were not only high in bacteria, but high in harmful kinds of bacteria. Pseudomonas can cause eye infections, staphylococcus aurous can cause serious skin infections, and salmonella and e-coli found on the handbags could make people very sick.

In one sampling, four of five handbags tested positive for salmonella, and that’s not the worst of it. ‘There is fecal contamination on the handbags,’ says Amy. Leather or vinyl handbags tended to be cleaner than cloth handbags, and lifestyle seemed to play a role. People with kids tended to have dirtier handbags than those without, with one exception.

The handbag of one single woman who frequented nightclubs had one of the worst contaminations of all. ‘Some type of feces, or possibly vomit’ says Amy.

So the moral of this story - your handbag won’t kill you, but it does have the potential to make you very sick if you keep it on places where you eat.

Use hooks to hang your handbag at home and in toilets, and don’t put it on your desk, a restaurant table, or on your kitchen countertop.

Experts say you should think of your handbag the same way you would a pair of shoes. ‘If you think about putting a pair of shoes onto your countertops, that’s the same thing you’re doing when you put your handbag on the countertops‘ - your handbag has gone where individuals before you have sneezed, coughed, spat, urinated, emptied bowels, etc!

Do you really want to bring that home with you? The microbiologists at Nelson also said cleaning a handbag will help.

Wash cloth handbags and use leather cleaner to clean the bottom of leather handbags.

 

Here’s what Snopes has to say - it’s true!

 

The email I received didn’t give any sources, but according to Snopes, the original story & email is from a Fox affiliate station in Cleveland.

 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go wash my purses!

Technorati Tags: handbags, links, purses

Source: handbag horrors [Her Accessories]

Mormon Former Hamptons Editor Bares Soul To Vogue [Dogma]

“I feel like a bad Mormon,” Kristina Stewart Ward begins her first -person essay in this month’s Vogue. See, she just hired a nanny. Mormons don’t have nannies! But she is not just any Mormon; she’s a former editor at Hamptons magazine! And most of her Upper East Side friends “average one nanny per child (no really: one child, one nanny; two children, two nannies, and so on).” How many children does Kristina have? One. She’s pregnant with another, though! And so it goes. For a few thousand words. Kristina is Mormon, and a ridiculous socialite. Out in the town, they used to call her “No sex and the City.” Does she struggle with all the materialism/consumerism/greed/superficiality/vanity of the fashion industry? Nah. Does she struggle with her faith? Nah on that too!

While we are very much a Christian religion (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints is Mormonism’s official name), we don’t believe that God stopped speaking to man after the last page of the New Testament. It’s a lot for a young person to swallow, but I accepted it…Some Christians feel about the Book of Mormon roughly what the Jewish community feels about the New Testament.

UMMMMmmmm, show us your ruins, bitch!

Show us your history of religious strife over sacred grounds! Why don’t you try using Joseph Smith to sell a grilled cheese sandwich for thousands of dollars on eBay? You know what Christians think of the Book of Mormon? “Hotel room accessory placed next to the Bible” is what they think. And that’s where they’re finally right on something!

So the rest of those stories is one of those, “I live in two different worlds, which would seem on the outset to be at odds with one another and here’s how I reconcile it” pieces. Like the one about the Israeli doctor who shoots Palestinians as an Air Force officer at night night and saves their babies during the day? Um yes! Only where the unifying theme in that guy’s life was his quest for adrenaline, the unifying theme in this lady’s life seems to be, um, that she is a sanctimonious undermining asshole.

While my married Mormon friends collected children and school bills, I collected a closetful of designer dresses, a sprawling library of social-history books, and an even bigger shoe closet

Not that the fashion world had it all figured out! The four Mormon Marriott sisters were:

“patrician Grace Kelly look-alikes who put the Hilton sisters to shame.”

And

unlike Catholicism, our religion permits divorce.

But not drinking!

became the Mormon mascot who could table dance for hours on no more than Pellegrino.

Which is how she stayed so wholesome and good and Jesus loving:

as I witnessed people in fashion and society losing their way, I often took advantage of the sanctuary my church provided.

There’s also some discussion of all the Mormons in pop culture, from Mitt Romney to that Napoleon Dynamite kid. And!

Among my contemporaries at Brigham Young University was… actor Aaron Eckhart. Neil LaBute was one of his instructors at BYU before he left academia to take Aaron and himself to mainstream success with their first cinematic collaboration, In The Company Of Men

Neil LaBute, eh? You know what? Shoot me.

Source: Mormon Former Hamptons Editor Bares Soul To Vogue [Dogma]