Posts for October 25th 2006
L'Occitane's Blind Ambition
Lots of companies create products to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including skincare brand L’Occitane en Provence, which is donating 15 percent of sales from its Limited Edition Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, available here for $36, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. But the earthy French cosmetics company also has another pet cause: helping the blind.
Startlingly, nearly every single one of L'Occitane's products comes complete with Braille labeling, to make shopping more accessible for customers without the sense of sight. Occasionally, it also releases special-edition products and donates the proceeds to blind charities. Most notably, it even runs its own summer perfume school for blind teenagers at the company's headquarters in Provence, to help the students hone their senses of smell.
I don't know about you, but I'm far more inclined to support companies when I know they are contributing to a good cause. If you've never tried L'Occitane's products, you're missing a luxurious and sweet-smelling experience. Here are some of my picks from L'Occitane products.
Relaxing Lavender, Tea Tree, and Geranium Foaming Bath, $30, available here.

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The Ultimate Dry-Skin Solution
As a beauty-products junkie, I'm constantly sampling new make-up, lotions, and hair products to write about here. But I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you about the first "beauty" product I ever used: Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Original Moisturizing Cream. I first tried this heavy-duty lotion when I was about 4 years old, and I've applied it nearly every day of my life since then.
This thick, creamy lotion is hands-down the best treatment I've found for severe dry skin, particularly in the harsh winter months. You know when your skin gets super-dry in cold weather and you feel like you're applying hand lotion every five minutes? That won't happen with Eucerin. Yes, it's got a consistency that's sort of like Crisco, and it's so thick you have to rub it in with all of your strength, but it can fight off even the driest skin and keep you moisturized all day. Seriously, I've tried other treatments over the years, but I just keep coming back to Eucerin. You can buy a 16-ounce jar for $11.99 here
Breast Cancer Awareness Bling
Breast Cancer Awareness month is almost over, which means there are only a few days left to treat yourself to some adorable pink bling for the cause. In addition to the myriad BCA cosmetics and makeup offerings, a number of companies have come out with cute jewelry and other accessories that contribute a hefty chunk of change to charity. Here are some of my picks.
Mauri Pioppo Sundari Necklace, $420, available here. Half of the profits from this 14-karat gold necklace will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Pink Coach Multi-Charm Keyfob, $58, available here. Twenty percent of the proceeds from each key chain go to the BCRF.

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Colorful Fall Scarves
Scarves are essential when the wind starts to blow, since they keep your ears, neck, and chest from getting chilled to the bone. But when you've got to wear outerwear, it better be fabulous! Here are some elegant and colorful scarves from our favorite technicolor designers to brighten up any trusty classic coat.
If you are looking for color, look to Missoni. They are known for their eclectic patterns and colors and this Bright Wood/Lurex Scarf is no different. It's made from a fine wool and mohair blend and has threads of gold lurex weaved in. I really love the classy yet functional look of this scarf. Buy it here for $420.
This Paul Smith Multi-Striped Scarf is a bright, warm scarf made of viscose, lambswool, nylon, angora, and cashmere. I like how the inside is solid; it really shows the contrast and intricacy of the stripes. Buy it here for $145. Available in chocolate or grey.
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OPI's Hot Holiday Colors

Nail polish brand O.P.I. comes up with the best names for its shades, and its soon-to-be-released Holiday 2006 collection is no exception. This lineup, called Kick Up Your Heels!, was inspired by the Radio City Music Hall's Rockettes and includes festive, rich reds and gorgeous gold tones reminiscent of the dancers' Santa costumes and pantyhosed legs. And, of course, the names are ingenious. Some of my favorite colors include the classic Rockette Red, the bronzy peach Leg's Celebrate!, the sophisticated rose Star-ring the Rockettes!, and the earthy metallic I Get a Kick Out of Gold! Look for the new holiday shades soon at your local nail salon.

Effortless Chic: Shirt Dresses
If it's casual sophistication you're after, why not trade your jeans and t-shirt ensembles for a shirt dress? These button-front styles are like a longer but equally comfy version of your boyfriend's dress shirt. Worn with a wide belt over opaque tights or leggings, this is a great look for shopping, running errands, or even for the office, depending on the length. (Wearing a shirt as a dress, however, is a fashion don't.) Here are some looks to try at various price points.
Ya-Ya Shirt Dress, $215, available here.

AKA New York Shirt Dress, $364, available here.

Edward An Bryce Shirt Dress, $220, available here.

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The Perfect Slip
The company that brought us Commando Invisible Underwear has done it again. First, Her Look Enterprises brought us laser-cut undies to eradicate VPLs once and for all. Then, it introduced those cutie little Takeouts, which boost your boobage in almost anything you wear. Now comes Slipology, the completely genius no-slip half slip.
This slip has a perfect texture and feel like all of the laser-cut Commando products, but there is also a tiny weight sewn into the hemline, so that it won't ride up or wrinkle. If only women in the 1950s had been able to wear these. Buy it here for $48. It's available in two sizes and three colors: True Nude, the darker Buck Buck Naked Nude, and Baby Got Black.
Cashmere, Cashmere Everywhere
Everyone loves a great piece of cashmere, which is why this luxuriously soft wool makes such great gift fodder. No longer relegated to sweaters and scarves, this season cashmere is showing up in all sorts of unlikely places, including bags and slippers. Here are some of my favorite cashmere indulgences for gift-giving or self-gifting.
Banana Republic Chalet Slipper, $68, available here. Though you should probably keep them mostly indoors, these luxurious cashmere flats would be great for air travel or around the house.

Robert Rodriguez Silk/Cashmere Ribbed Leggings, $176, available here. These soft, sweater-like leggings would be great for Fall layering.

Hermes Grey Logo Cuff Cashmere Mittens, $356, available here. Ultra-luxe mittens combine childlike cute with Hermes sophistication.
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The 411 on Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are all the rage. Everyone in Hollywood is getting them, and NYC's most fabulous socialites swear by them. They take the fuss out of applying false eyelash with messy glue, and they save tons of time getting ready if you're a fabulous gal with a busy schedule. With so many brands advertised on the market now, here's some helpful information to read up on before you invest in a pair of your own.
Eyelash extensions are applied to your natural eyelashes with a bonding agent, such as an adhesive or permanent glue. Having a full set applied takes about two hours. They are safe to wear with contact lenses; you can sleep, swim, and spa in them; and they're not so long that you'll be batting into your sunglasses every time you blink. You don't have to wear mascara with them, and they last for about two months. Also, the glue doesn't touch your skin, so you won't have any weird remnants when you're finished. Eyelash extensions come in a myriad of colors and lengths. To learn about the different types of extensions, read more