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Friday, September 30, 2011

Judith Ripka and Assouline Giveaway: Enter for a Chance to Win Ripka's Eclipse Earrings



Assouline, in partnership with Judith Ripka, is pleased to launch an exciting Social Media contest where they will be giving away a pair of Eclipse earrings ($625 value) and a signed edition of the new book.  The contest is to promote the launch of Ripka's new Assouline book: Judith Ripka by Judith.


In case you missed it, Ripka’s dazzling Eclipse earrings were featured on Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things episode in November 2010 make a great gift.

The contest launched today Friday, September 30th (the day  the book is be available on www.assouline.com) and run through Friday, October 7th. It will live on Assouline’s Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/assoulinepub) and Judith Ripka’s Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/JudithRipka) and all contestants are encouraged to ‘Like’ both pages to be qualified.

To enter, answer the question,  “How do these earrings reflect your personal style?” and submit your answers to judithripka@assouline.com. The winner will be judged on creativity and originality and will be informed the week of October 9th by email.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

South Coast Plaza Style: Best of Beauty Event this Weekend


Our stylish friends at South Coast Plaza are offering great deals on beauty products this weekend at the Orange County Shopping Mecca.  Consider stopping by the mall in Costa Mesa , on Bristol Boulevard to check out the deals on some top rated beauty finds from award winning brands. From Sept. 30th to Oct. 2nd, South Coast Plaza is featuring three days of fantastic beauty promotions, tips and gifts from your favorite beauty boutiques and counters, from Saks to Kiehl’s, Fresh, Origins, Sephora and many more. And meet bloggers from your favorite beauty sites.  More to come on just who those fabulous bloggers are :)


Here's list of all the beauty promotions at South Coast Plaza this weekend for your shopping delight.



Aveda
Freshen up your look with a complimentary hairstyling and receive two personalized product samples. Also receive a special gift with all purchases over $35.00.

Aveda Richard Michael Salon
Receive a travel-size Hand Relief body cream with any purchase. Spend $100.00 or more and also receive a complimentary skincare consultation with a professional esthetician.

Bare Escentuals
Experience Bare Escentuals new Ready solid eyeshadows—an innovative new concept in solid mineral technology. The shadows are available in duos and quads that create an "I'll have what she's
having" look for day and night. Also receive, complimentary “makeunders” and deluxe goodie bags
with any purchase.

Bath & Body Works
It’s the perfect weekend to grab all your favorite Bath & Body Works products. Spend $10.00 and receive a FREE body care item up to a $13.00 value.

Bulgari
Experience the luxury of Bulgari and consult with Bulgari skincare experts. Receive a complimentary hand massage and sample the new fragrance.

Carlton Hair International at both locations
Complimentary consultations and Styling Bar services. Discuss your hair challenges and get professional ideas and options with the expert stylists. Try a 20-minute, no-wash styling service and learn tips and tricks for styles, from simple to glam. Also receive complimentary samples and exclusive product discounts. Based on availability.

Crabtree & Evelyn
Nourish your skin with a personal sink demonstration. All sales will include a gift with purchase. Additionally, receive 30% off the new Pomegranate body care line, featuring nature's antioxidants, Argan and Grapeseed oil. Enjoy a complimentary cookie and tea reception daily.

Fresh
Freshen up your day with mini-express facials, makeup touch-ups and a gift with purchase.

Jo Malone
Create your own signature fragrance at the Jo Malone fragrance combining event, and receive a gift with purchase.

Kiehl's Since 1851
See what’s new at Kiehl’s, stock up on your must-haves and receive three deluxe Kiehl's samples with a purchase of $75 or more.

M·A·C
M·A·C premieres the Posh Paradise exhibit exclusively at South Coast Plaza. The boutique will feature 60 of the best M·A·C artists from around North America to offer intimate make-up experiences showcasing 8 new launches from M·A·C's fall fashion line-up.

Make Up For Ever
Learn how to create a signature fall look and shop the store before it opens! Learn from the pros and discover how to integrate the new Pro line into your everyday routine. On Sunday, come in before the store opens for a special makeup workshop from 9 am to 10:30 am.

Molton Brown
Give tired working hands a rest and receive a relaxing complimentary hand massage.

Origins
Receive a complimentary mini facial and makeup consultation. Also, don't miss the Top Ten event: Purchase any item Top Ten item and receive three deluxe-size samples.

Saks
A Face Odyssey. Travel through the galaxy of advanced formulas and beauty gadgets. Get an out of this world gift complimentary metallic tote filled with irresistible samples. Yours with $100 beauty purchase.
Stock up on the newest metallic eyeshadows and try out the new dolllash look and receive a special beauty bonus.

Sassoon Salon
Celebrate the launch of the exciting Autumn Winter 2011 Minimum Collection. Book a cut and/or color service throughout the weekend and receive complimentary treatments. Also enter for a giveaway for a cut, color treatment and blow-dry.

Sephora
Friday Sept. 30th 10am-9pm

Join Sephora Artists for a complimentary beauty look and receive a deluxe sample bag.

Saturday Oct. 1st 12pm-8pm
Experience the excitement of Dior Backstage with three beauty looks by Dior Artists: Trend Setter, Style Empress and Backstage Addict. Stop by for complimentary Dior skincare sachet and receive a Dior wallet with any $100 purchase of Dior.

Sunday Oct. 2nd All Day
Join Sephora Artists for complimentary beauty looks and receive a deluxe sample bag.

Spa Nordstrom Escape
Get pampered with your favorite spa treatments at special prices. And receive a complimentary gift with purchase. While supplies last.
$15 Brow Wax - Regularly $25
$80 Advanced Hydrating Facial (60 minute) – Regularly $110
$75 Spa Nordstrom Massage – Regularly $95
$55 Essential Manicure and Pedicure – Regularly $77

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Sponsored Post: Special Deal on Body Butter from the Body Shop

Shopping site, Shop at Home is having a special deal on  super luxurious Body Butter from the Body Shop, but you have got to grab it quick. For a limited time, you can purchase the Body Body for only $7.00, a savings of $11.00 off the retail price. Click here to use this  Body Shop Coupon to get the deal.

If you haven't heard of the Body Shop, they have great organically based products. The Body Shop is famous for creating the niche market for naturally inspired skin and hair care products. The Body Shop specializes in offering a wide range of best selling skin and healthcare products from Vitamin E Moisture Cream to Tea Tree Oils to Banana.

Monday, September 26, 2011

NYFW: Nautica Menswear for Spring/Summer 2012 show

Pictured: The Nautica show (image courtesy of PureFame media)
 Last week at New York Fashion Week, on top of the Empire Hotel, Nautica showed off a range of colorful fashions for men. The collection gave me a flashback to my preppy days at Miami University in Oxford, OH.  There were bright beach whites, deep blues, red and some summer yellows. In short, nothing too over the top for most men, especially the ones whose wives buy most of their clothes :) 


Look for Nautica at department stores and their own branded outlet stores.

Sponsored Post: Vince Camuto at Nordstrom


 If you haven't looked at Vince's new looks for fall, you may want to have a look at Nordstroms.com.  They have a great selection on Vince Camuto for both men and women.Vince is always comfortable and chic. Most Vince Camuto garments are perfect for work-to-weekend. Shop NORDSTROM plus get free shipping & returns everyday.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Lord & Taylor's 'Buy More, Save More' shoe sale


Now through September 26th, it's Lord & Taylor's 'Buy More, Save More' shoe sale. If you love shoes, this is the sale for you.  Choose from hundreds of styles and experience incredible deals when you buy from one to three or more pairs of shoes. Buy one pair and receive 20% off each pair, buy any two pairs and receive 25% off each pair OR buy any three or more pairs and receive 30% off each pair. Shop online or in-store, whichever is most convenient.

If you're a mobile shopper, enter the promo code 'SALE' to shop online or text 'SALE' to 9555 to have the savings offer sent directly to your phone.

NYFW: Designer Deals at eBay's Neiman Marcus Last Call Store


With New York Fashion Week in full swing, it's a good time to check out good deals on all the designer goodies sold at  Neiman Marcus Last Call stores  on eBay.   I reviewed the Last Call stores earlier this year and really enjoyed shopping them for brands like Tracy Reese, Robbi & Nikki, Layfette 148, Juicy Couture, Rachel Roy, Theory, Vince, Vivenne Tam, Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry, Michael Kors, DVF, Free People and the jeans designed for curvy fashionistas everywhere, Not My Daughters Jeans.

 To get an extra 20% off on the Last Call eBay store, use the coupon code above to shop.  Here's how.

1. Shop for any product on the  Neiman Marcus Last Call stores  eBay store.
2. Enter the coupon code CEBAYNM20 at checkout to save 20%.
3. Pay for your item with PayPal at checkout before the expiration date of Sept. 16, 2011 on the coupon


Typical savings are 25% off of the retail prices (more in some cases.) The eBay sale offers all of the Neiman Marcus classics, none of the price guilt. Look for deals on clothing, handbags and accessories.  Click here to get in first, and get the best before it's gone !:)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Wine Notes: Flip Flop Wines and Cameron Hughes

Pictured: An example of truth in advertising, Flip Flop wine really are flipp'in good! (photo: M. Hall)
If you're looking for some good, but inexpensive wine, I want to give a a tipe on two cheap and cheerful wine picks that I recently discovered at the BlogHer conference.  First up, Flip Flop Wine.  I've seen the bottles on grocery store shelves everywhere from Harris Teeter in North Carolina to Vons in California.  Everytime I see it on the shelf, with the approximately $5.00 to $7.00 price tag, I wonder, could it possibly be any good? Well, I am here to answer my own rhetorical question with a resounding YES.  It's really good, especially the Pinot Noir (their Cab is also excellent if you like a rich Cabernet Sauvignon.)  The Flip Flop Pinot Noir is my pick for best cheap and cheerful Pinot Noir.  Like Miles in the movie Sideways, I am always on a quest for the perfect Pinot.  Flip Flop's Pinots is a medium bodied wine, not too heavy with just the right hint of cherry.  Flip Flop also makes a good Chardonnay and an award-winning Moscato, which is a sweet wine.  You can actually do a virtual tasting on it via their YouTube channel with their Vintner David Georges.  Because this wine is sweet, it might go well with spicy dishes like Chipolte or Thai green or red curry.  The sweetness of the Moscato provides a cooling to the spicy flavors. 

Pictured: Cameron Hughes wines featured in the Wall Street Journal, good wines under $25.00 per bottle.

My other tip is Cameron Hughes wine.  I've written about Cameron and loved his wines since 2009 when he proposed a Wine economic stimulus package to coincide with the Fed's program.  I thought it was a good idea, and I still do, especially considering the prices on Cameron Hughes.  Cameron Hughes wine is behind many a privately labeled and more expensive wine from Sonoma County.  I am sworn to secrecy on the specifics, but it's true.  Look for Cameron Hughes at some grocery stores, online at  CHwine and at CostCo.  At BlogHer , I attended a special Wine Tasting for Cameron Hughes hosted by blogger Romy Raves. We sampled six wines from CHwines and these are my personal top picks. We tried the Lot 228 2010 Moscato D’Asti, Italy, but that was a sweeter wine for enjoying with deserts.  Below are the wines I would enjoy with a meal or some BBQ.

-Lot 238 2009 Arroyo Seco, Monterey County Chardonnay
-Lot 257 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
-Lot 236 2007 Clear Lake Syrah

Their Chardonnay is a nice light summer wine which compliments the delicious seafood it was served with it at the BlogHer Party courtesy of our friends at  McCormick and Schmicks restaurant in the Omini Hotel  San Diego, CA.  When you look for Cameron Hughes, make sure to look for the specific lot number and year that I am recommending here.  Not all wines are created equal.  My personal favorite was the 236- 2007 Clear Lake Syrah, winner of the San Diego Wine International Gold Medal.  With it's notes of Blueberry it's delicious alongside lamb, beef or even seafood.  At the McCormick and Schmicks tasting it was served with some delicious lamb chops, that were to die for.

And now for my saving piece d' resistance, since these wines may be at your local grocery store, you can double dip on the savings by picking up a grocery coupon at savings portal site, ShopatHome.com. If you're entertaining at home check out the over 100,000 Grocery and Restaurant Coupons, Printable Coupons, Coupon Codes, Cash Back and Hot Deals via ShopatHome.com

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Fashion's Night Out, Sept. 8th at the Westfield Century City Mall, Los Angeles


Look for these deals on Fashion's Night Out, Sept. 8th at the Westfield Century City Mall. I'm getting all the FNO deals for LA, and frankly the Westfield Mall has a collection of some of the discounts and giveaways that I have seen. The mall, across from the Equinox Spa, will be alive will lots of shopping specials and special appearances by LL Cool J and the Mayor. Remember to check in on Foursquare at the Sony Store to get some free music!  I'll be stopping by to check out the Blogger's Lounge and send a few tweets with the FNO 411. Highlights of the extravaganza include:

· Get a mystery gift with any $50 purchase at BCBGeneration. It could be anything from a nail polish to a $1000 gift card. (this is the big get in my opinion!)
· Betsey Johnson is celebrating FNO with sips, snacks and shopping and stylist consultations. · Receive a complimentary Sugar Lip Treatment with any $75 purchase at Fresh.
· Get 25% off your GAP purchases
· Purchase any regularly priced dress and receive an exclusive FNO scarf at Herve Leger
· J.Crew is giving away a free custom FNO tote with any $150 purchase
· Juicy Couture is offering 25% off and Viva La Juicy fragrance samplings.
· Dance with the DJ and sip champagne while you receive stylist consultations at Karen Millen.
· Skincare consultations and mini facials at L’Occitane, plus get a Relax on the Go gift set for only $15
· Make your mark at Lucky Brand Jeans. Enjoy gourmet treats from Lollibakes as you browse the latest looks. Plus, receive complimentary customization with your denim purchase.
· Stop by Macy’s for mini Origin facials, Estee Lauder makeovers, giveaways, and more!
· Snack, sip and score at Madewell – grab a limited edition dotted denim tote with purchase of $150 or more.
· Stop by Michael Kors for a chance to win a Hamilton bag
· Pandora will gift you a bracelet when you make any $75 purchase
· Check-in the Sony Store on Foursquare and get a download for 50 free songs.
· At Sperry Top-Sider, guests can enter-to-win the Sperry's Passion for Fashion gift bag valued at $650.
· SYLK is offering 20% off regular price purchases.
· Spend $500 or more at Theory and receive a free canvas Theory tote bag.
· Enjoy Chandon Rose while shopping and receive an exclusive FNO collar bone pouch when you spend $200 or more at Thomas Pink.
· Special gift from Tous with any purchase of $200 or more
· Enjoy the gift of giving at True Religion Brand Jeans: Receive an exclusive gift with any purchase and 10% of sales will be donated to The New York City AIDS Fund.
· Put your skills to the test with the Fashion Claw machine to score goods from Betsey Johnson, Bloomingdales, Bric’s, Fresh, Giggles N Hugs, Intimacy, and Sperry Top-Sider.




Saturday, September 3, 2011

On the Labor Day Weekend Menu: The Taste of LA

Pictured: Mouthwatering desserts from McCormick & Schmick's (photo: M.Hall)
Today I'm heading over to the Taste of LA in Beverly Hills to try to literally get my just desserts! The above picture is of some amazing desserts I recently enjoyed at BlogHer from our friends at McCormick & Schmick's.  They will be at Taste of LA today serving their delicious seafood, and they will also be open on Fashion's Night Out , Sept. 8th with delicious treats for weary fashionistas.  If you are in Los Angeles and want to check out the Taste today, go to their website to receive 40% off on tickets using the code: WEB.   Today's Taste includes:

• Unlimited tastings from over 30 of L.A.’s top brunch destinations/chefs
• Unlimited samples from over 30 of your favorite wineries, breweries and spirits
• An opportunity to shop and dine in L.A.’s most famous ZIP  (90210, remember the TV show darlings? )
 
Tomorrow, Sept 4th a special feature of the Taste will be a Fashion Bites brunch sponsored by CIROC vodka.   Here are the details:

Fashion Bites Brunch (Sunday, September 4th 10 am-2pm)
L.A.’s hottest brunch spots such as Cecconi’s, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Zengo, The Blvd, etc. will serve up signature dishes alongside free-flowing Bloody Marys. Between bites, shop for some of the most fashionable accessories & clothes on Rodeo Drive.

Desserts After Dark (Sunday, September 4th 8pm-11pm)
Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes, Best Thing I Ever Ate, & Sugar High) hosts and unforgettable
evening showcasing the most sinful sweets the City of Angeles has to offer.

Let me know if you are going! I will be live Tweeting as I taste @Recessionista.