Beauty Black Book Recommendation: Waxing at Bliss Spa

I don't normally give away the information on my personal glam squad but when a girl comes across a dedicated and relatively pain-free waxer, you feel obliged to share with your nearest and dearest.

Waxing isn't a topic of conversation that anyone really relishes but let's be honest here, ladies: it's a necessary evil and for those of us who are devotees of its results, the quest for a relatively painless wax from a professional who doesn't beat you into submission is like the Holy Grail of beauty treatments. I have found mine in Aldona at Bliss Soho here in NYC. I can honestly say that it doesn't matter what treatment I'm having done: Aldona is always consciencious, very careful and extremely fast. Bliss' signature pain-free wax is always the right temperature and has conditioners to grab onto the hair rather than the skin. I have never had any issues or pain afterwards. In a word, the woman's work is flawless and I am a faithful devotee.


If you're in need of a waxing treatment in NYC, call 212-219-8970 and request my dear, sweet Aldona for the best results of your life. If you can't make it to NYC and you're keen to try Bliss' amazing wax at home, I highly recommend purchasing their Poetic Waxing Kit. Take two Ibuprofen or Aleve beforehand and you'll sail right through it.

Warmer weather is calling, ladies. Time to take care of that "situation."

Friday Fun Time: George Michael's 'Freedom 90'

Our final post for the week is a little rump-shaking video filled with supermodels and moody lighting - sort of like the location for our dinner plans tonight! Have a great weekend and please do enjoy George Michael's 'Freedom 90'!

Have a great weekend!
xoxo,
FSB

Too Busy to Live? Try the Lip Stamp

We've all had those moments where we've been rushing out the door and realize that we've forgotten our keys, our earrings, mascara or lipstick. We've got a fun little device for you if you're looking to speed up that beauty routine: the Lip Stamp ($24.95).

No, we're not kidding. This ingenious invention comes with multiple lip-shaped pads to match your mouth or particular look. Just pluck off a pad (be sure to match the size of the stamp to your mouth shape and size), stick it on the pedestal, cover it in lipstick and press to your mouth like a stamp (we suggest rolling it from left to right to get full coverage.) Dab off any little excess and off you go! We used it on the way to an event the other day and we have to admit: it's a neat little trick. We're keeping ours saturated with our favorite lipstick and right next to our keys.

Eco-Chic Handbag Solution: Vie Verte

Ever been spring cleaning (or any kind of cleaning, really) and come across old t-shirts and jeans you don’t want anymore? What was once stylish or beloved either goes out to giveaway or into the dust rag pile but what if there was a solution to turn these items into fabulous handbag? There is: introducing Vie Verte.


The brainchild of handbag designer Kathy Kaufmann, Vie Verte bags are made from a minimum 90% found materials predominately found in thrift stores or, you guessed it, your closet. Kathy fashions old t-shirts, denim and brooches into one-of-a-kind clutches and totes that will have your friends “green” with eco-friendly envy. Examples of her finery include the Skeleton Clutch (at top), the Sneaker Clutch or the Batty Clutch, all just $40.

Order from her collection or collaborate with her on your own clutch or tote. Maybe that concert t-shirt can have a whole new life as a rockin’ handbag. Reduce, reuse and then reintroduce your favorite old clothes back into your wardrobe with a little Vie Verte edge!

Editor's Lust List: Adriana Carador Jewelry

In case the amount of accessories coverage on FSB hasn’t tipped you off, I am an accessories nut. I love jewelry and when I see amazing pieces I don’t think anyone should live without, I’m inclined to tell you. When it comes to investment pieces, I think every woman should have exquisite, well-crafted jewelry that is unique and speaks to the person wearing it. This is why I am in love with Adriana Carador Jewelry.


A native of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Carador studied fashion in Rome before discovering her true love of jewelry and gemstones at home in her native South America. Carador’s pieces are inspired not only by the gems themselves but by everyday shape and texture inspirations like the melting ice cream look of her Cupilha pendants, 18k yellow or rose gold with smoky quartz or pink quartz teardrop stones accented with diamonds ($2700). Carador’s collection has gorgeous pieces ranging from her Samba hoops (24k gold and coral for $2300) to her estate-worthy rings like my personal favorite, the Briolette ring ($1900).

Carador’s collection is available stateside in NYC at Fragments. If you’ve got the means to give Mom a serious Mother’s Day gift or even to treat yourself to some quality jewelry whose craftsmanship will stand the test of time, then I suggest a piece of Adriana Carador's collection for a true statement of elegance and money well spent.

MTV Fashion Flashback: Def Leppard and the Ripped Denim Trend

Those of us who grew up in the 80’s can’t help but smile at the ripped jeans trend. Many of us who have recently faced (or about to face) high school reunions remember shredding perfectly good pairs of jeans so knees and other snippet-sized views of flesh showed through. This homage to all things rebel and rock and roll has made its way into fashion again and many are staring at it with concern: can you really rock this trend twice without looking like you’re trying too hard?

The answer is decidedly “yes” as long as you keep in mind that the full-on concert t-shirt/studded boots/fringe jacket trend is better saved for Halloween. A ripped jean is an incredibly sexy take on the 80’s look and a fun alternative for warm weather (hello, built-in ventilation.) Just be sure to keep your top simple and streamlined but as far as shoes and accessories go, feel free to play with anything but sneakers.



There is a difference between ripped and destroyed. This pair of Levi’s 501’s Boyfriend Cut Patched and Repaired Jeans ($78) is an understated way to try the trend. Those looking to fully commit to their roll and roll look should try the Levi’s Capital E 501 Boyfriend Jeans in Destructed Wash ($248).




Either pair of these jeans paired can be paired with this Silence and Noise Silver Zip Trimmed Tank ($29.99). Those who love fringe can pair the ensemble with this Whiting and Davis Crystal Fringe Mesh Frame Clutch ($245.)

Go ahead and rock the ripped jeans trend and for good measure, enjoy the video while you get ready tonight. Maybe it’s time to pour a little sugar on it.

New Makeup Bag Obsession: Huge Lips, Skinny Hips

We once read that the average woman will ingest some unbelievable amount of lip product over the course of her lifetime. As fans of multi-tasking, we think that if something goes across your lips, shouldn’t it do double duty for your hips? Purple Lab Cosmetics thought so as well and came up with your new must-have makeup bag item: Huge Lips, Skinny Hips lip gloss with appetite suppressant ($20).

Possibly the hardest working lip product in the business, the glosses contain Hoodia which some experts say can help suppress your appetite AND they're also packed with Vitamin B3, which stimulates blood flow to the lips and diminishes the look of fine lines around the mouth. It doesn’t stop there: each gloss also contains lip conditioning vitamin E, lemon peel oil, and meadow foam oil - all natural moisturizers. Something that is good for your lips AND helps your hips? We had to try it.

We road tested the six shades and not only did they give us an Angelina-sized pillow-top pout but we can safely say that we felt no urge to dive into dessert after application. You can choose from the rich rose that is Worship Kate (an homage to Kate Moss), the sexy nude that is Kitty Poledancer, Red Sole (inspired by the red soled Christian Louboutin heels), the flirty coral that is Love Your Thighs and a frothy peach that is Lychee Martini. Be sure to grab No Panty Lines (a clear shine) and dab it at the center of your top and bottom lip on top of the colored glosses: guaranteed sexiest lips out there. That advice is boyfriend-tested, FSB-approved.

Huge Lips, Skinny Hips is available at Space NK and Scoop stores right this minute and will soon be available online so drop the laptop and get one or all of the six shades for your collection. Really, how can you resist a sexy lip gloss that makes your lips plump but your hips smaller? Feel free to thank us later.