If you follow my 140 character beauty outbursts via Twitter (@ThisThatBeauty), you are well aware of the fact that I am having a hot and heavy, rich and inky, love affair with Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal. Why just this Friday, I tweeted this pic…

….while looking over my shoulder and keeping a watchful eye out for the Khôl Police – I mean, is having this much fun with Khôl during the daytime even legal? Can’t be!

Well before I’m carted away by the Khôl Coppers, I thought I’d share the deets on the dramatic daytime look I’m currently coveting.

Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal in shade Black Frida has earned permanent residency in my purse. It’s another one of those products (like my classic red lip) that gets the look “done” in an instant. The richly pigmented (yet non tear-inducing) Khôl is perfect for us beauty girls about town who go from the office, to events, to cocktails…with little time to spare in between.

A quick rimming of Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal is all it takes to amp up your eyes….in a flash!

While I generally pair Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal with a nude lip, last week (at Thierry Mugler Angel launch party for Eva Mendes) I went hog-wild and partnered Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal with red lips…surprisingly, it works!

Are you crazy for Khôl? Share your thoughts on my new found love!

Sure, that super cute $10 skirt you scored at the local Forever 21-ish retailer seems like a major deal, right? But after 3 wears and a few washes you notice the color isn’t as vibrant, the shape is not as, well, shapely. What went wrong? Well Star Contributor @cnicholac shares her tried and true tips for getting the most out of your “inexpensive” wares.

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Recently a few beauty and fashion bloggers were sitting in Neiman Marcus at a press event, where inevitably, our conversation turned to being fashionable on a bloggerʼs budget. My contribution was more along the lines of how to keep your modestly priced purchases looking good longer….here goes!

Clothes

I wish I could regularly shop at Neiman Marcus but with my current finances that would be suicidal. Stores like Zara, H&M, Forever21 and Marshallʼs are a mecca of trendiness that fit into my budget. While I do recognize that I get what I pay for with these stores, I have my ways to extend the life of clothing and accessories purchases. In fact, some of these tips are good for all clothes — no matter the price tag.

• Check fabric and craftsmanship. Pull on seems, buttons and zippers. Check linings and any attachments to finished garment. I reinforce all buttons, especially on outerwear and double stitch (on my sewing machine) anything that looks a bit flimsy. I do a loop stitch at the end of zippers to reduce incidents of breaking. I also have a
needle and thread in my wallet. (Judging me yet?)

• Buy a good detergent. Pre hand-wash high stain areas such as under arms and wash clothes on gentle cycle. Tumble dry on moderate heat. I use Tide for regular wash and Woolite dark on the gently or delicate cycle for everything that may fade with washing.

• At home 5 minute dry clean with Febreeze fabric refresher. Spray garment lightly and pop the garment in the dryer for a few minutes. Remove propmptly and hang. This works really well for blazers, cardigans and sweater dresses.

• Iron everything inside out. This reduces the likelihood of shining of fabric, especially polyester blends (a favorite fabric at the H&M’s and Forever21′s of the world.)

Accessories

Letʼs face it, the right accessory can take an outfit over the top. While I do pay attention to accessory trends I tend to wear the same accessories forever (real or fake.) For those pieces that are susceptible to tarnish (metallic tones) I use toothpaste. Coat the item, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with luke warm water while brushing with an old toothbrush.

Fabric Preservation

Buy a fabric shaver. This bad boy works wonders on fabric pills and fuzz on sweaters and outerwear. I’m not sure how I would make it through winter without my fabric shaver…it’s almost as essential as a snow blower I use this one : http://www.walmart.com/ip/Evercare-Giant-Fabric-Shaver/17244003

Bottom Line: I want to be fashionable on a dime and the tips above help me get the most out of my purchases. I hope they do the same for you.

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Go forth. Buy your cut-rate wares…but extend the lifespan with @cnicholac’s sage advice.

And just like that, I’m suddenly into hosiery. And no, I’m not talking droopy, reinforced toe, french coffee-toned hose fit for dear Aunt Edith. I’m taking about super sexy textures, modern styles, and luxe feminine fabrics. For the last year, I’ve been positively smitten with Philippe Matignon, an international hosiery brand with Italian heritage. Their design aesthetic is modern, refined, slightly coquettish, and plain old fun! My personal favorites from the elegant range include flirty sheers, girly over the knee socks, and wonderfully textured opaque tights that keep legs warm…and en vouge.

With the help of Philippe Matignon, this weekend, while attending a lovely little press breakfast at Neiman Marcus (more on that later), I breathed new life into a rather ho-hum khaki skirt. I paired Philippe Matignon Noblesse Brilliant hose with Joli Parisienne over the knee socks and this dazzling piece of magic was born:

Perfection, no?!

I am positively head over heels in love with Philippe Matignon hosiery…and as a result, I’ve become a bit of a hosiery snob. Can you blame me? The collection is made using 3D Lycra — an intricate process that ensures perfect comfort and fit with every wear. Silicone is also applied to the fabric of thigh highs for supreme adherence to the leg. Once you’ve tried Philippe Matignon, you’ll find it tough to go back to your bargain basement hose from the local last call retailer…trust me!

Want to try Philippe Matignon (@pmhloves) for yourself?

Of course you do!

Shop http://www.philippematignon.us/

Promocode: Beauty25

Take 25%off your entire purchase

Y’all can thank me later!

Super fit ThisThatBeauty Contributor Christene Carr (@cnicholac) gives Prancing Leopard Organic Active Wear a whirl. Her thoughts . . .

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When buying workout clothes I generally scout out whatever is on sale and available in my size…go on, judge me. Aside from price and size, usually, my only other criteria is that the gear is constructed of a cotton blend.

After working out in Prancing Leopard’s Wakhan Pamir Capris I suddenly started hating all of my bargain basement workout clothes. The fabric is extremely soft. The seams and stitches are in all the right places, which makes them excellent for stretching exercises. The cotton doesn’t pill, so even though my legs tend to rub together [pretend you didn't just read that] and after several wears and washes, the capris look almost good as new. The fabric used to make the capris and most of the other fitness clothing is “moisture wicking” — this means that even after sweating like a pig, my pants aren’t stuck to me body, making me feel uncomfortable, icky, and gross. After reading all about my experience with Prancing Leopard’s Wakhan Pamir Capris, I’m sure you are dying to learn a bit more about Prancing Leopard.

Prancing Leopard is an organic line of dance, yoga and fitness clothing that was started by Sevda and Bert Holland because they “could not find organic active wear that was stylish and comfortable enough to go beyond [their] yoga, dance and fitness activities so [they] could wear it throughout [their] busy, multi-tasking days.” Not only is this company concerned with how breathable, comfortable and environmentally friendly their clothes are, but they are also concerned with the well being of people and animals. The company donates a percentage of online sales to a yoga studio chosen by the buyer.

In addition, Prancing Leopard sells artisanal pieces, such as knit leg warmers and crochet necklaces that are handmade by women in under served communities. The company also donates a portion of their profits to the snow leopard trust. Prancing Leopard is definitely “feel good” clothing, but you won’t just feel good because you’re working out in clothes that are soft and extremely comfy, you’ll also feel good knowing that you’re not harming the environment, you’re giving back to the community and you’re helping very adorable snow leopards.

]]> http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2011/10/thisthatbeauty-reviews-prancing-leopard-organic-active-wear/feed/ 0 http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2011/09/im-in-october-lucky-magazine/ http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2011/09/im-in-october-lucky-magazine/#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:10:39 +0000 Felicia http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/?p=9448

Well looky there…your favorite beauty girl about town (moi!) is featured in a trend piece in this month’s Lucky magazine. The piece is titled “The Best Black Tights”. With that said…get ready for fall!

If you’ve yet to pick up the September issue of Bergdorf Goodman magazine, surely you’re missing out. Tucked somewhere between breathtaking fall fashion spreads and aspirational, lust-worthy shoes resides my take on the season’s most desired look. I call it “A Lady’s Touch”:

“THIS FALL, HAIR IS FORCED TO CHOOSE SIDES. STRANDS ARE DEEPLY SIDE-PARTED LEFT OR RIGHT, AND WELL-PLACED TO PERFECTION. GENIUS STROKES LEAVE THE LASH LINE RICHLY INKED AND ARTFULLY EXTENDED. CRIMSON BULLETS EXPERIENCE A REVIVAL. LIPS ARE DRESSED IN DEEP, OPAQUE TEXTURES AND PAY HOMAGE TO ICONIC, FEMININE GLAMOUR.”

–FELICIA WALKER BENSON, BEAUTY EDITOR

I’d you’re d-d-dying to read more, pick up the September issue of BG magazine, available in-store.

For more on “A Lady’s Touch”, click below for a walk through of the trend and my hand-picked best products for nailing the look:

BERGDORF GOODMAN September Magazine – Beauty Trend Page

Ladies, start your engines.The Rebecca Minkoff online sale starts June 13 and is not to be missed. Score big!

As a busy, buzzing, budding Beauty Editor who’s always on the run, shoes that provide an on-trend balance of comfort and style catch my attention every time. Enter Tsubo, a footwear brand I first came to know about a year ago. Their mid-calf knee boot became a fall style staple as I raced from press meeting to press meeting. So when Tsubo’s Spring/ Summer collection launched, I could not wait to get my hands on a pair of their warm weather shoes…and put them to the test!

From their signature “flatforms” to flats, to interesting laser-cut heels and sporty wedges – Tsubo Spring / Summer collection offers a little bit of something for everyone. My personal shoe style for day-to-day wear generally involves a heel and a strong point of interest…what can I say?…I like compelling shoes.

Tsubo Nepra hits the nail on the head. The mildly edgy laser cut sandal has just enough trend inspiration without being too literal or cookie-cutter. Obviously, the ankle boot with toe cut out is a HUGE influence right now. However, Tsubo smartly approaches the trend in a way that makes the shoe unique, beautiful, and a lovely focal point. Aside from the aesthetics of the shoe, the classic Tsubu nubby sole makes Nepra quite comfortable and wearable from office to press meetings, to drinks with the girls, to dinner with my boo (wink!).

More Tsubo summer styles to covet!

(Clearly, I am having  shoe-love-affair with “neutral” tones)

As you know (from previous posts) I am a ginormous fan of SPEX CLUB, a too-cool-for-school website that offers hipster eye-wear for cheap.  And based on the comments and rave reviews that you guys leave have left on my SPEX CLUB blog posts and vlog post –I feel it’s safe to say that you’re pretty darn sweet on SPEX CLUB as well. Having said that, have I got an opportunity to share with YOU!

In response to the overwhelming positive response from customers, SPEX CLUB figured it is high time they reward you for your viral loyalty with a Refer a Friend initiative. Refer friends to SPEX CLUB, and when two or more friends make a purchase of regular priced items, you will be rewarded with a $58 store voucher. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a profile, or log in if you already have a profile. Click on the ‘Referred Friends’ tab to the left of the dashboard under ‘My Account.’
2. Copy and send your special invite URL to your #spexy friends. Post a link on Facebook or Twitter, and maybe at least two of your connections will buy and earn you a free pair of SPEX!
3. Once your friends click on that special link (under the ‘referred friends’ tab), AND when two of them make their first purchase, your $58 voucher will hit your account.
4. You will receive an email to notify you when you are eligible for a discount. When you are in fact eligible, the discount will be automatically applied to the shopping cart once you log in to your account.
5. To view your ongoing stats just re- click on the original ‘referred friends’ link in the sidebar, and your invitees (along with any credits) with appear.

It’s that simple…now go get your friends involved. And let’s all be #SPEXY together

Why do the min when you can take it to the max? That’s right, ladies — maxi skirts! Is this a trend we can believe in? Well I have to tell you, as a certified dress/skirt girl, the maxi is hella comfortable AND forgiving. Only me and my maxi know the multitude of sins hiding underneath. So will you be getting involved?

A little inspiration from Forever21

A little inspiration from Bergdorf Goodman

A little inspiration from Nordstrom