Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog

Upset with the treatment she was receiving from her doctor, a woman friend of mine marched into the doc's office and demanded to see her medical records. After perusing her chart, which included records from other doctors, she noticed that each record started out, "This is a delightful woman..." She told the doctor, "Nobody has ever called me delightful, so that must be doctorspeak for b*tch." The doc nonverbally agreed with her. True story.

...which finally brings me to Michael Kors' new fragrance Island Capri. In non-doctorspeak, it is delightful in the true sense of the word --giving great pleasure or delight; highly pleasing. The charming blue bottle and the name make me yearn for the Island of Capri. I visited the island when I was 17 years old so my scent memory is one of youth, beach, handsome Italian boys in Speedos, drinking at bars in the piazetta , and abridged memories of the Blue Grotto and the nuns that chaperoned us. We 17-year-old girls had our priorities straight. One nun, who will remain nameless, had so much merriment in Europe that delightful summer that upon returning to the States, she abadoned the nunhood.

Island Capri in perfume chick lit is described as:

"A sparkling, colorful floral fragrance infused with orange bigarade, succulent bergamot, velvety violet de parma, rich dark fig, and the sophistication of olive tree accord paired with warm white moss that captures the essence of the indulgent lifestyle of the island of Capri."

I am not usually an aficionado of "island" scents, but Michael Kors Island Capri's spirit does capture the essence of the indulgent lifestyle of the island of Capri. My scentibilities are probably colored by my experiences that summer in Europe, which my girlfriends and nuns could attest to were all legendary. I will wear this scent when I'm feeling nostalgic for the freedom of youth or nostalgic for a walk on a beach.

For other independent reviews, visit Total Beauty.

I am up to my knees in snow today -- 10 inches since yesterday -- but it warmed my soles to get out of my unfashionable Uggs and order these cute Michael Kors sandals from Nordstrom. There is nothing venomous about Spring's A-list of snakeskin embossed kicks. The shoes are also avaialable in black, lemon, and natural. (Nordstrom $108.95).

All I would need to make me chipper is the Charles David's 'Madison' shoe, temperatures of 75 degrees, and a tropical drink with a tiny umbrella. (Nordstrom $195)

Sam Edelman's gladiator-inspired sandal in shiny snake-embossed leather would have saved Cleopatra from her asp-induced suicide. (Nordstrom $84.95).

Like a reptile, I need to seek out the sunshine to keep my soles warm, but with these exotic skins, I could slither all the way to warmer climes.



(Images: Nordstrom)

You can usually find unrealistic haute couture or over-the-top fashions on the catwalk, but Fashion Week designers provided many options for the classic but trendy woman.

Isaac Mizrahi:

Tory Burch:



It's a lot like eating your favorite comfort food, like mac and cheese, but Lacoste always makes me feel like I am right at home. Whether it is the iconic alligator or the preppiness of the Lacoste label, it takes me right back to my comfort level. Many of the Lacoste designs on Saturday's runway were accessorized with a tie instead of a necklace. Smart look.



Rag & Bone:

Monique Lhuiller:

Michael Kors:

Diane von Furstenberg:

Carolina Herrera:

Bill Blass:

Badgley Mischka:

Many women are under the impression that haute couture cannot traverse from the catwalk to the sidewalk. But as the pictures above prove, smart and classic styles were alive and well in New York this week.

(Images: Coutorture)

Welcome to the first installment of 12 Beauty and Fashion Essentials for 2008. In this ongoing series, you will discover your own personal style for 2008 and bling in the new year with confidence and a twist of sass.

Starting with a clean slate like the quintessential Diane vonFurstenberg wrap dress that any body type can wear, let's add a bit of panache to this lovely but mundane dress with color. Bright teals, blues, hot pinks, emerald greens, oranges, and purples have been fashion forward in 2007 and will continue their journey in 2008. The Michael Kors tote would add the needed personality to this look. Accenting any part of your basic wardrobe with a vivid color will put you on the cutting edge of fashion.

Although discovering your personal color vocabulary is one avenue to explore, all colors will morph you into a fashionista. When I discovered what colors complemented my hair and eyes the best, I got stuck in a color rut. I deafened my friends for longer than I want to admit with a stuttering symphony of vibrant pinks and blues. The naked truth is that any lively color will add that little extra jenesaisquoi. If your hair is your best asset, wear a colorful sweater or scarf. If your svelte waist is your best asset, wear a vivid belt. Just remember that color draws attention to you, so put it near your best feature.

While you are shopping the after-Christmas sales look for colorful accessories that add something exciting to your existing wardrobe. By adding a pop of color in your choice to this Diane vonFurstenberg black dress defines your style personality. It is what I call classic with a twist. (As an aside, I love Diane's designs. They work for skinny minnies like me and weight-challenged women, too.),

Choosing either shoes like the BCB Girls pink sandal , the Imooi punch necklace from 2Modern, or the Bergdorf Goodman Carlos Falchi fuchsia matte croc clutch adds the needed punch of color to this wardrobe staple.

 

This delightful Tory Burch tangerine ballerina flat is all the color that is required to jazz up the otherwise routine everyday straight leg jeans.

 

 

Rings, earrings, hats, and glasses in bright colors are also a perfect accent to an otherwise clean black slate, BUT don't go color crazy and make others hyperventilate when you walk into the room. One or two small pieces or one large piece in a bright color is all you need. Once you've incorporated color in small amounts, you can try adding accent pieces like jackets and sweaters.

Have a little fun with color in 2008 and define your own style and spirit. It may be all you need to fend off the winter blues.