Exclusive 25% off jewelry sale – Maya Brenner Designs
It’s very hard to find a female celebrity who hasn’t worn jewelry by Maya Brenner Designs. Started by native Californian, Maya Brenner, the high-end jewelry collection has attracted some of Hollywood’s most elite stars including Katy Perry, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Mandy Moore, Eva Longoria, Jessica Biel, Cameron Diaz, and Reese Witherspoon, to name a few.
This 14k Pave Diamond State necklace was worn by Katy Perry in her "Teenage Dream" video.
Although, the jewelry has been worn by famous stars, you are just as able to get your hands on items from the designer’s collection by visiting the company’s website. And, if you’re going to shop the e-commerce site, make sure you catch the 25% off sale, which will be running July 1-8th, in celebration of the re-launched website this Friday. The newly designed web site will feature a streamlined shopping experience and social media integration. It will also feature a Flickr photo pool showcasing fans and celebrities wearing the jewelry.
The sale will be exclusive to subscribers of the Maya Brenner Designs’ e-mail mailing list, who will receive an email on Friday, July 1st with the special discount code that needs to be used at checkout in order to get the 25% off. Fans of the official Maya Brenner Designs Facebook and Twitter pages will have to look out for a post update that same Friday with the discount code.
The promotion will apply to all of the items on the site including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, so be sure to become a subscriber so that you don’t miss this opportunity!
Maya Brenner Designs may also be found at finer boutiques such as Henri Bendel, Fred Segal, Calypso, and Anthropologie nationwide and internationally.
Chic Leather Jacket Styles
You don’t have to ride a motorcycle or be a rock star to wear this summer’s hottest trend. Leather jackets have made a comeback, and are as much as a fashion staple as a little black dress. A great leather jacket will never go out of style and can be worn year round since they are made in various degrees of textures from thick to thin, making it very easy for you to wear this trend during any season. The trick to finding the perfect leather jacket for the summer is choosing one that is lightweight, and finding the right style. You also have to decide on how much you’re willing to spend. If you can’t afford genuine leather, you can still look fashionable without paying a hefty price tag.
Styles
Short
Perhaps the most practical and biker chic jackets for the summer are the short styles. It looks stylish when paired with jeans and a simple top, or can be used to jazz up a dull outfit. Check out the stylish was actress Shenae Grimes used a short biker leather jacket to enliven the plain black dress she is wearing.
Shenae Grimes wears a short leather biker jacket at the screening of "The Art of Getting By" in NYC.
Hip-length
Hip-length jackets fall right where the hip begins and are a very classic and sexy option.
Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl) performs with her band The Pretty Reckless at the o2 Academy in Islington.
¾-length
Medium-length jackets fall below the hip and hits the top of your thighs. These are the most figure flattering and are perfect to wear with mini dresses.
Naomi Campbell attends the Swarovski Fashionation at Palazzo Reale.
Trench
I don’t recommend trench leather jackets for summer, but during the colder months this classic frames your body’s silhouette and is an elegant choice compared to bulky winter coats.
Emma Watson wears a Burberry Bespoke trench coat with leather sleeves.
Getting Pretty at the Gym
As I mentioned in the past, I love going to the gym. One thing that always surprises me is when I see women apply makeup BEFORE their workout only to return to the locker room with foundation-colored sweat running down their faces and smeared raccoon eyes. Now if you insist on doing this, allow me to suggest waterproof and sweat proof cosmetics.
That aside, many people such as myself go to the gym on their lunch break, and when returning to the office you don’t want anyone to say, “Hey, what happened? You looked like you just came back from the gym!” (That’s not a compliment). Then, there are nights when I go to the gym directly after work, and then meet up with friends right after, and I don’t want to look sloppy for a night out on the town. So, what’s a girl to do if she can’t lug around her entire vanity, but still wants to look polished before walking out of the gym? I’ll tell you.
Locker rooms have showers...use them.
1. Take a shower.
I don’t know of many gym facilities that do not have showers in the locker room, and many of them go as far as providing you with soap and body lotion, so there is no excuse. If your face is beautifully made up, but your body odor is ghastly, the amount of makeup you applied will no longer matter if people want to look at, but not smell you.
If you are really in a rush, or on the shy side, at the very least use disposable wet cleaning wipes. Have a mini deodorant stick in your bag and apply it as soon as you get out the shower.
2. Wash your hair without washing it – Try Dry Shampoo.
If you don’t have the time to wash and dry your hair, then use dry shampoo, a fabulous product that cleans your hair without water. I suggest buying the mini bottles so you can just toss it in your purse or gym bag.
3. Have your Makeup Ready.
Have a ziplock bag or makeup pouch ready with everything you need to achieve your desired look, find a good spot in front the mirror and apply.
4. Extras.
My gym supplies the ladies locker room with blow dryers, and while I do see some women blowing out their hair, I also sometimes see some of them whip out their flat or curing iron, and proceed to style. If you have a car that you can throw this into or a really chic bag, then add this extra tool to your list of steps.
5. Be wrinkle free.
I have never seen irons in the locker room, so be sure to neatly fold your clothes when you put them in your locker, so you don’t have to deal with wrinkles when it’s time for you to change.
6.Look at yourself.
Take one last look in the mirror on your way out to be sure that you have concealed any hints that would indicate that you got ready in a gym locker room.
Item Must-Have: Sparkle Sneakers
I am not an impulse buyer by any means, but the other day when I was walking by Bakers shoe store in midtown Manhattan, glittering multi-colored sneaker stopped me in my tracks, and I had no choice but to enter the store and ask to try on a pair of the sparkly footwear. Usually I would never buy sneakers that were impractical or childish, but impractical and childish these are not. Memorizing, captivating and fun are the adjectives I would use to describe these chicly decorated H by Halston Baillee sneakers. These sneakers added instant glamour to my usual black pants and shirt attire, and are available in three styles: White/Glitter or Black/Glitter & Man Made or Black Multi/Glitter & Suede.
I chose the multi glitter suede style, after seeing how each step I took glistened in the light, and for $29.99, it’s quite a steal! Head to Bakers and get yourself a pair before they’re sold out»
I could not stop staring at my feet as I walked.
Bling, Bling!
Love the shine!
(Photos taken by Jolevette)
Lights, Cameras, Lashes?
Celebrity lashes made a big statement on the red carpet for the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. From L-R: Kim Kardashian, Kristen Stewart and Jessie J.
I could not help but notice the long, dramatic eyelashes that were batted at the cameras at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards held at Berkeley Square Gardens in London on June 7th. As amazing as it would be if we were all born with tarantula-long lashes to frame our peeps, that’s simply just not the case for everyone and really is something that only good amazing genetics can grant you. In order to compensate for what Mother Nature failed to give us, women turn to mascara to get darker, fuller and longer lashes. But, if you want a more dramatic look, the trick is faux lashes, or if you’re daring eyelash extensions.
Here are some tips on how to apply false lashes, so that your lids are lush and full.
Tools you’ll need:
False Eyelashes
Tweezers
Eyeliner
Mascara
Eyelash Adhesive
Step 1: Gently remove your lashes from the tray, and lightly stretch the band by holding the ends with both fingers and maneuvering the band up and down very gently. This makes sure the band will contour very nicely against your eyelids.
Step 2: Trim the lashes. Not all lashes are created equal, some may be too small for your eyes, while others may be too wide, so it’s important that you shape the falsies to fit your eyes properly. If you decide to use individual lashes, give those a trim also. The last thing you want is to have the fake sky-high lashes alternating with your natural, shorter ones.
Step 3: Apply a thin layer of eyelash glue, such as Duo Surgical Glue, to a clean surface. Using a toothpick or tweezers, apply the glue to the lashband and blow on it until the glue becomes tacky. Quick Tip: Do not apply the glue directly to the falsies, because if too much comes out you may end up damaging the lashes. Conversely, don’t be afraid to use the glue, because if you apply too little your lashes won’t stick.
Use a tweezer to apply the falsies close to your eyelid.
Step 4: Place the rim as close to the base of your natural eyelashes as possible (it’s best to use a tweezer for this). Once you have the lashes lined up properly, press them down for about 30 seconds or until the glue dries. Quick tip: Try slightly titling your head in order to see your lash line more clearly. Be sure to work quickly before the glue dries. Also, press along the entire band to ensure that your lashes will stick and stay in place.
Step 5: Apply mascara to blend your natural lashes with your fake ones for a seamless and natural look.
Step 6: Use eyeliner to fill in any gaps and to make you lashes look fuller.
Step 7: Bat those mysterious eyelashes at the cute guy staring your way.
National Acne Awareness Month: Makeup Tips to Avoid Acne Breakouts
There are a lot of myths floating around out there. Thankfully, June is National Acne Awareness Month where medical professionals strive to empower acne sufferers with correct information and solutions.
Yes, most cases are based on genetics, hormones, and stress—but there are ways you can deal with and even reduce breakouts.
Being extra careful about your makeup habits is an excellent way to avoid breakouts, especially after you’ve gone through the trouble of applying all those soaps and creams!
When Makeup is Part of the Problem
Makeup is often applied in an effort to cover up the signs of acne and small breakouts, but ironically, cosmetics may sometimes contribute to producing the very skin problems they attempt to hide.
From natural fats and oils to complex acids and other substances extracted from animal products or synthesized in the lab, there are scores of ingredients in cosmetic products, each with a potential set of actions on the skin depending on a product’s overall formulation and the skin type on which they’re applied.
What are “Non-Comedogenic” Products?
4 Eyes are Sexier than 2
When I was a freshman in high school, I went in for my annual eye exam and almost fell to the floor when the school nurse informed me I needed glasses to correct my nearsightness. Oh, the horror! As if an adolescent’s high school years aren’t traumatizing enough, I was not being told that I have to add this uncool accessory to my face that immediately conjured up images in my head of Steve Urkel from Family Matters. That year, I bought my first pair of glasses, but I refused to wear them for all 4 years of high school. It’s amazing that I did very well in school, and graduated with honors, considering I could never really see the chalkboard or PowerPoint presentations.
When I entered college, I realized that there was no way I would be able to pass any of my classes if I couldn’t see well, so I made the trip down to my local eye doctor and decided it was time to succumb to my fate and purchase some eyewear. To my surprise, there were some very stylish specs; in fact, there were so many glasses that I loved from Prada to Fendi to Dolce & Gabanna, that it was hard for me to settle on just one. I quickly realized that it was foolish for me to go years without wearing glasses, because I was afraid I wouldn’t look “cool.” Glasses are stylish and sexy, and are an instant fashion statement. Here are some famous celebrities who rock their fashionable frames:
Megan Fox still looks like a beauty with her glasses on.
When Hayden Panettiere isn't glamming it up on the red carpet, she keeps her fashion casual and dons her eye wear.
Anne Hathaway sports designer glasses at the premiere of "RIO" on April 10, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
Jennifer Aniston looks great in her spectacles as she waves to fans in the West Village in NYC.
Get Glowing Skin this Summer
Summer is coming, which means it’s time for you to shake-up your beauty routine. Switch from the moisturizing cleanser you were using during the winter months, for something lighter and make sure these summer essentials are on your vanity:
◊Slather on the Sunscreen
Protect y
our skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen every day. For optimal use, apply every 1-2 hours, and be sure to apply it at least 15 minutes BEFORE going outside. It’s important to note that sunscreens do not last forever, so be sure to always check the expiration dates and toss the one you used last year. Sunscreens with a SPF of 30 or higher are best for the summer months.
Try this: New Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70 ($9.99)
◊Switch your Foundation with Tinted Moisturizer
Thick foundations tend to melt right off your face in hot weather. Tinted Moisturizers are much lighter and give you a fresh, dewy look.
Try this: Cover Girl CG Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer (about $7 at your local drugstore). I have been using this since high school, and it’s never failed me!
◊Protect your pout with Lip Balm
You’ve got the sunscreen for your body, and the tinted moisturizer for your face, but don’t forget about your lips! Your lips are one the most vulnerable parts of your body that can burn easily. Prevent your lips from peeling or getting sunburned by using a moisturizing lip balm that has at least SPF 15 in it. Wear alone, or under your favorite lip gloss or lipstick.
Try this: Banana Boat Aloe Vera with vitamin E Sunscreen lip balm ($1-2 at your local drugstore).
◊ Keep your Feet Soft & Touchable
During the summer your tootsies can breathe in a fashionable pair of sandals. Head to the spa and get a pedicure, or use a foot scrub twice a week to keep feet soft and healthy-looking.
Try this: Dr. Scholl’s For Her Pumice Foot Scrub 
