Songs of Silence - Selected Poems by Agron Sela

* Correction: The author requests that you purchase Songs of Silence on EBAY. Type in item #170327646979

Many of us make the mistake of moving through our lives, without really connecting with some of the people who make our lives easier on a daily basis. But you would be surprised, amazed, actually, at the lives and talents of these people. How many of you, for example, really know much about your doorman? I can't say that I really did, until recently.

One of the doormen in my building, is a seemingly quiet man named Agron Sela. For years, he has held the door open for me, announced guests, handed me my packages (and I get a lot of packages) and dispensed keys to the cat sitter. But for all of this (and it's my fault), we haven't exchanged more than just a few, pleasant words each day as I walked in, and out.

It was a bit of a shock just a few weeks ago, when Agron stopped me at the front desk of our building, and asked me if I'd read something. He shyly held out a small, paperback book. When I looked at the title it was: "Songs of Silence" and the author was... Agron Sela!

It is both an honor and a responsibility to pass judgement on someone's work. Although I am a multi-published book author, poetry isn't one of the skills I have mastered. I admire anyone who can write in this most prescribed and compact, form. Nervously, I took a quick peek at the pages, wondering what I'd be able to say. Quickly flipping through the pages, it dawned on me that I was reading something very special. These poems were not just good, they were dazzingly, exceptional.

It never occurred to me that Agropn was an amazing poet who can harness the power of an emotion in a simple phrase. I was stunned!

I took his little book of poems, upstairs, and read each one until I was at the end of the book, sad that there weren't any more to discover . I also learned a bit more about the artist, himself. Agron is a native of Kosova and Macedonia. He started writing poetry in the 5th grade, when he was taught how to do it in school. As a student, majoring in Albanian Literature, his goal was to become a Professor of literature. However, during his first year, he and some friends protested against the Ygoslav regime. Some of his friends were arrested. Sela, wasn't, but fearing that he'd be next, he left his homeland on a student visa to Germany. His plan was to return, but when he received a newspaper informing him of his friend's conviction that also mentioned his own name, he knew he couldn't go home. He ended up in a refugee camp. Finally, in 1983 Sela gained entree to the United States. He lives here with his wife and four children. Eventually, in 1992, Agron did get a chance to go back and visit his home. But when I asked him if he would like to live there again, he said: "not really." Time moves on, and you make new connections, I suppose. But Agron's losses are still evident in many of his poems -- complex, political, and full of longing. For example, in his poem The Forsaken he says:

"my friends are like sunflowers

Even though the sun has set,

They still keep their heads turned that way

They wait for the light to come from behind."

Agron says he tries to use his poetry to tell the story of his background and about the history of his people (and he writes poems in English, and in Albanian). He says he learned a lot about his own language from English. He likes poetry as a medium, because it is a form that everyone can understand and appreciate. He's not inspired by one poet so much, because gets inspiration from pieces of many others.

His poems are also filled with the joys of better times. "I was lucky in my life," says Agron. For example, in his poem "A Chair" Agron matter of factly, says:

"Until I am free

Nobody wants me

After I am taken

Everybody's trying

To occupy me"

his wry sense of humor is event in the poem "Discount" :

"Recently I climbed the steps of old age.

They offer me a percentage discount

On almost everything I buy.

Discount I feel even in my leap"

Agron's advice to other would-be poets is to just write short notes whenever you are inspired or have the time. "You just have to find the time," he gently counsels. I am hoping that Agron Sela, the poet, finds a lot more time to compile future books of poetry. Sela's talent should not remain silent, any longer.

If you want to discover more of Agron Sela's beautiful poetry, why not read them for yourself? The book makes a unique gift, too. You can purchase Agron Sela's Songs of Silence in Paperback: 119 pages Publisher: Marinaj Publishing; 1ST edition (2009) $14.00 (new) on Ebay.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010 Schedule

Although I have been covering fashion week for years now, it is always an exciting moment when the tent is up, and you're walking in it for the first time. This year may be the last time the tents are raised in Bryant Park, but everyone from the press, to the poseurs, will be there starting September 10th.

Yes, that's me in the "can't-miss" green jacket. I am sitting backstage at the M-A-C- Cosmetics lounge during Fall 2009's shows, looking a lot less than glam. When I'm reporting on shows, though, I'm not there to be photographed...I am the photographer!

I have just gotten a notice of the preliminary schedule. For those of you who don't follow fashion, there will still be plenty of beauty and lifestyle oriented material on this blog for you to enjoy, plus the Advice Sisters Fall What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column. For those of you who can't get enough Fashion, here's the schedule as it currently stands:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

9 AM -MICHAEL ANGEL Salon
10 AM -BCBGMAXAZRIA Tent
1 PM -DUCKIE BROWN Salon
3 PM -PORTS 1961 Tent
6-10 PM -FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
7 PM -CESAR GALINDO M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W 28th Street

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

9 AM -CYNTHIA STEFFE Salon
11 AM -YIGAL AZROUËL Promenade
2 PM -CHARLOTTE RONSON Promenade
6 PM -NICOLE MILLER Salon
7 PM -THIS DAY/ARISE: AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTIVE Promenade
9 PM -VENEXIANA Salon

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

10 AM -LACOSTE Tent
11 AM -GEORGES CHAKRA Promenade
1 PM -ANDY & DEBB Salon
3 PM -ACADEMY of ART UNIVERSITY Tent
4 PM -CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Promenade
7 PM -CHADO RALPH RUCCI Tent
8 PM -VIVIENNE TAM Promenade

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

10 AM -LELA ROSE Salon
11 AM -DEREK LAM Promenade
1 PM -DKNY
2 PM -THUY Salon
3 PM -HERVÉ LÉGER BY MAX AZRIA Promenade
4 PM -DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Tent
5 PM -REBECCA TAYLOR Salon

7 PM -TULEH Promenade
8 PM -CUSTO BARCELONA Tent
9 PM -VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS Salon

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

10 AM -CAROLINA HERRERA Tent
11 AM -CARLOS MIELE Promenade
Noon -JILL STUART
1 PM -TRACY REESE Salon
2 PM -DONNA KARAN
4 PM -YEOHLEE
5 PM -TADASHI SHOJI Salon

6 PM -TONY COHEN Promenade
7 PM -GOTTEX Tent

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

10 AM -BADGLEY MISCHKA Tent
11 AM -BRIAN REYES Promenade
Noon -TONI MATICEVSKI Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
1 PM -PAMELLA ROLAND Salon
2 PM -MAX AZRIA Tent
3 PM -DENNIS BASSO Promenade
6 PM -WILLOW Salon
7 PM -TIBI Promenade
8 PM -NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Tent
9 PM -TONI FRANCESC Salon

WEDNESDAY-SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

9 AM -TORY BURCH Salon
10 AM -MICHAEL KORS Tent
11 AM -NANETTE LEPOR- Promenade
2 PM -3.1 PHILLIP LIM Tent
3 PM
MILLY BY MICHELLE SMITH Promenade
5 PM -ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH Salon
6 PM -ANNA SUI Tent
7 PM -DOO.RI Promenade

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

9 AM -RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
10 AM -RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
11 AM -RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
1 PM -ALLUDE Salon
2 PM -ISAAC MIZRAHI Tent
3 PM -TRIAS Promenade
4 PM -CALVIN KLEIN
5 PM -CALVIN KLEIN
6 PM -CHOCHENG Salon
7 PM -ARGENTINEAN DESIGNER COLLECTIONS Promenade
8 PM -TOMMY HILFIGER Tent

Fragrant Waters by Bath & Bodyworks Work Well for Summer (and Beyond)

Scented items for body, bath and home are little luxuries you can enjoy every day, and you don't have to pay a fortune for delicious scents. For example, Bath & Bodyworks stores are everywhere, and they have the nicest stuff! I love visiting their stores and their online web site, full of eye candy with colorful bottles and jars, and nice packaging. And everything is all so affordable. I always do a double-take when I read the price tags.

Right now, there's a new fragrance formula from Bath & Bodyworks that "rebalances" your favorite B&BW scents, for Summer. These are called "Fragrant Waters." They are lighter, sparkling versions of 10 of the Signature Collection fragrances the company is already known for. For this collection, B&BWs master perfumers highlighted the most refreshing notes, creating crisp, summer interpretations of the fragrance you enjoy, but these work especially well in warmer weather.

The first thing I noticed (and love) about these is the packaging: The fragrance comes in simply chic spray bottles, but it's also available in glass roller-balls, the most travel friendly for travel. At just .28 oz. roller-balls are so perfect to tote in your purse for touch-ups, too. They are just my all time favorite way to apply and carry fragrance. For those who just love full-sized, bottles, the 10 oz. bottle is just $18.50 (the roller-ball is a very economical, $7.50).

I didn't try all of the scents, but I did sample three:

The Black Amethyst Fragrant Waters is a lighter, fruitier version of the Black Amethyst Signature Scent I reviewed in The Advice Sisters What Works Column last Holiday Season. In the Fragrant Waters version, it's is now enhanced with notes of juicy orange, fresh lime, dewy cantaloupe and crisp spearmint. This makes the scent a bit more "joyful" and not quite as intense.

Japanese Cherry Blossom is a tart, light fruit scent that works especially well on casual days, when you want to feel feminine, but a heavier, more complex fragrance is just too much. It has been enhanced on the back end to a light, sparkling, fruity floral that gives off a happy vibe. It still has presence, but it's just a light and happy version that will make you want to keep sniffing your wrists --it's aromatherapy that does double duty as a body fragrance! This photo shows the regular (not roller-ball) bottle. It is clean and classic.

I also tried Sweet Pea, a youthful, raspberry soda-tinted juice that smells a bit like raspberry soda, too. It is sweet but not overly so. The Classic Scent has been enhanced with added touches of lemon zest, fresh tangerine, a hint of Granny Smith Apple, and soft, sheer petals. It's a scent that younger girls as well as their mothers, can share.

Each Fragrant Waters scent is tinted a different color. There's also White Citrus, Dancing Waters, Butterfly Flower, Wild Honeysuckle. Together, they make a lovely collection. And, if you purchased the entire collection in rollerballs it would still cost about the same as one department store perfume. Imagine that!

Visit The Bath & Bodyworks web site or your favorite B&BW store and enjoy a great, new scent for Summer, without spending a fortune.

PORTS 1961's Tea Room Collection for Spring 2010 - a sneak peek!!

We haven't gotten through August yet, but Fashion can't wait. In just a few weeks, Spring 2010 FASHION WEEK begins in New York City, at the tents in Bryant Park, and all around the town.


One of my favorite designers is Tia Cibani of PORTS 1961 (and she has the most professional, charming and responsive Public Relations Director in the business: Tony Alcindor). *As an aside, Tony "gets" online press better than anyone, and is a leader in helping to provide Internet press with the tools and access they need to report to their readers around the world. For example, a few weeks ago, Tony invited online media to preview the Spring Collection, but I couldn't be there because I was in Spring Green, Wisconsin, visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's home, Taliesin. So Tony thoughtfully sent me a disk with a sneak peek of the PORTS 1961 "Tea Room Collection" for Spring 2010.

Perhaps it was fitting that I was viewing the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, because while Tia's Fall 2009 collection was inspired by the exotic Mughal Courts of India (check out: Backstage at Ports 1961 Fall 2009 Runway Show *Video included and the Ports 1961 Fall 2009 Runway Show ) this Spring 2010 collection is inspired by the artistic collaboration and the deep mutual admiration between architect/designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret MacDonald. Both were contemporaries of Mr. Wright.

Mackintosh wrote “Margaret has genius, I only have talent.” He is famous for his participation in the Art Nouveau movement in Glasgow Scotland, as was his wife. They both excelled in interior design, craftwork, and textiles. Together, they produced work that was elegant and original. As a fashion designer whose own work is so unique and beautiful (and just a bit different), it doesn't surprise me that Tia Cibani was inspired by this couple's "offbeat vision, and their fluid use of Art Nouveau relief."

PORTS 1961's Tea Room Collection for Spring 2010 favors a clean silhouette of straight lines and bold grid patterns referencing the fragile beauty of the Mackintosh ladder-back chairs. The press literature says it so well, I can't add much: "Architectural embellishments in onyx and pearl are realized in matte and shiny 3D geometric beading. Silk satin in shades of plum and nude enhances a stark contrast with a feminine spirit. Diamond shapes, swathed drapes, and linear silhouettes are detailed with paddle sleeves and androgynous tailoring. Distinctive textile grid work patterns are clearly referenced in this season’s heritage tweeds, gold metallic tufted jacquards and graphic velvet. Together, Margaret MacDonald and Charles Mackintosh created novel works that appear geometric, distinct and stark while simultaneously giving the impression of organic growth and plant-like vitality. The innovative nature of these themes would become the legacy of Mackintosh design and mark one of the greatest love stories in art history. "

SNEAK PEEK! Below are five of Tia's favorites from the collection. When Fashion Week starts, I hope to add my own photos and comments to the Advice Sisters Blog and Features. Please subscribe to this blog (options abound on the right hand side of this page) and bookmark the Advice Sisters web site so you don't msis a thing.


elegant but casual, pants

Modern views of day and evening dresses with an Art Nouveau vibe (aren't they gorgeous?!)

a classic trench coat and ladylike day dress can take you anywhere you want to go.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PORTS 1961 VISIT THEIR WEB SITE. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Ports 1961 store in NYC's Meat Packing District at 3 Ninth Avenue.

Satisfy Summer VayCay Yearnings With a “STAY-CATION” PLAN

The stay-cation, or stay-at-home vacation, can be a great way to de-stress and re-energize if it’s planned ahead just like a trip out of town. If you can't make it to Portland for Pinot, The Finger Lakes for Riesling, or California or Washington State, you can still have a good time at home, according to the great people at FAT Bastard Wines. The quality of a stay-cation depends more on what goes into the effort than on its ultimate cost. Here are some of their tips for planning the perfect stay-cation * and I've added a few "Advice Sisters Ideas, as well:





1. Make a Plan – Choose the dates, arrange to be away from work and then follow through with the program just as if you were travelling far from home. Limit the time you will devote to checking emails, discourage colleagues from calling and make sure you’ve met your deadlines and taken care of business before you leave the office.



2. Become a Tourist in Your Own Hometown – Get a guidebook and go online to check out the local attractions that bring tourists to your area, just as you would if you were traveling to another city. Check the dates for concerts, shows, sporting events, traveling exhibits and other special events that will be going on during your vacation and buy tickets.



3. Pamper yourself. For a fraction of the cost of a luxury hotel, you can hire a cleaning person or service to clean your home on the first day of your vacation. Then relax with a refreshing glass of wine or lemonade, while someone else does the work – just like you would at a hotel. Bring the cleaning service of person back at the end of your vacation, too, so you can go back to work without the worry of cleaning up after a week at home.






4. Plan a Backyard Safari – Get out the tent and sleeping bags and enjoy a night under the stars. Tell ghost stories around the fire pit while you roast hot dogs and make s’mores. * Advice Sisters Additional Idea: if you live in an apartment, put the tent in your living room and "camp out" literally, at home!



5. Stage Your Own Film Festival – Pick up all the DVD’s of the latest flicks you’ve been wanting to see; pop some corn and gather around the television. Consider spending some of your vacation savings on that wide-screen TV that’s just gone on sale. It will be an investment to enjoy all year round.



6. Pick a Peach – Check out local farms that offer a day of fun and a way to enjoy fresh produce such as peaches and strawberries for a fraction of the supermarket cost if you pick it yourself. If your pick is strawberries, treat yourself to simply divine appetizer— Balsamic Strawberry and Mozzarella Flatbread and a glass of FAT bastard Rosé. The recipe can be found at fineliving.com. * Advice Sisters tip: "can" something and keep that fresh taste alive even in Winter, when the produce isn't so great. I learned to do hot water bath canning from the Internet!






7. Delve into a Day Spa – If the pleasures of the spa are your idea of real relaxation, check out the local day spas in your area. It’s a good bet that they will offer all the pampering and beauty treatments of a destination spa for far less than the cost at a resort. * Advice Sisters Additional Idea: you can do similar, spa-style pampering at home, alone, with someone special, or with girlfriends. Check out How to Have an At-Home Spa Night from the Advice Sisters What Works Archives






8. Indulge Your Taste buds – Have a wine tasting at home and learn about the varietals you’ve always wanted to try. Good wines that deliver excellent quality can be found at your local supermarket and you can really make the tasting special by printing wine tasting mats and scoring sheets found at fatbastard.com/news.php or keepwinesimple.com. Ask for budget-friendly wines like those from FAT bastard that offer terrific quality at affordable prices.



9. Look for local discounts – Check out accommodations and attractions in your area and ask about special rates for local residents. Many theme parks and the surrounding hotels offer discounted rates to locals, especially during the off-season and in popular tourist areas.






10. Make the last night memorable with a blow-out barbecue - Buy the best steaks your butcher can provide and cook them to perfection. Pair with a rich wine (FAT Bastard suggests a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon--both go so well with red meat). Top it off with a delicious desert of fresh fruit and homemade ice cream.





11: Advice Sisters Idea: Take a Day Trip. If you live in a City with good public transportation, be a tourist and visit a part of your town you rarely see. Or, take a short trip with an overnight stay (there are great last-minute deals out there). Here are 10 "Advice Sisters" Ways to Make any Trip Easier and More Fun and here are some tips to make you feel more comfortable when you are "on the road"

Remember that stay-cation comes from the word vacation. Don’t use your stay-cation as an opportunity to catch up on chores, straighten up the garage, fix the roof or paint the house. Make sure that you limit the time you spend on email and definitely don’t decide it’s the perfect time to clean a closet. Urban dictionary defines stay-cation as “A vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer. “ With no planes to catch, no security lines or long drives, you might find you’ll go back to work more rested than ever!

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals Video

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals will be playing a concert in Brooklyn's Prospect Park on Friday. Will YOU be there?

M·A·C Colour Crafted- Make This Makeup, Your Own

Makeup that you can adjust to suit your personal preferences is a best-bet, and that's just one of the reasons I'm loving M·A·C Colour Crafted--their latest collection. The products are already at M-A-C- Cosmetics Counters and stand-alone stores, ready and waiting for you to snap them up. They will be available through August 2009 so you still have time to find your special, limited edition pieces, and grab them before they go away!

Like all of M·A·C 's magnificent collection, Colour Crafted offers a wide range of warm and cool colors. Here is the collection in total, and you can click on the individual items to see the product in high-resolution photos. I really liked the mosaic of colors and shimmer in these products, and the ability to wear them super-sheer as wash of color, or layer just a bit more color. All are trendy but wearable (without looking weird or avant-garde) and none require a lot of practice to get the application, just right. I particularly like the Mineralize Eye Shadow compacts with four shades you can wear together or separately...or mix and match them. All are trendy but very, very wearable. Check out my Advice Sisters Picks for each item!

LIPSTICK - ($14 US/ $16.50 CDN)

Madly Creative - Pink neutral with white pearl
Ever Embellish - Plum brown with red pearl
Made with Love - Bright coral pink
Colour Crafted - Milky pink
Trimming Talk - Bright Fuchsia
Most Popular - Purple with yellow undertone * Advice Sisters Pick- this one is a gorgeous berry that is a must-have color for Fall

LIPGLASS *three shades of gloss swirled together to create one, unique color --and the tube looks like sand art! ($17.50 US/ $21 CDN)

Pretty Pattern - Warm dirty beige * Advice Sisters Pick- neutrals are an alternative to deep berries and reds and this one can be worn with or without lipstick

Crazy Haute - blue-based pink
Nice Mix Up - rusted ginger
Funky Fusion - Pink-y coral
Eclectic Edge - Cool violet
Miss Marble - soft, uted pink

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW * 4 shimmery shades in a pinwheel nestled into an all-in-one, compact. ($19.50 US/ $23.50 CDN)

Assemblage - White with silver pearl/ Deep grey/ Black with silver glitter/ Warm yellow gold
Odd Bits - Mid-tone silver grey/ Dusty rose with gold pearl/ Dark burgundy/ Peach bronze *Advice Sisters Pick: this is my favorite because it has the perfect quartet of Fall fashion colors--something for everyone!

Fashion Patch - Ice blue/ Off white/ Black with silver glitter/ Light white pink
Eccentricity - Rich gold/ Light violet/ Deep plum/ Rich bronze
Natural Flare - Copper/ Yellow orange/ Dirty Brown/ Rich Gold
Girlish Romp - Dirty violet/ Yellow white with gold pearl/ Light pastel coral/ Mid-tone pink

MINERALIZE BLUSH - gorgeous, shimmery veins of color add up to one, natural, glow($21 US/ $25 CDN)

Hand-finish - Light pink with deep gold veining * Advice Sisters Pick- this universally pretty blush will flatter just about everybody
Fad-dabulous - Dirty burnt coral with yellow gold veining
Daft Pink - Deep blue pink with light yellow veining
Improvise - Mid-tone neutral coral with light white yellow gold veining
Cheek & Cheerful - Mid-tone bronzy brown with yellow gold veining
Style Demon - Dirty brick red with copper veining

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH * a blended mosaic of color, giving your skin a wash of smooth, sheer color that adds and all-over golden glow. A must-have for a fading tan or a complexion pick-me-up ($27.00 US/ $32.50 CDN)

Sunny By Nature - deep bronze with pink perle * Advice Sisters Pick: this one really perks up a waning tan

Cheeky Bronze - Bronze with deep gold shimmer
Porcelain Pink - soft pink coral with gold shimmer
Triple Fusion - soft champagne gold with rose pink and hints of gold
Smooth Merge - soft pink with rose and pale, hints of cool pink
Warm Blend - antique gold, mahogany bronze and hints of copper

*what do you think of this collection? Do you have a favorite item?

Visit your favorite M-A-C- Cosmetics Boutique or makeup counter or http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Rodney Cutler's Summer Hair Tips

The Summer is half-over, but there's no time like the present to give your hair a fresh new start. Whether you’re attending a summer barbeque, a poolside soiree, or planning a night out on the town, keeping your hair in check is a top priority. With summer comes some of hair’s biggest foes: humidity, fly-aways, and frizz.

Super-stylist Rodney Cutler (here he is Backstage at the Tadashi Shoji Runway Show Fall Fashion Week 2009-check out the hair, makeup and exclusive Advice Sisters video!) suggests trying out the following trends when the temperature starts to soar this summer in order to keep your hair under wraps.

A Messy Bun:

With the ability to keep your ‘do cool yet sophisticated, a messy bun is the perfect way to navigate the steamy streets of the city, or peruse the shops along a coastal boardwalk. Being versatile and fun, the trick is to make your bun look easy breezy, yet put together. The new Cutler Fly-Away Control Stick features a light-weight formula, including the innovative ingredient, Tourmaline, to combat fly-aways and static, as well as essential oils and conditioning agents to keep hair looking smooth, shiny, and healthy. It can be smoothed on wet or dry hair, and contains multi-level UV protection to battle hot summer sun.

Defined (yet loose) Curls :

Curls are always in style, creating a romantic yet carefree look that turns heads. Unfortunately, it’s hard to keep curls in check when humidity in the air can cause major frizz. In order to calm unruly hair, Cutler created a Protectant Treatment Spray, which moisturizes while adding a barrier of protection between heat and hair, protecting hair as you style. Use this spray to detangle wet curls, and treat damaged hair whether it be from too much time in a chlorinated pool or too much tanning on your weekend getaways.

Accessories!

You like to dress up, so why can’t your hair? The runways were full of "hair bling". Rodney suggests using accessories to brighten up a look with an airy scarf, a shimmery headband, or a rhinestone clip. Wear it with your favorite sundress or pair of jeans!

I am a big fan of Cutler products, especially the Protectant Spray (a must-have, especially in the Summer). Check out the Advice Sisters "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review Archives so see reviews of Cutler products, and thousands of other items for women and men. You can buy Cutler Products at Studio at www. Zitomer.com
ULTA and www.beautyintuition.com.

King Ice Jewelery has Hip Hop Bling at Bargain Prices

Jewelry is defininitely my #1 "gilty" pleasure. But I'm not a rock star or mogul, so I have to consider my purchases, carefully. Luckily, I've just discovered an online treasure chest called King Ice, that lets even the most careful budgeter add tons of bling to their jewelry collections. All of the products are eye catching and statement pieces (a must-have for Fall) and they're good quality, beautifully boxed, and ready for your to flaunt. While the web site does cater as well to Hip Hop items, don't be put off if that's not your style. You will find tons of gorgeous jewelery for you or for the guys, that will get you ready for Fall (and holiday gifts..just around the corner). They are so drool-worthy, I defy you to be able to order just one!

There is so much to look at on the King Ice site, the Advice Sisters started with an easy purchase--rings for women. You will find everything from classic rings, to rolling rings, to unusual rigns of tungsten, titanium, stainless steel, and even black zirconium. Here are three very wearable and trendy styles to get you started:


This Women's Three Ball Sterling Silver Laser Finished Stardust Hip Hop Ring is impressively large at 1" wide, with a rhodium plated band. It would accessorize any outfit for day or evening. The laser finish sparkles like a thousand diamonds, especially under artificial lights, but it's just the way the silver balls are faceted. You can wear it to add sparkle to any outfit day or evening, but it's still conservative enough to wear to work. I love it, and it's just $39.99!

Animal prints are an absolute must-have for Fall fashion, but if you don't like wearing too much print, this Women's Leopard Animal Print Yellow Citrine CZ Sterling Silver Ring is just $54.99 and makes a trendy statement, without going overboard. It is a bit hard to see in this photo, but the stunning, yellow citrine is a cushion cut CZ. The ring has a peraly, golden glow, richly enameled like the high-end enamel rings you see in pricey boutiques. It's got an all-over leopard print enamel over genuine 925 Sterling Silver, with a Rhodium finish. You can get this one in black and white too, but the earthy-toned leopard is just too gorgeous to pass up.

Bling it like Beckham. If you've ever wanted a large band of sparkling diamonds, and then looked at the price tag and sadly thought: "not in this lifetime," this is the ring for you. It is much more impressive than the photo shows. This Women's BECKHAM Eternity Pave CZ Sterling Silver, rhodium plated, ring is still just $64.99 -- much less than I've seen in other catalogues and online stores. The 1/2" wide eternity ring, set in sterling silver, simply glitters with cubic zirconia stones in a pave setting that will have you believing it's the real thing. Honestly, you can't tell the difference. There's a man's David Beckham ring that matches, for your special guy (make sure he really deserves it)!

King Ice has pages and pages and pages of glittering, "faux" diamonds, gems, and dazzling jewelry that look like the real thing, but won't have your eyes widening at the cost. Steal Diddy's favorite looks, or Usher's or David Beckham's or any one of a myraid of female celebs looks, with sterling silver and plated rings, necklaces, and bracelets that are seriously, impressive. The site also has genuine Hip Hop accessories, such as huge, embellished belt buckles, money clips, lighters, shoe bling, glittering pimp cups (under $40) and sterling silver grillz with clear and colored czs (under $45.00). While they're not my style, if they're yours, you'll be in seventh heaven!

What can I say, except I'm hooked on King Ice! Treat yourself to something gorgeous today. Visit King Ice and tell me your favorites. I'll do my best to continue reviewing items from King Ice as the seasons move forward.

Best for Fall-Bobbi Brown Fall Nudes for 2009

It's time to thing about Fall makeup. Yes, I know... I'm still thinking about what I'm wearing to the beach right now, too, but retailers are already gearing up for Fall. One new collection you'll definitely want to consider, is the 2009 Nudes Makeup Collection, by makeup diva and trend-setter, Bobbi Brown.

When I heard about the new collection, my first thought was; "Oh, ok, more boring beige to make me look washed out." But I was very happily surprised. This nude collection isn't too light to show up, or too bland for anyone to care, by any means. “Nude makeup doesn’t mean monochromatic, barely-there makeup. It means makeup that’s right for your skin,” says Bobbi.

Bobbi proves that nude is nifty! I love this limited edition, Nude Eye Palette ($60.00). The now-iconic, shiny black mirrored compact features eye shadow duos in light, medium and deeper shades and textures of nude. You can take it as-is, or customize the 3 Pan Palette with your choice of any Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow or Blush shades. The colors are in the nude family, but they do add life and warmth to your eyes, with universally flattering shades of go-with-everything, color. Navajo Eye Shadow (creamy light pink) & Pebble Metallic Eye Shadow (shimmery champagne); Chino Eye Shadow (creamy medium brown) & Beige Linen Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow (golden shimmer) and on the deeper end there's Maple Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow (medium gold shimmer) paired with Caviar Eye Shadow (deep matte black). This eye palette is the perfect, no-brainer way to enjoy the nude makeup trend that I saw on so many runways, and that is a must-have for the coming season.

The photo above shows you the rest of the collection, in swatches. Those who love Shimmer Bricks (and who doesn't?) will like the new, Nude Shimmer Brick ($40.00) , with five shimmery bars of pink, gold, bronze, beige, and caramel. You can blend them together for an overall glow, or use them separately as eye shadows, highlighters, and on your cheeks.

Compliment the Nude Eye Palette and the Nude Shimmer brick with two other important accessories that will remain in the Bobbi Brown permanent collection: a Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21.00) now available in a rich, deep brown shade, and four new shades of Bobbi’s popular Creamy Lip Color ($22.00). I tried Rose Garden. a gorgeous, medium rose that makes nude lips look moist and slightly shimmery, without adding more than a hint of nude pink. Check out the photo of the collection to see all four natural, flattering, soft shades also including: Soft Blush (pink nude); Rose Bud (warm brown); and Twilight (medium brown)

All of these products are available from http://www.bobbibrown.com/ and Bobbi Brown counters so get a jump on Fall today, and start enjoying the nearly nude trend, tomorrow.