IMAN's Global Chic Sandals

I recently attended a press preview of holiday and signature collections and fell for IMAN's Global Chic sandals. I notice this style of sandal on pretty much every one's feet nowadays and I can see why. They are perfect for those who want an elegant, yet simple look without burning a hole in their pockets. I think the sandals are right for both a casual day or classy night out. Even though these are garnished with a lot of gold, they only cost $39!

These sandals and other items are sold exclusively on HSN, so you can buy them online. But there's no shame in watching HSN either. On Saturday, July 12th, IMAN will appear on HSN, unveiling new bags and accessories, so check your local listings to see what time to tune in!

She's Got The Look, And It's Pretty Good

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a private screening of the TV Land reality series She's Got The Look.

If you haven't seen it, the show is a modeling competition for women ages 35 and older. In each episode, the contestants have challenges to answer to. Someone gets eliminated from the "board" each week until a winner is declared. That woman gets a Wilhelmenia modeling contract and a photo spread in Self Magazine.

My friend Alison and I went to the screening and we were both rivetted by the episode. Everyone in attendance was taken on the rollercoaster ride of emotions that each contestant exhibited and we all had strong feelings about the two women who were eliminated in that episode.

The best thing about the evening, however, was probably the appearance of one of the show's judges: Robert Verdi! Robert was so nice to everyone there and even took the time to chat with Alison and I before we left. (We also received gift bags filled with products from Aveeno, who sponsored the event.)

If you haven't seen it check out this preview clip, and watch the next episode tomorrow night at on TV Land.

Semi-Annual Sale at Victoria’s Secret

It’s that time of year again! Victoria’s Secret is having their semi-annual sale! I love their sales because there are a whole bunch of great deals. You can get 25%-50% off bras and underwear and even more savings in their clearance section. You can also get deals on swimwear, clothing and their Secret Garden beauty line.

Some offer codes for you: Free shipping on U.S. orders of $100 or more when you enter the code SEMISALE at checkout,valid through June 19th. Also take an extra 25% off Body by Victoria bras, by using offer code BODY25 at checkout, valid through June 15th.

Happy shopping!

Get Bitten by SJP

Bitten is Sarah Jessica Parker's unbelievably affordable clothing line. Exclusively sold at Steve & Barry's, the collection includes apparel, shoes, and accessories. But don't expect the high fashions of her onscreen alter-ego, Carrie Bradshaw. Her line offers casual styles and I like them. Some of the looks do gear towards teens and women in their early twenties, but there is something for everyone.

I went in there looking for a summer dress, but there weren't many to choose from. I discovered some jewelry, though, and lucked out on a sale of 3 pieces for $15! There was so much to choose from, I had trouble making a decision. But I finally did and I've been wearing a necklace I bought everyday.


Everything in the collection is $20 or less and the quality is great. Sizes range from XS-XXL for tops and 0-22 for bottoms. It might be worth it to Get Bitten!

Coutorture Bloggers Do A Photo-Shoot!

Some of the New York-based bloggers in the Coutorture Network took the opportunity of a life-time recently when they participated in a photo-shoot featuring the designs of Diane Von Furstenberg. The beautiful Kimmie Smith (left) of the Kitten Lounge blog was one of the lucky bloggers. All of the photos are simply gorgeous! You must have a look:

Coutorture Bloggers DVF Photo-Shoot

Congratulaions, ladies!

Oscar De La Renta Resort 2009

As I've mentioned several times on this blog, Oscar De La Renta is probably my favorite designer. I don't remember ever being disappointed with any collection he has put out over the years, and his Resort 2009 collection is no different. Here's the link to his latest masterpiece (courtesy of Courtorture):

Oscar De La Renta Resort 2009 Photo Gallery

Trendy Hollywood Jackets for Less

I have to admit, when I see a celebrity wearing a gorgeous coat, I want it for myself. But then I imagine the tons of money they paid for it, and the thought quickly goes out of my mind. Thankfully, eDressMe, One Stop Plus, and Weather Proof Garment Co. have some of those trendy coats at lower prices. Houndstooth (see above pic) is a style that is not going away for the moment. I found this jacket at One Stop Plus for only $34-$39. I think the jacket is fabulous and can jazz up any outfit. They have other types of coats and jackets as well, and their prices range from $30-$169.

I also browsed eDressMe, and they have plenty of stylish coats, but their prices are higher than One Stop Plus. However, they do have some amazing sales. This trench coat, pictured on the right, was originally $95, but now it's only $50! I couldn't believe the price when I saw it either. I noticed that trench coats are becoming popular again, so if you want it, I would hurry before it sells out.


Finally, Weather Proof Garment Co has coats for women and men. They have great looking coats, (goat suede, autumn quilt and others) but I couldn't find any prices for them on their website. They do sell their clothing at most major department stores and online at Net Jackets, where prices range from $59-$125. So the next time you covet a celeb's coat, check these websites to see if they have a similar styles. You never know.

Keep Things Cool With Icybag

Icybag just might be your cure to melted snacks, ruined cosmetics, and piping hot lotions on a sizzling summer day outing. It's billed as a cooler and handbag in one. Invented by Kathy Cohen, this bag looks ideal for taking trips to the beach, a picnic or any other activity that'll keep you in the sun for long periods of time.

The bag comes in three colors: black, pink, and turquoise. It comes with one or two gel packs which you're supposed to chill overnight. The next day, you'd put them in your bag and go. No one should know that you're carrying a cooler on your shoulder. These bags are cheap too, prices range from $14-$19. That's it! Click here to find out more.

K Street’s Custom Fit Tees

I don’t know about you, but I always have a problem with tee shirts. I have a small frame but am well endowed, so I sometimes have to opt for a larger size just to accommodate my chest. The tee shirt can be too big on me sometimes. But there is a solution: K Street.

The founder, Kari Weiner, believes tees shouldn’t come in just small, medium, and large, because women have varying shapes and sizes. The tees are made by chest, waist, and hip measurements. All you do is provide your bust and waist size and then your shirt is made to order! Even better, the shirts are made of pima cotton, which is a high quality fabric that is durable. The tee fits me perfectly and is so soft and comfortable. I’ve worn it twice already. So check out K Street to read more about the company and shop for their tees!

Stylish Bags at Accessory Bug

Want a new bag to go with a new outfit? Why go out and search endlessly, when you can relax at home and shop online at Accessory Bug? Owned by Cathy Chiang and Peter Lin, this online store is a woman's dream! They have designer-inspired handbags (Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Chanel, and more) at ridiculously affordable prices. You can take your pick of clutches, shoulder bags, satchels, and even motorcycle bags to bring an edge to any look. They have other kinds of bags, including those for prom and wedding occasions.

But that's not all. They sell stylish belts, wallets, and wristlets too. There is a reasonable $5 flat rate for shipping. To get more savings, use this 10% off coupon code: aprsale. But don't wait too long because this offer expires on May 31st, 2008. Click here to browse their selection and to sign up to receive coupons, promotions, and their newsletters.

Hunt For The Perfect Skinny Jeans

Let’s face it, skinny jeans is a fashion trend that is going to stick around for a while. With them you could dress sexy or casual depending on what shoes or top you wear, and they flatter your figure. I wanted to get in on this, so I asked my friends where they got theirs from and started my hunt. Little did I know I was in for a real hunt for skinny jeans.

My first stop was Urban Outfitters but their price was out of my league. Next stop, H & M. I tried on a pair, but was disappointed because they didn't fit. It wasn't until I put them back on the rack that I noticed they had the same ridiculous price as Urban Outfitters. I told one friend that my last attempt would be Express. My best friend bought a couple of jeans from there a few weeks ago, so I should have the same luck, right? Guess what? They were expensive too! Did these stores conspire together to have the same unreasonable price? In a matter of a few weeks, their jeans were $40 higher than when my friends purchased them. I went home sulking, but I didn’t give up.

I went online to Forever 21 and browsed their jeans selection. I found a pair, and remembering my H&M fitting fiasco, I ordered the highest size available. A week later I received them and they fit perfectly! I loved them so much I ordered two more in different colors just in case Forever 21 decided to jack up their price too. Even with taxes and shipping, I still saved $68 that I would have spent at the aforementioned stores. Click here to begin your quest for affordable skinny jeans.

Introducing Votour.com

During Fashion Week last month I met a very nice young artist named John Haro. In addition to being a painter, John is a fashion blogger who, along with his partners, has started a new fashion site: Votour.com.

Votour gets its name from the words vogue + couture + tour. John describes the site as a place "to nurture & inspire the creative minds, whose interests lie in the fashion industry, be it design, photography, makeup artistry, or styling, amongst others. We hope to stir the imagination, and pillar a new generation of raw talent that we feel the industry is in dire need of now."

The site launched last week with a "self-expression" feature. Right now, anyone who signs up can post pictures of his or herself wearing what they consider to be their best examples of self-expression. Other features are in the works as well. Sound interesting? Sign up and join the fun!

Funky Clothes and Art Shows

I love discovering new gems. I'm adding Harriet’s Alter Ego that list.

It all started when I received an invitation to attend a free art show. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a boutique instead of an art gallery! This neon green colored shop immediately stands out on the block in its quaint Brooklyn neighborhood. Owned by Hekima Hapa and Ngozi Odita, they have an eclectic mix of in-your-face prints and colors in clothing, bags, belts, hats, and jewelry. My best friend was set to purchase a pair of pink pearls ($10) but then quickly remembered she gave up shopping for Lent.

After browsing through the store, we went into the back to check out the art of Nathaniel M. Quinn. Their art gallery opened in 2006 and helps new artists showcase their work. It doesn't hurt that they had an open bar too. Click here to find out more information. Grab a friend and make a trip to Harriet's Alter Ego for a fun day of shopping.

Dior Fall 2008

From the runways of Paris Fashion Week, John Galliano's Fall 2008 collection for Dior:



If you love 1960s fashion, as I do, you'll want every piece in this collection. Far out, man!

2008 Oscars Best Dressed: Lady in Red

Everyone knows that the Oscars aren’t just about honoring the artists in the film industry. The red carpet fashions are just as exciting. There will always be those who miss the mark (like wearing a black dress with pink bows on each shoulder), and then there are the ones who got it right.

My favorite look for the night goes to Katherine Heigl (pictured at the left). She perfects the Old Hollywood look with her hairstyle and the Escada dress, which is a perfect shade of red. She didn't appear washed out in the carpet and the dress is simply gorgeous. But it didn't stop there. She adorned herself with Ryan Ryan jewels and topped off her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch and shoes. Her makeup was flawless and not overbearing at all. Although I am sure it took her a long time to get ready for the event, her finished look seems effortless.

[Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty]

Bead for Life: Ending Poverty Through Creativity

I just purchased a long beaded necklace which helped in getting rid of poverty in Uganda. How, you say? Through the Bead For Life organization, whose goal is to eradicate poverty through creative means. Instead of just accepting donations, they empower women (who have been through situations I cannot imagine) to create beads from recycled paper: old calendars, magazine pages, and even cereal boxes. These beads, which boast bold colors of red, orange, pink, blue, green, purple and more, become necklaces (long, short, flat, or circular), bracelets and beaded jewelry bags.

The profits they receive from selling their jewlery go toward their own community projects and six other organizations in Uganda. Do you want to get involved yourself? Why not have a bead party? At a bead party you could sell a bunch of bracelets and necklaces to family and friends. Another suggestion from the organization is to set up a table at a community event and reach out to others there.

In addition to selling jewelry and handbags, Bead for Life sells note cards, envelopes, and a CD filled with 16 original songs from their own choir. I also like the idea of buying a bag of beads from them and having an arts and crafts night with the family. There are so many facets to this wonderful organization, so please click here to read their stories and other ways to help.

Got Gilt?

Do you love getting 50%-75% off the original retail price of designer apparel and jewelry? Of course you do, so you need to be in with Gilt Groupe.

Founded by best friends Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis, Gilt Groupe specializes in offering sample sales or “Shopping Events” as they call it, of brands ranging from Badgley Mischka (How I love those clothes!) and Vivienne Tam, to the Indian-inspired jewelry of Amirita Singh, the Thai infused clothing of Thakoon, and the dainty outfits of Dessous. (The Dessous sale just ended on Wednesday, and some of their clothes sold out!) The Shopping Events last 36 hours and are only accessible online at Gilt.com. Gilt Groupe always has previews of their upcoming sales, which provide background info on the featured brands, usually accompanied by a 45 second video reel of the products.

But to be a part of this online community you have to be a member and, in order to join, an existing member must invite you. Well, today’s your lucky day, because as a reader of The Glamorous Bee you're invited! All you have to do is click here and register. Once that’s done, reciprocate and invite others to join.

So the next time someone asks, “Is that all it costs?” tell them about Gilt Groupe and then do them a favor by sending them an invitation!

NY Fashion Week Fall 08: Color Trend

The Color Purple has become a lot more than a bestselling novel and Broadway show. Purple was the "in" color for Fall 2007 and it appears that it'll be popular again Fall 2008. As was evident during NY Fashion Week, several designers used purple, or some variation of it, in their collections:



Plum Trend Fall 08 Coutorture Photos

If you indulged in purple this past Fall, I guess you're all set for Fall 2008. Can you hear your bank account thanking you?

Buzzing off for now...

NY Fashion Week Fall 08: Marc Jacobs

Fashion Week ended with Marc Jacobs nearly starting his show on time, something he's definitely not known for. Attendees only had to wait an extra fifteen minutes to see his Fall 08 collection:




Marc Jacobs Fall 08 Coutorture Photos

Some of the looks in this collection look almost androgynous to me. I almost thought that a model in one of these shots was a man! It couldn't have taken that long to get these girls ready. Is that why the show was only fifteen minutes late?

Buzzing off for now...

NY Fashion Week Fall 08: Bill Blass

Hi everyone....it's nearly the end of New York Fashion Week, and this Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters, is your Glamorous Bee special correpondant here to tell you about an amazing show that the fashion press was eagerly awaiting, Peter Som's first collection as creative director of the iconic American brand, Bill Blass.

As a beauty reviewer, I'm always interested in the total look and not just the clothes. And, as I entered the backstage, the Creative Nail Design team were already hard at work, adding a brown/burguny shimmer polish called "Baroque" (you can get it now if you like) to both fingers AND toes of the model. Tom Pechaux was working his makeup magic with the MAC Pro Team. When I asked what the vision was for the makeup he without hesitation replied: GLAM ROCK." But then the charming makeup artist added: "More glam than rock." The look was pale matte skin, bright cheeks, nude lip, brown, elegant eyes. Eugene created the hair look. This slick, severe bun was reminiscent of a modern Robert Palmer Girl meet Helmut Newton The slicked back bun was severe, but the little twist on the side made it a bit funkier and more feminine.

An hour before the show was to start, the photographers and TV crews were beginning to close in. Peter Som still kept his cool, not the least bit worried about his collection. Of course, he needn't worry--it was amazing! The clothes were strong, architectural in feeling, beautifully cut and tailored. The strong, almost masculine designs of this collection simply reek of class, and they drape and form around a woman's body like expensive clothes for discerning women (not girls) do. The structured, slender evening gowns and tailored daywear were really compelling, but they're not the type of clothes you can cuddle up to. This is attractive power dressing in the way a woman dreams to look, but it's not a young girl's "pretty." This card, situated right outside of the catwalk entrance, shows all of the looks!

I have enjoyed being your special correspondant this week and sharing a little bit of Fashion Week with Glamorous Bee readers. I hope you enjoyed my posts!

all text and photos © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. All photos by Alison Blackman Dunham. For permission to use this content, please contact advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)