Be Back Soon!

Hey guys!

Well, I hate to disappoint, but I'm going to have to wait until this Sunday to post the contest entries, winner (who will be chosen on Sunday), and new featured designer. I'm taking off tomorrow afternoon for a huge 3 day craft show where I'll be working 12 hour days trying to sell my fab jewelry designs. I have to finish getting all my stuff together tonight, pack up my car, work a half day tomorrow and take off...then tomorrow night, I'll prolly spend an hour or 2 setting up and then...it's showtime!

The good news is that since I won't be drawing the winner till this Sunday, you guys can still email me contest entries.

Oh, and since comments are moderated on SA, I may not be able to publish those till Sunday either, due to limited email access. I may have some email access during the show, but hopefully I'll be too busy selling stuff to post much ;)

Have a great rest of the week!

:) D

Fashion Friend - Couture in the City on Ella Moss

Fashion friend, Couture in the City's Wendy O, writes:

Spotlight on Ella Moss, Couture in the City Fashion Blog


Ella Moss Melody Tunic Dress, $128.00

Ella Moss's line of comfy wool, viscose and rayon dresses make us pine for warmer summer months. With cute styles in cuts that would flatter almost any figure, Ella Moss's designer, Pamella Protzel, is considered a prodigy in the fashion industry and started creating her colorful and sexy line at the age of 27. Her line is the perfect blend of vintage and edgy, without being too trendy, and celeb fans of her line include Liv Tyler, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Get the Ella Moss Look LeFashionista style with these similar styles from indie designers Yu Clothing and Misile:

Misile, Love in Numbers Dress, $180.00

Click see more Ella Moss and Yu Clothing, and Misile Styles

Street Chic - Sheer Goes Chic

I don't know about you, but every once in awhile, I find a totally awesome shirt that is, unfortunately, totally sheer - almost see-through sometimes. I usually put these shirts back on the rack, thinking I'll never wear them, but I've found a great example of how to wear a sheer shirt with this stylish look:



I love how the black and white striped shirt peeks through the white top, which is accented by an ornate black pattern - the contrast is amazingly cute - black vs white, stripes vs ornate pattern, etc. Black and white are, of course, always cute together, but the overall outfit just rocks. I believe she said most of the pieces were from Express, so check them out if you likey the outfit.

For this outfit, I may add a punch of color in the jewelry...maybe with the "Hip 2 B Hooped" earrings, which feature black Swarovski crystals (for sparkle) and red vintage lucite* hoops. I love red with black/white outfits! Click here or image for details

*These vintage lucite beads were produced in the 50's and 60's for some major jewelry manufacturers, however the lucite was never circulated, thus they are "vintage." Beads with a history!

Win Indie Skin Care Goods! It's Easy, Just Shop!

So, I'm sure a lot of you guys will be taking full advantage of the after Thanksgiving/general holiday sale deals going around. I totally approve...get some good deals, girls! Oh, and when you're done, be sure to send a picture of your latest shopping spree to enter this month's contest for a free Skin Care set by 360 Skin Care - Handmade Indie goodness...and it could be yours just for going shopping!



Skin Rejuvenation Kit (click for details) - retails at $38.70

Here's the site description:
360 Skin Care offers our Skin Rejuvenation Kit with a 10% group discount. Repair dull dry skin while keeping you skin looking its best. It includes a container of each:
Body Lotion (8 oz)
Body Scrub (10 oz)

Basically, just shoot me up to 3 photos of your latest shopping spree(s) - anything from bath goods to clothes to ...well...whatever it is you're into at the moment. Here are the "official rules" b/c I should probably technically post some...

Here are the rules:
Theme: Shopping Trips! Perfect for us shopaholics, right? I want to see your latest shopping splurges!
Who: Anyone! This contest is open to anyone, so get your digital cams out and take some pictures of your shopping splurges!
Details:
1. Prize will be the yummy Skin Rejuvenation Kit by 360 Skin Care.
2. To enter, simply email me at diana at dcelestine dot com with a picture of your latest shopping trip - what you got - whether you got only one item or lots.
3. Each photo received will count as one entry and each person gets 3 entries total.
4. Photo must be your original work, please don't send me copyrighted material.
5. Photos will be numbered as they are received, and a random number will be selected as the winning entry.
6. Photo must be received before the winner is selected on Thursday, November 30, 2006.
7. If you don't want any of your information displayed (i.e. name, city/state, etc.) please tell me so in your email. Likewise, if you do wish for any of your information to be displayed, please provide any information you'd like me to show with your entry. If you have a blog (with appropriate content, i.e. no adult and no spam), let me know your URL and I'll add a link back to your blog.
8. I'm checking with 360 to see if they ship internationally, so stay tuned if you're out of the US.

Let's see what you guys get this season!!

Monday Poll - How Would You Spend an Entire Paycheck?

Longtime readers may remember "Project Debt-Free." Well, I have good news...."Project Debt-Free" has been successfully completed, and now it's time for my shopping spree!! I wrote a similar blog post to this before, but it's been awhile, and I wanted to see what people were feeling now as far as the shopping goes.

For you newbies ;) here's a recap. I decided that I needed to pay off all my debt, so of course I had to come up with a fabulous treat for completing my goal. And just what might that fabulous treat be, you ask? One entire paycheck to go to an all out shopping spree. Now comes the hard part...how to spend it!?

I have a few options:
1. One large designer item, like a Chanel purse
2. A couple smaller designer items, like a pair of Manolos and a DVF wrap dress and a BCBG purse
3. One small designer item with some less expensive items, like a pair of Manolos and some stuff from Gap or Banana
4. All inexpensive items, like a bunch of stuff from Gap, Express, Banana, etc.

How Would You Spend an Entire Paycheck?
	One Designer Item - i.e. Chanel Purse
	A Couple Expensive Items - i.e. Manolos, DVF Wrap, & BCBG Purse
	One Expensive Item & Lower Priced - i.e. Manolos & Stuff from Gap
	All Low Priced Items - i.e. shopping spree at Gap, Banana, Express
Free polls from Pollhost.com

So, what do you say guys? How should I spend my well-earned moolah!?

Fashion Friend - Couture in the City on J-Lo

Fashion Friend, Couture in the City's Wendy O, writes

Jennifer Lopez Voted Best Dressed, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Source

Bazaar Magazine has recently named Jennifer Lopez as their Best-Dressed woman of the year. Although I don't agree with her fashion sense, I must say that she is probably one of the most inventive and daring dressers out there.

Make a splash in your own daring ensemble, Jennifer-style and LeFashionista-style with this little number from Kahri:

Guitar Angel Ruched Dress, $100.00

Read more and see more pictures of Jennifer Lopez at Couture in the City (click here)

Comfy-Preppy

The other day, I had to go to a client site, where I swear they keep the thermostat in the negative. Whenever I go there, I have to figure out how to fit as many layers as possible, while still being able to move. This is what I came up with this week:



The client site is an hour away from my home, and that's without traffic, making for a very long day. I like to try to dress as comfortable as possible, while still looking semi-profressional. The dress code is relatively casual, so I don't have to put on a 3-piece suit or anything. I got a compliment on the sweater, so that always makes for a nice day.

Button-down shirt - pink with french cuffs - Brooks Brothers
Navy blue, cable-knit Sweater - Lilly Pulitzer
Khakis - J Crew
Shoes - Sperry

Claire Danes - Still Sass!

I've been a fan of Claire Danes, ever since I was a girl watching "My So-Called Life," totally drooling of Jared Leto. I guess not too much has changed since then...I'm still a fan of Claire Danes, and I still think Jared Leto is hot...lol. One thing I really appreciate about Claire is how she always maintains such a classy style over the years. Here's a shot of Claire at the special screening of Candy in New York City.


Image from Glam.com

Check out that fab purse! Love it! This is definitely a more mature Claire than she was back when she played Angela Chase, with an outfit to match her grown-up personality.

Click here to see more Celebrities in Winter Coats on Glam.com

Classy Chic - My Fave Style

Ok lovelies, so I was reading through my blog and realized that I haven't been doing nearly the number of posts I used to do with pictures of my outfit. That was one of the main things I wanted to blog about...not for me, but just b/c I find looking at how people put outfits together fascinating, and it always inspires me to put new outfits together when I see unusual combinations...guess I just figured other people may feel the same.

Anywho, yesterday I wore an almost 100% Banana Republic outfit. I am so loving this store and its style in my post-college, semi-professional life. BR usually features classic lines with a modern twist...right up my alley these days.



I shopped BR's sale last week and found this fab white, tuxedo style shirt with loose ties, which are fun tied up or worn loosely. I also got a merino wool sweater in gray, which I paired with the tuxedo shirt for my semi-dressy/semi-casual Monday work outfit. I also have on BR jeans and vintage Ferragamo, patent leather, black, peep-toe pumps to give the outfit a little kick...hehe...kick...get it?

Word Verification on Comments

Hey all,

Due to the multitude of annoying spam comments I've been receiving lately, I've caved and turned on the word verification on the comments. Keep the (real) comments coming though...I love to hear what you guys have to say...oh, and lurkers, feel free to post anonymously! ;)

D

Britney's Back...Finally!

Everyone's been abuzz wanting to see Britney Spear's new slimmed down look, sans Kevin Federline. Teen People actually has lots of great photos of the stars new style like:

Image from Teen Vogue

All I have to say is "'bout time!" I don't know why, but I'm kind of a Britney fan, and I'm so glad to see her getting back to business. Maybe b/c her songs are fun to dance and get ready to go out to...I dunno. Either way, Brit's slimmed down and getting out and about. I think she looks better w/ longer hair, but I'm sure they'll get some nice extensions for her next music video or red carpet appearance...must be nice to be famous. Check out TeenPeople.com for more pictures.

Fashion Friend - Couture in the City on Jane's Closet

Fashion friend, Couture in the City, writes:

Fab Designer Boutique of the Week: Jane's Closet
Backless Ruffle Top Wine - Who Cares by Alisha Levine $175 - Couture in the City favorite****

This silky blouse from Alisha Levine is pretty hot already, but wait till you see the back!

Click here to read more at Couture in the City and get a coupon code to save 15% at Jane's Closet!!

Jessica Simpson - Going Oldschool

It looks like Jessica Simpson is taking her style oldschool:



Am I the only one who thinks this looks like Jessica Simpson, circa 1999?

NOTE: image from msn.com

Chic Gift Book For Your Glamest Friends

There's only about 50 shopping days left until Christmas, and with that in mind, I know most of you are keeping an eye out for princess perfect presents for all your best girlfriends. Some girls like perfume, some clothes, some cards, but a great gift book is always a smart buy. If you're in the market for a chic present, check out "This Little Piggy Went To Prada" by Amy Allen - published by Harper Collins.



This is one book that's matured right along with us (and our expensive tastes). Amy Allen takes our favorite childhood nursery rhymes and gives them a full blown makeover by changing the lines to contain clever references to our new found desires like Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos. This Little Piggy contains twenty two updated nursery rhymes, as well as the original versions, all wrapped up in its hot pink jacket.

I totally envision this to be the type of book that your girlfriends keep with their fave books on top of their sleekest coffee table...you know, the kind that their other friend's pick up out of curiousity to see what just might be in that pretty, pink book...the kind that you can all sit around and giggle about with visions of shopping sprees dancing in your heads...the kind of book that every fashionista must have in their reading repertoire.

Not only are the rhymes chic, but so are the pages themselves. Each rhyme has a custom-designed painting with fanciful watercolor designs that follow the theme of the rhyme that inspire dreams of designer shopping galore. Click here to see some sample pages

Lines like "This little piggy went to market" are made more upscale to read "This little piggy went to Prada." My favorite is the made-over Frere Jacques, which starts "Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton..." Want to hear more? Guess you'll have to check out the book for all the fun! Click here to purhcase.

Which Famous Party Girl Are You? Take the Glam Quiz!

Tonight, I took the Glam.com quiz, "Which Famous Party Girl Are You?", and here are my results:

You’re Lindsay Lohan!You like to step out in style, be center stage, grind on the dance floor with the hottest guys—and even lose control from time to time—just like chic party princess Lindsay Lohan. And why not? You’re just having fun—exactly what a onetime teenage drama queen should be doing with her free time. But just like shooting star Lohan, you know where to draw the line and do your best not to cross it—at least in public. TAKE THE QUIZ SEE ALL PRODUCT MATCHES Share with Friends More Glam Quizzes Shop at Glam Celebrity Photos

I'm actually pretty surprised by the results, because I don't think I'm that much like Lindsay Lohan, but then again, it's not like I know her personally. Maybe we'd be friends if I were famous or if she wasn't. lol

Ok, I reread the description for the results, and it actually does sound like me, especially where they said, "You’re just having fun...you know where to draw the line and do your best not to cross it—at least in public." That's definitely me! I love to have a good time, but I like to be a lady at the same time!

So, what kind of famous party girl are you? Take the quiz and post your results in a comment! :) D

November Featured Designer - 360 Skin Care

Shopaholics Anonymous is proud to introduce November's featured designer, 360 Skincare. 360 Skincare features handmade, all natural bath goods, skin care products, and much more.

From their web site:
We invite you to experience our wide selection of delectable skin care products that nourish your body and set your mind at ease. You can rest assure knowing that our products will naturally transform your skin into that vibrant and healthy skin you have always dreamed of. If you are ready to give your body the essential treatments that it deserves, look no further. 360 Skin Care is formulated to give you the best possible natural skin care available. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 1-877-220-SKIN (7546).

I happen to have several of 360 Skincare's products, so I can attest from personal experience that they are fabulous! I especially love their body care products, which are rich and moisturizing and are available in too many fun scents to pick from. The scents are light and refreshing, and some are quite unique, such as my personal favorite, Sunshine, which is described on 360 Skin Care's web site as, "An invigorating blend of citrus scents with a touch of cucumber, jasmine, pineapple and a dash of blackberry. " Love, love, love!

My picks for products to pamper yourself or purchase for Christmas presents are:

Body Lotion

This body lotion is rich, but light enough for everyday use. (click image for more details)

Body Mousse

This body mousse is like a special treat for your skin - use this to make your skin uber soft (click image for more details)

Use VIP code "shopaholic20" on 360 Skin Care's web site to save 20% off of your order for the month of November! Free shipping for orders over $75 too! Check them out today: http://360skincare.com

The Sweater Dress Styled Chic

So, I was browsing Glam.com tonight, checking out some of their latest articles and other fun stuff, when I stumbled upon a section called "Celebs in Knits." Sure, there were lots of cute outfits in the 8 collective photos, but this one caught my eye:



I knew the sweater dress was cute and could be dressed up and all, but this is just so chic! I mean, look at Joy Bryant rocking her sweater dress style...it's just cold-weather-red-carpet-perfection. Love the dress and love that belt...who says the hip-slung belt is out?

The picture is of Bryant at the Toronto Film Festival premiere of Bobby, which is the movie gushing over with a wealth of celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and about twenty other a-listers.

NOTE: Image from Glam.com

Fashion Friend - Couture in the City on Behnaz Sarafpour

Fashion friend, Couture in the City's Wendy O, writes...

Behnaz Sarafpour for Target...So Haut

Celebrity fashion icon and couture genius Behnaz Sarafpour is now officially available at Target via their "Go" fashion line. Just in time for the holidays, Sarafpour offers darling party dresses, sweet silky tops and fab clutches and accessories.

Stars like Chloe Sevigny and Claire Danes are fans of Sarafpour's line, which is the perfect mixture of contemporary trendy and classical chic.

Click here to read more and see more fun pictures!

Get the Rich Look by Accessorizing

As someone who is not independently wealthy or in a 6 figure position at work, I like to try to find items that will make me look rich without paying the "rich girl's" price tag. Not that I need everyone I pass to think I'm BFF with Paris Hilton, but I don't see anything wrong w/ trying to look nice and taking my outfit to the next level. My fave way of getting a rich look is by accessorizing with designer items. I heard once that the only items of your outfit that you can't skimp on are shoes and purse. This makes sense to me, so I'm always on the lookout for a great designer accessory at a good price.

I just bought this fab Burberry cashmere scarf from BlueFly.com

I love this scarf b/c you could totally toss it on with jeans and a black tee and look oh-so-chic, but you could also wear it with a formal black/neutral suit and heels for your regular work day. This scarf is timeless and will likely last me a lifetime!
(click here for details)

Check out this classicly styled purse by Marc Jacobs - the ivory chevron leather framed medium handbag

This sytle of purse will never go out of style, so it almost makes it worth the money. If you don't have a thousand dollars you're willing to spend on a purse, there are plenty of other options still in the lower hundred dollar range that will make your outfit pop, but a great purse is a great investment. Designer totes are built to last, and if you get a classic cut, you'll enjoy years of great use.
(click here for details)

For me, I'd rather have one or two nice items, than a whole closet full of cheap stuff. I'm not saying I'm not a sale-rack shopper, but there's a difference between a nice blouse that's been marked down and a blouse that was thrown together with cheap materials and is only $5 full price.

If you want to get the rich look on a budget, try finding designer accessories on sale. Items like scarves, gloves, wallets, and sunglasses are smaller and use less materials, so they will already cost less than that million-dollar evening gown full price, making them in your price range on sale. Sometimes, you can even treat yourself and splurge on a couple full price items...at least, that's what I like to do. :)