FC Inner Circle

Sale Away

I love a good bargain. Who doesn't? But I never really know when they're going on. Countless times a girlfriend will tell me about a huge sale where she scored a great blouse or cute shoes. But, by the time I get there, everything's wiped out. Enter: ShopItToMe.com. This genius website is my effortless—yet super effective—way of staying on top of sales for ALL of my favorite brands. I created a profile customized with all of the retailers I love (plus a sprinkling of designers a tad out of my price range) and receive a daily email every morning (my "Sale Mail") listing which of these brands have items on sale—all in my sizes!—linking me directly to their online sites. It's amazing! Last week I spotted a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress (pictured here) for 50% off on net-a-porter.com!! I don't shop on the site frequently so I would never have seen it without my ShopItToMe alert. I'm wearing the dress to a wedding this fall...pictures to come!!

—Amanda Flores

In the Bag

I am currently obsessed with my new vertical tote from Cinda B. I bring it to work every day to carry papers, a book, my lunch and even a change of shoes. It also has a compartment for laptops. I constantly get complements on the adorable pattern. Cinda B also makes travel bags, gym bags, backpacks, purses and clutches. They are all machine-washable, which is so convenient. Check out all their styles at cindab.com.

They Nailed It

    A group of us women were chatting at a work event the other night and admiring each other hands. “Oh, did somebody get engaged,” our publisher asked as she walked up to us. “No, we are just comparing our fun polish colors,” our beauty director explained. I have to admit, my nails weren’t as funky as some of the other women with bright blue and green fingertips. But I slipped my foot out of my pump to reveal my toes and everyone ooohed and ahhhed. I was wearing my new favorite color, Blake, from Julep (myjulep.com). It’s a beautiful yellow. Not too sunshine-e and not too banana-e. It’s just right. As an added bonus, all Julep customized polishes are created "3-Free" meaning they are free from Tolulene, Formaldehyde and DBP (or dibutyl phthalate). That’s what I call “nailing it”!
Meg, Health Director

MouseCall

I’ve tried practically every skin-care regimen available. When I hit puberty, I purchased an endless number of OTC cleansing pads and Biore nose strips to treat my unavoidable acne. As a teenager, I used prescription creams and got monthly facials (thanks, Mom!). Now an adult, I think I’ve figured it out. But whenever I encounter an awful breakout or one of those pimples that just won’t go away, I relive my adolescence. So I was thrilled to get a free consultation from Dr. Zein Obagi, a Beverly Hills dermatologist! Just log on to his website, fill out a simple questionnaire about your skin and the products you use to receive your personalized “MouseCall” less than 48 hours later. You’ll find out some general info about your skin, how to treat it and product recommendations—and all e-consultations are free until August. Armed with this info, I hope that my sensitive skin woes and worries will vanish for good! --Krista Meyerhoff

Easy Action

I am far from an earthy-crunchy vegan—I eat chicken on a daily basis and can’t live without my brown leather purse. But when it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, I try to avoid anything tested on animals. The thought of a little mouse unwillingly doused in my shampoo makes me wince. I try to read the labels but sometimes I’m in such a rush that squinting at the back label filled with directions and ingredients is nearly impossible. Now I can make safe purchases armed with my Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide (order one for free here). It’s the size of a credit card, fits in my wallet and lists hundreds of companies that I can feel good about using like Clinique and Wet ‘N Wild. I can navigate the lipstick jungle with ease! –Krista Meyerhoff, Editorial Assistant

Mani in a Bottle

Ever since I quit biting my nails—yay!—it’s been a constant struggle to keep them from breaking. A weekly trip to the nail salon would definitely help, but on a student/intern salary? Not happening. Luckily, working here, I came across a product called Gel Coat Strengthener by Perfect Formula. You apply just like a clear polish but it creates a thick, protein-rich layer that leaves a glossy finish (even when dry) that doesn’t peel or chip. It’s a cost-effective alternative to salon gel wraps and acrylics and I’m proud to say, my nails have never looked so good.
 
Maria-Nicole Marino, Beauty & Fashion Intern

Make It Work!

As a fashion lover, I just can’t get enough of Project Runway. If you’re like me and can’t wait for the premiere of the sixth season, check out the official site—the new 16 designers were just announced yesterday. Get a sneak peak of their personal style through the exclusive videos featuring each designer’s personal closet, their best insider fashion advice and their auditions. And for the first time, you can also see the contestants’ creations in the Designer’s Portfolio. That should keep you satisfied until Project Runways debuts on August 20th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime. Here’s hoping for another Christian Siriano!

Who are some of your favorite past contestants?
—Celia Shatzman, Associate Editor

Infomercial Test

I'm usually not one to buy into infomercial products, so I was hesitant to try Strap Perfect when my Mom recently bought it for me. Strap Perfect is a bra clip that helps hide bra straps with a small plastic attachment that brings the straps together in the back. I'm a big fan of racer back tank tops, but my straps always show when I wear a normal bra and I don't always love wearing a strapless one.

Turns out Strap Perfect is well, the perfect solution! The plastic clip is super easy to use and made me feel like I had a brand new bra without breaking the bank. The box usually retails for around $10 and includes six attachments (two clear, two nude, two black) and invisible tape. Find it at Bed, Bath & Beyond, CVS, Amazon.com and more. 

—Caren Oppenheim, Editorial Assistant

DREAM JEANS

I’ve always been a jeans girl at heart but now I think I’ve taken it to a whole new level! I recently picked up a pair of “boyfit” jeans at American Eagle Outfitters and I literally cannot take them off! I actually went back to the store and purchased a second pair so that I could have back up. (Since I have been wearing them almost everyday since I took the tags off!) You have to try them. They are soft—a little baggy, but not too much—and super cute. I can dress them up with heels for work or down with sneaks or flip-flops on weekends. Plus they are only $49.50. Can’t beat that!
- Christine Bibbo Herr, Senior Fashion Editor

Purchase Power

As a former competitive dancer, I have had my fair share of makeup messes. The days of fake eyelashes coated with gobs of mascara, teased pony tails stiff with hairspray and bright red lipstick are long gone. Now I opt for a subtle approach to my morning beauty routine—Bare Minerals base, a swipe or two of eye shadow, a couple coats of mascara, a little blush and some lip gloss. Despite my minimalist methods, I still want to buy something new every time I enter Sephora or walk through the beauty aisle at a drug store. So when I’m truly tempted to make a new purchase, I always log on to Makeupalley.com to find out if the item I want will be worth my hard-earned cash. Users rate everything from hair conditioner to eyebrow pencils to deodorants in categories like package quality and price—and review the product in their own words. Now I pull from the beauty shelves with confidence.    --Krista Meyerhoff, Editorial Assistant