Gotta Getaway? Indulge In Minimalism At The LUX ELEVEN In Berlin, Germany!

imageIn our fast-paced society of instant gratification and non-stop networking (we can’t even keep in touch with friends guilt-free on Facebook without calling it “networking”), it is easy to become stressed and harried. Even weekends, the lone couple of days we had to rest and recuperate, are now filled with playing catch-up for the office or partaking in fun, but taxing activities that don’t let our bodies just sit back, take a deep breath, and truly relax. The next time you get a some vacation time, treat yourself to somewhere that is fun, interesting and will also give you some time to really breathe a sigh of relief. Try Berlin, Germany and stay at the beautifully streamlined Lux Eleven hotel. Imagine Calvin Klein had designed the interiors and you have the modern minimalism of steel and hardwood in a clean and spacious area. Now imagine Hello Kitty completed a touch of the finishing details and you get the the hot pink lobby and roll out carpet, the pink and purple striped blankets atop starkly contrasting black and white, and the twinkling, spherical lights flanking the hallways- basically, de-cluttered glam in a minimalist setting. The rooms are amazing as well, with anything from value rooms to penthouses available, all of which come furnished with a seating area and kitchenette to make you feel even more relaxed and at home. Still a little stressed? The Lux Eleven provides a spa and healing center that uses different programs and treatments, as well as plant-derived Aveda products to put you at ease, mind, body and soul. Shopping more the name of your game? Their Ulf Haines store offers pieces straight from the collection from big name designers like Balmain and Ann Demeulemeester and if spa treatments and shopping leave you hungry, the hotel also houses a meticulously decorated restaurant and bar that serves the finest in food and beverage. Check out the slideshow for a closer look ar Berlin’s simply gorgeous Lux Eleven hotel and start planning your perfectly peaceful getaway today!

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Influential International Style: Kate Lanphear

imageOh, to be Kate Lanphear! The acclaimed senior fashion editor at Elle and style icon to all urban girls everywhere manages to take grey and black and combine them, twist them, and surprise you with a few basic ingredients. Seriously, just do a quick Google image search – you’ll see Lanphear in jeans, t-shirts, blazers, and cashmere, and always looking chic. She’s a serious reminder that a minimalist closet can take you very far. Just stock up on a few key pieces and you’ll be on your merry way to super-star style status. Though Lanphear prefers Alexander Wang, Aussie Lee Supa Tubes jeans, and Balenciaga, there are definitely ways to achieve a similar look in your price range! Check out my slideshow for some starter pieces to an awesome style! Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

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Essence Takes A Look At 30 Days Of Rihanna’s Style

imageWhile Rihanna may have been hiding under her umbrella and taking a breather from the music scene ever since the Chris Brown fiasco, she hasn’t lost the following of her faithful fans… and her fellow fashionistas! A strong girl like Ri-Ri isn’t one to let a scandal get her down for long, and her eclectic and edgy style hasn’t suffered any despite her tiny break from the spotlight. From LA to NYC and beyond, she’s partied it up with pals in metallic leggings, relaxed spa-style in flowing printed dresses, rooted for the Lakers courtside in funky sneaker heels, and embraced her inner rocker-chick with moto jackets and a buzzed hairstyle. The Essence blog tracks her fashionable footsteps over the recent months as she enjoys the single life and gets ready to embrace the limelight yet again! Head over to take a look at the slideshow!

Meet Manolo, Mingle With The Olsens, And Party With Opening Ceremony At Fashion’s Night Out!

imageAny fashion week brings with it a slew of star-studded parties, but next month’s spring 2010 shows in NYC will be ushered in by an absolute extravaganza- Fashion’s Night Out. The September 10th event will feature everything from model and celebrity appearances to in-store events and meet and greets, and of course, shopping! It’s being put on by Vogue, the CFDA, NYC & Company, and the City of New York, with the idea that engaging the city in the fun and excitement of fashion and shopping will restore consumer confidence once again. So what can we expect? For starters, Anna Wintour will appear at Macy’s in Queens (wow, who would’ve thought) to sign t-shirts (again, wow), Andre Leon Talley will host a game at Bergdorf’s. Coco Rocha will be doing a special performance at DKNY, Sasha Pivovarova will be showing her art at Henri Bendel, and it-girls like Harley Viera-Newton and Alexandra and Theodora Richards will be DJ-ing about town. Want more? Manolo Blahnik will hold a meet-and-greet, Oscar de la Renta will sing, Opening Ceremony is having a block party, and Chanel will have a customized handbag studio! Still not excited? Mark your calendars: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will be bartending at Barneys– is it bad that I want someone to order a black and Tanner? For more information on Fashion’s Night Out, including the festivities in other cities around the world and a more complete list of events, go here!

Learn Some Tricks Of The Trade Straight From The Experts At Sephora!

imageWant to “brush up” on your makeup skills or just learn a few new tricks? Pop into your local Sephora Beauty Studio for a complimentary one-on-one consultation to learn how to master a look in just minutes. The Express Services cover three different looks: “Hi-Definition” makeup, the perfect pout and the smoky eye. A Sephora trained beauty expert will give a quick makeover and mini lesson to achieve one of these three hot looks and answer any questions you have. These complimentary lessons will leave you walking out of Sephora with a new look and the knowledge of how to recreate it. They’ll provide step-by-step instructions, a diagram of what product to use where, and recommendations for new products. Walk in or call your local Sephora to book an appointment!

Chic Curtains Add Style And Shade To Your Room

imageDo you ever wake up with the sun in your eyes? Sure it may be a natural wake up call, but surely there are days where you just want to sleep in. That means you should cover up those naked windows with some chic curtains! Curtains can shield your eyes (and your furniture) from the harsh sunlight, keep the cold or heat out, and make any room look more put together. Shopping for window treatments can be confusing so make sure you measure all the windows and bring the measurements with you to the store. It also helps to bring swatches of any furniture you have in the room to make sure none of the colors clash with your new curtains. Besides getting curtains, don’t forget the curtain rods, finials, holdbacks, and tiebacks. Take a look at my slideshow to see them all.

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Back-To-School Supplies, Eco-Friendly Style!

imageDon’t show up on the first day of school with the same bag as your neighbor down the block. Go green and show your love for the earth with some of these hot eco-friendly designs! Pack your lunch in this sweet little bird reusable snack bag by Bleuroo. No more excuses for forgotten homework with the August to August Planner by An Artful Agenda. And guys, if you really want to make a statement, be sure to check out Urban Posture’s line of eco-friendly binders that are sure to have the girls asking where they can get one. You will find other great handmade designs at Cosaverde.com! Check out our slideshow to see more great green school supplies.

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Buzzworthy Deals From J.Crew, Piperlime, Tobi, And More!

imageSomething new for Tuesday… this time around, we bring you the deals, plus our picks for the best items from each. Enjoy!

The Deal: Take an extra 20% off final sale items at J.Crew with code EXTRA20, now through Wednesday.
Best Bets: the vintage cord co-ed mini (originally $49.50, $31.60 after the discount), the solid silk garland cami (originally $88, $47.60 after the discount).

The Deal: Shop Piperlime’s final sale for up to 70% off your favorite shoe styles.
Best Bets: Arturo Chiang ‘lisa’ sandals (originally $79.99, on sale for $39.99), Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘miss marc’ flats (originally $250, on sale for $189.99).

The Deal: Take 20% off regular-priced items and new arrivals at Tobi with code FALL20. Offer ends today!
Best Bets: Mike & Chris ‘joel’ jacket (originally $185, $148 after discount), Elizabeth & James tube dress (originally $245, $196 after discount).

The Deal: Shop Bird’s summer sale for hot deals on hard-to-find designers- discounts are as high as 75% off!
Best Bets: Sunshine & Shadow fuji silk pocket tank (originally $225, on sale for $89), Vena Cava studded tank with knit trim (originally $420, on sale for $99)

Check back Thursday for more Buzzworthy Deals.

In The Mix: Modern Luxury’s Summer Cocktail Tours

imageFancy yourself a cocktail connoisseur or mixed-drink master? Take a sip of Modern Luxury’s Summer Cocktail Tours, happening now in San Francisco, L.A., San Diego, Orange County, Houston, Dallas and Chicago. This is your chance to sample (and vote for!) creative, refreshing, exclusive drinks at some of our favorite restaurants and bars, from L.A.’s hot new Villa Blanca to Chicago’s chic yet casual Bull & Bear. Once you’ve done your share of imbibing, simply log on to modernluxury.com/summercocktail and vote for your city’s Ultimate Cocktail. Winners will be announced on September 1.

-Shevin Tantula, ModernLuxury.com

“Gossip Girl” Gets Even More Fashionable!

imageYes, it’s possible. As if the clothes on “Gossip Girl” weren’t chic enough, now, two very well-known fashion designers are making cameos on the show’s upcoming new season. And those women are Tory Burch and Georgina Chapman. Both Tory Burch and Georgina Chapman were spotted at the “Gossip Girl” studio in Long Island, NY, filming scenes for the new season. It’s a big secret how the two fashionistas will be woven into the show’s plot, but it was revealed that some of the set was made to look like Tory Burch’s office. So, we’re thinking one of the girls is trying to get a job? Or a college internship? Chapman said, “I am a huge fan [of Gossip Girl]. I was very nervous [on-set].” We have a feeling she did a fine job. We’re getting more and more excited about the new season of “Gossip Girl” as we keep hearing about new cast members and guest celebrities. It’s gonna be a good one! Tory and Georgina’s scenes will air on the October 5th episode. Click on over to our friends at Limelife for more!