January 29, 2012
Winter suddenly disappeared in LA this week. It looks as if the summer sun is here to stay! So, why not immerse yourself in the summer shine and shimmer your way through this beautiful weather even if you don’t live here!
Here are The Blonde and The Brunette’s favorite body shimmers.
Xx. Jadan Huter
I don’t know about you, but I usually pay bills on Sunday nights and dread it. Once in a while we just have to deal with the realities of life. Bills. Don’t remind me. I just heard about this new service and thought if you are like me, you might want to reduce your stress level. Manilla is here and it sounds almost too good to be true. It’s a free service that wrangles all of your bills into one place and keeps track of due dates so you don’t have to anymore.
It’s simple: the site pulls your accounts — everything from credit cards, cell phones, utilities and loans — into a clean, easy-to-use interface that shows you what is due and when. It also provides electronic copies of your bills for viewing, archives them for reference and tracks reward programs as well as deal sites. You only need one password (with bank-level protection) and they claim they can get you up and running in 90 seconds. Now that’s convenient. To get started, visit Manilla.
NJ Goldston, The Brunette
January 28, 2012
It seemed not so long ago, maybe it was last season, the nay-sayers were out there saying “Couture is Dead”. Not really. Although there may not be a wide list of private clients, the Paris Spring 2012 Haute Couture Shows have made it abundantly clear something is brewing in the fashion world. The Blonde and The Brunette surmise it’s not necessarily the rare mix of actually producing limited pieces for a limited following but the real drive is the marketing of a brand. The runway is the launching pad for the Red Carpet , brand recognition tied-in with the celebrity fame game, and this marriage produces a much welcomed after glow on the Ready-To Wear collections.
Designers are the grand influence-rs. This time out Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel used an airplane set and stewardess theme to put us all in the mood for over a 150 shades of blue (was he inspired by Pan Am?) including an emphasis on boatnecks. Giorgio Armani tapped in to snake-patterned details and electric evening wear. Versace gravitated to sequins, crystal and lime green. Christian Dior embraced full skirts and detailed organza while Givenchy and and Giambattista Valli created spectacular evening wear. Suddenly sparkle is all o.k. again. My hunch is we will see many of these “show” gowns, slightly modified, at the round of upcoming Red Carpet events. As they say, “The show must go on.”
NJ Goldston, The Brunette
January 27, 2012
The Blonde & The Brunette have to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to polishes, right? On February 8, OPI is releasing its Holland Collection for Spring/Summer 2012. It’s a special way to dabble with color inspired by the country’s range of stunning shades-inspired by vivid tulips (and the largest flower market in the world), windmill-dotted hillsides and bustling canals.
According to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director (she’s the moving force behind the amazing OPI team). “Spring is the season of color. Wearing these colors on fingers and toes is the perfect accessory for the season’s hottest trends.” We agree.
The collection’s twelve polishes offer a mixture of sophisticated neutrals and highly-pigmented brights. Choose from pink, coral and orange hues, neutrals in new variations, like red clay and sea green, along with a sequence of electric brights, including a sun-lit orange (A Roll in The Hague), a hot coral-red (Red Lights Ahead…Where?) and two perfectly pretty pinks (Kiss Me on My Tulips and a light-catching Pedal Faster Suzi!). There are two “cooler counterparts”, in hues of glistening purple, (Dutch ’Ya Just Love OPI? and Vampsterdam), three elegant neutrals (Gouda Gouda Two Shoes, Did You ’ear About Van Gogh? and Wooden Shoe Like to Know?), two two shimmer-laced blues (I Have a Herring Problem and I Don’t Give a Rotterdam!) and a creamy sea green (Thanks a WindMillion).
Holland Collection nail lacquer shades are $8.50 ($9.95 CAN). Check it out at OPI. Let us know what you think of the collection and if you have a favorite color. Of course, we do!
- NJ Goldston, The Brunette
The Blonde and The Brunette have another great discovery: The Real Real. What is it? A great play on words and a designer consignment boutique but online. They comb the most fashionable closets around to give members insider access to some of the world’s best, previously owned jewelry, accessories, and clothing – from Hermes and Chanel to Balenciaga and Lanvin.
Your very next question is probably, where do they find all of these great items? Lots of celebrities. The consignment list is long and very special from style A-listers like Jennifer Garner, Courtney Cox, Whitney Port, Nicki Hilton and many more who have donated unique items; and The Real Real is the only high-end consignment boutique online where you can both buy and sell your clothes. This makes them one of the only websites that engages both shoppers and consignees in a creative, fun way.
If you live in New York City or LA, they will even send a personal stylist to your home to help you go through your wardrobe and evaluate what is worth selling and what isn’t. Now that’s customer service! Here’s the best part: Today, The Real Real is offering readers of The Blonde & the Brunette an exclusive discount of $25 off a handbag purchase of $50 or more. There are over 50 bags to chose from ranging from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Gucci, Fendi and Prada. Just type in the promo code BB25. Go to the The Real Real or check out their designer list. If you are interested, we hear things sell out fast. Very fast.
- NJ, The Brunette
Tags: Chanel Handbags, Courtney Cox, Designer Consignment, Jennifer Garner, Louis Vuitton, Nicki Hilton, Temperly, The Blonde & The Brunette, The Blonde and The Brunette, The Real Real, Whitney Port
January 26, 2012
Pre-Fall 2012 has The Blonde and the Brunette mesmerized and we’ll be posting Fall trends from the Paris and Milan runways as they are just rolling out. But first, a few quick style comments. There is no one skirt length and rightly so. You can go short with a fabulous cinched waist, 3/4 with a more dramatic silhouette or do more casual looks for work. Jil Sander won kudos with great “JS” initials and its semi-rah rah athletic spirit (get it) and Burberry was as sleek and modern. Alexander McQueen has beautifully evolved under the direction of Sarah Burton into a more feminine line while maintaining the signature edge. Sheer sleeves are my new fashion obsession and I can’t stop writing about it and looking at them and yes, Madonna debuted them at her W.E. premiere.
NJ, The Brunette
Do you have the winter blahs? What’s better than a real tan? Flaunting a fake tan that looks so good you might as well have spent a week in the Bahamas! The Blonde and The Brunette believe a year-round radiance is always in style. We haven’t really had a “winter” out here in Los Angeles, but no matter where you are, sunless tan is the safest way to add color to your life. If you’ve done your research, I’m sure you are already aware of the suns harsh dangers, so why not forget the baby oil-at-the-beach trick, forget the smelly tanning bed, and “faux tan” it all year long!
When most people think of a “sunless tanner“, Snooki and the rest of the Jersey Shore cast often comes to mind. Put those thoughts aside, and take a look at The Blonde and The Brunette’s favorite sunless tanners that will give you the perfect glow, that keeps you feeling sexy even without the sunshine.
a.) Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer in Fair/Medium or Medium/Tan skintones $6.79
This moisturizer gives you an instant hint of color, then slowly deepens a full shade darker within three days.
b.) Xen-Tan ‘Absolute Luxe’ Dark Lotion $56
Xen-Tan’s creamy lotion uses Scent Secure to lock out the typical self-tanner smell while imparting a light, vanilla fragrance.
c.) St. Tropez Wash Off Mousse for Face $15, $22.50, available at St. Tropez Tan.
St. Tropez creates an instant glow that you can’t mess up. It won’t transfer onto clothes, and looks perfectly natural, but washes off with soap and water at the end of the night.
d.) Mystic Tan. Sunless Tanning Spray for Face & Body $38
This tanner’s fine mist, continuous 360 degree spray, and quick-drying formula makes even coverage of hard to reach areas a snap. Apply in the shower for an easy clean up.
e.) Kate Somerville Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes $48 for 8 Towelettes
The creme de la creme of self-tanning wipes, just one paraban-free towelette does the job, dries quickly without streaking, and has a fresh, clean scent.
f.) TanTowel Full Body Classic Towelettes (5 pk) $24
Contains an odorless, colorless tanning solution that won’t streak, stain or wash off. It dries in seconds, lasts for up to seven days, and is safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Xx. Jadan Huter
Tags: Best tanners, Best Tanning Products, Jadan Huter, Jergens Natural Glow, Kate Somerville, Mystic Tan, St. Tropez tanning, Sunless Tan, Sunless tanner, Sunless tanning, TanTowel, Xen-Tan
January 25, 2012
Of course, first off, we had a huge response and we’d like to thank everyone who participated. So without any further ado, the winner of the OPI Nicky Minaj giveaway is NELE! Her favorite color in the collection was “Metallic 4 Life” (we noticed this was a very popular pick), but of course she will be receiving all six fabulous polishes. Congratulations, Nele and check your inbox for details on how to claim your prize!
As always, thank you for making The Blonde & The Brunette your daily dose of style and beauty!
- The Blonde & The Brunette Team
A fabulous girlfriend of mine just wore a large monogram Max & Chloe necklace to dinner, and I could not stop staring at it! I love this necklace both for the personalization and the shiny gold, rose gold and silver finishes. These make amazing gifts for your significant others and friends! Most of their monogram items are available in Sterling Silver, Gold Fill, and 14K Yellow, White and Rose Gold. Some can be made with one, two or three initials! So cute!
- Kathryn, The Blonde
What a show stopping drop dead outfit! I’m obsessed with this look that Net-A-Porter put together. The extremely flattering Alexander McQueen “skeleton” dress hugs all your curves in just the right places and the printed clutch gives just the right amount of pop.
To shop this outfit and a few of the details:
-Kathryn, The Blonde
We’re surprising Astrid. The Blonde & The Brunette thought we would start the day off by wishing her a very Happy Birthday. If you also want to send Astrid a special birthday wish, just leave a comment. We know she’d love to read them all. We’re planning to celebrate with a small dinner party tomorrow night and you’ll be seeing it on Season 2 of Astrid in Wonderland. So stay tuned. I think it’s going to be lots of fun. Let’s see what happens.
xo
NJ Goldston & The Blonde and The Brunette Team
January 24, 2012
Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, said what we all think, but she actually said it. “I love a gown!” The Blonde & The Brunette and the rest of the fashion world agree. These are two of the most stunning (and that’s my favorite word and ultimate compliment) gowns ever. Of course, I immediately wondered what lucky actress will be walking the red carpet in one of these. Let’s see as the next round of Red Carpet events occur. Either gown could grace The Duchess of Cambridge or be loaned out to someone for The Met Costume Institute event. In this instance, my guess is we will see numerous woman in either one and it will be a fascinating “Who Wore It Best”. Let us know if you think they are as gorgeous as we do? Also, massive trend alert: sleeves, especially sheer ones, are back in for gowns.
NJ Goldston, The Brunette
The Blonde and The Brunette don’t usually cover menswear but if you missed seeing the Prada Men’s Show last week, we couldn’t resist sharing it with you. This was the coup of Milan and had the entire fashion world buzzing. Set on a magnificent square stage with a “Red Carpet” that was reminiscence of palatial times, this show launched just as the Golden Globes began. Envisioned as a play on the arch typical male and power dressing all was not as it appeared. Fabrications often ranged from cut denim to cottons and “mock” turtle necks. With Downtown Abbey firmly in my mind’s eye, reflections of Edwardian military and formal dressing, including top coats and suits decorated with badges and dangling sunglasses, reinforced the power statement. There was also a touch of the Eastern Bloc influence. The closing line-up of models were actually actors from Garrett Hedlund, Emile Hirsch, and Adrien Brody to (not pictured) William Defoe, Jamie Bell, Tim Roth and Gary Oldman. Mrs. Prada remarked the collection “is a parody and a tool of male power and a way to express male vanity.” I call it sheer showmanship. Welcome back to power dressing.
NJ, The Brunette
Tags: Adrien Brody, Emile Hirsch, Garrett Hedlund, Gry Oldman, Jamie Bell, Prada, Prada Menswear Fall 2012, The Blonde & The Brunette, The Blonde and The Brunette, Tim Roth, William Dafao
January 23, 2012
Finally, designer tech accessories for the nerd in all of us!!! Balenciaga has made doing business stylish with gorgeous cases for your iPad, laptop, or smart phone.
It’s an original gift for a loved one and they come in lots of cool colors (except the big laptop bag which only comes in black). The Balenciaga cases are going to be the “IT” bags (pun intended) this season and for a very long time!
- Astrid Bryan
Photos from the Spring 2012 Lookbook
We just came across this very serious shoe designer who has a very serious mission when it comes to footwear. Elizabeth Olsen, the Founder and Creator of Olsen Haus is blazing trails with her sustainably produced, very fashionable vegan shoes. Started in August of 2008, Olsen’s mission is to free animals from cruelty and strive to educate the fashion industry and the public in the process. She primarily uses sustainable linen and cork as well as a new material from Italy which is cotton and 15 percent resin (and has a supple feel similar to leather). We know many of our readers are asking for products like these and its exciting to see more designers building mainstream lines. It’s good for the “sole”. It’s hard to imagine what graduates of fashion design programs will think of next. You can shop online or find a retailer at their Olsen Haus website.
- NJ, The Brunette
