Cosabella for SATC Cutie/Bootie Thong Set

We're gearing up for the next movie installment of Sex and the City this summer.  Here's a new way: the Cosabella for SATC Cutie/Bootie thong set for spring.  If we had to pick a favorite it would be Charlotte's purple pair.  Which is your pick?  Available at the HBO store in NYC (1100 6th Avenue at 42nd Street) or www.hbo.com/store.

Livespeakr Compact Sound System at Urban Outfitters

We always travel with our portable speakers; because they sound better than most clock radio versions you find in hotel rooms.  Plus, we love to have them in the bathroom when we're getting ready for a big night out.  This pocket sized set of speakers for the iPhone, iPod, Google Nexus, and Palm Pre, were built for full sized sound.  They were designed by a couple of young Urban Outfitters customers, so where else but the UO with its electric mix of goods would be better to find them ? For more information go to  http://www.digitalgroupaudio.com/ and http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/.

Bobbi Brown Brightening Skincare

Bobbi Brown's new line of brightening skincare includes a hydrating lotion, intensive serum, moisture cream, SPF 50 face base, and a spot treatment corrector with SPF 25. Though we're daunted by a five step regimen, we're suckers for a great serum, so that and the SPF 50 base would be the first two products we'd love to try. Here's what Bobbi had to say about the new line:

“I believe beauty starts with healthy, glowing skin. Traveling through Asia, I’ve discovered that many brightening skincare lines do not address women’s immediate need to cover dark spots. I used my makeup artist’s perspective to create this simple 5-step regimen: It includes skincare to give you brighter, smoother and clearer skin over time—and treatment makeup to give you a beautiful, even complexion instantly.”

Salon AKS Brushes

 

I discovered these great brushes when I had my Brazilian Blowout.  They're manufactured in France exclusively for Salon AKS, made of silk and designed for smooth and shiny blowouts. 

I tested the large and small round brushes at home.  The bristles really grab your hair, so much so that you need to use some extra pull to get them through.  The results are worth the effort, though, they left my hair much sleaker than my old, synthetic standby.  The brushes are available in the NYC salon and on line.
This review was based on a sample.

When do you wear sequins?

We laughed at this recent marketing email from Tory Burch, "When do you wear sequins?" 

Well, naturally as often as we possible can!  Not only do we like to push what you wear at night; why not have fun and push wearing sequins any time of day.  It's easy, especially if you find yourself in Vegas.

We love this party dress from the spring collection.

Eat, Pray, Love preview

We'll admit, when we first heard Julia Roberts was set to play Elizabeth Gilbert in the movie version of Eat, Pray, Love, we were pretty skeptical; but the preview--including Julia--looks pretty damn fantastic. It opens August 13.

Reveille at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Tucson

The newly opened Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is hosting a girls-getaway with Joan Lunden of "Good Morning,America" on April 15th-18th.

Reveille at the Ritz includes three nights lodging, all meals, one spa treatment, and a weekend filled with hiking, yoga, golf instruction, and fitness classes. Prices from $1,500 exclusive of travel expenses.

Easy and Inexpensive Tips for a Whiter Smile

Dentist to celebrities, Dr. Laura Torrado, shared with us these tips to getting a brighter smile (and keeping it that way) without the big price tag associated with laser teeth whitening.  We'd add our favorite OTC product, Go Smile, to her list.

Here's what Dr. Torrado recommends:

1. Over the counter whitening strips are an inexpensive alternative to professional bleaching kits or office bleaching


2. Daily brushing and flossing after every meal is the most inexpensive and easy way to maintain a healthy, beautiful looking smile

3. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and a dab of toothpaste are the perfect ingredients to a home whitening concoction

4. Do not use teeth whitening recipes that involve lemon or orange peels- they decalcify and de-mineralize your enamel making it more prone to decay

Outnet Designer Dollar Sale

Register RIGHT NOW for the amazing Outnet First Birthday celebration. To celebrate turning one, the online designer bargain basement of Net-a-Porter is selling gorgeous designer clothes, bags, shoes and more for only $1 on April 16. The only catches--you must register before April 11 and you only get to buy one piece for a buck. Choose wisely--or get your non-fashionista friends to register for you.

The Emilio Pucci Paiellette Tank Dress, above, was originally $4,455

The Zac Posen iconic Metallic Dress, below, was originally $1,500

For more sneak peeks, check out the NYPost.com.

Victoria's Secret Shoot on Necker Island

Admittedly, we're probably the only ones watching the Victoria's Secret Swim Videos to gawk at the scenery of Necker Island, instead of the gorgeous models (It's pretty much the same way we feel about the Sport's Illustrated Swim Issue.). Necker Island is home to the ultra-exclusive Sir Richard Branson-Virgin resort and is right up there with Mustique as a favorite vacation-hideaway of the rich and famous. Watch the video and you'll understand our fascination.

The London West Hollywood

On our trip to L.A. last month, we checked out the Andaz and the new W Hollywood, but we actually rested our pretty little heads at The London West Hollywood. See what Annie had to say about it on the About.com Honeymoons site.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Around the world, women of all ethnicities are increasingly concerned with evening out their skin tone--including the two of us!  Women who are darker complected or who have sensitive skin have to be careful with products that can be too harsh.  Clinique's new Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is designed to reduce the signs of acne scars, brown spots and other dark pigment in four weeks for any woman with any skin type.  Clinique tested it against prescription strength brighteners and their studies show that their Dark Spot Corrector worked as good or better.

Like with all whitening products, you are advised to avoid the sun while using it--so hold off on trying this if you have any spring break plans.

Here's what Hope says: I've used it for only a week even though I don't have many dark spots or scars that concern me.   I wanted to test it for gentleness and see if I'd see a general evening out and brightening of my complexion.  So far, I haven't seen dramatic changes; but I'll keep you posted.

Here's what Annie says: I've tried everything to get rid of the brown spots--some that I've had for close to ten years. I've had laser procedures, tried IPL and used a La Roche-Posay product two years ago and the suckers haven't budged. Though I'm fair, I'm always diligent with sunblock. I've been using the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector  for two weeks and haven't noticed any lightening. Check back in April for an update!

Annie's update:  It has been close to six weeks now and my brown spots haven't lightened a bit. To be fair, I recently met with Dr. Linda K. Franks of Gramercy Park Dermatology in New York, who says that mine are particularly tough to treat because they're not that dark. She gave me another IPL treatment and...nada. Dr. Franks' advice: Try a retinol cream and/or let them darken up over the summer and try IPL again in the fall. The good news: my broken capillaries, along with the ensuing redness they caused, disappeared and my skin looks clearer than it has in years!

Available at department stores and on Clinique.com.

This review is based on free samples.

Web Snob Roundup 3-26-10

In honor of SJP's birthday - a Carrie Bradshaw style quiz at FabSugar!
 
Looking for a concealer with light coverage that can double as a highlighter? Get yours at Beauty Snob.

Can you guess what Fashion Pulse Daily's 'It' Bag of the month is (hint: lots of hardware)? And, get an exclusive 20% off at HandbagHeaven.com!
 
The Jet Set Girls are giving away Physician's Formula Makeup! 

SHEfinds rounds up all the best online sample sales from across the web. Look no further. 

Second City Style gets the scoop on the hot shoe trends for spring direct from Simon Doonan of Barneys. 

Shopping and Info loves the wedge platform espadrilles trend that Jennifer Aniston wore in the Bounty Hunter movie. 
 
Get ready for Easter and get your annual picture framed for the Spring in a personalized bunny frame at Tot Snob!

StyleBakery hunts down this season's most-wanted shoe styles - all for under $150. 

White Hot Shorts for all occasions at Couture Snob!

Stylehive says that the latest doodle print trend puts a whole new stylish spin on scrawling. 

The Shoe Goddess shows you how to do polka dots with these retro Tabitha Simmons Slingbacks! 

Donna Karan Sabre Tooth Necklace for that LBD at Jewel Snob.

MTV's Spring Break Product Guide 2010

We had fun flipping through MTV's Spring Break Product Guide.  It's heavy on t-shirts and the new H&M Garden Collection; but that's okay by us.  There's always room for another cool t in our drawer and H&M will forever tempt us with their cheap treasures.  The standout of the product guide is this lightweight motorcyle jacket from H&M.  We definitely could have used this for the cool nights on our recent trip to the W Hotel South Beach!

Loving Beyonce's New Hairstyle

Contributed by Daily Makeover's Amber Katz

Sultry songstress Beyonce Knowles loves to switch up her hairstyle. This time, she was spotted rocking a messy mane of center-parted voluminous waves. We still see deeper brunette locks peeking out from under a sunburst of lighter highlights gracing the top layers. We wonder how she got those bangs to grow out so perfectly, so quickly. The in-between stage of bangs when hair doesn't know whether to classify itself in the layers or bangs category can drive any even-keeled gal nuts. Perhaps it's the magic of faux-bangs.

What do you think of Beyonce's new hairstyle? Love it or hate it?

Related Links:
Splurge vs. Save Skin Care:
Interview with Francois Nars:
Return of the Bowl Haircut

On Our Radar: Vieques, Puerto Rico

It's on our must-go list for 2010 and now it's time! The W Vieques Retreat and Spa opened yesterday. We still haven't seen any official photos of the property, but the beach and those crystal clear waters, above, are reason enough to go. And the renderings are pretty seductive, too. That's the Living Room bar below.

and a Mega guest room. Even the smaller--and smallest that the W Vieques offers--Wonderful rooms are an impressive 560 square feet.

You can snorkel, dive, surf, kayak and more on the secluded island, that's a short plane flight from San Juan. Just how secluded is the island? Visitors weren't allowed on from World War II until 2003 when it was a U.S. naval base. And only 3 percent of Caribbean travelers had ever even heard of it. So just imagine how pristine those beaches are!

Foodies will love the Alain Ducasse Mix restaurant. Here's hoping it lives up to the hype better than Mr. Chow's did at the W South Beach.

The W Vieques has a special Who's the Ulitmate Insider Package for travel before June 1 that includes a room for $289/night and two cocktails in the W Airport Lounget. For another option, book the  Worldwide Wow Package before 5/1. Included in the WWP package are:

• 2 Welcome Cocktails in W Lounge
 at the airport
• Daily breakfast at miX on the beach

• Sunset Champagne Ritual for 2
• Baba au Rhum – A signature Alain Ducasse dessert

• Exclusive Jane Marvel for W Retreat and Spa ‘Sunshine’ beach bag

• Upgrade to a Mega room

JSG is Quoted on USA Today.com

We're so thrilled to have made it on to Barbara De Lollis's Hotel-Check In blog, sharing our story about finding a mouse in our hotel room minibar a few years back. Yes, we screamed! Surprisingly, the story has a happy ending.

Read Have You Spotted a Rat in a Hotel Lately for the whole sordid tale.

The Best Workout for Killer Arms

Just yesterday morning, we were chatting with our friend Robyn about the best way to get toned arms: We both agree, nothing gives you arms to rival Michelle Obama’s like yoga. There’s something about all those chatarungas (a modified push up) and upward and downward facing dogs that builds biceps and triceps like no other exercise we’ve tried—including lifting weights (we’re talking 5-8 pounders). And you know you need those killer arms for upcoming spring break sundresses and halter tops!

If you’re new to yoga and live in NYC, a great way to lose your yoga-virginity is to head to the YogaWorks Soho this Saturday for “Get Your Dance On”. The night features DJ Dhundee at the "shoe and spectator free" dancing area. If you’re more into chilling out, lounge on a pillow and enjoy cello and dijeridoos players or sweat it out in the sauna.  HobNob wine, Divine Chocolate and Katalyst Kombucha will be served. (Just don’t drink and sauna!) Included in the $20 ticket price (for newcomers) is a free week of yoga at the studio. Already a YogaWorks members? Entry to GYDO is just $10. All proceeds go to Housing Works.



Don’t live in NYC? Try one of the YogaWorks DVDs at home.

Have You Entered Yet?

We're giving away the AMAZING new Physician's Formula Healthy Wear Collection makeup (It's SPF 50!) AND the new Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Eyeliners. Trust us--we don't use the word amazing lightly--you want to win this!!

Read on form more info about the JSG/Physician's Formula giveaway!

Arrabelle Hotel Vail, Co.

There were so many things we loved about our recent stay at the Arrabelle at Vail Square.  For starters, it was right next to the Eagle Bahn gondola.  Each morning we'd walk up to the ski valet, who was standing 20 feet or so from the lift, with our skis and boots ready to go.  We'd sip some cider while we gathered ourselves and then walked straight onto the gondola and up the mountain.  The intimate Arrabelle is located in a rejuvinated section of Vail with a collection of boutiques and restaurants circling the ice rink.  In the summer, the ice rink converts to a park area where they show movies and have live music among other events.

The Arrabelle itself is a collection of luxury hotel rooms and condos (Lindsay Vonn is one famous resident) that reflect the alpine aesthetic like much of Vail.  Our suite had a separate bedroom, two flat screen televisions and a huge luxurious bathroom complete with heated floors.  The patio overlooked the slopes and had its own radiant heated floors that kept the patio clear of snow.  Each room featured artwork from a local painter.  The oversized armoires were designed for the Arrabelle and assembled within each room.  The Arrabelle treated us to delicious hot chocolate and homemade cookies apres ski in the lobby and great coffee there in the morning.

We ate breakfast and dinner at the Tavern on the Square.  The standouts were the  lobster mac and cheese, the blue cheese wedge with pickled red onions and applewood smoked bacon, and the bar-b-que ribs.  The Tavern is a fun spot to hang out any time of the day.  There's live music starting mid-afternoon and it fills to capacity on busy ski days.

We'd love to return in the summer, when we'd take full advantage of the rooftop pool and the outdoor cafe tables.  The Arrabelle is offering a Stay and Play package starting May 1st for $189 per person per night which includes lodging and a round of golf at Red Sky Ranch Golf Club.  If you're more into the spa than the course, stay and visit the Spa at the Arrabelle.  We had a swedish massage that was excellent.  The 10,000 square foot spa was designed using beautiful reclaimed glass tiles.  The women's lounge is spacious, and features a whirlpool, sauna and steam room.  It was the perfect end to our ski day. 

Here's a quick look at our suite at the Arrabelle:


This review was based on a press rate.

Strap Tamers by Lingerie Solutions

We hate it when our bra straps show; except for when we intend to give a peak. 

We found a solution:   Strap Tamers attach to your tops and dresses to stop falling bra straps.  These plastic clips  attach to the inside of your shoulder seam with a metal pin, then you just slide your bra strap in.  You can even leave them in your tops when you have them dry cleaned.  The package comes with three pairs and costs $6.99 at Target stores.  They're also available at LingerieSolutions.  Check there for other quirky fixes for plunging tops, nipple guards, and convertible bras.

Marriott City Center Raleigh

Our plans to Phoebe's and Brent's wedding in Fayetteville got mixed up by circumstances beyond our control (new nannies, sick children and aging dogs to be specific); but we were determined to make the trip. Our original reservation at a Marriott Courtyard was cancelled and the hotel was full when we tried to rebook. We began our road trip with no place to stay the night. Leaving from D.C. we expected to arrive in N.C. around eleven or twelve o'clock, plenty of time for a good night's sleep and ample time to get to the one o'clock wedding. Somewhere south of Richmond, Va. we started calling hotels and asking things like: how new is your hotel and what's the nicest place in town? It's frustrating to reach central reservations and ask a person (in God knows where) which of the two Marriots is closer to Fayetteville, much less what the differences are between the two hotels.  Finding direct lines to hotels is harder than you think on a Blackberry.

We opted to stay in Raleigh, mostly because it was the closest option but also because it had more choices of full service hotels. We chose the Marriott City Center because it was the newest, and had a restaurant, bar and Starbucks in the lobby. Constructed in 2008 on a revitalized strip of downtown, where there was plenty of action in terms of restaurants and bars nearby. Exhausted from the drive, we decided to valet the car, check in, and head to the lobby bar for a quick cocktail and fried green tomatoes (which were great!) before hitting the beds.  We had room service for breakfast (also surprisingly good) which sped up our morning prep and hit the road quickly for the wedding.

We didn't notice until we were pulling away that there was a Krispy Kreme next door, which was probably a good thing!

Splurge Vs. Save with Skin Care

Contributed by Daily Makeover's Megan McIntyre

You want the best for your skin--it is, after all your largest organ and a healthy-looking outside is indicative of a healthy inside. But does having great skin mean you need to spend $400 on so-called miracle creams? We didn't think so, so we asked Annet King, director of global education at the International Dermal Institute to help us make some sense of the skincare aisle. Read on for her no-nonsense skincare tips on what products you can scrimp on and which ones you should splurge for.

Cleanser
Cleanser is one of those products that you're literally washing down the drain: It doesn't stay on your skin long enough to benefit from tons of different pricey ingredients. Instead, King advises saving your money and choosing a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that will remove dirt and oil and won't irritate your skin. We like: Johnson & Johnson Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash.

Moisturizer
Since moisturizer not only sits on your skin all day, but is also expected to hydrate and protect it, King recommends dropping a few extra dollars on this category. "Look for a light and gentle moisturizing lotion that's suitable for your skin type and that doesn't contain any irritants--otherwise you'll run into skin problems that you didn't have before," she says. We like: Bliss Triple Oxygen+C Energizing Cream.

Sunscreen
Since UV rays are the leading cause of aging and damage in the skin, you would think you'd need to spend major cash to get the best protection. Not so says King, who attributes major advances in sunscreen technology and wide availability to the cheap, high quality products currently on the shelves at your local drugstore. We like: Aveeno Positively Ageless Sunblock Lotion SPF 55.

Eye Cream
Since your eyes are the first areas to show the signs of aging, King suggests you invest in an eye cream with high concentrations of retinol, vitamin C, peptides and antioxidants to give you the best results. We like: Lancome Génifique Eye. However, if you're not concerned about lines and are just looking for something to soothe tired eyes, King says that you can pick up an inexpensive, fragrance-free, cooling eye gel.

Exfoliator
The key here, says King, is keeping your skin looking healthy and radiant. While there are tons of cheap skin polishes out there, most of them use harsh granules which can damage or scratch your skin. King advises you skip them in favor of a slightly pricier exfoliator that uses less-abrasive chemicals to get rid of dead skin cells. We like: Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant.

Face Mask
Face masks are another example of where new innovations means lots of choices for those on a budget. Whether your concerns are acne or dehydration, there's a quality drugstore face mask for you. We like: Yes To Tomatoes Total Treatment Facial Mask.

Anti-Aging Treatments
If there's one place to really drop some cash, King says its here. "Definitely invest as anti-aging treatments are what really helps to get results on the skin. You just can't get this type of ingredient technology for cheap, as you need a higher percentage of active ingredients to see real results," she says. We like: Kate Somerville HydraKate Line Release.

So the next time you're stocking up on skincare essentials, keep these simple tips in mind and you'll not only see a more radiant complexion, you'll also save yourself some cash.


Related Links:
Beyonce's New Hairstyle:
Interview with Francois Nars:
Return of the Bowl Haircut

Lady Gaga and Beyonce: Road Tripping

Have you watched the Lady Gaga - Beyoncé Telephone Video yet? Granted, the nine-minute playing time did throw our laptop for a loop. No worries--it's totally worth it to see Lady Gaga and "Honey B" making their getaway in the P*ssy Wagon, complete with over-sized fuzzy dice and bad-for-you snack food a la Thelma and Louise. This song is definitely making the playlist on our next road trip!

Bachelorette Party Guides

We're so excited about the recent relaunch of AOL's Aisle Dash, especially as Annie will be contributing a number of stories on bachelorette parties to the site. Her first is up now, a New York City Bachelorette Party Guide.

Be sure to check it out--and, as always, feel free to ask us questions about planning your own girls' getaways.

Win Physician's Formula Makeup

We'll admit, we're a little snobby when it comes to drugstore makeup. Sure, a mascara here, a nail polish there, but most of the time, we just don't think you get the same richness of color and staying power you do with drugstore products as department store makeup. So trust us when we say the new Healthy Wear Collection from Physician's Formula is PHENOM.

It's so amazing, in fact, we begged Physician's Formula to give us a few samples of the collection so we could share them with you! The collection includes a SPF 50 Tinted Moisturizer, SPF 50 Powder Foundation and SPF 50 Pressed Bronzer. This is the first time products that offer SPF 50 are available in mass cosmetics. The tinted moisturizer has nudged out our old standby Laura Mercier--it's that good! It comes in 4 shades, offers the perfect amount of coverage and is ultra moisturizing.

Another item form the Physician's Formula spring collection that we fell in love with is the Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Eyeliners. These are comparable to the Stila Smudge Pots, but better -- because they're gel, they glide on and don't dry up in the pot as quickly plus are like a third of the cost and you get three shades in stackable pots. The gel liners are available in four sets--there's one for every eye color.

Five JSG readers will win the Physician's Formula Healthy Wear collection and a set of shimmer strips. To enter, email us your contact info at jetsetgirls@gmail.com and use the subject line: Physician's Formula. Deadline for entries is March 29. (We'll contact winners to ask about shade preference.)

To make sure everyone gets to experience the products, when you fan Physician's Formula on Facebook, you can register to receive a Buy One Get One Free Coupon for use at Target and the chance to win cool prizes.

Kiehl's Limited Edition Label Art Series for Earth Day

To celebrate Earth Day, Kiehl's has again asked celebs to design labels for one of its products, to raise money for an environmental charity. Jeff Koons, Pharrell Williams, pro-surfer Malia Jones and  Julianne Moore participated this year to help Kiehl's raise funds and awareness for the Rainforest Alliance, which is dedicated to sustaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. 

Kiehl’s Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist was the obvious pick when it came to choosing a product.  It's part of a skincare collection that is not only Eco Cert certified organic, but is also the first skincare range to ever receive gold standard Cradle to Cradle certification – meaning that it is made with the least amount of waste from start to finish.  

The product combines a high concentration of super-antioxidant organic Açaí berry from the Brazilian Amazon with Aloe Vera, Lavender and Rosemary Essential oils for an ultra-hyrdating mist which is perfect for plane rides.
 
Kiehl's is donating 100% of net proceeds (amounting to $200,000) to the Rainforest Alliance. Available in April online and wherever Kiehl's is sold.


See what Kiehl's did last year for Earth Day.

My Night With Teddy Charles

So far, I've managed to resist bringing home expensive shampoos from the salon. I do however indulge in the pricier shampoos at the drugstore and had doubts about trying Sunsilk. The newest product
launched by the Sunsilk is co-created with Teddy Charles and inspired by runway styles and salon quality. Teddy Charles, who recently worked on the runway looks for Badgley Mischka and Rag and Bone among others and styles the tresses of celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker and Blake Lively, lent his expertise to create the new product line. That's Teddy above. The man is sexy enough he could sell ice to Eskimos!

I was given a special opportunity by Sunsilk to have my hair styled by Teddy and his team. After washing my hair in morning as usual, but this time using Sunsilk, Teddy's team styled it using only a blow drier, round brush and a flat iron, and Sunsilk Hydra TLC Styling Creme. The shampoo left my hair super clean and the cream like thick conditioner made my curly hair manageable. The overall results were amazing and the styling lasted more than 3 days!

Sunsilk products are available at Walmart and Drugstore.com.

This review was based on a free sample.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Beck.

By Ritu Ashfari.

Spa Week Explained

Earlier this week, we told you about some of the decadent treatments happening during Spa Week. Watch this video for a further explanation of the week and the many treatments you can get as Spa Week  Director of Social Media Michelle Joni Lapidos goes on a NYC Spa Crawl. Tough job there Michelle Joni!

Web Snob Links - March 19

Stiletto Jungle investigates three of the best under eye creams.
Allie is Wired Fashion Face-Off: Alexis Bledel vs. Kelly Osbourne.

Coquette is drooling over the new Jodi Arnold for The Limited spring collection.

Fashion Pulse Daily plays around with the Macy's Fashion Director $500 per day gift card contest, PLUS gives away a $25 gift card as well!

The Jet Set Girls share their favorite leather jackets for spring.

Second City Style got an exclusive interview with Nina Garcia about Lauren Ralph Lauren's new online fashion show and must-have spring trends.

Shopping and Info loves the neutral nude spring trend for dresses and tops that Jennifer Aniston wore to the Bounty Hunter premiere.

StyleBakery lists 20 trends you already own that couldn't be hotter this spring (lucky you!)

Stylehive finds 12 denim dresses that are actually stylish, and not from the 80s.

Check out the fabulous Loren Jewels collection at Jewel Snob, and don't blame us if you want everything!

The Beauty Stop confesses that she doens't like Dior mascara.

The Shoe Goddess is in love with all of Nicholas Kirkwood's spring collection, including this chic suede and python sandal!

eye4style wants to know what's in designer Monica Botkier's bag. Aren't you curious?.

If you have not started a Birthday Journal for your tot yet, it is not too late to catch up - Tot Snob has it!
Trend Alert: Mosaics at FabSugar.

Beauty Snob has that good cream blush for that healthy natural glow.

Couture Snob has shapewear that can suck in your wobbly bits, but is SEXY too!

Eco-Friendly Shoes

Yesterday we shared our favorite eco-friendly bags, today we're all about shoes that are good for the earth. First up:

Reef's T-Strap Sandals
These beauties are made of recycled leather by Ugandan refugees.

Simple CARat Sneakers
These are easy to slip on and off at a security checkpoint, but are more fun than basic Keds. Plus, you get bragging rights--these are made out of recycle tires.

Toms Shoes
Then, of course, they're the classic Toms Shoes. Tom's gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold! Many of the shoes are linen and vegan.

On Our Radar: Spa Week

Pick up the phone now and make your appointment for Spa Week April 12-18 at one of the 800+ spas that are participating in the spa junkies dream. Spa treatments are only $50 each. And we're talking about way more than a polish change or 10-minute neck massage. Among the decadent treats:  

2 Hour Calmquest™ Meditation Session
Agave The Arizona Spa at the Westin Kierland Resort (below)

80 Min 24K Gold Facial with Lunch at Martier Café
Spa Martier, New York City

Titan Eye Tightening Treatment (originally $500)
VITAHL Medical Aesthetics

50 Min Make-Up Lesson with Application
Gurney's Sea Water Spa & Thalasso Center, Long Island

80 Min Plant Essence Aroma Bath Rituals Followed by Full Body Massage
The Woodhouse Day Spa of Franklin

Teeth Whitening
Atlanta Medical Day Spa and Surgery Center - Buckhead

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) for Cellulite Reduction
Advanced Laser and Medical Spa of Rye, NY

90 Min Traditional Thai Massage with Foot Reflexology
Thai Sabai Traditional Thai Massage (below), Los Angeles

60 Min U Glow Package, Including Full Body Micropolish and Airbrush Tanning
U. Boutique & Med Spa, Plano, TX

50 Min Cranberry Body Scrub with Massage, includes Access to Swimming Pool, Whirlpool and Steam
Elmwood Spa, Toronto

45 Min Blueberry Antioxidant Body Scrub and Detoxifying Mud Wrap
WELL Spa at the Platinum Hotel, Las Vegas

90 min Package Including Colon Hydrotherapy and Infrared Sauna 
Balance the Clinic and Day Spa, San Francisco

The Official Spa Week Vajazzling Lineup (Swarovski Crystals on your you-know-what)
Completely Bare
25 Bond Street
New York, NY

For a complete listing, see Spa Week.com.

New York Magazine Weddings

Annie's recent marriage was featured in the summer issue of New York Magazine Weddings! Click the pages to enlarge.

Wedge Sandals for Spring

There's no heel that's easier to walk in than the platform wedge- they are stable and they make your legs look a mile long.  We found tons of the at the stores this season: some with cork wedges, some with wood (slightly clunkier to wear) and some with suede covered wedges.  Here are some our the standouts:

This Michael Kors metallic wedge would go with everything from short shorts to jeans and dresses.  At $135, the price is very do-able!

Tory Burch has a suede covered heel that's edgy and sophisticated:

This laser cutout wedge from Pour la Victoire will turn some heads:

These Vera Wang wedges show a little less skin than a sandal- perfect for the springtime and in a color that will look fresh with anything.

The Jimmy Choo woven wedge is a fresh twist on the classic Christian Louboutin platform.

A Peek Inside the Purple Lab Creatrix's Carry On

They don't come any chicer than our friend Karen Robinovitz, Creatrix of Purple Lab NYC cosmetics. We know Karen has been jetting to Florida and back a lot these days with her brand launch on HSN last month. Here's what she travels with:

I have an asymmetrical Alexander Wang silvery crushed velvet pseudo cardigan with a cowl drapy back that can be used as a hood so it's perfect for sleeping on a plane - the hood doubles as an eye mask because it hangs so low. It's comfy, cozy, and so chic all at once and it folds up into nothing. (That's Karen wearing it above.)

My carry on is a 25 year old Louis Vuitton oversized shopper my parents bought on a Paris vacation. Ten years ago, I found it in their garage, collecting dust. My mom didn't like carrying it because it was too heavy for the shoulder and they wanted carry-ons with wheels. I happily inherited it and gave it a happy home where it is more appreciated. It's so dark and worn, I love it. So much better than one that's brand spanking new. And it carries the memory of my family's first trip to France.

My must have beauty product are all Purple Lab makeup, of course! Huge Lips Skinny Hips in Worship Kate (mauve shimmer), Kitty Poledancer (pale pink) and Red Sole (shear red), Luvah in Mama's Boy which is the perfect nude, Silk Sheets luxe foundation, Lashionista Modelista in "After Dark" which is black with diamond dust (the liquid liner is amazing as a liner but if you lay it on thick and smudge it, it turns into steel gray shadow that rocks), Luxury Squared under eye concealer and highlighter, and Cheek Implants cream blush with collage in the shade Backstage Pass.

Hair-wise, I use all of Devachan's products for curls - their "No Poo" shampoo, their Deva One conditioner, Mirror Curl to bring on shine, and Arc Angel gel. I have been going there for 13 years and their products are my savior. Travel size, of course.

My SPF is Kate Somerville and hand cream is Bliss.

I travel with every celebrity weekly (I cannot lie - it's my guilty pleasure), Juxtapose (an art magazine that taps into street culture), Fast Company (my dream is to have Purple Lab featured), French Vogue for the imagery (I cannot speak a lick of the language, sadly), Dwell, and if the third book of the Hunger Games trilogy was out, I'd be reading that as well as Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods vampire series (nothing like upper crust vampires in high fashion to escape with). I'll probably have a Malcolm Gladwell book as well - he is my literary hero.

For snacks, I bring Tazo Passion flavor tea and let it seep in a large bottle of water with Stevia - so much more flavorful than plain water. Dried mango and almonds as well. 

When it comes to tunes, for the plane, I crave mellow - Sia, Massive Attack, Portishead, Air, Zero Seven. When I'm away, I like to turn it up - I have a great mix that a DJ friend made with a ton of amazing imported songs by artists I have never heard of. Very fashion runway.

What else? If it's a long flight, a travel sized Tempurpedic pillow, really yummy fleece socks, Chrome Hearts sunglasses (below) for getting off the plane in daylight (I'm obsessed with them and the subtle silver details on the arms), six inch heels if I have to go right from the airport to a meeting so I can turn on some chic to whatever I'm wearing.