2010 Holiday Shopping Gift Guide-Beauty Products for the Beauty Obsessed

Here are my top picks on holiday gift ideas for the beauty obsessed sister, wife, girlfriend, daughter, girl.  Some of these products are universally loved by beauty editors while others are secret cult favorites. All are linked by an important commonality: they will make you look and feel fab!

For the pore-obsessed beauty junkie:

YonKa Gommage 202 Soft Peel Gel $39.00

This gel is so gentle it can even be used on the eyelids!  It contains no abrasive grains and is a 4-1 gel that exfoliates, hydrates, tones and brightens while working to eliminate flaws and dull, lifeless cells.  Helps to refine enlarged pores to reveal drop-dead gorgeous skin that feels smooth and supple.

Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion Treatment $29.99

The power of two treatments to regenerate your skin's appearance - at home. The system has two steps that actively work together to give you a combination of a microdermabrasion and mini-peel treatment, but it's gentle enough to use up to two times a week for continuous results. Gently resurfaces skin’s texture. Activates surface cell renewal. Conditions skin to leave it feeling soft and smooth. Visibly improves skin tone. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For the makeup obsessed beauty junkie:

Koji liquid eyeliner $10-16

This eyeliner has a ultra fine yet flexible point tip, which allow greater precision with a easy to handle eyelining experience. The deep dazzling black can accentuate the glamorous eyes of yours, giving you a more defined look. This eyeliner is waterproof, sweat proof and with the quick dry formula, the eyeliner can stay on for hours without a smudge. Your look will be long wearing and gorgeous even without touch-up. 

An assortment of false eyelashes from Korean brand "Darkness" and Japanese brand "Red Cherry" $3-6

Ever since I stopped getting eyelash extensions last year, falsies have become a staple in my makeup regimen. They make your eyes pop and add that extra touch of glamour to your makeup ensemble.  My favorite brands are Darkness and Red Cherry, as the lashes look natural, feel soft and come in a wide array of styles and length.

Sephora Collection Endless Color Blockbuster $48

I got this kit last month and absolutely love it!  The shadows are long-lasting and the colors range from the basics to the vibrantly colorful.  Plus, it's compact enough to take on a trip (I brought this with me to Hong Kong). 

For the coverage obsessed beauty junkie:

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer $70

This concealer is a perennial makeup-artist favorite, Clé de Peau Beauté concealer is highly editorialized and continues to win major awards year after year. Key benefits and ingredients include:
-Enhanced with Revitalizing Moisture Complex to lock in moisture and smooth out texture.
-Blends sublimely to expertly conceal dark circles, spots and imperfections.
-High-performance powders ensure flawless skin in any light, providing maximum coverage with a smooth, even finish that does not crease.

T. LeClerc Loose Powder $50

T. LeClerc's illuminating loose powder provides an unbelievably fine veil of softness and color for every skintone. Available in a gorgeous array of shades.

My One and Only Hong Kong Purchase-Celine Inspired Wooden Clog Platforms

Here are some pictures of my sole purchase during the Hong Kong trip last month. Although I didn't go on the expected consumption rampage, the saying "less is more" definitely applies here as the shoes' craftsmanship, quality and material (real wood and real supple leather) are all pretty amazing!

List of Los Angeles Black Friday Sales and Deals

TenOverSix:
Everything black at our favorite new Melrose boutique is going on sale, so make sure you hit up this hot-shop for 20% off noir numbers from Bodkin, Acne, and Opening Ceremony.
TenOverSix, 8425 Melrose Avenue (at North Croft Avenue); 323-330-9355.


Satine:
Drive over to Satine stat for 30% off Kimberly Ovitz, Thakoon, Tsumori Chisato, Alexander Wang, Ohne Titel, and more. The selection is so good, you'll forget about that extra slice of Pumpkin pie you gorged on before bed.
Satine Boutique, 8134 West 3rd Street (at Crescent Heights Avenue); 323-655-2142.


Blood Is The New Black(market):
For Eastsiders who want to find the perfect, unique prezzie under $50 for their best friend and sister-in-law, don't miss the goods at Blood Is The New Black(market) where you can find Alex and Chloe, Laura Lombardi, Dark Matter, and Popopmomo.
Blood Is The New Black(market), 1825 West Sunset Boulevard (at Glendale Boulevard); no phone.
Creatures of Comfort:
If you want to score some Acne, APC, A Detacher, Rachel Comey, Isabel Marant and more for 30% (and we know you do!) this is your one-stop shop. We're always in love with whatever C of C has on the racks, so make sure you shake a tail to get there while the pickin's good.
Creatures of Comfort, 7971 Melrose Avenue (between N. Edinburgh and N. Hayworth avenues); 323-655-7855.

Madison:
Up to 40% off some seriously powerful names in fashion like Alexander Wang, Chloe, Stella McCartney, and Marni, plus if you mention their sale email you'll get an additional 10% off.
Madison Melrose, 8115 Melrose Avenue (at Robertson Boulevard); 323-651-3662.


Purchases at Banana Republic stores are 40 percent off on Friday until noon and after that, 25 percent off through Sunday.

American Eagle Outfitters is offering a couple of Black Friday Deals, including popover hoodies for $19.77, striped fingerless gloves for $5 and a striped infinity loop scarf for $5;

Jeweler Amrita Singh is offering 50 percent off all orders on its website from now until midnight Friday when you use the code black10. In addition, when you spend $100 or more (after the discount), you get free shipping and the gift of the "Dune" necklace in turquoise.

At A/X Armani Exchange, spend $150 in store on online, and take $50 off your total sale through Sunday.

Endless.com is offering 30 percent off full price slippers, boots, athletic shoes and accessories.

At Forever 21, select items are marked down to super low prices – $3 to $12, for items like jeggings for $6 and cardigans for $9. In addition, customers who spend $40 and over receive a special locket with lip gloss inside, while supplies last.

French Connection is taking 40 percent off men's and women's outerwear and sweaters and 50 percent off select women's dresses. Shoppers online get free shipping on orders of $125 or more by using the code BFFCFS.

Purchases at Gap stores are 40 percent off on Friday until noon and sweaters, tops, denim and accessories – aka "Gifts With Style" – are priced at $5, $10, $20 and $30.

Gap and Banana Republic Factory Stores will open at midnight Thanksgiving evening. At Gap Factory Stores, customers can take 60 percent off all merchandise, shop for $10 zip fleeces and $25 women's warmest jackets. At Banana Republic Factory Stores, merchandise is 50 percent off all weekend and puffer vests will be $20 starting on Saturday.

At Juicy Couture, customers who spend $175 or more in Juicy stores or on JuicyCouture.com receive a free reversible tote bag, starting Friday and running through November 29.

Over 800 Old Navy stores will open at midnight on Thanksgiving and will offer $15 sweaters and jeans for adults and $5 graphic Ts and comfy pants.

U.K. based retailer Reiss will give away a $250 gift card each hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday to a randomly chosen customer. To register to win, visit the Reiss website, Facebook page or Twitter page and register for the "Love to Give" contest.

Inaugural Holiday Beauty Giveaway! Enter Now for Free Beauty Products!

I'm so excited to be hosting my first (of many to come) beauty giveaway to show my appreciation for my wonderful readers! Here are the set of prizes for the first giveaway:

Eight Ginger Lime Body Moisture: Eight Body Moisture is a luxurious blend of fourteen natural and essential ingredients formulated to hydrate and nourish dry skin. The fresh, piquant blend of ginger and lime will not compete with your fragrance, as the scent of the essential oils will dissipate. As a moisturizer, Eight is effective for dry skin, or an after-sun moisturizer, massage lotion, shaving lotion or after-shave conditioner.

NYX Duo Color Bronzer. I've been using this product for years and love the texture and color.  Blending the two colors will give your skin a sun-kissed glow that lasts the entire day!

Paris Hilton "Tease" Eau de Parfum. I'm usually not a fan of anything Paris Hilton, but this perfume actually smells good!  

HOW TO ENTER THE GOODBADNFAB BEAUTY GIVEAWAY:

1. Follow me on google (click on the tab to the right)

2. Leave a comment at the end of this post

3. Entries will be accepted until Dec 3 2010, 11:59pm

4. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Dec 3, 2010!!!

5. OPEN TO EVERYONE WORLDWIDE!

Remember, I will be hosting several giveaways from now until Christmas.  So, please follow me and keep coming back to enter each giveaway.  The prizes will get exponentially bigger and more fab!

Blake Lively 2010 Weight Loss Before/After

Is it me or is Blake Lively starting to look like a thinned out bobble head?  I loved her pre-2010, pre Anna Wintour bff aka VOGUE fashion "it" girl body!  She's tall and can afford to have some meat on her body.  Plus, vivacious curves and mermaid wavy hair make up 90% of the Serena Van Der Woodsen character Gossip Girl!

What do you think?  Is Blake Lively looking not so lively these days?

 Golden Globes, 2009

Jewelry launch party, Nov 2010

|shop Blake Lively style|

Follow me on Instagram! @goodbadandfab

Holiday 2010 Beauty and Shopping Giveaways (FREE STUFF)!

For me, the holidays are all about sharing your blessing with your family and friends.  This year, I truly feel so appreciative for all the great things that's happening in my life, including the joy and fun I've derived from creating and updating this blog.  Thank you all so much for visiting, commenting and sharing.

As a token of my appreciation to all of you, I will be launching weekly giveaways from now until Christmas.  I'm pulling out all the stops...we're talking beauty products, clothing, and gift cards...basically the whole shabang!

To be eligible for the giveaways, please follow me on google (the "follow me" button is on the right of the entries).

The first of many giveaways will launch this week and definitely should not be missed!

Rain with a Chance of Style

It looks like LA is experiencing its first rainy weekend of the season! I've decided to cancel a bunch of my plans so that I can concentrate on fashion styling and creating outfit posts.  Aside from bar method and yoga classes, checking out the Lanvin Collection at H&M and attending a birthday party, I will be spending the rest of my time baking cookies and sipping on hot chocolate whilst my fashion juices run amuck.

Here's to a weekend full of rainy but stylish fun!

Lily.B Skincare Red Tea Defense Booster Hydrating Serum-Beauty Product Review

My combination skin is very much the bane of my existence. Not only is my T-zone hypersensitive to pimples and blackheads, it also creates (without fail) a daily 2pm shine.  In fact, you'd probably be able to see your reflection just by looking at my forehead!  However, the non oily parts of my face can get super dry, especially during the cold winter months.  That's why I'm always looking for products that can walk the fine balance between hydrating without clogging.  

During the winter months, I like to up the ante when it comes to moisturize level so I usually use a serum under my Creme de la Mer. However, most serums I've tried left an oily slick finish on my face, clogging up my pores. I think most serums on the market today try to do too much-hence they come with long lists of pore-clogging, chemically enriched ingredients. So, I became determined with finding an all-natural and gentle serum.  I recently found it!  I've been using Lily.B Skincare's Hydrating Serum for over a week and am thoroughly impressed with the results.  The oil-free formula leaves my skin feeling and looking soft and supple and has even reduced my forehead shine! I love that the product is 100% natural and contains hyaluronic acid, which works as a proven wrinkle diminisher.  This serum is staying front and center this winter!

Lily.B Hydrating Serum. $45.50

Here's some information on the serum from the Lily.B website www.lilybskincare.com:

Lily.B's RED TEA DEFENSE BOOSTER, HYDRATING SERUM rescues dehydrated, depleted, fatigued skin. Pure red tea, known as a super antioxidant because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, delivers its antioxidant benefits deep in to the skin helping to protect, even repair skin from UV damage, reducing the signs of skin irritation, and helping to improve the skin's tone, texture, and clarity. The addition of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the skin has the unique ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This natural hydrator will help keep your skin healthy, moist, and balanced. After about age 20, HA levels begin to drop so it's very important to start protecting your skin's moisture level in order to slow down the signs of aging. HA helps maintain proper skin hydration resulting in younger-looking, healthy, soft skin.

Barney's New York Winter Private Sale Starts Thursday Nov 18!

Tons of designer clothes, shoes and handbags for the whole family is on sale (online and in-store)! Loeffler Randall boots, Vince sweaters, Manolo Blahnik party sandals, Opening Ceremony kicks, Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigans and so much more are all 40% off.  I'd definitely take this opportunity to stock up on quality knits and combat boots.

follow me on google to be eligible for my inaugural beauty giveaway!

Vogue December 2010 Catapults the Mainstreaming of Asian Supermodels

Much kudos to VOGUE for featuring a two page spread dedicated to Asian supermodels in their December issue!  In the past, I've always felt their presence was largely underrepresented and overshadowed by their Caucasian counterparts and were seen by the fashion world as diversity quotas rather than bona fide supermodels.  However, with Asia growing into a prevalent contender and consumer of high fashion, the industry is definitely feeling the demand and making the appropriate supply adjustments.  


The facts speak louder than words:  Earlier this year, Liu Wen became Estee Lauder's first Asian spokesmodel.   Later, Maybelline announced fellow Chinese model Shu Pei as the face of the brand. One can even look at Marc Jacobs's retro China Spring 2011 collection for Louis Vuitton, in which eight out of 53 models were Asian. I'm so happy the fashion world is embracing, recognizing and mainstreaming Asian beauty!


Here are some of my favorite supermodels from the East:

Du Juan, China

Liu Wen, China

Lily Zhi, China

Hyoni Kang, South Korea

Hye Park, South Korea

Tao Okomoto, Japan

Ai Tominaga, Japan

Geren Ford, Vince and BCBG-LA Weekend Sample Sales Extravaganza

Vince Sample Sale: cashmere sweaters, tees, pants, skirts, jackets, and leather for 50-90 percent off retail. Thurs., 5-9 p.m.; Fri., 5-8 p.m. 5410/5420 Wilshire Blvd.  Get there early as lines will form.

Geren Ford Warehouse Sale:  prefall, fall, and samples and overstock going back to 2007 (including shoes and leather) marked $10-$125.  Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Smashbox Studios, 8549 Higuera St. Culver City.

EM Productions is having a sample sale featuring Seneca Rising,  Society for Rational Dress, Something Else, Scout Vintage, and Gar-de.  Everything will be marked between $30-$150. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  The Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at E. Ninth St., ste. 402, Los Angeles.


BCBG Maxazria Holiday Warehouse Sale: 11/20 (9am-3pm). Save 60%-85%on the latest trends in women’s dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and more. Prices start at $5. 2761 Fruitland Ave., Vernon, 90058. Cash/ CC. Expect long lines.


Sample Sale & Fashion Happy Hour: Thursday 11/18, (7pm-11pm).  Some of LA’s Best Indie Designers are showcasing their fresh talents with savings of 40%-50% off on clothing and accessories. Save, mingle and meet new artists in our community! 5318 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036. $3 entry includes a complimentary beverage and raffle ticket.


The Splendid /Ella Moss Warehouse / Sample Sale: 11/19-11/20 (9am-4pm) Find find steep discounts on Splendid, Ella Moss, Ella Moss Black Label. Splendid Little’s, Splendid Mills, Splendid Girl and Ella Moss Girl for the whole family. Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Cash/ CC only.


Junior Drake Holiday Warehouse sale: 11/19-11/20 (10am-7pm) and 11/21 (10am-5pm).  Save 60%-90% on their famous buttery soft handbags. These are factory overstock, discontinued samples, seconds and overproduction in handbags, wallets and accessories. There are literally thousands of handbags. The Amelia bag retails at $459, but is on sale here at $39! The Obama satchel is $39 instead of $459 and the Hobo Brown is $79 instead of $338. The Mitra bag is 75% off of $398 at $99! 740 East 60th St., Los Angeles, 90001, 800.813.1803. Cash/ CC only.


Kimberly Ovitz Sample Sale:  leather, under $500; coats, jackets, and sweaters, $100-$300; dresses, $100-$250; and tops and bottoms for under $100. Fri., 3-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2601 Colorado Ave., at 26th St., Santa Monica.

You're Invited to the Beckley Boutique Meet The Stylist Event!

Beckley Boutique is throwing a fabulous Meet the Stylist event at their boutique on Melrose tomorrow night. There's no resisting the euphorious combination of champagne, dessert and shopping for a good cause!

Los Angeles Gilt Warehouse Sale Coverage-Designer Brands at a Steal and Celeb Sightings

I woke up bright and early Saturday morning, excited to start yet another fun-filled weekend of shopping, grubbing and partying.  My first stop was the Gilt City Warehouse sale which I was quite curious about as I had no clue which brands would be featured and at what price points.  After all, 75% off of a $3,000 Gucci couture dress is still a big chunk of change.

The warehouse (I guess Gilt took "warehouse sale" very literally) was on the Siren Studios lot, on the outskirt of Hollywood.  There were no lines, which was a fabulous plus and the warehouse was not crowded at all.  The sale was organized by categories:  babies' clothes, home decor, jewelry, women's clothes, men's clothes, and shoes.  My friend and I made a beeline for women's clothes.  The brands were ah-mazing, the selections eclectic, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable.  Zac Posen, Michael Kors, Vera Wang Lavender Label, Moschino, Alexander Wang, and Stella McCartney were just some of the labels present.  As for prices, I didn't see anything over $300. In fact, a lot of the tops were under $100.  

Although the shoes selection contained a number of formidable labels (Delman, Giuseppe Zanotti, McQueen),  I didn't see anything to my liking as I'm currently going through a sky high platform booties phase. However, it seemed like other shoppers loved the selection as I saw lots of people carrying multiple boxes.

I was surprised to see a few celebrities shopping at the sale.  Tori Spelling of Beverly Hills 90210 and Kyle Richards of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame were a few that I spotted and chit-chatted with.  Tori was very nice but shy and came with her hubby for some couple retail therapy.  Kyle had luxurious shiny hair and said she simply uses Pantene Pro-V and Biosilk.  How low maintenance and so un-Beverly Hills of her!

After trying on my finds in a comfortable and uncrowded communal dressing room, I decide on a Vera Wang Lavender Wang floral maxi dress.  I had to get it after Tori complemented me on it. Oh, and it was only $50.  It's also the perfect dress to wear to my friend's springtime Malibu wedding! I also got a drapey Cynthia Vincent top in orange sherbet. Again, it was only $50.  Last but definitely not least, I got a Michael Kors RTW gingham print dress ($250 but originally retailed for $1300) that's vintage sexy at its best.  

The sale definitely jump started my fabulous weekend!    If you are interested in future gilt group events, visit www.giltcity.com 

it's so LA to hold a warehouse sale inside a studio lot

The truck was parked outside the warehouse. But it was too early and the cupcakes weren't ready yet. 

This is what I  mean by no lines

no frenzied mobbing of the clothes either

shoes, my Achilles Heel

The sale was generously staffed.  In fact, the ratio of staff to customers was probably 1:2

Tori Spelling.  I asked her to strike a shopping pose for me.

Even from this picture, you can see the fabulousness that is Kyle Richards' hair!

ELLE and LOFT-a Perfect Pairing for a Holiday Party!

I just received the following invite in my inbox and wanted to share it with you!  Check it out if you're in the area.  By the way, I just purchased the most amazing faux fur vest from The Loft this past Saturday after seeing it on someone earlier that day!

Ombre and Gradient-Fall Nail Polish Trend

I know nail art is huge right now. With the post-recession economy still suffering, more and more people are looking to fill their time and keep their wallet full by expressing their fashion senses through the tips of their fingers.  In fact, there are blogs wholly dedicated to the art of nail painting!

Although I lack both the skills and time to foray into nail art, that doesn't mean I can't admire from afar (and print out the images for my talented manicurist to mimic).

Here are some of my favorite nail art.  Particularly, I am fascinated with ombre and gradient designs.  They're simple but the dichotomy in balancing the two perfect colors just nails it!

Chelsea Rebelle Spring 2011 Collection

I was admiring a number of pieces from Chelsea Rebelle's collection at last week's Meet the Public fashion event. Born in New Zealand, Chelsea Rebelle designer Sarah Brannon has been designing her modern, flirty and whimsical pieces for over five years. I especially love the luxurious fabric and the sleek silhouettes and strongly feel that her designs are what LA fashion should be: fun, but high fashion. Here are some pictures from her Spring 2011 lookbook: