Fashion: Miguel Ases on Sale at Fragments

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

Fragments always has great jewelry sales online. Right now they have a showstopper necklace by Miguel Ases for less than half its usual price. From those by Vera Wang to Reem Acra, statement necklaces have been all over the bridal runways. Why not make your bridal look au currant with a sterling silver choker embellished with Swarovski crystals? It started out at $690, and Fragments has it marked down to $275.

Will you go bold or dainty for your wedding jewelry?

Image courtesy of Fragments and Miguel Ases

Beauty: Mythbuster time...

Posted by Cara Sullivan, Beauty Expert

A couple weeks ago, I posted about wearing matte lipstick. I was reading the comments (I read every single one, so if you have a question, ask! I'll either answer it right away or do some research and post about it within a couple weeks). Anyways, there was some confusion about whether or not drinking water can actually hydrate your skin...

Sigh. I wish it was that easy! I'm going to burst some major bubbles by writing this, but that whole "water makes your skin more moisturized" thing is pretty much a myth. With the help of a few derms, I did some research and discovered that NO controlled studies have ever actually concluded that drinking water equals hydrated skin. There was one non-controlled study, but it had two major issues: a) it tested sparkling water (not tap) and b) there was no control group.

Fact is, when you drink water, it doesn't go straight to your skin cells (thank god, otherwise we'd all be seriously bloated...) It goes to the intestines, then to the bloodstream, then the kidneys, and finally, the skin and everywhere else. Keep drinking water, though—there are about a bazillion other health benefits!

Bottom line: To hydrate your skin from the inside-out and guarantee a glow on the big day, it's important to eat a diet that's rich in fatty acids (walnuts, salmon, and olive oil are all loaded with the stuff.) And of course, keep slathering on that moisturizer. I always look for hyaluronic acid in the ingredient list—when it comes to moisturization, it's pretty much the gold standard.

Fashion: Ice Cream Candy Headbands

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Expert

If you're a bride to be with a certain hippie flair, you'll love the headbands by Etsy dealer Ice Cream Candy. From flowers to large, sparkly sequins to delicate lace, the details on these hair accessories are more than special enough for your big day. Plus, you can add one of these adornments to your wedding day look for only $30-45.  Find Ice Cream Candy on Etsy.com.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Ice Cream Candy

Beauty: Calling all brides!!!

Posted by Cara Sullivan, Beauty Expert

Scrambling to get your skin all glowy and dewy for the big day (with Winter approaching, it's all but impossible!)? Well, Jergens is looking for a Winterless Weather Forecaster, and I think you have what it takes.

Just log on to Jergens.com to share your secret for keeping your skin looking moisturized and supple no matter the weather. Follow the“Enter Today” link, upload a quick video in which you spill your supple skincare strategy, and voila—you're officially entered into a pretty amazing contest. Here's how it works:

If the Jergens skincare experts end up choosing you as a finalist (there will be 10), your video will be posted to YouTube—at which point the voting opens up to the public (every voter has the opportunity to win daily prizes, so tell your friends to get busy!) The grand prize winner will be announced on January 20th, 2010.

The prize? Drumroll, please...A $5,000 talent contract to film Winterless Weather forecasts for online broadcast, a luxury trip for two to New York City to meet good 'ol Al Roker, a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the show Wake Up With Al!, and  $1,000 cash. And, if you're lucky, your forecast will be featured on Jergens.com.

If you enter, let me know—I want to vote for you!

Fashion: Reuven Kassai Designs Cufflinks

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Expert

These cufflinks from Reuven Kassai are so special, they will not go unnoticed by your groom or his groomsmen. They are more like small sculptures than just jewelry, and the brushed metal really makes them feel very current and modern while still being traditional. What do you think? 

Photo courtesy of Reven Kassai

Expert Advice: Robert Verde on "Sculptz"

Posted by Darcy Miller, Editorial Director

I recently attended a Sculptz event hosted by style guru Robert Verdi. As everyone knows, there are many of these body "toning" products on the market, but my friend Robert says he swears by these. And so do all the big celebs he dresses for the red carpet—he says of all the products out there, these are the only ones his clients find comfortable and not itchy. Here's what Robert had to say about the art of getting undressed.

Darcy: How do you feel about wearing hose with open-toe shoes?

Robert: It depends on how you wear it, but it can be really chic! I love nude fishnets paired with open toe shoes and a mini dress.

D: What do you say to the girl who's wearing a body-hugging silhouette but finds thongs uncomfortable?

R: There's only one other option, girls: Go commando!

D: What's the hottest trend in come-hither lingerie?

R: It's all about Mad Men, pin-up girls, and old-fashioned seduction. Garters and stockings have never been hotter.

D: What are your thoughts on the garter belt tradition?

R: I'm not a huge fan of it, really. Nobody can ever see what's going on, and the right guy never catches the garter. Plus, it's all about the legs. If you don't have GREAT legs, you should probably steer clear of this tradition.

D: Any advice for big-chested girls wearing strapless dresses? What's the best way to avoid that squished boob look?

R: Wear a smooth cup, underwire, strapless bra and get the dress just a little larger so the bust fits appropriately, then alter the rest of the dress so that it fits the rest of your body.

 

Jean P. Vernor President & CEO of Sculptz and Robert Verde

Tune in to the Martha Show this Friday, November 20th, to see Robert sharing more tips!

Fashion: Cynthia Rowley Sunglasses On Sale

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Expert

Cynthia Rowley has some of the coolest sunglasses around in her Spring 2010 collection. I can't wait until the styles, ranging from rectangular enamel sunglasses to metal brow sunglasses, are available. Why not wear a different style every day of your honeymoon? While you're browsing on the website, check out Cynthia's cool "hide and seek" video showing off her clothes in an artistic way.  Also enjoy reading her model bios that showcase her models' personalities beyond the runway.

If you're honeymooning before next Spring, you're in luck. Zappos.com has some of Cynthia's shades from this season discounted! You can also grab sunglasses from other style makers including Kate Spade.

 

Photos courtesy of Cynthia Rowley

Beauty: Come away with me...or not.

Posted by Cara Sullivan, Beauty Expert

Hiring a makeup artist for a destination wedding can be really, really expensive, especially if you plan on bringing someone with you from home. Not only will you have to pay for the service itself, but you'll also be required to cover hotel and travel expenses.

If that doesn't sound like an ideal situation, don't worry—I'm about to suggest some other options. Three, to be exact:

1) ASK AROUND: This one's the most obvious. Call the resort where you're getting married (or ring your on-site wedding planner) and ask them to suggest a makeup artist in the area. Be specific about your needs (do you want really natural makeup? a heavy, dramatic look?) and ask if you can arrange for a trial on the day you arrive. If you go this route, make sure you set the price before you get there—you don't want any last minute surprises—and bring lots of pictures to ensure you get exactly what you want.

2) "HIRE" A BRIDESMAID:  Ask one of your bridesmaids (hint: choose the one who doesn't look like Tammy Faye) if she'd be willing to beautify you on the big day—just be sure you get a few practice sessions in with the makeup you plan on wearing. As "payment," offer to return the favor when she ties the knot, treat her to an indulgent spa treatment, or give her a bottle of bubbly.

 3) TAKE A CRASH COURSE: Call a salon in your town and ask if you can come in for a wedding consultation with a makeup artist. Make it clear that you'd like to do your own makeup on the big day, but you want to learn some pointers first. (It'll cost about the same as it would to have your makeup applied). I called a few well-known salons in NYC and asked if they'd do this sort of thing; they said they already do, all the time! Of course, you could also head to your favorite mall makeup counter, shell out for a tube of lipstick, and request a little makeup 101. And don't feel silly about bringing a notebook. (No, really)...

Fashion: Soak

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Expert

It isn't easy to use a washer and dryer when you're on vacation, so I was thrilled to find Soak. It works on a number of things including undergarments and bathing suits, and it's no-rinse! It also doesn't contain perfumes or dyes, and its packaging is biodegradable. The travel size options featured below would be perfect to toss in your suitcase on the way out the door for your honeymoon. Go to Soak's website to order or find out where to find it in stores.

Images courtesy of Soak

Beauty: Scent Smarts

Posted by Cara Sullivan, Beauty Expert

As much as I love seeing new places, I really don't like traveling. Case in point: A couple weeks ago, my husband and I jetted off to Puerto Rico for a quick anniversary trip (I can hardly believe it's been a year!), and, stupid me, I packed a glass bottle of perfume in our shared suitcase.

Fast forward to check-in, when we discovered, to our dismay, that it had leaked all over everything. My stuff. His stuff. All our stuff. Had it been any occasion but our lovey-dovey first anniversary, I can pretty much guarantee that he would have given me the silent treatment, or at least ignored me when I screamed "BUG" at 3AM during that ill-fated pee-break. NEXT TIME we go away, assuming there is a next time, I will be packing a solid fragrance (heaven forbid I go au natural!). They're shatter-proof and spill-proof. Genius.

Want to know which solid scents I'm loving right now? Well, it just so happens I stuck them in our special destination weddings and honeymoon issue, which is out on stands right now! Skedaddle on down to the store and get yourself a copy, then turn to page 57...