This is the dawning of the age of asparagus — that is, the time of year when the stalky green veggie is at its peak of flavor. So move beyond your roasting pan and get creative with these eight recipes that showcase the vegetable in a myriad of new and surprising settings.
Avon's hip brand, Mark, has been known to take us to exotic locales through its "Instant Vacation" fragrance collections. And now, it's time to go south, to Central America. The tropical Instant Vacation Costa Rica Fragrance Mist ($16) has notes of iced watermelon, pink guava, orchid, and warm sand accord, together creating a warm, beachy scent that's not too gag-me sweet.
Pair that with the exfoliating Costa Rica Body-Smoothing Exfoliator ($10), which I personally love for its creamy lather, light fruity scent, and fine-grit scrubbing, and then get your safe-sunning on with the Costa Rica Gradual Tan Moisturizer ($8).
Of course, no vacation would be complete — even if it's one of the faux nature — without some makeup. The Costa Rica makeup shades are centered around vivid colors like electric blues, vibrant greens, and bright oranges, all inspired by the natural beauty of the country itself, including: Eye Exotics Eye Shadow Trio ($6 each); Lip Exotics Lip Lacquer ($6); and Good Glowing Mosaic Cheek Color ($7). Check them out below:
A bustier dress should be a must-have on your summer shopping list, so chic and plentiful are this season's options. From the classic Dolce & Gabbana silhouette to Rachel Comey's more individualistic offering, there are renderings for all ages groups and body types. Even Forever 21 has us tempted, and that's saying a lot.
Even though we're well on our way to Summer beach days, that doesn't mean your fireplace is hibernating for the season. Indeed, chilly Spring and Summer nights are perfect for a romantic fire-lit evening. One way to update your fireplace is by replacing a Winter-themed wood carrier with something lighter on the eye, such as this woven basket. The switch instantly updates the fireplace, and adds an unexpected texture to the room.
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British label Preen has launched a collection of handbags for Spring. My main crush is this Preen Roxy Bag ($650). Look at it; does it resemble any other handbag you've ever seen? That's why I'm in lust.
Here's the lowdown: one side of the bag is woven leather, the other is plain; there is a main purse and a small purse that zips onto front of the main one; and there's an optional wrist strap too. Versatile, utilitarian, and unique. As far as I'm concerned, that's all one can ask for in a man, er, bag.
To see more of Preen's Spring bags, read more
We love neutral suede pieces this summer because of their subtle luxe factor. Pair them with pops of color or classic blacks and nudes for a sophisticated look. Most pieces, like the ones shown above, will work for both fall and winter when styled with seasonal garments.
Celebrity stylist Charles Baker Strahan has styled the likes of Molly Sims and Leighton Meester. And now, working in conjunction with the Herbal Essences brand, he's sharing hair tips for the warm months ahead. Over the next few days, I'll be bringing you a few of his expert tidbits, but first, let's get to the long and short of it.
According to Strahan, the length that feels the chicest and most current right now is a mid-shoulder-blade cut with long, face-framing layers that start below the chin. "It’s the healthy haircut from the long tresses that may have been taxed from over styling and growing out," he said. "This length, look, and shape is fabulous for the modern girl because waves and curls still drop below the shoulder as opposed to 'lamp shading' at the shoulder."
But if you're worried about sacrificing length, don't. According to Strahan, the blunt base of this hairstyle carries with it a line that still looks long, but polished.
Spring means gorgeous weather for outdoor workouts, but it also means scrumptious fresh fruit. You can say goodbye to using frozen bags of berries and dried cranberries, and say hello to biting into juicy slices of mango, oranges, and strawberries. When you choose fruits that are in season, they'll taste much richer, and should be less expensive than when you buy them off-season.
If you're curious to know how these sweet types of produce compare, then check out the nutritional info when you read more
For its Spring '09 campaign, Bebe toned down the sexy and upped the romance. I like it. Shot by Camilla Akrans, the ad features Anne Marie Van Dijk wearing the brand's selection of utterly romantic dresses and separates — mixed in with a little bit of sassy. The line's neutral and soft pastel colors are perfect for Spring and Anne Marie's disheveled locks and minimal makeup complement the garden landscape to perfection. I haven't shopped at Bebe in a while but this ad makes me want to drop by. Are you loving it as much as I am?
One of the true pleasures of warm weather is eating outside. I love picnicking on a blanket with a bottle of wine and some delicious picnic goodies. My old picnic basket had seen better days, so I was happy to pick up this lovely Vermont-made picnic basket at a flea market over the weekend. Do you have a picnic basket at your home?
