The Sex and the City Movie Pleases Audiences

As I described in a post on Beauty Chat, I have never been into Sex and the City. In fact, I couldn't even get the name of the show right in that story, accidentally referring to the title incorrectly as "Sex in the City." I don't know, but the program never really appealed to me.

However, I did decide to go see the movie with my friend Sophia last night, just for the heck of it.



Now I get it! I am pleased to say that the movie was actually good. Despite the fact that I had no idea of what to expect, the film was presented in a way that didn't require viewers to be familiar with the television series.

It was funny, and sad at times, and I admit that it was entertaining for sure. I will say that the fans of Sex and the City are a little over the top though. And if that means I am talking about you, my reader, I apologize--but really?! My theater mates were clapping, crying, and talking throughout the entire screening. Then again, I guess they had the right to behave that way, as they were probably true fans eager to see the long-awaited flick.

I recommend that all women go out and see this movie. I am sure that even if you aren't (should I say weren't) a fan of Sex and the City like me, you will have a great time at the movies with your girlfriends.

Cargo, Perfect Blush for Summer

Seeking a glowing complexion this summer? Pick up some Cargo BeachBlush. It is great for various skin types, adding that extra rosy appearance that a woman strives for. Wear it lightly for a barely there look, or apply it heavier for a more dramatic effect. Whatever you're in the mood for.

Sephora.com describes this makeup necessity as: "a glowing, bronzing blush combining four complementary shades that when swept together, provide a perfect balance of color - the radiance of a newly flushed face and the glow of a lasting summertime tan."

Pictured is MiamiBeach (which I have), but you can also get it in Echo Beach. Both retail for $26.

And if you are shopping for Cargo on Sephora.com, be sure to vote for The Best of Sephora 2008 Sweepstakes. By giving your opinion on makeup (c'mon how easy is that?! it only took me about five minutes), you will be entered for a super-spectacular giveaway.

The grand prize winner will receive:

• All 30 of the items chosen as the Best of Sephora products
• A $1,000 Sephora gift card
• A trip for two to Sephora University in San Francisco for Brand Founders' Day

And 10 runners-up will get a $100 Sephora gift card, not too shabby.

So be sure to head over to the site for beauty buys and glam giveaways!

(Photo courtesy of: Sephora.com)

Stila, Oh How I Love Thee!

I have just discovered the delightfullness that is Stila...and can I just say...it's like finding religion!


I have been a MAC girl for years now, obsessing over their foundation, powder, eyeshadow, brushes, etc. But things are a'changin' in my life. I recently decided to try a new powder and I was pleasantly surprised when the employee at my local JCPenny's suggested Stila. Of course I had heard of it, but I had never tried it.


I purchased natural finish oil-free makeup ($36) and illuminating powder foundation ($26), and combine the two together for a long-lasting, flawless look. I was a bit shocked when I was told that I had to buy a compact to hold my powder. I couldn't believe that it didn't come with the makeup. However; $14 for a reusable compact isn't too bad considering that I am reducing waste and being resourceful.



Right now they are offering some great deals on Stila's Web site. Free shipping for purchases over $50, Acapulco Eye Shadow Trio marked down from $32 to $18, Pon Pon Gerbera Lip Glaze originally $20 but on sale for $7, a free sample with every order, and much, much more! There is a whole page dedicated to the thrifty shopper in each of us.




(Photos courtesy of: stilacosmetics.com)

H&M Opens in Chino Hills, Calif.

Last Friday an H&M opened right in my neighborhood and it was a bittersweet event for me. While I adore the store, I can't help but despise the fact that they are opening on almost every corner.

As I stood in the rain for three-and-a-half hours (yup I arrived at 6:30 am and froze 'til 10 am with the rest of the crazy people anxiously awaiting the Chino Hills shopping experience!), I contemplated what this opening meant to me.

I have been a fan of H&M for about two years now. I first visited the store at the Boston location and was immediately hooked. Back then you had to travel to a large city to shop there--so after discovering the retail paradise, I used to drive 45 minutes to visit the Pasadena shop, as it was the closest location to me.

So here's where my fashion dichotomy comes into play: I enjoy being able to drive five miles to shop at H&M, but I hate that it's so easily accessible now!

While I do love me some Forever21, I don't want H&M to turn into a similar clothing chain. It was like a privilege to shop there before, now it's just going to turn into a normal daily activity.

Has anyone else experienced this? Or am I just crazy?!

Total Beauty Puts on a Amazing Blog Summit

This past weekend fellow Beauty Chatter, Denice, and I had the opportunity to attend the first annual Total Beauty Blog Summit held in Manhattan Beach. And let me tell you, it was fabulous!

On Friday we went to a very LA party at the Intelligent Beauty headquarters--complete with drinks, shadowbox dancers, and a group of passionate people in the beauty industry. I was excited when I recognized Kia from Yummy 411! I have enjoyed reading her blog posts and it was incredible to meet her in person. She is so friendly and sincere. I also met Marsadie of Frappelattes, also a terrific woman.

(Marsadie, me, and Kia--our heels were off by the end of the event!)

The next day were were thrilled and honored to be chosen as one of the two best blog designs out of a group of 100 or so blogs! It was definitely unexpected, but greatly appreciated. Congrats to A Mom in Red High Heels who was also selected!

Some of the other highlights included exposure to new beauty products (all of which I look forward to reviewing), an informational panel comprised of magazine/blogger legends including Tia Williams of Shake Your Beauty, and insider information on a product developed by Dr. Hirsch that utilizes smells to increase weight loss.

(Denice and I posing with Emrah Kovacoglu, Founder, President, and CEO of Total Beauty)

Our exciting Saturday continued into the wee hours of the night as we mingled with our fellow beauty bloggers at the Air Conditioned bar in Venice Beach. VIP status of course, as the owners of Intelligent Beauty also own this hot Los Angeles nightclub. Denice and I had a wonderful time chatting with Jennifer from Beauty in Real Life. She's absolutely hilarious. We were definitely laughing the whole night!

If you are a beauty blogger and you haven't checked out Total Beauty...get to it! It's a seriously beneficial site that caters to your interests, and they have many services to help your site grow. Don't have your own blog? That's okay, the site is still worth visiting. You can sign up to review products!

Another reason I love Total Beauty, I won a raffle that allows me to send out a newsletter from Beauty Chat to all of Total Beauty's members.

(Photos courtesy of Denice and Kia's cameras)

Blog Community Summit

This weekend I have the privilege of attending the Blog Community Summit presented by Total Beauty.com and I’m extremely excited, to say the least. Hosted in Los Angeles at the Intelligent Beauty headquarters, the event is sure to provide beauty bloggers with fun facts and great article material.

Along with my Beauty Chat co-worker Denice (who also is the author of KDC Events), we will be representing our blog with pride at this conference. If you don’t already know, I’ll say it for the millionth time; I love my job as a Beauty Chat blogger! =)

The two of us are eager to hear about the up-and-comings in the world of beauty, and of course indulge in all of the fab freebies that are usually provided at these types of events. Check out some of the awesome sessions that are being given:

-Eco-Beauty: The Next Generation of Makeup

-Totally Green Campaign Update/HealthyChild.org and Comments for a Cure Kick-off

-Makeup Trend Forecast

-Beauty Editing- Tips of the Trade and Q&A

Look forward to details regarding the summit next week. I should have a lot to share!


(Photos courtesy of TotalBeauty.com and BeautyChatBlog.com)

Kate and Owen Split...Again

Apparently the recent rumors of possible nuptials between Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson are false.

E!online is reporting that the two have split, and that the breakup was a bad one. According to a source that commented in the article, "Yeah, it was pretty hostile. Lots of shouting. Lots of tears."

Allegedly, Wilson had been doing some major flirting (maybe more?) with other women, causing Hudson to call it quits.

In the story, the insider also claimed that the pair's opposite personalities put a strain on the relationship as well (Kate being bubbly and outgoing and Owen moody).

What do you think? Are Hudson and Wilson the latest Hollywood couple gone awry? Or just is the rumor mill in full swing?


(Photo courtesy of: eonline.com)

Hello Kitty IS Fashion

I am a few months shy of my 25th birthday, yet I am still a Hello Kitty fan. Then again, I'm not alone. There are many that embrace this cute Sanrio creation. Reading a blog on Fashion Addict about Dior's campaign using Hello Kitty as a model for their collection, it made me realize just how relevant the character is in the mainstream media, and what's more, among adults and the fashion industry.

I wear my Avon Hello Kitty rhinestone earrings (pictured above) with pride. I would love an entire collection of jewelry featuring the friendly feline; however, most it is so outrageously priced.

For example, the Hello Kitty Diamond Ring: Face sold by Sanrio retails for a whopping $4,250. Oooh but wouldn't it be a perfect adornment for the finger?!

And what about this Hello Kitty Diamond Bracelet Watch sold at Neiman Marcus for $3,550? It's made out of diamonds, Mother-of-pearl, and has a pink sapphire flower.

Then there's Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty. When this lady does it, she does it right! Under Simmons Jewelry she produces various high-end pieces including the Princess Kitty Diamond Pendant which sells for $4,250.

Ahh, the dreams of a twenty-something woman!

(Photos courtesy of Sanrio.com and NeimanMarcus.com)

Lauren Conrad's Gorgeous Braid

Somehow I missed the entire season of The Hills! Did it seem to be short this time around? Anyways, I did catch a rerun and then the season finale and I must say that Miss Conrad's hair is looking fabulous! Love the side braid! It is currently my fashion fave.

This seems to be the only way she is currently styling her hair, but then again if it works, go with it. Here are a few photos of LC's new "do":

I actually tried to do the same with my hair this morning before going to work at Beauty Chat/ PlasticSurgery.com. Unfortunately two problems arose...1. I don't know how to French braid, and 2. My bangs are too short!

PS...I am not a fan of Lo! She is a little too snotty for her own good. Will there soon be a Team Audrina?!

(Photos courtesy of: MTVcom and CupcakesTasteNice.com)

Hats Are a Summer Must-Have

Hats are sometimes difficult for me to buy. I want to shade myself from the sun and its damaging rays, but I tend to feel like I look like a boy when wearing them. So, here are some feminine/functional styles that I found. These caps are perfect for summer, whether lounging at the beach or running errands.

Shady Oasis O'Neill Hat-$26

Evelyn Straw Fedora-$19.50Canvas Military Sequin Cap-$13.99

Cynthia Rowley for Target Floppy Hat-Pink-$9.99

(Photos courtesy of IslandSurf.com, Delias.com, JCPenny.com, Target.com)

Day Trip: San Pedro, California

Last weekend my mom and I decided to take a day road trip to San Pedro. Although we live close to Los Angeles, we never really go out there. So, after reading about the many things to do in San Pedro in a Westways Magazine (AAA mag), we decided to embark on a mini-journey.

Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Pedro (which are all lined up in a row) receive the most port traffic in the world. And while people usually think of green grass and palm trees adorning Southern California beaches, we learned that the area actually used to very much be the desert. Luckily, the scenery has changed dramatically in the past two centuries.

First stop on our trip: The Point Fermin Lighthouse--A beautiful home/lighthouse built in 1874 to guide ships in the area. It later served as a lookout tower during WWII.

Next: The Koren Bell of Friendship--Given to the US, by Korea, on our bicentennial to say "thank you" for our country's efforts during the Korean War.



Lastly we went to Ports O' Call to get some fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants that sit against the Pacific Ocean harbor. Unfortunately the place was packed! We decided to head over to Long Beach instead and ended up in the city's affluent community of Belmont Shore.

All in all, in was a great day. It's amazing what you find in your backyard...when you take a look!

(Photos courtesy of: My camera)

Happy Cino De Mayo

Before the drinking began...

And after...

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

*Disclaimer: This is only an unflattering picture of my lil poochie! At no time was she given alcohol, or will she ever be =)*

(Photos courtesy of: My camera)

A New Look

To celebrate the new appearance of Join The Gossip, as well as Lilly Allen's 23rd birthday, here is the music video for "LDN," my favorite song by the talented singer. It always makes me happy and I hope it does the same for you on this Friday afternoon =)



And if you haven't purchased Allen's freshman ablum, "Alright, Still," DO IT...quickly!