Angelina Jolie Inspired Engagement Ring

Submitted by Adriana Rae on April 14, 2012 - 10:40.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are engaged after seven years and six children. Brad Pitt has given her a custom designed ring worth $250,000. We've found the closest imitation to this ring here.

Check out this beauty selling for about $9,000 at BlueNile.com.

Also see one of the first cheap knockoffs at a price of only $39.


( categories: Fashion )

The Extreme Beauty of Kindness

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on April 4, 2012 - 17:49.

Watch an act of kindness as it's passed from one individual to the next and manages to boomerang back to the person who set it into motion.


( categories: Odd Beauty Stories )

Loose Curls Hairstyle for 2012 - Prom Favorite

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on March 31, 2012 - 21:24.

Loose curls are very popular for hairstyles this year. If you have long straight hair and a simple curling iron, this hairstyle is very easy to do. Check out Katie's video tutorial below;


( categories: Hair Beauty Tips )

Spanx Female Founder worth $1 Billion

Submitted by Meg Wilson on March 10, 2012 - 13:56.

Spanx shapewear is so popular that it now sells hundreds of millions per year. This makes founder Sara Blakely worth $1 billion. She started her biz with just $5,000 and had sold a lot of product before she quit her day job. Check out the slimming Spanx line of products at Amazon.

See a feature article about her successful girdle business at Forbes.com.


( categories: Lingerie | Weight Loss )

Prom Makeup 2012 - Video Tutorial

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on March 8, 2012 - 14:16.

Check out this gorgeous makeup look for prom night. It's inspired by Miranda Kerr's look in the photos shown in the video. Katie provides step by step instructions on how to get this look.


( categories: Make-up )

Fun Swimwear Ideas

Submitted by Meg Wilson on February 15, 2012 - 18:50.

Here are some ideas for different bathing suit styles for this summer. Click on a link for more details and pricing.


( categories: Fashion )

Funky Hats and Caps for 2012

Submitted by Adriana Rae on February 12, 2012 - 11:42.

Here's some cute hat ideas we like for 2012;

Eugenia Kim Bunny Wide Striped SunhatEugenia Kim Gary Slouchy HatEugenia Kim Max Toyo FedoraBop Basics Oversized Beanie

SpiritHoods - Husky (Plaid Flannel Lining) (White) - HatsSpiritHoods - Leopard (Leopard) - Hats


( categories: Fashion )

Funky Hair Accessories

Submitted by Meg Wilson on February 9, 2012 - 13:50.

Here's some funky and inexpensive hair accessory ideas;

Jane Tran - Bobby Pin Feather (Natural) - AccessoriesJane Tran - Red Feather Flower Clip (Red) - AccessoriesJane Tran - Circle Mesh Ribbon Headband (Black) - AccessoriesJane Tran - Assorted Jewel Headband (Green) - AccessoriesJane Tran - Crescent Hat With Net (Black) - AccessoriesJane Tran - Sinamay Web Headband with Net (Black) - Accessories


( categories: Hair Beauty Tips )

V-Neck Necklines Flatter Broad Shoulders

Submitted by Meg Wilson on February 9, 2012 - 11:04.

I have broad shoulders and have always felt more attractive in v-neck necklines than any other types. I've been doing some reading on flattering neckline choices for different body types and although there is disagreement with some of the other neckline types, everyone agrees that v-necks will flatter women with broad shoulders. I have a tall, slim body with relatively slim hips and long legs. The other good tip for my body type would be to wear dark colors on top and a lighter color on my hips and legs.

Here are some v-neck styles that appeal to me at Zappos.com. (Actually, the bathing suit is probably misclassified as a v-neck and should be in the halter neckline category.) As you can tell, black is my favorite color ;-)
Splendid - Bayside Solids One Piece (Black/Lime) - ApparelTahari by ASL - Bert Matte Jersey 3/4 Sleeve Dress (Black) - ApparelChristin Michaels - Noelle Wrap Dress (Black) - ApparelFitzwell - Nancy Clubhouse V-Neck Sweater (Black) - ApparelSkirt Sports - Free Me Tee (Black) - Apparelrsvp - Velvet Burnout Ruffle Top (Black) - Apparel

You can click the images to get more detailed pics and prices.

Reem Acra V Neck Gown with Jeweled StrapsHerve Leger V Neck DressHerve Leger V Neck DressCatherine Malandrino V Neck Dress with Sheer SleevesHaute Hippie Lace Suede JacketTorn by Ronny Kobo Ann Azi TankJames Perse Tie Dye Casual V-Neck Tee


( categories: Fashion )

2012 Virgin Fake Film Festival - SALT in 60 seconds

Submitted by Adriana Rae on February 8, 2012 - 11:36.

Wow, check out this incredible entry for the Virgin Fake Film Festival where entrants have to recreate a movie in just a one minute video. Katie Stiles chose SALT and found an incredible Angelina Jolie look-alike (the perfect makeup and wigs helps). She created a backdrop in all animated Lego with fantastic special effects and asked three friends with different accents for male voice-overs. The contest closes today. Amazing and incredible creative talent, Katie!

Please vote for Katie's video with a quick 'like' on the Fake Film website.


( categories: Odd Beauty Stories )

Romantic Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on February 4, 2012 - 11:44.

Check out this video makeup tutorial of one idea for a Valentine's Day romantic makeup look using purple eyeshadow and coral lipstick.

Via Katie Stiles at Before & After TV.


( categories: Make-up )

Jewelry Giveaway Contest

Submitted by Adriana Rae on January 19, 2012 - 12:23.

Katie is giving away three jewelry pieces (of under $100 each) to three random people who select their favorite item and write a comment about it under her video. The contest closes Feb 15th. Download this free jewelry app on your iPhone or iPad to view the selection. If you don't have an iPhone or iPad you can still select one of the items from the stores listed on the sidebar of the related jewelry site. See the video below and give it a shot, the odds of winning are quite good compared to most contests.


( categories: Odd Beauty Stories )

The Essence of Beauty Product Commercials

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on January 16, 2012 - 22:21.

Here's a fun video parody of the stuff we see daily in beauty magazines and beauty product commercials. Filmmaker Jesse Rosten created this video after watching yet another infomercial for some beauty product. "The commercial showed before-and-after portraits, that to my eye, looked like the same photo just Photoshopped. I laughed to myself. Then I made this video."

"Rosten skewers the breathless tone, too-perfect imagery and dense double-speak of beauty-oriented spots and magazine spreads."


( categories: Odd Beauty Stories )

Healthy Cocktail Snack for New Year's Eve

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on December 27, 2011 - 20:49.

Here's an easy recipe for a fancy but healthy cocktail snack. Spicy almonds. It makes a great, inexpensive gift as well.


( categories: Weight Loss )

Holiday Makeup Looks 2011 - Video Tutorial

Submitted by Meg Wilson on December 20, 2011 - 12:23.

Check out this fab tutorial on achieving a glamorous holiday look with cheap drugstore makeup. It's inspired by the Dior Holiday Makeup line for 2011.


( categories: Make-up )

A Fun Way to Track Your Weight Loss

Submitted by Meg Wilson on December 16, 2011 - 13:50.


If you're one of the many people joining us in New Year's fitness and weight loss resolutions you might really enjoy this iPhone/iPad app that shows your weight loss progress in a visual, virtual way. The pics are based on your height and weight. You can see pics of your heaviest weight, your current weight and your ideal, goal weight. It's lots of fun for less than the price of a chocolate bar (99cents) and newly updated versions were released today. Check out the male version and the female version of the apps (links to Apples' iTunes store).


( categories: Weight Loss )

A Career in the Jewelry Industry

Submitted by Meg Wilson on December 4, 2011 - 20:32.

Ann Bocchi started a blog a few months ago to write about her passion - jewelry. Check out her wonderful jewelry blog here. She's agreed to do a short interview with us.

Hi Ann, thanks much for this talk with us. Our readers should know you are in the process of obtaining a graduate gemologist certification. Can you tell us about this schooling? Is this like a graduate degree at university? What kind of training is required to become a certified gemologist?

Right now I am actually in the process of obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from The University of Nevada, Reno. After my graduation in December I plan to apply to the gemologist program sometime in either January or February. I will obtain my degree from The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The gemologist program is very exciting! Those wishing to pursue a career in jewelry will learn the grading and identification skills to become a buyer, appraiser, retailer, and senior professional across the entire gem and jewelry world. Through a series of gem labs and classes, one will be able to speak the language of jewelry throughout the industry! What is great about this program is that it can be done online or at a physical GIA location. The training required to become a gemologist is achieved through their laboratory classes—learning how to use the equipment including the microscope, spectroscope, learning how to identify different gemstones, learning how to detect synthetics, and learning the latest stone treatments. The gemologist certification program lasts around 6 months. I cannot wait to start!

Once you become a certified gemologist what would your typical workday look like?

Once I am certified I hope to find a job at an upscale jewelry gallery. I would love to eventually work my way to Tiffany & Co., or to a jewelry store at the luxury level. My typical workday would involve a lot of sparkle and bling! I hope I will be able to physically work with gemstones and diamonds, and also work with and educate customers about different gems and their meanings. I would love to assist customers with their jewelry questions, and also help them purchase a piece that best fits their style and personality. I have also brainstormed about going into the jewelry design process as well. Basically, I will be swarmed by jewelry 24/7!

How did you first become interested in jewelry? How did this passion evolve into the decision to pursue a career in the jewelry industry?

I honestly think my love for all things shiny began when I was born! Ever since I can remember I was just captivated and mesmerized by anything that sparkled. When I was about 6 years old I even named my pet rabbit “Diamond”. I remember when I was a little girl (probably about 7) my dad would buy me jewelry from QVC. I still have the rings he bought me in my jewelry box. From then on my passion has grown into an obsession. I would definitely say in the past couple years I figured out that my passion had to become my career—I knew that jewelry was the only thing that would make me happy. As a result I have surrounded myself with basically anything and everything jewelry, also known as Heaven!

Can you give us some broad overview of the big trends you are seeing in the jewelry industry over the past few years?

I would say that large/bold statement necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets have definitely made their way into the jewelry world. A lot of celebrities wear statement jewelry to big events. I am also seeing a lot of layering in the jewelry industry. Layering necklaces, rings and bracelets are a cute way to add some bling to your wardrobe. Rose gold is also making a comeback— as is gold in general. Customizable jewelry is a huge craze right now; a lot of jewelry companies are promoting jewelry that is specific to their customer’s wants and needs. One of the biggest jewelry trends (and my favorite) is bold/daring colors. I love wearing a simple outfit with daring jewelry.

How do you think the Internet is changing the jewelry industry?

I think it has completely changed the jewelry industry. Now instead of having to go to a physical jewelry store, customers can sit in the comfort of their own homes and order to their heart’s desire. And not only that, so much education regarding diamonds and gemstones is on the internet. I would say I have gained a lot of my diamond and gemstone knowledge simply from surfing the web. I would say that smartphones are absolutely changing the jewelry industry with so many jewelry and gemstone apps. Now customers are able to compare prices, investigate different brands, and find what jewelry best fits their style and price range.

Is bold statement jewelry here to stay or will we see a return to the fine dainty stuff anytime soon?

In today’s society bigger is better. I think bold jewelry will be here to stay for awhile, but I also think that there is a time and place where dainty jewelry is more appropriate. I love both styles. I have many bold pieces of jewelry in my collection, and I also have delicate pieces. In some cases, I think dainty jewelry makes more of a statement than bold jewelry! Especially with the recent auctioning of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection, I think American can’t get enough of daring, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

Thanks so much for this interview. Wishing you an absolutely dazzling career in jewelry!

Please check out Ann's site here .


( categories: Fashion )

Buying Jewelry Gifts from your iPad or iPhone

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Submitted by Adriana Rae on November 29, 2011 - 07:27.

Check out this video previewing the iPad/iPhone jewelry shopping app. It's easy to buy the best jewelry gifts this Xmas directly from the comfort of your couch.

Download the free app on your iPhone or iPad here.


( categories: Fashion )

Selena Gomez Makeup Tutorial

Submitted by Meg Wilson on November 16, 2011 - 14:29.

Check out this beautiful makeup tutorial where a younger Selena Gomez look-alike ends up looking just like Selena Gomez. Via Katie Stiles at Before & After TV.


( categories: Celebrity Makeovers | Make-up )

Favorite Toys for Seven Year Old Boys

Submitted by Adriana Rae on October 28, 2011 - 17:00.


My son (who will turn eight in January) has been our test user for the new Toy Shopping App we just launched. He really seemed to enjoy browsing the different toy categories but it took him no time at all to come up with his favorite toys. His letter to Santa now includes three toys. (He wanted to pick more but I told him Santa does not look kindly on kids who ask for too much.)

LEGO Walkie Talkies (which apparently work for up to a mile distance and have great customer reviews). He's really excited about running around the block with his friends and doing the walkie-talkie spy thing. (at Target, $19.99)

He also really wanted the Lego Star Wars Ewok Attack (at Target, $24.99)

And he is a huge Beyblade fan right now. So he picked the Beyblade Spin Control Ray Striker Set.(at Target, $29.99)

If I had let him choose a toy that cost more than $100 he would have ultimately wanted the Lego Republic Frigada which costs about $120.

Based on a sample of one (but also knowing what toys his friends are crazy about) it looks like Lego will be selling a lot of products to 7-8 year old boys again this year.

Target is currently offering free shipping for total purchases over $50 so it's an easy, painless way to get your xmas shopping underway.

Sears also has a huge toy selection and they are offering a (online shopping only) coupon savings of $5.00 for any purchase over $50 through to the end of the year. You'd need to use the coupon code SEARS2011. Kmart has the same deal.

YoYo.com is the giant new toy company owned by Amazon.com. They have a huge selection of toys and you will find many more eco, green and educational toys here than at typical department stores. They are offering a great deal of 10% off to any first time customers (up to a total of $20). Use coupon code YOYO10 to get this deal. They are also one company that does ship to countries outside the United States.


( categories: Odd Beauty Stories )
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