Lipstick Money

The Vivid Life

2011-11-24T08:28:00.001-05:00

Sorry to be MIA. The Lipstick Ladies have been b-u-s-y. I'm neck-high in diapers with a toddler and a now 4-month-old and my partner in lipstick fun started a new kicking job with a startup. I know, excuses, excuses!

We were both recently musing on creative women who inspire us with their unbelievable talent and sheer gusto to make it happen. So often we get mired down in the day-to-day and stop listening to our inner voices. It's tragic.

One woman who has taken bold by the horns and turned it into a colorful fantasy is Samantha Corrigan. When our dear friend T mentioned that her sister had launched a new clothing line, we had no idea what a supersized treat was in store. Inspired by her childhood growing up between New York and Africa, Vivid features vibrant colorful fabrics in uber-chic silhouettes. Say bye-bye to wallflower and hello razzle-dazzle.

How's this for Flower Power.

Georgina stands alone or pair her with skinny jeans for a more casual twist.

These clutches come in so many yummy fabrics. It's impossible to choose just one.

These swoon-worthy mules will make any outfit. Have you ever!

Until next time - Be Vivid.

Bust the Bagel

2011-08-15T15:45:00.000-04:00

Well the Lipstick Money ladies were chatting, and we're all ponying up for the new Spanx Active Wear Power Pants. Since we each came to that decision independently, we thought it was a good thing to share with the rest of you ladies!

Dubbed the Slim-X Bagel Buster, we can't wait until ours come in the mail. Perfect for the post-baby belly or that over-indulgent summer trip, we are sure to wear these to our favorite classes and also around town.

Seeing as everyone woman we know credits Spanx with looking fabulous from their ball gowns to their office wear, who better to enter this market? We're certain that these will become a part of the 'uniform.'

A Bicycle Built For....

2011-07-20T15:59:00.000-04:00

These steamy days of summer make us long for those carefree hours as kids where we just rode our bikes all over town with only the strict instructions to mind our manners and be back home when the lights came on.

There are a few bikes out there helping us reclaim that sentiment, and we recommend hopping aboard and taking a spin, by yourself or with the kids. Coast and feel the wind in your hair - and don't forget to stop at the local budding entrepreneur's lemonade stand.

The Torker is a fabulously functional take on the grown-up tricycle. You're not winning the Tour de France for sure on this one, but it's a great (and eco-friendly) way to make it to the beach and back with all your gear, and never turn the ignition.

Channel a little Flower Power with Nirve's Sunflower Cruiser:

Ride down to the local ice cream stand on this one from Chubby's Cruisers - you pretty much have to order the Mint Chip.

And we LOVE that Lilly has launched a bike. Add a basket to the front and you are ready for a spin around the Vineyard or Nantucket. Toodle-loo!

Dad's Day Roundup

2011-06-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

Father's Day has snuck up on me this year. You too? I for one marvel at the accomplishments, generosity and spirit of the two dads in my life, my father and my husband. Here are a few LM ways to show them the love.

The best things in life can't be bought. It's also a reality that sometimes even the most wildly organized among us fail to produce a winning gift in time for the big day. In this case, we suggest the beloved voucher. Consider it your husband's get-out-of-jail-free card to sleep late, play golf, fish, ride or do whatever makes him smile. Please note, you cannot grimace, moan, or make any other derogatory gesture when he actually redeems it.

For needlepoint belts that won't require you to sew a stitch, look no further than Tucker Blair.

If seersucker and bourbon make you swoon, Southern Proper captures the endless charm of the well-tailored gentleman. The Hound Dog Gent Tie and the Trout Beau Tie caught my eye. Don't take my word for it. Check out the entire collection to see what suits daddy dear.

And now for my absolute favorite shopping spot for men, Vineyard Vines. How adorable are these margarita-themed swim trunks? If your guy won't do pink (mine won't.....boo hoo!), they also come in blue.

This year I opted to encourage my husband's new-found interest in grilling since our move to the burbs. Naturally (and quite selfishly) I am vitally invested in nurturing this hobby. To get the grill on, turn to Williams-Sonoma Gifts for the Griller. By the way, I waddled my very pregnant self to the store to try every single one of the BBQ Sauces and they were all amazing!

If your goal is to make dad cry, look no further than Snapfish, Shutterfly, or one of the host of other online photo sites. These websites make it turn-key to create a sweet memory book of the year--pictures of dads with children, grandchildren. Their reaction makes the time investment worth every minute. I'm no techie and it took me about two hours.

With x's and o's and a Happy Father's Day!

Run Baby Run

2011-06-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

A Guest Posting from one of our favorite Lipstick Money Ladies, Tara Cameron, a great runner, mom, friend, and fabulous all-around lady!

Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer, glorious Summer. With sunnier days upon us, it is so fun to head outside to get some exercise. Running outdoors is my most favorite thing to do, but I also love swimming in an outdoor pool or the ocean, playing tennis or lacrosse with my kids or horseback riding.

All of these fun outdoor activities require physical preparation so we can stay healthy and uninjured!

Here are just a few things to remember as you head outside for some cardio:

1. Stretch, stretch, stretch - before and after you exercise. Our bodies need to get warmed up and stretched in order to prevent sudden strains or injury. Try a FOAM roller, if you haven't already. They are excellent for stretching and releasing any built up lactic acid in your muscles. You can buy one for $18 at Power Systems.

2. Hydrate. You need more than your daily 8 glasses of water in the summer heat. Drink water before and after outdoor activity. Flavor it with a single dose of the new Crystal Light Pure line or Iced Tea if you get bored with the taste. Gatorade and Propel are decent options but have chemicals and additives, so if you can, stick with ice cold H2O!

3. Take a daily supplement. I like Metagenics Wellness Essentials for Women. They come in a 30-day supply of daily "AM" and "PM" doses. It is a comprehensive vitamin and can be purchased through a nutritionist, chiropractor or doctor - as well as some places online.

4. Buy some jolly workout clothes to motivate you! I like the Nike running skorts because they are feminine yet sporty. The Nike tennis skorts come in a variety of jazzy colors - such as this one. They also have some new running shorts with compression shorts built in that look fun yet functional. Of course Lululemon and Athleta have cute workout gear as well.

5. If it is too hot to go outside, try out the TRX system (core suspension straps). These straps are excellent for their versatility as you can do a variety of workouts with them. Focus on stabilizing your core while challenging every muscle group to build stronger, leaner muscles. You can find them at TRX Training. A set of dumbells are another great multifunctional tool to build core and joint stability - start off with 3-pound hand dumbells. You can find some great simple routines at Self Magazine's site.

6. If you do get injured or need some medical attention, seek out an Active Release Therapy practitioner in your area. ART providers utilize highly developed skills and anatomical knowledge, in conjunction with symptom patterns and functional testing, to locate scar tissue on and in between muscles and nerves. A precise hand or thumb contact is applied to the problem area and the patient is directed to move the region of the body through a specific range of motion. I have had a recurring tendonitis and IT band pain and my ART doctor used a variety of modalities to eliminate my knee and IT band pain. These include: a hands-on contact to break up any scar tissue, lasers to reduce edema in the knee area and chiropractic adjustments to ensure my running gait was proper, to prevent further injury. It worked for me after 8 visits and most insurance policies cover this type of physical therapy. (Be sure to see your doctor though as this isn't medical advice - just one running girl's experience!).

Have fun and enjoy a great summer!! xoxox

Clutch One

2011-05-11T15:39:00.000-04:00

In our humble opinion, the clutch deserves a little more love. By day it provides a go-to refuge in whatever enormous bag you likely tote. Then it seamlessly slips into evening attire once the sun goes down. Here are a few we adore that won't break the bank.

The Jackson Clutch by Kage is beyond groovy. If you're in the mood for something discreet opt for the white snakeskin version, and if you want to shout it out, checkout this sparkle. Either one can be monogrammed.

DVF has done it again with these kicky bags in a range of materials from woven rattan to snakeskin embossed with animal prints. The gold coral clasp seals the deal.

First spotted at this year's Edgewood Fair, Sarah Oliver handbags are hand-knit by a gaggle of retirees knows as the "Purlette's." If the word "knit bag" conjures up images of some arts-and-crafts experiment gone awry, think again. These bags are chic! The brooches are removable so buy an extra brooch or add your own.

And because you know we're suckers for all things pink, we had to include the Eugenie courtesy of Marc Jacobs. It screams summer fun.

Feel like a burst of sunshine while carrying this stunner from Kate Spade. The lemon drop yellow is beyond happy and the pineapple topper makes us crave fruity cocktails.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T18:04:00.001-04:00

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever."
~ Anonymous

Thanks to our wonderful moms who are always close at heart. To all you moms out there, keep up the good work. It's not in vain. Happy Mother's Day!

xo The Lipstick Ladies

Monogram Me

2011-04-21T18:11:00.000-04:00

At Lipstick Money, you know we have a thing for monograms. We've made mention of it in many a post, so we thought we'd share some of our favorite monogrammed items. We'd love it if you'd share some of yours!

Lipstick Shades - (hey great name) has fab iPhone covers, custom cutting boards, and super fun melamine plates. Monogrammed daily happiness - we're crazy for things that put sunshine into the day, no matter the weather outside.

Queen Bea Studios makes delicious bags - both the straw handbags she's known for, as well as some useful and stylish totes. We adore the new ones this season made of sturdy canvas with fun seatbelt handles that come in a myriad of colors and monogram choices.

Classic with a twist - monogram your own Polo shirt, handsome on the kids as well (and your other half - although perhaps not all at once unless it's team croquet).

It's all your own footwear with personalized sandals from Stephen Bonanno at the Pink Monogram. Go out on a limb and choose some bright contrasts for the base and whippet trim for summer.

Have a cocktail at the beach in style with a Tervis Tumbler - also a great gift.

And don't forget to pass it on to the next generation with the must-have diaper cover set:

Delicious Read

2011-04-01T14:13:00.000-04:00

It can be beyond tough to come up with a fresh and inspiring gift idea. Tastebook to the rescue. If you haven't yet tuned into Tastebook, it's a fabulous website that makes it easy to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind cookbooks, perfect for Mother's Day, showers, or family reunions. You get to be the author, editor and designer, selecting the recipes, photography and cover. Add your own favorite recipes or choose from the over 100,000 recipes from the top chefs, cookbook authors and some of the best recipe websites: from the New York Times, Cooking Light and Food & Wine, to Epicurious, the Mayo Clinic and many more. Now through April 5th, Tastebook is offering 25% off on orders of $30 or more. Enter save25 at checkout. They also have a great recipe app - perfect for deciding what to feed your family while you're on the go.

Bon Appetit!

TASTEBOOK

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way

2011-03-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe it's almost time again for the Easter Bunny. Can't wait for all of the egg hunts and chocolate decadence. It's always tough to find adorable, appropriate dresses for girls, that they feel pretty and special in as well. Here are some that we love for that holiday, and again for a special family party, Daddy Daughter dance, or whatever the May flowers may bring.

We love this sleeveless taffeta party dress from Papo D'Anjo. Pair it with the matching check shirt for her brother, or sisters look beautiful in these together. We also think the blue ikat pattern is fabulous.

Adorable two-tone dress from Luli & Me.

Orient Expressed can always be counted on for finding matching smocked sets for siblings, and just some all-around great dresses. As pretty at the park as at a party. Here are the Daffodil Bishop and the Plaid with (LM fave) Monogram.

Emily Lacey is a go-to favorite for smocked dresses, smocked fleeces (so cute and cozy), and also classic cardigans. Here are a couple of their entrants for Spring - go back for their 4th of July dresses! Green & Pink Floral Sundress and a Blue Gingham Double Croise.

Here's a fresh pick from KC Parker:

And last but not least another great gingham from The Magic Wardrobe:

Hope you all have a Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Cuffed

2011-03-24T16:27:00.000-04:00

Whenever I wear a cuff, I feel as though I've been infused with a little Wonder Woman super power for the day. I love the way one simple piece can make such a statement, so bold and so strong. Here are a few that we've been admiring. Do share if you have any favorite up-and-coming jewelry designers.

Tangled in gilded coral.

Made of recycled nickel silver with horn inlay, this truly is artwork for your arm.

Stacks of color.

Introducing Diana.

Kara Ross' Honeycomb cuff.

It's a Wedge Issue

2011-03-21T21:16:00.000-04:00

Wedges, wedges, everywhere. How to choose? Here is our take on some of the best out there for the Spring season. That season 'they' keep telling us is coming - seeing as it was the Vernal Equinox yesterday. Cold and rainy outside my window, how 'bout you? But we're dreaming of wearing these wedges very soon.

We're crazy for this Gucci Sofia Straw Wedge - chic, sleek and yet still playful.

Tory had some great wedges last year and she continues them again for 2011. Here are two - we couldn't pick just one. Criss-Cross Espadrille and the Patent Pamela.

Nice entries from Stuart Weitzman: meet Jean and Alex. Great shoes that wear well and don't hurt your feet.

Where we would be without an injection of fun in the form of preppy wicker from Kate Spade?

And we LOVE to see that Toms has gotten into the game. Fab fashion with a cause. In case you don't know about them, Toms gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that you purchase. One for One as the folks at Toms say. Hooray.

Hope to see you in wide white pants, a wonderful tunic or a flirty dress, sporting a pair like these. Do you have other faves? If so, please share!

A Wish For A Friend

2011-03-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

A lesser-known Irish Blessing for you on St. Patrick's Day, one that's very LM.

A Wish For A Friend

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers -
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours -
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Slainte!

Tsunami on My Mind

2011-03-15T00:25:00.000-04:00

Our hearts go out to everyone following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Although it's surely being covered, we thought it prudent to remind everyone (ourselves included) to have the proper supplies on hand in the event of an emergency. We've heard it said that "The First 72 are on You" - i.e., have enough on hand to last everyone in your family that long. Here's our rough guide:

1. We love Scout storage bins. They're wonderful catch-alls that look fab as well. So purchase a couple of these for both the trunk of your car and in an easy-to-reach locale at home to store all of the supplies. Here is the Junque Trunk (or we also like the slightly smaller Shouldah Bin):

2. Essential all-purpose emergency back-packs are also a must. Calculate how many you will need for your family. Although a bit pricey, it's nice to have this all in one place, but you could build your own kit as well. This is a two-person pack, good for a couple, or families that can buy two or three. How they can fit all this into a regular back-pack is kind of astounding.

3. Food & Water. Having Meals-Ready-To-Eat (or MRE's) are good to have on hand. We are drawn to the ones that come with a heat source just in case. Consider adding a box of protein energy bars as well. Be sure to have some extra gallons of water on hand or purchase these packets to have in both locales (there's water in the emergency pack above as well). One gallon per person, per day, for three days is a good rule of thumb.

4. Emergency Radio. Good to be able to hear news reports. Ideally have one that is a hand-crank or battery operated. We like this one from LL Bean that is also solar powered, has a flashlight and ports for charging a cell phone:

5. Be sure to also have blankets, essential tools (hammer, screwdriver and a wrench in case you need to shut off a gas valve), some shoes for everyone, and cash in small denominations.

We're sure there is always more but we hope this gets you started or helps you fill in what you may be missing. Take care of each other - that's what Lipstick Money girlfriends do.

Spring Break Essentials

2011-03-08T00:20:00.000-05:00

At last an escape from the long days of winter is just around the corner. As our college friends joke, "girls gone wild" has been notably replaced with "girls gone mild." Mild works. Now start packing.

Spring for a pedicure and sport these bejeweled sandals.

A sophisticated one-piece that offers a refreshing alternative to black.

Now here's a festive way to cover-up in style.

Find your happy place with the "Joy." Lilly, of course.

Finally sunscreen that won't clog your pores!

Don't forget your sunglasses - Aviators from Ray-Ban are back and always a classic.

Kissable lips courtesy of Chanel

Tory's Saffiano Rattan Clutch is practical enough to throw in your tote by day yet begs for a night out on the town once the sun goes down.

And last, but not least, a good, juicy book - either via Kindle, iPad, or the old-standby, real paper. Here are two that we're reading right now:

Cutting for Stone

This is Not The Story You Think It Is: A Season of Unlikely Happiness

Bon Voyage!

The Best Ruffle Cardigan Sweaters

2011-03-03T11:07:00.000-05:00

We at Lipstick Money love ruffle sweaters. They are a wardrobe staple; you can dress them up or down, with jeans, a t-shirt and funky necklace, or with dressy pants, a lovely scarf and smashing belt. Consider adding one (or two) to your wardrobe, available in a myriad of colors. We find they are one of our true go-to items in the closet. Classic and put together, but completely at ease - kind of sums up all of you Lipstick Money Ladies doesn't it?

Periwinkle Grande Ruffle Cardigan

Diane von Furstenburg Cheva Ruffle-Front Sweater

Eileen Fisher Cascading Cardigan

Lilly Pulitzer Shere Sweater Coat

Catalog Choice - Yes Please

2011-02-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

Like many of you, we just had our kids' winter vacation from school. We returned to find the piles of mail, and more than half of it was catalogs.

We all do a fair amount of online shopping but seriously, the number of catalogs that show up in our mailbox is ridiculous. It seems to be such a waste, when most of them go directly into the recycling bin.

So with that in mind we thought we'd share one nonprofit we found that is aiming to cut that down. It's called Catalog Choice and it does just that - allows you to opt out of catalogs you're just not interested in, and only receive the ones you want.

Sign up, enter your name and address, and from there you can search their database of hundreds of catalog companies and they will help you get off those mailing lists. They make it easy - and they're starting to help people with other privacy concerns online. By their estimation, they've saved 670,577 full grown trees, 672 million pounds of solid waste, and over 98 million gallons of water used to process the paper. That's a lot of unwanted mail.

I'm entering a bunch of the ones I received today - and keeping the ones I'd like to see again. Thought you might enjoy this helpful hint. Perhaps it will free up a few more minutes of your day and do a little good too.

Catalog Choice

Shake and Wear

2011-02-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

This one is for all you ladies who refuse to iron. Much to my mother's chagrin, I'm one of them. I have survived thanks to the old steam-it-while-you-shower trick, and the abundance of Chinese laundries in San Francisco, but lately I'm all about shake and wear. These pieces are quick, easy, and truly pret-a-porter.

This first one from Lesley Evers is a personal fave. It's available in camel, charcoal gray, and black. I'm hoping they come out with a spring version in vibrant colors. Hot pink anyone? Pair it with tall boots and you're done.

There's a reason why DVF's infamous wrap dress has been a wardrobe staple since its 1973 debut. The Clealan gives a nod to the color block trend that's in the Spring forecast.

Think a classic button down is out? Well think again. J. McLaughlin makes one in a soft tee fabric. Oh-so-chic with jeans and flats!

Perfect with white pants (and yes, weather-permitting, you can wear white pants before Memorial Day), this Elizabeth McKay original punches up the polo. They're on sale now in orange and red, so catch one while you can.

Ahoy There!

2011-02-17T11:05:00.000-05:00

America's Cup fever has infected San Francisco and it's putting many of us landlubbers in a nautical frame of mind. These classics look at home whether land-locked or by the sea.

A sophisticated nod to those rope bracelets from summer camp (which are here if you're looking for your kids). This chunky cotton rope necklace by Lizzie Fortunato is available on Chance, the brainchild of a former Kate Spade design starlet.

These stripes hail from Brittany's legendary St. James. Choose from a palette of delicious colors.

If your look requires a bit more sparkle, J. McLaughlin offers a touch of shimmer with its Seashore Tunic.

And flats by Pretty Ballerinas were first spotted on Habitually Chic. They're simply adorable!

Who knew that sailing could be so sexy? What knockouts from Tory Burch (available this May). Thanks again to Habitually Chic for the 411.

The Dark n' Stormy needlepoint belt courtesy of Smathers & Branson. Your mate will love you for it.

And because every sailor worth her salt knows how to throw one back.....

Dark n' Stormy

Ingredients:
Ice
1/4 lime
2 ounces dark rum (we love Goslings)
10 ounces of ginger beer
Lime wedge for garnish

Directions:
Fill 12-ounce glass with ice. Squeeze the lime wedge over the ice in the glass. Add rum, ginger beer, stir and garnish with a lime wedge.

Cheers!

Charmed, I'm Sure

2011-02-14T15:32:00.000-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day we wanted to share with you our favorite charm necklaces. There are many copy cats out there these days, but we're giving you our top three. And no, we're not sticking extras in there - these are the only ones so far that are classic yet eye-catching. Add your children's initials, your sweetie's name, or the paw print of man's best friend; this is one accessory that you can dress up or down - with a t-shirt or a cocktail dress. Lipstick Money ladies are truly charming as we know - so tie one on and carry the loves of your life with you every day.

Heather Moore

Jennifer Fisher

Helen Ficalora

Valentine's Day For Him

2011-02-10T16:04:00.000-05:00

Sound familiar? Cupid's arrow strikes but you're fresh out of ideas of what to get your sweetie.

What better way to say I love you than to protect your guy when he ventures out of bounds. This ABS backpack inflates in an avalanche and becomes a parachute-like life vest. How 007!

If arm candy is your way to his heart then checkout these whimsical cufflinks bound to bring a chuckle amidst the chaos.

Indulge his other love by helping him get into the groove....

Get inspired with these love vouchers or better yet make your own.

At a bare minimum, toss aside the sweats and tshirts for one night. Dubbed the "Love Suspender" by Agent Provocateur, flaunt it and win his heart forever.

Happy Heart Day......xoxo

The Accidental Housewife

2011-02-07T10:44:00.000-05:00

The word housewife makes us cringe. Despite the ick factor, let's get real. We all get down and dirty every now and again. Looking for an attitude adjustment when you're faced with loads of laundry and last night's dishes? Help and humor have arrived!

Bid adieu to dishpan hands forever with these ultra feminine gloves by Gloveables.

Not quite the French maid, but a close second.

Required reading.

A woman after your own heart. These cocktail napkins say it all so you can keep sipping your Chardonnay......

.......or some CocktailRx. Girlfriend, you've earned it!

Our Favorite iPad Covers

2011-02-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

Well iPads are rapidly becoming ubiquitous, but we know that Lipstick Money ladies are anything but common. Where to find the best cloak for your new indispensable accessory? We will give you a few of our faves.

Our inner book worm leads us to this classic tome cover from Twelve South. It's vintage with a twist. Yes, it was in Oprah, but truly, we had one in hand before we saw the magazine. And we still love it. Do you think the Austen sisters would approve?

At Lipstick Money, you know we have a thing for monograms, so we can't resist this one at Saks.

We are also known to favor some shades of 'icky green' occasionally, so this (faux) alligator makes for a chic companion.

This fab entry from Vivre makes us feel hip in Manhattan or Jackson Hole. Be spotted with this one.

And because maybe you may need one for an upcoming tropical getaway or to remind you that summer will come again, this one from Boxwave beckons us to rolling dunes and salty breezes. Pick up one or two depending on the season?

Join the Peace Cord

2011-01-31T13:02:00.000-05:00

We learned about these fabulous bracelets and wanted to share the love. Peace Cords are woven by women in Afghanistan - creating local jobs there. And they're constructed with parachute cord and genuine buttons from U.S. Military uniforms. Their goal: to empower Afghan women to lift their families out of poverty, and to support the troops there who are trying to help Afghanistan rebuild. We hear the military guys themselves are starting to wear these - and that if they get in a bind, they can unravel their bracelets and use them like MacGyver. Ride on this Peace train.

Peace Cord

Deliver Us Daphne

2011-01-29T17:02:00.000-05:00

We have had some unusually spectacular weather on the West Coast, and we know our counterparts in the East have had some wild amounts of snow. Now that the rain has returned here and the East digs out from yet another storm, we thought we would share this wonderful flowering shrub. Her name is Daphne. Her scent is dizzingly delightful, she blooms in the Winter out this way, and she gives us all a little dose of sweet freshness while we yearn for Spring. Consider introducing her to your garden.

{image courtesy of Strange's Garden Center}