J. LaMore's 10 Year Anniversary Party & Sale!

Yes, even Ruby the fashion dog is in the mood to party!

After ten years in business it's time to whoop it up! As the winner of the "Best of Madison" the past five years in a row and voted a top 100 website by TheFind.com, J. LaMore and jlamore.com have come a long way and to help you celebrate with us we're offering 30% off all designer clothing, shoes, accessories in the store and online.

For online shoppers use promo code "tenyears" to receive your 30% off. The code will go all the way to Sunday, May 3rd. Free shipping as always! The party begins at 5:00 pm on April 30, 2008 and will go until 10:00 pm. (Both the online and in store sale runs through Sunday, May 3rd for all of you who can't make the party)

Cocktails and hors d' ouevres will be served and a complimentary tarot card reading from "Josephine's Eyes" will begin at 5:00 pm and go until 10:00 pm. She's fantastic and back by popular demand. All of us at J. LaMore and jlamore.com look forward to seeing you on April 30th.

See all of you there!

Jennifer LaMore

Picasso: "Challenging the Past"

Hi Jennifer & friends: I decided to write two posts in a row because of all the fabulous things going on in London right now. There is nothing quite like London in the spring. (Well maybe Paris) The show "Picasso: Challenging The Past " is at the National Gallery of Art and will go through June 7 and 750,000 people have seen the show. I waited in line almost two hours to get in and its stunning.

I had my boyfriend with me and we made a day out of this and we had a wonderful time. People dressed up for the occasion and the conversations waiting in line with the people we met made the time go by quickly.

Once inside, the self portrait paintings of Picasso are the first things you see as I am told this was a trade mark style of his arrogance. I discovered that you don't really see Picasso as much as you witness him. Picasso was a powerful personality with immense talent which at times it seemed as though he would slap you across the face and say 'how dare you look at my work.' The gallery decide to hang his paintings in their own area because so many of Picasso's paintings mock and torment the masters of the past. One fantastic painting after another telling a personal story of the times. I will never forget it.

Late in his life Picasso said; "When I was a child I could paint like Raphael, but it took me my entire adult life to learn how to paint like a child." Wow! He was still mocking them.

highly recommend seeing this exhibition.

Clare London, England

Brigitte Lacombe One Woman Show

Hi Jennifer and friends. This past week in London I attended the photographic exhibition of of Brigitte Lacombe who has taken pictures of movies stars, musicians, politicians and just about anybody who's a somebody. The show was fantastic as each picture had a story along side of it that explained what was going on at the time.

This is a photo of Bob Dylan and the caption which describes the experience.

Bob Dylan, 2004. "This was an extraordinary day for me. I hadn’t photographed Dylan before. It was for the cover of Newsweek magazine. Although he’s a well-known character, he’s very enigmatic, extremely guarded and reluctant to open up. We were at his ranch outside Los Angeles and I told him that I had met him before. He looked at me as if he was dreading yet another story of people who accost him all the time. But he had been staying with the father of a friend of mine, and it turned out this man was one of his true friends. So that opened the door for me; he related to me in a completely different way. It was one of the most important encounters I’ve had, because I have great admiration for him and what he meant to all of us."

Clare London, England

Rhys Dwfen

I had my sorority formal last night and wore the
Rhys Dwfen "Steven" Dress. It was perfect!! I love everything about this dress. I cannot believe we still have it and how cheap it is now that it's on sale!!! If it's your size and you need a dress I highly recommend it.... I'm already trying to think of the next event I can wear it to!

-Julie

Tweet Tweet

I'm still totally new to the whole Twitter thing- but I guess it's pretty popular! I'm not sure if I completely get the idea of it, but basically you just follow people, and others can follow you, and you update your status to let everyone know what you are doing. This is perfect if you want to know up to date news about J. LaMore before the info is available on our site! Follow Jennifer and J.LaMore on twitter at http://twitter.com/jlamore. (Celeberties, brands, fashion designers, stores, movies, etc are all on Twitter, too! Try the search to see if you can find something that interests you!)

We're also on Facebook! Click "Follow J. LaMore" to get special updates, offers, and coupon codes! And last but not least, check us out on MySpace!

Add a 'comment' below if you know of any other cool sites that we should be on!

-Julie

Lovin the Lauren Moshi

I'm obsesses with Lauren Moshi. Everything she makes is amazing and out of this world. Not only are her designs killer, but the fabric that she chooses to use for her clothing is heavenly.

My new favorite is the Lauren Moshi "Skull Rose' Maxi Dress. I love how the style is beautiful and simple. The Rose Skull adds a little edge.... Perfect!

Kalyn

Jennifer's Favorite Jonathan Finish Control Hair Spray

Enter promo code "jonathan" at checkout and receive this product FREE with any online purchase.

I became a huge fan of Jonathan Antin a few years ago when he had the show on Bravo called "Blow Out." I tuned in every week to watch his antics and became mesmerized when he launched his signature product line. What intrigued me the most with his product line was his passion and dedication for creating the "perfect" products. "Only the best ingredients will go into my line" I recall him saying. His enthusiasm made me want to try his products.

My personal favorite out of his line is the Jonathan "Finish Control High Shine Flexible" Hairspray. It's a light weight formula that allows for a bit of styling after spraying and it adds an incredible high shine finish. Big bonus? The smell!! It's outrageously delicious!

I love the small travel size can, it's 2.25 ounces and sells for $8.00 at Sephora. It's slightly bigger than most travel size hairsprays, but it fits perfectly inside my purse. For a limited time, I'm sharing this product for FREE with all online orders at jlamore.com (while supplies last). Be sure to enter promo code "jonathan" at checkout.

Seriously friends, what are your favorites? Vicki from Denver wants me to try the Kerastase Bain II shampoo. I'm on it Vicki! Thanks for the tip. Email me with your suggestions. If I try it and feature it, you will get it for FREE!

Jennifer

Jordan Alexander "Coney Island" Necklace

The Feather trend has been hitting the runways since the spring 09 fashion week shows, as well as worn by many celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Penelope Cruz and Rihanna.

This necklace by Jordan Alexander is the perfect way to wear this feather fashion trend. Match this necklace with the summer "must have" maxi dress or with a t-shirt and some sang real jeans for a casual but still sexy look.

Jessica

Gypsy 05 "Twist Strap" Maxi Dress

Tie Dye is back! I'm happy to report that tie dye is everywhere! Here at J.LaMore we have this Gypsy 05 "Twist Strap" Maxi Dress which can be worn with bohemian inspired black jewelry and sandals. To the left our good friend Britney Spears is wearing a casual tie dye t-shirt. You can wear this new returning trend any way!

Kalyn

Bridal Shower Dress

My sister's bridal shower is next weekend in Chicago and I need something to wear! I'm thinking the Susana Monaco "Bow" Dress would be super cute! It's a fancy, afternoon type luncheon in Chicago. All my family will be there- I can't wait! It should be a blast!

For the day before, when I'll be shopping around downtown, I want to look cute and put together. I think I'll wear something like the Language "Square Neck Knit Sleeve" Top with a pair of my Sang Real's. Hopefully with NO jacket if it's warm enough! (It's supposed to be 69 in Madison on Friday!)

-Julie

Phil Spector is. . . Guilty!

Hi Jennifer: The jury has spoken and what they said was that Phil Spector is, guilty of second degree murder. In front of a less then packed court room the judge read the verdict to a non emotional Spector.

The "castle" where Spector lives and where the crime took place is known as the Pyrenees Castle and was built in 1926 by a French immigrant you've probably never heard of: Sylvester Dupuy. The history of the castle is very interesting which includes movie stars, wild lavish parties, and at one time was owned by a New York gangster.

The land around the property is gorgeous and expansive. In 2007 the jury for the court case went to the castle to see the crime scene and wanted to see the chair and location where Clarkson died. There's a huge water fountain near the front door and the jury want to know if the chauffeur could have miss heard the comment that Spector said to him the night of the murder: "I think I killed someone." Apparently, the fountain noise didn't affect his hearing.

Well, Los Angeles County finally convicted a celebrity, and in the end, no one really cared anymore. The buzz died too during the second trial. Second trials tend to do that.

See ya!

Lynn Los Angeles

Phil Spector. . . .and the verdict is?

Hi Jennifer: I know that people, in general, are suckers for celebrities and that in your "friends blog" people will talk about almost anything so I have to mention the buzz in Los Angeles during the past week and even right this very minute is the jury verdict of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame music producer Phil Spector. The history and personality of Spector is incredible and worth reading and learning about.

The six men and six women began their deliberations on March 26 where they deliberated for almost 27 hours. Jurors must decide whether Spector, 69 is guilty or not guilty of second-degree murder or a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter for the death of 40 year old Lana Clarkson. Clarkson's past and reputation have always been cause for suspicion whenever anyone speaks or writes about her or this case.

The prosecutor claim that Spector murdered her and Spector claims that she committed accidental suicide.
When Spector was charged in the death of Clarkson she was found dead, slumped in a chair in the foyer of Spector's mansion with a gunshot wound through the roof of her mouth. Yuuuck!

A mistrial was declared in Spector's first trial in September 2007. After deliberating 15 days, jurors told Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler that they were unable to reach a verdict. However, the vote was 10-2 in favor of conviction.

Spector, at one point during the trial, showed up for court in this hairdo to the shock and amazement of everyone and the photo has become legendary. He is largely a recluse and rarely leaves his incredibly huge mansion. Some people say he should have plead insanity and the rumors of his playing Russian Roulette with women makes a person wonder why anyone would ever go to his house in the first place. Can you imagine the conversation. ". . . come on over, we'll have some wine, listen to some music, play a little Russian Roulette. . . ." What a charmer!

Spector produced The Beatles "Let it be" album, John Lennon's "Imagine" album and the Ramon's album "End of the Century" to name just a few.

This should be interesting.

Lynn, Los Angeles.

Easter Dress

Happy Easter Everyone!

I needed the perfect dress to wear for Easter weekend for my family gathering. I picked out the Language "Dusk" Tube Dress! I'm going to wear it with black leggings and a pair of cute flats. It's practical and I'll definitely wear this dress over and over in the months to come :) Yay!

Jessica

Jennifer's Favorites MAC Lip Glass

Use promo code - lipglass at checkout with any online purchase at jlamore.com.

Everyone knows that I'm keenly aware of my use (or overuse) of lip gloss. I simply can't leave home with out it. It's been the subject of many jokes with my girl friends over the years. "Seriously Jennifer, it's a country bar, out in the middle of nowhere, do you really need more lip gloss?" "Ha ha, ha" I would laugh "yes I do and as a matter of fact, you need some too!" Knowing how much I love lip gloss, it makes perfect sense I would have to share my favorite one with you!


MAC Lip Glass has been my all time favorite lip gloss for the past seven years. All of the colors are great, but I'm especially fond of the shade "Lovechild." It's the perfect combination of pink and mauve with a touch of glimmer. The best part of MAC Lip Glass is it makes my lips look full and gorgeous and feel like butter! With the sponge tip applicator, the staying power is incredible. No need to reapply every five minutes.


You can purchase MAC Lip Glass at Maccosmetics.com for $14 a tube. For a limited time, I'm sharing this product for FREE with all online orders at jlamore.com (while supplies last). Be sure to enter promo code lipglass at checkout.


Jennifer

Sang Real, good deal

Hello Hot Jeans!

These Sang Real "Bootcut" Jeans are amazing! They fit really great on the butt :) That's what every woman looks for in a pair of jeans right?

The back flap pockets might have something to do with that. It's also gives these jeans a stylish look and sets them apart from other jeans that I own.

Jessica

Hapiru "Beach" Dress

J.La More has another maxi dress to bring a smile to my face! I love the new Hapiru "Beach" Dress! Cute cut and great purple color, the detail of the wheat print gives it a relaxed look which makes it easy to wear casual with sandals :) Love it. Need it. Gotta have it.

Kalyn

Adam Lambert. . . . .WOW!

Adam Lambert has set the bar so high that I don't think any other contestant can reach up tat far. There would have to be a major problem or some serious scandal that kicks him off the show to have another performer take the spot light away from him.

Even Simon Cowl gave Adam a standing "O" last night as they ran out of time. I don't think I've seen that before.

Adam sang "Mad World" by Tears for Fears in a way that was amazing and fresh. I was stunned. All the other contestants have to be thinking that they're singing for second place after that performance.

I know this is a short post but work beckons.

Lynn Los Angeles

A new song I love!

I really love Lily Allen. Her new song "The Fear" has been in my head (and playing on my ipod) all week. Here's the video for it- check it out!


-Julie

Project Runway

Great news! After almost a year of legal limbo, "Project Runway" is finally back! Starting this summer we all will be able to catch the show at it's new home on Lifetime.

The drama began last April when The Weinstein Company (the producers of the show) said they were going to move the show from Bravo to Lifetime. NBC Universal, the parent company of Bravo, filed suit against Weinstein stating a breach of contract. A undisclosed settlement was reached last week Wednesday. I'm so looking forward to season six!

Jennifer

Looking For the Perfect Jean?

Who isn't always on the look out for a great fitting jean?! Look no further... we just got in a new pair of Sang Real jeans that are absolutely amazing! I'm always looking for a jean that is tight (but not too tight) in the leg, but still has some room in the waist. These jeans have just that! And they are SO comfortable.... and I don't say that about jeans, ever! I literally dread wearing jeans because I always find them uncomfortable. Or if they are comfortable, they stretch out and look bad on me. But finally, my search is over! I'm so excited to get these great fitting jeans!

Stay tuned, they should be up on the site by the middle/end of the week!

-Julie

Miracle Story

I just read a beautiful article in the Wisconsin State Journal. I had to share it with all my friends.
Karen Dennis was only 35 years old when she was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer. She was a young mother of three daughters and incredibly shaken by the news. For the next 10 years Karen fought hard to beat the cancer — undergoing three surgeries removing a third of her digestive anatomy with staggering post-operative complications. She endured 63 scans, chemotherapy and even traveled to the Netherlands to undergo an intensive radioactive treatment straight into her bloodstream. She tried traditional medicine, experimental medicine, alternative medicine.

Eight years ago Karen was told the cancer had metastasized, now in stage four, and she should get her things in order. She named guardians for her girls, got her finances in order, and planned her own funeral. Karen then spent the next four years planning to die.

In 2005 at a regular check-up with her doctor she explained to him that all of the tests and scans continually being done where extremely difficult mentally for her and her family. Would it be possible to just live, the best life possible without running all of these tests? What's the purpose of the tests when there is no cure? The doctor brilliantly agreed with her and literally wrote her a prescription that read, "You have my permission not to accept your diagnosis. You have my permission not to accept your prognosis. Go celebrate the miracles in your life." A life changing script.

"I realized that I had become completely and totally defined by my illness," Karen reflected. "I was able to redefine myself, and I think that’s when I began to heal." She continues on saying for the next two years she lived her life without additional medical care. Prompting from the Social Security Administration (because of disability payments), Karen was forced to go to the doctor to get a new scan to update her status. Sitting in the exam room, the same exam room where she had been told to get her things in order, the best news she was hoping for was that nothing has changed. Then the oncologist came in and told her "you are not a cancer patient anymore."

"I realized in that moment that whatever part of this miracle was influenced by me — and not luck or divine intervention — my getting well was a consequence of me once again inhabiting my body and trusting it. And I did that when I had exhausted every other option." She mentions in the article feeling elated and blessed, but also guilty. Wondering why she was the one chosen to beat the odds. And beating the odds indeed. Apparently, the odds of spontaneous remission of any stage four metastasized cancer are one in up to 100,000.

The article continues on to discuss how Karen is using her 13 year battle and victory with cancer to help other cancer patients. She is leading classes in Prairie du Sac an Lake Delton and is also writing a book titled, Stage Five. A book I will definitely purchase. I'm in awe of her courage and strength.

Be sure to read the full article, http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/445700. It warmed my heart and soul.

All my best to you Karen. You're truly an inspiration.

Jennifer

Another one from Lady Gaga

Here's another popular song from Lady Gaga. Both "Lovegame" and "Starstruck" are hot on itunes... so I'm not sure which one is her next single (I think it may be this one, since it has a video already.) They both rock, though!



-Julie

Lady Gaga

I love her too, Jennifer!! I didn't see her performance, but I bet it was awesome! Have you heard her latest song "Starstruck" with Flo Rida and Space Cowboy? I like "Poker Face" better, but it's good too!

Check it out!



-Julie

Lady Gaga. . . ! I love it!

Hi friends!

I'm still 'gaga' over the performance of Lady GaGa on American Idol the other night. She absolutely stunned the audience and me. I had never seen her perform before but I had heard about her stage antics, platinum hair and crazy outfits. I know that American Idol can be down the middle as the show is never to far out there as their guest performers in the past have shown. But Lady Gaga was unlike any performer I'd ever seen on the show before. Amazing!

The act opened with Lady Gaga siting at a Plexiglas piano filled with pink bubbles and, as she slowly curled her fingers over the keys, she opened the start of her hit song "Poker Face." A song I love by the way. The song started slow and the camera panned to a dread lock wearing violinist and I was thinking it was going to be a slow version of the song. Wearing a bleach-blond wig and a pair of shiny aluminum shoulder pads, Gaga seemed like she was going to play it straight and tone down her flamboyant style (relatively speaking) while belting the lines, "Russian roulette is not the same without a gun/ And baby when it's love, if it's not rough, it isn't fun." I loved it.

The outfit she had on was incredible. The zipper eye patch was so cool and I love how fresh and interesting this new performer is. She looks and sounds completely different from everyone else.

I'm a big big fan.

Jennifer

This is what's it's like . . . !

Hi friends: Having your own business is a challenge and a gift at the same time especially if you work with your husband. I work the store and Jim works the website and takes care of all things 'tech' for us gals. I'm very lucky to have him BUT, when he gets on a humerous rant about things, or life in general, this video is exactly what he's like.

I want all of you to click on this video and watch it to the end. This is exactly what it's like working with my husband Jim, ALL DAY LONG!

At one point in time Jim had banned Julie from her computer because she was clicking the mouse to much when things weren't working fast enough and threatened to make her pay for a new mouse and computer if she did it again. Isn't that right Julie?

Jennifer

Hello from London, England

Hi Jennifer: I know I have been absent from writing blogs and reviews for some time now and I want to reintroduce myself to your ever increasing readership. It's really amazing! I have been following you, the website, and the friends blog for the past year and I can't believe the impressive changes you and jlamore.com have made even with the global economic meltdown which appears to be coming to at least a bottom. (Hopefully!)

I know that Lynn in Los Angeles is your west coast correspondent for all things fashionable, glamorous, and fun and after receiving your recent emails, I'm ready (and would love) to be your London correspondent for all thing British, fashionable and fun for jlamore.com.

So, I'm ready for my assignment and can't wait to get started.

Thanks again for your emails and support.

Clare

London, England

My "Weekly Favorite Item!"........

Use Promo code "diorshow" at checkout and get this favorite item FREE!

Have you noticed how all mascara brands promise to deliver the most luscious, longest, fullest, most beautiful lashes on earth? How can every brand be the "best ever?" It seemed like a challenge to me! Bring it on! I went out and tried as many mascaras as I could stand and I'm happy to share with you one of my favorites!

My favorite giveaway this week is the Christian DiorShow mascara in black. Not only does it make my lashes look incredibly full and long it goes on like a dream. No clumping, smudging, or flaking. Seriously, a dream come true! Sephora.com claims "this mascara has a cult like following and that it is a must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes." Meow and purr!

You can purchase DiorShow mascara at Sephora.com for $24 a tube. For a limited time, I'm sharing this product for FREE with all online orders at jlamore.com (while supplies last). Be sure to enter promo code "diorshow" at checkout.

Please contact me with your favorite item! If I feature your favorite, you will get it for free and so will some lucky online shoppers!

Jennifer

Gone!. . . Finally!

Hi Jennifer and friends! Herky jerky quirky Megan Joy Corkrey is gone! Finally! Apparently good looks will only take you so far and then it's up to something else called 'talent' that gets you to the next level. She had little talent in my opinion but awesome good looks.

The real kicker for her was her attitude! She had a weird attitude to put it mildly and I couldn't tell if she was happy or sad to be in the bottom three. Her big eyes, wide smile, fist pumping and bird like sounds and flapping were signs that she knew she was gone and was happy about it.

I was then shocked when the criticism of the judges from the previous night was read back to her by Ryan Seacrest and when she said that she didn't care about the criticism I was like 'what's wrong with you.' I no longer liked her and now I'm mentally jumping up and down with hope that she would be voted off. And then it happened -----Gone!

Simon had the last word and said that if she didn't care about them then the judges didn't care about her and she could sing her last swan song or not and the 'judges save' would not be used on her.

Goodbye Megan, it's back to Utah for you!

See ya Jennifer!

Lynn Los Angeles

Maxi Dress

Summer is my all time favorite season. Why? It's because I love to wear shorts, sandals, light weight fabrics, and dresses! It's just so much easier to through something on when it's warm out, rather then putting on tons of layers and trying to make all the pieces work together :)

I'm really looking forward to wearing this maxi dress look! I have about 5 maxi dresses that are just sitting on my closet waiting to be worn.

Happy April :)

Kalyn

Shopping local!

Hey ladies (and, what I assume are a few good men!),

So sorry it's been so long since I've posted — life at brava has gone into overdrive in preparation for our May issue and the annual encore edition! Just wanted to say a few quick things before I'm off to write write write ...

I just posted our monthly CW segment on our "In the Know" blog, and if you'll look closely, you'll see that I was wearing a My Tribe dress that I bought from none other than J. LaMore. It's black with billowing sleeves, so it's not super flashy but still easy-to-style, and I bought it initially for a Fashion Friday's event a few weeks back, but I've just found that it goes with EVERYTHING. I wish I had a photo to show for that night, but alas, I hadn't gotten my new camera yet :)

Second (and on the same blogging note), I posted on our "Style File" blog yesterday about the ease of shopping local ... and, since I'm running around every month for the magazine, my list of favorite stores runs a mile long. I took popular national chains (like Target and H&M) in our area and revealed my picks for local boutqiues that compare in Madison. J.LaMore's shout out is toward the end!

Anyway, hope all is well and everyone is enjoying the warming weather (and rain/snow showers!). Oh - and Julie, it was so great to meet you this weekend!

XOXO,

Mollie

Celebrity Style

I'm always keeping my eye on celebrity's style. One celeb that I always adore is Vanessa Hudgens. She always has a fresh new young look. I've never tried to wear boots with shorts...Vanessa can pull this look of really well and it definitely makes me want to copy her style :)

Jessica