Congrats to the Origins giveaway winners!

Congratulations to Debra and Shirl, the two winners of the Origins giveaway! Enjoy your prizes, and let me know what you think about the product!

Thanks to everyone who entered. I have a couple of other giveaways coming up, so there will be more chances to win soon!

Fantasy purchase of the week

I don't need a new bag. But I want one. Badly. More specifically, I want this Grommet Parlour Hobo from J.Crew. This bag it totally fitting with two spring trends: grommet/hardware details, AND the cross-body strap. But at the same time, the shape is very classic and I can definitely see myself wearing it for more than one season. My only problem is that I can't decide which color I like best! Oh, and the fact that at $298, the hobo is just a bit out of my current budget. But hey, a girl can dream (and hope for a sale)!

REMINDER: Two more days to enter the Origins giveaway!

Don't forget, you have until the end of the day on Friday to enter the giveaway for one of two Origins Starting Over Age-erasing moisturizers. Check out the original post to enter up to 5 times.

Good luck!

Lucky Mag picks of the month: March

First of all, I can't believe that I'm writing about a March magazine issue already. I will not be sad to see winter go away, but I can't believe spring is around the corner. Anyway, this month's issue was mostly all about the shoes for me.

The "Gada" platform sandlas from Donald J. Pliner look really comfortable with those elastic straps, but still extremely stylish. They'd pair well with wide-leg jeans and a flowy top, or a flower print dress when it gets warmer.

The embossed leather "Wynn" slingback from Moda Spana is a classic shape made fun with a bright red color and snakeskin textured leather. These would look great to throw on for happy hour and step up your work attire.

Dolce Vita had THE sandal that everyone was wearing last summer, and I think they might have done it again. The "Osaka" flat leather sandal is fun, really modern with the studded embellishment, and did I mention flat, which is great for casual summer days. This shoe comes in six colors, so don't fear if you're not into the bubblegum pink (though I don't understand why you wouldn't be).

While at first glance this cotton skirt from Lacoste looks super casual, Lucky paired it with a printed cardigan and fun blue shoes for a really cool summer look.

Happy shopping!

Today's Lovestitch sale at Ideeli

If you're like me and are itching to start buying clothes for the spring and summer, get your butt over to Ideeli and check out the Lovestitch sale going on right now. These clothes are ADORABLE and reasonably priced (many things around $30). Use this link to sign up for Ideeli if you're not a member yet.

Happy shopping!

Sale alert: Rachel Roy Friends & Family

Celebrity favorite Rachel Roy is currently having a Friends & Family sale on the reasonably priced 'Rachel Rachel Roy' line. It ends today (sorry for the late notice), but you can get 30% off of all merchandise by using discount code RRRLove at checkout.

This is one of those dangerous sales where everything is priced so well that your tempted to buy a million things even though you know you shouldn't. Or is that just me?

Combo lace dress, $109 originally, $76.30 after discount.

Chain stitch drape dress, $99 originally, $69.30 after discount.

Mock neck drapey tunic, $79 originally, $46.99 on sale, $32.90 after discount.

'Pop Rock' large shopper, $99 originally, $69.30 after discount.

Happy shopping!

Review and GIVEAWAY: Origins Starting Over Age-erasing Moisturizer

When I think about Origins, I first think of the gumball machine with really minty white gumballs that was always next to their counter at Macys in my hometown. I can't say that I ever ventured past the gumball machine and actually tried their products. But apparently, I was missing out. I recently had a chance to try out Origins' new Starting Over Age-erasing moisturizer with Mimosa, which I was immediately drawn to because I love champagne and orange juice (kidding...sort of).

Aimed at aging and damaged skin, the Starting Over moisturizer helps to "rebuild collagen, repair visible lines and improve skin texture and tone." Clearly at the age of 26, I am not the target demographic for this product, but if I'm going to have beautiful skin when I'm older, it's never too soon to start with preventative care!

Anyway, this moisturizer is pretty much the opposite of the one I've been using lately. It's very thick and extremely moisturizing. It has a little bit of a citrusy smell, but nothing too overwhelming. Because this is a heavier cream, it doesn't soak in immediately, so you need to give it a few minutes before putting makeup on over it.

I'll be honest, I generally think that "reverse-aging" products are a load of BS, I guess because I've never seen any real results on myself. However, I can truthfully say that after using this moisturizer, the little wrinkles that I've started to see on my forehead (which as a side note is not okay at the age of 26) were actually less obvious. I may not have realized this, except that I've been testing out a new foundation powder that I noticed was settling into my little forehead creases, making them more apparent. But when I used the same powder with the Starting Over moisturizer, I didn't have that same issue. Again, I'm in my 20s without major wrinkles (yet), but it would be very interesting to hear what someone a bit older thought of this.

One thing I will say is that I don't think I could use this in the summer when my skin isn't quite as dry. However, I just saw on Origins' web site that they do have an oil-free version of this moisturizer that I imagine would be better for those of you with more oily skin, or for any of us during the warm sweaty summer month.

And the best part? Origins has been kind enough to offer two Beautify My Life readers the chance to win a Starting Over Age-erasing moisturizer with Mimosa (a $45 value) for themselves!

To enter:

1. Required: Leave a comment and tell me what kind of moisturizer you currently use. Don't forget to include your email address so that I can contact you if you win.
2. Bonus entry: Become a follower on Twitter (@beautifymylife). Leave a separate comment with your Twitter name.
3. Bonus entry: Tweet about this giveaway, including a link and my Twitter name, and leave a separate comment with a link to the tweet.
4. Bonus entry: Become a follower of this blog via Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar). Leave a separate comment to let me know you followed. If you are already a follower, leave a comment to let me know that.
5. Bonus entry: Become a fan of Beautify My Life on Facebook.

The giveaway will end at 5pm EST on February 26th. Good luck!

Sorry, winners' mailing addresses must be in the U.S.

For more on my giveaway policies, click here.

Disclosure: Press sample and giveaway item provided by Origins.

Swimwear from Spanx? Yes, please!

My husband and I booked a cruise yesterday (Eastern Caribbean, here I come!), and while it's four months away, I'm so excited that I want to start shopping for it. Which is really not surprising considering the fact that I started shopping for my honeymoon about six months in advance. Anyway, I've been doing some online browsing and was quite excited to discover that Spanx, everyone's favorite "I'm having a fat day" shapewear, is now making swimwear as well!

In line with the company's other products, the swimwear is of course designed to be slimming, cinching, and overall flattering. AND, the bathing suits don't look like they were made for my grandmother! As anyone over a size 6 knows well, it is nearly impossible to find supportive and flattering bathing suits that are age appropriate. Spanx has really hit that mark with this collection. Here are a few of my favorites:

I will warn you, these suits are NOT inexpensive. But as far as I'm concerned, a great swimsuit is worth spending some money on. On another note, isn't that third model the one who got kicked off of Project Runway this week? Am I crazy?

Highlights from New York Fashion Week

Since I am not at New York Fashion Week (sigh), I figured I'd at least point you to some great blog posts from those who are lucky enough to be wandering around the tents.

Project Rungay has a look at Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall's Fall 2010 collection, featuring her usual unique embellishments.

Fashion Pulse Daily is eying up the gorgeous Fall/Winter 2010 collection from Carolina Herrera.

The Huffington Post reports on the unusual set up of the Marc Jacobs show.

Couture in the City comments on the cozy look at the Rag & Bones Fall 2010 show.

What Women Want is drooling over DVF's Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

FabSugar is featuring the eclectic Fall 2010 Peter Som collection.

Enjoy, and please excuse me while I pluck the little green monster off of my shoulder.

Sale alert: Banana Republic

Today only, Banana Republic is holding a President's Day sale. Both in store and online, receive 25% off of all regularly priced merchandise. To redeem online, use coupon code PRESDAY25. Could be the perfect time to get that faux-wrap dress that I told you about last week...

Happy shopping!

Stylish active-wear from Athleta

As an avid Banana Republic fan, I've been aware of Athleta, the new active-wear arm of the Gap corporation, for a while now. For whatever reason, I never ventured over to the site to check it out. But now that I'm trying to get myself into yoga, I'm in need of more workout clothes. And if you're going to work out, why not look cute while you're doing it?

I'm really impressed by Athleta's clothes. They're obviously very focused on the practical side of women's clothes (particularly chest size and the support needed there), but everything is very stylish as well. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Chaturanga series includes pants at multiple lengths ranging from short shorts to full length pants. I especially love these bermuda shorts ($44).

The Seamless Anjali Cami ($54) has a built in bra, and could totally be worn as a regular cami, not just for workouts.

The Wrapsody Sweater ($59) is evocative of ballerina attire and would be perfect for coming and going to classes.

The Whistle Tank ($39) is a good basic top and gives built in support all the way up to D-cups!

The Light & Firm Sport Bra ($58) actually looks like it might not give you the dreaded uni-boob. Plus, I like that it fastens in the back like a regular bra, so you don't have to dislocate a shoulder trying to put it on.

If you're like me and haven't checked out Athleta, I'd definitely recommend heading over to the site. Happy shopping!

New faux-wrap dress from Banana Republic

While true wrap dresses are a classic must-have for every woman's wardrobe, they don't come without their issues. There's the little hole in the side where the tie goes through that sometimes gaps open so you can see skin (or undergarments). There's the fact that the two sides of the front don't always stay even at the neckline, so you have to adjust. And then there's the wind factor: if that flap flies up, you run the risk of giving a free show to anyone in your vicinity.

Luckily, there's an alternative available that gives you the style, without the potential negatives: the faux-wrap dress. To an untrained eye, the faux wrap looks like the real thing, but in reality, everything is all attached underneath, with an extra layer of fabric in the front to give the wrap look.

Banana Republic has a new faux-wrap dress that's available exclusively online, and for the very reasonable price of $98.00. The dress comes in black, dark gray and navy, and would be a great addition to any work wardrobe. I will be purchasing at least one, if not one in each color :)

Daily Candy jumps into the sample sale game with Swirl

As I was sitting at home snowed in this weekend and surfing the Web, it occurred to me: we just don't have enough online sample sale sites. I mean, there's Rue La La, Ideeli, Gilt Groupe, The Fairest, HauteLook and Billion Dollar Babes (am I missing any?), but it's just not enough.

Lucky for me, an email appeared in my inbox this morning announcing Swirl, the online sample sale site by Daily Candy.

Go ahead and roll your eyes, because we all know that the sample sale thing is SO overdone. But before you write off Swirl as just another bandwagon jumper, consider the source. I've been a Daily Candy subscriber for years now, and have gotten many great tips from them over the years, from fashion trends to new restaurants and so on. So, I hope that Swirl will share the same stylish viewpoint as DC, giving it a somewhat unique twist.

The two sales they currently have going on are 80%20, a funky brand of shoes, and Sally Tseng, a relatively new designer, whose clothes seem to feature some really nice lines. Here are a few of the items for sale from both:

80%20 "Hazel Bootie", originally $156, Swirl priced at $79.

80%20 "Ruby High Boot", originally $99, Swirl priced at $49.

Sally Tseng "Molly Blouse", originally $228, Swirl priced at $89.

Sally Tseng "Etta One-Shoulder Top", originally $220, Swirl priced at $109.

Swirl is currently running in Beta, so I don't have a link to invite others to join yet. But you can go here to request an invitation. Happy shopping!

Chic ways to keep your head warm

In honor of the blizzard that's baring down on the East coast as we speak, I thought I'd take a moment to feature some really cute winter hats that I've seen lately. I can't say that I wear hats all that often because of the impact on my 'do, but when the weather gets really bad, it becomes a necessity. So if we have to ruin our hair, at least we can look cute doing it.

This Missoni Striped Hat screams snow bunny to me. I love the old school pom pom!

The Tarnish Chunky Cable Knit Hat is cute and slouchy. And at $8.90, the price is right.

One of my friends has a hat just like this Rubbish Pointelle Knit Hat, and it always looks so cute on her. Again, very reasonably priced at $9.90.

Last but not least, if you really don't want to mess up your hair, try a pair of luxe Burberry Earmuffs.

Happy shopping, and keep warm if you're somewhere snowy!

Review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Every skin care line claims to be different. But Skin MD Natural claims to be really different. Their Shielding Lotion "works by bonding with cells of the skin's outermost layer to form what works as an invisible shield. This layer of protection prevents environmental irritants and pollutants from penetrating the skin, while sealing in the skin's own natural oils and moisture, helping resolve the dry skin condition."

The lotion is made with natural ingredients, and is meant to help your skin use its own natural moisture (kind of like those eye drops that help you make your own tears or something). I was able to try out the Shielding Lotion for the past couple of weeks to figure out if it's as good as promised.

First of all, this stuff sinks into your skin like nothing I've ever tried. I don't care if you think your moisturizer is non-greasy, once you try this stuff, you'll look at all other moisturizers differently. Within seconds of applying (even with a generous amount), the lotion is completely absorbed, leaving you with a nice soft feeling. If you have any issues with greasy skin, you will love this.

The scent is very neutral, which is important for me when I'm putting something on my face. Scented body lotion is one thing, but I don't want to be smelling my facial moisturizer all day.

Now in terms of what this did for my skin, I have to break it down into two categories. Shielding Lotion is made for use on both the face and the body/hands (crazy, I know). I'll start with the body. Again, the fact that the lotion sinks in immediately is extremely key when using it as a body lotion. There's nothing worse than moisturizing before bed and feeling like you have to wait to jump in so you don't stick to the sheets. That issue is completely negated with this product. It made my skin feel nice and soft, and I didn't need to reapply repeatedly throughout the day.

As for the face, I'm not 100% sold, for the winter months at least. I have very dry skin, and felt like the lotion was just a little bit too light for me at this time of year. However, I should mention that Skin MD Natural stresses that the effects of the lotion increase over time, so maybe I needed to give it more time. However, I will absolutely be trying this out again once the warmer weather comes around, because I think it will be perfect once my skin gets out of winter mode. And again, if you don't have the extremely dry skin that I do, I think you'd love this product year-round.

The final bonus: it's reasonably priced. Now, some of us have different ideas of reasonable, but at $18 a bottle ($25 for the SPF version), the Shielding Lotion is much less expensive than comparable products. In addition to being sold on their web site, I found out that Skin MD Natural products are sold at various pharmacies and other locations, so check out their store finder if you'd rather buy in person.

Let me know if you've tried the Shielding Lotion, and if it's worked for you.

Disclosure: Press sample provided by Skin MD Natural.

Eye candy from Judith Leiber on Gilt

If you're somehow not familiar with Judith Leiber, allow me to fill you in. Judith Leiber is known for her handbags which are 1) amazing 2) often over the top and 3) wildly expensive.

Gilt is currently featuring some of JL's fabulous clutches that I'm seriously drooling over.

Head over to Gilt to see more of these slightly crazy, very expensive, but entirely covetable clutches. Happy window shopping!

Big thumbs up for Rihanna and Elie Saab

I'm not going to do a Grammy's recap, but I just had to point out Rihanna and her absolutely stunning Elie Saab gown. I always love Rihanna, but this has to be one of her best looks ever. Chris Brown who?

(Photo via FabSugar)

New fragrance collection from Henri Bendel

In the market for a new fragrance? If so, you're in luck—Henri Bendel has just come out with six new fragrances: Rose & Oud, Gardenia & Vanilla, Persian Lime & Pepper, Orange Blossom & Jasmine, Incense & Musk and Grapefruit & Vetiver. I haven't tested any of these out yet, but I'm definitely intrigued by the lime and pepper scent.

As as you know by now, I'm all about packaging, and Bendel does not disappoint. I love love love the purple jewel topper and the gold accents. And if you think about it, your perfume bottle probably sits on your dresser in plain view, so its appearance IS important.

The perfumes are available for $65 at Bendel stores (if you're lucky enough to have one near you), or online. Let me know if you've tried these out, and which one is your favorite!

Check out Ideeli's sales today

Ideeli really hit it out of the park today. In the course of the week, there are usually a few sales that really test my willpower, but there are three today alone!

I would suggest that you go check them out for yourself, but here are a few of my favorites:

From the Cleobella sale, I love this purple wallet. Original price $135, Ideeli price $65.

I'm obsessed with this fabulous kimono-style dress from Jax. Originally $108, Ideeli price $39.

This ruffled cardigan from Sweet Romeo is absolutely adorable, and great for transitioning into warmer weather. Originally $72, Ideeli price $32.

If you're not a member of Ideeli, go to www.ideeli.com/invite/beautifymylife to sign up and shop the sales. Happy shopping!

Let's talk about jewelry that ISN'T painfully cheesy

I enjoy Valentine's Day, I really do. So what if it's been blown out of proportion by the greeting card industry? It's a day that my husband has to buy me flowers, and that makes it a positive in my book. But, if I see one more commercial for Zales or Kay or any other mass jewelry retailer hawking nested heart shaped pendants, I'm probably going to claw my eyes out. And I'm guessing I'm not alone.

So to temporarily distract you from the gaudiness that's being thrust before us, please enjoy the new jewelry line from Martin + Osa. A little bit delicate, a little bit funky, and altogether reasonably priced. Is that so much to ask for??

The 'Link Pendant' is really interesting looking, and could easily be dressed up or down. $39.50

The 'Wrapped Rings Necklace', which comes in both silver and gold, looks much more expensive that it actually is. I would wear it over a simple LBD, or even with a t-shirt, jeans and heels.

The 'Painted Chain Necklace' has a great look, with a mix of different metal colors, plus the coral painted chain for a pop of color. $39.50

Happy shopping!