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I Love Tamia
2006-12-18 03:29:02
Since her last album, More, Tamia is trying to do it all-being supportive of her husband Grant Hill and his career, mother of four year-old Myla Grace (Myla means merciful taken from the Bible 'mercy and grace'), and working with charities like Prevent Child Abuse America (http://www.preventchildabuse.org/); Habitat For Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/); Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness in Canada (http://www.mssociety.ca/); and, an African American art collection currently touring the US.
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Wrap Up
2006-12-18 03:29:02
The Barila Beatrice dress provides an updated look to the classic wrap dress. $160 @ Teenypig
More About: Wrap

Table Top Glamour: Cocktails
2006-12-18 03:29:02
In a lusciously illustrated volume, Amy Sacco, the ultimate cocktail cognoscente, restores the spirit of this very sexy drink, sharing favorite recipes from her exclusive nightclubs including Lot 61 and Bungalow 8.The restaurant and bar owner credited with converting New York City?s Chelsea into the go-to party destination also reminisces on the most important ?cocktail? moments of the past decade, and offers tips on how to serve them with flair. Assouline, the educator on style, punctuates the book with the latest in bar and stemware?the perfect holiday gift.Amy Sacco is the owner of Lot 61, Bungalow 8 and most recently the restaurant Bette.$18.95 @ Assouline
More About: Glam , Cocktail , Tabl , Table , Amour

So Goes The Nation
2006-12-17 09:27:04
According to Anna Wintour, one can tell the mood of the country by reading the pages of Vogue. I agree. See her interviewed by Barbara Walters below.
More About: The N , Nation , Goes , The Nation

A Hint of Red
2006-12-16 21:27:01
Urbane Girl adores everything about Crystal McCrary Anthony. Her style, the effortless hair, the cute chic-lit novels and her adorable children. Thanks to Angel over at I Like Her Style!, I was able to catch a glimpse of CMA looking fabulous in a Alexander McQueen suit and red Hermès bag while hailing a cab. I have been in love with grey pencil skirts for a while now so I am really excited about this entire look. Although I don't mind purchasing bags that are worth a few car payments, at this time I cannot fathom buying a bag worth the entire sticker price of a small economical car. To recreate the look without indirectly buying a Dodge Neon, I set out to find an alternative to the Hermès. After browsing several sites I found a lovely red Furla embossed shopper on Saks.com. The Furla family legacy began 77 years ago when Aldo Furlanetto started his business as a trader in accessories. In the 70's Aldo?s children, Giovanna, Carlo and Paolo took over the business and decided to deve...

The Beauty of Color
2006-12-16 21:27:01
A former lipgloss only girl, I have learned to embrace bold lipsticks, eye liner, shadows, blush and anything else that will provide my pale face with a splash of colour. Yesterday I picked up the Chanel Allure Lipstick in Passion (#14) and I adore the red color against my pale skin and dark hair. Donc le Français. The holiday (i.e. party) season is upon us and it is time to glam up our faces with bold, yet elegant color.Smashbox Creme Eye Liner PalettePacked with ten of Smashbox's most sought after Cream Eyeliner colors, this palm-sized palette is a definite must-haveSmashbox Eye Shadow QuadCreate a variety of day or night looks with these multi-tonal compacts in shades of teal and wearable neutrals.
More About: Beauty , Color , Beau

The Sophisticates
2006-12-16 21:27:01
With the redesign of their Bond Street Store, British accessories brand Smythson also redesigns their classic clutch. The sleek travel wallets, clutches and journals are available in 3 wonderful colors: Mara (shown)- a chocolate brown, Olive - a lovely green and Peacock - a perky blue, ideal for Spring.A Smythson journal along with the Kate Spade books Life, Style and Occasions would make a wonderful stocking stuffer for a Sophisticated lady.
More About: Cat , Hist , Cate

The Luxe Life & The Bottom Line
2006-12-16 21:27:01
TIME Magazine recently published a special issue dedicated solely to the business aspects of Luxury Brands. When I stumbled upon it while waiting on my sweetie in the orthodontists office, I morphed into a kid in a candy store. While studying marketing and economics in undergrad EVERY paper or case study I chose to write focused on luxury retailers, the headhunters that staff them and the private equity firms that purchase them. I even went as far as writing my final Organizational Behavior paper on the social responsibility and corporate governance of SAKS Incorporated. I am basically obsessed with the financial and management areas of the fashion business. I interned at Kate Spade NY during the summer of 2002 so I find it quite unfortunate that faltering sales have temporarily derailed the auction of the company. The four KS founders requested that the Neiman Marcus Group take over their remaining shares, prompting questions regarding the actual dollar value of the company. Citig...
More About: Life , Line , Bottom

Aging With Style
2006-12-16 21:27:01
It's my birthday month, which in Johnicaterms equals a month full of new purchases. So far I have scored dresses by Cynthia Steffe, Anna Sui and Nicole Miller. I am really excited about the next 14 days of shopping (my birthday is the 28th) and even more exited about our Evening of Fashion at the Columbian Residence, which takes place on my day. I am loving this chic leather jacket by Cynthia Steffe. This is the first leather piece I have seen from her. She typically sticks to feminine jackets, knit cardigans, flirty dresses and crochet items. The design and cut of the jacket stay true to her style, but the choice of leather makes it more interesting. As a label I think she is still trying to find her audience. Merchandisers love her items but are confused as to where to place them. At Saks you can find pieces in the young and trendy section next to Theory and DVF dresses, however Nordstrom carries the line in their Individualist department which caters to a more mature audience. E...
More About: Style , With , Aging

Le Belle Noir
2006-12-16 21:27:01
After testing the water with the 1994 sell-out Chanel Vamp (#18, also known as Rouge Noir in Europe), I am officially a fan of dark nail polish. Chanel Black Satin is still selling at ridiculous prices on eBay and the new Spring 2007 Chanel Noir Ceramic (#337) already has a few listings going for double the retail price. Thanks to Blogdorf Goodman's speedy post alerting readers that the new shade had reached stores, I was able to hit my local Saks and score the last bottle! As of last night the Saks Fifth Avenue locations in Austin, Tx and Houston, Tx still had a few bottles on had, so get to dialing and have your credit card number ready. If all else fails and you don't mind paying "true market value" try eBay.Electronics have always looked hot in black and the Samsung BlackJack is no exception. This slim, stylish, mobile entertainment and organizational genie promises to grant all of your wishes. I am also in love with the Lingo Voyager III, a pocket-sized talking translator tha...
More About: Elle , Bell , Belle

This Body of Mine
2006-12-16 21:27:01
I am loving "This Body of Mine " (track 6) on Janet's new album so much that I have been obsessed with body products all week. Giovanni Organic Body Care I adore their Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub. Also available in Cool Mint Lemonade, it promises to sweeten your day as it gently polishes the skin's surface and removes cellular debris. Neutrogena Body Oil Nicknamed "The Sensual Moisturizer", the sheer sesame formula vanishes into shower-damp skin leaving it solf and silky, with a radiant, healthy glow. Apparently no moisturizer can touch this experience. I have to agree.

Mimosas, Beauty Trends & Freebies
2006-12-16 21:27:01
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Nordstrom Holiday Allure Cosmetics Trend Show 2006. I am not a morning person, but the perk of mimosas made arriving at 8am on a Saturday bearable. Covering three holiday beauty trends: Shimmering Beau ty , Alluring Beauty and Dramatic Beauty, each line presented their it items for the season. Oh yes, there were also fabulous giveaways. I scored a smashbox eyeliner duo, Bobbi Brown rouge pot and a few samples. My picks from the show are: Smashbox Photo Finish w/ SPF 15Bobbi Brown Shimer Brick KitChanel Inimitable MascaraMD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel
More About: Freebies , Trends , Free

The J List: November Edition
2006-12-16 21:27:01
Girl of the Moment: Rachel RoyEye Opener: Dove Campaign For Real BeautyA Hint of Red: NARS Nailpolish in Jungle Red A bold red, now in a ruberized longwearing formula designed with improved flexibility, durability, wear and gloss properties.SCENTS and Sensibility: Black Orchid Sensuous top notes of Black Truffle and Ylang mingled with fresh Bergamot and delectable Black Currant. Pick yours up at the Neiman Marcus Scent Event (Starting Nov 21) and receive a fabulous goodie bag.
More About: List , Edit , Edition , November

The Beauty of Technology
2006-12-16 21:27:01
My love affair with high tech beauty began with the Sonicare toothbrush, which leaves my teeth looking perfectly white and feeling straight from the dentist fresh. Then came the Neutrogena at home Microdermabrasian system for face and body that I experimented with this summer. As the universe would have it, Autumn has brought three new high tech favorites into my life. Japan has blessed us with SK-II Airtouch Foundation . Stored in lovely red packaging and dispensed by a small battery operated gadget, this foundation uses ion technology to ensure even coverage on the skin, providing a true airbrushed finish. It requires no blending and was the winner in last month's Allure Magazine Beau ty Awards. Next up we have Iceshield, the first wash-on sunscreen with SPF 15. Developed by Freeze 24/7, this facial cleanser protects, hydrates and clarifies your complexion while infusing skin with essential anti-oxidants. Now who would want to apply such a high-tech cleanser with a wash rag when y...
More About: Technology , Techno , Tech

Starting from Scratch...
2006-12-16 21:27:01
Last Friday my beloved Powerbook G4 died on me. The horrid filesharing program Limewire corrupted my system and left me with ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. So, after repairs and part replacements I am left to start from scratch.Other updates...1. I am very upset with LC (The Hills, MTV) for turning down an internship with Teen Vogue in PARIS so she could spend the summer with her lame boyfriend Jason in Malibu. Wack.2. Miami Vice was very very slow. I expected much more.3. This weekend is dedicated to organizing my life.4. The gym is calling my name. Loudly.5. I am tired. More updates later.
More About: Start , Star , Tart , Scratch

My Muse
2006-12-16 21:27:01
I carried my black patent leather YSL Muse bag for the first time this week and enjoyed every moment of it. It is large enough to fit my 12" Powerbook G4, Palm Treo and a small makeup case. At the moment my makeup case contains Chanel Glossimer in Giggle, Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Rose-Tawny, Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother in Glaze (I love the way this feels), L'Occitane Hand Creme, Kate Spade Mints and Zyrtec. A girl has to keep her lips pretty, her hands soft, her breathe fresh and her allergies under control. In other accessory news, I am seriously in need of a fabulous Ipod case. LV only makes it in the monogram logo and I am not really in the mood for that. Kate Spade may be a possible source.I am super busy at work right now with a Tutoring RFP. This is my first contract bid that is non-grant related. I really love the flexibility that my job provides. On a bad day I can slow-poke my way in at 10 am and on a great day I can be in at 8am and out by 2pm. Flextime ...

Rejuvination & Fall Goodies
2006-12-16 21:27:01
Suffering from severe asthma attacks for the past two weeks has forced me to evaluate my environment and stress level. Are my air ducts clean? I am allergic to the invisible dust mites that live amongst us? What a tedious process it is to figure out what one is allergic to. An easier task, however, is evaluating the level of stress I am under. Am I over working myself? Over analyzing my relationship? Forcing myself into panic attacks? I really need to take a look at the level of importance I give to certain issues and start taking my mental health seriously.Being ill also gave me lots of time to read magazines and browse a million websites. I am SO ready for Fall ! Pieces from the Rachel Roy collection are now available on Shopbop. I am in love with this dress: Despite my sickness, I was able to make it to Neimans for the Beauty Event. I headed to the Chanel counter for my usual "Smithsonian Event" makeup session (our Autumn Gala was last Friday) and left with TWO giftbags full of go...
More About: Nation , Good , Goodies , Dies

The OUTCOMES Project
2006-12-16 21:27:01
Outcomes are usually found in logic models used for tracking and evaluating non-profit programming, federal social/human service initiatives and grant programs. I am implementing an OUTCOMES Project in my personal life to track my new Lifestyling Project. Every year around this time (pre-fall) I get ultra-motivated and outline several goals to be reached by my birthday (October 28). Typically a few of these goals are "recovery projects" where I have to get back in the the habit of doing things that were put on the back burner all summer (i.e cardio & yoga). Something about the Summer (see HEAT) makes me a lazy bum, so I use the month of September to get myself back on track.Johnica's LifeStyling Project - Fall 20061. No carbs and LOTS of cardio2. Yoga and Pilates to improve my posture3. Read the Tipping Point, Blink and The Alchemist4. Replace my Treo 650 with the new 700p5. Become more active w/ The Washington Literacy Council6. Redefine my "work look"If you are reading this, chec...
More About: Come , The O