DNA2Diamonds: Create A Diamond From the DNA Of A Loved One!

September 7, 2009

DNA2Diamonds, Diamond creationHere's a really unique way to savor the memory of a loved one… Turn a lock of their hair into a diamond!

Man has finally cracked the code on diamond creation, and labs have sprung up everywhere, just waiting to take your order!  But… here's a new twist on the process.  DNA2Diamonds actually takes a sample of DNA carbon from the hair of a loved one, the fur of a cherished pet, or the ashes of the departed to incorporate into the diamond creation process! 

Forever your loved one will be immortalized in a beautiful, sparkling diamond!  DNA2Diamonds can be created in the style, color and size you choose, including Radiant, Princess or Brilliant cuts in sparkling colors of red, yellow-green, or cognac and in sizes ranging from 0.25 carats to 2.0 carats. The whole process takes 70 days or less.

Tom Bischoff, President of DNA2Diamonds, LLC explains, “DNA2Diamonds are physically and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds, and yet, they're different. Of all the diamonds in the world, they are the only ones containing the DNA signature of you or your loved one. A DNA2Diamond embodies the very essence of what makes the person (or pet) you love unique. When you deeply love someone, you know them intimately. Now you can keep this person forever close to your heart.”

For more information, please visit dna2diamonds.com!

Filed Under: Bling, Diamond of the Day, DNA2Diamonds

Kiehl’s Goes Organic!

September 4, 2009

Kiehl's is set to launch its first ever organic skin care collection, reports today's Women's Wear Daily. The four-item line up contains the Brazilian Açaí berry, whose “superior antioxidant properties,” says Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl's USA, help combat environmental aggressors and stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. The products are due out in mid-September and will be available at over 250 specialty stores in the U.S., including 33 free standing Kiehl's stores.

Click HERE for more info from WWD!! 

Filed Under: Beauty, Kiehl's

BYSOG New York Luxury Handbags: Freebies!

September 2, 2009

New York City designer handbag label, BYSOG New York Luxury Handbags, is dealing with the recession in a clever and fabulous way. The designer, Vic Manolucci, is using the popular social networking site Facebook to bring back a little luxury and happiness to all fashionistas. BYSOG New York will be giving away one of it’s 100% Luxe Leather handbag on a weekly basis, to anyone who’s having a particular bad day, week, month, or life. Whether you were dumped, fired, cheated on, stood up, broke a heel, boss/friend/parents increasing your stress level, etc. No matter what it is, tell us about it and you might win. Your tragic day could win you a beautiful soft leather bag. What a fab way to brighten up your week!

Join celebrities such as Vivica A. Fox, Lydia Hearst, Estelle, Robert Verdi, etc in owning one of these opulent handbags.

Winners will be selected at random from BYSOG New York’s Facebook Fan Page.  Click HERE to be redirected to BYSOG's Facebook Fan Page.  So become a fan of BYSOG New York and tell us about your drama now for your chance to win!

ABOUT BYSOG

BYSOG, which means “handbag” in Armenian, is the brainchild of maker/designer Vic Manolucci. The story of BYSOG stems back a few generations. Born August 9, 1981 in Queens, NY, Vic Manolucci was introduced to fashion immediately. His father John Vartanian, a world famous singer, and a very reputable handbag maker in New York City, owns a well-known and respected leather handbag factory since 1983, Manolucci, in the heart of New York’s Fashion district. His father began his work back in the old country, where he and his three brothers made custom leather baby shoes for the locals. The civil wars of their time forced them to take refuge in America, where they began to concentrate solely on luxury leather goods, such as bags and belts in the mid 70’s to present day.

Over the course of his childhood and teenage years, Vic was your typical teenager, his rebellious attitude often got him in loads of trouble, but he always seemed to find his way back to what he knew best, which was making bags with his father. During the years working with his father, the Manolucci facilities were offered to many fashion designers and design houses such as Isabella Fiore, Betsey Johnson, Monica Botkier and other great designers; many had their bags developed and manufactured at Manolucci. It was from those design influences Vic learned to design. Working under hundreds of independent and established brand name designers, he understands the important relationship between design and quality, and how it affects the consumer.

As the years go by, Vic continues to grow as a designer and manufacturer, with hopes of bringing his collections to the mass market. In creating The BYSOG Bag Collection, he aims to be in our lives and in the lives of many generations to come.

For more information on BYSOG New York and to check out these luxe handbags, visit www.bysog.com

Filed Under: Bags, BYSOG

Stylin’ And Profilin’ My Favorite Denim

August 17, 2009

paper denim & cloth, gucci, guess, ruby & bloom, ruby and bloom shoes, ruby and bloom flats


This week’s assignment for the ladies of Shopping and Goodies?  Style your favorite denim!  This Fall, I have three things on my mind:  bright colors, casual style and comfort!  So what I’ve pulled together here are some of my favorite pieces to achieve just this look.


Paper Denim & Cloth is my favorite jean, bar none.  The Bridgette is a clean, trouser-cut that can be dressed up or down easily.  A cotton-lycra combo keeps the jean in place (I hate HATE having to pull up my jeans)!


My foot is difficult to fit.  Wide in the front, narrow in the back, regardless of my budget a truly comfy shoe is a difficult find.  When I stumbled upon Ruby & Bloom–and their perfect-fitting shoes–I bought three pairs!  Their latest flat, Gracious, is on my short-list of items to purchase for Fall.  The charcoal-grey shade is incredible.


The next time I splurge on myself, these square-framed Gucci sunglasses will end up in my bag.  They are super-glam, but unique. 


Bright shades break through cool-weather doldrums quite nicely!  I have my eye on several colorful outerwear choices by Guess, including this sunshine-yellow peacoat.


Featured here:


Guess Peacoat:  $128.00 at Nordstrom.com


Ruby & Bloom ‘Gracious’ Flat:  $79.95 at Nordstrom.com


Gucci GG Square Sunglasses:  $275 at NeimanMarcus.com


Bridgette (Madison) Jean by Paper Denim & Cloth:  PaperDenim.org

Images courtesy of PaperDenim.org, NeimanMarcus.com, and Nordstrom.com.

Filed Under: Clothing, Gucci, Guess, Paper Denim & Cloth, Ruby & Bloom

Rarities: Fine Jewelry With Carol Brodie

June 15, 2009

bags, bling, beauty, carol brodie, palm beach, jewelry, rarities from carol brodieCarol Brodie–“The Queen of Diamonds”–is launching a line of affordable and gorgeous jewelry, available for purchase on HSN. Carol has established a reputation through her work with Harry Winston, and this is her very first solo collection. Named “Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie”, the collection will be available starting on June 21st, and features an assortment of precious and semi-precious gems.


Here’s what Carol has to say about her experience, and the new collection:


“After 20 years of working the red carpet and appearing as the luxury and style expert on countless TV shows, bringing a new line of fine jewelry to HSN is simply a dream come true,” says Ms. Brodie. “HSN is known for its high standards and I can’t think of a better place to introduce a fine jewelry collection. I look forward to bringing Rarities to HSN’s viewers and sharing my knowledge on how to build a luxurious wardrobe within any price range.”


While Ms. Brodie’s attention to materials is certainly notable, what draws me to this collection is her eye for style.  The multi-stranded necklace pictured here, part of the Palm Beach Collection, is so eye catching.  It’s my #1 summer-jewelry pick!


The collection will include several pieces with price points under $200.  A welcome sight for pinched wallets!


Click HERE to check out Carol Brodie’s Rarities: Fine Jewelry selection on HSN. 

Filed Under: Bling, Rarities: Fine Jewelry

Swimwear Tips From Shoshanna

May 19, 2009

Shoshanna, swimwear, fashion, tips, expert advice

Dreading this year’s search for the perfect swimsuit? Designer and swimwear guru, Shoshanna Gruss, is here to help with answers to all of your summer style issues. Conquer your swimwear fears and hit the stores armed with expert tips on what works for you.

Q&A WITH DESIGNER SHOSHANNA GRUSS
 
What are the key swim trends to look for this summer?
Look for bright pop colors like neon pink, orange and green.  Tribal prints are popular as well as ditsy floral prints, big bohemian florals and graphic black and white.   
 
How revealing should a swimsuit actually be?
Bust Coverage Test
Three-fourths of the bust should be covered, leaving only a swath of cleavage. The thicker the strap that attaches the bust to the rest of the suit, the more likely it'll stay in place as the day goes on. If you opt for a bandeau top, which is often strapless, nothing should be squeezing out the top or the bottom.  Boy shorts offer great coverage on the bottom if you're active, but they're far from being a universally flattering style.   
 
What are the best colors for every skin tone?
Navy and black are universally good for every skin tone.  Both colors are flattering and look good against the lightest skin tones and the darkest. 
 
How do you find a swimsuit that flatters your shape?
Big Busted
Look for halters which offer the most support.  Also look for boning and underwire which will act like a bra and securely hold you in place.
Curvy
Look for one pieces with ruching to slim your middle.  When shopping for bikini's stick to bottoms with tie string so they are easily adjustable.
Flat Chested
Strings are most flattering.  If you want to enhance your chest, look for ruffles or ruching which will create the illusion of a bigger chest. 
 
How do you take your beach look from day-to-night?
Find a versatile cover up that can take your bikini beach look to a casual dinner.  A crochet cover with ¾ sleeves is great because you can throw it over a bikini with cute shorts or jeans and be ready for a night out.
 
What are some general tips for purchasing swimwear?
Cotton bathing suits are more for show. They will take a long time to dry compared to a polyester/Spandex blend.  Accept that sizes will vary, even from the same label.
 
What is the best way to care for swimwear?
Don't put bathing suits in the washing machine, this will weaken the elastic.  Instead, wash in cold water with a delicate cleanser such as Woolite.

Filed Under: Clothing, Shoshanna

FREE Limited Edition Bling Panty- Victoria’s Secret

May 15, 2009

free, victoria's secret, panty, pink, bags, bling, beauty

For Pink Nation members, any pink store purchase will earn you a free limited edition bling panty during checkout. If you love to shop, you'll love to select your freebie from the 24 different adorable designs Victoria's Secret has to offer! Offer is valid only through June 15, 2009… so don't hesitate!

Click HERE to get the deets!

Filed Under: Bling, Victoria's Secret

Hot New Designer: ELSPETH

May 11, 2009

ELSPETH, Elizabeth Phillips, handbag design, bag reviewAs the writer of Bags, Bling and Beauty, I am kept in the loop on emerging new designers and their incredible creations. I was recently introduced to the designs of Elizabeth Phillips, and her new luxury handbag collection:  ELSPETH.

The East Village tote (pictured) had me at hello.  Crafted from distressed shrunken lambskin, this bag is ultra-slouchy, and the epitome of relaxed urban-chic.  Beyond the amazing design, the bag is also incredibly functional.  Two exterior pockets and three large interior pockets mean you'll never have to fish around in search of your phone, keys or lipstick. The detachable strap enables wearing the bag casually across the body, or hand carrying for a more polished and professional look.

The original retail price of the East Village tote is $318, but it's currently on sale for $255.

Click HERE to check out ELSPETH designs at www.elspethnyc.com.

Do check out ELSPETH's upcoming Fall collection, scheduled for release in August 2009.  Elizabeth Phillips utilized luxe materials like Ostrich skin, Anaconda and leather, and the rich jewel-tones she selected are perfect for Fall. 

Want to see them in the flesh, before you buy?  Stores carrying this hot new brand include VERVE in New York, Cake Jewelery in Los Feliz, CA, Suite Dreams in Birmingham, Alabama, and CLUTCH in my very own Seattle, WA!  Looks like I have some shopping to do…

Filed Under: Bags, ELSPETH

Under The Loupe: Diamond Color

May 7, 2009

diamond education, how to buy diamonds onlineAs a former diamond buyer, I've been asked this question many times, worded in different ways:  "Which of the four-C's is least important when buying a diamond?"  My answer to this question?  Color.

When color-grading a diamond, the stone is held upside down on a white surface, to determine what degree of body color is visible.  This process makes color very obvious, much more so than it would ever be to the naked eye.  When the diamond is right-side-up, with the crown visible to the eye, color is much less apparent.  In addition, once placed against the skin (whether it be on a ring, pendant or earring) your skin color will be seen a bit through the stone, making any diamond appear slightly less than perfect. 

My advice to those in search of that perfect diamond is this:  If you need to save some cash, sacrifice color rather than size, cut or clarity.  You could save thousands, and the diamond will still be gorgeous.  That being said, J or K is as low a color grade as you should go, without seeing the stone in person.

Filed Under: Bling, Diamonds Under The Loupe

Shop Your Closet With Colin Megaro!

May 4, 2009

colin megaro, fashion stylistFashion Stylist Colin Megaro has fabulous money-saving advice for each of us:  “Shop your closet!”  Instead of spending money on new clothes, invest in a personal closet consultation with a professional stylist.  Pros like Colin have the talent to twist your wardrobe in stylish, creative new directions you never dreamed possible!  Not only does shopping your own closet save you money… it saves so much time!


Here are some of Colin’s tips to make the most out of what you already own. 


1. Clean out the closet.  Take the time to remove every item out and go through each one.  Make piles of clothing that you never wear, clothing that no longer fits and clothing that is still worn.  Take the pieces that you don’t wear to your favorite charity and donate them.  The closet will be less cluttered and you’re helping those less fortunate. If all else fails, remember it’s a great tax deduction.
 
2. Items that no longer fit properly: If they are too small, donate them along with the items you are no longer wearing.  If they are overly big, slightly short or even out of style, take them to the tailor.  Pant hems can be let down; shirts can be shorted and even made short-sleeved; skirts can be reworked into the newest styles.  Tailoring items can give you the current styles at a fraction of the store cost.
 
3. Finally, let’s face it, most of us love the thrill of shopping. If there are items that you need to purchase, be smart and strategic about it. Everything is on sale now so look for the best deals you can get.  Pick a few must-have items and let yourself have them. You’ll feel great after scoring a deal.


If you are heading out to do a bit of shopping take yourself to H&M, Zara, Macys, Century 21, and even TJ Maxx.  At the end of the day style is not about a label.  It is about feeling great about what you are wearing!


Want to learn more?  Click HERE to visit Colin’s website at planetstyleconcierge.com.

Filed Under: Clothing, Professional Advice