Lisa Palladino
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Lisa Palladino
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Designer Heather Williams has channeled her architectural inspiration into shoes that are high-heeled, strappy, and luxe. On her bio page, we learn that "H Williams footwear and handbags are designed for a confident, chic, independent woman. The collection encompasses a definitive sense of movement with attention to patterns and details. H Williams 2009/2010 collection are complemented with precious materials; python, croco stamp and brushed metallic. All hand-made in Italy, the collection reflects a great respect for the history, tradition, and quality behind Italian footwear and handbags."
Whenever I get a new cell phone, I obsess over protecting it from every scratch, but after fruitless shopping for a case that's not too bulky or too expensive or too blah, I usually just give in to the basic black leather case. Yawn. Now that I'm finally ready to join the modern era and get myself a BlackBerry, I started noticing all the cases for those and discovered ... Gizmobies. Forgive my excitement, but now NYC area residents can buy these at the Gizmobies store in Midtown or via its online store (more below).
Mineral makeup is not a new concept but has only in the last few years exploded in popularity. The loose powder foundations and blushes, the most popular items, are light, finely ground loose minerals that are buffed into the skin using a wide, fluffy brush. The main ingredients (minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide), have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades, but many dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminates classic irritants such as fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, talc, and preservatives, it is considered purer and can be kinder to the skin.Because titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties, certain mineral makeups can also have a calming effect on the skin, particularly important if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as rosacea or acne. Mineral makeup also is known for being noncomedogenic, and many manufacturers claim it also offers sun protection. This is mostly due to to the high content of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide -- two ingredients commonly found in traditional sunscreen. But mineral makeup does not replace sunscreen, rather, it adds a modicum of extra protection.
Many consumers say they are initially drawn to try mineral makeup because of skin health claims -- more specifically, that its pure formulations are safer and better for sensitive and acne- or rosacea-prone skin. Those who love it rave about the light, natural, long-lasting glow. Others, however, complain that it's drying, irritating, and accentuates wrinkles. Some say the colors have an ashy undertone that is a particular problem for ethnic skin types. Others says it's messy and expensive, but fans say the containers last an inordinately long time, and if you're careful when applying, it's no messier than any other makeup.
The bottom line is that mineral makeup is another option that, like all makeup, will be loved and used by some but not by all. While there are several "boutique" lines available -- BareMinerals, Sheer Cover -- mineral makeup can now be found as part of many major brands' lines and can be purchased in a drugstore or big box store.
Seeing that Barney's New York is the exclusive vendor of the Serge Lutens Mascara Comb, that gives us a glimpse of the type of upscale customer who would indeed purchase this product. Lutens is a fragrance and make-up guru and creates his cosmetics collection of "exquisitely textured gems of color and deluxe formulations." This mascara has a comb wand, lash-by-lash applicator that purports to lengthen, refine, and shape lashes.
Chocolate-lovers, brace yourselves: Chocomize lets you create custom chocolate treats. You pick the chocolate (dark, milk, or white, all premium Belgian), then select from more than 80 ingredients (nuts, fruit, herbs and spices, candies such as Gummies and marshmallows, decorations such as edible gold, or "other" -- try bacon!), then select one of three charities, to which Chocomize will donate a portion of its profits. Gift certificates are available, or you can join the Chocolate of the Month Club, and even order in bulk for weddings and parties. Check out their fun blog, too.
You may be wondering why we would promote "simple" clothing when, after all, Luxist is all about luxury and the high end of living. The answer is because sometimes you just want a t-shirt -- or a basic pair of pants, or a simple dress -- that fits, is flattering, and is made of quality material, and you're willing to pay a bit more to get something that will last longer than an item purchased at The Gap.
Actress Megan Fox and her Marilyn Monroe tattoo will be in our sights even more now that she is replacing Victoria Beckham as the face of Emporio Armani underwear and Armani Jeans. Reputed to making $2 million in the deal, Fox will show off her great figure in print ads and on billboards. The ad campaign was shot in early fall in Los Angeles by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and according to WWD, the campaign will roll out worldwide in January. Fox is best known for appearing in form-hugging outfits in the blockbuster Transformers movies and recently starred in Jennifer's Body as the lead. She also got the full-on New York Times treatment as the cover story in its November 15 Magazine.
Leave it to Hammacher Schlemmer to come up with something this high-end for your cat(s). The Feline Tree House is made from mature dragonwood trees harvested from sustainable forests in Florida and Georgia and is built during a 16-hour process that requires 1,000 individual cuts. The tree is left in its natural state -- gnarled branches, bark, lichen, and all -- and the platforms are custom-cut to fit each tree. It's very house-like indeed, with with cedar shutters, shaker shingles, and wall-to-wall frieze carpeting. Spacious too: 18" x 22" with carpeted 16" square and 16" x 24" perches, as well as a carpeted cradle tucked among the branches, all permanently attached to the trunk for stability. All carpeting (except the cradle's) is held in place with hook-and-loop fasteners, making cleaning easy. Realistic camilla silk foliage and two hanging cat toys complete the house. Minimal assembly; 72" H x 19" W x 28" D, 92 lbs. At $874.95, this is for cats who are on the "nice," not the "naughty," list this holiday. Though truth be told, if I had the room and could justify the cost, I'd get this for my cats anyway!

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