Web Snob April 29th, 2011

Stiletto Jungle reviews a new must-have accessory for makeup lovers: the Unii Makeup Palette.

Allie is Wired takes a look at the first photos from Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.

Besides sounding rather tantalizing, this Derek Lam at Bag Snob has the look and has oodles of appeal.

Be prepared: Beauty Snob is pretty excited about this! I experienced crazy amazing, plentiful results from ABBA's Pure Detox Shampoo.

Coquette is little obsessed with rose gold and this Marc by Marc Jacobs Jazzy Classic Henry Watch has just the right two-toned mix of metal for spring/summer.

The Jet Set Girls are headed to NOLa for Jazz Fest. Check out what we're wearing!

SHEfinds recreated Victoria Beckham's Royal Wedding dress look to wear through wedding season, and beyond.

Second City Style is loving the 80's inspired brightly hued bag trend for spring!

Shopping and Info loves the Burberry raspberry sorbet espadrilles for summer because it is a sweet treat for our feet.

The Beauty Stop picks three top beauty iPad apps.

On Our Radar: Vintange on Loan at London Hotel

On one of our annual girl's nights, our friend Heidi brought—and subsequently left hanging in the closet—so many clothes, we thought the hotel had provided us with them as potential loaners. So the new Berkeley Hotel in London partnership with vintage e-boutique Atelier-Mayer.com makes perfect sense to us. Travel and Leisure reports that the boutique is offering guests with a steamer trunk filled with jewelry and bags for loan during the duration of their stay. So that means the Charles Jourdan baby (above) can be yours for the night. Guests are able to purchase any items they can't bear to part with. Think of all the room you'll save in your suitcase!

The Michelin Red Guide and More Great Paris Reads

Michelin has published its 100th guide on France. This hefty tome, full of the best hotels and restaurants in France, is a necessary reference if you're headed on a dream trip any time soon. For our trip to Paris last fall, we borrowed stacks of books from the library beforehand. Planning a big trip is almost as much fun as being there. Whether you're a Lonely Planet kind of traveler or a Frommer/Fodor's girl, it's helpful to scan through a bunch of books to find all a city has to offer.

Looking for some fun inspiration? We've read a couple of great Paris centered historical fiction books lately: A Paris Wife by Paula McLain tells the story of Hadley Richardson, Hemingway's first wife and their years in Paris, and Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran which gives an insider's look into the French Revolution. It does a great job of bringing to life historical figures like Marie Antoinette, Thomas Jefferson, and Robespierre. Happy travels!

What to Wear at Jazz Fest

NOLA Jazz Fest by Jet Set Girls featuring floral tops

Next week I'm headed to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, and while it's not my first time in the city it is my first time at the music festival. I'm taking my cues on what to wear from the attendees at the recent Coachella and am aiming for casual, hippie chick cool. While my first inclination would be to wear a cute sundress, something about eating crawfish and fried oyster po' boys seems down an dirty and cries out for shorts.

TopShop floral top, $75
Lucca Couture floral top, $59
TOMMY HILFIGER Online Store - USA - Stretch Chino Basic Short, $49
Belle By Sigerson Morrison wedge shoes, $295
Marc by marc jacobs bag, $178
Clutch
Gap hat, $35
The Amazonite Wrap on Natural Brown Leather by designer Chan Luu, $170
TOMMY HILFIGER Online Store - USA - Twill Cutt Off Short, $34

JSG on Kohl's Facebook Style Page

A couple of weeks ago, Chaps asked us to style a pair of their new capris for spring. Kohl's choose the picture above of Hope to feature on their Facebook Style page. Check out our other looks here. What's your style? Do you plan on wearing capris this spring?

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection

Vineyard Vines - Kentucky Derby Collection by Jet Set Girls featuring silk scarves

Silk scarf, $98
Vineyard Vines - Run for the Roses Dress, $275
Vineyard Vines - Mint Julep Sunny Day Bag, $150
Vineyard Vines - Diamond Jockey Silks Halter, $135

Headed to the Kentucky Derby next weekend but still not sure what you'll be wearing? Start by checking out the Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection. It includes fashions inspired by the big day including run for the roses and jockey silks dresses, halters and scarves. There's even a mint julep bowtie for the guys (below). The site promises to add more styles in the coming days. Here's hoping a few hats are included as the Kentucky Derby is second only to the Royal Wedding as a day hats are a required!

The Kentucky Derby collection is a available on Vineyard Vines.

Travel Tuesday Links

Excited enough by the Royal Wedding to wake up at 4 a.m. (or make it an all-nighter for you West-coasters)? Here's where to celebrate on this side of the pond. (USA Today)

Hotel Chatter fills us in on the speculation about where the next Gansevoort Hotel will open. (Hotel Chatter)

Find the best credit card benefit program to fit your travel needs. (NYTimes)

The new airline regulations are a step in the right direction for passengers, but more are needed, say experts. (MSNBC)

A Peek Inside a Lost Girls' Carry On Bag

Amanda Pressner in New Zealand

We knew The Lost Girls before they journeyed around the world (1 year, four continents, three friends) and have followed the trio's adventures ever since. We were able to pin down Amanda Pressner between trips to Jackson Hole and St. Lucia long enough to find out what's in her carry on. If you haven't read the Lost Girls book yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy—it's out in paperback this week!

What type of carry on bag do you use?
I just invested in an Eagle Creek Rolling Tote on that's designed to work in conjunction with the brand's space-saving packing cubes. Using their products allows me to break the rule of laying out everything you need for a trip and taking half!

What are some of your favorite beauty products when traveling?
A company called Lypsyl makes a lip balm with the smoothest. lightest texture--it hydrates without leaving your mouth feeling greasy. I also pack Elena Rubinstein's travel friendly skincare line, including toners, moisturizers and under-eye cream. Most bottles are 3 ounces or less, and are concentrated, so you don't have to use as much (and risk running out during your trip).


What type of music do you like to listen to on the plane?
When trying to relax, I'll chill out to ambient tunes in the vein of Sia, Zero Seven or Cafe Del Mar. But most of the time, you'll find me pecking away on my laptop—in fact, I'm heading back to New York from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and answering these questions in flight!

Any favorite or recent plane reads?
I'm a huge sucker for mindless celebrity gossip, so I'll usually grab a Star or US Weekly, and read that first, before I dig into my copy of InStyle or Lucky...I save fashion mags for flights when I really have time to study them and create "must-buy" lists of stuff that I never end up getting! JSG Note: The Lost Girls book is another ideal plane read!

What type of sweater or wrap do you usually travel with?
I'd kind of forgotten about Eddie Bauer until I popped into one of their stores recently and found a fantastic denim jacket that felt cut just for me. I'm also obsessed with SmartWool's layering pieces (shown), as they keep me cozy whether the plane is boiling hot or freezing cold.

Any favorite plane snacks?
On my Jackson trip, I sampled "Tram Bars" which are incredibly addictive granola and chocolate treats that can replace a meal or two snacks. I bought several to throw in my bag for future trips! I do try to eat some kind of whole food item (yogurt, fruits salad, nuts) when I fly since it can be all to easy to grab an Annie Anne's pretzel or a burrito in the airport and feel kinda gross afterward!

Anything else in your carry on?
See question #1—way too much! I've got a pair of OTBT (Off the Beaten Track) boots that look trendy but are comfortable enough to go for miles and miles by foot in a new city. I also pack a ton of scarves for every trip, because you can literally wear black jeans and tee shirt or sweater every day and change the look of your whole outfit by swapping the scarf. And though its a pain to constantly refill the bottles, I bring small sizes of my favorite curly hair products—its worth it to me to have good hair days on the road.

Rainforest Travel Sweepstakes from Biolage

We love Biolage's Hydrathérapie line and now there's even more reason to pick up a travel set before your next girls' trip:

From now through May 31st, enter to win a trip for two to Costa Rica from Biolage.  Purchase a Rainforest Travel Kit for $9 and you'll receive a unique code for an on-line entry. The travel kit includes two travel-sized Hydrating shampoos and two travel-sized Conditioning balms.

The trip includes accommodations at the 4-star Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica for five days and four nights plus roundtrip airfare. It's valued at $5,000! Learn more at www.biolage.com/getaway.

Tika Sumpter Talks About Saving the Planet—and Kissing Nate and Chuck

Last week, we had the chance to talk with new Gossip Girl cast member, Tika Sumpter. She was at a Body Shop event promoting the 3-Minute Shower Challenge. Turns out reducing your shower time from  3 minutes to 10 would save 50 gallons of water per shower! If that's unrealistic for you—and hey, no judgments. Long, hot showers are definitely one of our biggest vices—even just shortening your shower time will help. Or try showering every other day when possible.

Another way to make your shower better for the earth is to use a eco-friendly shower gel. The new Body Shop Shower Gels for Earth Lovers are 100 percent biodegrabable and are sulphate, paraben and colorant free. They also come in a 100 percent recycled plastic bottle. The shower gels are available in six delicious scents, including pear and lemongrass and fig and rosemary.

Watch the video above to see Tika Sumpter talk about her involvement in the campaign. Be sure to watch to the end where she reveals who she like kissing better as Raina Thorpe on Gossip Girl, Chuck Bass or Nate Archibald!

MAC Surf, Baby!

Surf, Baby! from MAC is a beach party in your makeup bag with the new Splashproof Lash Mascara, Skinsheen Bronzer Stick, SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balms and much more. We can't wait to wade through this collection of crushed metallic pigments, hibiscus colored lipsticks and paradise cheek powders. MAC's latest collection is available May 26th at MAC stores, Mac.com, and department stores. Hang Ten!

On Our Radar: Aspen's Food and Wine Festival

What Coachella is to hipsters, the Aspen Food and Wine Classic is to foodies. This year's is June 17 to 19 and features cooking demos, seminars and dinners by top chefs including Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio and José Andrés. Don't worry if you don't know your radicchio from your escarole, it's not too high brow—topics include, "Sexy Vegetable Dishes" and "Grilled Cheese, Please" and there are plenty of wine and cocktail tastings, too.  Nor is lodging astronomically priced—last we checked there were hotel room starting at $52 a night (We don't vouch for its cleanliness or location.)

For more information, check out FoodandWine.com.

Kiehls Limited Edition Rare Earth Cleansing Masque

Credit:  Mariano Vivanco

Kiehl's is at it again. For this year's Earth Day, the brand partnered with Chloe Sevigny and Michael C. Hall to design labels for the Limited Edition Rare Earth Cleansing Masque. All of the net proceeds benefit Waterkeeper Allilance,  a grassroots advocacy organization with nearly 200 member organizations. The masque detoxifies skin with fairly traded Amazonian White Clay. Check it out in stores or online today.

How to Make a Ponytail More Glam

Just because a ponytail is your go to style when you're rushed, having a bad hair day, fighting frizz or all of the above, that doesn't mean it has to look sloppy. Check out this video with tips from Mika Rummo, stylist at Salon AKS in New York for tips on how to make a ponytail more glam. Pay close attention and you just may recognize that hair model! Watch the video now.

Fashion Girls for Japan T-Shirt

After hosting a successful sample sale that raised nearly $300,000 for Japan earthquake relief, the organizers of Fashion Girls for Japan wanted to do more. To that end, they created this limited edition T-shirt, a take on the classic I <3 NY logo. It's available for $35 and comes in a men's version and as a tote, too. 100% of proceeds will go to Japan Society's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund and Mayor's Fund.

Available on FashiongirlsforJapan.com

Sister Act on Broadway Review

As I walked into the theater last night for Sister Act, I spotted more than a few men and women of the cloth, which immediately made me nervous. As a lapsed Catholic, I have a guilty conscience that has followed me into adulthood. Moreover, could I possibly like the same show as priests and nuns? The answer is a happy yes—though I'm just assuming by the rousing standing ovation the show got that the priests and nuns enjoyed the show, too. I think it's a safe bet.

Sister Act was turned into a musical by the original movie's star, Whoopi Goldberg, who is producing the show. She brought in veteran composer Alan Menken to write the songs, which have a 70s, Motown feel. The plot of the musical is similar to that of the movie, Dolores, an aspiring lounge singer, has to hide out in a convent after witnessing her thug boyfriend kill someone. She quickly turns the tone deaf choir of nuns into a must-see, money-making act for the church. The results are charming, toe-tapping fun.

One thing that really struck me is that after seeing shows with a giant Manolo Blahnik, helicopters that land on stage and sinking ships, the set of Sister Act is disarmingly simple. The showiest part is a stained glass window and over-sized Madonna (the Virgin Mary, not the singer). It was refreshing that the show wowed on its plot, songs and dance numbers alone.

It has been a while since I've seen the movie—it came out in 1992, so it's safe to say it was nearly 20 years ago—but I do think a touch of the original charm was lost in the transfer to Broadway. I get that it's a challenge to develop characters in a musical, but some of the depth of the friendships was lost from the movie. In addition, Kathy Najimy stole the show in the movie as sister Mary Patrick, a character who barely makes an impression here. On the other hand, sister Mary Robert in the musical, Marla Mindelle, is adorable with a killer voice.

My tickets were courtesy of Swarovski. I started to fret in Act I that I would have nothing to write about when it comes to sparkly costumes. But rest assured, they're there—I don't want to spoil the surprise.

All in all, I give Sister Act a hearty thumbs up. We left the theater with a smile on our face, humming the final show stopping number. And really, what more do you need from a musical?

Tickets to Sister Act are available online.

Review The Parker Meridien New York

I chose the Parker Meridien for a weekend trip to NYC in March. Its location on West 56th between 6th and 7th Ave. made it ideal for shopping, dining, and theater going. The lobby is stylish; and the surprising burger smell wafting through the lobby was a hit for meat eaters like us. The "hidden" Burger Joint serves up burgers and fries for those-in-the-know all day long.   Norma's has a delicious breakfast with french press coffee I'm still trying to recreate and applewood smoked bacon that's so thick and tasty it rivals my favorite served at the Kimpton hotels. Our bill for breakfast each morning topped the $100 mark, so keep that in mind when you're budgeting.

Our room was spacious and way beyond New York standards. The two oversized twin beds and pull out sofa worked well for our party of four. It was a challenge to find a reasonably priced room with much space at all for four. The Parker Meridian's junior suite had two televisions, an eating area and a reasonably sized bathroom.

The rooftop pool had amazing views of Central Park and is open most of the day giving you a chance to take a dip after a long day of wondering around the city.

The shot glasses in the bathrooms were a nice touch, as were the Peter Thomas Roth products:

I'd recommend a stay at the Parker Meridien mostly for its location and style. My only reservation would be the extra charges like $10 for the toothbrush I forgot (hint: there's a Duane Reade across the street); $6 for each of the wine glasses I asked to be sent to the room (I've always tipped on the service; but haven't been charged for using wine glasses before); and the WiFi charges of $12/hour in the lobby or $16/day in your room is always a pet peeve of ours.

If you're curious to check it out yourself, they're offering specials starting in the $300 range. Happy travels!

Behind the Scenes at the Bridesmaids Harper's Bazzar Shoot

Anders Overgaard for Harper's Bazaar

We're just weeks away from the most anticipated wedding of the year—no, not that one over in London, Maya Rudolph's in the new Bridesmaids movie. Stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper are featured in the May issue of Harper's Bazaar. Check out the hilar video below where the ladies discuss the dangers of drinking and shopping, a problem we know only too well from our own girls' trips. Bridesmaids hits theaters on May 13.

Pixi's Week of Wakeup Makeup

Pixi's Week of Wakeup Makeup has plenty of colors to keep you looking fresh on your next vacay. With 21 eye shadows, 7 cheek powders and 8 lip glosses, you'll find a look for the poolside, an afternoon wine tasting and some late night dancing. The Week of Makeup is only $34 and available on the re-designed www.PixiBeauty.com and at Target.com and Target stores. Here's a peek of the pinks, peaches, nudes and more:

Travel Tuesday Links

Enter to win a dream trip worth over $100K with five or your friends courtesy of Expedia. Paris, anyone? (Facebook)

Find out the next new hottest destination for this spring/summer. (NYMag)

Getting a tax refund? Book a vacation! (USA Today)

Get the secrets to scoring VIP treatment on the road (MSNBC.com)

Zac Posen's Bloody Mary

When we were in Miami the weekend before last, we enjoyed a pre-flight brunch at Rosa Mexicana. Hope ordered a tomatillo and cucumber bloody Mary that was made table side and was deliciously reminiscent of a cup of gazpacho. The experience taught us that a Bloody Mary can mean more than tomato juice and celery (though there's nothing wrong with the original!).

Designer Zac Posen is ahead of that trend, of course, and created two new cocktails to make the most of Belvedere's Bloody Mary, a vodka with flavors of fresh tomato, black pepper, horseradish, bell peppers; chili peppers, lemon and a touch of vinegar. "Brunch can be fabulous when you have the right meal, cocktail and outfit. I’m an avid fan of any brunch occasion so I’m delighted to be working with Le Caprice to create an irresistible menu to complement the new Belvedere Bloody Mary," Posen said.  The cocktails are available at New York's Le Caprice through June 26 or make them at home with the recipes below:

Belvedere Bloody Mary (shown above)
• 60ml Belvedere Bloody Mary
• 60ml tomato juice
• Dash lemon juice
• Tabasco to taste (optional)

Combine ingredients in a highball glass over cubed ice.
Garnish with a lemon wedge and/or celery stick

Belvedere Pineapple Mary
• 1.5oz Belvedere Bloody Mary
• 3oz Fresh Pineapple juice
• 0.75oz Fresh Lime juice
• 2 bar spoon Simple syrup
• 2 dashes Orange bitters
• 1/8 bar spoon Smoked paprika (hot)
Shake and strain all ingredients into a rocks glass filled with cubed ice.

Water for Elephants Review

After the movie and our RPattz sighting with Amber and Dina.

Until last night, I was on Team Jacob. But sitting three rows behind Robert Pattinson at the Water for Elephants' premiere for two hours in the dark of the New York's Zigfeld Theater—and I've seen the light. He's beyond handsome in real life—much more so than on screen—and fills out a white shirt very nicely.

So how was the movie? I read the book and am about the only person I know who wasn't a huge fan. The author of the book is a woman and the narrator, Jacob, (RPattz in the movie), always felt flat and forced to me on paper. On screen that wasn't an issue. Add in a very Marlene Dietrich-esque Reese Witherspoon, gorgeous clothes and a frisky elephant who can't keep her hands off Robert and it makes for a very enjoyable, if slightly slow, two hours. I'm sure this movie will be a huge hit thanks to all the legions of RPattz fans.

Now, back to Robert Pattinson, the person. He seemed nervous while watching the film. (I can only imagine what it's like to see yourself and months of hard work on the big screen in front of an audience!) He ran his fingers through his hair several times, fidgeted a lot and even got up to get his own popcorn (Dina walked by right by him on her way back from the ladies!!). He was at the premiere with girlfriend Kristen Stewart, who is just on this side of painfully skinny--you can see the outline of her shoulder bones clearly. They didn't smooch or even chat much during the movie. I think it's a sign they're not happy together—giving hope to the rest of us!

We also saw Reese Witherspoon at the premiere. She was originally seated behind RPattz, but her handlers moved her shortly after the movie started and we didn't see her again. He's so tall, maybe she couldn't see the screen?

A big thanks to Dove Visible Care Body Wash, which sponsored the red carpet at the Water for Elephants screening and kindly extended my invitation. As Megan from Daily Makeover pointed out, at one point in the movie, Robert Pattinson's character says, "The first thing you notice about a woman is her skin." I've long been a fan of Dove body washes and Visible Care is a new favorite. It really does leave my skin feeling softer and more moisturized after every shower.

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara

We try so many mascaras, it isn't easy for one to stand out. Estée Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Mascara did just that. It does a bang up job of volumizing your lashes without the usual problems that go with it like flaking and smearing. We took a couple of passes through our lashes to smooth out the occasional clumps. At $23.50, it's more expensive than your drugstore alternatives; but the results are worth it. Lastly, we know packaging is far from the most important product feature, but Sumptuous Extreme comes in a show-me-off gold tube. Look for Estée Lauder gifts with purchase this month at Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, and Macy's.

This review was based on a free sample.

I am just saying...

...I can't be the only horror fan who saw the (ugh dreadful) cover for the new Lady Gaga album:


...and immediately thought of this:



youfeelme?

awesome movie poster friday - the SCREAM edition!

Now, before you go getting all "Oooh, an Awesome Movie Poster Friday celebrating the beloved Scream series, coinciding with the release of Scream 4! How...4tuitous!", let me just say: that is not really what this AMPF is. I wanted to do a Scream series tribute but let's face it: the posters for the Scream films largely suck. In fact, if you'll remember (or click this link to learn), my scientific research has shown that Scream 2 is directly responsible for the sorry sorry state of the modern horror movie poster- a pit of Photoshopped, fresh-faced blandness that we're only just beginning to crawl out of several years later. At least there's a tiny effort being made with the posters for Scream 4, but I still hear the sad echoes of "wasted opportunity" when I close my eyes.



Ah...just imagine what the art could have been if Scream had been made in 1981. *tear*

The worst offender, I think, is this one sheet of fuckery for Scream 2. Come on, Germany, what is this? Who is this? It's like Neve Campbell and Amanda Seyfried had a baby and then they made a Bratz doll out of the baby and then they dipped the Bratz doll baby in bronzer.



So, no. This AMPF is not dedicated solely to the Scream films...but it is dedicated to films that scream. Hooray!

On Our Radar: W London

If all this talk about the royal wedding has you thinking about making a trip across the pond, here's another reason: The newly opened W London - Leicester Square Hotel. The hotel is centrally located near the West End theaters (The upcoming Batman is another reason to head to London this summer) and the shopping on Regents and Oxford Streets.

In the Wonderful rooms the sinks are in the middle, a take on the American trend of putting tubs in the center of the room. (The shower is behind closed doors.) The rooms feature Bliss spa products and iPod docs.

When it's time to party, you can hit the Wyld Club or the Lounge Bar. There's a branch of NYC's Spice Market in the hotel for meals that are both delicious, fun and sexy.

Ready to go? When you book two nights, the third is free. Get ready to call in sick that Monday!