Pre-order your copy of The Bra Book now from Amazon.com

Hi friends of Beauty and the burbs!





Most of you know, my book, The Bra Book, hits bookstores and lingerie/dept stores nationwide this December. But you can pre-order now from Amazon.com for a huge discount off the retail price!





This book is your guide to the bra - from fit to fashion and everything in-between! It's truly a fun and informative read (and makes a great gift too!) :)



Plus, if you pre-order now, you won't have to think about it...you'll get your copy delivered to your doorstep when it hits store shelves!!

xxo
Jene'

Customized Kicks...

So I must say, my feet are more accustomed to a pair of Chanel platform pumps or Tory Burch Reva flats, than they are to sneakers. Even when exercising (for me, I'm lucky if I get in a daily walk,) I feel funny in my sneaks. Sneakers are more function than fashion and for any fashionista, that's no fun. Until I discovered the new design-your-own Nike's. I was invited to a visit at the Nike iD studio in The Westchester Mall and let me tell you, I had the best time! Never did I think I'd be grinning from ear to ear surrounded by sports apparel...but sales reps Myrna and Alex truly showed me the way!





The store is modern and cool and built to look like a running track (but with the hardwood floors, reminded me of a dance studio as well). It's brightly lit and with Nike's reinvention (younger-oriented casual wear as opposed to your run of the mill exercise duds), I found myself coveting many an item. As we began the tour around the track-like space, I saw bright and fun hoodies, tees with kitschy sayings, lime green hi-tops - you name it! Who knew exercise could be so fun?





Our final stop was the design studio portion of the store, which is apparently their most popular spot. There, you are greeted by an array of colorful sneakers and two computers. The sales rep helps you log on and from there, you begin building your own pair! You start by choosing a style you like and that fits your needs best (for me it was a basic walking sneak with a roomy toe box). Then, you pick each and every detail, right down to the color of the lining!





Me, of course being a fashion person, opted for an 80's inspired shoe with pops of bright pink, accented with lime green. You finish the process by "id'ing" the tongues of the sneakers with the words of your choice. After much deliberation, I opted to go with BABY LOOCH, (Baby on one shoe, Looch on the other) my husband's nickname for our soon-to-be-born baby, since I'll be wearing these sneaks for the remainder of my pregnancy. Perhaps I started a trend...it's the BABY LOOCH NIKE'S! :)





The sneakers will run you around $110-$120 which is a small price to pay for something that truly is your own. I'm pretty sure I won't see anyone else walking around with neon pink and green BABY LOOCH kicks anytime soon.

There's only a few stores that actually do the Nike iD so if there isn't one near you, you can go through the whole process online.

Now is the time to want what you can't have...

So, I guess it's because these days, my only options for shopping lie in stores that have "maternity" somewhere in their name, that makes me want every adorable thing that I see that makes no sense for me to buy, whatsoever.

Like this, super cute Black Halo one-shoulder romper. Besides being right on-trend with the one-shoulder look, it's one of the most adorable summer pieces I've seen. A romper and/or jumpsuit are also one of the biggest must-haves for the season. So go get it...I'll live vicariously through you!

$345 available at:http://www.blacklabelboutique.com/servlet/Detail?no=579&category=Women%3AJumpsuits

Register for *invite only* Gilt Groupe through my special link...this week only!

Gilt Groupe is one of the first online sample sale sites where you get great deals on designer items, without the stampede of shoppers!

This week they're featuring sales by Chloe, Twenty8Twelve, Rogan and more!

Register through this link: http://www.gilt.com/invite/iamthemediamaven

Moving on...

So, last week an editor for a popular website that I have been quoted in before, asked for some tips for reinventing your wardrobe for spring. I sent her some great ones for cleaning out those closets and then realized the best thing I could do... was follow my own advice. As it stands, I hog the majority of the closets in my house for clothes and shoes and luckily Bill doesn't need much room, but with baby on the way, it had to be done sooner or later.

So I pulled everything out of my closets and plucked out what I no longer wear, what no longer fits properly, what looks worn or what hasn't been worn in a year or more. Since I'll be pregnant this entire summer, I also filtered out summer clothes that won't be worn this year (and therefore, likely won't be worn again). As much anxiety as giving away my precious duds gives me, it was oddly theraputic this time. Maybe because I can finally begin to see what's in my closet, as opposed to a tangle of hangers and plastic dry cleaner bags.

For the first time, most of my unwanted goods are going to consignment, with the rest going to goodwill. Consignment is a great way to at least make some cash from stuff you aren't going to wear anymore (one woman's trash is another woman's treasure, right?) I ended up with 4 huge piles and 2 bags of boots and bags. Not bad!

Anyway, here are those tips that I gave to that writer and managed to follow myself, too:

Assessing the inventory: sometimes, our closets can be the equivalent of a minefield. Hangers poking out everywhere, piles on the floor, and so much stuff, you don’t even know what you have anymore! Take the opportunity to “spring clean” your closet. Pull everything out, and try on anything you haven’t worn in a year or more. Make 3 piles: one for “keep,” one for “toss” i.e. goodwill or consignment (a great way to make $ off your unwanted duds!) and one for “saving.” Your “keep” pile should include only “classic” items that you know fit well and you will definitely wear again. I always recommend a pile for “saving” because sometimes you do have those items that you aren’t wearing right now, but you may just wear again in the future (such as evening gowns). Sometimes you can even re-purpose these items! (For example, I had a pink silk shift dress that a year later, still had tags on it. But one day, I pulled it out and tossed a purple sweater and a belt over it and voila, I had a chic new outfit). But chances are, if you haven’t worn it in a year or more, you aren’t going to.

· Classic Essentials: We all fall prey to the trends of the season (that latex tube dress seemed like a good idea at the time!) Don’t beat yourself up for this. Instead, just aim for more “classic” items, the next time you are out shopping. But first start by shopping for classics in your closet! I believe that many items are the “new” classics, i.e. things that are in season after season and don’t seem to be going out of style! These items are the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses, skinny jeans, vests, military jackets, ankle booties, and platform shoes. We’ve all heard the advice that white button downs and blazers are the classics we should always keep – this holds true now too, but it helps to know we can get some trendy items that are now classics in their own right. Of course, if the items are still “in,” that doesn’t mean they are automatically a keeper. You have to make sure they still fit properly. The worst thing you can have is a closet full of ill-fitting garments (or take a trip to your tailor and see if he/she can salvage the item). Otherwise, it’s off to consignment they go!

· Updated or Outdated? There are simple ways you can update your style for the season, without spending a fortune. Take one of your “classic” items and update it with a great accessory. Big chunky or bib-style necklaces are HUGE for spring. That will instantly update your look, and you can find these without spending a lot of $ at stores like Forever 21, Express and H & M. Another easy way to update your wardrobe for this season? Delve into your boyfriend’s closet! Boyfriend jeans, blazers and flannel shirts are all the rage. Just be sure to pair with something ladylike, like chic stilettos, platforms, embellished flats or big earrings. You want to look like you are on-trend not cross-dressing!

Nominate you or someone you love for a head-to-toe makeover with THE WAG!

Calling all handbag designers!

THE THIRD ANNUAL INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDSHandbag Designer 101 Honors Excellence

New York, NY (February 6, 2009) - The Third Annual Independent Handbag Awards is now accepting designer submissions. The "Handbag Awards," now an industry staple, provides an opportunity for emerging and established independent designers to be recognized and stand out into the highly-saturated accessory market. This unique event remains the only of its kind internationally where the best of the best handbags and now shoes are highlighted and the designers compete for the once-in-a-career time opportunity to expose their work to the entire fashion industry in New York City, the fashion capital of the world. In addition, 2009 marks the addition of 2 new categories to the IHDA, Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED (™) - Swarovski Elements and Best Shoe in Overall Style and Design.

This year, the most innovative handbag and shoe designers will be squaring off against one another with awards to be given for Handbag Design Excellence, on June 17th at the landmark New York Historical Society. Over 500 members of the fashion industry, including press and retailers, are expected to attend The Third Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards event.

To register in the preliminary selection round, a single digital image upload is required. Applications will be accepted through www.handbagdesigner101.com and clicking on the "Handbag Awards" icon, until April 15, 2009. Finalists will be announced shortly after at Braccialini in Soho, New York.

The Categories include:
· Best Student-Made Handbag

· Best Handmade Handbag
· Most Socially Responsible Handbag

· Best Green Handbag
· Audience-Selected Handbag

· Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design
· Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED(™) - Swarovski Elements

· Best Shoe in Overall Style & Design

The staff of Handbag Designer 101 will review all entries and choose finalists in each category based on the merits of their submitted designs. A Judging Panel consisting of Famed Handbag Designer and 2007 IHDA Lifetime Achievement Recipient of 2007, Carlos Falchi, Lisa Smilor (Associate Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America: CFDA), Stephan Toljan, (CCB VP Market Management of Swarovski), Katie Hoy (Trade Marketing Manager for Singer Sewing Company), Devi Kroell (Creative Director of Devi Kroell), Tina Aldatz (President of Foot Petals), Meghan Cleary (Miss Meghan: America's Shoe Expert) and Julia Poteat (Assistant Professor of Fashion Methods for Parsons The New School for Design) will decide who has the "Top Handbag and Shoe Design" and select a winner from each respective category.For the first time ever all applicants may participate by submitting a detailed sketch of their handbag design, incorporating CRYSTALLIZED(™) - Swarovski Elements by submitting a jpeg of 1 detailed original sketch of their handbag design, incorporating CRYSTALLIZED(™)- Swarovski Elements. Designers are encouraged create a handbag of any size, material or silhouette while utilizing the CRYSTALLIZED(™)- Swarovski Elements as embellishment, trimming or even as part of the core concept. The five best ideas will be chosen by the Handbag Designer 101 Preliminary Judging Panel, giving the selected designers unlimited free access to CRYSTALLIZED(™) - Swarovski Elements, to execute their final handbags. The winner of the 2009 "Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED(™) - Swarovski Elements" award will receive a crystal sponsorship with free access to crystals and Swarovski know how, to produce a limited edition of the winner bag. In addition, the winning handbag will be featured in several CRYSTALLIZED(™) - Swarovski Elements channels and communication tools in the US and internationally with industry and end consumer exposure.SINGER® Sewing Company will also sponsor the "Best Handmade Handbag Category" the 2009 Independent Handbag Designer Awards (IHDA). The winner of the 2009 Best Handmade Handbag will receive the new SINGER CURVY(™) sewing machine which eliminates the two biggest challenges and frustrations sewers have experienced during the past 157 years; threading the sewing machine and threading the bobbin. In addition, the winning handbag will be featured on the SINGER website where the winning designer will also share a handbag pattern from his/her collection.The Best Shoe in Overall Style and Design in which the Winner will be designing a capsule collection in collaboration with Foot Petals. "I'm so excited to be part of the first ever footwear awards. Foot Petals strives to work with new talent and emerging designers. Quality and innovation has always been the key to our success. We look forward to launching a line of shoes that incorporates both," says Tina Aldatz, President of Foot Petals.Famed designer, Devi Kroell will be part of Independent Handbag Designer Awards. Kroell will be hosting the winner of the Best Student Made category with a prestigious apprenticeship and a chance to work side-by-side with accomplished creative, herself.As always, the IHDA still proudly features the Most Socially Responsible Handbag where the winner will be recognized on a global platform for their work, Best Green Handbag where the winner garners a unique opportunity to develop a collaborative bag with a top Green brand and Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design. The Winner of the Best Overall Handbag and Shoe in Style and Design will have the chance to showcase their award-winning handbag collection with a free 10x10 booth (a $7,000 value) to over 120,000 fashion industry influentials at the WWDMAGIC Accessories Show in Las Vegas, August, 2009. The Audience Fan Favorite will be announced the night of the event. They will also have an opportunity to have their limited edition capsule collections sold exclusively at the IHDA Retail Sponsor.Celebrated British designer Lulu Guinness will receive the IHDA ICONOCLAST Award this year for her 20 years in accessories design. Lulu Guinness famous for her exquisite, witty handbags and accessories originally launched her company in 1989 and instantly became a "must" in every fashion aficionado's international address book. To celebrate the brand's 20th Anniversary Year, Lulu Guinness will be releasing a new limited collection of her legendary Rose Baskets, which will be on display at the night of the IHDA. Throughout the year, Lulu will be collaborating with famed and up & coming artists to produce limited edition specialty items to be sold at the Lulu Guinness stores worldwide."This award couldn't have come at a better time as I'm celebrating my 20th Anniversary this year; I'm thrilled to have been asked. I particularly appreciate the recognition from the other side of the Atlantic," says the prolific and whimsical designer. Lulu Guinness will also be honored by the British Consul General, Sir Alan Collins, who will be hosting a celebratory party in his home in New York City."Going into our third year, we are proud that the fashion and accessories community has acknowledged the IHDA as a venue where new talent is discovered." said Emily Blumenthal, founder and creator of Handbag Designer 101, from which the IHDA stem. Handbag Designer 101 . the handbag designer resource (www.handbagdesigner101.com), where handbag designers, aficionados and experts unite to find undiscovered handbags by independent designers; learn about the latest handbag trends; see the handbags that celebrities are wearing today; and even learn about accessory jobs and services. Boasting over 10,000 unique visitors daily, Handbag Designer 101 has developed a loyal following and reputation for discovering talent which can be demonstrated by the excitement for this year's Third Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. "In today's current economic situation, innovation and newness are what is needed. The Handbag Awards has successfully created a platform which emerging handbag and now shoe designers, by popular demand, can be recognized and turn into become well-known brands."Additional sponsors include: The Fashion Business Improvement District: The Fashion Center, The Garment Industry Development Corporation, Parsons The New School of Design, Pantone, The Luxury Institute, The UK Trade and Investment, Braccialini, Ripe Ideas, Soho House NYC, Red Branch Public Relations, Collective-E, Miss Meghan, Rosangel of Gran Centenario, Wathne Limited, M&J Trimming, Leather Suede Skins, Rosen & Chadick Fabrics, RIRI Zippers/Pacific Trimmings, Verve NYC, EnSof Graphics and the Bottomless Closet.

For complete information check the website: www.handbagdesigner101.comHandbag Designer 101, www.handbagdesigner101.com, the handbag designer resource is where handbag designers, aficionados and experts unite. Find undiscovered handbags by independent designers; learn about the latest handbag trends; see the handbags that celebrities are wearing today; find out about the latest handbag shopping events; learn about the latest jobs and services offered in the accessories market and even blog about the latest "IT" handbag. With over 300,000 unique visitors and 2 million page views monthly, Handbag Designer 101 is a handbag medium that is an integral part of the accessories industry.About Handbag Designer 101Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource was inspired by the needs for the handbag designer, aficionado and fan in all of us, as one knows we can never have too many bags. Handbag Designer 101 and Independent Handbag Designer Awards trademarks are owned by handbagdesigner101.com, a privately held company based in New York City.

To Apply to the 3rd Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/independent_handbag_designer_awards Today's HB101: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/designerBag Trends: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/trendsCelebrity Bag Watch: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/celebrityJobs and Services: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/jobsHandbag Designer 101: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com or http://www.hbd101.com

NY FASHION WEEK DIARY

My favorite show thus far? Has to be Adam Adam Lippes. All of the pieces were whimsical yet wearable...I LOVED the colors and the subtle details. I could foresee nearly every piece there on Hollywood starlets everywhere...fun, youthful and flirty...much like the front row, which contained 2 of the gals from MTV's "The City," as well as the beautiful Jennifer Love Hewitt, who I had a chance to chat with (and who commented that she liked my dress!)





While that was the highlight collection, the highlight show so far for me has been the BARBIE 50th anniversary show. Nearly every designer under the sun designed a frilly frock for the iconic doll and each one that waltzed down the runway was better than the next. Real-life Barbie's Heidi Klum and Kimora Lee Simmons graced the front row, as well as some of my favorite ladies from The Real Housewives of NYC. Much to my surprise, the designer's choices for Barbie weren't as pink and glittery as one would think - I loved Catherine Melandrano's "Americana" Barbie as well as Kenneth Cole's super cool leather clad Barbie and Ken duo.



On another note, the mood at this season's NY Fashion Week is much more subdued under the tents. The energy is still high as always (in part, fueled by a booth full of offerings from McDonald's new Couture Coffee line McCafe, which has been a hot-spot all weekend) but the absence of many regular designers who usually show but this season opted not to (like Carmen Marc and Vera Wang) is noticeable.

Speaking of McCafe, one of this year's major sponsors, they enlisted me for a day to do interviews with VIP's and other fashion week go-ers as they sampled the new designer coffee line. It was also a hit backstage at Duckie Browne, where we interviewed the menswear designers about the coffee and of course their new line (did you know that one-half of the designing duo actually worked at McDonalds when he was growing up in the UK?) The ever fabulous and "Top Model" winner Yoanna House, who was there on behalf of SONY VAIO, said it's what keeps her going as a new mom and fashion influencers and my friends, James Aguiar and Lauren Ezersky loved the java as well. It should certainly keep everyone wired for the long week ahead :)

One final note, thank you so much to the security staff at Bryant Park who took pity on a pregnant me and didn't make wait in line. My entire body thanks you :)

Does luxury even exist anymore??

Today's posting isn't about a cool new product, or a beauty or fashion tip. Today, I'd like to merely pontificate on the notion that in today's economy, it seems like the idea of "luxury" as we know it, is gone. I live and work in an affluent suburb of NYC. I work for a magazine that's considered a "luxury" publication. I run images of couture gowns upwards of $10,000 and $20,000 and tell people where to shop for them. But today, even an executive at that magazine, suggested that perhaps in today's times, we are going about this all wrong. That even those with disposable incomes, are cutting back. And by showcasing these items that seem to be more fantasy than reality for most, are we just throwing it in everyone's faces? Maybe the readers don't like looking at things they can't have. Or maybe they can have them but at this point in time, are choosing not to. I promised to try to keep "value" more in mind as opposed to extravagence, and hopefully that will eliminate the potential alienation of any of our readers. But, like anything else, it's hard to break the mold. Even though I've been writing about fashions for 4 years that I myself have never really been able to afford, maybe part of it is the "fantasy" that drew me to it. After all, fashion is all about fantasy anyway, isn't it? Maybe it's not always what's "attainable." I mean, how interesting would it be to write about those sweaters at The Gap? This spring, you likely won't see many women in fuchsia harem pants or 5-inch stiletto's. But that doesn't mean in our own little fantasy worlds, we aren't towering around Manhattan 5-inches above the rest of the world.

What does everyone else think? Is the idea of "luxury" as passe as the Bush Administration?

Cork: not just for wine anymore!

I received this press announcement today and had to share. We've seen cork pop up in unexpected places like shoes, but now the woodsy-material is being used to make these super cool handbags too!

The Trina Cork Collections range in price from $39-$89 and are available at Bergdorf Goodman and high-end boutiques nationwide.

2 hours with Vincent Longo

No, my job does not suck. If I have to work on a saturday, it's for something so awful as a personal appearance with celebrity makeup artist (and namesake for his makeup line) Vincent Longo. So when my friend Meryl, publicist for Bloomies in White Plains, invited me to come in and work on a saturday, I jumped at the chance to interview Vincent and have my face done by him, personally!

The man is a fixture backstage at fashion week, making up the most glamorous models. And he may have just inadvertantly started a rumor that Hillary Clinton had a facelift (it was an eye pencil application technique he used on her!) But don't fault him for his brilliance. Longo knows his stuff, and that's why he's the go-to guy for celebrities like Michelle Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, SJP and Claire Danes.

For me, he suggested the same technique...in order to "widen" the eyes...you simply rub the pencil on your hand, dab a small brush in it, and line your eyes using short, downward strokes. It makes a very wearable, everyday smokey eye. For me, he recomended lavender shadow and liner, to accent my blue eyes. While he says he wishes he could see every woman in a red lip this spring, for me, I stuck to the nudes, in what was likely THE BEST nude lip gloss I've ever tried. It's not too pink, and it's not too brown...it's just perfect. I went home with a little baggie of stuff (and believe me, I rarely buy makeup!) and even requested some more products from his PR. You can find Vincent's line at SPACE NK in Bloomingdale's in Manhattan or White Plains.

And for more of Vincent's tips, you'll have to wait for April/May's issue of The Wag!

Can't afford designer clothes right now? Drink your designer instead!

Jean Paul Gaultier has partnered with Evian Natural Spring Water to create a limited edition bottle for the fashionista who has it all, but wouldn’t mind a little more…

Fashion designers know that the key to a good collection combines the reinvention of ideas with underlying signature qualities, and Evian® Natural Spring Water is keeping true to these ideals with the release of their second annual designer bottle.

Available on ShopEvian.com for just $13.95, these Gaultier-designed bottles mark the second annual release of high-fashion creations from Evian. In late 2007, the world’s most luxurious natural spring water launched the Limited Edition Evian Bottle by Christian Lacroix, which quickly became a favored item with the trendsetting crowd. The Christian Lacroix Bottle was originally created exclusively for upscale on-premise venues, but due to its popularity, was quickly made available on ShopEvian.com and has also been found in retail stores across the country since in October.

Now that's a designer we can drink to!

You can get those cool jeans all the celebs are wearing on the cheap

Feel like he's "just not that into you?" Well, show him who's boss with a new 'do and a new you!

Fabio Scalia Salons Celebrates the Release of
“He’s Not That Into You” with Complimentary Blow-dries


The do’s and don’ts of dating…waiting for the phone to ring, the blackberry to buzz or the e-mail to come in, the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” brings the trials and tribulations of relationships and finding a soul mate to the big screen.

On February 6th, the day the movie hits theatres, Fabio Scalia Salons – in Brooklyn and in Manhattan’s Jeunesse ‘Spas For Life’ – will run a “He’ll Be Into You Now” special, offering complimentary blow-dries between 2pm – 5pm.

White-hot stylist Fabio Scalia is eager to have women walking around with confidence, saying “All women should feel beautiful, no matter who is or isn’t calling, emailing or texting!”


Appointments are limited to first come, first serve basis.


Fabio Scalia Salons are located at:
Jeunesse ‘Spas For Life’ - 1885 Broadway @ Lincoln Center
155 Montague Street (Clinton and Henry Streets)

A muff in time....

Something about these are just so Grace Kelley.... and such a chic way to keep your hands warm this winter! yes ladies and gentleman, the "muff" has returned! Ootra makes an array of styles that are perfect for any occasion, for about $376 each. I'm predicting the muff will soon be making an appearance on the red carpet, too...

eco--chic

Ok, so admittedly, I'm just starting to be more eco-friendly. We only recently started recycling (I know, the "green" police are going to be after me soon!) and I switched to organic, earth-friendly cleaning products. I've also been eating more organic foods. As my new friend Sloan Barnett, author of "Green Goes with Everything" says, it's the little things, right?

Even your drink of choice can be eco-friendly now... there is a "green" vodka and plenty of organic wines (The Wag will have a feature on those in the upcoming March issue). And we've been hearing alot about eco-friendly fashions lately, too. What do you think of when it comes to eco-clothes? One friend said a "hemp potato sack" comes to mind, but my friend, you are sorely mistaken. In fact, one such line - Jonano, is far from it. They recently sent me a few selections from their line and I have to say, I am hooked. I love soft, wearable knits to begin with... not only are they comfy, but are appropriate for almost any situation and look great, too. In fact, with the economy the way it is and my focus on wardrobe longevity, I have been trying to incorporate more knits into my repertoire.

Jonano's Butterfly Bamboo Eco-Kashmere dress has to be one of my favorite's. Almost ANYONE can wear it - and it's great for work, play or throwing into your suitcase for a weekend away (it won't wrinkle!) Plus, while you are looking good, you can feel good too. Wear it with jeans, leggings, tights or in the summer, on its own. All of those things you heard about eco-clothes costing so much more?? This dress is just $78. A small price to pay for something you will wear time and again.

I also love the palazzo-style knit pants which feel like yoga wear, without looking like it. My mind is racing with all the places I can wear them too.

Check out their eco-chic line at http://www.jonano.com/

I am obsessed with...

The CASADEI pumps worn by Demi Moore at the Golden Globes and Eva Mendes for a recent event. Finally, celebs are putting aside the usual red carpet Louboutins and upping the glamour factor for a "fresh" foot forward...(even though the shoe brand has been around for half-a -century) and these were worth it...

We could all use some sexy secrets now and then..

Yes, I'm in this month's Cosmo Magazine, spilling a few secrets. So here's another one I can let you in on....the editors of Cosmo have released a cool new book with even more sexy secrets than their magazine offers: COSMO’S SEXIEST BEAUTY SECRETS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOOKING GORGEOUS (Hearst Books; November 4, 2008).

Just a few cool tips from the book:

- Shrink a zit instantly by dabbing it with toner then placing an ice-cube (wrapped in tissue) on the bump for one minute. Last, use a spot-treatment product before dotting on concealer.

- Get the shiniest hair imaginable by using an at-home clear gloss treatment, which will infuse your strands with potent polishers like silicone, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.

- Make your eyes look larger by rimming the inside of your lids with white liner. Then define your upper and lower lashes with a charcoal liner and finish with three coats of black mascara.

- Fake the look of fuller lips by blending a thin line of liquid highlighter along your cupid’s bow so light will bounce off it and play up this curvy area.

Now go out and get it for a sexy new you this New Year...

COSMO’S SEXIEST BEAUTY SECRETS
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOOKING GORGEOUS
The Editors of COSMOPOLITAN
Published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-58816-725-5
Pages: 192 Price: $19.95
November 4, 2008

Everything you need for your skin in one little stick...

The same woman who brought us Freeze 24/7 has done it again! This time, it's a micro-dermabrasion treatment - in a stick! If you don't have time for in-office treatments but want the same results, you gotta get Reversital.

And now here's your chance: On January 12-19, socialite Nikki Haskell invites beauty connoisseurs and women of the world to visit the REVERSITAL Anti-Aging Team for an exclusive trunk show at Henri Bendels. Free gift with purchase of REVERSITAL MICRODERMASTICK while supplies last.

So get to Bendel's before it's all gone!

Musings

At the dawning of the New Year, I'm amazed at just how far I've come. Yes, 2008 was indeed a big year for me, with many, many exciting changes. However, some of the "smaller" ones amaze me the most. For example, I'm opting for a nightly mug of hot cocoa in lieu of that glass (or 2, or 3) of wine per night. And I'm even foraying into cooking and shockingly, somewhat enjoying it (even if it does ruin my manicure.) I've fired my cleaning lady and begun doing it myself (with gloves, of course) and not minding it so much (perhaps taking pride in the new home that we have worked so hard for.) Either I'm becoming domesticated... or I'm simply, growing up. At 31 years old, I've accomplished many of the things I could have only dreamed of by this age. My first book is coming out at the end of the year and will hopefully help millions of women and girls. I have a great husband, lots of family, a nice house, and wonderful life-long friends. I have a career that consists of doing what I love, a blessing in itself. Yes, it's true, most of what I write about these days or talk about on the news, involve fashion and beauty. But as I embark on 2009, here's to what's behind it. For those of you who think the life of a fashion and beauty editor is a shallow one, know that this fashion and beauty editor is quite fulfilled. The lip gloss pot is more than half-full and I'm darn grateful for it.