cultureofcute

Archive for September, 2009|Monthly archive page

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You’ve Lost It

In Electronics on September 23, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Lose it iPhone App

iPhone? check. Dozens of downloaded apps? check. Fit into skinny jeans? Ugh.

At one point or another, we have all wanted to lose those 5 (or more) elusive pounds where no matter what diet we’ve attempted (and that’s been a lot…hello lemon water and cayenne pepper), they just don’t work. We’ve also all heard the rhetoric of the “lifestyle” change. Double ugh. How on earth am I supposed to change my lifestyle when I’m a slave to my taste buds?

Released in Nov. ’08, The iPhone app Lose it!, which has gained a strong following (see NYTimes article), allows you set goals and establish a daily calorie budget that enables you to meet them. The Lose it! puts you one step closer to that lifestyle change because you stay on track each day by recording your food and exercise. The interface is clean, easy to use and allows you to (begrudgingly) tap in everything you eat (it has over 450,000 food items in its database).

Best part…it’s free!

Get it in the iTunes App Store or Apptism and start tracking your way into your skinny jeans!


Pencil It In

In Fashion on September 23, 2009 at 11:40 am

Pencil skirt

Pencil skirts have always been in fashion. They keep your outfit sleek, stylish, and pull your look together with a dash of no-nonsense sex appeal. There are many choices when it comes to choosing the right pencil skirt; high waist, low waist, above the knee, below the knee, solids, prints…the choices are many! Close (aka on the tighter side) fit are always popular with women since they enable elegant movement.

My go to Pencil Skirt is the classic black, below the knee much like this BCBG “Monica” pencil skirt. However and considering all of the bold colors we’ve seen in fashion mags this season, you can rock a scarlet red pencil skirt with a simple white blouse…just remember to balance the fitted nature of the skirt with a looser blouse or top. Or for any edgier look, rock a sequin pencil skirt (we all know how in sequins is right now).

However you decide to wear your pencil skirt, wear it with confidence and know you look haute.

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Nice Buns

In Fashion on September 22, 2009 at 4:08 pm

Lhuillier Buns

Goodbye ponytail, we’ll see you soon.

Fall runway designers have embraced the bun as a great way to have hair look ‘done’, but draw most attention to face and fashion. This is not your mother’s wedding day bun.

A simple ballerina bun was the inspiration at Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2009 runway show. The trick is to secure your tresses into a “not too neat, not too messy” bun—then mist with hairspray and use a toothbrush to tame flyaways around the ears and hairline. Toothbrush- genius!

Try cult classic hairspray L’Oreal Elnett which is now finally available in the US, to secure your hair into place and enjoy a hair-stress free day!

Get L’Oreal Elnett hairspray at Target.

Four Eyes

In Fashion on September 22, 2009 at 9:13 am

Eye wear Chanel

Embrace 1950′s style with the latest Eye Wear trend of black rimmed (only thing missing is the coke bottle-esq magnifying lens) glasses. As we saw at Sunday night’s Emmy awards, eye glasses are making a strong comeback. Goodbye lasik. Farewell contact lenses. Hello four eyes!

This trend strikes a cord with me because I have always had a strange desire to wear glasses. Maybe it’s the fact they make you look smarter or because its just another accessory to obsess over. Either way, we can all wear fashionable eye wear and join in on the spectacle accessory spree!

The greatest part about this new Eye Wear trend is that you don’t need a prescription; for those of you with 20/20 vision, you can still look 1950′s chic with clear acetate lenses. Rock this look to punctuate your professional self.

Fantastic Four Eyes:

Benjamin Eye Wear Nicole Acetate Glasses
Cost: $325

TopShop Clear Lens Glasses
Cost: $30

Kirre Matte Clear Lens Glasses
Cost: $9.99

Urban Outfitters Original Risky Readers
Cost: $18


Hello Dolly! Barbie Loves Stila

In Beauty on September 21, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Barbie Loves Stila

First of all, if you have never tried a Stila Smudge Pot, stop reading, get up and go buy one. These are some of the best “sexy make a statement” eyeliners you can find. They produce a pigment rich, thick black stroke on the lid that you can apply with a liner brush for razor-sharp precision or smudge it with your fingers for more complete coverage. Paired with a glossy lip and pink cheeks- well it just does not get much sexier than that.

Speaking of sexy- the Barbie Loves Stila line has everything you need to be Barbie Sexy including Smudge Pots with a slight dose of shimmer. The multi-tasking gel formula can be used as a liner and a shadow that stays on all day.

The black shade is practical whereas the blue and purple scream fun! Now where did I put my tiny plastic shoes?!

At only $20 they are an affordable guilty pleasure. www.stila.com

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Grey Gardens

In Fashion on September 21, 2009 at 10:52 am

Victoria Beckham Grey Outfit

Muted Tones are making a comeback this fall with khakis, greys, whites, and eggshell combos. Celebrities have been spotted by the paparazzi wearing smart all grey outfits or pairing varying shades of grey, khaki and white to create a subtle and classy muted tone ensemble.

This sophisticated and demure look is a stark contrast to the bold jewel tones, vivacious red outfits, and accessorized wrists and necklines we’ve been seeing. Today is the first day of fall and it seems perfect to address this elegant, cold weather outfit, and get us officially excited for the upcoming holiday season. You could even jazz up an all grey outfit with bright yellow stilettos or red pumps for a little extra oomph!

Wow the office in these all grey outfits:

White House | Black Market Grey Twist Dress
Cost: $148.00

Steve Madden Grey Suede Booties
Cost: $69.90

Guess “Carrie” Grey Suede Pumps
Cost: $89.95

Black Halo Belted Boutique in Black and Grey Dress
Cost: $240.00

Eye Candy

In Fashion on September 18, 2009 at 4:20 pm

long eyelashes

Why is it that guy’s always seem to be admired for their long, voluminous eyelashes? Whenever I see a man peering out from under his envy-inducing black eyelashes, part of me that morphs into a jealous green monster aka the incredible hulk. We women curl, prime, coat, attach and obsess over our eyelashes with the hope of looking like a doe eyed cherub. This neurosis has launched a billion dollar mascara and eye lash extension industry and finally, doctors have gotten involved to assist us in fulfilling our eye lash dreams.

Latisse was originally created to aid people suffering from glaucoma and severe eye pressure but was recently approved by the FDA to enhance your eyelashes! Little known fact: Latisse created by Allergan who are also the makers of that life saving wonderdrug Botox. Full results when using Latisse usually arrive after 12-16 weeks of using the drug…and you need to use this topical serum every night!

To get Latisse, you need to go see your dermatologist for a prescription and the average cost for the miracle stuff is $130.

Other non-prescription companies have come out with eye lash enhancing serums..and they’ll cost you about the same amount of money.

Peter Thomas Roth sells Lashes to Die For at Sephora for $125.

Tarte also makes an eye lash enhancer called MultiplEYE also sold at Sephora for $65.

Which ever miracle serum you decide to go with…remember to read the directions carefully and talk to you eyelashes daily. ;) Positive reinforcement helps plants grow…so you may as well try it on your eyelashes!

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The Trinity Ring. An Eternal Jewel

In Accessories on September 18, 2009 at 9:47 am

Cartier Trinity Ring

Designed in 1924, Cartier’s iconic Trinity Ring boosts three types of gold; White for Friendship, Rose Gold for Love, and Yellow Gold for Loyalty. French poet visionary, Jean Cocteau, first adopted this ring and never took it off again and in 1925, the ring appeared in the Vogue American Edition. In its 85 years of existence, has become one of the world’s most renowned rings.

This year, Cartier celebrated it’s 100 Year Anniversary, and introduced its latest out-of-this-world collection of jewelry on the runway of Phillip Lim’s fall show. A modern interpretation of the Trinity design, this celestial set of rings, bracelets, and earrings features a glittering star motif made of diamonds.

Buy It – Diamond encrusted, Star Trinity Ring Set

Cost: $14,400
Cartier or 800-CARTIER

Buy It – Classic, 3 Gold Trinity Ring

Cost: $1,050
Cartier or 800-CARTIER


The Classic Cream

In Beauty on September 17, 2009 at 3:36 pm

nivea creme

Soft hands used to be noted as a quality of a woman who had a pampered life. Well, times have changed and we all have to wash a dish every now and then. Old fashion thinking may be gone, but a classic hand cream still reigns supreme.

Original Nivea Creme- I used to have one of these sleek blue tins in my purse or backpack at any given time. The rich orginal formula is a classic in the beauty world and can be used all over the body. It is best for rough spots such as knees, feet, elbows and hands. Slather it on everytime you wash your hands and you will have the softest hands in a few weeks.

Another secret trick for the cream is that you can take of all your makeup with it. Slather it on your face and tissue off- much like Ponds Cold Cream but a little stronger. Also thow it on dry lips for super quick softening. Definitely a Rennaissance cream!

Oh and the smell- so lovely- floral and clean and slightly old fashioned which I love.

You can find this cream at just about any drugstore or online at www.nivea.com


Pink Leopard

In Accessories, Fashion on September 17, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Pink Leopard Accessories

Leopard is back in style this fall with a slight twist. It’s pink!! Pink Leopard accessories filled New York Fashion Week runways and clearly the fashion gods have spoken; pink leopard is in! This animal print obsession has been spotted on celebrities like Kate Moss and Ashley Olson and it is now high time we all invest in a little saucy pink pizazz in our life!

Get this ferocious look here:

Jimmy Choo Pink Leopard Clutch
Cost: $1,095
Buy It: Net-a-Porter

Express Pink Animal Print Silk Top
Cost: $39.50
Buy It: Express

Pink Leopard Scarf
Cost: $28
Buy It: Rumor

Pink Leopard Racer back Tank
Cost: $15.80
Buy It: Forever21

Betsey Johnson Leopard Print Earrings
Cost: $25
Buy It: Betsey Johnson

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