Christian Louboutin to Launch Beauty Line

The man who let women walk a mile in his stylish, coveted shoes is set to be the name on every woman’s lips.

Christian Louboutin announced earlier today the creation of Christian Louboutin Beauté, a cosmetics line, slated to launch in late 2013. To make the idea a reality, Louboutin teamed up with Battalure Beauty. According to a press release on the new line, Battalure is “a brand and business development company that creates ‘extraordinary beauty brands and engaging store experiences’ for a select list of clients including Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Macy’s, Marchesa, Sephora and Splendid.” Louboutin says beauty is a natural extension of his iconic brand, and the new line will include globally-marketed luxury cosmetics.

Now, the real question: will the underside of the packaging be red?Image via Elle UK

May Days

May is the perfect time to wear color. Instead of neon brights (which I’ll save for later this summer, when the weather is warmer), I’m loving pastel shades paired with muted neutrals for a palette that works for the office, for weekends, and for date night. Here are some of my favorite color combos right now.

1. Bauble Bar Spearmint Bauble Bib 2. J.Crew Vintage Cotton T-shirt in Neon Azalea 2. Seven for All Mankind Mint Superskinny Gwenevere Jeans 3. Ann Harvey Stone Lace Shell 4. Topshop Mint Peplum Skirt 5. Diane von Furstenberg Sugar Stripe Coral Eden Scarf 6. Kendra Scott “Lauren” Earrings 7. A.L.C. Zoe Blazer

1. Alexander McQueen Skull Stingray Clutch 2. Reiss Kelly Sequin Top 3. Rag & Bone Twill Legging in Neon Hot Pink 4. Kate Spade “Baublebox” Earrings 5. Jason Wu Belted Cocktail Dress 6. Bauble Bar Flouro Necklace 7. Alexis Bittar Medium Star Dust Lucite Cuff in Muted Pink 8. Chole Paneled Sandal 9. Maxmara Studio Luppolo Skinny Belt

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Cream Polka Dot Silk Top 2. Dolce & Gabanna lace pencil skirt 3. Ralph Lauren Striped Top 4. Burberry Brit Cropped Skinny Pants 5. Reed Krakoff Two-Tone Leather Sandals 6. Topshop Ice Cream Crop Sweatshirt

What are your favorite colors this spring? Have you jumped on the neon trend, are you leaning toward pastels?

Coachella 101

Are you going to Coachella this year? It’s not in the cards this year for me to fly across the country to beautiful Indio, CA…although with a lineup including Feist, The Black Keys, Florence & the Machine, Beirut, Neon Indian, Fanfarlo, I sure wish I was going. (Same story every year…one of these years, I will get there!)

If you are going, 1) I’m jealous! and 2) you may be wondering what the hell to wear to a music festival in the desert. It’s not exactly the easiest thing to dress for (especially if you’re not used to desert weather), but the laidback vibe of Coachella allows you some wiggle room. Stick with a boho aesthetic, and you’ll be set: think relaxed pieces, easygoing hair, and carefree, effortless makeup.

1. Charlie Jade “Nalina” dress ($174) 2. Topshop Neon Ombre Rhinestone Headband ($25) 3. Urban Outfitters Friendship Headwrap ($16 for 2) 4. House of Harlow Sunburst Pendant ($65) 5. Aqua 1,000 Cranes Ribbon Strap Tank ($78) 6. Fiona Paxton Mareli earrings ($198) 7. Free People Denim Cut-off Shorts ($68) 8. Free People “Native Sun” dress ($108);

As for the hair, go au naturale, whatever that is: wavy, straight, curly; whatever your hair is, go with it! If you have long hair that you want off of your face, try a fishtail braid swept to the side. Or just throw on a big floppy hat and call it a day.

Coachella isn’t the time to get fancy with makeup, which is great, cause you can travel light. In your makeup bag, all you’ll need is sunscreen, sheer tinted moisturizer, a mini mascara, lip balm, bronzer, a portable cream blush, and an eyelash curler.

On My List for Spring

It’s been awhile since I really shopped. Recently, I’ve been hitting the stores to add a few carefully-selected pieces to build up my spring wardrobe. Here’s what I’m buying — and coveting — for spring.

These newly-purchased pieces have created a color explosion in my closet.

1. J.Crew Factory Double-Serge Pencil Skirt in Neon Rose ($70): I thought this bright pinky-coral skirt would be limiting, but this wardrobe staple is surprisingly versatile. So far, I’ve paired it with a neon yellow cardigan, a navy-and-white striped cardigan, and a leopard button-down. And the pencil-skirt fit is slimming and flattering. (Image via J.Crew Factory)

2. Lilly Pulitzer Resort Chic Metallic Leopard wedges (no longer available): I picked these up at Lilly’s December warehouse sale, and don’t remember the price. All I know is that I was drooling over them in the store a month earlier, and there they were! With the warm weather we’ve been having lately in Philly, I’ve already worn these quite a few times, and adore them. Despite their heel height, the wedge makes them really easy to walk in. (Image via Lilly Pulitzer)

3. J.Crew Factory Enamel Square Bracelet ($26.50): I couldn’t resist a pop of color on the wrist, courtesy of these mango-colored stones. (Image via J.Crew Factory)

4. LOFT colorblock shift dress (no longer available): I saw Maria Menuonos wearing this on Extra, and had to have it. It’s so perfect; I mean, is there anything easier than a shift dress? Just throw a denim jacket or cardigan on top if needed. And as the weather warms, this staple will look great both in the office and out on hot summer nights. (Image via LOFT)

5. Old Navy Rockstar Colored Super Skinny Jeans ($34.94): During Old Navy’s sale, I may have purchased these in pink and green. 2 for the price of 1…how could I resist?!

6. Sperry Topsider “Angelfish” in gold python: With my closet full of bejeweled and patterned ballet flats, I desperately needed a casual, comfy shoe I could knock around in on weekends. But of course, I wanted them to be a little glam! I scored these beauties at DSW, and they couldn’t be cushier or comfier…and there’s no fear of ruining them, as they’re water- and stain-resistant. (Image via Von Maur)

7. Lilly Pulitzer Somserset dress ($108): The moment I saw it and felt its soft jersey knit, I knew this Lilly dress would be one of those transitional pieces that I live in this spring. The comfy fabric and the fact that it fits like a glove makes it my easy spring go-to dress. (Image via Lilly Pulitzer)

…And some pieces I’m coveting for spring.

1. YSL Arty Ring ($250): The more I see this on Pinterest and fashion blogs, the more I have to have it. Obsessed is not the word! (Image via Pinterest)

2. LOFT Eyelet Miniskirt ($59.50): Punchy pink with feminine, modern eyelet cutouts. So pretty. (Image via LOFT)

3. J.Crew Maritime-Stripe Blazer ($118): A laidback striped cotton takes blazers down to a comfortable, casual level that’s perfect for spring nights, and summer days at the office. (Image via J.Crew)

4. Mint jeans! (Image via Pinterest)

5. A classic nautical long-sleeved T under a blazer is great transition wear for when the mornings are still chilly. (Image via Pink Peonies)

6. I’m obsessed with LOFT’s Crosshatch Dot Print Tiered Dress ($79.50)…so perfect! Dress it up, dress it down, it’s always cute with the fun black & white polka dot print. (Image via LOFT)

7. J.Crew Crystal Cupcake Necklace ($118): The mint craze extends to jewelry…and it’s pretty and polished. (Image via J.Crew)

What are you coveting for spring??

1960s Glam in Full Swing on Mad Men

Why can’t we all dress like it’s the 1960s? The makeup! The bouffant hair! The silhouettes of the dresses! I’ll have to settle for reliving the glamorous, chic style through Mad Men (which, you know, could be worse). With all eyes glued to the TV last night, now seems like a good time to recap the best looks of the season 5 premiere.

Megan Draper’s rendition of “Zou Bisou Bisou” was fittingly embarrassing and corny, but she did look chic and stylish at the surprise party she threw for Don. I love the dramatic black winged eyeliner with false lashes and a touch of pale blue-grey shadow. And the super-sculpted cheeks. (Has that damn “Zou Bisou” song been stuck in your head all day? It was released on iTunes today, so now you can download it and drill it into your brain on repeat.)

Back the office, Megan went for a classic work look in a sleek and chic orange sweaterdress (complete with cute Lilly Pulitzer-inspired frog brooch). My favorite part about the look is the way she subtly sexed it up: voluminous sex kitten hair, lush false lashes and smudged black eyeliner, and matte coral lips. Sexy, yet toned down enough for the office. Love it.

Hey, if you’re going to visit your boss/baby daddy back at the office after giving birth to his son, who you told him you aborted, you might as well look good doing it. Joan showed up at SCDP in typical Joan fashion: all boobs, red lips, and red updo. And of course Roger would pick up his illegitimate son with a cigarette dangling from his lips. I mean, does this show keep getting better OR WHAT.

Peggy looks pretty much the same, except she’s teased her a hair a bit. Baby steps.

Conspicuously absent was Betty Draper Francis, who I can’t wait to see. Is she still seeing Sally’s therapist? Is she still making Henry miserable? So many questions.

And also, THIS.Images via Huffington Post

Mad Men Returns to Banana Republic

Due to the overwhelming response Banana Republic got from their fall 2011 Mad Men collection, they’re rolling out another round of spring clothes inspired by the TV show. Although you can’t actually be Mrs. Don Draper (darn!), you can feel like Betty (and Joan and Peggy) in the retro, ’60s-cool clothes from this limited-edition collection. In addition to the feminine cuts and prints of the women’s clothes, I adore the styling in these promotional photographs. They really do feel like they were snapped in between takes on the MM set.

Click through to see more photos, release date, and price details.

Love Is In The Air With…Lilly Pulitzer’s Estelle Sweater

Stumped on what to wear for Valentine’s Day? Lilly Pulitzer‘s got you covered (naturally). The Estelle Sweater ($178) in Scallop Pink Love is a totally fitting nod to the holiday without being cutesy. Stay pretty in pink cashmere with a little fancy, feminine typography to liven up a standard ensemble.

I mean, really, how cute is this?! It’s a winter staple you’ll wear through the early, still-chilly days of spring.

Image via Lilly Pulitzer

The BIG 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

This super special gift guide calls for a celebration…it’s my 1,000th post! Two and a half years, hundreds of products and almost as many collection previews have all amounted to countless words in 1,000 posts. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and growing with me…it truly means so much.

Now, onto the gifts!

In this edition of my Holiday Gift Guide, price is not an issue. With the previous guides (here, here, and here), I wanted to show you some fabulous picks that fell into certain price ranges, because budgeting during the holiday season can be so difficult and stressful. But the gifts here are geared toward the recipient; they’re perfect for all the special women in your life. And if money is no object, well…she’ll be delighted this holiday season.

So…let’s get started! (Gift picks after the jump.)

Introducing Adore Me

By now, you’re probably familiar with the fashion/accessory/shoe-of-the-month clubs that seem to be popping up every week. The concept is simple: pay a flat free every month and get the latest and greatest delivered right to your door.

But what hasn’t been done before is a lingerie club. The recently-launched site Adore Me now has your lady bits covered (literally) with an ever-changing selection of lingerie sets. Take a short quiz to become a member, and Adore Me’s expert stylists hand-pick a customized closet of lingerie sets for you. You get to shop right from your own home…no more awkward bra fittings! (Oh, and PS – these stylists are the real deal, with gigs at fashion and lingerie houses like Diane Von Furstenberg and Kiki de Montparnasse under their belts.) Your underpinnings are just as important as your clothes, so why not let a stylist carefully choose them for you?

After you place your first order, you’ll receive frilly, flirty pieces for just $39.95 a month with free shipping. (You can opt out of any month; no pressure to buy.) It’s a great deal, considering just a bra can run you up to $70 in a department store. And if your lingerie doesn’t fit perfectly, exchanges are free and easy.

Adore Me goes one step further to make sure you love your new lingerie by letting you take a peek into your friends’ showrooms. You can shop their showrooms, too, to access even more styles, colors, and cuts.

Click through to see a few snapshots of Adore Me’s debut collection — which ranges from sweet and innocent to daringly sexy — and then sign up by taking the style quiz here. And be sure to like their Facebook page for discounts, special offers, and promotions.

Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2012 – and Happy Birthday!

In honor of Lilly Pulitzer’s birthday (she turns 80 today), I thought I’d give you a little peek at Lilly’s latest collection. As an unabashed lover of all things Lilly, the brand is a modern-preppy a wardrobe staple for me, so you can imagine my excitement when the label’s Resort 2012 collection, Jungle Glam, recently launched. It hit just as we got a freak October snowstorm in Philly on Halloween…could the timing be any more perfect? Lilly has me escaping to tropical paradise with their fun, vibrant prints and patterns.First up, the dresses. They are to die for. There are bursts of color on everything from wrap dresses, shifts, tunics, and flirty, feminine strapless numbers. Lilly is having a moment with one-sleeved dresses like the Whitaker, and she’s totally killing it. (The black Naomi dress has been a special-occasion staple for me this season.) Clockwise from top left: Pipster dress ($198), Sherry dress ($298), Whitaker dress ($258); and Bellanna dress ($268).

And we didn’t even get to the jewlery yet! Click through to take a peek and get details on Lilly’s birthday party!