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Finally—after a long, long summer, we get to find out if Blair is really marrying her prince and who is pregnant this time... Eh—who really cares? We gave up on the plot a few seasons ago and like everyone else, we're only watching for the clothes.

Now those fashions are easier to get and more affordable than ever. Romeo and Juliet Couture launched a line of Gossip Girl-inspired clothes and they're going on sale at HauteLook today at 40% off retail. After that, you'll find the looks at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Kitson.

Check out the sale today, starting at 11 EST and be sure to watch Gossip Girl at 8 EST. We'll be tweeting along at JSGAnne. See you there!

The Thompson Hotel group acquired Miami's Hotel Victor this week. A renovation will be finished early next year; but their management will take over immediately. If you've walked down Ocean Drive in the past decade, there's a good chance you've been to one of their parties at Hotel Victor. We sure have. The Art Deco hotel has 90 rooms most with ocean views and generous sized bathrooms and terraces. It also has a gorg infinity pool, 6,000 square foot spa, and multiple restaurants and lounges. We looked forward to seeing what Thompson can do to improve this already cool corner of South Beach.

The Party to Go Palette is perfect for daily touchups, your gym bag, girls' night out, or your travel bag. Its three eye shadows, two lip colors and mini lipgloss are deeper shades that will transition to fall and winter well. Leave it to Bobbi to create another palette we just can't live without.

Small size fragrances are so clever we think they're worthy of collecting. Lovers of Marc Jacobs' Lola frangrance will want this pocket purse spray and matching pouch. Its compact size is perfect for air travel or just a night out.

Available at Neimans for $55.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Starbucks—who knew they were around for that long?—partnered with designers Sophie Theallet, Alexander Wang and Billy Reid on a limited edition T-shirt to benefit the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

No surprise, Sophie Theallet's global themed T-shirt (above) is our favorite. It also has a cute ribbon tie back.


Alexander Wang's Starbucks' T-shirt plays off of spilled coffee.

Billy Reid's Starbucks' T-shirt has a vintage vibe.
All three Starbucks' T-shirts cost $85 and are available online and at select Nordstrom.

photo courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler

Jet Blue is having its "just between us" sale with one way fares starting at $44 and three night vacations starting at $109.

Have you done Napa one too many times? Conde Nast presents alternative wine trails in places like China, Thailand, and Hungary (pictured above).

September is a great time to travel to Florida. The crowds are down and the weather is still warm. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is offering a "Discover you" package for $299 per night including breakfast for two and a $100 resort credit. We recommend spending the credit in the spa. It's gorg!

The Chicago Sun Times tells how to celebrate Oktoberfest without traveling to Munich.

The NY Times tells where the bargains are in Latin America.

I recently did something I never thought I would do the other day: contoured my face. I was inspired to try it on my own, after serving as a model for the Get the Mally Glow kit at a blogger breakfast with Mally last week. (That's Mally working her magic on me. Thanks to OlderGirlBeauty for the photo!)

The kit comes with Perfect Prep Primer in Glow and the Shimmer Shape and Glow compact. One of the things I love best about it is that it comes with foolproof instructions, so even if you don't have Mally there to demonstrate personally how to use the product, it's still like she's there whispering in your ear.

The Perfect Prep Primer in Glow gives you that flawless canvas for your foundation. Word of warning: a little goes a long way. I would actually prefer if this came in a tube instead of the jar, because I think that would help me use less and keep the product more sanitary.

On to the Shimmer, Shape and Glow. As Mally says in her instructions, apply the shimmer on the tips of your cheekbones to just under your temples for an "Instant eye lift!" Next, use the shape to contour your cheekbones. To figure out where, make a kissy face and brush it under your cheekbones. Finish with a pop of blush so you look like you "Just got busy with Johnny Depp," according to Mally.

Having never had the pleasure of getting busy with Johnny and not knowing anyone who has, I can't vouch for that last part. But I can tell you, the kit did give my face more definition, my skin looked flawless and it's super easy to use. Thanks, Mally!

The Get the Mally Glow kit is available at TryMallyBeauty.com. It comes in two shades Life is Lighter or Love is Deeper for $39.95,

This attactive shower curtain from Ballard Designs is a good buy, whether you're an Anglophile or just want something to remind you of your last trip to London. We love the hand drawn graphics of the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Millenium Ferris Wheel. Its subtle color scheme will match just about any decor.

Available online for $99.

Leah Ketcham was inspired to start the Krickette line of handbags after a trip to India in 2009—you can see the influence in her whimsical, colorful bags. The bags also give back: some of the line is made in Los Angeles and the textiles and adornments are sourced from global charitable community groups in foreign lands. You just know Leah's going to have a unique carry on bag. Here's what she travels with:

What does your carry on bag look like?

I use the Krickette carry-on bag,  It is out of this world cool, very colorful and a real eye-catcher. Crazy fun color combinations and bright colors in the blue and sand versions. Not for the tame hearted! The pink version is feminine with flower patterned embroidery. The pompom tassel embellishment is fun and whimsical.



I am low maintenance when it comes to travel beauty products: My key items are: drinking water, Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer, Purel Deep cleaning hand sanitizer wipes and eye drops. I typically don’t wear make-up on flights and just wear a lot of moisturizer and eye cream.

My girlfriend represents the Magaschoni line. I have several cashmere wraps in fun colors. I also wear Seaton Boyfriend sweaters. Both of which are super cozy and warm.

This Magaschoni cardi is ideal for a plane.

I try to catch up on several pounds of magazines that pile up waiting for a “rainy day” or “trip”. I also use the plane ride to get a lot of work done (e.g., contracts, financials, etc.).


I usually don’t listen to music. I save that for working out. If I listen to anything on the plane, it is a movie.


I’m a “PC person” but, when I travel I rely on my Mac Book Air.

In the past year: India, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, Paris, London, Dominican Republic, Greece, Newport, Nantucket, Orcas Island.

Ian Schrager's redo of the Ambassador Hotel in Chicago previewed this week. Public is a new line and concept of hotels that Schrager envisions delivers luxury service and amenities to the masses. Public doesn't scrimp on style and there won't be frustrating charges like $5 Hershey bars and $20 pots of coffee. Schrager believes people are "sick of slick" and want a return to value and quality in the hotels they frequent.

The existing Pump Room restaurant was also reworked by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten with a farm to table approach and service at all meal times. At night the Pump Room turns into a glam 30's/40's supper club.

Preview rates start around $150 per night. The grand opening is slated for October.

Photo courtesy of www.tripadvisor.com.

Finally! L.A's famed Drybar is opening in New York tomorrow! The salon offers $40 blowouts—it doesn't matter what length your hair is or if you curl it or flat iron it—it's still gonna be $40.

I attended an editor's preview earlier this week. The salon is gorgeous—clean and bright with accents of yellow. You chose from a photo menu of blowouts, including Straight Up (straight hair), Southern Comfort (lots of volume) and Mai Tai (beachy waves).

A few of the things I love about the salon:

• It's open at 7 a.m. on weekdays so you can get a day of blowout before an important meeting.
• It's open 7 days a week, so you're not stuck on a Monday with bad hair.
• It has iPod docking stations.
• You can book appointments online.
• They show fun movies. While I was there, Bride Wars and Mean Girls were on.

• Packages are available. The more blowouts you buy, the bigger the discount.
• You can purchase snacks like trail mix and Swedish fish.

My only complaint: While my stylist was adorable and sweet and gave me an amazing blowout, he was a bit inexperienced. The blowout took longer than an hour and he made small mistakes like getting the blow dryer cord tangled, but I'm sure with time those kinks will be worked out. After all, DryBar's first official day open is tomorrow.

For more info, call DryBar at 212-561-5932

You don't have to wait until May to get crazy in a Mexican way. Tomorrow is Mexican Independence Day. Celebrate with a Spicy 'Rita, created By Henry Lopez, Head Bartender Nick and Toni's, East Hampton, NY and owner, Court and Spark, Brooklyn, NY

Spicy Margarita Recipe

Muddled Orange Slice and Jalepeno Pepper

2 parts Avion Reposado Tequila

3/4 part Cointreau

1/2 part Fresh Sour Mix

3/4 part Fresh Squeezed Lime

Shake and strain over fresh ice in a partially salted margarita and garnish with a lime or orange wedge.

Who doesn't want longer, fuller lashes? However, the thought of adding another step to our routine in the morning, stops us from using a lash enhancer every day. Try Kate Somerville's Lash-Enhancing Eye-Makeup Remover. It takes off even the trickiest waterproof mascara, leaves behind a lash enhancer, and isn't oily. It even has a special ingredient to combat dark circles and puffiness. Now that's a multi-tasker we can get behind!

Available at Neiman's for $35.

Spend $100 on Beauty.com and this VPL travel bag filled with goodies is yours! VPL designer Victoria Bartlett said, “I wanted the design to be very functional,” she said. “The closures keep items separated and secure to avoid shifts in transit. The elastic strap allows you to hang the bag on the bathroom door, keeping everything within arm’s reach without adding clutter.” With 16 compartments and a detachable pouch, this baby is made for traveling. Here's what's in it:

1. NUXE™ Crème Fraiche

2. bliss® Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

3. Caudalíe® Pulpe Vitaminée Eye and Lip Cream

4. bareMinerals® Foundation in Medium Beige

5. Jane Iredale Tantasia™ Self Tanner

6. Murad® Hybrids™ Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish

7. Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

8. Urban Decay® Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Greed

9. Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer

10. Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment

11. dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away

12. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Duo—Repair Moisturizer & Eye Treatment

13. Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump ‘N Thick Thickening Hair Spray

14. $5 Shopping Card for Beauty.com

Available while supplies last on Beauty.com.

Bobbi Brown is the latest to be influenced by the Moroccan resurgence—she created her fall line Marrakesh Chic after a trip to the country with her husband a few years ago. "It was such an amazing trip and I was so inspired by so much that I saw there, especially the incredible rich earthy colors that dominated the cityscapes and the rural vistas that we traveled through," she said in a press release. "As soon as I got home, I started developing ideas for a seasonal collection featuring a new eye shadow, based on what I had seen and experienced there."

That new shadow, the Rich Color Eye Shadow, is an intensely pigmented  hybrid of a powder to cream. Bobbi recommend applying it like a traditional shadow, using a brush. The shadow comes in 8 colors, $24 each, available on BobbiBrown.com.

We've been on the edge of our seats since this summer when Target announced their latest collaboration with Missoni. Here's your chance (and ours!) to grab a piece of Italy's iconic style house. Hint: some of the pieces are only available on line.

We'll definitely be buying the clothes; but don't overlook the beauty bags, the home goods, and travel gear:

The latest must-have nail polishes from Chanel are its collection Les Jeans de Chanel. Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel developed a trio of blue lacquers, inspired by denim. According to the press release: A gradation of three shades, the colours range from deep to medium to very pale blue, evocative of the different styles and shades of one of the world’s largest wardrobe staples.

Les Jeans de Chanel comes in three shades Blue Rebel, Blue Boy and Coco Blue.

Available this month at Chanel stores and online this month.

Here's something exciting coming out of fashion week that all of us can afford: the new Christian Siriano for Payless Gold line of shoes for spring 2012.


According to the press release, "[Christian's] runway styles are heavily inspired by the textures and colors from exotic underwater specimens found in Bali, Honduras, and Belize. The shoes uniquely fuse these tropical influences into eight key styles hitting the runway today, translating the mysterious nature of these creatures into colorful, intricate designs."

Photo courtesy nytimes.com

It must be all the rain on the east coast; but we're craving a getaway to Palm Springs. The Ace Hotel and Swim Club is the perfect spot to hang with the cool kids in town. The hotel replaced an old Howard Johnson's and added all the "Ace" touches like dog-friendly rooms, earth-friendly paints and materials, a sustainable kitchen restaurant in the old "Denny's," music spun by celeb dj's, communal fireplaces, WiFi, Rudy's Barbershop toiletries and a retro pool scene. Some of the rooms have vintage record players and albums. You won't have to go out for a good time because the Amigo Room Bar lights up at night with tasty artisan cocktails and the pool has a dj scene on Sundays. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a day trip to the Joshua Tree. We found a king room for only $109 with views of the mountains. The prices go up from there. Who's in?

The sun is finally shining in New York, which can only mean one thing: It's time to shop! The city (and others around the world) is gearing up for Fashion's Night Out tonight. Still not sure where to go? New York Magazine has a handy guide divided by what your main objective is tonight. It helps you find the celebs (Justin Beiber at Dolce and Gabbanna!), free food (Mr. Softee at Vera Wang) or beauty must haves (Essie Manis at the Teen Vogue Bleecker Street block party).

As for us? We'll be hanging at the chicest vintage store we know A Little Wicked, where the Moreno sisters are the only draw we need!

Not in New York, check out the other Fashion's Night Out events around the country or buy the T-shirt to support the New York City AIDS Fund in the New York Community Trust.

Designer Elie Saab created his first fragrance and it's already found a coveted spot on my dresser. It has a soft floral top note from orange blossom and jasmine and  a cedar wood and patchouli finish making it a perfect transition to fall fragrance. We also spotted this on our girlfriend Shelly's vanity before her wedding. It's that special! You can find Elie Saab Le Parfum at Bloomies, Nordstrom, Neimans and Saks.

Retouched photo

There may be a backlash over retouching photos in the print magazines and in advertisements, but we're not above tweaking our own photos a bit. After all, who knows when an ex-boyfriend is going to stumble on your Facebook page?

We recently discovered Fotoflexer.com that not only allows you to remove red eyes from photos, but you can also erase pimples, zap wrinkles and even make your under eye circles vanish (If only there were a foolproof beauty product that would do this all for us!).

You can also do traditional editing such as cropping and fix bad lighting. Try it out for yourself, before you post all those photos from your summer trips!

Unretouched photo

The New York Post reveals where the wealthy single guys are hiding out in the city (New York Post)

Compare prices between a home rental and a hotel room with TripAdvisor's new vacation rental calculator (LifeHacker)

Tempted to "accidentally" pack that hotel robe in your suitcase? There's a new reason not to do it (Gawaya.com)

It's not too late to take a summer vacation—and you may even score a deal. (MSNBC)

At the end of the summer after bottomless margaritas, nights at outdoor concerts instead of the gym, and most recently hurricane carbs, we usually feel like we could use a week detoxing and exercising heavily. If you're in the same sitch as us, check out the Fast Track to Health Giveaway, sponsored by Spa Week and Joy Bauer. The prize includes:

• A seven day, six night stay for two at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA, where you'll experience the rigorous fitness and weight loss regime, made famous by The Biggest Loser. This includes  daily fitness and exercise activities, healthy low calorie meals, relaxing spa services, educational lectures and a private cooking class with the resort’s on-site executive chef. 
• To help stay on track with his/her fitness goals, the winner will also receive a copy of Joy Bauer’s bestselling book, Food Cures, a personalized nutrition program designed by Joy herself, and $175 in SpaWeek Gift Cards to relax body and mind at his/her choice of over 4,000 spas nationwide. 

Enter on Facebook.

Toast the end of summer with one of these sophisticated cocktails.

Black Cherry Mule
50ml Belvedere Vodka
6/7 fresh black cherries
Dash simple syrup
15ml lime juice
Dash Peychaud bitters

Muddle, shake and strain into a highball filled with cubed ice.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with a whole cherry.

Intense Liquorice Sour

1.5 oz Belvedere Intense
½ oz lemon juice
½ liquorice syrup
Dash liquorice bitters
Dash egg white

Dry shake all ingredients. Add ice and shake.
Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.