Covetable Mother-Daughter Jewelry Designs -- Perfect for Mother's Day!

Sea Elise Locals Only @ $275

Since Mother's Day is almost here and summer is upon us, we were inspired to share this jewelry company we discovered which is helmed by a mother-daughter duo. Sea Elise offers unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings which are inspired by the designers' mutual love of the ocean and travel, including having worked in Africa, backpacking in Indonesia and visits to Mexico, Australia and Central America.

We think it's great that the designs are created by a mother-daughter team and are handmade in the USA incorporating natural elements such as wood, bone and geodes mixed with neon pops of color and statement charms.

Atop and below are a few designs we're currently coveting:

Cabo - Wood (from $27.50)

Eleanor $145

Suzie Says: Re-Inventing Your Wardrobe

Do you have a closet full of clothing and find yourself routinely wearing only a select number of pieces?  Enter Lawrence Zarian, fashion/lifestyle expert, author and TV personality who wowed me in a recent television demonstration on how to re-purpose your clothes and build new fashion looks with the items you already own.

Here are some of the great tips Lawrence shared:

• Update Your "Little Black Dress": Everyone owns a scarf or two, so just take a scarf and run it inside the back of the dress and tie a bow in the back and you'll have a newly created "exit" look. 

• Re-Invent Your Shirt Dress: Simply unbutton the shirt dress and wear it over a camisole...wear over jeans and you have a brand new "duster."

• Re-Style a Summer Dress: If your summer dress has a bit too much color or pattern, here's a solution: put a black skirt over the dress (as long as the material is light) and you have a new two piece outfit that is more "wearable."

Zarian's book "10 Commandments for a Perfect Wardrobe" will debut this month and besides great fashion tips from some of the biggies in the fashion and fitness world, you can share his candid personal journey about weight, self-image, self-acceptance and being beautiful, inside and out.

Slim-Down Styles For Fall

  

Blake Lively in White House Black Market Leggings / Lucky Magazine

This fall, you can shop your way to a slimmer appearance with new slim-down styles:

• White House Black Market has introduced their Instantly Slimming Collection, which features leggings, dresses and skirts, all of which the company says feature "size-dropping fabric" which "narrows your figure." After spotting Blake Livey (who certainly doesn't need slimming and is pictured above) in Lucky magazine wearing the Instantly Slimming Leggings, we are eager to give them a try!

• Spanx is launching a new denim line, which come in seven colors, and are a new way to look great and beat the battle of the bulge. InStyle Magazine's fashion editors reported the jeans run a bit large, so for an ultra-smoothing fit, they suggest going a size down. Jeans retail at $98, with very cool-looking waxed denim styles priced at $108.

 

Spanx Jeans Featured in Glamour Magazine

Spring Ahead with Ulta Makeup Steals & Deals

As we changed our clocks today, let's spring forward with fresh, coveted makeup!

Ulta is among our favorite beauty destinations- especially during its yearly "21 Days of Beauty," which begins today, March 10th and ends on March 30th. Some of the most coveted brands are on sale, both in store and online.  You can text "ULTA21Days" to 80565 to receive daily reminders during the duration of the sale.

If you shop today, the "steal" of the day is bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipgloss or Lipcolor regularly $15 is on sale for $9 and Philosophy Just Release Me Makeup Remover,on sale for $12, regularly price $18

Here are a few more of our favs:

• Friday, March 15th - Butter London Nail Lacquer for $9, regularly $15 
• Thursday, March 21st - Stila Stay All Day 10 in 1 HD Beauty Balm regularly $38 for $20
• Friday, March 22nd - Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Greed - 50% off, on sale for $10
• Monday, March 25th - Anastasia Tinted Brow Gels 50% off $11
• Saturday, March 30th - Smashbox Lash Layer Prmer and Full Exposure Jet Black Mascara Regular $18-$19.50; sale $10 each

Also, remember that online you can print a $3.50 coupon off a purchase of $10 or more; while that does not apply to their "Prestige" makeup, they are great for Ulta's many shampoos and other makeup and skin care. There are also many fabulous gifts with purchase on steal days.

Also- Ulta shopping is worry-free since the store honors returns with receipt for makeup mistakes!

Susan Says: Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's

 

Katie Holmes in a Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's Dress ($70)

 

On November 7th Kohl's DesigNation will launch a line by Cuban-American designer Narciso Rodriguez. This limited-time collection will be available exclusively online at Kohls.com and in Kohl's stores.

 

In 1996, Rodriguez garnered international fame when he designed Carolyn Bessette's wedding dress for her wedding to John Kennedy, Jr. On November 4, 2008, Michelle Obama chose to wear a dress from the designer’s Spring 2009 Collection to celebrate her husband's election. For the Kohl's line, Rodriguez was inspired by his love of Istanbul. Pattern interplay and minimalist design make the line irresistible and the pieces are crafted to fit flawlessly and gracefully. 

 

 

 

 

 

Stars such as Katie Holmes, Emma Roberts and Julianna Margulies stepped out in New York City in gorgeous dresses from the new line to celebrate the imminent launch.  Margulies, who wore a two-tone dress (retails at $64), is such a huge fan of the designer that he even created her wedding gown. Margulies told InStyle, "(Rodriguez)... cuts dresses to look best on a woman's body.  He loves a curve. And this dress?  It's just not going to go out of style." 

Juliana Margulies in Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's /Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America

 

There are lots of great, wearable styles in the Kohl's collection.  A black peplum top is  on my immediate wish list.

Susan Says: Kick Up Your Heels

The YSL Tribute Platform Pump $825 has a 4" heel

High heels are certainly here to stay; in fact, figures on murals dating from 3500 B.C. depict an early version of high heels.  And unless you are very tall in stature, we all want to add a little height by sporting a pair of heels of the "non-killer" type.  

Here is some sage advice from notable female podiatrists, who just happen to love wearing high heels (Dr. Suzanne Levine, NYC podiatrist, loves her heels so much that she has been known to perform surgery in her favorite Manolo Blahniks!), as outlined in the September issue of Glamour Magazine:

• Shop after lunch:  I worked in the "Salon Shoes" department of a major retailer for years and so I know from experience that shoes which fit you in the a.m. may not fit very well after lunch!  That is because the foot expands as the day progresses; also the hotter the day, the more feet will tend to swell.  

• Forget about "breaking them in:" So says Dr. Carolyn McAloon, a podiatrist practicing in San Francisco.  Dr. McAloon states "If (the shoes) hurt in the store, they will kill on the street." Dr. McAloon suggests taking your new heels home and walking around in them on carpet; that way you may still be able to return them to the store if they prove to be uncomfortable.

• Think platforms or wedges: If you like your heels to be higher than two to three inches, consider styles with platforms or wedges.  According to  Dr. Jacqueline Sutero, a podiatrist practicing in New York City,"A four-inch heel with a two-inch platform is technically only a two-inch heel."

• Know your size:  That includes width.  Wide widths can be hard to fit, especially for some notable high-end designer heels that tend to run narrow.  You might trying go up a half a size if the heels are your heart's desire.

• Mind your posture:  Shoulders down and abs, in according to Dr. Elisa Kavanagh, a New York City podiatrist who treats The Radio City Rockettes.  If you can't maintain your posture or walk properly by hitting the floor with the outer heel first then pushing off the big toe, the heels are too high.

• Think inserts:  Arch supports help toes from crunching.  Swipe soles with deodorant to helps combats clamminess. 

• Finally, when you kick off your heels, try running your feet over an ice cold plastic water bottle.

Now & Later: Wardrobe Transitioning 101

Katie Holmes, Lily Allen & Kate Moss wearing shorts & tights on People.com

Fall is synonymous with shopping for new, transitional wardrobe items, but maybe we can skip some of the shopping? 

With the arrival of the fall season, many of us tend to re-arrange our closets, relegating our summer clothing towards the back and bringing the darker hues forward. 

But as temperatures fluctuate, it is possible to continue making good use of summer favorites with just a little bit of thought and flexibility. 

With the state of the economy, Dawn Del Russo, fashion expert and author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle (as told to The Costco Connection, September 2012 edition) advises: "It would be a shame to go and buy new clothing just for fall and then possibly not get to wear it because there's a sudden unexpected hot spell.  Better to save your money and splurge on solid winter pieces like boots or a coat instead of buying in-between clothing you don't necessarily need to have."

So here are some tips to extend the life of your summer wardrobe as outlined in The Costco Connection by Rachel Stafler, a fashion and beauty freelance writer:

Don't be short on shorts:  Keep shorts long into fall by wearing them with tights.  Legwear is also key to transitioning summer skirts and dresses into fall.  Look for shimmering metallics and geometric prints.  "You can completely transform your look by changing what you wear on your legs,"stated Laura Godsall, founder of online tights retailer AlexBlake.com. "With a couple of new pairs of tights you can make a statement and follow the latest trends."

Layer upon layer:  Keep your t-shirts and tank tops around in fall by adding layers like blazers, button-down shirts and cardigans.  According to Lucy Sutherland Knaus, a New York-based fashion stylist, "Start with a bright tank top, throw on a button-down shirt and then top with a sweater if needed. ........you can peel off or add layers as the weather changes through the day."

Winter brights:  Jewel colors are abundant this season.  However, don't ditch the neons ......a brown sweater works well with coral jeans.  Surely we all are aware that the "don't wear white after Labor Day" "law" has been repealed, so think white pants with boots or with a darker top and heavier jewelry. Winter white is always right!

If you do go shopping... : According to Del Russo "If you want to buy a few new pieces, keep an eye out for embellishments, like pyramid studs on jewelry and gold rim on scarves and clothing.  Fall can be a great time to reinvent the wardrobe you have."

Anti-Aging Beauty All-Stars

On the Today Show recently, Jennifer Goldstein, Beauty Editor of Prevention Magazine revealed the magazine's picks for the top eight beauty products. The winners were selected from a pool of 1,700 various products and were tested by dermatologists. 

What's so great about these products is they contain anti-aging and other beneficial ingredients, so you are actually improving your skin while you wear them. We are putting these items on our shopping list!

Skin Bloom Blush by VMV Hypoallergenics $40

Best Blush:  Skin Bloom Blush by VMV Hypoallergenics ($40).  This non-irritating blush contains moisturizing virgin coconut oil, providing extra moisture for cheeks along with natural colors.

BITE Beauty Lush Lip Tint $24 @ Sephora

Best Lipstick: BITE Beauty Lush Lip Tint ($24, exclusively at Sephora). A lipstick that is good enough to eat? This product contains only food-grade colorants.  As a bonus, these lipsticks even contains resveratrol, which is found in red wine and which Dr. Oz has touted as an anti-aging super-food, so you are protecting your lips from aging as you wear. 

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup $33

Best Foundation: Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup ($33). After 6 weeks of use, Prevention readers who tried the product, which contains anti-aging ingredients, reported that they observed fewer wrinkles, even when they weren't wearing the makeup! 

Clinique Even Better Concealer $19.50

Best Concealer:  Clinique Even Better Concealer ($19.50). This concealer contains vitamin C to help fade spots and discoloration. Pat on to apply so you get the maximum benefit.

bareMinerals READY Eyeshadows 2.0 $20

Best Eye Shadows: bareMinerals READY Eyeshadows 2.0 ($20) This pressed mineral makeup actually revitalizes eyes with marine complex (called SeaNutritive Mineral^TM Complex) and other anti-aging ingredients, and give great color payoff with just a single swipe.

Rimmel London Volume Accelerator $8.53 @ drugstore.com

Best Mascara: Rimmel London Volume Accelerator ($9)  This thickening mascara contains ingredient to helps prevent eyelash breakage and keep lashes healthy!

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex $25.59 @ drugstore.com

Best Primer: Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex: You can use this product under makeup as a primer, or alone (without makeup) to blur pores helps fight wrinkles and fades spots.

La Fresh Eco-Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover $9.99

Best Makeup Remover: La Fresh Eco-Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover ($9.99) These wipes take off even waterproof makeup remover and are biodegradable.

Big Screen Style at Banana Republic

Keira Knightley in the upcoming motion picture Anna Karenina

Banana Republic has created a holiday capsule collection of 19th Century Russian-inspired fashion to coincide with the launching of the movie, Anna Karenina.  The collection will arrive in stores in late October to coincide with the release of the movie on November 9th.

The film's wardrobe designer, Jacqueline Durran, who worked with the retailer in creating the line of clothing and accessories states, "You take (faux) fur, jewels, lace, textures a bit of color .... and reapply them."  The collection contains 75 pieces with prices ranging from $29.50 to $500. According to the creative director for Banana Republic, Simon Kneen, there are lots of military inspired fashions in the menswear collection, a notable silhouette in the film.  

We look forward to seeing Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina and to shopping the holiday capsule collection by one of our favorites retailers, Banana Republic.  

Here is a preview of the upcoming collection:

Supersized Luxury

Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo

Everybody loves a sale, especially when you can stock up on your favorite beauty items while getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale will be in full swing on July 20th but  Nordstrom cardholders can begin shopping in store or online today, July 11th (go to Nordstrom.com).

Super-sized luxury beauty essentials, four of which are limited editions, created especially for Nordstrom, will be on sale until August 5th but we suggest you shop early before inventory runs out.

These four popular favorites are:

Kiehl's Creme de Corps 33.8 ounces for $64.

Clarins Baume Corps Super Hydratant Moisture Rich Body Lotion; 14 ounces for $49.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel $69 for 32 ounces (part of a 3 piece set)

Fekkai Glossing Shampoo; 32 ounces, (part of a two piece set) $95.

When it comes to these beauty products, the bigger, the better so take advantage of the opportunity to stock up your vanity!

Hats Off NYC

Ale Et Ange Baseball Cap as featured in Vogue Magazine

When in New York, snare a hat.  Not just any hat, but a wondrous work of art by Ale et Ange at their NYC pop-up shop located 40 Rivington Street.  Eloise Simonet calls her design partner, Osore Oyagha, "a textile junkie" who has sourced vintage fabrics from locations such as Nigeria to create menswear.

Describing the line, NY Magazine writes, "Although the wares convey a certain international sensibility—Oyagha hails from West London; Simonet, from France—all the clothing is manufactured in New York in limited runs."

This summer, the partners have created a line of locally made baseball caps with unusually and unbelievably beautiful exotic prints.

We saw the hats featured in Vogue magazine and we both flipped for them. Although the hats retail at $175, we consider them a great buy for such a unique piece. Wear one and you'll to make a fashion statement extraordinaire.

Wax Jeans: DIY or Great Buys

J Brand 901 Wax Coated Leggings $103.99 @ Piperlime

If you are coveting a pair of leather jeans for fall but you can't justify the hefty price tags that go along with them, consider wax jeans.  You can buy a pair right now at great sale prices on Piperlime.com (free shipping, free returns!). 

If you really want to be thrifty, be a do-it-yourselfer. We saw this great instructional video posted on The Coveted:

Here's how:

One pair of clean jeans

Otter Wax (Made in Portland)

A hair dryer

Apply the wax in long, smooth strokes.  The friction generates absorption.  Continue until all areas look darkened; that means the wax was absorbed.  You can use your hair dryer to soften the wax; smooth out with your fingertips, to create an even surface.  You can hang the jeans to dry in a cool, dark spot or if you want to speed up the drying process, it is said you can place the jeans in a freezer. When washing, don't soak the jeans in water for a protracted period and dry cleaning is always preferable.

If you would rather buy a pair than try to DIY, here are the Piperline deals (sign up for their emails and get an additional 15% off): They have a wide variety of J Brand wax styles at deep discounts; check out the selection and see what they have in your size. They even have a pair of J Brand wax shorts, so you can get started on the style this summer! 

In addition to J Brand, Piperlime also has Paige Denim Verdugo Wax for $101.97 (original price: $209) and Rich & Skinny Jeans The Legacy: $75.97; (original price: $165). There are also styles by Hudson and 7 For All Mankind. Shop quickly as sizes are going fast!

The dog days of summer are the best time to get in on a fall trend that will get you noticed.

Susan Says: Let's Hear It For the Boys

We talk a lot on our blog about mothers and daughters sharing clothes, but can you share clothes with your husbands, sons and significant others? A very fashionable (female!) sales associate with whom I work gave me some great advice:  Shop the boys and menswear departments.  This tip also was featured on The Today Show the other day when Lilliana Vazquez extolled the virtues of raiding your husband's closet.

Here are the best examples:

Blazers:  Think Brooks Brothers.  A beautiful classic blazer can be yours in the Boys Department.  A size 18 (the largest boy's size) will fit a woman's size 8-10.  The model on The Today Show wore a madras blazer which is currently at Brooks Brothers retailing at $90.  

For some inspiration, check out Reese Witherspoon, who modeled a Brooks Brothers boys blazer on a cover of InStyle Magazine:

Reese Witherspoon in a Brooks Brothers Boys Blazer InStyle Nov. 2009

Brooks Brothers 'Prep' Suit Jacket $89.90 @ Nordstrom

Shirts: I have purchased Ralph Lauren boys shirts in size 10 (I wear a women's size small).  Men's Lacoste shirts in size extra small is another one of my favs.

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Boy's Polo Shirt $39.50 @ Ralph Lauren

Shorts:  For comfortable, relaxed shorts, go to chubbieshorts.com and snare a pair of these men's shorts with elasticized waist and pair with a slouchy sweater to cover. Add jewelry to complete the look.

Chubbie Shorts $59.50 

Bow Ties:  Look for pastels, polka dots or florals and wear with a flirty skirt and flats. How adorable is this one from Barneys?

Barneys New York Bold Floral Bow Tie $80

When shopping the Internet for menswear, be sure to check the measurements against your own and size down for a shrunken, body hugging look.

Shopping in the men's and boys' department is a good way to recession proof your fall shopping for high-quality fashion at great prices- and who knows? By hanging out in the men's department, you could even find romance!

Susan Says: Shoe Smart

In case you did not catch a recent segment of The Dr. Oz Show, I want to share with you what a podiatrist and stylist found when they went on a hunt  to find the five top shoes for both looking stylish and feeling great.  Fit, form, function and fashion were the key elements. Dr. Hillary Brenner, a renowned podiatrist, and Robert Gurney, a top celebrity stylist, provided their recommendations for flats, boots, heels, flip flops and wedges:

Flats:  Aerosoles "Bec 2 Differ" flats, retailing around $49.95. These shoes were touted for their good arch support. 

Boots:  Kenneth Cole Reaction "Look Over Here" retailing for $54.95.  With a wide heel and rubber sole, these boots are made of soft suede and have great support around the ankle. Because the shoe is rigid around the ankle, it will provide more stability.  A great boot for straight leg or trousers, it is a short, fashionable, comfortable "bootie."

Heels:  The Kelly & Katie "Chandra" shoe which retails for $44.95; it's a silhouette made popular by Michelle Obama and it provides extra padding in the toe.  Dr. Brenner advises a maximum heel height of no more two inches; wearing higher heels can lead to knee and back pain.

Flip flops: B.O.C. "Adie" flip flops retail for $49.95. They are made of soft leather.  The leather thong strap is great on the toes. Wear them with your bright clothes for summer.  How to know if you are wearing supportive flip flops? Simple: if you can bend your flip flops in half, you should throw them away. 

Wedges:  The Tahari "Alyssa" shoe retails at $79.95  These fashion-forward wedges fit right in with the ethnic and woven trend. They are not much higher than two inches. Wedges should not be much lower in the front than in the back because that leads to increased pressure on the ball of the foot.

Step out this spring in sensible style!

Shopping: Be a Jean Genius

Mannequins wearing jeans in Sânnicolau Mare, Romania by Lion Hirt

Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind while shopping for a new pair of jeans:

• One of the most important rules of jean-shopping is to buy jeans that fit you as tightly as possible (without being too tight). Denim gives and stretches out over time; even during the course of the day, the jeans will relax and begin to gap away from your waist or sag in the rear if you buy your jeans too big.

• Look for denim with a bit of stretch.

• Boot cut and flared jeans give a long, lean look and are appropriate for most body types.

• Ultra-tapered jeans are best for leaner shapes as they call attention to the thighs and hips.

• If you are petite, avoid cuffs as they shorten the appearance of the leg.

• Remember that ideally you want to create a long lean vertical line; unless they are capris, be sure that your jeans are adequate in length. The hem should cover most of your shoe; add a dark- colored shoe to create the long-line appearance.

• Be aware of back pocket placement and size; tiny pockets as well as pockets that are placed too far apart will give your rear end an oversized appearance.

• Unless you are buying a style you already own or have tried on and thus can be certain of your size, it can be difficult to purchase jeans online. Jean sizes vary by manufacturer so you can wear differing sizes depending on the brand and you need to dedicate time and energy into finding a pair that flatter.

• Remember that if you love the jeans and they need a bit of alteration, it is worth the investment.

• For plus sizes, try modified bell bottoms or flared jeans which elongate the leg; look for a pair in a clean, dark wash with no front pockets.

Susan Says: March Beauty Steals

 

I just recieved the new flyer for one of my favorite makeup destinations:  Ulta. If you are not already familiar with this beauty mecca, run, don't walk, to your nearest location and join their Ulta Club rewards program, which allows you to accumulate points for every purchase, which you can then redeem for coveted merchandise. What's so great about Ulta is that they have the best, most beloved beauty brands, from drugstore labels all the way up to high-end department store brands, giving you an amazing selection.

 

So you can imagine my delight when I read in the mailer that from March 11 through March 31st, Ulta is  holding a beauty steal for each day! Among the best bargains for high-end products, here are my favorite picks; mark you calendar accordingly: 

 

• Monday, March 12th: Stila Smudgestick waterproof liner: Regularly $20; buy one get one free

• Tuesday, March 13th: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara Regulary $19; buy for $10.00

• Wednesday, March 14th:  All Kinerase skincare; buy one get one at 50% off

• Thursday, March 15th  Pur Minrals; Regularly $1.50; buy at $12.00

• Friday, March 16th:  bareMinerals Prime time Eyelid Primer; Regularly $18.00; buy at $10.00

• Saturday, March 17th:  Philosophy Purity Made Simple Wipes; Regularly $20.00; buy at $12.00

• Also offered on March 17th, at participating locations, free Benefit brow wax with ay $50.00 Benefit service of product purchase

• Sunday, March 18th: Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara, Regularly $18.00; buy for $10.00

• Monday, March 19th:  Lorac Starry Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trios; Regularly $18.00; buy at 50% off

• Tuesday, March 20th:  Napoleon Perdis Shadow Quad; Regularly $36.00; buy for $18.00

• Wednesday, March 21st:  Strivectin SD or SD & Sensitive; Regularly $69.00; buy at $49.00 each

• Thursday, March 22nd; Stila Smudgestick Waterproof Liner; Regularly $20.00; buy one get one free

• Friday, March 23rd:  Benefit Prrowl Mascard & Lipgloss combo; Regularly $28.00; buy at $9.99

• Saturday, March 24th:  All bareMinerals full sized mascaras; Regularly $9.00; buy at 50% off

• Sunday, March 25th:  Benefit Realness of Concealness:  regularly $18.00; buy at 50% off

• Monday, March 26th:  Butter Lodon Tops & Tails nail polish; regularly $25.00; buy at $15.00

• Tuesday, March 27th:  Amazing Cosmetics Large Concealer; Regularly $21; buy at 50% off

• Wednesday,March 28th:  Cargo Beach Blushes; Regularly $15.00; buy at 50% off

• Thursday, March 29th:  All Hydroxatone will be offered at 20% off

• Friday, March 30th:  Urban Decay Deluxe size Razor Shar Ultra Definitio Finishing Powder is offered free with any $25.00 purchase of Urban Decay products

• Saturday, March 31st:  Philosophy Kiss of Hope Lip Balm; Regularly $16.00; buy one get one 1/2 off

For a complete list of events and beauty steals go to Ulta.com. Also, the above products are part of Ulta's "Prestige" line, but if you purchase any product outside of Prestige or Fragrance and hair artistry brands you can go on Ulta's web site and print a coupon for $3.50 off a $10.00 purchase (again, of the lower-end products).  If you get an aforementioned Ulta Club card, which is free, you will get flyers, which, as you can see, are a great way to get a jump on great beauty sales.

Dana's Deal of the Day: Python Print Skinny Jeans

I am very excited about all the amazing new styles of printed denim for spring and so when I spotted these black snakeskin-print jeans online at Nordstrom.com for an astoundingly great price of $48.90, I had to give them a try, and I am happy to report that they are awesome!

The brand is Blue Essence, which is a Nordstrom-exclusive, made-in-the-USA label. The python print appears subtle from a distance but rock-star-cool up-close. The jeans have a super-slim but flattering fit, and are perfect for evenings out.  They also come in a neutral-tone animal print; I haven't seen that style in person but they also look great in the photograph online.

Susan Says: Stylists' Tips for Proportional Dressing

Being well dressed is more than wearing what might be in the height of fashion. The cardinal rule is finding fashion that is right for your shape and choosing the areas you wish to either highlight or detract from. 

I wanted to find the top tips for dressing to enhance your best features, so I researched advice from some of the nation's leading stylists. An especially great resource was InStyle Magazine's February 2012 issue which featured an article entitled, "Figure Flattery: Tricks for Every Body."

Here is a primer on stylists' secrets for how to dress proportionally for your body type:

• For Petites:  Keep skirts and dresses above the knee, especially if you are wearing flats.  Tim Gunn, stylist on a new television show, ABC's The Revolution, talks about the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule; that is no part of an outfit should exceed 1/3 of your body proportion.  Bracelet length is best for sleeves as 3/4-length sleeves give the arms a shorter appearance.  InStyle Magazine suggests long chains to lengthen the look of the torso.  Avoid, at all costs, pants with cuffs and bulky pockets; stick with straight legs! 

• For well-endowed women: Stylist Nicole Chavez, who works with Scarlett Johansson and Rachel Bilson, raved to InStyle about Panache Bras for cup sizes D or larger.  To play up a larger bustline, look for fashions with  wide straps, nipped waists and open necklines (without showing too much cleavage).  Avoid dangling necklaces and showing too much cleavage.  If you prefer making your upper body appear smaller, wide leg pants and A-line skirts bring balance, according to stylist Jen Rade who works with Cher and Angelina Jolie.  Volume is generally terrible on busty girls.  And according to stylist Anabel Tollman, avoid thick sweaters and boxy jackets.

• If you are small on top: Stylist Emily Current, who works with Mandy Moore and Emma Roberts, suggests to InStyle adding volume at the collar, such as ruffles, a loose bow or Peter Pan collar.  Avoid chest-length statement necklaces and bandeau tops.

• If you want to accentuate your rear end: Go for a tucked-in shirt with a pencil skirt or tight high-waist jeans, according to stylist Jessica Paster, who works with Emily Blunt and Angie Harmon. Avoid loose-fitting skirts and untucked blouses. 

• To draw attention away from your rear end: Look for fingertip-length tunics and jackets and straight jeans; avoid high-waisted anything and white or ivory bottoms.  Jeans should be dark and without complicated embroidery on the pockets.  Never buy jeans with high pockets as they give the appearance of a larger botom.

• To hide a tummy: The sheath dress was recently touted on The Dr. Oz Show as a way to camouflage the stomach area.  Tunics work well and so do A-line tops.  Stylist George Kotsiopoulos said in InStyle that light-colored blazers or cardigans work  when worn open over something darker to make the midsection look leaner.

• Arms: Tres Sleek De Quart arm shapers are said to reduce arm circumference by one to three inches, magically creating slimmer, sleeker arms! You can find them on lindasonline.com for $29-$31, price depending on sleeve length, either long sleeve or short sleeve.

• Finally, hips: Stylists Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi say that form-fitting clothes accentuate curves. Try a fitted pencil skirt or high-waist bottoms with a loose tucked in blouse.  High heels, fishtail hems and tapered dresses and skirts all work great.  Avoid baggy tops.
  
  No matter what your size, don't shy away from this spring's fabulous palette; monochromatic vibrant color works for all figure types!
  
  
  

Susan Says: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is Tuesday, February 14th, so I surfed the web and found some awesome and unusual gift ideas, as well as a (free!) gift of health that you can even give to yourself. Here are my finds:

• Sweets for the sweet - Did you know that you can create your own unique message on M&M's? Personalized M&M's are available at mymms.com.  My M&M's Message in a Bottle comes pre-filled with 6oz of candy plus two additional 7 oz. bags.  The price is $55.99, plus shipping.  They are offering a 20% discount today with code OFFERS 10.

• Sharing is caring - Urbanears' Plattan Headphones ($60.00) are equipped with a port and plug for sharing mobile entertainment; they have a cozy quilted headband and come in great colors. The pink or red shades would be especially well-suited for Valentine's Day.  Available at Nordstrom.

• "World's Tallest Roses": Everyone loves receiving flowers but Eco Organic roses are 5-6 feet tall!  Grown in Ecuador, this giant strain of roses are 3-4 inches in diameter.  The roses in their line are certified organic by third party agencies such as the USDA, Fair Trade certification (which means that workers are paid fair wages), and Rain Forest Alliance certification. You can order online from Organic Bouquet. 

• Breakfast in Bed: Another great gift idea is a bed tray, which should come with the promise of breakfast in bed.  Go to westelm.com to order a gorgeous modern tray for $39.00 with free shipping. 

• Know Your Numbers!: And finally, the greatest gift to yourself or someone you love is being offered by Walgreens throughout the whole month of February and it's absolutely free! Walgreens is offering free blood pressure testing so that you can "know your numbers." It's very important to ensure that your blood pressure is within a healthy range.  In addition, Walgreens will donate $1.00 to The American Heart Association for each test conducted during the month of February up to $100,000. Click here to find a Walgreens near you. Another gift to give yourself or your loved one is a blood pressure machine;  I got mine at Costco for about $50.00 and it's a hugely important thing to have on hand in any home.

If The Shoe Fits: Susan's Shoe Shopping Tips

Being "shoe fit certified" and working for many years at the # 1 retailer known for its amazing shoe department, I can give you some sage advice:  never scrimp on shoes; always remember, FEET FIRST!! Your feet support your entire body and it is important to treat them right! Here are some tips to be sure you put your best foot forward:

• You can put together an outfit on a very limited budget, but do buy the best shoes that you can.
• It is important to have your feet measured periodically.  Go to a retailer who provides shoe measurement, including width, as very often your shoe size may change.  
• Look for sufficient inside padding and good support; especially as we age these things are vital.
• If you consult with a shoe fit professional, you will save time, money and possibly a trip to the podiatrist.  I have seen first hand how people have ended up with severe problems with their feet due to wearing ill-fitting, tight or very high-heeled shoes. 
• Be sure to shop for shoes at the end of the day, because our feet expand as the day progresses, especially in the heat.  
• Never wear the same shoes day-to-day; switch off because the shoes need time to air out.  
• I love Cole Haan shoes because they have Nike Air sneaker construction even in their highest heeled shoes.  Also, Munro shoes come in wide widths, are made in America and are superbly comfortable. 
• The number one website for shoe deals is 6PM.com.  We have blogged about this website previously; many of the shoes are up to 70% off and some of the styles are "just off the department store floor."
   

Now that you are all set with some insider tips for your next shoe shopping trip, here are some of the hottest spring and summer trends to be on the lookout for when you are in the stores:

• You don't have to be a cat lover to wear "kitten heels."  They are feminine, classic and above all comfortable, especially if you stand for long periods of time. Check out these adorable printed kitten heels from Tory Burch's Spring 2012 collection.
• Nude shoes have already been a hit; this year pastel colors will also be showcased.
• Sheer booties and other transparent shoe styles are seeing a comeback for summer.
• Metallic toes dominates. We've already blogged about the VC Signature line from Vince Camuto which features a fabulous metallic toe heel, and there are many more amazing metallic-tipped styles coming for spring/summer.
• Metallic shoes in gorgeous golds and silvers are still going strong; check out some of the exquisite new styles from Elie Tahari.
• Ankle-strap sandals are a strong trend; these from Isabel Marant have been seen on numerous celebrities and are sold out online.