Swap Homes in Style

Marrakesh, Morocco

Sri Lanka

Brittany, France

When I'm on holiday I enjoy spending the time as a local would. Dining in a great little neighborhood cafe, getting the best deals at the local flea market, sunbathing at a secluded beach and staying at a local's country villa or a city pied-a-terre.  Through Luxe Home Swap this can become a reality.  For a small yearly fee, you can search the website for homes you would like to stay in throughout the world, and begin your conversation with the owner, to swap.  Unfortunatley, it's obvious this will not work for everyone.  If your trying to swap your mobile home in Wichita Kansas for a small castle in France, uhhhh, it's just not gonna work out.  As for me, I'm eying up the gorgeous home in Morocco, but hey! If the owner of the castle in Brittany wants to swap for my apartment in NYC, my bags are packed!

Sofia Vergera at the 2010 Emmy Awards

Photo courtesy Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Sofia Vergera is a joy to watch on screen and just as charming on the red carpet. If you haven't been watching Modern Family you need to add it to your line up. Sofia look gorgeous last night, thanks in part to stylist Jenny Cho who gave her those beautiful waves. Here's how she did it:

1. Start off with a good foundation using Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner. This will deliver moisture to the hair before styling.


2. Before blow drying, apply a small amount of Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Mousse to towel dried hair. This will help shape the curls and hold them in place.

3. Next, spray Suave Freeze Hold Hairspray onto small sections of hair before wrapping the section around a 2 inch barrel curling iron. For loose, voluminous waves, don’t close the tongue of the curling iron!

4. Finish off the look with the Suave Professionals Volumizing Finishing Spray. The lightweight formula will keep your curls intact without weighing them down.

How to Avoid Vacation Breakouts

by Dr. Hilary Reich via Daily Makeover

There are a variety of reasons why we break out when traveling, but the major reason is stress. Stress affects our hormone levels, and hormonal imbalances cause acne.

Travel also disrupts our normal skin balance due to sudden changes in the temperature and humidity levels. A change in the mineral content of the water we use to cleanse our skin is another factor. Water with a higher mineral content ("hard water") means it harder to rinse off soaps and cleansers. Read on for more tips from dermatologist, Dr. Hilary Reich on avoiding vacation breakouts.

Christina Hendricks at the 2010 Emmy Awards

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Christina Hendricks was one of our favorite Emmy looks again this year. We love her coloring (that perfect red hair) and her amazing curves. Her smoky lilac Zac Posen dress complemented her perfectly. Lancôme celebrity makeup artist, Vanessa Scali, used Mia Farrow's character from "The Great Gatsby" as her inspiration. Here are the details on Christina's look:

Face:
Vanessa prepped the skin with Lancôme’s La Base Pro. To perfect Christina’s already luminous skin, Vanessa used Lancôme’s new Teint Miracle Lit-From-Within Makeup (pictured below). “It has an amazing transparent quality that leaves the skin looking flawless and luminous without being shiny,” said Vanessa. “I applied it with a brush and then blended with my fingers.” Blending with her fingers heated up the foundation a bit, allowing for a seamless finish. Vanessa followed with Effacernes Concealer under the eyes, her “all time favorite concealer.”

Cheeks:
For a fresh pop of color I used Lancôme’s Blush Subtil Shimmer in Pink Pool on the apples of her cheeks. Dabs of Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Fluid Sheer #2 highlighted Christina’s cheekbones.

Eyes
The eye shadow was mix of YSL’s Ombre Solo Eyeshadow in Cashmere Brown and Midnight Black. “I applied these all over her lid, under the bottom lashes and blended it out past her natural lash line to softly elongate the eye,” reported Vanessa.

Eye Liner:
To define and elongate the lash line, Vanessa lined the eyes with Lancôme’s Le Crayon Khôl in Black. “I used a touch of liner under her bottom lashes but smudged it for a softer look,” said Vanessa. For added depth, Vanessa used Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Noir at the very base of Christina’s lashes.

Mascara:
Several generous coats of Lancôme Définicils Waterproof Mascara in Black were used on the top and bottom lashes.

Lips:
Christina’s lips were a mix of Lancôme lip colors for an effect that Vanessa described as “red with a little dash of pink.” A sheer coat of Color Design Matte Lipstick in Corset was topped by La Laque Fever Lipshine in Cyber Coral.

January Jones at the 2010 Emmy Awards

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

We weren't impressed with January's Versace dress and her hair was more frizzy than glamorous; but her beautiful makeup by Chanel artist, Rachel Goodwin, was a different story. Rachel spoke about her inspiration,"For January's make up I was inspired by Irving Penn's iconic photos of his wife/supermodel Lisa Fonssagrives, whose signature extended eyeliner symbolizes the epitome of elegance. I used ultra feminine colours with super sculptural liner for a cool update on that classic late 50's silhouette."

Here's how she created January's look:

"I used Chanel Liquid Eyeliner in Noir along the lash line for an exaggerated cat eye effect, adding extra lashes on just the very outer edges for added length. I then applied two coats of inimitable Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir on the top lashes and one coat of Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Purple on the bottom lashes. The rest of the face I kept understated using minimal foundation, pale pink cream cheek colour and Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Confidence on her lips. I finished the look by dusting her brow bone and lids with a loose iridescent pearl shadow with a hint of purple to play off the super reflective quality of her dress."

Booze-Infused Ice Cream

We love when our two of our favorite foods are combined into one tasty treat. The Silver Moon lines of adult-only ice creams pairs the icy, sweet treat with liquor for flavors like Pomegranate Martini sorbet and Orange Creamsicle ice cream with Cointreau. The Silver Moon ice cream is available at Whole Foods in northern California or for order online.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #29: Party Dresses

bachelorette party dress by Jet Set Girls featuring sequin evening dress

If ever there's a time to pull out all the wardrobe stops, it's at a bachelorette party. Here are a few of our fave party dresses. Don't want to spend the money? Consider renting a dress!

Bobbi Brown's New Black Velvet Collection

“Yes, sooty lids and goth lips look great on the runway—but how do you make them work for real life? By infusing plum, cherry and maple tones with black and giving them a translucent texture, I created shades that are strong, powerful and a little shocking—but also wearable and sophisticated.” - Bobbi Brown

It's true that we saw a ton of dark vampy makeup at Fashion Week Fall 2010. Bobbi Brown's contribution is a beautiful set of lip and eye colors that will give you (like she said above) a wearable, dramatic look for fall. Available September 2010.

Read more on how to get the vampire look from Hope's post on Brilliant Color and Beauty Today.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #28: Philadelphia

Next month, we'll be heading to the city of brotherly love for our friend Felissa's Bachelorette Party. The bridesmaids chose Philly as half the girls are in D.C. and the other half are in NYC so it's a nice in-between spot. Plus, Felis is a HUGE Mets fan, so we're heading to the Mets-Philly's game that Saturday. (That's Felissa, second from left, at our own bachelorette party.)

Even if your bride isn't a baseball fan, there are lots of reasons to head to Philly. It's affordable, manageable to get around and there's plenty to do both during the day or night. For starters, the Franklin Institute is hosting a Cleopatra exhibit now through January, 2011. Eleven hotels are offering a "Cleopatra Girlfriends Weekend Itinerary".

As for our group, we're staying at the Sofitel. We're still figuring out where we're eating and partying, but Cuba Libre and Alma de Cuba are definitely in the running. We have a special Saturday afternoon surprise (more on that later) and are hoping to squeeze in a pole dancing class at Pole By Patricia.

We'll be sure to share all the dirty details, so check back in a month!

Bachelorette Partys Ideas #27: Montauk Yacht Club

While the Hamptons may have more flash, Montauk, at the far eastern end of Long Island, has traditionally been the laid back, surf spot. For your bachelorette party, you can rent a house, stay in one of the many upgraded shack hotels or do what we're doing this weekend and stay at the Montauk Yacht Club.

The 80-year old storied hotel, that has hosted guests including the Astors, Vanderbilts and Morgans, recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. The rooms have a nautical theme, along with modern touches like flat screen TVS and iPod docks.

The restaurants got an upgrade, too. We hear there's a great cover band on most weekend nights during the summer and that the servers are super-friendly, if not super fast--hey, it's a beach resort.

During the days, we plan to lie out by the pool. If you're more adventurous or motivated, the hotel can arrange a group surf class for you and your girlfriends. On Saturday, we're braving the traffic to head to the Ferrari Rally and Polo Match--we couldn't decide between Italians and Argentinians, so we're attempting to hit both events!

Follow our adventures via Twitter. We're on as JSGHope and JSGAnne.

Web Snob Roundup 8-27-10

Try this super duper lash plumping serum at Beauty Snob!
FabSugar shows you how Rebecca Minkoff Adds More Cool to Her Collection With Footwear.

Fashion Pulse Daily contemplates the intentions of Levi's in its latest ad campaign 'We are all Workers'

A toy that is as simple as it is mesmerizing and engaging for your tot at Tot Snob.

The Jet Set Girlsscoured the internet to find the sexiest leather shorts for fall.

When we see a great piece, we get it before it sells out - get yours at Couture Snob!

Second City Style is mad for camel...everything for fall. It's the new black!

Shopping and Info loves this dress straight off the runway from Milly that looks like Valentino.

Jewel Snob asks, can one ever have too many cuffs?

StyleBakery has the scoop on fall's ultimate transition piece: the military jacket.

Stylecaster shares an exclusive DIY from the new book by Erica Domesek of P.S. I Made This.

If ever there was a shoe that perfectly encapsulated this fall's return to a pure and minimal aesthetic, it would be this sandal at Shoe Snob.

eye4style takes you behind-the-scenes at the Fall 2010 London Fog ad campaign shoot, featuring Mad Men star.

Organics For The Home

I just came across Heather Knight's wonderful clay organics at Element Studio.  They are so textural and simplistic.  I love objects for the home that look like they are going to come alive and start walking around, and these would happen to be those objects!  Heather's fantastic clay works reflect both her love of modern design and her admiration for the natural world.

The Stone Man In Sleepy Hollow

Old cemetery's are so exciting and beautiful to me, filled with so much mystery and peace. When ever I travel through old small towns I always feel an urge to seek out the local cemetery. When ever I visit them, I feel like an innocent child again wondering through a labyrinth of stone and decay, like I'm in my own little fairy tale story. Being such a visual person I'm always drawn to the way the light reflects off the textured tomb stones, and statuary. The way the sun light finds its way through the wind blown trees creating that harmonious natural shadow dance on the hand carved mounds of rock. On one of my recent trips to upstate NY I passed through the town of Sleepy Hollow and like a mad man, when I came upon the cemetery I anxiously swerved the car into the entrance of the grounds. It was a beautiful fresh day, the leaves where still glistening from the rain storm that just passed through, and the light and shadows were just perfection. Amongst all of the ancient statuary, I came upon this huge stone man beautifully carved and proportioned. I was able to get some great photographs of him. My plan is to get the photographs blown up to a large scale, mount them on linen and have them framed. If they come out great, I will offer a limited amount on Kerut Home. I'm thinking they'll look lovely above my living room sofa! A little bit of fairy tale in the home...

Bachelorette Party Ideas #26: Fun Cakes

What's a bachelorette party without a little frosting?

This Champagne Cake from NYC hotspot Abe + Arthur's combines two of our favorite loves: Cake + Bubbles. The restaurant makes cakes on request for special parties. This one was for  Sofia Vergara  to celebrate her boyfriend's birthday at Abe & Arthur's last month. Everything was edible from the bottle to the bucket).

If you're hosting a bachelorette in New Orleans, check out Hot Chocolate bakery. This plumber's butt crack cake is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out their website for the more X-rated cakes.

Those in San Fran can call the Cake Gallery for a selection of perverted desserts. Like Hot Chocolate, they get about as graphic as you want to go.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #25: The Andaz Hotel San Diego

The Andaz San Diego is located in the Gaslamp Quarter, in the midst of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife in town. The Andaz itself is home to the Ivy Rooftop (pool) and lounge and the Ivy Nightclub (a multi-level dance club); meaning you don't have to go far to have a great time. If all those Ivy's didn't clue you in, the Andaz took over the former Ivy Hotel building.

The Andaz even offers a private photographer to follow you around paparazzi-style or a photo shoot, if you're feeling particularly cheeky. We're not sure the whole night needs to be documented; but you be the judge. Rates start at $240.

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia Cologne

Jo Malone's latest scent, English Pear and Freesia, takes a graceful step towards autumn with light and fresh notes and contrasting earthy elements. Its keynotes are the King William pear and white freesia. The base note, patchouli, is usually too intense for us; but here it adds a simple woodsy undertone.

We love that Jo Malone creates her frangrances to be used in conjuction with one another, whether you're creating your own personalized scent or matching your scent to an occasion. Combination suggestions for English Pear and Freesia include Orange Blossom for a sparkling effervescent edge; Vetyver for spiciness, and Black Vetyver Cafe for masculine depth.

As for us, we'll wear it alone and enjoy the simple pear notes this fall.

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia is available September 2010 on jomalone.com, Jo Malone stores, Bergdorf's, Neiman's, Saks, and select Nordstrom's and Bloomies.

This review was based on a sample.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #24: The Parker Hotel Palm Springs

Palm Springs makes a perfect getaway, especially if you and your girlfriends are looking for a low key escape with pool time, cocktails and good food.

The Parker Hotel, decorated by Jonathan Adler, has a killer deal for $199 that includes a $200 spa credit to their Palm Springs Yacht Club spa (pictured above). You don't have to be a mathematician to figure out that's a bargain!

Stay in a patio room with a private lanai, have drinks at their Mini Bar, and enjoy a tasty dinner at Mister Parker's.

Leather Shorts for Fall

We've been curious about all the leather shorts popping up in the stores recently. They're perfect for a fall transition and look equally as good with bare legs or tights. Pair them with booties or peep toe clogs for a great weekend look. Here are a few pairs we find tempting:

Joie's Denver leather shorts at Neiman's for $378 styled with one of their irresistible silk tops.

Theory has the softest leather. Their shorts above are at Net-a-Porter for $315.

Tibi leather shorts at Saks $585.

The most affordable option: Blank Denim leather shorts at Saks for $104.

A Peek Inside Eye 4 Style's Carry On Bag

The always glamorous Dina Fierro is one of our fave fellow bloggers. Her site, Eye4Style is exactly that--a short cut to finding the pieces that you'll crave so badly you'll decide it's worth brown bagging lunch for. Don't blame us when you become addicted to her Fashion Bucket List! We had to know what Dina travels with.

I'm the world's worst schlepper, so aim for minimalism when I travel. My go-to carry on luggage is by Alexander McQueen for Samsonite Black Label - it's modeled after a human rib cage and definitely gets some stares when I travel.

Though I'm almost ashamed to admit it, my favorite travel gadget is definitely the iPad. I load mine up with Mad Men episodes, a rented movie or two, games and books from the iBook app - time flies.

Planes are always so cold, so I like to tuck a colorful wrap into my purse - my favorite for summer travel is a lightweight cashmere version in purple ombre from Scoop.

Flying dries out my skin like crazy, so I pack the travel-friendly 2.7 oz Amorepacific Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System. You can mist it on over makeup for a nice little blast of hydration mid-flight.

Last but definitely not least, I always carry a nice, thick lip balm that can double as a cuticle cream.  Right now, Payot Hydrating Lip Balm is holding down the fort- it's a lot like Aquaphor, but more glamorous!

Benefit Speed Brow

Whether you have unruly brows or just over plucked your eyebrows like we did, Benefit's Speed Brow may be the fix. This quick drying gel goes on easily with a few upward strokes. Somehow its natural shade works for all brow colors. We're ordering Speed Brow ourselves from Benefit.com ($16).

Bachelorette Party Ideas #23: Three Hot Bachelorette Party Themes

Today post comes from Alison Storm, a regular writer at The House of Bachelorette blog. We're instantly enamored with HB--the site has tons of fun and original ideas for your bachelorette parties--no matter where you have them. Add the site to your regular reading list. We already did!


Back in the day bachelorette parties all looked the same. Decorations were always hot pink and typically revolved around the male anatomy. But those days are gone. Lots of girls are planning out their parties with full-blown themes, decorations, outfits and more. Here are three hot themes:

Sex in the City

Style: What bachelorette wouldn’t want to spend her last night as a single girl channeling her inner Carrie Bradshaw? This party theme is all about glamour, fashion and, of course, fun.
Colors: Any color would work, but silver and black will set the mood well.
Decorations: Decorations are infused with Carrie’s favorite accessory—like these hot shoes napkins.

Fashion: For this party, pull out your fanciest, trendiest party dress. It’s more about “who” you’re wearing than “what” you’re wearing.
Drinks: The drink of choice is obviously the Cosmo.
Favors: Give each girl what she really wants—diamonds. These diamond keychains will be a fun reminder of your sexy night.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Style: The 80’s are back in a big way. Aggressive shoulder pads, big bangs and jelly sandals will make this bachelorette party truly unforgettable.
Colors: Neon all the way!
Decorations: Neon streamers, Molly Ringwald posters and fashion magazines from the 1980s will make this bash, like totally cool.
Fashion: Go wild with neon colors, shoulder pads and animal prints. You could even give each member of the bachelorette party crew an animal print hat to wear.

Drinks: Use Tab, Kool-Aid or Capri Sun as drink mixers for totally 80s cocktails.
Favors: Give each girl a pack of their own neon glow bracelets and their own pair of neon sunglasses.

Slumber Party

Style: The spa meets seventh grade in this girly bachelorette bash. Have manicures, pedicures and facials either at home or in a spa.
Colors: Pink is a must for this party full of female fun.
Decorations: Think feathers, pillows and gossip magazines.
Fashion: Forget uncomfortable party dresses and high heels—sweat pants and pajamas are the proper dress code for this party.
Drinks: Drinks should be super sweet and fun. Focus on fruity daiquiris and pina coladas.
Favors: Give each girl a gift bag full of treats like glitter nail files, a sleeping beauty mask, and a super soft pink feather boa.