Lunch Time

Lunch is always the most important question (problem) of the day for someone working in the suburbs  Transitioning from working in the city (where food is abundant and within walking distance) to working in the suburbs has severely impacted my diet.  First, I don't get as much fresh produce as before (every lunch was salad) since it'd require me to prep my lunch the night before (wash my greens, grill my chicken, boil my eggs -- I've only succeed 1x/month).  Second, with most employees keeping "back-ups" (microwavable dinners) in the fridge for "emergencies" to avoid having to venture outdoors, lunch buddies are difficult to come by.  Third, going out for lunch prepared in same-time would require driving out, circling about, parking, driving back and re-parking.  All this is why our company food supply consists of a vending machine full of never expiring foods where cup-a-noodles and power bars is probably your best lunch combination.

With so many obstacles towards eating healthy, lunch has become a daily battle.  My lunch today was a bagel (from home) and a pack of gummie bears (which I accidentally fat fingered from the vending machine).  Fail.

Going Nude

Trend Alert:  Nude is one of the biggest trends for Spring and one of the hottest ways to pull off this shade is with a Little Black NUDE Dress.  Since nude is a neutral palate, this color is versatile and easily pulled off...

1. Pair it with a pop of color on the eyes or in an accessory to make a statement.  
2. Keep it light with a glossy lip gloss and your staple heels for a fresh look.  
3. Painting the town red?  Add some sparkles with a sequined clutch or metallic shoes.  
4. ... Be careful not to go too tight or else you'll end up looking very nude!

Absolutely infatuated with
Herve Leger Crystal-Link Bandage Top and Skirt (it's a two-piece)

 

Price tag:  $3950 at BCBG.com

Foley + Corinna's Netting Dress

 

Dress $410 from Shopbop.com

Alternative version in cream

 

Ruched Bandeau Dress from Topshop for $80


Lastly, when wearing nude, good undergarments will help... ;)

 
By Spanx ($30; $40)

Instyle: April Deals & Steals

Whew.  After all the CSS and blogger template meltdowns, I'm finally back.

Wanted to pass along these Deals & Steals from InStyle this month:

Fatgirlthree set, Bliss, $76 after discount (originally $95); at blissworld.com.

20% Off Pampering Treatments!

Indulge in Bliss Spa’s range of luxurious lotions, rubs and creams, including their firming Fatgirl trio.

Receive 20% off any Bliss product purchase plus free shipping. Enter promo code INSTYLE at checkout.
Offer valid from March 15th until April 30th.

Mesh, Huit, bra ($65.60) and thong ($46.40) after discount (originally $82, $58); at tashilingerie.com.

20% Off Chic Lingerie

Tashi’s romantic black and cream lingerie is ultra-feminine without being too girly!

Receive 20% any purchase. Enter promo code INSTYLE10 at checkout.
Offer valid from March 15th until April 30th. 

   

images/ instyle.com

Victoria Beckham Fashion

With so many celebrity "designers" starting their own line, very few have managed to gain credibility as a true designer.  Lauren Conrad's first attempt at fashion fell flat and was eventually discontinued.  Lindsay Lohan is still peddling her own brand of leggings (seriously?) and her Ungaro collaboration was a disaster.

One celebrity line that seems to have taken off is Victoria Beckham's line of simple cocktail and evening dresses (her denim collection is a different story for the time being).  With sophisticated feminine silhouettes Beckham's dresses have been praised as polished and figure friendly. 

Victoria's Autumn/Winter 2010 line:

All photos from her Autumn / Winter 2010 collection here.

Spring/Summer 2010 collection:

All photos from Spring / Summer 2010 collection.

Cameron Diaz looked stunning a the Oscars after party in a VB dress.  Blake Lively is also a fan of VB (and Posh's muse) and will be the the line's new face. 

Spring Fever

I've been obsessed with florals lately.  I've already replaced my monochromatic bedding with a floral bedding; and now I'm on the hunt for the perfect flirty floral dress for summer.

Romancing this dress from Diane von Furstenberg Perfect for a Mediterranean getaway... on a yacht. 

May settle on this more affordable alternative from Victoria Secret.

Left: Darina Dress in Tribal Daisy Bands Ye $795
Right:  Halter Maxi Dress originally $78 now $55

I absolutely adore these gorgeous sunny looking dresses... even with no where to go.

Burberry Packable Totes

Wow, this will be my second post on Burberry this Spring.

This morning, my bestfriend sent me these links to Burberry's Packable Tonal Check Nylon Totes. Given Coach's huge success of as a mid-tier luxury brand, many high-end luxury brands have been quick to put out mid-priced handbags to help gain market share in this consumer segment. Louis Vuitton introduced us to their Neverfull collection last year and this morning. And this morning, I discovered Burberry has put out these nylon utility bags starting at $195.

Never a fan of the high price tag of Prada's signature nylons, these bags are an economical designer substitute for anyone looking for the functionally and durability of nylon bags.

Comes in different colors.

To help make this deal even better, Bloomingdales Family & Friends 20% code applies on all Burberry products. Can't get better than that!

Lastly, if you're using a nylon bag, chances are you're not heading out to a black-tie event.  Another economical designer option (Dooney & Bourke) for everyday use-and-abuse.  Starts at $40.85.

Beauty Gift with Purchase

Bloomingdales is also offering this amazing gift with any $39.50 purchase from Estée Lauder!  ... now I'm torn between going to the gym or visiting Bloomies this evening.

FREE Estée Lauder Create Your Own 8 Piece Gift - Yours with any $39.50 Estée Lauder purchase! A $110 Value.

A gift designed by you, just for you. Exclusively at Bloomingdale's.

CHOOSE YOUR LIP AND EYE SHADES
Select your best look: Warms or Cools.

Warms
• Pure Color Lipstick (full-size; in Beige)
• Pure Color Crystal Gloss (deluxe travel size; in Ginger)
• Exclusive Cheek and Eye Palette with 6 Pure Color EyeShadows (Sand Box, Rose Confetti, Ginger Drop, Cinnamon, Camouflage and Chocolate) and Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer

Cools
• Pure Color Crystal Lipstick (full-size; in Ripe Papaya)
• Pure Color Crystal Gloss (deluxe travel size; in Star Pink)
• Exclusive Cheek and Eye Palette with 6 Pure Color EyeShadows (Tea Biscuit, Amethyst, Berry Ice, Pale Moon, Pink Ice, Mocha Cup) and Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer

EVERY GIFT INCLUDES• Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex (10-day supply)
• Take it Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes (25 pack)
• Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara (in Black)
• Chocolate Metallic-Trim Travel Bag
• Matching Metallic-Shine Cosmetic Bag

Bloomingdales: Friends & Family

Bloomies' Friends and Family starts today (and in-stores Wednesday).  

Use code FFMARCH and save 20% off your order at check out!

Lash Enhancer by Lash Allure MD

Lash enhancers have become immensely popular lately.  Having seen incredible results (from FancyNancy), I've become intrigued and set on enhancing my own lashes.  So where do I begin?  First, I ruled out all the prescription (only because I'm lazy and didn't want to make a trip to the doctors).  But even then, I was confused since almost every cosmetic line now carries their own version of a lash enhancer.  Additionally, most enhancers had a high price tag of over $100.  Sephora carries only one option from Tarte with a price tag of $65 with a decent 4-star rating (out of 5), but this one really stung and I was forced to retire it after one use.

Today, to my delight, I noticed Gilt was offering the Lash Allure MD - Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum for $30!  After reading some reviews and blogs on the results, I quickly moved to snatch it up.

Every now and then, a scientific breakthrough changes the way we think about beauty. Dr. Terry James’ Lash Allure serum stimulates lash and brow growth by using a protein that encourages cellular activity, making eyelashes appear healthier, longer and fuller. Unlike other, costlier cosmetic enhancements, this one is as simple as putting on mascara; plus, it’s prostaglandin-free — the ingredient shown to cause skin and eye discolorations in other formulas. Beautifully longer lashes start to become evident after two weeks, with an even more dramatic change by six weeks. So start practicing your wink.

Chanel 2010: Latin Lover

Chanel unveiled their latest Latin Lover Spring 2010 campaign by Karl Lagerfeld and it's like going on a lovely Mediterranean vacation... a very very (very) well-dressed one.

I especially adore the behind-the-scene photos.

Droooool - that rack can move in with me!