season five

return to beauty: don't toss that pumpkin!

2009-11-26T15:15:13-08:00

Return to Beauty offers inexpensive skin care regimens you can make from fresh ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Author and aesthetician to the stars Narine Nikogosian trained in nursing with a concentration in dermatology in her native Armenia and Russia before coming to the United States where she built a well-respected reputation at Ole Henriksen on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. She was kind enough to send me this book and offers this creamy pumpkin spa mask recipe, one of her most popular, for Season Five readers. Pumpkins are high in vitamins A and C (antioxidants) and zinc - great for the skin. Enjoy!

Creamy Pumpkin Spa Mask

1 small pumpkin
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup mineral water

Preparation: Halve the pumpkin and peel it. In a small saucepan over low heat, cook the pumpkin in the milk for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, then cut the pumpkin into very thin slices.

Application: Cover your face and neck with the pumpkin slices and relax for 20 minutes. Rinse with the warm milk, then rinse with the mineral water.

make merry with marvelous hair accessories

2009-11-26T14:21:22-08:00

Get prettied up for all of the holiday parties on your agenda this season. Embellished hair accessories can transform your evening look from ordinary to fabulous. Wear your favorite LBD with a dramatic hair ornament for an instant dash of glam. The hair accessories featured here can work with most hairstyles from shorter bobs to shoulder length layered styles or even the longest locks. Everything from crystal headbands to feathers and vintage findings embellish the loveliest hair accessories of the season. Coordinate the accents of color to your jewelry, handbags and other accessories for a pulled together holiday ensemble.

The ideal headband with a delicate look for blonde tresses is the Juicy Couture Crystal Heart Headband (upper left, $45.00 at Neiman Marcus). It features two crystal detailed golden puffed hearts set on a silvertone metal headband. Bottega Veneta’s embellished hair comb (upper right, $560 at Net-a-Porter) is made of black acetate with burnished silver-tone faceted stud embellishments. The whimsical Marc by Marc Jacobs Velvet bow headband (middle right, $120 Net-a-Porter) is a variation of the ginormous head bows seen on the runway. The adorable violet twill and plum velvet headband is accented with a stamped gold tone button. Jennifer Ouellette’s Velvet birdcage headband (Bottom right, $80 at Net-a-Porter) features a mushroom velvet medium-width headband with navy birdcage overlay along with a blue feather and bead embellishment, and a gray grosgrain ribbon lining. Adorable and petite, these Embellished Bobbies, (bottom left, $ 59.95 for a set of 8, at Victorian Trading Co) will adorn your locks with pretty handset crystals in a palette of colors on vintage findings. An Embellished Hair Comb, (middle left, $9.80 Forever21) will add a dash of holiday cheer with this a plastic comb embellished with plumes and entwined jute.

Save at Forever 21 with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

style.com: It's a (beautiful) jungle out there

2009-11-25T13:59:55-08:00

In the sea of gift guides flooding my email today style.com stands out for its beautiful use of animal photography. Check it out at style.com

on my radar for spring: cutouts

2009-11-25T09:05:08-08:00

I don't typically get excited about spring fashion the way I do fall - but this spring may be different. I love the graphic cutouts and contrasting fabric insets in the clothing above, all featured in WWD this morning. The dress in picture one is especially interesting with a silhouette and detailing associated with a fall body con cocktail dress. Transformed with lightweight silk denim and cool menswear flats (these are by T.U.K.) , it is the right balance of edgy and spring sweet. (WWD)

artist maya hayuk's limited editon wayfarers

2009-11-22T20:24:40-08:00

Retro or retro-inspired sunglasses may be a key fall update but I can't bring myself to buy a pair of Wayfarers and look like every hipster walking the streets of San Francisco. That said, I still think they look cute. Local San Francisco artist Maya Hayuk offers an alternative with limited edition hand-painted Ray Bans' Wayfarers exclusive to Sunglass Hut. The glasses will retail for $140 (same as the ubiquitous hipster model) with 50% of the proceeds going to OneSight, a family of charitable programs dedicated to improving vision for those in need worldwide, through outreach, research and education. Fifty pairs of the one-of-a-kind glasses will be available here in San Francisco beginning next Monday.

If you can break away from your computer on November 30 (aka Cyber Monday), Sunglass Hut is hosting a fête where Maya will create an in-store installation in the window of the San Francisco store at 170 Geary Street in San Francisco from 1 -4 PM - food and drinks included. The store will also have one of her murals on display which will later be auctioned off, also in support of OneSight.

belle of the ball

2009-11-20T17:02:50-08:00

What is more becoming at a holiday party than a pair of decadent strappy sandals paired with your favorite little black dress? The shoes can make or break your look. Yes your ballet flats may be more comfy than your sky-high pumps, but it’s time to celebrate – why not break out your most daring look and allow your feet to suffer for a few hours. The looks you get will be worth your pain and suffering! Remember moleskin, more moleskin and Band Aid Blister Block!

First up is the sweetly sexy rose embellished Rene Caovilla Rose Sandal (upper left, $1,095.00 at Neiman Marcus) in black satin. This high-heeled tower of a shoe is delicately crafted in Italy of satin with an ankle strap and rose detail on the t-strap and toe. This 5-inch high heel has silver hardware. Pair these beauties with your favorite LBD and accent with a sparkly sequin silver clutch and over the top crystal earrings. You’ll be the belle of the ball with this can’t miss Spotlight Sequined Pump (upper right, $795 at Bergdorf Goodman). The sequin embellished pump will add a sparkle to your step; they are adorned with Grigio sequins and a pretty bouquet of pearls on the vamp. These peep toe sequined pumps have a hidden platform and a 4 3/4″ covered heel. Tory Burch’s Iona Pump with Stones (bottom right, $450 at Tory Burch) is a dramatic way to add a fun and fearless look to your holiday dressing. The black satin caged sandal is embellished with chunky stones and closes with a Tory Burch logo zipper up the back. Lanvin’s fabulous Metallic leather sandal, (bottom left, $1,040 at Net-a-Porter) is the perfect finishing touch to your fiercest holiday look. The 1-inch platform touts a dramatic shape and gold gilded cutout detailing, black piping, a sling back and a silver tone angled heel.

Save at Neiman Marcus with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

what diddy drinks...and thinks about social media

2009-11-16T16:44:10-08:00

I interviewed Sean "Diddy Combs today as part of the Last Train to Paris promo tour which is sponsored by CÎROC vodka. The interview took place at The Infusion Lounge in downtown San Francisco where I, alongside fellow bloggers yum sugar and Drinkhacker, waited patiently for Diddy's arrival while listening to loud thumping music and enjoying an afternoon cocktail. Pre-interview Diddy's PR supplied me with a list of questions (and don't ask topics) but what I really wanted to know was - why was Diddy talking to the blogs? Did he have a social networking strategy? In fact, Diddy told me, he is a very active Twitter user (@iamdiddy), has an active Facebook Fan Page and a personal Facebook page as well. But blogs? According to Diddy, blogs lay an important foundation for his brand. "People overlook blogs because they are always trying to go after bigger, but going bigger doesn't make it a better story, " he said. He added that he liked that blog coverage was more personal and more in-depth than what you would get from something like a Letterman appearance. His favorite blog is Concrete Loop. Before exiting the interview, he thanked me and asked again the name of my blog so he could check it out. Which of course, made me swoon. I blame it on the booze. Speaking of - here is what Diddy drinks:

Signature Drink: The Ditty

1.5 oz. Simply Lemonade (Newman's Own will also work) + 1.5 oz. CÎROC vodka

The Ditty Dirty Money

1.5 oz. Ocean Spray White Cranberry Peach Juice + 1.5 oz. CÎROC vodka

The OG Ditty

1.5 oz. Welch's Grape Juice + CÎROC vodka

(photo via MTV)

online shopping's new reality show

2009-11-16T12:33:27-08:00

Think of shopping with a friend, holding up a shirt or dress against your body and asking, " Is this me?" Fashionista, a new service from San Francisco recommendation provider RichRelavance, takes this experience and replicates it in a way that is authentic to the online world. Created using technology from interactive marketing agency Zugara,shoppers visiting online store Tobi.com can try on up to 300 pieces of clothing using a Webcam and a computer. The process involves calibrating a Webcam by holding a design marker printed out on a page. When the site recognizes the marker, it starts projecting images of clothing on the computer screen. If you don't like it you just raise your hand and hit a visual "next" button and you will see another clothing item in its place. You can give items a thumbs up or thumbs down using another virtual button and then later see all you favorite clothes, along with recommendations for matching items. If you need further affirmation, you can open yourself up to compliments or criticism by sharing the experience with friends on Facebook. I think this is a very cool concept and a right step in the direction of making shopping for clothes a truely visual experience. (via ClickZ)

indulge your inner celebutante

2009-11-12T16:05:33-08:00

Find your inner “celebutante” this holiday season. For celebrating the season festive dressing is all about sparkle, shine and glittery glam! I know that Thanksgiving hasn’t yet arrived, but it’s not too early to prepare for holiday merry making, mischief and mirth! I’ve rounded up a few accessories to get you in the mood and inspired for fabulous fetes ahead…

A ginormous cocktail ring is essential, the bigger and more sparkly the better. Kenneth Jay Lane is the master of statement making costume jewelry. You can’t get more giant or sparkly than these Emerald Cut Cocktail Rings by Kenneth Jay Lane, ($100 each at Vivre.com). Instead of your go-to LBD how a dazzling sequined number like this Marc Jacobs Sequined zebra-stripe dress ($2,800 from Net-a-Porter). On your feet some glistening patent leather strappy sandals, something like these Lanvin Bow-embellished patent sandals ($1,095 also from Net-a-Porter). Under your arm a crystal embellished clutch will do just the trick. I love this brightly hued silk satin PRADA Stones Clutch Pink ($1,295.00 at Barneys.com). On your ears some pave pyramid stud earrings (Juicy Couture, $48).

To add the finishing touch to your prettiest look to Benefit’s Celebutante value kit ($34 at ULTA). The kit includes Set includes: High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer, Benetint, Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain, Dallas, the Outdoor glow for the indoor gal face powder, Lip gloss in I’m with the band, Full-finish lipstick in lady’s choice, Full-finish lipstick in no competition, Velvet eyeshadow in leggy, Velvet eyeshadow in dandy brandy, Fluff shadow/talent brush & a step-by-step lesson.

To jumpstart your debut as a Celebutante, our friends at ULTA, will award one $50 gift card to a lucky winner of this week’s contest from TheFind. The contest begins Wednesday November 11, 11:59 p.m. PST and ends Wednesday November 18th, 2009 11:59 p.m. PST.

To enter:
1. Become a fan of TheFind.com on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/thefind
2. Leave a comment about your fave product from ULTA on TheFind’s Facebook giveaway post.
3. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway post to your Facebook profile.

If you are already a fan of TheFind on Facebook, simply:
1. Leave a comment about your favorite ULTA product on the the Facebook post.
2. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway #2 and post to your Facebook profile.

Good luck!

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

will balenciaga bring back the boat shoe?

2009-11-10T22:46:43-08:00

The conversation at Barneys shoe salon went like this:

Me: Oh my gosh. These are the ugliest shoes I've ever seen! Is that a BOAT shoe?!?

Sales Associate: Do you think so? I think they are the coolest shoes we have in this season!

Really? I mean, my preppy brother will be happy because he is still wearing them after all these years. But I think the boat shoe is an example of footwear that should never be resurrected or reinterpreted. At least skip that white part on the bottom - yikes! What do you think? The pair here is from Browns.

gemma ward to quit modeling?

2009-11-10T22:32:37-08:00

According to the Daily Telegraph model Gemma Ward has quit modeling. Weight gain is sighted for the reason - although it is not clear which of these events happened first. Gemma has walked shows for Dior, Prada, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and has represented YSL, Prada, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Hermès, Bulgari, Dior, Jil Sander, Versace and more in ad campaigns. I find it shocking that someone with such an arresting beautiful face and amazing resume would come under such scrutiny. She is 22! Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be models. (via Stylist).

I love mini diptyque candles

2009-11-06T20:45:52-08:00

Diptyque candles are the most fragrant and long lasting candles you can find. I've burned these candles in my home since I first discovered the shop on Rue Saint Germain 11 years ago. I only need to burn the candle one hour to scent my home but still, sixty dollars is a lot of coin for a candle. Diptyque just came out with a mini-sized candle that burns 20 hours for $28. Perfect. My favorite scent is Pomander - a mix of orange, clove and cinnamon. Only at Diptyque boutiques.

for nails: green is the new black

2009-11-06T20:32:23-08:00

OPI "Here Today Aragon Tommorrow" is a dark green that reads black indoors and at night and deep forest green in the daylight. This gorgeous shade is a nice break from the blacks and deep navys I've been wearing this year. Find it at Buy.com

on beauty and attribution

2009-11-04T21:52:34-08:00

Check out Style.com's Fall 2009 Beauty Guide - lots of good stuff, especially Lipstick Queen's blood red lip tint. What is really interesting is the attribution. Did Style.com always have a "recommended by" statement in their fashion and beauty guides? I don't recall seeing it before. Did the recent FTC's new guidelines persuade them to do it? The times they are a' changing. I love Style.com and trust them to curate the best products and fashion. But let's face it - the brand that has the best PR person wins - they get the product in the right hands and the right people write about it and influence people to want it and buy it. This is what makes a "cult favorite." FTC involvement or not - I don't see this changing. Photo from Style.com

cozy up in a fur cardigan

2009-11-04T21:17:54-08:00

Fall 2009 is all wrapped up in cozy luxe dressing. Fur is a major trend this season. Add just a touch of vintage appeal to your look with a fur collared cardigan. These cozy cardis can be dressed up or down. You can create a look that is sweet and demure or infused with a downtown urban edge. Fur collared cardigans are available in long and belted to short and cropped styles. Many of the collars are detachable, but be sure to remove the fur before washing or dry cleaning.

Distinctly vintage and feminine, Bryan Bradley’s Cropped Cardigan, (upper left, $178 at NeimanMarcus.com) is pretty in pink with a brown natural rabbit collar. The pink cardigan is knit of a silk/cashmere blend and three-quarter sleeves. Juicy Couture’s Faux-fur Trimmed Wool Cardigan, (right, $280 at Net-a-Porter) is a long belted cardigan. I especially love the puff shoulders which adds a modern twist to this self-belted style. Knit of 100% grey lambswool the sweater fastens with a concealed press-stud fastener at the front. Perfect for stylish recessionistas is a fantastic buy from Target. The Merona Fur-Collar Cardigan (middle left, $18.74) is a cotton/rayon blend with a faux fur collar. This button down style has a tie waist and the collar can be removed. Lastly, from Urban Outfitters is a cropped style featuring a curved single button front and a v-neck faux fur collar. The “Ecote” Cardigan (bottom left, $68 at Urban Outfitters) is a cotton acrylic blend and would pair nicely with a pair of your favorite jeans for a weekend casual look.

Save at Juicy Couture with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

my five favorite fashion apps

2009-11-03T17:44:29-08:00

Chanel: This is my favorite fashion app. I think what I love most is how this old and established fashion house successfully maintains relevancy and the Chanel App is testament to that. Chanel was one of the first fashion houses to podcast fashion shows – and the shows are amazing! The news feature has “Karl’s Notes,” which includes behind the scenes looks at fashion shoots and exclusive features like ongoing episodes that give a glimpse into Coco Chanel’s apartment.

Gucci: Gucci’s App has all the standard stuff like product news, and behind the scene’s looks at what goes into making a collection. What I really love about the app is Gucci Beats with loops, beats, drums, and vocals compiled by music producer Mark Ronson. You can create a beat and then scratch it on a virtual turntable like a DJ and then share it on Facebook. The app features a selection of music from the Gucci Music Channel: a continuous three-hour stream of music. There is also a continuously updated Little Black Book feature where you learn about the best restaurants, clubs, bars and hotels in 33 cities worldwide.

Style.com: Style.com has the most complete coverage of the shows and they are all here. The slideshows are the best on the web and mobile.

New York Times: I get most of my New York Times fashion fix on Sunday. But Thursday Styles is not to be missed either and I get it on it on the Fashion & Style section of this the New York Times App.

StyleCaster: The best thing about the website is the news feature and it is even better on the app. The organization is very clean – and it has excellent fashion and pop culture coverage.

I also love:

My Little Paris: Love the website, love the app. The My Little Paris App covers what’s new and happening in Paris like secret boutiques and inventive restaurants in the city of light and latest trends. The website has an English version – the app is French seulement. This is a bonus. I need to brush up and what better way to do so than by reading about fashion, restaurants and boutiques, just a few of the reasons I return to this city every chance I get.

French Word of the Day: This app delivers a daily French word with English translation and a sample sentence showing the usage of the new word.

24/7 French LE: This app offers French vocabulary tutorials in a flash card format. What I love most is that it does not require a connection. Perfect for the metro! Find it on itunes

punch it up with the perfect poncho

2009-11-01T22:18:32-08:00

Ponchos are making an appearance again this fall in the form of chunky knits. Think handmade, warm and cozy. Many are a fusion of sweater and poncho that button up the front, making them easier to layer. You’ll see hoods, pockets and zippers as added features as well. Look for all wool styles made with thick yarns and lots of texture in the knitted design. Or try a lighter poncho on for size; it is more like a wrap and much more fluid than chunkier styles. Go for a neutral like gray or brown that can be paired with a variety of items in your wardrobe.

On the chunkier side, from Haute Hippie is the Chunky Wool Poncho (top left, $495.00 at Nordstrom.com) with classic overtones and a cable-knit design. It has a full zip-front closure, pockets to keep your hands warm and a slouchy hood at the back. From Stella McCartney is a pricey and luxe Zip-Front Boucle Poncho (top right, $1,685 at Neiman Marcus) with oversized buttons button as an accent on the cape sleeves. The poncho is an Alpaca/linen/polyamide/wool blend and made in Italy. Helmut Lang has also done a version, all in a minimalist style of course! Helmut Lang Knit Poncho (bottom right, $260 at Saks.com) is an alpaca/merino/polyamide blend and is super soft as well as warm. This poncho also features a generous hood. From Elizabeth and James is the Olivia Poncho, (bottom left, $545 at Shopbop.com) made of moleskin this is the perfect piece for layering. Pair with a cozy cashmere turtleneck and jeans for a luxe weekend casual look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Shopbop from TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

welcome to the hotel missoni

2009-10-27T05:00:00-07:00

The Ritz is where I will retire myself when I am old and gray and wish to spend my twilight years in quiet luxury. That said, at this moment I'm young and I want to stay at the loud, overstated Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh,UK and have a good time. The first of a proposed chain of hotels, the six-story building is dressed head-to-toe in signature Missoni patterns and bold colors. The hotel also brings in the design sensibility of Marcel Sandes, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobson and Hans Wegner. Rooms start at $355 a night.(via Cyana.Trend.Land)

mad for plaid

2009-10-21T20:11:01-07:00

This fall brings the English countryside as inspiration for cool weather dressing. Escape the hustle and bustle of urban living with some natty traditional plaids with a modern twist. Think hounds tooth checks, buffalo plaids, and large complex Scotch plaids. Made of natural fibers such as wool and cotton the updated plaid looks best when paired with sleek body hugging denim and fierce heels. Look for plaid jackets, dresses, and even capes for covering up. Elizabeth and James features some of the best plaid blouses adorned with their signature casual yet sophisticated style. Take your new look with you to the country for a tranquil retreat or don the plaid with boyfriend jeans for a casual look in town.

As seen on the Fall ‘09 runways, the Marc By Marc Jacobs “Abbey” Plaid Dress (upper left, $458 at Bloomingdales.com) is a twist on the traditional. The pure wool mini dress tunic has a drop waist, cowl neck, two front pockets and banded sleeves. The Fei Polaire Vest (top middle, $118 at Anthropologie.com) is a pretty and dramatic corset-style top with a flared peplum. This vest would pair nicely with a slim pencil skirt and platform pumps. From Smythe, a wool-blend jacket (top right, $525 at Net-a-Porter) Pair Smythe’s blue tweed plaid jacket over a tank and skinny jeans for a dose of English countryside eccentricity. From Ann Taylor Loft, a sweeping and dramatic Brushed Plaid Cape (Bottom right, $148 at Ann Taylor Loft). This classic double-breasted cape is lined, has a banded collar with button closure. From Elizabeth and James (Bottom left, $245 at Net-a-Porter) a gray and cream cotton-blend plaid shirt with a distressed finish, button front and two patch pockets. Pair this wardrobe staple with your favorite pair of jeans and fiercest boots for a cool downtown look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Bloomingdales.com TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com.

designer spotlight: ralston handbags

2009-10-20T05:00:00-07:00

Handbag designer Paige Ralston Fromer has worn many hats throughout her career including Washington DC television anchor, which is how I came to know her more than a decade ago (my then-roommate was a producer at the same station). She recently launched a new luxury handbag line, Ralston Handbags, to critical acclaim in the DC area. Having grown up there, it is hard to imagine this city as a hot bed for fashion and new designers. Trust me, this city has changed. First with amazing boutiques, like Hu’s Shoes and Relish, and then with the inauguration of our first lady, Michelle Obama. (She wears Maison Margiela, enough said). The launch of Ralston Handbags is testament to this city’s style transformation. The handbag collection, carefully designed by Ralston Fromer’s team of talented Argentine designers, includes 13 designs made of exquisite, lightweight leather. Popular styles include the hand woven “Luz” and the very classic (and DC appropriate) oversized “Raquel”. My favorite is the “Cindy” in giraffe print – because it suits my (slightly wild) acquired San Francisco fashion personality. Check out the entire line at www.ralstonhandbags.com.

isabel marant gives me another reason to plan a quick trip to NYC

2009-10-15T05:00:00-07:00

It is official! Designer Isabel Marant will open her first US store in Manhattan at 55 Green Street on the corner of Broome Street in February 2010. The store will carry Isabel Marant, Etoile, accessories and jewels. Like the Left Bank Paris Store, Marant’s husband, accessories designer Jérôme Dreyfuss, will have a adjoining space for his beautiful handbag collection. Isabel Marant's neigbbors include Top Shop at Broadway and Broome. Roadtrip! Photo Style.com

DVF returns to russian roots for first retrospective

2009-10-14T21:25:53-07:00

50 dresses, personal artifacts and original works by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Horst will be assembled in Moscow later this month for Diane von Furstenberg’s first major retrospective. Curated by Vogue’s André Leon Talley, the exhibit is slated to run through Nov. 21 at the Manezh exhibition hall near Red Square. The exhibition will group the designer's fashions thematically under the categories “American Dream,” “Studio 54,” “Luxe” and “Empowerment,” echoing stages in the designer’s life. Von Furstenberg characterized the retrospective as a homecoming of sorts, as her father was born in Russia, immigrating to Belgium in 1929. (via WWD)

plouf! parisian puddle jumpers from aigle

2009-10-14T21:15:08-07:00

Yes, I’m a fan of Hunter Wellie rain boots, but they seem to be growing in popularity and are showing up on well-dressed feet all round town. I am looking for a new pair of unique rain boots and found Aigle rain boots that are made in France. Mais oui! These boots are a bit more fitted and I love the riding boot style that is made completely of rubber. A lovely boot to throw on with leggings and an over-sized chunky knit sweater when I’m running out the door in a hurry. These boots are tailored and becoming every bit as fashionable as the Hunter wellies. These boots are from Aigle, which provides outdoor gear to French sportsmen, equestrians and those who visit the countryside for pleasure. Yes, these are the real deal and are perfect for urbanites looking for a waterproof and comfortable city rain boot.

Retailers including Martin + Osa and J. Crew now carry Aigle boots. On the upper left is the Aigle Start Riding Boot ($103.20 was $129.00 at Martin and Osa), a lovely plain black riding boot that is a perfect reproduction of their leather counterparts. On the model are a pair of violet Burberry rain boots (upper right, $195 at Net-a-Porter) to show you how utterly fab skinny jeans look tucked into tall rain boots. On the bottom row far left is the Aigle Women’s Bergen lace up rain boot ($207.95 at Shoebuy.com). I love the lace up fronts, which makes tucking in your jeans easier and ensuring an extra snug fit. Again in the riding boot style these two-toned Aigle Jumping Rubber Boots ( bottom row middle, $199.99 at saddlesource.com) look like traditional dressage riding boots if you are looking for the Bon chic, bon genre aka French preppy style. Lastly is the two-toned Aigle Women’s Rubber Boot in Brown, ($149.00 at studentmarket.com). I love the two-toned texture of this one, a nice alternative to an all black boot, would look chic and sporty paired with tweed and a chunky cashmere sweater.

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from J. Crew from TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

spring 2010: vanessa bruno

2009-10-09T05:00:00-07:00

My three favorite designers are Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno -- if you've read my blog before this is not new news. Balenciaga, Balmain and Givenchy are also favorites, but I have no occasion to wear these clothes, never mind afford them. I have Stella, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno pieces (more than a few) that rival the price points of the super expensive designers, but I can wear them. The key is I wear them - to client meetings, out to dinner, for happy hour, events at my daughter's school and working at home as a marketing consultant - I wear them to death. I love Vanessa Bruno's spring 2010 collection! I'll pair the little jackets, gauzy dresses and Victorian tops with jeans, flats, boots, etc. I'll wear them often and for a long time. As always, she showed a beautiful collection. (photos style.com)

spring 2010: isabel marant

2009-10-08T05:00:00-07:00

How to describe Isabel Marant - Paris city girl, boho, chic? All of it - and it is a formula she repeats year after year. That said, I'm no where near tired of it. I took an inventory of my clothes this season and my Isabel Marant pieces - even those from many years ago - don't get tired. They always feel cool and current. I love the jackets, little dresses, sweatshirts, t-shirts and boots. Just not together! (photo style.com)