J. Crew Online Knits Sale

Three days only, online only...J Crew fabulous knits sale!! 20% off all knits and tees.

Not anything too exciting but a few cute things with some well-placed ruffles. Some great deals on basic tees and tanks starting at $14.40. Loving that knit dresses and leggings are included too, thanks J Crew!

Good way to get a jump start on some summer looks. I might get a few of these and wear them under sweaters and cardigans just as a reminder that it will get warmer...eventually.

Disclaimer: I need to put it out there that I can not support the shorts that some of these tops are pictured with. Little known fact that shorts were invented by the Devil and it is impossible for them to look good on anyone. Disclaimer on my disclaimer: shorts have the possibility of not being insanely horrible if they are formal, made or satin, and worn with expensive stilettos.

Absolutely Fabulous New Products!!!

Oh how I love new makeup products, especially ones that I am fairly certain will revolutionize my entire existence like these three new wonders!!


#1. Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage; repackaging of All About Eyes (love it anyway) with a "unique cooling rollerball tip." I'm a little confused as to why this is unique considering that stupid drugstore brand Garnier has been advertising the crap out of their rollerball eye cream but I am nonetheless excited about this. First, I have touching my makeup and skincare, I am fairly certain that does nothing but spread germs so I like the concept of the rollerball. Secondly, it looks cool and I will try anything new just for the sake of it being new, let's be honest here.


#2. NARS Orgasm Illuminator; my favorite blush ever revamped into a liquid version highlighter! The company says it can be used "over the face" (don't understand that at all, wouldn't your entire face be glowing peachy/gold) or as a highlighter. I will definitely be using this as a cream/liquid blush along with my Urban Decay highlighter...with these two in combination, I might just have the perfect face!!


#3. Benefit Stay Don't Stray; best idea ever...not only is it an eyeshadow base but also a concealer base so you can slap this all the way around your eye and not have to worry about your shadow or under eye concealer running away during the day. Can't wait to try this...I think this is really very innovative (that's my excuse to spend $ on it...you might want to try that excuse, it seems to work well for me:)

Potero Luxery Shoes

If you've been reading my blog you know that I love, love, love www.proteroluxery.com. I am exploring their shoe selection currently and getting a little too excited about it all. If you want to shop here though, shop fast, one of each and, at the ridiculous discounts, they go fast.

Some of my favorites right now:

Christian Louboutin Bronze Metallic Leather Scissor Girl, platform base, almost a bootie type peep-toe, gorgeous color. I would wear these every day, including while vacuuming and cleaning toilets. $493/45% off!

Christian Louboutin Raspberry Patent Leather Slingbacks, platform base, classic/perfect slingbacks. $438/45% off!

Prada Brown Satin & Camel Leather Cap Toe Ballet Flats, I'm not usually a fan of Prada shoes (gasp!) but I adore these. #1, give me a satin ballet flat any day and a well constructed one at that, top it with a camel colored cap toe and bow and you have, pretty much, the perfect ballet flat...thank you Prada, I appreciate you:) $237/55% off!

Please remember everyone, just because it's expensive does not make it cute...shop wisely! (ex: everyone with the last name Olsen...money does not buy class people!) Also, just an aside, I really hope J.Lo hasn't trashed up Louboutins too much with that ridiculous song.

Williams Sonoma Home

I didn't even know this existed and I am so excited...I love it!!! WS already makes my kitchen very happy and now it can expand the happiness to the rest of the house, thanks WS!

Right now you can enter for a $500 gift card (but no one else do this because I want to win:). Maybe I shouldn't have told you that, hmmm. Anyway, I am drooling over several items at WS Home right now. They have some amazing bedding. Continuing my obsession with all things monogrammed, there are some beautiful monogrammed bedding sets. I just know that all of Carrie's and Big's sheets in their giant new apartment are monogrammed! Be still my heart, some are even on sale! My current favorite, the foliage bedding (monogramed of course) is currently on sale for $35-$225. I admit I do usually buy sheets in sets because they are so much cheaper but if I was wanting to blow a little money, these would definitely be in contention.

Considering that Pottery Barn and WS are the same company I do question the differences between their products. I suspect there aren't any differences but I don't care. More places to shop is always a good thing in my book!

Lancome.com Sweet Free Gift

www.lancome-USA.com is having a free gift (hence my wildly creative title:). Free shipping and free gift with any purchase over $50. Enter code MICHELLEPHAN at checkout. The gift includes a beautiful lipstick in Pale Lip, Black Definicils Mascara (who can ever have enough of this?), Sun Bronzing Powder, and Bi-Facil Eye makeup remover (I can have more than enough of this considering it's in every gift and I don't use it). Oh how I love free gifts!

Some Lancome staples that I love are Definicils mascara in Black (TRY IT!) and the Cils Booster (white lash conditioner that you put on before mascara that makes such a difference, promise), Blush in Sparkling Pink Pool and Shimmer Mocha Havana, Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer, and Juicy Tubes. I like their eye shadows too but not more than other prestige brands like Chanel and Dior. I hate, hate, hate most of their fragrances. They swear they are not "stronger" than other brands but I swear you put one spray of any of them on and you will not only have a headache within the hour but will be knocking people over with your overwhelming scent immediately upon application. I kind of like Miracle if I spray and walk and Hypnose doesn't make me want to puke but the others are disgusting.

So, if you are wanting some makeup happies, head on over to Lancome and pick up some fun along with a free gift:)

Burberry New Spring Accessories

These obviously fall under the category of fabulous (and in the category of things I can't afford, but this is my blog and in my own blog world I can afford anything!!). Amazing shoes, new handbags, and the most amazing cuffs I have ever seen (pink cuff!!!!). A little aside...I so enjoy the fact that Burberry loves pink as much as I do. I am going to include lots of pictures here because Burberry speaks louder than words, again, obviously. www.neimanmarcus.com

Cashmere Sale!!!

Neiman Marcus is having a Cashmere sale...hurrah!! Up to 70% off and free shipping with a purchase of $200 (code: FEBSHIP) This is one of the first end of season sales that I have seen and I'm so excited. Cashmere is timeless and classic (is that the same thing?) so I always think it's a good investment and, at up to 70% off, INVEST!! There are a lot of great basics available in this sale and some really cute trendy pieces that we all could still get tons of wear out of, what with all the snow this season:)















A few pieces I'm loving: Bow-front cashmere top (was $295, now $88), Scoop Neck Cardigan (was $400, now $120), Beaded Cashmere Shift Dress (was $335, now $195), Pleated Collar Cardigan (was $395, now $118)!!

My Latest Obsession

This changes on a minute to minute basis, but currently my obsession is with Hunter rain boots. I must own these, my feet need them...my feet must stay dry!! The gray ones make me drool. It's hard to put my finger on why I adore these so much, the adorable label is one reason and I love that they are taller than most wellies. They come to just below the knee/maybe upper mid-calf. They are just so beautiful! Now, I understand that some of you might think rain boots are stupid. Well, I think Uggs are stupid so we will just have to agree to disagree on this one. So that we're all clear, I am not advocating the short boot (gross) but the original. I don't want anyone to order the short boots, hate them, and think I told you to do it! I love, love, love the beige and also the gray. Let me paint you a picture: rainy day, Hunter rain boots in beige, khaki Burberry trench, Burberry novacheck scarf and umbrella to match. Maybe throw in a Tod's camel tote or, if we're really thinking big time here, an Hermes Birkin. Best rainy day ever!

Computers for Girls!!

Finally, our computers don't have to look like boy computers! Why has this taken so long to occur to computer makers? I think they have been ignoring a huge market...I would drop more money on a laptop that was cute than an ugly one...definitely. But I guess Steve Jobs and Bill Gates don't have much experience with the fairer sex.

Vivienne Tam and HP are launching a Mini notebook that is champagne colored with butterflies! Thank you! Carrie Bradshaw would definitely be getting one of these for writing "Sex and the City." Big would buy it for her, obviously. Tam is calling them a "digital clutch," how cute is that?! I want one just because its called that!! See, cute = money spent! Ready for even more cute?? The enter key has the Chinese symbol for double-happiness character on it...how peaceful and, also, the greatest idea of all time. Another version is deep plum color with gorgeous flowers, tummy! www.hpdirect.com, $599.

I have an idea, let's combine nail polish and laptops. Oh wait, that's not my idea, it's OPI and Dell's. I think it's a good one. It's no Vivienne Tam but still cutie. You can match your nail polish to your computer...seriously. The "Hong Kong" case colors are available on three Dell laptop models. Oh, how I love OPI color names! A few of the case colors are Red My Fortune Cookie (redish), Dim Sum Plum (purpleish), Hot and Spicy (yellowish), Jade is the New Black (greenish), Suzi Says Feng Shui (blueish), and Meet Me on the Star Ferry (pinkish). www.dell.com, starting at $364.

White House|Black Market...it's a house and a market...get it?!

While CUSP was an epic fail this week, White House|Black market once again comes through to brighten my day and redeem my faith and hope in fashion. They are having an "Artful Unbasics" promotion right now with nine pieces, all of which are amazing and I want them. Thanks WH|BM for not being offensive:)

The collection is black and white...go figure...and is simple and classic. A few ruffles here and there but very tiny and tasteful. I would wear it to work and not fear being thought an idiot for my frilly clothing. My favorites are the Micropleated Tweed Jacket, the Elysee Pencil Skirt, and the Sculpted Poplin Shirt.

Spring denim from $49.99 (SCORE!) and free shipping this week only on purchases over $125.

CUSP - Tribe & True - I Don't Think So

First off, I find the tag lines in this promotion offensive. I don't think it is OK to call anything "tribal" or "ethnic," sounds ignorant and insensitive to me. Just wanted to get that out of the way.

Anyway, CUSP has a new promotion called "Tribe & True: The Exotic New Trend." Also included in the promotion are the words "Tribal Fusion." PLEASE! I completely don't support this trend. Number one, every bit of it is fugly! Secondly, so many groups should be offended by this, it's hard to name them all but here are a few: Native Americans, traditional African tribes, Hippies (tie-dye and acid washed leggings...how did Lindsay Lohan get in on this?), and wild animals (zebra and leopard print everywhere...gross).

CUSP is brought to you by Neiman Marcus so I am especially confused as to why this sucks so bad considering my usual love of NM. Ladies, sometimes trends are not OK...this is one of those times.

The Beauty Snob

If you haven't yet, head on over to www.beautysnob.com and sign up for their emails. It is always the highlight of my day when I see one in my inbox! Their fab emails are filled with articles that every "Cosmo girl" needs to know. (note: I hate Cosmo, I think it's trashy, but ten points to anyone who catches the reference) Some I don't give a crap about but most of them are a great way to hear about new products and add things to my www.makeupalley.com swap list!! Some of this weeks gems:

- Ferragamo launches new scent: Incanto Bloom; it was launched last week, will be sold exclusively at Bloomie's, and has the Farragamo bow on the cap!!!

- Bobbie Brown has a heart: Heart Truth Bronze Shimmer Brick Set, only 500 limited edition available at www.bobbiebrown.com, part of a partnership with the Heart Truth Campaign to raise awareness of Heart Disease in Women.

- I knew I loved Cartier: Les Heures de Parfum; Valentine's Gift Set in Cartier red leather box featuring four of their L'Heure scents, completely adorable and such a steal at only $1,725. OK, just kidding about that being a steal but you can get a single fragrance from the collection for $250 if that's more in your budget. (maybe someone will just buy the scent and give me the empty box:)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY Y'ALL!!

Bergdorf Holds the Key to My Heart

If I had an iPhone and used this app they would also have my entire bank account! Bergdorf Goodman purveyor of all things expensive and wonderful, has a new app for your iPhone or iPhone Touch called "The Shoe Salon." Here's what they have to say about it:

Every day, Bergdorf Goodman will offer you 24-hour access to an exclusively selected, must-have style. Purchase shoes instantly, share finds with friends, and enjoy expedited delivery and complimentary returns.

For every app that is downloaded, Bergdorf will donate $5 to City Harvest, a charity that feeds over 250,000 New Yorkers. They are laying on the incentives to download this app think and, once it is downloaded, how will anyone be able to resist the must-have styles?!?! Don't fight it, download it and enjoy a new pair of shoes every day!

ULTA...Some Fun for Valentine's Day

I don't love Ulta as much as I love Sephora...I think having non-prestige cosmetics is a sell-out, but in the interest of supporting a store that does carry a limited selection of prestige I do shop there occasionally.; not to mention they have crazy good sales and specials going on almost all of the time.

From now until Valentine's Day when you order online you get a free makeup bag with eight free samples with a purchase over $35. Caveat: It's a stupid clear bag and the samples are those useless packets but they are free and, therefore, excite me very much. Also, every ULTA brand item is buy two get two free right now, I already cashed in on this one in store and bought four body scrubs @ $10/each for $20!

Suggestion: make a shopping bag filled with your favorite goodies, pick your free samples, throw in some extra stuff just because it's Valentine's Day :) and leave your computer strategically placed so your man will see it and purchase everything on your list for your gift! Thank you, I am a genius!

I Found Out What's Wrong With My Face!

Hurrah!! I am just going with what the dermatologist said because I haven't heard it before so I am going to assume it is correct. YAY, there is something I can do to fix it all! I have something-or-other dermatitis that is causing my eye problems, something-or-else-other dermatitis around my mouth, and psoriasis on my scalp (gross!). My derm said that it was a severe case of bad luck that this all happened at the same time. I blame stress so I will attribute the improvement in my skin to the Wii Fit (see previous post:).

I have been using the products/skin regimen she recommended for only 5 days and I can't believe the difference. Everything literally looks almost normal again! I am taking an oral antibiotic and, am washing my face with CeraVe cleanser then applying Protopic around my eyes and an anti-bacterial lotion around my mouth. I have a cortisone liquid solution to put on my scalp. Fun fact, it is literally 39% alcohol, I wonder if I just dipped my head in a vat of vodka each day if it would be the same difference. I am following all this up with CeraVe moisturizing cream. It's all quite nice. Also, with my new skin care regimen, I have a lot more stuff to swap on Makeup Alley! According to my Derm I should be able to use my regular makeup and once this mess on my face gets cleared up it should stay away!

Wii Fit & Relaxation...the Best of Both Worlds!!!

I got a Wii Fit a few weeks ago and LOVE it!! The last month or so has been so stressful and I have had so much fun getting a little bit of exercise playing games and not thinking about things that have to be done. I got the Wii Fit Plus at Target for $99. The Plus has an extra set of games that are super fun. There are also balance games, aerobics, yoga positions, and strength exercises. I admit that I definitely play the new games and the balance games much more than the other choices but I try to do a few of those just for posterity. My favorites are the hula hoop, skateboarding, and the obstacle course.

I do have to say that while it is very fun and you are certainly burning more calories that sitting on the couch, the Wii Fit is not going to replace a regular workout schedule. I am using it in addition to my workouts at the gym, cardio exclusively, and do it everyday for the body test. It measures your BMI and weight and records it. It definitely helps me to see it on a graph and is a really great and easy way to keep track of exercise and weight without having to write it down, which I never remember to do.