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March 31, 2005

The Anti-Designer Bag

As much as you adore those big-money bags, sometimes alligator skin and quilted leather are just not practical. Like when the urge comes to hop a plane for Costa Rica to zip-line above the trees. For those more rough-and-tumble moments there are Belstaff bags, which come as durable as they get. The company originally specialized in jackets for motorcyclists (it supplied Che Guevara with outerwear for his now-famous expedition) but has since branched out to accessories and other apparel. The all-purpose utility bag even makes an appearance on Nicole Kidman in the upcoming “Interpreter.” $350, belstaff.com

March 31, 2005 at 07:47 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (8)

Makeup Royalty Graces Saks (L.A.)

Beauty-philes around town are almost practicing their curtsies in preparation to meet makeup royalty Scott Barnes today at Saks. The makeup artist, perhaps best known for preening J.Lo (they apparently parted ways last year after a dispute over leaked stories), is in BevHills from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. to introduce new products from his eponymous line, including a couple of self-tanners just in time for warmer temps. Appointments for in-store makeovers are much coveted, considering Barnes’ day rate can run into four figures for clients like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson. (310) 275-4211

March 31, 2005 at 12:02 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

‘Babes’ Birthday Bash (L.A.)

The most glitzy sample sale of them all is turning four, and it's celebrating with a birthday/shopping party tomorrow at the Hollywood Palladium. Billion Dollar Babes will kick things off with a pre-sale for very important shoppers like Julie Delpy, Radha Mitchell and Sarah Wynter, who'll get first dibs on goods from Michelle Mason, Sass & Bide, Paper Denim and more before common folk storm the place on Saturday. Don’t be surprised if steals like Georgina Goodman’s hot heels are gone by the weekend, though organizers promise more stock than ever for this anniversary event. bdbinvite.com

March 31, 2005 at 12:01 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 30, 2005

Self-Tanning Made Simple

Banishing pasty skin has its worries: Inaccurate fake-bake sprays can tan everything within arm’s distance, while creams and mousses leave palms a weird umber color. But Lancome has come up with a quick way to get sun-kissed with its new Flash Bronzer Face Petals. Available soon (in April), the self-tanning sponges offer precision on the go, without the hassle of liquidy messes. They can also be used to touch-up shoulders or legs, in case your Mystic Tan starts to fade. $28 for a package of six, lancome.com

March 30, 2005 at 07:13 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Picking Up ‘Table’ Manners

West Coast hostesses with the mostest have already made the recently opened TableArt boutique on Melrose Avenue a must-stop before any fabulous dinner party, but now design aficionados everywhere can stock up on the store’s artsy flatware, glasses and more with the launch of tartontheweb.com. Unique, hard-to-find pieces like Colle’s curvalicious stemware and Red Berry’s starkly chic bone china are just a mouse click away from being a part of your next table setting. tartontheweb.com

March 30, 2005 at 12:02 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sample Sale Shoe-In (NYC)

Just because you’re not training for a triathlon doesn’t mean you can’t have two -- or seven -- new pairs of sneakers handy. Sneaker freaks will want to head over to a huge Nike sample sale, where shoes will run $30 a pair for men and $25 a pair for women, including select spring/summer styles that have yet to arrive in stores. (Caveat: Only sample sizes will be available, which means size 7 for the femmes and 9 for the guys.) T-shirts, shorts and other apparel will also be in stock. 261 W. 36th St., 2nd fl., (212) 947-8748

March 30, 2005 at 12:01 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 29, 2005

Sneaker Revolution

Ever since Michael Jordan had Nike install little pumps in his sneakers, it seems the technology hidden in trainers could rival that of a NASA rover. Ditch the high-maintenance design, and try Camper’s refreshingly simple, layered Wabi system (shoe, insole and optional sock). The forward-thinking company has just unveiled the latest collection of the recyclable, ergonomic line, including a choice combination of the cutout Futon shoe with tatami insole. It’s perfect for long springtime walks. Shoe: $95, insole: $15; camper.com

March 29, 2005 at 07:05 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

‘Botox Baron’ Makes House Calls

Tired of scaring little kids after emerging red-faced from a dermatologist’s office? Let your tomato skin heal in the privacy of your own home with Dr. Brandt's new Laser in a Bottle (the celeb doc is widely known as the "Botox Baron"). The technologically advanced set replicates the effect of laser resurfacing with a two-step system: Laser Tight ($110) features a protein that penetrates deep into the skin to produce a "tensing" effect, and Laser Relief ($85) works to reduce redness with a cooling menthol ingredient. Available at beautysak.com

March 29, 2005 at 12:02 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Moms, Meet the Avon Lady (NYC)

Unless you’ve already called for a Mother’s Day appointment, chances are you’re outta luck at the perennially bustling Bliss spas (unless you want Mom to get up at 8 a.m.). Don’t fret. She’ll be equally happy at the Avon Salon & Spa at Trump Tower, which also has a lineup of special packages for the May 8 holiday. Go all out with the Make Mom’s Day deal ($575, including a haircut, facial, paraffin wrap and more), or get in on the pampering with a Like Mother, Like Daughter mani/pedi/lunch package ($180). 725 Fifth Ave., (212) 755-2866

March 29, 2005 at 12:01 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 28, 2005

A ‘Scherr’ Thing in Vintage

As much as you’d like to wear vintage like the cool kids do, not everyone looks good in a flaming-orange Halston beaded blazer circa 1970. But handbag designer Lauren Scherr’s new limited-edition Ella clutch makes bold vintage accessible to all, thanks to its manageably small size. The slim cases are crafted from old satin fabrics no longer in production, so each bag will vary slightly. A crystal brooch is optional, but if ever there were a time to go all out with a statement piece, this is it. $186 or $215 with brooch, laurenscherr.com

March 28, 2005 at 07:03 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)