Giveaways

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July 15, 2008

Giveaway: Delirius

Whether you're a hairdresser, maker of birthday cakes or sartorial provocateur—intelligent layering is always key. This is something the ladies behind fresh new New York label Delirius understand all too well. For their first collection, Delirius experiments with draping, layering and asymmetry to create a line that's edgy, yet still supremely wearable. Their Racer top for example (main picture), is an elegant tank with a softly-draped neckline from the front. But an overlay at the back adds extra dimension. Worn alone it's perfect for showing off your summer tan, thanks to open sides that show a little waist. For the more modest, it's gorgeous with a basic tank underneath and teamed with your favorite pair of jeans.
Delirius was founded by Belarus natives Iyra and Katya, who studied fashion at Parsons and FIT and remain based in Manhattan. This, their first collection, is focused on the fusion of ultra-soft feminine fabrics with unexpected trims and original silhouettes. "It's not about being casual or dressy, or day or night anymore," says the designer. "Rather, it is about beauty, comfort and attitude."
Delirius is gifting one Stylephile reader a layered Racer Top (main picture), available in sizes Small through Large, with a retail value of $150. To win,  leave a comment telling us about the last time you felt delirious. Best story wins! The deadline is Monday July 21 at 5PM, and don't forget to leave your email in the body of the comment.
www.deliriusdesign.com

July 15, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (16)

July 10, 2008

Giveaway: Eva Longoria's "single" dress

Married she may be, but Eva Longoria remains single in spirit in this beautiful silk maxi-dress by L.A.-based label single.
The line is the brainchild of very-not-single husband and wife team Galina and Michael Sobolev, Russian ex-pats whose tale of creative and romantic partnership is the stuff that births love sonnets.
In her native Russia, Galina learned to make clothes from her grandmother, a well respected dressmaker who had her own atelier in a glitzy neighborhood in Odessa. There, just steps away from the Opera House, learned to sew and crochet and assisted her grandmother in making clothes for the stylish wives of diplomats and government officials. In 1977 her family moved to New York where she enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and became a model, walking the New York runways alongside Pat Cleveland and Iman for Michael Vollbracht and Michael Kors. Galina moved to Los Angeles in 1987 where she met her future husband Michael Sobolev, an entrepreneur and MBA, on Christmas Eve, 1992.  They started the line single together, using one-of-a-kind prints based on original artwork from art studios in Italy and France.
single is available at select stores of Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Fred Segal, Planet Blue Harvey Nichols and many other exclusive boutiques worldwide.
Single is gifting one Stylephile reader a maxi dress (retail value $348) as worn by Eva Longoria. To win, leave a comment telling us the best thing about being single, and leave your email address. Deadline is Wednesday July 16 at 5PM.

July 10, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (48)

June 24, 2008

Giveaway: Better Bacon

 
Sometimes homeless people have the best style.
Sometimes two-year-olds make more sense than adults.
And sometimes special needs kids make cooler t-shirts than anyone else.
Case in point: Better Bacon tees. Designed entirely by kids and young adults with developmental disabilities, the line features hand-drawn graphics that are both poignant and fashion-forward, thanks to their DIY, Daniel Johnston-esque aesthetic (Kurt Cobain pictured wearing Daniel Johnston's amoeba tee).
Each item of clothing has a “Hang-Tag” featuring a Polaroid of the artist, a personal statement describing themselves and their creative outlets, and what they hope the consumer gets from the entire experience.
For instance, the "Out of Shape Banana" tee was created by Peewee who says: “I was taking the Velvet Underground CD cover out, and I decided to draw it. in reality I don’t know why I drew it, but I drew it. I don’t really care so much about the Velvet Underground cover; it’s more their songs I like. They got good music, and hopefully it would be nice if they put out more music like that.”
Better Bacon has no salaried employees, and the only individuals who profit from the line are the artists. The company pays each artist per design, per garment sold, regardless of profits.
Better Bacon is gifting one Stylephile reader a tee-shirt of their choice from the collection. To win, leave a comment describing one thing that inspires you to be creative. Deadline is Monday June 30 at 5PM.

June 24, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (9)

June 19, 2008

Giveaway, and cute couple alert: Bishop of Seventh

When Chachi Prasad and his wife Karam Kim launched their premium denim line, they named it Bishop of Seventh, in honor of the place their cut their teeth in the fashion industry—namely New York’s Seventh Avenue. Then they packed their bags for L.A.
“We wanted to be around all the big boys in Los Angeles,” says Prasad, referring to major denim brands—J Brand, Seven for all Mankind, Rock and Republic, Paige Premium and others—which are mainly based in L.A., America’s denim capital.
Prasad and his wife had spent their careers on Seventh Avenue, working as designers for high-fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan and Michael Kors. Overnight, they found themselves in the wash houses and denim mills of Downtown L.A., coming up with their own, innovative denim treatments in an already competitive jeans market. “We weren’t really denim people before we started out, so it helped that there was a bunch of chemical engineers in my family,” says Prasad. “That gave me some cool ideas.”
They experimented, putting golf balls and pennies in dryers, and coming up with ways to soften their fabrics with minimal use of chemicals. This was around 2005, at the peak of the premium denim game. Prasad went against the grain, favoring raw, tailored denims and clean rinses rather than the embellished, super-distressed looks that were en vogue at the time. “I felt like we were ahead of our time,’ said Prasad, and he’s right—look around today and it’s all about raw denim, tailoring and minimalism.
Sensing that the premium denim explosion was about to plateau, Bishop decided to expand its focus and throw trousers into the mix (Seven For All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans and Paige Premium Denim have since all launched trouser lines). BofS trousers are engineered, with a twisted seam to elongate the leg and a rayon yarn that “wraps around a woman’s body really well,” says Prasad (He sent me a pair and yes, they do add an inch or two to my tiny frame). “Our trousers have a great price point too," points out Prasad, "especially compared with an Armani trouser for example."
Bishop of Seventh donates a portion of all profits to the charity Earth Rights International, which watches over human rights and environmental abuse by major corporations. (Earth Rights is currently pursuing Chevron for apparently hiring paramilitaries in Burma to oust people from their villages to make way for a pipeline). And for extra feel-good factor, their 35th Street Jean was actually blessed by a monk at a Tibetan Temple in Long Beach (where Prasad and his wife were married). “He performed a ceremony that was 30 minutes long, blessing the jeans for health, happiness and prosperity. Then he told us that we have a good, long journey ahead of us with this company. And so we keep going forward.”
Bishop of Seventh is gifting one Stylephile reader a pair of its 7th Ave jeans in Carbon Grey, plus a Christopher trouser in Black Gabardine (with a combined retail value of around $420).
To win, tell us what your favorite charity is, and why. Most compelling response wins! Leave your answers in the comments section of the post, being sure to include your email address so we can reach you. Deadline is Wednesday June 25, at 5PM.

June 19, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (17)

June 17, 2008

Giveaway--blue charmeuse dress by Lisa Michelle Collection

You've been cruising the waves on your long board all day in your eco-friendly Patagonia wetsuit, but that doesn't mean you don't know how to dress it up after sunset. Surf sirens—and their landlubbing counterparts—would do well to invest in a playful number from the newly-launched Lisa Michelle Collection.

The brainchild of L.A.-based up-and-comer Lisa Felsenthal (who has designed for Rozae Nichols and Monique Lhuillier, and who interned for Michelle Mason and Jeremy Scott while training) the flirty, feminine line features light, beautiful European fabrics and trims, perfect for the urban sophisticate who doesn't take herself too seriously.

We have a blue silk charmeause Lisa Michelle Collection evening dress (retail value $650) to give away to one Stylephile reader (we can accomodate most regular sizes). To win, simply tell us this: what's going to be your style essential this summer? Leave your answers in the comments section of this post. Deadline is 5PM, Monday June 23rd.

June 17, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (32)

May 15, 2008

Last chance to buy tickets for "Fashion For Life" this weekend!

It's your last chance to buy tickets for Fashion for Life, the annual fashion fundraiser for Friendly House, one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most respected addiction recovery organizations for women. The event takes place this Sunday, May 18 from 2pm – 5pm at Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills.
The event features a dynamic fashion show highlighting seven Los Angeles designers, including Kevan Hall, Robert Rodriguez, Marc Callo, and Elsie Katz Couture. The audience will also be treated to a first look at Paige Black Label, the new collection of skirts, trousers, dresses, vests and jackets in fine fabrications created by Paige Adams-Gellar. DJ AM will spin during the show. Honorary Co-Chairs Amber Valletta, Cameron Silver, and Paige Adams-Gellar, emcee Lisa Rinna and renowned retailer Lisa Kline will be joined by fashionistas from across LA.
At last year's event, Decades boutique owner Cameron Silver (pictured, with model Amber Valetta) exclaimed that Fashion for Life was his "fashion Bar Mitzvah" when he was presented with the Vision Award for his contributions to L.A. fashion. This year’s Vision Award honoree goes to Lisa Kline.
Tickets begin at $75 and can be purchased by calling 310-929-7826, or emailing friendlyhouse@sbcglobal.net. Click here for more info.
Fashion for Life is offering to gift a Stylephile reader one of their VIP Gift Bags, containing items by Paige Premium Denim, Kol Candle, Zooey T’s, Stacie Bass Flip Flops, ghd Hair Care, Voluspa Candles, Grant Chris Rohloff T-shirts, Balance Water and a notepad from the night's  Vision Award Honoree, Lisa Kline.
To win, tell us this: how would you define L.A. fashion? The most insightful comment wins! Leave your answers in the comments section of this post, and dont forget to include your email address. Deadline is Wednesday May 21 at 5PM.

May 15, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (10)

May 1, 2008

Win a limited edition Veuve Clicquot Traveller

If your mom gets her kicks from champagne, why not gift her Veuve Clicquot Traveller (sic) this Momma's Day. It looks like a stylish mini tote...but inside, it's hiding a mini bottle of VC fizz. Designed to be the perfect carrier for a 375 ml bottle of Veuve, this Louis Vuitton-designed case keeps bubbles cool whether your mom's on the beach, at a garden party or running some pre-Mimosa errands. And once the contents are gone, she can use it as a cute handbag/vanity case/jewelery, simply by removing the cooling neoprene insulation from the inside. Buy here.
We have one Limited Edition Pink Veuve Cliquot Traveller to gift to a Stylephile reader (if you re-gift to your mom, we promise not to tell). To win, tell us about the last time you got drunk on champagne. Leave your answers in the comments section, and make sure to include your email address. Deadline is this Sunday, May 4!

May 1, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (30)

April 30, 2008

Scarves: God giveth and She taketh away

There's nothing quite like the pain of loving and losing a beautiful silk scarf. I invited you to recount your tragic tales of M.I.A. scarves for the chance to win a replacement—a beautiful floral silk number by L.A. designer Pegah Anvarian, and many of you were kind enough to share your tales of loss.

One reader admitted to losing numerous scarves after tying them to luggage so she could identify her bags at airport carousels. Tsk tsk! Another reader suspected her cat of eating her three scarves. One poetic Stylephiler could recall the very first scarf she ever lost. "It was a very tiny one with a teddy bear print, I think it was hidden under a fir tree where I used to play with dolls and imagine their princess dresses."
In the end, I had to pick this entry by stariesky, who had a scarf fetish but was too scared to actually wear any of her purchases because she thought she had a short neck. By the time she realized her neck wasn't actually that short, it was too late...

"Really nice scarves have always been my weakness. I''ve splurged in the past, sometimes blowing half a paycheck on ones I''ve admired on other people but too self-conscious of my short neck to wear out. I figured I’d buy now and figure out how to put them on ‘later’. So I continued to add to my collection, storing them like a squirrel preparing for winter. When I finally got it in my head that there was really nothing wrong with the length of my neck, I excitedly went fishing for my scarves, ready to explode into spring. To my horror, I noticed the box I stored them in was gone!! After searching for two days straight, I find out my boyfriend found them while looking for a box of old clothes I left in my closet for his yard sale. Yep, they sold for a buck each. Boy did I ever learn my lesson. I really hope whoever ended up with my scarves managed to get a whole lot of use out of them."

April 30, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

Win a dinner for two at Dakota Bridge

Where can you savor your filet mignon in the jasmine-scented night air, seated just yards above an azure swimming pool around which young beautiful things are sipping wines several years older than they are? At Dakota Bridge, Hollywood's newest dining destination.
Essentially an extension of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Dakota steak house, Dakota Bridge offers a semi-private dining experience that overlooks the hotel's Tropicana Bar and its David Hockney pool. Dakota Bridge can accommodate intimate dinners, from two to forty guests, by reservation, and all diners are guaranteed entry to the Tropicana Bar.
Tim Goodell, president/executive chef of Domaine Restaurants is calling the new venture a "pure, one-of-a-kind Hollywood experience,” and just last week, the restaurant popped its celeb cherry, when fashion designer Charlotte Ronson hosted a private dinner party there for family and friends (including her buddies Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie) to celebrate her Fall '08 collection.
Dakota Bridge is gifting one Stylephile reader a delicious dinner for two—to win just tell us this: If you were dining at Dakota Bridge, what would you hope to see happening down below at the Tropicana Bar?
Leave your answers in the comments section of this post, making sure to leave your email address. Deadline is Tuesday April 6.
Dining hours for the Dakota Bridge are Sunday – Wednesday 6-10:30 pm for larger groups; individual reservations are available Thurs 6-10:30 pm; Fri and Sat 6-11 pm. Reservations are required  (323) 466-7000.

April 30, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (15)

April 28, 2008

Ring my bell-bottom: Dittos jeans winner!

Many interesting things happened in the 1970s.

• The X-rated Midnight Cowboy won Best Picture.
• The Beatles broke up.
• Earth Day was founded.
• Apple Computers was born.

And Dittos jeans spread the bell-bottom creed across America

After decades in the doldrums, Dittos was recently relaunched under the creative guidance of Frankie B designer Daniella Clark, who has done an amazing job of making the classic brand appealing to modern consumers. We invited Stylephile readers to recount their favorite things about the 1970s in order to win a free pair of Dittos, and dozens of you entered (including many who had not even been conceived in the 1970s). 
In the end, I picked this poetic entry by Michelle Romero, who eschewed all traditional notions of grammar and punctuation to recreate this supa fly scene, right out of 1976. Congratulations Michelle, your parents sound groovy!

Oh the 70's! Born in 1971 the vinyl records - Sitting in my room wood paneled with yellow/green carpet right next to my orange and white record player and playing Undercover Angel my first vinyl! Sitting in my favorite white denim shorts with a rainbow on the pockets and my favorite purple bandeau top. Wearing headbands and finding my love for make-up and blue eye shadow. Seeing my mom and dad getting ready for a night on the town my mom dressed in a white bell bottom jumpsuit and my father in a white suit. The greatest memory of the 70's.

April 28, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 24, 2008

Giveaway, and sale: Pegah Anvarian tomorrow!

Here's another steal for L.A. readers: designer Pegah Anvarian is holding a special sale at the California Market Center, coinciding with the regular monthly sample sale there.
You'll be able to pick up designs like these (pictured) from Pegah's Spring 2007 to Spring 2008 collections, all for 65% or more off retail.
Even if you're not ready to slip in to one of Pegah's sexy draped jersey dresses, it's worth checking out her new collection of fitted pants, tailored jackets, and signature scarves.
Pegah has kindly offered to gift one Stylephile reader a beautiful silk scarf from her collection (fabric is pictured).
To win, simply tell us this: how many scarves do you think you have mislaid over the years, and where do you think they end up? Leave your answer as a comment, and don't forgte to include your email address! Deadline is Wednesday April 30.
The sale takes place tomorrow, Friday, April 25th, from 9 a.m.  to 6 p.m. at The Annex at the California Market Center (off the Main Lobby), 110 East Ninth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90079. The CMC is a 13-story building in downtown LA housing more than 1,000 showrooms and 10,000 product lines. On the last Friday of every month, it opens its doors to the general public to shop for samples at participating showrooms.
No RSVP is necessary.

April 24, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (11)

April 16, 2008

And the most virtuous winner is...

Stylephile readers, most of you felt rather shy when I asked you to describe your most virtuous act for the chance to win a this beautiful white gold ring by Heavenly Sinful Jewels. "I believe the most virtuous thing I can do here is to keep the virtuous things I've done for others between me & them," said one reader. "Doesn’t telling others of the most virtuous thing you ever did remove the essence from the act?" asked another.
It's clear—we feel uncomfortable, boastful even, describing our good deeds to others. But I have to say, all your stories—stories of 9/11, of Hurricane Katrina, tales of loss and of self-sacrifice during dark times—each one was inspiring, each one made me ask myself "would I have done the same?"
In the end, I picked this entry, for the sheer sweetness of it. Congratulations, allmathews! Your 18 karat white gold ring with a green amethyst center encrusted in golden leaves and diamonds from the Heavenly Sinful Jewels PURE Collection is on its way!
"I was 17, had just gotten my license, cashed my paycheck for $121 and was feeling good. I went to the local diner to have a congratulatory cup of coffee. My waitress was obviously having a bad day. She was about my age but her eyes looked like they were 80 years old and had lived through a war. I could tell she was holing back tears. I finished my coffee and went to the register to pay my $1.05. I told the owner behind the counter that I wanted to leave my waitress a tip, but not on the table. I handed him my crisp $100 bill. He said I was crazy. I told him she deserved it."

April 16, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 8, 2008

Scanty nightwear giveaway!

The Free Love, Peace and Patchouli lifestyle usually involves a certain degree of Nakedness. But after a three-day, clothing-optional peyote trip in the desert, you might actually enjoy putting on some attire—such as Scanty's free-flowing, Sixties-nostalgic line of sleepwear and lingerie. Bold flower-power prints evoke the spirit of Haight-Ashbury, before it became a tourist destination. And Scanty's soft cottons are so lightweight, you could close your eyes and pretend to be naked, rolling in the mud with thousands of beautiful freaks, tuning in, dropping out and surfing the vibrations while Janis sings "Piece of My Heart". (Let's forget you're actually sitting in bed painting your toenails and watching "CSI".)
Scanty is available at Neiman Marcus and other outlets.
Scanty is offering to gift this pretty babydoll nightdress (worth $70) to a Stylephile reader. To win, answer this: which counterculture icon of the 1960s do you admire most, and why? Deadline is Monday April 14th at 5PM. (Don't forget to leave your email address in the comment!)

April 8, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (11)

April 1, 2008

Dittos jeans giveaway!

Dittos is gifting a pair of its "Classic" jeans in blue (pictured) to a Stylephile reader. Just leave a comment telling us what your favorite thing about the 1970s is...or was. (It doesn't matter if you were still a glimmer in your daddy's eye at the time...just be creative!). And don't forget to leave your email address. Deadline is Monday April 7 at 5PM.

April 1, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (28)

March 31, 2008

Your bags spilleth over: M Z WALLACE winner

African thumb pianos. Sugarwater. Poop samples. $100,000 in gold bullion. Oboe reeds. Severed finger tips. Diamonds. Parrots. Siblings' ashes. Guns. Cat's whiskers. Oh, and finger puppets. Just some of the many weird and wonderful things that Stylephile readers carry around in their handbags.
More than 400 of you divulged the contents of your purses for the chance to win an M Z WALLACE handbag, and the results proved once and for all that the term "travel light" remains open to interpretation.
It was exceptionally difficult to settle upon a winner. But in the end, no-one beat the sheer eclecticism of this entry by Hispafrican. Read it and see what working in film production does to the inside of your handbag.(Too bad about your cheatin' boyfriend, Hispafrican!)
"I''m a gal with a set of handbags that have probably seen more than their fair share of oddities through the years. The fact that I work in Production doesn''t help what goes in those bags, it only sweetens the memories! I have had A wind-up nun that spits fire, therapy flashcards, earthquake putty, "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert greene, $100,000 in gold bullion (for a show I worked on and was ordered to not let the bars out of my sight), a bounced child support check from a TV actor that was handed to me as the nanny dropped his kid off in my office, an electric screwdriver, The Garmin handheld GPS system, a business card scanner, a SONY clamshell TV monitor that hangs around your neck, empty ziplock freezer bags, "hush heels" foot foam, hand sanitzer, a very large satelite phone, flashlight, mini fan, a tatoo sketch, irish whisky, the 5 lb.mold of my foot used to make custom orthotics, iodine, a booklight, an electronic scrabble game, flares, lighterfluid, matches and my ex-boyfirend''s favorite sweatshirt along with the picture and the marriage certificate of the wife that I never knew he had!"

March 31, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2008

It's espadrille season, Duckies!

Created by humble Basque Country peasant-folk, the lowly espadrille has built a formidable fan base that now spans the globe. Donna Karan championed the shoe, and Rubber Duck, the L.A. footwear firm known for their waterproof snow joggers (Jessica Alba and Hillary Duff couldn't get enough of them at Sundance), is presenting its Spring '08 espadrille collection.
Rubber Duck's "Los Drillos" line features smooth fabric lining, natural rope, and a big SMILE on the sole of each design. And look, no laces! Perfect if you're gearing up for sunny beach days ahead. Plus, 10% of all profits go toward the "wealth, health, and well-being" of Rubber Duck's factory workers in Bangladesh and China.
The shoes come in some rather eye-catching prints, and we have three pairs (worth $30 each) to give away.
To enter, leave a comment telling us about your favorite pair of shoes. Be sure to leave your email address in the body of the comment. Deadline is Wednesday April 2 at 5pm.

March 27, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (15)

March 25, 2008

Heavenly Sinful Jewels giveaway

To enjoy Jeckyll, you need some Hyde. To love Sandy, you need to feel Rizzo. And to truly know bling, you need to experience Heavenly Sinful Jewels, a blissfully schizophrenic jewelry line that creates pieces for the angel in your heart... and the devil on your shoulder.
Heavenly Sinful Jewels houses two collections—Twistted and PURE. The Twistted collection is rock 'n roll inspired, comprising diamond-studded skull faces and little hearts with devils' horns. Handcrafted from silver or white gold, Twissted appeals to fast-living bad girls who believe rehab is for wimps and take leather over lace, every time (think Angelina Jolie in "Girl, Interrupted").
And then there's the PURE collection, an array of delicate, feminine pieces, hand-crafted from white and rose gold. These adornments are designed for Earth Angels with virtuous hearts beating behind their heaving bosoms (think Uma Thurman in "The Age of Innocence").
Jaime Pressly, Mary J. Blige, and Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dolls have all sported items from the Heavenly Sinful collection, and so can you—Heavenly Sinful is gifting one lucky Stylephile reader an 18 karat white gold ring with a green amethyst center encrusted in golden leaves and diamonds from the PURE Collection (pictured). It's worth $2,000, and will make your halo glow every time you wear it.
To win, simply leave a comment telling us about the most virtuous thing you've ever done (don't forget to leave your email address in the body of the comment). Deadline is Tuesday April 1 at 5PM.

March 25, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (100)

March 24, 2008

SIGG bottle winner

I asked you to divulge your best green living tips for the chance to win a SIGG water bottle, and your answers ranged from keeping power strips turned off to using waxed paper instead of plastic wrap, and keeping hold of the mountain of paper napkins that takeout joints love to hand out. The winning entry was this one by Amanda, who quite rightly reminds us that any lifestyle change is best taken one step at a time...
Congratulations Amanda! One SIGG bottle comin' atcha!

"My best green living tip - make one change at a time. When it comes to the everyday choices you make, all the products you use, going green can seem overwhelming (and expensive!) It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming – it really just takes making one small change at a time! For instance - over the past year, I've switched to canvas grocery bags instead of using plastic, now use Begley's Best and other safe household cleaners and detergents - even my dog's poop bags are biodegradable. And I continue to make more changes all the time as I learn what other ways I can help and the small changes I can make along the way. :)"

March 24, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 20, 2008

M Z Wallace handbag giveaway

Don't you hate it when you buy a cute handbag only to realize that sadly, it's anorexic? Meaning, it won't hold more than a lipstick and cell phone before starting to bulge. Which is why we love M Z WALLACE, the high end New York handbag company founded in 2000 by Lucy Wallace Eustice and Monica Zwirner. Their handbag philosophy is based on form and function, style and substance...meaning M Z WALLACE bags can elegantly hold your entire makeup collection, two cellphones, a couple copies of "The Secret" and a small pet—and still have room for a bagel.
“Each and every bag in the Bedford collection has a minimum of six pockets, they are lightweight, water repellant, and can be carried in the hand or over the shoulder,” says Monica Zwirner, Founder and Co-Owner of M Z WALLACE, who is gifting one lucky Stylephile reader a Bedford Nylon Bea handbag in Pearl, a soft and lightweight purse that is Teflon-coated for water repellency (!), and lined with a custom satin nylon. It features Italian leather trim and custom hardware plus two exterior zipper pockets, six interior pockets, four tech pockets (each wide enough to accommodate a Blackberry, Treo, iPhone, etc).
It's worth $365 and can be yours...just answer this question: what unusual objects have you kept in your handbag? Please leave your answers inthe comments section, and make sure to include your email address. Deadline is Wednesday March 26 at 5PM.
M Z WALLACE handbags are available for purchase online at www.mzwallace.com and in retail locations across the nation including: M Z WALLACE Flagship Store, 93 Crosby Street between Prince and Spring, - NYC 10012, (888) 600-5559.

March 20, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (431)

Pepto Bismol facials and other beauty secrets

Neosporin and toothpaste to zap zits? Green tea bags for sensitive skin? Baking soda as an exfoliant? I could write a book about the non-traditional beauty-treatments recommended by Stylephile readers.
And guess what, most of them are cheap! Think Preparation H and diaper cream to get rid of puffy eye bags, baby shampoo as eye makeup remover, and who knew Pepto Bismol made great facials?
You sent in your wise words for the chance to win a BODY by Sonya Dakar kit, and in the end, I chose the following two entries. One quite rightly reminds us that Mother Nature generally holds all the best beauty secrets, and the second told us about a marvelous book, “Look Younger; Live Longer”, written by Gayelord Hauser, a 20th century natural doctor whose progressive thinking made him popular among Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly and Gloria Swanson. The FDA didn’t approve of his approach, and seized copies of “Look Younger, Live Longer” during the 1950s. Today, Hauser is viewed as the founder of the natural food movement.
Congratulations, winners!

Best advice: you can find the remedy in nature. My epidermis gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "bad skin." Through the first 16 years of my life, I had eczema over no less than 60% of my body. My parents and doctors tried every cream, medication, bathing regiment imaginable to sooth the constant itching, flaking and burning. I scratched to the point of drawing blood! We were all just hoping for minimal scarring in my adult life. On a trip back to Nigeria, my father sought the advice of my grandmother, as he'd grown up with similar skin problems. Unfortunately, I never memorized the names of the plants & herbs. Each night that summer, I took a warm bath, rubbed the affected areas raw with these fresh leaves and then coated my body with this paste made from water and the powder of the dried leaves of another plant. It was a painful process, but if you could see my skin now, it was more than worth it. Not so much as a dark spot remains! I was lucky and I've always taken care to moisturize and use sunscreen from that summer on.

My grandmother, a woman with wonderful skin, gave me a copy of beauty secrets by Gayelord Hauser - fantastic book full of great beauty tips. One I still use on a regular basis is to exfoliate the skin using olive oil and salt - regular table salt. Gives the skin a wonderful glow and it helps stabilize the PH. Try it.

March 20, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 17, 2008

SIGG bottle giveaway

We adore SIGG water bottles, the "perfect reusable alternative to plastic bottles". Not only are they 100% recyclable, and designed not to leach any evil particles into your drinking water (unlike most plastic or metal drinking bottles), they also look very pretty. Some are cute enough to work as bona fide accessories.
The company, based in Switzerland, is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year, and to celebrate, they launched www.SIGG100.com with Laurie David's organization, StopGlobalWarming.org. The site traces the 100 most significant moments in recent environmental history and will stay live  until April 22nd (Earth Day). The site will also be hosting online Q&A's with environmental activists including the one and only Ed Begley Jr. (seriously...have you seen his line of "Begley's Best" eco-cleaning products?).
SIGG has offered to gift a Stylephile reader one of their bottles. To win, leave a comment telling us how your best green living tip. Don't forget to leave your email address in the body of the comment. Deadline is Monday March 24 at 5PM.

March 17, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (21)

March 13, 2008

You brought tears to my eyes

For our blessedcharm jewelry giveaway I asked Stylephile readers to describe the biggest change they had ever experienced. I had no idea how moving your responses would be!
One reader quit her high-flying job in Hollywood and moved to Shreveport, Louisiana to take care of her sister who had had a leg amputation. Another reader, a Jaguar-driving single mom and TV writer with a huge house and “an army of nannies”, moved to Maui and became a Buddhist surfer. And an aspiring Olympic contender had to give up her dreams of becoming a champion and change her life expectations after she suffered a stroke.
Even Emily Rabinowitz, blessedcharm jewelry designer, was amazed by the response. So much so, she has offered all Stylephile readers a 40% discount on items from her line (please quote Stylephile when you make your order online or on the phone).
But, there can be only one winner, and in the end (with much difficulty), I picked Susan Jones, who took her father's dying request that she look after her younger sister very seriously. Congratulations Susan, you win a blessedcharm necklace worth $600!

"My biggest change was at 21. My Dad became ill and passed away. But before he did, he asked that I take care of my little sister who was 10 at the time. My Mom, who had not worked in 20 years, said I took it too literally because from that moment on I gave all my heart, my energy and my income to help raise her. From paying for wisdom teeth to prom dresses, cars to college, I gave her all that I had. Even though I lived modestly (no couch for 2 years in my apt.), I wouldn't change a moment. She graduated from a top 50 private university with honors and is now working...and applying to Law Schools. That simple request changed my life and my youth, but seeing her turn into an amazing young woman brings tears to my eyes. So worth it!”

March 13, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

BODY by Sonya Dakar giveaway

As a porcelain-skinned young lady named Gwyneth Paltrow once said: "Sonya Dakar is the best facialist in the world. I don't really let anyone else do my facials except her."
Quite a recommendation, wouldn't you say? Especially from someone who has her pick of the world's facialists. And other dewy-skinned starlets seem to agree—Jessica Biel to Fergie and Megan Fox all swear by Dakar's approach.
In the beauty biz since 1971, Sonya Dakar runs a five-level skincare complex on the edge of Beverly Hills, offering high-end treatments like her green tea and diamond peels. Her product line, which offers around 150 creams and treatments, just launched its BODY by Sonya Dakar collection, a superior grade botanical-based skin care range infused with advanced anti-aging ingredients. “The same problems people have on their faces, they have on their bodies,” says Dakar. It features a Daily Wash, Triple Action Vita-foliant Omega Hydrator, Mineral Polish, Nourishing Body Oil and comes in two different scents:  Verbena Cypress and Cara Cara.
Sonya Dakar has been kind enough to offer a pair of her BODY by Sonya Dakar kits (worth c. $250 each!) to gift to two Stylephile readers.
To win, leave a comment telling us about the best skincare secret anyone ever told you. (Don't forget to leave your email address in the comment.) Deadline is Wednesday March 19 at 5PM.

March 13, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (77)

March 11, 2008

Men: Are you denim co-dependent?

When you buy demin, do you pick up a dozen pairs of the same look so you don't have to shop for another decade? Do you get separation anxiety when your favorite pair of jeans is in the washer?
If so, then you may be suffering from Denim Co-Dependency, a debilitating emotional condition common among FCDs (Fashion Cautious Dudes). Now is the time to break the cycle, and with Bonobos (named after the most sexually-active chimp in the world, no less) there is a solution.
Bonobos makes pants. Slacks. That's right, trousers goddamn it. And if you happen to have a nice butt, be prepared for some attention. Bonobos are form-fitting, and cut to enhance a man's natural attributes. Purr.
Made from wool, stretch corduroy, twill and other soft, light-weight fabrics, you won't find much denim in this collection, and with good reason—there's quite enough of it in the world.
Bonobos is offering Stylephile readers $10 off any pair of Bonobos pants purchased before May 1. Simply visit their website and type in the promotion code "stylephile" for your discounted pair!

March 11, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 6, 2008

Fierce "Project Runway" giftbags for Stylephile readers

Last night, Project Runway's winning designer Christian Siriano picked up his check for $100,000 at the Project Runway Finale Party, hosted by TRESemmé and Tim Gunn at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City. After seeing Christian's jawdropping show at New York Fashion Week in February, it was no surprise to me that he won.
I wasn't at the party, but I did convince the lovely folks at Project Runway to set aside ten of the party swagbags for the readers of the Stylephile. I know how much y'all love that show.
The first ten readers to comment to this post (don't forget to tell us your email address) will be sent a bag in the mail!
Here's to Season Five!

March 6, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (45)

February 14, 2008

Your romantic tales

Who knew that Stylephile readers were such romantics?
I asked you to tell us your love stories to win an evening of champagne and caviar for two at the Raffles L'Ermitage hotel, and you were happy to share. I loved reading all of your confessionals, some of which brought more than one tear to my eye.
Your stories ranged from thoughtful ("I mentioned my favorite china pattern as we walked past a display. The next morning every piece in the store's stock arrived at my front door") to intellectual ("We walked across campus planning to display our devotion to all things artsy by attending the screening of a five-hour Serbo-Croatian subtitled in French") to surprising ("For my 25th birthday, my b/f since college wrote me a 10 page rhyming poem chronicling our relationship from the first day we met on campus...Unfortunately I found out not long after that he was gay.").
In the end, I had to go with this entry, sent in by Eric, about the time his Chanel-loving European girlfriend picked him up in an old Citroën and treated him to a trip on the Orient Express. It sounded like the most stylish Valentine's Day on earth. 
"My Swedish girlfriend at the time had me picked up by a driver in an old Citroen, in the car a vintage suit was waiting for me , we got to the train station where i was greeted by a porter who showed me the way to my wagon, i then realized that i was going on a journey with the orient express, direction venice.... she dressed the part in a beautiful 60's vintage chanel and i looked like cary grant with mine...It was the most surprising well planned indulging romantic 5 days i ever had..."
Eric, you're a lucky guy! Feel free to pass on her number.

February 14, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 12, 2008

Alternative Apparel winner

America is hungry for lounge-about clothes that you can go to the gym in, judging from the response to our Alternative Apparel competition a few weeks ago. We asked what activities—or inactivities—you would partake of while wearing items from the super comfy line, and the responses ranged from lazy ("I'd cook up lots of comfort foods -- mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, steaming cups of hot cocoa") to cerebral ("I would certainly be more comfortable studying for my qualifying exam for my PhD!") to flirty ("If I won this outfit I would wear it when I answered the door so the cute UPS guy might finally think I'm cute and ask me out!").
In the end though, I went for this upbeat answer by Dana, whose sassy optimism and masterful storytelling hit just the right note.
"I'll wake up the morning and face the question, "Hmmm, bathrobe or Alternative Apparel sweats?" And then I'll throw on the sweats. Being dressed, maybe I'll take a walk around the block, lookin' supa-fine and making my neighbors supa-jealous. I'll cruise on home, stretch my legs and prepare for my day. That's when I look in the mirror, say "I look awesome!" and go straight to work. The building I work in has a workout facility and everyone will ask me all day where I got the sweet gear. After work, I'll head on out to my play rehearsal, where my friends will ask suspiciously, "Weren't you wearing that last time we saw you?" And I'll say, "Yes, but I washed it." And maybe it'll even be true."

February 12, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 7, 2008

Giveaway: Champagne and caviar at the Raffles L’Ermitage hotel

After a certain hour, the lights inside the Raffles L’Ermitage hotel’s Writer’s Bar in L.A. are dimmed so low, you might have to lean in a little closer to see your companion's eyes.
This is a good thing—if you’re an agent or actor having a business meeting, the warm shadows bestow proceedings with a sense of privacy and anonymity (I spotted Orlando Bloom through the gloom having a business meeting when I visited a couple weeks ago).  And if you’re there with a date, even better—everyone knows that turning the lights down means it’s business time.
Which is why I was excited to hear that L’Ermitage wanted to gift one Stylephile reader with a very special Valentine’s gift –champagne and caviar for two at the Writer’s Bar. It can be on Valentine’s evening, or saved up for a later date if you already have plans.
Either way, the lights will be low, the wines will be fine, and the conversation will, we hope, be risqué. You might even spot a star or two (this is where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes chose to spend Holmes’ birthday). And of course, if you get tired of talking, we hear there are some rather lovely bedrooms upstairs…
To enter, please leave a comment telling us about the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you. Please leave your email in the body of the comment. We will contact the winner direct. Deadline is Tuesday 12th at 5PM.

February 7, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (23)

January 17, 2008

Paige Premium Denim winner

One thing is clear—Stylephile readers love nothing better than a good giveaway. More than 70 of you entered our competition to win a pair of Paige Premium Denim jeans last week—a Stylephile record! And I have to say, reading through your entries was an education in denim. I learned about the joys of 100% cotton jeans. My heart went out to saragracer whose favorite jeans died eight months ago after being "slowly killed by a tumor—my ass". I found out how Miss Sixty jeans are great for keeping big butts in check, and how Levi's 511s make guys' behinds look good enough to eat. I also discovered why it is never a good idea to loan your favorite pair of jeans to a friend.
In the end, I picked JamieK's entry, which describes a pair of jeans she owned at age 14. They were so cool, they caused punks in the East Village to stop and stare "in admiration and jean-lust". Congratulations Jamie, you win a pair of Paige Premium Blue Heights skinny jeans and a copy of Paige Adams-Geller's book "Your Perfect Fit"! Email me at caroline@carolineryder.com to collect your prize.

"My favorite pair of jeans was more like an art experience that happened during the 80s. They were wide in the leg, tapered at the ankle, and had, instead of traditional seams, tiny flags running down the length of each outer seam. Glorious! I was about 14, and needed to make a real fashion statement. So I drew on those jeans with markers. I drew brooding angels, hearts and daggers, mandalas, dragons, take-me-seriously spiderwebs and quotes from all my favorite authors (Poe in turquoise! Faulkner in magenta!). When I, a suburban girl, wore those jeans in New York's East Village, punks on the street stopped and stared in admiration and jean-lust. Those jeans gave me urban fashion cred in the most fashion-demanding city in the world, and launched my life of fashion-daring!"

January 17, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (4)

January 7, 2008

Take a Paige out of this book..and win some jeans.

For many of us, it takes a lifetime of trial and error to figure out what clothes actually flatter our bodies.
My best friend in London has one of the biggest bottoms I have ever seen, but she has figured out how to dress it so it looks feminine and proud.
I am tiny/petite/short and have learned how to elongate myself through smoke, mirrors and high-heeled cowboy boots.
That said, I still get it wrong on a regular basis, which is where a book like Paige Adams-Geller's "Your Perfect Fit" could come in handy. A former model, Adams-Geller (pictured) founded the hugely popular brand Paige Premium Denim. The book, co-written with fitness and lifestyle consultant Ashley Borden, works its way through each part of the body and shows you how best to dress it, depending on your shape.
What she tells us is mainly good, common sense advice. Like don't wear tank tops if you are conscious of your thick arms. Or if you have narrow shoulders, do wear 1940s style peplum blazers. And if you have been cursed with a short bouncer's neck, steer clear of turtlenecks.
There are some other gems, that I would never have thought of. Like, if your tummy's on the Tellytubby side, don't carry a large purse, or wear a bolero jacket, as these draw attention to the gut area. Don't eat sugary things before a night out—it can make your breath stinky! And if you're bootylicious like my friend in London, don't buy jeans with small pockets.
Each section is followed up by a fitness plan offering specific exercises designed to shape and tone a specific body area. And there's a diet plan at the back of the book too. Buy it here.
Paige Adams-Geller has offered to gift one Stylephile reader a pair of her Blue Heights skinny jeans (pictured). To win, simply leave a comment tells us about your favorite pair of jeans. Deadline for entries is Tuesday January 15 at 5PM.

January 7, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (73)

December 27, 2007

And we have a winner!

It is always so heartwarming reading through your entries to the Stylephile weekly Wednesday giveaway. Last week, I challenged you to guess which animal charm from the Space Mermaid jewelry collection was the Stylephile's favorite. We had nearly 30 entries, with many guessing either the seahorse or the octopus.
Seahorses "embody the delicacy of the earth and the sea" said Linda B. "The ocean has such tremendous power, to destroy, create and to nurture, and yet this gentle and beautiful creature thrives in such an environment," said Elizabeth L.
In the end however, it was those who had guessed Octopus who were correct.
My favorite of the Octopus entries was this one, by Jeb.
"The octo-necklace! Who can deny its menacing beauty, its draping asymmetrical goodness?"
Couldn't have put it better myself, Jeb! Congratulations, you win a hand-made Space Mermaid ring, full of magickal goodness.

December 27, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 19, 2007

Wednesday win--magic crystal ring

Just the other week a San Francisco feminist described me as "a little witchy", which I of course took as a compliment. The cosmos must have been listening, because just a few days later I received an email from Space Mermaid jewelry designer Stephanie, offering to gift a Stylephile reader one of her enchanted hand-crafted rings. Since I am a hardcore sorceress, not a cheesy fairy or dullard gnome, I checked out the line to make sure it was magickal enough, and happily it was. She has some beautiful wares, whether or not you're a crystal-healing type.
Here's the ring she wants to give us, a quartz crystal and fluorite piece, handcrafted with freshwater pearls and sterling silver. Quartz is associated with protection, and fluorite strengthens mental powers and absorbs negative energy. It is worth $160, and is part of the Space Mermaid new limited edition collection. Whoever wins will have to tell the designer what her finger size is, and she'll make it specially!
To win, visit the Space Mermaid website's animal section, and leave a comment telling us which one you think is the Stylephile's favorite piece, and why. Deadline is next Wednesday December 26 at 5p.m. and don't forget to leave your email address in the comment!

December 19, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (29)

December 12, 2007

Stylephile readers and their hair disasters

Last week I invited you to share your "most interesting hair color ever" stories for the chance to win a gorgeous Tarina Tarantino beaded necklace, worth $100. More than 30 of you entered, including the poor girl who accidentally turned her hair Bozo the Clown Red, another who misguidedly gave herself highlights using Jolen mustache bleach, and one who failed her driving test because she was so distressed at her B52s burgundy fiasco. 

In the end we chose this entry by a ballroom dancer whose hair glowed violet every time she stepped under strip-lighting. (We also loved was the thought of her with a red "Annie" perm, tango-ing on the dance floor.)

"Despite the MANY colors I went through (not all of my own choosing....) when I was competing as a ballroom dancer, from platinum to black lacquer and everything in between - including an extremely unfortunate combination of bright, bright I Love Lucy red and a truly regrettable perm (think Andrea McArdle warbling "Tomorrow"......) - the absolute best color I ever had, was BLACK ORCHID!!! It was a cellophane color, supposedly transparent, but on me, it was BLACK. Until a strong light hit it.... then it just flashed this wonderful purple. Fabulous on the show floor. Not so great, though, at the 7-11 one night when those nasty vapor lights hit me at a bad angle, and a bunch of kids yelled out, "Hey Plumhead! Fruitstand is that way!"

December 12, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wednesday win--Parker Blue

Parker Blue is a newly-launched luxury casuals line comprising sexy cashmere, tees and mini-dresses in the softest fabrics imaginable. The folks behind it have worked with everyone from Versace to D&G as consultants, and now this is their big launch. You can buy the line at Barneys, Linda Dresner, Fred Segal and at parkerbluecollection.com.
Or you could win one of the pieces from the line, this super-cute Veda shirt in indigo blue from the Parker Blue Resort collection.
All you have to do to win is to tell us this: if you launched your own clothing line, what would you name it, and why? Post your answers as a comment, and be sure to include your email address.

December 12, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (23)

December 11, 2007

Wrapper's delight

December 11, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 6, 2007

Furla bag winner

Thanks to everyone who entered our Furla bag competition. You had to guess which was the Stylephile's favorite Furla bag in order to win. The competition was stiff, with several of you correctly guessing that yes indeed, my favorite is the Yoko. Despite the "Beatles widow" stereotype, I have always been a huge fan of Yoko Ono, from her avant garde music to her Fluxus-era art and short films (have you seen 'Smile'?), and her unending support for young contemporary artists. She is also a woman who proves that you can be sexy whatever age you are...have you seen her rock the hot pants recently?
In the end, I decided upon the entry by Me101 who said "the lucky Yoko is numero uno!" and went on to describe the purse in a most poetic manner. Me101, send me an email at caroline@carolineryder.com (we have ways of verifying, so no cheating!) and we'll get you your prize!

December 6, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 5, 2007

Wednesday giveaway--Tarina Tarantino choker

I first met Tarina Tarantino a couple of years back, at a dinner following an art show by Miami low-brow duo Friends With You. I remember she and her husband Alfonso were being followed around by a camera crew. She was seated across from me at dinner and was sweet and gracious. Her pink hair, longer then than it is now, was a never-ceasing source of fascination for me. How does one keep one's hair that shade of fuchsia, without it bleeding on to the pillow? I wondered if she was born with it that color. Tarantino, fresh from the launch of her new Tokyo Hardcore Collection, has generously offered to gift a Stylephile reader one of these sassy chokers from the collection. Worth $100, the neon translucent bubble beads would make a great talking point teamed with an all black outfit, don't you think?

To win, simply leave a comment telling us about the most interesting hair color you have ever had. Be sure to leave your email address in the body of the comment. Deadline is Wednesday December 12 at 5p.m.

December 5, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (36)

November 28, 2007

Win a luxury Furla bag

A friend of mine put me in touch with one of the lovely ladies at Furla, the Italian leather shoe and accessories company founded in 1927 in Bologna, Italy. Their selection of beautifully-designed handbags have sexy names like Farrah, Elisabeth, and Yoko.

And, because they are lovely people and it's almost the holidays, Furla has offered to gift one Stylephile reader a Frida Vitello Stampa Cocco handbag, as modeled here. It's sassy, and worth over $600. Sweet!

To win:

Simply visit the Furla website, take a look at the Autumn/Winter 2007/8 bag collection, and guess which bag is the Stylephile's favorite, explaining how you came to your decision. Bonus points for perfect spelling and punctuation. Deadline for entries is Wednesday, December 5 at 5p.m.

November 28, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (28)

November 19, 2007

TOMS shoes winners!

Thanks so much to everyone who posted their comments on their favorite shoes ever. We picked two winners, RobSch and  Vantha C, who had some interesting things to say about Miami Vice espadrilles and about being a Cambodian refugee.

They should email the Stylephile at caroline@carolineryder.com in order to collect their prizes.

Here's what they had to say...

Rob Sch:
Embarrasingly enough . . . close your eyes, picture 10th grade circa mid-80s, height of Miami Vice popularity, you know, electric colors and garish glitz (hmmmm, sounds vaguely familiar and not very yesteryear does it) and in I walk fresh from 2 months of summer vacation. My mind was thinking "walk-on for a music video" in my pastel WillieWear linen suit and espadrilles but alas it was home room in an Atlanta, Georgia suburb high school. But ohhhhh those espadrilles. I may not have had that Don Johnson-no shave "look" but no one was going to stop me and those bleach-white, roap-bottomed canvas beauties contrasting on a tan brought all the way back from the Jersey shore (thats another story) as I blew across that tiled green-hued laminant floor to my desk. Fashionalbe peasant-inspired footwear. The moe things change the more they stay the same. Remember his Wayfarers? Bu I digress. Thanks for inspiring a flashback Stylephile!!!

Vantha C:
Toms Shoes reminds me of when I came to America seeking refuge from the war in Cambodia. I was just a child and shoes were hard to come by. You were lucky if you had a pair of flip flops because most of us didn''t have a choice but to risk getting the myriad of diseases found in tropical 3rd world countries. My family was extremely poor and we lived in refugee camps for years - so I didn''t get a pair of flipflops until I came to America. I remember seeing Americans wear shoes that covered their entire feet and thought that was only for rich people. With Toms Shoes going back to basics and sharing these simple shoes with the poor in Africa, I''m glad to know at least 50,000 people are going live somewhat of a safer and easier life. When I came to America, I was embarrassed to wear shoes that didn''t cover me entire foot, but now, flipflops are my favorite.

November 19, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 12, 2007

Barbara Barry giveaway winner!

We were blown away by the quality and quantity of responses to our Barbara Barry giveaway, in which we asked you to tell us about your most favorite smell.

We had one reader insist that "the greatest smell in the world is the Narcisso Rodriguez perfume", whereas another prefered  "blooming roses, hibiscus bushes, stargazer lilies, purple lilacs with such a brief but dazzling life, all combined with the freshness of newly-mown grass and the chirrup chirrup of crickets as they communicate under the glistening stars."

It was a very tough choice but the winner had to be "biltud", a former frat boy with a rather sensitive and poetic side. This is what he had to say:

"The smell of memories... Coffee on my father''s breath as he kissed me goodbye in the morning and we went our separate ways, he to his law firm and me to junior high. Ralph Lauren''s Polo on the skin of my first love, high school, unrequited, 1982. Summer, fresh cut grass, Coppertone, low tide, Michelob, cigarette smoke. The smell of bong hits at the fraternity where I spent most of spring, 1986, pining for the guy who ignored me the following semester. Wine, garlic and butter melding in a stainless steel skillet, a combination salivatingly strong enough to draw out the whole family from all parts of the house, to see what was cooking. My mom, fresh from a shower upstairs, blow-drying her hair, that particular sizzled smell mixed with Tiffany, the perfume she still loves these many decades later. The smell (and taste) of her lipsticks I’d try on when she wasn’t home, while I was still in junior high school. The crackle of kindling, ancient wood logs, that heady, hearty aroma, sleeping in front of the fireplace in the family room the night of the ice storm in 1973 (made famous in Rick Moody’s “The Ice Storm.”) The warm rich tones of cream, lobster and sherry in my mom’s lobster bisque that she only makes in winter. Chocolate chip cookies. Slow-cooked spare ribs. The unmistakable aroma of a whole chicken in the oven. Disintegrating leaves in the fall that call up visions of apples, pumpkins, and harvest moons. The smell of the tee-shirts left behind belonging to the guy who walked out that one night and broke my heart."

Lobster bisque, bong hits and Tiffany perfume?

Wow!

If this was you, please email me at caroline@carolineryder.com to collect your well-earned prize, a Barbara Barry bedroom candle worth $48.

November 12, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 7, 2007

TOMS shoes giveaway! And Hanson CD!

TOMS Shoes gifts one pair of shoes to an impoverished child for every pair it sells here. It's a noble mission, one we commend. It doesn't hurt that the shoes themselves happen to be comfy and super-stylish.
Because Tom's Shoes loves us almost as much as we love them, they are gifting two pairs to two Stylephile readers. The winners will also get a CD by the newly re-formed Hanson, whom you may remember from their 1997 smash hit "MMMbop". The band is traveling to South Africa with TOMS Shoes this month, where they will donate 50,000 shoes to kids.

Here they are (L to R), Zac, Taylor and Isaac Hanson, looking all grown up, and finally old enough to date. Except all three are married. Oh well.

To win a pair of Tom's shoes and a copy of Hanson's album "The Walk", leave a comment describing your favorite pair of shoes. We'll pick two at random. Deadline is Tuesday November 13 at 5 p.m.

(Photo: Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

November 7, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (22)

November 5, 2007

Party on, dudettes

The party never stops for celebrity event mavens Lara Shriftman and Elizabeth Harrison, who have created a line of dishware and tableware in partnership with the Home Shopping Network. Called the Party Confidential Collection, the line features candles and crystal candlesticks, chic glassware, and stainless steel serving trays, perfect for those holiday soirees.

Shriftman and Harrison have kindly agreed to gift one Stylephile reader their TableTopics party game, which they call "the ultimate conversation starter".

The game comes in a chic Lucite cube, which contains 135 deceptively simple questions designed to spark great conversation at dinner parties. Like "will you meet me under the table?" Not really.

How to win: Simply leave a comment telling us your best home entertaining tip. Deadline is Monday Nov 12 at 5PM.

November 5, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (9)

November 2, 2007

Fragrant giveaway

The way someone's home smells can reveal much about who they are. Vanilla aromas indicate a somewhat conventional soul. Those who deck their homes with springs of lavender are romantic, if slightly frustrated, types. And if you catch a whiff of sage, forget about it. This person was recently possessed by demons.
If you'd like your home, or the home of your dearest friends, to exude nothing but clean sophistication, then we have good news for you. Interior designer Barbara Barry has just created a line of fabulous home scents, all inspired by the aromas in her own home. Comprising linen sprays, room sprays and scented candles, the collection will inject orange blossom, star jasmine and sandalwood in to your living room, citrus zest in to your powder room  and as for the bedroom...sweet of course, with just a hint of vanilla.
Launching at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman this month.

Barbara Barry has kindly offered to gift a Bedroom Candle (retail value $48) to one lucky Stylephile reader. To win, please leave a comment telling us about your favorite smell in the world. The one that makes us feel most warm and fuzzy, wins. Deadline is Friday November 9 at 5PM. Be sure to check back then to find out if you won!

November 2, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (29)

October 18, 2007

And the winner is...

October 18, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 11, 2007

Thanks For My Loot Julia!

Some of the biggest stars — I am talking Oprah, Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks — came together to honor Julia Roberts last Friday night as she was awarded the American Cinematheque Award. But the best part about the whole hooplah is that Jewels and Pinstripes, the company putting together the extravagant gift bag, is offering Stylephile readers a chance to win some of the loot.

The contest: What the heck is Julia is telling Oprah in these pix that is so darn funny? The most clever answer wins.
The prize: TIGI gift basket of professional styling tools and tons of Bed Head products - valued at $250. 
The deadline: The winner will be picked Thursday (10/18) at 5:00pm so check back to see if you have won! 

(M. McNiece)

October 11, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (10)

September 17, 2007

And the Silpada Winner is:

Congratulations Emma Wat for correctly predicting three Emmy winners and snagging the Silpada earrings and necklaces. Out of 68 players, just nine guessed three of five correctly. Only two readers picked James Spader as best actor in a drama and a mere four chose Ricky Gervais for actor in a comedy. America Ferrera (comedy), Sally Field (drama) and Helen Mirren (miniseries or movie) proved easier choices. Emma, email Mia your contact info at Mia.McNeice@variety.com to claim your bounty. 

September 17, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 12, 2007

Win Emmy Suite Swag

Ah, the sweet life of celebrity at awards time: roaming from Emmy gifting suite to Emmy gifting suite, snagging handbags, blushes and baubles. Don’t let them have all the fun, give the Stylephile your Emmy pics and win the Silpada jewelry that nominees are snatching up at Kari Feinstein’s Style Lounge. Perfect for everyday elegance, the versatile set (pictured, $356 retail) of three necklaces and hoop earrings are destined to become favorites. Post your vote here for lead actor in a comedy, lead actor in a drama, lead actress in a comedy, lead actress in a drama and lead actress in a miniseries/movie. Those who pick all five correctly will be entered in the final drawing Monday.

September 12, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (68)

July 19, 2007

Win Chanel: Smoky Eye Challenge

Ah, the smoky eye. No other look screams "Sure, I'll ride on the back of your motorcycle without a helmet!" nearly as loud. Or makes a woman look as sultry. Brigitte Bardot paired a smoky eye with a masculine hat and little other makeup. The contrast is perfect. But what The Stylephile wants to know is: How the HELL do you remove the smoky eye? Turpentine? Sandpaper? Are you still wearing last week's smoky eye? (Anyone who has worn the look knows that it actually looks better on the day after.) Post a great suggestion--whether it be a method or a product or both--for removing a smoky eye and you could win a tub of Chanel Precision Sublimage eye cream, which sells for $160. A winner will be picked tomorrow at 5:00.

July 19, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (62)

July 12, 2007

Meet the Style Sheriffs

The Stylephile has long been disgusted by fashion and beauty injustices--not to mention cheaply made items with inflated price tags. Do the following culprits sound familiar? Sunglasses that cost $320 and break after just three wearings? A pair of $750 heels that endure just four outings before the leather peels off the toe? How about a $42 lipstick that breaks in half after a week of pouts?

Readers, you need not suffer anymore. The Style Sheriffs are here to right the wrongs and replace those broken dreams. From now on, email Monica.Corcoran@Variety.com if you have a faulty item and have had no luck in getting the attention of the store, designer or manufacturer. Please don't send items that cost less than $50 or products that malfunctioned as a result of poor handling. Or addled thinking. For instance, if you wore your suede shoes to the beach and they got wet and ruined, do not appeal to the Style Sheriffs. 

Our first case has already been cracked. Jennifer P.--an exec at Disney -- sent us her Tom Ford Whitney sunglasses, which featured a broken arm. When we contacted an executive at Tom Ford, she quickly agreed to replace or fix the item expeditiously. We expect to deliver the fully functioning pair of sunglasses to Jen P. soon. 
Remember, there's a couple of new sheriffs in town. And like our heroes, Cagney & Lacey, we won't quit until every perp goes doooown.

July 12, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 9, 2007

We Got Winners

URGENT: If you posted suggestions for recent Stylephile giveaways, please scroll down or click "Giveaways" to see if you won. I have unclaimed prizes, like an FHI hair dryer and a vintage Dior purse. If your post won, be sure to e-mail me at Monica.Corcoran@Variety.com to claim your loot. 

Michael Moore Kenzo perfume winner: SCL 

Bulldog in Le Doux Bikini winner: Lucy711 

July 9, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 5, 2007

Win a Le Doux Bikini

If The Stylephile has to read another story in a fashion magazine about getting a bikini-ready bod, we will upchuck the red, white and blue cupcakes we devoured yesterday at a barbecue. (Yes, we ate one of each patriotic hued confection for the troops!) Let's face it: it's July and if the abs aren't tight now, it's time to accept it and enjoy the summer. Come up with a great caption to this photo and win a hot bikini (the Lollipop style) from Le Doux Swimwear, a favorite of Cameron Diaz. (Obviously, not pictured above.) These sexy suits are inspired by iconic Brazilian beach wear, but don't leave your bum cakes completely unfrosted--if you know what we mean. We will pick a winner by Monday at noon, so get posting.

July 5, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (82)

June 28, 2007

Who Am I?

Ah, those were the days. It was the early '70s and I was that guy in high school that every girl wanted to...well, confide in. I loved to listen to them carp about "mean Bobby" and "fickle Frank" and then I would snake an arm around their skinny, soft shoulders and just...squeeze. I can still recall the powdery sweet scent of Love's Baby Soft if I close my eyes and think back.

Now, I'm a big director and I get to go to Cannes and wear tuxedos (though I rarely do) and I could make a film about the Love's Baby Soft factory and how they mistreat their workers. If you can guess who I am AND give me ONE great fashion tip, you could win KenzoAmour perfume ($50; see sephora for description). It's even better than Love's, I swear.

Come on, ladies. Make me look sick! (That was a hint.)

June 28, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (28)

June 25, 2007

Out, Damn Stain

The Stylephile so enjoyed New York. She sweated beneath that hot ball of fiery hate known as the Manhattan sun, which drove her to buy two new summer dresses. She also managed to get splashed with iced coffee that a bike messenger SNEEZED on her in the heart of Soho. Don't even ask if projectile java came from nose or mouth--the orifice is irrelevant and makes us squirm. Worst part? The Stylephile was wearing a lovely taupe silk shift by Grace Sun, which is now patterned with a Pollockesque splattering of coffee stains. Anyway, the debacle inspired a new contest: GET OUT THE COFFEE SPIT STAIN and WIN over $100 worth of Jaqua's new buttercream frosting collection, including shower syrup, lotion, body polish, and shower creme. Post your best remedy for removing coffee from cloth and you might just win. FYI: A sense of humor in a post always ups your chances at triumph. A winner will be picked by tomorrow at 5:00.

June 25, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (15)

June 19, 2007

Pimp My Posh

There once was a girl named Posh Spice
Who constantly made us say, "Cripes!"
Her style was obscene
She dressed like a battered teen 
So we devised a contest to make her look nice
(Or even just presentable)

Come up with a simple but effective makeover plan to transform Victoria Beckham into a lady and you could win a chic bottle of Cartier's newest fragrance, Delices de Cartier Eau Fruitee ($75) with notes of Mandarin, Bergamot, and rhubarb. Post a suggestion on TheStylephile.com and a winner will be chosen by 3:00 tomorrow.

June 19, 2007 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (24)