The Inspiration: Daniela Jacket by Tory Burch, $525

It’s that time of year when my wardrobe fantasies are swapping out sweaters and replacing them with lighter, spring pieces that don’t scream warm weather, but subtly suggest a change in the air. Right now, the piece I’m lusting after is a Tory Burch tweed jacket with Chanel-like overtones that has not-too serious appeal. The elbow length sleeves, fitted style and fringe accents make it a terrific topper for skinny colored jeans or wide leg pants. You can wear it over a white bow tie blouse with the sleeves popping out or pull it over a loose tank. But lust is all I can muster since my spring wardrobe budget can only stretch so far. Yet I can’t deny the power of a tweedy cropped jacket and neither can designers; many  featured a version in their spring collections. So here’s some other worthy contenders–make the investment, and I promise, this is one spring piece you’ll wear out:

The slim silhouette pops in red, and looks fresh and fun when simply paired with jeans and a white tee. Aryn K Cropped Vintage Fashion Jacket, $47.99

The creamy color,metallic accents along the placket and lightweight blend of linen and cotton, makes this a go-to for a sleeveless dress or slim pant and tank ensemble. Rebecca Taylor Anywhere Tweed Jacket, $450.

Polished enough for work  and playful enough for downtime, thanks to spot-on styling of a red and navy tweedy blend, super-skinny cut and well-placed fringe. MNG by Mango Tweed Jacket, $48.

It’s a long weekend and unlike my jetsetting friends who are off to warmer climes like Florida, Bahamas or Puerto Rico, I’m staying put.  Sigh, as much as I’d love to be out on a beach right now, I’d love to cast my dull skin pallor aside and perk it up with a glow even more. I could try my hand with a session of self-tanner, but I’m leery especially since I’m not venturing past the Garden State and don’t want to feed into the idea that everyone from Jersey sports a perpetual spray tan a la Snooki and J-Wow. What I need is a non-commitment, a glow that isn’t that serious and goes on as easily as it comes off. Luckily, Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Palette ($48) does the trick: It livens up my skin, lets me control the amount of flush, and gives me a tutorial on how to achieve a gorgeous, radiant complexion.

The handy, flash-card instructions are separated by tabs and steps, and slide out behind the pans, without coming unattached. They’re big enough to follow along with and tuck neatly back inside once you’re done. What’s more, the colors are light and don’t look faux. Apply the base bronze-y tint with your fingers, blending it seamlessly into your skin. Build on it if you want more (since it’s winter, I”m going light), add one of the cheek colors or experiment with the two together. Lastly,for a brightening blast, dot one of the two highlighters along your cheek and brow bones. The result is a pretty-looking skin that gives the appearance of a well-rested vacation, even if it’s just in your own home.

If you’ve read this blog before, then you know my hair issues are strictly frizz, not flatness. But sometimes, particularly in drier weather, my blowout drags me down, and like my lightweight-stranded sisters, I’m in need of some serious lift.  But my kind of volume is hard to come by with a mere curling iron, and easier to achieve with huge hot rollers. Rollers, though, are not my kind of thing, since they are time-consuming and look less than chic should someone ring your doorbell out of the blue. Which leaves me to the blowdryer and big round brush routine,  which is basically like starting from scratch with a total redo. To save time and get back those wavy bounces, I’ve found a stellar solution: John Frieda Hot Air Brush.

For a quick, out-the-door-in-minutes touch-up, this  brush-appliance crossover is key. Not quite a dryer, nor an iron, but more of a heated brush bolstered by dryer-like tech with ions and  a ceramic, titanium barrel to protect strands from getting scorched. With two heat settings and a cool button, I can use it on dry or damp hair, and then set the curl with a blast of chill. My hair looks as shiny and bubbly as a fresh-from-the-chair blowout, with smooth, frizz-free waves that give it that extra oomph it was lacking.  If you’re seeking out more volume than me, use it closer to the root with a dollop of mousse. Bonus: The super lightweight feel lets you wield it around to reach that back of your head area without hurting your arms. How’s that for pumping it up?

This new powder-gel formula actually bounces back when you touch it, and leaves behind a pretty, soft, natural looking flush on skin.  Use a pink or peach hue to liven up a dull tone, and coat lips with a deeper lipstick to make your look pop . Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush, $8.

Forget that old trick of stark white liner for brightening up tired-looking eyes; beige is more natural, blendable and eye-lifting and the top choice of Uzo, Nars International Makeup Stylist for when he’’s refreshing an exhausted model’s look.  Fake your own eight hours with Nars Larger Than Life Longwearing Liner in Rue Bonaparte ($23).

Sometimes, a healthy glow and lush lashes are all you need for a pretty face. The finishing touch? A luminizing, velvety soft highlighter, like this mineral-based one from Mac, that perfects skin and gives it a satiny finish. Apply it over foundation to cheekbones, browbones and on your forehead for overall radiance.Swipe your lashes with mascara, your lips with gloss and wow—you’re ready for your runway closeup. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish $29.

Whether you’re a fan or not of Valentine’s Day, you’re surely a fan of free stuff. And when the stuff is something that looks cool and works for you too, well, that’s even more enticing. So tomorrow, get your clicks ready: Vaseline Original Lip Therapy is giving away 100 of these sparkly, blinged-out with Swarovski Crystal, mini-pots (actual size above) filled with their signature softening salve. Whipping out this limited edition whimsical jar from your purse will surely put a smile on your face, and (lest you need a reminder) the jelly is the best for beating that big Valentine bummer of flaky chapped lips. It’s also handy for giving your lipstick a glossy finish, and making bare lips look fresh and pretty.

Here are the deets: It’s a flash giveaway, so you’ll need to have fast fingers and log on to www.vaselineliptherapy.com at exactly 1 PM EST, 10AM PST on February 14. Submit your info, and if you’re part of the first 100 entrants, you’ll be lucky enough to score one, worth $62.  How’s that for a Valentine’s Day present? Kiss, kiss!

Side by side in life and in scent

So the clock is ticking, and so far, you’ve got nothing for V-Day. You want a meaningful gift, something the two of you can share, and one that lasts, and doesn’t wither (like flowers), or get gobbled up within minutes (like candy).  Ahh, relax, because country music’s most adorable (and beautiful) couple, the amazing and down-to-earth duo of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, have released his-and-her’s fragrances, SOUL2 SOUL (named after their duet tour). Both are bound together by sharing a single note and a strikingly handsome bottle design.

At the heart of  the two fragrances is the Everlasting Flower, a passionate floral that withstands the seasons and never withers, symbolizing eternal love.  Her version is uniquely feminine and soft, with other notes of sparkling fruits like Georgia White Peach and Grapefruit blended with velvety Moss, sensual Wood and cooling Cucumber.  Of course, his complements hers, and has a spicy smooth aroma, with notes of rich Blackberry Brandy, zesty White Pepper and Cilantro, punctuated by a smooth finish of Vetiver, Rosewood and sensuous Musk. Plus, they both look clean and cool standing next to each other on a dresser. V-day dilemma solved!

]]> http://glammevine.com/2012/02/soul-mates-the-new-fragrance-from-country-musics-cutest-couple/feed/ 0 http://glammevine.com/2012/02/new-line-gap-pure/ http://glammevine.com/2012/02/new-line-gap-pure/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:16:35 +0000 lisaclee http://glammevine.com/?p=14918

Just in time when you’re stuck in winter hibernation and all you crave is something cozy, comfy and oh-so-soft, comes Gap’s new Pure line. The tees, tanks and tunics are split into two sections: Pure, that carries a bit more weight in the material for going out ; and Pure Body, lightweight layering pieces for lounging. For Pure, the look is casual luxe with shapes that mimic ones from more expensive designers (Hello T by Alexander Wang! )  and has a price tag that is way more wallet-friendly (the highest-priced piece is this dolman tunic, above, for $68).  But what I’m loving is the fabric–pima cotton and jersey all blended with a just a hint of cashmere–make them feel pajama soft, but are chic enough for bopping around town or settling into a casual, dinner out evening.

Pure Body silhouettes are tighter so that you can pile them on, yet they feel just as extravagant (even though the price for most is well under $25). Think of them for home and beyond: Layer the long sleeve tees, camis and tanks under a sweater, blazer or cardi when you feel like you’ve had enough of hibernating. Stock up, and suddenly, staying in doesn’t seem so bad.

Well, the Super Bowl is over (YAY GIANTS!) and it’s time for spring training. Baseball, you ask? Of course not. Spring training in my book is figuring out what I’ll be wearing when the buds sprout and all you need is a whisperweight cashmere over  your shoulders. Ever since Pantone declared that the color of 2012 is Tangerine Tango–a lively red orange– I’ve had my sights on finding a pop of that hue. It’s just seems so fresh and happy that I can’t wait to put it on. So much, that I’m already infusing it into my winter-to-spring wardrobe. Below, a few choice pieces to wear now–so you can practice your own “spring training”:

The temps are hovering at 40 degrees, but you’ll look sunshine-y fresh with a tangerine scarf around your neck, perhaps the brightest way to stave off a winter chill, Theodora and Callum Theodora Scarf ($85).

Colored jeans continue to have their moment, and in a fiery hot red-orange, it’s one you should embrace. Pair it with nude patent leather pumps, a simple camel cashmere crewneck and bam!–spring fever has begun. Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Ultra Slim, $158.

Pretty and flirty, this soft, flowy kimono style blouse pairs perfectly with another hot season must-have: wax coated jeans. Bebe Pleated Kimono Self-Tie Top $69

Layer this semi-sheer sweater over a long sleeve tee now, and a bikini top later. Cheap Monday Iliana Sweater, $75.

Who will win? GIANTS or PATRIOTS?

Ahhh, Super Bowl Sunday is upon us. Let me be the first to let you know, that in my book, this is not ranked as a top holiday, say like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, but nonetheless I’m pumped. So what if it’s for all the game-day foods and the commercials? I’ve got the party spirit, which means I’m figuring out what to wear.

I live close to where the Giants‘ play (Hello Rutherford NJ!),  and all about showing off my team spirit (even if you call me a fair-weather fan). Alas, that modern day red and blue combo in baggy, shapeless jersey style is a chic as a face-painter. That’s why I’m turning to vintage: Faded, not-so-overt, whitewashed logos that adorn a tighter tee or off-the-shoulder crewneck. To be fair, the Patriots‘ logo also looks awesome with a patriotic soldier-type assuming a starting position. This, cool, downtown-y vibe is complete with a pair of worn-in skinny jeans, Uggs or if you’re lucky enough to be watching in warmer climes, a pair of driving moc, flip flops or ballets (anything that says comfort).  Ok, so I’ve got my outfit down, and now to Giants vs. Patriots–BRING IT ON!

Whether Cupid’s arrow has struck or not, I”m all in the camp for giving gifts on Valentine’s Day. So who better than yourself to receive a little treat? Of course, if I”m buying a present for moi, it should be luxe. After all, this is an extraordinary gesture-it’s as if to say, look at what you’ve done; you deserve this. And what I’m lusting for is a lush new lipstick. Not my usual kind, mind you, but one that’s bursting with emollients, has bold staying power and a color that has me at first tint.

Behold, Lancome Rouge in Love. Not only does the name just beckon to be considered V-Day worthy, but the formula does too. The hues (like Coral in Love, above, a hot tint for spring) are divided in three romantically evoking categories: Jolis Matins (Pretty Morning), Boudoir Time and Tonight is My Night. What separates these from each other is the amount of pigment and pearlized ingredients. For Jolis Matins (shades that have a M in the number), the hues are soft and subtle and give  lips a gleaming dose of  light; for Boudoir Time (ID’d by the B in the number), the color is more intense with contrast mother-of-pearls to give bright color reflection; and for Tonight is My Night (known by the N in the number), lips will take on a lacquered effect and have more depth with golden mother-of-pearls.  All feel featherweight going on, like a conditioning balm, and are meant to last for up to six hours. The beautiful silver case and the rose etching with the stick make this just feel so rich. Perfect for a night out on V-day and a gift to myself. I deserve this, don’t you think? Lancome Rouge in Love, $25.