Kate Middleton in her pre-engagement days wore this outfit to a roller disco event for charity.
Earlier this week, we shared the news via Twitter that Kate Middleton was rumored to have had a lowkey affair for her bachelorette/hen party. Had she wanted a big blowout send off, Annie found these ideas for the ultimate London bachelorette party, for a story she wrote for AisleDash.com.
With only one week to go to Miami, I was sidelined by what I can only guess was the flu. I wasn't able to make it to the gym once, much less workout three times in a week. And as far as my goal to eat fewer simple carbs, I could only eat Saltines for two days straight. So much for that!
I've definitely been frustrated with this setback, along with my progress, which has been slower than I would like. I know I have a tendency to be impatient, but even that awareness still that doesn't stop me from wanting to see improvements overnight. I've been equally bummed out by the cold, gray weather. (I'm sure many of you in the northeast can relate.) I'm ready for spring!
While walking my pup in the drizzly rain this morning, I had a revelation that helped me put things in perspective. I was thinking about how much it sucks that it's still chilly at this time of year and that the trees don't have any leaves on them yet. Then, I looked up and noticed that, in fact, many of the trees do have buds on them—a sure sign that spring is around the corner and progress, no matter how slow, is being made.
As for me, I'm finally feeling better and looking forward to heading back to Equinox tonight for a Pilates class with my favorite instructor, Sasha. And I'll appreciate that even if my body isn't slamming (yet), a month ago, I didn't even belong to a gym!
Forgot to order your tix to this year's Coachella? Buy a Cochaella VIP package at Gilt and you'll get entrance to the three day concert, plus access to House of Hype and Night Vision’s Coachella Beach Club, which include two daytime and two nighttime parties, featuring live performances by DJ’s and artists.
This year's headliners include Kings of Leon, Black Keys, Kayne West, Cee Lo Green, Arcade Fire and more.
The package is available at Gilt.com until April 4 at 10 a.m. EST.
Alternatively, if you're feeling luck, enter to win the A|X Armani Exchange contest. They're giving away a trip for two to the concert, plus daily prizes. Enter via A|X Armani Exchange Facebook page.
This behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new OP commercial has us more than ready for summer. It was shot on an old movie set, in a deserted town in Lancaster, CA and features many of our favorite young and hot actors, including Mark Salling and Chord Overstreet of Glee, Kat Graham of The Vampire Diaries, Brenda Song of The Social Network and more. The line is available excluzively at Walmart.
We heart white jeans for spring and summer and this is the time of year to buy them if you want to find your size. We were surprised to see that many were already selling out at our favorite on line stores.
Hope just bought these 7 for all mankind jeans at www.lastcall.com (Neiman's outlet) and they still have plenty of sizes. It used to be you could only nab great deals in person, but now Last Call has a website.
The other day I had the pleasure of meeting Emmy Rossum of Showtime's Shameless. With her gorgeous mane, she's the new face of Suave. Watch the video below to learn are a few of her hair secrets:
If you've spring cleaned your closet, you've likely spotted at least one pair of shoes that you bought on sale an have only worn once or twice, whether they were the wrong size for you or just didn't end up going with the rest of your wardrobe like you thought they would. Well, now there's something better you can do with them besides toss them: Send them into Renew Your Soles and you'll get $20 off a new pair of shoes at Shoes.com.
Naya Shoes (shown above) and Shoes.com are partnering with Soles4Souls, a non-profit that distributes gently worn shoes to people in 127 countries on this project. Naya Shoes are known for their commitment to the environment, using the most eco-friendly dyes, natural or recycled materials, boxes that are made of 80 percent recycled pulp among other strategies. Plus, they're pretty darn cute!
We love Giuliana Rancic and you will too after she gives you a sneak peek into her closet at E! on Bluefly's Closet Cofessions. You'll learn how much she loves sequins (like us!), why her adorable stylist, Jose Camilo, thinks she likes to dress butch, and why she wears flats when she works with Ryan Seacrest. Enjoy!
Who wouldn't want supermodel model hair like Gisele's? Daily Makeover breaks down what it takes to grow your hair out to her shiny, sexy length. Hint: it'll take more than just a good conditioner!
Jazz Fest kicks off in a month on April 29th, so plan your trip now. We'd love to stay at the new Hotel Le Marais on Conti Street less than a block from Bourbon Street where rooms start at a remarkably low $109! They give you a cocktail at checkin; but if you go, try their purple cocktail at the bar and let us know what you think.
The guestrooms are a cool mix of neutrals and eggplant. Since the hotel opened in November, there's a good chance everything is still fresh. We're digging the free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, granite bathrooms, free bottles of water, and iPod docking stations.
Need more reason to check out Hotel Le Marais? It has the biggest outdoor hot tub in the French Quarter. Happy travels!
Inspired by Pantelleria, a Sicilian island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea that's been dubbed "paradise," this Armani scent at Beauty Snob evokes beaches in the summertime.
Coquette loves scarves and her favorite this season is the DKNY Heritage Scarf.
It's week 2 of my fitness challenge and so far, so good. In the past week I went to a stretching class, Pilates class and yoga class at Equinox. (The stretching class was a little lame.) I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy working out. Not only am I starting to see small changes on my body, I feel so much more open--meaning not tight when I bend down to pick something up or get out of my chair after sitting for a few hours. As another bonus, I'm starting to feel a little bit friskier (though that may be a result of see Priscilla Queen of the Desert!).
With about 2 weeks to go before Miami, crunch time is on. Here are my goals between now and then:
No desserts or candy, fruit is OK. (One exception: I'm headed to tea at the Plaza on Friday.)
Continue to cut back on crackers, white rice and bread.
Amp up my cardio. My specific goal is to get to a point where I can run fast enough that my pup actually has to jog to keep up. As it is now, my jog equals his fast walk.
Continue to make it to the gym at least 3x per week.
Ever dreamed of going to lunch with Harrison Ford or attending a Chanel show with Karl? Here's your chance. Chrities and Charity Buzz are hosting an online auction Bid to Save the Earth to benefit Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and Central Park Conservancy. The items up for bid include:
A flight and lunch for two with Harrison Ford out of the Santa Monica airport, plus a stay at the Ritz Carlton, Los Angeles
Fly to Paris for the full Chanel Couture Experience, including: front row tickets to Chanel's 2011 Couture Show, meet Karl Lagerfeld, take a private tour of Coco Chanel's apartment, receive a handbag and stay five nights at The Ritz-Carlton
Meet Michael Kors and Heidi Klum on the ultimate New York Fashion Week experience, with inside access to the Project Runway fashion show finale
Meet Marc Jacobs, with two VIP tickets to his New York Fashion Week fashion show and after party
The ultimate Carolina Herrera bridal fashion experience: $10,000 toward a Carolina Herrera bridal gown, two tickets to her spring 2012 bridal show and meet Carolina Herrera backstage
Design your own Bottega Veneta handbag with a one-on-one appointment with an expert from Bottega Veneta
We're fans of butter London nail polish mostly because of their gorgeous colors and the smooth and shiny finish. Their grays and neutrals over the past few seasons were the most wearable and attractive we wore. This spring and summer's collection is inspired by the Impressionist style prints that were on the runways from New York to Paris-- think of Monet's art when you imagine these colors. As always these lacquers are non-toxic.
The colors include Lady Muck, a powdery periwinkle blue, slightly on the grey side and infused with pearl pigment for a soft, sexy sheen; Teddy Girl, a pale retro bubblegum pink; our favorite, Blagger, a striking cobalt blue; Dosh, molten apple green with a touch of metallic gold; and Hen Party, a sheer opal lacquer that can be worn alone or as a top coat.
Famous fans include Kate Moss, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Mandy Moore, Hilary Swank, Amy Adams, Kelly Osbourne, Heidi Klum, Daisy Lowe and Courtney Cox.
Whether you're Gaga for the crackled nail polish, hot for bright pink, or you've got the blues for Essie's Coat Azure (pictured above); there are plenty of new colors that'll help you welcome springtime. Daily Makeover gave their picks for ten of spring's super-cool manicures. Which is your favorite? See them all here.
Our Miami trip is less than three weeks away so I'm trying to decide what to wear over our two nights there. I'm thinking about having some fun and renting a dress from Rent the Runway--I always feel better in a "new" dress and I figure that way I won't have to pack much at all.
WHICH DRESS SHOULD I RENT?
I've got it narrowed down to four and I would love your thoughts about which dress to rent.
Rent the Runway Dress #1: Shoshanna Magic Carpet Ride Dress
Since it's Miami, I know I want a bright color and coral is definitely a fave this spring.
Rent the Runway Dress #2: Nicole Miller Steppin' Out Dress
I do love this body-con Nicole Miller dress, but I'm not sure that even three weeks from now I'll be far enough along in my Liquid Strength fitness challenge to be able to pull it off with confidence.
Rent the Runway Dress #3: Tibi Electric Shoulder Dress
The color of this one-shoulder dress is fab, as is the sequined detailing. I'm not sure I love the blousy waistline.
Rent the Runway Dress #4: Badgley Mischka Fifth Avenue Showstopper Dress
I love sequins possibly more than a Vegas showgirl (though not as much as Hope). My worry with this one is that I won't be tan enough to pull off the blush color.
So which one should it be? I would LOVE to hear your opinion--share in the comments below. I'll post pictures after our trip of me in the dress!
Already donated $10 to Japan via your cell phone and wondering what you can do next? Here's a stylish solution: Order this Tory Burch Japan Relief T-shirt: 100% of the net proceeds of all tees sold through September 15th will go to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. The $29 T-shirt is available on ToryBurch.com for per-order, plus, shipping is free!
Thanks to Swarovski, we had the opportunity to catch the Saturday night performance of Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway. It's a fun-filled romp that follows three drag queens on a road trip across Australia. The costumes were created by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, the same folks who won the Oscar in for the costumes from the film in 1994. (Lizzy, as you may remember, wore a dress she made out of American Express gold cards to that year's Academy Awards.) The duo must be the shoo-in for this year's Tonys as there are countless costume changes including Divas, a Tina Turner impersonator, Madonna, and giant cupcake dresses to name a handful.
It would take too long to note all the fabulousity in this show: the giant disco ball, the techno-color Priscilla bus, the over-sized Swarovski-sequined Manolo Blahnik atop Priscilla and the out of this world costumes. But what we loved the most was all the scantily clad boys who were shaking their groove thing through the first act (you can catch a glimpse of what we're talking about about 10 seconds in on the left side of the video above). The boys are still there in Act 2, but, unfortunately, are wearing more clothes.
Most of the songs in Priscilla are familiar crowd pleasers, including with "It's Raining Men", "Material Girl", "I Say a Little Prayer", and "I Will Survive". The story is sweet as the lead Tick/Mitzi, played by the hunky Will Swenson, frets about meeting his young son for the first time and fellow drag queen Bernadette falls in love. A few of the jokes were over our straight heads, though it may have been related to the Australian accents and not our sexual orientation.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert would make a great first stop on a bachelorette party or a birthday night out in NYC. All those nearly naked boys are far hotter and more entertaining than at any strip club we've ever been to.
The only thing we missed was the Manolo necklace charm that we wrote about previously. We thought it would be on sale in the lobby, but none of the clerks knew what we were talking about. We're investigating...
It's that time of the year again, where great spas across the country offer up their popular services for only $50 a pop. Spa Week runs from April 11th through the 17th. I always take the chance to pamper myself (somehow I can justify it if it's at a discount!). This time around I booked the Stress Melter Ritual (scrub and wrap) and a facial at The Red Door Spa. For $50 each it's like getting two for one and this close to tax day, I'll need some relief. Who wants to join me?
Book your services now, because they fill up quickly! www.spaweek.com
That's me! After 3 weeks at the gym, I'm starting to see the tiniest hint of definition in my arms.
After years of not belonging to a gym, I finally rejoined Equinox to start getting my butt in shape. My goal is to tone up my flabby arms and actually see muscle definition in my thighs again. At the very start of my quest to get in shape, I stopped by Story Von Holzhausen's Liquid Strength Class.
Story is a busy new mom who created the class for women who want to get in shape fast--fast because they don't have time to fool around. (You can check out her exercise videos on YouTube.) By the end of the class, not only were my butt muscles burning, I was so inspired by Story's positive attitude, I found myself signing up for her 6-Week Challenge, without even really knowing what was involved. I just know I want to be in shape for our trip to Miami on April 8 and Story seemed like just the woman to get me there.
The 6-Week Challenge kicked off on Monday with three days of clean eating, meaning no processed foods (crackers, cookies), grains, dairy, booze or excess sugar. I'm personally committing to going to the gym 3 times a week (for Story's class, Pilates, and body conditioning classes).
Check back in weekly to hear my progress. For more specifics on the Challenge and Liquid Strength, check out Story's blog.
This AWEARNESS rain poncho from Kenneth Cole is on sale now through May with 100% of profits going to The Kenneth Cole Foundation in support of HELP USA, funding housing for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. It's reversible from blue camouflage to solid black and tucks into its own little pouch-- perfect for travel or everyday to keep you dry from Spring's showers.
To celebrate the launch of its Artist's Proof TAG Case, Tumi is giving away a piece that is signed by graffiti artist John "Crash" Matos. Enter on the Tumi Facebook page before Friday.
The key to packing light is finding versatile pieces that can be worn in many different ways. We consider ourselves pros at this, so when Banana Republic asked JSG's Annie to style its new Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress, she was ready for the challenge:
For my first look, I wanted something casual and beach-y. This would be a great outfit to wander an outdoor market in. I'm wearing my favorite vintage cropped Gap jean jacket, Masino scarf, Naya sandals and Kate Spade bag.
I would wear this second look to dinner. I always like to have a jacket in case it's chilly inside. I get cold easily and I hate being cold! This look could also work for the office or a business meeting. I topped the Banana Republic dress off with a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg blazer and Coach high-heeled sandals.
When I'm ready to hit the town, I would lose the jacket and amp up the accessories. In addition to necklaces and bracelets, my new Kenneth Cole heels and favorite Juicy Couture sequin clutch, make the look.
The Banana RepublicOlivia Silk Twist Strap dress is available at Banana Republic stores and online.
Disclosure: Per FTC regulations, JSG has a relationship with Banana Republic.
Sure, you could order a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day, but why not celebrate with a creative cocktail? Here are a few to inspire you:
CUCUMBER MINT COCKTAIL
3 slices of cucumber
2 large sprigs of fresh mint
1 ½ oz. Moon Mountain Vodka
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
½ oz. agave nectar
To Make:
1. Add 3 slices of cucumber and 2 large sprigs of mint to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release the flavors. Add 1½ oz. Moon Mountain Vodka, ¾ oz. fresh lime juice and ½ oz. agave nectar and ice to fill. Shake and strain over fresh ice into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and mint sprig.
THE GINGER
2 oz Irish Whiskey (Tullamore Dew)
¾ oz Spicy Ginger Beer
Freshly squeezed lime juice
To make:
Pour the whiskey and lime juice in an ice-filled highball glass, top with a spicy ginger beer and stir
gently to mix. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge and add a sprig of mint for garnish.
THE SPICY IRISHMAN
1 oz Russian Standard Vodka
1.5 oz Lucid Absinthe
¼ oz Siracha Hot Sauce
Killian’s Irish Red Beer
Mix the vodka, absinthe and hot sauce in a cocktail strainer. Pour into a beer glass. Top with beer.
SkinCeuticals latest, Blemish + Age Defense, arrived just in time for my most recent breakout. Sadly I still get them even though I've passed my thirtieth birthday. Blemish + Age Defense was designed specifically for those of you in my position, looking to control adult acne and prevent aging. The combination of dioic acid and alpha and beta hydroxy acids inhibits oil production, controls acne causing bacteria and fights surface lines and wrinkles.
I used it for the first time three nights ago. There was significant stinging with the first application (be weary if you have uber sensitive skin); but my skin is acclimated to it now. My skin feels smoother though there is some flaking on my forehead. Product directions recommend less frequency if you have discomfort or peeling, then slowly working up to a couple of times each day. My skin has cleared up in just a few days and I'm hoping it'll stay that way. In the meantime, I'm also watching the lines around my eyes. It took a lot longer than three days to make them so expecting results this quickly is too optimistic; but I'll let you know in a few weeks!
The news coming out of Japan keeps getting worse: the death toll is expected to top 10,000; 300,000 people are without homes; nuclear plants are at risk and entire towns have been washed away. The photo above shows people in line for fresh water in the playground of a school. If you have even $10 to spare, here are ways you can help:
To donate $10 to The Red Cross, text REDCROSS to 90999.
To donate $10 to the Salvation Army in Tokyo, text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888. Follow along with its relief efforts on Facebook and Twitter.
To donate $10 to Save the Children, JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222 to donate $10.
To donate $10 to Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555.
Let us know if we missed any in the comments below.
A weekend trip to NYC with my girls will be especially fun with a suite at Le Parker Meridien on West 56th St. We chose it for the Midtown location near Central Park, Times Square, shopping and much more. The enclosed rooftop pool with views of the park is unbeatable, as is breakfast at Norma's, the coffee in the Knave and the TDF burgers at the Burger Joint. If only I didn't give up red meat for lent!
They have a 20% off special when you stay two or more nights (Thursdays to Saturdays) and a Bed and Breakfast package which includes a decadent breakfast at Norma's. Both available on line.
For those of you who like to look polished and poised while toting your many things about town, the Longchamp croc-embossed calfskin bag at Bag Snob is the one for you.
Black lips? It just darkens the natural tone of your lips or whatever lipstick you're wearing underneath at Beauty Snob.
We always love to share a little man candy when it's worthwhile, and Rafael Nadal's abs have us hitting replay time after time on this video.The jeans aren't bad either.
Here's a little something that should be in everyone's carry on: the Ms. and Mrs. Minimergency Travel Kit. It has all those little things you're likely to need—and just as likely to forget to pack. It contains: Hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and adhesive bandages. Plus it all comes in an adorable metallic pouch.
The Mr. and Mrs. Minimergency Travel Kit is $12. Available on MsandMrs.com.
Now that we finally have our Verizon iPhone, we're on the hunt for the best travel apps. One we love it the Wearcast App. You punch in your location or destination and the app gives you customized outfits for that day's weather and four days ahead. You can even let it know how sensitive to cold you are. The Wearcast App was created with help from our favorite meteorologist, Lonnie Quinn of the CBS Early Show, and Proenza Schouler art director Alejandro Cardenas. It makes packing for your trip a snap!
The latest handbag collection, from the eternally chic Kate Moss recently launched at Longchamp. The Faraway collection features three different lines of bags (from left to right): The Faraway Chic “adapts to the hippy deluxe ambiance,” Faraway Exotic was inspired by Kate’s trip to Peru—she brought back fabric samples that inspired the bag; Faraway on the Road is said to “evoke a timeless spirit of adventure” and is one kick ass weekend bag.
Got your beads and king cake ready for Mardi Gras? The weeks and especially the days leading up to Tuesday feature their own special fun. Today in New Orleans, Lundi Gras has numerous parades including Zulu (traditonally it never follows the same route), Orpheous (a celebration of the God of Music) and Proteus 9the second oldest krewe in parade history). If you're not in NoLa, watch the parades via Paradecam.
This past Friday's celebration featured the 41st annual Greasing of the Poles ceremony. The poles in the French Quarter are greased with petroleum jelly to deter over-zealous revelers from scooting up to coveted balcony space during Mardi Gras parades. Today it's a ceremony celebrating the district. Thats Nicondra Norwood and Siemny Chhuon, representing New Orleans’ Fox and NBC broadcast station, above, getting ready to climb.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is now a Broadway musical, filled with eye-popping costumes, the best 1970s dance tunes and fabulous dance numbers to go along with them. In Australia, where it takes place and the show opened, it holds the record for the most successful musical ever.
In celebration of all that glam, Manolo Blahnik created a silver patent leather Mary Jane high-heeled shoe with a Swarovski crystal button. A giant version of the shoe makes an appearance in and on Priscilla (the van), and you can buy one in your size at the flagship store in New York.
A Manolo Blahnik-designed silver shoe charm is available at the Palace Theater, Priscilla Queen of the Desert's home.
A portion of the sale of each benefits Bette Middler's New York Restoration Project. The group is near and dear to us as it takes care of the park down the street from our home.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert opens on March 20. Buy tickets here.
