3-Step Spring Cleaning for Your Skin

--By Pearl C.

I've noticed that after this especially dry winter, my normal exfoliation routine just doesn't cut it anymore. Bleh. I've found two awesome products that I use in tandem every Sunday night to ready myself for the week. They were both highly rated online, with a ton of reviews praising both products. In fact, I started using these after looking for ways to get rid of dark circles in the under eye area. But, I found that this routine refreshes the skin as well.

First, start with a clean dry face. Then, use Aloette's Restorative Enzyme Peel, applying a thin layer and rubbing gently until little beads form. Finally, wash off the peel with warm water and pat dry. This is great for sensitive skin -- it's pretty mild, but works so well.

→ Buy the Aloette Restorative Enzyme Peel, $39.95, at aloette.com.

The second product I recommend using lightly if you have very sensitive skin: Phytomer Gommage Marin Purifying Gommage Exfoliant. Use it on a clean dry face (I use after the enzyme mask), and very sparingly. Pat a thin layer on problem areas -- under eye, nose, cheeks. Let dry for a couple minutes and then remove with fingers in circular motion over skin. Try to get as much off as possible with fingers, then rinse with water.

→ Buy the Phytomer Gommage Marin Purifying Gommage Exfoliant, $36.00, at drugstore.com.

Your skin should be oh-so-soft and ready for a moisturizer! I dig Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream personally. No scent, it just does its job. A good night of sleep and you should be refreshed with some beautiful renewed skin for your week.

→ Buy the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, $24.50 - $46.00, at kiehls.com.

If you still have flaking or dryness, pull out the big guns and hit up one of my favorite lines -- Make Up For Ever with their HD Elixir. This stuff is insane -- all you need is a tiny little drop, just on the stubborn dry patch. It will absorb and gives you 520% hydration! You will never see those dry patches again. Always a good product to keep around.

→ Buy the Make Up For Ever HD Elixir, $38.00, at sephora.com.

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Pearl C. is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. After nine years in SoCal, Pearl returned to her east coast roots, taking up residence in NYC. Formerly with Interscope Records, Pearl now does Marketing & Artist Relations for super hot music video site Vevo. Although a smart girl all-around, Pearl's true gift is for finding the best party in town.

Steal: Antik Batik Uta Bangle Set $65

A versatile piece of jewelry that stands out, but doesn't seem obviously tied to a certain season or fashion genre, is generally a good deal. 9 of said pieces of jewelry in one tidy, coordinating package that also happens to be super affordable? That's a real steal.

While browsing the new arrivals section at online super boutique ShopBop I ran across this Antik Batik Uta Bangle Set. This set features 9 brass bangles, with bone inlay at 6 of bangles. They look great all piled together, but could also be worn individually or in smaller combinations to create several different looks ranging from minimalist to boho-chic. The best part? The price. You get all 9 pieces for just $65.

→ Buy the Antik Batik Uta Bangle Set, $65.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.

The Most Popular Nail Polish Colors Right Now

Are you in a nail polish rut? Still wearing your favorite color from three seasons ago because you just can't find anything that's quite as versatile? That's ok, you're not the only one. Here's a way to branch out: trade your rut for someone else's.

The April 2011 issue of In Style magazine, officially referred to as "The Color Issue," featured a smart little listing of the most popular nail polish colors across the nation. The editors polled some of the top nail salons in the major metros and reported back on the most popular shades. Some of the colors -- like the alleged favorite in my San Francisco locale -- surprised me. Others, like the NYC fave, were exactly what I expected. Regardless, the color list offers plenty of colors worth trying. Here's a sneak peek at some of the best colors on the list:

The most popular nail polish at San Francisco's Polished Lounge is a rather sunny shade of bubble gum pink, courtesy of salon fave Essie.

→ Buy Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish, $7.79, at target.com.

Both Chicago's Juko and Los Angeles's Bellacures count Essie's purply-grey Chinchilly as the most popular shade.

→ Buy Essie Chinchilly Nail Polish, $8.00, at beauty.com.

Shades of greige and black may rule the runway, but classic red is still most popular at Philadelphia's Toppers Spa Salon.

→ Buy OPI Malaga Wine Nail Polish, $5.25 (was $8.50-- save 38%!), at amazon.com.

It doesn't surprise me at all that the season's must-have It shade is the most popular nail polish at NYC's cult favorite Jin Soon Hand & Foot Spa.

→ Buy Chanel Black Pearl Nail Polish, $25.00, at neimanmarcus.com.

You can see the full list of most popular nail polish colors nationwide in the April 2011 issue of In Style magazine, or check out celebrity nail polish trends at instyle.com.

FOUND: Tinsley Mortimer's Navy Striped Bikini

Yes, it really is time to start thinking about swimsuit season again. Are you in the market for a new bikini or two? As usual, there are about a million styles to choose from. Thankfully, we have socialites with large bank accounts (to fund mid-winter jaunts to sunny locales) who can give us a little sneak peek of the swimsuits that are going to be super hot come early summer.

Take for example uber-socialite Tinsley Mortimer, who was recently snapped wearing an adorable navy striped bikini with gold ruffle detail while wading in the ocean. The look was cute, but not overly-girly cutesy, and quite chic. Want to steal Tinsley Mortimer's striped bikini style for yourself? She's wearing the Beach Bunny Kardashian Collection Walk In The Water Bikini.

Yes, I know what you are thinking: "how many products can the Kardashians really put their name on at one time?" We may never know. But, this whole swimsuit line endorsement thing might actually work out. The looks are fun and flattering, and one of the biggest and most fashionable socialites in the country is wearing the line -- that is a pretty big step up from a fellow reality star or a Disney starlet.

→ Buy the Beach Bunny Kardashian Collection Walk In The Water Bikini, $175.00, at singer22.com; shipping is free.

New & Hot: Cosabella for J.Crew Intimates

What: Cosabella for J.Crew intimates collection

Why it's hot: Cosabella is already one of the most insanely popular lingerie lines around. J.Crew's star just keeps getting brighter. The two brands have been playing footsy for a while now, with J.Crew selling a handful of Cosabella's well-known thongs in store. Wasn't it kind of inevitable that these two would join forces in a more complete way?

The new Cosabella for J.Crew line features a nice range of underthings for all occasions, in gorgeous J.Crew-worthy saturated colors. The designs are exclusive to J.Crew, but, as a huge Cosabella devotee, I do recognize a few Cosabella signature pieces -- like their crazy-flattering and super comfortable soft bras (see top left).

What to wear it with: Absolutely everything. Cosabella is one of the few lingerie companies that can be counted on to to deliver designs that are sexy in that low-key "I'm a French super model" kind of way (as opposed to that "I'm Playboy's cyber girl of the month" look), while maintaining 100% comfort. The addition of J.Crew's luscious color palette and super soft cottons just made the whole proposition that much more appealing.

Plus, for those who consider the thong an only-when-necessary proposition, Cosabella makes some of the most comfortable thongs on the market. This new collection even includes a J.Crew-ized version of Cosabella's best-selling Soire thong, in five new colors (see right for "electric orange").

→ Buy the Cosabella for J.Crew Ceylon Soft Bra, $48.00, at jcrew.com.

→ Buy the Cosabella for J.Crew Soire Low-Rise Thong, $19.00, at jcrew.com.

→ Browse all of Cosabella for J.Crew online.

Be sure to check out J.Crew Aficionada blog for the latest J.Crew coupon codes, include free shipping codes.

GWP Alert: Clinique Free Gift With $35 Purchase ($100 value)

It's Clinique free gift time at Saks Fifth Avenue! If you've been putting off your regular Clinique purchases waiting for a good free gift to come around, this might be the GWP for you. With a $35 minimum purchase, you'll snag $100 worth of free Clinique goodies. Check it out:

You'll receive this 9-piece Clinique beauty gift with any $35 Clinique purchase. Your gift includes:

• Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for lids, lashes and lips
• All About Eyes
• Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Corrector
• Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
• Lash Building Primer
• Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
• Quickliner For Eyes in Dark Chocolate
• A zip cosmetic case

To claim your Clinique free gift, make your Clinique selections totalling $35 or more and then enter promotional code: CLINIQUEK at checkout.

→ Browse Clinique products and claim your Clinique free gift at saks.com.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Beauty Tools

--By Pearl C.

Let me upgrade you...

Oh my goodness! Seeing the archived post on Girl Talk beauty tools reminded me how fast the beauty world really turns. Now I am past my old recommendations and have so many new ones for you! Time for an upgrade -- who wants last year's stuff anyway?

I tragically lost my whole day make up bag months ago -- I felt like my arm was missing -- including my beloved Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Believe it or not, the Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler is an awesome replacement, cheaper, and is much more accessible since Shu isn't sold in the states anymore. No waiting for that lovely int'l shipping. The Sephora curler even has padding where your fingers do the curling -- definitely an upgrade.

→ Buy the Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler, $16.00, at sephora.com.

The Hai Stick straightening iron -- sure, yeah, not a bad straightener. But the beauuutiful GHD straightener is THE flat iron to have! It heats up in seconds, it flattens SO fast, and it doesn't fry your hair at high settings. It's pricey but worth every penny -- you will save time on going over your hair a ton to get it straight. If you travel a lot, like myself, I suggest picking up a heat protection bag so you can even stuff in the suitcase while still hot -- genius!

→ Buy the GHD Gold Professional 1-inch Styler, $225.00, at sephora.com; shipping is free.

Oh, and I also did a ton of research on heating sprays. I love Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray. It's usually under 5 bucks, found at your drug store and smells so yum.

→ Buy the Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray, $4.49, at walgreens.com.

I so agree with Tina's post on makeup brushes being so very essential to flawless application. I have been particularly partial to Sephora's brushes lately. The Sephora Collection Professional Platinum Powder Brush is a pricey buy at $38, but so sooo soft on your face and really good for mineral powders. Yep, I just ate it and bought a brand new one when I lost this brush in the great missing makeup bag debacle!

→ Buy the Sephora Collection Professionnel Platinum Powder Brush, $38.00, at sephora.com.

Also, Sephora's line of colorful I.T. Brushes are so, so cool. They come in great colors (and have a purpose: blue for eyes, pink for face, purple for blending/smudging). They also come with a cap to keep the bristles intact -- love that. I use the concealer brush every day for the war I wage on my under eye area every AM.

→ Buy the Sephora Collection I.T. Concealer Brush, $28.00, at sephora.com.

_______

Pearl C. is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. After nine years in SoCal, Pearl returned to her east coast roots, taking up residence in NYC. Formerly with Interscope Records, Pearl now does Marketing & Artist Relations for super hot music video site Vevo. Although a smart girl all-around, Pearl's true gift is for finding the best party in town.

FOUND: Mila Kunis's Striped Cardigan

Cardigans are easily one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe. I have at least a dozen, mostly in cashmere. I can't help it -- it's just so soft and cozy that I can't resist. There's always a reason to pick up another new cardigan... like spotting a fun new cardigan on a favorite starlet. Hey, I never said they were always good reasons.

Black Swan star Mila Kunis was recently spotted in an adorable striped cardigan with button front. Want to steal Mila Kunis's striped cardigan style for yourself? She's wearing the vkoo Striped Cardigan in Mocha.

This 100% cashmere cardigan could go casual with jeans, as seen on Mila, or even office appropriate with a skirt or trousers. This summer, a stylish take on this look would be to pair this cardigan with a simple tank top and shorts or a denim skirt for a cool evening.

→ Buy the vkoo Striped Cardigan, $315.00, at boutiquetoyou.com; shipping is free.

Web Snob: Rachel Zoe's New Baby, Clinton Kelly, Botkier and More!

FASHION

* In the hunt for a job? Stiletto Jungle explains exactly what to wear to an interview.
* Fashion Pulse Daily indulges in a very (Kenneth) Cole evening featuring the Fall 2011 collection.
* Second City Style interviews Clinton Kelly and finds out "What (Not) To Wear" this spring.
* Shopping and Info loves the Rag & Bone motorcycle leather jacket in a great cognac brown color.

ACCESSORIES

* Bag Bliss stopped off at the Kara Ross showroom in New York.
* Bag Snob has one of the best Botkier bags ever.
* Coquette loves scarves and her favorite this season is the DKNY Heritage Scarf.
* The Tory Burch private sale 2011 = amazing. Get Reva flats on sale and more. SHEfinds has the scoop.
* The Shoe Goddess thinks a metallic sandal is the perfect summer accessory.

BEAUTY

* Inspired by Pantelleria, a Sicilian island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea that's been dubbed "paradise," this Armani scent at Beauty Snob evokes beaches in the summertime.
* The Jet Set Girls talk Spring Nail Trends 2011 with the gorgeous new colors from butter London.
* StyleHive loves the new Skin Re-Newing Trio from bareMinerals and is giving away a set to three lucky winners.
* The Beauty Stop has tips for a successful eyebrow wax.

CELEBRITY

* Rachel Zoe is a mom! Allie is Wired has the new baby details.

FOUND: Anne Hathaway's Looped Scarf

I think just about everyone has a fashion crutch... er, um... fashion standby. Yeah, that's what I meant, "standby". Oh, who am I kidding. I have a very clear fashion crutch. When I find my self wearing an uninspiring or unimaginative ensemble, I pull out scarf.

Scarves are a perfect for just about any situation. A well-chosen scarf can add a dose of color or pattern, pull together separates or create a layer of coziness for a cool day or long trip. And I'm clearly not the only one with a scarf fixation -- Hollywood's brightest young stars are regularly caught in snuggly scarves when they are travelling or just running around town. For example, check out this recent pic of It girl Anne Hathaway dashing through the airport.

Want to steal Anne Hathaway's cozy infinity scarf style for yourself? She's wearing the vkoo Loop Scarf in Bark. Clearly Anne finds this 100% cashmere scarf a worthy travel companion, but it would also play well as a little extra layer of warmth during these cool days of early Spring.

→ Buy the vkoo Loop Scarf, $286.00, at boutiquetoyou.com; shipping is free.

3 Sophisticated Top Handle Totes for Spring

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Carrying a top handle tote makes me feel so sophisticated. Sort of like Jackie O., or people that I have always idolized, like my grandmother. It goes hand in hand with the sleek bun, pearl earrings and a perfectly tailored knee length dress. I just love when my imagination runs wild!

It’s undeniable that top handle totes are making a huge come back. Every other designer brand seems to have a tote in their ad. It’s a style of bag that symbolizes class -- a very upscale look that’s fierce at the same time. The only downfall is that it’s hard to carry much besides this bag because you can’t always throw it over your shoulders -- you actually have to carry it, which is not so effortless. But, I guess style can’t be effortless all the time!

I'm starting to make Michael Kors a committed pit stop of mine at the mall... wonder why? Check out the Michael Kors Hamilton Spectator Tote in my favorite color, the navy blue with white trim. This bag is fabulous and the color combination is to die for! This bag is the classic top handle bag with the ultimate classic colors. If navy and white aren’t your thing, then check out the other bold color options for spring.


→ Buy the Michael Kors Hamilton Spectator Tote, $328.00, at dillards.com.


Moving along to a more animalistic bag that will get you the through the day and night, try toting around the Henri Bendel West 57th Box Barrel handbag. A black and white animal bag can be incorporated in every seasonal wardrobe. Give all your boring outfits a little spunk with this barrel.



→ Buy the Henri Bendel West 57th Box Barrel, $495.00, at henribendel.com.


As usual, I save my personal favorite until the end. The Oryany Knight Tote is oversized and unusually cool. This is a traveler’s dream bag because it’s cute and can fit all kinds of girly things in it. The different tiny compartments can store little items that can often be lost in oversized bags. The color options are different than the typical color scheme, making the bag unique. The bag is offered in Goldfish, Petal, Seaweed and Black colors. The leather even looks baby soft in the picture -- gotta love it! The zippers, the shape, and the fact that it’s $425 make it irresistible!


→ Buy the Oryany Knight Tote, $425.00, at nordstrom.com.

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Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.

Giveaway: Win a Shapeez Body Shaper Valued Up to $100

Recently, Oprah said that "choosing the right bra can change your life. The right bra can reverse aging; it can make you look 10, even 20 pounds lighter." Unfortunately, most women have not found the right bra for them: they are stuck in a traditional bra with uncomfortable elastic bands around the body, straps that are constantly slipping off the shoulders and, the worst part – back fat and bra bulge.

In the past, bra options have been limited. But new products that target specific bra issues are popping up all the time, such as this new find from Shapeez. The Unbelievabra by Shapeez is an all-in-one bra and body shaper that provides breast shaping and support while eliminating bra lines and back bulges. Made from the company's patented "smooth-back" design (no back bands or closures), the Unbelievabra fits snugly to the body providing a lean and supportive fit. It also wicks moisture away from the body keeping you cool, dry and light.

"Your bra should be like your best friend: always offering support and comfort, while helping to make you look good. However, traditional bras rarely meet these expectations," says Staci Berner, Creator of the Unbelievabra by Shapeez. "Although women can share similar body types every woman has a different body shape. Traditional bras are not made to fit a variety of body shapes and don’t do even the slimmest bodies justice," says Staci.

The Unbelievabra by Shapeez is specifically designed to eliminate bra lines, back bulges and a muffin top. Wanting to see it in action? Check out Shapeez on The Today Show:

Beyond the aesthetic benefits of Shapeez, the Unbelievabra distributes the weight of the breasts across a wider area on the back which promotes better posture and may help to reduce shoulder and back pain. Sounds pretty fabulous.

Ok, now that we've waxed poetic about this new approach to the bra, you're wanting to give it a try, right? Well, you are in luck. We've partnered with Shapeez to give one lucky Stiletto Jungle reader a free Shapeez body shaper of their choice. The winner will receive a (nontransferable) coupon code for one time use on a complimentary item.

This contest starts at 11:30 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, March 23, and ends at 11:55 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, March 29. To enter, simply fill out the entry form below. One winner will be chosen at random. See the entry form for full details, rules and restrictions. Good luck!

Please note that the contest entry form is JavaScript based; you must have JavaScript turned on in your web browser to use this entry form. If you cannot see the entry form, please enter on the contest web page.

Fashion Cents: What to Wear to an Interview

--By Kimberly Turner

Hey Fashionable You!

Has the economy affected your ability to shop for the hot, trendy items that the Stiletto Jungle has discovered for you? If you answered yes, then you are probably in the midst of sending out resumes and networking for a new job versus shopping the new trends.

Well, I am sure that you a new job and increased pay await you! But, remember, there is one more step before you can settle into your new gig...the JOB INTERVIEW!

I would hate for you not to get the job because your attire screamed that you were "more concerned with fashion than the job." You know...strutting into the interview wearing six inch clogs, banded mini skirt and door knocker earrings. Just one of any combination of the items could be a deal breaker.

And on the other extreme, I would hate for your interviewer to think you are not current; thus, unable to relate to the changing business environment because you still have that hairstyle from the '80s.

So watch the latest video now. I give you three tips to help you smartly prepare your wardrobe for your job interview. Make sense?

_____

Kimberly Turner, your personal style guru, is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Kimberly has an MBA from the University of Michigan and an Image Consulting Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kimberly lives in the Windy city of Chicago and is the host of FashionCents.tv.

Sale: Rebecca Minkoff Handbags 40% Off

I might have a small Rebecca Minkoff handbag addiction. I have 4 gorgeous MAB bags, covering all three sizes. Small potatoes compared to some rabid handbag collectors, but a lot to a small timer like me. There's a great reason-- Rebecca Minkoff handbags are fashionable and luxe, but not prone to insane knock-offs like so many contemporary labels. Perfect.

Needless to say, I highly recommend adding a Rebecca Minkoff handbag to your own purse collection. And these recent sale finds are an ideal opportunity. Online designer outlet Bluefly.com has just received a large shipment of Rebecca Minkoff handbags, all of which are on sale for 40% off retail price.

There are 36 sale-priced Rebecca Minkoff handbags in total, ranging from the boho-chic Nikki Hobo, to the best-selling structured MAB (shown here in quilted leather), to the work-perfect Dear Tote. I'm sure they'll sell out fast, so grab one while you can.

→ Buy the Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mab Satchel, $339.00 (was $565-- save 40%!), at bluefly.com.

→ Browse all sale priced Rebecca Minkoff handbags online at bluefly.com.

FOUND: Cindy Crawford's Distressed Flare Jeans

Is it just me, or did Cindy Crawford stop aging somewhere around the late '90s? Not only does her face and hair look amazing, but so does her body. Ok, so we can't steal Cindy's genes, but we can snag her jeans...

Cindy Crawford was recently spotted wearing a pair of artfully distressed flare leg jeans while traveling... bare airport feet and all! Want to steal Cindy Crawford's distressed flare leg jeans style for yourself? She's wearing Black Orchid Black Beauty High Rise Flare Jeans.

These are the ideal jeans for just hanging out on the weekend, thanks to the relaxed shape, distressing and casual wash. I'd go even further down the casual route than Cindy does in this picture, ditching the boots and draped top for flats and a tee.

→ Buy the Black Orchid Black Beauty High Rise Flare Jean, $136.00, at blacklabelboutique.com.

5 Surprisingly Chic Espadrilles for Spring

Espadrilles, a warm weather favorite, fill many roles in a wardrobe. They are classic, comfortable and perfect for pairing with casual clothes. But chic? Usually, not so much. But, given this season's emphasis on the espadrille, many fashion-forward espadrille designs have surfaced. Check out some of our favorite super chic espadrilles for Spring:

The sliver of bright yellow set on top of ankle-high espadrille braiding creates a bold look for these Madison Harding sandals.



→ Buy the Madison Harding Casey Espadrille, $235.00, at piperlime.com; shipping and returns are free.


Adding a cage bootie shape to an espadrille platform, such as with these Kelsi Dagger wedges, shakes up the image of an espadrille as an un-sexy shoe.



→ Buy the Kelsi Dagger Kaden Espadrille, $99.50, at endless.com; shipping and returns are free.


The pleated white criss-cross front of this Boutique 9 espadrille looks like it would be right at home with a cocktail at an outdoor Miami hotspot.



→ Buy the Boutique 9 Illy Espadrille, $140.00, at piperlime.com; shipping and returns are free.


These Matisse espadrilles manage to be both fashion-forward and incredibly affordable -- a rare combination.



→ Buy the Matisse Asher Espadrille, $76.95, at endless.com; shipping and returns are free.


Espadrille meets nude patent leather pump... yes please!



→ Buy the DV by Dolce Vita Florence Espadrille, $95.00, at piperlime.com; shipping and returns are free.

FOUND: Katie Holmes's Dark Bell Bottom Jeans

Katie Holmes certainly does have a way with picking the exact right pair of jeans. Always flattering, on trend and completely covetable. This recent find is no different.

Katie Holmes was recently spotted wearing a pair of Spring-perfect high-rise bell bottom jeans with a distinctive '70s silhouette that is everywhere this season. The super dark wash adds another layer of style, making this particular pair of jeans just a little dressier than most. Want to steal Katie Holmes's dark denim bell bottoms style for yourself? She's wearing the Current/ Elliott High Rise Bell Jeans in Patriot Blue wash.

As mentioned, the dark wash makes this already ladylike denim style just a little more dressy. Pair them with a button down shirt and cardigan for a casual work look, or a draped jersey top for a '70s-inspired night out ensemble.

→ Buy the Current/ Elliott High Rise Bell Jean, $188.00, at blacklabelboutique.com.

30% Off + Free Ship at Nine West Friends and Family Event

The Nine West Friends and Family Event starts today! For 5 days only, take an additional 30% off your entire purchase. Now's the chance to snag those spring trend must-haves. From nudes and bright colors, to animal prints or espadrilles, Nine West has got you covered with this season's hottest trends at already super affordable prices.

This sale excludes pre-order styles, but it can be used on any full price or sale item on the site -- footwear, accessories or apparel. The additional 30% off will be reflected at checkout. Plus, while there will be $5 flat fee shipping site wide as part of the sale, if you visit through the links on this page you can take advantage of an exclusive partner offer of FREE SHIPPING during Friends and Family! Your shipping discount will be applied at check out.

→ Browse the Nine West Friends and Family Sale online.

Splurge: Theyskens' Theory Patch Leather Pants

Here's the thing about black leather pants... First, they sound really good in theory, particularly to those of us who like to cultivate a particular kind of pseudo-punk, minimalist, downtown vibe. Second, they are almost never good in practice. I'm picturing that woman "of a certain age" at the club with the '80s hair and too-tight black leather boot cut pants. But, if you are willing to splurge, we've located a pair of super modern black leather pants that are as dreamy in real life as they are in your leather pant dreams.

The new Patch Leather Pants from Theyskens' Theory -- Belgian designer Olivier Theyskens' amazing take on the classic Theory label -- represent a fresh take on the leather pant look. These slim, cropped pants feature a modern 8" rise, a classic 5-pocket design and a super chic asymmetrical pant hem. The hem is more visible in alternative views; click through to get a closer look. The cut of these cropped pants is perfect for showing off your favorite pair of shoes and, while the silhouette is modern, these pants are timeless enough serve you well for years to come.

→ Buy the Theyskens' Theory Patch Leather Pants, $920.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.

Best Seller: Messeca Coraline Platform Wedge

I've been tracking this amazing, and quite affordable, shoe around the internet for weeks now. But, when I ran across it in the best sellers section at online shoe store Piperlime, I knew the time had come to write about it. Seems like I'm not the only one in love.

The Messeca Coraline platform wedge first caught my eye in the online store for super amazing NYC boutique Oak. There it was, hanging out amongst the $500+ shoes regularly found at Oak. I was intrigued. The Oak buyers' stamp of approval goes quite a long way with me. Flash forward to today, when I spotted this shoe in the best sellers section at Piperlime, the online contemporary fashion haven owned by Gap, Inc. It's like fashion karma that this shoe and I should cross paths again.

So, what makes the Messeca Coraline wedge so amazing? It has all of the angles and artistic detail of the aforementioned expensive shoes, but at a great price. It's crafted from 100% leather upper, with a synthetic outsole, and features a trendy wood heel detail. It's available in Black (shown here) and Sand, a light beige color.

→ Buy the Messeca Coraline platform wedge, $169.00, at piperlime.com; shipping and returns are free.

FOUND: Gwyneth Paltrow's Little Pink Bikini

Not only is Gwyneth Paltrow have a huge career moment as she steadily adds more hyphens to her movie-star-tv-actress-singer-cookbook-author resume, she's looking amazing doing it. Really, better than any mother of two should. In fact, better than most 20-somethings. And she has no problem showing it off, having recently been spotted in an attention grabbing bright pink bikini.

Want to snag Gwyneth Paltrow's super cute pink bikini style for your upcoming Spring getaways? She's wearing the Vitamin A Wink Halter Bikini in Jazzberry. This teeny bikini from summer favorite bikini brand Vitamin A features a triangle halter top with tiny ruffles and matching side-tie bottoms. The bright color will be flattering to all skintones, even the suntan-adverse (just check out Gwyneth!), while staying right in line with this season's bright color trend.

→ Buy the Vitamin A Wink Halter Bikini, $163.00, at singer22.com.

Under $100: Aldo Collegea Wedge Heels

Looking for a fabulous shoe quick fix for under $100? Check out this super cute new find...

Tall, shapely, architectural heels have been growing in popularity steadily over the past few years. And, thanks to amazing labels like Opening Ceremony and Maison Martin Margiela, they have also been growing in price. But, this recent find from bargain mall brand Aldo has a similar sculptural look, but at a super low price.

The Aldo Collegea Wedge features a 4" covered wedge heel with a seam detail that makes this low-price heel look like a boutique find. Click through to the multiple views of this shoe to see the great detail along the heel. It's available in Bone (shown here) and basic black, although the lighter color shows off the interesting seam details much better than the Black version. Both colors are priced at just $50.

→ Buy the Aldo Collegea Wedge, $50.00, at zappos.com; shipping and returns are free.

Web Snob: Louis Vuitton Fall Runway, Black Lips, Flawless Mascara and More!

FASHION

* Coquette loved the catwalk return of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell at the Louis Vuitton Fall 2011 show in Paris.
* Shopping and Info loves the Alberta Ferretti lilac dress on sale for Spring 2011.
* From bright color to '70s style, StyleBakery hunts down the top spring fashion trends for every budget.

ACCESSORIES

* Bag Bliss debuts the latest of Horse + Nail Handbags.
* For those of you who like to look polished and poised while toting your many things about town, the Longchamp croc-embossed calfskin bag at Bag Snob is the one for you.
* Fashion Pulse Daily is falling fast and hard for the Charles Philip Shanghai Slipper.
* StyleHive can't get enough of the tassel earring trend. Make your own or win this statement pair.

BEAUTY

* Black lips? It just darkens the natural tone of your lips or whatever lipstick you're wearing underneath at Beauty Snob.
* The Beauty Stop reveals three tips for flawless mascara application.

CELEBRITY

* Stiletto Jungle found French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt's chic black jeans, as worn to a recent Vogue/ Gucci party.
* Kristen Stewart is confirmed for Snow White & The Huntsman. Allie is Wired has the details.
* The Jet Set Girls take a peek at the super sexy Rafael Nadal for Emporio Armani commercial.
* Second City Style walks (and talks) a moment in Tamara Mellon's fabulous Jimmy Choo shoes.

LIFESTYLE

* KRISTOPHER DUKES is hating Microfiber Dust mop slippers, in pink.

Under $100: Steven Sezer Slide Sandal

Looking for a fabulous shoe quick fix for under $100? Check out this super cute new find...

It's the simplicity of these espadrille slide sandals that has won me over. Sometimes you just want a simple shoe for a weekend day, and this it that shoe. The Steven Sezer Slide Sandal comes in four colors -- Taupe Suede (shown here), Black Suede, Coral Suede or Metallic Gold Leather.

The espadrille platform is right on trend for spring. Not that espadrilles of any kind ever really go out of style, but they do seem to be particularly prominent this Spring. I'm partial to the Taupe Suede version here because the simple, natural color just accentuates the simplicity of the shoe. Altogether, a great deal that will serve you well all through the summer and into the fall.

→ Buy Steven Sezer Slide Sandal, $89.00, at zappos.com; shipping and returns are free.

FOUND: Emmanuelle Alt's Chic Black Jeans

I'm so not ready for Carine Roitfeld to slink into the shadows (as if she ever could), but I am excited to embrace Emmanuelle Alt as the new Editor of French Vogue. Emmanuelle Alt has that certain, very French fashion sense that is slightly disheveled, but amazingly chic. Ok, and being a total jean queen myself, I love that Emmanuelle Alt is frequently snapped wearing jeans to fashion-centric occasions. I love a Vogue editor who wears jeans to work more than once in a lifetime (Anna, I'm looking at you).

Emmanuelle Alt recently attended the French Vogue/ Gucci dinner in honor of Gucci designer Frida Giannini wearing jeans! [Insert fashionista gasp here] Actually, she looked stunning, jeans and all. Want to steal Emmanuelle Alt's chic black jeans style for yourself? She's wearing J Brand Lexington Jeans in Shadow wash. For the record, the singular time American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour wore jeans to a work event, she also chose J Brand. I'm sensing a Vogue pattern here.

J Brand Lexington Jeans are a classic boot leg cut jean featuring a slightly higher rise that has recently been referred to as an '80s rise. Basically, I think that means a rise that is higher than more modern cut jeans, but still lower than the '70s-inspired (9" - 12") rises that are suddenly all the rage. Unique, but if it's good enough for a Vogue editor...

→ Buy J Brand Lexington Jeans, $180.00, at singer22.com; shipping is free.

3 Spoil-Me Beauty Treats at Affordable Prices

--By Kim Moshtaghi

My birthday was last month, and I swear every time my best friend Stacy, who lives in San Francisco, makes it out I feel like the most spoiled birthday girl! I feel like the little girl that got let loose in the Sanrio store, but better! This year she came over with a bag full of treats that I still find myself looking through with excitement. Being the selfless person that I am, I would like to fill you in on a few of my faves. Although there were more than a dozen products, I didn’t want to information overload, so one step at a time.

The first product that I opened, and have used almost every day since January 30, is the Sephora Collection Colorful Palette. This five-color eye shadow palette is awesome. It’s got the bronzy earth tones that you can wear individually, or altogether for that Beyonce look. You can spice it up even more with the green eye shades on top of the crease, or use them as thin eyeliner to accentuate the eyes dramatically. For extra va-va-voom, try it in combination with white or black eyeliner. However you choose to apply your colors, you won’t go unnoticed with this eye-accentuating everyday color scheme. Just use discretion when applying the dark brown on the crease-- remember a little bit goes a long way!



→ Buy Sephora Collection Colorful Palette, $24.00, at sephora.com.


The other thing in my goody bag is OPI’s Got the Blues for Red, which I have continuously been bringing to my manicurist. Yes, she’s starting to get irritated with my lack of interest in other colors. She tries to interest me in darker colors, but I automatically defriend her choice of colors because they lack the passion this deep blood red color carries with it. I think it's safe to say this made it into my small circle of polish colors that I buy, along with OPI’s Sweetheart.



→ Buy OPI Got the Blues for Red Nail Polish, $4.64 (was $7.50-- save 38%!), at amazon.com.


Another item that made the hit list for me is Sephora Collection Lip Attitude in Poetic Pink. It goes on soft and sheer without looking overwhelmingly fake. The colors have a delicate side to them, even when their color is bold. They soften even the deepest colors in order to make them an everyday wear. I even like the thick casing, which ensures it won't fall apart after a few purse changes. There are endless colors to choose from at a very reasonable price. You too can have that little girl excitement on your face when purchasing great products, at good deals, that make an impression.



→ Buy Sephora Collection Lip Attitude Lipstick, $12.00, at sephora.com.


_______

Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.

4 All-Natural Beauty Finds for Moms to Be

Baby fever has official hit Hollywood. Many of the celebs whose sartorial choices we diligently track -- including Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, and Natalie Portman -- are now expecting. With this baby craze in full-swing, it probably goes without saying that we've started receiving more and more information about hot new fashion and beauty indulgences for moms-to-be.

I'm usually wary of suggestions for soon-to-be moms because pregnancy is such a unique and individual experience. But, I recently saw some suggestions of all-natural beauty indulgences from LUSH, maker of fresh handmade cosmetics, that sounded like such fabulous gifts for expecting friends that I had to pass them along. Helen Ambrosen, LUSH product creator and mother of two, personally recommends these pre-natal products. I'd snag them all, wrap them up in a cute box or basket, and gift them to the expecting moms in your life.

Helen suggests that expecting moms massage Therapy certified organic moisturizing bar on their bump to help prevent stretch marks. The cocoa and shea butter mix with neroli oil to moisturize dry skin and improve its flexibility and elasticity.



→ Buy LUSH Therapy Massage Bar, $9.59, at lushusa.com.


A big celeb favorite, the Butterball bath bomb, is loaded with creamy cocoa butter to moisturize and calming ylang ylang.



→ Buy LUSH Butterball Bath Bomb, $4.95, at lushusa.com.


With pregnancy comes hormones... and lots of them. Moms-to-be can attack acne (one side effect) by using this Herbalism Facial Cleanser made with kaolin clay, ground almonds, stimulating rosemary, dirty defying nettle powder, and soothing chamomile.



→ Buy LUSH Herbalism Cleanser, $11.50, at lushusa.com.


Since hair cannot be chemically colored during the first trimester, grab one of LUSH’s hair hennas for the expecting moms in your life. With four colors to choose from, LUSH henna (sourced from Iran) is mixed with other natural ingredients like coffee and fresh lemon juice to naturally add color to hair.



→ Buy LUSH Caca Brun Mama Hair Henna, $22.95, at lushusa.com.