Halston Heritage Sheath Dresses

Sheath dresses: the perfect curve hugging yet demure dress. These slim fitting, long length dresses offset the masculine mood.

The Fresh Beauty Cleanse Pop-Up Truck Hits NYC

The Fresh® Beauty Cleanse Pop-Up Truck hits NYC on July 25th and 26th to kick off the Fresh® Beauty Cleanse, an exciting campaign featuring its best-selling Soy Face Cleanser. Fresh® will be gifting guests with an exclusive Fresh Beauty Cleanse Kit that includes the beloved cleanser, BluePrint Cleanse Spicy Lemonade, and a card for a free mini Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy (redeemable at Fresh stores) in a stylish Fresh tote on the streets of NYC!

The Fresh® Beauty Cleanse Truck Schedule:

Wednesday, July 25th

11am-7pm Union Square

(Broadway between 17th and 18th Streets)

Thursday, July 26th

11am-7pm West Village

(Bleecker Street between Perry and West 11th Streets)

Helmut Lang and Theory Sample Sale!

So I never made it to the 'official' Helmut Lang and Theyskens' Theory sample sale last week at 93 Mercer Street. Even though I would have loved to get my hands on some Theyskens' Theory pieces, I'm so glad I missed it because the continuing Helmut Lang sale combined with Theory is one of the best sales Clothingline has ever had.

Sure there are no leather handbags or jackets, but there was plenty of clothing today to go around. Today was the first day of the sale and runs through Thursday. My colleague went around lunchtime and I can honestly say the pieces she got were nowhere to be found by the time I got there at 6pm. As expected, it was crowded, with a long line for the fitting room (10 pieces maximum - if you have more than 10 you are forced to leave them behind), but both lines try on clothes and pay moved quickly. I had about 14 pieces to try on, and lucky for me, the woman in front of me was only holding like 3 pieces so she held on to the 4 extra pieces I had and gave them back to me when we turned the corner.

From what my colleague described, I had expected to see a ton more Helmut Lang on the floor. Everyone was buying it up! But once I got to the fitting room, I saw that there were racks of pieces in there that had been given back to the attendees to put away. I was told there will be no more Helmut Lang restocking - what's out is all they have left. But I am tempted to go back tomorrow since a lot of the merchandise didn't get put back on the floor until they were getting ready to close up.

Now here's the fun part. I get to recap my purchases! I bought 8 pieces for $320! I just realized the pants I bought are actually Theyskens' Theory, not Helmut Lang! I spotted only several random Theyskens' Theory pieces amongst the racks of Theory items.

That leaves 7 Helmut Lang pieces I bought: 2 dresses, 1 skirt, 3 tops, 1 sweater. Now that I add up my purchases, the $ amount seems a little off, but I'm thinking the difference is for tax (no itemized receipt, so make sure you add up your items before you pay just to make sure). Helmut Lang tops are $30, pants are $35, skirts are $35, sweaters are $40 and dresses are $45!

I was so happy to find my size (P) in Helmut Lang, as for Theory, the smallest size I saw was 0, no 00. The Helmut Lang denim runs really small. I contemplated getting size 24 denim leggings and chose not to, but I just may go back tomorrow. It's hard to beat getting Helmut Lang jeans for $35. I am expecting markdowns by Thursday, so I may also go back that day to sift through more of Theory. Most of the pieces I chose said 1SZ on the ticket, which fit fine on me. So if you pick up any items that say 1SZ you may just want to try them on just to make sure they fit. The tan side ruche dress (looks brown in the pic) actually is my favorite purchase. I thought it would be too big but it fit perfectly! Watch out for defective merchandise - lookout for stains, snags, holes or missing buttons. Keep your eye on your pieces - people are grabbing at everything!

If you go to the sale, I'd love to hear what you find. Happy shopping!

- Kim Weling

Per-fékt Beauty Featuring New Summer Products - Lash Perfection Gel and Lip Perfection

I've been combatting the heat and humidity with per-fékt beauty products, including the lash perfection gel and lip perfection gel that just launched this summer.

The lash perfection gel ($30) works as a primer, mascara and conditioner. It's my go-to mascara that dries fast and doesn't smudge or clump up and is flake free. It has a multi-leveled coiled brush that lifts and volumizes lashes.

Many of per-fékt products such as the lip perfection gel ($24), are formulated with Smart Color Technology, which creates the perfect color match for any skintone. The lip perfection gel is a silky smooth sheer color gel with rich conditioners, vitamins pure pigments and beneficial anti-aging ingredients that add definition and texture to the lips. This color infused lip perfector improves the appearance of dry or chapped lips, lip lines, thin lips and helps smooth away the appearance of fine lines. Jojoba delivers an extra boost of moisture, keeping the lips hydrated and fresh, with a hint of natural spearmint that adds a slight cooling sensation. I sometimes wear the lip perfection gel by itself or as a primer under lip gloss or lipstick for a smooth, satin finish.

Check out the Per-Fekt Lip for Henri Bendel set ($60), a Hollywood glamour inspired lip trio, including Vine, Hollywood and Melrose shades.

One of my most coveted per-fékt products is the eye perfection gel ($45), which comes in three shades - bright, refreshed and vibrant. The palladium tip applicator creates a natural cooling sensation around the eyes, and is even intensified when refrigerated (perfect for days that are over 90+ degrees!). Combined with Cucumber Extract, it helps to reduce the appearance of puffy, tired looking eyes and eliminates the appearance of dark shadows. When used on the lid, the eye perfection gel decreases redness and doubles as an eye shadow primer.

The skin perfection gel takes the place of using foundation, which is sometimes too heavy to wear in hot weather, while the body perfection gel is an alternative to bronzers and streaky self-tanners. No need to apply any lotion before wearing this. The gel-to-powder formulation glides on effortlessly to tone the appearance of your legs, arms and décolleté.

skin perfection gel ($57.50) and cheek perfection gel ($28)

body perfection gel ($48)

brow perfection gel, $22

Per-fékt Beauty, Inc. Founder and President Richard Anderson

Per-fékt beauty products can be found at perfektbeauty.com, sephora.com and Sephora stores, henribendel.com and Henri Bendel stores, Fred Segal (Santa Monica) stores and qvc.com.

LOFT Summer 2012

Petite ColorBlocked 3/4 Sleeve Sweater in Berry Blue, $49.50

Petite Crinkle Stripe Open Front Jacket in Black, $69.50

LOFT Summer 2012 is in full swing from colorblocking and tribal prints to stripes and animal prints paired with bold colors such as blue or pink. Mini, maxi and pencil skirt silhouettes are all flattering for petites (starting at size 00P), with pleated or crinkle detailing.

Left: Petite Zebra Swirl Shift Skirt, $49.50

Middle: Petite Cheetah Print Pleated Skirt, $59.50

Right: Petite Tribal Print Crinkle Maxi Skirt, $79.50

Pointy toe pumps, wedges and Sam Edelman shoes are exclusively available online at loft.com. LOFT shoes start at size 5 whereas Sam Edelman shoes start at size 6.

Left: Sam Edelman Mabel Espadrille Peeptoe Sandals: was $140, now $134.99 (Online Exclusive)

Right: Sam Edelman Katie Jute Peeptoe Wedges, $100 (Online Exclusive)

Top Left: Penelope Patent Pointy Toe Pumps, $79.50 (Online Exclusive)

Bottom Left: Penelope Animal Print Patent Pointy Toe Pumps, $79.50 (Online Exclusive)

Top Right: Rachel Wedges in Teal, $79.50 (Online Exclusive)

Bottom Right: Animal Print Rachel Wedges, $79.50 (Online Exclusive)

- Kim Weling

GUESS Eyewear's First Shades of Summer Playlist

GUESS Eyewear presents their first ever Shades of Summer Playlist! This Summer, jam out to 5 favorite artists of the moment, hand-picked by GUESS Eyewear just for you! These tracks by The Hood Internet, The Knocks, Vacationer, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and Penguin Prison are perfect for Summer listening while traveling, lounging by the pool, or dancing out on those hot nights! The playlist will launch Friday, July 20th and will be able to be downloaded with any purchase of GUESS eyewear on www.guess.com through the end of August.

TRACKS:

The Hood Internet – One for the Record Books

The Knocks – Dancing With The DJ

Vacationer – Good As New

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Garden

Penguin Prison – Multi Millionaire

If you're in the area, check out these GUESS store events coming up in Miami and Chicago:

MIAMI EVENT DETAILS

Event: GUESS Eyewear Shades of Summer Playlist In-Store Debut

Date: July 20, 2012

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: GUESS Store @ 736 Collins Avenue

Musical Guest: The Hood Internet

About the event: The first event of the day is an in-store celebration of the debut of GUESS Eyewear’s Shades of Summer Playlist in Miami’s GUESS store. There, The Hood Internet will be DJing and attendees can get a card with a free code to download the playlist with any purchase of GUESS Eyewear.

CHICAGO EVENT DETAILS

Event: GUESS Eyewear Shades of Summer Playlist Celebration and Kick Off to Lollapalooza Weekend

Date: August 2, 2012

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: GUESS Store @ 605 N. Michigan Avenue

Musical Guest: The Knocks About the event: To kick off the Lollapalooza weekend, GUESS Eyewear hosts an in-store celebration of the debut of GUESS Eyewear’s first Shades of Summer Playlist in Chicago’s GUESS store. There, The Knocks will be DJing and attendees can get a card with a free code to download the playlist with any purchase of GUESS Eyewear.

Nordstrom Beauty 2012 Anniversary Sale

Nars Cheek Palette, $65 ($107 value): Palette Created exclusively for Nordstrom contains best-selling cheek colors - Laguna Bronzer, Orgasm Blush, Luster Blush, Angelika Blush, Gaiety Blush and Albatross.

Lancome Gift with Purchase, $39.50 Qualifier ($113 value): Choose one deluxe moisturizer, one full size lipstick, one five-shadow eyeshadow palette, and receive a Bi-Facial Eye Makeup Remover, a deluxe Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in black and one cosmetic bag (purple or black)

Mark your calendars! The annual Nordstrom Beauty Anniversary Sale starts on July 20th and runs through August 5th at nordstrom.com and Nordstrom stores! I've never actually shopped this sale, but after seeing a preview of the limited-edition , exclusive beauty items, I will definitely be logging on to shop the morning of July 20th and may even head over to my local Nordstrom this weekend.

It will definitely be Christmas in July for me, and for some of the people on my gifting list! This sale is perfect to stock up on several different items and sets, break them down and create gifts to include your friends' and relatives' favorites. Over 100 fragrance, cosmetics, hair care, skincare and men's grooming brands will be participating, including MAC, Nars, Laura Mercier and Smashbox. Be sure to also check out some amazing gift with purchases from Lancome, Prada and Valentino!

Laura Mercier Touch Up Brush Collection, $60 and Signature Color Essentials for Face, Eyes & Lips, $80

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Duo, $49.50 ($84 value): Includes Purity Made Simple one-step facial cleanser in 32oz and 8oz

Philosophy The Microdelivery Duo, $58 ($115 value): Includes The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash in 32oz and 4oz

MAC 2 Eye Kits, $49.50 each: Includes Smoky Eye Kit in Black or Plum, 3 eyeshadows, Technakohl Liner, promo-sized Zoomblack and 2 short-handled brushes

MAC Exclusive Sets Illustrated by London -based Artist Julie Verhoeven

4 Lip Bags, $39.50 each: Contains Nude, Pink, Coral or Red. Canvas bag includes a shade compatible trio of Lipstick, Dazzleglass Creme and Cremestick Liner

MAC Exclusive Sets Illustrated by London -based Artist Julie Verhoeven

2 Brush Sets, $49.50 each: Contains Mineralize (4 brushes) or Essentials (5 brushes) in flat bag/roll

This is on the top of my list!

MOR Body Butter Duo, $9.90 ($32 value)

Post Anniversary Price, $25

Choose from Sugar Rose Tiger Lily, Honey Nectar, Neroli Clementine, Black Currant Iris or Basil and Grape

Blow NYC Blow Spray Duo, $19.75 (29.25 value): Includes a full size After Blow Hairspray & travel size After Blow

- Kim Weling