CHANEL [Masque Destressant Puerte]: Purifying Cream Mask

Talk about ‘Deck the Halls.’ Saks Fifth Avenue is old world when it comes to putting up a show for the holidays. The window displays & in-store décor are so magically alluring. Anyone can be apart of its Winter Wonderland theme!

On Friday, I met up with Dee [@deniselao] to celebrate my 30^th Birthday Night Out. From 6:30pm to closing, we only covered two cosmetic counters. It turned into the battle of M.A.C. vs. CHANEL.

Shout out to my new Cisco Flip Video. I give this neat gadget lots of rave. The coolest moment at the M.A.C. counter was being recorded for my #ShopSocial2010 video upload. I’ve never recorded myself making beauty choices for others to view.

Once my mini haul at M.A.C ended, we went onto CHANEL to check out what’s hot. Dee spotted an interesting nail polish color, ‘Black Pearl.’ She copped the addition for her ongoing collection.

In the midst of the hype, we chatted with Beckie Lowe, the Executive Cosmetic Trainer for CHANEL’s NY accounts. Once, she found out we were celebrating my BNO; Dee & Beckie persuaded me to get a CHANEL makeover.

Beckie is ‘real.’ Her team of Beaute Analyste praised her skills. I felt honored to have spent time with her. She taught me the do’s & don’ts on how to treat my skin.

One product, I didn’t have a chance to sample was the Masque Destressant Puerte: Purifying Cream Mask [$50]. Masks are a staple & necessity in my skincare regime. Especially, since I’m doomed with combination skin. I can’t wait to try it.

Aside from my fancy Salvatore Ferragamo scarf, Dee also treated me to a Poudre Douce in Rosse [$50]. I wore it today. It sets my foundation nicely & makes my skin look youthful.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a more awesome birthday. Dee as always made it happen in so many other ways. Turning 30 years old is definitely a milestone to remember!

Phyto Universe - FREE haircut w/color service

Tweeted by PHYTO Hair Care (Twitter handle PhytoHairCare:

Would u like a FREE haircut w/color service by Master Colorist? $125 n up Call: 212.308.0270 for appt! 12/14-12/18 Phyto Universe 58th/Lex.

I actually missed the tweet, but my blogger pal, @MASQUEmag reminded me about it in her blog post.

Are you a social shopper?

Savvy Social Shoppers Sound off About Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare & eCoupons

A couple weeks ago, Flightpath, a digital agency in NYC and the company I work for, launched a new website called www.ShopSocial2010.com.

What is ShopSocial?
ShopSocial is a microsite and YouTube channel that has been set up to track this year's social shopping and social media trends during the holiday season. The channel serves up insider information on shopping plans that includes various promotions via Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and other eCoupon sites.

ShopSocial Contest
If you're a social shopper, you can share your YouTube link at the ShopSocial microsite, www.ShopSocial2010.com. Your videos to the ShopSocial 2010 playlist, and four lucky shoppers, whose videos receive the most views by midnight December 31, 2010 will win a gift card.

Amazing Holiday Sale! $100 SPA Gift Cards are only $79.99 from SPAWEEK

Stuck trying to figure out what to get your friends for the holidays? How about a s gift card. Who wouldn't want to treat themselves to a massage, pedicures, or even a facial.

Fortunately, SPAWEEK is having their Amazing Holiday Sale! $100 SPA Gift Cards are only $79.99. 20% off is a great deal. I'm about to take advantage of it myself.

Perks:

• Valid at thousands of spas nationwide
• Valid year-round and never expire
• Instant email delivery service available
• Personalize your gift message

If you want, add an Elegant Gift Box for $6.99 - for an extra special touch!

Check out SPAWEEK's website to learn more.

dee's Favorite Designer Pumps of the Season [on sale]

Tis the season when Designers' Fall/Winter collection go on sale. And this is when I go crazy at all the major department stores and boutiques, looking for the perfect pair of shoes.

After shopping for a week (online and in stores), I've come up with the list of "Want this..." and this... and this...

Jimmy Choo Quiet

These popular peep-toe shoes, available in patent leather and suede, are now available on sale in exotic Crocodile print. I could see myself wearing this all year round. There is a little platform so the height of the heel may seem deceiving. You can still walk pretty in them.

Heel Height: 120mm/4.7"

Original Price: $695.00
Now: $486.50

Sergio Rossi ChiChi Pump

Take your little black dresses to the next level. These pumps are gorgeous, and loud, in a different kind of way. Purple signifies royalty, right?

• Deep purple suede.
• Pointed toe.
• Covered heel.
• Made in Italy.

Original Price: $495.00
Now: $331.00

Other variations can be found on Sergio Rossi's website in red, blue and black open toe:

Red Suede Open Toe ChiChi Pump
With Animal Print Detail On Heel.
$334 - $560

Christian Louboutin Clownita 85 pumps

I managed to score these pumps at Saks for 30% off (last pair) but you can still get them on Net-a-Porter for $965.

Black leather pumps with a heel that measures approximately 85mm/ 3.5 inches. Christian Louboutin shoes have ruched leather detail on the heel and toe, a peep-toe and signature red leather soles.

JOSIE MARAN [Luxury with a Conscience] GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara

After giving birth to Lucas about 3 years ago, I’ve been trying my best to switch up my on-the-go diet into a healthier lifestyle. Ordering Chinese take-out came to a halt and shopping at Trader Joe’s became a weekly adventure. As I got more consumed into the organic living/homeopathic movement, I adopted the concept: if you can't eat it don't put it on your skin.

So let me just add, I’m not full-blown in the beauty arena. I’m still enjoying my escapades sampling products in Sephora! I’ve strayed away from some ingredients like parabens & silicones. And, I give some natural lines a chance to win my likings before I buy a product from NARS, CHANEL, MAKE UP FOREVER, or Urban Decay.

I have a few natural product keepers - Tarte, Korres, & Bare Escentuals. My local Sephora on Austin Street in Forest Hills doesn’t carry the full Josie Maran line, yet. However, 2 weeks ago, I picked up her Argan Oil to Go ($14) while waiting on line.

I heard cyber buzz that Argan oil can transform your tresses into having a lustrous glossy sheen. Josie’s motif is ‘Luxury with a Conscience.’ I must admit belles; her cutting edge touch is chic with a full array of non-toxic ingredients wrapped up in recycled eco-friendly packaging. Josie is also motivated by several giving-back campaigns. Not only does she put out quality products that are safe, but she also incorporates her top model trade secrets.

My face is hooked on Argan oil. For those who are anti-oil in facial products, this is an exception for sure. It’s has a lightweight absorbable texture with extreme benefits. Next on my list to buy is the GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara.

Josie Maran was launched in 2007, only 3 years in the making. Lets see where mastering perfection takes her.

Prada Private: 'Made in Prada' customizable glasses

Very cool: Prada Private: 'Made in Prada' customizable glasses

Burberry 'Margaret' Handbag

Super cute. Not traditionally your type of Burberry style. I love it for that very reason. Probably, won't be able to own it because of two factors: price & availability. However, I will try to compensate with a piece from the ultra stylish Kate Spade New York: Gold Coast collection. To the left is a shot of the Maryanne 2 handbag. This collection reminds me so much of Chanel's mojo minus the hefty price tag. I'm totally infatuated with Margot & the Jules 2 wallet in ash.

A Kate Spade bag named after me, and a sweepstakes

How cute is this Kate Spade bag. It's named after me:

kate spade nylon small
denise
$249

Too bad it only comes in nylon.

Thanks to my friend, Candice for letting me know about their sweepstakes, so maybe I can use the prize money to buy this purse.

Enter the Kate Spade NY (Twitter handle: @katespadeny) and Refinery 29 (Twitter handle: @refinery29 Fashion Sweepstakes: win a $1,500 Holiday Spree http://bit.ly/h93Jdb. Good luck!

All I want for Christmas (under $30)

To make life easier for my friends, I've compiled a list of things I want for Christmas and posted it here (and on Facebook). Hopefully people read it.

1. Travel books on Belgium

• The Rough Guide to Belgium and Luxembourg
• Good Beer Guide Belgium
• Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels

2. Travel books on New Zealand

3. Chanel Nail Polish - Shade: Riva or Jade Rose

4. Gift Certificates/Cards: Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, or Pottery Barn

5. Magazine subscription:

• Conde Nast Traveller
• Budget Travel
• Real Simple

Madison Avenue Spy: Louboutin Sample Sale, NEXT WEEK

According to Madison Avenue Spy: Louboutin Sample Sale, NEXT WEEK: "We have received official confirmation that the Christian Louboutin sample sale will be next week, Wednesday, November 17 to Friday, Novembe..."

Let's rewind and let me share my experience of the last Christian Louboutin sample sale last May.

1. A line of 20 ladies = a 2 hour wait time

2. If you're not on the guest/RSVP list, don't even bother to wait. They are very strict and will not let you in. UNLESS, you manage to ask everyone on the line if they RSVP'ed a +1 and their +1 is a no show.

3. If you're on the list, bring ID - yeah, they check.

4. Inspect the shoes. They set a time limit on the floor so everyone is scouring through boxes of shoes. Don't let the rush make you forget to inspect the shoe you're about to purchase. You waited 2 hours, might as well make sure you are purchasing the right item, at good quality.

Pictured right is the cute pair of shoes I purchased for $150. Not a shoe you can wear everyday, but I bought it for my wedding. I did find other shoes, but nothing amazing that I had to have 'em.


I don't think the sale is worth the 2 hour wait, unless you really have nothing else to do. Just bring a good book or make sure your iPhone/iPad has enough battery life to keep you occupied as you stand on line.

Now, who's going to the November 17th sale?

Taken by James Rubio Photography

Barneys Private Sale - Starting November 18th

I just got a postcard in the mail promoting the Private Winter Sale at Barneys New York. The sale starts November 18 and runs for a week. And of course, if you open a Barneys credit card, you save an additional 10% off the day's purchases.

Neiman Marcus First Call Sale

I just got a postcard from Neiman Marcus:

First Call® begins Wednesday, November 10.
On November 10th, there will a one day sale, where there will be designer deals throughout the store that are not part of the First Call, but they'll go back to the original prices on the 11th. I wonder what they'll have.

The regular sale will run from Wednesday, November 10 to Tuesday, November 16th.

Looking forward to it.

Restoration Hardware: Friends and Family event- November 2010

Last week I was told that Restoration Hardware is also holding a “Friends and Family Event” offering 20 percent off everything from Nov 13-16. Just a week away, I'm already thinking about what to purchase. I've already taken advantage of purchasing their bedding collection last month during their $100 of $400 promotion.

So what do I want... a wall clock. Either one of these will do. I think they would make a fine accent to my dining room, which was recently painted the Restoration Hardware Charcoal color:

Timeworks Chateau-Thierry clock
Image credit: Restoration Hardware

London Rail Clock
Image credit: Restoration Hardware

I've also seen Newgate clocks at Lilian August showrooms.

Any ideas where I can find similar clocks? Please share.

Madison Avenue Spy: Louboutin Sample Sale Rumors

Madison Avenue Spy: Louboutin Sample Sale Rumors: "We have received information about the upcoming Louboutin sample sale but the dates have not been officially conformed. Our spies say that t..."

Gap Free Jeans Giveaway - Friday, Nov 5, 2010

Today, the Gap will be giving away 10,000 pairs of jeans nationwide. All Gap stores are participating and have a certain number of jeans to give away, so from east coast to west coast and every store in between you can get in on the action!

I already snagged my own free pair this morning, so now it's your turn - view the info on Gap's Facebook event page.

What's the catch? 
You've gotta check in to Facebook places via your web-enabled devices, iPhone or Droid.

How to access Facebook Places on web-enabled devices, iPhones, and Android devices: http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=17390

Weleda's Natural Beauty Quiz and a coupon

I just took Weleda's Natural Beauty quiz. I thought I could easily tell the difference between natural and conventional ingredients, apparently not. Test your knowledge by taking their Facebook quiz, and get a $2 coupon towards Weleda products at the end.

My first Hermès scarf

This weekend I finally bought my first Hermès scarf. I've been wanting one for years, and never knew which one to buy, since I loved them all.

Last Thursday, I attended an event at Bergdorf Goodman - J’aime mon carré (Translation: I love my scarf). A bunch of scarves were on display to play with. I stumbled upon a black and yellow Ex Libris en Camouflage. The moment I tried it on, I was hooked. Just a simple scarf wrapped around my neck, atop my leather jacket. Unfortunately, what I tried on was a sample, so I settled for the second best, Les Poneys de Polo. 


On Saturday, I stopped by an actual Hermès store, and found the one I was madly in love with, and in the color I wanted. They gladly took back the scarf I didn't want and did an even exchange. Extra points to you, Hermès.

And so, my first Hermès:

My 3rd blog...

...yes, my third blog. I have a separate blog for food and one for travel.

Alas, 3 is my favorite number, and one of my passions is shopping. So this blog will cover stuff I find, stuff I want, and other pretty stuff.

Enjoy!