The Market: Jules Lumbar Spinal Fusion Necklace

Jules Lumbar Spinal Fusion Necklace, $245, shopjules.com

One of the most interesting qualities that a piece of jewelry can have is an element of personal narrative. This is why we often find vintage jewelry so compelling, but it is much more thrilling when we find this in contemporary pieces. Chicago-based  designer Julie Schwanbeck’s Lumbar Spinal Fusion necklace was conceived while she was recovering from two spinal fusion surgeries (ouch!!), and the result is an exceedingly cool exercise in the interplay between horizontal and vertical line. The necklace was sketched from Schwanbeck’s own x-rays, a little detail that we just love. Diamonds may be our best friend, but we’ll take a bit of soul with our jewelry any day. See the entire Jules collection at shopjules.com.

Editor’s Picks – November Favorites

November Favorites by beautyculture1 on polyvore.com

 

November is a month of transition. We are officially heading into the holiday season with Thanksgiving Day which means beauty takes on a glamorous slant that equals pure fun and joy! I am loving all of these products for November as they help one to maintain their gorgeous glow while adding some shimmer and shine to one’s look. Happy Thanksgiving!

Yves Saint Laurent Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Bold Felt-Tip Eyeliner Pen
$29 - barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Pencil -4: Smokey Purple
$28 - barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Pencil -3: Oriental Blue
$28 - barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Pencil -11: Stellar Green
$28 - barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Pencil -9: Turquoise
$28 - barneys.com

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub, 7 oz.
$38 - neimanmarcus.com

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter To Go 1.7 oz
$5 - sephora.com

La Mer ‘The Radiant Serum Grande’ (Limited Edition) No Color 2.5 oz
$495 - nordstrom.com

OPI Nail Polish New! Muppets Collection – Gettin Miss Piggy With It!…
£7.50 - amazon.co.uk

Diptyque ‘Perdigone’ Scented Candle No Color 6.5 oz
$68 - nordstrom.com

Diptyque ‘Epinette’ Scented Candle No Color 6.5 oz
$68 - nordstrom.com

OPI Divine Swine HLC13 – OPI Muppets Collection, Holiday 2011
$8.50 - thebeautyclutch.com

Model Moment: Joan Smalls Interview

 

Like most fashion obsessives, we can’t say no to an opportunity to hear a model talk. We are always struck by the way their personalities can be completely opposite of the image that they present in print editorial and in person on the runway. A friend who is aware of our obsession with Joan Smalls sent us this clip of an interview that she did for FashionTV backstage at the D&G SS11 show. We are even more enamored with her after seeing how giggly she is and the humility she shows towards those who have given her the chance to rise to the top in this business. Joan Smalls. Talking. Yes, please…

 

Beauty News: MAC Cosmetics Unveils the 2012 MAC VIVA Glam Ad Campaign

 

No one could have imagined a pairing quite like this but for some crazy reason, it really works! MAC’s latest spokespersons for their 2012 Viva Glam campaign are Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin and they are working their sexy yet fun shoot. Nicki and MAC have a long history as Nicki has admitted to her obsession with MAC pink lipsticks. The hip-hop diva recently launched her very own MAC lipstick called Pink Friday. Ricky Martin may not be a makeup fanatic but he sure does have major style and a strong and personal connection to the gay community which makes him an obvious choice for the Viva Glam campaign being that 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this special collection goes to AIDS research and funding.

Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj in the M·A·C Viva Glam 2012 campaign visual shot by David LaChapelle. Every cent of Ricky and Nicki’s Viva Glam products, on-counter February 2012, goes to support the M·A·C AIDS Fund

Beauty Addictions: Rodial Glam Balm Lip

Rodial, Balm Lip, http://www.selfridges.com

Even though we love the changing of the seasons, we can’t help but get irritated by how dry and chapped our poor lips have become. Being that we both live in parts of the country where temperatures dip below freezing with some regularity, there is a definite need for a high quality lip balm that not only softens and smooths parched lips but also gives our lips a boost – otherwise known as plumping. Rodial’s Glam Balm Lip is one such balm that we wouldn’t mind shelling $28 dollars for this emollient lip balm. Rich with filling spheres that leave lips looking healthy and full, this luxurious lip balm is the perfect primer for a night out. Prep lips with a few swipes of this rose wax and shea butter infused lip balm before putting on your favorite lipstick or gloss. We plan to keep this balm close by so there’s never an excuse for having ragged lips, no matter how cold it gets this winter!

Inspired By: Helen Frankenthaler

Helen Frankenthaler, Untitled

The fluid, super-saturated colors of Abstract Expressionist painter Helen Frankenthaler are a major reference for us as we try to look past the coming winter to what we want to wear from the spring collections. The way that Frankenthaler integrates colors and yet keeps them separate at the same time is impactful and gorgeous.  We love the idea of working a singular hue to full effect or artfully combining a couple of colors in a chic mashup.

Helen Frankenthaler, Southern Exposure, 2005

10 Crosby Derek Lam SS12

Proenza Schouler SS12

Helen Frankenthaler, Mountains and Sea, 1952

Alice + Olivia SS12

Emilio de la Morena SS12

Chadwick Bell SS12

Runway photos: Style.com

 

The Industry: Zoe Karssen

Zoe Karssen T-Shirt, $95, net-a-porter.com

Along with the search for the perfect ankle boot, the perfect bag and the perfectly cut leather jacket, the quest for a cool printed T-shirt is ongoing. We have been following Amsterdam-based label Zoe Karssen since their launch last year and we have to say that they might just have the cheekiest t-shirts around. Clearly inspired by model-off-duty looks, Zoe Karssen has quite a loyal  following among celebs and cool girls everywhere.

 

Zoe Karssen Tank, $86, net-a-porter.com

 

Zoe Karssen T-Shirt, $110, net-a-porter.com

 

Zoe Karssen T-Shirt, $92, net-a-porter.com

 

Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt, $155, net-a-porter.com

Beauty News: Jo Malone Launches Four New Fragrances – Jo Loves…

 

Jo Malone Launches Four New Signature Fragrances

We are obsessed with fragrance. It’s one of the hallmarks of a woman’s beauty and style. It’s an integral part to finishing one’s look and creating a sensual ambiance. As the holidays approach, we suggest investing in a signature fragrance that will take you from one holiday soiree to the next. Jo Malone’s latest launches are perfect for the holiday party season as they are lightweight enough to go from day to night without fading. With a simplistic yet chic approach to perfume, Jo Malone’s Jo Loves….collection is the ideal way to step out this holiday season in a scent-sational way! For a sneak peek at all four fragrances, just pop the hood!

 

 

Beauty News: Nip + Fab Skincare is Coming to a Target Near You

Nip + Fab Skincare is Coming to a Target Store Near You!

We are all about healthy, glowing skin and we’re even more about skincare products made with quality ingredients so we can achieve gorgeous skin at home. Nip + Fab is a brand new skin care line created by the creators of Rodial. This new line is for the man and woman who want results out of their skincare without forking over a tiny fortune. Nip + Fab is fully comprehensive and has a wide range of products for various skin types including; oily, normal, combination and dry. We are over-the-moon about this new skincare line being offered at Target. There’s something really amazing about high-end lines creating mass market collections and lines for their mainstream customers as sometimes we don’t feel like purcashing a $50 face wash when we can get a $20 face wash with the same results! Stay tuned as we will be reviewing this new brand very soon!

 

 

Beauty News: In Memoriam – Evelyn Lauder Dies at Age 75

Estee Lauder Heir Evelyn Lauder Dies at the Age of 75

With a surname like Lauder, it is very apparent that Evelyn Lauder was a part of Estee Lauder, the cosmetics dynasty created by her iconic mother Estee Lauder. Even though she was an amazing businesswoman who helped to usher Estee Lauder Cosmetics into the 21st century, she is more widely known for being the creator of the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness movement. She created the campaign with the help of Alexandra Penney, a former editor for Self Magazine.  Her tireless work to create awareness of breast cancer as well as raising money for breast cancer research and treatments will be one of her most important legacies. The beauty world is mourning the loss of a wonderful woman, mother and activist!