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Training Wheels: LUSH

“Training Wheels” is a column that introduces new fashion/beauty addicts to classic must-have items from various locations, featuring one merchant per post.

Lush Skin Care Products

If you’re not familiar with Lush Cosmetics, I strongly suggest you climb out of the rock you’ve been living under, put a ski mask on your clearly mistreated skin, and find the nearest store to you.

Every single one of their products is handmade. Don’t believe me? You’ll see when you buy anything that there’s a date and a cartoon of the person who made your stuff!

So! Let’s start with the most amazing product that Lush produces: The Bath Bomb!

It’s the size of an apple and covered/filled with the most amazing natural ingredients that do everything from release flower petals into your bathwater to turning the water blue and leaving you with skin that rivals a baby’s.

Avobath Bath Bomb

The first, and absolute must have bath bomb is the Avobath Bath Bomb [$5.80 each]. A blend of avocado & olive oil, bergamot and lemongrass… It might be the best smelling thing that Lush sells.

The next classic bath bomb is Butterball Bath Bomb [$4.85 each]. It’s as decadent as it sounds… Buttery, warm, and luxuriously soft on your skin. The cocoa butter and vanilla musk gives your olfactory senses something to enjoy as your skin turns to… well, butter.

Selecting a third “must have” bath bomb was difficult… a tie between Big Blue Bath Bomb, a sea salt encrusted lemon, seaweed and lavender infusion; The Happy Pill Bath Bomb, a literal pill-shaped bomb full of refreshing citrus; and the winner… The absolute must-have from Lush’s bath bomb collection:

The Sex Bomb Bath Bomb [$5.95 each]. This ultra-feminine, pink & purple rose is the perfect recipe for that sauce pre-third-date bath. Or post-third-date bath, if you catch my drift. Let the smell of sultry jasmine fill the room as rose petal from the bomb release into the bath water… All you need is some seriously saucy music, and you’re good for the night. Meow…

The next category is another genius idea from the Lush labs: Solid Shampoo Bars!

Sliced off huge bricks, like cheese, Lush’s solid shampoos are the best thing you could ever take traveling. Much better than an exploded bottle of shampoo seeping into all of your beautiful clothes, anyway.

They make super-specialized shampoos for each hair type, color and style.

Trichomania Solid Shampoo Bar



Trichomania
[$9.75] is the perfect solution for girls with curly hair who fear frizz almost as much as Tom Cruise. If you like the smell of coconut creme and vetivert, then you’re in for a treat.


NEW! (Hair) Solid Shampoo Bar
[$9.25] is a cinnamon scalp stimulant that actually has two literal cinnamon sticks right on the top of the bar! The spice heats the scalp and promotes follicle health. Got dandruff? Try the campfire scented (juniper and marigold petals) Soak and Float Shampoo Bar which will keep your hair flake-free.

I know the glamour goddesses of the Broke & Beautiful family will appreciate the Ultimate Shine Solid Shampoo Bar [$9.25] which smells like a delicate baby powder made from fresh violet leaves. The glamour comes from the microscopic gold specks that make your hair literally glisten. Don’t worry, girls, it comes right out.

The next must-have is a little unconventional. It takes some getting used to, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll thank me for years to come: Body Dusting Powder!


I’m only listing one of these, because there’s only one that you need to have. Silky Underwear Dusting Powder [$11.25] will change your life. It’s got tiny, tiny beads of cocoa butter that, once you spread the powder on your body, melts into your skin for a silky soft finish. This was the first product I ever bought from Lush, and I was converted by the sexy jasmine smell and the amazing way my skin felt after applying it. I usually dry off after a shower and shake a little into the palm of my hand, then gently spread it over your skin - you’ll thank me later.

Facial Cleansers!

It looks scary, I know. This amazing facial cleanser is part exfoliant, part aromatherapy, and part… cleanser. It’s called Angels on Bare Skin [$9.95] and I couldn’t have picked a better name. The ground almonds contained in this paste gently exfoliate your skin while rose and lavender tone and sooth your skin to perfection. You just take a pea-sized amount in your hand, add a little water, and make it into a watery paste. Apply and massage into your skin - voila! It’s amazing.

Last, but definitely not least - Soap!




Karma Handmade Soap
[$7.95], meet my beautiful readers. Beautiful readers, meet your future. I left this one for last because it’s single-handedly the best product that Lush sells. Without question. The scent of Karma will linger on you and tickle your seratonin levels to the point of sky high. It’s the best smell in existence. Luckily it comes in a dusting powder, perfume, bath bomb, solid shampoo, bubble bar (instant bubble bath) and body wash. It’s that addictive. The scent? The heavenly, yet unexpectedly wonderful mix of patchouli, orange, lemongrass and pine. Weird combo, amazing, squeaky clean, orgasmic, seductive, mood-lifting effects.

Now I have an even better excuse for a cold shower.

xoxo.

What are YOUR favorite LUSH products?

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Steve Madden’s Springtime: Wedges!

We’ve covered Steve Madden’s extensive flats collection for spring… But you can’t always rock flats with some wide leg jeans, or a pair of tiny shorts. That’s why God created wedges!

Unfortunately, some of the styles below are still on pre-sale. so I’ve written the date that they’ll be available beneath the price.

So let’s start, shall we?


Steven by Steve Madden “Darian” Wedge in Red
(Also available in Orange, Black and Blue Patent Leather)
$109.95
Currently Available


Steve Madden “Tanzie” Wedge in Platinum
(Also available in Yellow, Black and White Patent)
$89.95
Currently available 5/28


Steve Madden “Tanzie” in Brown Leather
(Also available in White, Black and Red Leather)
$89.95
Currently Available


Steve Madden “Dessire” Cutout Wedge in Black Patent
(Also available in White Patent)
$149.95
Currently Available 7/3


Steve Madden “Quesst” Wedge in Mustard Leather
(Also available in Yellow Patent*, White, Black, Black Patent*, Green Patent, and Brown Leather)
$89.95
* = Currently Available between 5/28 and 6/3


Steve Madden “Candyce” Wedge in Pewter Metallic
(Also available in Cognac and Python)
$149.95
Currently Available


Steve Madden “Basha” Wedge in Black Crocodile Embossed Leather
(Also available in Brown)
$99.95
Currently Available


Steve Madden “Kinettic” in Black Wedge Leather

$89.95
Currently Available 7/14


Steve Madden “Flipperr” in Turquoise Leather
(Also available in Black, Gold, White, Brown, Fuchsia and Cognac)
$69.95
Currently Available


Steve Madden “Zorra” Wedge in Green Multi Leather
(Also available in Black & Champagne)
$89.95
Currently Available


Steve Madden “Devote” Wedge in Brown
(Also available in Black and Gold)
$69.95
Currently Available

I’m digging the cutouts in a lot of these wedges, and the lower gladiator-style sandals are HOT!

MY FAVORITES:

Zorra, Tanzie and Candyce. Swoon.

What do you think of Steve Madden’s Spring Wedge Collection?

xoxo.


Steve Madden’s Springtime: Flats!

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Tips for a Btfl Fc?

Every so often, I check something out I think will benefit the readers of Broke & Beautiful and, in turn, I just end up being totally surprised and floored, eyes popping out of my head and speechless… Sometimes for reasons that… aren’t so beneficial.

Like this little gem.

Please enjoy “Tips for a Beautiful Face”:

xoxo.

Em-BIB Yourself!

As I mentioned in my SmartBargains Report for 5-1-08, bib necklaces are exploding like St. Helen’s for spring. When I say “bib necklaces”, I really hope you don’t envision some kind of terrycloth half-moon on a silver chain - because that’s so, so, so off.

A bib necklace is a necklace that usually has a thicker chain to support some heavier, larger pendants that hang a few inches below your collarbone, covering a coller of a tee, or meeting the top of a tank. They’re super chic, and a great addition to any “basic” outfit.


Kenneth Jay Lane Black Curb Link Necklace
$115.00 $29.97

Kenneth Jay Lane makes some beautiful jewelry and has recent caught on to this craze. I’ve found his gems through SmartBargains at prices so low that I need my inhaler to comprehend them.

The following items are from Lulu*s Fashion Lounge - don’t forget to use the coupon code “brokeandbeautiful” at checkout for 15% off!


Hammered Gold Fan Necklace

$11

Fitting in swimmingly with the whole tribal/safari trend that’s taking over the plant, this will turn even the simplest white, ribbed tank into something extraordinary! And for $11? Um, no excuses.


Amber and Green Ice Queen Necklace

$10

But if you’re a little more glam than tromping through the Sahara, then this one’s for you. I can’t tell if the title is “Amber and Green Ice… Queen Necklace”, or “Amber and Green… Ice Queen Necklace”… Either way, you’ll definitely cop an attitude with this thing on.

The following items are from Bluefly.com - until 5/31/08, if you enter the code AFF30 at checkout, new customers will receive $30 off their order of $150 or more!

Lenora Dame multi-charm straight link necklace

Lenora Dame Multi-Charm Straight Link Necklace

$125 $75

I love all the charms and bobbles on this piece! The metal looks kind of antiqued which gives the necklace a little something special, I think.

The following products are from Amazon.com:


Wrap Link Bib Necklace - Multicolor


$19.99

Yay! Color! This is from Target via Amazon. I love the light, bright colors - super summery!


Sterling Silver Beaded Bib Necklace 17″ by Netaya from Amazon
$150 $44.95

My eyes are still bugging out of my head at that discount… Sterling silver? For under $50? Yes, please! This would be beautiful over a shimmery halter top for a night on the town.

Okay, this last one is last for a reason… When I found it, I even gasped and had to catch my breath…


Multi-Colored Pearl Bib Necklace from Palm Beach Jewelry via Amazon
$99.99

Beautiful, beautiful multi-colored freshwater pearls… So. Gorgeous. And long! Can you imagine the heads that’d whip around once you walk into a room with those things on?! Good lord… I just… Yeah, I really think this one speaks for itself.

xoxo!

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Linkasaurus! 5.3.08

Cathy at All Chic discovers an edgy form of hosiery that’ll keep you chic.

Flat Broke & Fabulous celebrated Gwyneth Paltrow’s remarkably classy style.

Nubby Twiglet answers all your questions and gives amazing advice to freelancers struggling with money and time management. All independent artists: This is a must-read!

Chelsea Rae at Pink RockCandy -Fashion dreams about a trend she’s igniting: tribal tees.

Dianna, aka The Budget Babe has a killer 50% off deal with amazing jeweler, Twisted Silver!

Star at This Is Star waxes lyrical about the illustrator-takeover in fashion by introducing Paul Pope for DKNY.

Beauty & Fashion Tech reviews Lumeme Blueberry Mascara - and now I want it!

CONTESTS

Daneen, the amazing writer of the super-acclaimed blog, Spoiled Pretty is giving you one more day (well, more like 9 hours) to enter her contest for the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket filled with over $1,400 in beauty, clutches, manicure sets, garters, cleansers, and more!

The Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket will be filled with treats from Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Essie, Foot Petals, Hourglass Cosmetics, Jane Iredale, Kiehl’s, La Chica Chic, Lancome, Nailtiques, Ojon, Perfect Details, Prescriptives, Secret, Sephora, Stephanie Johnson, Three Custom Color Specialists, Veet, and many more!

SO GO ENTER! There’s still time!

xoxo.

RAGGED Giveaway Winner!

As of 11:59pm tonight (last night), the RAGGED Hoodie, CD, and magazine giveaway has come to an end.

This means, of course, that a winner must be chosen!

So the winner is…

CHRISTI B.!

She sent in the correct answer, “My Ignorant Youth”, and is the new owner of a Ragged Hoodie, an autographed Ragged Magazine, and 6 CDs including Kate Nash’s “Made Of Bricks”, which is one of the best albums this year, easy.

Congratulations, Christy B! You have until Sunday to respond or another winner will be chosen.

xoxo!

How to wear Color Blocked Dresses

Color-blocked dresses have been a trend that’s got some serious adhesive. It’s been around since late last summer, and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

A color-blocked dress is a garment that has at least two bold, separated colors. It doesn’t matter how they’re separated as long as there’s no pattern, blending, or image.

Sounds beautiful, huh? Well… I’ve received a lot of e-mails asking what the hell to wear on your feet when your dress has more colors than a rainbow? The majority of readers want to default to black shoes, as they’re the easiest… I have one thing to say to that:

NEVER WEAR NEUTRAL SHOES WITH A COLOR BLOCKED DRESS!
It’s a dowdy cop out!

Ahem.

So anyway, I figured that instead of shaking my head at people who fall in terror when faced with shoe choices, I ought to just shed some light and educate! It’s always the better choice.

How to Wear a Color Blocked Dress that’s Light:

Naturally, there are going to be dresses that are lighter, and dresses that are darker. They have different rules.

First rule: NO BLACK SHOES. White shoes only if there are like 18 different colors in your dress, and if that’s the case, it’s not a color block dress anyway, so go for it!

Shoes for Colorblocked Dresses

Here’s a great example of a “light color blocked dress”. The majority of the dress is white, giving it a bright, sunny feel - which should be reflected on your feets.

The dress is from Bluefly and designed by Romeo & Juliet Couture [$150 $90]. It’s lightweight jersey and ties in the back for an empire waist effect. GREAT for spring.

Since this dress only has a total of 3 colors, two of which are bold at all, you can really play up the boldness with your shoe selection.

The first shoe is the Charlotte Russe Platform Mary Janes [$22.99]. It’s beautiful saturated teal color really compliments (yes, compliments, not matches!) the saturated green and purple in the dress. The intensity isn’t overpowering and balances out the boldness of the outfit.

The second pair are from Rue 21 and are a beautiful yellow patent leather [$19.99]. If you’re a little too timid to do the big teal platforms but still want to make a statement, these lighter, easier pumps are for you.

The last pair, you’re probably sick of seeing by now. They’re from Lulu*’s [see discount code post!] and made by the infamous Naughty Monkey. They’re appropriately called “Colorful Talk” pumps [$70 or $59.50 with our discount code], and have the perfect combination of colors to compliment the dress. These shoes are the safest option for a new color block victim beginner.

Keep it simple with the accessories. Don’t go too bold EVERYWHERE, you just want to keep with the theme. Maybe toss on a thick lucite bangle, a pair of simple earrings, and a solid-color bag.

How to Wear a Dark Color Blocked Dress:

As you could probably imagine, there’s a similar rule for darker color blocked dresses as there is to light: NO WHITE SHOES! Tacky, tacky, tacky…

However, you have a little more flexibility with darker colors because they tend to be a little more “intense” than lighter ones, i.e. matching isn’t such a horrid offense. Especially if there’s balance involved.

Dark Color Block Dress

Cute dress, right? It’s from Bluefly by Sweet Pea [$148 $69.99] and has one of the coolest color blocking “patterns” I’ve seen yet! I love the light on bottom, dark on top vibe - very saucy. The scoopneck is super flattering, too.

So when it comes to the shoes - in my opinion, we can have more fun. We go from Brave to Wuss as we scan top to bottom of our shoe options. The bravest is an electric blue Satin Pleated Stiletto from Charlotte Russe [$24.99] that’ll really pop, yet still compliment the elegance of the dress. The big black space between the two pinks can either pop the colors, or mute them. In this case, they’re muted, so the blue sandals will really bring them back out.

Our second, middle choice is a perfect example of how “matching” is more acceptable with darker frocks. They’re Nine West Furgus fuchsia pumps from Piperlime [$80 $59.99]. The color is closer to the block that’s on the upper part of the dress, so it offers some balance to the outfit. I just think they’re super sexy.

Lastly, for all you wussies out there, we have some BCBGirls Albania sandals from Piperlime [$89]. You can imagine these delicate heels beneath you as you’re totally draped in beautiful sterling silver jewelry, right? Because that’s what I see when I look at them. Silver is never boring, so don’t even say “It’s a neutral, though!” to me. Don’t even TRY!

I hope this answers your color blocking questions! I hope you’ll all be a little more comfortable [and excited!] in your dresses with some dazzling shoesies to match compliment.

xoxo.

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Rad New Feature: Skribit!

You may have noticed a charming blue box to the left of the screen… Don’t worry! It’s friendly! It’s called Skribit, and it might be my favorite new thing. Ever.

It allows me to get instant feedback from you guys! It’s made for bloggers to be able to receive suggestions on what their readers would like them to write about.

You can also vote on other suggestions, so if you really want to make a point, make a suggestion and get all your friends to come and vote on it. Then I’ll almost have to write about it. (Not like I wouldn’t anyway…)

All you have to do is click on the top part that says “Tell Me What You Want!”, and a text box will appear which is where you type your suggestion. Someone already jumped on the train with a “MORE SHOES!!!” demand, so I’ll have to get on that…

But be specific! What kind of coats? What color notecards? What price teacups? You dig?

So give it a try! I’m really excited about this new feature - eat it up!

xoxo.

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Lulu*s Gives Broke & Beautiful a Break!

Literally.

Lulu*s Fashion Lounge is offering Broke & Beautiful readers %15 off all orders until JUNE 15!

How sweet! The coupon code is “brokeandbeautiful“, so please allow me to show you some of their new arrivals you can proudly get 15% off!

Bold wedges? Check! Strappy, unique sandal? Check!

These purses can go from shopping to the beach, and the fun colors are perfect for this season’s color fetish.

Heather Cut Out Top in Teal - $42.50 $36.13
Holly Ruffle Top in White - $31.50 $26.78

The poppy dress is so colorful and fun! And that maxi dress?! SO ADORABLE! You must have a maxi dress for spring and summer - it’s a necessity!

Open toe-oxfords are a little more casual than regular oxfords, but they can still be put with anything a regular oxford could be! And those gauchos are rising to fame! Here’s a post from The F - Affordable Fashion celebrating these beautiful gauchos.

These bangles are lightweight and simple! I love them! And, just for you FANATICS, I brought out the flat wallet you all have been craving for! Go ahead! Indulge!

And don’t forget, ladies, everything at Lulu*s Fashion Lounge is 15% off, so that means everything from The Deets: Episode One also counts!

Enjoy! And show off your loot!

xoxo.

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Another Makeover!

It’s true. Broke & Beautiful just can’t go too long without a makeover.

We grow up, we get bored, you know the drill. ;)

What do you think of our new look?

xoxo!

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