Archive for August, 2006

What: Sothys Soothing Milk

Why: When I picked up Sothys Softening Beauty Milk, I thought it sounded like something used by women who have never used public transportation, worked overtime or pulled an all-nighter. Besides, I wondered, how does one even use beauty milk? I discovered that the light, creamy cleanser gently removes city grime while leaving my skin just-from-the-spa soft. (Personal facialist not included).

Price: $22

Find it: SkinStore at Amazon.com

If you don’t already know about La Canadienne, your poor tootsies are hurtin’ unecessarily. comfort + functional style = La Canadienne, they don’t make you choose between the two. At the Fall 2006 preview, we sampled the latest boots ideal for women on-the-go. Low, sturdy heals, padded footbeds, and waterproof leather and suede, (yes, waterproof, we dunked a pair in a tub of water to test them) were incorporated into the designs. La Canadienne is the best choice for work and play.

Wear them with fall’s hottest shape outside of the skinny pant, the pencil skirt.

The style, with its button accent is more casual. Pair these boots with a above-the-knee jersey dress or if you dare, over a pair of skin-tight jeans.

Booties are classic under a great pair of trousers. If you’re feeling mod, a DVF graphic dress with ankle boots will be on-trend. (Check out YOOX for Diane vonFurstenberg.)

Check out more stylish but comfortable shoes in our Comfort Shoes Newsletter.

SheFinds hearts you and your health. We’re going Red this summer to spread the word for heart disease prevention. Go Red For Women encourages us to love our hearts and Go Red…in our own fashion. Lend your voice to the movement; visit GoRedForWomen.org today!

What: DKNY Short Sleeve Turtle Neck Sweater

Why: Lightweight and bright, this top is professional but just body conscious enough to avoid any frumpy feelings. But wait! Don’t be deterred by “body conscious.” Look at the wide, ribbed waist band that falls just below the natural waist. Remember that tunic length is the style of the moment and that wide band can be placed a little higher to allow a little blousing of the sweater. Voila! any unsightly rolls have vanished into the luxe red merino wool.

Price: was $145; now $49.99

Get Yours: SmartBargains.com

This crystal drop necklace will showcase your awareness. “Love Your Heart” and find it at shopgored.com for $28.

What: Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals Foundation – SPF 15 Sunscreen

Why: The SPF 15 foundation contains only minerals from the earth, zinc being one of its ingredients. Zinc is the main reason I put diaper-rash cream on my breakouts at night, a trick make-up artists and models use. Having zinc smeared on during the day would look silly, but i.d. bareMinerals have been the ultimate compromise. The foundation is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and is so good for your skin you could wear it to bed. It looks like powder, but is in a category of its own. When you buff it on your skin it instantly spreads evenly and becomes flawless, radiant bare-looking skin.

Price: $25

Get yours: Choose from 12 shades at Sephora.com

YOOX has just announced a new selection of dresses and skirts from Diane vonFurstenberg, the originator of the wrap dress that flatters every figure. Her signature wrap dresses are made with soft jersey, with a self-tie closure that lets you adjust the dress to your comfort level. It’s a must-have for any work wardrobe.
While some of the dresses take on new trends like this black long-sleeve dress with obi-style belt, others stay true to classic styling with figure-flattering prints. Get hard-to-find DVF dresses at YOOX.com.

Or “Killer Fashion…”

For many of us, a little pain goes a long when to looking good. The sting of a wax, the poke of underwire are irritating but bearable. But we read about the Top 3 Fashion Killers from MSN.com just to make sure we’re not causing any permanent damage.

Offender No. 1: High heels
Crime: Causing corns, bunions, blisters, hammer toes and permanent damage to knees, hips and back.
Crime-prevention Tips:
Buy shoes that fit, it’s just a number. Prioritize when you wear the more painful pairs.
Use sole savers to provide cushioning.
Buy fashionable flats or ‘comfort shoes’ be done with it!

Offender No. 2: Too-tight jeans, leotards and thongs
Crime: Causing yeast and vaginal infections, and chafing.
Crime-prevention Tips:
Wear 100% cotton underwear (or microfiber).
Avoid ill-fitting thongs or pants that “give you a wedgy” as that facilitates bacteria traveling from back to front “as if it’s on an 8-lane superhighway.” Gross.

Offender No. 3: Bustiers and corsets
Crime: Guilty of causing bruises, lacerations, shortness of breath, etc.
Crime-prevention Tips:
Take a deep breath and move around, if you can’t…don’t wear it.
A good Shapewear Guide can help.

We all have aided and abetted these offenders at some point, don’t be ashamed. Check out our guide to your Embarrassing Questions for more solutions.

What: A crystal rock made of natural mineral salts that will replace your current deodorant forever.
Why: It is 300% more effective than conventional deodorants, and once you’ve applied it there is no need to re-apply during the day. Odor free, keeps your pit dry and it lasts for over a year with proper use. The rock has to be applied generously to wet skin, so keep it by the shower. I started using it three months ago and have not used anything else. After practicing Bikram Yoga every day and living through a heat wave with no A/C, smelling like roses the whole time, I’m sold.

Price: $5.99

Get Yours: Amazon.com

Modern takes on vintage looks have a way of making everything old seem new again. And I usually love it. But when I saw this blog singing the praises of lantern sleeves (elegant but with old-school charm, whimsical if staid) I was confused. I mean, whimsical but staid? I aim to look sophisticated and classic, not necessarily conservative and staid. That’s my Grandma’s department.
Diane vonFurstenberg Yasmin Silk Blouse

Elie Tahari Tarina Silk Blouse

Anna Sui Satin Stripe Chiffon Blouse

Canada’s Mountain Equipment Co-op (or MEC as it is known by the outdoorsy in-the-know) is a place where you can get a kayak, climbing shoes, and a minus-50-degree sleeping bag. So why would you look on their web site for your underwear needs? One word. Silkweight.
MEC’s deliciously whisper-light Silkweight Thong is so absolutely incredible, it’s like going commando but…better. Flat seams mean no chafing or unsightly bumps, and while they are built with low-profile coverage for activities like climbing, skiing and hiking, it only means they can stand up to a lot of picnicking, dancing, and shopping. Oh, and the $9 CAD/$8.15 USD price is pretty attractive, too. Get yours at mec.ca.

What we slip on under our fashion is crucial. Check out the SheFinds Guide to the Best Bras, chosen carefully with feedback from SheFinds readers AND the Best Underwear!

Catherine Malandrino twill; $79.99

What: Two pairs of trousers each under $100

Why: We’re all thinking fall. How can we not with the retail stores stocking sweaters in July? I’m not ready to give up on my bermudas and sandals but practicality lead me to two great pairs of pants. Basic black, a little on the traditional side, but two silhouettes that work for work and will take me straight to happy hour and beyond. Can’t ask for more than versatility and a bargain from Bluefly.

Get Yours: Shop the women’s pants department at Bluefly.com

BCBG Max Azria herringbone wide leg; $82.00

If you are more of a one-piece gal – check out our Dress Guide for stylish options in dresses and where to find them online.

Remember how showing up on Sex and the City gave the Hermés Birkin bag and Manolo Blahniks major fashion cred from the Midwest to Down Under? Well, our fashionista friends across the pond have come up with a term to define the opposite: WAGGED. Referring to the infamous WAGs (wives and girlfriends) of England’s national soccer team, the term is applied to any designer look or label sported by the spoiled and often times tasteless clique of footballers’ lady friends. The fear of being WAGGED plagues high-end designers and potential “It” collections.

According to the UK’s Telegraph, one picture of Posh carrying a just-released bag could damage the cred of the carryall for good.

Now, we have our fair share of worst dressed lists and “what were they thinking” editorials, but isn’t it about time we came up with a compact term for all those fashion missteps that beleaguer poor designers stateside? It all comes down to finding a suitable acronym for “anyone who’s ever dated a Greek shipping heir, a Federline, or Wilmer Valderrama.”

Avoid your own fashion faux pas and sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s FREE and you’ll find guides to who’s wearing what in your favorite films, suggestions for great fitting denim, and stylish shoe picks from the experts.

Project Runway guru Tim Gunn wasn’t kidding when he said that “aubergine is the new black” this year. Shades of purple reigned on the Emmy red carpet. Jamie Pressly and winner Megan Mullally both donned regal Badgley Mischkas.

However, Sandra Oh’s frilly lavender Vera Wang was over-accessorized with heavy gold chain jewelry (“I feel like the last of the Romanovs-meets-Run DMC!” said Oh as she fashion policed herself). Ellen Pompeo in John Galliano for Christian Dior looked overdressed for the 110′ weather. Evangeline Lilly, in Versace, proved that simple styling and a sparkling smile are all a girl needs when wearing the color of royalty.

Have grape expectations of your own? Pick up a couple key purple pieces to incorporate into your fall wardrobe.

Work or Play: Feel ultra-feminine in this Central Park West top.

Event worthy: The Anne Klein Currant Satin Dress or this ABS by Allen Schwartz Chiffon Slipdress ensures “all-eyes-on-you” style.

Fab Feet: Burgundy pumps from Steve Madden follow the open toe trend.

Shoulder Bling: Betsey Johnson’s bucket bag is a plum choice carryall for fall.