Gap's Fall Fashion Collection

Fashion designer Patrick Robinson has worked for names such as Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein, and Perry Ellis. He is known for making jeans that flatter every figure - and that's exactly what he's doing for the Gap. In this video, you'll learn how to pick a pair of jeans that flatter your figure and discover the new contemporary collection.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

Fashion Circle Sale Alert: 50% Off Sale Items @ Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe is back at it again. Right now for a limited time only they are once again running a 50% off sale items promotion. Just log into Charlotterusse.com or "click here" to view all sale items. The sale includes everything from Sweaters, blouses, Outerwear, Intimates and even foowear. Not to mention some really nice accessories.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Willie D

Contest: Alter Your Egos With Bold, New Fall Colors

At the beginning of every October, I always start contemplating my Halloween costume. I’m not sure if I’ll ever come close to topping the Peppermint Patty costume of 1998, but there is something so alluring about the idea of taking on a new identity that I look forward to every year.

So, when I decided this year that I wanted to be a flapper, I could not wait to try out these great products from Illamasqua, an amazing makeup brand from the UK that is packed with rich, dark colors that boldly stand out from the cosmetic crowd. We already have some reviews of Illamasqua's products up so if you're interested, check them out!

Developed by professional backstage makeup artists and leading chemists, Illamasqua encourages its customers to embrace their alter egos. I mean, how fitting?? What better time of year to start embracing our alter egos?

This bright red lipstick, called Howl, is the first ingredient to my foolproof flapper look because it captures one of the biggest trends of the 1920s. This vibrant color is universally flattering, so it will look great on all skin types. I love how it pops against my pale skin and really stands out!

First, use a lip primer to create an even base for the color. I used Lip Primer 01 by Senna. Then, line your lips with a lip liner in the same color and use a lipbrush to apply the lipstick evenly across your upper and lower lips. This will allow you to control the intensity of the color. Just remember, when using such a bright lip color, keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum. That means no smoky eye, or else your alter ego will resemble a clown before anything else!

Next, I tried out Illamasqua’s nail varnish. For me, there is no better way to add a hint of dark mysteriousness to an outfit than with a bold nail polish. ‘Unnatural’ does exactly that and I love the deep, eggplant color. To get this shade, I had to apply three coats, but the effort was well worth it. I always keep my nails shorter when using a darker nail polish, so the color stays edgy without looking too vampy.

'Phallic' is a bold navy blue varnish that has a hint of shimmer to give the color just the right amount of depth and luminosity. The darkness of the navy color makes it the perfect shade to make a statement without being too bright. I only had to apply two coats to achieve the shade you see here. Now I just have to decide which color will go best with my flapper ensemble!!


All of Illamasqua’s products are available online , but the prices at their site are set in pounds; so don’t forget to do the currency conversion if you are shopping in the US!

Fashionwithfifi.com is giving you the chance to win Illamasqua's lipstick in Growl (a $20 value).

Official Rules:

1) Contest is open to everyone. First you must be a member of the free to join "Fashion Circle" and be subscribed to Fashionwithfifi.com. Click Here: If you aren't already a free subscriber. Email subscription must be confirmed. There will only be one winner.

2) Next you'll need to leave a comment on this post telling us about your Alter Ego!

3) Shipping is Free for all participants in the U.S. Winner from a country outside of the U.S. will have to pay for shipping. Shipping to P.O. Box is fine.

4) Contest runs from now, Sunday, October 4, 2009 until Sunday, October 11, 2009. Winner will be announced on Monday, October 12, 2009 at Fashionwithfifi.com.

5) You must be 18 years or older to enter. Contestants under 18 will need a parent's consent in order to participate.

Be sure to enter and good luck!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Erin

Dark Beauty Looks, Erin, Illamasqua, Illamsaqua cosmetics, nail lacquers, nail polish review, red lip stick

Fashion Circle Sale Alerts: Chinese Laundry's Small Drawstring Cross-body

Today's Fashion Circle Sales Alert features this beautiful Chinese Laundry Small Drawstring Cross-body convertible bag. On sale for $39.99 - down from $60, it measures 11" high, 12" wide, 5" deep 45" with an adjustable strap drop. It features a 100% nylon lining, top magnetic snap closure, inner zip pocket, cell phone and PDA patch pocket. And let's not forget the hanging charm detail. This adorable bag is perfect for parlaying around the city this fall.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

handbags

Airbrush Makeup 101

Learn about airbrush makeup for flawless every day beauty from a professional.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

Beauty Solution: Intense Skin Repair Lotion for Fall

With the change of weather comes a change of lotion. I can only imagine the harsh, dry, cold weather that's about to come our way - so why not protect your skin with a lotion that works and a brand you can trust!

Developed by dermatologists for healthier skin, Lubriderm has been trusted for over 50 years for effective skin care. Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion, with time-release technology, continuously provides the essential moisture rough, dry skin needs to help repair itself. It is only $7.49 at Walgreens. Its unique formula also locks in moisture and strengthens skin's natural moisture barrier. The result is skin that feels healthier, soft and smooth. 24-hour moisturization with time-release.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna
Beauty Solution: Intense Skin Repair Lotion for Fall

Look Book: Fall Velvet Fuse

Your fashion fortunes will flow, and you'll unearth a quarry of quality compliments, when you slip into this glamorous $67.99 Velvet Goldmine Dress named in honor of the movie and David Bowie song of the same name. Its silvery black velour, tank-cut top will transform you into a panther princess, and the luxuriously satiny, lined, pewter-colored skirt, with its feminine ruffle near the bottom hem, provides this frock with a richness that will be all the rage. Admirers will get 'slade' by your style when they gaze upon the abundance of glitziness given off by the four golden buttons situated inside the silky, ruffled bib, and you'll drive them all 'wild' when you walk in the door wearing this dress with dazzling rings adorning your fingers and polished pumps fitting out your feet.

Save your wrist from being left 'bare-ly' noticed when you go out by styling it with this matte, brass-like Fashion Rescue chained bracelet! Its only $23.99. The amazing amount of links on this piece can be a lot to handle, but thanks to two sturdy, bar-shaped plates at each end that clasp securely together, a wrist-wide disaster is averted! If you dial 911 for a fashion emergency, they would tell you to pair this bracelet with sweet girly pinks and ruffles to create an edgy yet feminine look!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

Look Book: Fall Velvet Fuse, modcloth, fashion circle sales alert

Tomiko's Beautiful Natural Look

Tomiko has been with Maybelline cosmetics for over eight years and shows how to achieve a natural look with a beautiful glow. Makeup is important, but she reminds us to add a smile to complete the look. Beauty Solutions

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Tomiko

Tomiko, Maybelline cosmetics, how to achieve a natural look with a beautiful glow, Makeup, look book, Fashionwithfifi

Weekend Shoegasm: Crocodile Cut Out Booties

Go for an edgy look with these Crocodile Cut Out Booties featuring a matte faux leather, crocodile faux leather side panels, cut out details, almond toe, back zipper closure, 4 1/4" patent heel, and a lightly padded insole. At only $29.99 They are the perfect fall add on to complete your wardrobe this season. They're availible exclusively at Charlotterusse.com in sizes 6 through size 10. Charcoal is the only availible color. Faux leather upper and a rubber sole round out the styling details.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Willie D

Fall Shoe Forecast

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Willie D

Hair Solutions: How To Lighten Your Hair Naturally

Get sun-kissed hair without visiting the salon.

You Will Need:
A spray bottle
Coffee
Chamomile, cherry, or blackberry tea
Beet juice
Some lemons
Dried marigolds and apple cider vinegar
Rhubarb roots

Step 1: Give dark hair a cup of coffee
If you have brown hair, make a pot of extra-strong coffee. Let it cool completely. Pour the cold coffee into a spray bottle, and spritz it all over your hair. Sit in the sun for about half an hour. This won’t lighten your overall color, but it will brighten your natural highlights.

Step 2: Treat blonde hair with tea
If you’re blonde, steep five chamomile tea bags in boiling water. When the tea is completely cool, spray it on your hair, comb it through, and sit in the sun for about 30 minutes to bring out natural highlights.

Step 3: Brew berry tea for redheads
Follow the same brewed tea method if you’re a redhead, except use cherry or blackberry tea. A can of beet juice mixed with a little water will give redheads highlights, too.

Step 4: Squeeze some lemons
Blondes can squeeze a lemon or two on their hair, comb it through, and sit in the sun, although it’s drying for their locks.

Step 5: Use dried marigolds
Put 1 cup of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and some dried marigold flowers in a pot and bring it to a boil. Strain out the flowers and let the liquid cool completely. Put it into a spray bottle, spritz it on dry hair, massage it into the scalp, and let the hair air-dry. Highlights appear in under an hour.

Step 6: Try rhubarb
Boil some rhubarb root, let the liquid cool completely, and test it on an inconspicuous lock before applying it to your whole head. Rhubarb adds a yellow tint, so if your hair is already very light, it could end up darker.

Did You Know:

According to a survey, 67% of women said if they had to hire a person based entirely on hair color, they would choose a brunette. Beauty Solutions

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Willie D

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 7

Okay, take a look at these two outfits. Now try to name their similarities. Having a hard time? So did Klum and the judges on last night's episode of Project Runway.

Just looking at these two very different dresses, by Epperson and Christopher, most people would never be able to guess that this week's challenge was to create two complimentary looks for Macy's I.N.C. brand, working in teams of two. In fact, these two dresses were so off the mark that they almost sent Christopher and Epperson packing

Christopher and Epperson were obviously surprised by their low marks and had even remarked halfway through the challenge that they were the "dream team." So when they found themselves trying to defend their outfits, Christopher lost his cool and broke down in tears on the runway.

The green dress' neckline was definitely unflattering for the modern woman and the shirt dress started out as a good idea, I thought, but the shimmery material was its downfall.

Rivaling Christopher and Epperson for the bottom spot was team Louise and Nicolas. Their ruffled dresses looked like outdated bridesmaid dresses, which did not stand well with the judges. Luckily, Nicolas had immunity after winning last week's challenge, a saving grace that Klum did not let him forget!

After threatening to send home two designers, Klum finally voted Louise off the runway, letting Christopher and Epperson stay in the competition for another week.

But Irina and Jordanna, despite their differences during the challenge, managed to clinch the top spot and Irina was named the challenge winner. Although she did not receive immunity this week, she did win the opportunity to design a holiday dress for the I.N.C. brand. I would say that is a fair trade!

And thank goodness, Michael Kors finally made an appearance back on the judging panel. His critical input has been sorely missed the last few weeks and I hope he is back for good!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Fragrance of the Week: cK Free

This week's fragrance is reserved for the masculine and sexy! cK Free was inspired by the spirit of the modern, independent man who lives every day to the fullest. He has nothing to prove. He’s cool, relaxed and free-spirited. He does what he wants and is in control of his own destiny.

cK Free is an aromatic warm woody fragrance, unexpectedly fresh, yet casual and distinctly masculine. It opens with an invitation to free the mind with absinthe as a featured note. The journey continues with an unusual spiciness in the heart and winds it’s way through sensual wood notes offering confidence and depth.

Key Ingredients:

Top: Thailand star anise, jackfruit, absinthe, juniper berry
Mid:Suede, tobacco leaves, coffee absolute, south african buchu
Dry: Patchouli absolute, oakwood, texan cedarwood, costa rican ironwood

The bottle conveys the free spirited nature of the brand and iconic ck simplicity. A slim profile with masculine beveled edges and various angles create a sense of movement. The color palette for the bottle reflects an array of blues, drawn from the sky, ocean, trees and the earth. Unpretentious and easy.

The carton is composed of two shades of metallic blue that complement the bottle and convey the simple, modern essence of the fragrance. A 1.7 oz. bottle only goes for $44.99 at PerfumeEmporium.com. Treat your man to a scent that will last a life time.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Suzanna

Hair Solutions: How To Degrease Oily Hair Naturally

Make greasy, limp locks come to life with everyday ingredients.

You Will Need:
Dickinson's Witch Hazel
SmartMouth Mouthwash
Face Secrets Premium Cotton Rounds
Coloplast Inc. Gentle Rain Mild Shampoo
1/2 tsp. Walgreens Aloe Vera Gel
1 tbsp. Lemon Juice Facial Cleansing Foam
1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
Distilled Water
Power IQ Turbo Hair Dryer
Johnson's Baby Powder
1 shot vodka (optional)


Step 1: Pre-shampoo astringent
Apply an astringent before you shampoo. Mix equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash and apply to the scalp with cotton pads.

Step 2: Make degreasing shampoo
Make your own degreasing shampoo by mixing mild shampoo with aloe vera gel and lemon juice. Lather and leave shampoo on for five minutes. Use transparent shampoo. It has fewer ingredients that weigh down oily hair.

Step 3: Rinse
Use an apple cider rinse after you shampoo. Mix apple cider vinegar with a quart of distilled water. This gets rid of residue. You can also mix a shot of vodka with one quart water for a degreasing rinse.

Step 4: Dry hair
Blow-dry your hair in the opposite direction of growth to give oily hair much needed body.

Step 5: Freshen with baby powder
Sprinkle baby powder onto your scalp between washes. Wait five minutes and comb through.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Willie D