Beauty Sales: Week of December 30th

Hautelook:

• Addiction NV Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 12/30)
• Violent Lips (Sale begins 8am PT 12/31)
• Smile Sciences (Sale begins 8am PT 1/1)
• Immoral Mineral Cosmetics, Neo Hair Tools, Retrospect Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 1/2)
• Orly, RapidLash, Wonderbar All-in-One Cleansing Bar (Sale begins 8am PT 1/4)
• NuMe Style (Sale begins 8am PT 1/5)

MYHABIT:

• Bremenn Research Labs (Sale begina 9am PT 1/2)
• New Year, New You: Top Skincare Picks (Sale begins 9am PT 1/3)

Get the Look: Sweaty Chic

Nike Free Run+ 3 Running Shoes // Athleta Peek Tank // Nike Filament Running Capri // twistband Skinny Headbands // Skullcandy 50/50 Athletic Purple Earbuds //  Kate Spade King's Jewels Bon Shopper Tote // theBalm cosmetics Stainiac

With the new year just around the corner, gym membership rates are low to transform into the new you. Take a page from Miranda Kerr's book for example, who always looks polished, but not overdone, even post-pilates.

Quote du Jour: Anna Wintour

You either know fashion or you don't.

It's always about timing. If it's too soon, no one understands. If it's too late, everyone's forgotten. 

Create your own style...let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others. 

Merry Christmas!

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas! I hope your holiday season has been filled with love and light!

xx

image via

Beauty Sales: Week of December 23rd

Gilt:

• Molton Brown: Luxe Bath & Body Sets (Sale begins Noon ET 12/26)

Hautelook:

• Vincent Longo (Sale begins 8am PT 12/24)
• Amoy Extensions Haircare, Hairdo & POP (Sale begins 8am PT 12/25)
• e.l.f. Cosmetics, J. Paul Skincare for Men (Sale begins 8am PT 12/26)
• DermaHeal 2 Weeks Miracle Anti-Aging Program (Sale begins 8am PT 12/27)
• Avani Dead Sea (Sale begins 8am PT 12/28)
• EDIA Cosmetics for Hair, Le Angelique (Sale begins 8am PT 12/29)

MYHABIT:

• Actifirm, Dr. Brandt (Sale begina 9am PT 12/24)
• Luxury Beauty Items: $50 and Under (Sale begins 9am PT 12/25)
• Beauty Essentials: $25 and Under (Sale begins 9am PT 12/26)
• Caswell-Massey (Sale begins 9am PT 12/27)
• Elave Skincare (Sale begina 9am PT 12/28)

Link Love: December 16-22

The Sparkling Arch -- a festive nail design for the holidays with Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere [EsteeLauder]


12 Holiday Scams [The Budget Fashionista]

Candy Cane Body Scrub [Freut Cake]

Delicate Hand Harness DIY [Cupcakes and Cashmere]

'Gossip Girl' Through the Years: Serena and Blair's Best Beauty Moments [Beauty High]

How To Make a Perfect Cheese Plate [Martha Stewart Everyday Food]

Gossip Girl "New York, I Love You XOXOX" Fashion Round-Up

Blair

Outfit #1: Ted Baker Cissi Floral Pleated Dress, Alex Woo 'Little Letter' B in 14k White Gold Diamond Necklace

Outfit #2: Elie Saab Spring 2012 Applique Embellished Dress, Jennifer Behr Arielle Headband

Outfit #3: Zuhair Murad Fall 2012 Haute Couture Bow Strap Dress

Georgina

Outfit #1: Nanette Lepore 'Fame' Embellished Blazer, Christian Dior 'Guetre' Ankle Boot, Danielle Queller Wrap Snake Hoops, Louis Vuitton Sequin Bag

Outfit #2: Robert Rodriguez V Neck Sequin Mini Dress

Jenny

Zuhair Murad Fall 2012 Embellished Dress, Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Pumps

Lily

Bottega Veneta Sequin Sheath Crepe Dress

Serena

Outfit #1: Burning Torch Party Mix Embellished Tank, Margo Morrison Necklaces

Outfit #2: George Chakra Spring 2011 Strapless Couture Gown

Sage

Rag & Bone Fall 2011 Tweed Coat, Haute Hippie Plaid Drop Waist Dress, The 2 Bandits 'Crescent' Pendant, Staring at Stars Braided Felt Panama Hat

Beauty Sales: Week of December 16th

Gilt:

• Molton Brown: Luxe Bath & Body Sets (Sale begins Noon ET 12/17)

Fab:

• STOP THE WATER (Sale begins 11am ET 12/19)
• Blush Box Subscription (Sale begins 11am ET 12/20)

Hautelook:

• 3Rx Skin Therapy, Clear Rayz (Sale begins 8am PT 12/17)
• Bleeding Heart Cosmetics, Boo Bamboo Haircare, FHI Heat (Sale begins 8am PT 12/18)
• Christi Harris Precision Brow System, myfaceworks (Sale begins 8am PT 12/19)
• Blend Mineral Cosmetics, Tweezerman (Sale begins 8am PT 12/20)

MYHABIT:

• Dead Sea Spa Care, Let It Glow: Beaute Basics (Sale begins 9am PT 12/17)
• Panier des Sens, StriVectin (Sale begins 9am PT 12/18)
• Freeze 24-7: Age-Less Skincare, Smooth it Out: Hair Accessories (Sale begins 9am PT 12/19)

Review: December 2012 Birchbox

This month's box includes:

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream- This brand new CC (read: color control) is the ultimate multi-tasker. This lightweight cream naturally improves skin tone with vitamin C and grape-derived resveratrol. 

Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Protect- Work this leave-in cream through towel-dried hair to repair damage from chemical processing and protect your strands from the effects of heat styling.

ModelCo Berry Pink SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss- This Australian brand's winning gloss coats lips with subtle color. Plus, the built-in mirror allows for easy on-the-go application.

Thymes Naia Body Lotion- Lemon pulp and yerba mate extract give this lightweight moisturizer its delightful, energizing scent. For an instant pick-me-up, smooth it on after your morning shower.

Beauty Extra: Thymes Lotus Santal Body Lotion- We love this shea-enriched hydrator for its calming woodsy scent and truly non-greasy feel. Smooth it on post-shower while skin is slightly damp.

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Gossip Girl "The Revengers" Fashion Round-Up

Blair

Outfit #1: Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Ruffle V-Neck Star Print Dress, Carven Double Breasted Coat, Bvlgari Bag, Valentino Rockstud Peep Toe Pumps
Outfit #2: Andrew Gn Pre-Fall 2012 Velvet Leopard Dress

Serena

Emilio Pucci Lace-Trimmed Dress

Beauty Sales: Week of December 9th

Gilt:

• blowpro (Sale begins Noon ET 12/10)

Fab:

• NaiLuv and LASHEM (Sale begins 11am ET 11/30)

Hautelook:

• LightStim, M Lab, Urban Decay (Sale begins 8am PT 12/10)
• JUARA (Sale begins 8am PT 12/11)
• Eve Pearl, Model in a Bottle, Zirh Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 12/12)
• Lulu Bath & Body (Sale begins 8am PT 12/13)
• Crown Brush, ProCabello Hair Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 12/14)
• Organic O2CH Skincare, Skinn Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 12/15)

MYHABIT:

• Panier Des Sens: Luxurious French Soaps (Sale begins 9am PT 12/10)
• EF Studio: Makeup and Brush Sets, Goldfaden Skincare (Sale begins 9am ET 12/13)
• Tanda Skincare (Sale begins 9am ET 12/14)
• Crystal Peel: Microdermabrasion (Sale begins 9am ET 12/15)

Rue La La:

• Oscar Blandi (Sale begins 11am ET 12/12)
• Juice Beauty (Sale begins 11am ET 12/13)

Link Love: December 2-8

HUGE Holiday Giveaway!!! [missglamorazzi]

11 Celebs Committing Acts of Crocery [The Frisky]

banana bread made with love + other good things [Ambitious Kitchen]

Fragrance Notes: How Perfumes Are Made [Allure Daily Beauty Reporter]

Holiday Week: 6 Looks to Get You Through Every Festive Fete [The Every Girl]

What 13 People Wore to Their Interview With Anna Wintour [The Cut]

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For the Home

HomeMint Abstract Ikat Pillow Cover // Home Decorators Set of 3 Wise Owls // Kelly Wearstler Rose Quartz Wine Stopper // LEIF Orange Medium Geo Lacquer Box // C. Wonder Kiss The Cook Cheese Board // Jonathan Adler Zig Zag Throw // 100 Years of Fashion by Cally Blackman // Kate Spade Say the Word Mug // White Barn 3-Wick Cashmere Candle // Prinz Dalton Ivory Wood Picture Frame // Studio Arts Frameless Oval Decorative Mirror // Calypso St. Barth Pedra Coasters // Design Darling Tan Zebra Tray

These practical yet chic gifts are perfect for the friend that never misses an episode of Nate Berkus, and whose home is impeccably detailed.

Gossip Girl "It's Really Complicated" Fashion Round-Up

Blair

Gucci Baltic Silk Shirt, Prada Multi Lace Bootie, Roger Viver Prismick Bag

Serena

Outfit #1: McQ Alexander McQueen Intarsia Knit Flared Dress

Outfit #2: Natori Saran Chemise, Weekend Max Mara Brenta Cardigan, 10 Crosby by Derek Lam Burgundy Leather Skirt

Outfit #3: Rebecca Taylor Blocked Leopard Print Sweater

Sage

Gryphon Timeless Trench Coat

Georgina

Dior Sunglasses, Jagged Edge Montana Studded Case

Beauty Sales: Week of December 2nd

Hautelook:

• Belletto Studio, Proliss (Sale begins 8am PT 12/2)
• Kinerase, Too Faced (Sale begins 8am PT 12/3)
• Amir Argan Oil, Twist & Pout (Sale begins 8am PT 12/4)
• Body Comfort, Hydroxatone, Zana Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 12/5)
• Layla Nails, Nature's Shea Butter, Pur Minerals (Sale begins 8am PT 12/6)
• Eva NYC, Neutrogena Cleanser, Stila (Sale begins 8am PT 12/7)
• Sibu Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 12/8)

MYHABIT:

• Actifirm (Sale begins 9am PT 12/3)

Rue La La:

• Corioliss (Sale begins 11am ET 12/3)

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 Details

The Victoria's Secret 17th Annual Fashion Show airs December 4th at at 10pm EST on CBS. Performances this year include Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber.

Fun Fact! 5 Continents and 16 countries had models as representation in this years show! You can also tune in to watch the show in 175 countries!

This year, Alessandra Ambrosio was chosen to wear the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra Set, designed by London Jewelers of New York. The bra contains over 5,200 precious gems including; amethysts, sapphires, rubies, tsavorties, and of course, white, yellow, and pink diamonds. The bra features two detachable flower pins, and a centerpiece containing a 20-carat white diamond, 12-carat white diamond, and 21-carat pear shape ruby.

photo credit: victoriassecret.com

Gossip Girl "Save the Last Chance" Fashion Round-Up

Serena

Outfit #1: Joseph Patchwork Colorblock Sweater, Alexander Wang Neoprene Inverted Pleated Skirt, Fendi Tote Bag

Outfit #2: Peter Pilotto Fall 2012 Dress, Valentino Noir Va Va Voom Flap Bag, Brian Atwood Embellished Pumps

Blair

Outfit #1: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011 Dress, Christian Louboutin Bibi 140 Tartan Heels, L. Erickson 1/2" Crocodile Leather Headband

Outfit #2: Moschino Polka-Dot Silk-Crepe Blouse, Diane von Furstenberg 'Maryse-Bis' Sequin Cardigan, Moschino Gold Embroidered Skirt, L. Erickson 1/2" Crocodile Leather Headband (seen later in episode: Milly Irena Coat, Dior Lady Dior Grey Purple Fuchsia Tweed Bag)

Ivy

Torn by Robby Kobo 'Vivienne' Milano Top, Vince Vintage Leather Scuba Jacket, Kevia Fossil Earrings

Beauty Sales: Week of November 25th

Fab:

• NaiLuv and LASHEM (Sale begins 11am ET 11/30)

Hautelook:

• NuME Style, Smile Sciences (Sale begins 8am PT 11/25)
• Baby Quasar PLUS for Wrinkles, Booty Parlor, Matrix Haircare: Biolage, Sleek Look & Mire (Sale begins 8am PT 11/26)
• Ahava Skincare, NYX (Sale begins 8am PT 11/27)
• UV-Nails (Sale begins 8am PT 11/28)
• Iso Beauty, tarte, Terax Hair Care (Sale begins 8am PT 11/29)
• Julep (Sale begins 8am PT 11/30)
• Gift Ideas from LORAC, GO SMiLE (Sale begins 8am PT 12/1)

MYHABIT:

• StriVectin (Sale begins 9am PT 11/25)
• Cyber Monday: Luxury Beauty Products Under $25, Skincare 101: Creams Serums, & More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/26)
• Goldfaden Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 11/27)
• Beaute Basics, Inner Beauty Outer Shine: Skincare, Volume & Shine: Conditioners Gels and More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/28)
• ELF Studio, Hydroxatone, Skincare & Shampoo for Tots (Sale begins 9am PT 11/29)
• Dead Sea Spa Care, Dr. Brandt, GHD Hair Care and Hair Tools (Sale begins 9am PT 11/30)

Link Love: November 18-24

Christmas Gift Guide for HER! [FluerDeForce]


12 of My Favrite Etsy & Indie Shops! Celebrate Small Business Saturday [Temptalia]

A New Old Look [Wall Street Journal Magazine]

DIY: Glitter Candles [Brunch at Saks]

Pecan Praline Fudge [Cupcakes and Cashmere]

Tuesday Ten: Affordable Party Dresses [Lauren Conrad]

Review: November 2012 Birchbox

This month's box includes:

Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue- Thanks to spicy ginger and a touch of bergamot, this sexy new rose scent is more sophisticated than sweet. 

Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder- Revive second-day locks by working this organic dry shampoo into your roots. You'll get plenty of lift, but no residue.

Miracle Skin Transformer Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector- Before applying makeup, prep skin with this serum-infused primer, which has optimal diffusers that mask imperfections.

ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Lengthening Mascara- Falsies without the fuss. The innovative mascara uses tiny lash-extending fibers to give you a lengthy fringe. Tip: Rotate the wand inside the bottle to pick up the fibers. 

Lifestyle Extra: Chuao Chocolatier Assorted ChocoPod- These bite-sized artisanal treats are made with premium Venezuelan cacao and come in a range of unexpected flavors. 

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Quote du Jour: Coco Chanel

A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress. 

Gossip Girl "Where The Vile Things Are" Fashion Round-Up

Blair

Outfit #1: Peter Pilotto Peplum Silk Top, Peter Pilotto Printed Silk Skirt, Louis Vuitton Resort 2009 Trim Jacket, Blvgari Monete Chain Clutch
Outfit #2: Lyn Devon Ella Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Tweed Coat, Valentino Rockstud Embroidered Frame Top Handle Bag, Rupert Sanderson Magenta Gabor Suede Pumps

Serena

Giada Forte Oversized Cardigan, Rag & Bone Goetz Leggings, Rupert Sanderson Jove Suede Boots, Burberry The Orchard Suede Stripes Handbag, Sequin NYC Symphony Necklace

Ivy

Rebecca Taylor Nailhead Dress

Lily

Outfit #1: Emilio Pucci Colorblock Short Dress, Burberry London Gabardine Kensington Trench Coat, Swarovski Majesty Dark Ring, RichRocksNYC Sapphire Confetti Pave Dome Earrings

Outfit #2: Bottega Veneta Printed Crepe Long Sleeve Dress

Beauty Sales: Week of November 18th

Fab:

• Beyond the Beauty (Sale begins 11am ET 11/18)
• MicaBeauty (Sale begins 11am ET 11/20)
• Julep (Sale begins 11am ET 11/23)

Gilt:

• Murad: Targeted Skin Regimens (Sale begins Noon ET 11/20)

Hautelook:

• Deep Penetrating Light, Essence of Vali Aromatherapies (Sale begins 8am PT 11/18)
• blinc (Sale begins 8am PT 11/19)
• Hairdo & POP Hair, Jose Eber, Keranique (Sale begins 8am PT 11/20)
• Somme Institute (Sale begins 8am PT 11/21)
• theBalm (Sale begins 8am PT 11/22)
• Crown Brush, Hautelook Beauty Bag, Skyn ICELAND, Tru Derma (Sale begins 8am PT 11/23)

MYHABIT:

• Total Body Makeover: Hair Appliances, Makeup & More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/18)
• I Coloniali, The Perfect Shave (Sale begins 9am PT 11/19)
• Evodia: Skincare from Australia (Sale begins 9am PT 11/20)
• Au Naturel: Beauty & Skincare Picks (Sale begins 9am PT 11/21)
• Dr. Hauschka, Hair Styling Tools (Sale begins 9am PT 11/22)
• Bath, Beauty & Skincare Under $50 (Sale begins 9am PT 11/23)

Style Icons: Lilly Pulitzer

In honor of Lilly's 81st birthday last week, the "Queen of Prep" is the newest addition to my Style Icons series.

Early Years & The Peak of Success

After marrying Peter Pulitzer, Lilly set-up a grown up orange juice stand, wearing an old shower curtain as a bright shift dress.

A Life magazine reporter snapped Jacqueline Kennedy wearing a Lilly dress, and the rest is history.

Lilly is Revitalized

In 1984, Lilly retired, but in 1993 the company was purchased by Sugartown Worldwide Inc. She is still involved with creative aspects of the business.

Lilly's patterns are always fun bright colors, there might even be a color for your sorority!

Fun Fact

Lilly's shift dresses were originally sold at her Palm Beach fruit stand for $22.50, if only they cost that today! 

Currently Craving: Textured Bottoms

1 // 2 // 3

Leather, Lace, and a little Suede, that's what winter is made of. I would imagine wearing all three of these pieces with cashmere sweaters over printed blouses, boots, and a red Starbucks cup. What's your favorite way to style something textured?

Gossip Girl "Monstrous Ball" Fashion Round-Up

Georgina

Badgley Mischka Long-Sleeve Deco-Bead Gown, Elizabeth Cole Winter White Bryce Earrings

Blair

Outfit #1: Jason Wu Tie-Front Flower Dress, Giada Forte Long Belted Cardigan, Bulgari Clay Lace Chevron Rossellini Handbag, MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza Sapphire Pave Drop Earrings
Outfit #2: Reem Acra Fall 2011 Dress, Dauphines of New York The One Headband, Giuseppe Zanotti Gold Peep Toe Pumps

Serena

Monique Lhuiller Spring 2012 Dress

Sage

LADAKH Highway Hi Low Skirt, Meira T Labradorite and Diamond Necklace, Heather Gardner Gold-Edged Turquoise Signature Necklace

Ivy

Twelth St. by Cynthia Vincent Boat Neck V-Neck Sweater, Helmut Lang Olive Patchwork Leggings, Annie's Bags Helius Shoulder Bag, Barney's New York Co-Op Side Dip Bootie

Beauty Sales: Week of November 11th

Fab:

• Duffy's Brew, I Coloniali (Sale begins 11am ET 11/11)

Hautelook:

• Whitening Lightning (Sale begins 8am PT 11/11)
• Bioelements, Laura Geller (Sale begins 8am PT 11/12)
• Neo Hair Tools, Ouidad (Sale begins 8am PT 11/13)
• nailuv (Sale begins 8am PT 11/14)
• Dr. Brandt, Sexy Hair (Sale begins 8am PT 11/15)
• Her Styler, LashFood and DermaFood, Luminess Air (Sale begins 8am PT 11/16)

MYHABIT:

• Belvada (Sale begins 9am PT 11/11)
• Freeze 24-7 (Sale begins 9am PT 11/12)
• Sun Soaked: Beauty Basics (Sale begins 9am PT 11/15)

Link Love: November 4-10

How To: Curl Your Hair With a Clipless Curling Wand [birchboxtv]


Girl of the Month: Rachael Taylor [Who What Wear]

Icon of the Decade: the 1970s Diane von Furstenberg [W Magazine]

Mushroom Tart [Sassy Radish]

Post-Sandy Sentiments [Beauty Blogging Junkie]

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012: Backstage Beauty Secrets and Best Looks [Beauty High]

Recipe: Zucchini Bread

I had only ever tried zucchini bread once before making this, and I'm still on the fence about the taste.  The flavors of the spices, zucchini, and chocolate chips all come together wonderfully into these pretty loaves of bread, have you ever tried zucchini bread before?

Yay or Nay? Leighton Meester's Choppy Haircut

Leighton Meester is one of my favorite actress's, and sadly her hit show Gossip Girl just wrapped it's final season. She debuted this choppy short 'do at a dinner party in celebration of her Flaunt Magazine cover, and I have mixed feelings about it. Leighton told JustJared.com "I chopped off my hair after 'Gossip Girl' wrapped... My long, wavy hair got a lot of mileage, so it was time for a change." FYI- she's wearing a Mary Katrantzou Starbright Dress and Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 heels in this photo. I'm so used to her long hair and I feel like this cut is going to hide her stunning bone structure, so what do you think- Yay or Nay?

photo credit: JustJared.com