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April 29, 2005

Sweet Lips

Maybe it’s because they resemble those Creamsicle ice-cream bars you used to devour as a kid. Whatever it is, there’s something inherently fun about Smashbox’s new tinted lipsticks, on sale in May. Available in half a dozen hues with an SPF 15, shea-butter center, the product gives a sheer wash of color while providing relief for parched, cracked lips. It’s even infused with a bit of honey, making for one sweet treat. $16, smashbox.com

April 29, 2005 at 08:08 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Boys Are Back at Barneys (L.A.)

Proenza Schouler cuties Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough were in town last night for a Barneys benefit, and they’re sticking around today for a trunk show of their fall wares. Between 1 and 4 p.m., the boys will be at the BevHills department store guiding guests through a preview of their hot cool-weather pieces. Just don’t ask about their rumored break-up reportedly caused by a Vogue staffer earlier this year. (The trunk show continues on Saturday, but, alas, with the designing duo.) (310) 276-4400 ext. 5588

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

Valley of the Sales (L.A.)

Jumping on the 405 to get over the hill into the Valley is a lot to ask of BevHills or Silver Lake style hounds. But lure them with an uber-sale and the drive isn’t such an issue much anymore. On Sunday, more than two dozen retailers will set up shop at Burbank's chic Graciela hotel for “Sunday in the Valley,” an all-day event featuring designers like Max Studio, luxe Avita cashmere and yummy Nyakio bath products (don’t leave without the coffee and sugar scrub). RSVP at sundayinthevalley.com

April 29, 2005 at 01:28 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 28, 2005

What a Waist

In the world of accessory fetishes, poor belts never get a fair shake. How can they possibly compete with shoes and handbags? Well, if they look like Kudra Studios’ new, artsy wide sashes they can. L.A.-based designer Amy Di LaMarra (a former musicvid costume designer) embellished the accessory simply, with one beautiful vintage brass buckle. The hardware’s art nouveau stylings lend sophistication to the buttery leather belt, which is available in caramel, aqua and tangerine. Artsy stuff aside, it looks super-hot when worn low. $110, luvcharlie.com or kudrastudios.com

April 28, 2005 at 08:08 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two for One at Marc Jacobs (L.A. and NYC)

If your passion for Marc Jacobs verges on scary obsession, then you’ll want to check out the terrific deals on handbags at the designer’s Melrose Place boutique in L.A., and Mercer and Bleeker street stores in New York. The boutiques are clearing inventory and selling several popular styles at half off (including the Anouck for $395, Susannah for $450 and Pocket Satchel for $425). Which could only mean one thing -- you’re getting two of them. marcjacobs.com

April 28, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Clamor for Samples at Cal Mart (L.A.)

Every last Friday of the month, some Cal Mart showrooms open their doors to non-trade folks for a building-wide sample sale, and tomorrow’s one of those days. Selections vary and are sometimes quite limited (we’re talking two pairs of jeans at one stop, for example), but dropping in early can unearth steals from BCBG and Blue Cult, as well as plenty of deals on various accessories. Worse comes to worst: Just walk a few blocks to Santee Alley and pick up some cute, throwaway $5 shoes. Sale lasts from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 110 East 9th St.

April 28, 2005 at 12:04 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 27, 2005

Smooth Shaving

Why should femmes get all the beauty tips? Any guy who likes a close shave will appreciate the nifty alum block by eShave. The no-frills bar is made of naturally extracted aluminum and potassium, which have hemostatic properties to stop bleeding instantly. Just moisten the stone and apply to the nicked area. When used with the pre-shave oil that helps glide blades over skin, it should mean the end of bloody bits of toilet paper forever. Alum block, $16; pre-shave oil, $19; eshave.com

April 27, 2005 at 07:25 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Like a Kid in a ‘Footcandy’ Store

You might say it’s one sweet sale. Footcandyshoes.com, an online boutique loaded with such lust-worthy brands as Christian Louboutin, Alexandra Neel and Manolo Blahnik, boasts a fantastic sale section that gets updated regularly. The shoes are organized into "bargain basements" by price, and among the steals currently available are: Miss Sixty’s heeled sandals in sunny yellow for $50 (originally $159), Hollywould’s flirty purple mules for $100 (originally $335), and Anya Hindmarch’s stunning strappy gold kicks for $200 (originally $490). footcandyshoes.com

April 27, 2005 at 01:46 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bag a French Confection (L.A.)

In case you’re on the prowl for another status-symbol bag, Lancel, the Parisian handbag line that’s trying to increase its presence Stateside, will open its first boutique in the continental U.S. in May (there’s already one in Hawaii for the tourists with disposable income). Located just a stone’s throw from Rodeo Drive, the new store will carry select custom bags in high-grade materials, like ostrich and crocodile, that’ll run upwards of $8,000. The company’s regular line, including chic accessories and luggage, will also be in stock. 9631 Brighton Way, (310) 385-1300

April 27, 2005 at 01:45 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 26, 2005

I Spy a Cool Camera

Daniel Craig? Pierce Brosnan? Clive Owen? The hubbub over who will be the next James Bond has reached a frenzy recently, but who needs 007 flicks when you can live the spy life? Start with Digital Dream’s lighter camera, which takes pictures (more than 150 at low resolution) and captures 30 seconds of video and audio, making it one of the smallest video cameras available to consumers. Security personnel looking to confiscate camera phones will never be the wiser. $135, vivre.com

April 26, 2005 at 06:01 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)