Fabulous…James Brown launches Hair Care Line!!

When the man behind Kate Moss’ famous mane decides to launch his own range of hair care products, you can be sure he has something pretty special up his sleeve. James Brown is the most-desired session stylist in the world and has been the mastermind behind of every A-lister you can think of, from Victoria & David Beckham to Demi Moore, and, of course, his best mate Kate!! James has been Kate’s trusted confidante ever since they busted out onto the international fashion scene in 1993. When it came to launching the simply titled James Brown London, he naturally called on his stylish best friend to help out with the aesthetics and other important details – such as the products’ fragrance, which is Kate’s favorite, bluebells. Typical skin care ingredients such as Murumuru butter, nettle, watercress, & wheat germ have been used to create an effective range of products that cover the four basic hair types – Dry, Combination, Chemically Treated, & Fine. Each hair type has a designated number, making lunchtime shopping a breeze – no scouring the shelves to find a shampoo to match your precise hair type (dry? brunette? long?!) – just grab No.2 - Combination - and go… James remains loyal to his signature sexy, natural style by keeping the packaging simple and monochrome. Check out the new line available October 8th!! Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Islands!!

I’ve said before…and I will say it again…A Fabulous Girl loves to travel!! Taking in the sights & culture…what could be better?? Humm…taking in the sights & culture while lying on an exotic beach, sipping your favorite cocktail!! Travel & Leisure picked the 10 Best Islands in the world & I now all I want to do is go and bask in the sun!! So, in no particular order…here they are!!! Fabulous!!

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Travelers en route to the Galápagos should make sure to pack binoculars, a camera and a book by Charles Darwin—and should be ready to be humbled by the experience. Outfitters offer tours around this archipelago that attracted the most famous naturalist, turning every visitor into a nature lover once they meet its rare residents—including turtles, birds, lizards and sea lions that have evolved without human intervention for eternity.

Bali, Indonesia: This stunning island of active volcanoes, dense jungle and scenic beaches is an escapists’ mecca, long valued for its rich and ancient culture. Although this tranquil place was tragically disrupted in 2002 by a terrorist bombing in Kuta and incidents in nearby Jakarta, tourism in recent years has seen record numbers of visitors attracted by the beautiful resorts and dreamlike beaches.

Maui, Hawaii: Called the Valley Isle, this paradise is a mere dot in the blue Pacific, but the island has an impressive array of attractions and amenities. For active types, the options include snorkeling among tropical fish or standing atop a 10,000-foot volcano. Or for more peaceful pursuits, recline on Kapalua’s beaches, keep an eye out for vivid rainbows or take a drive on a quiet stretch of the famous road to Hana.

Kauai, Hawaii: Known for its lush tropical landscape, the Garden Isle is a perfect escape for nature lovers. The adventure-seeker's checklist could include hiking to the top of a majestic peak overlooking emerald valleys, flying by zip line past waterfalls in the jungle, discovering a new water sport or kicking back at the Tahiti-like Anini Beach County Park to watch a pink-hued sunset.

Santorini, Greece: Your dramatic arrival at this island at the south of the Cyclades chain is one of the most magical experiences on a cruise through the Greek Islands. Santorini’s bowl-shaped harbor is but one of the topographical wonders that resulted from a volcanic eruption. Seen from the ship’s decks, the town’s whitewashed houses are painted against the backdrop of pure blue ocean and sky. By foot, explore ancient culture at Akrotiri, a town destroyed by the volcano, and indulge in sumptuous Greek cuisine.

Vancouver Island: This island, off the southernmost end of British Columbia’s coastline, promises visitors a diverse experience. Victoria, the province’s capital, hums with the flavor of the former British Empire. But farther north, near Tofino, things get a little wilder. The big draw here: storm watching.

Dalmatian Islands, Croatia: These southern Croatian islands offer a range of sights, experiences and flavors. Outdoor types will enjoy the beaches and cypress and pine forests, oenophiles will savor the locally produced wines and history buffs will enjoy the ancient architecture. And foodies will savor the cuisine, which takes its cues from a mix of Italian, Hungarian, Turkish, & Slavic influences.

Phuket, Thailand: Rising from the Andaman Sea, this island boasts some of Thailand’s best beaches, and the surrounding waters provide ample opportunity for snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing—not to mention great seafood. In the interior, you’ll find the landscape dominated by hilly terrain: The name Phuket is in fact derived from bukit, the Malay word for hills.

Big Island, Hawaii: Hawaii offers up a wealth of attractions—from snowy mountain peaks to stunning beaches, alpine meadows and lava-oozing volcanoes. One of the Big Island’s premier attractions, Kilauea, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes: Its current eruption has been going on since 1983.

Great Barrier Reef Islands: Stretching from Queensland, Australia, to south of Papua New Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef is home to 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 species of coral—and the islands along it are paradise for vacationers keen on diving, snorkeling, beachcombing, bird-watching, & boating.

Fabulous…Small Space Design!!

For all those Fabulous Girls that live in NYC, living in a small apartment is inevitable. When it comes to design it could be extremely challenging & making over a small space might make you feel like you have limited options. However, just because a room might be small doesn't mean you should scale down your ideas. First things first…de-clutter!! To start your small space redesign you will first need to get rid of what is not a necessity. This will help you get the room down to the basics. For example, if you notice a piece of furniture in a room that you don't feel works in the space, remove it!! This is also the prime opportunity to clean out those closets and get rid of useless stuff you have been holding onto for years. Next, try re-arranging your space...Rework and rearrange what you currently have. Simply reorganizing what you already have will help you see the space from a fresh perspective, and you haven't even spent a dime!! Don't feel compelled to buy all new stuff for a different look. Redesigning can be as simple as buying new end tables and slipcovers. Focus your budget on buying accessories such as throw pillows, interesting artwork, frames, books, or candles. Try to create a theme…whether it be, beach house, city chic, modern, or even perhaps country cottage. Also, don’t be afraid of color. Painting a room is the most dramatic and inexpensive way to change the look of the room large or small. Particularly in a small space, you shouldn't be afraid to work with color, even dark ones. Just by following a couple of these small steps, you could totally redesign your small space, giving it a new look which will look Fabulous!!

Fabulous…4 Hot Celebrity Lines!!

As you know…celebrities don’t have enough as it is…they have to go out and create their own fashion label. To be honest…most of them leave me in frustration with their poor design or lack of imagination, but here are 4 celebrity lines which I will have to give total credit too!! Gwen Stefani’s Lamb is one of my favorite celebrity fashion lines. Her styles are always trendy…in a good way & totally fashion forward. Just after the loss of her head designer I am interested to see what Lamb has in store….but I am sure the team will be able to pull it off and make it work with designs true to the brands image. Another one of my favorites is Justin Timberlake’s William Rast line which has some cute contemporary women’s clothing, especially the sexy tight fitting jeans that you have seen Cameron Diaz sport in the past. I also love the graphic tees & the fact that his line is named after his grandfather…so sweet!! Sarah Jessica Parker’s in expensive yet stylish line for Steve & Barry’s, Bitten, has sporty separates that any casual woman can wear and still look sophisticated. If you are looking for a way to stretch that almighty dollar…look no further…nothing is priced over $20.00. Lastly, Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica have created a line for the international store, Mango, which finally made its way to the states!! The sisters have designed a collection of 25 items, including a number of accessories for Autumn / Winter 2007. Fabulous!! Check them all out at… http://www.l-a-m-b.com/ http://www.saks.com/ http://www.williamrast.com/ http://www.nordstrom.com/ http://www.bittensjp.com/ & http://www.mango.com/

Fabulous…Swing Jacket!!

As the weather starts to get cooler, No Fabulous Girl can go without a new Fabulous jacket. Pop on a cute 3/4-length sleeve jacket and let your sleeves hang out for the season's freshest layered look. The key to wearing this type of jacket is to keep the bottoms on the slim side…no full skirts or super-wide pants, so the jacket takes center stage. Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Brushless Mascara!!

My new favorite mascara is a must have from Bare Esscentuals!! The Magic Wand Brushless Mascara is truly Fabulous!! With a wave of this brushless magic wand you will create the never-ending lashes you've always dreamed about. The unique design of this mascara allows you to individually coat each lash one at a time from every angle for fuller, longer-looking lashes. The best and easiest way to apply is to simply blink into the wand which results in a flawless application every time. It also works magic when layered over your favorite mascara for added volume. The overall effect is like wearing false eyelashes. Fabulous!!
Check it out at http://www.sephora.com/

Fabulous…Jewel Tones!!

The jewel-tone hues…amethyst, ruby, & emerald are some of the most wearable colors in fashion this season!! Purple, a color that I have honestly despised over the past couple of years…has found its way back into my heart and is the “it” color this season. It is a color which can be worn for both casual day wear and dressy evening wear. Mix jewel tones with everything from denim to black and gray (the new black). Remember to choose an intensity that compliments your coloring if you are wearing it close to the face (i.e. softer violets for fair skin & intense purples for darker coloring). Give some of these colors a try this season and you will look Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Fall Hats!!

When was the last time you wore a hat for fun, not just to protect yourself against the elements? This season hats are the finishing accessory for every outfit!! Try one of the shaped wool hats in face-flattering shapes like the fedora and other wide-brimmed looks. You can totally sport your fedora with trendy jeans and a T-shirt, or dress it up with something classic like a black pantsuit or dress. No matter what you have on…a hat will defiantly be the finishing touch this season!! Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Shades for Fall!!

If there’s one thing a Fabulous girl is even more attached to than her designer dog and handbag, it’s her sunglasses!! Celebs such as… Victoria, Kate, & Nicole are so rarely seen without their ubiquitous shades, we probably wouldn’t recognize them without them. And just because the nights are drawing in, that’s no reason to stop wearing your trendy sunnies. Every style-conscious starlet has been rocking a pair of Rayban’s legendary Wayfarers all summer. Perfect for adding a nonchalant ‘80s edge to any look, the Wayfarer is the style of 2007. However, there is a new look on the block that could knock the Wayfarer off the top spot, so to stay one step ahead of the fashion pack, invest in some gently rounded tortoiseshell shades for a look with a real retro feel – think Annie Hall meets Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Persol is an Italian brand that’s been handcrafting sunglasses for 75 years. Worn by James Bond himself – the delicious Daniel Craig - in Casino Royal, Persol's folding tortoiseshell sunglasses ooze continental cool and perfectly complement the ‘40s-influenced styles that were seen on the catwalk for Autumn / Winter 2007. Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Retro Glamour Hairdo!!!

If you haven’t noticed with all of my tips on Fabulous hairdo’s…this season’s hair is all about making a statement!! Tight curls are tumbling down the runways. To really put your money where your hair is, your locks must be highly glossed, showing how much time, love and energy has been put into creating your ‘do’. This look is perfect for women who are stuck in a shoulder length groove and want to have an instant glamorous change without cutting off any length. For woman with longer hair, curls should be looser so they cascade down your back like a 1940’s screen siren. To recreate this look…first, blow-dry…A perfectly executed blow-dry creates big volume hair. Use your hairdryer’s cold setting to blow air into the roots, as cold air locks in a style. Next, Use large-sized hot rollers or Velcro rollers to set hair into the desired roll pattern. Hair should be lightly combed and pinned into place. Then apply a generous amount of hair spray to ensure long-lasting hold. Perfect the classic curl by spraying freshly washed roots with a volumizing spray, and be sure not to use too much conditioner on fine hair as it only weighs it down. Comb a pea-size amount of relaxer evenly through wet hair to curb unruly frizzy locks. Lastly, to add a bit of shine or gloss so the light-reflecting particles make your hair shine during the day and twinkle at night. Retro & Fabulous!!!

Fabulous…Vera!!

Have you always dreamed of owning something (other than a wedding gown) designed by Vera Wang?? Well now’s your chance & at affordable prices to boot. This week Vera Wang launched her Simply Vera collection exclusively at Kohl’s. The collection is made for layering, so choose pieces that you can wear over your black turtleneck and tights come winter. The Simply Vera clothing for fall is feminine and whimsical, done in blacks, grays, taupe, dark brown and tones of purple, with a few accent pieces in gold and white. Wang has designed pleated skirts, bubble skirts, high-waisted dresses and several pieces with ruffles and bows. Check it out at a Kohl’s near you or at http://www.kohls.com/

Fabulous…Origins Travel Kit!!

All Fabulous girls love to be pampered, and there is no reason why when jet-setting around the world or just on a weekend trip, we can’t pamper ourselves just the same as we do at home. Origins has shrunk some of there favorites into 30ml bottles making up the ultimate travel kit. A Perfect World Skin Guardian and moisturizer, plus A Perfect World body cream and Checks & Balances frothy face wash make this the perfect pampering kit for a weekend away. Origins uses aromatic plants, earth and sea substances, & other natural resources from many different cultures and alternative healing traditions. There formulas draw on these potent ingredients and the ancient wisdoms that surround them to ensure that our products are authentic & as natural as can be. So if you have been looking for something natural…look no further. Available nationwide, check out http://www.origins.com/

Fabulous…New Trends!!

A Fabulous girl is always up on the trends & with Fashion week coming to a close…there’s no better time for an update!! The new wide leg silhouette pants that were introduced for spring is now the hottest, must have for fall!! The wide leg can flatter all body types, but remember…length is key. If your pant is too short or too long you will lose the elongating, slimming, and body balancing effect of the wide leg style. When it comes to denim, wear a lighter wash for casual day & darker for dressier night. Another way to update your fall look is to pair metallics with a neutral or basic color palette. One piece with a little sparkle can really add flair to your look without losing the warm, cozy feel of fall. Sparkle doesn’t necessarily mean dressed up…a hint of shimmer adds spice to any daytime look. Try a bag or shoe with some shine. Are you sick of Black?? Well this fall is all about grey. Grey is the new black!! You don’t have to wear black to be taken seriously …grey is the new way to look polished, sophisticated, stylish, & ladylike. To brighten up gray for night add a splash of color with accessories…especially hot pink!! You don’t have to stick to one shade either. Mix & match lights, charcoals, & heather’s for the most updated layered look. Lastly, hot for fall are sweaters…& they aren’t just meant to be worn with pants. Try something new & pair a chunky sweater with a skirt & high boots, or wear it as a dress clinched with a belt!! As we transition into fall, it’s not quite time to put on a heavy coat, so use your sweater as a great outerwear alternative. Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Extended Summer Vacations!!

If the season flew by before you even noticed, it's not too late to extend your summer on a little longer. Plan a trip to one of these places where warm weather lasts well into the fall. If you check any calendar you will see that summer doesn't officially end until the 21st of September. But once Labor Day weekend comes and goes, the beach chairs and picnic blankets somehow find their way back into the closet along with the shorts and sandals. It doesn't have to be that way…If you didn't get your fill of ice cream cones and ocean breezes this year, here are a few places where summer lingers just a little longer….

Southern California: The party's just getting started
From Santa Barbara to San Diego back-to-school season is celebrated in flip-flops. The days start to get shorter—even the Beach Boys can't correct the tilting of the earth's axis—but they're reliably warm throughout early fall, without even the threat of a rainy day. Rent a convertible and you'll never need to put the top up. It's also the season when the normally frigid Pacific Ocean is at its warmest, perfect for swimming, surfing, or boogie-boarding without a wet suit.

Greece: Islands to call your own

So many of Greece's endless charms are best enjoyed after the summer tourist rush: sailing from one island to the next, relaxing in a taberna over a glass of ouzo, wandering through rural villages, watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea and, of course, visiting the beaches, whose siren songs have been luring visitors for centuries. Even better, in September, unlike July and August, you won't have to share the islands with what feels like all of Western civilization. Everyone has a favorite stretch of sand, from three-mile-long Paradise Beach on party-hearty Mykonos, to Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach on the remote Ionian island of Zakynthos, where sulfur caves turn the surrounding water an eerie shade of electric blue. Almost anywhere you go in Greece, whitewashed cliffs and a crisp cobalt sky complete the postcard picture of a perfect late-summer get away.

Hawaii: Aloha all year

There's not really a bad time to visit Hawaii, where it's warm year-round and sunny even in the "rainy" season. But if one time of year can be considered more equal than the others, it's the tail end of the dry season, or what mainlanders call September and October. Eighty-five-degree days and 75-degree nights are the norm throughout the islands. Early fall is also the cheapest time of year to sample the spirit of aloha.

Cape Cod: Do what the locals do

Some of Cape Cod's finest weather comes in September. That means owners of vacation homes can rent out their properties from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while still keeping the last four weeks of summer for them selves. Traffic, especially on the bridges linking the peninsula to the mainland, calms down enough to allow bike rides on little-used back roads, while the protected waters of Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound are still plenty warm enough for swimming. Of course, it's not summer on the Cape without a bowl of clam chowder, a steamed lobster, & a piece of corn on the cob…which you can find at pretty much any restaurant joint.

The Caribbean: Last-minute getaway

September and October are a bit of a crapshoot in the Caribbean, but the islands there are definitely worth considering for an "endless summer" vacation. The weather is usually much more pleasant than in torpidly hot July and August. However, keep in mind that hurricane season doesn't truly end until November; if you book too far in advance and a storm hits, your vacation could literally be a disaster. The best strategy is to check the forecast before you go and make sure your trip is refundable. If you can make it there, the Caribbean's talcum-powder-white and pink beaches are priceless any time of year. Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Pucci Makeup Collection!!

Pucci has teamed up with classic Parisian beauty brand Guerlain to collaborate on a unique limited edition make-up collection. Taking the legendary Italian fashion house’s distinctive color palette of lavender, aqua, rose, and white as inspiration, Guerlain created a range of must-have lipglosses, blushes, and eyeshadows, with packaging featuring the famous swirling Pucci print. Check it out…It’s Fabulous!! Available online at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/ or http://www.sephora.com/

Fabulous...Another great do!!!

The Farrah Fawcett-esque 'do which is constantly sported by Madonna has become one of the most classy & successful looks which is easy to recreate. By adding a little 80’s glam to your look you are saying you are cool, confident, & fun!! This hair style is so easy to recreate, that there’s no reason not to give it a try…First, wash your hair as normal then apply a little Smoothing Balm. Using a large anti-static brush, blow dry your hair, directing the airflow down the hair for the best finish. Once your hair is completely dry, take small sections and glide your flat iron styler down from root to tip, starting at the nape of the neck. To create the glamorous flicks take roughly 1-inch wide sections of hair at the front of your head and lightly mist them with Hairspray ensure a long-lasting style. Run the flat iron or curling iron down these sections at the front of your head, once near the end of your hair rotate the styler 180 degrees away from your face to create the flicks. Complete the look with a light spritz of hairspray!! Fabulous!!

Fabulous…Detox!!

We all have those days when we feel like we need a serious detox. Maybe because we went on a binge drinking or eating spree, or maybe just because we are living in a fast pace industrial world with lots of stress from weather, lifestyle, & the environment. All of which affect our health. Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body eliminates toxins on a daily basis naturally, but since our environment is more toxic today our livers may be too stressed to deal with all of these daily toxins. For a detox starting point, a brief abstinence from rich foods and alcohol will do the trick…stop eating rich foods and drinking alcohol for a period of time. Instead, drink plenty of plain water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. For further improvement alternatives, water and fruits detox program, herbals remedies, or using detox foot patches is a good choice. A Detox Pad / Patch, or more commonly known as foot pads (patches) or sap sheets, are made from totally natural tree and bamboo extracts. It is the culmination of centuries of knowledge known to the Japanese, and has been passed down through the generations. They are known to relieve fatigue, joint pain, headaches, skin rashes and many other health problems. Detox Foot Pads are also known to revitalize your body & improve blood circulation while you sleep. Apply the Detox Pads on the bottom of both feet, before bed, and experience better sleep and wake feeling totally refreshed the following morning. Applying pads is like receiving 24 hours reflexology treatment. Reflexology is an ancient healing art, using a specialized version of compression and touch that focuses on the feet. Reflex points in the feet reflect the entire body, and stimulating these reflex points promotes equilibrium in the corresponding area of the body. If you feel like you are in need of a serious detox or if you are just promoting good health, I totally recommend these detox pads. Trust me they’re Fabulous!!

For more information on the Japanese detox pads visit http://www.healthmarvelsdetoxpatch.com/ or http://www.detoxprofessor.com/ At least give them a try…I think you will be glad you did!!

Fabulous…Fashion Week!!

Today…Fashion week begins as designers unveil their spring 2008 looks in New York's semi-annual Fashion Week that kicked off today with shows by Nautica, which showed sporty menswear, and BCBGMAXAZRIA, which showed dresses in delicate layers of silk in muted tones of ivory, taupe, and lilac. For women sick of seeing skimpy, baby-doll clothes meant for teens, this is their moment!! This season is all about Clean. New styles will be not as flashy and trashy as we've seen in the recent past but more for grown-up & classy woman. The look for Spring 08 is very polished and a bit more refined!! This year, the calendar is especially crowded with highlights including celebrity shows by rocker Gwen Stefani and hotel heiress Nicky Hilton as well as proven powerhouses Nicole Miller, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and Carolina Herrera. I can’t wait to see what else is in store!! Fabulous!!

Fabulous...Headbands!!

Headbands made a great accessory for the summer and now continuing into fall, the Headband is here to stay. Always a great accessory and fashion staple to very your hair style, dress your style from day to night, or even to hide a bad hair day…The headband is hit. There are many different headbands on the market today, each different and fashion forward. A thin double strand headband serves as just the right evening hair glam accessory that brings your updo to date. The double strand works best on longer hair because in addition to the fun sense of fashion it brings, it serves as a great holding tool for those with thicker, bulkier, & longer hair. It also helps define the heads shape so it doesn’t look to wide. A wide soft fabric band is great for helping to tuck away bangs & support a clean, fresh faced look. If you suffer from those little baby hairs around your hairline, this headband is an easy way to keep all you hair back & off your face. I think this look is worn best in a casual environment & is great for all hair lengths. A thin headband, studded with crystals or other decorations is an elegant approach for evening hair. I love coupling a messy knot with a bit of bling creating a chic, youthful, & elegant look. A dramatic metallic headband is a true statement piece. This type of headband should be savored for a black tie or red carpet event. Hair should be elegantly slicked back cleanly so the ornate headband has no competition. Lastly the hard textured black headband serves as a great tool to hold back the front of your hair neatly & to create a perfect boundary for a Grecian updo. The headband can also be worn during the day with a casual messy bun…or use this season’s favorite accessory to turn that messy bun into a Greek Goddess updo for evening. Fabulous!!