April 3, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
Imagine being able to look at diamonds , create easy wedding band pairings, learn about various shapes, seetings, and the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, colour and carat weight), and watch videos that doll out expert advice, without having to leave the comfort of your couch? De Beers Diamond Jewellers is bringing this experience this month via its new iPhone and iPad App (free, via iTunes) that focuses on bridal jewelry so that you can admire the brilliance of the diamonds and peruse the offerings; when you are ready to see the selections in person, the app delivers the info your nearest store location and arranges an appointment for you.
At the Fifth Avenue store, I was guided through the app and made my own bridal jewelry combinations, learning that every piece of De Beers jewellery is certified with a “De Beers passport” and each polished diamond above 0.20 carats is microscopically branded with the De Beers Marque, invisible to the naked eye. Like De Beers on Facebook to find out more about the brand and the app, and get ready for an unrivaled bridal jewelry experience,which can make shopping for a ring an easy, stress-free experience for you, and/or your future fiancé.
–Julia DiNardo
April 3, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
While trying on wedding dresses, I’ve been making a valiant effort to wear undergarments that I would potentially have on underneath the dress on the big day, such as nude-colored strapless bras and seamless underwear. Guess what? I have a penchant for satin, body-hugging silhouettes (see above) that show no mercy to panty lines, and you can STILL see my underwear underneath! The solution, many a bridalwear specialist told me, is shapewear. I don’t wear these type of garments (yet), so luckily, I was able to try two different types out, courtesy of Wacoal, to give a smooth, seamless look under my gown. I started with the new
Control Freak shapewear collection, which is designed with the apple or pear body shape in mind ($38 each and available in three different colors). Being more of a pear-variety (smaller waist with fuller hips and thighs), I went for that silhouette, which includes carefully placed panels to smooth as it shapes the body. This option works great for high or low waistband-oriented dresses, so that the top hem can easily be concealed.
The second option, the Anti-Cellulite iPant Long Leg Shaper ($60; also available in three colors), has its own video and includes Novarel Slim® nylon microfibers that contain embedded microcapsules with caffeine for fat destruction; vitamin E for anti-aging; ceramides to restore and maintain smoothness; and retinol and aloe vera for moisture and firmness. So essentially, it is pumping out these ingredients as I am working the room or the dance floor at my wedding. Nice.
I still haven’t decided on THE dress yet, but when I do, at least I know I will be “supported” in my decision!
–Julia DiNardo
April 2, 2012
by fashion pulse contributor
[Image via Biore.com]
Not the most glamorous of subjects, but let’s talk blackheads for a minute (or in the dermatology world, known as “comedones”). A cleansing regimen may involve a scrub or an astringent followed by moisturizer, and sometimes an occasional squeeze, but sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, Biore’s Deep Cleansing Pore Strips $8.99, are here to remove the deepest dirt, that actually clogs pores and causes blackheads.
Disgusting, perhaps, but I’ll have to agree with Biore that it’s “oddly satisfying.” Plus, the process was rather simple. Testing these out, courtesy of the brand, I first washed my face clean. Then, I applied the strip to my nose, with my face still wet (the strip is not made to stick on a dry nose.) After ensuring good contact, I let it dry for about 10-15 minutes, until the strip felt “stiff to the touch.” In fact, I barely noticed it was on my face!
Slowly, (I recommend being careful here) I removed the strip from the edges pulling toward the center. Seeing the week’s worth of dirt buildup in just 10-15 minutes made me wish more things could be accomplished this quickly: a week’s worth of laundry, a week’s worth of emails…the list continues.
-Alana Quagliariello
P.S.: Biore also has other new products, such as the Steam Activate Cleanser, Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, and a Pore Unclogging Scrub, and an overall new design/look!
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March 30, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
From our friends at thefind.com:
With over 20 years of experience under their belt, leading New York-based jewelry brand Lydell NYC is certainly accustomed to the spotlight. With regular features in People Style Watch, In Style, Lucky, and other trend-setting publications, it’s an understatement to say that the company has established itself as a trusted source of all things fabulous. Statement necklaces, pendants, cuffs, beaded bracelets, cocktail rings, earrings, and more – Lydell NYC isn’t afraid to revamp, refocus, and innovate their line to fit the demand of the ever-changing fashion industry, while never failing to stay true to their chic sense of style. And just in time for Spring, their recent trinkets feature a festive collection of bold, geometric shapes, and on-trend highly-saturated hues that make it effortlessly easy to incorporate punched-up color into your wardrobe this season, even for those more color-shy gals who aren’t quite ready to rock a neon color-blocked ensemble or a florescent pink floor-length dress a la Jennifer Lopez. Check out the rest of the jewelry goodies on their official site!
– Alexandra Gambardella
