Happy Lips !

Hey Dolls and Gents,


It has gotten quite chilly lately, and with the cold weather comes dry skin. Although, people often give their skin extra care during this time, the lips are often neglected - no bueno ! Regardless of gender, cracked lips are very unattractive and somewhat unhealthy. Lip exfoliation is a great way to say goodbye to those terrible chapped lips, and maintain the soft/smooth lips sported in the warmer months. 


There are tons of retail products on the market specifically manufactured for lip exfoliation. Reputable brands like Fresh, Smashbox, and Philosophy [amoung others] produce their own variations of Lip Exfoliants/Scrubs; these tend to range from $15 - $23 dependent on the brand, as well as the [product] size chosen for purchase. Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, and other local cosmetic/skin-care retailers all carry a variety of the aforementioned items. 

Emulsion Lip Exfoliant by Smashbox - $18 USD

Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh - $22.50 USD (favourite)

Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub by Philisophy - $15 USD

However, several alternatives exist for people who don't feel the need to go out and buy a lip exfoliant. There are also natural versions that can easily be made at home. Most recipes include two elements - sugar being the main/active ingredient; it doesn't matter if the sugar is brown or white. The second element can be honey, extra virgin olive oil (evoo), or just plain water; it's all up to preference. When using honey evoo/honey, just mix in a small bowl/container until a paste is made and that's it - a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) lip scrub.

After choosing a suitable lip exfoliant, it's time for the fun part. Here's a brief step-by-step method that can be used for effective lip exfoliation. 

• Dampen the lips with water from the faucet.
• Use fingertips to apply a generous amount of product to lips. 
• Next, use either the fingers or a toothbrush (preferably different from the one used for daily brushing) to gently massage the lips.
• Once satisfied, rinse away the exfoliant and dead skin with water.
• Pat dry with a towel.

Feel free to exfoliate the lips as often as necessary in order to maintain healthy lips. Also, don't forget to follow up with some type of lip moisturizer/balm to put moisture back into the lips.

Cheers to smooth lips all year round - POW ! 

XoXo,
Sassy




Images via Sephora and gourmetcooking

Versace For H&M

Hey Dolls and Gents,


As many of you may know, H&M is known for collaborating with different luxury labels on an annual basis. You may remember previous H&M partnerships with designers such as : Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Roberto Cavalli, and Comme des Garcons, just to name a few. This year is certainly not any different. This time around, H&M is teaming up with Italian fashion label - Versace, to create a truly iconic collection. Versace's creative director Donatella Versace pulled inspiration for this line from the archives of classic Versace designs. The collection includes pieces for men, women, and for the first time in H&M collabo history - home decor !


The heritage of the Versace brand is the core of this exclusive line. In other words, you can expect bold, fun, glamourous, and rock n' roll pieces. Prints, leather, and studs were the elements chosen to design forty pieces for women, and twenty-six pieces for men, all of which are incorporated into a total of thirty-one looks. Bedspreads and pillows are the dominant elements of the home decor selection. High heels, silk scarves, and high heels are some of the accessories for women; while belts and jewelry will be available for men. Fine tailoring is the focus of the menswear collection, which includes 'the perfect tuxedo'; and the women's collection includes an array of studded leather, colourful prints, and silk. There isn't a doubt that this line will be incredibly edgy, yet simultaneously timeless. 


Fortunately, all the fabulous pieces in this exclusive collection will be available for the affordable H&M prices that we all love. This price-point will allow everyone to get their hands on their favourite Versace for H&M item. The highly anticipated collection is due to hit stores internationally on November 17th (November 19th in USA & Canada); be sure to save the date! 


Earlier this month, H&M released the official campaign images for the upcoming line. The ads feature currently, noted models - Daphne Groeneveld and Lindsey Wixson. The photos are said to give a first impression of Versace’s greatest hits-inspired collection (you be the judge).

Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in select countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19th, 2012; definitely check back for updates!


XoXo,
Sassy




Images via Vogue

Milano Fashion Week : Dolce & Gabbana Summer 2012

Hey Dolls,


Couture designers - Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, have decided to integrate the D&G label into the more conventional Dolce & Gabbana line. September 22nd, 2011 marked the end of the noteworthy D&G label with their conclusive runway show. Yes, you've indeed read correctly; D&G has made it's last and final appearance. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection is the grand finale for the luxury label, and of course, they went out with a bang. 


Brilliant patchwork and various texture combinations created quite the avant-garde feel to the collection. Mainly centered around foulard - the collection featured shorts, flowy skirts, mini dresses, tunics, and much more. The designers brought a whole new outlook on prints to this year's Fashion Week events by cleverly manipulating scarf prints taken from Dolce and Gabbana’s earlier catalogs; hints of Hermes and Versace were also sources of inspiration. The patterns were comprised of crests, flowers, medallions, stripes, and polka dots. Colourful, lavish, sophisticated, and contemporary are all words that can be used to describe to these magnificent articles of clothing. The pieces are simply enchanting!


Sunglasses, gold jewelry, matching scarves, and beach hats amped up the looks for the runway. Scarves were even used to create the fancy footwear worn by the stunning models - tres artistic !  Domenico and Stefano have certainly left a legacy behind with this awe-inspiring Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Enjoy the gorgeous images !

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana ...

Top three looks in order of preference !

XoXo,


Sassy






Images via Style.com

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012

Hey Dolls,


Christian Dior's runway show was one of the most anticipated shows of Paris Fashion Week 2011. A highly feminine and romantic feel is what you can expect from the Dior Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Bursting at the seams with vintage glamour, most of the pieces seek to accentuate the female body. Fabrics such as chiffon and lace were used to create gowns, dresses, blouses, skirts etc. The simple prints combined with impeccable designs make for an ultimately lady-like collection. 

XoXo,


Sassy



Original Images via Elle.com