Sun Blocks, Protectors

Please don't forget you sun block! Don't want you out there getting done over easy in the sun. One summer my daughter (after she was grown) was only in the sun momentarily not even 10 minutes and the poor little thing started peeling on her arms and her back. I looked at her in horror and told her to get out of the sun. When she realized what had happened she swore off the sun! To this day you cannot get her to go outside for anything! I think she's suffering from a little PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I keep telling her all she needs to do is put on the right sun protection. She's not trying to hear me though! If it's an activity that has to do with the sun she always takes a rain check! (Literally) We all need protection from the sun though, and here's our top 3.

Vital Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion

Protects skin from the sun all year-round with the minimal level of chemical sunscreen ingredients.• Choose one of two formulas: SPF 15 for adults, or pediatrician-tested SPF 30, specially formulated for children.• For face and body

Philosophy
Hope In A Jar SPF 20

What it is: A high-performance moisturizer with SPF 20. What it is formulated to do: Give your skin the drink of water it's thirsty for while protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun with Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 20. Hope in a Jar high-performance moisturizer with SPF 20 hydrates the skin, provides a gentle exfoliation, and helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and tone. This multi-tasking moisturizer helps prevent further sun-damage with multiple antioxidants and broad spectrum sun protection while inspiring a healthy, rosy glow.



Korres is all-natural

Korres
Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 20

What it is: A daily moisturizing cream with SPF 20 and anti aging watermelon extract. What it is formulated to do: Ideal for everyday use, Korres Watermelon Sunscreen for Face SPF 20 provides broad-spectrum sun protection from UVA, UVB, and IR rays. Made with a rich formula of hydrating and antioxidant ingredients including watermelon extract to repair the stressed UV immune system of the skin, the cream also prevents photo-aging and red, inflamed skin.What else you need to know: This product is dermatologically-tested and non-comedogenic

Now, if I could just get this child back out in the sun! That is a serious battle of epic proportions around here! By the way, all of the above mentioned products are available at Sephora.

"You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you."---Eric Hoffer

Lovin Life, Truth Is

On The Campaign Trail: Longchamp & Kate Moss

As we have seen late in the season, supermodel Kate Moss has been being downgraded... like... A LOT. She was recently bumped from Yves Saint Laurent for Naomi Campbell, moved to Just Cavalli instead of Roberto Cavalli line. Well at least she still has Longchamp. For the fall 2008 campaign she is featured with model Gaspard Ulliel. Longchamp is known for changing the mood up every season for its various campaigns went with a M+M motif. This season is no different. With five various shots for the ad campaign all of you ladies {and gents} that love Gaspard.

My Gosh! Their Sooo Cute!

There seems to be no age limit on wearing "cute clothes" so let me show you a couple of "cute " things from Anthropologie. They never disappoint when it comes to stylish, affordable clothes. Their pieces are usually classics with a twist. But you know whatever they have it'll be a keeper because it meets my durability, well-made, and stylish test. Take a look at these fall pieces:

Plum Perfect Trench

Picture Window Jacket

Finch & Thistle Dress

This is just too cute, you've got to see it on! Dove's Flight Sweater Coat

Abundance Jacket

Ok, that's enough, you know where to go!

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."---
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Gerard Darel

So you know I love a good bag, right? Check out these bags from Gerard Darel. BUDGET BLOWERS, each and every last one of them! I gotta have "em! I want these bags and I want them NOW! I won't tell...but I think my addiction to handbags just got worse!

"24 Hours Buckled Barcelona Bag"

"Midnight Midday Barcelona Bag"

"24 Hours Saint Germain Bag"

"24 Hours Santa Fe Bag"

Hhhhmmmm!!! Mother's Day-past, Birthday-past, Sweetest Day-too far away, I see I'm gonna have to make up holiday to get one of these bags!

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."---Albert Camus

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Zang Toi

Zang Toi (Pictured on left) After his Fall 2008 show. (Thank you Imax Images)

Who: Fashion Designer Zang Toi

What: His Fall 2008 Collection

Little Bio: Toi left his native Malaysia at the age of eighteen, and via Toronto, landed New York a year later. There he attended Parsons School of Design and apprenticed with Mary Jane Marcasiano and Ronaldus Shamask. In 1989, he opened his own atelier.

Available Where? Zang Toi is available in globally fine stores including the Couture Department at Nordstrom, fine specialty boutiques and Zang Toi Boutiques in Malaysia.

Don't you just love a man who knows how to dress a woman?

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. ---Viktor Frankl

Lovin Life, Truth Is

FYI Books

Here are some new books that you may be intrested in.

100 New Fashion Designers by Hywel Davis (Author)

Madame Gres: Spinx of Fashion by Patricia Mears, Jennifer Park The Fashion Institute of Technology, Pub. Date: March 2008
While the classically inspired “Grecian” gown designed by Madame Alix Grès is widely recognized and admired, little else of the brilliant couturier’s life or work has received close attention. This book, by far the most detailed study yet published on this influential fashion designer, carefully analyzes Madame Grès’ innovative construction techniques and connects her designs to the art styles and movements that inspired and informed her aesthetic. Gorgeously illustrated with images of fabulous clothes designed by Madame Grès, the book focuses on her long career (spanning the early 1930s to the late 1980s) and refutes the previous understanding that her work was static and unchanging. Rather, her designs consistently changed and evolved, even as a thread of continuity connected them. The volume discusses how sculpture and the construction of non-western clothing inspired Grès’s fashion, and examines numerous couture versions of her saris, ponchos, serapes, caftans, three-dimensional sculptural pieces, and Grecian gowns. In addition, the book constructs a timeline of her career and discusses her secretive private life, including the circumstances of her death, inexplicably concealed by her daughter for over a year.

Paris 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior: The Early Collections by Jerry Schatzberg (Photographer)
On assignment for Esquire magazine in 1962, fashion photographer and filmmaker Jerry Schatzberg documented the ultra-exclusive world of French haute couture in stunning photographs of famous fashion icons. All the glamour and drama of the runway is presented, including images of Yves Saint Laurent’s first collection after leaving Dior, as well as tastemakers such as Diana Vreeland and American Vogue editor Jessica Daves mingling in the chic crowds. As an insider, Schatzberg was permitted entry into the private, behind-the-scenes world of the models and photographers, which he reveals in candid images of renowned photographers such as Helmut Newton, William Klein, Hiro, and Norman Parkinson perfecting their glamour shots.Schatzberg’s images embody an era in fashion history, and document the glamour, intrigue, and opulence of the Parisian runway shows. With an eye for subtle moments of elegance, drama, and humor, Schatzberg captures the essence of the period’s style and grace.

All books available at: Barnes & Noble and Amazon


"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy,not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony."---William Henry Channing


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A Rare Moment With Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto is definitely known for not talking to the media but the 64 year-old designer recently allowed Prestige's Vivienne Tang to sit down and talk with him about his career thus far, his upcoming project that will be featured on YouTube, the relationship with his mother, his present views on fashion {as well as that statement he made a few years ago about disliking fashion} and his daughter. You can read the interview in its entirety here.

LANCÔME"S LATEST

I needed some Mascara which, surprisingly, I don't wear anymore. (Never really needed it) Has mascara come a loooonnngggg way. After driving the lady at the Cosmetics Counter relatively crazy, I finally decided on Lancome. (You know how they present you with 101 options and you have to take your time, go through them all, ask questions, you know the drill!) I felt it presented me with the best possible use at the time. I discovered two other products too. They are tied to a humanitarian cause so I really don't mind screaming at you about them.

Virtuôse Black Carat
Divine Lasting Curves, Length & Volume Mascara
A LANCÔME FIRST: DIVINELY LENGTHENED, VOLUPTUOUS CURVES. SILKY GLIDE. PURE BLACK LASHES. All-in-one mascara lengthens, volumizes, and curves lashes all day. Enriched with black essence pigments, the formula glides on easily and gives a deep, black result. Long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.

Carnet De Velours
Daria Werbowy, Lancôme spokeswoman and international top model, has created her very own personal range of makeup -- Brazilian Earth Colors. The color statement is natural and sophisticated: from earthy browns to natural nudes to warm golds. The entire collection naturally enhances the beauty of your lips and eyes. Brazilian Earth Colors is also tied to a humanitarian effort. Each product sold will benefit Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, an arts center for young adults in Rio de Janeiro.Unlock beauty secrets with the exclusive Carnet de Velours. Signed by Daria Werbowy, this limited edition mirrored eye shadow compact creates several different sultry eye looks; from natural and elegant to seductively smoky.

Color Fever Lipstick
Lasting Radiance. Sensual LipColor. Limited Edition
This is part of the campaign to benefit Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, in Rio de Janeiro. Color Fever Lipstick in Beige Caracaï delivers incredibly luminous, vibrant color. Signed by Daria Werbowy, this limited edition shade glides along your lips with sensuous comfort leaving lips feeling smooth and supple.

Available at Lancome, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom

"When I don't understand something, I reach up and hold God's hand. And we walk together in silence."---Mahatma Gandhi

Lovin Life, Truth Is

On The Campaign Trail: The Supers

The Supers- pronunciation;\ˈsü-pərs\
Function: noun
Date: Late 1980's
Means: Models who are the creme de la creme. Fashion models that rose to fame by understanding their craft and attaining sustainability in a superficial world. Women {and mens} faces who never go out of style because they know how to represent their product.

Excuse my poor definition of "The Supers" {I'm not Websters after all}. This year has been the resurgence of the Supermodel. All of the top models are resurfacing with big ad campaigns this year and with more on the slate to come in 2009. Naomi just recently bumped gal pal Kate Moss from Yves Saint Laurent and Linda Evangelista also scored big at Prada {Both are featured below}. So why all of a sudden a new interest in them? Simple! Because these women know how to market themselves. They don't over extend their looks and select few projects to ensure the freshness of their product! Let's hear it for The Supers!

Naomi @ Yves Saint Laurent for Fall 2008

Evangelista @ Prada for Fall 2008

**Images courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent and Prada

Fall Things

Talkin' Fall already! Actually Resort 2009. But for now let's just take a peek at what we could be wearing.

I love, love, love this Asymmetric Sweater in Ivory blue by Nina Ricci from her Fall Collection.

Available at: Bergdorf Goodman

I absolutely adore this Floral Tweed Jacket & Bubble Skirt by Robert Rodriguez

Available at: Bergdorf Goodman

This Velvet Dress by Stella McCartney reminds me of one I had not too long ago. I like the long balloon sleeves.

Available at: Neiman Marcus

This Tweed Coat by Stella McCartney is rather nice.

Available at: Neiman Marcus

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open." --- John Barrymore

Lovin Life, Truth Is