Buzzworthy Deals From Benefit Cosmetics, Manhattanite, Bloomingdale’s, And More!

imageLet me guess…. one of your resolutions is to spend less in 2010. Allow us to help! (Or not….)

Today’s the last day to take an extra 20% off sale items at Sephora! This lust dusters trio from Benefit is just $8 after the discount! Just enter code EXTRA at checkout.

Get a free bottle of makeup remover (a $21 value) when you spend $35 at Benefit Cosmetics! (Can you tell we like Benefit over here?) Enter code QUICKNYE at checkout. Valid today only!

Save an extra 20% on sale items at Manhattanite! Enter code SALE20 at checkout, now through January 8th.

Take an extra 20% sale items at Banana Republic, for 3 days only! Enter code BREXTRA20 at checkout (online only).

Take an extra 50% off select separates at The Outnet!

Select Calvin Klein underwear is 25% off at Bloomingdale’s now through January 3rd! Plus, today’s the last day to shop the after Christmas sales!

Take 25% off Body by Victoria bras at Victoria’s Secret, and get free shipping on orders over $50 with code 50FREE.

Ring In The New Year Like A Rockstar With These Amped-Up Beauty Picks!

imageIt might just be my inner Vegas showgirl talking, but when I think New Year’s beauty, I imagine sparkles, sequins, glitter, metallics — the works. But the truth is, when you’re already planning on blinging yourself out head-to-toe with sequin pumps, a brocade dress, and a sparkly headband (not to mention some statement jewelry), piling on full-blown stage-worthy makeup can end up taking your look from dazzling to just plain drag queen. My advice? You can still have countdown-festive makeup that twinkles without taking it overboard. Bright blue nail polish, foiled eyeshadow, and shimmery versions of your favorite blush are great ways to add impact and shine to your NYE look without overpowering your outfit. For more fun ways to beautify yourself on the last night of 2009, check the slideshow!

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Hot In The Hive: Hello Kitty Casio EX-Z90 Camera

imageWe may have left Christmas in the dust (unless you’re like me and are still buying presents for yourself with the gift returns), but it’s never too soon to start thinking about your next wish list! If you’re a gadget girl and still haven’t outgrown your 2nd grade crush on everything Hello Kitty (guilty as charged!), allow me to introduce the Hello Kitty Casio EX-Z90 Digital Camera, from one Sanrio fanatic to another. In honor of Miss Kitty’s 35th Anniversary, Casio has unveiled a fancy feline version of its 12.1 megapixel Exilim camera, complete with a bedazzled chrome pink shell and a matching case and wrist strap! It’s a little pink for my taste, but given my love for HK and the quality of the camera, if I had an extra $500 to blow, I’d be sold!

Price: $499.99
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Hello Kitty Casio Camera to the Hive.

Post-Holiday Getaway Essentials From TheFind!

imageNow that the presents have been opened and the house guests have come and gone, you can finally look forward to your post-holiday escape. If you are jetting off to somewhere exotic and warm lined with white sandy beaches why not splurge on yourself and spend those gift cards straight away some new luxe beach-worthy essentials. Indulge in some Marni oversized shades ($455 at Net-a-Porter) for protecting your eyes from the sun, considering you haven’t seen actual sunlight during these past couple months of snow and sleet. Defrost and decompress under a full 8″ wide large brimmed straw hat ($24.99 at Buy.com), perfect for hiding from harsh UV rays as you bask pool side. Stash your travelers checks, tickets and passport in a super stylish basic leather travel wallet from Smythson ($340 at Net-a-Porter). Inside you’ll find compartments marked Boarding Pass, Currency, Passport, Tickets, and Other. What is more glam than this shade of fuchsia leather? Pack up the rest of your essentials in an travel tote like this Stella McCartney oversized technical taffeta tote ($785 at Net-a-Porter). The tote is embellished with gold toned hardware, a long shoulder strap to wear messenger style and sports internal zipped and pouch pockets to keep you organized and tidy on the road to paradise. For all of the beauty items that won’t fit in your tote, toss them into this gorgeous Erdem Globe Trotter vanity case ($595 at Net-a-Porter). The red case is accented with gold-tone hardware and black leather trim. The heirloom quality case is worthy of your most prized accessories and beauty essentials as you step thru the boarding gate in pure jetsetter style. Bon voyage!

Brought to you by our friends at TheFind!

10, 9, 8…Check Out My Top Ten Clutches For New Years Eve!

imageNow that gifts have been given (and returned) and the last gumdrop has been eaten off the gingerbread house, it’s time to focus on your upcoming New Year’s Eve plans! Whether you’re going to a huge NYE party and rubbing elbows with the party circuit elite, or making an appearance at a friend’s festive gathering to sip on some bubbly, this is the night to really sparkle. If New Year’s Eve isn’t the time to shine and dazzle, then when is? You’ve probably already decided on a few fashionable options to wow the crowd, so now all you need now is to find a few perfect accessories to really make that New Years ensemble a show stopper! A pretty, practical and sparkly clutch is the best way to do so, so check out the slideshow and help me count down my favorite clutches and mini handbags for New Year’s Eve!

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Shoe of the Week: Chie Mihara Freshwater T-Straps

imageThese days, a shoe needs to have some pretty innovative design for me to take notice. The majority I’ve been seeing at department stores and online are the usual combination of black leather, studs or zippers. While I don’t mind the (certainly ubiquitous) rough and tumble look, I’ve been looking for something a little more… demure. Basically, I just want something ladylike that doesn’t remind me of my grandmother. That’s why the Freshwater T-Straps by Chie Mihara really caught my eye. They have a retro feel with their t-strap styling, but are thoroughly modern with their cutout leather circle pattern. Wear them with jeans and a leather jacket for an unexpected surprise, or pair with your favorite sundress. An added plus? The design has all of the charm of a strand of vintage pearls, without looking like you dove headfirst into grandma’s jewelry box.

What: the Chie Mihara Freshwater T-Straps
Price: $375
Where to Buy: Anthropologie
Who: facadeindreams was the first to add the Chie Mihara Freshwater T-Straps to the Hive.

Hot Beauty Buy: Chanel Makeup Case

imageI just got a new set of makeup brushes and a Chanel Makeup Case ($120 at Neiman Marcus) from my husband for Christmas. The case was inspired by the case the Chanel makeup artists carry and I love that inside there are lots of compartments and removable zipper bags. I can only explain it as a sort of makeup binder and storage tray. You can remove the makeup bags and brush holder as well as remove some of the dividers in the storage tray of the case. The first thing I noticed and adored is the lipstick divider. (You can see inside the case in this eBay post.) This is perfect for me because I have things in about 3 separate bags in different sizes. The case is a perfect size too — not huge like a train case or too small like my little zipper bag. Plus nothing is ever organized when I travel so I love that this will keep everything together including my cleanser and lotion. I was planning on exchanging the couple of brushes I already had but then I realized that the brushes I do have are about SIX or SEVEN years old. OMG! How did time fly? I do clean them with the MAC brush cleaner but not as often as I should. Honestly, I’ve cleaned them probably about 3 or 4 times. Gross, I know. I decided to Google and find out how often you should be cleaning your brushes and found this post by makeup artist extraordinaire, Bobbi Brown on the Allure magazine site where she explains how to clean your makeup brushes. Just set a reminder in my calendar to do this every month! How often do you clean your makeup brushes or refresh them with new ones?

Brought to you by our friends at Coquette!

Get All Wrapped Up In Bows This Winter!

imageThe bow trend is nothing new. It’s been girly and cute with Harajuku girls, ladylike a la Jackie O, and totally wacky with Lady Gaga. Clearly it’s a trend that has legs. This winter, bows were placed high on headbands, low on shoes, and a little but of everywhere else — and in most cases, the bigger the better. And these weren’t your average cutesy bows– think hardcore in your face tough bows! Bows aren’t for everyone; I personally never been one to wear them (standing at 5’10”, I’d look a little bit like an overgrown child). Yet there is something about bows that I just can’t get enough of. A tough metal bow pin or ring is anything but cutesy, and pairing a classic bow front top like Pencey’s Bow Tee with menswear trousers is the ultimate in boy meets girl glamour. The best example of the hardcore bow trend is the bank-breaking Balmain strong shoulder bow top– even on sale it retails for over $2,000– but a girl can dream, can€™t she? Check out the slideshow for ways to get wrapped up in bows.

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Sparkle And Shine Your Way Into 2010 With These Sequined Styles!

imageIf Halloween is the time to go all out with your best costume ideas, then New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to pile on the glitter and glitz. Leave the boring LBDs at home and find something a little more eye-catching. What better way to ring in the new year than by wearing a sparkly sequin dress and strappy sandals? I guarantee jaws will drop when you walk into the room wearing this sexy gold one-shoulder minidress from Alice + Olivia. If you’re thinking about just accessorizing with sparkle, I’ve got you covered too. Victoria’s Secret has an affordable and on-trend sequin crossbody bag that can hold all your nighttime essentials. A word of warning: it may not be a good idea to be in head to toe sparkle since no one wants to be mistaken for a disco ball. Take a look at my slideshow to see all the glitzy ways you can celebrate 2010!

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Buzzworthy Deals From Shopbop, Free People, Digby & Iona, And More!

imageNeed help spending all of those gift cards? Look no further than today’s Buzzworthy Deals…

Take 20% off sale items at Free People when you buy three or more sale items! Hurry, this offer ends today!

Today’s the last day to take an extra 20% off items already marked 50-70% off on Shopbop! Enter code EXTRA20 at checkout.

Everything on Digby & Iona’s website is 20% off with code HOLIDAY.

Select merchandise is on sale at Topshop.com, including items from Kate Moss’ collection!

First time shopping on Bluefly? Take $40 your order of $200 or more with code SHOPSTYLE40.

Check back on Thursday for more!