Matte and minx finishes. Crackle. Embellished stickers and gel nails. Getting a manicure these days has turned into an art project. Textured effects are big news and an inexpensive accessory. The latest trend is magnetic...lacquers containing metallic particles that are moved with a magnet embedded in each bottle top. Seems easy too -- after polishing each nail, wave the bottle cap above every nail before the polish dries for a rippled effect. Creates an unpredictable design that is truly unique.

Exclusive to Sephora, nails inc. launched pretty shimmery shades: House of Parliament (metallic purple) Big Ben (metallic gold) and Trafalgar Square (metallic chrome)/$16 per bottle or $30 for trio. View a demo here.

L'Oreal & The Project Runway Collection

Finally, L'OREAL PARIS has teamed up with Project Runway in a BIG way. Next month, you can get your hands on the color collection inspired by exotic birds called "Colors Take Flight." The assortment includes shadow quads, nail lacquers, lipsticks and blushes. Take a sneak peak at some of the colors, all of which are affordably priced starting at $4.99. The limited edition palettes can be purchased at Ulta and other mass drug stores.

Sephora Steals & Deals

SEPHORA is like THE superstore of beauty but that's no surprise. So when they have sales on luxurious brands, everyone should know about it. Here are a few things that caught my attention:

STILA Lip Glaze Trio: Three universally flattering shades with the pleasant scent we love. Each fits easily in the smallest clutch and delivers high shine. Includes Grapefruit (frosted pink), Seashell (nude pink) and Raisin (golden plum)/in store and online for $12.

NARS Single Eyeshadow: Two beautiful shades are perfect for your fall makeup palette with great color payoff. California (a shimmery copper) and Night Sun (a marigold hue with gold flecks)/online only at $8 each.

CLARINS Vital Light Serum: Restore luminosity with this serum -- defies dark spots, dullness and wrinkles without harmful parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes. Get a free deluxe sample with your $25 online purchase. I've never used it so let me know how it works for you.


For more beauty bonuses, click here.

Four Faves for Fall 2011

A few of my favorite fall pieces include:

The Suit: This office staple in a classic light wool blend with a touch of stretch provides a comfy fit with minimal fuss. The silhouette should be simple -- a shortened blazer with flat-front trousers or a pencil skirt. Team with a power pump, a statement bag or a touch of gold for a look that works after hours.

The Dress: The simple sheath is modern this season with a play on textures and feminine touches. Find a style that works for you -- body hugging or loose, sleeveless or three quarter sleeves, scoop or boat neck. Then add a favorite accessory: a touch of fur, an embellished cardigan, or multi-strand metal necklaces. I like these two: The BURBERRY London Dayna V Neck Dress/$795 and the ZARA Mini Dress/$59.90.

The Fur Trend: Plush faux fur is everywhere! Shoes, bags, scarves, capes and I.LOVE.IT.ALL.

The Stacked Heel: Menswear inspired footwear can be dressed up or down. Heeled loafers pair the masculine lines of the slip-on with the femininity of pumps. Wedges, lace-up oxfords and knee-high boots with a chunky heel are ideal for gals who love heel height without the skinny.

What are your favorite fall looks?

L'Oreal Color of Hope Collection 2011

This collection is not only for a good cause**the new palettes celebrate retro femininity pairing soft colors with sultry shades...so on point with current trends!

Choose from:

• Two Color Riche lipsticks: Faithful and Color of Hope -- protects your lips with Omega 3, Vitamin E and Argon Oil to keep lips moisturized and supple.


• An Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss in Admiration -- a universally flattering nude shade that promises six hours of wear.


• Two Wear Infinite eye shadow quads: Sentimental Splendor and Nostalgic Beauty.


• Four Pro Manicure nail polishes: Whimsical, Mystery, Devotion and Valient, a shimmery metallic pewter with a hint of gold flecks. Manicures should last for a full week.

View the entire L'OREAL Color of Hope Collection here, try a Duane Reade "Look Boutique" or your local drug store. Let us know what you buy!

**L'Oreal donates $1 from every cosmetic product sold and $5 for each cosmetic bag to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Luxe Labor Day Lusts

Our introduction to autumn starts with Labor Day. Fall trends are balanced with bright colors, muted shades and everything in between. I love the bold bright dresses and pants, the textures of tweed and the retro femininity of the tie-neck blouse.

(Pictured left to right: Cobalt dress/Calvin Klein Collection; Citrine dress/Rachel Roy; Bright plum cropped pant and tweeds/J.Crew; tie-neck shirt/Holmes & Yang and Tommy Hilfiger.)

I also j'adore select pieces from high-end collections and affordable brands starting with these:

FENDI Colorblock Chameleon Satchel -- A "smart" carryall with plenty of pockets, neutral tones to pair with anything in a rich Italian leather...It makes a statement/pre-order at Bergdorf or Neiman Marcus $2,340. *

ZARA Combined Slingback -- I'm sure these sexy peep toe shoes will be amazing with whatever you wear...casual or corporate/$89 at Zara.**

RAOUL Wool Coat -- Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? This overcoat says otherwise....a ladylike collarless design that works for day or night. Works with a dress or leggings and flats/$385 at raoul.com.

*It's on my "WISH LIST."
**Shop online at ZARA starting 9/7/2011!