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Friday
Aug212009

Kenneth Cole 925 Technology Silver Edition Shoes

We all love 4-inch stilettos, but do we really want to walk a mile in them? After years of research, Kenneth Cole has finally found the answer. Their new 925 Technology has a lot going for it in terms of providing comfort for the wearer. Each shoe has two layers of PORON foam (for shock absorption), a flexible rubber sole, and a flaxseed pillow for arch support. kennethcole925silver_patent.jpgkennethcole_925_silverbelle.jpg For the Fall season, they just launched a special Silver Edition of 925 Technology footwear, and they have several cute silhouettes for your basic needs. I tried on the black Silver Belle pump and I have to admit, they're pretty amazing. I hardly wear 4-inch heels for fear of permanently damaging my feet, but these were quite comfortable. Granted, it's never gonna feel as comfy as your old tennies, but these are the next best thing. You can wear these and not worry about seeing the podiatrist or chiropractor. silverservice_kennethcole925.jpg Each design also has a snazzy silver heel and will only be available on a limited basis, until they sell out. Going forward, they will apply the 925 Technology on all their women's shoe collections. Kennethcole_Silver925.jpg To see more styles or to buy your heels, go to www.kennethcole.com.

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Wednesday
Aug192009

Maison Bouche Chocolate

I'm such a big Francophile, so when I saw Diane Beaty's sophisticated line of Maison Bouche chocolates, I naturally had to try them. Her background in food is pretty extensive (Tante Marie cooking school, Postrio, Herbsaint), so you know you're in great hands. Her company is named after the royal kitchen services of the 18th-century court at Versailles. How chic is that? basil_noir_maisonbouche.jpg These bars are all hand-made in small batches. Diane uses a custom blend of French chocolate and flavors, so they're quite special. One of my favorites is the fleeting and delicate Tilleul (lime tree leaves) dark chocolate bar. It reminds me of being inside a secret garden. The taste is so ephemeral and magical. Ditto for the dreamy Lavande des Hautes-Alpes et Fleur de Sel. The Basilic au Poivre (basil with black pepper) is pretty unusual, so if you've never had that kind of flavor combo in a dessert, you should try this one. mini_box_maisonbouche.jpg Other floral bars are worthy of a taste too, such as the lovely Fleur d'Oranger, the seductive Jasmin, and the fragrant Geranium Bourbon. I happen to love crunchy textures, so the Amandes Pralinées and Sablés Croquants bars will satisfy the urgent need to crunch on something sweet. caramels_maisonbouche.jpg If you like candied nuts, the dark chocolate-caramelized Amandes Cacaotées will do the trick. They've got a nice intense cocoa flavor, and these are also inspired by one of Marie Antoinette's favorite candies. For caramel lovers, you will enjoy the Fleur de Sel Caramels. These have a slightly chewy texture, and the sea salt from Brittany balances out the buttery sweetness. There are no preservatives in these, so you should gobble them up within a few weeks. www.maisonbouche.com

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Tuesday
Aug182009

Guerlain Fall 2009 Russian Beauty Collection

From Moscow with love, the new Russian Beauty Fall 2009 makeup collection from Guerlain is inspired by model and muse Natalia Vodianova. Capturing the fragile essence of Slavic beauty, the bohemian colors are all about rosy lips, fresh cheeks, and smoky crimson eyes. guerlain_russianbeauty_09fall.jpg The collection features an Ombre Éclat 4 Shades Eye Shadow compact (406 Tsarina), which includes shades of faded orange, brick red, old rose and aubergine. This rich palette is reminiscent of enchanting dresses worn by Russian princesses. The sumptuous black-and-gold compact is just plain gorgeous, making you feel like royaly each time you open it. To make a smoky eye, the Retractable Eye Pencil in silvery purple Bohemian is a great way to accent the eye line. For a daytime look, use the Gold or Silver pencil to add a sparkly accent. guerlain_fall09_makeup.jpg To get natural lips, the Kiss Kiss Baby Nourishing Lip Balm is the way to go. The sheer shades add just the right amount color on the lip, giving that 'just bitten' effect. Wild Mango Butter and Luffa Oil make these balms really moisturizing. Plus, this also have SPF 10 to protect the lips. If you're in a hurry and have no time for your usual makeup routine, slap on this balm and you're set. I really like the 220 Red Nude shade - it's the perfect wash of rouge. For those who want to keep it real simple, they have it in a clear shade (200 Cristal Nude) guerlain_kisskissbaby.jpg Another new launch to look out for is the Parure Gold Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Foundation. Gold Radiance Pigments, Myrrh, and a peptide blend help illuminate the skin in a subtle manner, giving a restorative glow to the complexion. Lines are diminished, pores are reduced, and dull areas are camouflaged. It sits very comfortably on the skin, and the shades almost blend into your own skin tone (at least for me). It comes in two options, so you get to pick the texture you prefer. I like the ultra lightweight fluid for a medium coverage. For lighter cover up I like use the powder, which you can build up to a desired coverage. It almost feels like a combination of liquid foundation and pressed powder. And, it smells so nice! paruregold_guerlain.jpgparuregold_liquid.jpg Available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman stores. For more info: www.guerlain.com

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Thursday
Aug132009

IFB Links a la Mode August 13

A Stylish New World

Edited by Jennine

Here we go with this week's round of stylish links. Editing this week was quite difficult as there were so many great links to choose from and everyone had some fantastic news on the fashion front. One of the great things about the internet is that we can all find out what the smaller labels are doing and thinking. This week we have great interviews from 39th and Broadway, Fabulous Finds Gal, Style Gourmand and A Typical Atypical. We also have a brilliant DIY project on what to do with your fabric scraps on Brick My Lane.

linksalamode_IFB8.13.09.jpg 39th and Broadway: Designer Interview with Delirius A Typical Atypical: The wonderful Every Little Counts! With 15% off for readers! Bobbins and Bombshells - Vintage Finds of the Week: Mad Men Secretary Accessories breathe design: Enter to win accessories from the eryn brinié Fall 2009 collection! BRICK MY LANE - DIY: putting scraps of fabric to good use by turning it into a ruffled neckpiece ClandestineChic - Interview: Patricia Valery of Evil Needles Denimaniac - Wood Wood's S/S 2010 collection: a bit of street, a dash of fash and a whole lotta style! dramatis personae - Quality vs. Vegan/Environmentally Sustainable Fabulous Finds Gal - Gardens in Grey; By Fashion Photographer Julia Pogodina And An Inspiring Interview Fashion Pulse Daily - What was Your Favorite Summer 2009 Trend? Fasshonaburu - A review on the now purchase-able Under.Ligne, the diffusion line by Doo.Ri. Fete a Fete - Dancing all night and your 5-inch stilettos killing you? Bring some Rollasole emergency ballet flats with you! Independent Fashion Bloggers - NYFW SS10 Schedule + tips on getting in Market Publique - Art Class: Vintage Abstract Prints midnight feast - The Jean Genie Retro Chick - Win Reese Witherspoon's first fragrance for Avon Sterling Style - New York's Rachel Antonoff Holiday 2010 Collection Style Gourmand - Ag Kij of Net-a-Porter discusses Net-a-Porter's new iPhone app and how technology and fashion co-mingle. Style Mom holds it down for fashion bloggers as one of the only IFB members at Blogher 2009 in Chicago Stylish Thought - Cats with Style: Boxing Kitten THE COVETED - Mummy Dearest: Iris Van Herpen taking inspiration from the macabre Unfunded - Vintage sequins, sparkles and sprinkles

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Thursday
Aug132009

Hyde Organic Yoga Wear

I'm always a fan of organic clothing, so I was happy to discover Hyde's line of comfy yoga wear. While this line is for yoga and stretching, these pieces are also great for lounging around the house or for running errands on weekends. hydespring_yoga1205.jpg The Trieger tank has nice wide straps, so it won't slip while you're working out a complicated pose. The built-in bra keeps your girly parts securely in place as you bend down for those long stretches. This one also has a neat v-neck on the back, which looks quite stylin'. This top is made with 92% organic cotton, with 8% spandex. trieger_hydeyoga.jpg The Engineered Seam Pant has a flat waistband so you can roll them up or down as you see fit. I like the ankle length because other types of yoga pants tend to be too long and kinda get in the way. These also have cute seams that curve around your legs, making it a bit quirky. These pants are made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex. hyde_engineerpant.jpg Once you're done with your practice, don't forget to cover up. The Lux Zip Hoodie is the ideal lightweight outerwear. The soft and decadent Italian cashmere and merino wool blend completes your athletic look in a feminine way. The bell sleeves also make a nice flattering line for the arms. hydeyoga_luxhoodie.jpg Hyde carries a Men's Practice Pant, so if your S.O. goes to yoga with you, get him a pair. Apparently, Deepak Chopra is a fan of them. www.yogahyde.com

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Thursday
Aug132009

Diptyque Art of Body Care

Nobody does fragrances like Diptyque. I've been in love with their candles and home sprays for many years and it was so nice to see the launch of their new Art of Body Care line. Inspired by journeys to Aleppo, Byzantium, Alexandria, Cordoba, and Florence, your senses are taken on a whirlwind trip around ancient civilizations. The collection consists of five luxurious products to pamper the entire body. I love all of them, but my favorite has to be the intense soufflé-textured Crème Riche (with Turkish rose, organic honey, argan oil), followed by the Precious Oils (organic sweet almond oil, argan oil, and macadamia oil). It's a dry body oil that absorbs almost instantly, with notes of iris, cedar and vetiver lingering on the skin. diptyque_artofbody.jpg The rest of the line is just as decadent. The Gelée Lactée creamy body wash is a concentrated olive oil formula peppered with notes of bay laurel, rosemary and lemon. The Lait Frais (fresh lotion) is very uplifting with its green notes of petitgrain and orange blossom. The velvety Baume Généreaux (hand balm) is filled with apricot kernel oil, shea butter and argan oil. Diptyque also just introduced L’Eau de Tarocco, the new unisex cologne. The fruitiest fragrance of Diptyque’s cologne collection, this one has notes of blood orange, grapefruit, saffron, Bulgarian rose, cedar wood and white musk. If you haven't tried any of their fragrances, this one is a great one to start with. eau_deTarocco.jpg For the jet-setters, the new travel collection features mini candles, body washes, and body lotions in your favorite scents. Each candle has a 30-hr burn time, and is available in Figuier, Gardenia, Jasmin, Mimosa, and Baies. The body care items are available in Philosykos, L’ombre dans L’eau and Tam Dao. www.diptyqueparis.com

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Monday
Aug102009

SF Chefs.Food.Wine.

I got to check out the first SF Chefs.Food.Wine in Union Square last weekend, and it was totally hoppin'. Featuring the city's culinary glitterati, the four-day food extravaganza was quite an impressive debut. There were plenty of food demos, wine tastings, dinners, and panels to keep foodies on their tippy toes. sardines_perbacco.jpg Perbacco's house cured sardine with salsa verde, celery heart, and slow-cooked egg yolk. The Saturday Grand Tasting tent was a food and wine mecca. Staffan Terje of Perbacco served an amazing buttery house-cured sardine fillet with a salsa verde (these were cured for 48 hours). It took a lot of self restraint not to go back for more. I saw a couple ladies sneaking seconds, so it was that good. If you haven't been to Perbacco, you need to...like right this second. Janine Falvo of the Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar did an entertaining demo on making Frog Hollow peach ice cream with liquid nitrogen. The demo stage looked more like a mad scientist lab with the frothy concoction billowing into the audience. carneros_falvo.jpg Ryan Scott of Ryan Scott 2 Go served a superb roasted red grape and fennel crostini with white bean puree. Yum. ryantogo_beanpuree.jpg Gerald Hirigoyen and his lovely Piperade team had the most tender and refreshing calamari & watermelon salad. It's the perfect dish to revive me from the warm weather. piperade_bocadillos.jpg Ana Mandara did a fantastic ahi & hamachi tatare with avocado mousse, wasabi tobiko and orange vinaigrette. This one was so popular they ran out well before the end of the tasting. ana_mandara.jpg Jenn Puccio of Cortez fired up the torch for her brûléed mission figs with kaffir lime oil and vanilla salt. These were quite irresistible. vanillasaltfigs.jpg If you missed this year's events, be check to check it out next time. This is a great testament to the rich heritage of the SF Bay Area food scene. www.sfchefsfoodwine.com

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Thursday
Aug062009

IFB Links a la Mode August 6

Feminine Mystique

Edited by Debutante Clothing
The caliber of blog posts amongst the IFB members never ceases to amaze me. We run the gamut of style and fashion here. This week’s picks definitely appeal to the dueling femmes in me – the old fashioned gal and the powerful feminist. The debutante in me loved all the lovely posts about pearls including modern choices from Fashion Hippo, as well as the history of Mikimoto pearls by Fabulous Finds Gal. But nothing makes me clutch my pearls more than affordable Chanel looks by HiFashion. The feminist in me was thrilled to see smart posts about smart girls and smart fashion. Threadbared talks about academia and fashion, while 39th and Broadway explores the continuing inequality even within such a female driven industry like fashion. Enjoy! IFB_Linksalamode_8.6.09.jpg 39th and Broadway – Women are the backbone of the fashion industry, yet inequality reins supreme. A Few Goody Gumdrops lets out her inner rockstar with Alexander McQueen’s Skull Knuckle Duster Whipsnake Clutch! A typical Atypical – The Phenomena of “The Sale” Debutante Clothing contributes back to school style for “Hot for Teacher” at Style Sample Magazine. Dramatis Personae reviews the B&Lu Femme Dress. Fabulous Finds and Co. – Mikimoto Pearls: The Story Behind The Cadillac Of Pearls. Fashion Hippo – Modern Pearl Necklaces that aren’t your grandma’s pearls Fashion Talk by Lovely Lovisa – I am the Resurrection fête à fête – Get plumper lips with Givenchy Le Makeup’s new Gloss Interdit collection. Also, enter the lip gloss giveaway for three lucky readers! Hi Fashion – Coco avant Chanel: how to get the Chanel look for less. Individual Chic – What makes a good ballet flat Retro Chick – Iconic British Union Jack style. The Capitol Fashionista – Arise Magazine, the magazine that keeps you informed about what’s happening in Africa and around the globe. The Coveted – Review of the New Bobbi Brown Nude Collection with Video Tutorial The Demoiselles – Elle gets bombarded with subversive, negative advertising by Estee Lauder, and decides to take action. The Fashion Planner shows you how to build your back to school wardrobe. The Recessionista – Happy 80th to Jackie and Mad Men’s Casting Call for that 60’s look. Threadbared – Pondering the mutual near-exclusivity of academic fashion studies and style blogs. Unfunded unveils Creative Recreation’s new women’s line. Work Chic – get 10% off Fit in Clouds foldable flats.

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Tuesday
Aug042009

Rollasole Emergency Ballet Flats

I love wearing stilettos like any other woman, but you have to admit those things can be darn painful. I might be able to stand in them for about an hour or two, but if you're going to be dancing in them all night, you better be prepared to bring some Rollasole flats as a back up. Your beat up soles will thank you later. rollasole.jpg Made with a really flexible sole, these cute emergency ballet flats will transform your sore toesies into happy feet. They come in a cute mini-shoebox, complete with a shoebag to store your high heels. Just unroll them and slip them on. Instead of constantly begging your friends to drag you home, you can now walk home comfortably. They come in gold, black, silver and pink, and they can be re-used too! They're all the rage in the UK clubs right now, and they plan to sell them in the US soon. Goodbye pain, hello comfort! Follow them on Twitter, and get them at www.rollasole.com. They ship all over the world.

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Monday
Aug032009

Givenchy Gloss Interdit Giveaway!

Ladies - here's your latest arsenal to plump up your fabulous lips. The new Givenchy Le Makeup Gloss Interdit collection is finally on the counters. Available it 15 gorgeous shades, these opaque glosses are more of a liquid lipstick. My personal favorites are Lilac Confession, Rose Taboo, and Indiscreet Beige. For a fun look, I recommend Succulent Orange and Glamorous Fuschia. The Velvet Purple is great for a goth look. givenchy_gloss_interdit.jpg The pearlescent (Silvershine) and mirror-like (Silverglass) particles give the non-sticky formula an exceptional shine to the lips, as if you've been painted with airbrush makeup. For a plumping and moisturizing effect, microspheres of hyaluronic acid settle on the lips to fill in fine lines. The texture is comfy, without being too thick. Givenchy_liv_tyler_glossinterdit09.jpg The lovely and elegant Liv Tyler, spokeswoman for the Gloss Interdit campaign. gloss_interdit.jpg Aren't these colors just divine? Makes you wanna get them all, doesn't it? Want to try this wonderful new gloss? Here's your chance! The fabulous ladies at Givenchy are teaming up with us to give away two glosses to THREE winners each! To Enter: Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Givenchy Gloss Interdit Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/m6ewfk ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which 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 Gloss Interdit 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 Thursday, August 13, at 11:59pm EST. USA residents only. Good luck!

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