Apr 30, 2007

Why: Think about pearls and visions of ladies enjoying tea at the country club may come to mind. Think about freshwater pearls and you may think of small, mismatched, little beads. Funky Oysters has just turned both of those ideas upside down by creating jewelry in a wide range of styles with more variety and higher quality. There are classic strands in peach, gray, violet, champagne and white to cover the basics, while the Hipster Collection features lariats and the SoMa Sea Salt ($30), a 17-inch illusion necklace with delicate pearls and beads. Traditional meets modern in the beautiful Aphrodite ($75), a short strand of oval matched pearls in a fern inspired pattern. Bracelets and earrings are also available. Now, freshwater pearls can come out of their shell and take center stage as a must-have in your jewelry box thanks to Funky Oysters.

Price: $15-$80

Get Yours: FunkyOysters.com

What: By Terry Baume de Rose

Why: I usually shy away from anything that says it can be used on vastly different parts of your body — like your lips and your cuticles. But when a friend recommends it, that’s another story, especially if it was created by a beauty guru. Baume de Rose by Terry Gunzburg is just such a split personality product. It’s a protective and regenerative balm with a concentration of essential rose waxes that softens both lips and cuticles without leaving either feeling greasy or goopy.  After a week of using it before bed, my lips are smooth and my nails look fantastic.

Price: $44

Get Yours: Find Baume de Rose as well as a by Terry Lip Definer and Foundation Brush in the VIP Favorite Things Mother’s Day gift set at eLUXURY.com. Be sure to enter code MDAY at checkout to get free shipping. Otherwise, find other by Terry products online at Barney’s or in-store.

Feel like you’ve seen it before? You may have at FashionTribes.com. It’s also a favorite of stars like Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner.

Who: Vanessa Minnillo

What: Kotur D’Abo Snakeskin Clutch

Why: This Kotur D’Abo clutch is made with silky gold snakeskin and lined with vintage brocade—talk about ultra-glam appeal perfect for all of your fancy soirees. Even with its metallic shine, the simple, yet sophisticated styling make it easily worn with nearly any evening outfit to give it that special touch. This limited quantity clutch is entirely made by hands of craftsmen who specialize in restoring antique clutches and handbags, making it even more unique.

Price: $338 (available in gold or pewter)

Get Yours: Bon-Luxe.com or Searle

What: Bioré Shine Control Cream Cleanser

Why: In the era of multi-tasking, some face washes today not only cleanse your skin, but they also exfoliate, tone, tighten, moisturize and bring you a latte in the morning. Okay, so maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but what happened to simple cleansing? I tried Bioré Shine Control Cream Cleanser, a CEW Beauty Award finalist, and found that it gently removed city grime and makeup without trying to restructure the DNA of my sensitive skin. I wouldn’t mind a latte, though.

Price: $7

Find It: Drugstore.com

The Mulberry Bayswater tote is so classic that even eternal hipster Kate Moss can't help but give into its simple sophistication. Luckily, for once you don't have to be built like a model to carry off something that looks good on her. The clean lines and aged-brass fittings of the Bayswater are a perfect marriage of modern sleek and vintage chic. And best of all, it's a handbag you know you can wear for more than one season.  Net-a-porter has the real thing for a cringe-inducing $995 (or you can always bid on it on eBay), but SheFinds knows how to dig for a bargain. Pick up a near exact replica of the real thing for $330, or snag a pretty good knockoff for only $150. If you're still reluctant to drop a lot of green for this season's best black, ease into the idea with this tote from Target—the slim shoulder straps and aged-brass detail give the same silhouette without trying to copy a swank original.  No matter your budget, though, the Bayswater is a handbag that's worth a splurge—it may be the "It" bag of the summer, but it'll also look good for the next fifty years. 

What: Farouk Systems CHI Nano Ceramic Hair Dryer

Why: The other day at the gym, my hair dryer blew out spectacularly. It gave a loud pop and produced so much smoke I was afraid the smoke detector would go off. Embarrassed and crinkle-nosed at the stench of burned hair, I shoved the still-smoldering dryer into my bag and hurried off to work with half-dried hair.

Once there, I immediately began the search for a new hair dyer, knowing that the messy ponytail look would only go so far in my office. As I only use salon-quality shampoo and conditioner on my hair, I figured, why not look into buying salon-quality tools, too?

I found exactly what I was looking for in the Chi Nano, from stylist favorite, Farouk. It is lightweight, quiet and very effective. Since it dries hair quickly from the inside out with infrared and negative ion technology, it reduces frizz and static, getting me out the door and into the office that much quicker… minus the ponytail.

Price: $189.99

Get Yours: Drugstore.com