Mineral makeup is made from crushed minerals, high on pigment, and containing no chemicals, fillers or dyes. It is also naturally hypoallergenic and it doesn’t clog pores, making it suitable for most skin types. Mineral makeup has no talc content, which makes it easier for the skin to retain essential moisture. Additionally, key ingredients of mineral makeup, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide also provide natural UV protection. All these benefits make the use of mineral powder in cosmetics extremely popular now.

Source: Mineral Makeup

1 - Roberto Cavalli Swarovski crystal jeans

2 - True Religion Billy straight leg jeans

3 - Stella McCartney High-waisted jeans

I’m off to have a drink in the sun. Take care! ;-)

Via The Lingerie Post

The magazine itself does not disappoint, with earth goddess Cate Blanchett on the cover, and features about other eco celebrities like Gwynneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Joaquin Phoenix and Leonardo DiCaprio. The content is chock-full of slick and sustainable style (eg: a rundown of the best ethical fashion brands,) which just goes to show that looking good need not cost the earth.

As if the ingenious packaging wasn’t enough of a pleasant surprise, this month’s issue also came with a free 50ml jar of Body Shop Coconut Body Butter, which contains fair trade ingredients (making it fit right in with the whole treehugger vibe the popular glossy is advocating.) I’m a big fan of anything from Body Shop, especially their body butters, which are deliciously moisturizing and yummy smelling. Actually I’m a big fan of freebies period (who isn’t?) Here’s a great magazine with a super freebie, what’s not to like?

From their post:

Affinitas Intimates, an L.A. based company, provides affordable glamour for a crowd that appreciates fun and sassy lingerie. Only two years old, this brand prides itself in choosing exceptional materials for both the basic and fashion pieces in each collection. The fun and flirty Affinitas collections provide an alternative to the mainstream through its bras, panties, camis, chemises, babydolls, and bustiers.

TLP also had photos of their latest collections:

Spring 2008

Fall 2008

New discoveries are great!

The brightly colored handbags were co-designed by brilliant artist Richard Prince with a palette inspired by, of all things, Spongebob Squarepants. I kid you not! Between the 2 of them, they managed to redefine the brand that has always been synonymous with posh luxury. Classic monograms in subtle earth-tones were replaced with deconstructed and distressed prints, graffiti-like detail, large rhinestones and other loud accents, in bright and funky shades of yellow, pink, green, blue and purple leather. Multicolored monograms has also made a (very welcome) comeback. The new collection of handbags were presented in a variety of new shapes and unconventional silhouettes, although still in keeping with the current “big bag” trend.

Accompanied by a super-charged soundtrack mixed by Daft Punk, the show -much like the collection it presented- was an explosion of riotous color, vibrant prints and rich textures. This new collection may seem very un-Louis Vuitton in a lot of ways, but it remains to be something only Louis Vuitton can get away with.

I’m adoring these.

I thank “experiments in the lab” for their post!

Wool Velour Hat

Wool hat

Fur Felt Hat

While the words Plastic & Shoes have always called to mind images of bargain bin footwear; Brazilian brand Melissa has redefined the notion of plastic footwear with their sensational collection of ultra-glam jelly shoes. Melding comfort and chic, Melissa shoes come in many must-have shapes and colors; stylish flats, wedges, pumps, stilettos, sandals (and much much more) in bright candy-hues and bold silhouettes.

I particularly love the Scarfun Summer model, a design by Alexandre Herchcovitch. This sleek wedge has been a favorite on catwalks all over the world. Also popular is the Campana Zigzag, a design collaboration with the Campana brothers, which calls to mind my own erstwhile-beloved holey plastic shoes. Many of my friends who made fun of me back then, have since been spotted sporting the stylish and comfy Campana flats; a vindication of my (obviously) fashion-forward (genius!) 6-year old self.

Melissa Shoes have been a cult-favorite for over 25-years in their native Brazil, and are currently enchanting fashionistas the world over. But these plastic shoes are more than just an accessory. Crafted from a patented, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible plastic, Melissas are also eco-chic. How’s that for a fashion statement?

(Photos)
Top-Melissa Scarfun Summer in blue, approx. US$60;
Bottom-Melissa Campana Zigzag in black, approx. US$46.

Fab bag in the spotlight is a Gucci Hysteria Top Handle, unofficially hailed by many a-bagaholic as this year’s It-bag. The Gucci Hysteria has also been spotted on the arm of Lindsay Lohan. Lohan was seen carrying the Patent version of the bag, which, while still a whopping US$1,700++, is only half the price of the Python version featured on the show. The luxe Python Hysteria on the arm of Gossip Girl’s newest bad girl is equally elegant, but more exotic and edgy. It boasts a distinctive slouchy but sleek shape, oversized Gucci hardware, and a screaming price tag of close to US$4,000.

This reptilian stunner is currently sold out at Neiman Marcus, and on its last few pieces at Saks Fifth Avenue, proof that you just can’t put a price on style.

(The rest of Trachtenberg’s Georgina Sparks look below.)

Michelle Trachtenberg as GEORGINA SPARKS (Gossip Girl Season 1, episode 15)
Top: Helmut Lang Layered Racerback Tank in Grey; Jeans: J Brand 14 Lowrise Cigarette Jeans; Jacket: Yaya Afalo “Dalls” Leather Jacket; Boots: Jimmy Choo Reba Leather Ankle Boots; Bag: Gucci Hysteria Top Handle Bag (black python) -see photo below

Gucci Hysteria Top Handle Bag (in black Python) US$3,800 at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue

Each of the female characters has her own distinct style, but my favorite, by far, is Blair Waldorf. Not only is Blair touted the “Queen B” (a play on the term Queen Bee, the first letter of her name, and the fact that she’s, well, the archetypal “B” word,) she’s also the most fabulously dressed character in the show. Blair even makes her school uniform interesting, pairing pleated skirts with lacy victorian-style blouses, and argyle knits with ruffled coats. She redefines preppy by giving it a classic old-world twist.

Blair’s style exudes polished princess with her signature headbands, pearl bracelets, and feminine “old Hollywood” frocks. But her pulled-together outfits stop just short of prissy, cleverly tempered with edgy accents like dark patterned tights. Here are a few of my favorite Blair Waldorf ensembles:

ON THE LEFT: (Season 1, Episode 2 “The Wild Brunch”)
In a delicate high-knecked white eyelet minidress with bell sleeves, Blair looks every inch the polished Upper East Side teen queen. Black floral patterned tights add a surprising and sexy twist to the otherwise prim dress. Dress by Thread Social (www.threadsocial.com) From their Summer 2007 collection, (no longer available for sale.)

ON THE RIGHT: (Season 1, Episode 11 “Blair Waldorf Must Pie”)
Dressed for the holidays in a gorgeous espresso-colored capelet layered over a sophisticated metallic lace dress, Blair manages to look elegant, yet funky and festive at the same time. Accoutrement include a long pearl necklace, Stuart Weitzman bow clutch, and her signature black patterned tights. Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Espresso Capelet Crop Jacket by Trina Turk (www.trinaturk.com)