Benefit’s Benetint

BeansTalk just discovered a super fun line of cosmetics from Benefit. We somehow have inexplicably let this company slip under our radar. We don’t know how, their packaging alone is enough to set them apart on the store shelves. Fortunately, they just opened a store on chic Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and yes, readers, we do read our mail. We get it. You wanted us to weigh in on this hot line. (wink)

Our friends over at Benefit suggested that we start with one of their award-winning signature products, so we checked out the super popular Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain. Benetint is an original - it was created 30 years ago by Benefit co-creators Jean & Jane Ford. It’s success is not only underscored by its longevity but by the fact that it has been copied over and over. BeansTalk has even reviewed a few of these!

Benetint is a rose-colored cheek and lip tint. Kiss-proof and water-proof, this indelibly sheer tint gives you an innocent, yet provocative glow. Benetint can be used on both lips and cheeks. For lips, it makes a great primer for lipstick, or can be worn alone or under gloss to give your lips a cherry popsicle-stained pout.

BeansTalk recommends: If you carry a smaller purse check out their Pocket Pal version of Benetint.

Tips and tricks: Draw three small stripes across the apple of your cheek. Blend in a circular motion with fingertips. Apply Benetint to lips with a clean q-tip... even after your lipstick wears off you'll still have a rosy glow!
Product details:
Winner of Real Simple magazine's "can't-live-without-household-products-hall-of-fame" award
Winner of Marie Claire's "Top 25 Products that Changed our Lives" for "the fave for rosy cheeks and lips"
Voted "best blush" by Elle magazine in 2006

Retail: $28.00
12.5 ml / 0.40 US fl oz Check it out at http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

Lenny Kravitz Rocks in 2008

Lenny Kravitz, one of BeansTalk's favorite rock musicians, will help bring in 2008 with an exciting live performance from Times Square. Kravitz will perform two songs during "NBC's New Years Eve with Carson Daly".

The special, which premiered in 2004, will air live on Monday, December 31 at 11:35 p.m. (ET), and promises to give the viewer the experience of being in the middle of the world's most famous New Years Eve destination, Times Square. As in years past, "NBC's New Years Eve with Carson Daly" will again showcase the biggest names in music. Kravitz's early confirmation keeps the impressive tradition of great performances by successful artists intact.

Lenny Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race and class into an 18-year musical career, one which revels in the rich influences of '60s and '70s soul, rock and funk. Kravitz's multiple talents as a writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist have resonated through seven studio albums into a timeless catalog, all of which have been certified either multi-platinum, platinum or gold. From 1999 to 2002, he won four consecutive Grammy Awards, setting a record for the most wins in the "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance". Kravitz has a new album set for release in February 2008.

"Times Square on New Years Eve is the biggest party in the world," stated Carson Daly. "Adding a live performance by Lenny Kravitz takes this show to another level. Putting these two elements together will bring a great rock-n-roll feel to our show."

Graham Norton Back For a Second Season

BBC America premieres twelve new episodes



Immediately following a hilarious first season—which featured a wide variety of celebrity guests including Orlando Bloom, Kim Cattrall, Elijah Wood, Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Hopper, David Tennant, and Jon Bon Jovi—the irrepressible Graham Norton returns for a second season on BBC America.

The Graham Norton Show, season two, premieres Saturday, October 20, 10 p.m. ET/PT.



Featuring a devilishly potent mix of glamorous guests, audience interrogation and interactive mischief, The Graham Norton Show takes celebrity guests and the audience one-step further than other talk shows dare.



The second season kicks off with a guest appearance from the always controversial and utterly entertaining, Courtney Love. She dishes on Victoria Beckham being booed during fashion week and the tabloid stories on her romance with Pete Doherty, saying, “Your tabloids are so weird… I've had a rough two weeks, every day, there's something fishy going on... I've never met Pete Doherty, apparently he's very charismatic, he's got the style, the hat, even Kate Moss had to ask me [if it was true].”



The second season promises to be more topical than ever. BBC AMERICA will premiere episodes in the U.S. a mere nine days after the U.K. premiere, keeping American audiences in the loop while their favorite stars are in London. Future episodes will feature guest turns from Josh Hartnett, Rufus Wainright, John Waters, Nigella Lawson, and Tom Wopat and John Schneider, the original Dukes of Hazzard.



To watch clips from the new season, visit bbcamerica.com, where new clips will be available each week, starting Friday, October 19.

Aqua Eyes by Make Up Forever

BeansTalk recently discovered a new make-up company with inspiring new ideas. We are impressed with Make Up Forever because they make products for the woman who loves make up. The folks at Make Up Forever are known for their vibrant and unabashed color palette – an assortment of shades that really invite us to “come out of our shell.” The bright palette makes the browns, neutrals, and blacks so many women wear seem staid and stogy. Most women who see this line will say to themselves, “It’s time to try something new.”

If you are new to the line, we recommend starting with one of their signature products: Aqua Eyes. We found Aqua Eyes to be not only comfortable to apply, but quite durable. To expand, we prefer a rather precise line on our lids and are in the habit of checking the mirror constantly during the day for a diffusion of color or smearing. No problem here. The line remained defined and color-rich all day. Second, we put this little gem to the ultimate test: We exercised in it by wearing it during our daily 3 1/2 mile run. The verdict: impressive performance. It looked great. That’s a first for a BeansTalk tested eye-liner.

Here’s more about Aqua Eyes:
Water-resistant and highly concentrated in pigments, Pearly Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil gives a stable, luminous finish in any situation. Pencil lines traced on the inside of the eye do not run. The delicate, subtly iridescent texture intensifies the eyes and lights up the eyelids with ultra-fine mother-of-pearl, without any oily effect.

What it is: A smooth and creamy, highly pigmented, extremely waterproof eye pencil.

What it does: Supplies super long lasting, smudge-proof, tear-proof, waterproof color. Its fluid, creamy texture glides on skin to create precise, intense lines around the eyes in a variety of hues.

Key ingredients: Volatile silicone emollients allow pigment to glide on skin and texture to set on the eyelid after the oils evaporate, while helping to resist water. Microcristallin waxes improve pigment adhesion and hold to skin.

Application tips: Draw a line directly at the edge of the eyelashes. For a softer look, smudge liner with fingertips or brush within 60 seconds of application, before the product sets and while it still allows for movement. Be sure to keep lid on pencil when not in use to keep the formula from drying.

Fun Fact: Visionary Dany Sanz originally created Aqua Eyes for performers of water ballet.

Where to buy: Sephora.com
Size: 1.2 g
Retail price: $16.00

Application: Sharpen the pencil with the special pencil sharpener and draw the line directly onto the skin. Rapidly smudge with the finger or a sponge applicator for a more mysterious look. After use, always replace the cap so that the tip does not dry out.

Stacking Cuppapalooza

Proof that the best toy ideas are based upon simple fun is the emergence of Speed Stacks. Accordingly, BeansTalk has learned that Sport Stacking is the fastest growing sport in the country. It has become so popular in fact that ESPN recently broadcast the World Sport Stacking Championships to a national audience. This year’s championship, sanctioned by the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA), drew over 1,100 competitors from 32 states and 7 countries.

If your kids have not already told you about it (our kids did), it is only a matter of time before this appears at the top of their Christmas wish list. BeansTalk gives this a Mom’s Best Bet for holiday gift giving, but if our recommendation is not enough check out the list of awards the toy has earned: Family Fun Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Grand Prize Winner, a 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award Winner, a 2006 National Parent Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Winner and an iParenting Media Award Winner for Outstanding Product of 2006. Speed Stacks also earned a place on both the Toys “R” Us “Fabulous 15” Best of the Holiday Season list and the eToys Hot Holiday Toys List for Holiday Giving.

Check out the details for the super cool Glow in the Dark edition. This staffer loves to play with it on Family Game Night:

SPEED STACKS® Glow-In-The-Dark StackPack® includes everything you need to be competition-ready including:

12 SPEED STACKS® Glow-In-The-Dark Competition Cups: Super-bright glow material.Designed for hands of all sizes. Tough memory plastic retains shape. Internal ribs for proper separation. Vent holes release air for fast stacking.Reinforced lip provides stacking stability. Textured exterior for secure grip. Smooth interior for reduced friction. Official cups of the World Sport Stacking Association.

A Sport Carry Bag: Holds and protects your SPEED STACKS® competition cups. Clips to belt loop or backpack. Classic design.

The Patented StackMat®: The Official Timing Device of the WSSA.Stay-flat neoprene mat is optimized for the proper amount of grip and friction—not too much or too little—and features Glow-In-The-Dark accents. Light-up LCD timer helps you practice against the clock and improve your time.

The Stack Fast®! DVD: Complete instructional program teaches you everything from the basics through tips to become a pro. Learn races, freestyle stacking and more! Complete information about and links to the World Sport Stacking Association.

Look for Spped Stacks at: Amazon, Toys R Us, Target, Wal Mart, and K B Toys

Electrifying

Carmen Electra sparkled in Platinum jewelry by Neil Lane at Tryst nightclub for a Virgin Airlines party on October 10th in Las Vegas.

Carmen selected a rare Platinum cuff bracelet, an eye-popping Platinum “flower” fancy cocktail ring, and long Platinum and diamond earrings.

For more information on Platinum jewelry, please visit http://www.preciousplatinum.com/.

Attention Mike Huckabee and Sherri Shepherd!!

Must-See TV: Nova on Intelligent Design

Is Intelligent Design Science Or Religion?
Nova Chronicles The Legal Battle To Settle The Status Of
A New Assault On Evolution In A Two-Hour Special


NOVA captures the turmoil that tore apart the community of Dover, Pennsylvania in one of the latest battles over teaching evolution in public schools in Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial. Co-produced with Paul G. Allen's Vulcan Productions, Inc., the film will air as a two- hour special on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 8pm ET/PT on PBS (check local listings).

Featuring trial reenactments based on court transcripts and interviews with key participants, including expert scientists and Dover parents, teachers, and town officials, the program follows the celebrated federal case of Kitzmiller v. Dover School District.

In 2004, the Dover school board ordered science teachers to read a statement to high school biology students suggesting that there is an alternative to Darwin's theory of evolution called intelligent design--the idea that life is too complex to have evolved naturally and therefore must have been designed by an intelligent agent.

The teachers refused to comply, and parents opposed to intelligent design filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing the school board of violating the constitutional separation of church and state.

"There was a blow-up like you couldn't believe," Bill Buckingham, head of the school board's curriculum committee, tells NOVA. Buckingham helped formulate the intelligent design policy when he noticed that the biology textbook chosen by teachers for classroom use "was laced with Darwinism," in his words.

NOVA presents the arguments by lawyers and expert witnesses in riveting detail and provides an eye-opening crash course on questions such as "What is evolution?" and "Is intelligent design a scientifically valid alternative?"

Kitzmiller was the first legal test of intelligent design as a scientific theory, with the plaintiffs arguing that it is a thinly veiled form of creationism, the view that a literal interpretation of the Bible accounts for all observed facts about nature.

During the trial, lawyers for the plaintiffs showed that evolution is one of the best-tested and most thoroughly confirmed theories in the history of science, and that its unresolved questions are normal research problems--the type that arise in any flourishing scientific field.

U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III ultimately decided for the plaintiffs, writing in his decision that intelligent design "cannot uncouple itself from its creationist, and thus religious, antecedents." As part of his decision, Judge Jones ordered the Dover school board to pay legal fees and damages, which were eventually set at $1 million.

"Judgment Day captures on film a landmark court case with a powerful scientific message at its core," said Paula S. Apsell, NOVA Senior Executive Producer. "Evolution is one of the most essential and least understood of all scientific theories, the foundation of biological science. We felt it was important for NOVA to do this program to heighten the public understanding of what constitutes science and what does not, and therefore, what is acceptable for inclusion in the science curriculum in our public schools."

"Vulcan Productions has long been committed to the subject of evolution and its teaching," remarked Vulcan Productions Executive Producer, Richard Hutton. "When we co-produced the Evolution series with the WGBH Science Unit in 2001, we set out to bring the richness of Darwin's theory to life. The story of the Dover trial gives us another opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to helping audiences understand the nature of science through elegant and compelling storytelling."

For years to come, the lessons from Dover will continue to have a profound impact on how science is viewed in our society and how it is taught in the classroom.

Founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen in 1997, Vulcan Productions devotes itself exclusively to producing independent films of unique vision and artistic quality. With feature film projects such as Hard Candy, Far From Heaven, The Safety of Objects, and documentaries such as Rx For Survival, The Blues, Evolution, Black Sky: The Race for Space, and Black Sky: Winning the X Prize, the company commits its talent and resources to creating films of substance and enduring significance. Through collaborative partnerships with established and emerging filmmakers, Vulcan Productions explores creative opportunities that result in engaging and inspirational storytelling.

Now in its 34th year of broadcasting, NOVA is produced for PBS by the WGBH Science Unit at WGBH Boston. The director of the WGBH Science Unit and senior executive producer of NOVA is Paula S. Apsell. Funding for NOVA is provided by David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers.

NOVA is closed captioned for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers and described for people who are blind or visually impaired by the Media Access Group at WGBH. The descriptive narration is available on the SAP channel or stereo TVs and VCRs. Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial will be available on DVD wherever videos are sold. To order direct from WGBH Boston Video, visit shop.wgbh.org or call 800.949.8670.

Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial
November 13, 2007 at 8pm ET/PT on PBS
www.pbs.org/nova/id



Image by Chris Dichtel, Silicon Valley Graphic Artist

The Now Single Witherspoon Shines in Platinum

Actress Reese Witherspoon arrives to the premiere of 'Rendition' in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. She wore Platinum jewelry by Neil Lane at the premiere of her film “Rendition” in Los Angeles on October 10th, a pair of Platinum drop earrings and several Platinum and diamond bracelets.

In other news Witherspoon’s and Ryan Phillippe's divorce was finalized 5 October 2007, according to court documents. Witherspoon cited irreconcilable differences when she filed for divorce on Nov. 8, 2006.

The couple were married for seven years and have two children, 8-year-old daughter Ava and 3-year-old son Deacon.

Witherspoon, 31, and Phillippe, 33, co-starred in the 1999 movie "Cruel Intentions" and were married that year. Their separation was announced last October.

Witherspoon won the best-actress Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in 2005's "Walk the Line." She can next be seen in "Rendition," co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which is due out later this month.

Phillippe's screen credits include "Crash," "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Breach."

Court documents confirming the divorce were first posted by the celebrity Web site CelebTV.com

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Molly Shannon + Steven Weber=Lifetime Movie

Molly Shannon (“Year Of The Dog,” “Saturday Night Live”) And Steven Weber (“Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip,” “Wings”) Star In The Lifetime Original Movie “More Of Me,” The Quirky Tale Of A Woman Who Discovers A Unique Way Of Coping With The Stress And Demands Of Modern Life: Premiering Saturday, November 17 On Lifetime

Molly Shannon (“Year of the Dog”) and Steven Weber (“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”) star in “More of Me,” a whimsical, lighthearted and touching comedy about an overworked and overextended wife, mom and career woman who splits into three separate versions of herself with distinct personalities in order to manage her chaotic life. “More of Me” premieres Saturday, November 17 at 9:00 PM (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television.

In “More of Me,” Alice McGrath (Shannon) is a modern woman torn between her desire for perfection in her three worlds: as an environmental activist; as the perfect mother to rambunctious six-year-old twins; and as a loving wife to her husband Rex (Weber), a civil engineer on the rise. When Alice finally becomes overwhelmed and hits her breaking point, she splits into three separate versions of herself—each taking over a different aspect of her life. Her emotional side is focused on being the perfect wife; her rational side steps in to take control of her career; and her conscience becomes the quintessential selfless mother. At first, Alice revels in her newfound freedom, but the limitations of her three personalities start to manifest when the three different “personas” begin to wreak havoc in each of her worlds, and she realizes that her sum is better than her individual parts.

Molly Shannon is best known as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 2001, developing such memorable characters as Sally O’Malley and performing parodies of Courtney Love and Meredith Vieira. She has successfully segued from television to film. Shannon received critical acclaim for her starring role in the feature film “Year of the Dog.” Her most recent film credits include “Evan Almighty,” “Shut Up & Sing,” “Little Man,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” and a cameo in “Scary Movie 4.”

Shannon’s other film credits include “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Analyze This,” “Happiness,” “Never Been Kissed” and “A Night at the Roxbury.” She also starred in “Superstar,” featuring her own popular “SNL” character, Mary Katherine Gallagher. She is currently filming the NBC comedy pilot “Kath & Kim.” Shannon was last seen in the off-beat comedy, “Cracking Up.” This film marks the second time she worked with Steven Weber when the two starred in the telefilm “12 Days of Christmas Eve” in 2004. She also appeared in the remake of “The Music Man” and guest starred on “Will & Grace” and “Sex and the City,” among others.

Steven Weber most recently starred in the NBC series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and guest starred in the Lifetime series “Side Order of Life” as Cell Phone Man. He starred in the series “Once and Again,” “The D.A.” and the long-running comedy “Wings.” He has also guest starred in “Law & Order: SVU,” “Monk” and “Will & Grace” and in the television miniseries “The Kennedys of Massachusetts,” “Nightmares and Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King,” “Desperation,” and “The Shining,” both also from Stephen King. Additional television movies include “Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve.” Weber’s feature film credits include “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Timecode 2000,” “Single White Female,” “At First Sight” and “Hamburger Hill.” No stranger to the stage, Weber took over Matthew Broderick’s role on Broadway in Mel Brooks’ smash hit musical “The Producers.”

“More of Me” is produced by Jaffe/Braunstein Films in association with Andrea Simon Entertainment for Lifetime Television. Executive producers are Howard Braunstein, Michael Jaffe (Lifetime’s “Write & Wrong” and “Not Like Everyone Else”) and Andrea Simon (“Hurricane Mary”). Robyn Snyder (Lifetime’s “A Life Interrupted”) is co-executive producer. Daisy von Sherler Mayer (“Madeline,” “Party Girl”) directs from a script written by Kelli Pryor (“A Stranger’s Heart”).

Magnifi-scent
All-Natural Body Mint® Tablets Freshen Breath and Body from the Inside


If it’s true that we can never be too rich or too thin, then it certainly goes without saying that we can never be too fresh. And Body Mint® has taken it upon itself to prove just that! Ladies and gents alike have discovered the next best thing to keep them fashionably fresh, so they can finally breathe easy. Body Mint® has the inside track to haute hygiene - literally.



Body Mint® is the first all-body freshening tablet taken orally, like a vitamin, to keep people who are “on the go” feeling sparklingly clean and comfortable hours after their morning grooming routine. Simply popping the little green tablet once in the morning and once in the evening reduces breath and perspiration odors before they start; allowing people to get closer, play harder and most of all live an unrestrained life.



So what makes this little power-house of a tablet so effective? Body Mint’s unique manufacturing process uses a highly specialized, all natural and water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, to create a potent formula which takes effect in as little as 2 to 4 days.



So whether you are hard at work, at the gym, out on the dance floor, or cuddling with a special someone, Body Mint® is on the job. Bottom line - worry less and live more.



A one month supply of Body Mint® retails for $19.95 and is sold at Whole Foods Markets in California and Arizona and at Long’s, Eckerd drugstores and other fine retailers throughout the country. To find a location near you or to order online please visit www.bodymint.com or call 1.866.BODYMINT.

Blast from the Past

During Boxing Week, we were in Vancouver and one of the things we brought along for reading material on the areoplane is The Vermont Country Store catalog. The main premise of the shop, catalog and on-line store is that they feature items from the recent and not-so recent past, that may harken back memories of yore. We certainly had a bit of that with two staples from our youth. The Sweet Earth Solid Fragrances were a favorite in junior high and the White Cloverine Salve was what our parents used for our many childhood rashes.

Check out the site, which features (our) college-era Lanz clothing, food and candy and numerous other things that will suddenly spark memories of days gone by. No Little Kiddles, but we love the site anyway.

Sweet Earth Solid Natural Fragrances in a Take-Anywhere Compact
The popular Sweet Earth collection from the 1970s is being made again only for us, and just like back then, it comes in a take-anywhere, no-spill compact. Great for carrying in your purse so you can freshen up any time, anywhere. Simply apply to your pulse points for a lasting effect. 0.23 oz. compact.

Features:

* Take-anywhere, no-spill compact contains three fragrances
* Woods collection features the scents of sandalwood, amberwood, and patchouli in one compact
* Flower collection features the scents of hyacinth, honeysuckle, and ylang-ylang in one compact

For those who prefer the convenience, practicality, and long-lasting nature of solid perfumes, we've brought back the natural fragrances of Sweet Earth. $19.95

White Cloverine Salve
Soothing Chafed, Chapped, or Wind-Burned Skin and Lips Since 1860
Developed by a doctor for his patients back in 1860, this special salve helps protect against and relieve chafed, chapped, cracked, or wind-burned skin and lips. In fact it is so effective and has built such a loyal following over the years that it has become one of the most requested items from our customers. 1 oz. tin.

Features:

* A trusted remedy for almost a century and a half
* Also soothes minor skin irritations and burns

White Cloverine prevents and relieves chapped lips and protects skin from the wind and cold. 2 Tins, $13.90

vermontcountrystore.com

Heaven Sent: Seven

7 For All Mankind, one of BeansTalk's favorite brands of luxury denim and accessories, has launched its inaugural footwear collection with the Fall 2007 season under Global Brand Marketing Inc., a leader in fashion forward footwear. The collection includes men’s and women’s product with a children’s collection to come next year. BeansTalk has eagerly awaited this line and has learned that the collection has just hit stores.

The first collection offers relaxed, urban silhouettes in natural calf leathers, washed-effect nappa leather and textured goat leather alongside patents and suedes. The inspiration for the collection is a mix of influences from the 1960’s Bohemian Chic movement for the overall look: round toes, chunky structures, natural materials, and wooden color heels. Some elements were inspired by the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s grunge phase, with the use of military boots and body wrapping nappa stretch leather. The importance of details can be noticed throughout the line and is typical of a collection Made in Italy.

Retailing for $250 to $600, the collection will target specialty retailers and high-end department stores, similar to 7 for all Mankind’s apparel distribution. The collection was shown at WSA Collections tradeshow in Las Vegas February 1-4, 2007. Yowsa. Bring it on!

Pictured: "alaines" in brown and "liza" sandal in green.

Hall's Call to Action





Fashion Designer Kevan Hall known for dressing some of the world’s most iconic celebrities on the red carpet, is focusing his Spring 2008 fashion show which is scheduled for Monday, October 15th at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in LA as a “Call To Action” in support of Africa’s top relief efforts.





The show themed Africa: A Safari is designed to inspire and motivate those who are interested in supporting African related charities but uncertain how to go about it. Hall’s presentation, complete with runway show, special entertainment and celebrity guests will include information and instruction on ways that people can help these important endeavors. “One cannot think about the beauty of Africa without thinking about its plight”, explains Hall from his Los Angeles studio. “I’m hoping that I can bring, even if it’s in some small way, attention to the charities that I believe in, in the hopes that others will also lend their support.”





Hall will set about this effort by taking away - not providing! In lieu of a gift bag on each of the 410 chairs this season, Hall has created, in partnership with celebrity gift bag service Jewels & Pinstripes, the ultimate in luxury gift bags that will be auctioned off to benefit the African Millennium Foundation, an organization committed to the social and economic empowerment of the people of Africa. These five once-in-a-lifetime “Call To Action” bags, filled with select goods and services, are valued at over an incredible $13,000.00 and will be on display at Hall’s fashion show. The bags will then be auctioned off on www.charityfolks.com launching on Monday, October 22nd 2007 featuring one basket a week for five weeks.





Hall chose the AMF in honor of friend and award winning actress CCH Pounder, an AMF board member and Malena Ruth, the organization’s President and Co-Founder. In addition to the support of AMF, the designer has created a unique and informational keepsake poster featuring the stunningly beautiful portraits of Africa by photographer Jack Guy and worthwhile information on other relief organizations.Hall, an oft award-winning designer, has created a collection for Spring that is inspired by both the natural beauty and artisan craftsmanship of Africa. Long a supporter of numerous charities, the designer is now on a quest to pool his resources and celebrity connections to deliver guidance and information that will be supported by a national press campaign.





African inspiration is nothing new to this designer whose collection can best be described as sophisticated elegance and uncluttered modern design as Hall has participated in such events as “Absolute Vodka’s Tribute to African Designers” in 2001.The Detroit born designer has received many accolades including FIDM’s “Designer of Tomorrow” and Peacock Award for “Outstanding Fashion Design”; NAACP’s “Great American Designer” award; an honor from the Center of Performing Arts in Southern California- 10 Year Retrospective; The 47th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Award’s “Designer of the Year”; and Life & Style magazine’s “Stylemaker of the Year”.


photo: Associated Press
http://www.kevanhalldesigns.com/

Sue Wong Never Goes Wrong
From our friends at Sue Wong:
Designer Sue Wong Spring 08 Collection, to be presented on Sunday, October 14th at 4:00 PM during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles, is an experiment in design direction geared towards a youthful demographic. The collection overall however will not forsake the label’s core customer who continues to demand Wong’s classic vintage sensibility found in Nocturne, her line of special occasion eveningwear.

“Runway should be bigger than life to me – it’s an art performance so why not work it,” says the designer whose shows are known for their grand scale and theatrical presentation. “The runway is going to explode with color! It’s going to be pretty happy and cheerful and all in the same vernacular this season,” she explains in reference to the run-of-show.


Highlights from the collection are inspired by the recognizable works of some of the 20th century’s most influential modern artists including Alexander Calder, Piet Mondrian, Joan Miro and Victor Vasarely.

Each artist is rendered throughout the collection in a series of hand-painted prints, color blocking, negative / positive reverse and embellishment all in bright, lively colors as well as an infusion of black & white graphic repeats. The ingenious combination of prints, patterns and textures applied together with progressive design is testament to Ms. Wong’s perpetual talent.

New fabrics befitting the modern aspect of the collection are crinkled silk organza, crinkle silk cotton, power mesh, matte taffeta in a range of vibrant multi-colors, citrus, black and white and quintessential yet subtle greys.

Young Hollywood is catching on to the new direction with celebrities choosing Wong for their press appearances including: Vanessa Hudgens of High School Musical, Hayden Panettiere of Heroes, Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana, ,Jordin Sparks of American Idol and film actresses Rumer Willis and Brittany Snow among many others.

While Sue Wong’s new take on retro modern is designed to capture the attention of a burgeoning contemporary market and first-time dress wearer, the collection overall remains true to its core customer by retaining a selection with classic vintage appeal, a universal fit, and unbeatable pricepoint.

The Sue Wong collection is available at better specialty boutiques and department stores such as Neiman-Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and more. The label is also carried in over 25 foreign markets.

www.suewong.com

Image above: Sue Wong flanked by Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffin and Kelly Stone (who looks an awful lot like our dear friend Dana Goldstein!)

So, Er'Go

Believe it or not, we actually had some idiot in our graduate school class who used to always say that, "So, ergo..." obviously not realizing what he was saying.

Anyway, we love Er'Go candles -- especially the fruity ones, but we cannot afford them. Still, we're interested in what's new and this is the latest:

LEATHER from Er’go Candle is a brand new scent, conjuring up memories of new cars, expensive handbags and of course…the iconic and sexy leather jacket. LEATHER’s totally unique aromatic scent and distinguished packaging is tanned to saddle up winter editorials and ride right into Spring! Giddy Up!

LEATHER is the 18th sophisticated fragrance to be referenced into Er’go’s Library Collection. Er‘go is the #1 leading manufacturer in the soy candle market. With sales that will ignite any retailer who carriers them. Their various collections can be beautifully displayed seperately or all together.

www.ergocandles.com

Jeans From the "Mom" Perspective
But, God Forbid, Not "Mom Jeans"

Our coltish AE can shimmy her way into skinny jeans and is likely to shop at a stop like Kultic.com which is bound to carry “her” fancy brand of jeans that fit her.

On the other hand, we, the ME want jeans that don’t roll under our belly and don’t look like mom jeans…oh, and don’t have to be hemmed. We are so over buying jeans and then hemming them – carpal tunnel city. Yuck.

This is not a joke http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTl6aJDlDiY . We mean, of course, it’s a now-viral SNL video. But believe us, we who live in a pseudo tony Westside suburb, mom jeans are still worn daily by some. And if we had a pair, we would look like the women mocked in the video (meaning, the belly, the butt, etc.).

In the early and mid-90s we were very happy when The Gap came out with their reverse-fit ankle jeans. Ah, the days when we were looking for a size 6 or 8. These days, those are also mom jeans, but believe it or not, there are women who’ll still buy a pair – we just sold one on Ebay.

Unlike BeansTalk’s AE, we cannot bring ourselves to buy a pricy pair of jeans. For starters, and to be perfectly frank, they never fit, are too low and make us look like we have balls (think of the opposite of camel toe).

Many jeans that fit (and we’re likely only to try on those at Ross, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, not Nordstrom’s or Bloomingdales or Paige Jeans or wherever our AE buys jeans) are – and we’re totally serious here – Lee or Bill Blass or Gloria Vanderbilt or Levi’s Signature. Now, note that we said “fit,” and not “look right/good.”

So we’re constantly in a dilemma: jeans don’t fit, and if they fit on the waist, they’re too big around the waist and gap. If they fit, they’re too long, or if they fit they’re absolute Mom jeans.

We’ve had luck with Pine IV jeans, but they need to be hemmed. And are actually too pricey. We are of the delusional type who believe we cannot spend a lot of money on jeans because we are going to lose weight. Ha ha you say? Well, ha ha we say ourselves.

We get pretty excited as we get closer to what works for us. For awhile there, BeansTalk readers will know that we were all excited about discovering Bella Ellamento jeans. Unfortunately, Bella Dahl, the company that made the “stylish jeans for the more mature woman” no longer makes that line. And, we’re a little tired of them. We liked our Ralph Lauren Saturday Jeans (back when we were considerably thinner) – and we’re talking the collection that is no longer manufactured. We don’t like the new version of the Saturday Jean at all. The old one was nice, didn’t need hemming (the capris fit us like regular pants), were low, but not ridiculous and the backside was nice, too.

Several months ago, we found a pair of jeans at one of our discounters made by a company called “Department of Peace” – what was most attractive is that they had what we now consider the magical blend – 98% cotton and 2% spandex. One-percent so doesn’t cut it. Even though we loved the idea of the jean, they were only available in a size 4 and 6 which were too many sizes too small, so we just set our minds on finding more.

This week we finally found a pair that we could pull on, clearance at $9.99. They were a little big (we’re too embarrassed to say what size), so we deftly (not really) put in two darts at the waist in the back, above the pockets.

Apparently, people have found them at Hot Topic, Torrid, Dillards, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross. They come in three lengths, 30”, 32”, and 34” – the 30” are perfect for our shortness.

What we find fascinating is that they're made by 80's icon Z. Cavaricci. We can clearly remember the super high-waisted acid-wash, pleated front denim. Ew. We actually have a pair of pretty much culottes in a dark wash by Z. Cavaricci as well as a pair of capris that would be great, except they stretch to much when you wear them awhile and the waist gets too big (when we are talking me and jeans, "too big" isn't often uttered).

Meet Our New Department of Peace Jeans -- gotta love that 98% cotton, 2% spandex. That 2% make a whole world of difference.

PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Launches Eternal Equity Gloss

As BeansTalk get a bit older our social conscience seems to rule our little every day decisions more and more. Having kids really makes this voice a little louder, right girls? We especially appreciate the opportunity to look out for our “sisters” who bear heavy burdens in other parts of the world.

BeansTalk has just learned that PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics recently launched their fifth specialty lip gloss called Eternal Equity Gloss. PeaceKeeper will donate $1.00 from the sale of each Eternal Equity Gloss to the Poverty Reduction Initiative, a program lead by former Senator Mechai of Thailand’s National Assembly and other pro-active micro-finance projects to help fund an economic option for Thai women who live on less than a dollar a day.

What does eternal equity look like? Eternal Equity means that women everywhere have equal access to food, education and freedom from oppression. Inspired by this idea, PeaceKeeper’s Eternal Equity Gloss is a shade of pale rose pink with a hint of gold shimmer that is universally flattering. BeansTalk has already made this shade a purse favorite. We usually advise our readers to wear gloss over lipstick, but we feel this shade is pretty enough to be worn alone.

According to PeaceKeeper founder Jody Weiss, “We have a unique opportunity to use our buying power to help others who are less fortunate. By purchasing PeaceKeeper products, the consumer takes an active role in becoming part of the solution.”

Eternal Equity Gloss and other PeaceKeeper products can be purchased at Whole Foods stores, Marriott Spas, Earth Fare and other specialty stores nationwide. Suggested retail price for Eternal Equity Gloss is $16.50.

About the Poverty Reduction Initiative
With PeaceKeeper’s support, former Senator Mechai and the Poverty Reduction Initiative aim to assist Thai villages to strengthen communities, generate income and improve overall health care and education. For $365 a year or $1 a day, a woman will be trained in a sustainable trade and be fully funded to build her business. This will enable her to increase her income from a $1 a day to more sustainable levels where she will truly thrive and be able to contribute to her community. “Now that’s beautiful.”

About PeaceKeeper
PeaceKeeper is the first make-up company to donate ALL of its profits, after taxes, to women’s health and human rights advocacy issues. Through its unique brand of “dual-purpose” cosmetics, PeaceKeeper encourages men and women to more fully recognize the level of abuse and inequality suffered around the globe – and to become an active part of the solution simply by how they choose a product. To learn more about the programs PeaceKeeper is funding please visit http://www.iamapeacekeeper.com/.

Organic and Eco-Friendly Sleep

BeansTalk recently met the good folks over at EcoBaby and Pure Rest Organics. They really got us thinking about what is in our mattresses. If you have small kids, with developing neurological systems, the question is even more important. The folks at Pure Rest have a huge assortment of safe mattresses, pads, blankets, pillows, comforters, and clothing for kids and adults that are beautiful, high quality, and will set your mind at ease.

We pass along their set of questions anyone in the market for a mattress should ask:
1. Are there any bonding or scrim in any of the battings?
2. Is there any Vanillin or scents added? (All Talalay has this.)
3. Are there any silica agents added?
4. Is the rubber free of all benzene, toluene, and pthalates?
5. Do the crib mattresses contain Boric Acid or Antimony?

If you have a great mattress, check out their sleepwear. We are in love with the
Deluxe White Swirl Adult Robe (pictured)

Price: $99.99
500 gsm to wrap you up after shower or bath or for lounging around. Super soft with velour swirl outer and terry inside; 3/4 length sleeve. Organic Cotton. Made in India. Size: Small/Medium (5'6" and under), Large/XL (5'6" and up).

EcoBaby/ Pure Rest Organics
7550 Miramiar Road, Suite 220
San Diego, CA 92126

!-888-ECO-BABY
www.ecobaby.com

Leigh in Lanvin

Actress Jennifer Jason Leigh attends a New York Film Festival screening of 'Margot at The Wedding' at Rose Hall, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007 in New York. She wore a dress by Lanvin, chic in a black sleeveless wool-metal blend dress with anthracite satin paneling and glass bead piping. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)