Travel

January is not the ideal time for a Parisian getaway.  But, let the scents and sounds of Paris’s hippest hotel transport you until you can make your next visit.  The celebrities, models, and moguls can have their Parisian winter this fashion week.  You’ll just have to bring the best of Hotel Costes stateside and revisit the Second Empire-inspired treasure come spring.  In the meantime, Costes’ luxe new home line will transform your abode with its scents, the same tantalizing combination of Crystallized Orange, Roasted Coffee, Cumin, Cardamom, Clove & Cedar notes that graces their restaurant, Esplanade.  Perhaps you’ll never leave home again?

 

Nothing against Harry Potter, but I must admit that sometimes Chick Lit is just what a gal needs. So I picked up "Queen of Babble" and I must say it really fulfilled all my girlie girl cravings. Basically, Lizzie (don't call her Liz), travels to Europe to spend the summer after college with her "boyfriend," but things get a bit out of hand and she finds herself in a completely different situation. The best part about the book is all the info on the History of Fashion. Seriously, it is worth the read even just for the style tips.

We have some expert advice from Lisa Curran, swimsuit fit expert and designer (celebs love her suits). Her line is full of fun styles and silhouettes that flatter women's unique bodies, even if you're flat as a pancake. Here are her top bathing suit tips for flat-chested women:

1.  Buy a bandeau that provides shearing at the bustline - it will enhance the chest area.
2. A traditional triangle slide bikini always works - you can slide the bottom for a shearing effect and also the tiny strings are very sexy.
3. If you are looking for a one-piece, deep v-necks work best along with one-pieces with a lot of shearing.

Continue reading "No Boobs? No Problem!" »

Ok, so I know we've covered a bunch of swimwear options the past few weeks trying to get you ready for the summer, but there's no harm in mixin' it up. And besides, you've gotta be getting sick of them by now anyway, right? Vix Swimwear quite possibly has the best designs, styles and fit of any swimwear I've come across in the past few weeks. Check 'em out for yourself and make up your own mind, but trust me, you'll be the hottest thing on the beach!

If you pack just one item for your next vacation, make it this gorgeous embellished tunic from Newport News. The comfy cotton voile material is perfect for warm weather vacations while the eye-catching embellished neckline and flattering empire waist make it the prettiest LWD (little white dress) around. Wear it over a bikini to the beach, out to dinner and drinks at night, and even at brunch the next day! This is truly a fab find that, shockingly, won't break the bank - at under $40, it'll leave you with enough pocket change to buy some fun accessories. But if you want more than just one adorable piece on your vacation, check out our "Happy Packing" store for more stylish jet-setter must haves.

Summer is here and it's time to plan a bon voyage to relieve the stress of the daily grind.  But once you've picked your fabulous destination, sometimes a new stress sets in-- what on earth do I pack? If you have that dilemma, you've come to the right place.  Our brand new vacation section called "Happy Packing" will allow you to do just that. So breathe easy and check out our suggestions for beautiful dresses, flowing kaftans and chic accessories that are summer holiday essentials.

Everyone loves a vacation, but packing is never fun. This smart new company does all the work for you with their pre-packed overnight bags containing everything you need for a weekend away. Custom overnight bags are available for every occasion including a romantic weekend for two, birth of a baby and more. Makes a great wedding, birthday or baby shower gift.
$99 and up at yourbagsarepacked.com...free shipping through 7/31/07

How do the celebs have that year round “I just got back from a beach vacation” look?  Here are 5 tips to help you feel like you’ve hit the Bahamas, even though you were really stuck at your granny’s bbq…
1. All of Hollywood's got it, and you can have it too!  What is it? A Tan! Try TOO FACED Tanning bed in a TUBE (yummy..it smells like pina colada) for a streak fee tan.  If you like the spray-on (but don't want the orange Mystic) try the celeb fave SUNFX-it’s instant color that lasts 5-7 days.  StarStyle tip: exfoliate before application for a more even tan.

Continue reading "How to Fake a Vacay" »

You've found the perfect carry-all beach bag for the summer (the cute one above is from JCrew.com). Now what are you going to put in it? Here is my Top 5 list for beach bag essentials:
1. Sexy sunglasses to shade your baby blues (or browns!) from the sun. Love this pair by Oliver Peoples!
2. Stylish wide-brim hat to keep your hair color salon-fresh. Nordstrom has a great selection!
3. Neutrogena SPF 30 Cooling spray-on sunscreen - super quick & foolproof application.
4. A book like "The Secret" to keep you entertained & edu-ma-cated (wink, wink).
5. Adorable metallic T-strap flip-flops that will take you from the beach to cocktail hour - a steal at just $10!

I have a confession: I used to travel wearing uggs, sweats, and a t-shirt and would lug my stuff around in a generic black carry-on size suitcase...blah and BO-ring! Inspired by those ridiculously chic women who travel in style, I've upgraded my travel gear with a lovely Diane VonFurstenberg Weekender bag, and try to throw on a sleek blazer with jeans and flats before my excursion. If you too are inspired by those put-together women, consider this gorgeous black patent weekender bag by Goldenbleu. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Undoubtedly!