Sensual Gifts for Lovers and Perfect Pampering Packages for Valentine's Day

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a serene and tranquil spa after a deep tissue massage. Your body is relaxed, your mind is clear and your skin feels supple and utterly amazing. Valentine's Day is around the corner and I have some seriously sensual and sexy gift ideas for yourself or your Valentine. Recreate that spa feeling at home with seductive candles, massage oils or creams, and perfectly paired gift packages that are beautifully wrapped and ready to be enjoyed from Heliotrope San Francisco.

Last Friday, I went to visit Jonathan Plotzker and Don Snider, the owners of Heliotrope in Noe Valley, to experience that tranquil feeling first hand. I spent hours feeling, touching, massaging and learning about the ingredients in their products and essential oils. They use all natural, locally sourced ingredients in their line and create customized scents with their essential oils. ***Fun Fact: Their candles are made from soy and shea butter making them non-toxic and safe. They also burn at a low heat so you can use them as massage oil as well! 

Here are some of my favorites...

Set The Mood...
Create ambiance with any of their soy and shea butter candles. My pick: Black Fig Cardamom Candle: Travel size:$4 $ Large: $19

All over your body... $25
2 oz bottles of their signature Organic Aloe, Olive & Avocado Lotion, Aloe Sulfate-Free Foaming Shower Gel, refreshing Aloe & Walnut Exfoliating Wash; Aloe & Protein Moisturizing Shampoo and Aloe & Shea Butter Conditioner

 Rub your body down...
Leave a Massage Sampler $25 Massage Cream, Massage oil, three candles and body soap
Large Leave a Massage Box $69 Massage Cream, Massage oil, candles, bath bombs and body soap

Relax your muscles...relax your mind...
Create a sensual and relaxing bath with their travel size candles spaced on the bathtub and sink. Add their Aloe, eucalyptus and mint bath soak to the water. Gently massage your skin with a bamboo and charcoal fiber sponge.

The Difference
Unlike many mainstream products, Heliotrope uses shea butter which is a close ingredient to our own natural oil. Most products on the market, especially lotions, use mineral oils which do not allow the dermis to absorb moisture. Why use a lotion if it doesn't actually moisturize your skin? I invite you to experience the difference and you will never use a mainstream product again.

True Story
I have been using their products for two weeks and my skin and body are reaping the benefits. Within 48 hours, I could see a significant difference in my skin. My face was soft and well moisturized, the skin around my eyes was supple and taut. My body felt as if I had been to the spa after a long, luxurious wrap. It is that spa feeling without the spa price tag. It's a must have...see below.

Medium About Face Package $79
Choose from:

• three cleansers Organic Aloe & Lavender Cleanser, Mineral & Botanical Cleanser, Rose Ginseng Cream Cleanser);

• three toners (Organic Aloe, Pomegranate & Acai Toner, Rosemary & Bergamot Astringent Toner, Lavender & Willow Refreshing Toner);

• two moisturizers (Aspen & Shea Butter Moisturizer, Olive Leaf & Neroli Moisturizer);

• two serums (Rose & Nettle Daytime Serum, Enzyme & Rosehip Nighttime Serum)

My True Love: The Enzyme and Rosehip Nighttime Serum

Sunday Supper: Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Homemade Bleu Cheese Dressing

Sorry this is so late...the earthquakes woke me up in the night and I slept in late. This is a classic to be enjoyed by all. Even vegetarians.

What You Need
8 oz. USDA prime filet mignon per person
asparagus
mixed greens
olive oil
salt & pepper
Bleu Cheese Dressing: 2/3 c. sour cream, 1/2 c. mayo, 1/4c. buttermilk (more if necessary), juice of 1/2 lemon, 3 oz. bleu cheese crumbled (Point Reyes), 1 minced garlic clove,  kosher salt and pepper.

Simple Preparation
Fire up your Weber so it's nice and hot. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your mixed greens an bleu cheese dressing (click here for the recipe). Do not toss until right before serving. Prepare your asparagus by trimming the ends. ***Sugar Tip: Test your asparagus for the perfect trimming spot by taking a hold of each end of one asparagus stalk and gently bend the center upward. Wherever it snaps, is generally a good place to trim the bunch. Rinse and pat dry. Place evenly spread out on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Crack salt and pepper on top. Place in oven to bake for 12-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, grill each filet for 6 minutes on each side for medium rare. Pull from grill and place on a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. While the steaks are resting, toss your salad and take the asparagus out of the oven and plate. Serve with a big red wine such as a Central Coast Syrah.

Obsessed: A Girl And Her Office Supplies

When my love affair with an amazing red pump, or a black croc embossed handbag made for a fashion goddess ascends from a mere tryst to the heights of an all out obsession; there is always a perfectly justifiable explanation, and the rationale can always be traced back to what the piece of coveted luxury in question can do for me. Make my legs look a mile long, provide enough style to make sweat pants look stylish, dispense tape and post it notes…


Yes, I really just said tape and post it notes.

A serious nod to the 3M product designers, as they bring to the altar of the Fashion Gods and Goddesses the ultimate line of office supplies for the true Fashionista. Thanks to their brilliant little team of geniuses, now you can roll out your scotch tape from a perfectly poised scarlet red pump complete with platform, or jot down your shopping list on an electric hot pink post it note delicately dispensed from the most adorable little black croc embossed structured handbag adorning every miniature detail down to it’s teeny tiny little handle.

My newest obsessions retail for around $10 each (quite a deal compared to my Louboutin’s), and for a limited time you can receive every cent back when you take advantage of 3M’s Free Style Rebate Promotion! Available at Discount Office Items.

Once again I have found that justifiable explanation to become truly obsessed, this time, with my office supplies.

XOXO,

Kimberlee

I Dream of Fashionable Services to Fit My Shape: Kimberlee's Pick of the Week

UPDATE: An insider gave me word that MyShape may be going under. Recently, the company posted on their website that it is suspending their retail operational services until further notice. Kim has found other websites that offer similar services that you can use in the meantime. Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please see other comparable service sites below:

• www.makeyourownjeans.com/ Enter measurements to have custom jeans created just for you, for under $100.
   
• http://www.indicustom.com/ Same as above, a bit more pricey.  $125 and up.
  
• www.mytruefit.com Another outlet for the same services provided by My Shape!

I have a dream.  A dream that one day in the not too distant future, I will turn on my laptop and be electronically body scanned for size, shape, and proportion.  Those readings will equate to my personal measurements, and be matched to the corresponding measurements of apparel brought to me by an unending sea of designers.  I will be gingerly guided to pieces that will be a great fit, and be warned of pieces that will make me appear 5 months pregnant or give me muffin top.  When I make a purchase online, I will know immediately that the garment will fit and look amazing, and will blindly purchase what is suggested for me without even once clicking on a size chart.  And this service, my friends, will be free of charge to me and every high maintenance fashion consumer in the world.  One day this will be the reality of the industry, one day.

Until that day is upon us, I bring you the newest member of my Fashion Services little black book…My Shape.  http://www.myshape.com/shop/invite/1121029

To begin the experience, be sure you have a tape measure in hand when you enter My Shape’s virtual playground.  Sadly, there is no infrared scanner involved here so good old fashioned measurement taking is required.  My Shape will walk you through more measurements than you probably knew could be taken, and you will record each one in its appropriate field.  Illustrations are provided for guidance to be sure you are measuring exactly what they are asking you to measure.  Trust me; some of the labels are NOT self explanatory. 

Upon completion of this measurement process, My Shape will classify your body type with a letter code of M, Y, S, H, A, P, or E.  Clever, huh?  Each classification is based upon the proportion of your shoulders, to your bust, to your hips, to your tummy…and so on.  I must say I was a bit surprised with my personal letter classification, but even after I went back and adjusted my measurements to be sure they were as honest as they could be, my letter remained the same.  A handful of questions followed, including one that asks if you would like items to be displayed with actual sizes or My Shape sizes.  For now, I’m still viewing the actual sizes with my recommended sizes marked with a green indicator. 

Measurements taken, and questions answered, it’s time for the fun to begin.  A personal shop is created and viewable from its very own tab on My Shape’s home page, right next to the tab that will display all items versus only those recommended for your shop by My Shape.  All items, both in your personal shop and not, are very clearly marked beneath their thumbnail image with the MYSHAPE letters that correspond with the various body shapes the piece will best flatter.  It is so easily discernable which pieces you should consider that it is dummy proof.  There are also personalization options within each category that allow you to tell My Shape how you would rate particular looks, ultimately determining which items should fall to the top of your personalized views.  ***Sugar Tip: I found that this process was extremely time consuming, and completed it over the course of about a month.  It is very helpful once it has been done, but don’t be under the assumption that you will be viewing less than a dozen looks.

Initially, I was a bit thrown by the seemingly dowdy styles that appeared in my personal shop, and was turned off to the shopping experience.  It wasn’t until I took the time to view every item available that I realized that there is a sincere style mash up within My Shape’s shop, and treasures can be found but must be sought after. 

Once I retrained my brain to be on the look out for amazing, I found it.  Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Trina Turk, 7 of All Mankind, BCBG, and more.  Once I realized what was waiting to be uncovered, I made a more serious effort to complete the personalization of my style within each category so that these little bits of fashionable heaven would find their way to the front window of my boutique window.  Personal selections in place, my shop soon became my favorite place to get lost in. 

To test my new toy’s capabilities, I made my first purchase.  A Nanette Lepore lightweight Merino Wool sweater dress in brilliant hues of navy and cocoa brown with a sprinkle of sugary sparkle adding just a touch of elegance.  I did a bit of googling, and found the dress in Nanette Lepore’s current lineup at over twice the price My Shape offered it for, so I immediately snagged it.  From purchase to receipt, the process took about two weeks which is an extremely lengthy time period compared to the typical 5 – 7 days I am accustomed to.  I found myself becoming impatient, and questioning their service as a result.  When my package arrived, My Shapes halo was returned and they had completely redeemed their reputation in my eyes; I was once again a believer.  The dress was PERFECT, down to the attached tag and tiny packet of replacement sequins included by Nanette Lepore in case one was to escape.  When I tried the dress on, I was in love with the feel of the angelically soft fabric, the consciousness of the fit, and the way it flattered “My Shape” to the letter…so to speak.  This experience is the very definition of a Fashion Service, and I cannot recommend it more highly. 

My dream may not yet be the reality of the industry, but clearly we fashionable minds are on the very brink of greatness. 

P.S. – To give My Shape’s shipping process a fair shake; I placed a second order after my dress arrived with such a beautiful grand entrance.  I purchased an orange print silk tunic length top by Michael Kors that had been recommended for me and was priced under $30.  From purchase to receipt, it took about a week and a half but arrived even more gracefully than did my first purchase and even more beautiful in person.  For Heaven’s sake it wasn’t even wrinkled!  It seems their shipping process is ultimately just very slow.  I am, however, so in love with my two new purchases that I will continue to shop with My Shape and learn to practice patience.  

***For an extra 80% off final / sale items through February 4th, Enter Coupon Code: JAN2011

Do Big Things and Dare to Dream: Capitalizing on Your Hidden Talents and Skills

We Do Big Things. It still sends an inspiring chill throughout my body when I say that. I watched President Obama deliver the State of The Union Address last night and loved the closing story about Center Rock, a company that specializes in drilling technology. When The owner heard about  the accident in Chile, him and his team designed a rescue system to help. He immediately went to aide the miners in Chile and put "Plan B" in action. Successfully, the miners were rescued and Plan B was a complete success. A small company doing big things. 

After listening attentively to this inspiring story, I experienced that ah-ha moment and realized that when I get overwhelmed, I under utilize my skills and talents. I get caught up in the end result and fail to begin.

You can't complete a puzzle without putting each piece in it's place. 

It begins with an idea and results in great change which in this case, was heard around the world. Take the story of Nike for example. It started as an experiment that turned into a legacy and a multi-billion dollar company. Imagine that for a minute. A waffle iron to world-wide distribution... hmmm. A small beginning lead to great change.

The point is, we all have hidden talents or skills that aren't being utilized and there is always something we can capitalize on. Consider Paris Hilton (pre-sex scandal) or Kim Kardashian. These two ladies decided to brand themselves as the scene makers. They were gorgeous and attracted more people wherever they went. They made every list and were touted by club owners and promoters. Eventually, they started capitalizing on it by getting paid to be present. No, we are not going to become Kim Kardashian and her 10 million dollar revenue stream overnight but we can find the first channel that will lead to the next channel and so on. It's like a choose your own adventure book. Here are some tips to lead you down the road that will help you capitalize on your hidden skills and talents.

1) Join Organizations of Interest: What is your passion? What do you wish you were doing instead of what you are doing now? Choose organizations in your community that have similar interests and participate in them often. Get to know others in the group; they could be future business partners or alliances.

2) Network, Network, Network: Meet people and listen to their story. Are they someone that can help you in the future? Have your contact information handy to pass on as you see fit.

3) Create A One or Two Sentence Advertisement: Sum up who you are and what it is that you do, or want to do, in a sentence or two. Make it interesting so people want to learn more.

4) Practice Makes Perfect: You can't build if you don't begin. Start today and whatever it is you choose to do, do it well. It is important to create a competitive edge by doing your very best. You will become reliable to others in the industry which will turn into referrals. Don't compromise, do everything well.

Noir City 9 Film Festival at The Castro Theatre- San Francisco

Presented by the Film Noir Foundation. Click here to learn more. Films through Sunday the 30th.

The line up:
Tuesday, January 25th
THE DARK MIRROR (1946) Dir. Robert Siodmak
CRACK-UP (1946) Dir. Irving Reis
Wednesday, January 26
THE WOMAN ON THE BEACH (1947) Dir. Jean Renoir
BEWARE MY LOVELY (1952) Dir. Harry Horner
Thursday, January 27
THE TWO MRS. CARROLLS (1947) Dir. Peter Godfrey
MY NAME IS JULIA ROSS  (1945) Dir. Joseph H. Lewis
Friday, January 28
CRASHOUT (1955) Dir. Lewis R. Foster
LOOPHOLE (1953) Dir. Harold Schuster
Saturday January 29, Matinée
BLIND ALLEY (1939) Dir. Charles Vidor
SECRET BEYOND THE DOOR (1948) Dir. Fritz Lang
Saturday, January 29.
THE STRANGE AFFAIR OF UNCLE HARRY (1945) Dir. Robert Siodmak
SO EVIL MY LOVE (1948) Dir. Lewis Allen
Sunday January 30
ANGEL FACE (1952) Dir. Otto Preminger
THE HUNTED (1948) Dir. Jack Bernhard

The Power of Positive Thought: Ways To Think Yourself Happy and Become More Attractive

Good morning, Monday. I love Mondays. It signifies a new beginning and a fresh start and offers an entire week of optimism and excitement to accomplish everything you have set out to accomplish. The past two weeks have been difficult for me on a personal note. I have been struggling with difficult decisions and emotional strains causing me angst and I have been acting out of sorts as a result.  I had a moment of clarity last night and thought I would share.


I am a very positive thinker. I have a great attitude and try my best to inspire those around me every chance I get. I offer support, love and assistance whenever possible. I nurture and teach but also grasp the opportunity to learn. One of the struggles that I have been dealing with is negative energy and thoughts from the people who surround me at work. The negativity is seeping from their pores and has the weight of concrete boots; it's killing me... literally. It's like a disease that infects everyone. The good news is positivity is just as infectious. Having a positive outlook is far more attractive and can lead to a greater self confidence. Here are a few ways to counteract negativity in the workplace or in your life.

1) Be a Role Model: Greet each day with a fresh outlook. Choose to make the best of your day by smiling, practicing genuine acts of kindness and engaging in positive personal conversations. ***Remember, you are not a therapist and you are not obligated to listen to the woes of your co-workers personal lives. You are there to make them laugh, smile and bring the best out in them by showing them genuine respect. 

2) Stop Gossiping: Gossiping is like a tornado. It starts out small and fierce and becomes this horrible event that trashes everything and everyone in sight. Chances are you don't know what you are talking about anyway so zip the lip. Choose to talk about something else like a new restaurant or a new spa treatment that you recently experienced first hand. Change the conversation, change your life.

3) Be Constructive Not Destructive: Offer constructive feedback and don't criticize. By offering positive feedback, you will help nurture someones growth rather than stunt it. Focus on the positives and work together on the areas of opportunity. 

4) Choose Who You Spend Your Time With Wisely: Sometimes trying to be a friend is actually doing yourself a disservice. Pick your friends like you pick your fruit. If you bite into an apple, and it is rotten in the core, discard and move on.

Sunday Supper: Shred 10-20 Pounds - Small Choices Lead To Big Change and Healthy Tailgating Tips

I had no intention of providing tailgating ideas until the Packers bullied their way into the NFC Championship game against DA' Bears.  Flashbacks of doing the Super Bowl shuffle as an awkward eight year old solidified my love for the PACKERS. Today's post will give you great alternatives to traditional tailgate favorites that will help keep your waistline in check. Small daily choices lead to big change and if done right, you can shred 10-30 pounds in a year. Who can argue with that?

TAILGATE ALTERNATIVES 

• Jenny Solari's second Helpings Celebration Chicken Chili (picture at right, see below for recipe)

• Ain't No Thang Chicken "Wings" with a Lighter Bleu Cheese Dressing:
  
  1. Buy chicken strips and bake them. Toss in hot sauce and dip in an altered Bleu cheese dressing. 
  2. Use non-fat sour cream, low fat buttermilk and smaller crumbles of Bleu cheese to make less go further. If you're really bold, you can use low-fat mayo. I wouldn't.
  3. Make this recipe the day before or three hours before serving: 2/3 c. sour cream, 1/2 c. mayo, 1/4c. buttermilk (more if necessary), juice of 1/2 lemon, 3 oz. Bleu cheese crumbled (Point Reyes), 1 garlic clove minced and kosher salt.

• Spinach Dip with crudites Again, use low fat or no fat ingredients (except the mayo).
  
  1. 1 c. no fat sour cream, 1 c. Hellman's/Best Foods Mayo, 1 can water chestnuts, 1 package of frozen spinach thawed, 1 pack of Knox vegetable soup seasoning mix (it has been years since I have made this recipe, so read the ingredients on the box to make sure that there isn't any MSG etc.) Mix and let sit for at least three hours if not over night. Instead of serving with bread, serve with raw or blanched vegetables.

BEER
Now being from the Midwest, I will never compromise on beer. If you are knocking back a 12 pack, you may want to go "lite" however, if you are a true beer lover, light beer is not in your vocabulary. The general difference in calories between a light beer and a regular beer is approximately 40 calories. So what I am saying is, drink a really great beer just drink fewer. Moderation is key. On another note, since I am from Wisconsin, home of Miller Park and Miller Brewing Company, I will speak to the Miller Light vs. Bud Light calorie count.

• EXAMPLE: Miller Light has 96 calories (1) and Bud Light has 110 calories (2) which is a difference of 14 calories which seems minuscule however, add that up over a year and you have saved hundreds of calories. If you were to consume 250 beers a year, it is a savings of 3,500 calories which equates to almost three days of food. WHOA.

Here is a site that lists the calorie counts of quite a few beers. Click here.

Remember, never underestimate the power of a day.

Small choices that lead to great changes. 10 lbs. per year here and 10 lbs. per year there equals big changes...as in 20 lbs. Making small adjustments to your menu will help transform your palate and your waistline.

Jenny Solari's delicious chicken chili recipe and a sugar tip from the chef: 

***SUGAR TIP: Jenny uses a fair amount of good olive oil and kosher or sea salt on the skin of the chicken for baking; the skin is removed before you add the chicken to the chili but certainly adds to the flavor. She also likes to use some dark meat (thigh meat) for moistness and flavor. You can choose of course not to use dark meat for an even healthier version. Lastly, spices are to taste; we like a little kick, but you can adjust to your liking.

         Second Helpings Celebration Chicken Chili

(Serves 6) 

Ingredients:

4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)

1/8 cup olive oil, plus extra for chicken

3 Cloves minced garlic

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and large-diced

2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, and large-diced

2 orange bell pepper, cored, seeded and large-diced

I green bell pepper, cored, seeded and large-diced

3 teaspoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, or to taste

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more for chicken

2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained

1/2 cup minced fresh basil leaves

4 split chicken breasts, bone in, skin on

2 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on

Freshly ground black pepper

For serving: Chopped onions, corn chips, grated cheddar, sour cream

Directions:  Cook the onions in the oil over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, oregano and sea salt. Cook for 1 minute. Crush the tomatoes by hand. Add to the pot with the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.: Rub the chicken breasts and thighs with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, until just cooked. Let cool slightly. Separate the meat from the bones and skin and cut it into 3/4-inch chunks. Add to the chili and simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Serve with the toppings, or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

RESOURCES
Miller Coors: http://www.millercoors.com/our-beers/nutrition-facts-codes.aspx
Anheuser-Busch: http://nutritional.anheuser-busch.com/

SFFAMA Fashion Mash-Up: Advocates for Change- Blogging About Green and Eco Friendly Products

What do 90210, human trafficking, shirts made from ex-cons and shoes made out of recycled TV screens have in common? An impressive group of conscious advocates that are influencing the fashion world.

Thursday night was SFFAMA's first Fashion Mash-Up of the New Year discussing Green and Eco Products and how this movement has impacted the fashion industry. The panelists were Ciara Peter, Domenica Peterson, J. David Watson, Jules Lauren, Steffany Boldrini and presenter Lindsay Sullivan.




It has been three months since I have been to an event. The crowd was larger than usual and had guests from Heliotrope, SF Indie Fashion, Beauty Bohemian and the SF Examiner. I had a great time and discovered that becoming green can be a far greater challenge than expected for companies and "greenwashing" has become a big problem. 

Highlights of The Panel

• Lindsay Sullivan (above center) traveled to Napal to experience hand made textiles such as hand spun yarn, block and screen printing. She supports fair trade through her online boutique and is an advocate to end human trafficking.

• Domenica Peterson (above right standing on left) was wearing a shirt made from shredded tee shirts designed by Berkeley native and L.A. designer, Raquel Allegra who began her design career by shredding old tee shirts from the L.A. County jail.  Domenica is incredibly versed on fair trade, laws and regulations.

• Ciara Peter (above left seated on right) was rockin' a super sexy pair of shoes made out of recycled TV screens and sported a really great jacket Vaute Couture jacket that is completely animal friendly and completely weather proof.
  
• David Watson the Regional Director of izigg, is the next big thing. Mobile business cards are as simple as using short code to market and share your contact information in seconds.  Popular Bay Area promoters like Top Shelf Presents are eating him up click here to learn more. You heard it here first folks, Izigg is going to become as common as Facebook.

The After Party
I headed to an old speak easy and one of the oldest bars in SF, House of Shields on Montgomery Street after the event. Recently remodeled and great clientele make this a scene. I sipped on a perfectly crafted side car and met Mark Hiss, writer and founding Editor of Where Magazine in San Diego.

After an interesting conversation about the current culture of San Diego, I hit the sparkling sidewalks of Maiden Lane. Once notorious for needles and hookers, Maiden Lane has transformed into the most beautiful street int the city and is one of the most popular shopping destinations in SF. With labels like Hermes, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent to name a few, it also houses a seriously social scene. Social Thursdays at Otis is a mix of characters with a killer fashion scene. We mingled with artists, musicians, local celebs and more. I love Social Thursdays.

More SFFAMA event photos below. Photographer Nichole Albright

Kimberlee's Pick Of The Week-Fashion Services: Are You Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck?

What began as an experiment of sorts, has turned my head in a new direction for 2011 in my fashion obsessive lifestyle…this is the year of Fashion Services.  With an ocean of various resources availing their products in hopes of being the chosen retailer who will collect the revenue from our retail therapy sessions, it is becoming more and more difficult for any given location to stand out from its peers.  Price points, shipping fees, customer reviews…it becomes a balancing act to weigh the pros and cons down to the last ounce before purchasing anything and feeling like you were handed the biggest bang for your hard earned buck. 

Enter, Fashion Services. 

What I particularly love about this brilliant concept that has emerged into fruition for the retail world, is that these services are providing something that sets them apart: A Service.  They are going above and beyond our expectations of simply generating a store front and screaming out a sale price, and coming forward with an element that makes our shopping experiences feel satisfying. 

I have already introduced you to Shoe Dazzle, and have rambled on and on about how enamored with their shoe styling service I am.  I feel that my dollar goes further when I purchase a pair of shoes for an amazing price, and receive the services of professional stylists as my complimentary gift.

With this experience having impacted my view of the retail environment so significantly, I have begun to sink my teeth into other vessels of this principle.  I simply must introduce you to my newest obsession, Swirl. 

Swirl first tickled my nose around the Holidays, and I have since found myself browsing their sample sales multiple times per week (at least) and each time I fill my virtual shopping cart and threaten to make a purchase.  Swirl is, like others of its kind, an online sample sale of items bearing world renowned designer names at up to 80% off their retail prices.  My first inclination was that the prices would still, at 80% off, be far out of my realm of affordability if their initial retail prices are $2,500 and upwards so really, this is still not for me.  Several clicks into my first Swirl session, I soon learned that the vast majority of the price points were actually under $100 and completely unbelievable.  I have browsed designs from Rock & Republic, Diane Von Furstenberg, Chanel, Wren, Dolce Vita, and more.  Selected by hand via style editors from Daily Candy, and reviewed for quality, each piece is pre-screened in advance of its debut.  Perfect.

Researching the value of each piece I have fallen in love with them on Swirl, I must share that I have yet to find a product listed with Swirl that is simultaneously for sale by another retailer for equal or less than it’s deeply reduced price point.  No last year’s models or clearance pieces being poised to look like they are an amazing discovery.  Swirl is offering the real deal.  Each sale is quick (typically only a couple of days), and the best pieces go quickly.  I strongly encourage signing up for the email notifications and taking a peek as quickly as you can when a sale comes up that interests you.

 

My first of many purchases from Swirl happened one day when I received an email notification with what never fails to draw my attention and captivate me with it’s gripping power…Denim Sale.  Browsing the designer labels, cuts, and washes I happened upon a pair of flare leg jeans by Paige Denim.  I adore Paige, and have paid upwards of $150 to own them.  Swirl was offering a pair of Bundy Flare Leg jeans by Paige Denim for $59, marked down from their original $170 retail price tag.  Pitter, patter, pitter, patter…my heart starts to race.  Available in my size, I snagged them without a second thought.  I managed to round up a coupon code by google-ing “Swirl Coupon Code” and scored free shipping on top of my $111 savings.  Seriously?  Seriously. 

My package arrived within 3 days of my online purchase, and I was in denim heaven.  They are absolutely authentic Paige, and perfectly amazing.  Nothing is missing, nor are they stitched wrong, they aren’t falling apart or used, or any of the other nightmare-ish possibilities I had suggested to myself before their arrival. 

With a bit of extra effort, Swirl brought me a perfectly selected shop filled with designer items at sample sale prices, and that is a service that is worth its weight in gold. 

My New Obsession: Chic Prints by OPI for Sephora

Last night I had the pleasure of having my hair done by Christina Keenan of 1688 A Hair Studio and she introduced me to my new favorite thing. Recently engaged, she had more attention than normal on her hands and nails so she added a little sparkle of her own. Her nails were shiny silver and had nearly the sparkle of her beautiful new diamond. Every time fer fingers moved to trim my locks, they recaptured my attention.

Of course I said "MINX, you got MINX!" Christina replying in her cool, ever so savvy style said "No, Sephora, 15 bucks".

What! $15!!! They appeared to be professionally applied and perfectly in tact and for $15, it's a home run. Being in the industry that I am, I am washing my hands often and a manicure usually lasts a day or two at the most and I rarely have my nails polished for that reason. A chip looks far worse than no color at all. Christina also has her hands submerged in water for most of her day and her nails lasted three days. So I did some research.

They are called Chic Prints for Sephora by O.P.I.  and you get 16 patches per package for a one time application to your fingernails or toes. You Apply them by heating and pressing then smoothing out any bubbles. The adhesive on the back of the film adheres to your nails and TA-DA! Done. You don't have to sit to wait for your nails to dry like a traditional manicure. You remove them the same way you apply them, heat and peel. Loads of fun.

What you will need
rubbing alcohol
small scissors
a hair dryer
ultra fine crystal nail file

***Christina's Tip: Use a hair dryer to warm film instead of your fingers.

Where to buy
For tips patterns and how to order from Sephora, click here. 

Christina Keenan is a Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips Contributor and Hair Stylist at 1688 A Hair Studio in Walnut Creek, California. She specializes in matching your hair color with your skin tone and has been professionally trained by Bumble & Bumble in Manhattan. To make an appointment, contact
1688 A Hair Studio
1688 Locust Street
Walnut Creek, CA. 94596
Ph# 925.935.1688

Are You Getting Paid What Your Worth? Salary Calculators

I was watching the news this morning and caught a clip of a segment on whether or not you should ask for a raise and how you should go about it. They had interviewed three business owners or upper level management for their perspective on employees asking for raises and one response was that you may be at the top of your pay scale for that position and a raise is not an option.

If you are at the top of your pay scale, a promotion, an alternate position or a new company may be the answer. But before you make any decisions, do your homework. I really enjoyed this segment and found it very interesting. They provided these two websites to calculate your experience, education and details of the position to help you get an idea if your pay is trending with your specific area. Give it a try and see, it's a fun exercise. I completed the first one and am trending right on course.

http://www.payscale.com/
http://www.salary.com/

Enjoy!

Golden Globes 2011 - Fashion Winners and Losers

Another glamorous night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the 2011 Golden Globe Awards presented last night honoring the vast talent of this seasons hottest movie and TV stars. See my choices fro this year's fashion winners and losers.

There was an array of beautiful colors on the red carpet this year. Many of the dresses this year were jewel tones or bright pinks and soft pastels with a spring feel. I loved the hairstyles that graced the carpet as many were soft and smooth with a natural feel. Bangs, bangs, bangs...I love the bangs this season.

The make-up was not as successful this year and I felt that many looked overly made-up making them look older and tired. The injections were out of hand on a handful of celebs this year making it difficult for them to present. I have a few winners and losers on my list as well; my choices are below.

And the categories are...Best Dressed, Worst Dressed, Best Accessories, Best Makeup

And the nominations for Best Dressed are...for Best Dressed: Julie Bowen, Amy Adams, Natalie Portman, Clare Danes and Elisabeth Moss.

Winner: Julie Bowen 
She is my winner of the night. Her dress was absolutely beautiful and fit her perfectly. Her hair was pulled back into a soft up-do and her make-up was not overly done. The detail on her Maz Azria Atelier dress was breath taking.

Photo from OC Register

Runner-Up: Amy Adams 
Glamorous and elegant with soft-swept hair and a jewel-tone dress to compliment her beautiful blue eyes. This Marchesa dress was a knock-out!

Photo from OC Register

Honorable Mention: Olivia Wilde, Natalie Portman, Clare Danes and Elisabeth Moss

Photo From HFPA

Photo From HFPA

Photo from HFPA

Photo from HFPA

Worst Dressed List

Photo from HFPA

Jennifer Love-Hewitt: overly tan, too much eye make-up and this dress made her look frumpy.

Photo from HFPA

Tilda Swinton: Drab, flat and non-defined.

Photo from The Examiner

Alicia Keyes: This dress makes her look like a line backer. She is such a beautiful woman and this dress did not suit her.

And everyone in the audience who did not secure their body parts properly or dress age appropriate. Let's be real, you are not young anymore...cover the girls up. It's gross.

Best Make-Up: Julianna Moore

Photo LA Times

FavoriteAccessories
Katey Segal's Earrings

Photo from The Washington Post

Olivia Wilde's Shoes 

photo from HFPA

Halle Berry's bracelets

Photo from OC Register

Al Pacino's girlfriend's ring


Too many injections and couldn't move their faces from their eyes to their upper lip
Michele Pfiefer - never expected it
Sandra Bullock - totally disappointed there
Christina Aguilara - what happened there? She went from stunning in Burlesque to over pumped and too tan.
Megan Fox - so pretty, too many pumps
And yes, even Rambo