Get Red Carpet Ready … Lights, Camera, Action!

If you watched the Oscars this weekend, surely you were glued to the TV during the celebrity arrivals on the red carpet. After all, it’s the perfect way to check out this year’s hottest trends and fashion faux pas. It makes you wonder what exactly goes in to preparing for a big event like this and how those of us watching can look just as good for our own special events!

With a little help from some renowned beauty and style experts, The Wish Dish has your plan of action for looking and feeling your best on your big day, regardless of whatever the color of the carpet.

THE TWO WEEK PLAN

Two weeks prior, you should start your pre-event regimen. If you aren’t already going, it’s time to hit the gym. In just two weeks, if you work out right and eat well, you’ll see some subtle changes that will make you look and feel more confident. Exercise is especially beneficial if you feel stressed about the event, since it produces endorphins and allows you to release tension. “If you do 45-50 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week, you’ll definitely look a little leaner and feel more energetic,” said trainer Geoff Chait, owner of VERT Fitness Hermosa Beach (www.VertFitnessHermosa.com).

In addition, taking yoga or Pilates will help not only from a fitness perspective, but also for wellness. “Mindful breathing and stretching that comes with Pilates or yoga not only makes the surface of the skin smoother (translation: diminishes cellulite), but also nourishes the organs and increases circulation, which makes skin glow and puts a dimmer on stress,” said Core Pilates NYC (www.corepilatesnyc.com) founder Michelle Fama (www.corepilatesnyc.com/bios.htm), who trains the likes of Anne Hathaway before red carpets.

Now is also the time to find the perfect outfit. It feels great to wear something new, but if your wallet is a little lean these days, simply spruce up your classic LBD (little black dress) with some exciting accessories. “One of this season’s trends, the wide belt, is the perfect way to transform what’s already in your wardrobe and make a statement,” said celebrity stylist Cami Nemanich (www.vergepr.com/caminemanich), who works on films and with celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan. “But if you want to stay away from trends, then wear a pair of high quality shoes and handbag, and you’ll be sure to look timeless and classic.” Cami also recommends getting any alterations done during the two-week prep period, and to try on all lingerie beforehand, to ensure the absence of bulging lines or fabrics that don’t work well together.

While you’re at it, this is a great time to get on a regular sleep schedule, by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This will maximize the benefits of exercise, lighten dark circles and keep your skin glowing.

THE WEEK OF

Feeling bloated? Taking supplements like Evening Primrose and Vitamin E will help ease and prevent water retention. Make sure to eliminate sodas, cut down on processed food and avoid salt so you don’t look puffy on the day of the event. When we’re dehydrated, our bodies go into self-preservation mode and start to store water, causing bloatedness and puffy eyes. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate with tea, especially green and white, and water with lemon.

Book your haircut and color appointments early in the week. This is not the time to try anything new — you won’t have time to adjust and if it’s a mishap, it will only add to the stress of your big day. It’s also a good time to indulge in a deep conditioning treatment to make sure those locks look shiny and healthy. “This is a night to pull out all the stops,” said Derek Smart of Sally Hershberger (www.SallyHershberger.com) Los Angeles. “Shiny and healthy hair always wins — Sally Hershberger Star Shine (www.sallyhershberger.com/styling_star.html) is the perfect tool to finish your polished look.”

Slough off the excess (www.thesavvygal.com/articles/2008/05/23/savvy_style/40style.txt) during the week of the event. At the beginning of the week, schedule microdermabrasion or a peel, depending on what your dermatologist or esthetician suggests. “Proper exfoliation will ensure that your skin is blemish-free and glowing,” said esthetician and Facercise (www.facercise.com) founder Carole Maggio (www.facercise.com/aboutcarole.shtml). “You’ll look refreshed and glamorous, and shine like the star that you are.”

Two days before the event, it’s time to really get your glow on … safely, of course. Start with heavy duty exfoliation, paying special attention to those rough areas like elbows, knees and feet. Next, schedule an airbrush tan for a safe, gorgeous glow. If you would rather tan in the privacy of your own home, two excellent options are Clarins’ Delicious Self Tanning Cream, which will give you a gorgeous, caramel-colored tan (probably because it’s made with additive-free natural caramel) and Comodynes Sunless Tanning Towelettes, individually wrapped tanning wipes that dry in 10 minutes — perfect for on-the-go.

Get your manicure/pedicure done two days before the event. You can never go wrong with the classic French manicure, but if you choose that route, do it the night before the event. French manicures seem to be the quickest to peel and chip, and nothing is tackier than extending chipped talons to shake someone’s hand.

THE DAY OF THE EVENT

Relax. Indulge in a luxurious facial masque such as celeb favorite, Facelift to Go (www.facercise.com/store/products.shtm). It’s an enzyme mask that tightens skin, exfoliates dead cells and assists in some amazing cell repair — results are more than equivalent to a salon facial. If your eyes are puffy or riddled with dark circles, try Elizabeth Grant’s (www.elizabethgrant.com) amazing Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads to erase the evidence of a big night out, or Eye Slices (www.eyeslicesusa.com), innovative dermal delivery, anti-aging eye masks that lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of tired, red eyes within five minutes.

For makeup, stick with a classic color palette that you know works for you. You can always hit up the department store counter at a line like MAC (www.maccosmetics.com), whose artists are high quality and will do your makeup professionally when you purchase $50 worth of makeup. Freelance makeup artist Lisa Cooper suggests, “What’s really in this season is luminous skin — this can be easily achieved using products such as cream colored base like MAC’s Pearl on the cheekbones or MAC’s Strobe Cream on the face and body for an all-over glow.”

Tick, tick tock … time for the event and you’re off. After following this two-week plan, you’ll look and feel so great that you’ll have an amazing, carefree time and, of course, turn many heads along the way.

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Kicking It with the Savviest Sites Around

However is it that one stays hip without the daily monitoring of TMZ and its relentless stalking of celebrities?

Thankfully, there are still some quality Web sites out there that are trendy and informational, and can help you de-stress with some mindless, entertaining fun.

I’m not one to waste time indulging in video games and the sort, but if you need a little break from the grind and something to distract your mind from looming deadlines, www.BeaRocker.com will help you do exactly this. It’s a hilarious site where you can create an avatar and your very own band, and then rock it out like you have always dreamt. You get all the instant gratification of being a rock star, without the suffering, stalker groupies and dark circles incurred from late night partying.

Now how did I ever discover such an addictive time sucker between my ritual skimming of The Robb Report and The Economist? Through the New York Post’s PopTracks (http://blogs.nypost.com/poptracks). Blogger Ryan Brockington cracks me up every single day with his witty quips and comprehensive rundown of all that is happening in the world of pop culture.

He’s got the latest news from the scene, and puts Perez Hilton to shame with his savvy writing style (and he’s way less nasty). Plus, he’s always introducing new music that you may not have heard of otherwise. I skip every single one of the tabloids and keep myself posted with this blog on the Post.

Being a certified film junkie, I’m always down to check out the cool Web sites, trailers and campaigns for upcoming films (obviously, we all know I didn’t see “The Rocker”). My curiosity led me to the Dead Like Me: Life After Death Web site promoting the DVD release (www.deadlikemedvd.com). If you check out “Reap a Friend” and “Video Reaper,” you will not be disappointed. You can be super creepy and send your friends post-its from the shows, telling them who they will have to reap next. Anyone who ever watched the show (it was cancelled quickly, which was a shame since it was great original programming) will love, love, love this site. It’s a quirky, lurky, fun and creepy way to freak out your friends.

For film news and ruthless, uncompromising reviews, www.AintItCoolNews.com is still the premier site, with www.RottenTomatoes.com running a close second. For actual on-demand film content from the oh-so-innovative world of indies, www.Jaman.com is the ultimate. The site delivers feature-length international and American films that never made it to the theater, and for some, never even made it to the DVD store. No reason to pass a film up, since distribution is not necessarily about the best art or product. This site gives you a cultural edge, and also provides its members with a social network so you can share reviews and suggestions with other like-minded film lovers.

For the coolest of the cool, the Thrill List newsletter still provides fresh content on all that is cutting edge in the world today. Visit www.ThrillList.com to sign up. For shopping, I am still loving www.WishList.com, the online gift registry that lets you share wishes with your friends (and keeps you out of the returns line), and www.ShopItToMe.com, the site that provides a personalized listing of sale items from your very own favorite designers and brand.

For beauty products, www.theluxuryspot.com is an awesome resource, offering information about the newest high-end products, as well as luxe items that won’t put a dent in your wallet. I’ve actually learned about some awesome product lines on this site, which is a rare thing that never happens in the glossies anymore.

One of the best, most innovative sites I’ve seen in a long time is www.EcoStiletto.com, the creation of savvy gal Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff. This awesome site features green picks in beauty, health, fashion, parenting and other relevant areas of life and shows you how eco-friendly choices can help turn your carbon footprint “from a ginormous Ugg into an oh-so-slender Manolo.” Sold! It’s packed with information that provides green alternatives and shows you how to make a difference without giving up what’s most important to you.

Last, but soooo not least, is www.DesperateDollars.com. Did you know that you can make extra cash by tattooing your body with a brand logo or company image? Yes, people do sell space on their parts and I would have never known it had I not checked out this fun site. It’s a killer resource for those who are deeply impacted by the recession, providing extremely novel ways to pay bills or fill your gas tank. It also provides listings for barter opportunities, ways to shop wholesale, debt consolidation and myriad other relevant links.

And for a special treat – check out this Web site: http://goldcanyon.com for a sweepstakes contest and to peruse their amazing products. Because TheSavvyGal.com is offering an awesome GIVEAWAY for one of our savvy readers this week! Award-winning Gold Canyon’s new Moroccan Amber Vanilla candle blends the familiar scents of vanilla with alluring hints of smooth sandalwood, amber and earthy patchouli to bring magical Morocco into your home. Enter the drawing to win this delicious smelling, long-lasting candle by emailing Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com the answer to the following question: Name one way to jump start your job and your life. Shhhh … we’ll give you a hint — the answer is in last week’s article in the Glass Ceiling Demolitionist column!

And then don’t miss out on a little extra something — You can win $10,000 for the savviest year ever. We couldn’t resist telling you about this offer … So, savvy gals, check out Gold Canyon’s “New Year, A Fresh Start $10,000 Sweepstakes!” With the start of a new year come new expectations and endless possibilities, and for SavvyGal readers, the opportunity to enter for a chance to win $10,000! Just for signing up to win, Gold Canyon will send each entrant a FREE tealight candle plus the option to receive exclusive discounts and savings. Visit http://goldcanyon.com/freshstart to enter the sweepstakes. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

New Skin, New You

The New Year is the perfect time to take steps toward transforming our skin. Skincare companies are launching tons of cutting-edge new products, so why not try something new to perk up your appearance? I recently checked out some new products recommended by a few of my trusty skincare experts and was very surprised at the awesome results I experienced.

Elizabeth Grant’s Biocollasis GOLD Advanced Cellular Radiance 24K Gold Cream is to die for. It’s one of the best moisturizers I have ever used — even better than La Mer. Made with real gold, which aids in the restoration and rejuvenation of the skin, this product gives your skin unrivalled luminosity. Imbued with the revitalizing energies of gold and natural extracts, this cream helps the skin recapture the tone and vitality of a younger complexion and the resulting inner radiance. In addition, Elizabeth Grant’s line includes these amazing Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads that provide the perfect balance of nourishing proteins, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and moisture in the skin — effectively repairing wrinkles and delaying the signs of aging. Not only will they erase the evidence of a big night out with the girls, using them is extremely therapeutic and relaxing, and your eyes will be depuffed and fresher looking after only 15 minutes. www.elizabethgrant.com

Carole Maggio’s Facelift to Go is an absolute staple for me, especially before events or anything on camera. It’s an enzyme mask that tightens the skin, exfoliates dead cells and assists in some amazing cell repair — the results are more than equivalent to a salon facial. If you want glowing, toned skin with a more lifted appearance, incorporate this into your weekly routine. Start with applications every other week, then move to 10 days, and then to every seven days. Visit facercise.com/store/skinpackages.shtml to purchase.

Actifirm Face Firm is a light-feeling, nongreasy formula that truly helps defy the visible signs of aging skin. Packed with powerful botanical ingredients such as extracts of exotic mushrooms, echinacea and aloe vera, Face Firm provides hydration and nutrients for healthy skin development, and contains an extra measure of hyaluronic acid, a special protein that supports skin texture and moisture.

With regular use, Face Firm visibly improves the appearance of superficial fine lines and wrinkles and can be used on your face, neck, decollete and upper arms. Use with your favorite moisturizer or with Actifirm’s equally impressive Actimoist Booster, a “smart” moisturizer that works in synergy with your skin. This powerhouse formula balances the moisture in every skin cell by targeting those areas that need moisture without overdoing it in areas that don’t, like the T-Zone. Based on organic botanicals that work gently yet powerfully, Actimoist Booster hydrates, restores firmness and reduces free radical damage. Augment results with Actifirm I-Firm, which specifically targets the eye area. www.Actfirm.com

Dermelect recently launched two products that have set the bar for all body treatments. Made with a specially formulated blend of coenzyme Q10, avocado oil, jojoba oil, safflower, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and essential oils, Demelect’s Cleavage Contour Cream will enhance your natural assets and help rejuvenate the skin’s support structure to increase bust tone and firmness. Cleavage Contour Cream also contains Vitamins A, E and C to reduce sagging while supporting the skin’s elasticity and texture to help create a better contoured shape. Use daily for maximum therapeutic and skin firming benefits. www.dermelect.com

Lipo-Conquer Body Toning Cream, also by Dermelect, is a specially concentrated formula blended to boost skin’s natural elasticity for a visibly smoother, firmer appearance. This hip and thigh treatment utilizes Vitamins A and E to reinforce the skin’s collagen fibers, keeping the skin supple while smoothing out the appearance of dimples. Stretch mark and cellulite fighting caffeine promotes the reduction of fatty deposits, while advanced ginkgo biloba, a powerful antioxidant that has detoxifying qualities, completes the treatment by replenishing moisture. Known for its great revitalizing and natural firming qualities, this blend will help stimulate circulation, reduce water retention and promote body contouring. My skin definitely looked and felt smoother and tighter after about a week of use. www.dermelect.com

Nouriva Repair Moisturizing Cream with paraffin is awesome for smoothing and hydrating those rough spots like your hands, elbows, feet, knees, cuticles and other areas that commonly show the symptoms of damage to the skin barrier. Free of preservatives, this no-nonsense blend nourishes and protects the skin by restoring the three main lipids in the skin barrier: cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ceramides. Nouriva Repair’s unique formula keeps your skin soft and touchable, and improves skin barrier functions. www.DermaDoctor.com

Developed by dermatologists, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is clinically proven to increase skin hydration and increases the skin’s ability to attract, hold, and distribute moisture. Penetrating deep to restore the balance of lipids essential for an effective skin barrier, this unique cream also forms a protective layer over the skin’s surface to help prevent moisture loss. Like all CeraVe Skin Care products, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream offers the benefits of unique, patented MVE delivery technology, which provides a controlled release of essential ceramides and other skin-nurturing and protective ingredients slowly over time. It penetrates deep into the skin to moisturize and nourish skin throughout the day while “locking in” precious moisture. Regular use will help restore damaged skin and keep skin healthy. It’s noncomedogenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. www.cerave.com

3LAB’s Perfect Mask is the platinum of all face masks. For the woman who strives for flawless skin, Perfect Mask contains Nano Claire GY, the first ever bioengineered growth hormone that works as a “hormone replacement therapy,” firming the skin and giving it a radiant, youthful glow. www.barneys.com

A Little Extra Something: Win $10,000 for the Savviest Year Ever!

We couldn’t resist telling you about this offer … So, savvy gals, don’t miss out on Gold Canyon’s New Year, A Fresh Start $10,000 Sweepstakes! With the start of a new year come new expectations and endless possibilities, and for SavvyGal readers, the opportunity to enter for a chance to win $10,000! Just for signing up to win, Gold Canyon will send each entrant a FREE tealight candle plus the option to receive exclusive discounts and savings. Visit http://goldcanyon.com/freshstart to enter the sweepstakes. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Holiday Party Style Tips

With holiday parties in full force and New Year’s Eve on the horizon, I thought it would be great to get some tips from an L.A. celeb stylist on how to look great at any holiday occasion. Stylist Aly Scott of www.StyleChicLA.com was happy to help us out with some savvy tips on holiday style.

Aly says now is the time to embrace fashion! Dress up and celebrate yourself and the holidays! It’s the best time of year to enjoy your closet, but a lot of people have holiday fashion questions. Thankfully, StyleChic gave us some must-have advice so all our savvy gals can go out and enjoy the season.

Holiday Don’ts: no sneakers, no jeans, and never go casual! Also, Aly says steer clear of black during the holiday season, as it’s your perfect chance to be festive and vibrant (and bright colors make everyone look younger). But make sure not to go overboard as well. “People like to feel celebratory for the holidays and dress with metallics and/or sequins. But if you are going to be flashy, stick to one trend only,” Aly said. “A great oversize clutch or chunky jewelry is the perfect way to accent this season’s hues and add color to any outfit.”

Holiday Do’s: Be festive, wear textures from feathers to paillettes, and mix it up with light fabrics such as tulle, chiffon and organza. Wear a dress. We have plenty of opportunities to wear jeans all year long — take advantage of the holidays by dressing flirty and feminine.

Each party you attend may call for a different style — below are some tips on what to wear to every type of function.

Cocktail Parties

For women, put on a scoop-neck designer sheath dress. Trade the button-up for a bright-colored chemise and put on a great pair of high heels. Or switch the pantsuit into this season’s wide-leg pants and a silk or a metallic-accented top. Dazzling with accessories is totally acceptable.

The Office Party

The key is to add a little bling, but not to overdo it. Employees should be well-dressed, and can definitely be chic — just don’t be overtly sexy or flashy. You want to be noticed for your great outfit, not for your plunging neckline.

Also, dressing inappropriately can change the playing field with colleagues of the opposite sex — especially if you’re a woman — or simply make you look like you have terrible taste. Stick to hemlines that hit at or just a couple of inches above the knee. Feel free to go sleeveless but keep the cleavage to yourself — that means for men, too.

The office holiday party is never the right place to take a fashion risk. Does this mean you have to wear red and green?

No — you don’t need to dress up like a holiday to be festive. You can be stylish by wearing metallics, which are hot right now, jewel tone dresses or by using great scarves to add color to any outfit.

Holiday outfits don’t have to be green or red, just more glitzy and glamorous! They can be shiny, velvety or beaded to make it more fun for the season. Or if you find a great skirt or dress that is holiday friendly, pair it with something less holiday-ish, like a classic cardigan or heels (or boots). Again, depending on the event.

What about gold and silver for New Year’s? It is totally fine to dress for the holiday and gold or silver is perfect. Pair with a deep red or royal blue to really accentuate the metallic. Shine and glitter is all in good fun for the holiday but remember the cardinal rule — one trend for the holiday and with everything else, stick to classic.

Want some help from a legit celebrity stylist? Visit Aly’s Web site, StyleChicLA.com. StyleChic is a high-profile styling service with experts available to personalize your shopping experience by introducing local and out-of-town clients to the exclusive fashion boutiques of Los Angeles. It is a stress-free, relaxed environment, offering various fashion services, including going through your closet, getting rid of all your stagnant clothes and taking you shopping with discounts and VIP privileges for the New Year. StyleChic was founded by Aly Scott who has more than 12 years of fashion industry experience, and has appeared as a style expert on “Access Hollywood,” “Extra,” and “E! Networks,” among other shows. Aly can create a style that is unique to you and perfect for your body type.

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Give (and Receive) the Perfect Gift

Trying to organize your holiday wish list? WishList.com is the coolest Web site for this! It is a personal online gift registry where you can put all your wishes in one place, allowing you to give and receive the perfect gift every single time. No longer do you need to keep a ton of lists out there on every single Internet retailer you frequent!

WishList.com is 100% free and has a fabulous host of features to make gift giving easy, efficient and fun. Though the site first pioneered personal online registries back in 1998, they have re-launched with social networking features that let you change up the way you gift your friends. The concept was just way ahead of its time – but now that social networking is the norm, gift givers everywhere are ready for all that WishList.com has to offer.

The site is powered by PriceGrabber.com; so it helps you find the most competitive prices and highly recommended products, but you can also add retailers of your own choice. So, if I’m not feeling the specific Prada bag that PriceGrabber pulls up, I simply can go to Prada.com and add them as a retailer, using the site’s “Bookmarklet” function or by adding the product manually.

Once you’ve added your ideal products to your WishList, you can share your list with your friends and family (you add them by searching for them using their name or email address, or importing the contacts of your email account address book) so they know exactly what you want, what your sizes are, color preferences, etc. (And, after they sign up, you know theirs, too.)

Whether your friends are members are not, they can still “reserve a gift” off your WishList and purchase it for you. It’s a lot more fun if they are members, though, because after they join, you can track each other’s wishes, post comments, recommend products, swap entire WishLists and products, and do lots of other fun actions.

You can create WishLists for any occasion you desire: Christmas, Hanukkah, your birthday, housewarming, graduation, bachelorette, or even a bad mood! You can create an unlimited number of WishLists, each with as many products as you desire.

Another unique aspect is that WishList.com allows you to “browse” rather than shop for specific items, helping you stumble upon innovative new products.

The site was created by serial entrepreneur Keith Kraemer, who was inspired during the wedding planning process when he married his wife, Gina. They realized there was no way to make an all-encompassing list; at the time, most engaged couples were limited to choosing a store or two and registering there.

At its inception, the concept was very ahead of its time. With the re-launch of the feature-rich site, the WishList.com team expects the number of users to increase exponentially. “With the tremendous growth of social networking, it’s now a seasoned marketplace, ready for the improved functionality and myriad features of WishList.com,” Keith noted.

Through another entrepreneurial venture Keith founded and managed, an Educational Software company called Edukeen, which provides public school districts with enterprise email and group software, Keith realized an opportunity to make charitable giving an integral function of WishList.com. “Once I became aware of the immense scholastic needs of the public schools system in California, I realized that WishList.com could also be a platform to fulfill these needs” he said.

WishList.com is creating strategies and partnerships to work not only with the public school systems but with a wide range of charities and nonprofit organizations that can benefit from the platform WishList.com can provide.
“We have barely scratched the surface of what is possible,” said Andrew Grant, Director of Product Development. “Despite the current economic state, people are still going to buy presents. We’re providing this tool free of charge to save people money – they won’t buy the wrong gifts or cause someone to have to take time out to make a return. It’s incredible that we can do the same thing for charities across the nation.”

More information can be found at WishList.com.

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Stocking Stuffers

Looking for a few cool items this season? Look no further; we found them for you.

Japonesque’s Limited Edition Holiday Pearlized Artisan Tweezers come in three holiday-inspired colors: red, white and gold. With hand-filed precision tips designed for flawless extraction, these babies are sure to create jolly brows. www.japonesque.com

Tassi is a new, patented product that keeps your hair out of the way while you do your makeup or wash your face. This innovative piece is available in 12 fun colors and won’t flatten or mess up your hair, unlike headbands, clips or ponytails. www.tassicompany.com/shop

WarmMe Warm Mouse is the coolest thing! Okay, hot, actually. This ergonomic, infrared heated computer mouse emits radiating heat to your hand and fingers. It is said to improve circulation, keep your hands warm and comfortable, safely prevent joint stiffness and increase the elasticity of hand muscles, tendons and ligaments. It even prevents and eases the pain of arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel and other conditions. A must-have for anyone who uses a computer on a regular basis. www.warmmouse.com

The I-Love-Me collection has all sorts of fun gifts with messages of inspiration and self-love, from rings to fashion tees, mugs, note cards, mini totes, caps and more, each adorned with the “I love me” butterfly logo. www.store.ilovemecollection.com

Another fun gift is Serah’s Cupcake Soap, great for children and cupcake-loving adults alike. Each soap is handcrafted with extra lather glycerin and shea butter, and scented with delectable fragrances like creamsicle. www.serahsonline.com

Jillian Dempsey’s Beauty Essentials Palette from Avon is the perfect stocking stuffer. It’s a truly portable accessory palette containing two lip colors, two cream eyeshadows, one cheek color, a dual ended applicator and mirror. www.avon.com

Shadow Shields are a must-have tool of the trade, and the only product of its kind to truly eliminate messy “raccoon eyes.” These half moon-shaped adhesives are placed under the eye before applying eye makeup. Excess product that falls is caught by the shields, leaving you with a clean under eye area. www.shadowshields.com

Eye Slices are innovative eye treatment pads that combine the natural essence of nature with bio-innovation to bring about an all-in-one solution to reduce the appearance of tired, red eyes, dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness within five minutes. These dermal delivery, anti-aging eye masks lock in moisture, provide an instant cooling sensation. www.eyeslices.com

Duri’s nail polishes are the ideal stocking stuffer with festive colors like #300 Night Before Christmas, #316 Sitting by the Fire, #383 A Song of Joy, and #439 White Nights. Check out the colors here
Pouchee is an awesome little organizer for your purse. With a place for a cellphone, credit cards, keys, lipstick, sunglasses and every other item you stick in your purse, switching handbags is a walk in the park. Check it out here

Gifts for the Savvy Beauties and Fashionistas:

Pamper your girls with the adorable Principessa Beauty Bellezza “Beauty” Box. Filled with mini versions of luxe Principessa products, including Bacio Me, Bagno Bliss, Cattiva Diva, Dolce Dream, Fresh Fiore and a pink Principessa Pouf, the adorable tin doubles as a purse or make-up bag. See it here

The Tree-mendously Ginger Gift Set from Origins is the ultimate collection of ginger goodies and something every woman will love. It includes Ginger Souffle Whipped body cream, a Ginger Essence Intensified Fragrance Rollerball, Incredible Spreadable Scrub Ginger body smoother, Ginger Float Cream bubble bath and Ginger Burst Savory body wash. www.origins.com

3LAB’s Perfect Mask is the platinum of all face masks. For the woman who strives for flawless skin, Perfect Mask contains Nano Claire GY, the first ever bioengineered growth hormone that works as a “hormone replacement therapy,” firming the skin and giving it a radiant, youthful glow. Ideal for the stressful holiday season. www.barneys.com

Abrione Chakra Masques are innovative, all-natural masks based on the chakra system of holistic healing. The directions say to identify the chakra that is out of balance by choosing the color of mask that speaks to you. I tried them all and have to say, they definitely energize more than just your skin. The packaging is very appealing (it comes in a tube that works great as a stocking stuffer), as is the concept. www.abrione.com

The Miss Oops Holiday Survival Kit is a handy set of fashion fix-it tools that any stylista will love. This kit includes purse-friendly size lint rollers for pesky sweaters and wool pants, mishap tape to secure fallen hems or loose bra straps, and the Allure magazine Award-winning rescue sponge to remove deodorant and makeup stains from clothing. A gift every fashionista needs for the holidays — and all year round! www.missoops.com

For the Savvy Hostess:

The perfect non-alcoholic hostess gift is Hood Nog. Previously a regional holiday tradition reserved for lucky New Englanders, Hood Nog is now available throughout the country. Their premium flavors include Sugar Cookie (my fave), Gingerbread, Pumpkin and Cinnamon. These unique twists on Egg Nog are delicious and sure to emanate the holiday spirit. www.hphood.com

Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur is festive pink liqueur perfect for holiday entertaining and recommended by esteemed party planners. Super chic, feminine and delicious! www.sparklingnuvo.com

Le Pain Quotidien Chocolate Spreads are decadent and unbelievable. These Belgian gourmet delicacies are made with organic ingredients in unbelievable flavors like Blondie (white chocolate), Noir (dark chocolate) and Noisella (chocolate and hazelnut). www.lepainquotidien.com

Coco-Zen’s Truffles-To-Give includes dessert size, organic chocolate truffles packaged in a stainless steel tiffin (a traditional Indian lunchbox). This truly unique packaging makes for a thoughtful gift that can be displayed on coffee table. www.Coco-Zen.com

Hostesses always love candles, so here are a few amazing ones: Gold Canyon’s award-winning Orange Blossom candle has a scent that truly fills the room, lingers deliciously and is very relaxing. www.GoldCanyon.com . The Giant Candle Company produces beautifully smelling large-sized candles that last for what seems an eternity. www.GiantCandleCo.com. You can never go wrong with Origins’ truly relaxing Peace of Mind Candle. The hypnotic effects of its aromatic basil, peppermint and eucalyptus can relax the most stressed out woman you know. www.origins.com. Principessa Beauty’s Bella Candela is a dainty, 100% VegeSoy wax candle filled with scents of blooming jasmine, ylang ylang and sandalwood. www.principessabeauty.com. Ola Hawai’i's Kukui Candles uses natural ingredients and warm scents to create aromatherapy bliss and a much-needed “escape” to the tropics. www.hawiianbodyproducts.com. Honeycat Cosmetics has an amazing Cat on a Hot Tin coconut milk/mango soy candle that is sure to inspire an amazing mood. www.honeycatcosmetics.com
Savvy Treats for the Feet:
Slip on The Happy Company’s Soothing Cozy Slippers and within minutes you will be transported to a spa. Heat them up in the microwave for soothing comfort and relaxation. Featuring flax seed inserts and removable scent sachets with lavender, clove and chamomile, these are the perfect way to pamper your loved ones. www.thehappycompany.com
TestAnother treat for the feet is the Margarita Beach Spa Pedicure Collection, a tropical spa pedicure set that revives and rejuvenates even the most tired feet. The set includes Margarita Foot Soak, Margarita Pedicure Scrub, Margarita Foot and Leg Mask, Margarita Massage Lotion, and Margarita Body Butter! www.wildwoozle.com/margarita_pedicure.php#index
Fashioned after Kate Hudson’s boho chic style, Muk Luks are part shoe, part accessory and add flair to any outfit. The Toggle Boots are the most popular style, feature a suede sidewall, fleece lining and fashion knit outer. Wear them pulled-up, scrunched down or folded over. Check ‘em out
Savvy Indulgences for the Body:
After spending a night under the Mistletoe, fashionistas will find welcome relief with Arcona’s Mistletoe Body Wash. This holly leaf-colored body wash uses shea butter and karite extracts for ultimate moisture and relaxes with a refreshing spruce and pine scent. www.arcona.com
Eclipse Spa’s Wildcrafted Shea Sugar Scrub nourishes the skin like nothing else. Enriched with hand-harvested African Shea Butter, this body treatment leaves your skin as soft as silk. I love that Eclipse Spa purchases their shea butter directly from a groups of tribeswomen in Ghana, Africa who have formed a cooperative in their village. www.eclipse-spa.com
Dionis’ Exfoliating Sugar Scrub in Ginger Mint smooths and softens rough, dry skin with natural glycerine and gentle exfoliating sugar crystals. The intoxicating mix of warm, sunny citrus with honeysuckle, lotus flower, white tea and cedarwood makes it the perfect pampering indulgence for your special loved one. Each “Inspire by Dionis” product contains a beautiful motivational message to lift your spirits and inspire your well-being. www.dionissoap.com
Creative Nail Design’s Scentsations Winterberry Body Scrub and Lotion is an awesome treat for the season (and only available during the holidays, so scoop some up asap). The delicious smelling lotion restores moisture after the scrub mildly exfoliates to leave skin baby soft. www.creativenaildesign.com
Hothouse Botanicals Body Butter and Whipped Sugar Scrub is yet another way to indulge the savvy gals in your life. The scrub is chock full of organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and natural vitamin E, and the body butter contains rich, organic emollients including shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and rose hip oil to help dry skin become radiant and healthy. www.hothousebotanicals.com
Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Make Flowers Last Longer

There’s nothing like fresh flowers to inject positive energy into a room, and there’s no reason to wait for someone to send you buy some — I buy myself fresh ones every week! It’s a great way to treat yourself, while keeping your home cheerful and smelling nice at a relatively low cost. With some research and a little help from A-list celebrity florist Brent Wang (www.eggslosangeles.com), I compiled the following tips to help maximize the life of your fresh flowers and get the most out of your arrangements.

Choose the Bunch

First of all, buy flowers that are still in bud. You will be able to enjoy watching them open, and they will have a longer vase life than those purchased in full bloom. As soon as you get those babies home, remove all the leaves on the stem that will fall below the water line. The excess foliage encourages bacteria growth in the vase, requiring more energy from the flowers to stay alive.

Home Vase

Next, cut off about one inch from the bottoms of the stems and immediately plunge them into a container or vase filled with lukewarm water. It’s important to use lukewarm water because it’s more easily absorbed, except for with cold weather blooms, such as tulips, which thrive in cold water. Always use clean vases or containers to prevent any bacteria from ruining the quality of the flowers. Bulb flowers such as daffodils, jonquils and narcissus should be placed in shallow water; deep water causes their thick stems to become waterlogged and quickly shrivel up.

Stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle for best water absorption. Use garden shears or a sharp knife, as regular household scissors can crush the vascular systems of the flower stem and inhibit water uptake.

Some flowers require a great deal of special treatment. “Flowers with woody stems, such as lilacs, viburnum, hydrangea, rhododendrons, and blooming branches like quince and cherry blossoms do not take up water readily,” Brent said. “For these types, it’s best to crush the stems with a hammer or a mallet and then split them to help with water uptake.” The stems of bulb flowers should be snipped across at an angle, and the sticky white secretion should be washed away to lengthen their life.

Many myths exist as to what to put in the water for longer lasting flowers. Brent’s favorite concoction is a tablespoon of lemon lime soda (some sort of “uncola” like Sprite or 7-Up; it must be without caffeine) with a few drops to bleach, per liter of water. Note: diet soda won’t work – it is the sugar in regular soda that helps maintain your bouquet’s shelf life.

The Arrangement

Avoid overcrowding in the vase — make sure there is enough space for air to circulate between each flower. Too many flowers crowded together may cause the petals to get squashed and bruised.

As the flowers in an arrangement start to fade away, gather any blooms that still look good and arrange them in a smaller vase. Roses can be revived by gently pulling off exterior petals that look browned and crumpled.

“The most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your flowers is to cut the stems every other day, if possible, and change the water as often as you can,” Brent suggested. “Also, it’s best to spritz them with water, just enough so they look like they have a fresh morning dew, before placing them back in the container.”

Do not place flowers near a heater, on top of a television set or in direct sunlight. The heat will cause excess water loss from the flowers, and they will wilt very quickly. It is best to place your flowers is in a cool room, yet you should keep them away from fans.

For more information and amazing one-of-a-kind floral arrangements, visit Brent’s Web site at www.eggslosangeles.com.

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Nourished Locks, Luscious Give-a-way

Imagine a conditioner cocktail, custom-made for your hair. It’s real! Not only is it the ultimate in pampering, it is the first step to get your hair in truly beautiful condition. I just did my own visit, to Tina Cassaday’s Hair Salon, which included a meeting with the effervescent Tina herself.

And now, the lovely Tina has put together a basket of her most delicious hair care products for one lucky Savvy reader! Filled with amazing goodies for hair and lips, this basket is worth $200!

On my visit, this hair guru gal analyzed the molecular structure of my strands with her amazing trichology machine, which showed exactly how much moisture in my hair needed to be replenished.

A trained trichologist, Tina cares for the strands of an array of celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Cruise, Sharon Stone, Liv Tyler, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Penelope Cruz, among others.

After using her magical machine to determine exactly what a gal’s hair needs to restore its vivacious health, Tina custom blends her proprietary, all-natural conditioners, using fruits and other organic items, into a smoothie for your hair. Of course, I wanted to taste this delicious-smelling treatment, but realized that, come on now, we were here for my hair, not my stomach!

She carefully combed this signature “Fruit Hair Shake,” which included bananas and other yummy goodies, into my hair and then plopped me under a steamer to allow the concoction to deeply penetrate the strands.

Part two of the treatment includes a special technique called “ice-combing,” which seals the good products into the hair strands for maximum benefit. Tina taught me how to do it so I could do so at home, and also gave me a list of the best nutrients for hair. I walked away from this salon visit extremely educated. My hair smelled delicious for days, was super silky and actually felt stronger. I went out to dinner with my girlfriends, who immediately noticed the shininess of my hair. I am absolutely addicted!

Every client who gets this service receives a shake composed of ingredients tailored for their hair’s individual needs. Ingredients can include anything from mangoes, papaya, kiwi and berries to green tea, champagne, vodka and quail eggs, coupled with integral vitamins and minerals.

She also offers a pre-made hair product line with something for everyone’s hair type, featuring an amazing signature product called the Banana-Banana conditioner, which is shipped by the gallon to a slew of A-listers and savvy gals like myself who rely on Tina to keep our hair in delicious, camera-ready shape. In addition, she offers vibrant lipsticks and glosses in fun flavors including pomegranate, orange, cherry and strawberry.

When Tina was studying to become a hairdresser, she realized that we typically overload our hair with chemicals and that there was a need to develop something natural to nourish our hair. She received scientific training and developed this amazing line of products that are absolutely unrivalled. So glad she did, because the immediate difference you feel in your hair lets you know you are on the right track. Plus, now we can feel a little less guilty when we smear on the anti-frizz serum, mousse and whatever else the day requires.

For those of you who live nowhere near Beverly Hills (where she is located), but would like the same tools as the celebrities, Tina can custom-blend your concoction from afar! All you need to do is send her a strand of your hair and she will do wonders with her trichology machine, tailor-make your conditioner and send it to you. Call 310.276.6194 or 800.HAIRBYT for more information. For savvy gals in the Beverly Hills vicinity, the Tina Cassaday Salon is located at 9725 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210; www.hairbyt.com.

Also a master colorist, Tina is renowned for her trend-setting cuts. She is a member of the Clairol Presidential Haircolorists’ Council, and is an avid supporter of Shambala, actress Tippi Hedren’s animal rescue preserve.

To enter to win the basket of Tina’s most delicious hair care products, filled with amazing goodies for hair and lips, worth $200, just send an email to info@thesavvygal.com and put “Savvy Style” in the comments section. We’ll announce the winner in 2 weeks.

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. Email her at Chaton@TheSavvyGal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.