Cute Store(s) Alert!

Yesterday, after work and before the downpour and before the beet salad and bruschetta and vino at 'Inoteca, and before the Lindeman's raspberry ale at d.b.a. (yum, yum, yum, and yum), I felt like doing a little shopping in my neighborhood: Lower East Side, what! (What?) Usually most of the shops are way out of my price range, unless there is major saleage going on, but I've scored in the past. It's not impossible. I was feeling positive. First I checked out this new place, Renato Vasconcelos, named after the owner, a Brazilian man who was shampooing someone's hair when I walked in. Yep, two haircutting stations in the store! How utterly convenient for your Saturday-afternoon (or Thursday evening, as it turns out) multitasking needs. The place is packed with colorful, fun baubles: canvas bags, crochet and charm necklaces, chunky rings, thick bangles, flowy summer scarves. And get this: It's all totally affordable. I don't think I saw anything over $60. PERFECTO if you need a gift for a friend. And the nice man behind the counter said they go to Brazil all the time and are constantly getting new stuff in.



Then I wandered into a somewhat-new store, the Spiral Room, also on Orchard between Stanton and Rivington. All vintage, and unlike a lot of vintage, which I often find to be hideous approximations of stuff even your grandmother wouldn't wear, actually cool. I got an apple-print cotton dress with cute red buttons and pockets for only $9.99, and picked up a cherry-print elastic-topped, uh, top that was perfect for a friend who's pregs, also for $9.99, and a cute little leather string belt for five bucks. Can we all agree that this rules? I think we can. Take a look-see at the apple-print dress as I wore it today:




A note about my shoes: After my score at American Apparel last week, I stopped in at Miele, lured by their "select shoes $30" sign. I'd been coveting several pairs of their vast collection of Dolce Vita shoes -- they have a whole platform of 'em, laid out in a rainbow of colors and styles. I was thinking the twist-toe ballet flats in red, or maybe the peep-toe cork wedges (also twisty-stylee) in red -- had to be red, no matter what. I desperately needed red shoes. Neither of those were on sale, or indeed, even there (apparently others have had this same red thought). But I did find these super-cute moccasin-esque red mules -- with semi-pointy toes! Amazing. And $30! Go me.

Back at the Spiral Room yesterday, I passed on this cute linen dress, because it was a little tight, probably a little see-through, and a little more expensive at $47.99:



What do y'alls think of it? Should I go back and get it?

New Tendency. What to wear this summer

The beach rarely fails to be perfect. There is the soothing sand and lull of the waves, the pretty pink shells and call of the gulls, the brilliant sun and rosy cheeks. And then there are those of us who go to the beach and are rarely, if ever, perfect. That would be the woman with the tangled, matted hair wearing the sandy, sagging cover-up and holding various bags of damp stuff. If you're one of us, and you want to clean up your beach act, you're in luck. iVillage stylist Boni Joi says there are only five items required for a successful beach look: a classic big-enough tote, a chic hat, the right bathing suit, a stylish cover-up and pretty sandals.

Mad for Plaid (and Other Kara Janx 'Kinis!)

OOOoooooh, girl, you KNOW you love this fetching lil 'kini by Project Runway 2 underdog, Kara Janx. ($110)



I, for one, would have a spot of trouble with the wee top (see post below), but on you, everything looks good!

If plaid invokes a Burberry hangover, check this ferocious piece, which I'm in ruv with: a tiger 'kini, also by Ms. Janx.



The only morts about it is having a set of tiger eyes right on top of your 'gyner. But if that's your thing, snatch this baby up. It's very D&G:

(by D&G)



available on Yoox.com ($88)



available on figleaves.co.uk, but caveat emptor: it's denim! You've been warned. ($117)



available on figleaves.co.uk ($123)




... and finally, i present you, the money shot:

available on figleaves.co.uk ($68)

Ladies, if only one of the above suit was ever manufactured, and ownership of the above suit was granted to the victor of a bloody, hairy cage match between you and me, I would claw your face off without thought or remorse.

Toodles!

Hot! Busty! Swimsuit! Action!

There hasn’t yet been an instrument invented that is able to accurately measure my adoration for these vampy yet classically classy sheath swimsuits from the grande dame of old-tymey bathing beauties, Esther Williams, who was also the star of such risquely titled films like: Skirts Ahoy! Dangerous When Wet, The Unguarded Moment and Raw Wind in Eden.





Sure, some of the patterns are pretty mom-esque, but if you avoid the tankinis like a UTI and stick with the classic sheath in something like a perennial polka dot, you’re golden. I myself might order this one in leopard.





These suits are clearly geared toward the fuller-chested ladies (though perhaps the shaped built-in cups might jack up your business if you weren't blessed with a chest). Therefore, you can imagine how elated I was to return home yesterday to find that this week’s cover of New York Magazine features one of my FAVE big-boobied starlets in such a suit.



Guess Arethra was busy.

Anyway.

At under $100 bucks, I hereby declare these whimsical, well-built suits a REAL SUMMER STEAL!

Grab a pack of dames and some flowery swim caps and go practice those synchronized routines!






PS: This is barely related, but I had to throw in due to its amazing, quizzical title... Uh... I smell WTF?

Buyer's Remorse, Part 572

I am wearing a weird outfit today. For some reason, when in search of a pencil skirt, which I am loving these days as they convey a nice professional look, I decided to purchase this somewhat less-professional green polka-dotted number from forever 21. I thought, hey, this is kind of fun, it fits me perfectly, and it's only 17 cents. Why not? And then it hung in my closet, mocking me. "I am a green polka-dotted skirt," it informed me on a daily basis. "Why did you buy me? What on earth are you going to wear with me? I am ridiculous!" Today, mostly out of desperation, I forced myself to wear it, pairing it with a heather gray t-shirt, my beloved tan Target flats (of which I have two pairs; seriously, ladies, look into these), and a green jersey scarf that I thought might play up the fun factor a bit. I think I might just look like i got confused on the way to the preppy party, though. Thoughts? (Be gentle.)

Last Owl Update, Redux

I'm not saying this is in a severe-hangover-never-gonna-drink-again-hollow-promise sort of way. I SERIOUSLY mean this, I swear to Gawd, THIS cute, retro owl necklace is the *last of the owl posts:



* unless something MAJE happens.

One Last Owl Update, For Real

What better way to pull together the whole owl ensemble than this presh owl belt, which:

a.) Dovetails nicely with the whole chunkers wrap belt trend ... and...
b.) IS ON SALE!

Eat it up, ladies.

Fashion flashbacks.

For the vogue aficionados the past year has been full of relentless purring energy. From the world of inspirational fashion to the nitty-grittys of street fashion every vogue was infused with a practiced chic. Needless to add, navigating in these tricky currents of fashion did require a degree of superb skill. As the year draws to a close, we do a reccee on what have been the most terrific trends to rule the ramps. Bridging the seasonal gap we pick up the hottest fashion flavour that ensured you looked pretty as ice on a summer day and smoking hot in mid winter. Internationally simple silhouettes were brought to life and the fashion circuits looked even flashier. Roberto Cavalli and Yves Saint Lauren presented a spectacle of the most glorious form of fashion. Back home the desi designers too incorporated mixes and melanges that resulted in a sustained all season wear. Let us find out what our stalwarts of style pick up as the brightest and best of fashion in the year gone by.
ROHIT BAL
For any fashionista her dream dossier had to contain this year’s must haves like long tiered skirts, boots and high glitz accessories. But in my opinion it was the return of bling-bling that made most heads turn. A little flash was seen on everything from accessories to jewellery to make up. There was a huge accent on accessories. From real gems to swarovski everything that lent a sparkle was a wonderful addition. Internationally designers like Karl Lagerfield and John Galliano churned out stuff with bling as an inspiration. Chanel as a label too epitomized the look.
RAGHAVENDRA RATHORE
A whole new confidence was seeped into all arenas of fashion. The look military was very strong. It was a reversal of trends in some ways but fashion was more structured and it was very significantly observed in jackets and pants. The textile used were mainly lycra and cottons. As an addition metallic buttons on jackets made a comeback. Black was back with a bang. Denim too was strongly displayed everywhere. The look though rugged on surface still retained an éclat. Glamour was tweaked to suit the military style. A strong inspiration from Russian look was seen.
BABE WHO CARRIED IT BEST: Model Carol Gracias was seen wearing a lot of this style. She had a strong wardrobe based on it. Given her warm complexion she did a good job of carrying it well.
RITU KUMAR
It can aptly be called an era where the skirts were re introduced. Trousers were conveniently replaced by skirts. From crinkled to tiered skirts in fabrics like georgettes, silks and cottons were in vogue. Mid calf length was very hot. The most versatile thing about skirts that was brought into fore was that women from almost all age groups could carry it. John Galliano too drew a lot of inspiration from Rajasthani skirts. The gypsy skirts that were a take off from the Indian lehenga went on to become hot favourites.
BABE WHO CARRIED IT BEST: Priety Zinta sported this look very nicely. Her long flared crinkled skirts showed a crisp form of fashion.
ASHISH SONI
The biggest trend in clothing this year was undoubtedly volume. Every ramp in the world witnessed voluminous shapes. Especially balloony skirts and dresses were seen. And this was incorporated as a major style statement. was also a trend rampant on every red car- in Hollywood. It also worked quite well in Indian fashion scene.
BABE WHO CARRIED IT BEST: Sarah Jessica Parker in her Oscar De La Renta dress was one celebrity who did perfect justice to this look.
PARAS AND SHALINI
The year witnessed a comeback of Victorian vintage feel. It could be best described as a queen’s heirloom of treasured fashion pieces, but it felt as if it has opened now so the sparkle is gone but a dull muted glory still remains. Femininity was blooming, so instead of tunic pants one saw an abundance of churidaars. A snazzy style was reflected in mid length kurtas which the young women wore as dresses while the older women paired them with pants. Colours like old rose, olive green, beige etc. were hot. Even the treatment given to fabrics was intended to bring out the amalgamation of old and new.
BABE WHO CARRIED IT BEST: Faith Singh who is the owner of Anokhi is a woman who brings out the most classic style. She is a British married to an Indian, and her style has a vintage feel to it.

Summer Hits. The Most Fashionable Bags of This Season.

Stella McCartney








Emilio Pucci




Bottega Veneta









Cacharel










Alexander McQueen





Ana

Plastic Surgeon. Brow Lift

A brow lift is wonderful for treating a tired upper face. It can help eliminate droopy eyebrows, forehead lines, and frown lines that come with age. Sometimes a brown lift is combined with a face lift to help eliminate age.

Surgery
How Is It Done?
Incisions are usually made in the hairline; the cut will extend from ear to ear.
How Long Is The Operation
A brow lift is performed under general anesthesia or under 4 sedation and takes anywhere from two to three hours to be completed. The doctor will close the incision in layers with a deeper subcuticular stitch,which is absorbed by the body, followed by either staples or sutures. Surgeons often opt for staples because they swell along with the tissue, inhibiting any injury to the fine hair follicles of the scalp, thus preventing hair loss along the incision.
After Surgery
Recovery
After surgery, you'll be dressed in head wrap, which you'll also wear home. The day after surgery, hair washing is allowed. There'll be swelling in the eye area, so ice compresses will be useful. Its important to keep the head elevated during recovery. The skin in front of the incision will be a little numb. Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks.
Possible Complications
Bleeding and infections are rare after brow lift surgery. Sometimes temporary hair loss can occur near incisions but this disappears after four to six months.

Plastic Surgeon. Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is the name of the plastic surgery procedure that corrects aging eyelids. This surgery helps a person look alert and rejuventated. Most patients need an upper and lower procedure. The surgery is often covered by insurance if the upper eye lids droop so much that they obscure vision. The price range for surgery is $3000 to $4000.

Types of Surgery
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Upper lid blepharoplasty is performed in a doctor's office or hospital setting and takes around an hour. The excess skin is cut off and fat pockets are removed. The sutures that are placed in must remain for four or five days. You'll need to take at least a week off.
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
During this operation, excess fat is removed via a cut just below the eyelashes. Excess skin and muscle is redraped. Depending on the location of the incisions Crow's feet can be touched up with a laser or a chemical peel. After surgery, your eyes will be puffy for two weeks. For a few months after,you may need eye drops due to dry eyes.
After Surgery
Recovery
After surgery, you'll need to keep your head elevated for the next forty eight hours. Rest is very important during this time. Some of patients enjoy putting four by four inch gauze pds on their eyes. Small balloons filled with peas work too.

Plastic Surgeon.Chin and Cheek Implants

What can be done for a chin that is too small? A Silastic chin implant is inserted through a small incision inside the mouth or though an incision just under the chin in the small crease that most of us have. Recovery is relatively easy.
What can be done for a chin that is too large? The jawbone can be trimmed through small incisions just inside the lower lip and just underneath the chin. Prior to surgery, the doctor will evaluate your photographs, X-rays of your teeth, and how your teeth fit together.
There is a new surgery available that creates a square jaw. It is used on patients who have a long face and need width in the lower portion.
Cheek implants are one of the most popular surgeries in Hollywood, because they make the face appear more youthful and less tired. The cheek implant is placed through an incision just inside the mouth. This creates a partial face lift, which makes the patient look younger.

Surgery
During
The operation is performed general anesthesia or 4 sedation. The surgeon will make small incisions inside the mouth near the cheek. Before the operation, he or she will mark your skin with the positioning of the implant. Once the perfect pocket has been developed, the surgeon will place the the implant in the cheek area.
After Surgery
Recovery
Its important to remain on liquids and soft foods for two to three weeks after the procedure. Also, most surgeons ask that any dental work be postponed for six months after the placement of any facial implant. In addition if any dental work is performed prophylactic antibiotics must be taken before and after surgery.
Expect to have some persistent swelling for about two to three months; major swelling goes away after a few weeks. Also, expect your lip to be numb. Everywhere, you'll be happy with the results.
Possible Complications
One of the main complications following this operation is infection, If an implant is suspected of being infected, the cheek is tapped to see if the fluid can be expressed. The fluid is then drawn off with a needle and syringe.

Plastic Surgeon. Liposuction

Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the world. The procedure has evolved to include liposculpture and ultrasonic liposculpture. Ultrasonic liposculpture is a technique in which a metal probe is inserted through an incision in the skin into the depths of the fatty compartments of the body. The probe is moved back and forth in different directions. Next, the fat is removed using the routine liposuction technique. Unfortunately, the use the the ultrasound machine increases the length of the incision because of the size of the probe that is inserted.

Are You A Good Candidate?
Age
The best candidate is someone under 40 'cause their skin has better elasticity. The surgery can also be performed on old patients, but the best results are obtained in patients under the age of 40.
Weight
Liposuction isn't a cure for obesity nor is it a tool to get rid of cellulite. Liposuction is a great way to lose those last fifteen pounds that seem resistant to diet and exercise.
Surgery
Where Should You Get Liposuction
Liposuction works best on neck, face, breasts, arms, chest, abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles.
Facial liposuction works well for those who are young and have little excess skin. Incisions are made behind each ear; the surgery takes around one hour and can be performed under light IV sedation or general anesthesia. Sutures remain in place for a week or so and are then removed. After removal a compression garment is worn round the clock and later is only worn at night for a month.
Arm liposuction is helpful for people who have rolls of fat on their arms. Two to four small incisions are made, afterwards expect to be black and blue for two to 3 weeks afterward. You will have to wear a compression garment on your arms for a month.

Plastic Surgeon. Breast Augmentation.

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently requested surgeries. Implants are inserted behind the breast tissue of each breast or behind the pectoralis major muscle thereby increasing the size of the breast. Silicone implants are made of thick material and filled with either saline or an antibiotic solution during the operation.

About Breast Augmentation Surgery
Inserting The Implant
Implants can be inserted in a number of ways. Typically, the surgeon goes in just underneath the fold of the breast. Other options are cutting in through the darker part of the nipple or inserting the implant in the underarm or axilla area. To avoid scars, some surgeons place breast implants through the belly button using a special endoscope.
Types of Implants
Saline implants are considered 'safer' than silicone implants due to the connection silicone has to autoimmune diseases. If a saline implant ruptures, your body will absorb the saline fluid. Also, with saline implants, the patient may feel 'rippling' on the side of the implant. If the implant is just under breast tissue, 'rippling' may be visible. Some of the 'rippling' may be eliminated by overfilling the implant by ten percent. Another complaint about saline is that it doesn't feel more like breast tissue unlike silicone. One benefit of saline implants is less incidence of capsulary contracture, scarring around the implant.
If a silicone implant rupture, the body will not absorb the silicone. Indeed, leaked silicone has been found in the local and distant lymph nodes. As mentioned previously, it does feel more like breast tissue and has an increased incidence of capsular-scarring contracture.
Surgery
Risks
Every operation has risk. The three most prominent are bleeding, infection, and scarring related to the scarring around the implant. In addition, for breast augmentation patients there is the chance that the implant will interfere with with breast cancer detection during mammography. It can hide suspicious-looking patches of tissue in the breast, making it difficult to interpret results. In addition, some women are not able to breast feed after getting implants.
Every augmentation patient will have a foreign body reaction to the implant. The degree to which this occurs depends on your own individual response and how you heal. Sometimes so much scar tissue will develop that the implants will harden. A classification system called Baker's Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 is used to classify the severity of the reaction.
Baker's Class I shows no scar contracture. Class 2 and Class 3 are differing degree of scar contracture. Class IV results in significant, painful, noticeable contraction. Contraction can tempered by improving the placement of the implant under the muscle or switching over to saline implants. When the implant is removed or scar tissue removed, it is only necessary to use the same incision. Textured wall implants tend to decrease the amount of capsulary contracture around the implant because it disorients the collagen bundles.
Ruptured Implants
A breast implants can rupture through wear and tear or from a hard blow to the chest. If it is saline, the breast implant will go flat as a pancake, and the leaked saline from the implant will be absorbed by the body instead of being treated as a foreign material, because salt water is naturally present in the body). However, some patients develop a fever and a rash with the rupture of a saline implant. With silicone implants, ruptures are harder to detect. The breast may lose its overal shape or have a distortion or an irregular contour.
Recovery
Recovery from breast augmentation initially takes four days. Complete recovery time is four to six weeks. Overall, the risk factor is minimal if the patient is in good health. Pain is moderate and most patients are uncomfortable for the first four days. Surgeon fees for augmentation range from $3,000 to $4,000. Saline breast implants cost anywhere from $950 to $1,300 and silicone breast implants usually cost about $1,800. Patients also have to pay for anesthesia fees and the use of the operating room.

Plastic Surgeon. Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is considered to be one of the most gratifying plastic surgeries to receive, because the patient often will find their entire facial aesthetic modified.

Surgery
Before
The night before surgery, do not eat or drink after midnight. Arrive early, because you may have to give blood for lab analysis or have to complete extra paperwork.
During
The whole operation takes anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the complexity. It can be performed under local anesthesia, with IV sedation or under general anesthesia.Before any incision is made, the nose is numbed with local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or marcaine with epinephrine). In addition, a combination of cocaine and/or epinephrine, because it helps to shrink the mucous membranes and control bleeding.
Throughtout the operation, the surgeon will frequently check the patient's profile, the symmetry of the tip, and the improvement after each small change is made. Even small changes consisting of one to two and up to four millimeters can make big changes in the overall appearance of the nose.
At the end of the surgery, the doctor will check the size of the nostril.If the nostril base is wide, they will be made smaller. Finally, the nose is packed and kept that way for seven to ten days. Pain medicine and antibiotics are prescribed.
After Surgery
Recovery
After operation, you'll need to keep your head elevated for the next forty eight to seventy two hours to prevent swelling. You'll feel like you have a bad cold with heaviness between the eyes and a headache (it can be relieved with pain medication). There will be bruising around the eyes for seven to ten days.
After surgery, do not bump your nose. Keep partners, children, or pets at an arm's length. Stay out the sun and avoid high intensity activties (exercise, sex, etc) for three to four weeks.
Possible Complications
Complications following rhinoplasty are rare. Patients should stay on antibiotics after surgery to prevent the onset of infection. Prior to surgery you'll be asked not to consume any aspirin products, they cause excessive bleeding. Sometimes revisions are needed;bony tissues or little bumps have to be refined. Usually, this can be done under local anesthesia in an office setting.

Why do Paris and Her Mother Share Plastic Surgeon

Why do Paris Hilton and her mother, Kathy Hilton, share the same plastic surgeon? Does an altered nose given to a 40-something woman look good on a teen? Noooooo!!!

Should we wear skirts?

Should we wear skirts? Do they make us sexier, more womanlike and attractive? Or is it just mistake and wearing skirts just brings us discomfort, spending money in vain and other problems?

Men’s opinions are very different too. Some of’em think that woman looks better in short skirt, some of’em like women in skin-tight jeans. But I think there are some reason to wear skirts, mini- or maxi-skirts it doesn’t matter. And one of them is that taking on a skirt woman can see more clearly her body’s defects, and it encourages her to treat her body more critically.

There are fashion-show of new skirt models by BLUMARINE:

Lip Plumper. What is it? Is it worth to use?

Full, plump, sensual lips. They’re unforgettable... They make you look young, sexy, even a little... dangerous.

Instant Lip Plumper helps reduce the appearance of telltale lip wrinkles while hydrating and protecting your “perfectly provocative pout.?Because the instant lip plumping formula is never sticky or greasy it can be applied over or under your favorite lip color. And the soothing emollient base won’t dry out or chafe your lips with continued use.

Dermatologic Laboratories brings you the world’s most sophisticated instant lip plumping serum. The first lip plumping formula that does more than just make your lips swell. Instant Lip Plumper actually refines and reshapes the look of your lips... transforming the appearance of contour, size and color. Your lips remain soft, moist, seductive... all day, all night!

But that’s not all. Lip Plumper helps reduce the appearance of telltale lip wrinkles while hydrating and protecting your “perfectly provocative pout.? Because the exclusive instant lip plumping formula is never sticky or greasy...it can be applied over or under your favorite lip color. And the soothing emollient base won’t dry out or chafe your lips with continued use (like less sophisticated products). That’s why Lip Plumper is the most sought-after lip serum in the world today. period.

Instant Lip Plumper Highlights:

Lip Plumper Increases Appearance of Lip Volume and Contour
Lip Plumper Works on Both Upper and Lower Lip Profile
Lip Plumper Diminishes Appearance of Unattractive Lip Wrinkles

Lip Plumper Recommended Use
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apply Lip Plumper one to three times per day. Begin with clean, dry lips. Apply a thin layer of Lip Plumper evenly onto both lips using the applicator tip to stay within your natural lip-line (you may experience a warm, tingling sensation and /or the appearance of smooth redness on the surface of the lips... this is normal).

Lip Plumper FAQ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is Lip Plumper?
Lip Plumper is the first non-burning, non-drying, non-chafing, instant lip plumper... developed to immediately improve the appearance of lip color, plumpness, fullness, and contour. Lip Plumper works in minutes and lasts for hours!

How does Lip Plumper work?
It works great! Pouty, soft, seductive, natural, incredibly fuller, colorful lips in minutes... and that’s guaranteed!

How do I apply Lip Plumper?
You simply apply a very thin layer of Lip Plumper onto both lips, using the applicator tip to stay within your natural lip-line.

Can I use lipstick or lip gloss along with Lip Plumper?
Absolutely! Just apply Lip Plumper according to the directions, wait 3 to 5 minutes, blot off any residue, and apply your lipstick as usual.

How often should I apply Lip Plumper?
You may apply Lip Plumper up to three times per day. To achieve the dramatic improvements in lip contour, size, and volume demonstrated in the clinical trial, you should apply Lip Plumper at least once a day.

How soon can I expect to see results?
You will see results almost immediately after application. In clinical trials, subjects noted a visible improvement in the appearance of their lip color and contour within minutes. You will see results almost immediately after application. In clinical trials, subjects noted a visible improvement in the appearance of their lip color and contour within minutes.

Is Lip Plumper safe?
Lip Plumper is safe when used as directed.

Is it worth to use? Is it safe and what side effect can appear after using Lip Plumper?

I am going into fashion merchandising next year for my first year of college. I am aware that I will be doing a lot of walking around campus, so I need to have comfort, but I also would love to have some extra height. Any suggestions?

A gallery with beautiful art.

There some pics I love the most. I think it is the best art that raises your spirits!