Congratulations to Our $50 Amazon.com Contest Winner: Katie Picklesimer

Congratulations to Katie Picklesimer as she is the winner of the $50 Amazon.com giftcard. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support to me by following my blog and participating in all the contest this year. Stay tune because with the new year coming, their will be more contest/giveaways that will include giftcards, clothing, beauty products and more. Also thank you to Amazon for sponsoring another giveaway with The Fashionista Stories. Happy Holidays everyone and I will see you in the new year!

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Balancing Act: Chanel Spring / Summer 2012 Ad Campaign

The CHANEL SPRING 2012 ad campaign was released and it stars models Joan Smalls and Saskia Brauw. The ad was styled by Carine Roitfeld for the second time and shot by Karl Lagerfeld of course. Karl told WWD that the ads will be all about "athletics and the sea" and it is just that. The models are shown balancing themselves on parallel bars in a Chanel jacket and skirt. It looks as if they are dangling over the sea and the iamge is quite spectacular. The white fold over socks with the jelly sandals reminds me of when I was a little girl, love it. Also I love the black & white images which looks like it is a beautiful gloomy day by on the sea. The ad was shot at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. Glad to see the beautiful Joan Smalls in the ad to show some diversity.

Credit:Style.com

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Versace Bright Crystal

VERSACE introduced the new BRIGHT CRYSTAL fragrance ad campaign this summer but the fragrance debut originally in 2006. This was the first new campaign for Bright Crystal in five years. This is the fashion's house top selling women's fragrance and it is loved by many including me. 

Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel was tapped to front the new campaign which was directed by Mario Testino under the creative direction of Dontella Versace. Candice is rocking a glittery beaded VERSACE COUTURE gown will laying on chaise holding the bottle. The fragrance is fresh with a floral scent. 

Also it is very light and not overpowering with the essence of elegance that is very refreshing and feminine. Scent notes include chilled yuzu and pomegranate married together with magnolia, peony and lotus flowers with warmed musk and amber. This will make the perfect gift for a strong and confident fashionista for Christmas.

                                    

In all the fragrance combines the sexiness of the Versace brand with a luxurious floral scent. The Bright Crystal eau de toilette comes in two sizes, a 1.7 fl oz for $67 and a 3 fl oz for $88 which can be purchased at NORDSTROM. Check out the video above for the fragrance and continue to see the stylish bottle.

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Gisele for Givenchy Spring / Summer 2012

After the much talked about hype and spectulation, Gisele's GIVENCHY SPRING 2012 ad campaign has been released. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot shot the ad on a gloomy and stormy looking beach in a chic like Gothic setting. Gisele is wearing a black peplum dress from the collection alongside male models Chris Moore and Simone Nobili while sitting on a black truck. She looks gorgeous and I am loving this ad right now. Gisele is also doing the ad campaign for VERSACE SPRING 2012 which was also shot by  Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot and she is bringing the sexiness.  

Versace Spring / Summer 2012

 

Photos:Givenchy, Versace

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Fabulous Beauty Find: Peter Lamas Pumpkin Spice Polish

I first told you about PETER LAMAS a couple of weeks ago after I used the Chinese Herb Body Lotion. Now check out the PETER LAMAS PUMPKIN SPICE POLISH 3-IN-1 INSTANT FACIAL. It helps to cleanse and unclog your pores while penetrating deep into your skin to bring out a healthy and glowing complexion. This scrub can also be used as a body wash. I have been using this for the past couple of weeks and it left my skin feeling softer, smoother, firmer and refined. I do recommend using a moisturizer after though as you would with most facial scrubs. Also I love the smell, it is very fruity and fresh with a hint of pumpkin and coconut. It is not overpowering or intense, it is the perfect blend of ingredients used to bring out a brighter and younger looking texture for you skin. The 3-in-1 polish retails for $24 and can be purchased here. To find out more details about LAMAS  BEAUTY go to www.peterlamas.com.

Photo:Peter Lamas

Disclosure: Peter Lamas provided product in exchange for review. All opinions are my own. 

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*CONTEST ALERT*....Win a $50 Giftcard from Amazon.com

Want to win a free $50 giftcard from Amazon.com? Click "Like" on Facebook to follow and your name will be entered into a random drawing to win. If you are already following The Fashionista Stories, your name will automatically be entered into the drawing. Share this with your friends because if they click "like", your name will be entered into the drawing multiple times increasing your chance of winning. Just make sure they comment saying that you "your name" shared this with them. Contest starts today Monday December 5, 2011 and will run through December 19, 2011. The winner will be notified by email and will be given a special code to redeem on Amazon.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thefashionistastories.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes to start on Monday, December 5, 2011 and ends on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 12 midnight ET. The Fashionista Stories will chose (1) winner by random drawing and the winner will receive a Amazon.com gift code to use toward a  purchase on the website. Odds of winning are dependent on the total number of eligible entries. Winner will receive notification via e-mail. Contest sponsored by The Fashionista Stories and Giveaway provided by Amazon.com.

Credit:Amazon.com

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Launch Event for the new Versace Fragrance, Yellow Diamond

Last night I attended a private event for the launch of the new VERSACE fragrance, YELLOW DIAMOND. The event was held at the label's fifth avenue boutique on the balcony level which is an exclusive area above the store. Guest sipped on champagne and ate small bites as we smelled the fragrance and watched a behind the scenes video of the ad campaign which featured Donatella Versace, Mario Testino who shot the campaign and model Abbey Lee Kershaw who stars in it. It has a very light, crisp and clean smell, which to me, excites with intensity. Top notes include citron from Diamante, pear sorbet, neroli and bergamot. The middle notes include nymphea, freesia, orange blossom and mimosa. The end notes has amber wood, palo santo and musk. I have really bad allergies but the scent did not bother me at all so that was a huge plus for me. Overall Yellow Diamond is just a luxurious scent that brightens up your senses and it takes you on a fascinating journey of sensuality.

Alberto Morillas, the creator of the fragrance said "Yellow Diamond is a burst of juicy freshness and enveloping sensuality. A diamond that has got a character and remind us of the brightness of a sunny day. It expresses luxury, energy and warmth". Check out this video above which is the ad campaign and continue to see the stylish bottle and packaging.

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Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2012 Collection

Inspired by the 50's and American Royalty going East, ZAC POSEN'S PRE-FALL 2012 collection proved why fashionista's everywhere flock to the designer for the perfect red carpet look. I was blown away by most of the pieces in the collection and afterwards I took a peak at his mood board which had images of Jackie O and his love for Chinese. He used fabrics like tweed, silk, velvet and Knits that were mixed with chiffon. Asian inspired floral prints along with brocade which had fur trims on the sleeves of the dolman dresses and jackets. Dresses were fitted, some with a short train or flare detail and they also had intricate detailing like cut-outs and exaggerated shoulders. My favorite piece in the collection was a cardinal purple jacket with a over-sized collar that I think will look amazing if worn as a dress on the red carpet. The statement makers in the collection was the red carpet gowns of course. These gowns definitely require extra help with all the layers of tulle that completes it, however it's worth it. Zac seemed as if he went back to the beginning of his career with these gowns. He did stay true to his signature style by paying close attention to detail and that was key in this collection as always.

Overall Zac's pre-fall 2012 collection was clean and elegant with lean silhouettes. Continue to see the rest of the collection.

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Ports 1961 Pre-Fall 2012 Collection

 For the PORTS 1961 PRE-FALL 2012 collection, Fiona Cibani focused on shapes, color and print combinations. She took her inspiration from Op-Art artistry. The asymmetrical cuts and shapes added length and definition to the body through the patterns. Trousers are long with wide legs which elongate the body as well with a nice lean finish. Drapings are clean and hidden tucks & pleats are on the side to showcase the body's natural form. The kaleidoscope silk crepe and Georgette print along with foiled tweed are paired together with houndstooth in vibrant hues like emerald and royal blue. Navy, blush, charocal and cognac were also used along with black as the undertone. Fur popped up in the collection in jeweled dyed tones along with luxe cashmere. In all the collection had a touch of masculinity but still feminine with movement through the patterns. Continue to see the rest of the collection.

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Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Barbie Doll

Well it looks like Nicki Minaj is officially a Barbie. A one of a kind Nicki Minaj Barbie created by Mattel, to coinside with her "Pink Friday" album will be auctioned off on Wednesday through Charity Buzz starting at $1000 until December 19th. The proceeds will go to "Project Angel Food" which provides food for HIV/AIDS women, men and children. Nicki joins Janet Jackson who was also part of this charity campaign. It was only a matter of time but no word yet if Mattel will continue an on-going partnership with Nicki because she has been promoting Barbie for the last couple of years. Nicki has never worked with the brand until now however she has done well with MAC and now OPI.

Credit:Billboard

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TOMS + Glamour For Fashion Gives Back

For fives years now Glamour magazine has been teaming up with designers to create limited edition pieces for charities to benefit "Glamour's Fashion Gives Back" program. This year they are teaming up with TOMS shoes to recognize the supermodels who are doing their part to give back. The sixth annual Glamour Fashion Gives Back initative will be featured in the January 2012 issue of Glamour magazine along with supermodels Amber Valletta, Elletra Wiedemann, Kyleigh Kuhn, Liya Kebede and Tao Okamoto. Three styles were created(shown above) in an African striped inspiration, Japanese-influenced indigo and metallic embroidery. A percentage of the proceeds are going to each of the models charities that they represent. The shoes will sell for $54 on www.toms.com.

Amber Valletta:

Charity:water; makes sure people in developing countries have clean drinking water. 

Eletra Wiedemann:

One Frickin Day; motivates individuals to give either one day of their salary, one day of time, or one day service to specific projects around the world where the need is great, but the goals are achievable

Kyleigh Kuhn:

The Roots of Peace Penny Campaign; collects pennies from American kids to help build schools in war-torn countries.

Liya Kebede:

The Liya Kebede Foundation; saving the lives of mothers and children through access to maternal health care

Tao Okamoto:

Peace Winds Japan; providing rehabilitation victims of natural disasters

Credit:TOMS, Glamour

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Fabulous Find: Khirma Eliazov Shelby bag

Love bags?, well I came across a very chic bag that I know you will love and it is my fabulous find of the day. KHIRMA ELIAZOV created a unique and exotic handbag line that is fitting for a fashionista that loves to make a statement. The line made it's debut in November 2009 with a strong celebrity following that includes Jennifer lopez and Blake Lively. I had the opportunity to view the designer's collection and the "Shelby Bag" was my favorite. This messenger bag can also be worn as a fanny pack, shoulder bag and clutch. I thought that was very unique because I have never seen a handbag like this before. This stylish bag has a adjustable braided chain strap with a woven handle and comes in calf leather with custom made gold or gunmetal hardware. Inside is a zipper detail and it is also accented with Python and Stingray. Detail is key here and the adjustable strap was measured and cut perfectly to create this unique bag. This is the perfect functional bag for the fashionista on the go and who likes their bag to do it all. For $695, this bag is worth the price especially since you can wear it four ways. To find out more details about the entire collection that also includes jewelry and to purchase this particular bag, go to www.khirmaeliazov.com.

Photos:Khirma Eliazov

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A for Aldo Launch Party

Last Wednesday, ALDO'S held a launch party to unveil their new fragrance A for ALDO. Guest were treated to cocktails, light food and music during the event. The five piece fragrance collection is colored coordinated. Red, yellow & blue for women and red & yellow for men's. A for Aldo scents brings out your personality in a colorful way. The block shaped bottles are stackable and has minimal designs allowing the colored graphic to be the center of attention.  Blue is for the seductive and glamorous women. With notes of citrus cocktail shaken with freesia & bergamot along with touches of floral and jasmin, this has a very brisk and cool scent. It was a little over powering for me. Red is for the women who loves to make a statement and has passion. With notes of vanilla, floral, musk, mandarin and peach, this is a light and fresh scent. The red is my favorite of them all. At the event I spoke to a few people who said the red was their favorite as well. Yellow is for the women who is playful and girly. Notes of grapefruit zest, mandarin, neroli blossoms merges together with honeysuckle, jasmin commingle, amber, sandalwood, cedarwood and musk to bring out a fresh & alluring smell.

The men's stackable are black with the colored lettering. Red is for the man who has character and taste. With notes of citrus, cedarwood, tobacco leaf, followed by vanilla, musk and tonka bean, this has a very bold and rich scent. Yellow is for the man who is sporty and lively. With notes of ginger, against mango, pepper and jasmine. This is a spicy like scent with a crisp smell. I like the red the best. A 10ml retails for $15, 30ml for $25 and 75ml for $45. The fragrance can be purchased at Aldo stores. To find out more details about the fragrance go to www.aisforaldo.com. Continue to see the feature film for A for Aldo that was directed by Barnaby Roper.

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Fabulous Find: Chinese Herb Body Lotion

Looking for a good body lotion that will leave your skin looking softer, firmer and younger? Will I stumbled upon something and it is my fabulous find of the day. LAMAS BEAUTY developed a Chinese Herb Body Lotion for all skin types with anti-aging agents and minerals to increase the softness on your skin in a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. For all of my vegan fashionista's this is a 100% vegan formula. I use this lotion and I am loving it. It has a very distinct fragrant smell that is not over powering or intense. It is very soothing with a crisp and fresh scent. The Soy helps to hydrate and replenish the skin's texture, the Green Tea neutralizes the skin for softness, the Oats helps to create healthier skin and the Mango Butter & Shea Butter protects skin and locks in moisture. This is a great body lotion to use on your skin especially after every bath or anytime your skin needs to be revived in an instant. The 8floz bottle retails for $24 and can be purchased here. To find out more about Peter Lamas Beauty and more of his products go to www.peterlamas.com.

Photos:Peter Lamas

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