Stila Loves Roxy Collection
There's no excuse for not looking hot at the beach this year: Our waterproof options keep getting better. Our newest fave is the Stila Loves Roxy limited edition collection. It was tested by Roxy pro-surfers, so you know if it works for those ladies as they hit the waves, it will stay put while you swim laps or put the pool boy to work.
Among the lady surfers favorites are the Waterproof Sparkle Liquid Eyeliner in Bora Bora and the Lip Glaze in Apricot. We're also fans of the Stila Loves Roxy travel palette (of course!), which includes 4 eye shadows, 1 blush and 1 bronzer, all in a skinny palette that's made for weekends at the beach.
The Stila Loves Roxy collection hits Quicksilver and Roxy stores in July.
Review: Ritz Carlton Puerto Rico
Earlier this month I traveled to Puerto Rico for a four-night stay at the Ritz Carlton San Juan. It was my first trip to the island—we chose Puerto Rico because it's an easy, direct flight from New York and since it's part of the United States, there aren't any taxes, making it a more affordable flight than other Caribbean Islands.
The weather was overcast and rainy, somewhat unusual for June, so that may have clouded my experience (pardon the pun). That said, San Juan, and even the Ritz Carlton, left much to be desired. I had read on reviews of the hotel that it's near the airport and that the beach isn't particularly nice. No worries, I figured I would simply hang by the pool. But the pool is surrounded by buildings and lacks a breeze, making it hotter than the beach. As for the beach, the reviewers were correct—the hotel is not on a pristine stretch of coast. There were dilapidated buildings to our left and our right, and, as my hubby pointed out, the beach was filled with pigeons, not the usual seagulls. Being near the airport didn't bother me, at least.
Our room was a decent size, but I was surprised to find out that a pool view meant no balcony—and no window that you're able to open. I have a slight case of claustrophobia, so not being able to get fresh air was an issue for me. So in JSG tradition, where we consider the first room a first offer and are never shy to change, I asked for a different room, with a balcony. The front desk attendant, very kindly, moved me into a different pool room, this one with a balcony, for no extra charge. (NB: There are a handful of these rooms. Be sure to ask for one if you're staying poolside.)
On the plus side, the hotel is home to branches of BLT Steak and an Il Mulino. Our meal at BLT Steak was as delicious as the one in New York. We didn't eat at Il Mulino.
Note: I received a press rate for the room.
Hanky Panky's DIY Thong
- Ribbons
- Bows
- Lace
- Appliques
- A mini sewing kit
- Instructions
Vineyard Vines Swimwear Launch
Travel Tuesday Links
Visit these beaches before they disappear for good (Yahoo Travel)
Hollywood's Chateau Marmont gets ready for its closeup...again. (Hotel Chatter)
Uniqlo's celebrity-designed Save Japan T-shirts are now in stores. (Racked)
Amber of Beauty Blogging Junkie shares what she packed in her carry on for her epic journey to Tahiti. (Beauty Blogging Junkie)
Vanessa Minnillo's Las Vegas Bachelorette Party
With her wedding to Nick Lachey expected to be any day now, Vanessa Minnillo had a bachelorette party in Vegas the weekend before last. She kicked off the weekend at LAVO at the Palazzo with a night of dancing with friends (We celebrated Annie’s bachelorette party there, too!) Vanessa invited the first person who came to her table and and proved it was their birthday could come join her table — an offer she made good when a club patron celebrating his birthday approached the table with his girlfriend.
Vanessa’s friends surprised her with a midget impersonating Nick who serenaded her with 98 Degrees songs. We would pay money to see that!
Vanessa with her cake from Gimme Some Sugar |
On Saturday, Vanessa hit Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmpolitan and celebrated from a poolside cabana. Smart girl that she is, Vanessa found a bachelor celebrating his own upcoming wedding and invited the groom and his friends to take a dip in her cabana's Jacuzzi.
Read more about bachelorette parties in Las Vegas.
Phyto Summer Sale
Cirque de Soleil Zarkana Review
I had the pleasure of seeing Zarkana last night, three days before its official opening on Wednesday. The show tells the story of Zark, a magician who has lost his powers, on his quest to rescue his girlfriend who was kidnapped. It was unclear who kidnapped her and who the bad guys are—was it the witch in the tree? The Medusa-like snake performer? Or the spider? Or are all three the incarnation of the same woman? No matter. Plot in a Cirque de Soleil performance is about as necessary as a storyline in porn—it loosely helps to define the story, but we're all there for the action.
On that action front, Zarkana doesn't disappoint. The show, which runs through October 8 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, features some impressive reverse juggling, trapeze acts and a gorgeous sequence of banquine (acrobats bouncing off of each other). While some acts felt familiar, like the Cyr Wheel that was also in Kooza, and others fell flat, like the Flags that were no better than your local high school's flag corps, some like the Ladders had me holding my breath. Just when I was thinking that the male performer who balances a ladder using pure strength must be glad this his part in the show was over, he came back and did something even more outrageous. Unfortunately on the night we attended the Hand Balancing performer failed to perform. From what I can tell, he came out on cue, then ran backstage never to appear again. We didn't get an explanation and it was a big disappointment that the penultimate act failed to show.
The stage, before the start of the show |
For a show that is billed as a rock opera, the music is lackluster. It was hard to make out what the singers were saying, which is a big reason why the plot is indecipherable. Even if I could understand the lyrics, the songs themselves fail to make an impression.
So would I recommend seeing Zarkana? Yes, if you're a Cirque de Soleil junkie or a newbie or if you're looking for an entertaining show to see. But if the $47+ ticket price is a stretch for you, you aren't missing much if you sit this one out.
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com.
I was given free tickets to review this show.
Jerseylicious Beach Beauty Tips
1. Condition: The sun makes your hair dry and dead. So while you’re laying out, put some leave-in conditioner or use a treatment in your hair to prevent damage.
2. A tan is a must have! But no tan is worth ruining your skin. Make sure you throw on sunscreen even if it’s a low number sunscreen like 4! Just don’t put baby oil on!
3. Get yourself a maxi dress. It can come in handy as a cover up for your bathing suit or could be cute for dinner right from the beach/pool.
4. Summer is great for hats. Either a big floppy hat to block the sun or a cute straw fedora to match your sundress.
5. Make-up is not necessary for the beach. But a bare face isn’t right either. So put on some mascara on top and bottom lashes, it will brighten up your eyes! (Never know when you’ll run into a cutie on the beach!)
On Our Radar: Rooftop Poule Party at the Joule, Dallas
Looking for fun on the Fourth of July in Dallas? The Joule Hotel (a Starwood property) is offering a "Stay two nights, get the third free" package valid June 30th to July 5th, 2011. You'll have access to the July 3rd Midnight pool party with Foster the People DJ set. Suggested attire is bikini or glam cover-ups- better jumpstart your workout and get shopping for that rhinestone suit! Luckily Neiman's flagship store is close by. Small bites will be served from Chef Scott of the hotel's Charlie Palmer restaurant.
Rates starting at $249 per night. For details visit the Joule's homepage.
If you're in town for the party; but don't need a room, you can go to the Joule Pool Party for $45 through the main desk number (214.748.1300). Ask for the concierge and use password "Foster the People" OR email: info@thejouledallas.com.
Help Your Hair Beat the Heat this Summer
Summer's heat is a huge challenge for most of us, especially if you battle frizzy hair with humidity. We love how Victoria Secret angel Doutzen Kroes (pictured above) rocks a super sexy tousled pony tail. See ten other great celebrity hair do's at Daily Makeover.
Web Snob June 24th, 2011
Rough edges can be beautiful - just look at the artful irregularity of this woven Prada bag at Bag Snob.
Beauty Snob has an easy, peasy, lemon squeezy way to make that beautiful ballerina bun every girl wants - even if you don't have enough hair to pull it off!
Coquette feels the beauty glow with easy summer lips + cheeks with mark.
The Jet Set Girls spoke to Brooke Burke about her favorite ways to splurge.
KRISTOPHER DUKES is hating Marks & Spencer mini umbrella with case.
Second City Style can't get enough of the lace-up sandal trend for summer.
Shopping and Info loves Emilia Clarke from the Game of Thrones and the nude Sergio Rossi platforms she wore in Monte Carlo.
Want to know what the StyleBakery editors are loving this summer? This week, they each share their top 10 lists for the season.
The Shoe Goddess thinks this Prada Platform Boot would be a great addition to any girl's closet!
Jonathan Adler Beach Bags
Whether you're headed to Europe, Brazil, south of the border or simply to your neighborhood pool, Jonathan Adler has you covered with this line of kitschy beach bags. The canvas is coated so your beach reads and magazines won't get wet. The bags also feature interior pockets and patent leather trim. Save a lounge chair for us!
Tarte Glow Your Way to Gorgeous
Here's a QVC exclusive you won't want to miss: Tarte Glow Your Way to Gorgeous. It has everything you need to get your glow on when you're at the beach. The waterproof essentials collection includes:
- Maracuja Creaseless Concealer—This concealer goes on thick and won't budge all day. You can use it under your eyes or to cover blemishes.
- Deluxe Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Ave. Princess—a medium-shade of bronzer without shimmer (that's a plus in our book)
- Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Peaceful (a very wearable soft, pinky-peach)
- EmpahEyes Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow in shimmer taupe
- SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner in fig. You also get a sharpener
- LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in Sweet. It looks frosty in the pencil, but goes on sheer and offers a hint of minty flavor.
- Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara—this is the only product in the kit that's not a home run. It's a great mascara, but smudges easily, making it not ideal for the beach.
- Bamboo blush brush and eyeshadow brush
- A sample of Tarte's Pure Maracuja Oil—a soothing, vitamin and anti-oxidant packed oil that rehydrates sun-stressed skin and hair
Tory Burch Resort Preview
Last week, we stopped by the Tory Burch showroom to check out the resort 2012 collection. The inspiration, in Tory's words:
"For Resort 2012, we were inspired by the colors and textures of Santa Fe. Pale desert shades of rust, yellow and aqua mix with bold turquoise, bright orange and red on geometric and floral prints. Other elements of the American Southwest are seen in rich, knotted silk fringe scarves on tie-neck blouses and wide fabric belts. Tweed woven ponchos, basket-weave jackets and color-blocked sweaters are paired with boyish trousers and tailored shorts. Feminine details include ruffles, gold buttons and embroidery. Bucket bags, printed burlap totes and canvas shoes pick up on the textures of the desert, while raffia and pom-pom necklaces feature special details like gold-cast cactus spines."Here are a few of our favorite pieces from the collection:
A printed halter dress
Raffia totes and wedge heels
A stunning necklace
The world's cutest beach cover up
The Tory Burch Resort collection is available in stores November 15th, 2011.
Travel Tuesday Links
Photo courtesy of Glam.com |
Check out the new Tiffany Suite at the St. Regis. (Glam.com)
It's not too late to get a bikini bod. Learn a few moves that give instant results. (Daily Candy)
JetBlue is launching flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands (Cheapoair.com)
10 Essentials for Glam Girls on the Go (Glam.com)
Find some green space at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport at the "Airport Park." (LA Times)
Make Up For Ever's St. Tropez Pop Up Store
Make Up For Ever opened their first pop up store in St. Tropez for Summer 2011. If you're lucky enough to be in the French Riviera, stop by to pick up some waterproof beach essentials from the Aqua line. MUFE even has trained artists on hand to do your make up for you. Fan Make Up For Ever on Facebook to learn more.
MAC Bloggers Obsessions
Lipglass:
* Makeup and Beauty Blog–Karen Monterichard, Evolution Revolution (a warm peachy pink with subtle purple, green and blue micro glitter)
* Afrobella–Patrice Yursik, All Of My Purple Life (deep purple/grape with subtle sparkle)
* Beauty Maverick–Lily Nima, Caqui (persimmon )
* The Shades of U–Aileen De Los Angeles, Sonoran Rain (deep coral-red with gold and silver pearl)
* Nitrolicious–Wendy Lam, Nitro:licious 2046 (intense shiny red)
Eyeshadow:
* Beauty Blogging Junkie–Amber Katz , Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! (a deep rusty brown with champagne-colored sparkle)
* Temptalia–Christine Mielke, Jealousy Wakes Seething (emerald green with teal and gold pearl)
* Lipstick Powder N Paint–Lesley Ellen Mirza, Parisian Skies (a muted grey-blue)
* The Makeup Girl–Lianne Farbes, Hocus Pocus (dark sooty grey with silver pearl)
The line is available starting today, only at MAC Cosmetics online.
Brooke Burke's Favorite Ways to Splurge
When asked about her favorite place to go with her girlfriends, Brooke didn't say Vegas or Rio. So where does she most like to get away?
"I'm a fan of staycations, creating a different environment at home. For example, I bring Italy to Malibu and hire a chef to create a delicious dinner. I don't want to spend time traveling. It's all about making the most of being at home and splurging in a smart way."
Another of Brooke's favorite smart splurges is Suave Naturals sweet pea and violet lotion. "It smells really rich" she says.
Ready for your own smart splurge? Enter the Suave Smart Splurge contest. Weekly prizes include handbags and other little luxuries. The grand prize is a trip for two to Hollywood! Enter on Facebook.
Giveaway Alert: Win a Water Pashmina
Is it just us, or have you notice planes are getting warmer these days? No doubt, it's to save on fuel. Even though they're not longer frigid, you still need a sweater or a wrap (Let's get serious, planes are not that warm.) Pashminas are still the go-to choice, you can wear them on the plane, on a chilly evening at the beach, to a wedding or to give a pop of color to an all black or white outfit.
We're fans of the newer water pashminas. Lighter than traditional ones, they are made in Nepal with single-ply, 70 percent Grade A cashmere and 30 percent silk and are the perfect weight for warmer flights. They're so light, in fact, the 22"x80" stole can fold up and fit in a larger clutch.
JSG is giving a water pashmina in rose pink (shown) away! Simply tweet: Follow @JSGHope and @JSGAnne to win a water pashmina from the Pashmina Store. We'll pick a winner on Thursday. Good luck!
To buy your own, or see the other 10+ colors, check out ThePashminaStore.com.
On Our Radar: Rosewood Tucker's Point, Bermuda
Get your muddle, your limes and your shaker ready! The entry with the most votes wins the Grand Prize which includes airfare from the continental U.S., a three night stay at Rosewood Tucker's Point, breakfast each morning, a tour of Gosling's rum facility with Brand Director Andrew Holmes, autographed bottle of Gosling's Family Reserve Old Rum, and an in-room rum gift basket. The winning cocktail recipe will be served on property at Rosewood Tucker's Point.
A guest room with gorgeous views and beautiful linens:
We love a posh bathroom:
Good luck!
Robert Verdi's Father's Day Gifts—Plus Giveaway!
Robert Verdi's Ultimate Father's Day Gift Guide from Robert Verdi on Vimeo.
Still not sure what to get dad for Father's Day? Check out Robert Verdi's picks for dad, along with his hilarious commentary about which celebrity deserves which gift. (You'll crack up over his pick for Matthew McConaughey!)One of our faves is the HeadBlade Razor and Shave Cream set--the perfect pick for the bald dad. (Full confession: Annie's hubby shaves his head, so she haves a soft spot for the baldies.) That's the Platinum Starter Kit below.
We're also fans of the Snapfish photo books, because they're a thoughtful, personal gift that your dad will cherish for years to come—fill it up with photos of your family vacations. JSG is thrilled to giveaway one $50 gift certificate Snapfish to a lucky reader! To enter, either comment on this post or our Facebook fan page by next Thursday, June 23.
Degree Women's Get Into the Move Program
There's nothing like the thought of a upcoming trip to the beach to help get you in shape, and the new Degree Get Into the Move Program not only helps you motivate with fantastic prizes (including trips!) it also provides a way for you to track and share your workouts.
To get started, log on to the Degree Women Get into the Move Facebook page and start tracking your activities. You earn points for:
- checking in daily,
- exercise, including walking the dog, yoga, swimming, even gardening
- Sharing with your friends on Facebook
- Answering trivia questions, for example, "What is a plank?"
- Entering codes, which can be found at 24-Hour Fitness or online. TIP: JSG's code is: GetMoving002
- Playing the instant win game for prizes including iTunes and Zappos giftcards
- Enter the weekly drawing for prizes like a girls' night out
- Enter to win the grand prize drawing: a surf trip to Hawaii, a yoga retreat in Costa Rica or skiing in the Alps!
- Donate miles to either Girls in the Game or The Challenged Athlete Foundation.
A Peek Inside Carmen Wong Urlich's Carry On Bag
Money is often the biggest stress when it comes to vacations. We always urge you to stay within your budget, look for deals and save for special trips. If you need extra help, check out Carmen Wong Urlich's book, The Real Cost of Living: Making the Best Choices for You, Your Life, and Your Money. Carmen, the former host of On the Money is no stranger to traveling for pleasure and business. Here's what she takes in her carry on bag.
I usually carry a giant, silver-grey Martine Sitbon 'bolsa' (similar style below). My pages used to tease me, calling it my "Mary Poppins" bag since I can pull practically anything out of it. When I travel, I pack it with enough that I could reasonably be stranded for a couple of days and survive not only personally, but professionally! I'm also a mom to a 4 year old so it's not strange to find small toys, stickers and snack-pacs in there now and then.
Tuesday Travel Links
How to avoid credit card problems abroad from the NY Times.
Summer travel tips from the Navigator at the Washington Post.
Portugal in the off season from the Miami Herald.
Get the Best Price on Airline Tickets
It's already happened to me twice this year: I bought airplane tickets only to have them go on sale a week later. So much for planning ahead! While I've had good luck with Orbitz's price assurance, their prices for tickets can be a bit higher than if you purchase directly from the airline.
If you've ever had a similar experience, you'll be happy to hear about the new MasterCard Price Assurance program that's free to MasterCard customers. You simply register for the program at priceassure.mastercard.com and use your MasterCard to purchase plane tickets. MasterCard alerts you if your fare dropped and you're then able to pursue getting a credit from the airline on future tickets. Sweet deal!
Beach Beauty Products
On my trip to Puerto Rico last week, I had the chance to test out a few beach beauty products. Here are a some of my personal faves:
- Lara's Theme nail polish from Deborah Lipmann make for a bright and tropical pedi and even someone as pale as me can wear it! Deborah created the color with model Lara Stone as a tribute to her native Holland. Available on HSN.com. That's it on my toes, above. My fab pedicure was courtesy of Sweet Lily in New York City.
- It's hard to find good hairspray in a convenient travel size. I love the Fekkai Sheer Hold Hair Spray because in addition to hold, it prevent frizz, so my beach waves stayed perfect. Available at 3FlOz.com.
- When I realized that the only moisturizer I brought was Steamcream, I was a little nervous. I had never used it before and I know that my skin requires serious hydration after a day in the sun. After one use, my worries were quickly put to rest. According to the press release, Steamcream is "created through a revolutionary 'Steam Infusion' manufacturing process in which high quality, vegan ingredients emulsify and break down immediately on contact with the skin for maximum absorption and benefits." I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it worked and the adorable packaging is ideal for plane flights. Available at SteamCream.com.
- Sometimes it's good to be a beauty blogger. And one of those times was when it was especially good was when the new MAC Sized to Go products landed on my doorstep a few days before my trip. The minis of their top makeup removers are now available in stores and part of the permanent collection. I brought along the Cleanse Off Oil and Pro Eye Makeup Remover. Available on MACCosmetics.com.
This post is based on free samples.
Giveaway: Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Line
It's one of the cruelest facts of life that you can have wrinkles AND acne at the same time. Take solace in knowing that you're not alone: turns out more than half the women in the U.S. who are 25 to 58(!!!) have some form of acne. But because we're not teenagers, we can't get away with many of the things we did as teens—eating French fries daily without gaining weight, micro minis and blasting a pimple with a heavy concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
Fortunately, companies are starting to take note of this trend and are offering new products specifically for treating acne in the 25+ set. One of the ones we can't wait to try is the new Olay Professional Pro-X Clear line. It's a three-step regimen, including:
- Pore Clarifying Cleanser with salicylic acid to gently remove dead skin and prevent clogged pores
- Skin Clearing Treatment also with salicylic acid to continue the process of clearing skin
- Complexion Renewing Lotion a sheer moisturizer that hydrates skin and helps fade spots and redness.
- Buy the Olay Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol at presale on Tuesday at noon EST when limited qualities will be available along with exclusive savings at Olay.com.
- Enter to be one of the five lucky JSG readers to win a free Olay Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol. Email us at JSGgiveaway before Friday, June 17 at 11:59 p.m.
On Our Radar: The New Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
Web Snob June 10th, 2011
It's that time of year to think about the men in our lives: Father's Day is just around the corner. So even if your dad or hubby is not a Bag Snob, this is your opportunity to make him one, and one good bag from is all it takes.
Summer Trend Alert: The Retro Cat Eye at Beauty Snob.
Coquette can't live without her Mulberry Alexa Bag.
Fashion Pulse Daily picks their favorite Katherine Kwei bags for the spring/summer season.
The Jet Set Girls share tips on how to look good in photos.
Watch the video of Lulu Guinness divulging how NOT to look like a tourist while traveling abroad, plus tips for what to stow in your luggage, via SHEfinds.
Second City Style knows times are tough so check out our latest splurge vs. steal beauty finds for summer.
Shopping and Info bought theseJimmy Choo nude sandals seen on Blake Lively for a wedding in June.
StyleHive shows you how to get poolside perfect with these sexy non-bikinis for $100 or less!
Review: Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes
This review was based on a press sample.
How to Look Good in Photos -- Lighting Tricks
We like to think we've mastered posing for photos (chin down, shoulders back and these other tricks) so now it's on to more advance issues, including lighting. We've noticed that in some of our photos, like the one above, the lighting isn't flattering to our face. We asked National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson how to—in the words of Tyra Banks—find our light:
- A soft light is better than a harsh light. Soft light means that you don’t have harsh shadows, which can make eye sockets look black (see above), makes wrinkles look wrinkle-y er, skin look sandpaper-y.
- A second light source will help fill in the shadows. At the beach on a sunny day, for example, the bright light is above and reflecting off the sand, so it does this naturally. If you don’t have something filling in shadows—you can go look for something that will—stand next to a white building for example. Even holding up a piece of white paper to reflect a light onto your face will help.
- To take a good shot of people indoors, turn off overhead florescent lights if you can, because it does the same thing that sunshine does. Ideally shoot with natural light near a north-facing window or any window without direct sunshine falling in and have your subject look towards the window.
- At nighttime, if you have a flash that swivels, point it off a wall or the ceiling. By taking something that’s a small harsh light source and turning it into a big soft light source by bouncing if off of something, the lighting will be more flattering. Alternatively, try turning off the flash and dial up the background light.
- If you have a point and shoot camera (like us), the best thing you can do is make sure your subjects are facing into flash, so nose isn’t casting a weird shadow or anything.
The W Hotel App
W Hotels recently launched its first iPhone app and as befitting the hip hotel, it's a must download. Not only can you book a room and check out special offers, it has streaming music playlists curated by its D.J.'s. You can opt to listen to Living Room, Retreat, Wet Deck, After Dark or Sweat, depending on your mood.
You can also use the app to:
- Check out the local weather, get directions or take a first look at W photos.
- Get Insider Access: Find out about special events and exclusive W Happenings in each destination through the "Insider" tab on each hotel page.
- Order In: View and order from the hotel’s in-room dining menus at all hours. No more hunting for the room service menu!
- Have it Delivered: Tap the “I Need” tab for immediate service.
- Shop the W Hotels The Store