Fred Segal 50% off Storewide

Debating it I should go. I know, it's shopper's heaven. Ok, I guess I'll go. Chances are, I won't see J Lo again but maybe I'll be lucky enough to find something cute to wear tonight for Hollywood - Part II. Part I happened yesterday at LAX (I know, LAX is old news but I had a blast!).

If you can't make the sale, you can also get 50% selected styles online here

When:
Begins 9/29

Where:
8100 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, 90046
(323) 655-3734

& online

Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Sun 12pm-6pm

Ugly Betty

"In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the superthin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl - a slightly plump plain-Jane from Queens - possibly fit in?"

ABC's Thursday night line up is hot, beginning with Ugly Betty at 8/7 C. If a show can catch my attention in 10 minutes, it means i'm hooked for the season. Betty Suarez is clumsy, dorky, and bottomline, she's everything that the fashion industry swears against - except, she has passion. With big dreams, she lands a job at Mode magazine, working as the assistant to Daniel - son of publishing mogul, Bradford Meade. What is a show without bad guys - Vanessa Williams plays Wilhelmina, a conniving bi-otch trying to plot her way to the top.

I assume we will follow Becky through a series of mishaps, successes, and failures, as she teams up with Daniel (who is a cutie btw) to kick some bad guy ass and most importantly, as she tries to make her way into a world of glamour and fashion, that is Mode magazine.

Tonight's premier was so endearing. The show is witty and comical and comes complete with familiar cast. Oh, and Salma Hayek is also the executive producer.

Catch it next week if you can!

Week 1

So, it's been a week since I've been in Los Angeles and I am still homeless. Thankfully, hotels have business centers and free computer access to keep me sane. Oh, and Project Runway is on tonight. Wow, night's getting better by the second.

to Boot

When the sun goes down, it can get a little chilly here on the westside. I'm happy I can still rock boots and the criteria for my next "must have" boot is tall, loose on the calf, and flat for a rugged, rider style. You know, something I can wear with tights and a short skirt or over jeans with a T-shirt for a more casual look.

So far, I've found a few:


Jackson leather high boots from J. Crew ($198). I tried them on at the store and I fell in like!

Next . . .
Kors by Michael Kors ZZ boot ($368). Available on Shop Bop and Neiman Marcus.

How about?
Dorado low boot by Frye ($400). Also available on Shop Bop.

But, as you all know, yours truly is on a tight budget - so, anything above $180 is not an option. I will keep looking and please share if you know of anything cheaper.

shop J. Crew

A new car + hotel makes a good home ('cause that's all i'm working with right now). Guess who bought her very own sexy car today. The addition of car payments to my stack of bills means my closet will be suffering for awhile but no worries - it means, my eyes/ears will look/listen closer to super deals and bargains.

J. Crew was big when I was in highschool and some college but since then, I've never been much into it. I decided to check it out one day and to my surprise, I took home with me a few cute items.

Lo and behold - J. Crew's soft silk ballet flats ($98). If the print doesn't work for you, it also comes in solid colors (black, gold, and brown). I've been wanting ballet flats for some time but wasn't in a position to buy the pricier flats aka London Sole for $150 - though, they were featured on a model in September's issue of Vogue (note: if you are looking to purchase the London Sole ballet flats - the sizes run super small - I suggest going 1 size up).

In searching for the perfect and affordable pair, I wanted slim, dainty, and feminine - just like real ballerina slippers - which is why the style from J. Crew caught my eye. So, I went with black. The shoes fit snug at first but the sales representative recommended that I get them true to size as they will give some with wear. I'd give a 6 1/2 for comfort on a scale of 1 - 10. Definitely rubs a bit when you first wear them. But, visually, these babies are super cute!

Next find - the herringbone vest ($98).

With boyish looks as being one of Fall's top trends - a vest was definitely on my wishlist. I love the way this fits. It forms to your body like a glove and is also adjustable in back. I like to wear mine buttoned up but it looks great open too.

If you shop J. Crew and you're a student (or still have your student ID), you can get 10% off everyday on every purchase. This particular day, J. Crew was having a special promotion where they were offering students 15% off!

H&M Grand Opening

I've had the luxury of shopping H&M on the east coast but I was super psyched when I found out that the first H&M store would be opening in socal, and best of all, in Pasadena -- my soon to be home. I flew into town just in time for the grand opening yesterday. Crowds of people were snaked around the building anxiously waiting to get into the store. It was nuts!!

Read this article in the LA Times for a more detailed scoop.

Anyhow, moving is exhausting. Better updates to come.

Changing Coasts

Moving cross country keeps a girl busy! I barely have time to breathe with all the packing, searching for apartments, and goodbyes. Au revoir Boston and hello LA. Write you on the westside.

To get me on the right foot, my lovely girlfriends sent me off with my very own CC Skye bracelet. =)

Nothing is like the real thing but I got a little tip from my gal pal about where to find an inexpensive replica. At Delia's online you can buy a chain bracelet for $14.50. I can't vouch for the quality but for $14.50, it will probably last you enough wears to get your moneys worth. Free shipping on all orders over $75.

Favorite Things: bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals

My cousin is going to go nuts when she sees this post because she's been ranting and raving about this product for ages so, thank you Maureen. =)

My current favorite thing is the bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation.

about bareMinerals:
"Imagine a makeup so pure you can sleep in it. Really. Fall fast asleep in front of the television, and never worry about a blemish come morning. Sound too good to be true? Well, it's not. Bare Escentuals 100 percent pure mineral makeup, i.d. bareMinerals, is a groundbreaking line of feather-light powders for the eyes, cheeks, and face, which are free of everything. In fact, the makeup is so pure, it's actually good for your complexion. Between i.d. bareMinerals and the brand's complete line of color cosmetics, Bare Escentuals has earned its reputation as a makeup pioneer - and its mile long list of fans have the flawless complexions to prove it"

It's claim to fame is that it prevents break outs, smooths your complexion, and helps to reduce signs of aging. It's mineral based, so it's also good for your skin, making it look, feel, and be both healthy and radiant. For $60 at Sephora you can buy the starter kit, which comes with:

• Two Shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation
• bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper
• Mineral Veil
• Warmth All Over Face Color
• Flawless Application Brush
• Full Coverage Kabuki Brush
• Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

I rarely use foundation but since my skin has been fighting with me recently and I needed cover-up desperately, I decided to try the kit I purchased for my mom for mother's day (which sat on her bureau unopened until last weekend, can you believe it?). I've been happily using the foundation for a week and have noticed marked improvements. It goes on sheer and silky for a look that's very au naturel and best of all, you still get full coverage.

So, I am making a special trip to Sephora tomorrow to get me some bareMinerals, along with my friend who is purchasing 3 starter kits. Yes, word does spread quickly.

also FYI: The bareMinerals foundation ($25) and the bareMinerals mineral veil ($19) both won Best of Sephora for 2006.

Fantastical Find on HSN

I know these are a little last year but no matters, I still wear my Coach Noreen slouchy boots with pride. They are still my current favorite especially when the heel of my Kors suede lace up boot broke off this weekend (hmm, so much for paying $365 for a "quality" shoe). Anyhow, I know many have attempted to replicate the Noreens (Bakers version is not so good) but I recently came across a comparable replica, and it's super cheap too!

Left, are the Coach Noreens (favorited by Eva Longoria). These boots retailed for $498 and are no longer in stores and have been replaced by the "Randie" boot this year. On the right, we have the "Hot in Hollywood" (go figure) suede slouchy boots. Now the drumroll for the price please......You can get them on the Home Shopping Network for $89.90! A very fashion savvy friend of mine saw them in person and confirmed that the boots are a good imitation.

Anyhow, $89.90 beats $498 any day!

Favorite Things: After the show, there’s the After Party

about:
Who? Lisa
Occupation? Business systems analyst by day, grad student by night
Favorite thing? Tigi's Bedhead After Party Smoothing Cream

the scoop:
Anyone who has dry hair will know the pains that come along with it. In other words, do you have hair that needs to be slept on to achieve "shiny look" type of hair? I certainly do - and this means that in order for my hair to have a softer look and touch the day-after, I need to shower the night before. The drawback? I don’t have that fresh, clean feeling that you get from a nice refreshing shower in the morning. Knowing there must be a way around this, I was tempted to find a solution.

Tigi Bed Head After-Party Smoothing Cream $ 17.95

Good for use after showering. By working a dime-size amount in the palm of your hands and applying it throughout your hair after it’s been dried, you are left with shiny, smooth, and frizz-free hair. It has a great scent, which stays throughout the day and because of the limited amount needed per use, one bottle can last a very long time. That’s what I would call more bang for your buck.

Other products that I have tried that have a similar effect:

Silk Silk Therapy Treatment $ 19


Sebastian Laminates Drops Liquid Polish $ 17


Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum $ 15.99

Though they all serve the same purpose, I found my favorite in Tigi’s Bed Head After-Party. It comes around with me everywhere I go. If not because of your hair, the eye-catching bottle will be sure to grab some attention ; )

Thank you Lisa for divulging your hair secrets!

Related Posts: What are your favorite things?

E-mail @ styleminded@gmail.com
to share your favorite things!

Product Review: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

CLEANSING BEAUTY OIL PREMIUM A/O
After a month of using this product, I regret to report that it just didn't agree with my skin type (sensitive with an oily t-zone). My skin really struggled with it and I noticed increased breakouts only after a couple weeks. The makeup remover/cleanser works as advertised -- It probably takes off 70% of your makeup without using a cotton pad. What I really liked about it, though, was waking up to the fresh scent and of course, the idea that it's infused with anti-aging ingredients like green tea.

In any event, the skincare specialist at the Shu Uemura boutique sent me home with samples of the HIGH PERFORMANCE BALANCING CLEANSING OIL FRESH. I'll be sure to let you know how this one turns out. Otherwise, it's back to my Decleor cleansing milk.

Related posts: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

Favorite Things

What's in? Latest must-have? Best beauty product? How do I wear this? Where can I get pampered? Classic wardrobe items?

Every day, I get 411 from flipping through magazines, talking to my friends, walking the streets of Boston, reading beauty and style forums, and personally trying or buying - then, I share with you all!

Though, I usually write about what I like..so, I thought it might a good idea to hear from you. What are your favorite things?

Every now and again, I'll have a guest post about their favorites or must-haves, anything really. If you'd like to share, please shoot me an e-mail @ styleminded@gmail.com, tell me a little bit about yourself (name, location, occupation, etc), and let me know what your favorite thing is and why. I'll be happy to hear from you. =)

The Sweater Vest

Go Preppy. I'm seeing alot of striped and argyled sweater vests. Reinvent this borderline grandfathery trend and make it young.

The Look:
Pull over a long sleeve t. Better yet, layer a jersey blazer on top. Let costume jewelry dangle around your neck. Throw on a pair of skinnies and slip your feet into those ballet flats. And you're ready to go.

Shop Forever21 for good deals (top left, v-neck sweater top, $14.80). I bought this belted black and gray striped button down vest for only $19.80 - similar to the capsleeve one pictured below.

Project Runway: The Couture Challenge

Last night's episode was a bit disappointing. I didn't feel any of the gowns were up to par, though I understand that you cannot create a perfectly executed couture dress in under 2 days. I can forgive the messiness in the sewing and hemming but the design elements just weren't there. Jeffrey won again but really, what was he thinking when he chose that hideous fabric? I personally didn't hate Kayne's dress as passionately as the judges did. I thought the bodice was beautiful and I marveled at the elegance of the skirt traveling down the runway but I will agree that there was just too much going on. Everyone loved Uli's dress but to me, it looked like my high school prom dress albeit kudos on the intricacy of the handwork. I am still rooting for Michael. He understands and can articulate fashion, style, and design. His vision was just lost in the ruching this time around. He has what it takes and I will be his tried and true fan until the end.

Finally, bye bye Vincent. I'm sorry you quit your job and cashed in your 401K to join the show but I can't say I'm sad to see you go.

For your ears and eyes

Sexy Back is my ringtone and I go crazy everytime My Love plays on the radio. Justin's performance at the VMAs was my personal favorite. His new album is so danceable and it's the perfect music to get all glammed up to and energized before a night on the town.

It took me a little while to catch Step Up but I knew I had to see it. With a name like Channing Tatum, you just know he's worth watching. But in all seriousness, the dance moves were incredibly sexy! Yes, the plot is all too familiar but it doesn't make it less fun to watch. Side note, these two are a real life pair!

Boston de LA

Ahh, so excited! It's finally coming together. So, as you can imagine - I've been pretty busy wrapping things up in Boston. Here, the fashion forward females are already rocking their chunky sweaters. It's getting pretty chilly at nights. What's good about Fall weather on the east coast is that you can wear dresses and boots without freezing your buttocks off - like Jess left in NY. I'll miss wearing cute ski sweaters and furry parkas - wait, am I really saying this?

On the flipside, or on the opposite coast rather - you have girls like Nicole still in a tank and shorts! Hmm, I think I could get used to this idea. I need a hat like that too. Where to find?

Sweater Dresses

It's official. I'm moving to the west coast in 3 weeks! Weather permitting, I'd love to get into this trend of turtleneck sweater dresses. But, might be too warm for that. oh well. ;) Pictured left, dress by Karoo Mark Eisen, available on ShopBop. Pictured right, dress by Vince, available on Neiman Marcus and Intermix.

Below, pictured left, dress by Anthropologie. Below, pictured right, dress by Graham and Spencer, available on ShopBop.

What to wear with your sweater dress:

1) tights and tall boots
2) tall boots solo
3) leggings and pumps
4) pumps solo
5) blazer
6) neck scarf

Remember the layering concept!

40% off Bloomies

I love Bloomies for their sales! Get 40% off sale items online at Bloomingdales with coupon code 40Sale, now through September 4th. Act fast and happy shopping!

@ the 2006 MTV VMAs

Finally, Jessica the way I like to see her - although, her short outfits don't flatter her the way they used to when she was a few pounds lighter. Regardless, she still looked great last night. I've always liked her hair short. Does a much better job of complimenting her face.

As for JLo and Christina, they were all glammed up and glittery. Their outfits didn't do it for me. I admire Jlo for making statements but Christina's style is just plain tacky. I liked her look back in the Genie in a Bottle days.

Cassie looked great on the red carpet! Vanessa did alright with her dress choice but I still like Jess better. =)

and lastly, Nicole Ritchie - please eat more food!