RHOC: Gretchen Rossi "How To" Hair & Makeup

As one of the "housewives" on Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Orange County, Gretchen Rossi is cashing in on the lucrative franchise.  Last spring, she put her name on a beauty line which is available here on her website.  In the video clip below, Gretchen promotes her namesake cosmetics and does a quick tutorial on how to achieve her trademark "swoop" bangs.  Fast forward to 5:15 to get the scoop!
 
Click here for video




{When Gretchen Christine Beauté first debuted, the creative branding efforts were pretty much nonexistent.  The line was not "new" by any means -- it can be purchased without the "Gretchen" label for considerably less here and here.  In the beginning, Gretchen's line had the exact same names as these private label cosmetics.  The Gretchen brand eventually wised up and changed the names, but the colors and the descriptions are still the same.  Notice the amazing similarities in Grechen's lipstick, "Re Bound" pictured on top which goes for $12.50 and Lady Burd's "Bridal Party" on the bottom which can be purchased for $4.45...}

image: Lady Burd Cosmetics

Steals & Deals: 24 Hour Sales

The Today Show highlighted various 24 hr sales going on today...find cashmere sweaters that are regularly priced at $119 for $24 as well as gorgeous gold (or silver) cuff bracelets, dangly earrings, hair products and more...


http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39952878/ns/today-money

Images:  XOXO, Talbots, Robyn Rhodes, Living Proof

All Things Pumpkin

Just a little taste of Halloween "treats" to pamper and indulge in...

BEAUTY:

Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel gently detoxes and exfoliates dull skin.  $44 at Sephora.

MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel is a cheaper alternative for a fresh and bright face - $27 on Drugstore.com.

Philosophy Lippies - Trick or Treat Duo in Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Spice....all yours for just $18.

Pumpkin Lotion by Arcona - non greasy and absorbs quickly...what more could you ask for?  $35 on Drugstore.com

HOME:

 

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle available at Neiman's, Bergdorf's and Amazon.com for $32.

SWEETS:
What post would be complete without a cupcake or two?  Check out these "easier than you think" recipes on MarthaStewart.com and Bakerella ...

WATCH:

Tonight on ABC:  It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

















images: Sephora, Drustore.com, ABC, Neiman Marcus, Martha Stewart, Bakerella

Blog Spotlight on: PAPAYA!

photo courtesy of Papaya

The PAPAYA! blog has a great posting on phone apps that will help you enhance and get creative with your pictures. Think of it as Photoshop for your phone.  Some apps are free...others as inexpensive as $1.99.
Click here to check it out.

Not mentioned, but equally worthy of downloading is, Hipstamatic, which allows users to create a vintage feel to their photos.  Get inspired and snap away!

First Look: Temple St. Clair for Target

Starting this weekend, Target will add another high-end designer brand to its roster.  The Temple St. Clair for Target jewelry line will make its debut online starting this Sunday, August 29th.  The best news is that everything is under $50.

Turquoise earrings: $30
Heart Pendant:  $35

Check out the original collection at Temple St. Clair.

Images courtesy of shefinds.com

Ornate Wall Frame

LOVE this ornate Ung Drill frame from Ikea ($29) and LOVE even more the idea of painting the standard black color to a bright white as mentioned here on ApartmentTherapy.com.  Turquoise could be really splashy and fun, too!  Buy multiples and hang next to one another.  Weekend project!

Credits: here

New York Times article - Aging Gracefully, the French Way

A great article in the New York Times on how French women maintain that "je ne sais quoi". The number one rule?  Watch your weight (and of course, take good care of your skin).

 

Aging Gracefully, the French Way