Le Col Cashmere Giveaway!

I don't know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods – but these days, Philadelphia is pretty much indistinguishable from the Arctic tundra. It's the kind of cold where you pile on whatever is warm – no matter how frumpy dumpy it makes you look. Lucky for me (and my sense of style), I recently became acquainted with a cold weather accessory that is both toasty warm and tres chic!

Le Col Cashmere is an affordable luxury, made of 100% cashmere and finished by hand in a traditional French torsade pattern. The updated twist on the winter scarf provides even more comfort than the standard cold weather accessory due to its construction. The tube scarf’s seamless "pullover" style, as opposed to the standard wrap-around scarf, provides full coverage and protection. So whether you're riding the streets on your Vespa or simply out for an afternoon stroll, Le Col Cashmere's snood will keep you toasty warm on even the most blistering cold days.

"In addition to its practical sensibility, the product is non-gender specific and therefore appeals to both men and women who are looking to show off their personal sense of style during the winter months," explains Ruben Auszenkier, Le Col Cashmere co-founder and General Manager Europe.

The must-have style of the season is available in two equally comfortable and flattering silhouettes – the signature Le Col Cashmere snood and Le Grand Col Cashmere's extra long snood - and five gorgeous shades (I own the camel).

You can own one too because, this week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Le Col Cashmere and one reader will win a Le Col Cashmere snood in his/her choice of color!!!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to include your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky!

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, February 20, 2011. Good luck!

20-30% Off at AnnTaylor.com

Take 20% off your full-price purchase of $100 or more or take 30% off your full-price purchase of $200 or more at anntaylor.com. The offer is valid now through February 20, 2011 (To redeem, enter code 10801122334 at checkout). You're welcome.

I already own this open cardigan in camel - and I've been meaning to pick up some other colors, but it kept slipping my mind. Good thing I'm absent-minded because I just snagged two more (in black and gray) - and I got the 20% off - plus one of the sweaters was half off with some other limited time offer.

Fargo Fabulous: The Trapper Hat

It's freaking freezing right now in Philadelphia. Thank goodness I had the good sense to ask Santa for a trapper hat last month. If you live in a city or town where the mercury often hovers around (or dips below) zero, please do yourself a favor and pick up one of these toasty warm toppers.

Trapper hats are very trendy right now. But, honestly, I couldn't care less how popular they are because they're so damn practical.

On my walk to and from work, my trapper hat keeps my head so warm that I forget how frigid it is outside. And the (faux) furry flaps protect my ears from the bitter wind. Surprisingly, my trapper doesn't ruin my do like I imagined it would. Once I arrive at the office, just a few seconds of finger styling refreshes and revives my hairstyle. 

Here are some stylish and affordable options:

More Fred Flare...

So does the trapper hat get two manicured thumbs up? You betcha!

QVC Sale For Charity: December 3-5, 2010

Get a great deal while giving back at the QVC Sale for Charity!

Net proceeds benefit breast and ovarian cancer research and education through The Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

Choose from shoes, apparel, handbags, accessories and beauty from your favorite brands such as BCBGeneration, Cole Haan, Jessica Simpson, Kenneth Cole, Laura Geller, Michael Kors, Nine West, Theory and many more!

Sale prices will be $5-$50 on items with Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices of $15-$598+. Buy 5 pairs of shoes, get the 6th pair free! All sales are final. Quantities are limited. Payment by cash, check or credit card. This sale is open to the public with new items added every day.

Here's a sneak peek of the merchandise:

MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather High Heel Ankle Boots

Cole Haan Leather High Heel Sandals w/Nike Air

Coach Suede with Snake Embossed Detail Platform Booties

Lucky Brand Leather Convertible Crossbody Bag

B. Makowsky Embossed Leather Double Handle Shopper

When:

Friday, December 3, 10am-6pm
Saturday, December 4, 10am-4pm
Sunday, December 5, 12 Noon -4pm

Where:

QVC Studio Park
1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, PA 19380

Forever 21 Launches A Maternity Line

Well, it just figures. Now that I'm just about ready to pop, Forever 21 launches Love 21 Maternity. The small collection includes tanks, tunics, leggings, jeans and handbags - all for under $20. I'm tempted to add a few pieces to my mama-to-be wardrobe...but at this stage of the game, I fear I might go into labor before my order shows up on my doorstep.

Right now, Love 21 Maternity is only available at select Forever 21 stores in Alaska, California, Texas and Utah (kinda random, right?) and online at forever21.com/love21maternity.

Raj Imports Scarf Sale at Ideeli - Get On This!

Just take a gander and the GORGE scarves I just snapped up at Ideeli. Aren't they to-die? And get this...the first two are $26 each and the third is just $16. It don't get better than this, ladies.

I can't wait 'til they show up on my doorstep. Imma be rocking them all spring!

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

New York Fashion Week, Fall 2010: Funky, Chunky Haircolor

Backstage at New York Fashion Week, my girl Megan McIntyre (from Daily Makeover) recognized an emerging trend for fall 2010: funky, chunky haircolor.

"Looks like it’s time to break out the Manic Panic. The big beauty trend for hair at Fashion Week was bright, chunky streaks of color that brought to mind punk-inspired street style circa 1996. At the Cynthia Rowley Fall 2010 fashion show, Eva Scrivo for Wella Professionals custom colored hair extensions in shades of emerald, lapis, amethyst, navy and turquoise to replicate the rich jewel tones present in the collection. Each hair extension was completely saturated with professional salon haircolor and then woven into the hair and styled, creating an element of surprise and intrigue when models hit the runway.

Super stylist Ted Gibson for beauty.com went for a version of the trend that was a little easier to DIY at the Vena Cava Fall 2010 fashion show (shown left). He used Streekers to color hair extensions in shades of hot pink, purple and green, then pulled them back into the models' slightly mussed ponytails to give a "downtown, cool feel," to the otherwise equestrian look.

We think this is one trend that just might hit the trifecta of translating in all three worlds: runway, red carpet and real world. This is the second season funky color has been featured at Fashion Week (the girls at the Spring 2010 Proenza Schouler fashion show rocked lovely lilac streaks) and Lady Gaga recently caused a stir at the Grammys with her own spin on the Crayola color trend. Adding a bright streak of color to your coif is an easy way to add a hip edge to your regularly scheduled hairstyle without a huge commitment. Now all you really have to decide is which happy hue you want to adorn your hair with."

Related Articles:
Stellar Beauties Float Down The Lela Rose Runway
Fashion Week: The Bold And The Beautiful
Gwen Stefani Talks Beauty Backstage At LAMB
Vampire Inspired Fashion Week
Give Yourself A Virtual Makeover

Photo source: Wella Professionals (top); Luca Cannionieri (bottom)

Sally Hansen and Tracy Reese Collaborate Again for Fashion Week Fall 2010

THINK: The new neutrals . . . deep, smoky nail shades inspired by modern runway designs.

WHAT IT IS: A fashionable collaboration between nail color expert Sally Hansen and designer Tracy Reese. For the ninth season in a row, Sally Hansen has joined forces with fashion icon Tracy Reese to develop the season’s essential accessory: stark nail lacquers inspired by Reese's fall collection.

INSPIRATION: For fall 2010, Tracy Reese draws on urban and rural influences in a highly modern, wearable collection. Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by feminine lace, pleated chiffons and draping. In an array of rich, natural tones like spruce green, bittersweet brown, smoky blue and sweet blush, the collection infuses rustic country fare with sharp city bite. The shades in the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Collection reflect this emphasis on natural tones, urban inspiration and layering. On the runway, Reese layered black Leaver's lace over the nude shade Wet Clay to create a custom textured look.

The five new shades in the nail color collection are made with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, an all-in-one formula that combines the benefits of a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, rich color and top coat in a single multi-tasking polish. The patented formula features the most advanced lacquer technology, concentrated high-intensity color, and encapsulated treatment sphere of Vita-Care Technology.

This season's shades include: Evening Fog, Fedora, Wet Clay, Touch of Mink, and Bittersweet.

"A touch of color to your nails gives you a total polished look, as it creates a complete package from head to toe," says Reese. "And what woman doesn't feel amazing with a fresh manicure and beautiful dress?"

Tracy Reese receives a manicure by Sally Hansen Nail Expert, Dana Caruso, with the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bittersweet.

Sally Hansen manicurists apply black Leaver’s Lace over Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Wet Clay to create the runway nail look.

"We're so thrilled to be joining forces with Tracy Reese once again," says Bill Boraczek, Senior Vice President of Cosmetics Marketing, Coty Beauty US. "We love working with her season after season because she always brings her uniquely feminine sensibility to Sally Hansen shades, creating a fashion-forward collection that truly works for every woman."

The polishes are $7 each and can be purchased at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Chris Benz Signing Chris & Tell Lipsticks Tomorrow at Saks NYC

If you're looking for the Chris Benz Chris & Tell lipstick, here's one of your last chances to get it. Chris is doing a personal appearance at the Saks Fifth Avenue Lancôme counter in Manhattan tomorrow. He'll be signing lipsticks and sharing the inspiration for his Spring 2010 collection. Saks is the official retailer for Chris & Tell and this is one of the only counters that has any lipsticks left.

Chris & Tell was created specifically for the Chris Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week presentation held in September 2009. Since its debut earlier this month, it has become one of the fastest-selling lipsticks in the Lancôme Pout-à-Porter designer lipstick series. Six hundred of the lipsticks sold on lancome-usa.com in just 48 hours. Beauty aficionados have already snatched up most of the supply and some have already popped up on eBay.

Chris is also happy to sign previously purchased lipsticks...so if you already have a Chris & Tell, feel free to stop by. Joining Chris will be makeup artist extraordinaire Daniel Martin, co-creator of the gorgeous peachy coral lipstick, the Lancôme team and some of his favorite models, who will be wearing the clothing and the makeup look from the Spring show.

Chris Benz Personal Appearance
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saks Fifth Avenue Lancôme counter
Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
5 to 7 p.m.

New York Fashion Week Fall 2010: Red Lip Trend

My gal Amber over at Daily Makeover shares one of the hottest trends for fall 2010. Are you red-y?

Lipstick lovers always look forward to fall because it's the season of the bold lip. If you're not yet ready to plunge into the deep hues of the glampire beauty trend, there are many interpretations of the more classic crimson look. Oh, and stop making fun of your mother about her lip pencil: The formerly eschewed makeup implement is making a major comeback this fall. Get your sharpeners ready: Here are our favorite red lip looks of the season.

At Richard Chai, Gucci Westman for Revlon keyed makeup. Lips were defined with new-for-fall Revlon Suede Rhapsody Multi-Use Palette, set to launch in September 2010. First, Gucci applied ColorStay Lip Liner in Red all over the lip as a base, then painted on the deeper red lipstick from the palette which created a matte effect. "The clothes don't have a lot of color, so I felt a pop of pigment was needed on the lips," explains Westman.

China dolls were the beauty inspiration at Vivienne Tam, where makeup lead Charlotte Willer for Maybelline created a bright defined red lip look that was tempered by fresh skin and punctuated by a defined brow. To get such a precise defined lip look, Willer lined and filled lips in with Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in 50 Red, a gorgeous garnet. "It's an Asian red, which echoes Vivienne's collection," Willer explained. The color and texture was perfect--no additional lipstick was used.

Another stunning, sculpted red lip took center stage at Herve Léger, as it's known to do - this is no understudy red. Lisa Butler for MAC cosmetics created a strong, matte lip with MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger, a cult favorite orange-red. Gals with pink skin tones need not shy away from this warm red. Per Butler, "Simply toning down the pinkness in the cheeks with a bit of foundation and skipping blush will prepare even a cooler-complexioned girl for this type of yellow-based red."

Related Articles:
Vampire Inspired Fashion Week
Fashion Week: The Bold And The Beautiful

Gwen Stefani Talks Beauty Backstage At LAMB

Stellar Beauties Float Down The Runway

Give Yourself A Virtual Makeover

New York Fashion Week: L.A.M.B., Fall 2010

My girl Megan McIntyre of Daily Makeover scored an exclusive interview with Gwen Stefani, backstage at the L.A.M.B. Fall 2010 Fashion Week show.

Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week started today, and Daily Makeover kicked it off backstage at L.A.M.B. with designer Gwen Stefani. She gave us an exclusive look into what inspires her, how she creates that fab red lip (girlfriend does her own makeup!) and what beauty look her husband can’t get enough of.

What inspired the beauty look for the L.A.M.B. show?
The collection is based on a vintage, naughty, Hollywood starlet girl, a little bit of a modern, futuristic girl and a little bit of a soldier girl. I found these Ellen von Unwerth pictures with black makeup and the dark lips [that I loved] so we’re going to do the hair very set, vintage and glamorous with a lot of bangs.

The thing that I’ve learned is that you have an inspiration, you have a picture, an idea and it just evolves into what it’s going to be. You don’t consider when you come up with three ideas for a theme that you’re going to have a blizzard, a baby with an ear infection and the Chinese new year, but at the end of the day the creative process of having that pressure and that drama means you come up with things you normally wouldn’t. I can’t wait to see it all together. For me, it’s all about that part with the music and seeing the girls.

Red lips are a big beauty trend we’re seeing for Fall 2010. The red lipstick look is already one of your trademarks!
I just love when things that I love come back into style. I don’t have one specific red lipstick that I use. MAC’s sponsoring the show today, so [lead makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury] put a mixture of four different reds on me. I know she definitely used Russian Red. I tend to go more for the blue-reds than the orange-reds–I think they look better on me.

My husband [musician Gavin Rossdale] actually really likes [red lips] so whenever I don’t wear them he’s like “Wait, where are the lips?” So I like that Hollywood glamorous look and I always have and always will…I’m kind of stuck in my own ways.

Related Daily Makeover Links:

• Nailing The Nude Nail
• In The Navy
• Valentine's Day Makeup

Image: © Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Project Runway Season 7 Premieres January 14!

Project Runway is headed back to NYC, and season 7 kicks off Thursday, January 14, 2009 at 10EST on Lifetime!

Project Runway Season 7 designers

Project Runway Season 7 models

$100 LOFT Gift Card Giveaway Winner

Well, I didn't win the LOFT Blog Wars - but I thank each and every one of you who voted for Spoiled Pretty. I had a respectable showing in the poll, and appreciate your support.

Even though I came in 3rd, I'm still super stoked because I get to award one of you with a $100 LOFT gift card. And that reader is (drumroll, please)....Christine Fidance!

Congrats, Christine! Now you can go buy the Shawl Collar Waffle Sweater you've been eyeing up.

Many thanks to LOFT for sponsoring this giveaway, and to all of you who participated.

LOFT Blog Wars & Gift Card Giveaway!

Holiday time is my favorite time of the year. I love scurrying from store to store, playing Santa and getting the must-haves on everyone's list. I'm a present-wrapping superstar; if there were levels, I'd be a third degree black belt. And the holiday specials at Starbucks (Caramel Brulee Latte, Eggnogg Latte and Peppermint Mocha are my faves!) make the season even sweeter.

But throwing together last-minute ensembles for holiday shindigs? That's when my inner Scrooge comes out. Here's the problem - and you can probably relate. You hate everything in your closet; it either doesn't fit properly, or it's not festive enough for the party's dress code. On the other hand, there's a recession going on and you can't justify buying an entire outfit for one holiday get-together. Makes you wanna say "bah humbug" and just RSVP with regrets.

Luckily, LOFT is here to rescue you from holiday fashion disaster.

In case you haven't heard, Ann Taylor Loft is now LOFT. They've re-named and re-branded the company, and upped the style ante. And one of the many great things about LOFT that I love is that they've got petites! Can I get a hallelujah, shorties?

Anyway, LOFT has some amazing pieces that you can pair with something already in your closet - to create a chic, festive outfit without breaking the bank. For example, pair this Sequin Sparkle Tank with a pair of jean or black pants and layer a blazer or cardigan on top. This Sequin Scarf is only $29.50 and will jazz up just about anything in your wardrobe. What about that go-to little black dress your friends have seen you wear countless times? Take that dress from wah-wah-wah to wow with one of LOFT's statement necklaces. My favorite is the Clear Gem Bib Necklace with Black Chain - I can think of 10 "new" outfits I could create with this accessory alone!

To celebrate their new name and image, LOFT is having a contest called Blog Wars. Starting today at 4pm, visit LOFT's Facebook fan page (here's the link to the actual poll), and vote for your favorite blog (hint: your favorite blog is Spoiled Pretty). On Friday afternoon, the blogger with the most votes wins a $500 LOFT gift card. Child, you know mama loves to shop...so help me out here!

To get you motivated, I'm doing a giveaway too! Go to LOFT's website and find a festive holiday item. Then come back here and tell me (in the comments) how you'd pair that item with something already in your closet to create a holiday party ensemble. On Friday evening, I'll award one of the commenters with a $100 LOFT gift card!

Okay, so remember to become a Facebook Fan of LOFT...then vote for Spoiled Pretty. Tell your friends to do the same. It's war, people...and I came to win. Help a blogger, won't cha?

Hayden-Harnett Sample Sale: Save Up to 80%

Be sure to check out Hayden-Harnett's Fall Back Sample Sale. Handbags, acessories and fashion are marked way down - up to 80% off. Even shop their spring 2010 preview!

H&M Black Friday Sale

On Friday, November 27 from store opening until 10:00 a.m., H&M is giving shoppers 25% off any item of their choice! Planning to hit the snooze button a few (dozen) times? H&M has sleepyheads covered too. There will be fab fashion finds starting at $5 and select outerwear styles at 50% percent off.

Most H&M stores will open at 6am; some will open as early as 5am. Use the store locator here to find the H&M closest to you!

Don't Miss the Ideeli Red Sales This Week!!!

You don't have to wait until Black Friday to go on a buying bender. There's no need to camp outside of Walmart or Best Buy after Thanksgiving dessert. You can start your holiday shopping right now (and beat the crowds) in your pajamas.

This week, Ideeli.com is hosting multiple RED SALES. Fifty designers brands will be on sale at deeply discounted prices - up to 90% on stunning accessories, gorgeous handbags, and envy inducing ready to wear and evening looks. Sales start tomorrow and a new sale will be added daily...so make sure you check Ideeli.com daily at 11:00 a.m. since quantities are limited.

I'm in the market for a new handbag (oh, who am I kidding? I'm always on the prowl for fresh arm candy) - so come Wednesday, I'll be throwing virtual elbows. Y'all better watch out.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

RED Sunglasses Sale: featuring Michael Kors, Ray Ban, Just Cavalli
Save up to: 86% Off
Prices start at: $44


Wednesday, November 25, 2009


RED Handbag Sale: featuring Fendi, Carlos Falchi, BCBG
Save up to: 85% Off
Prices start at: $39



RED Apparel Sales: featuring Anne Klein, Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein, Escada, French Connection, Just Cavalli, Mac & Jac, Nicole Miller
Save up to: 92% Off
Prices start at: $11



RED Luggage Sale: featuring Heys, Hayden Harnett, Calvin Klein
Save up to: 70% Off
Prices start at: $15



RED Scarves & Belts Sale: featuring Linea Pelle, Nina Ricci, Raj
Save up to: 79% Off
Prices start at: $12

RED Designer Shoe Sale: featuring Oscar de la Renta, Escada, LAMB
Save up to: 89% Off
Prices start at: $59


Saturday, November 28, 2009


RED Jewelry and Watch Sale: featuring Vera Wang Jewelry, Just Cavalli jewelry, Technomarine watches
Save up to: 87% Off
Prices start at: $12


RED Designer Shoe Sale: featuring Diesel, Miss Sixty, Fergie
Save up to: 68% Off
Prices start at: $29



RED Outerwear Sale: featuring Mackage, Ellen Tracy, Nine West
Save up to: 82% Off
Prices start at: $19


Sunday, November 29, 2009


RED Home Goods Sale: featuring Areaware, Yves Delorme, Lacoste
Save up to: 84% Off
Prices start at: $15

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

ELLE: The Little Black Dress Boutique at Rue La La

Shopping for all the upcoming holiday soirées can incite vertigo, even for the posh, assured fashionista. This season, as you’re prepping for the party circuit, evoke soigné sophistication donning the ultimate in signature style: the LBD.

Rue La La will launch the exclusive ELLE Little Black Dress Boutique on Monday, November 23 at 11AM…available for 48 hours only at RueLaLa.com. Shop chic selections at 30-80% off retail!

Rue La La partnered with Violet Moon Gaynor, Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor at Elle.com, to hand pick 16 dresses from top fashion designers creating a covetable selection of LBDs.

Here's just a sampling of the amazing names that will be on sale:

Badgley Mischka
Carmen Marc Valvo
Laundry
Robert Rodriguez

“How do you like to accessorize a LBD?” Violet advises: "For day, pair with a slightly shrunken blazer, tights, and lug-sole booties. For night, stack a set of bangles up your arm and throw on a pair of sexy platforms."

Not yet a Rue La La member? Join now! And don't forget to give and get this holiday season - refer a friend to Rue La La from now through December 24 and not only will you receive a $10 referral credit*, but Rue La La will credit their account with $10 too!

*$10 referral bonus credited to account after first purchase.

Ann Taylor Friends & Family 2009: 30% OFF

Tuesday, November 17 through Sunday, November 22, take 30% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT!!! Present this coupon to redeem in stores, or use coupon code FRIENDS during online checkout.

And as a special bonus (don't cha just love special bonuses?), score 15% off your purchase at Ann Taylor Factory and Loft Outlet stores. Just don't forget to bring a copy of the image above...the salesperson might look at you sideways if you show up empty handed.

Ann, you're just too good to me...

PS - OMG...just visited the LOFT website and spied my college friend-turned-model, Colin, on the homepage.