Meow!!!

Meow!!! by divadebbi 

This Polyvore was inspired by Gwen Stefani, who recently wore this Blumarine ensemble and as only she could, rocked it.

It is also dedicated to my friend Jackie Silver noted writer, radio personality and author of Aging Backwards.  She is a kitty lover extraordinaire and is the only person delighted to receive a picture of my "son" Scoots, at any hour of the day or night.

Meowf to Jackie and all my kitty loving readers.

xox,
DD

We Have a Winner!!!

 FakeBake Golden  Faux Glo Shimmer Bronzer

Congratulations to G annacarto, who was chosen at random to win my DivaDebbi Giveaway of FakeBake's Golden Faux Glo Shimmer Bronzer.  It's a $21 value and it lasts and lasts! (I will contact you for your address.)

I always appreciate when I have extra products to share with my loyal readers!

Thank you both to my P.R. friends and those who read and share my blog.

xox,

DD

Frieda....circa 2012

Frieda....circa 2012 by divadebbi 

I think the world of art and fashion are completely symbiotic.  When I saw this Preen dress featured on one of my favorite websites Red Carpet Fashion Awards, it reminded me of one of Frieda Kahlo's self portraits.

I imagined, if Frieda were alive today, the print and colors would resonate with her too.

 Thus, I created this Polyvore set in homage.  I hope you like it too.

xox
DD

The Melting Months ...again

Buxom Tryst $24 at Sephora

In the beginning of the summer, I decided to do the unthinkable...give up bronzing powder.  My plan was to fake my tan with a combination of Garnier's Beauty Balm and a touch of foundation in a deeper skin tone, no doubt meant for a non-Caucasian.

I was tired of how dry my skin looked with bronzing powder and particularly frustrated with the sparkle factor.  Why is it that those little buggers have a particular affinity for finding their way straight into any facial nooks and crannies???  Frustratingly, they are uber present in most bronzers, albeit prestige or mass brands.

Yesterday I posted a TotalBeauty "beauty bubble" (articles that are customized to the interests of the Beauty Blogger's they publish,) about "best" and "worst" bronzers.  The timing was favorable.

As the humidity has kicked in and the mercury is rising to 90 on most days, my makeup is melting leaving my looking pale and peaked. I knew it was time to reconsider bronzing powder and armed with a number of raves, I went to Sephora to check them out...

I am a Benefit fan of long standing, so my first stop was to look at Hoola a matte powder that always wins raves and in pictures looked picture perfect.

Best and Worst Bronzers for Summer

21 Best and Worst Bronzers for Summer

Get that radiant, summer glow the safe way with one of these best bronzers. Just make sure to avoid the 5 worst

This is a TotalBeauty.com face makeup article Just because the doctor recommends avoiding UV rays doesn’t mean you should look like you're hiding out while everyone else is having fun in the sun. Our readers agree the safest and easiest way to your golden summer glow is with a bronzer. With a great self-tanner and these expert tips, you'll be a bronzed beauty in no time. But steer clear of the worst on this list, which readers say will make you look more like an Oompa Loompa than Jessica Alba.   See picks

The Worst No. 5: Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Pressed Bronzer, $14.95

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.9

"It makes me look weird, sparkly, and orange tinted. Worst of all, after I use this bronzer, it makes me break out everywhere!"

The Worst No. 4: Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel, $50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.6

"Save your money. There are cheaper and better bronzers out there."

The Worst No. 3:  E.L.F. All Over Color Stick, $1

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3

"This product makes me look like I've got some serious frosty sheen on, which is not attractive."

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here!

Forgive me Darlings...

Forgive me Darlings... by divadebbi 

Like any other community, be it Blogger's, Pinterest, Tweet Deck friends or Polyvore pals, when you participate over time, you connect with like minded souls.

Since discovering Polyvore four months ago, I follow others and have followers.  We have a like minded sensibility about fashion, art, and set placement. Some of there sets are jaw droppingly stylish.  They inspire me and sharpen my eye.

Partially because of my real job as a Personal Shopper, where I  experience first hand, the topsy turvy retail reality of selling fur and velvet in July, I am officially abandoning beach and bikini sets.

It will be interesting to see what the reaction is...

In the meanwhile, Fall is looking absolutely luxe and luscious.  I hate to rush the summer, but part of me is already looking forward to hunkering down with 20 lbs. of fashion magazines.

I may love the long day light summer hours, but when it comes to fashion, is there any season more beautiful then Fall???

xox,
DD

John Frieda's Sleek Finish Brushes: Battling the bulge and winning

New John Frieda Sleek FINISH
Paddle Brush $12.99

Let's face it, when it comes to frizz, we have tip our 'fros to the master, John Frieda.  JF is, in my mind, the first hair care professional, who has made the battle of banishing frizz a life calling...Amen and God Bless. 

For someone like me, who has teetered on the edge of doing some sort of keratin straightening treatment every summer, my John Frieda products have kept me on the relative straight and narrow, without the expense and Haz Mat suit that thermal straightening requires these days.

 

I recently reviewed John Frieda's new Frizz Ease Hair Setter  and I am quite taken with how glossy and professionally tended my hair looks after using them. (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/06/holy-grail-alert-john-frieda-frizz-ease.html).  As well, despite close to a dozen frizz fighters fighting for space under my sink, the one I go to everytime is John Frieda's 3-Day Straight.  I also stash a John Frieda Full Repair Flyaway Tamer in my makeup case and desk drawer.

 

Yes, this is war.

You know I love when my beauty stars align--after leaving my favorite round brush in the Hampton's this weekend, I received an email asking if I would like to try John Frieda's new line of Sleek Finish Brushes, that are designed to fight frizz and flyaway's with silicone bristles (that will last the life of the brush) and tourmaline-100% crushed gemstones, that release natural IONS for intense shine.

Patti Rocks...

Patti Rocks... by divadebbi 

I always like to check in on what my friend Kari, from Fab Over Forty is writing about.  She is a must read and I encourage you to subscribe to her blog, (as well as mine of course!).

Kari recently included a link to an upcoming of Keith Richards and his gorgeous wife Patti Hansen in the August issue of Vogue (http://www.faboverforty.com/makeup-over-forty/hanging-with-patti-hansen-and-keith-richards-in-vogue/).

I am a forever Rolling Stones fan, and I am hoping that they will tour again this year, to commemorate their 50 years together.

Keith and Patti share and enduring love story.  A few years ago, she bravely battled bladder cancer and is obviously thriving.

They inspire me.  Despite all of their riches, family comes first and they revel in it.

Rock on...

xox,
DD

A DivaDebbi Giveaway: FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer

FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Bronzer  $20.99

I'm in the middle of my second sunless summer.  Having spent my whole life enjoying warming my bones and skin in the sun, I could no longer justify spending so much time trying to turn the hands of time back, only to undue it all each summer.

Even this weekend, on the glorious beaches of the Hampton's, I huddled under our umbrella, doused in SPF 30.  Who is this person??? I barely recognize me.

Naturally I have a complete arsenal of faux tanners that I employ so I don't look pale and pasty.  Back in February, I was sent a sample of FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer to review.

Golden Faux Glo Shimmer is not a self tanner, but an instant one, that lets you see exactly where you are going to tan.  I still use it, (with gloves), anytime I wish to enhance my self tanners.

This is what I said in February:

When I received a request to sample FakeBake's Golden Faux Glow Instant Tan Lotion in a wash-off formula, I leaped at the offer and anticipated it's arrival with excitement.

When the package arrived in the evening, I immediately had to try it despite the directions to use it on clean, exfoliated skin, and to wear the enclosed gloves, while applying in a circular motion.

And I liked what I saw...Me.  Tan.

There is a distinct "vanilla" smell that some might find a bit cloying, but did not offend me. My fingertips were stained a woody brown, that did not wash off all that easily...so much for disregarding instructions...but damn, I looked good.

FakeBake is paraben free and uses only natural ingredients. It won't clog pores. The Instant Tan Lotion is designed to wash off, so it is recommended that water or heavy perspiration be avoided for 4-6 hours...no water polo for me, I guess.

FakeBake has a complete line of self-tanners in various formulas as well as exfoliaters.  It is more moderately priced than St. Tropez and is available from their website or Ulta, where it also won raves. Celebs love it too.


Would you like to try a tube of FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer???  

Sleek IS Chic

Chic and sleek... by divadebbi 

I literally gasped when I saw this perfectly executed Gucci sheath dress on Polyvore.  Naturally, I had to compose a set around it.

Hopefully this will satisfy my itch, so I can control myself from having to have it...

Big ((((sigh:))))).

xox,
DD

Kiss Kiss: Let's hear it for the Ladies who Lunch

Kiss Kiss: Let's hear it for the Ladies who Lunch by divadebbi 

This was my entry for a contest titled, "Ladies who Lunch".  It fits all my criteria: 1) I'd kill to own it 2) I'd admire it if someone else did.

Maybe this will be my first winning ticket in the Polyvore contest lottery.

xox,
DD