FACE Stockholm's Fall Collection

It is always a bit of a shock that when the Summer is truly heating up, I'm attending fashion, accessory and makeup previews for Fall and even for the holidays. But this is the time retailers start stocking the stores--and I'll keep previewing as I see new things, so you can be ahead of the trends. 

While you're enjoying the genuine, bronzed look of Summer, now, FACE Stockholm plans to keep those earthy, warm tones going right into Fall.

The poster girl for this new collection is, fittingly, a Sweedish pop star called “September.” According to the singer: “Wearing makeup is more than just making myself look pretty, it's about art. It's a way of expressing myself and creating my own fashion."



So what's in the collection?  Before I tell you, let me say that in my opinion, FACE Stockholm has the most elegant compacts--shiny, silver, simple, and chic. 

The look begins with primer (Face Stockholm has an interesting one--a clear gel in a pump bottle), and then, foundation (FACE Stockholm's Liquid Foundation is available in more than 23 colors, and also in a matte formula). While they’re not for everyone, the singer, September, adds false eyelashes for some dramatic extra volume.

The rest of the look comes for individual pieces you can mix and match not just now, but all season long: 

"Borgholm" Mineral Powder Foundation (in the slim, lightweight, iconic, shiny silver mirrored compact that looks so elegant)

"Myrrah" Brow Shadow (a soft, medium-brown matte powder shadow), in a shiny, black, round, mirrored compact, great to fill in any gaps, or deepen a light brown brow.

 "Ebony" & Platina"  Matte Eye Shadow works wonders on lips (the medium intensity of these matte shadows make them perfect to play with for day and night looks). Platina is a dove grey, while Ebony is a rich, woodsy brown

#9 Pearl Eye Shadow  is a new way to wear a perle—softly shimmery light pewter is more subtle than silver, less metallic than glowing pearl.

"Details" Eye Dust is a party in a tiny shaker jar. This one is a light blue glitter adds that special, something extra. To the Platina or Pearl #9 eyeshadow, or wear it alone for a sparkling surprise of blue sparkle that’s glittery but not gaudy.

"Mystery" Gel Eyeliner is a deep blue that’s not quite teal, not quite turquoise, not quite deep sea blue. It's a slightly perled version of all three mixed together. It will make a sensational, modern, blue smoky eye.

"Splendid"  Blush-On is a deep blue-pink rose, with a bit of pearl to make cheeks glow. Great to revive a fading tan or help enhance a fake, new one!

"Seduction"  Lipstick gives you the dramatic, trendy, deep, matte, no-holds barred sexy lip look for Fall. This one is a clear, intense red that works with nearly every skin tone. Wear it straight from the tube, over the Karin Lip Pencil, or apply it and blot for a bit less on the lips. If you’re not mad for matte. The addition of a shiny lip gloss will give you the pouty-est lips this season.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

NYC Color, Colors Your World with CIty Duets for Eyes

Bold makeup colors are a must-have for now, and for Fall 2010. But you don't have to spend a fortune to get this trendy look. And you don't have to wait, either!  NYC Color's Summer 2010 collection, designed by celebrity makeup artist Mathew Nigara, will make your eyes the focal point of your fashionable look, with a collection of limited edition, "City Duets" eye shadows that are bright and blendable --and they are only $2.99!

The colors in each compact are coupled to coordinate with one another, available in five different duos with NYC-centric names: Upper Zest Side (yellow and orange), Island Sunset (pink and deep purple), Bowling Green (lime green and mint green), Yankee Blues (turquoise and sea blue), and Manhattan Mist (stark white and inky black). You can see some of the colors in the photos above, While I didn't  try all of the duets, the ones I tried, delivered the (fashion) goods.The colors are intense, but surprising silky, and easy to blend, Swipe your brush into the color and enjoy the rich, saturated color, or blend it out and get an entirely different look--all from just one compact.

You might think that budget-minded products wouldn't be good for your skin, but actually, that's not true! These City Duets are infused with good-for-your-skin, vitamins A and E, as well as green tea extract. That's all good, too.

The trend is about about experimenting with bright, intense color. It's the ultimate way to show personal expression your "true colors." (as Cyndi Lauper might say).You've just got to get excited about these City Duet Eye Shadow Duos! I know I am.  Although I get to review products in all price points, inexpensive doesn't mean unimpressive.  Find NYC Color Cosmetics at chain drugstores and mass merchandisers nationwide. You can also learn more about all the NYC Color cosmetics at http://www.newyorkcolor.com/


Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review columnدSo have fun!  Wear each shade alone, or layered. Use one for a bold eye liner, or smudge it into the corners of your eyes for emphasis. Color like this needs to be balanced, however.  If you create a bold eye look, you need something on your cheeks or lips so you don't look "unfinished."  Maybe all you need is a tan (faux is fine) and a lipstick.  Try it!   If you don't like the look, wash it off and try another one. At this price, the entire collection will set you back less than a nice lunch,  so it's not much of a risk.

Indigo Wild Is a "Jungle" of Natural Delights

Photo of Eucalyptus Zum Mist

I have always been wild for the products of Indigo Wild, a company that specializes in all natural products that are enticingly scented My favorite have always been the moisturizing goat’s milk soaps (called Zum Bars) and room sprays (called Zim Mists) that you’d want to use not just to mask an odor, but to enhance the atmosphere of a room.

There are  31 different scents, all made with 100% pure essential oils...and now two more: lemon-geranium, and frankincense-lavender The frankincense-lavender is a rich blend of mostly lavender, and also a lot of spice, The lemon geranium is uplifting and lemony, not too tart, tempered by the florals.

Luckily, my favorite products The Zum Bar and Zum mist are available in these scents.  Why do I love these so much? That easy: it is a combination of the amazing fragrances, neat packaging, and good products that don’t have a lot of chemicals or frills. The mists are cold-pressed with vegetable oil, goat’s milk, and essential oils. They are just pure, and good. The Zum Mists come in a brushed, aluminum spray bottle with colorful, scalloped labels. While they are $10.50 for 4 fl. oz, they are so strongly scented that one spritz will send out a marvelous mist that lingers in the air for a moment, then settles to keep your room smelling wonderful for a while. If you have a pet (or a smelly roommate), at least one Zum Mist is a must.

The Advice Sisters have reviewd a number of other excellent Indigo Wild products over the years (check out our archives—there’s a search box so you can find what you are seeking). Indigo Wild products are not tested on animals, and their Zum line includes lots of other, all-natural products and blends: lotions, soaps, candles, body rubs, bath salts, aromatherapy sprays, baby products, dog products, laundry soaps, household cleaning products and more.

When it comes to the super-hydrating Zum Bar soaps, another thing I really like is how they look. Ribbed rectangles of soap, with a riot of swirls and at least two different colors. And better, no two are exactly alike When the various ingredients are swirled together, they look like one of those cakes where you swirl another bit of batter into the mix, making the entire cake a fancy lacework of swirled colors. The soaps feel soft and pampering. They’re not particularly hard-milled (so keep yours dry) but at $5.50 they’re a little splurge that will literally, make your day. You can also get them in gift packs like the one in the photo.
 
*look for my review of Indigo Wild's facial and other cleansers on August 10th.  Better yet, subscribe to this blog (details on left hand column)  or follow me on Facebook or Twitter, and get all my posts, automatically!

I think you'll be "wild" about Indigo Wild's Zum products, too. They're available online at www.indigowild.com, by phone at 1-800-361-5686, and at specialty boutiques and natural food stores nationwide.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Fashion Week Spring 2010 news, and the Preliminary Schedule

I just got this in my In-Box, so if you're wondering what is going to happene during Fashion Week, here's the preliminary schedule: 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will present the following designers Nicholas K, Project Runway, Toni Maticevski, Richard Chai, Ruffian, Christian Siriano, Bensoni, Farah Angsana, VERRIER, Concept Korea, Richie Rich, Tadashi Shoji, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Duckie Brown, Michael Angel, Buckler, EDITION Georges Chakra, Ports 1961, Alexander Berardi, Academy of Art University, Lacoste, Binetti, Cynthia Rowley, Prabal Gurung, ADAM, Yoana Baraschi, Vivienne Tam, Mik Cire, Charlotte Ronson, Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Venexiana, Derek Lam, Timo Weiland, Lela Rose, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane von Furstenberg, Trias, Global Glam Collection, Custo Barcelona, Tommy Hilfiger, Vassilios Kostetsos, William Tempest, Jenny Packham, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Diesel Black Gold, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan Collection, TONYCOHEN, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Betsey Johnson, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Monique Péan, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Rosa Cha, Max Azria, Bibhu Mohapatra, Dennis Basso, Luca Luca, Sophie Theallet, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Bill Blass, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, General Idea, Adrienne Vittadini, Gottex, Milly by Michelle Smith, Odd Molly, Anna Sui, Mackage, Zang Toi, Ralph Lauren, Andy & Debb, Isaac Mizrahi, Davidelfin, Argentina Group Show, Calvin Klein Collection Women's, J. Mendel, Rebecca Moses, Naeem Khan, L.A.M.B. and IVANAhelsinki.  Designers returning from previous seasons of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week or those showing for the first time as part of the lineup include Betsey Johnson, Bibhu Mohapatra, Bill Blass, Buckler, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Jenny Packham, L.A.M.B., Rosa Cha, Ruffian, VERRIER, Vivienne Tam, Zang Toi, among others.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will host three runway venues; the Theatre, Stage and Studio as well as a fourth presentation space called the Box for designer presentations, industry forums, press conferences and other activities. Additionally, the new venue will boast a number of technical enhancements to adjust with the changing needs of the fashion community including: a more gracious lobby to better accommodate designer guests; modified runway theaters and modular designer spaces that support advanced production capabilities; expanded lighting and digital design resources; new décor and increased venue/runway sizes and enhancements as well as a comprehensive digital upgrade to the event, including a new website, registration, credentialing and seating system, digital signage and various other improvements.

The new location at Lincoln Center provides Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week attendees with convenient transportation and access to the event via subway, buses, taxi and car service. By subway, the 1 train goes directly to the 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station as well as the 1, A, B, C, D service to the 59th Street/Columbus Circle stop. By bus, the M5, M7, M10, M11, M66 and M104 lines all stop within one block of the Lincoln Center campus. Cars can pick up and drop off at the main steps main steps between 63rd and 64th streets on Columbus Avenue and will have a designated waiting area on 65th Street. In addition, there will be a taxi stand near 62nd Street and Columbus Avenue.

Preliminary schedule of events:



September 9, 2010

9:00 AM Nicholas K, Studio

10:00 AM Project Runway, Theatre

10:30-11:30 AM Toni Maticevski, Box*

11:00 AM Richard Chai, Stage

1:00 PM Ruffian, Studio

2:00 PM Christian Siriano, Stage

2:30-4:00 PM Bensoni, Box*

6:00 PM Farah Angsana, Studio

6:30-7:30 PM VERRIER, Box*

7:00 PM Concept Korea, Theatre

9:00 PM Richie Rich, Studio



September 10, 2010

9:30-10:30 AM Tadashi Shoji, Box*

10:00 AM BCBGMAXAZRIA, Theatre

11:00 AM Duckie Brown, Stage

12:00 PM Michael Angel, Studio

1:30-2:30 PM Buckler, Box*

2:00 PM EDITION Georges Chakra, Stage

3:00 PM Ports 1961, Theatre

4:00 PM Alexander Berardi, Studio

6:00-10:00 PM Fashion's Night Out

8:00 PM Academy of Art University, Theatre



September 11, 2010

10:00 AM Lacoste, Theatre

10:30-11:30 AM Binetti, Box*

11:00 AM Cynthia Rowley, Stage

1:00 PM Prabal Gurung, Studio

2:00 PM ADAM, Stage

2:30-3:30 PM Yoana Baraschi, Box*

3:00 PM Vivienne Tam, Theatre

4:00 PM Mik Cire, Studio

6:00 PM Charlotte Ronson, Stage

7:00 PM Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Theatre

9:00 PM Venexiana, Studio



September 12, 2010

10:00 AM Derek Lam, Stage

10:30-11:30 AM Timo Weiland, Box*

11:00 AM Lela Rose, Studio

1:00 PM DKNY, Off-site

2:00 PM Rebecca Taylor, Studio

2:30-3:30 PM Rebecca Minkoff, Box*

3:00 PM Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Stage

4:00 PM Diane von Furstenberg, Theatre

5:00 PM Trias, Studio

6:30-7:30 PM Global Glam Collection, Box*

7:00 PM Custo Barcelona, Stage

8:00 PM Tommy Hilfiger, Theatre

9:00 PM Vassilios Kostetsos, Studio



September 13, 2010

8:30-10:00 AM William Tempest, Box*

9:00 AM Jenny Packham, Studio

10:00 AM Carolina Herrera, Theatre

11:00 AM Carlos Miele, Stage

12:00 PM Diesel Black Gold, Off-site

1:00 PM Tracy Reese, Studio

2:00 PM Donna Karan Collection, Off-site

2:30-3:30 PM TONYCOHEN, Box*

3:00 PM Monique Lhuillier, Stage

4:00 PM Yeohlee, Off-site

5:00 PM Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Studio

6:00 PM Betsey Johnson, Theatre

7:00 PM Perry Ellis, Stage



September 14, 2010

9:00 AM Elie Tahari, Studio

9:00-10:30 AM Monique Péan, Box*

10:00 AM Badgley Mischka, Theatre

11:00 AM Vera Wang, Stage

1:00 PM Rosa Cha, Studio

1:30-3:30 PM Bibhu Mohapatra, Box*

2:00 PM Max Azria, Theatre

3:00 PM Dennis Basso, Stage

6:00 PM Luca Luca, Studio

6:30-7:30 PM Sophie Theallet, Box*

7:00 PM Tibi, Stage

8:00 PM Narciso Rodriguez, Theatre

9:00 PM Toni Francesc, Studio



September 15, 2010

8:30-10:00 AM Bill Blass, Box*

9:00 AM Tory Burch, Studio

10:00 AM Michael Kors, Theatre

11:00 AM Nanette Lepore, Stage

1:00 PM General Idea, Studio

1:00-2:30 PM Adrienne Vittadini, Box*

2:00 PM Gottex, Theatre

3:00 PM Milly by Michelle Smith, Stage

5:00 PM Odd Molly, Studio

6:00 PM Anna Sui, Theatre

6:30-7:30 PM Mackage, Box*

9:00 PM Zang Toi, Studio



September 16, 2010

10:00 AM Ralph Lauren, Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street

11:00 AM Ralph Lauren, Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street

11:30-1:00 PM Andy & Debb, Box*

12:00 PM Isaac Mizrahi, Theatre

1:00 PM Davidelfin, Studio

2:00 PM Argentina Group Show, Stage

3:00 PM Calvin Klein Collection Women's, 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor

4:00 PM Calvin Klein Collection Women's, 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor

6:00 PM J. Mendel, Studio

6:30-7:30 PM Rebecca Moses, Box*

7:00 PM Naeem Khan, Stage

8:00 PM L.A.M.B., Theatre

9:00 PM IVANAhelsinki, Studio



*Designer Presentation

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column
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Progress on Fraxel Laser Treatments

Are you wondering if Fraxel works, and if it might be for you?  I hope that you've been following my tweets and blog posts on the subject, as I'm trying to provide a no-holds-barred view of what Fraxel laser treatment is, how it works, what it does, and of course, my personal experience with it.

 For those of you who missed it (but please, do consider subscribing to this blog or blog feed so you get my posts, Fraxel sounds like it could be a board game, but it is something a lot more serious that that: Fraxel Laser Treatments can literally resurface skin and make it look smoother and more toned. The treatment is called "fractional" because only a small part of the skin is treated, leaving the remainder of the skin to speed the healing process. The laser is cleared for skin resurfacing by the FDA for a number of dermatological procedures such as the removal of reduction of acne scars, sun/age spots, wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, melasma, and off-face skin resurfacing such as hands and chest.


I strongly believe that good information, and reasonable expectations, are the key to success when you are thinking of undergoing any relatively pricey and relatively new, treatment.  Some claim that Fraxel lasers literally turn back the hands of time, even going so far as to say that since damaged skin and skin cells are removed, the potential threat of skin cancer is reduced, too.  All of this might be true, but if you are over 40 or 50 you aren't going to look 16, no matter what is done to your skin. 

What Fraxel can do, and fairly quickly, is re-surface your skin so that fine lines, scars, blotches, and so forth are minimized or removed., so that your skin looks fresh and new.  It has been a few weeks since I met with Dr. Gervais Gerstner and received my first, Fraxel Treatment and blogged personally about my first Fraxel experience. I was informed about the risks and the potential side effects, and also about what I might expect in terms of improvement. Therefore, I wasn't surprised when my skin looked really bad for about a week.  But as it began to heal, I noticed that my crows feet were reduced on one side, and almost gone on the other. As the weeks have gone on, my skin has become smoother, and just looks significantly better.  I may not be completely "ready for my closeup" but even my husband noticed the difference (and he doesn't seem to notice small changes, so the improvement is really much more dramatic).  Other people keep saying I look great, but I haven't done anything at all to warrant it.  In fact, I haven't worn anything more than SPF moisturizer and lip gloss, since the Fraxel laser treatments.

On the downside, although I consider these to be minor issues:  my skin is still very sensitive, and seems to get irritated easily.  The one day I went out for about an hour in the sun (with SPF 30 sun block but no hat) my skin got quite red and itchy--much more so than it would normally be with that kind of protection/sun exposure. I am assuming this is because it is new skin.  If I don't moisturize at least once a day, my skin gets much more dry than it used to.  So, a warning:  if you're going to do the Fraxel Laser treatments, you must take maintenance seriously, to protect your investment, and your skin. 

Overall I am really pleased with the results...seriously excited, actually.  I can't wait to see what the next treatment brings in terms of improvement, as these treatments build gradually, one upon the other. I am hoping to schedule another Fraxel laser treatment in the next few weeks, to get it in before Fashion Week begins in September.  I'll be reporting on my progress!

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Philip B Blue Spray Brightens Your Day

When I see clear, blue liquid in a bottle, I always think of water, and of glaciers. Of course, the latter is made from the former, so that makes sense. The new, Philip B Blue Spray is also made from water, and is will feel cooling and refreshing, and it's also, uplifting.

Just like a blast of menthol breath spray, this is a face/body spray that will also give you an instant pick me up.  It's an herbal mist --a powerful blend of Menthol and pure essential oils of Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Pine and Tea Tree.

The spray looks cool, and it feels cool.  It's perfect for a treat after a workout,  or soothing sore muscles. I've been spritzing it on the soles of my hot, tired feet. It not only revives them, but makes them smell better, too! Spray a little on your towels to soften and invigorate your skin. Or mist some on your bed linens to help you sleep, to freshen up less than pristine sheet (sure you wash them, but if it's been a hot night, this will make them smell better),and let the scent revive your spirit!


PHILIP B® Blue Spray contains high quality botanical ingredients, and the unisex formula is filled with antioxidants and skin-soothing plant extracts that will help his skin, too. Bring it to the beach--a perfect companion for a hot, sticky day.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Lovely Rouge D'Armani Lipstick Brings "Night Shades" For Fall 2010

When I think about Giorgio Armani, I immediately think couture clothing. But if designer clothes aren't in your budget this Fall, the good news is that there are other, more affordable options to wear Armani. For instance, fragrance and cosmetics (*if you missed it, read my review of Acqua di Gioia, a new fragrance from Mr. Armani, just for women).

And there are beautiful cosmetics items, too.  For Fall 2010, Giorgio Armani is debuting three Rouge d'Armani Lipstick in “nocturnal” shades, inspired by the deep blue tones of night. That doesn't mean that the lipsticks are black or "goth" -- far from it. The rich, lustrous color will give you the defined, deep lips from the Fall runways in a mostly-matte formula. Lips will look full of saturated opaque color without shimmer, but lips will look moist, not dry.

Shade n°604 – Deep Ruby

Shade n°603 – Black purple

Shade n°602 – Soft pink

Gorgeous, aren't they?  These lipsticks are elegant and exciting, but the packaging really makes them super-special. We are talking designer touches inside and out! A shny black cardboard box holds a stunning, shiny black, tapered lipstick tube that is slightly angled, so it looks like a slightly different shape as you turn it.  The shiny black that looks almost like lacquer, unmarred except for a small, silver Armani logo that marries cap with base. Another thing that is quite lovely is the magnetic cap that snaps shut to the base  with the merest push, holding it securely with a definitive, "click!"

Bold color is the rage for Fall. Two of these shades are seriously deep,  but if you're not quite ready for the slightly luminous, blackened ruby (#604 Deep Ruby), try the rich crimson berry #603 - Deep Purple or lighter still, the medim-deep, romantic rose of $602 Soft Pink. If you're feeling flush, buy both Deep Purple and Soft Pink and wear them together for a startlingly pretty mix.

These Rouge d"Armani lipsticks are like a chic, little black dress--you need nothing else to make a statement.  The lipstick has suggested retail price of $30 and will be available beginning in August. The full collection can be found online at http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com/



Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Alex & Ani's Make Your Own Bangle Bar-Online Chic!

Alex and Ani make-your-own bangles

To some, this may look like just a bunch of pretty bangles, but they're not quite just bangles. These are Alex & Ani bangles. Carolyn Rafaelian, designer and creator of the fantastic Alex and Ani jewelry line, has a following of celebrity fans so long, I can't list them all, but stars that have worn Alex and Ani include: Sandra Bullock, Carrie Underwood, Sir Paul McCartney, Kerry Washington, Ashley Tisdale, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, and Vanessa Hudgens...just to name a few.

Now you can not only get some of these luxe bangles for yourself, you can design them just as you want them through the Alex and Ani Web Site's newest online feature, the ‘Create Your Own’ Bangle Bar. So luxe! So chic! So you!

The neat thing about this new, online feature, is that you can design the number and type of bangles you want in a set.  Each bangle has the clever, expandable bracelet design Alex and Ani is known for. It has a patented, sliding mechanism instead of a clasp making each piece adjustable, so you have a customized fit.  Select your bracelet set from a variety of vintage beads and finishes for the bangles, and then if you wish, add some pretty charms. There are zodiacs, special interest charms, general charms, and initials. As you can see from the set in the photo above, I selected a crown for one bracelet (because I am a Countess, after all), and a vintage-y, periodot-colored dangle (called a "Crystal Channel Charm") for another. I added a fancy, gold metal beaded bracelet that needs no additional adornment (there are colorful beaded versions, too).  If you're on a budget, however, you can still have this celebrity line's accessories. Simply add less charms, or just wear a few, unadorned bangles in yellow gold, Russian silver or gold, or hematite.  Honestly, the simple design goes with everything, and they're really attractive, just as they are. Each bangle also a tiny, teardrop-shaped dangle with the Alex and Ani logo, that identifies it as an authentic Alex and Ani product.

There are so many enticing options that designing your own bangles could be confusing, but a simple, drag and drop interface with a color photograph (and cost) of each item you might want to consider, makes being your own designer, easy.   Each addition to the bangle is a la carte, so you can stay within your budget, or go all out and add lots of different bangles and charms to your set.   

I feel like a star on the red carpet every time I wear my Alex and Ani bangles.  Even one special bangle would make an unique and memorable gift. You could pick out something special for each member of your bridal party, or make a speical set for mom, or your BFF,  based on her favorite colors and specific interests!


* Advice Sisters Bonus:  Leave a comment here telling me what charm you'd most like to wear on a bangle, and I'll give send you a special code for 10% off your purchase on the Alex and Ani olnline bangle bar.

Visit the bangle bar at www.alexandani.com/cyo 

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review

Tips To Find the Perfect Lip Color

Lip Color Soul Mate

Take this quiz to see which lip color is ideal for your unique skin tone

This is a TotalBeauty.com lip makeup article Lip color can be difficult.  What pink makes your lips look sexy, and which make them look washed out? Is there really a red for everyone? Does finding the perfect berry, drive you bonkers Take this Total Beauty quiz and see if you can find your best lip color. Ever. Take quiz

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column
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Acqua di Gioia: a Fragrance Joy from Giorgio Armani

I don't think I've ever smelled a fragrance from Giorgio Armani that I didn't like. Each is distinguished and stands on it's own merits Now, Giorgio Armani has created a new scent called Acqua di Gioia, literally translated to: "water of joy."

This is not thes same fragrance as the awesome Armani scent for men called Acqua di Gio (which the advice sisters reviewed in June 2006). This is a women's scent, and it's all new, hitting the market this June, 2010.

There are some similarities between Acqua di Gio and Acqua di Gioia. Both have freshness and a melange of marine and citrus notes. But Acqua di Gioia has more fruit and freshness that is just perfect for warm weather wear. In fact, I am told that the scent was inspired by the far away islands where Giorgio Armani replenishes his spirit.

You can get the "island" sea/sky/earth vibe right from the getgo when you look at the outer carton. It is a serene, slightly pearlescent, light blue-green, adorned only with black lettering. Inside, the flacon is stunning in it's simplicity: a clear glass bottle in a slim, rounded square, is topped by a dark-blue/sea-green plastic bubble over the spray diffuser. You want to pick this up and hold it in your hands, like you have just discovered a major piece of sea glass, polished smooth and shiny by countless, endless waves. And, in your hand, the bottle surprises, revealing the merest hint of sea green in the juice, as you view it against your skin. It looks cool, like the foam that comes away from a wave--a sea spray.

Acqua di Gioia was developed by perfumers Loc Dong, Anne Flipo and Dominique Ropion of IFF
Acqua di Gioia is touted as an homage to nature in all it's forms but it is a sophisticated, fruity floral. What I really smell, initially, is a burst of fresh fruit--especially citrus, and green notes. Too notes include crushed Mint, with a zest of Italian “Limone Primo Fiore Femminello", harvested from the first spring blossoms in Calabria. Acquatic notes hit the heart--green notes and water jasmine.. As the fragrance stays on your skin a while, you can smell a faint hint of jasmine, as if you were sitting on a verandah at night, and could merely experience a faint whiff of the white flower. But the base adds staying power and substance, so it's not just all lightness, freshness and fruits. The drydown has earthy Cedar, with the surprise of brown sugar (perhaps a nod to suntan lotion?) and Labdanum (a sticky resin from Mediterranean shrubs that smells a bit like soft amber). Together the notes blend to make a sun-drenched island vacation memory that is neither all land, sea and air, but a fleeting sense of each....and I'd like to think that's the way Mr. Armani really wants it.

Fruity florals can be too child-like or too light, but with Acqua di Gioia, the category is something more. Wear it in hot weather on vacation in the islands, but you'll also like it as the weather turns colder and you're wearing wool. Acqua di Gioia has a suggested retail price of $39.50 (1.0 fl oz) and will be available online in September at www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com and Macy’s.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column