Giveaway Winner! Bella BB Dakota Jacket

Congrats to Kelsey, the winner of the BB Dakota jacket seen the movie Twilight on Bella. Woohoo!!!

Last Chance to Enter!

Only a couple of hours left to enter here to win Bella's BB Dakota jacket as seen in the movie Twilight!

Best of luck! xoxo

Video Exclusive with Stacey Bendet of Alice & Olivia

Many of you know I'm obsessed with Alice & Olivia. The line has some far out there stuff, but some of the girliest, cutest stuff ever imagined. When I was lucky enough to get an invite to designer Stacey Bendet's Fall Fashion Week presentation in NY this past February, I almost fainted. And then, when I interviewed her a few months ago, I felt faint again. (Read it again here.)

ObsessedTV conducted this exclusive 20-minute in-depth interview I thought you might all enjoy (Stacey is just a normal girl running her own billion-dollar clothing line and happens to be BFF with Mena Suvari!). I just watched it and learned so much about how to start your own line (a lot of work, whew!). Check it out and comment back if you heart Alice & Olivia like I do. - xoxo

Watch the Fireworks in Style

Admit it, during the summer, you live in your flip-flops. It's hard not to down south where the heat is unbearable. If you haven't heard of Switchflops by now, you're missing out! These are genius (!) because you can switch out the pretty Velcro straps any time your mood or your outfit changes.

I love the wedges, in particular, because they give you a little more support and a little more height, which is more flattering (hello, think heels?). If you can't wear heels, wear wedges. I wore these (style: Taylor, $39) just last weekend to H's rehearsal dinner (it was themed with our college school colors, so the red fit in perfectly!). And I plan to wear them again this weekend in celebration of the big Fourth of July weekend. The denim straps are new from the Americana collection ($12 each) and look super-cute with jeans and a tank (beneath the fireworks, of course!)

Browse the TONS of different styles here.

Copy Vanessa's Look - For Less

Happy Monday, fashionistas! Whew, after a full weekend of wedding activities (H should be landing in Greece as.I.type - squeal!!), right now I'm kicking up my flip-flops and relaxing (it's been about 100 degrees here every, single day!).

Speaking of sizzling, one of my absolute all-time fav style stars (and there are a lot out there) is Vanessa Hudgens. This girl seems to get it right every time. Her laid-back Cali chic look makes me want to copy everything she wears (and it doesn't hurt she has amazing hair!!). So here are a couple of looks seen recently on Vanessa and how you can recreate it with the very affordable and always chic August Silk.

Check out this sleeveless scoop neck tank in white ($58). Layer a few necklaces in varying lengths and colors to add extra panache like Vanessa. And I am crazy over this sleeveless rouched top (complete with a bow!) ($58). Now I'm not saying Vanessa doesn't look great in her floral gear, but this top gives her steady competition, dontcha think? I love it! Stay cash and wear it all day with some jeans. The billowy style is flattering on anyone, and I am a big fan of the rounded neckline.

Sometimes it never hurts to be a copycat. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, no? (Besides, Vanessa will never know!)

Lip Gloss Times Two

Yep, I just told you how L'Oreal HiP eyeliner and I don't get along (we had many morning fights, ugh!), but I'm actually digging the HiP Color Presso Lip Glosses ($12.99). There are 20 shades, but I've been using and loving Swanky (pictured here).

I'm a lip gloss junkie. I literally have 10 or so in the side pocket of my purse and use ALL of them. (If anyone opened my purse, I would look like an addict!) At first glance (and use), this tube is a little awkward, but it's really handy in that it combines two shades that you can either use alone or together. And I love the high-gloss color and shine -it's everything I hope a lip gloss might be (and I set high standards!).

But of course I don't think it will eliminate the number of glosses in my stash (I just can't get enough!). Sigh...

P.S. See what other Total Beauty readers are saying here.

Don't Try This at Home (or Anywhere!)

I've been using the L'Oreal Paris HiP (High Intensity Pigments) Kohl Eyeliner ($11.99) for the past month and do.not.recommend.it. Don't get me wrong, L'Oreal has some great stuff, but this is not one of them. So why don't we get along?

Well, most of all, every morning was a constant battle. Once I finished trying not to poke my eye out with the pointy applicator (ouch!), I discovered I had powdery stuff all over the the tops of my cheeks - so not cool! I would then have to go back over with my mineral make-up to get rid of it. Such a hassle! I used the navy and actually loved the color (and the liner really didn't look bad once I was able to apply!), but the ease of use was just too much for me. So, lately I've been using my eyeliner brush again dipped into a pot of my favorite color. (I won't name names just yet but I'm telling you, you're going to love this one!)

P.S. See what others at Total Beauty thought here.

Giveaway! BB Dakota Bella Jacket from Twilight!!

Happy Friday, chicettes! In honor of the weekend, I have a super-cool giveaway for you. All you Twilight fans, it's the Bella jacket by BB Dakota as featured in the movie on Kristen Stewart.

BB Dakota is honestly one of my all-time fav brands - it's sooooo cute and yet still affordable. I have several pieces from the line in my closet right now. And don't you love this drawstring hooded jacket? (I mean besides the fact that Bella wore it in Twilight!!) It's complete with fleece lining, ribbed cuffs, distressed pockets & brass button detailing. Maybe it's a little hot now, but slip it on for those cool summer nights and wear it into the fall, for sure. Vamp it up (pun intended!) a little by layering a super-cute tank under it while inside and slip the jacket off for awhile once outdoors.

Check out chickdowntown.com for more designer dresses. There's a lot featured by BB Dakota, the same designer of the Twilight jacket.

As always, good luck!! - xoxo

Addicted to NYC Prep (& Kooba)

Have you been watching the (ok, my) latest guilty pleasure - NYC Prep on Bravo? I started when the "sneak peek" came on a couple of weeks ago and was hooked. Such a behind-the-scenes look at NY society and how spoiled rich kids live. It's voyeurism at its finest (I'm a reality TV addict, by the way).

Keep watching next week (the actual premiere was this past Tuesday), and you'll be sure to spot the fab Kooba bags the girls carry. They were made exclusively for the show (just another example of the spoiled life, right?!). They're $595 each and you can actually score them in "real life" here.

My favs are posted - the red is Kelli's and the blue is Camille's.
Def aspirations for the "Kooba fund" I have going. Oh wait, somehow that got taken over for the "baby fund." I shall start over soon (after all the onesies, perhaps?).

P.S. What snagged my attention was the sneak peek of this show. I literally sat across from PC and gang at the Jill Stuart show during February's Fashion Week in NY. I wondered who the dude was wearing sunglasses in the building - ha! Second - I spotted Camille at the Alice+Olivia presentation a few nights later with cameras all over her. I thought - should I know her? Well, now I do!

The Ultimate Girl-Next-Door Look

I'll never forget the night in L.A. we ate dinner at the Chateau Marmont and I was sitting on the couch in the far corner of the room, when I suspected the tall, ponytailed blonde was Cameron. "It's Cameron Diaz, I squealed!" D shook his head and continued stuffing his face. Then, she let out that huge, dorky giggle of hers and we both look at each wide-eyed. Yep, it was her!

Cameron has looked amazing lately, no? I love this girl - and her longer and longer tresses are looking more and more incredible. (I had already planned to grow my hair longer, and this totally convinces me!) Such the girl next door and she knows how to rock anything. (Of course that killer body of hers sure does help, sigh.)

But check her out in this Stella McCartney navy sheath - I drool! The v-neck is flattering, the belted waist is flattering and the cut of the classic sheath is pure flattering (elongates the body instantly!).

I honestly can't believe she just got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Judge Judy has a star for cryin' out loud!). Let's talk fashion again. Obsessing over how pulled together she looked for the big unveil. Summer-perfect white frock (Oscar de la Renta, natch) cinched with a fun red belt and matching red Sergio Rossi pumps (pointy toes are my absolute fav!). And loving the details on the dress. This girl was a star in my fashion book long before now, but seems to be a true standout these days. You go girl!

[Photo Credits: Ron Asadorian-Eddie Mejia/Splash News OnlineKristian Dowling/Getty]

Still Smelling the Ocean

Believe it or not, I'm still having flashbacks of the sun and the sand and a (virgin) drink in my hand (a little Buffett for you), and it's killing me! I love the beach about as much as I love heels, and that's saying something, people. It's the perfect spot to just relax and let everything go. I'm always trying to look good - not for anyone else, but for myself. That perfectionism trait just won't go away. And the beach? Well it soothes and comforts me and says, "Julie, don't worry! Just be a bum today!"

Recently I came across the men's fragrance Nautica Oceans ($65) and boy do I love it. (Don't tell D, but I'm hoping to give it to him for his birthday next month!) It's the perfect way to send your man back to daydreaming on the beach (my man doesn't need much coaxing, but hey!). And it's actually Nautica's first ecologically-friendly fragrance with a biodegradable water-based formula. The box is even 100% recyclable.

Just a couple of squirts and you can practically smell the sea. Ahhh...

Father's Day Recap: What I Bought My Dad

As you're well aware, Sunday was Father's Day. Without thinking (duh!), I got my allergy-stricken dad the Blue Collection from Space NK ($95) shown here. No really, he's had terrible allergies and I go and get him an eau de toilette to set things off again! All joking aside, he loved the gift, sincerely loved it and even sprayed it all over him (he then remembered I'm pregnant and to go easy on the scents!).

Dad was super-excited to get not only the fragrance, but a body wash and shave gel, too! Everything from Space NK seems to have that delightfully subtle scent, and this one is no different. To quote the Web site: "The aromatic blend of lime, grapefruit, star anise and basil is softened by geranium and amber and settles down onto a clean, woody base of cedar leaf, patchouli and oakmoss."

So stylish.

Now, this year, Sunday was not only my dad's day, it was D's first Father's Day, too! (well, pretty much!) I gifted him with three grooming items I thought he would love. (1) Kings & Queens King of Sumatra Pepper Bergamot Bar Soap ($6) (whew, long name!) at Beauty.com (2) Korres Absinthe Shave Cream ($22) at Korres and (3) C.O. Bigelow Hair and Body Wash ($10) from Bath & Body Works.

His thoughts? (1) Quality (and nice-smelling!) soap, but the bar was rather large, so it was too hard to use in the shower. (2) Pro: No razor burns, which is a major plus! Con: Slightly runny. (3) Used this for shampoo and loved! An all-around great cleanser with a nice, rich lather.

All-in-all, I think the dads were pleased as punch.

Spanx in the Summer? You Bet!

So all winter I practically lived in my Spanx. They not only controlled the chub factor, but lent the perfect amount of stylish touch I was going for under my winter dresses. Now that it's summer, I've heard a lot of girls say they've retired their Spanx. And for the most part, that's true, but not entirely.

Until I was able to make the "big baby announcement"? I rocked my Spanx every time I wanted to wear my white Seven for All Mankind jeans (now I'm stuck trying to feed a ponytail holder through the pant loop, and that is, if I'm daring enough to even try them on anymore!). Another way I'm still wearing my Spanx? Camis! The past couple of months I've been sporting my nude and black camis from the Assets line (sold at Target and the less expensive version of Spanx). I love the way they create such a sleek effect under my clothes - and they're still very breathable.

And now that I'm getting ready to "pop," I can't wait to try the Mama Spanx! Look for a review on those soon.

P.S. Katy Perry was caught rocking her Spanx during a performance in Florida recently. See, it's nothing to be embarrassed about - embrace and wear them all year!

Trend Alert! Tie-Dye

Hope everyone had an amazing Father's Day yesterday - I have a special men's beauty post coming up later, so stay tuned!

But for now, a trend I can't take my eyes off of is tie-dye! When I was little, I actually learned how to do it myself and made these amazing tie-dye tees I pretty much wore 'til they fell off of me. Today I'm wearing my new C&C California tank I bought at the beach, and pictured here is a new style from the line. It's the Horizon tank ($84). These tanks are the most comfy in the world (no joke! and comfort is key when preggers, right?!) and are worth the splurge of being a little bit pricey. C&C has some super-cool tie-dye stuff on their site, and I especially love this tank dress.

Check out Ali Larter in this sexy ombre v-neck dress at a DKNY event. Love it with those boots - muy caliente!

Style Tip: Keep everything else simple with tie-dye. It's just another (prettier!) version of a print, so all eyes should be on it.

[Photo Courtesy Pacific Coast News]

Current/Elliott Giveaway Winner!

A huge congrats to Kim for winning the Current/Elliott jeans giveaway! And thanks to ALL of you for entering. Stay tuned for another shoe giveaway coming soon. -xoxo

Top 14 Makeup Removers

See which products easily stripped off eye makeup (and everything else)

We makeup junkies need a good product to take it all off at the end of the day -- no clogged pores or stained pillowcases for us! The makeup removers on this list left TotalBeauty.com readers with clean skin and without oily residue or dryness. See products

Addicted to Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

Ok, I've been on the golf course ALL day and it's freaking h.o.t. down here on the beach. Which means my mineral make-up is so coming in handy with just the right amount of coverage, plus built-in sunscreen (haven't burnt yet!). And...since the beach means less maintenance I decided to alter my facial routine as well. (Might I also mention, being pregnant wreaks enormous havoc on your skin - ugh!)

So mornings I've been using a mild face scrub I got at Target (comparable to St. Ives) and in the evening I've been using a genius new invention - from Simple Brand Skincare (and found at Duane Reade drugstores all over), Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes. At just $5.99, these alcohol- and oil-free facial wipes are so gentle and so easy to use (especially when you can't hold your eyes open!). The best part? You can even glide them over your eyes to remove eye make-up, so your face gets clean in a couple of nice swoops, then you just throw the wipe away. Love it, addicted to it.

Lots O' News - Oh Baby!

If you haven't already entered the Current/Elliott distressed skinny jeans giveaway - you should! I would die to have these jeans - they're so freakin' awesome.

Except...I'm on the beach this week (trying my hardest not to burn - the sun and humidity have been off the charts!).

AND I'm expecting in December! Yes, that's right. I'm walking around the beach sans bikini and instead with the best looking hot-pink preggers suit I would find (and let me tell you, it was hard). Needless to say, I'm super-excited and thought I would break the news just as I was able to squeeze in some Internet connectivity (it's scarce around here!). I've been wearing my heels up until now, but it gets harder and harder every day to not just throw on my flip-flops and go (but that's ok though - I packed my Tory Burch pink and brown pair). And, of course, I prob won't be making Fashion Week in September (sigh...).

So while you won't find me squeezing into any Current/Elliott jeans anytime soon (I do heart my maternity Sevens though!), I've already been on the hunt for the little one's super-chic onesies (Polo makes THE cutest stuff!). You better believe this kid will LOVE fashion and beauty. Squeal!

- Air kisses xoxo

[Photo Courtesy Superstock.com]

Davines Made My Hair Dazzle

This morning I used my new Davines Nourishing Moisture Remedy Shampoo and Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle conditioner (and miracle it was indeed!) (each ~$20). I'm always up for trying a new hair routine, although I don't often find one I like (hey, I'm picky and my hair is very important to me!). I have extremely oily hair which makes this whole Davines thing ironic. It's formulated for dry and stressed hair (maybe my hair is more stressed than I thought it was? ha!).

It's made of rice proteins and marine algae so it adds moisture, boosts shine and cuts down on split ends. While I haven't had time yet to notice the split end reduction, I can tell you my hair is shinier than ever today and feels (and looks!) so clean. It brought out all my highlights and turned me into a believer of trying new things. What I learned? Even if you have oily hair, it's important not to read the labels so much and don't always shy away from products for "dry" hair. Sometimes that extra moisture/shine boost is what your hair needs - no matter the color or texture!

P.S. The label instructed me to leave the conditioner on my ends for several minutes while in the shower and of course this didn't happen (people, I get up in JUST enough time to make it to work!). If you can, leave it on for a few minutes and it will really work your ends. If not, no sweat because my ends turned out lovely!

Giveaway! Win FREE Pair of Current/Elliott Jeans

Exciting - giveaway day! You have to enter this one. I've been talking for a little while about the distressed jeans trend. And I think we all agree, while we may love it (!), we don't want to spend $200 on jeans with tears (or maybe you do?). Either way, I'm GIVING you a pair of super-cool Current EIlliott Jeans this week, so enter below for your chance to win. (And psst....when you enter your (european) size it's strictly confidential!)

These jeans are hearted by the coolest designers (Charlotte Ronson, here) celebs like Kate Beckinsale, Mena Suvari, Jessica Szhor and on and on. And you know my feelings for boyfriend jeans (hate them!), so that's why I'm giving away the much more flattering skinny style - and yes, you CAN look great in skinny jeans - check out how they look with heels! (In the winter, pull your boots over them and you'll never know anything else!).

And if I might add, this giveaway is in collaboration with one of my new fav sites - Chickdowntown.com. The site carries BB Dakota - a great affordable line that has dresses, shirts and skirts that are perfect for every occasion.

They also carry awesome accessories from Rachel Leigh. There's a ton of necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are beautifully detailed.

With that being said, goooood luck!

Size Note: Please note this style tends to run big, order one size down to ensure a better fit.

Chic Site: ShopRuche.com

Just this week I discovered a site so fab you have to check it out. It's packed full of vintage-inspired Anthropologie-like wares like this sweet golden bib dress ($54.99), butterfly pendant ($17.99) and empire tank top ($34.99). It's all at ShopRuche.com.

Each item is hand-picked to give off that one-of-a-kind vintage vibe - and the best part is you can afford to buy several things because everything is reasonably priced. Shoes, jewelry, dresses and outerwear - they even have an eco-friendly section to shop. Plus, click on "outfits" and everything's already all put together for you (gasp!)!

Based out of Cali, the shop's online only but ships everywhere. I'm totally loving the look of this online mecca (give me a gift certificate here and I could go CRAZY!). And guess what? I'm giving I Heart Heels a special discount to try it out! All the way until August 1, 2009, just enter "iheartheels" at checkout and receive 10% off your purchase.

Psst...and let me know how you like your stuff!

Maxidresses Still Have It

If you've been reading I Heart Heels for very long, you know of my obsession with Gypsy 05 maxidresses. I've been living in my blue version for the past month. Very rarely can you mesh comfy and stylish. But these dresses are made from organic cotton - and it makes all the difference in the world. (D. doesn't know it, but I've got my eye on this tie-dye version LC rocks on the carpet here! It screams summer!)

I've even been wearing mine to work with a brown tee under it (since the cut on these aren't exactly conservative!). The simple, solid versions like mine cost around $100, but it's well worth the investment. For me, personally, it was one those feel-good "squeal!" purchases that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside - as if you just did a good deed (and you did - for yourself!).

In just a few days, I'll be heading to the beach (which is where I originally discovered these jewels). You better believe my Gypsy's coming with me! (and don't worry, I'll be beach-blogging away!)

P.S. Keep reading this week for a chance to win a $216 pair of Current/Elliott distressed skinny jeans (Kate Beckinsale has a pair!).

Photo Credit: Getty

Trend Alert! Keds

I just saw someone trudging into work last week wearing Keds (and she wasn't necessarily trying to be on trend, if you know what I mean). And then I brought myself back to elementary school where Keds were the shoe of the season every fall - I had to have a pair in every color (although my white ones couldn't be beat - they went with everything!).

Today? I'm not quite so sure about sporting the back-on-the-scenes trend. I mean, I do want to feel younger, but I have a hard time feeling "cool" in my Keds. They don't have that same cool vibe my Chuck Taylors do, ya know? And I'm really not much of a tennis shoe girl in general (I mean, they look downright silly with jeans if you ask me!).

Leann Rimes wore hers to the Malibu Country Mart the other day - and Kristen Stewart practically lives in her Champion lace-ups ($35). So comment below and tell me: will you rock a pair of Keds this year?












Photo Courtesy x17online.com

Celebrity Beauty Trends to Try (and Avoid!)

hould you create the latest looks seen on celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham? Find out here

Celebrities inspire us with their always evolving hair and makeup looks, but they can get also away with beauty extremes that most of us mere mortals could never pull off in real life. Check out the latest celebrity beauty trends to try -- and to avoid. See trends

Celebs Heart Heartloom

This week I discovered the label, Heartloom. And, of course, here at I Heart Heels, how could we not instantly love the name. The line is by designer Katy Lee - a former Marc Jacobs designer (enough said!) and it "merges the laidback attitude of the West Coast with the structural elegance of the East Coast." And...celebs are hearting it from coast to coast.

Anna Faris wears the Tompkins dress here ($145) in black. I love this dress! It's such a basic, classic addition to anyone's wardrobe - you could wear this with sandals to the store, or slip on a denim jacket with it and wear it to work.

Amanda Bynes just bought the Piers dress ($152) (exclusively at celeb-fav Intuition in L.A. - visit shopintuition.com for instant goodies!). I think this little dress is adorable, especially the sweet baby blue color - so fresh! The pleating at the waist is uber-flattering, and it even has pockets! (I'm loving pockets on skirts and dresses - so comfy to slip your hands into on the fly.)

Of course, Heartloom isn't alllll about dresses - Paris Hilton owns a pair of their leggings! But no matter what it is, we heart Heartloom, for sure. -xoxo

Shampoo for All Hair Types

I'm always trying out different shampoos being the adventuresome beauty blogger I am. Up this week is the Daily Cleansing Cream ($22) by Hair Rules. It's risky trying a new shampoo because I absolutely hate it when I get the nerve to try it and hate my hair for the rest of the day, sigh. And to be honest, I wasn't sure if I would fall in love with this one.

I'm used to a very sudsy moisturizing shampoo, and this one cleans with absolutely no suds. Have you used one of those? You dump extra in your hand because you just don't feel your scalp getting clean? Well, I did that with Hair Rules only to find the next day my hair was still feeling as clean as usual (I wash my hair every other day, in case you were wondering). Apparently this formula is made for all hair types, even kids, (which I was reluctant of because how could it clean all hair types??), and I believe it because my hair is super-duper oily and it worked.

It smells of jasmine and rose petals (a plus!) and it was actually created by a celebrity stylist (Anthony Dickey) whose clients Rihanna, Minnie Driver, Estelle, Michelle Obama (hello!) and Sarah Jessica Parker (good enough for Carrie, good enough for you, right?).

Here's the "hair rules" you need to know:
Wet hair and apply liberally (you'll end up using slightly more of this since it's no suds). Massage in a circular motion from root to tips. Squeeze and pull hair out and away from the scalp in one direction and rinse!

Korto Momolu Launches Jewelry Site!

Are you a fan of Project Runway? Then you've GOT to check out Korto Momolu's (last season's runner-up, but you knew that, of course) newly launched online jewelry shop here.

Her stuff is oh-so-fab - makes me want to run out and grab my credit card! (D's not reading, right?) This Cotton Candee necklace is my absolute fav ($165). I would wear this all freakin' summer (Korto, listening?)! But joking aside, her designs are truly one-of-a-kind and inspiring. No one else on your block would be sporting, for sure. And Korto's such a sweetie pie - read my post on when we first met here.)

Korto says about her new online glamour mecca (check it out now!):

"My team and I have been pleasantly overwhelmed with inquiries when my items will be available for purchase; this is my first step in order to satisfy customers and fans who have supported me since day one," states Momolu.

StyleCaster Sneak Peek

Shhhh...I have a huge style secret for you. Don't tell! It's StyleCaster.com - a soon-to-be-launched (that's right, it's still private!) fashion site I've been hotly anticipating. Style advice, beauty buzz and even an online community built around other chicettes (gotta love that social media!). You'll even be able to shop - squeal (a site after my own heart)!

The site isn't even open to the public yet, but I was lucky enough to score a special link here to the beta site where you can register to become one of the very first members. Try it out and shoot me your comments about what you think!

Another Rachel Bilson Spotting

What do you think of Rachel Bilson's latest bag she carries while sightseeing in Paris with Hayden Christensen? It's by Pringle of Scotland (look it up!) and I sort of dig it. It's the Eel Plisse (when in France, do as the French do, no?). I love the gray and it goes elegantly well with the navy. The utilitarian contrasts nicely with the feminity of the ruffles on her shirt.

And, of course, she's still sporting the rolled up jeans (and distressed denim). Love her for it. -xoxo

[Photo Courtesy Bauer Griffin]