Monday, September 26, 2011

JSG Has Moved!

Exciting news: The Jet Set Girls have moved over to a new and improved site at TheJetSetGirls.com. Please look for us over there. 

Gossip Girl Fashion


Finally—after a long, long summer, we get to find out if Blair is really marrying her prince and who is pregnant this time... Eh—who really cares? We gave up on the plot a few seasons ago and like everyone else, we're only watching for the clothes.

Now those fashions are easier to get and more affordable than ever. Romeo and Juliet Couture launched a line of Gossip Girl-inspired clothes and they're going on sale at HauteLook today at 40% off retail. After that, you'll find the looks at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Kitson.

Check out the sale today, starting at 11 EST and be sure to watch Gossip Girl at 8 EST. We'll be tweeting along at JSGAnne. See you there!

Friday, September 23, 2011

On Our Radar: Thompson Takes Over Hotel Victor Miami

Hotel Victor Miami

The Thompson Hotel group acquired Miami's Hotel Victor this week. A renovation will be finished early next year; but their management will take over immediately. If you've walked down Ocean Drive in the past decade, there's a good chance you've been to one of their parties at Hotel Victor. We sure have. The Art Deco hotel has 90 rooms most with ocean views and generous sized bathrooms and terraces. It also has a gorg infinity pool, 6,000 square foot spa, and multiple restaurants and lounges. We looked forward to seeing what Thompson can do to improve this already cool corner of South Beach.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Bobbi Brown Party to Go Palette

Bobbi Brown Party to Go Palette

The Party to Go Palette is perfect for daily touchups, your gym bag, girls' night out, or your travel bag. Its three eye shadows, two lip colors and mini lipgloss are deeper shades that will transition to fall and winter well. Leave it to Bobbi to create another palette we just can't live without.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Marc Jacobs Lola Purse Spray Set

Marc Jacobs Lola

Small size fragrances are so clever we think they're worthy of collecting. Lovers of Marc Jacobs' Lola frangrance will want this pocket purse spray and matching pouch. Its compact size is perfect for air travel or just a night out.

Available at Neimans for $55.

Starbucks' 40th Anniversary T-Shirts


To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Starbucks—who knew they were around for that long?—partnered with designers Sophie Theallet, Alexander Wang and Billy Reid on a limited edition T-shirt to benefit the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

No surprise, Sophie Theallet's global themed T-shirt (above) is our favorite. It also has a cute ribbon tie back.


Alexander Wang's Starbucks' T-shirt plays off of spilled coffee.

Billy Reid's Starbucks' T-shirt has a vintage vibe.
All three Starbucks' T-shirts cost $85 and are available online and at select Nordstrom.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Travel Tuesday Links

Hungarian Vineyard
photo courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler

Jet Blue is having its "just between us" sale with one way fares starting at $44 and three night vacations starting at $109.

Have you done Napa one too many times? Conde Nast presents alternative wine trails in places like China, Thailand, and Hungary (pictured above).

September is a great time to travel to Florida. The crowds are down and the weather is still warm. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is offering a "Discover you" package for $299 per night including breakfast for two and a $100 resort credit. We recommend spending the credit in the spa. It's gorg!

The Chicago Sun Times tells how to celebrate Oktoberfest without traveling to Munich.

The NY Times tells where the bargains are in Latin America.

Get the Mally Glow - Review


I recently did something I never thought I would do the other day: contoured my face. I was inspired to try it on my own, after serving as a model for the Get the Mally Glow kit at a blogger breakfast with Mally last week. (That's Mally working her magic on me. Thanks to OlderGirlBeauty for the photo!)

The kit comes with Perfect Prep Primer in Glow and the Shimmer Shape and Glow compact. One of the things I love best about it is that it comes with foolproof instructions, so even if you don't have Mally there to demonstrate personally how to use the product, it's still like she's there whispering in your ear.

The Perfect Prep Primer in Glow gives you that flawless canvas for your foundation. Word of warning: a little goes a long way. I would actually prefer if this came in a tube instead of the jar, because I think that would help me use less and keep the product more sanitary.

On to the Shimmer, Shape and Glow. As Mally says in her instructions, apply the shimmer on the tips of your cheekbones to just under your temples for an "Instant eye lift!" Next, use the shape to contour your cheekbones. To figure out where, make a kissy face and brush it under your cheekbones. Finish with a pop of blush so you look like you "Just got busy with Johnny Depp," according to Mally.

Having never had the pleasure of getting busy with Johnny and not knowing anyone who has, I can't vouch for that last part. But I can tell you, the kit did give my face more definition, my skin looked flawless and it's super easy to use. Thanks, Mally!

The Get the Mally Glow kit is available at TryMallyBeauty.com. It comes in two shades Life is Lighter or Love is Deeper for $39.95,

Monday, September 19, 2011

London Shower Curtain

Ballard Designs London Shower Curtain

This attactive shower curtain from Ballard Designs is a good buy, whether you're an Anglophile or just want something to remind you of your last trip to London. We love the hand drawn graphics of the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Millenium Ferris Wheel. Its subtle color scheme will match just about any decor.

Available online for $99.

A Peek Inside Leah Ketcham's Carry On Bag


Leah Ketcham was inspired to start the Krickette line of handbags after a trip to India in 2009—you can see the influence in her whimsical, colorful bags. The bags also give back: some of the line is made in Los Angeles and the textiles and adornments are sourced from global charitable community groups in foreign lands. You just know Leah's going to have a unique carry on bag. Here's what she travels with:

What does your carry on bag look like?

I use the Krickette carry-on bag,  It is out of this world cool, very colorful and a real eye-catcher. Crazy fun color combinations and bright colors in the blue and sand versions. Not for the tame hearted! The pink version is feminine with flower patterned embroidery. The pompom tassel embellishment is fun and whimsical.



What are some of your fave beauty products for traveling? 
I am low maintenance when it comes to travel beauty products: My key items are: drinking water, Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer, Purel Deep cleaning hand sanitizer wipes and eye drops. I typically don’t wear make-up on flights and just wear a lot of moisturizer and eye cream.

What type of sweater or wrap do you wear? 
My girlfriend represents the Magaschoni line. I have several cashmere wraps in fun colors. I also wear Seaton Boyfriend sweaters. Both of which are super cozy and warm.
This Magaschoni cardi is ideal for a plane.


What do you like to read on the plane? 
I try to catch up on several pounds of magazines that pile up waiting for a “rainy day” or “trip”. I also use the plane ride to get a lot of work done (e.g., contracts, financials, etc.).


What type of music do you listen to on the plane? 
I usually don’t listen to music. I save that for working out. If I listen to anything on the plane, it is a movie.


What tech gadgets do you use when on the plane? 
I’m a “PC person” but, when I travel I rely on my Mac Book Air.

Where have you traveled recently? 
In the past year: India, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, Paris, London, Dominican Republic, Greece, Newport, Nantucket, Orcas Island.

Friday, September 16, 2011

On Our Radar: Public Chicago

Public Hotel Chicago

Ian Schrager's redo of the Ambassador Hotel in Chicago previewed this week. Public is a new line and concept of hotels that Schrager envisions delivers luxury service and amenities to the masses. Public doesn't scrimp on style and there won't be frustrating charges like $5 Hershey bars and $20 pots of coffee. Schrager believes people are "sick of slick" and want a return to value and quality in the hotels they frequent.

The existing Pump Room restaurant was also reworked by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten with a farm to table approach and service at all meal times. At night the Pump Room turns into a glam 30's/40's supper club.

Preview rates start around $150 per night. The grand opening is slated for October.

Photo courtesy of www.tripadvisor.com.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

DryBar New York



Finally! L.A's famed Drybar is opening in New York tomorrow! The salon offers $40 blowouts—it doesn't matter what length your hair is or if you curl it or flat iron it—it's still gonna be $40.

I attended an editor's preview earlier this week. The salon is gorgeous—clean and bright with accents of yellow. You chose from a photo menu of blowouts, including Straight Up (straight hair), Southern Comfort (lots of volume) and Mai Tai (beachy waves).

A few of the things I love about the salon:
  • It's open at 7 a.m. on weekdays so you can get a day of blowout before an important meeting.
  • It's open 7 days a week, so you're not stuck on a Monday with bad hair.
  • It has iPod docking stations.
  • You can book appointments online.
  • They show fun movies. While I was there, Bride Wars and Mean Girls were on.
  • Packages are available. The more blowouts you buy, the bigger the discount.
  • You can purchase snacks like trail mix and Swedish fish.

My only complaint: While my stylist was adorable and sweet and gave me an amazing blowout, he was a bit inexperienced. The blowout took longer than an hour and he made small mistakes like getting the blow dryer cord tangled, but I'm sure with time those kinks will be worked out. After all, DryBar's first official day open is tomorrow.

For more info, call DryBar at 212-561-5932

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day


You don't have to wait until May to get crazy in a Mexican way. Tomorrow is Mexican Independence Day. Celebrate with a Spicy 'Rita, created By Henry Lopez, Head Bartender Nick and Toni's, East Hampton, NY and owner, Court and Spark, Brooklyn, NY

Spicy Margarita Recipe

Muddled Orange Slice and Jalepeno Pepper

2 parts Avion Reposado Tequila

3/4 part Cointreau

1/2 part Fresh Sour Mix

3/4 part Fresh Squeezed Lime

Shake and strain over fresh ice in a partially salted margarita and garnish with a lime or orange wedge.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Kate Somerville Lash-Enhancing Eye-Makeup Remover

Kate Somerville Lash-Enhancing Eye-Makeup Remover

Who doesn't want longer, fuller lashes? However, the thought of adding another step to our routine in the morning, stops us from using a lash enhancer every day. Try Kate Somerville's Lash-Enhancing Eye-Makeup Remover. It takes off even the trickiest waterproof mascara, leaves behind a lash enhancer, and isn't oily. It even has a special ingredient to combat dark circles and puffiness. Now that's a multi-tasker we can get behind!

Available at Neiman's for $35.

VPL Travel Bag for Beauty.com

VPL bag for beauty.com

Spend $100 on Beauty.com and this VPL travel bag filled with goodies is yours! VPL designer Victoria Bartlett said, “I wanted the design to be very functional,” she said. “The closures keep items separated and secure to avoid shifts in transit. The elastic strap allows you to hang the bag on the bathroom door, keeping everything within arm’s reach without adding clutter.” With 16 compartments and a detachable pouch, this baby is made for traveling. Here's what's in it:

1. NUXE™ Crème Fraiche

2. bliss® Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

3. Caudalíe® Pulpe Vitaminée Eye and Lip Cream

4. bareMinerals® Foundation in Medium Beige

5. Jane Iredale Tantasia™ Self Tanner

6. Murad® Hybrids™ Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish

7. Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

8. Urban Decay® Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Greed

9. Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer

10. Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment

11. dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away

12. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Duo—Repair Moisturizer & Eye Treatment

13. Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump ‘N Thick Thickening Hair Spray

14. $5 Shopping Card for Beauty.com

Available while supplies last on Beauty.com.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Bobbi Brown Marrakesh Chic


Bobbi Brown is the latest to be influenced by the Moroccan resurgence—she created her fall line Marrakesh Chic after a trip to the country with her husband a few years ago. "It was such an amazing trip and I was so inspired by so much that I saw there, especially the incredible rich earthy colors that dominated the cityscapes and the rural vistas that we traveled through," she said in a press release. "As soon as I got home, I started developing ideas for a seasonal collection featuring a new eye shadow, based on what I had seen and experienced there."

That new shadow, the Rich Color Eye Shadow, is an intensely pigmented  hybrid of a powder to cream. Bobbi recommend applying it like a traditional shadow, using a brush. The shadow comes in 8 colors, $24 each, available on BobbiBrown.com.

Missoni for Target Launch Today

We've been on the edge of our seats since this summer when Target announced their latest collaboration with Missoni. Here's your chance (and ours!) to grab a piece of Italy's iconic style house. Hint: some of the pieces are only available on line.
We'll definitely be buying the clothes; but don't overlook the beauty bags, the home goods, and travel gear:


The upright spinner for $169.99 has everything we look for in a carry on bag: first it's good looking,  it's only 21 inches so it'll fit in the smallest of overhead compartments, it has an outside pocket to stow our mags while we're going through security, and best of all it has four fully pivoting wheels so we can drag it behind us or push it in front of us in a crowded train station. 

We can't justify another bike in our houses, not to mention we have too many hills for a cruiser; but if we could, we'd buy this bike anyway. The Missoni pattern, the leather seat and handle bars and the basket are irresistible. 

Monday, September 12, 2011

Les Jeans de Chanel Nail Polishes

les jeans de Chanel
The latest must-have nail polishes from Chanel are its collection Les Jeans de Chanel. Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel developed a trio of blue lacquers, inspired by denim. According to the press release: A gradation of three shades, the colours range from deep to medium to very pale blue, evocative of the different styles and shades of one of the world’s largest wardrobe staples.

Les Jeans de Chanel comes in three shades Blue Rebel, Blue Boy and Coco Blue.

Available this month at Chanel stores and online this month.

Christian Siriano for Payless Spring 2012


Here's something exciting coming out of fashion week that all of us can afford: the new Christian Siriano for Payless Gold line of shoes for spring 2012.


According to the press release, "[Christian's] runway styles are heavily inspired by the textures and colors from exotic underwater specimens found in Bali, Honduras, and Belize. The shoes uniquely fuse these tropical influences into eight key styles hitting the runway today, translating the mysterious nature of these creatures into colorful, intricate designs."

Friday, September 9, 2011

On Our Radar: Ace Hotel Palm Springs

Photo courtesy nytimes.com

It must be all the rain on the east coast; but we're craving a getaway to Palm Springs. The Ace Hotel and Swim Club is the perfect spot to hang with the cool kids in town. The hotel replaced an old Howard Johnson's and added all the "Ace" touches like dog-friendly rooms, earth-friendly paints and materials, a sustainable kitchen restaurant in the old "Denny's," music spun by celeb dj's, communal fireplaces, WiFi, Rudy's Barbershop toiletries and a retro pool scene. Some of the rooms have vintage record players and albums. You won't have to go out for a good time because the Amigo Room Bar lights up at night with tasty artisan cocktails and the pool has a dj scene on Sundays. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a day trip to the Joshua Tree. We found a king room for only $109 with views of the mountains. The prices go up from there. Who's in?

Ace Hotel Palm Springs

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Fashion's Night Out


The sun is finally shining in New York, which can only mean one thing: It's time to shop! The city (and others around the world) is gearing up for Fashion's Night Out tonight. Still not sure where to go? New York Magazine has a handy guide divided by what your main objective is tonight. It helps you find the celebs (Justin Beiber at Dolce and Gabbanna!), free food (Mr. Softee at Vera Wang) or beauty must haves (Essie Manis at the Teen Vogue Bleecker Street block party).

As for us? We'll be hanging at the chicest vintage store we know A Little Wicked, where the Moreno sisters are the only draw we need!

Not in New York, check out the other Fashion's Night Out events around the country or buy the T-shirt to support the New York City AIDS Fund in the New York Community Trust.

Review: Elie Saab Le Parfum

Elie Saab Le Parfum

Designer Elie Saab created his first fragrance and it's already found a coveted spot on my dresser. It has a soft floral top note from orange blossom and jasmine and  a cedar wood and patchouli finish making it a perfect transition to fall fragrance. We also spotted this on our girlfriend Shelly's vanity before her wedding. It's that special! You can find Elie Saab Le Parfum at Bloomies, Nordstrom, Neimans and Saks.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Giveaway Alert: Enter to Win a Trip to Alaska or Iceland


Love your pickles? Enter to win Claussen's “Conquer the Cold” Facebook contest and you'll have a shot at a trip to Alaska or Iceland! Simply take a photo of yourself posed in the refrigerated section of grocery stores with a jar of Clausen pickles.  Then, upload the photo to Claussen’s “Conquer the Cold” Facebook page and you'll be entered to win that trip and some cool cold-weather gea.

Retouch Your Photos

Retouched photo

There may be a backlash over retouching photos in the print magazines and in advertisements, but we're not above tweaking our own photos a bit. After all, who knows when an ex-boyfriend is going to stumble on your Facebook page?

We recently discovered Fotoflexer.com that not only allows you to remove red eyes from photos, but you can also erase pimples, zap wrinkles and even make your under eye circles vanish (If only there were a foolproof beauty product that would do this all for us!).

You can also do traditional editing such as cropping and fix bad lighting. Try it out for yourself, before you post all those photos from your summer trips!

Unretouched photo

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Travel Tuesday Links


The New York Post reveals where the wealthy single guys are hiding out in the city (New York Post)

Compare prices between a home rental and a hotel room with TripAdvisor's new vacation rental calculator (LifeHacker)

Tempted to "accidentally" pack that hotel robe in your suitcase? There's a new reason not to do it (Gawaya.com)

It's not too late to take a summer vacation—and you may even score a deal. (MSNBC)

Giveway Alert: Win a Trip to the Biggest Loser Ranch


At the end of the summer after bottomless margaritas, nights at outdoor concerts instead of the gym, and most recently hurricane carbs, we usually feel like we could use a week detoxing and exercising heavily. If you're in the same sitch as us, check out the Fast Track to Health Giveaway, sponsored by Spa Week and Joy Bauer. The prize includes:
  • A seven day, six night stay for two at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA, where you'll experience the rigorous fitness and weight loss regime, made famous by The Biggest Loser. This includes  daily fitness and exercise activities, healthy low calorie meals, relaxing spa services, educational lectures and a private cooking class with the resort’s on-site executive chef. 
  • To help stay on track with his/her fitness goals, the winner will also receive a copy of Joy Bauer’s bestselling book, Food Cures, a personalized nutrition program designed by Joy herself, and $175 in SpaWeek Gift Cards to relax body and mind at his/her choice of over 4,000 spas nationwide. 
Enter on Facebook.

    Friday, September 2, 2011

    Labor Day Cocktails

    Toast the end of summer with one of these sophisticated cocktails.

    Black Cherry Mule
    50ml Belvedere Vodka
    6/7 fresh black cherries
    Dash simple syrup
    15ml lime juice
    Dash Peychaud bitters

    Muddle, shake and strain into a highball filled with cubed ice.
    Top with ginger beer and garnish with a whole cherry.

    Intense Liquorice Sour

    1.5 oz Belvedere Intense
    ½ oz lemon juice
    ½ liquorice syrup
    Dash liquorice bitters
    Dash egg white

    Dry shake all ingredients. Add ice and shake.
    Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

    Wednesday, August 31, 2011

    Bachelorette Parties- Idea #31: Austin, Texas

    W Hotel

    Austin is a cool town to visit (or live in!) no matter what the occasion; especially a bachelorette party. There's a new W Hotel that opened downtown in walking distance to everything: shopping, restaurants, music clubs and more. Its guestrooms are the usual mix of contemporary and streamlined furnishings:

    W Hotel

    The rooftop pool is the place to catch sun rays or cool down with a dip:

    W Hotel

    If you're looking for more unique digs, check out The Irons Austin, a boutique hotel that specializes in providing its guests with a "true, live like a local Austin experience." It's in great proximity to good eats and great boutiques on South Congress. Ask owner, Rusty Irons, to recommend her favorite go-to places, she's well connected and will always steer you in the right direction. Book early since The Irons fills up quick with rock stars and celebs.

    Tuesday, August 30, 2011

    Bachelorette Parties - Idea #30: Bridesmaids' Gifts

    We recently stepped foot into a David's Bridal for the first time (full disclosure: it was for a press event) and we're impressed with what we saw. One of the things that struck us most was the selection of bridesmaids' gifts. These would also make festive bachelorette party favors—and they all cost less than a golden retriever puppy. A few of our favorite items:

    Bridesmaid's rhinestone tanks

    Pink camo flasks


    Personalized cozys

    Travel jewelry box

    Bridesmaid's picture frame
    Check out David's Bridal for the full selection.
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