Stiletto Jungle shows off three options for getting in on the multi-strand necklace trend.
http://www.stilettojungleblog.com/2009/07/summer-fashion-multi-strand-necklace.html
All Lacquered Up shows you step-by-step how to save your split, cracked nails with Orly Nail Rescue.
Gwyneth is spreading the detox joy and Allie is Wired has the details.
http://allieiswired.com/archives/2009/07/gwyneth-spreads-the-detox-joy/ stilettojungle
Bag Bliss loves Alexander McQueen's Skull Knuckle Duster Whipsnake Clutch!
Bag Snob finally finds a Dior bag worthy of buying!
Beauty Snob is all about teeth whitening with Darphin Denblan. bagsnobtina
Coquette loves these transitional cardigans that are perfect for a summer breeze before that first hint of fall.
The Daily Obsession finds out what Pixi Beauty creator Petra Strand is currently obsessed with.
I'm Not Obsessed shows you where to get 'Gossip Girl' Blake Lively's chic Treesje bag. Did I mention it transforms into a clutch?
The Jet Set Girls fall in love with Lancome's Indigo Collection and offer an exclusive discount in Lancome stores.
KRISTOPHER DUKES is wanting, wearing, and hating Silk Robes.
Second City Style's resident male editor attended Miami Swim Week and shares his views on hot swimwear trends for 2010.
Shopping and Info wants a Rick Owens black leather jacket for Fall.
StyleBakery.com shows how to cook up the perfect summer weekend look for under $100
Stylehive wants you to get gilded and glamorous with 24k gold beauty products!
The Beauty Stop has 5 ways to get rid of freckles.
The Fashion Bomb compiled 100 Fashionable Items to bring with you on vacation--a one stop guide fit for any jetsetting fashionista.
Visit The Shoe Goddess for a chance to win a $200 Saks gift certificate!
V-Style is giving away NuNaat hair care products to the reader who has wavy or curly locks.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Luxury Ice
One of the many high points of our recent trip to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail was meeting Roberto Sequeira of Glace Luxury Ice. The idea of Glace Luxury Ice instantly made sense to us after the seminar we attended, the "World's Biggest Bar Crawl," took a virtual stop by the Skyview Bar at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, home of what claims to be the world's most expensive cocktail at about $7,450, depending on the exchange rate. In the cocktail, the 55-year old Macallan scotch is served with ice made from water that comes from the Macallan distillery in Scotland. The cocktail is so pricey because it's served in an 18K gold Baccarat glass, which the drinker gets to keep.
While we're not about to spend four figures on a cocktail, after sampling Glace, we can definitely get behind the need for luxury ice. The ice is one large round ball, which means it doesn't splash or hit your nose when you go to take a sip. It's big, so it stays solid longer, so our drink didn't get watered down quickly. But even when it does melt, no worries, Glace is made of purified water so it's tasteless. Glace is also really cool looking.
Bachelorette Party Ideas - On Our Radar - 1. The Palms in Fire Island -
We're planning JSG's Annie's bachelorette party! For the month of August we'll be featuring a bachelorette party/location/idea a day. Got a suggestion? Email us at jetsetgirls@gmail.com.
Today's inaugural bachelorette party post comes to us from JSG assistant editor, Ava Hoffman, who recently threw her sister's bachelorette party in Fire Island, New York. (Yes, we do know it's July 31, just wanted to kick off our series on a weekday.) Here's what she had to say:
We went to Fire Island for my sister’s bachelorette party with ten of her closest friends. After much deliberation, we decided on Fire Island, because it is a great place for a big group of people to party and relax in the sun. There are a few ways to get there depending on where you are. You can take a van or a train (from Penn Station to BayShore) to the ferry. Once at the ferry it is a quick 30 minute ride. Sit on top for a great breeze and view. Click here for ferry schedules. No cars are allowed on the island.
We stayed at The Palms, a great little hotel that reminded us of a bed and breakfast – small, clean and right on the bay, it's a 10-minute walk from the beach. The hotel provides you with everything you need for the beach, towels, chairs and umbrellas. Stop at Whitney’s Market for a takeout lunch on the way, because you are not going to want to walk back into town once you are settled in the sun!
Fire Island is comprised of houses, both owned and shared, the beach, and town, filled with little stores, restaurants and bars. Going out is easy – you just hop from bar to bar, no lines, no hassle. Don’t wear heels! No one does. As for men – all I have to say is that I know at least ten couples, married and engaged, who met on Fire Island and lived happily ever after.
We played little bachelorette games, created a fun scavenger hunt type game, and of course made the bachelorette wear inappropriate apparel. For the scavenger hunt, we included items like, "Get a security guard to pick you up and carry you across a threshold" or "get a waiter to take off his shirt and take a picture with you" or "get 3 married guys to give you wedding advice and write it on a napkin." I even had cups made with a caricature of the bride-to-be’s face that we carried around with us day and night. Can't you see the resemblance?
Fire Island is an up and coming place for bachelorette parties. If you want to lay on the beach, party, have quality time with girls, meet guys and have fun, this is the place for you!
Today's inaugural bachelorette party post comes to us from JSG assistant editor, Ava Hoffman, who recently threw her sister's bachelorette party in Fire Island, New York. (Yes, we do know it's July 31, just wanted to kick off our series on a weekday.) Here's what she had to say:
We went to Fire Island for my sister’s bachelorette party with ten of her closest friends. After much deliberation, we decided on Fire Island, because it is a great place for a big group of people to party and relax in the sun. There are a few ways to get there depending on where you are. You can take a van or a train (from Penn Station to BayShore) to the ferry. Once at the ferry it is a quick 30 minute ride. Sit on top for a great breeze and view. Click here for ferry schedules. No cars are allowed on the island.
We stayed at The Palms, a great little hotel that reminded us of a bed and breakfast – small, clean and right on the bay, it's a 10-minute walk from the beach. The hotel provides you with everything you need for the beach, towels, chairs and umbrellas. Stop at Whitney’s Market for a takeout lunch on the way, because you are not going to want to walk back into town once you are settled in the sun!
Fire Island is comprised of houses, both owned and shared, the beach, and town, filled with little stores, restaurants and bars. Going out is easy – you just hop from bar to bar, no lines, no hassle. Don’t wear heels! No one does. As for men – all I have to say is that I know at least ten couples, married and engaged, who met on Fire Island and lived happily ever after.
We played little bachelorette games, created a fun scavenger hunt type game, and of course made the bachelorette wear inappropriate apparel. For the scavenger hunt, we included items like, "Get a security guard to pick you up and carry you across a threshold" or "get a waiter to take off his shirt and take a picture with you" or "get 3 married guys to give you wedding advice and write it on a napkin." I even had cups made with a caricature of the bride-to-be’s face that we carried around with us day and night. Can't you see the resemblance?
Fire Island is an up and coming place for bachelorette parties. If you want to lay on the beach, party, have quality time with girls, meet guys and have fun, this is the place for you!
awesome movie poster friday - the CRAP I BOUGHT ON VHS RECENTLY edition!
Yes, it's true- I recently bought these movies on VHS for cheap cheap cheap. Where oh where? Why, at my pal Eric's store, that's where...or as it's more commonly known, Spudic's Movie Empire. Los Angeles locals, it's a great place to browse. Everyone else, you can still get movies from Eric via the magic of mail order. He even does special orders, y'all. Yee haw! I've got some movies to watch, some of which I've (gasp) never seen.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sephora's Second Store Opening in Times Square
If you like Sephora and Times Square then we have the best news for you. They are opening a second store at 5 Times Square on July 31 and they are doing it in a big way. There will be celebrity appearances by Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen, actress and singer-songwriter Adrienne Bailon, models Alexandra and Theodora Richards, makeup extraordinaire Lauren Luke and many others including the Sephora PRO Beauty Team. This isn’t your typical store opening, because this time they will be attempting to break Guiness World Records. Whether or not you think you are able to be the person with the “most lipstick applications by an individual in one hour,” or help break the record for the “most cosmetic makeovers by a team of five in one hour,” we think you should stop by, because this will not fall short of entertainment and fun! It’s like the David Blaine stunt of beauty. The event takes place located between 46th and 47th Streets, Broadway and Seventh Avenue on July 31st from 9am-5pm.
Blue Ridge Restaurant D.C.
Midsummer is a great time to discover the Blue Ridge Restaurant in Glover Park which has been open now for about 2 months. We had lunch on a beautiful sunny day and indulged in two summertime favorites: deviled eggs and a BLT. Chef Barton Seaver walks the sustainable food line serving locally grown produce, game and seafood with a twist. In my case, the Just-Like-Grandma’s deviled eggs were placed on top of a swirl of pesto, while my BLT came layered with fried green tomatoes. Both were delish and left me craving a return trip.
The restaurant is separated into four parts: the well appointed neighborhood bar, the dining room (below) decorated with Amish quilts, the upstairs which is not open yet; but would be great for a private function, and the patio (above) which reminds us of the spaces we see in Austin.
The restaurant is separated into four parts: the well appointed neighborhood bar, the dining room (below) decorated with Amish quilts, the upstairs which is not open yet; but would be great for a private function, and the patio (above) which reminds us of the spaces we see in Austin.
We'll go back to Blue Ridge for their quality take on comfort food. Plus, the patio would be a perfect spot to share brunch with our girlfriends on a lazy Sunday.
a few of my favorite zombies
The recent passing of Clayton Hill ("Sweater Zombie" from George Romero's Dawn of the Dead) has got me thinking about all those undead folk who've made an impression over the years. They (usually) don't speak and they're often one of a thousand walking corpses trying to eat the ragtag group of survivors, but we remember them regardless. Actually, horror fans don't simply remember these zombies, we celebrate them. Be honest, horror nerds- if a woman were to come up to you on the street and say "I was Majorette Zombie!" you'd know exactly who she was, right? And you'd be psyched to meet her, you know it...although you'd wonder why she felt the need to approach you and boast of her claim to fame a propos of nothing.
Here are a few of my favorite American Rotties.
1. Nameless Zombie (Dawn of the Dead '04)
She died without a name, which is sad. Then she came back to life and hauled ass trying to put the bite on Sarah Polley, which is understandable but not very nice. I like to pretend it's actually Dame Edith Massey as a zombie, which is a dream of mine that sadly will never be- at least never in the fictional sense. I suppose if there should ever be a zombie apocalypse, then the late Massey will rise from the grave. I won't know how to feel.2. Softball Zombie (Land of the Dead)
She seems kind of depressed and sort of nice, but in the end I doubt if she'd want to be friends.3. Cirque du Zombay (Night of the Living Dead '90)
I wonder how that happened. To be frank, he's probably better off undead.4. Graveyard Zombie (Night of the Living Dead '68)
The one that started it all, and one of my absolute most favoritest. The fact that he really was coming to get Barbra is what's known as ironicalosity.5. Ghetto Zombie (Dawn of the Dead '78)
If only for the hair and laid-back attitude.6. Dr. Tongue (Day of the Dead '85)
Total gross-out icon. Great title sequence. I love Day of the Dead.7. Nurse Zombie & Sweater Zombie (Dawn of the Dead)
If you watch Dawn of the Dead and pay close attention, you'll see that Sweater Zombie really gets around- he's outside doing his thing, then he's taking a ride on the escalator, then he's back outside with his partner-in-crime (and off-screen wife) Nurse Zombie (Sharon Ceccatti). You have to admire his moxie and his sweater vest.8. Toothy Zombie (Day of the Dead)
Toothy is one of the zombies corralled by the evil Army dudes so Dr. Logan can get his experimentation on- in other words, she's one of those zombies that gets the audience asking "OMG, who are the real monsters here? Is it us? I'm not sure. I mean, we're not trying to eat anybody, but on the other hand, we're jerks..." Her "every other chomper" look totally influenced the zombie designs in my comic They Won't Stay Dead!- those janky teefs are how you know they're zombies!
9. Bug Eating Zombie (Night of the Living Dead)
Proving that zombies are grosser than we'd initially realized, Bug Eating Zombie plucks a bug off a tree and gulps it down- as...you know...her name suggests. Did you know that Bug Eating Zombie is portrayed by hot piece Marilyn "Mrs. Cooper" Eastman? It's true. Dazzle your friends with trivia!10. Bub (Day of the Dead)
Duh.11. Silent Movie Zombie (Night of the Living Dead)
I. Love. Him. I love how he totally overacts when the fire is waved in his face...but what I love even more is that after he overcomes his fear of the flames, Silent Movie Zombie gets irritated by them. He RULES.
12. Nathan Grantham (Creepshow)
Nathan Grantham is an anomaly in the zombie world- he can talk! He has a motivation for killin' beyond simple hunger! Best of all, he rises from the grave- I really wish we'd see more of that in zombie cinema.Something just occurred to me. Let's think about what Grantham did after he decapitated poor old Aunt Sylvia, shall we, because he did a lot: he put her head on a tray. He found the frosting, then went in the silverware drawer for a knife. He frosted her head very carefully, then went searching for candles. After cramming them into her head, somehow (let's be honest, it probably took a while to get them to stay standing), he got matches or a lighter and lit them all. And he had to time all of this very carefully in order to surprise Cass and Richard as they approached the door! What a go-getter.
So, who's the most memorable zombie to you? Machete Zombie? Naked Zombie? Your mom?Ha ha, I made that last one up.
Or did I?
Nail Polish for Fall: Indigo Paris
This fall has a few exciting nail polish trends like greens and matte finishes; but the one we're getting behind this week is Le Vernis Indigo Paris nail polish from Lancome. It's flattering against a multitude of skin tones and mirrors another fall trend: prominent blue eye makeup. This formula promises long lasting shine for 7 days, which would be a record mani for us; but we're excited to test it out. Available now at department stores or Lancome-usa.com for $18.Looking for a department store alternative? Check out Revlon's No Shrinking Violet.
This just in: from August 1st through 8th bring in the following invitation for 20% off at participating Lancome Boutiques! Visit Lancomeboutique.com for participating locations.
Do Not Disturb Signs
We have a confession to make: Every time we check out of a hotel room, we "borrow" the "Do Not Disturb" Sign. And by borrow, we mean keep indefinitely. Our collection has grown quite large through the years, so we figured it was time to do something with them. Hence, our latest arts and crafts project was born.
We invested in a floating frame, bought at Michael's craft store for under $20 to display a small selection of our favorite signs. Some of the signs bring back fond memories, like the one on the top right from the Hard Rock in San Diego that reads, "Not Now My Ego Needs a Rest" and the beach scene that reads "Shhh..." from the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. Others, we don't quite remember where they came from, like the "Do Not Enter" street sign. Our best guess is that it was from the Standard in West Hollywood. The orange, Southwestern themed sign is from the Four Seasons in Scottsdale and is so old, it was three boyfriends ago!
It's such a fun way to remember our trips. We love the way it looks so much, we definitely plan on doing a second series. As long as hotels don't thwart us with electric "Do Not Disturb" signs!
Do tell: Do you ever "borrow" something from a hotel?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Intermix and e.vil Introduce the MJ Tee
We are still mourning the death of Michael Jackson, so we think it is only appropriate to celebrate this legend's life by wearing him. In tribute, Intermix has teamed up with e.vil fashion house for an exclusive t-shirt available only at Intermix. The t-shirt is a limited edition cotton-poly blend featuring MJ's famous moonwalk—we like that it says "Michael" in a subtle way. The image is studded onto the burnout material and is then distressed to give it a worn in look. It would look super cute with jean shorts during the day or with a pair of fierce heels and skinny black jeans at night. e.vil fans include Madonna, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and many others. Get yours before they sell out!
Post-SDCC wrap-up extravaganza
So the 4.5-day nerd prom known as "San Diego Comic-Con" has come and gone for another year. I was there the entire time, and now I'd like to give you a glimpse into all that transpired. There were hundreds of thousands of people in attendance, celebrities galore, panels and previews of upcoming films and shows, and more nerdy crap to buy than could ever be wished for by someone who loves to buy nerdy crap. Pull up your pants and hang on, kids, 'cause here's my big post-show rundown! It's all the very definition of EXCITEMENT.
- I ate gelato
- I attended no panels
- I saw Ron Moore going into a restaurant and I had to contain my geekery
- What do you mean, you don't know who Ron Moore is?
- I foisted Ludlow on my friends
- Said friends are still talking to me, so I suppose that's good
- I attended no parties
- I did some work, shooting footage for a something something that will be announced soon
- I really didn't do much except hang out with my friends I only see at SDCC, as they live on the other side of the country
- Two of said friends got married on Sunday and it was really nice and I was totally crying like a baby
- This display was most unexpected and embarrassing
- Wait, I didn't cry- I didn't mean that. I am a cynical and jaded horror fan and being happy for your friends is dumb
- I ate more gelato
- I got a sunburn on the ride home because I'm still not used to living somewhere that requires the use of sunblock 360 days a year
- I miss gelato
Taylor Swift's Hair Products
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We've shared our secret obsession with Taylor Swift before, now we're sharing one of her secrets to that gorgeous hair. The folks over at Carita tell us she loves the new Carita Intense Colour Shampoo and Mask. And here we thought she was a natural blonde!
The products are available on Carita.
Fringe Bags
Last year we were all about fringe on our shoes, now we've moved on to fringe bags.
Annie already bought a similar hot pink fringe bag to this one at Topshop. "I've already gotten a surprising amount of use out of it. Though mine doesn't have grommets. I got mine at the store."
On the other hand, we like the grommet detailing on this DVF fringe bag, available at Bergdorf's. It's been on our wish list since we spotted it backstage at her show.
Weary about spending serious cash on a trendy bag? This gray, faux leather fringe bag from Mark will only set you back $32.
Annie already bought a similar hot pink fringe bag to this one at Topshop. "I've already gotten a surprising amount of use out of it. Though mine doesn't have grommets. I got mine at the store."
On the other hand, we like the grommet detailing on this DVF fringe bag, available at Bergdorf's. It's been on our wish list since we spotted it backstage at her show.
Weary about spending serious cash on a trendy bag? This gray, faux leather fringe bag from Mark will only set you back $32.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Las Vegas Getaway: Guest Post Part 2
Here's the second installment of McClean Robbins' trip to Las Vegas. Yesterday she told us about the new Encore Las Vegas. Today we're moving onto food, spas, and shopping: sign us up!
Nosh
Vegas is a city of gluttony in many ways – food is just one of them. In recent years, it’s become a dining destination to rival New York and LA, with just about every major name chef opening a spot or three. To be fair, this list names only the places we visited on our recent trip – a mere fraction of what’s available.
The hotel boasted a number of great spots – our daily fave for any meal was Sugar and Ice, overlooking the Wynn waterfall and boasting a great selection of hamburgers, sandwiches and delectable house-made ice cream. For fine dining in the hotel, don’t miss the aptly-named SW Steak, a classic steakhouse overlooking the hotel’s Lake of Dreams. Enjoy perfectly-charred prime meats with generous sides. Freebie Alert: The menu is totally pricey, but there’s one perk you’ve just got to ask for – get a table by the window, which overlooks the Lake of Dreams waterfall it is transformed nightly into a free show featuring, of all things, a dancing frog that sings Garth Brooks. Trust me, you’ve got to see this to believe it. Cheap Thrill: Wynn boasts the new recession-friendly “Taste of Wynn” menu at most of its restaurants for late night or pre-show dining, featuring a three-course prix-fixe menu for $29 and up. The menus looked especially good at Daniel Boloud Brasserie and Switch. Several other hotels offer this option too.
If you’re in the Venetian, be sure to enjoy a meal at Tao, which has the best sea bass and swordfish ever, plus an intimate, clubby atmosphere (no wonder, there’s a club on top!) In cheap eats finds, other faves include the New York deli in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Serendipity 3 at Caesars, and delectable crepes in the shopping esplanade at Paris.
Pamper
You’ve GOT to spa. Best bets include the 37-room spa at Encore, where 14 of the treatment suites feature rain showers and skylights and amenities include an indoor whirl and plunge pool area with heated rock lounge chairs. Cheap Thrill: For $85, we enjoyed a 25 minute organic buffing with mimosa oil, which included a sugar-based scrub, shower, and oil application, plus use of the spa and fitness center all day, normally $35. For a more luxe experience, try the 75-minute desert stone massage for $235.
When bigger is better, head to the Canyon Ranch spa at The Venetian, which, at 134,000 square feet (it has a rock wall!) is one of the largest spas in the country.
Shop
People who say that New York is the only place to shop obviously haven’t been to Vegas – some of the world’s best boutiques are packed into this several-mile space. A must-visit is the newly-opened Shoppes at the Palazzo, featuring the area’s first Barneys New York and Christian Louboutin. Also worth visiting are the massive Forum Shops in Caesars Palace (Scoop; Intermix), the Fashion Show Mall (Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom) and the boutiques in various high-end hotels, including Bellagio, Venetian, Wynn, and Encore.
McLean Robbins is a freelance fashion, spa and travel writer. Find her work daily on DeaconDoesDC.com.
Nosh
Vegas is a city of gluttony in many ways – food is just one of them. In recent years, it’s become a dining destination to rival New York and LA, with just about every major name chef opening a spot or three. To be fair, this list names only the places we visited on our recent trip – a mere fraction of what’s available.
The hotel boasted a number of great spots – our daily fave for any meal was Sugar and Ice, overlooking the Wynn waterfall and boasting a great selection of hamburgers, sandwiches and delectable house-made ice cream. For fine dining in the hotel, don’t miss the aptly-named SW Steak, a classic steakhouse overlooking the hotel’s Lake of Dreams. Enjoy perfectly-charred prime meats with generous sides. Freebie Alert: The menu is totally pricey, but there’s one perk you’ve just got to ask for – get a table by the window, which overlooks the Lake of Dreams waterfall it is transformed nightly into a free show featuring, of all things, a dancing frog that sings Garth Brooks. Trust me, you’ve got to see this to believe it. Cheap Thrill: Wynn boasts the new recession-friendly “Taste of Wynn” menu at most of its restaurants for late night or pre-show dining, featuring a three-course prix-fixe menu for $29 and up. The menus looked especially good at Daniel Boloud Brasserie and Switch. Several other hotels offer this option too.If you’re in the Venetian, be sure to enjoy a meal at Tao, which has the best sea bass and swordfish ever, plus an intimate, clubby atmosphere (no wonder, there’s a club on top!) In cheap eats finds, other faves include the New York deli in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Serendipity 3 at Caesars, and delectable crepes in the shopping esplanade at Paris.
Pamper
You’ve GOT to spa. Best bets include the 37-room spa at Encore, where 14 of the treatment suites feature rain showers and skylights and amenities include an indoor whirl and plunge pool area with heated rock lounge chairs. Cheap Thrill: For $85, we enjoyed a 25 minute organic buffing with mimosa oil, which included a sugar-based scrub, shower, and oil application, plus use of the spa and fitness center all day, normally $35. For a more luxe experience, try the 75-minute desert stone massage for $235.
When bigger is better, head to the Canyon Ranch spa at The Venetian, which, at 134,000 square feet (it has a rock wall!) is one of the largest spas in the country.
Shop
People who say that New York is the only place to shop obviously haven’t been to Vegas – some of the world’s best boutiques are packed into this several-mile space. A must-visit is the newly-opened Shoppes at the Palazzo, featuring the area’s first Barneys New York and Christian Louboutin. Also worth visiting are the massive Forum Shops in Caesars Palace (Scoop; Intermix), the Fashion Show Mall (Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom) and the boutiques in various high-end hotels, including Bellagio, Venetian, Wynn, and Encore.
McLean Robbins is a freelance fashion, spa and travel writer. Find her work daily on DeaconDoesDC.com.
Bond No. 9 for Harrods
One of our favorite perfumes is taking a trip across the pond. Bond No. 9 is known for its fragrances that are named after New York City Neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, Bryant Park and Coney Island. The fragrance, Bond No. 9 Harrods has notes of Neroli petals, mandarin, wild chamomile, tuberose, clary sage, nutmeg, amber, leather, sandalwood, vetiver. There's one for him, too, with notes of Rhubarb leaf, star anise, chamomile, lavandin, pimentos berries, violet leaf, birchwood, musk, sandalwood. Jolly good!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Essie and Judith Ripka
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She's experimented with 24K gold before, now Essie is using diamond dust in her polishes in the new Essie Loves Diamonds by Judith Ripka collaboration. The collection with the jewelry designer features Queen of Hearts, a shimmering red, Put a Ripka Ring On It, a soft pink, and Heart my JR Jewels, a beautiful burgundy.
A diamond, a sapphire and an emerald will be hidden separately inside three different bottles of Essie Loves Diamonds by Judith Ripka polishes. We assume the polish cleans off the gem easily.
The colors will set off Judith Ripka's chunky jewelry just perfectly. We have our eye on the Monaco Ring.
Las Vegas Getaway: Guest Post Part 1
Deacon Does Las Vegas
Thanks to Hope and Anne for letting us guest blog this column – Vegas has long been a favorite city, and we returned in July for our annual pilgrimage. This time, we brought along our boyfriend, a Vegas newbie who’d long been protesting the trip. By the end of a week, he was begging for more – here’s the secret:
Stay
Travelocity advertises hotels for “as little as $26 a night.” Thanks, but that’s not for us. We had reserved a suite at Encore Las Vegas, the newest tower of the Wynn resort, a towering gold behemoth across from the Fashion Show Mall. Totally worth the cost – every room is a small suite, featuring luxe amenities (ask for their hairspray if it’s not left in your room- amaaaaazing), super soft bedding and huge bathrooms, complete with TV.
The best feature? Touch of a button bedside service that activates privacy functions, opens floor-to-ceiling blackout shades, and turns on and off lights. Unlike some Vegas hotels that mistake overt gilding for class, Encore mixes style and modern comfort with elegance.
Be sure to ask at check-in about upgrades – a panoramic strip view room on an upper floor is as little as $25 per night more. Strongly recommended is the $50 per night upgrade to the Tower Suites, featuring private check in and concierge, as well as access to private dining, pools and more.
Perhaps due to its newer construction, Wynn and Encore feel much more airy and spacious than other properties, and décor looks updated and fresh. As expected, the hotel features a full complement of onsite including a delightful pool with outdoor gambling (beware, the European pool has optional topless bathing), a full esplanade of shopping with names like Cartier, Chanel, Hermes, Dior and more.
If you’re visiting soon, consider booking a trip July 30-August 2, when Beyonce rolls into town for an intimate concert series in the Encore Theatre. The hotel is rolling out the red carpet with surrounding events including a House of Dereon pop-up shop, an informal modeling show and even a Beyonce music video TV channel!
The downside of Encore is that it is quite a hike from the hotel to other casinos and attractions – it’s a near 10-minute walk just to access Wynn. Then again, you get to pass shops like Chanel and Manolo on your way – it’s not so bad at all. Cheap Thrill: Search sites like FlyerTalk.com or sign up for e-promos to get discounts – we found rates of $109 a night plus a $50 resort credit, while advertized rates online went for $179 and up.
Freebie Alert: Consider package deals – Vegas is one of the best cities in the world for these offers, which can include perks like slot credit, spa treatments, show tickets and dinners, the value of which often exceed the cost of a hotel.
Other Options: If I wasn’t to stay at Encore/Wynn, I’d book a room at the newly-opened Palazzo (ask for their concierge floor, similar to a Ritz-Carlton club level). Some of the fantasy suites at Palms, including the Playboy suite and the Barbie suite, would also be ideal for a bachelor/bachelorette party. If you’re really on a budget, upgrade with a AAA or government discount at hotels like TI and Mirage – you can often score suites in off-peak times for under $100 a night.
Play
Welcome to the city of sin – and a rival for the title of the city that never sleeps! Obviously, Vegas is a haven for nightlife of all kinds, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day as well. Here are just a few of our suggestions for can’t-miss entertainment:
Shows – You’ve got to catch at least one show while you’re in Las Vegas. Anything by Cirque du Soliel is a great bet, but O (at the Bellagio), set on a spectacular moving water stage, and LOVE, an intimate in-the-round performance set to Beatles music, are two personal favorites. If you’re in for something a little more naughty, consider tix to Peep Show at Planet Hollywood, a topless revue starring a rotating list of celebs – Mel B (former Spice Girl) and currently Holly Madison of Girls Next Door fame. For the truly adventurous, round up your girlfriends for Striptease 101, a humorous yet sensual class that shows you how to shake it till you make it. Cheap Thrill: Tix 4 Tonight (visit the Fashion Show Mall location) offers day-of, half price tickets for available shows. Visit in the evening and you can often score “advance” passes for next-day shows as well. Freebie Alert: Don’t miss some of the area’s best free attractions – the nightly exploding volcano at Mirage, the “Sirens of TI” pirate show at Treasure Island (watch from the outdoor bar overlooking the boats), or the hourly moving statues in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
Should you weary of shopping, spaa-ing, and gambling (more on that in a minute), consider a trip down the strip to hotels like New York New York or Circus Circus, which offer good ol’ fashioned amusement park fun. Warning: these thrill rides are not for the faint of heart – I nearly passed out on the NY NY coaster, which winds outside the hotel and features 360 degree loop-de-loops.
Party
By now, we’ve all seen The Hangover – it’s easy to imagine a night of decadence. The “it” club of the moment is the aptly-titled XS at Encore, featuring sexy poolside tables. Other popular spots include Tao at the Venetian, Pure at Caesars Palace, and Tryst, at Wynn.
We enjoyed cocktails at Ghostbar, also at The Palms, which overlooks the entire strip from the hotel’s 50-somethingth floor. The Mix, at Mandalay Bay, has a similar view.
Risk
Even if you’re not a gambler, consider at least budgeting a few Benjamins for your trip. Every hotel shop features several “basic strategy” cards for as little as $2, teaching you the bare-bones of casino games like Blackjack and Craps. Many properties also offer morning gaming lessons (usually before noon, don’t sleep in!).
We spent many an hour in the sports book, playing the ponies, but you can also place wagers on your favorite team to win, say, the World Series, often catching odds of 200-1 or more – which would make about a $4k payoff on a $20 bet.
Of course, there are slot machines – whoo! Wynn offered a variety of slot tournaments during our stay, where guests could win their share of a $10k grand prize daily. The day we departed, a $100k weekend contest was taking place, with no entry fee. Cheap Thrill: Penny and nickel slots – just beware that one “max bet” on these machines is often $3-$5, not 3 to 5 cents. Freebie Alert: Sit and play any game to drink for free – just tip the server.
McLean Robbins is a freelance fashion, spa and travel writer. Find her work daily on DeaconDoesDC.com
Check back tomorrow for more on McClean's trip to Las Vegas: food, spas, and shopping!
Thanks to Hope and Anne for letting us guest blog this column – Vegas has long been a favorite city, and we returned in July for our annual pilgrimage. This time, we brought along our boyfriend, a Vegas newbie who’d long been protesting the trip. By the end of a week, he was begging for more – here’s the secret:Stay
Travelocity advertises hotels for “as little as $26 a night.” Thanks, but that’s not for us. We had reserved a suite at Encore Las Vegas, the newest tower of the Wynn resort, a towering gold behemoth across from the Fashion Show Mall. Totally worth the cost – every room is a small suite, featuring luxe amenities (ask for their hairspray if it’s not left in your room- amaaaaazing), super soft bedding and huge bathrooms, complete with TV.
The best feature? Touch of a button bedside service that activates privacy functions, opens floor-to-ceiling blackout shades, and turns on and off lights. Unlike some Vegas hotels that mistake overt gilding for class, Encore mixes style and modern comfort with elegance.
Be sure to ask at check-in about upgrades – a panoramic strip view room on an upper floor is as little as $25 per night more. Strongly recommended is the $50 per night upgrade to the Tower Suites, featuring private check in and concierge, as well as access to private dining, pools and more.
Perhaps due to its newer construction, Wynn and Encore feel much more airy and spacious than other properties, and décor looks updated and fresh. As expected, the hotel features a full complement of onsite including a delightful pool with outdoor gambling (beware, the European pool has optional topless bathing), a full esplanade of shopping with names like Cartier, Chanel, Hermes, Dior and more.
If you’re visiting soon, consider booking a trip July 30-August 2, when Beyonce rolls into town for an intimate concert series in the Encore Theatre. The hotel is rolling out the red carpet with surrounding events including a House of Dereon pop-up shop, an informal modeling show and even a Beyonce music video TV channel!
The downside of Encore is that it is quite a hike from the hotel to other casinos and attractions – it’s a near 10-minute walk just to access Wynn. Then again, you get to pass shops like Chanel and Manolo on your way – it’s not so bad at all. Cheap Thrill: Search sites like FlyerTalk.com or sign up for e-promos to get discounts – we found rates of $109 a night plus a $50 resort credit, while advertized rates online went for $179 and up.
Freebie Alert: Consider package deals – Vegas is one of the best cities in the world for these offers, which can include perks like slot credit, spa treatments, show tickets and dinners, the value of which often exceed the cost of a hotel.
Other Options: If I wasn’t to stay at Encore/Wynn, I’d book a room at the newly-opened Palazzo (ask for their concierge floor, similar to a Ritz-Carlton club level). Some of the fantasy suites at Palms, including the Playboy suite and the Barbie suite, would also be ideal for a bachelor/bachelorette party. If you’re really on a budget, upgrade with a AAA or government discount at hotels like TI and Mirage – you can often score suites in off-peak times for under $100 a night.
Play
Welcome to the city of sin – and a rival for the title of the city that never sleeps! Obviously, Vegas is a haven for nightlife of all kinds, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day as well. Here are just a few of our suggestions for can’t-miss entertainment:
Shows – You’ve got to catch at least one show while you’re in Las Vegas. Anything by Cirque du Soliel is a great bet, but O (at the Bellagio), set on a spectacular moving water stage, and LOVE, an intimate in-the-round performance set to Beatles music, are two personal favorites. If you’re in for something a little more naughty, consider tix to Peep Show at Planet Hollywood, a topless revue starring a rotating list of celebs – Mel B (former Spice Girl) and currently Holly Madison of Girls Next Door fame. For the truly adventurous, round up your girlfriends for Striptease 101, a humorous yet sensual class that shows you how to shake it till you make it. Cheap Thrill: Tix 4 Tonight (visit the Fashion Show Mall location) offers day-of, half price tickets for available shows. Visit in the evening and you can often score “advance” passes for next-day shows as well. Freebie Alert: Don’t miss some of the area’s best free attractions – the nightly exploding volcano at Mirage, the “Sirens of TI” pirate show at Treasure Island (watch from the outdoor bar overlooking the boats), or the hourly moving statues in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
Should you weary of shopping, spaa-ing, and gambling (more on that in a minute), consider a trip down the strip to hotels like New York New York or Circus Circus, which offer good ol’ fashioned amusement park fun. Warning: these thrill rides are not for the faint of heart – I nearly passed out on the NY NY coaster, which winds outside the hotel and features 360 degree loop-de-loops.
Party
By now, we’ve all seen The Hangover – it’s easy to imagine a night of decadence. The “it” club of the moment is the aptly-titled XS at Encore, featuring sexy poolside tables. Other popular spots include Tao at the Venetian, Pure at Caesars Palace, and Tryst, at Wynn.
We enjoyed cocktails at Ghostbar, also at The Palms, which overlooks the entire strip from the hotel’s 50-somethingth floor. The Mix, at Mandalay Bay, has a similar view.
Risk
Even if you’re not a gambler, consider at least budgeting a few Benjamins for your trip. Every hotel shop features several “basic strategy” cards for as little as $2, teaching you the bare-bones of casino games like Blackjack and Craps. Many properties also offer morning gaming lessons (usually before noon, don’t sleep in!).
We spent many an hour in the sports book, playing the ponies, but you can also place wagers on your favorite team to win, say, the World Series, often catching odds of 200-1 or more – which would make about a $4k payoff on a $20 bet.
Of course, there are slot machines – whoo! Wynn offered a variety of slot tournaments during our stay, where guests could win their share of a $10k grand prize daily. The day we departed, a $100k weekend contest was taking place, with no entry fee. Cheap Thrill: Penny and nickel slots – just beware that one “max bet” on these machines is often $3-$5, not 3 to 5 cents. Freebie Alert: Sit and play any game to drink for free – just tip the server.
McLean Robbins is a freelance fashion, spa and travel writer. Find her work daily on DeaconDoesDC.com
Check back tomorrow for more on McClean's trip to Las Vegas: food, spas, and shopping!
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