Video Style Steal: Jordin Sparks’ “S.O.S.” Is No Fashion Emergency!

imageOne thing that always seems to instill a little hope within me is seeing American Idol alumni actually making something of their temporary fame. It makes me think, “wow, maybe reality TV really does serve a purpose!” And what’s not to like about a down-to-earth gal from Arizona with a powerhouse voice making awesome music and managing to stay classy while doing it (’cause apparently that’s rare)? Jordin Sparks may only be 19, but she’s already making waves with her second studio album “Battlefield” and even has a few pre-AI modeling credits under her belt. But just because the girl has gospel roots and is most known for ballads like “Tattoo” and “No Air” with Chris Brown, it doesn’t mean she can’t go out and have a little fun. In her latest video, “S.O.S. (Let The Music Play),” Jordin shows off her sexy side… and exposes a backstabbing boyfriend while she’s at it! I recommend leaving the chain acrylic nails out of your outfit (how the heck does she text with those things on?), but you can look dance floor-ready with a shimmering sequin dress and embellished black heels like Jordin’s. Click “See Video” to watch the club-banger single come to life, then take a look at the slideshow to see some wearable counterparts for your own video-inspired wardrobe! Photo Credit: MTV.com

view slideshow

Essence Gives A Run-Down Of The Best Beauty Buys For Fall

imageUnlike trendy seasonal fashions, good skin is always “in.” Your skin deserves the best treatment, so start by protecting one of the most exposed features on your body during the colder months — your face. I’ve rounded up a few of the latest and greatest buzzworthy beauty and skin care products to hit the shelves this fall with expert tips from Ling Chan, creator of LING Skin Care products and Ling Spas in New York City, who’s known for helping Hollywood’s top leading ladies put their best face forward both on and off the screen. Get the skin you deserve with these tried and tested potions that are sure to help you achieve and maintain a healthy refreshing glow. The first step? Make a commitment! “Maintaining your skin is a lifelong commitment,” says Chan. “Taking care of the skin is just like taking care of the body- it becomes part of a lifestyle. It is important to dedicate time to your customized plan to help achieve great skin.” For starters, Aveda Enbrightenment Cleanser is gentle enough for frequent use and visibly improves skin clarity. Carol’s Daughter Gentle Face Wash is also a great addition to your skin regime since it dissolves dirt and grime without stripping away moisture. Click over to Essence for the full list of fall face must-haves!

Hot In The Hive: Pac-Man Plug-And-Play Joystick

imageIf you’ve ever wolfed down an entire pepperoni pie by yourself just for an excuse to hang out at the local pizzeria and beat those kids’ scores on the ancient Galaga machine (okay, maybe that’s just me), have I got the gadget for you! This super-retro Pac-Man joystick literally looks like it was jacked straight out of the arcade and modernized to fit conveniently on your lap or coffee table. Just pop in some batteries and plug the device into your TV and you instantly have a long night ahead of you in old school gamer girl heaven. With 12 classic arcade games in one compact console, you can officially save the trip to the pizza joint (and the calories that inevitably come with it) and you can geek out in the privacy and convenience of your own home (unless, of course, you want to invite the whole building over for a tournament).

Price: $40
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Pac-Man Video Game Kit to the Hive.

Warm up With Fur Embellished Winter Boots!

imageAfter making an appearance on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs, the fur boot is back. You may recall the mukluk trend from a few seasons ago. Yes, it’s back and it is part of the larger fur trend we are seeing on faux fur vests in particular as well as handbags. So it make sense, but not sure if I am ready to embrace furry winter boots again this year. What do you think of these fur festooned boots? Will you buy them this winter? The style seen on the runway for fall 2009 is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux-fur lace-up boot (bottom right, $350 at Net-a-Porter). A completely fur covered boot this will keep your toes nice and toasty during the snowiest of days or perhaps on the slopes apres ski? The gray faux-fur-embellished boots feature black canvas criss-cross laces at the front, silver-tone eyelets and a black rubber sole to prevent slippage on snowy urban sidewalks or while relaxing in the ski lodge. Another style is Givenchy’s Fur-Front Ankle Boot, (top right, $1150 at Saks.com) and obviously not too appropriate for snowy streets, but perhaps a snow-free night out on the town. These rabbit fur embellished booties with a stacked heel will look perfect with black leggings or skinny jeans. For more fur-embellished boots as well as coupons for a stylish steal, click on over to our friends at TheFind!

Too Old For Trick-Or-Treating? Try These Tasty Halloween Treats!

imageBesides my own birthday, Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. Halloween is a holiday like something straight out of a Tim Burton/ Charles Dickens special: the costumes, the parties, the mystery, the lighthearted pranks that we all pulled on each other … and the best part of it is the sugary treats that make the tricks a little sweeter. Fun-sized classic candy bars are still great, but now that we’re a little older, the door-to-door inquiry for candies, while would probably be just as fun, is much less appropriate. Luckily for us, though, although being older means no more trick-or-treating, it does mean great parties, smaller costumes and Halloween treats much better than even full sized chocolate bars dropped into your pillow case. Check out the slide-show to see some frighteningly fabulous Halloween treats that’ll really amaze your guests!

view slideshow

Show Your Support For Breast Cancer Awareness With A Pink Ribbon Tote!

imageJust because October is already half over doesn’t mean it’s too late to jump on the pink ribbon trend in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer, or you just want to lend a helping hand to fellow females, you don’t need to completely douse yourself in pink or deck yourself out in ribbons to show your steadfast support. A breast cancer relief-themed tote is a simply stylish way to spread awareness and share your hope for the cure, and a practical way to donate that nearly anyone can afford — after all, every little bit counts! Show off your pink pride with your sporty side with this cinch tote, or go for a slightly more subtle (and slightly more costly) alternative with Coach’s BCRF Leather Tote. But hey, there’s no better reason to surrender your wallet to a splurge than a seriously good cause! Check out the slideshow for some cute carry-alls that are both practical and philanthropic!

view slideshow

The Budget Babe Gets The Look for Less: Frye Engineer Boots

imageThese leather Frye Engineer Boots feature buckled strap details at the ankle and around the top. Available in gaucho tan or black, these boots would certainly be a worthwhile investment if you can save up the $198 to purchase them for yourself at Shopbop.com. I bought the Target knock-offs last season and I absolutely adore them. I wear them with skinny jeans and my leatherette jacket for no-fuss everyday style. Now, American Eagle offers a nice alternative at half the cost of the original Frye boots. These are also made from real leather and come in dark brown or black. If they still have my size left when these go on sale, I think I might get a pair in black. Loves it. Check out more wallet friendly finds with our friends at The Budget Babe!

Hot In The Hive: Aqua Eyes Collector Set

imageAs I’ve mentioned before, I love me some eyeliner. Black, preferably, but I’ve been known to dabble in other colors of the rainbow for a little unexpected “pop,” especially when a little color-coordinating glitter is in order. Sure, it’s not often that I break out the lime green or bright orange kohl pencils, but as a compulsive cosmetics collector, I at least like to have ’em on hand (after all, Halloween is approaching). It’s probably that exact behavior towards makeup — compulsion — that makes me swoon at the idea of Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes Collector Set, a 25th anniversary collection of 25 creamy eyeliner pencils in practically every shade imaginable. It’s gorgeous, like a brand new box of never-been-used Crayola crayons that appeals to both my inner first grader and my outer makeup junkie… but for $249? Sure, it’s kind of a deal, coming out to $10 a pencil… but $10 each on a good dozen colors I’ll only use on a handful of occasions goes a long way when it comes to denting my checking account. I guess it’s just another lust-worthy item to add to the “look, but don’t touch” category.

Price: $249
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector Set to the Hive.

Tory Burch’s New Shades Channel A Little Hollywood Glamour

imageYour summer accessories may be hibernating for the time being, but that’s no reason not to look forward to the next sunny season! Tory Burch is launching her new sunglasses line this month! The collection takes inspiration from such Hollywood icons as James Dean, Peter Fonda, Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Tortoise and olive green are key shades in the line and all sunglasses incorporate her signature logo design in an innovative way for each style. Keep on the lookout for these stylish sunglasses to hit the Tory Burch boutiques, web site, and select department stores worldwide! Hit up Coquette for more news on upcoming designer collections!

Buzzworthy Deals From Banana Republic, Saks Fifth Avenue, J. Crew, And More!

imageHave some $$ set aside for a rainy day? Dig in, and shop today’s Buzzworthy Deals..

Now through tomorrow, take 20% off orders of $150 or more online at J. Crew. Hello, vintage tall roadster boots.

Today only! Celebrate Banana Republic’s 10th online anniversary! Save 15% off on all online orders, or 20% with your BR card. Plus, get free shipping when you spend $100 or more. Enter code BRHAPPY10 at checkout!

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Friends & Family Sale is online! Save 25% on your order (20% on jewelry, 10% off beauty and fragrance) with code FRIENDS2. Then shop the sale in-store, 10/15 – 10/18.

Save 30% on select shoe and handbag styles at Piperlime through 10/25!

Check back on Thursday for more Buzzworthy Deals!