Commercials that Reek

Ever notice how perfume and cologne commercials have some of the weirdest (and I use this term LOOSELY) plot lines, ever?

These celebrities and models hawking their signature scent are always roaming in a dreamy field of wildflowers, an enchanted forest, or perhaps paradise beach, and occasionally chasing or being chased by some unattainable love interest*. I find myself with furrowed brows and a tilted head by the end of the 30 (and let's hope not 60) second spot.

I think the tried and true method of the scented samples in magazines are great. Perhaps by saving on commercial advertising, Faith, Reese, Shania, SJP, JLo, and the rest of them can make larger bottles and sell more, or shocker, save the money.

*I can tell you that Scott would not chase me in my perfume as to him, I smell like a grandma (and for the record, I rotate between Ralph Lauren Romance, SJP Lovely, and Estee Lauder Pure White Linen). The 'grandma' business is a constant debate.

Red Lips and Pearls

Dear Carmindy,

Can you please make a special visit to SoCal and go lipstick shopping with me? I would love a great red lipstick that just evokes a period of grace, elegance, and white gloves and pearls.

Soft and rosey, ala Zooey:

Slightly glossy and very glam, like Liv:

Or bold and beautiful with a side of punk rock, like my fellow alum, Mrs. Stefani-Rossdale:

Many thanks!

Erin

PS-Please bring Stacy and Clinton too. You know that would just be ahh-mazing.

Luxe Afternoon at LUX

One of the perks of my job is being able to check out new businesses or existing businesses in F-town when they open or hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies (RCCs from now on). A month ago the FCoC staff was treated to a beauty day at LUX Aveda Salon and boy was it awesome-hair cut, color, makeup, and a mini massage.

Yesterday was no exception either. LUX celebrated their 10 year anniversary in F-town and pulled out all of the stops. They offered mini procedures at stations around the salon, featuring foot soaks and rubs, neck and back massage, and even allowed guests to create thier own perfume. It's the perfect size for my purse too-I love it.

Wade, the owner, also enlisted the food stylings of Matador Cantina, a newly opened restaurant and boy did I have my fair share. Ceviche piled atop cucumber? Yes, please. Delectible mini sliders? I'll take one...two...ok four. So good!

Thank you to everyone at LUX for an amazing afternoon-you guys rock!

And especially you Wade!

Glamour Dont's

I love fashion. I love all things girly and soaking up the magazines showcasing "looks for less" and browsing the multitude of virtual shopping online-no public, and I can take as long as I want. Today, I went to South Coast Plaza with Kerri and we both basically went hog wild in J. Crew (though surprisingly neither of us left with a purchase, just utter salivation). That store has it down. Such chic pieces at an amazing quality. However, that amazing quality comes with quite the price tag, so I'll have to start recycling to claim some piggy bank funds for those items.

It is interesting to watch the trends that are brought around each season and how quickly they take, or don't take, or I just don't get personally. Spring 09 is no exception. The items below are lingerers from several seasons ago and they just seem to keep gaining momentum and are plowing me over as they steam forward. Let's see the visuals:

Exhibit A
The Chunky Gladiator Platform Mess

(source)

As my friend Leah would say, God Bless America. This has to be the ugliest shoe I have ever seen in my life. Bondage for the foot. I vomit a little in my mouth when women wear these puppies. Really? Maybe I really missed the boat on this one because they are just everywhere, but truly I cannot see their appeal. They are harsh, too strappy, and far too chunky. If you want to join my revolt I might just make a Facebook group.

Exhibit B
Ugg Boots Paired with Mini Skirts in Southern California
(yes, it's a combination item and a quasi stretch but this the beauty of MY blog.)

(Image found doing a Google search with the title "Ugg boots and mini skirts" and ironically, I found the caption reading that they NEVER go together. Hallelujia, I have the makings of an army.)

Southern California is widely known for its 70 degree weather 12 months of the year, and only slight variations either way. It is completely illogical to me, and a total contradiction, when I see girls prancing around in these special boots and denim mini skirts. Really? It's a desert climate. We have the San Clemente haven that makes Rainbows. And a variety of other cute shoes-flip flops, wedges, flats! Why this combination? It is madness I say!

This is why little girls are doing it! American Girl dolls! Stop the madness!

I agree that one should wear items that make them happy and express their personality. However, I always think one should ask before leaving the house and always after consulting a mirror, "What would Stacy and Clinton say?" If you can't answer that and/or don't know who they are, please, go with a safe, known option. Thank me later.

Kings Cross

My Kings:

LHS Prom King '01 and Future Husbandly King:

King of Middle Earth:

my heart be still...