Fuchsia: Nail Color Trend

Last fall we couldn't get enough of purple, especially on our nails. We were hooked on "Don't Go There" which is one of the Sephora by OPI colors. It's no wonder then, that this spring our interest has turned to fuchsia. It's brighter but in the same family as purple, but not a red or pink. Our favorite shade and one that we've used on the past couple of manis is "Flashbulb Fuchsia" in The Brights Collection by OPI. We're planning on sporting it on our beach trip this weekend at least on our fingers, our toes are getting gold polish.

Lost Luggage

Ever since our friend Paul over at Daily Makeover told us about Is This Your Luggage, we've become obsessed with the site. Photographer Luna Laboo buys luggage that is lost and never claimed. She then photographs the luggage with all its contents in tact in the hopes of finding the rightful owner.

While she has yet to reunite a bag with its owner, it is ridiculously fun to look at the contents of the lost luggage and wonder about the person who packed a particular bag. For instance, why did this guy need eight pairs of blue jeans? And what is that red outfit? It reminds us of the uniform Zach Braff had to wear in Garden State at the pseudo Indian restaurant he worked at in L.A.

Ever lost a bag? Check out Is This Your Luggage and maybe you'll see it again--along with the rest of the world!

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection

TheIlluminating Bronze Collection by Bobbi Brown will jumpstart your summer glow. Available now on line or in stores on June 1st. Try the All Over Gel with SPF 15 if you're still too pale to feel comfortable in your kini.

We're always suckers for Bobbi's Shimmer Bricks and this one is designed for the body.

Use it with the All Over Body Brush to make your shoulders and decollete look like you've just returned from vacay.

Grand Cayman - On Our Radar- Grand Cayman

By the time you read this, we'll be on our way to Grand Cayman. Planning this girls' trip was more challenging than most--after Hope finally convinced Annie that Mexico was a better idea than L.A. for the trip, up came the swine flu. We debated for a few weeks in early May about if we should reschedule our trip to Cancun. The decision not to go was ultimately made for us when Hope's flight was canceled.

After a bit of back and forth (Miami! Turks and Caicos! L.A.!) and research into destinations we could fly to easily and relatively inexpensively when booking tickets two weeks out, we decided on Grand Cayman. It's reasonably easy to get to--our flight left at 8:30 this morning from NYC and after a stop in Charlotte, we land at 1 CST in Grand Cayman--with any luck we'll be checked in and in our bikinis in time to catch the late afternoon rays. Had we booked our tickets further in advance, we would have been able to score seats on Cayman Airways, which has non-stops from NYC.

Our next consideration was where to stay. Since we were booked at the Ritz Carlton in Cancun, our first choice was obviously the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. We know the service will be impeccable, its restaurant is by Eric Ripert and the spa is La Prairie.

Beyond that, about all we have planned is working on our killer tans and drinking banana daiquiris. We won't be posting on our trip while on the road, but check back later next week for photos and a full report!

The Model as Muse Exhibit at The Met

The highlight of our Memorial Day Staycation was meeting our friends Amber, Dina and Felicia at The Met for The Model as Muse Exhibit. We drooled over the Balenciaga gowns, laughed at the 60's dress with cut out for your boobies and were nostalgic for our favorite semi-retired models, including Shalom Harlow and Alek Welk. If you can make it to the Met before August 9, we say do it! The café is worth a visit too--just get the lemon blueberry tart, not the profiteroles!

If you can't make it, the video is just like the real thing, minus the crowd!

Girls' Night Out Sagamore Hotel

Don’t let the recession fool you into thinking you can’t still get away with your girls without breaking the bank. The Sagamore Hotel in Miami is offering a very affordable vacation package called the Girls’ Night Out. For a minimum of two nights, you and three other girls will enjoy a Sagamore Suite, continental breakfast, morning-after Mimosas or Bloody Marys poolside, a manicure at the Rikrak Beauty Bungalow, and VIP entrance and a complimentary cocktail at Aero Bar. All of this for the low rate of $69 per person per night during the week and $99 per person per night during the weekend.

The promotion is from June 1, 2009 through October 15, 2009, but you must book by June 30th! This is a great idea for anyone planning a birthday or bachelorette party on a limited group budget. Plus, if you go in September or October, you can maintain your summer glow!

Celebrate World Oceans Day 2009 with La Mer and Oceana

La Mer and Oceana have teamed up to celebrate World Oceans Day 2009 on June 8th to recognize the importance of the ocean in the viability of our ecosystem. Oceana exists to support environmental and research efforts regarding the sea. La Mer is offering a special edition World Oceans Day Creme available at Saks Fifth Avenue and on the La Mer site through June of which 100% of the net proceeds go to Oceana.

Beyonce at the Airport

The hardest outfit to plan for a trip isn't what to wear at the beach or even for a night out--it's what to wear on the plane. You want to look stylish, but comfort is the name of the game. We're thinking about wearing something similar to Beyoncé's outfit above, on our flight to Grand Cayman on Friday. We love how she tops off her cool, casual white outfit with an oversized cardi and wedges.

For more Stars' Airport Styles, check out People.com

Stila Indian Summer

We just received word that Stila released their “Indian Summer” line and trust us, it looks beautiful! Check it out on their website. It consists of a smudge pot, lip gloss, color palette for the eyes, powder bronzer, tinted moisturizer, mascara, lip glosses and blush. The collection has a golden base to it, so it will bring out your natural summertime complexion. It looks exotic and sexy yet minimal. They boast that this collection will make you look youthful and add a glisten to your skin. Oh, and did we mention that it is infused with 24k gold…You will look like a million bucks, literally!

It seems like this collection is flying off the shelf, so we recommend grabbing it before everyone else does. We can’t wait to try it out for both the day and the night.

Healthy Snacks for the Plane

While we appreciate an excuse to eat M&M's and Aunt Anne's pretzels, we're always on the lookout for healthy snacks for the plane. Spa Week filled us in on these grown up lunchables. They do need to be refrigerated, but if you dive in right after takeoff, you're most likely on the safe side. We could go for a Manhattan one right now!

Free Blowouts

Burnt, dyed, teased, chopped, shredded, and dried out – you name it, we’ve done it. No, we’re not reliving last night’s dinner, that’s our hair we’re talking about. We are always searching for a product to rejuvenate our lovely locks, to give it that extra something it had before we started tampering with our natural texture and color. During the summer our hair becomes even drier from the sun, chlorine, and saltwater, which is why we couldn’t ask for a better time for Aveeno to launch their Nourish Collection.

If any of our readers live in Boston, Minneapolis or Seattle, Aveeno is offering free wash and blow-outs, tips, and product samples to over 100 women in each city (first come, first serve) next Wednesday, May 27th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (5:00 pm in Boston). Boston is at the James Joseph Salon, Minneapolis is at Level and Seattle is at Haven.

If you don’t reside in those cities, don’t fret because you can log on onto http://www.blogger.com/www.hairwithlife.com and register for a free sample of the AVEENO® NOURISH+ products.

Want beach-y waves? Read our tips!

Asheville Girls' Getaway

A few weeks ago, we filled you in on our upcoming girls' getaway to Asheville with our mom for Mother's Day. Asheville was everything we were hoping it would be and more. It was artsy, which we expected, with sophisticated galleries on just about every block. What surprised us was the live music scene--we had just missed Blue October--and the cultural--the local playhouse was putting on "Baby with the Bathwater", written by one of our all time fave playwrights, the eternally hysterical Christoper Durang. The downtown area is walkable and filled with art deco buildings. We stayed at the newly opened Grand Bohemian Asheville, which provided a comfortable base from which to explore the town and the nearby Biltmore house and grounds. As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words, so check out our slideshow for all the fun we had:

Tuesday Deals from Hotels.com

Every Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. hotels.com releases 100 great deals that are available for 24 hours only. Savings are 40% off hotels.com's regular rates. Example: Recently, Dallas' luxury Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa (pictured above) discounted rate was $108, regular hotels.com rate was $169. Thanks to Travel & Leisure for bringing this to our attention.

Ginnifer Goodwin's 30th Birthday Girls' Trip

In the June issue of W, Ginnifer Goodwin shares how she punked her friends on her 30th birthday last year. She had them all thinking she had sold out, a la Vincent Chase on Entourage, and was having a Vegas blowout sponsored by a celebrity weekly and a liquor company and everything. In reality, she kidnapped her five girlfriends and took them to a bed a breakfast where "we did mud baths, learned how to make perfume and lazed by the pool and drank way too much wine." Way to go Ginnifer!

Clinique Trina Turk Bonus at Nordstrom

While you're out shopping the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale this weekend, be sure to stop by the Clinique counter to pick up the adorable Trina Turk designed bonus filled with summer essentials.

Trina says: "I've created a vibrant, floral cosmetic bag and paired it with must-have skin care and makeup essentials from Clinique in one great gift. The shades go great with just about any daytime outfit and together it makes the perfect summer-time accessory."

Included in the Clinique bonus--a $65 value that is yours with any purchase of $25 or more:

• Trina Turk designed cosmetic bag
• Lash Doubling Mascara in black
• Different lipstick in Tenerheart
• Blushwear cream stick in Rosy blush
• Superfit Makeup (your choice of 3 shades)
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
• Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Starburst
• Take the Day Off Makeup Remover

Not sure what to get? Our pick would be our new favorite sunscreen. Available until June 6 or when supplies run out.

Louis Vuitton Fall '09 Preview and Louis Vuitton in Hong Kong

We love that Louis Vuitton is more than just about the clothes--Louis Vuitton is a lifestyle and an aesthetic. Those who are traveling to Hong Kong this summer should definitely stop by the Hong Kong Museum of Art to check out the exhibit "Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation." While the exhibit runs until August 9, you don't even have to step inside to get a feel for it. The museum is wrapped in prints from artist Richard Prince's "After Dark" series, shown above and below.

But, of course, we love the clothes, too. JSG was honored to be invited to preview a small selection of the Louis Vuitton fall '09 line, along with a select group of bloggers as part of Louis Vuitton's outreach to social media. Some of our favorite pieces are below:

Glowelle Review - Not Worth the Money - Glowelle Review

We've now tried Glowelle on two separate occasions and our reaction was the same each time: We saw zero results. Save your funds fellow JSGers!

Glowelle claims to be a "Beauty drink dietary supplement that helps fight the signs of aging from within." It contains high levels of vitamins A, C and E along with goji berry and green and white tea extract. You mix it in 16 oz. of water and drink up. Besides not seeing any results, the stuff tastes pretty terrible. While we're fans of pomegranates and lychees in real life, the pomegranate-lychee mix was near undrinkable. We had to keep adding water and still basically shot it like it was tequila. We had the best results when we put it in a water bottle and shook it for a minute. Even still, the powder still go clumpy, so we wasted some of it.

The packaging is silly. With the week's supply, you get 7 individually wrapped packages of the powder, along with a "limited edition beauty clutch". The clutch is a small zip up pouch that you're supposed to carry your Glowelle around in. It has since become our tampon case. A smarter inclusion would be a shaker so you can mix the stuff without having to buy a bottle of Poland Spring.

So, save your $40! The only supplement we've ever taken that gave our skin a noticeable difference is Omega-3 pills. They seriously do make our hair grow faster and our nails grow stronger. You can find them at your local health food store for a fraction of the cost of Glowelle. Plus they help your heart, too!

Old Navy $1 Flip Flops Saturday Only

At Old Navy this Saturday, May 23rd only, stock up on your favorite colors of adults' and children's solid color flip flops for $1/pair. Sorry, there's a limit of 6 pairs per person. Happy shopping and flopping!

Air New Zealand: On Our Radar Air New Zealand's Matchmaking Flight

For those of us who are single, it is sometimes difficult to go on vacation or wander the streets of a foreign city watching couples walking affectionately hand in hand. However, our single prayers have been answered! Air New Zealand has created a flight called the Matchmaking Flight – exactly what it sounds like!

It’s an easy concept; you sign up and pick who you want; an American, a kiwi, or a Canadian. You are paired with a partner either on the flight over to New Zealand or when you land. You can create a profile of yourself on the Matchmaking Flight website to connect with the travelers six months before your trip. There is a pre-flight gate party, in-flight games and entertainment, and not to mention that you might be sitting next to your soul mate. Who wouldn’t mind rubbing elbows with a Rusell Crowe look-a-like for a long flight?



Flights leave from Los Angeles on October 13, 2009 and cost $780. All you have to do is de-plane, freshen up, and explore New Zealand with a new date! Get ready to share your peanuts…

Summer Totebags on Sale

We just got back from Nordstroms' half yearly sale where we were doing "research" for JSG. What tempted us the most were the piles of totebags from Tory Burch, Kate Spade and more that had been marked down just in time for Memorial Day and our first beach trip of the year.

Because we've never passed up sequins for a girls' trip, we picked this Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Shopper that's on sale for $148.90 from $298 at Nordstroms. The Kate Spade Tortola Kei handheld shopper that we featured in "How to Pack for Your Honeymoon" is on sale for $223.30 from $425 on the Kate Spade website (be advised the extra 30% off is applied at checkout plus free shipping).
This blue and yellow print would suit any trip from the ocean to the lake: Printed Tory Tote from the Tory Burch site is on sale for $150 originally $250.


Our favorite is the Della Fonte Beach Tote from Milly at Shopbop for $191 from $382.

How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

Headed out of town for a weekend getaway? Here's how to pack your carry on bag:

On Our Radar: Beach Paradises

Our post today comes from guest blogger Jamie Stone from Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis. Jamie volunteered to go to the Destination Wedding and Honeymoons event for us when we were out of town. Here are the destinations that impress her the most--they sure have us dying to grab our passport and head to the nearest airport!


Fiji- A country composed of over 300 islands in the South Pacific that also boasts “the friendliest people in the world.” There’s something so alluring to us about the secluded beaches, clear, crystal blue water and the fact that Jacques Cousteau named Fiji “soft coral capital of the world.” Fiji is a fabulous island destination whether you and your girlfriends want some adventure or want to relax on the beach. I’m not gonna lie to you, I’ve wanted to check out Fiji since I found out that Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey went there on their honeymoon…yes, I said it. In my opinion, we can all use a little more “bula” in our lives…


Turks & Caicos – Known as the “light of the Caribbean,” this set of islands is only one hour from Miami, making it the perfect destination for a long girlfriend’s weekend. Each island has something different to offer…Parrot Cay being the most exclusive and luxurious. West Caicos, known for its fabulous diving and East Caicos, for glorious stretch of private beach. And then there’s Providenciales or “Provo,” which is the most popular island and home to many ultra luxury resorts and spas lining the 12 mile Grace Bay Beach – frequently voted one of the world’s best beaches by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. JSG's pick for best hotel for a girls' getaway is the Gansevoort in Turks & Caicos (shown above).



Riviera Maya –The award winning Asian hospitality brand Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has made its way to Mexico with the Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort. Located on Mexico’s pristine Riviera Maya amidst the exclusive and ecologically-sensitive Mayakoba development, this exclusive all-pool villa resort is the perfect blend of nature and luxury. With 16 spa pavilions and an extensive range of Asian-inspired massages, beauty and body treatments, the spa presents a truly holistic and rejuvenating wellness experience. On top of that, every guest has their own private swimming pool set in a secluded landscaped garden. Perfect for a girlfriend-bonding weekend…all only 30 minutes from the Cancun airport. (Note: the CDC lifted its travel advisory to Mexico on May 15.)

Red Door Spa and Body Scrubs

Last week we had the Signature Stress Melter Ritual at the Red Door Spa at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in D.C. It was the total body rejuvenator as it began with a full body scrub, then a long, steamy shower, followed by a body wrap, and ended with a 50 minute massage. Afterwards, we were ready to conquer a tough work week and our skin was smooth and ready to apply the much needed self-tanner. This newly opened salon which is open 7 days a week is in a central and historic location if you're working or visiting D.C. and it was staffed with a handful of helpful, friendly and talented aesthesticians. There's a hair salon, larger rooms for group events (like bridal parties or girls getaways), a nail salon and a beautiful deck for eating spa food or sunning yourself. We'll be returning soon, next time with some friends.

Since Memorial Day is this weekend, it's time for most of us to get some color on our legs. Before you apply your self-tanner, it's important to slough off the dead skin first.
If you'd like to do your own scrub at home, here are a few of our favorites.


LaLicious Passion Fruit Lime Sugar Souffle Scrub is a combination of sugar, salt, and coconut oil that leaves your skin smooth and soft. There are several other tempting scents to choose from including Lily Mango, Island Guava and Tahitian Flower. Passion Fruit Lime is featured at the Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa.

The Body Refiner by La Mer is a luxurious blend of La Mer's sea ingredients and diamond dust. It leaves the skin super polished and glowing. The characteristic La Mer scent reminds of us the toiletries at the SoBe Ritz Carlton which isn't a bad memory to have!

Origins Incredible Spreadable Ginger Scrub uses salt and sugar to scrub and polish your skin and olive oil to moisturize. The natural ginger scent combined with a steamy shower, makes for amazing aromatherapy. This has been a favorite of ours and our friends for years. Follow it with the Ginger Body Souffle for wonderfully soft skin.

BMW Cruise Bike at the Fairmont Hotels in Canada

Sightsee, burn calories, help save the environment and look cool doing it? The Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Canada now extends this complimentary – yes, complimentary service to its guests that make this possible. Travelers to the Fairmont Chatueau Whistler can explore on mountainside bike paths while guests to the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth can tool around Montreal from the seats of these sleek bikes that are unlike anything they’ve hopped on before. We’re not talking about your old banana seat bike you rode around the neighborhood. Think more along the lines of a comfortable, smooth ride in a BMW, only you’re on two wheels, not four. Don’t be nervous if it’s been a while since you last rode a bike. These are easy to use because the tires are wider than normal which helps you balance.

The Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will provide you with everything from helmets and locks to shorts, t-shirts and sneakers to mp3 players. We think that’s pretty thoughtful and can’t wait til this program spreads to the hotel’s properties in the U.S. and the Caribbean!

Fairmont Hotels arond the world are offering up to 20 percent off with their "Everyone's an Original" Summer Rate Program.

Ava Hoffman

Introducing Our New Assistant Editor: Ava Hoffman!

JSG is SO excited to announce that we have a new assistant editor, Ava Hoffman. Ava loves to travel with her girlfriends as much as we do: she's currently planning her sister's bachelorette party to Fire Island. She loves music, playing sports, reading, and finding new and fun things to do and see. She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy and traveled all throughout Europe as well as Mexico, the Caribbean and the good ol' U-S-of-A. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) last year and now lives in NYC.

Ava will be writing posts, contributing a 20-something viewpoint and attending NY-based events for us.

Welcome, Ava!

Summer Beach Reads '09

It's that time of year again, when we're looking for a book that will absorb our attention without making our brain stretch too hard. We have a round up from our friends on Twitter and a few selects of our own.

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloan Crosley comes to us from The Daily Lather. It's a collection of essays from a New Yorker in her mid-20s that cover the range from being a bridesmaid to vegetarianism to what her apartment looks to others like should she die unexpectedly. (To our surprise, we found out this weekend that a few of our friends do actually worry about this!)



The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund Jill Kargman from Elite Travel Gal. There's no better tome for these recessionista days!


The School of Essential Ingredients Erika Bauermeister is Ildiko J's reco. Ildiko's one of our favorite makeup artists whom we know has impeciable taste. We do/buy/try everything she tells us to. We're doubly excited about it as Amazon likens it to Chocolat and Like Water for Chocolate.




Our friend Julia suggests Queen Takes King by Gigi Levangie Grazer, author of The Starter Wife. Julia's on a level with Kate Moss in terms of cool, so we know this is what all the hip girls will be reading on the beach this summer.



This is one of our picks: Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending,Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster. If Jen's Bitter is the New Black got us through the early days of being laid off, we have no doubt her latest can get us through a few days at the beach. You can follow Jen Lancaster on Twitter, too. Maybe after this plug she'll start following us!



And another one: Love Will Tear Us Apart: A Novel Sarah Raimone. Becuase how can you not like a novel named after a Joy Division song that reviewers call "sexy, funny and brilliant"?


Our new assistant editor, Ava Hoffman, calls Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, one of the best books she's ever read. "It's a longer read but everyone I recommended it to loved it."
Our friend Paula recommends Whacked by Jules Asner (model, E! t.v. personality and wife of director Steven Soderbergh) authored her first book which is part intrigue part chick lit.
And if you prefer something on the heavier side even though it's summer, try The Third Angel: A Novel by Alice Hoffman.

Discount Pedicures

How is it possible that Memorial Day is this upcoming weekend? So not ready for it-bikiniwise. But at least our feet have a fighting chance, thanks to the pedicure deals that SpaWeek.com has going on. We may even splurge on the Tribeca Spa of Tranquility's deal before our trip to Grand Cayman next week. For $99, you get a Full Body Tan, Pedicure/Reflexology and Manicure!

Star Trek: The Next Great Date Movie

We saw Star Trek this weekend and no amount of build-up spoiled our fun. From the action-packed and touching start to the end, the movie is filled with inter-galactic battles, Vulcan philosophy, even several hand to hand combat scenes and laser gun fights that will remind you of the t.v. show. Whether you're a trekkie or not, the movie was designed to satisfy.


True to the reports about a super attractive cast, the movie stars Chris Pine as James T. Kirk with blue eyes almost as dreamy as Paul Newman's; and Zachary Quinto as Spock, who's sexier here than as Sylar on Heroes. The casting was spot on, Pine plays Kirk as a reckless but brilliant lady-killer and Quinto's half-human/half-Vulcan Spock is almost totally in control. Zoe Saldana plays the beautiful and short-skirted Uhura who's tangled in an intriguing romance throughout the show. (Pictured above Director J.J. Abrams, Eric Bana who plays Nero, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine.)

Did we rush to call Wolverine "the best date movie ever?" You can judge for yourself after you've seen Star Trek. You can't lose if you pick between these two movies.

photos courtesy of People.com

Summer Lipsticks

Move over gloss--we have a new favorite this summer: Lip stains. They're not sticky or heavy and our hair won't get glued to our lips on a windy day at the beach. One of our faves is the CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain. It basically looks like a magic marker. You simply "draw" the color on your lips and it stays in place for hours. It also has a delicious scent--we're going to guess it's raspberry. If your lips get a little dry, dab on a touch of Aquaphor on top.


A close second is the Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip and Cheek Stain. It's the plummier more mysterious sister to the Cherry Crush.




Think you can't live without the boost a gloss gives smaller lips? Try the Tarte Rise & Shine Plumping Lip Stain that has a superfruit complex to make lips their fullest. The gel-based tint lasts all day and is paraben, sulfate and phthalates-free.

Of course if you can't give up gloss, we don't blame you. Check here for our favorite lip glosses from last summer--all are still available in stores!

Win a Trip to Barbados

We keep hearing about Barbados these days--Jet Blue is starting service there in the fall, our friend Carolyn just got back, and now Lands' End is introducing its "swimwear island" with a chance to win a trip to Barbados. The interactive island offers a "getaway from swimwear shopping as you know it" and we gotta admit--it sure beats a too bright dressing room! The cute pop ups guide you towards suits that slim, performance suits, separates and the resort collection. Our favorite is this sexy one-shoulder number.



To sweeten up the deal, Lands' End is offering free shipping between now and May 25 with the following:

Promo Code = ISLAND

PIN = 5262

Louis Vuitton Totally Monogram Tote

If bags are more your thing than mascara or, if, like us, you're an addict of both, you won't want to miss the Louis Vuitton online pre-sale of the Totally Monogram Tote. It's the first time the iconic brand has ever launched a product online and we salute the company's efforts for being ahead of other luxury brands when it comes to the web. The bag is available through June 1.

They've also joined Twitter and already have close to 300 followers in their first four hours. At that rate, they'll give Oprah--who just topped 1 mil--a run for her money. Find them at http://twitter.com/louisvuitton_US.

Maybelline's Vibrating Mascara--Get it First!

Maybelline is introducing the first mass market vibrating mascara, Pulse Perfection, $14.95, in July. But those in the know will buy it this Monday, May 18, online at Maybelline.com/pulse.

The wand vibrates so each lash gets coated with mascara with zero clumps. To apply, makeup artist Keri Malouf, who works frequently with Jennifer Goodwin and Alicia Silverstone, suggests holding the wand at your lash line, then clicking the on button, so none of the product is wasted. When we tested it out, we had a hard time doing that--the anticipation of the buzz was a little too much for us, kinda like waiting for a champagne cork to pop. That said, the other bloggers in our session did it without hestiation.

Kerry also recommends that you pay extra attention to the little lashes on the corner of your lid for a full fringed look.

For those who are concerned that the vibration might harm your lashes, rest assured. The woman who tested it said it actually improves the strength of their lashes.

On Our Radar: the Sea Spa at the Chelsea Atlantic City Opens

We're on an eternal quest to find fun and affordable girls' getaways and Atlantic City is a good example because it's a quick ride from anywhere on the east coast. The new-in-'08 Chelsea Atlantic City provides high style accommodations in a town otherwise known for its older, tamer crowd. Now the Chelsea has opened the 10,000 sq. ft. luxury Sea Spa with treatments inspired by the sea like the Sea Side massage and the Mediterranean Veggie wrap. There are 10 treatment rooms (including two Vichy wet rooms which we love!), a solarium with sauna and spa, and a heated saltwater pool.

While the Chelsea has nightlife of its own on the Fifth Floor where you can lounge by the pool Vegas-style at the Cabana Club or dance at C5, you'll probably venture out at some point. When you do, head to DJ AM's new dance club Dusk at Caesar's or catch one of the live shows at the Borgata.

Find out why the Chelsea Hotel's been On Our Radar since last fall.

Bumble Does Hair

Who else would style the hair for Hair the musical besides our go to salon, Bumble & Bumble? Costume designer Michael McDonald worked closely with the stylists to create a “natural look that never seems to go out of style,” for the “hippies of the new millennium”. The stylists gave the actors and actresses cut and color then trained them to style their own hair with Bumble products, including Surf Spray and Grooming Creme for texture or Curl Reactivating Mist to boost waves.

Hair was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Costume Design. If only there were an award for best hair!

W Hotel Ft. Lauderdale

We've know Becky Rogers since high school. She's smart, gorgeous, funny, and travels a lot. When she said she was going to the new W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale with her hubby, we asked her to guest blog about her trip. Thanks, Becky, you're definitely a JSG!

I saw that a new W Hotel was scheduled to open up in Fort Lauderdale. This is the first W Hotel in Florida; one is also slated to open at the end of June in Miami. Since I love the W in NYC at Lexington, and recently visited the Whiskey Blue at the W Chicago Lakeshore, we thought we’d give it a shot; knowing full well they would be working out the various kinks that come with opening a new hotel. After all, with the pool, sun, beach, and fabulous Bliss Spa… how bad could it really be!? It was a decision we did not regret! The hotel itself is stunning, with the centerpiece being the “living room” area on the main level which includes a bar, and comfy indoor and outdoor banquette seating, all situated right underneath the pool. Plexiglas slats in the ceiling allow you to peek into the pool, and then steps actually take you up through the pool, and spill you out onto the pool deck. You really must see it to appreciate how gorgeous this is!


One good thing about a brand-new hotel is that every employee there is so excited about it finally opening; they fall head over heels to make sure you are happy - a definite plus! Now, if you are going to get upset because a freshly muddled mojito takes 15 minutes, rather than 5, to be delivered to you by a cute, smiling server (thanks Amanda and Christina!), while you bask in the sun on this gorgeous pool deck, well, then you’ll be disappointed, and quite frankly, you probably have some anger issues that you should tackle.

Rooms are large, and have whimsical W toys, like a kaleidoscope, rechargeable glow stick lights, stuffed animal “gator” on the bed, and ipod docking station. Bathrooms are fully stocked with yummy Bliss products, plush towels and spa robes. They also feature modern Kohler sink and bath fixtures, as well as a teak footstool and shelving. If you are modest, you won’t be for long as the shower is separated from the bedroom by a wall of glass!


We had the 75-minute Blissage booked. Although we were the only people at the spa, I did think the locker/lounge area was a little small. And I was also surprised that there was no Jacuzzi tub, only one toilet, and one shower (thought it was equipped with dual showerheads and a steam program). Since it was just me, it was perfect, but I think it might get a little crowded once popularity rises. Music was more “coffeehouse lounge” rather than “om-inducing zen” but I enjoyed it. My massage was amazing (thank you Diane!) and started with a warm wax foot treatment which I wasn’t expecting and was a nice bonus. I had a standard Swedish massage and Diane was very attentive to my requests. I wanted to mention a couple of simple touches which had a big impact. After the first 30 minutes or so of lying on my stomach, face in the cradle, my eyes are usually so puffy from the blood flowing to my head. Once I turned on my back, she immediately put a pillow under my neck to elevate my head and then laid a cold washcloth filled with sliced cucumbers over my eyes to reduce the puffiness. Genius! Now I didn’t have to worry about looking like I had been crying when I went out later that night! I recommend this simple tip to every masseuse…

During our stay we also enjoyed a fabulous dinner at their signature restaurant, 954 Steak (by Steven Starr of Buddakan and Morimoto fame). I recommend the hamachi sashimi to start and the Australian kobe beef filet. It’s like butta…

We were even lucky enough to get into Whiskey Blue before the line behind the velvet rope got outta control, and enjoyed a couple of drinks outside. What a gorgeous bar!

The W Fort Lauderdale was simply incredible, and we did not want to leave. Would you?

Clinique Sun Protection

We know you use sunscreen all year round (right?) and this time of year it's particularly important to be vigilant. We trust that Clinique skin care is good quality and that includes their sunscreen. We're especially attracted to the products that are packaged in bright yellow. Not only do they look like summer-time; but let's hope they're so bright sitting on our counter-top or sticking out the top of our beachbag that they remind us to apply our sunscreen in the morning.

Three new products that standout are: the SPF 50 Face Cream, no where is it more important than on your face to avoid sun; the SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick, this is great for your nose, ears, and lips; and the SPF 25 Body Spray, use this on your legs and back or if you're in a hurry.

Clinique's special purchase is currently the Pink or Bronze summer favorites (pictured below) which is $32.50 (a $92 value) with any Clinique purchase.

Or check out the cute Trina Turk designed makeup bag and samples as a Clinique free gift at Norstroms reviewed on Beauty Blogging Junkie.

A Peek Inside Carolyn From Daily Obsession's Carry On

Even we have a hard time keeping up with our friend Carolyn from The Daily Obsession. She's in Barbados one week, China the next and most recently was in one of our favorite go to places, Scottsdale, Arizona. With all that traveling, we had to know what Carolyn has in her bag that keeps her looking so good, no matter what the timezone.

I love this Kipling Bag as a carry on because it's big enough to house my laptop, magazines, makeup bag and anything else I could possibly need for the plane. When it's not full, it also slouches in just the right way. Plus, the leather is of the kind that the more you beat it up, the better it looks.



I have different foundations for different purposes, but as far as travel goes- nothing beats Bobbi Brown Foundation compact. Great coverage, natural finish and I don't have to put it in a ziplock bag!




Lipstick Queen is not your normal makeup brand- they make some of the best and most surprising makeup for your lips. The new glossy pencil also passes my no-ziplock-bag-needed test and looks amazingly flattering (berry, bitten color) on your lips albeit it's scary in pencil form. This is nothing like any other pencil/lipstick/gloss you will use- it brings the very best properties of all 3 products and combines into 1. I wear it in Mystery.





I actually bring iHome mini speakers with me if I'm heading off somewhere for longer than a few days. These are the best ones I've found for the size. They produce amazing sound quality and lets me listen to my own music in my hotel room.


This Shopbop Bop Basic Draped Cardigan is my choice for covering up on planes. I actually don't like cashmere wraps because I can't move my arms in all the angles I need to. I can throw on a draped cardigan over anything and the sleeves actually allows me to use my arms to get things done.

I always need sunglasses for when I get off the plane because 100% odds are I look like crap. When I travel, I actually prefer to bring a cheaper pair of glasses in case I lose them, sit on them, crush them under my laptop etc. My choice for the moment are these red framed plastic ones I picked up from Topshop for $30. That's Carolyn, below, sporting her shades.



Women's Health is my magazine of choice for plane reading. I spend longer time with this publication than most other women's interest magazines because they have such intelligent articles and tips that I actually spend time reading. On my way to Barbados, I learned how to survive a shark attack. (JSG note: We're hoping you didn't need that lesson!)


Check out what's in Carolyn's co-editor's bag from The Daily Obsession. She just as stylish!

Shang Cocktails

Now that we've been to Shang at the Thompson LES, we can't get enough of their dreamy cocktails. The Shang Caipirinha (above), made with Agua Luca Cachaça and fresh lime, lychee and tarragon, was the perfect fusion between sexy Brazil and spicy Asia. Too bad it was too cold the night we were there to enjoy it at the Above Allen bar. Word of warning: This drink is stronger than it tastes. Proceed with caution!

Ali Larter at In Style Hair Launch Party

We've flipped through our copy of InStyle Hair the Special Issue three times already. We're overdue for a cut and color and this issue is a great combination of helpful summer hair tips and celebrity hair shots which we can bring with us to the salon. There's even a section on how to talk to your stylist.

Ali Larter, who stars as a modern day Glenn Close opposite Beyoncé Knowles in Obsessed, attended the launch party for the Hair issue last week. She's shown here wearing a gorgeous fuchsia Marchesa party dress and flanked by the designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman. We were smitten by Marchesa's collection at Fashion Week this winter and it isn't surprising to see how well their dresses translate to the party circuit. A handful of the dresses from the fall '09 collection were on show at the party.

Harry Josh of John Frieda International styled her hair that evening. Josh comments on his handiwork:

“The look I created for Ali emphasizes how naturally healthy and vibrant her hair is. I started by spritzing hair with Root Awakening Detangling Spray, then blow dried in sections using a natural bristle brush to maintain her hair’s own health and shine. I finished the look with a styling crème to add polish to her naturally sleek, full hair.”

We don't think summer is the best time of year to cut bangs because humidity is no friend to short layers; but Ali Larter's laid-back style makes it a tempting proposition.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the endless celeb hair shots on Daily Makeover, our new partner!

Photo courtesy of InStyle.

How to Pack for Your Honeymoon

While we don't usually cover what to wear on a trip with your guy, we did get a special request for advice on what to pack on a beach honeymoon. How could we say no?

In general, on your honeymoon, you want to keep everything pretty, flirty and romantic. After all, you did just get married a day or two ago--give your husband a few extra reasons to be overjoyed that he married you. While you don't need a whole wedding trousseau, your honeymoon is still a good excuse to splurge on a few new outfits.

For day, we love this casual, gauzy cotton tunic from What Comes Around Goes Around. You can wear it when you're exploring the town with some smokin' gladiator sandals (ours are from Bottega Veneta) or over a bikini to the beach. The gold trim on this Kate Spade Tortola Kei bag makes it chic enough for town but since it's straw, you won't mind taking it out to your ocean side cabana. And just because you're in the tropics doesn't mean you should skip the jewelry--these wood and jade earrings from Sand Jewelry scream "Beach Goddess!" Finish the look off with a pair of tortoiseshell over-sized Dior shades to leave the locals guessing if you're famous.

Honeymoon Daytime by The Jet Set Girls featuring Bottega Veneta shoes

Dressing sexy at the beach can be a challenge. You want to flaunt some skin, but not too much and wear color without looking too sweet. This one-shoulder Tahari dress has it all going on, thanks to a print that will have you looking like you stepped out of a Gauguin painting. The zebra print Kate Spade straw clutch adds a surprising, flirty touch. As much as we love what stilettos do for our legs, they have no place at the beach. Wear those spikes and you'll sink in the sand. Wedges, like these DVF gold ones with jeweled strap, on the other hand are tailor made for the beach. The Rebecca Norman cuff has smokey quartz and green tourmaline to bring out your tan.

Honeymoon Night by The Jet Set Girls featuring kate spade handbags

Of course on a honeymoon it's just as important what you have on underneath your dress. Show off your new status with these Hanky Panky Mrs. Thongs.
Bedtime? You can't go wrong with anything from La Perla. Our pick is this Wild Forest Chemise.

Diet Cookie?

I know. I know. It sounds too good to be true. I met with Dr. Sasson Moulavi, M.D. (aka Dr. Sass), founder of Smart for Life diet cookies a few weeks back. He extolled the benefits of his company’s meal replacement cookie: They are preservative-free, made with 60 percent organic ingredients and – Dr. Sass claims – are a perfect balance of fiber, protein, and complex carbs that suppress hunger. According to the label, each 80-calorie cookie has omega-3 fatty acids, 30 calories, 2 grams of fat and 1 gram of fiber. He recommends you eat 6 cookies a day (breakfast, lunch, and snacks) and top off the day with a healthy dinner. He claims you can lose up to 15 pounds a month – far more than the 1 to 2 pounds a week the FDA and hundreds of other weight loss experts recommend for safe weight loss.

So let’s set aside for a moment that the diet plan may not be the healthiest. How do the cookies taste and do they fill you up? I sampled the chocolate chip cookie and…meh. First off, its texture is more like stale Entenmanns than a fresh Mrs. Fields. The cookie is on the dry side, so you’ll definitely want to have a glass of water nearby. It also left a slight film on the top of my mouth. On the upside, the drizzle of frosting on the top is sweet enough to satisfy the most intense craving and it was solidly edible. In terms of taste, I would put it slightly ahead a Kashi Go Lean Bar and behind a Luna Bar.

The cookie—make that 1 and a half--definitely filled me up. I dug in around 8 a.m. and was stuffed. I couldn’t even finish the second half of my, ahem, second cookie. That was until 12 o’ clock rolled around. I was ravenous for lunch and no cookie, not even two, was going to fill me up. I can’t imagine eating nothing but cookies until dinnertime for an entire week, much less a month.

Final verdict: The cookies are good if you need an easy, on-the-go snack. But as a miracle weight-loss effort, the dream of a diet cookie is too good to be true. (But we knew that already, didn’t we?)

Read about our experience with the Blueprint Juice Cleanse.

On Our Radar: Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville

Tomorrow morning we're headed to one of those cities that we've been wanting to go to for years, Asheville, North Carolina. (Like Austin, we're sure it won't disappoint.) We're meeting our mom there for a Mother's Day girls' getaway.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville first caught our eye after being named a top destination by Southern Living for several years running. The town was founded in the 1700s, then truly came to prominence after the Vanderbilts built their vacation home there, The Biltmore, in 1895 (shown above). At 250 rooms, it almost puts their other family vacation home, The Breakers, in Newport, Rhode Island, to shame. We'll be touring the grounds and house on Sunday where we'll get to see the Festival of Flowers--we're told the azaleas are in all their spectacular glory right now.

The downtown area has gorgeous art deco buildings, plenty of shopping, from chic boutiques to art galleries to craft fairs, and food that rivals New Orleans for the crown of best in the South.

We'll be staying at the newly opened Grand Bohemian Asheville (below) where mom and I will take part in the hotel's "Girlfriend Getaway" package. Included in the package is a spa treatment, a cocktail at the Red Stag Grill and tickets to the Biltmore. We'll also be eating dinner at the Red Stag on Sunday night to celebrate Mom's Day.

Photo: Mark File

Also on the itinerary is lunch at Laurey's Catering and Gourmet-to-Go. We hear that Laurey is more than an amazing chef, she just got back to town after a cross country bicycle tour to raise money for ovarian cancer. We're looking forward to meeting her! Saturday night's dinner is at The Corner Kitchen. (Yes, we love to eat!) Check back next week to see how our trip was!

Poplar Springs The INN Spa

We visited Poplar Springs The INN Spa about a week ago and spent a gorgeous, albeit hot afternoon, enjoying the spa, pooldeck, grounds and gourmet restaurant nestled on 200 acres in Virginia's countryside. This hidden gem and boutique hotel was designed by the chef and owner, Howard Foer, of the on-site Manor House Restaurant only 7 years ago. Historic buildings are scattered around the cush lodging which is home to a mere 21 rooms- intimate enough to guarantee personal service. The rooms incidentally are some of the largest we've ever seen, each with a view of rolling hills and gardens and many with private balconies.

Approaching the property down a dirt road, around ponds and over a small bridge, Poplar Springs resembles a spot you could stumble on in Sonoma. The town of Casanova is only an hour outside of Washington, D.C. in Virginia's wine country. Poplar Springs uses its location to the fullest by outfitting guests with picnic baskets, maps and limos upon request, en route to wine tastings at nearby cellars.

Summertime brings special events like the opening of the Garden Terrace, Live Music and Friday night flights, Virginia is for Lovers packages, Date Night: dinner and a movie (screened on the side of barn in the lawn), and 3rd Thursdays at the spa. Guests have all-access to fitness equipment including bikes, fly-fishing equipment, lawn games and tennis rackets. During your stay, plan on spending a good part of your evening at the Manor House for one of the most creative and impressive dinners you can find south of NYC. Enjoy their wine selections, we certainly did!

We're looking forward to our overnight stay at Poplar Springs Inn this summer; but with whom: our girlfriends, our mothers, or our SO's? What do you think?

How to Pack Liquids in Your Carry On

Not sure how to pack your various hair products, moisturizers and sun tan lotion in your carry on? Watch JSG's Annie demonstration of how she does it in our "How to Pack Liquids in Your Carry on Video."

The Most Exclusive Louboutin's Ever

If you're traveling to the 4 Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, could you pick us up a pair of these limited edition Louboutins, please? Only 50 pairs of the Rodita sandals were made! Proceeds from the $895 shoes benefit the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation in Thailand. To learn more about these Louboutins, check out HotelChatter.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Not sure what to get mom for Mother's Day this year? Here are a few ideas:

It's not too late to enter the Bath & Body Works 1001 Reasons to Tell Us About Mom sweepstakes. Now through Sunday, anyone who shares a story or a video about her mom and her favorite fragrance will be entered to win a $1,001 shopping spree at Bath & Body Works. Not sure what her favorite scent is? Start her out with the Body Lotion Sampler.
Is your mom the type to set you up? You're sure to have a laugh over Have I Got a Guy for You: What Really Happens When Mom Fixes You Up a story about horrendous fix ups by well-meaning moms to a teacher who never wants to leave his sofa and an actor who performs a monologue in Starbucks. Editor Alix Strauss will be autographing copies at the NYC Kiehl's Third Avenue location on Thursday from 5-7. Any mom and daughter pair who comes in get a free lip gloss with purchase. If your mom is the type Alix writes about in her book, we suggest you keep the gloss. You've earned it, baby!

Stop by the newly relaunched Spa Chakra Fifth Avenue in New York to meet June Jacobs, creator of June Jacobs Spa Collection, and her daughter Rochelle Jacobs Silpe on Saturday, May 9th from 12-4pm. In adittion to meeting the mother/daughter team, you and your mom can sip champagne and eat chocolate bon bons and will receive a June Jacobs Discovery Kit filled with samples of June Jacobs' yummy products. A selection of professional value-sized products, including this grapefruit shower gel, will be on sale to the public for this weekend only--a savings of up to 35%.

Also in New York--well, Brooklyn, to be exact--on Saturday, stop by the Carol's Daughter store to meet founder Lisa Price from 2 to 6. Lisa will be on hand to help select gifts for your mom. One of our favorites is the Pearls gift set. Included in the set is a eau de toilette and body cream with a lemon verbana, apricot and peach scent. The products come in a reusable jewelry box.


Lastly, this decadent duo by Sothys Paris will have your mother feeling great and her bathroom smelling like a spa. The Delicious Scrub has ginger, nutmeg and madarin essential oils and the Energizing Shower Gel has eucalyptus, cardamom, nutmeg and neroli.

New Shu Uemura Website--Get 20% Off!

Shu Uemura's newly revamped website launched today and have they got it going on! Not only can you buy the world's best eyelash curler and Rouge Unlimited lipstick on the site, get free shipping on purchases over $50, they have brand new functionality that let's you create a customizable palette right on screen, so no more guessing if that blush really does go with that shadow. 

JSG is thrilled that we can offer our readers a special 20% off code. Simply enter: NEWSITEBLOG at checkout to take advantage of this special offer. It's good today through May 7. Happy shopping!!

Gavin DeGraw at the W Hotel in Atlanta

Calling all Gavin DeGraw fans: You'll want to head to the W in Atlanta this Wednesday to hear the sexy singer perform in the W Hotel's Wonderlust Live Music Series. The intimate concert will showcase Gavin's new album, "Free" along with his classic hits, "Chariot" and "I don't Want to Be".The concert is open to anyone with a MasterCard who signs up for the W's All Access Pass. The Insider Package starts at $249 and includes two tickets to the performance, two cocktails, a 3PM late checkout and a Spectacular Room. And, of course, you'll get these yummy Bliss amenities in your room.

Wolverine: The Best Date Movie Ever

X-Men Origins: Wolverine opened this weekend and we were on the fence about seeing it; but we're certainly are glad we did! Ladies, this is your golden opportunity to throw a bone at the SO and relent to his choice of movies. Here's what's in it for him: tons of action, lots of killing, strange sci-fi stuff, war scenes, and a really loud soundtrack. So where's the payoff for you? Many scenes with half-dressed Hugh Jackman (delicious!), Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds, a sweet and believable love story, and Taylor Kitsch (we had to google "hot guy from Friday Night Lights" to get his name). The bottom line is we've sat through our fair share of Marvel comic inspired action hero movies and Wolverine is the first one that left us blushing. Nice.

Fashion For All

Our friend and fellow blogger, Felicia Sullivan, is our new hero. Not only is she a
published author with a movie based on her memoir in the works and an accomplished baker, she has somehow found the time to pull together a charity event--all on her own! As part of Fashion for All, Felicia is collecting new and gently worn clothes along with beauty products for women in need. Corporate donors include Danskin, Bobbi Brown and Barielle.

The kickoff event for donors is this Friday at the Jodi Arnold showroom on 230 W.39th St., Floor 2, from 6-9. Anyone who stops by will get to shop Jodi Arnold's clothes at wholesale prices, like the one shoulder dress (above) that we're drooling over. JSG will be there-with a bag full of goodies to donate. Come say hi!

Juara Travel Kit Glow on the Go

Juara makes rich moisturizing products that have a wonderful, slightly sweet, very natural scent to them. We've long been fans of the gentle Rice Facial Scrub and were curious when we heard about their travel kit.
Juara's Travel Kit is perfect if you're a grab and go/ pack-at-the-last-minute kind of woman. The Glow on the Go set includes travel sizes of Juara's best sellers: the rice facial cleanser, tumeric antioxidant mask, tamarind tea hydrating toner, sweet black tea and rice facial moisturizer, and candlenut hand and body balm. We've tried each of the products. The cleanser is not too foamy and not drying at all. The mask is thick and hydrating as opposed to tingly or drying like some, and the toner, which is alcohol-free, feels more like a facial serum than a crispy toner. The facial moisturizer is rich enough to use around your eyes and the hand and body balm smells so good our dog wouldn't leave us alone.
These products are super hydrating- great for the dry skin we get on an airplane or after we spend time in the sun and saltwater. The hand and body balm would be nice to keep in your purse anytime, regardless of travel. All five products come packaged in a clear case, ready for the airport check.
Available at Juara for $42.

On Our Radar: New Rooftop Bars

Last week, we told you how much we enjoy al fresco dining, especially in the springtime. Not surprisingly, we're just as likely to seek out rooftop bars. Here are two hot spots that recently opened: the EPIC Hotel in Miami and Above Allen in NYC.

The EPIC Hotel, part of the Kimpton family, opened last year in downtown Miami. We're most impressed with the looks of its rooftop bar and its sweeping views of Miami. We'll be there for a cocktail on our next trip.


Above Allen, which opened this winter, is perched on top of the swank Thompson LES (at 190 Allen St.). With to-die-for views of Midtown, groups of models and other pretty people, and a retractable roof, Above Allen is sure to be hot this summer. Don't let the members only tag intimidate you, use our rules of engagement: look your best, wear sexy shoes and flatter the doorman. Chances are good he'll let you in.