Blast From The Past: Jellies Make A Comeback!

imageJellies are as endemic to summer as ice cream truck jingles, kickball, and sparklers at twilight. For so many of us, the bright colors and strappy designs of this childhood staple were an early way to make a fashion statement, as well as a reason to beg to be allowed to wear nail polish (or sneak it when your parents weren’t looking). We left them somewhere between 5th and 6th grade, when Keds or more grown-up leather sandals took over and jellies were relegated to either younger siblings or the “outgrown” bin. And, like going from lowly camper to bonafide junior counselor, you never really looked back. At least, that is, until recent years when a passion for all things retro and simple has come surging back and your favorite rubber footies have been reinterpreted by fashion favorites from on-high (Givenchy, Jimmy Choo) to the more affordable (Asos). Check out the slideshow to see if they can entice you once again!

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Kick Around In A Pair Of Loafers This Summer

imageThe fail-safe shoes known as the loafers haven’t changed much over the past 10 years. They are simple, masculine and may be great for warmer weather, but these classic shoes are appropriate for year-round use. Loafers are one of the most effortless pieces of footwear a man can have in his wardrobe. I mean, all you have to do is slip them on and go. It can’t get any easier than that. I am proud of my sole pair of Ferragamo loafers. In fact, they are one of my most coveted items in my closet. I keep them in a fireproof safe in there. They are uncomplicated, black and are beautifully constructed (what pair of Italian shoes aren’t?). If Ferragamo isn’t your cup of tea, go for the classicism of Gucci horse-bit loafers or the modernized Johnston & Murphy tassle loafer. But if you’re one of those guys who want your feet to get attention, opt for the blue Cole Haan penny loafers or the zest of Ted Baker’s Aglio loafers. Need something a little more flashy, yet subtle? Bottega Veneta has some basket woven kicks for you. Then there is the whole issue on whether to go sock-less when wearing loafers. There’s no crime in showing some ankle, but if you’re like me and have an irrational fear of going nude below the ankles, Banana Republic has the perfect remedy: no-show loafer socks. Here are some other loafer ideas to kick around.

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Bring Your Old Juicy Clothes To Select Stores And Get 20% Off!

imageDid you have a Juicy Couture phase, the remnants of which are in a terry cloth and velour pile in the back of your closet? Starting this week, the brand will kick off its second annual “Juicy Gives: Recycle Your Couture” program, where you’ll receive a 20% discount for bringing in old Juicy items to 12 select stores nationwide. The old clothes will then be donated to women’s shelters near each of the stores. Co-founders Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor had this to say: “It is a huge priority for us to give back, and by donating Juicy clothes to local women’s shelters, Juicy can extend its charitable reach even further!” So why not rationalize the infamous tracksuit purchase of 2001, help women in need, and use your discount to scoop up this adorable swim set? The event ends Tuesday, May 19th, so start cleaning out those closets!

Participating stores include: U.S.: Village at Corte Madera (Corte Madera, CA), King of Prussia Mall (King of Prussia, PA), Houston Galleria (Houston, TX), Mall at Millenia (Orlando, FL), 12 Newbury Street (Boston, MA), 803 State Street (Santa Barbara, CA), 101 Oak Street (Chicago, IL), 105 Grant Avenue (San Francisco, CA), 37 W. Colorado Blvd (Pasadena, CA), 3034 M Street (Washington, DC), Village at Merrick Park (Coral Gables, FL), and Americana Manhasset (Manhasset, NY).

The Loveliest Shoes For Your Dainty Bridal Feet

imageIt’s probably a given that you’re going to get a lot of looks on your wedding day. And trust me, in all your beauty, there’ll be a lot to look at! There’s nothing plain Jane about these kicks — these picks are so detailed, they’ll knock your socks off. Your shoes, although away from the focus, can still be a highlight of your wedding look. If you’re looking for a way to play up a simpler style you may have chosen for your gown, hair, jewelry and other accessories, don’t exclude your shoes from the running of being your best wedding accompaniment. If not for a short gown and stems to get your feet noticed, these shoes will draw attention to your pretty polished toes even with a sneak glance from under a long, ballroom-style gown. Foot fetishes aside, these bridal shoes will make your feet the most coveted in the room!

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How To Choose The Perfect Blush!

imageFinding the perfect blush is not as easy as one might think. Which is why we were so excited when we found Allure magazine’s guide on how to choose and apply the perfect blush!

Color test. To find the shade that flatters your skin tone, gently pinch your cheeks and match the blush to the color you get. You can also try one that’s half a shade darker than your favorite neutral lipstick. If you have acne or a ruddy complexion, try a tawnier shade so the blush doesn’t call attention to the redness. Either way, shimmery blush almost never looks natural.

Add the cream. I tell novices to start with a cream blush because it goes on sheer and it’s easy to blend. The exception is if you use also a powder foundation or loose powder on your face; always keep makeup textures consistent so they don’t clump.

Fan yourself. Dense brushes– the ones that typically come with blush– are tricky and tend to create a big, sloppy chunk of color in the middle of the cheek. I use a fan brush for both cream and powder formulas. The thin hairs blend color seamlessly.

Product placement. When I’m working on a client, I smile so she’ll smile, which accentuates the best part of the cheeks to apply blush. I put the highest concentration of color just outside the fattest part of the cheeks– not directly under the eyes. You don’t want the concentration of color to be too close to the nose or the temples, because that look screams “too much blush.”

Build it up. The more layers of makeup you wear, the lighter the blush should be. Conversely, if you apply blush to bare skin, it will soak in and be more diffuse, so you may have to use more for the same effect.

Don’t forget to check out the Shop Therapy blog for more beauty tips and tricks!

How To Survive A Red-Eye Flight And Still Look Good

imageIn theory, red-eye flights are great for people who don’t want to waste the daytime traveling. It’s definitely handy for those who want to immediately start their day at their destination instead of landing in the afternoon or evening. The first time I ever had a red-eye flight, I was stuck in the middle seat, couldn’t get any sleep, and arrived at my destination with– you guessed it, red eyes. Since my disastrous red-eye, I’ve learned ways to survive and even look good when I arrive. Staying hydrated is key, because nothing is worse than dry skin, chapped lips, and red eyes. While you still cannot bring your own water before the security check point, I like to bring an empty water bottle and ask a flight attendant to fill it up when I’m on the plane. While on the plane, either bring your own blanket and pillow or use the airline’s, plop on an eye mask with cooling gel, and you’ll be amazed at how refreshed you’ll look when you arrive. Check out my slideshow for more red-eye flight survival items from mini lint rollers to multi-tasking makeup!

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Buzzworthy Deals From Shopbop, Inhabit, LuvCharlie, And More!

imageSo many deals, so little time… people who think shopping is all fun and no work seriously have no clue what they’re talking about! And if you’re like us, you know there’s always a better deal out there, so you’ll stop at nothing to make sure you get it. There’s quite a bit of research involved, if you ask me. So twice a week we save you the trouble and do some deal-scouting for you! Here are today’s Buzzworthy Deals:

Shopbop is offering an extra 20% off sale items that are already 50% and 70% off! Use code EXTRA20 at checkout, valid now through 5/14.

Shop the INHABIT Spring Sample Sale in-house and online! Shop their NYC store (1441 Broadway, 24th floor) May 14-15 from 10 AM to 6 PM, or online May 18-20. And if you’re in the area, don’t miss the INHABIT Friends & Family sample sale day in-store on May 13 from 10 AM – 6 PM!

Take 25% off your order at LuvCharlie, now through 5/19 with code SUMMER25.

Get free shipping on orders over $100 at J.Crew with code SUNSHINE, now through tomorrow.

Take 15% off most items from Revolve Clothing with code TULIP.

Lela Rose Partners With Beauty.com For A Limited Edition Beauty Case!

imageBeauty.com has done it again with the unveiling of another brand-new designer collaboration. For spring 2009, the online beauty store has collaborated with designer Lela Rose in creating an incredible limited edition beauty bag filled with a collection of 15 deluxe and full-sized hair, makeup, and skin care products. “The Lela Rose and Beauty.com collaboration speaks not to only the Lela Rose customer, but to women everywhere,” says Lela Rose. “Women today are looking for value and quality when making purchases without having to sacrifice style and sophistication. I can’t think of a better pick-me-up than this gift with purchase to kick off the spring season.” The entire set is valued at over $160 but is yours for free with any purchase of $100 at www.beauty.com/lelarose. Read on to see what’s inside!

“Gossip Girl” Style At Target, Coming Soon!

imageTalking-Gossip.com has a major Fashion Alert for all you “Gossip Girl” style lovers. Famous fashion designer Anna Sui has teamed up with one of our favorite stores, Target, for their designer collaboration series and her inspiration is coming from none other than the “Gossip” girls! The four main girls (Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa) will inspire pieces for the collection so you’ll be able to dress like your favorite “Gossip Girl” at a cost that’s perfect for a small budget! Anna has said that the pieces will reflect the individual styles of the characters while also incorporating a sense of New York City. The collection will be available from September 13th to October 17th. Happy shopping!

See more style and entertainment stories from our friends at SOAPnet!
Photo credit: PR Photos

Hot In The Hive: Throw Some Green Around With CB2’s Astro Balls!

imageI love living in the city and would rather be nowhere else. The excitement, the variety, the convenience, the interesting and unique things around every corner. I love it all. The only thing I don’t love about the city? The lack of green. You can find gourmet salad bars and veggie burgers piled high with leafy greens and fresh produce on any block, but you’d be hard pressed to find a lush yard in between apartment buildings or an overflow of trees and flowers on any given corner. Now, there is an easy and fun way to add the illusion of thick vegetation to your living environment! Thanks to CB2 and their Astro Balls, livening up your garden is no problem! They are made of high-quality polyethylene and look like giant Koosh balls made of grass! Their fun and unique shape add interest to any yard or lawn, regardless of size. They are not real grass so you can enjoy the look of green plants, but not have to worry about the care and maintenance that usually come with them. These CB2 Astro Balls are great for interior decoration too! Add a few into a large, glass vase, or set them individually in small bowls for a sophisticated look with a quirky edge. They come in light and darker green shades and at $3.95-$4.95 a piece, get a few and have fun decorating your urban area!

Price: $3.95- $4.95
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the CB2 Astro Balls to the Hive.