Rad Vera Bradley

We admit it. There is a kinda secret side to us that is wildly attracted to floral patterns. Well, it might not be all that secret, but sharing a house with three males, we don't often have an opportunity to indulge in home stylings that feature 1940s-era rose prints and oil-cloth fabric.

We've always liked Vera Bradley much better than its preppy-favored predecessor, Pierre Deux. Each year they come out with new prints, retire others, add limited designs, blah blah, not at all dissimilar to what their competitors do.

Bradley inspires an almost Beanie Baby like fervor amongst her fans/collectors, who create Vera Bradley fan pages (seriously. Check it out, there are many of them. Many.) and proudly take photos of their collections.

Vera Bradley's signature design is a printed (often floral) quilted fabric made into a variety of womanly items, primarily purses, totes, luggage and accessories. They also make napkins and tablecloths in some patterns. And don't get all feminista on us about using the term "womanly." In fact, the two (brilliantly) entrepreneurial women who started the company (and named it after their mother or grandmother) got the spark for the idea when, while standing and waiting at an airport luggage carousel, they noticed that there was a preponderance of ugly, un-feminine baggage. Hence the line was born in 1982.

Since we've mentioned it to death on this site, we'll do this as briefly as possible -- we like to carry our pocketbook belongings in several little matching cases (ie, wallets, card holders, cosmetic cases etc.).

Vera Bradley has the ideal choices for our must-have pocketbook planners, but we have some reluctance to carry them too much. They are fabric, and despite the fact that the products are very much quality products, piped edging can fray and the item, in its entirety, can show wear (certainly more quickly than plastic or leather).

The items can be washed, but they do fade and lose that not-quite-shiny, but definitely that new-bag brightness. And they are not cheap, especially for fabric items. But they can be very lovely. Ah, decisions, decisions.

At any rate, we do completely love the new Winter 2009 pattern "Symphony in Hue" that we thought we'd share its prettiness with BeansTalk readers (that's it above [to quote Tina Fey], Dummy). www.verabradley.com

Vera Bradley's Symphony in Hue (the pattern will be available 1 October 2009, but those-in-the-know say it could be a couple of weeks earlier or later) in a covered mug from Barnes & Noble ($12) and in a 22" lamp from Distinctive Decor ($100).

A closer look at one of the Symphony in Hue bags/handbags/purses/pocketbooks

Even celebs like Vera Bradley: Here are a couple of pics taken at the this year's Tony Awards gifting suite -- Susan Sarandon and Kristen Chenoweth both have the Vera Bradley Duffel in Blue Rhapsody (this is the pattern of the set of cute little accessories we're currently carrying -- and so is Cheryl Daniels, btw).

Anti-Aging Tips from Dr. Adrienne Denese

In a release sent to BeansTalk, Dr. Adrienne Denese offers up post summer maintenance and has product (hers) suggestions, too. (BeansTalk note: We have not sampled any Dr. Denese's products ourselves, and this is a courtesy post as we trust the company's rep.)

STEP 1: EXFOLIATE
It is important to get rid of dead skin cells; they are what make your skin look dead and old. They have a rough texture so they block out skin’s natural radiance and that natural glow
If you self tan, you need a freshly exfoliated canvas. Otherwise the self tan will come out to be blotchy. This applies for face and body alike.
Many of us use minimal make up in the summer so we can’t hide dull, sallow, tired looking skin anymore.

Product Suggestion: Dr. Denese Advanced Firming Facial Pads, www.DrDenese.com, $35

STEP 2: MOISTURIZE
In the summer it is very important to protect the skin from dehydration which kills skin cells.
Air conditioning is one of your skin’s worst enemies. It takes out the humidity in the hair and dries your skin.
You must protect your skin from moisture loss which damages skin by moisturizing once a day.

Product Suggestion: Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum, www.DrDenese.com, $49 (15ml)

STEP 3: BRONZE
Few of us realize that every real sun tan we get during the summer will translate into several actual permanent lines on our face.
Try a non streak self-tanner.
Some self tanners are so advanced and so different from all other self tanners on the market that it truly gives you the look of an actual tan.

Product Suggestion: Dr. Denese Glow Younger Self Tanner, www.DrDenese.com, $32

STEP 4: PROTECT
All dermatologists would agree that the single worst enemy of your skin is the Sun. Nearly everything that you do not like about your skin: lines, wrinkles, age spots, enlarged pores, loss of firmness, red capillaries on your nose and cheek, loss of elasticity, all has to do with cumulative sun exposure.
Daily SPF 30 broad spectrum protection is imperative, even if it rains.
Product Suggestion: Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream, www.DrDenese.com, $34 (1.5 oz.)

FYI: The Hungarian Dr. Denese started making beauty products when she was nine-years-old. She says, "Since then I earned my Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology in Budapest, Hungary; I won a Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School; and I received an M.D. at Cornell University Medical College." She adds, "I'm not only a medical doctor who specializes in anti-aging, but I'm one of the very few women doctors and, perhaps, the only female scientist in this field.

Through my training and medical practice, I have developed a vast body of knowledge about what your skin requires to look young and healthy and how to achieve it. My techniques have become known as "The Denese Difference". Not only do I use the most advanced active ingredients that have been clinically proven to work, I use far higher concentrations of them. Also important is that the active ingredients in each product are compatible with each other and that each product is designed to do only what it is intended for."

Her line includes "Beauty with Benefits" which may best described as a kind of "healthy makeup" (our verbiage, not theirs) and BeansTalk is intrigued.

www.drdenese.com

Booted in Fashion

BeansTalk noticed Sandra Bullock's booties at the premiere of her latest film, "All About Steve" (scroll down to last Thursday to check out the pic).

Even if you live in Southern California, boots are a must-have fall fashion accessory, and right now, fashionistas have an amazing array of choices, ranging from almost-still pumps styles to over-the-knee boots.

Whether you want to be Carrie Bradshaw or just cooly comfortable, there are many styles to explore. A visit to department store and popular fashion websites are bound to find a style suitable for nearly anyone.

Accessorized or plain, ultra high-heeled or flat, suede or smooth or patent leather, riding or western stylings, it's almost difficult to identify an actual trend this season. Here's a very small sampling of what's out there in booties. Look for more bodacious boots on BeansTalk, at a later date.

Stuart Weitzman "Coverup" Suede Booties

A black suede bootie with clean lines and elegant shape. A hidden elasticized side for slip-on ease. Round toe and 4.25" covered heel with .75" platform. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Full and half sizes
* Suede upper, leather lining, leather sole

Price: $355.00

Burberry Patent/Check Ankle Boots

Sleek booties with check printed PVC trim, full interior side zip. Decorative gunmetal tone buckle. 3.25" lacquer heel.

* Shiny patent leather upper, leather lining, leather sole
* Size conversion: 36(6), 36.5(6.5), 37(7), 37.5(7.5), 38(8), 38.5(8.5), 39(9), 39.5(9.5), 40(10)
* Full and half sizes
* Made in Italy

Price: $695.00

Juicy Couture "Izzie" Ruffled Ankle Boots
Stylish platform booties are accented by a side multicolored zip closure and zipper trimmed ruffle detail. Round toe and 4.25" covered heel with .75" covered platform. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Full and half sizes
* Leather upper, leather lining, leather sole

Price: $395.00

kate spade new york "Kane" Suede Ankle Boots
Chic suede booties with decorative bow at ankle. Full inside zip with goldtone logo zipper pull. 3.75" suede covered heel and .5'" platform. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Suede upper, leather lining, leather sole
* Full and half sizes
* Imported from Italy

Price: $450.00

Want versatile and wearable (don't you dare call these "safe"!) ?

Botkier "Loni" Zipper Booties

Chic leather booties with attitude. Three silvertone zippers decorate back of heel. Full interior side zip closure. Round toe and 3.75" covered cone heel. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Full and half sizes
* Leather upper, leather lining, leather sole
* Imported

Price: $425.00

Above items can be found at bloomingdales.com

New From Sonya Dakar

BeansTalk received the following information from the Sonya Dakar press office:

The neck and hands show dramatic signs of aging (second only to the face). MINDYS Cosmetics, maker of Sonya Dakar Skin Care, recently announced the date of the highly anticipated launch of its intensive Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer with SPF 30, and extremely lifting Neck & Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener with SPF 30, the two latest additions to Dakar's UltraLuxe Anti-Aging line available September 2009.

Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer with SPF 30, and extremely lifting Neck & Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener with SPF 30 address the following:

a) Reducing the appearance of age and sun spots
b) Plump skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
c) Provide SPF 30 protection for hands and neck

"At Sonya Dakar Skin Care, TOTAL Skin Fitness(tm) is not just about taking
care of your face, but all important parts of your body, including your
hands and neck area," says Nate Dakar, President. "The neck and hand areas
are often left out and forgotten within the beauty industry, but they are
the target areas that can't be ignored."

Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer with SPF 30
$78.00

The anti-aging hand treatment is crafted to help lighten and diminish spots
and discoloration of the hands caused by sun damage and aging. It's packed
with Sweet Almond Oil.

Neck & Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener with SPF 30 $97.00

This plumping, anti-aging neck and décolleté treatment is formulated to help smooth and firm the fine lines and wrinkles of the neck and décolleté, and contains Brassicaceae Extract, which helps vividly lighten the skin and
reduce discoloration. Like the Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer, the Neck &
Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener helps to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of spots.

Studies show sun damage is a lead causes of premature aging and wrinkles. Sonya Dakar Skin Care adds SPF 30 to the newest UltraLuxe(tm) products to help prevent further signs of aging due to sun exposure, while reducing the risks of skin cancer and other harmful effects from the sun.

Both contain SYN®-AKE, synthetic snake venom, and are paraben and sulfate free. They contain Certified Organic Pomegranate, a powerful skin antioxidant to fight damaging free radicals, Green Tea Extracts, for skin cell rejuvenation, and Grape Seed Extracts, a powerful skin antioxidant which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both products meet Sonya Dakar Skin Care's "natural" initiative with eco-friendly, certified organic ingredients.

Sonya Dakar Skin Care products are sold at luxury spas nation-wide and at
www.sonyadakar.com.

Sandra Bullock, a cast member in 'All About Steve,' poses at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. Bullock wore Lanvin’s multi-colored strapless cocktail dress with pleated bodice. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Lucy Czar Jeans by Dylan George

Ashley Tisdale performed in concert at last week in Glendale, CA. and wore Dylan George Lucy Czar jeans (retail: $209).

Working Together to Encourage a Positive Body Image Palm Beach Gardens, FL - August 24, 2009 - To kick-off National Fat-Talk Free Week, Little in the Middle has partnered with Tri-Delta and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness for a re(Define) (Real)ity™ positive body image fashion show, body image discussions, and a denim-fit challenge. The event will take place October 19th & 20th at Colorado State University. National Fat Free Talk Week 'Fat Talk Free™ Week', a 5-day public awareness effort to draw attention to the damaging impact of 'fat talk' on women of all ages and their impossible pursuit of the 'thin ideal.' Fat Talk Free Video re(Define) (Real)ity™ Fashion Show A fashion show to promote women of all shapes and sizes Previous fashion shows in Miami Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, Boston, and West Palm Beach. Denim Fit Challenge A challenge for women to find the best fitting jeans for their genes. When you are wearing jeans that fit you great, you feel so alive and confident!

About Little in the Middle Little in the Middle™ is a clothing company that produces clothes using the patented OneUp™ sizing chart. The clothes are made to fit women with a smaller waist in proportion to the hips and thighs for the pear and hourglass shape. This sizing eliminates the gaping in the waist. Our mission is to encourage women to help other women. We promote positive body image and raise awareness about the dangers of eating disorders as well as encourage designers to create clothing for all body shapes & sizes using the patented OneUp™ sizing chart. Learn more at the Little in the Middle Website Tri Delta and their Reflections Body Imagae Program Tri Delta's body image education and eating disorders prevention program, Reflections, is the world's first peer-led eating disorders prevention program shown to increase body satisfaction, countering thin ideal pressures that begin in childhood. Piloted at 12 major universities with more than 12,000 hours of research already invested, Reflections will touch the lives of at least 20,000 young women in the next five years. More information on Reflections can be found at the Reflections Body Image website. Be sure to watch the Fat Talk Free Video, it has a powerful message! Fat Talk Free Video re(Define) (Real)ity ™ and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness re(Define) (Real)ity™ is a movement created by The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness that challenges society to embrace diversity, dismiss unrealistic ideals, and prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It's time to get REAL! The movement is promoted through fashion shows that showcase women of all shapes and sizes.

Vested Interest

If we could find it, we would post a photo, circa junior high (well, alright, we’d never do that), when Annie Hall was all the rage. We, like every other budding fashionista (pre popular coinage of that title), raided our father’s closet for his vests and skinny ties, donned Joan and David wing-tip oxfords and fancied ourselves a la Diane Keaton.

If our wish decades ago was to convey an image of quirky charm, no doubt today’s style-conscious gals would dub themselves the same, and maybe add a bit of contemporary edginess. The sure cure? The vest.

The vest has been making a comeback for awhile now, and one of the cutest early revivals came from Mike + Chris with both their enviable leather and fleece versions.

These days, a crazy sick vest can be had in a wide-price range and in styles ranging from super casual to ultra high-fashion.

Seen above:

Nanette Lepore "Egyptian" Leather Vest

A rugged motorcycle vest in subtly distressed leather is still undeniably chic and feminine in a slim-fitting silhouette with studded detailing. Full-zip front with attached belt and side buckled tabs. Tailored with front and back shaping seams and a subtle back peplum.

* Catalog Item Number: 11322
* Leather
* Dry clean
* Imported
$595


Check out just a sampling of more styles:

Quotation: Laurie B. "Ethic" Rib Vest

This sleeveless long and drapey vest would look super cute with a tank or tee. You will love its sporty racerback style and chic ribbing throughout.

* Catalog Item Number: 75614
* Pure cotton
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $168.00

Iisli "Madeline" Black Sequin Vest

Allover sequin vest with button closure is the perfect accent to your summer wardrobe. In black with jewel neckline and rounded hem. Looks great with the "combo" romper.

* Catalog Item Number: 78408
* 100% cotton base with sequins
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $498.00

Aqua Women's Pinstripe Vest

Aqua pinstripe vest has a three button front with collar. Pinstripe front pattern with two faux pockets. Lining on back of vest only.

* Catalog Item Number: 18708
* Exclusively at Bloomingdale's
* Polyester/rayon/spandex
* Dry clean
* Imported

Now $40.50