Beauty Must-Have: Smell Like Carrie Bradshaw with SJP NYC (Includes Giveaway!)

Back in February, our beloved Sarah Jessica Parker developed a light, fun fragrance inspired by her favorite character, Carrie Bradshaw. The scent, SJP NYC, captures the essence of Carrie: frivolity, freedom, New York, and fabulous style. The scent is impossibly girly, an addictive fruity floral with top notes including Italian mandarin and wild strawberries, heart notes like gardenia and honeysuckle and base notes such as sandalwood and rum mixed with vanilla and musk.  It's complex, sweet, wild at heart and very Carrie Bradshaw.

I'm personally a fan of the fun packaging, which looks like a mixture of the patterns and bold colors one might find in the character's legendary closet. I also love that the scent is small enough to fit into your favorite handbag, a necessity for the girl on the go (which most of us are.)

 Behind the scenes of the advertising shoot for SJP NYC

I also love the ad campaign, featured my beloved SJP in a one-of-a-kind Oscar de la Renta original, evoking the wild, untamed spirit of our beloved fashion-forward tv and movie character. One smell and you'll see what I mean: it's very Carrie.

You can pick SJP NYC up at your local department store in a variety of sizes and scents, but since it's Memorial Day and I haven't done a giveaway in a long time, I'd like to give this to one lucky reader of FSB. That's right, I'm giving away a 30ml eau de toilette spray of SJP NYC to one lucky reader.

How do you win? Leave a comment below and tell me who your favorite SATC character is and why. I'll pick one lucky gal on Tuesday morning and we'll get it shipped right out to you.

After all, since you're going to see the movie this weekend, you might as well have some fabulous perfume to commemorate your viewing of Sex and the City 2. Get Carried away and enter to win now!

Celebrity Designer Style: Harajuku Lovers Summer 2010 Handbags

 Candy Zoo Animals tote, available at Macy's

I have to say: there's nothing about Gwen Stefani I don't like. Love her music, love her style and I'm always pleased with her collections. If you're looking for something kind of pop princess cute for summer days (or you have a tween that wants a bag that will completely set her apart from her peers), then take a look at these impossibly cute Harajuku Lovers totes coming for summer.

 

Precious, Mad for Madras tote, available at Macy's

I mean, how cute are these bags? Great for shopping, a day-long excursion, or a jaunt to the beach, I'm having a hard time figuring out which one I like most. Ladies, this is a bag your daughter is going to try to steal so I would set the ground rules for borrowing early on. You know, to avoid any of those, "Have you seen my bag?" fights.

 

Uh-Oh in Cali Girls, available at Bloomingdale's

Man of Style: Sean John Fall/Winter '10 Collection

Let me just say it: I love Diddy. I'm not even going to lie here. Sean Combs is a genius when it comes to the combination of aesthetics and marketing and anyone who's been around fashion and style over the past decade knows the power of his brand. When I recently received photos of the Sean John F/W '10 collection, I had to show them to you. It's really rather fabulous.

The Sean John team has just prepared their F/W collection and showroom for market week with the design direction of “The Rivalry.” Think of class struggles among men for ages and you'll immediately get the concept: different levels of society waging war for power. A clever take on some well-known rivals, let's take a look at the design aesthetic around this sharply-designed collection, shall we?

Blue Bloods are described by the label as "the epitome of refinement and upper classicism. Trained and molded to become the 'elite.' Their focus lies on the purity of victory." Kind of hot, eh, Upper East Siders?

The Crimsons are said to be "the antithesis of what the Blue Bloods portray.  They stand for utilitarianism and purpose while adding their own unique touch.  The everlasting feud continues as battles are won and lost." 

Finally, Team Noir is the style that comes as a result of the conflict between the previous two. Said to be a fusion of clean-cut and rugged style, it's a dark, chic style that refuses to play by any of the previous rules. 


No matter what team you choose, the Sean John collection for F/W '10 should be on your shopping list for day and nighttime style. Ladies, if you're reading this for your guy, put this on your shopping list and add a little swagger to your man's closet with some Diddy duds. :)

Morning Beauty Quickie: Sarah Jessica Parker to Release New Scent, SJP NYC

Are you a fan of Sex and the City? How about Sarah Jessica Parker's perfumes? Well, according to WWD, the star and the folks at Coty Prestige are betting the two things you love will go great together: it's been reported that the star will release her newest fragrance, SJP NYC, in conjunction with the sequel to the blockbuster SATC movie next May.

Interestingly enough,after years of trying to convince the world that she and Carrie Bradshaw are not the same person, the actress has decided to let her legendary character become the inspiration for the fragrance as well as the city for which it's named. SJP told WWD:

“A large part of the inspiration was what I now understand to be people’s impressions of seeing Carrie Bradshaw walk down the street and what feelings that evokes for her and for them — a real sense of freedom and possibilities, a love for the city around her and, of course, fashion,” Parker told WWD. “We started with this idea that we wanted to create something fun. We wanted to create a party in a bottle and reflect that in the packaging with a real sense of whimsy, fun and joie de vivre. And then we took it from there. Portability and fashion played key roles in the development of the packaging and overall concept.” - WWD, October 16



The bottle is designed to be quite fashion-forward, as a glass cylinder with multiple prints meant to evoke the feeling of Carrie Bradshaw's legendary (and much envied) closet, while the scent inside reportedly has effervescent notes that evoke the optimism of the character, described by WWD as "top notes of Italian mandarin, white osmanthus and wild red strawberries; a heart of gardenia, honeysuckle, mimosa and red rose damascenia, and a drydown of sandalwood, vanilla absolute, rum flavor and creamy musks." It sounds quite heavenly to me but I'm also a long-time fan of SJP's Lovely, released in 2005 and still one of the top 50 perfumes sold (NPD).

The bottles will no doubt come with packaging and promotional details that will promote the movie due to the timing of their release. They will retail for 15 ml. for $25, 30 ml. for $35 and 60 ml. for $49. A 200-ml. body lotion will retail for $25 and a cuff bracelet with solid perfume will sell for $35.

You've got to hand it to Sarah Jessica and her marketing savvy. After all, it's been proven that Sex sells and with a perfume inspired by her beloved character, looks like Carrie Bradshaw will be selling more than movie tickets come spring 2010.

Jewelry Obsession: Alternatives by Robert Verdi

I'm not gonna lie: I love me some Robert Verdi.

I've written about the amazing Luxe Lab and other projects from the celebrity stylist/lifestyle maven but when a celebrity stylist makes their expertise available for all, it bears reporting. Wish Eva Longoria Parker's personal stylist could make the magic happen in your own wardrobe? Well, now you can have this little experience for yourself: he's launched a jewelry line for QVC, Alternatives by Robert Verdi. I called the celebrity stylist and got the scoop on his new line of jewelry.

FSB: You know, I have to say, I know that you can do a great many things but how did I miss the fact that you make jewelry?
RV: Ha! I actually went to school to study jewelry design, and started my own business designing and manufacturing jewelry right out school. Due to my high level of integrity and incredible standards, the business just didn’t sustain itself and so I packed away my jewelry bench and pursued fashion and interior design.

FSB: But you always knew you'd return to it someday?
RV: I did. I always knew I would return to it. I have great joy when I make jewelry, it's the time commitment and the high quality standards that kept me from pursuing it on a larger scale for such a long time. So, I kept my bench in storage and would play with it every once in a while.

FSB: What was the inspiration for the jewelry line? What made you return to it now?
RV: You know, after pursuing interior design and fashion,it became apparent that those two worlds would converge again. I wanted women to have super-stylish jewelry that’s still conservative enough to wear to work, but could really work beautifully into their wardrobes. The inspirations really came from working with clients, because it always wanted something that I just didn't have. It was always, "I love this necklace but I'd rather it be longer so it could work at multiple lengths or as a bracelet" or "I wish this stone were a bit more versatile so it would easily take my client from day to night." So, I worked with TCJC to design the collection I wanted every woman to have.


FSB: What are some of your favorite pieces in the collection?
RV: I created this 72” Bead Chain Crystal Necklace ($40) as a versatile piece that can be worn a multitude of ways and something that can truly go day to night The Set of 3 Beaded Beauty Hoops ($50)in Carnelian, Sapphire and Onyx hues are personal favorites because I just love a good hoop. They always work and they're appropriate with almost material. You know I love the statement necklace so the Bold Status Link Necklace ($29.50) is a great piece to transform any dress .


FSB: Can we tell the people about the LOGO show that I'm about to be addicted to? You know, the reality show that you've been filming that goes behind the scenes of your fabulous life?
RV: Oh, yes! I've got my own reality show that follows my crazy life and that of my fabulous staff. It's called The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi and it's coming to LOGO network early next year. Stay tuned!

FSB Reviews and Asks: Lindsay Lohan's Collection for Emmanuel Ungaro - Yay or Nay?

I took a relaxing day off with friends yesterday to pick apples but my mind was somewhat preoccupied with Paris Fashion Week, specifically Lindsay Lohan's premiere as the Artistic Director of Emmanuel Ungaro, the legendary (albeit, troubled) French label. I predicted that really only one of two things would happen: either the collection would be the disaster most predicted it would be or expectations would be so low that it would be passable but it wouldn't necessarily revive the brand for customers.



After reviewing the collection, I have to say that it's my opinion that the latter took place: it wasn't a complete disaster but it just sort of fell flat. A heart motif was overused (especially in glittering pasties that were confusing and raised Hell with some of the audience members) and it appears that most of the designs seemed copied from Lindsay's own wardrobe (sunglasses from Alexander Wang, draped-y minidresses, etc.)



Although I have to say that the color scheme was very pretty, almost everything in the collection looked like you could pick it up at your local mall and that's probably not what they were going for. Ungaro was known for his impeccable suiting and glamorous gowns on very powerful women, neither of which was seen during this showing. I'm left somewhat confused: does bringing Lohan in to infuse youthful energy into the label mean turning your back on the lush history of the label? Couldn't an homage have been paid without scrapping everything? Judging from the looks from the final runway walk (designer Estrella Archs appeared stern and stonefaced, Lohan was elated with tears in her eyes), I can't imagine that this collection was a completely collaborative effort. If there's a next season, it will be interesting to see how this develops. As I understand it, Lohan has a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract.



One bright spot: I do like this one-shoulder minidress but again, this is one look out of a LOT of clothes.

I'm dying to hear your opinions, FSB readers. What say you: do you love the 80's inspired collection or should it be banished to the sale racks? Should Lohan have been given such influence over the label? Give me your opinions!

Daily Style Icon: Elle MacPherson

How could you pay homage to the 4th of July weekend without paying homage to the swimsuit? Even further, how could you pay homage to the swimsuit without paying proper dues to one of the most legendary swimsuit models in history. Nicknamed "The Body," Elle MacPherson's leggy Australian physique sold millions of magazines and launched workout crazes everywhere trying to copy her look.



A style icon for her eclectic, bohemian chic, her personal style is one of my personal go-to favorites when it comes to using accessories to make even the most basic tee and jeans look entirely too glam for words. Now the designer of amazing underthings, Elle MacPherson Intimates, she's still a champion for women everywhere working what you've got with effortless style.


Bohemian chic is a great mixture of high and low, so I'm paying homage to her look today with this Forever 21 Retro Floral Chiffon Top ($17.80) and my PRVCY Santa Monica Light Jeans ($216). Shoes optional, effortless style is not. By the way, have you entered to win the pair of PRVCY jeans I'm giving away this week? If not, I'd do that sooner than later.

Celebrate your own style independence today by playing with your inner bohemian beauty, if not your inner swimsuit model. After all, every woman has her own "body" and heads will turn when you start working the one you've got.

FSB Morning Juice: Kim Kardashian, Prada, SJP Expecting Twins!

There Must Really Be Sex In The City: We almost spilled our coffee this morning when we read the headlines: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick expecting twins?!? Even though this is via surrogate, we guess those plot line rumors about Carrie becoming pregnant in the SATC movie sequel might be a little easier to pull off now. (Us Magazine)

Umm, okay: Kim Kardashian was on The View yesterday discussing the fact that an un-Photoshopped image of her in a bikini with cellulite dimples will appear on the cover of Life & Style this week. She said, "You know what, I have cellulite. Who doesn't? Who cares?" Indeed we would like to know who really cares that she has cellulite. Why is she famous again? (Jezebel)

Economy Going To Hell in a Handbag: Prada’s earnings took a 22 percent dive in 2008. We had no idea our restraint in purchasing fabulous footwear was having such an impact on the economy. We’ll see what we can do about that (not). (WWD, sub. req.)

You Know You Want It: David Beckham, not to be outdone by designer wife Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham, has teamed with owner of the Undefeated boutiques James Bond on a fall-winter men’s collection for Adidas Originals by Originals. Don’t get too excited for a new ad campaign, though: even though David has an endorsement deal with Adidas, he has no plans to be the face of the brand. Maybe if we ask nicely? (WWD)

FSB Quote of the Day: "A love of fashion makes the economy go round." - Liz Tilberis

FSB Morning Juice: Bravo Fashion Drama, Real Housewives of NYC and Kim Kardashian

More Bravo Fashion Drama In Store: Those who are obsessed with Bravo’s fashion reality shows have more reason to celebrate. Evidently, they’re working on a behind-the-scenes show based in L.A.’s famed retailer Fred Segal. A Bravo exec has been quoted as saying, “Fred Segal is a legendary retail haven…the fashionistas who work, shop and gossip at the store promise to have arresting, entertaining, colorful personalities and lives.” We smell a catfight in the Marc Jacobs handbag section. Stay tuned. (Fashionista)


Even More Bravo Drama: Real Housewives of New York City star Kelly Killoren Bensimon is in further legal hot water. The former founder of Elle Accessories is being sued by a former colleague and business partner for using their signature owl design created for a joint venture between them for her own lower-priced accessories line. There truthfully is nothing more dramatic than real life, is there?
(The Cut)


Keeping Up With The Press Clips? Now, here’s an interesting news item. Us Magazine has a small news item in their recent issue where they reported that Forever 21 has added a plus size line and that “Kim Kardashian is a fan.” Kim evidently took this to mean that Us Magazine was calling her plus-sized and took to her blog to rebuke Us, saying, “I work really hard to maintain my curves while staying slim and healthy, so to be classed as a ‘fuller-figured woman’ of extra large proportions is a little offensive. For the record, I am a size 2, not 2XL.” She’s since been fire-bombed by comments on her blog by comments that say this is proof of how shallow and small-minded she is. What say you, FSB readers? (Celebitchy)

FSB Quote of the Day: “It isn't what I do, but how I do it. It isn't what I say, but how I say it, and how I look when I do it and say it.” – Mae West

FSB Morning Juice: Madonna and Jesus for LV, Rachel Roy at Macy's and Whitney Port's Fall Collection

Good morning, all! Today is Monday and we’re ready to bring you all that new and noteworthy in the worlds of fashion, style and beauty this week. Rooibos tea in hand and we’re cranking out the work. Let’s take a look at the headlines first:

Madonna and Jesus For LV? We recently reported that Madonna will reprise her role as the face of Louis Vuitton’s ad campaign for fall 2009. Will her ex, Brazilian toy boy model Jesus Luz, join her? Those photos of them in W were fabulous so this is a rumor we can get behind.
(The Cut)

Things We're Just "Meh" About: MTV reality star Whitney Port has released photos of her fall 2009 collection for her line, Whitney Eve. Our response is "meh" but see the collection here and judge for yourself.

More Design House Woes: After a rough year of criticism, Valentino Fashion Group has seen a seven percent slip in profits from last year. We hate to say this but sometimes there is no substitute for the original.
(WWD, sub. req.)

Rachel Roy, Recessionista: Jones Apparel Group has announced that Rachel Roy will launch a contemporary line called Rachel Rachel Roy. Sold at Macy’s, the line will debut in August, feature an entire collection including accessories, and it appears no piece is over $300. They also announced that Rachel’s luxury label will be dropping prices by 15 to 20 percent. Our Macy’s cards are on standby.
(Luxist)

FSB Quote of the Day: “A lot of people don’t say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.” - Madonna

FSB Morning Juice: Michelle Obama, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss and Barneys New York

Happy Monday morning! After a fantastic weekend we're ready to cover everything that's fashion, style and beauty for you. Let's get to it!

More Love from MObama?: First Lady Michelle Obama has single-handedly kept J.Crew afloat and has solidified the names and careers of Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu. However, other than a brief flirtation with Michael Kors and Narciso Rodriguez, the new style icon has seemingly no interest in the big-name American designers like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan. Where is the love? (WWD)

Want to Cozy Up With a Supermodel? Cindy Crawford has designed a collection of home décor for mass retailer JC Penney’s. She describes the line as "…designed to inspire and help create a look that’s fresh, effortless and enduring." The prices are reasonable and it’s actually pretty cute. Watch out, Martha Stewart.
(PeopleStyleWatch)

How About Eating With a Supermodel? Kate Moss is writing a cookbook. We’re actually quite impressed that the supermodel, formerly known as "The Waif" because of her thin appearance, actually knows how to cook. We’re in. Let us know when it hits bookshelves.
(Fashionista)

Barneys Gets a Lifeline: Istithmar World Capital, the Dubai sovereign wealth fund that owns struggling luxury retailer Barneys New York, has given the struggling store a $10 million infusion of cash to help it ride out the recession, saving hundreds of jobs and Simon Doonan’s legendary displays for a little while longer.
(NY Post)

FSB Quote of the Day: "I know I'm vulgar, but would you have me any other way?" - Elizabeth Taylor

FSB Morning Juice: Miley, Bill Blass, Nicole Richie and the NYC Topshop Frenzy

Good morning. We're drinking extra coffee this morning because we have a LOT to cover today so let's get to it, shall we?

Teen Steam: Miley Cyrus is on the cover of the May Glamour magazine. You know that section of the magazine entitled something like, “Where Has Your Glamour Been?” We imagine the Kids’ Choice Awards might soon be an entry.
(Just Jared)

Rebirth of a Legend: Iconic American label Bill Blass is set to return in September and designer Richard Chai is interviewing to helm the collections. We, like everyone else, are kind of surprised that the line will be back so quickly with NextCen laying off Blass staff and the seemingly never-ending saga of designer Peter Som leaving the label. Blass himself said, “When in doubt, wear red.” After all this drama, we’re hoping that isn’t blood red.
(The Cut)


The Truth About...Footwear: Nicole Richie has just signed a deal to design a line of shoes with manufacturers Rick and Brian Cytrynbaum, the owners of such coveted labels as Modern Vintage shoes and Earnest Sewn jeans. Following the success of her line of headbands and her jewelry collection, the shoes will become an addition to the House of Harlow 1960 label and the new contract also expands the line to include apparel, bags, belts, sunglasses and other accessories. Somewhere, Paris is burning.
(WWD)

One More Day! Topshop opens tomorrow here in New York City! See, THIS is what we call a stimulus package! Our shopping list for the bold but affordable clothing store is coming later today.
(WWD)

FSB Quote of the Day: "The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues." – Elizabeth Taylor

FSB Morning Juice: Rachel Zoe, Jason Wu, Versace and Miss Sixty

Good morning, people! We’re pretty excited about the week and all it holds. Who wouldn't be excited about a facial, shopping AND the promise of warm weather all in one week? Let’s get to it, shall we?

We Wanna Be Zoebots, Too! Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist and star of her own Bravo reality series, The Rachel Zoe Project, is designing an affordable clothing line. Rachel promises the line will be a full-range collection, featuring jewelry, bags and fragrance in addition to clothing. As fans of Rachel’s work, we’ll try not to “die” until the collection is released next year. (PeopleStyleWatch)

He Continues to Wu Us With Shoes: Jason Wu, the talented designer behind Michelle Obama’s gorgeous Inauguration gown, will debut shoes with his next season’s collection. We imagine they will be patterned after his already successful design aesthetic which, as Wu puts it, means they will be "designed for real women." We just cleaned our closets this weekend so we’ll reserve a parking space for the new shoes.
(British Elle)

Who Got To Tell-a Donatella? Versace profits plunged 30.7 percent this past year to 9 million euros, or $13.2 million. Can someone create a new awards show or something? This sounds serious. (WWD, sub req)

Miss Fifty-Five and a Half?: Italian line Miss Sixty has made a rather bold move to protect their sales in the embittered U.S. economy: they’re cutting the prices of their entire spring collection for American consumers. The newly lowered prices are somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-25% off and apply to their Miss Sixty, Killah and Energie lines sold in their U.S. stores. Only time will tell if these lower prices will be enough of a stimulus package for American consumers. (Denimology)

FSB Quote of the Day: "People say I’m extravagant because I want to be surrounded by beauty. But tell me, who wants to be surrounded by garbage?"
- Imelda Marcos

FSB Evening News: Topshop in NYC, Gwyneth and Elisabeth Design

Ah, where does the time go? Actually, where has the weather gone?!? It’s supposed to be spring and it’s cold and rainy outside. Comfort food weather right during bikini diet season is cruel and unusual punishment.

Topshop Is Almost Here! New Yorkers are salivating over Topshop opening its doors here in NYC one week from TODAY after much teasing. We’re publishing our shopping list here shortly so stay tuned. (The Cut)

An Estee-med Position: Estee Lauder finally has a CEO at the helm after 16 months of deliberation. A board vote on Wednesday elected Fabrizio Freda, the former COO of the company, as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Freda was the head of global snacks at Proctor and Gamble prior to joining Estee Lauder in 2007. Hey, marketing is marketing, we guess. (WWD, sub req.)

The View On Style? Not So Much: Elisabeth Hasselbeck launched her new clothing line for QVC on yesterday’s episode of The View. After a quick review of the collection, it’s safe to say we will do not share Elisabeth's view on style and fashion. (QVC)

Gwyneth Paltrow: Fashion Designer? Another celebrity has entered the fashion design ring: Gwyneth Paltrow is designing a capsule collection of tees and clothes. In partnership with French ZOEtee's, the fall 2009 capsule collection entitled "ZOEtee’s Loves Gwyneth" will consist of jersey basics and, according to British Elle, "some glam, 1970’s-inspired looks and pieces influenced by masculine tailoring." This we cannot wait to see. (British Elle)

FSB Quote of the Day: “The face you have at age 25 is the face God gave you, but the face you have after 50 is the face you earned.” – Cindy Crawford

Celebrity Designer: The Fergie Shoe Collection

We here at FSB admit we love Fergie. The pint-size powerhouse’s fashion sense has evolved over the years along with her music and she’s really hit her stride when it comes to refining her eclectic look. When we recently discovered the musician had designed a shoe collection, we had to get a peek at the new styles and the verdict is in: approved!

The styles are wearable and relevant without being super-trendy and are just the right punch to spring’s bohemian 90’s renaissance. Our picks from the collection are the Reem, a cute sandal in a gorgeous pop of lipstick red ($69) and the Guno, a woven leather number that has a very retro vibe to it, great for a maxi dress or denim ($129.)


A shoe line that partners affordability with styles we can rock for Spring? Fergalicious, indeed.