Beauty & Fashion Tips - Rags & Rouges Style Tips

One of our sister blogs over at Coutorture has snagged an interview with Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein and is sharing the love. I have to say, after his Spring Collection, I was kind of bored with the Calvin Klein line and as a result, I chose not to profile him this go around for Fashion Week. However, we did get our hands on this interview with Francisco Costa. Here he talks about a theme we saw a lot this week. Retro vs. Contemporary and how to blend the two. How do you think he did?

We talked about ck Beauty yesterday, so it got me to thinking about Calvin Klein’s new line. I mean, I wasn’t all that thrilled about it to be honest, this was before I saw it. The reason for that is well, I was just not excited with the Fall line. I hate using the word boring, but really, the minimalist look was a little too little for me. But the spring collection has some promise. In fact, this collection is a re-introduction of the ck Calvin Klein line which has had a bit of a 2 year break. You will find some sleek neutrals here, but you are also going to find some brights and strong statements to give the neutrals a little more structure. You’ll also like the prices much better I might add. Check ‘em all out at Calvin Klein, but here is a bit of a sample until them…

Ok, now this is a dress that you can really do something with. I do like the one shoulder feature, which makes this a simple yet chic piece that will give you some style in a very minimalist but bright way. And of course, with matte jersey you can’t go wrong. This baby won’t wrinkle, and you could easily spend the day in this cozy chic number for that company picnic or family function. What’s more is there is a lot you can do with this in terms of accessorizing if you wanted to, but the dress is simple, yet chic enough that you don’t really have to. Use your personality here.

And here is another minimalist look with some personality. This outfit is a snake short sleeve front jacket paired with a luxe pima cotton top that has just the right amount of color to add some spice to the outfit. Add to it a dragonfly foil canvas skirt and you’ve got yourself a unique look that you don’t have to do much else with. Yep, this is an outfit that speaks for itself. I love the foil skirt, this is another you can really go night or day with depending on how you pair it.

And for the modern art deco kind of girl, you may like this outfit. This one features a modern textured jacket with a white tank and artsy fartsy printed skirt. This would be a fun set for a night out, or for some gallery hopping. If you go with this skirt, follow this theme from ck Calvin Klein and keep the look on top simple. It is the skirt that really makes this ensemble a fashion statement.

I like this outfit too, trenches are really calling to me this year and spring will definitely have me in at least one or two. This trench is a twist from the standard trench with a lacquered look, self belt, and nice deep pockets. Under it you will find a pretty stretch poplin dress featuring pleated waist detail.

Yes, I am definitely much happier with the spring collection. Much!

It is no secret that the look of Calvin Klein has gone to the far end of the spectrum of minimalist. But surprisingly, minimalist is not the way the CK brand wants to go when it comes to beauty. A new line of cosmetics for eyes, lips, face, and nails has just been released as the ck Calvin Klein beauty line. It goes WAY beyond CK’s signature muted tones and neutrals and you will find over 200 shades, and 27 of those are in foundations alone. The geniuses behind this beauty line are Mark Carrasquillo, CK’s Global Makeup Artist, and the Creative Director of ck Calvin Klein beauty, Kevin Carrigan. I think it’s hilarious that the beauty geniuses behind ck Calvin Klein beauty are both MEN but that’s all I will say about that…;-) Let’s have a look at a sampling, because honestly, 27 shades of foundation is EXCITING to me!! If you want more, you can pick up any of these products at Sephora, but not until later this month.

Click on the thumbnail to get a larger pic and to really see these colors stand out….

Here’s a little look at a sampling of eye shadow. This is the ck Calvin Klein Beauty Tempting Glance Eye shadow. I love the price points too, only around $16 bucks for some designer eye wear. Gotta love it. And this particular shade is such a nice simple look for day, but use it as a base for your more powerful shades at night. So fresh!

Go for glitz and glam on your lips with ck Calvin Klein Beauty Delicious Light lip gloss. OH, this color is just so pretty and sparkly. Wear this on its own for a little sparkly lift during the day, or on top of your fave matte color in the evening.

For a little extra length and volume, try ck Calvin Klein Beauty True Lashes mascara. And when you want to really define those eyes in the evening, I love love love this Electric Edge liquid eyeliner pen. Both are nicely priced at $16. When you consider L’Oreal is shining in at around $12 bucks, the ck name really is worth the extra pop.

And here is a look at the ck Calvin Klein Infinite foundation. A little pricier at $32, but this one is touted to last all day, and give you an infinitely beautiful finish. I love that, who wouldn’t?

Keep an eye on Sephora for these items, coming soon soon soon!!! But I wanted you all to be among the first to hear what everyone in the industry is raving about!

Just chiming in to show you some of the funky sales our sponsors are having to wrap up the holiday season. You know whenever you go shopping POST holiday you are going to find some great steals. Everyone is practically giving their stuff away, let’s see what’s going on.

Alloy.com is a very underrated online retailer. They offer a huge selection of clothing and accessories that hit the trends but not your wallet. Doncha just love these little cuffed pumps? So festive! I love the detailing, and you don’t need a fancy outfit when you are sporting these hot babies. Right now at Alloy you can get Alloy.com End of Season Clearance - Get up to 75% off!

Bare Necessities is a great place to pick up all of your pretty little underthings and they offer great names like Calvin Klein, Palatine, and DKNY among many others. But it’s not just a lingerie store, they also have a menswear selection, and awesome comfy lounging around the house things like these cozy PJ pants from DKNY. Even better? See all styles marked 70% to 79% at BareNecessities.com.

And we of course have our Liz Claiborne. There is so much here I just never know where to start, so as usual, I go to shoes. I love these pearlized patent flats. Jeans, dresses, minis, leggings, whatever. These shoes will add just enough dress-up to any outfit. And right now, Liz is offering some great steals as well. New styles just reduced! Shop now and save at LizClaiborne.com

National Jean Company is another of my favorites. Where else can you get such great brand names at such low prices. If you are thinking jeans, True Religion and Seven for All Mankind are always on sale here. If Juicy Couture is your thing, you can find it here as well. I love the velour casuals at NJC, particularly when it comes to Juicy. I have a few of these in my closet as well, and I swear by them on the weekends. What’s more, these are the kind of comfy clothes you actually CAN step out of the house with! And guess what? Products on Sale at National Jean Company!

Onlineshoes.com is another of our favorites when it comes to choosing names like Jessica Simpson, BCBGirls, Kenneth Cole, and so many others. I know some of you have already done some shopping there, so you may want to check out their current post-holiday extravaganza!!

Classic Closeouts is another of our most recently added sponsors. Check out how far your fashion dollar goes here. Basics are always on sale here — socks, underwear and more from just $1.99! Lovely lingerie is never more than $9.99 for a 2-Piece matching set! Tees, tanks and other layering pieces are always available for under $5.00! Or if you are looking for some additions to your winter wardrobe, zip up and step out in style with a padded parka for less than $16! Look cool and stay warm with soft sweaters starting at only $4.99! Cute cozy hats, warm winter gloves, super-soft scarves, from just $1.99. What’s even better is you can do shopping for your whole family here, and they don’t restrict to teensy sizes. Find bras and panties in just about every size and yes, even strap width if you so choose. So pretty, and for less than $10 bucks??!! And take advantage of their FAMOUS FREE SHIPPING on all orders that total $40 and over.
which is SO easy to do at this store. Super cheap!
And whether you are looking for a hot piece like this one for a special occasion like wedding, prom, or just something to knock his socks off, you can find any style of dress you want at edressme.com like this Nicole Miller piece. WOW. They have such a huge selection from casual to evening wear, but I could not let this one go without at least showing y’all. Oh, and with any purchase at edressme, they will thank you. Free Rebecca Taylor tote with purchase!

We have discussed this before, but you know, I don’t think you can talk enough about a pretty little bra. Now, in the past we have talked about how to measure yourself appropriately, seamless wonders, and how to find the right fitting bra. So today, we are going to simply take a look at the top five pretty things I have run across. And, the less endowed may appreciate these as these are all going to lift not only your spirits, but everything else. Today we are looking at push-up bras that not only work, but will make you feel beautiful from the underneath and out! And you know, it doesn’t really matter WHAT size you are, a push up bra is a good choice as it not only gives you some shape, but will enhance everything that needs to be enhanced in all the right ways.

I adore this gorgeous little number by Palatine. This is the Palatine Demi Cup bra and is perfect for that special night. Wear it under something sexy, or even something simple and elegant. It won’t matter what you are wearing when you have this on underneath, because you will feel so pretty in it.

Nothing is sexier in lingerie than little gems from La Perla. Check out this gorgeous Jolie Jardin full coverage bra.Ruched at the central gore, this full coverage bra from Malizia by La Perla has delicate floral lace cups, reinforced in the lower part. The slim straps have a flower appliqué and adjust in length. It fastens at the back with a two hook clasp.

And nobody does it much sexier than Calvin Klein. This Obi Sash low plunge push up bra is perfect for the holidays. This Calvin Klein bra plunges to a strap central gore with a lace trim at the cleavage. The push-up cups are lined with graduated foam and have a smooth finish. It is styled in satin jersey and fastens at the rear with a two hook closure.

I love this Adelaide demi cup bra by Simone Perele. Simone Perele has designed this bra with demi cup coverage in semi-sheer lace. The underwire cups have light boning, adorned with bows and the slender satin band is edged with a pleated ribbon. It has narrow straps and a two hook rear fastening.

Also by Simone Perele, you want to wrap yourself in elegance and sex appeal with this gorgeous Fidji demi cup bra. Beautiful embroidery embellishes the sheer, underwire cups of the Fidji demi cup bra by Simone Perele. Delicately scalloped edges and elegant twin straps complete this charming piece.

Today is the day where most North Americans start seriously thinking about their holiday shopping. And why is that? Because it’s Black Friday, when retailers all across America expect to rake in so many sales their figures to ‘to the black’ so to speak. But it is not just the brick and mortar stores that are doing this, online retailers are taking as much advantage of this day as many others, in fact, you will see sales extending way beyond Black Friday online, until what is now known as Cyber Monday, the Monday following Black Friday where online shopping hits a major peak. Here, I am going to give you as many deals and steals as I can find, so take advantage of them NOW before all the goods are scooped up. Even better, MOST of these retailers will take payment by PayPal now, so if you are not big on using credit cards this time of year, PayPal is a very secure method of payment. It’s the only way I shop!!

Click on the pictures or the links highlighted in bold to take you directly to the retailer.

First let’s look at Online Shoes. Today through Monday they are offering both FREE SHIPPING and 25% off sale. Check out their sale where you can SAVE up to 40% at the Onlineshoes.com Holiday Sale!  Wear-now styles are on sale.  Shop Now!.

At Bare Necessities, you can get an additional 20% off clearance items and scoop up something like these cozy DKNY pajamas. Bare Necessities has a huge line of designer products for both the sexy and the comfy you – Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, DKNY and so much more. NEVER will you get a sale like this on designer names. And it’s this weekend only. So check out their Thanksgiving Weekend Sale - get an extra 20% off clearance items at BareNecessities.com. 5 days only! Sale ends 11.26.07.

At Liz Claiborne, you essentially have your pick of sales. You can get 40% off, choose free shipping, or many more. Pick up a cute party dress like the one you see here, or some spangly earrings or accessories. Or have a look at their shoe line, GORGEOUS. You can never go wrong with classic looks from Liz Claiborne. Check it out at Liz Claiborne Friends and Family Event - Take 40% off your purchase with the code FRIEND40 through 12.2.07..
I love this plumping lip color from AVON and perfect for the holidays. This color comes with Double A Retinol to give your lips a little boost. A LOT of Avon products are really making their mark this year, and you can see them featured on Oprah, in O! Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and US Weekly among many more. Their ANEW products are one of their top sellers, and are revolutionary when it comes to the fight against aging. Have a look at their awesome sales like ANEW Stock Up & Save on any 3 for $19.99 at Avon!.

Fragrances make a great gift for anyone that you just aren’t sure what to get, or you think they have everything. There is nothing more elegantly wrapped than a designer fragrance. One of my favorites is the one I have pictured here, Stella by Stella McCartney. It is described as a rose in bloom, and though I am not big on flowers, this one is VERY sexy, and VERY pretty and not remotely overpowering. Even better, this is an all day scent for me, I need only apply once. But if you aren’t a Stella girl (I’ll forgive you) you will not be hardpressed to find your fave designer fragrance at Fragrance.Net. Or, for that person on your list you just haven’t decided on yet, find out who their fave is. And why not? You can’t go wrong with the Low Prices, Free Shipping and Great Holiday Gifts at FragranceNet.com!.

That’s all I will leave you with for now, that should keep you busy. But should I come across any more great finds today, you have to know you’ll be the first to hear about it!!

We’ve talked about this before, but one can never overload on this topic. And since there are so many brands and lines out there on the market, it never hurts to reiterate some options. We are entering holiday season and with that comes parties and go-to’s and what have you’s. Dresses and outfits are getting more creative, and with that comes the need to be just as creative with the items you wear underneath. It goes without saying that if you are not wearing the proper garment under your outfit, you are going to ruin the entire ensemble. Why? Your garment won’t fit right and it will look terrible, or worse, things will be showing that shouldn’t be. Yes, we are talking about bra straps and panty lines. So when I came across this Calvin Klein collection, I was a happy girl. Comfort AND sleekness in underwear? Say it isn’t so!!

Ok, I will admit, these particular items have absolutely nothing to do with garmet fit or function. But look how cute they are? Seriously, these Calvin Klein D1233 365 Cotton Stretch Boyfriend Boyshort Panties look ridiculously comfortable. I generally have a bit of uh, riding issues, when it comes to boy shorts, but when they are cotton and they are Calvin, I can’t imagine that being the case. These are pretty decently priced as well.

And then we have the panties that will take you from day to night in flash, and the whole world doesn’t need to know about them. These are the Calvin Klein D2221 Seamless Bikini Panties and this is a bikini that truly is seamless. What does that translate to? No panty lines. The smooth finish on these seams will blend right into your every day wear so that you can wear those tighter pants or skirt and not have to worry about panty lines.

More of a thong girl? Calvin Klein offers the same solution in Calvin Klein D2220 Seamless Thong with smooth finished seams in a cotton thong that won’t ride or bulge or cause you to squirm. One tip, if you DO like the panty-line free factor in thongs but find them uncomfortable, you will want to buy a size larger than you normally would. So a medium would buy a large for example. This creates some extra room for you, without the added bulk and you will enjoy the benefits of a thong without the discomfort.

Lastly, let’s look at Calvin’s Calvin Klein D1245 365 Cotton Stretch Convertible Contour Bra. This bra is both lightweight and seamless so you can wear that tighter top without bulges in the back or underwires poking through the front. This one also offers some versatility as it is a convertible bra that transforms into criss-cross, halter, or normal two-straps. Sorry, this is not available strapless, but this convertible piece will offer a lot of options for many of the holiday dresses out there.

Well, today was all about practicality and not showing the world our under-things when we are putting on the over things. I DO love my lingerie, so pretty things are forthcoming, promise!!