Glamour Cow: Live a Glam Life, NY Style. Fashion, Beauty, Food, Dating, Travel, Events, News, Bargains & Opinions.

Bargain Alert: What's Cheap At Marshall's, Isn't So Cheap At Bloomies

2010-09-02T14:37:46Z

Right, so wedding planning.

Not as fun as everyone makes it out to be. Well, maybe i shouldn't be so extreme...

It is fun if you think haggling with every vendor in the Tristate area, arguing with your British fiance on "cultural differences" and listening to your wild Italian family tell you what is & isn't classy (meh). A psycho-insane-elated-fun, I guess....

Anywho, throughout this process one ignores most other areas in life (ahem: GlamourCow).. so I decided this past weekend to ignore it all, p/t it to Mother's house (Manalapan, home of "The Situation") and see if I can score anything decent at Marshall's.

Here's what I bought and here's what's appauling:

Purchased at Marshall's: Laundry by Shelli Segal Short Leather Motorcross Jacket (leopard lining, love it. so fran drescher.) $149.00. Marshall's NJ Rt 9 S.

What's appauling: Post-purchase, I found that same jacket at Bloomies for $420.00. Here.

Fashion's Night Out: 9.10.2010

2010-08-31T17:27:09Z

With all of my wedding planning going on I'm 100% out of the loop on anything remotely cool. I realize I can't vacuum myself out of reality, so I'm making a fair attempt to get back in the game. Which leads me to Fashion's Night Out.

What's the deal, are you going? (Last year Lauren & I spent the night running around Bergdorf's...)

Have you seen this agenda map on their website?

You can choose what hoods you want and what categories you're interested in, so call your boos, make a list and go scoop up some free samps!

All HERE.

Oh, you all of this didn't you?

I better not turn into a big married loser. Blech.

I Know, Terrible Behavior....

2010-08-31T15:38:56Z

Do Blondes Really Have More Fun?

2010-07-06T19:46:25Z

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm about to find out. After over 10 years of maintaining my prized, shiny blonde locks, I've decided to go back to my roots. My brunette roots, that is.

Why the crazy-drastic-can't believe-I'm-giving-up-my-blonde-hair-change? Well... Ten years of root touch-up every 3-4 weeks not only takes a toll on your wallet, but obviously, on your hair. Beyond the fact that I didn't want to have to pull a Britney, I was ready for a change. And maybe it also has something to do with the fact that I just turned 25 and am currently undergoing a quarter-life crisis.

So after a shot (or two...) of vodka, enlisting my roommate K to come along as a support buddy (you know, to stop me in case I tried to flee the scene) and one last over-the-shoulder toss of my soon-to-be-gone blonde mane, I arrived at Red Market Salon on Gansevoort to go au natural.

Inhabiting a sleek 4th floor loft overlooking the Meatpacking District, Red Market is a self-described "late night" salon open from 2pm - 11pm. Great for people who work late...or for alkies and nightlife whores who don't even get up until 2. Whatever the reason, once there guests are treated to complimentary wine & champagne, DJ's (depending on the night), entertainment at the shampoo bowls via the Sundance Channel (finally, something interesting to stare at while the color's getting rinsed out of your hair), and laid back, no attitude, professional staff.

]]> Given my hair was a cracked-out-bleach-blond-broken-off mess, colorist Dana Ionato certainly had her work cut out for her. Lucky for me she not only apprenticed at celeb-haven Rita Hazan (J-Lo, Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, to name a few) but once at Red Market also under master colorist Reynald Ricard, so I figured I was in good hands.

Five hours, four processes (filler, color, highlights, gloss) and one haircut later (courtesy of stylist Travis Ruth), I had completed round one. Yes, only round one. We’re talking major color correction here. I left the salon that day with more or less highlighted, colorblocked hair. Dark brown on top, light brown on the bottom, and Balayage-style highlights (hand-painted) scattered throughout to help make the two shades less obvious. Although apparently, I could have just left as-is without the highlights – ombré hair is now a trend??

Fast forward three weeks to round two, and I’m done in one process. Thank gawd.
My hair had adjusted enough so it finally grabbed the color evenly, leaving me with ONE shade of shiny, chocolate brown hair (that I haven’t seen since I was 13).

So back to the question at hand. Do blondes really have more fun? I can say without a doubt I had a GREAT time being a blonde. And yes, a helluva lot of fun was had. Blondes are attention-grabbers, traffic-stoppers, head-turners and just all-around, well, noticeable. (Especially when you’re platinum blonde and 6 feet tall.) And while as a blonde it’s easy to get a look, or go out on a first date, you know what I noticed? It’s the brunettes who have the staying power. As the saying goes – Date a blond, marry a brunette. You know, because blondes are bubbly, outgoing and fun, but brunettes are reliable, dependable and practical. Naturally. Now, I realize of course this is a HUGE generalization, however in my personal experience and in speaking to members of our fairer and opposite genders, there may be some truth to this. (Hell, there are even are studies to back this up.) And not that I’m racing to the alter any time soon. Please. But I can tell you in all of the countless dates I’ve been on as a blonde, I’ve only been in 1 relationship. (Ok, and that may have as much to do with my choices rather than from the other side. And the fact that New York City dating is completely jacked – thanks 3 girls to 1 guy ratio.) Anyways. You get my drift.

Having lived as brunette now for just over a month, I have already noticed a definite difference in my dating life. And while I of course can’t say for sure it has anything at all to do with my recent change of hair color, it does lead me to wonder if there isn’t any truth to the blonde vs. brunette stereotype. I have to say I do feel a bit more chic and sophisticated – and taken more seriously – than in my lighter days. And while I may not stop traffic quite as easily as with my reflective, blinding blonde locks, it’s nice to feel slightly under-the-radar when I walk into a room rather than “look at me! look at me!”

Especially given I’m a huge klutz and trip, slip and fall on a daily basis. Being tall already I draw enough attention to myself. Being tall and blonde made sure everyone saw whenever I went down…in Penn Station, in front of the W Union Sq, on Prince Street, on 7th Ave South…maybe as a brunette I won’t catch as many people through their peripheral vision.

Verdict? While I can’t yet say for sure, it does seem to me that while Blondes may in fact have more fun, Brunettes may just win out in the end.

Debate away!

xo
Laur

P.S. – you wanna see?

Stop Looking Like A Hungover Swampdonkey

2010-06-14T14:17:05Z

If this is what you typically look like after a night of partying, fear not - beauty guru Elizabeth Grant's new Socializer pens are here to make that transition from the bar to the boardroom a little less tragic.

That's right - the global beauty powerhouse designed this prod for all you alkies (present company included) who stumble into the office, you know, 2-3 mornings a week, looking like a tawdry piece of trash.

While they won't cure the pounding headache or nagging need to go throw up in the toilet, Grant's Socializerä pens WILL save you from looking like a raccoon on crack. After all, they have packed "all the hydrating, cooling, soothing, de-puffing, dark-circle-erasing, illuminating action" they could fit into two tiny tubes. Now that's some action a girl can get used to twice a day.

Slather on Late Nights before you crash (read: pass out still fully clothed), and Bright Lights when you wake up (read: drag yourself out of bed), and save yourself the concealer you used to cake on Marie Antionette-style.

]]> Skeptical? Here's the proof. Each tube contains:

Ulva Lactuca - a unique algae that helps improve the skin's elasticity and support fibers.
Matrixyl - increases collagen synthesis, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, regenerates skin.
Allantoin - healing agent that helps relieve irritated skin.
Chamomile - soothes and calms the skin.
Elizabeth Grant's own exclusive moisturizing compound - Torricelumn™ , to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

So why the two tubes? Well, since you asked. Late Nights contains a heavier concentration of cooling and de-puffing agents to calm your undereyes while you sleep, while Bright Lights contains Mica - a mineral brightener that bounces light off the undereye area to brighten instantly.

And p.s. packaging = super cute.

How did I fare? Given I’m a caffeine-addicted-anemic-vegetarian-alkie with undereye circles that could rival an NFL quarternack, pretty well. After 2 weeks I could start to see results, and now after 4 weeks of dedicated use, I can definitely tell a substantial difference. I personally found I needed to use 3-4 clicks rather than the suggested 1-2, but then again, I’ve always been an overachiever. The good news is I haven’t had to apply any undereye concealer all week, and I don’t feel like L-lo in her DUI mugshot.

I mean hell, if it’s good enough for Blake Lively (LOVE her), Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr, Ginnifer Goodwin and Kristin Bell – I suppose it’s good enough for me.

So now you can go out and act like a tawdry piece of trash, without actually looking like one the next morning. And that, my friends, is pure genius.

A Great T-Shirt.

2010-06-09T19:30:30Z

This cracks me up. $18 @ Threadless.

Ad Of The Week: Max Factor Pink-A-Pades, Circa 1960's

2010-06-07T14:14:35Z

Get Your Double Dutch On

2010-06-02T14:53:54Z

No Hampton share this summer? Don't fret pookie mamma, there are still fun things to do in the shitty city!

WHO: Kiehl's & The Lower Eastside Girls Club

WHAT: Double Dutch Event and Fundraiser to benefit The Lower Eastside Girls Club

WHEN: Saturday, June 5, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Festivities Include:

· Double Dutch Performance by Jumpers In Command

· Music by DJ Rabbi Darkside

· Double Dutch Clinic: Learn the basics of Double Dutch with Renée Laster of The Lower Eastside Girls Club.

· Fundraiser: All are invited to try Double Dutch and raise funds for the girls. Kiehl's will donate 25¢ per jump* to The Lower Eastside Girls Club.

*Kiehl's will donate $.25 for each time a participant's left foot hits the ground during his or her turn at Double Dutch OR will donate $.25 for every two-footed jump if the participant chooses to jump straight up-and-down.

*All jumpers will receive Kiehl's samples (!)*

WHERE: Kiehl's Since 1851 New York Flagship store: 109 Third Ave., at 13^th St.

WHY: To give back to the community:

· To raise funds and awareness for the activities of The Lower Eastside Girls Club

· To help our community "Jump Start" their summer!

About The Lower Eastside Girls Club: The Lower Eastside Girls Club provides a place where girls and young women 8-23 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. By delivering strong arts, literacy, science, health and leadership programs we provide girls with the vision to plan - and the tools to build - their future. All Girls Club programs develop environmental, entrepreneurial and ethical leadership in the girls we serve. Check out Girls Club

A Note To Men Who Don't Kiss On The 1st Date

2010-06-02T14:05:28Z

Ok boys. Here's a little tip. While a girl loves a gentleman, you don't have to be so chivalrous...all the time.

We WANT to be kissed on the first date.

Don't walk us 14 blocks home, set up a second date, stare at us awkwardly for what feels like hours on the doorstep, and do nothing. Make a move damnit!

I'm not asking for sex....yet.

Just a nice, hot, passionate make out session to let me (and you) know if there any sparks. Grab me, pull me in, and kiss me. Run your fingers through my hair, down my neck, down my back, and fucking make out. with. me.

I mean, what's a girl gotta do to get some action around here? Walk around with a sticker saying "I might like you better if we slept together" stamped on my forehead?

A girl doesn't have all day. Make a move boys.

xoxo

Ad Of The Week: Maidenform Bras, Circa ?

2010-05-27T15:21:36Z

Monokinis, Drag Queens And Reverse Fishtails. Oh And Free Booze.

2010-05-26T20:16:23Z

Last night I put on my brightest romper and best pair of high heels to attend Patricia Field's (costume designer for SATC, duh) "Swim-sational Disco Soiree" at 230 Fifth Rooftop, celebrating the premiere of SATC2 and her very own Patricia Field/House of Field Eyewear, Swimwear and Beach Towel collections.

Even though no one could see them, there were swimsuits, and it was certainly a soiree thanks to all the free booze (thanks Skyy!), which is really the only reason people attend these things anyway. I mean, free booze is the only reason I personally attend anything. Yes, I am an alcoholic. And I suppose the drag queens made up the "Disco." Love me the drags!

Anywho, good thing I was coming in last night at 6'2", because I could just barely catch a glimpse of the runway show, which took place amongst a mannequin installation also showcasing the swim - that you could only see if, like myself, you happened to be a giant, or you were one of the lucky few granted access to the installation itself. Scantily clad models sporting reverse-fishtail hair (courtesy of none other than hair master Rodney Cutler for Cutler/Redken) strutted around in Pat's SATC2-inspired monokinis and cover-ups, along with swim looks from Ivana Sert (SATC) and The Blonds (of Brit-Brit and Ri-Ri fame).

From what I could see, the suits were super glam - perfect for crashing the SoHo House rooftop pool a la Samantha Jones. Or for a better bet, try crashing the pool at the Thompson LES. NOT that I know anything about this...Although with all those cut-outs, you're going to end up with some CRAZY tan lines.

Lauren's Do's & Don'ts Of Online Dating

2010-05-26T17:45:43Z

Do be smart about your profile. Too short and people won't take your profile seriously, too long and no one's gonna read it. Pictures - you need a mix of close-ups and body shots. Close-ups to show everyone you're not hiding an ugly mug, and body shots to prove you're not hiding a beer gut. Reversely, if you're looking at a profile and there are only have pictures from a distance or pics cropped from the neck up - keep moving. Your dream man (or girl) is definitely hiding something. Think I'm being materialistic? Well guess what people. LOOKS MATTER. And it's the first thing people see when scrolling through profiles, so make sure yours stands out!

Don't false advertise. As you're about to soon learn from my TFA date, NO ONE likes a false advertiser. Your pictures should be as recent and truthful as possible. Recently gained 15 lbs? Then don't put up pictures of you 15 lbs thinner! No matter how many pairs of Spanx you have strapped on underneath that dress, he's gonna notice. And men - same goes for you. We do notice when a 6-pack online translates to a beer gut and love handles in person.

Do get a last name and (internet stalk) away. Google search, Facebook stalk, Twitter stalk - trust me, better to find out anything unsavory now than a few dates in when you've wasted time and energy. And if you think he isn't doing the same, think again.

]]> Don’t spend more than a week corresponding before meeting up in person. Otherwise you will end up generating expectations and feelings for someone you have never even met. And don’t fool yourself – you have no idea what a person is really like (physically, intellectually, emotionally) just from messaging online or talking over the phone. The in-person meetup is the real test.

Do know where you date lives before you meet for the 1st time. Not only will this help you weed out undesirables if they live outside of your dating zone (yes, I have a dating zone. yes, feel free to judge), but obviously, where a person lives (especially in the realm of New York City) says a lot about their character and your potential compatibility.

Don’t think the 1st date is a “real” 1st date. In online dating, the first time you meet someone is just that – a chance for you to meet the other person and make sure you both meet each other’s expectations. As such, never plan an extensive date when you first meet. Meet for coffee or a drink. That way if your Prince Charming looks and or/acts like a Troll, you can easily escape.

Don’t agree to let an internet date pick up you up on “date” #1. Not only is this clearly unsafe (ahem, Law & Order: SVU, anyone?) if he’s not all you’ve got him cracked up to be, you’re stuck with him. Until you can think of an escape plan anyways. Always, always, always find your own transportation.

Do feel free to have a glass of wine before the 1st meetup. Let’s face it. The first time you meet someone is nerve-racking. If you need to calm your nerves, do it. Caveat: I’m talking a glass of wine here kids. Not suggesting you drink a vicodin/vodka cocktail.

Don’t get drunk on the 1st date. No one likes a Sloppy Sally. Or Sloppy Sam. Yes, I realize I just encouraged you to down a glass of wine pre-date, but be smart. If you have a drink before the date, make sure you’re sipping your drinks slowly during the date, and switch to a glass of water every other drink. Last thing you want to do is wake up the next morning in dude’s bed. Unless you’re just looking for booty. In which case, carry on.

Don’t think you have to go through with every date. If you agree to a date with someone, and the person who shows up is not as advertised, guess what? You do NOT have to go through with it! And DON’T feel bad. It’s that person’s own fault for not being truthful online. Just because he or she is a scumbag liar and falsely advertised in their profile, doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Just politely tell them that this is not going to work out, and wish them the best. Then – flee the scene. Quickly.

Do be proactive. Think you can just post your profile, sit back, and wait for the messages to pour in? Think again. Successful online dating requires you to be active on the site. The more you log in, the more people will see your profile. The more you update your profile, the more frequent you’ll come up in searches. And ladies, don’t think you can’t hit on men. Online dating is a two-way streak, and hell, it’s 2010. See a really cute guy with a great profile? Don’t wait for him to message you. Grow a sack and message him!

Do be patient. Online dating isn’t magic. You’re not going to find the man of your dreams within minutes of posting your profile. (And if you do, well, more power to you!) You’re probably not even going to respond to the majority of people who message you. But every once in a while someone will come along and maybe – just maybe – some magic will happen.

Happy (safe) dating!
xoxo

Lauren

Juicy Tubes + Tube Of Lipstick = DuWop's New Icedteas

2010-05-25T16:15:14Z

Idk what it is about a lipstick that I love. I think it's the stick factor. Or maybe, it's how the way the lipstick shapes itself after roughly 20 wears. Or maybe, I just have fond memories of rummaging through my mother's makeup case and finding oodles upon doodles of old lipstick tubes.

Yet, when I was about 17-ish the gloss era came to trend. MAC Lipglass and then Lancome's juicy tubes were on the market & the gloss era dominated the market. During this time, I sucumbed to conformity & scooped up as many glossies as my part-time waitress salary afforded, and big secret: I was never really a fan.

I think it was my frizzy fly-aways sticking to my lips and to this day I still scout the aisles for ultra-sheer, very gloss-like lipsticks. (and I'm not talking about a tube of, cherry chapstick - which is always in my bag.)

Now, this summer, uber-girly brand, DuWop has finally solved my decade-long dilemma with their new: Icedteas.

Icedteas: a translucent lipstick that provides a touch of gloss, yet is packaged in a traditional lipstick tube.

To me, this is the selling point.

To you?

Maybe it'll be the fact that Icedteas come in 4 scrummy (scrummy as in scrumptious) mouthwatering flavors.

I'm not going to lie, the product *doesn't* last very long on your lips, so be prepared to go to town on that tube - reapplying every 1/2 hr. But, again, if you're like me & want a light sheeny gloss in a tube - than this is for you.

All 4 shades have built-in sunscreen.

Walk Like An Egyptian

2010-05-25T15:12:12Z

The saying "forget the past" has always been taboo in fashion...yes.

And while King Tut is loong gone, his treasures have prompted fashions finest to reinvent the tribal trend with looks reminiscent of a most fashionable time.

DVF, Catherine Malandrino, and Halston are just some designers who are taking "The Golden Age" to the streets by creating clothing with wild ikat & African prints in shades of brown, red, and burnt orange. Play the look down -or up- with solid gladiator sandals (which have replaced flip flops as the go-to casual shoe for the past few summers).

And then there's the jewelry, ohh...the jewelry! Unfortunately for us, and unless you're Lady GaGa, gold masks and extravagant headpieces are difficult to pull off. So we're forced to settle for wooden bangles, earrings, and necklaces, in what else?

Gold, Gold, and MORE Gold! But sapphire, onyx, and ruby (OH MY!) are mixed into some pieces as well.

His awe-inspiring possessions, now on display at the Discovery Times-Square Exposition, make us want to trek through the desert (Barney's) and collect some treasures of our own!

Pharoah fever is sure to stimulate the economy, so, you're welcome Obama.

ONE For ONE

2010-05-21T18:12:58Z

TOMS SHOES doesn't take clean water for granted --- or shoes, for that matter.

They have collaborated with charity: water and have taken steps (pun intended) to make a movement above and beyond: To build a clean water well in the village of Sekura, Ethiopia. (Sekura is home to 540 residents and among the largest Ethiopian villages to not have clean water.)

The two pairs of Toms shoes for charity: water styles will retail for $58 per pair and will have limited availability for as long as it takes to fund the well. The map shoe is a heather gray Classic made from sustainable fabric with a tonal map of Africa. Jerry lining and the water shoe is a blue classic made from sustainable fabric with a multi-tone water illustration.

With every air purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.

We love Toms! (Especially these gold glitters - mee-ow. Yes, I realize the glitters are completely irrelevant to this charity post.)