Laurela Fashion Guide

With spring being just around the corner, we all re-examine our wadrobes and do an inventory check on our collections of shoes. No matter how many pairs you own, and whether they are expensive or not, you just need to refresh your look by adding something special every season. So, here’s our top picks of the best Special Occasion & Party Shoes for this coming Spring-Summer 2009 season. Laurela Fashion Blog suggests, you decide.

1. Valentino – Jeweled Bow D’Orsay – $995.00

2.? Manolo Blahnik? - Jeweled D’Orsay – $715.00

3.? Miu Miu - Jeweled? Sandal – $750.00

4.? Manolo Blahnik? - Something Blue, Satin Jeweled Pump - $945.00

5.? Dolce & Gabbana - Rosette Pump - $695.00

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Just as light, fresh, cheerful and sunny, as Spring itself, yet also as exquisitely refined, grounded and sophisticated as the classy designer Vera Wang is, her new “Look” fragrance comes as a perfect addition to our everyday perfumes collections this Spring. Her devoted talent admirers won’t be disappointed again. Vera Wang’s meticulous attention to every detail starting from packaging and presentation to balanced and thought through scent never stops surprising us with whatever new she creates.

Vera Wang “Look” Perfume Ad (above)

The secondary packaging?  program, which is unique to? Vera Wang’s? new? precious “Look” Parfum Elixir, was created by a design firm, Monahan & Rhee .?  The simple, yet? beautifully designed two-box system artfully employs the watercolor paper of the product line.? The perfectly balanced combination of cool grey and bright orange color palettes work well together to create the? signature look.? 

Monahan & Rhee Secondary Packaging for Vera Wang “Look” Parfum Elixir (above)

The bottle is nestled in a two-piece sliding tray carton that leverages the bold colors to present the bottle. The outer box utilizes the ribbon handle technique created by Monahan & Rhee for Vera Wang??™s Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Jewelry line. The product logo on the outer box is abstracted as a blind embossing, wrapping the entire exterior to present different cropped views.???

Monahan & Rhee Secondary Packaging for Vera Wang “Look” Parfum Elixir (above & below)

The new “Look” fragrance? is a? bold, modern, captivating scent of Vera Wang that embraces a woman??™s confidence and creates a seductive effect through complex textures and layers of fragrance notes. The scent was developped by a world-reknowned Master? Perfumer Annie Buzantian, who, for example,? is also a nose (along with Alberto Morillas) behind the so popular Pleasures scent from Estee Lauder.

Annie Buzantian (above)

Top Notes: A sparkling elixir of mandarin and watery greens are layered with lush notes of lychee and golden delicious apple, fill with a? burst of energy and freshness.

Middle Notes: The vibrant floral bouquet of lily, freesia and jasmine envelopes with femininity and elegance.

Base Notes: A natural sensuality is enhanced in the drydown with the richness of indulgent vanilla and skin musk. Touches of oakmoss and patchouli create balance with warmth, depth and character.

The Vera Wang “Look” scent is available in the form of:

Vera Wang “Look” Eau de Parfum (1.7 Oz – $70.00; 3.4 Oz – $90.00)

Like Vera Wang??™s fashion, her new fragrance represents a measured study in texture, color, silhouette and proportion. Vera Wang Look unexpectedly reveals itself in fragrant layers. Luxurious and rich, yet modern and sheer. A blend of complexity and transparency in a totally modern new fragrance.

Vera Wang “Look” Shower Cream (6.7 Oz – $45.00)

Vera Wang “Look” Body Lotion (6.7 Oz – $50.00)

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This coming spring, Dior has? brought to us ? a new mineral-based skin-perfecting foundation – Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow. The so-popular concept of using minerals as part of skin care and make-up lines plus Dior’s ground-breaking formula combined with state-of-the-art technology perfectly work together to recreate the illusion of beautiful (without extra layering) and naturally radiant skin. The new product is available in two options:

? Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Collection (above)

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 ($45.00) -?  Blends 100% mineral infused pigments and water to deliver flawless results. Light as air on your skin. ? Fresh, weightless texture and finish in a formula that hydrates the skin as it conceals imperfections and creates a radiantly natural, true-life glow.?  Creates the illusion of ideal, flawless, bare skin.?  Comes in 12 natural shades.

Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder SPF 10? ($40.00) ? & Nude Powder Foundation Brush ($45.00) – An ultra light loose powder that invisibly hydrates and gives skin a radiant, natural, fresh glow like ideal, flawless, bare skin. Comes in 4 natural shades. Use with Nude Powder Foundation Brush to help you build on your perfect weightless natural mineral complexion.

In? new Diorskin Nude Fresh Clow products , micro droplets of mineral rich water suspended in both a powder and a fluid formulation capture and reflect light to deliver a glowing healthy skin finish. The result is a naturally? luminous complexion that gives you that head-turning radiant look you can only get in your own nude skin. By using advances in mineral makeup technology, this product will take your complexion to a whole new level.

Step 1:?  Start with Dior??™s HydraAction Deep Hydration Radical Serum ($69.00)? for a natural glow from the inside out.

Step 2: Apply Diorskin Nude Hydrating Glow Hydrating Makeup with your fingertips for weightless and? flawless coverage

Step 3:?  Finish with a dusting of Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder, which can also be worn over bare skin or as a refreshing touch-up midday. Its cooling sensation soothes the skin and never appears cakey or flat.

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Today is the day of? … red, chocolate, roses, gifts and… hearts, of course. Here’s Hearts? Fun Gifts Top 10 List from Laurela Fashion Blog:

1. Pav?© Lip Gloss Heart Ring from Juicy Couture Loves Sephora Collection ($51.00)

Juicy Couture has launched? their new limited edition line of accessories, ???Juicy Loves Sephora??? a? brand new? signature? collection of accessories designed exclusively for Sephora offering Juicy devotees and newcomers alike another way to shop the ???Only At Sephora??? Juicy Couture essentials. The new collection includes a line of lip glosses -? among which is a bejeweled heart ring. This show-stopping ring is a definite conversation piece and the ultimate touch-up essential with its shimmering gloss hidden inside. Too bad, it’s only available in size 7.

“Juicy Loves Sephora” Pav?© Lip Gloss Heart Ring (above and below)

2. Lip Gloss Heart? Pendant from Juicy Couture Loves Sephora Collection ($58.00)

A pretty pendant with a heart of gold, faceted with pink crystals that shine with feminine allure,? holds a tiny pot of lip gloss. Available in Crystal (light pink) color.

“Juicy Loves Sephora” Lip Gloss Heart? Pendant (above and below)

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3.? Vera Wang Princess Sparkling Creme Parfum? ($38.00)

Vera Wang’s so popular Princess perfume is now available as a solid sparkling creme parfum, which comes in a purple faceted heart with goldtone chain, lobster clasp, and crown charm.?  The magical scent needs no introduction for those of us who love remain long-time fans of? ? Vera Wang perfumes: it is both mystical to the fearless and the fascinating and also an enchanting celebration of modern femininity for the princess in your life.?  The fragrance notes are an? exotic fruity, floral bouquet teased with vanilla and an unexpected twist of pink guava.? 

Vera Wang Princess Sparkling Creme Solid Parfum (above)? 

4.? Coach Legacy? Lip Gloss Charm ($58.00)

The stylishly striped charm from Coach’s Legacy Collection? opens to reveal two shades of classic pink lipgloss. Done in gold plated brass and enamel the top is decorated with Legacy stripe with Coach lozenge logo detail. Dogleash clip will ensure that you never loose this fun accessory.? 

Coach Legacy Collection Lip Gloss Charm (above)

5. Yves Saint Laurent – YSL – Lip Palette from Love Collection ($39.55)

Pucker up with this gorgeous, compact lip make up palette! Packed in a lovely silver heart locket with garnet color Crystallized Swarovski Elements, this enchanting lip make up kit has both lipstick and lip gloss to give you gorgeous, kissable lips! Fastened together with a red string, you can easily bring this along with you wherever you go, or store it in the luxurious red pouch! Also included is a lip brush for fast and easy application.

Yves Saint Laurent

6. Philips & Swarovski Active Crystals Heart Ware USB Memory Key ($180.00)

Swarovski and Philips joined their creative efforts and created this sparkling USB memory key has been disguised as heart pendant on beige silk cord. The polished stainless steel heart has a fully faceted, asymmetrically-cut Silver Shade crystal. It has a capacity of data storage worth 1 GB (or about 250 songs or 1,000 photos); and has a high-speed USB 2.0 interface.

Philips & Swarovski Active Crystals Heart Ware USB Memory Key (above)? 

7. Moschino Metallic Leather Heart Bag ($1,600.00)

Available in a saddle and metallic color combination, this gorgeous leather? bag will be fun to carry around.

Moschino Metallic? & Saddle colored? Leather Bag (above)

8. Valentino Pink Patent Leather Sweet Heart Shoes ($525.00)

A woman does not an occasion to get a nice pair of shoes, this is why our Heart Fun Gifts Top 10 List must have a heart-shaped pair. Valnetino patent leather Sweet Heart Pumps in hot pink are perfect for the V-day.

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? Valentino Patent Leather Sweet Heart Pumps (above)

9. Lovers Candy G-String Panty? ($12.00)

Is your man on a diet? Well, he’ll have to forget about that for a while. 6.5 Oz of edible candy? beads has been? used to create the? g-string.?  Lovers Candy offers a great variety of candy lingerie.

Lovers Candy G-String Panty? (above)

10. Norman Love Confections 20-peice Heart-shaped Chocolate Set ($45.00)

Pastry chef, Norman Love,? has created a? delicious collection of? his special Valentine’s Day heart shaped creations, along with an assortment of fresh, gourmet chocolates creations.

Norman Love Confections 20-peice Heart-shaped Chocolate Set (above)

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Valentino has introduced a new fragrance – Valentino. It comes in a form of Valentino? Eau de Parfum that is available in 2 sizes: 2.5 Oz ($100.00) and 1.7 Oz ($80.00),? and also as? Valentino Body Milk in size 6.7 Oz ($45.00).

The fresh scent could be described as a? unique blend of mimosa and rice vapour.?  The dynamic crisp bouquette? reflects the energy and spirit of the? contemporary Valentino woman and sends a message of luxury and elegance.?  The portrait becomes?  instantly clear: we see a confident modern woman with? a sense of style that is? instinctively refined? and envelops her into? a natural aura of self-confidence.

Valentino Eau de Parfum (above)

Valentino? Fragrance Notes

Top Notes: Distinguished by a striking floral scent and beautiful blush-colored hue; sparkling pomelo, juicy pear blossom and magnolia provide the primary head notes which give this modern aldehydic floral fragrance its distinctive freshness.

Middle Notes: sensuous orange flower, contrasted with softly feminine mimosa (symbolic of feminine strength) and violet leaves.

Base Notes: Rice vapour blended with heliotrope and vanilla orchid, give the base a rich sophistication.

The Bottle

The shape resembles the hour glass, with solid black? top and fragile glass bottom holding the? blush liquid. Dark and light, fragile and steady, solid and liquid – harmoneously coexist in this artfull design, the same way the? opposite and? contradictory? thoughts and feelings coexist in a woman and drive her to discover herself.? The curve of the luxurious, diamond cut bottle also resemble a female torso with a thin waist and feminine forms. The simple modern design, black and romantic blush color palette, all reflect the pared-down elegance that makes contemporary Valentino so distinguishable.?  The shape of the bottle also mirrors the elegant lines of a timeless Valentino gown, while the crystal cut pattern is inspired by the opulent embroidery techniques for which the Maison is known. The pale blush of the fragrance echoes a crystal fresh sensuality, while the overall facade makes a statement of individuality.

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Today, designer Christian Francis Roth celebrates his 40th birthday! Happy birthday from Laurela Fashion Blog!? Born in New York City on February 12,? 1969, Christian Francis Roth was a special student at the? Fashion Institute of Technology in? New York, in 1986-87. Then? in 1987-88, he continued his fashion studies at Parsons School of Design in New York, where he studied fashion design.? Christian Francis Roth is currently married and has two daughters.?  His career began first as an apprentice and later, as an? employee of Koos Van den Akker.

He produced his first small collection in Van den Akker studio in 1988. His first? full collection did not? appear until? 1990. He closed his couture business in? 1995 and? initated bridge designs with backing of Equal 4 Inc. the same year. His awards include the Council of Fashion Designers of America Perry Ellis award recieved in 1990. He has been also selected an Honoree of Cotton Inc. “Celebration of American Style” show.

Designer Christian Francis Roth (above)

For the last eight years, Christian Francis Roth has been primarily consulting and designing? primarily under the names of? other fashion brands.?  Spring 2009 is going to the come-back? season for Christian Francis, who is entering the fashion scene with his own new collection and brand, called “Francis”, that has been positioned between the upper-end contemporary and entry-level designer tiers during the September 2008 Fashion Week in New York.

Christian Francis Roth’s Spring 2009 spirited contemporary collection is emanates a feeling of fun sophistication that is rich in playful detailing, fresh color and offbeat charm. I particulaly like his Accost Polo dress, a preppy parody of shirts by such titans as Lacoste and Polo by Ralph Lauren. According to some rumors, the Accost dress might have been removed from production upon the advice of Christian Francis Roth’s legal councel. Funny as it may seem to a consumer, I think, I’d buy the dress,? Lacoste and Ralph Lauren maynot be that receptive of a joke of an embroidered Lacoste? alligator biting Ralph Lauren’s polo rider and? worst of all all,? both Lacoste and Ralph Lauren? could? conclude that as a? legal challenge.

Accoste Dress from Francis Spring 2009 Collection (above)

Another item that caught my attention is a Kilp Pin Skirt adorned with? prints of three oversized pins. This skirt? reminds me of late eighties when oversized pins were in fashion. Women used to wear them in bunches, decorating with those pins every piece of their wadrobe, starting? with laps of their jackets and ending with hats and bags. Nice skirt for size “0″ and size “2″ girls, maybe even size “4″. But? I’d make the skirt longer, keep it above the knee length, but a bit longer, so that women with more sumtuous forms would feel comfortable going? after that piece.

Kilt Pin Skirt from Francis Spring 2009 Collection (above)

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Wow! This season Manolo Blahnik has outdone himself again by brining us? a spectacular jeweled “Caymino” pair of shoes as part of his Spring 2009 Collection. Done in pink crepe with tonal beading and bow detail on vamp, the buckled slingback sandals,? priced at $1,190.00, have a 4 1/10″ covered heel. Bling-bling, there I float!

Manolo Blahnik “Caymino” slingback sandals (above)

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Christina Minasian, a former stylist,? is a designer behind the contemporary line of clothing, called “Pensey”, which she named? after the prep school attended by Holden Caulfield, a? character? of?  the? ???Catcher in the Rye??? novel by J.D. Salinger.? 

Christina Minasian (above)

Pensey’s first collection appeared in the Fall of 2008, which was an instant his. Featuring metallic pants, banded dresses, poufy skirts with feather underlayers? and oversize tops, the Fall 2008 Collection was polished and elegand to satisfy the most dmanding tastes, yet at the same time playfull and with a spice of rebellion.

The new Spring 2009 Collection is breezy and full of casual charm. It tells a story of a girl on? the? move, always traveling to distant lands,?  and in tune with nature. The choice of fabrics and patterns is perfect. I totally love the moto jacket in white. This stylish piece will compliment and refresh almost any outfit you have in your closet; perfect for spring or traveling.

Pencey Moto Jacket in White – Spring 2009 (above)

Another piece I’d be happy to get hold of is a floral skirt. Done in silk fabric, this skirt is so feminine and breezy. You can only wish for summer coming sooner once you get it in your wadrobe.

Pencey Floral Silk Skirt and White Vest – Spring 2009 (above)

And here comes the jewel of the collection, a piece that impressed me most – the Cosmic print tee. It’s simple in design, yet because of a? great choice of fabric pattern,? instantly looks like a very unique piece that will add a special charm to any pants that you have. I can picture myself wearing it with a pair of black? liquid leather leggings and high heel patent? booties.

Pencey Cosmic Print Tee- Spring 2009 (above)

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Clarisonic has just introduced a new version of the so-popular Clarisonic brush – New Clarisonic PLUS Skincare System with Spot Therapy.

Unlike the old version sold at $195.00, this new brush, priced at $225.00, has three speeds for the face and also a Spot Therapy mode to care for areas of the body? that need? extra attention.

Clarisonic PLUS Skincare System in White (above)

What does the new brush do?

~ 6 times more effective makeup removal tool;

~ leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother;

~ cleanses so well that products absorb better;

~ gentle enough for twice daily use;

~ helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes;

~ helps reduce the appearance of visible pores;

~ reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

What? are the benefits of using the? Spot Therapy mode?

~ fewer dry patches;

~ gentle exfoliation for softer, smoother skin;

~ firmer skin with improved texture.

I already have the original Clarisonic brush in pink, and although this new one is quite a temptation, I think I will wait for the pink version to come out before I buy it. And? if Clarisonic design team gets really creative,? they might? even come up with a pink version adorned with crystals, why not for the fun of it, just? an idea…

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Linea Paolo is one of Nordstrom’s in-house brands that offers chic styles at affordable prices, especially when on sale. As much as I like this brand, their Fall-Winter 2008/2009? collection? left me indifferent. I? hardly found a couple of interesting pieces that I would wish to add them to my wadrobe.

One of the peices that cought my attention (primarily because of the perforated Oxford shoe? style trim and the use of different colors of patent leather) was a pair? of Linea Paolo “Farris” Mary Jane Pump.? It’s hard not to notice, even if you don’t follow fashion trends closely, that Mary Jane style? has been remaining? quite popular for the last several seasons, but that fact did not convince? me to start? liking this style, even after it was adversitzed with different types of fashion hosiery, which I am a big fan of.

The Linea Paolo “Farris” Shoes feature a two-tone patent leather detailed with a perforated Oxford style trim for extra sophistication. The shoe is fashioned into a stylish 3″ heel and square-toe pump. Wide mary jane strap is accented with an oversized button and features inset elastic for easy slip-on style. This style of Linea Paolo shoes is available in two color combinations: Dark Grey/ Black Patent and Dark Red/ Wine Patent, my favorite.

Linea Paolo “Farris” Mary Jane Shoes (above)

Tags: Linea Paolo, Mary Jane Shoes, Red, Red Leather, Red Patent Leather

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