NOTES: Apple, Passion Fruit, Sweet Pea, Musky Woods

I purchased a mini of this scent from Fragrancenet.com during their last free shipping (no minimum purchase required) sale. I had absolutely no opinion on what kind of scent I would be receiving, as I had never actually read any kind of review. Has anyone ever tried this?

CLASSIFICATION: fresh, with a fruity opening, and a floral heart

AGE GROUP: Perfect for any age

SIMILAR SCENT(s): Slightly similar to Secret Wish by Ana Sui

FORM: Eau de Toilette

The opening is wonderful. At first application (damn those pour-on minis!), I experienced a blast of freshness that immediately reminded me of Secret Wish by Ana Sui. The apple and passion fruit notes are distinguishable, but very light; the wearer is not overpowered by fruits. A very pleasant opening indeed.

I was a little less impressed by the heart of sweet pea. I never really cared too much for sweet pea, as I find it to be an odd combination of sweet and slightly old-fashioned. However, the blast of freshness that I described from the opening never really fades, and saves the sweet pea from being too much.

Although I can smell fruity notes and floral notes in this fragrance, they are very light, and it is a little difficult to classify this as a fruity floral. If anything, "fresh, light, feminine" would be my description; this perfume is just so perfect to apply right out of the shower, in preparation of a laid-back, casual day.

The lasting power of the fragrance is about average, so it may be necessary to re-apply once throughout the day.

REPORT CARD

(We highly recommend reading our guide to understanding our grading system if you haven’t already)

First sniff (bottle): B

First sniff (skin): A-

Worn scent: B-

Staying power: B-

Scent as compared to note(s): A

Bottle: B

Overall: B

Perfect for any woman looking for a light, fresh summer fragrance (with slight fruity and floral undertones). Personally, I plan on a wearing this perfume at least a few more times to get a nice, solid opinion on it, as I really enjoyed it when I tested it. At this point I don't plan on purchasing a full size bottle to add to my collection, because although it is a very pleasant perfume that I do enjoy, it is not very unique in the perfume world.

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I love the look of zips and leather, especially what's coming out on bags at the moment (I like that Dolce & Gabbana one most people hate). I wouldn't have thought Witchery was one of those copycat stores, but so it seems, especially since I saw a Witchery purse that is a flagrant copy of the Chloe Bay purse. I couldn't find any photos on the web but I will post if I do later. It's a pretty good knockoff.

Photos courtesy of Quartier de Luxe, Witchery

Fascinating world of Riccardo Tisci : influenced by Latin America, maybe Corto Maltese, like a hypnotic poetic journey. The combination of fabrics and graphic prints and sophisticated cuts of items, with the smooth leather of the beautiful boots, brings a certain softness, strength and determination. Simply fascinating. I’m a big fan! 

www.givenchy.fr

Posts related to Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2008/2009 shows / Autres articles sur les défilés Haute Couture Automne-Hiver 2008/2009 :

Alexis Mabille : in English / En français

Anne Valérie Hash : in English / En français

Cathy Pill : in English / En français

Chanel : in English / En français

Christian Lacroix

Dior : in English / En français

Elie Saab : in English / En français

Givenchy : En français

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Knott : in English / En français

Maison Martin Margiela

Stéphane Rolland

Valentino : in English / En français

Fascinant univers de Riccardo Tisci : un ailleurs riche d’Amérique Latine, Corto Maltese, comme voyage poétique et hypnotique. Il se dégage de l’association des matières, graphismes des imprimés et coupes savantes des vêtements, avec le cuir lisse de ces superbes bottes : une certaine douceur, force et détermination. Simplement fascinant. Suis fan !

www.givenchy.fr 

Posts related to Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2008/2009 shows / Autres articles sur les défilés Haute Couture Automne-Hiver 2008/2009 :

Alexis Mabille : in English / En français

Anne Valérie Hash : in English / En français

Cathy Pill : in English / En français

Chanel : in English / En français

Christian Lacroix

Dior : in English / En français

Elie Saab : in English / En français

Givenchy : in English

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Knott : in English / En français

Maison Martin Margiela

Stéphane Rolland

Valentino : in English / En français

This Sephora-exclusive new product perfectly curls and separates lashes. It has a high-tech, patented round sphere at the tip of the precision wand that reaches every lash and adapts to all eye shapes. Find it only at Sephora for $27.

Sephora Summer Safari Pocket Brush Set

This wallet-size brush set includes five high-quality brushes for all your beauty needs. The brushes (including a powder brush, an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a concealer brush, and a lip brush) come in an adorable faux-alligator-skin case available in four different colors. At $20, you'd be crazy NOT to pick up this little number! Perfect for travel or everyday toting! Available at Sephora now.

LORAC Hollywood Heat Set

Get a California glow with LORAC's latest gift set, which includes a Bronze Bombshell Eye Shadow Trio, a mini Hot & Spicy Blush/Bronzer Duo, a travel-size TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer, and a mini Mocktail Flavored Lip Gloss in Tropical Dream. At $35, this summer set is a steal! Find it exclusively at Sephora.

Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Velvet Touch Primer

This new mattifying primer from Philosophy promises to dramatically reduce oil production, leaving you with a smooth canvas for your makeup. Touted as an alternative to blotting papers, the primer contains a powerful anti-irritant cocktail that enhances skin exfoliating and trans-epidermal water loss. Sounds good to me! And at $20 (much less than Smashbox's Photofinish Primer), its definitely worth a try! Find it at Sephora for $20.

Bliss Lover Handler

Does the idea of getting into your bikini this summer fill you with horror? Well this is the product for you. The unique formula contains an extended 8 hour caffeine release and mint oil to help increase circulation. The product should be applied to the stomach area once or twice a day and apparently clinical studies showed that over 50 per cent of women reported an improvement in tone and contour. The best thing about it? - It gets working in just two weeks, so there's no time to 'waist'(!) girls. The product retails at $36 and can be found at Sephora.

Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel

There is no greater beauty frustration than having bad skin. What's worse - even after beating acne we're left with scars and discoloration to remind us of our struggle. Well, no more! Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel promises to fade those scars and improve skin's clarity by exfoliating skin cells and brightening it with the number one brightening agent, Hydroquinone. Purchase wherever Murad is found (including Sephora) for $58.

Cosmedicine Healthy Cleanse Foaming Cleanser & Toner in One To Go

This two-in-one facial product is perfect for traveling - when you're skin is especially dry and irritable. Its a non-stripping face wash with witch hazel, a natural toner. It promises to remove makeup, cleanse and tone skin all in one easy step, without any irritation! In clinical trials, participants saw a 94% reduction in oiliness and an 85% reduction in sebum immediately after use, with zero irritation to the skin or eyes. Best of all, its only $10 and airplane friendly (under 4 oz.). Purchase at Sephora.

Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube

There's a buzz surrounding Too Faced's new Tanning Bed in a Tube, and for good reason. Its a gradual self tanner that promises no streaks or orange tints - just a gorgeous beachy glow. TBiaT imparts an instant bronze glow while it develops your perfect tan - so you don't have to wait! It retails at Sephora for $22.50.

Anastasia's Tweezers Anonymous

For the over-plucker, this kit is sure to get your brows back in shape. The kit features a compilation of Anastasia's best products, including Brow Enhancing Serum ("a gel-based formula designed to help condition, repair, and restore over-plucked and undernourished brows" - Sephora), Brow Stix three-piece stencil set, Duo Brow Wand ("a new powder featuring a dual-sided applicator with Brunette and Ash Blonde Brow Powders"), and a Mini Duo Brush. The set retails at Sephora for $55.

Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator To Go

A Sephora exclusive,this little tube contains a highly effective exfoliator with special stop-action crystals that adjust to individual needs and pinpoint areas requiring more attention. Its perfect for all skin types as it automatically eliminates the potential for overdoing the exfoliation process (shuts off when uniform smoothness, brightness, and luminosity are achieved). It promises to accelerate the release of cellular debris, roughness, dullness, and skin damage (without the risk of irritation, redness, and sensitivity), help erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help fade pigmentation and age spots, perfect skin's appearance, and refine pores. Best of all, its only $12.50 at Sephora.

Max Factor Erace Secret Cover-Up

Style.com says that this concealer comes in a "user-friendly matte cream formula (just stroke on and blend with a fingertip)" that expertly conceals under-eye circles and blemishes. Best of all, its only $4.75 at drugstores!

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Red Lipstick in RD165

Touted as complexion-flattering, these new moisture-rich lipsticks are made up of hybrid pigments "un-replicated by others" to give women of every skintone a red that works for her. Finally! With a ceramide shield to keep your lips moisturized and comfortable, this new lipstick promises to be a spring must-have! For shade choices, go to shuuemura-usa.com. Available at Sephora or shuuemura-usa.com. $23

Ted Gibson Brazen Brown Shampoo

Those who color their hair know that keeping color vibrant can take frequent touch-ups. Enter Ted Gibson's color-depositing shampoos. They are "intensely moisturizing" and contain temporary hair color to prevent fading and keep your locks looking vibrant! These color saving shampoos also contain jojoba extract and silk protein infusion to keep hair protected from harmful environmental damage. Purchase at Sephora.com or tedgibsonbeauty.com. 10 fl oz: $36.00

Anyway, there's short or long, practical (As in it actually keeps you warm! Who would've thought!) or decorative, arm holes or no arm holes. They do cover up the winter flab (Heaven knows I need that), but still. I do love the short feathery ones over dresses, though.

(Tuleh S/S 08)

I like this take for beachside; I think I'll try it with a sarong come summer. (Who is that model and what's wrong with her legs?!

Other than Maggie T ($269), I can't seem to find capes on the high street. How frustrating!

Photos courtesy of New York Magazine

Where does this come from? First, I studied art history for two years in Paris. Then I worked for Louis Vuitton which allowed me to discover that there is a lot more to the high end fashion industry than just making money. People that are not familiar with the French fashion industry do not realize that what it is really about is historical heritage, hand craft, unique pieces and, above all, French culture.

So, when I joined Givenchy’s PR team, I discovered a couture and perfumery house which is among the most interesting in its industry. Its founder Hubert de Givenchy is still alive and the brand has a fantastic history. Legendary film star Audrey Hepburn was Hubert de Givenchy’s first and only muse. What I enjoyed most about my position was the opportunity to promote the brand history and legacy of the new products. Working for Givenchy was really about culture and discovering the French perfume industry. It was my job as a public relations intern to share what I was learning with as many people as possible.

I think this is also what United Planet is about. Everyone is passionate about something, is proud of his or her culture, or has knowledge others do not have. It would be a waste not to share it. The knowledge or passions we have should not be kept confidential or to a happy few.

United Planet, through its different volunteer abroad programs, gives people the opportunity to meet, talk, and like in The Little Prince by A. St Exupery, “to tame and be tamed”. At the moment, I am working as a member of the Communications Team for United Planet. Inside the organization itself the diversity of the people makes it a really rewarding experience. I have a lot of expectations for myself and United Planet and, hopefully, I will be able to participate actively in many United Planet’s programs.

I love culture and I love learning from others. That is why I worked for Givenchy and that is why I joined United Planet.

Volunteer Abroad with United Planet!

The Chain Gang

Riccardo Tisci wowed us this Fall/Winter season with a collection that is appropriately dark and gracefully romantic, with the hint of a gothic mood. Although the ultra fitted silhouettes bear a striking resemblance to Nicolas Ghesquière's previous Balenciaga collections, the Hispanic inspiration behind Tisci's take on the skinny trousers and tailored jackets is evident in the details. Draped in dramatic chains with crucifixes and softened with chiffons and ethereal blouses, the collection reflects this season's shift towards a more feminine aesthetic.

Alpha Female

Nicolas Ghesquière is over the androgynous, skinny rocker boy look, and so are we! With the defined waistlines and emphasized hips of his pencil skirts and fitted dresses, curves are back on the runway. The look is femme fatale and 50s cocktail party...set in an austere Sci-Fi future. This season, Ghesquière's Balenciaga woman is powerful, yet uncompromisingly feminine and glamourous.

Givenchy Strappy Open Toe Ankle Bootie - $995.00 ; Steve Madden Ginn Strappy Open Toe Ankle Bootie - $199.95

It was only a matter of time before shoe guru (for a lack of better words) Steve Madden got his hands on replicating the ever so popular Givenchy Open Toe Ankle Booties seen on almost every fashionista in Hollywood lately. Honestly, I was debating back and forth with a couple fashion forward friends of mine about whether or not I would be committing a serious discredit to my fashion mantra - "Fakes are never in fashion" by purchasing the "designer inspired" pair. They both assured me that they were cute replicas and I should invest in them before they sell out, lol. One of them also brought up a good point saying why should we as fellow fashion fanatics sit back and watch all the celebrities, socialites, etc. have all the fun and wear all the hautest trends? I concur. As much as I loathe over the Givenchy booties (*sigh*) I certainly don't have $1,000 sitting on my dresser to devote those beauties. So unless, I receive a free .99 coupon in the mail to a complimentary pair, it looks like Steve Madden it shall be. I already reserved my shoes on pre-order in black and I'm also considering snagging the bronze pair.

What do you think lovies? Would you rock these shoes?

Chew it up or Spit it Out?

Am I shallow? 

While you’re offering I will take these Givenchy leather pants from the Fall 2008 collection, thank you.

P.S. My hair is too long and I’m in desperate need of a hair cut.  Someone please just make me do it.  At the very least, make me grow the balls to just do it myself; something I’ve been meaning to try for some measure of months now.  Alright, alright.  Within the next three days I will cut my hair.  I will!

With Alotta Love,

zee zee cakes

Photo from VMag

Um so mehr freut es mich, dass die Amerikanerin, mittlerweile 42 Jahre alt, seit ein paar Saisons wieder ab und zu auf dem Catwalk auftaucht. Als ich mir jetzt die Givenchy-Winter-Kollektion noch mal genau angeschaut habe, habe ich auch Kristen wiederentdeckt. Allerdings bin ich von dieser Frisur hier wenig begeistert:

Die langen, hellen Haaren machen das Gesicht viel zu hart. Und überhaupt waren die kurzen Haare an ihr viel cooler. Ich hoffe auf ein baldiges Umstyling - und weitere Auftritte.

Fotos: via kristenmcm.altervista.org; style.com

Dazu kommen noch Lakshmi Menon, neues Gesicht aus Bangalore, und Maria Carla Boscono - und diese phantastischen Ketten (die Madonna auch in ihrem "Give it to me"-Video trägt). Weiß eigentlich jemand, was die kosten???
Hier die dezentere Variante mit Poly, Boscono und Menon:

Foto: Givenchy via Fashion Time

I was just perusing one of my favorite websites, Men.Style.Com, and was floored when I saw the Spring '09 shoe collection from Givenchy. Their clothes are a little too out there for me most of the time, especially as head-to-toe looks, but as individual pieces a lot of them can easily be turned into wearable points of focus in an otherwise toned down outfit.

These shoes are a perfect example. I love the way that they daringly integrate trends popular in women's fashion (gladiators, victorian utilitarianism), while still remaining wearable in the context of menswear. Mens fashion rarely takes risks that can actually translate from the runway to the real world, and it is revitalizing to see Givenchy take on the task and succeed.

If I had these shoes, I doubt I would be daring enough to actually wear them with shorts, which mean I would most likely go for the pair on the left. Most of the time they would appear to simply be attractive classic wing-tips, but when you sat down and your pants ride up a little it would be a fashion explosion!

Not that it matters though, unless I win the lottery. These shoes will most likely retail in the range of $600-$700. Let's hope H&M hops to it and knocks them off ASAP.

Josh Hartnet für Diamonds von Emporio Armani

Too hot too sexy. If I had these new Givenchy shoes I would probably run around my apartment naked, with just these shoes on. Discuss. RYAN DYE

Photo by JD Ferguson

I have spotted three pictures on the net.
Click 1
Click 2
Click 3
(pictures from http://justjared.buzznet.com)

While I am sure there were other pretty-boys that could've made a set of photos for Play, I guess they had their reasons for choosing Mr. Timberlake. My only problem is that from those three pictures, only the third gives me the Givenchy vibe, the other two are just "bof". Pretty pictures, but not Givenchy pictures. Or maybe I'm still stuck in an Audrey Hepburn like atmosphere.

So what do you think?

When Tischi gets it right his hits are unbeatable but when he gets it wrong the effects are near disastrous. Take this collection's flat gold cowboy boots - a Glitter Gulch touch to an otherwise understated collection. Thankfully the omnipresent (and near expiration date) gladiator sandals are considerably chicer.

Givenchy couture took a tour of the Andes this week in Paris, as the house’s creative director Riccardo Tisci sent out a phalanx of models in alpaca en route on a motorbike tour of Peru.

Secondo Givenchy Justin Timberlake avrebbe rivoluzionato il concetto di stile al maschile. E allora, ecco il neo-modello nella nuova campagna della maison per il profumo "Play"