The British Are Coming!

Sound the alarm, the British are coming! If you're not already familiar with Jack Wills, allow me to make a proper introduction... I was recently tipped off to this fabulously British company, whose design inspiration follows British military history, British sporting traditions, and British country pursuits. The overall effect is irresistably preppy with a twist of the eccentric that is as fashionable as it is proper.

While Jack Wills has its roots in the UK (obvi!), they've since expanded to Ireland and the US. However, if your summer travels haven't taken you the Vineyard or Nantucket, you've likely not seen an actual Jack Wills store. Never fear, there are rumors of further expansion in the works! But in the meantime, thanks to the miracles of modern technology, immediate gratification is available at Jack Wills online, where preppy purchases for ladies and gents, as well as home and lifestyle, are but a mouse click away!

Perhaps because I'm just soooo pregnant these days, I was immediately drawn to the Wills' lounge wear collection. No question about it, I simply must own the Torrisholme Hoodie! The striking JACK is printed in blue on black, a color combo that works for just about any lounging situation--and clearly I'm not above a little name dropping. After all, as you may already know, comfy chic goes quite a long way in my book.

Of course, a fashionista must always consider accessories--and there are indeed a few choice pieces that I'm just slightly obsessed with. For one, the Shawbury Spectacles in navy/pink are adorably girly, yet alluringly academic (and can you really argue with a duality like that?). Plus, I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't also call attention to the Brimslade Canvas Barrel Bag; it's basically perfect for a weekend getaway--or the gym, if we want to be practical about things (sigh).

As you can see, there's no shortage of great buys where Jack Wills is concerned. Fortunately, the price is right--and not for nothing, how often can you honestly say that when it comes to fashion? I encourage you test this fabulously British company for yourself, and I'm fairly confident that, like me, you will also want to shout it from the rooftops: the British are coming!

Special thanks to the always fashionable Chi-Chi for sharing the good word about Jack Wills!

All images from Jack Wills (www.jackwills.com), in order of appearance: (1) Jack Wills logo; (2) Torrisholme Hoodie in black $89; (3) Shawbury Spectacles in navy/pink $174; (4) Brimslade Canvas Barrel Bag in emerald $89.

Daily Candy's "18 Best Mascaras Out There"

If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one cosmetic product with me, I would choose mascara. The caveat, of course, is that some sort of lip balm would be exempt from the "cosmetic" category and thus also allowed--because, if your lips are gross and chapped, not much else matters. Does that give some indication of how much I loooove and cherish my mascara? In fact--and maybe I shouldn't admit this, but we're all friends here--I can hardly stand the sight of my own reflection sans mascara. My eyes have no pop!, no affect... And perhaps for that very reason, I'm constantly in the market for the latest and greatest mascara.

Now that my confessional is out of the way, you'll understand exactly why this morning's Daily Candy email, The 18 Best Mascaras Out There, was basically written for me. Not surprisingly, several of the mascaras they selected for their top 18 are mascaras I have tried before--some I have loved, others not so much. But I was happy to note that there were also several promising possibilities for an eye make-up junkie like me. On that note, allow me to share the contents of my online shopping bag:

1.) The Smoky Lash by Make Up Forever: Daily Candy dishes, It’s the triathlete of mascara with the perfect amount of volume, the deepest shade of black, and unthinkable length — one of our testers’ lashes were even grazing her face. Talk about covering your bases! Price tag: $22

2.) GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan by Josie Maran: Daily Candy plugs the "philanthro-beauty" aspect of this mascara, which donates a tube to a City of Hope cancer patient/survivor for each one sold and gives you peppy volume and outstanding shine. For those unfamiliar with argan oil, it's produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco, and is heralded for its nutritive, cosmetic and medicinal properties. How's that for a little natural shine? Price tag: $22

3.) Effortless by Burberry: Not to be redundant, but it appears I'm not the only one who's ready for the British invasion--nor am I the only "marketer's dream" out there, sold by clever packaging. Daily Candy confesses, The goop itself is only slightly above par, but the snazzy case made our tester want to break the age-old taboo of applying in public. I'm going to rationalize this one according to the "above par" part, but you have to admit that the packaging is really, really cool. Price tag: $28

4.) Lights Camera Lashes by Tarte: If Daily Candy has this one pegged correctly, then it's worth its weight in gold--being a "one step" (ie. just one coat!) mascara with the potential to totally simplify my verrry rushed morning beauty regime. Daily Candy can’t verify that your lashes will be exactly 424 percent fuller, but we more than appreciate the major volume. Price tag: $19

5.) Falsies by Maybelline: No, I did not think I would ever be blogging about Maybelline. In fact, I thought I left that pink and green tube behind when I graduated from high school. BUT Daily Candy says this one is worth a try, as its dense volume, recession-friendly price tag, and precisely curved wand, the “life changer” kept our testers jabbering. Personally, I'm hoping that my girl Juliet was wrong--and that there is something in a name--because "Falsies" obviously makes me think of false eyelashes, which are basically the best things everrr. So I'm willing to give good ol' Maybelline another try--especially because it won't break the bank. Maybe we should call this one the drugstore cowboy? Price tag: $7

6.) Virtuôse by Lancôme: Daily Candy raves about this one, We’re not quite sure how it does it — maybe the curved wand, maybe a secret ingredient — but Lancôme Virtuôse provides a stunning daylong curl. (Our tester: “No, really, it’s crazy.”) The bottom line: who has time to use an eyelash curler? Not to mention, those contraptions are indeed scary and treacherous! Price tag: $25

Thanks to those hip stylistas over at Daily Candy, my virtual shopping cart is now totaling $123 in mascara, which is to say nothing for shipping charges. So...it looks like I may have to stagger these lash treatments out over the long term to avoid being that girl who bought over $100 of mascara in one sitting. But I have to say, I'm pretty excited about the cosmetic road ahead, and I have full confidence that my lashes will receive exactly the kind of treatment they deserve. Stay tuned for the debriefing!

All images thanks to Daily Candy (http://www.dailycandy.com/), in order of appearance: (1) Smoky Lash mascara by Make Up Forever $22, available from Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/); (2) GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan mascara by Josie Maran $22, also available from Sephora; (3) Effortless mascara by Burberry $28, available from Burberry (http://us.burberry.com/); (4) Lights Camera Lashes by Tarte $19, also available from Sephora; (5) Falsies by Maybelline $7, available at your local drugstore; (6) Virtuôse by Lancôme $25, available from Lancôme (www.landcome.com).

Get Your Head In the Game

As a girl who is perpetually going between different types of bangs, I've come to appreciate the value of a good headband--which is only infinitely more valuable as far as workouts go. All the bobby pins in the world can't take the place of an immovable headband when you're in the middle of a yoga practice, out for a run, or even on the elliptical machine. Then again, all the bobby pins in the world don't usually cause horrible headaches or leave deep grooves in your hair when you remove them, post workout. Well, fitness babes, I'm here to share the solution...

Once again thanks to the amazing powers of lululemon, the Dance! Headband is truly the latest and greatest in hair accessories. I have to give my sister all the credit for this functional find; a few weeks ago, I complimented her on what I thought was two complimentary colored headbands... As it turns out, the Dance! is actually a single band with two connected straps, available in an array of fun colors. It's now my go-to for working out, for not only does it stay in place, it's also comfortable--two important features that I thought impossible to find in peaceful (and stylish!) coexistence. Truly, this headband is even so comfortable that I've worn mine outside of the gym. And for $9, you really can't go wrong... So get your head in the game!

Image: Dance! Headband in river rock/oasis $9 by lululemon (http://shoplululemon.com).

Comfy Chic: Best Idea Ever

I know that it's August--and thus still very much the summer time--but I'm sort of over it. I'm annoyed by the heat, sick of the corresponding wardrobe, and basically just ready for brusque autumn days and the changing leaves. Sheesh, someone sure is full of complaints, huh? While I can't accelerate time, I continue to look forward to fall fashions--and the days cool enough for stockings, boots, and sweaters.

On that note, let's talk comfy chic, shall we? Best. Idea. Ever. Granted, I'm willing to strap on 4-inch heels every day, but fashion and comfort are not always mutually exclusive. Hello, does the word luxury lounge wear ring any bells??? Indeed, it is the very premise behind the Juicy Couture sweatsuits that took over the nation nearly a decade ago (yikes, I am getting olddd). But today, I want to move behind terrycloth and velour and focus on something a little bit more luxurious: cashmere. Yum.

While innocently online window shopping from the J. Crew fall collection, I fell head over heels in love with their Cashmere Popover Hoodie. J. Crew calls this Classic New England wardrobe piece the epitome of luxury lounge wear. Of course, they've also put their money where their mouth is, making their Popover Hoodie from a special 12-gauge knit hailing from a world-famous Italian mill in the foothills of Piedmont. Available in four subtle autumn shades (nickle, cobblestone, plum, and burnt sienna), this hoodie also features a convenient kangaroo pocket; long sleeves; and an even longer silhouette, hitting at the hip. Plus, if your blood runs blue, you have the option of adding a monogram (just add $10).

Instantly envisioning candy apples and apple cider, I can actually picture myself wearing this hoodie, perhaps with mon petit bébé in tow. As my husband would say, I am a "marketer's dream," but I'm willing to wager--now that you've heard the full story--that you sort of want one too...

Images: Cashmere Popover Hoodie $198 by J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).

Hunter's New Look

For many of us, Hunter rain boots have become an all-weather staple--and thanks to the rainbow of available colors, we've been able to keep things interesting. I've had my eye on a pair of candy apple red Hunters for a while now. That is, until I saw Hunter's new look; behold, the Champery Wedge Rain Boot.

Yes, the design geniuses at Hunter have done it again, this time bringing a new level of style to their functional boot. With the addition of 3 1/2 inch wedge and a 1 inch platform, the Champery is what I like to call "dress up" rain boots. And for those who care for a little name dropping, the fabulously classic Hunter "H" logo is embossed--larger than life--on the side. To say that they're tempting is gross understatement. But I will say that, if I had the Champery in my footwear arsenal, I might not mind a few rain storms... In fact, I might actually sing in the rain.

Image: Champery Wedge Rain Boots in black $175 by Hunter, available at Bloomingdales (http://www.bloomingdales.com/).

Orange for Summer (not like on Jersey Shore)

This summer, I can't get enough orange. No no, not like on Jersey Shore! I'm talking about orange in the most fashionable sense, as in a serious pop! of color. I know I'm not the only one out there who feels this way. In fact, I have discussed the merits of a firey Cajun orange with my dear friend, Ash, on many occasions. And then the subject came up in line at Starbucks just this morning...

While waiting for my drink to be ready--in what was unfortunately quite a long line of patrons--the girl to my left leaned over and asked, "Do you know the specific nail color you're wearing?" In fact, I did; it was a recent purchase from Target (who is now carrying OPI and Essie, if you can believe it!): Hot & Spicy by OPI.

You may recognize this bold nail color from Refinery 29's nail color prediction for 2010, posted all the way back in January. Well, right they are! What they dubbed "persimmon perfection" brings all the summer sizzle a girl could need in one itty bitty bottle. It's best worn with a tiny bit of a tan and is the ideal contrast to a summer white or nautical navy. So if your nails are in need of a late summer pick-me-up, I highly recommend that you give them the pop! of color that they so deserve--and go orange for summer.

Image thanks to Refinery 29 (www.refinery29.com).

Watch It Go!

Watches have never really been a go-to accessory for me. Yet, I received an amazing Coach watch (The Whitney--pictured at left, in case you're curious) as a gift from my husband several years ago, and it was the perfect style for me, functioning more like a bracelet than your standard utilitarian watch. However, utility is all the rage these days! My fashion-savvy sister caught this trend early last year, purchasing a chunky blinged-out version by Michael Kors. Since then, I've become increasingly aware that oversized utility watches are everywhere--and the trend will continue this fall... Watch it go!

For fall, the oversized watch has evolved slightly. Borrowing from the boys' camp, these watches are heavy on hardware (and often just heavy in general!), with large faces and thick straps in a variety of functional materials. While I still adore my Whitney, now I also see the appeal of a utility watch. These menswear inspired time pieces can really make a statement when paired against an otherwise feminine outfit. Below are my personal top three, and as you can see, with an inherently casual aesthetic, each could easily be a go-to accessory for the everyday.

As an added bonus, since function comes with a lower price tag than the glitz glam of luxury, this is good news for fall fashion budgets. Although, diamonds are a girls' best friend, a rubber or canvas watch strap is definitely a friend to her wallet! And not for nothing, but I can't resist adding a little plug for vanity... When you wear an oversized watch, it makes your wrist look itty-bitty--and what right-minded fashionista out there would argue with that? In summary, it's all pros and no cons, so your homework assignment should be an easy one: find your favorite!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) The Whitney Watch by Coach (www.coach.com/); (2) The Scout Leather (for men) in silver $80 by Nixon (http://www.nixonow.com/); (3) Black Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch, 45 mm $250 by Michael Kors, available at Bloomingdales (http://www.bloomingdales.com/); (4) Vintage Field Army Watch (for men) in olive by Timex $150, available from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).