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February 8, 2010

graffEats Guerrilla Dinner for Valentine's Day

Is your favorite restaurant fully booked for V-day? If you're feeling a tad bit nervous about your dinner plans, graffEats Guerilla Dining has a cute Valentine's "Dinner and a Flick" dinner that will save the evening (and your hide). The five-course dinner is paired with a unique viewing of five Valentine-related short films. For more romantic stimulation, Berlin's Show Me Love Lab will also be showing an art installation about the science of l'amour.

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Chef Blair Warsham will be whipping up your dinner. His guest chef has even gone through the trouble of importing special flour and water to make the Japanese noodle dish. Live music will be provided, and you can also get the optional wine/sake/beer pairing. As always, a portion of proceeds will go towards charity.

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Here's the menu:

Raspberry Braised Beet Panzanella & Roasted Shallot, Goat Cheese Carpaccio

Foie Gras Parfait With Granny Smith Apple Confit, Black Truffle, Hazelnut

House Made Organic Japanese Noodles With Miso, Sesame, Blackened Onion

Eggplant “Charred”
All Natural Flat Iron Steak With Braised Mustard, Confit Potatoes, black garlic

Imperial Stout Ice Cream With Dark Chocolate & Chestnut Tart

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For tickets and reservations, head over to www.graffeats.com

Tagged as: dinner, drink, food, gourmet, holiday, San Francisco, special events, valentine

feteafete.com

February 5, 2010

SenSpa Body Scrubs for Valentine's Day

Tired of giving flowers and cards for Valentine's Day? If you're looking for a holistic gift for your honey, SenSpa's Wellness Apothecary is now offering a new line of handmade body scrubs for all skin types. Using the finest organic essential oils, these scrubs have the perfect amount of exfoliation and hydration for your skin type. All three lovely recipes are custom blended by Venetia, SenSpa’s Master Aromatherapist.

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Made with Thai Ginger Lemongrass, the Sen Earth scrub is a warming treatment that will improve concentration, relieve jet lag, and soothe lower back pain. This one is great for sensitive skin because it contains soft bamboo as the exfoliant. Bamboo also has enough natural moisture so this one doesn't have a carrier oil. This one smells so uplifting - great for reviving your spirit.

Sen Fire provides a healing effect for the body. Fragonia and Pink Peppercorn oils help promote emotional healing, improve circulation, and relieve achy muscles. This one is quite therapeutic and is great for those who need additional moisturizing, as it's in a base of coarse sugar, sunflower oil and jojoba oil.

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The calming Sen Moon contains Clary Sage, Geranium, and Sage to reduce daily stress. This blend has sea salt, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil for its formula base. I haven't tried this one but it sounds relaxing.

If you live in San Francisco, you can visit SenSpa to watch Venetia in action. You can also custom order a perfume, cologne or essential oil for your optimum wellness, so make an appointment with Venetia today!

www.senspa.com


For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: body care, body wash, essential oil, gifts, health, holiday, holistic, organic, San Francisco, shopping, skin care

feteafete.com

February 4, 2010

IFB Links à la Mode - The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

Edited by Debutante Clothing

I'm always complaining about going out to fashion events by myself - I just don't have many friends that are into fashion. While some people think fashion is frivolous and contributes nothing to the world, others are curating museum exhibits featuring 20th century clothing. This week's links made me think about the love/hate camps in fashion. Starting with Grit and Glamour's post on bloggers getting backlash from fashion insiders, Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell's refreshingly funny admission of Tavi envy, or Fab Lab's hate of people who hate. But there is some love in sight - British Style Bloggers reminds us to look in the mirror and love ourselves. Enjoy!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

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A Dress & A Bike - Why breaking the love of one particular brand has been good for my personal style
British Style Bloggers- Some gems to remember
Debutante Clothing - Going to a Vintage Show? Insider Tips & Interview
dirty hems - lacroix by lacroix
Fab Blab - Why I Hate People Who Ostracize Fashion
fête à fête - Review of Guerlain's Spring 2010 Cherry Blossom makeup & the new Rouge G Le Brillant lipstick
Friend in Fashion - Luxe Vintage
grit and glamour - Fashion's Knickers are in a Twist
hello beauty! - Benefit Stay Don't Stray: An innovative new primer to lock down shadows AND concealer
Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell - Young fashion blogger incites curiosity, envy
Independent Fashion Bloggers - Get Out There : How To Cover Events Without Feeling Like an Idiot
Lillys Roses - How to DIY your own Chanel Jade nail polish
Mariel's Castle - Haute Couture 101
Model Max - MAT GORDON: The ModelWatch Interview
Oranges and Apples - Top websites for ethical shopping
Retro Chick - Ethical Design Spotlight - Junky Styling
Styletastic - To fur or not to fur?
Stylist Diva - Are Fashion Bloggers taking over the world?
Tatiana Supports the Arts - Etsy Window Shopping: Queen Elizabeth I Roundup
the brooklyn posh blog - He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, red hot
THE COVETED - Pretty Dresses at the VioletvilleVintage.com launch
White Rabbit - The inspiration behind my Merlixa Designs millinery collection
[the3st] – Interview with Amy Smilovic of Tibi

Tagged as: beauty, fashion, shopping, Style

feteafete.com

Givenchy Beauty Spring 2010 & Custom Makeup Giveaway!

The Givenchy Le Makeup line loves to reinvent itself each season. For example, their Spring 2010 launch has a new Le Prisme Mono eyeshadow. Each monochrome quad has four different textures (matte, iridescent, glittering, pearlescent) for each color, so you can achieve an endless array of looks.
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The Dressy Indigo looks so rockin' but it's too bold for my tastes. I preferred Hip Grey 03, New Look Mauve 02, and Casual Khaki 12. These cuties are so small and thin you can easily slip a couple into your purse without bulking it up. Paired with the new Parad’Eyes Liner in Mauve Impression (mauve with white and pink pearlescent highlights), your peepers will really dazzle this season.
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The new formula for Le Prisme Blush has a higher concentration of pigments. Delivering more bang for your buck, you can really see the color payoff. The 4 shades within the quad may be used alone or mixed together for a custom look. I tried the Aficionado Peach 23 and the coral shades gave a nice pop of color to my cheeks.
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The ultra lightweight Le Prisme Visage face powder has an improved texture. The Peach Plumetis 83 and Beige Mousseline 84 shades practically blended right into my skin, giving it a very natural finish. Like the blush, this compact has a new “clap & slide” case. The magnetic compact pops open to expose the powder, and the lower drawer slides out to reveal the brush. With softer bristles and a contoured angle, the brush design is also a new feature to optimize application. For added fun, these compacts have an eyelet for attaching cell phone charms.
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Now, here's the fun part! Givenchy offered to do a very special Custom Color Giveaway with us! Three lucky readers will be chosen for the fabulous prizes. Each winner will receive one Le Prisme Yeux Mono eyeshadow, one Le Prisme Blush and one Le Prisme Visage face powder of their choice from this new Spring collection.

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To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Givenchy makeup giveaway http://tinyurl.com/ybvs28o ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which product shade you'd like to try (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Be sure to enter 'Givenchy Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link in the body. DO NOT forget to email your name & address after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically!

Three winners will be chosen at random. Deadline is Sunday, February 14, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!


www.givenchybeauty.com


For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review. This giveaway is generously sponsored by Parfums Givenchy.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeshadow, giveaway, makeup, shopping, spring

feteafete.com

Love Mixology Cocktail Class at The Westin St. Francis

If you haven't set up a date night plan for V-day, here's your chance to do something neat. To stage a romantic mood, the Westin St. Francis is offering a special “Love Mixology” cocktail class for couples next weekend.

Lead by their resident “Love Mixologist,” you'll get to shake, stir, and blend your way through three cocktails (with tastings of course). You'll then choose your favorite cocktail to create together in the class. Cocktails include “Agave Kiss,” “Cupid’s Arrow” and “Love Potion #9.”

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Don't worry, you won't go hungry. There will be some “love bites” (edible treats) for you to nibble on as you soak up the libations. A copy of all three drink recipes will also be provided for you and your lovey to recreate at home.

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“Love Mixology” Cocktail Class
Saturday, February 13
4 – 5 p.m.
The Westin St. Francis
Caruso’s (Tower Lobby)
335 Powell Street
$50 per couple


To make reservations for the “Love Mixology” class call (415) 774-0264.


Tagged as: cocktail, drinks, gourmet, liquor, San Francisco, special events, spirits, valentine

feteafete.com

Vosges Sweet Coquette Collection

Let the courtship begin! Vosges Haut-Chocolat has a new Valentine's Day box for all you lovebirds. This limited edition Sweet Coquette Collection is encased within a beautiful handmade Victorian heart box. Designed by Chicago fashion designer Frog Greishaw, this creation is an homage to the elaborate Victorian-era valentines. Pink satin pleating, French netting and a black leather rose completes the eternal ode to love.

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The aphrodisiac truffles within are sexy and stimulating - you and your valentine get to try flavors like Absinthe (Chinese star anise, fennel, and pastis), Bronte (Sicilian pistachio paste & rose water), Mamajuana (Mamajuana & chamomile) and Edith (Piper Heidsieck Rose Sauvage Champagne & rosebud tea). For me, the most intriguing truffle was the white chocolate Kumamoto (pearl dust & Kumamoto oysters). You'd be surprised, but a tinge of oyster essence adds an interesting taste experience to white chocolate.
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To make things even more romantic, Vosges teamed up with boutique hotel expert Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Kiki de Montparnasse for a luxurious giveaway. The lucky winner gets two nights at the Hotel des Academies et des Arts, a membership to Vosges' Lunar Chocolate of the Month Club, and a $500 lingerie shopping spree from Kiki de Montparnasse. You'll also have a personal consultation with a Romance Concierge to plan the perfect evening in Paris.

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Vosges Aphrodisiac Hatbox


www.vosgeschocolate.com


For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, gifts, gourmet, holiday, valentine

feteafete.com

February 2, 2010

Beautifull! Opens New Sunset Location

If you're having trouble keeping that new year's resolution to stay healthy, Beautifull! just opened another convenient SF location to help you stick to your diet in a delicious way.

Located in the bustling Sunset district, the new eatery has a much larger space and plenty of table seating, as well as a cozy heated patio in the back. They're also working with Susan Cervantes, Founder of Precita Eyes Muralists Association, to produce a large abstract mural in the patio representing happiness, contentment and love. How Beautifull is that?

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There are a few new items on the menu since my last visit. The Moroccan Chicken and Red Thai Curry Turkey Bowl (with organic coconut milk) are my new favorites, and I love the fact that their meats are hormone-free. The Polenta Fries and Farro Risotto are also very good. For dessert, they have a chocolate chip cookie made with whole grains and flax seed. The 'chips' are actually cacao nibs, so it's lower in sugar and healthier for your body.

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The best thing about their healthy menu? The food doesn't taste like diet food and it is so nutrient dense that I was pretty full for a long time. I didn't need an afternoon snack and ended up eating a lighter dinner.

Check out the entire menu at beautifull.com.


For editorial consideration, a press visit was provided for this review.

Tagged as: dinner, healthy, lunch, organic ingredients, restaurant, San Francisco

feteafete.com

Shu Uemura Egerie Spring 2010 Beauty

Shu Uemura is channeling the sexy glam rock icon this Spring. Inspired by the stage lighting from a Parisian discotheque, their new Egerie 2010 Mode Makeup collection helps you unleash your inner rock star with ease and sophistication. This line is for the modern spirit who wants to rebel yet remain elegant at the same time.
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The Eye Shimmer Duo consists of two separate products. The first item is a liquid shimmer base. You start with a thin layer over the eyelid, then finish with a swath of sparkling powder. You can actually wear the liquid base by itself for an alternate look, but the finishing powder amps up the glam factor. It also has an interesting texture - it looks like a grainy powder but as you blend it into the lid it has a smooth feel that you expect from a solid cream-to-powder eyeshadow.

I liked the Glint Blue (brown base & silvery blue powder) and the Starry Violet (grey base & lavender-pink powder) shades. They're completely buildable, so you can use it for either day or night looks. This product will definitely draw everyone's attention to your eyes.
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As for the face, the creamy Satin Radiant Stick comes in two shades. The Highlight stick adds a very light pink-white shimmer to the forehead and upper cheekbone, while the Blush color brings a natural and healthy glow to the 'apple' of the cheek. It's totally user-friendly - you can't over apply since it's so light. You also don't have to worry about using it in natural light. It would be pretty hard to end up like a kewpie doll with this product.
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Katie White of The Ting Tings was smokin’ at the Grammys with the Egerie colors. The indie-rocker, whose band was nominated for the “Best New Artist”, rocked a sultry look created by celebrity makeup artist Amy Chance. Incorporating Katie's signature mod look, Amy worked her magic and shared her tips:

“I prepped Katie's skin with shu uemura’s red:juvenus revitalizing retexturing cream. I then used their new UV Under Base Fluid underneath her eyes and to her cheek bones. I used Armani Luminous Silk foundation to even out her skin tone, and then applied shu uemura’s Glow On blush in M Pink 31 on the apples of her cheeks. I highlighted the top of her cheek bones with Glow On in P Gold 94.

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Credit: Getty Images


On Katie's eyes, I used shu uemura's new Eye Shimmer Duo in Glint Blue so her eyes would sparkle under the lights on the red carpet. We then used the Pressed Eye Shadow in Black 990 IR in her crease to deepen her eyes and give her a "mod", vintage look. I lined her top lids with Painting Liner in Black, and then lined her lower lid with the Drawing Pencil in ME Black. I accented her lashes with Individual Flare Lashes and Precise Volume Mascara.

Katie loves pink cheeks and lips, so to give her a final pop of color, and stay with her retro mod look, we finished her lips with Gloss Unlimited PK 344, a gorgeous bright pink. We finished her skin with Armani Fluid Sheer foundation to even out her skin tone and give it a bit of shimmer.”


www.shuuemura-usa.com


For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, blush, cosmetics, eyeshadow, makeup, shopping, spring

feteafete.com

February 1, 2010

Valentine Gifts from Recchiuti Confections

Ladies and gents, V-day is just around the corner. If you happen to forget the flowers and love notes, do not forget about the chocolates! Recchiuti Confections has all the gourmet goodies to help you play cupid this Valentine's Day.

For a very limited time, the brand-new XO Box contains two types of chocolates to make your sweetheart smile. Each dark chocolate cherry truffle contains a candied cherry that's slightly tart and not too sweet. The rest of the box is filled with some of the most drool-worthy burnt caramel champagne hearts known to man. The intense salty-sweet caramel is gently caressed by Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs. I promise you, these will make your lover swoon...

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If you want to give something more playful, the Valentine edition of the Candied Hazelnuts will win his or her heart. These toasted burnt caramel hazelnuts are coated in milk chocolate and finished with a satisfyingly crunchy candy shells. Don't underestimate these little treats - big things do come in small packages.

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From now until 2/14, the website is offering an automatic 20% discount on all products on www.Recchiuti.com! Need I say more? So get down to the Ferry Building or order online today....before they run out of your favorite chocolates!

www.Recchiuti.com


For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gift, gourmet, holiday, San Francisco, shopping, valentine

feteafete.com

January 29, 2010

Guerlain Beauty Cherry Blossom

Guerlain's Spring 2010 makeup colors emulate the first blush of springtime romance. Inspired by the delicate shades of the Far East, the Cherry Blossom collection is filled with fresh hues of pinks, corals and violet. From packaging to color payoff, this is just a stunning line.
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After a cold, wet, and harsh winter, you just want to dive into these beautiful colors. The Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs eyeshadow palette in Jeu d'Ombrelles is a kaleidoscope of purple, blue violet, pearlescent pink and white. The purples look dark in the image, but it actually goes on lightly, so it's easy to build up to a nighttime look.
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The Blush Eclat in Cherry Blossom resembles an intricate part of a geisha's silk kimono. Isn't this just gorgeous? The light pink and coral shades are accented with shimmering rose to create the perfect flush on the cheeks. This is fairly pigmented, so don't slap this on.
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It's all about the lips this spring, at least according to Guerlain. Replacing the Maxi Shine formula, the new KissKiss Strass delivers maximum sparkle to your lovely lips. Available in ten permanent shades, I'm particularly in love with the shimmery Rouge Broderie 321 shade (bright raspberry) and the Rose Strass 361 (sheer pink).
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For the Rouge G addicts, there is a new Rouge G Le Brillant formula. Yes, ladies, this coveted lipstick collection now features ten additional colors for you to play with. I like Bella B63 (deep rose) and Bianca B21 (pink-coral). It has the same creamy texture as the original formula but this one adds a shiny finish, giving you more flirting power. C'est jolie, n’est-ce pas?

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www.guerlain.com


For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, blush, eyeshadow, Lifestyle, lipstick, Luxury, makeup, shopping, spring

feteafete.com