Suzie Says: TOMS + Target

Target debuted the Target + TOMS Limited Edition collection, featuring apparel, accessories, shoes and home goods for women, men and kids, all under $50.  The best part? For every gift you buy,the TOMS/Target partnership will be providing shoes, a blanket or meals to those in need.  

I checked out the Target + TOMS collection first-hand today and it's great! On my gift list is a poncho, retailing at $28 (this purchase provides one blanket to those in need)...

TOMS for Target Poncho

I'm also coveting a coordinating graphic tee which retails for $16 (this tee gives a week of meals to those in need):

TOMS for Target Logo T-Shirt

To date, TOMS as a company has given more than 10 million pairs of new shoes to children and has helped restore sight to more than 200,000 people...(did you know that children cannot attend school in many countries without shoes?)   

By gifting the TOMS + Target Collection this holiday season, you'll be giving back to those in need as well. 

Remembering Joan Rivers

Joan & Melissa Rivers / Baltimore Sun

Our deepest condolences to Melissa Rivers on the loss of her beloved mother and business partner.

Did you know that Joan Rivers had 15 shows planned in the UK in October besides many other work obligations? Her work ethic was unparalleled and Melissa is sure to carry on with steadfastness.

As "JOAN RANGERS" ...who never missed an episode of Fashion Police, we will miss Joan Rivers, a style icon, loving mother and grandmother and trailblazer for women in comedy.

Suzie Says: Great Tips for Protecting Your Wardrobe from Real Simple

I found this information in Real Simple Magazine and just had to share because I know we all want to protect the investment we've made in our wardrobe!

Here are 10 extremely helpful tips - for more tips visit RealSimple.com!

1. Don't Drive in Good Heels: the floorboard scuffs the heels and the pedal scratches the toe. Drive in flats or buy heel protectors by Smart Heel ($9)

2.  Never Hang Pearls:  This weakens the silk threads that hold the necklace together.

3.  Launder Whites After Every Wear: Though it's tempting to re-wear, body oils and perspiration will cause a once bright white to take on a yellowish tint.

4.  Don't Overwash Darks:  Frequent washing will fade black...run darks on a short cycle in cold water and allow to air dry. Blot stains; rubbing will create a lighter spot.

5. Beware of the Dryer:  Excessive heat makes fibers brittle causing the fabric to break down.Combat by removing lightweight items, camisoles and everything containing spandex 10 minutes prior to removal of heavier garments such as sweatshirts and jeans.

6. Sole Protectors: Have a shoe maker attach rubber bottoms to shield leather soles from water absorption and wear and tear. Although they can cost about $10 they can extend the life of your shoes for years. 

7. Alternate Bras: Allow a bra to rest a day in between wearings to the elasticity has a chance to bounce back.

8. Never Leave Sneakers in the Car:  Extreme temperatures - hot or cold - will wear down the rubber and heat can warp EVA (the material in the midsole) which can result in less shock absorption for your feet during workout. For the same reason don't dry running shoes on a radiator or in a hot dryer. Let the shoes air dry.

9.  Dry Clean All Separates of an Outfit Together: Otherwise one piece will fade at a faster rate than another. When dry cleaning suits, three or four times a year is sufficient, according to John Mahdessian, President of Madame Paulette, a New York dry cleaner.

10. Wash Unstained Jeans Every Third Wear: Melissa Ladines, a fit expert for Levi Strauss states that "Most people wash their jeans too often".  If you want to preserve the deep dark rinse skip the clothes dryer and let them air dry to take them to the dry cleaner.

Pucker Up With Crayon Lipsticks: It's National Lipstick Day!

It's National Lipstick Day! Celebrate by wearing your favorite lipstick. For those who dislike lipstick, there are many new incarnations which might change your mind. Consider the "crayon lipstick."

Sisley Paris "Phyto Lip Twist" Tinted Lip Balm ($50.00): This balm/gloss/lipstick hybrid promises the "reinvent" the lipstick experience, giving lips color similar to a lipstick but with the shine of a gloss. And P.S.: It doesn't require a sharpener. 

Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm ($5.19-$6.99) Combining sheer color with soft shine and no stickiness, all in a unique twist-up form.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon - Infused with jojoba oil, shea butter, kendi oil, this product promises to make lipstick easy to apply without a mirror, anytime, providing opaque, matte lip color with "zero mess or hassle."

Susan Says: Have a Nice Guilt Trip

Have a Nice Guilt Trip / Available at Barnes & Noble

I just finished previewing Have a Nice Guilt Trip, the newest collection of essays from mother-daughter writing phenomenon Lisa Scottoline (who is a New York Times-bestselling author) and her daughter, Francesca Serritella, also an award-winning writer.

Through the eyes of women of two generations (actually three, including tales of Grandma, a/k/a "Mother Mary") the essays take a no-holds-barred look at how women see themselves. You are sure to identify with much that is reflected upon including guilt, divorce, family, jury duty, obsessing over our pets, hoarding and politics. Being a woman of a "certain age," I especially enjoyed how Scottoline pokes fun at herself and made me a believer that it's best to embrace the aging process, separate the truth from the hype and be true to yourself.

The book is the perfect choice for summer reading -- a quick read and a perfect gift for moms, daughters and grandmas.

Star Style: Kardashian Edition

Like mother, like daughter! Kris Jenner made news this week for wearing the same Givenchy top-and-skirt combo that daughter Kim had worn on a trip to Thailand. It's not the first time that Kim and Kris have rocked the same look.

Kim and Kris both donned a red lace Valentino number last year.  (And for the record, Kim doesn't just share clothes with her mom; she also made headlines when she posted a photo of herself wearing a bikini on loan from younger sister, Kylie, age 16.)

Kim's not the only daughter to share clothes with mom. Khloe borrowed Kris' Valentino dress to wear to Kim's recent pre-wedding brunch at the estate of the designer of the dress himself:

Susan Says: Read These Books Now

One author, two amazing, must-read books for women of every age! 
 

Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty @ Barnes & Noble.com

First, Let's Just Say it Wasn't Pretty is Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winner Diane Keaton's account of her life in front of the camera. In a world obsessed with beauty, Keaton believed that she was outside of the "conventional" standards. To overcome this, as well as her struggle with bulimia, Keaton created her own personal style and fought through many insecurities and became a style icon. 
After romances with notable men including Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Woody Allen and Sam Shepard, Keaton chose motherhood through adoption at age 50. 

Keaton recounts how beauty ideals change as we age and how important it is to love your style and, above all, to love yourself.

Such a great message... but don't just read this book! 

You also must check out Then Again, Keaton's memoir about her mother and herself. 

Then Again @ Barnes & Noble.com

In this book, Keaton presents an elegy to her mother, Dorothy Hall, through journals her mother wrote -- almost like a memoir within a memoir.  In addition, she chronicles the life of her entire family in a tale that encompasses four generations. Underscoring it all is an enduring faith and love which reveals how the bond between a mother and a daughter defined both their lives.

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.

SJP's New Collection a Fashion "Shoe-In"

"People should dress the way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly.  If you walk out the door feeling good about yourself, that's what counts."

So stated Sarah Jessica Parker - aka SJP - during a recent interview featured in InStyle Magazine.  

Parker is, of course, famous for the stunning clothing and shoes during her years as the star of Sex and the City, as well as her highly coveted "real-life" style.  She's famous for donning ultra-high-end labels like Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, and now SJP is bringing that high-style to the mass market through a partnership with George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, to create a more affordable line of shoes and handbags.

Vogue UK describes the SJP collection as "pared-back, simple and elegant" with pumps and flats priced between $200 and $300 and bags for around $700 and reports that the SJP collection will be produced entirely in Europe and New York City, and will be sold exclusively at Nordstrom.

The shoes debut on February 28 at selected Nordstrom stores and at Nordstrom.com.  Meanwhile, here's a first look at  a pump from the collection, the "Diana", which was featured in Lucky magazine and will retail for $365.

Star Style: Kim Basinger & Ireland Baldwin

Basinger Then & Baldwin Now / People

Ireland Baldwin, age 18, has credited her mom, Oscar-winner Kim Basinger, with inspiring her to get into modeling.  Now, it seems that Ireland is inspiring Kim, who just turned 60 earlier this month:  Basinger has signed a contract with her daughter's modeling agency, IMG.

Reporting on Basinger's IMG contract, Variety wrote, "The perception of who is an acceptable spokesperson is changing; Basinger, who is 60, can help challenge the stigma that only youth works for sponsorships."

Variety continues to note that, "Recent months have seen partnerships like Jerry Seinfeld, 59, for Acura, Michael Bolton, 60, for Honda, and Helen Mirren, 68, for British retailer Marks and Spencer."

Fabulous at Any Age

Courtesy Harper's Bazaar) Bazaar celebrates its "Fabulous at Every Age" winners in New York / Stylebistro.com

Style at any age is one of our favorite fashion topics, so we were excited to see Harper's Bazaar's Fabulous at Any Age feature, honoring stylish women of different generations.

"At Harper's Bazaar, we celebrate women who are fabulous at every age, because great style is timeless," said the magazine's Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey in a statement about this year's "Fabulous at Every Age Contest." When the winners of the contest were announced, actress Brooke Shields hosted the celebratory event, which was sponsored by Estee Lauder.  Shields, recognized by Harper's Bazaar as being a symbol of ageless beauty herself, commented, "I think we should just own what we see in the mirror with absolute confidence."

The grand prize winner was Teruko Laura Burrell, age 55, who was awarded the grand prize of $10,000.  The other winners each received $5,000.  The Fabulous at Any Age winners are pictured with Shields above.  You can read more about them on Harper's Bazaar's web site.

And it's worth noting that it was recently announced that Shields is publishing a book on another one of our favorite topics - mothers and daughters!

At Harper’s BAZAAR, we celebrate women who are fabulous at every age, because great style is timeless,” said editor in chief Glenda Bailey. - See more at: http://www.magazine.org/harper%E2%80%99s-bazaar-and-est%C3%A9e-lauder-launch-2013-fabulous-every-age-reader-search-find-five-america%E2%80%99s#sthash.kGaPrssN.dpuf

At Harper’s BAZAAR, we celebrate women who are fabulous at every age, because great style is timeless,” said editor in chief Glenda Bailey. - See more at: http://www.magazine.org/harper%E2%80%99s-bazaar-and-est%C3%A9e-lauder-launch-2013-fabulous-every-age-reader-search-find-five-america%E2%80%99s#sthash.kGaPrssN.dpuf

Ralph Lauren's Puppy Love

Ralph Lauren's "The Dog Walk" / Harper's Bazaar

Since 1982, when a stray dog wandered into Ralph Lauren's ranch in Telluride, Colorado, canine causes have been close to Lauren's heart. On October 15th, the designer will launch a video dubbed "The Dog Walk," on Ralphlauren.com. The video will highlight the brand's accessories -- including shoes, handbags, dog carriers and leather leashes -- from a "dog's-eye view," according to Harper's Bazaar. Ten percent of sales from some featured accessories will be donated to the ASPCA in celebration of the organization's Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.

The best part is that the dogs featured in the video were all rescued, ASPCA pups -- and all of them have been adopted since the video shoot.

"We would do anything to save a dog," Lauren to Harper's Bazaar.

Sneaky!

Inspiration from Pinterest

One of our cardinal rules has always been to keep all gym clothing -- including sneakers -- exclusively at the gym and to lose the sweats and sneakers once your workout is done. All rules, however, are made to be broken, especially when it comes to fashion, and recently we've been noticing some very stylish sneaker ensembles. For inspiration, look no further than the photo above from Pinterest. (For more non-sneaker-related style inspiration, check out our Pinterest page.)

Nike Air Max in Mercury Grey & Flash Lime @ $90

The Nike Air Max, in a variety of palettes, warrants a re-examination of the no-sneakers-outside-the-gym rule, and would look chic if worn with cropped pants and a tailored top, like the J.Crew model below.

J. Crew model rocks sneakers with her stylish ensemble

Cut It Out

Gwyneth Paltrow, who needs no figure-flattering, rocks a cut-out dress from Michael Kors

Could clothing with cut-outs really be figure-flattering? Yes, according to leading stylists. The secret is that these styles draw attention to the cut-outs, which actually can have a slenderizing effect.

In order to tackle this trend in a figure-flattering way, you need a strategy. According to stylist Basia Richard in InStyle Magazine, this trend can suit most figures, but you have to be strategic with placement of cutouts. The key is to highlight areas you're proud of -- those with curvy shapes might go for a top with cut-out accents on the collarbones, while fitness buffs could draw attention to the midriff. Also, good tailoring helps ensure that the cut-outs fall in the exact spot you intend. 

While the Michael Kors style worn by Gwyneth Paltrow above is a bit towards the daring side, Emily Blunt modeled a more subtle cut-out look from Pucci:

Emily Blunt in Pucci / USA Today

 For a less dressy, more day-to-day take on the trend, check out this top from Milly, which not only draws attention to the collarbone, but also has the added bonus of being on sale: 

Milly Top / Bloomingdale's

Susan Says: The Seven-Day Chip-Free Manicure

CND Vinylux @ BeyondPolish.com

When I read about a new nail polish that lasts a full week without chipping, I had to give it a try. Not a gel yet not a regular polish, CND Vinylux Polish is the newest hybrid nail polish and it promises to give you a week-long manicure. The secret is something that the company calls ProLight Technology, which means that the topcoat actually strengthens when exposed to natural light, preventing chipping.

Begin with well-cleaned nails -- you can purchase their nail polish remover or I used my own. Be sure that you do not use a base coat, since base coats can prevent this polish from lasting. Apply two coats; I found that the polish went on very smoothly -- just like a regular polish, if not easier.  Finally, apply a coat of the CND sealer and your polish will dry in about eight minutes. Remember to expose your newly polished nails to natural light.   

I'm now going on four days and counting chip free! The line, which is sold at nail salons, features 62 different colors and retails for $10 for the color polish and $10 for the top coat.

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

Well Suited for Fall

How fabulous is Jerry Hall in this Armani runway photo from 1980?

Everything old is new again as an iconic look from the 1980s is back for Fall 2013. Twenty-three years ago Vogue  declared the era of "power suiting" for women was over. Fast forward to the Fall 2013 runways and designers including Dior, Gucci and Armani all featured updated "power suits" for women, according to a great report from The Wall Street Journal.

Armani made his first women's suits in the 1970s, inspired by his sister Rosanna, who was looking for clothes to wear professionally.  For the new movie "Elysuim," which opens tomorrow, Armani created two suits for star Jodie Foster. 

Gone are the old silhouettes with their broad shoulders and padding. The new look is narrower and slimmer. Today's suits of moderate prices can be found this fall at places like J.Crew.

J.Crew

In the Nude

As the mercury rises this summer, consider going nude - manicures, that is!

The Wall Street Journal had a great article this weekend about the trend away from wild and crazy nail art towards simple nude manicures. We love this trend for summer since, while we often admire avant-garde manicures on other people, we are way too uncoordinated to pull of such complex works of art on the mini-canvas of our fingernails.  It's just so easy to give yourself a DIY manicure using these colors, and the best part of a nude mani is that the inevitable chips don't show up as badly, making these manicures last so much longer. 

The Journal highlighted five high-end designer nude shades which manage to look super-glamorous even as they are barely there. We'd love to try all of their picks! 

• Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Nudite: (Nordstrom, $20) The Journal mentions that this shade is totally opaque, which is great since we love shades that provide total coverage.

• By Terry Terrybly Nail Lacquer in Skinny Latte: (Barneys, $30) This polish has the added plus of containing Okoume resin, which strengthens and protects nails, so while it looks sheer and barely-there, it's actually improving your nails while you wear it. 

• Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Beige: (Chanel.com, $27) The Journal says that this color is reminiscent of the brand's iconic quilted bags in beige, which sounds to us like reason enough to covet it. 

• Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Lacquer in Nude: (Saks, $24)  This made-in-Italy shade is described as soft, creamy and easy to apply.

• Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Toasted Sugar: (Bergdorf Goodman, $30) The Journal advises that this shade combines beige and pink tones and looks great with a summer tan.

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!