Can you open your mind once it's closed?

It's cold in London today in more ways than one. I have to get something off my chest that really upset me. I have a "former" friend who I caught making very negative comments behind my back about my live in boyfriend who I hope to become engaged to. Well, actually it wasn't behind my back because I heard it first hand as she didn't see me standing in another a co-workers office when my friend was chit chatting to other co-workers so I 'overheard' the lies she was spewing. She was laughing and bragging that Eric was "hitting" on her at a recent function all of us attended. BS! I was with Eric the entire night and this never happened. It's not happening behind my back either. Trust me!

I was so angry I confronted her right in front of three other people to the shock and horror of everyone. Even me! I was so upset after that I stormed off and scurried back to my office where I shut the door and broke down in tears. I'm pissed off about that too! I cannot stand that about myself!

This was a close friend of mine who Eric and I invited over to our apartment on numerous
occasion and when I told Eric what happened he immediately said "that's bull shit" and was more curious about her motive for saying that and then wanted to now what he should say to her when he sees her again. It's an uncomfortable situation all the way around.

My question is this; once you closed your mind to your friend can you open it back up? I don't think so! In this instance, why should I? I keep wondering what else she has said that I didn't hear. How good a friend is she? She has not tried to contact me and it's been three days and we work in the same office . I am still so upset and I was having a very nice holiday and was looking forward to a new year. I could scream!

Clare
pissed off in London

NY NYE!

I ordered this fabulous Linq "Cascade Ruffle" Dress a couple weeks ago and I plan on wearing it tomorrow out to dinner for New Years Eve! Since it's pretty cold here in New York I am going to wear some sheer black tights and some really hot black pumps! What a great dress to start the New Year in :)

P.S. I'm loving the new sale items!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!


Kalyn
New York

Holiday Movies. . . Thoughts?

Our family has never had the tradition to see movies on Christmas day, but this year we had some extra time to kill while we waited for my sister and her husband to come over (this is their first married Christmas, so we had to rearrange the day to make everyone, including the in-laws, happy!)

We saw Sherlock Holmes and I was ready to totally hate it. To my pleasant surprise, it wasn't half bad!! Considering what Robert Downy Jr. has been through, and how he supposedly was never going to "come back", he did a great job. He made the movie really funny! And Jude law wasn't too bad to look at, even with a silly mustache :). The plot was a bit too mysterious for me to fully follow, but it was clever how it all came together in the end.

Did anyone else see a movie this Christmas?

Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Scam Alert!

Hi Friends & bloggers!

I want to warn all of you about a website that sells fakes and will steal you blind if you order a product from them! The website is called icecanadainc.com. (Link removed) Everything they sell is fake and/or counterfeit and when you discover the fraud you will not be able to get your money back.

Someone from this website posted a comment on the friends blog and left a link back to their site. Just so you know, all links are researched for quality control and my research showed that icecanadainc.com is all over the Internet as a scam site that sells fakes.

All comments are monitored and if you post a link to another website the site must be legitimate in order for the link to remain.Part of my job at jlamore.com is to verify and protect our readers, friends, customers from these kinds of sites and I hope you haven't been a victim of this site or any other Internet fraud.

Thank you!

Jim
jlamore.com

Kombucha anyone

A couple of months ago my friend Lila stopped by J. LaMore with a bag full of goodies from Whole Foods. She wanted to share with me some of her favorite things! So sweet! The bag was full of absolutely delicious edibles such as cranberry walnut bread, dark chocolates, jams, and my now all time favorite Kombucha.

I could barely pronounce the word and had no idea what it was! Lila explained to me that this delicious drink, Kombucha (pronouncedˌ käm-ˈbü-cha) is a living culture of beneficial microorganisms. Kombucha is delicately cultured - some liken it to fermentation - for 30 days. During this period, essential nutrients form like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality. Kombucha has been used for hundreds of years throughout the world as a daily health tonic. Wow, right?!

My favorite brand of Kombucha is Synergy, although there are several others out there, I just happen to love the flavors Synergy offers. My top favorites are, Mystic Mango, Cosmic Cranberry, and Passionberry Bliss. I like to drink one in the morning or in the afternoon, anytime I'm feeling I need a little pick me up. Be careful when you open a bottle, because of the live cultures and the fermentation the drink is extremely bubbly! If shaken, it will explode when you open it.

There's also a Kombucha cocktail, which I've not ordered, but hear it's great! It's a blend of Kombucha and vodka! Does the vodka negate the healthy perks from Kombucha? I'm willing to give it a try and let you know! LOL

Thank you Lila for the bag of goodies and for introducing me to my new favorite drink!

Jennifer

Ivana Trump Tossed Off Plane!

I had to laugh when I read about Ivana Trump being tossed off a plane in Florida Saturday after she got into a shouting match with screaming kids running in the aisles! I'm sure all of us have been on a plane with unruly kids, but seriously, she was out of hand!

Trump, 60, became even more crazed when flight attendants on the New York-bound plane tried to calm her from yelling at the children, officials said.Trump started calling the children "little fu----s" and telling passengers around her "f--- you!" a Palm Beach County sheriff's office spokeswoman told the Miami Herald.

"She was so belligerent toward other passengers and crew that the plane returned to the terminal," said Teri Barbera, the PBSO spokeswoman. Sheriff's deputies asked the socialite and designer to voluntarily exit the plane, but she refused and was escorted off.

Better known as the first ex-wife of billionaire Donald Trump, Ivana was not charged in the incident at Palm Beach International Airport. Wow, once again, money can't buy class or dignity!

Jennifer

Drink more tea! Stay younger!

Hi Everyone! It's Sunday morning, 12-27-09, and it's been a long a hectic holiday season and the cookies are taking their toll. So is the champagne and the wine and the, . . . . well, you get the picture. It's amazing how everything tastes so good and then makes me feel so kind of crummy the next day. No pun intended!

I am staying home for New Years Eve this year so I can get up on New Years Day and start my exercise regimen, which has taken a few hits over the holidays (18+ inches of snow and then the freezing rain didn't help that!). Also, I'm back to my usual ritual of drinking green tea to make me feel better and more energetic before the exercise plan kicks back in again. I took almost 30 days off from running and I can really feel it. Yuck! Ugh!

I'm a coffee drinker in the morning but I always drink green tea for the health benefits around this time of year. It's easier than coffee too. How hard is it to boil some water and add some tea to it. There was a time when I never liked tea. It always left me wanting a really strong coffee. Even when I started drinking tea on a regular basis, I used to think tea was an "acquired taste" and I did it because I thought I had to, but I really love it now for all the right healthy reasons. I opened the pantry and found several boxes of green tea just waiting for after the holidays. I love it when you look for something and you find it right where its supposed to be. A simple pleasure.

So, I had a cup of tea, my workout clothes are on and it's a sunny 25 degree's outside with no wind! Perfect! (Actually, Mexico and 80 degree's is perfect but for now this will have to do!)

See ya in about 35 minutes!

Jennifer

hectic, crazy days

So, a few months ago I was listening to this commercial on the radio, and it was a woman who ranted about her crazy day. It went something like this:

"Get up, get the kids out of bed, get them dressed, fed, pack the car with lunch boxes and backpacks. Drive the kids to school in hell traffic, then back to work in hell traffic. Work. Work. Work. Pick the kids up, make them do their homework, try to keep them from fighting. Get dinner ready, get lunches ready for the next day. Feed the dog. Will someone feed the dog?????
Eat dinner, clean up after dinner; oh, gees, laundry. Has anyone fed the dog yet? Get the kids ready for bed. Make them go back to bed a million times. PHEWWWW!!!!"

I was laughing so hard because this is what my days are like to a tee. The funny part is is that it was a commercial for an insurance company.

It reminds me of the movie "Parenthood," which never really hit home until I had kids. Steve Martin was just stressed about life, and his wife in the movie compared life to a roller coaster, and stated that she would actually rather have the roller coaster ride than anything else. I agree.

Lila

Brittany Murphy

Hi Charlotte and Friends,

I'm also a huge Brittany Murphy fan! My favorite movie with her in it is Just Married. If you have not seen it you should definitely check it out. It's a romantic comedy and I remember when it was in the theater I saw it seriously 3 times :) It came out in January 2003 so it's a little older... but a must see!

Kalyn

New York

Give me the 'skinny'. . . . !

Hi Friends! Merry Christmas! I get emails all the time from people all over the country who ask me about beauty and fashion tips! As an avid runner and beauty products junkie, I try my best to help anyone who is has a question in this area.

I always do this in private but sometimes the things that I can help with are very common to almost every women so then I'll post the issue on the blog so everyone can benefit! The "friends blog" receives about 3,000 unique visitors a month and from that almost all the questions I receive are about skin problems and beauty products. Wrinkles to be exact and how do we stop them!

As you hit age 30 everything seems to change in a woman's body, especially the skin! And, if you smoke or worship the sun, the turn is even earlier. I highly recommend using sunscreen on your face with at least an SPF of 30 or greater! As much as I used to love it, I don't lay in the sun anymore. Since I stopped I noticed a huge difference in my skin.

Medial science has improved greatly in this area and now there are new products out that are even better for your skin like, titanium dioxide. You just slather it on, it blends in with your skin, and doesn't wear off as quickly as chemical sunscreens.

I also think that diet and stress play a big role in healthy skin and I will address that in the next blog. But, one of the best things you can do for your skin is exercise and sweat. If you don't exercise you should make it a new year's resolution and start. It's also a great way to reduce stress. We all know that this has been a stressful year so if you can do one thing for yourself in the next decade, get some exercise 3-4 times a week.........!

Have a great holiday season.

Jennifer

Window Dressing

Thanks Scott for the great shots showing various holiday retail windows in Europe. Creating an eye catching window with the main purpose of grabbing the passing shoppers attention and pulling them into the store is no easy task. I've marveled over the years at the art of window dressing and have become a huge fan of Simon Doonan.

Hired as creative director for Barney's NY in 1986, Simon Doonan made window dressing history in 1989 with sticking lumpy caricatures of celebs in holiday windows. Many people found his windows shocking, mostly because of our societies obsession with celebrities. It was unheard of at the time to depict them in an unflattering way.

After many successful years window dressing and a popular book titled "Confessions of a Window Dresser,", Doonan scores a regular column in The New York Observer called, Simon Says. The column features obscure and unsavory topics which gain him more notoriety. Since then, he continues to write and publish books and in 2006 celebrated 20 years at Barney's NY.

I own one of his books and look to it for inspiration when dressing the windows at J. LaMore. While I've never had a spectacular window like Simon's or the beautiful ones Scott detailed, it sure is fun trying!

Jennifer

London Holiday Windows

Holiday Windows Paris, Interesting take on Key Items

Diamonte Tee at Balmain and sequin legging at Joseph.

Scott
London, England

London Holiday Windows Harrods, Selfridges

London Holiday Windows Harvey Nichols

Remembering Brittany Murphy

I know we all hate the tabloids and the non-stop coverage of celebrities (especially when something bad happens to them), but I just wanted to take a moment to remember Brittany Murphy, who was one of my favorite actresses of all time.

Of course we've all seen the timeless classic "Clueless" where Brittany was the young, clueless teen who gets "saved" by Cher. She was also great in Girl, Interrupted, 8 Mile, and all of her other Blockbuster hits. My favorite Brittany Murphy movie, and maybe favorite movie ever, is Uptown Girls. Brittany and Dakota Fanning made the best team- that movie brings me to tears every time!

In honor of Brittany, I'm hosting a girls night "Brittany Murphy Movie Fest." Friends, What was your favorite Brittany Murphy Movie? What's your favorite movie of hers?

Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Ralph Lauren: "Don't concentrate on 'celebs'. . . !

Hi Friends! I found a recent article posted in Newsweek magazine very interesting regarding 'the modern celebrity' and how all this craziness takes on a life and after-life of its own. It was enjoyable reading and I linked the article for all to read should you have about ten minutes of spare time. It was a Tiger Woods article (if you can stand another one) but it refers to our current state of celebrity culture. It's sick and wrong!

The author refers to "people," for the most part lately, that have no discernible talent to speak of but are somehow elevated into celebrity status because of the actions of someone else or for just being themselves. It's really out of control but the sad part is it's not going to improve anytime soon. We even recognize the silliness but we can't stop ourselves either. It's really like rubber-necking the Internet! We just have to slow down and look even though we hate ourelves ofr it!

This has been a topic of interest of mine for many years and with the growth of jlamore.com, I've really noticed how the fashion world is obsessed with celebrities that designers want wearing their clothing. The designers will use anyone who is photographed in their clothing, too. It's crazy and I don't understand it! Why is a woman who can't act, can't sing. doesn't say intelligent things, doesn't really even have a job, hasn't really accomplished anything and never will, is followed everyday by hordes of photographers who happily click away even when she's putting gas in her car and then, oh yes there's more, every woman wants to wear what "she's" wearing because all the designers have given her free clothing because she's famous for,. . . . well, . . . . being famous! Was that job posted on Craig's list? Is there someone I can talk to about this job? Even part-time?

Ralph Lauren in a recent article about designing clothing stated that he doesn't concentrate on celebrities at all saying, "One minute she wears your gown and the next minute she's wearing someone else's. It's not like the days of Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy and having a relationship with the designer over a period of time and where he also made clothes for movies, . . ." The good ole' days are gone for good, but I really like what he said. (Just so you know, we painted the inside of our house with Ralph Lauren paint! If he would somehow read this I would like him to know that.)

We don't follow "the fickle celebrity" either at J. LaMore because we want you to look great all on your own, not because Paris Hilton wore that top to the dog park with 'Nicky Dog'. But every designer on every buying trip we go on whips out their press packet showing all the celebrities who wear their clothes. Like that's important and somehow a right of passage for their line. Giorgio Armani just signed Megan Fox to be the star representative for his line. The long list of celebrities he has used in the past is just the opposite of Ralph Lauren. I was surprised to read that.

So, is this celebrity nonsense ever going to end? Nope! By the way, I really like those aviator sunglasses that little home wrecker is wearing! ;)

Jim

jlamore.com

Winter blues

Well, I have to say that I grew up in the Midwest, so I have always experienced winter, but I still hate the cold, driving in the horrendous traffic since Madison does such a crappy job of clearing the streets (my own opinion). Apparently, they try to only plow and use salt minimally for the sake of the environment. That's a great idea, but hopefully no human lives are lost due to saving lives of the fish in our waters. OK. This is not a political rant, so I will stop at that. I just wanted to say that the main reason I love winter is because of the fashion.

I mean, if we lived in California, we would never get to wear amazing coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, winter boots, etc. I mean, I do see some people in warmer climates wearing these items, but not the real deal. REALLY warm, thick, and fuzzy. Clothes that are functional and keep you warm. Would you ever see anyone in Cali wearing this coat? Not. Maybe only if on vacation.

And what about hats and scarves? Well, I am not a hat person, but check out these adorable headbands. Keeps your ears warm, and you look cute!!! I still haven't been able to pick out which one I want. And it won't ruin your hair as much!!!

Well, I really hated Madison when I moved here. I came from Chicago and felt that I was overdressed and that no one really cared about the way they looked. The first time I walked down State Street I was wearing leather pants, and my husband told me that he wouldn't be seen with me with those on here. Too bad!!! I've lived here for 12 years and have grown to "appreciate" Madison, but looking great and having a great style has definitely made the winter blues go away a little bit. I love hot chocolate, but I love coming home with a great sweater and enjoying my hot chocolate in it!!!!

I guess I'll always be a midwest girl. And I still wear leather pants down State Street.

Lila

Love the new mini, . . !

Hi Jennifer & friends! Just so you know, we're not going to the New Years Eve Party at the big fancy bar! Thank God! I told the truth and feel fantastic about it. I did not want to go and come to find out neither did my boyfriend. He thought I wanted to go! Too funny!

Anyway, I was checking out the the site and saw this little Bailey 44 skirt and had to write about it. That look is so LA! Way to go Jennifer! Super cute!

Got to go for now.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

New Salvage top!

As soon as I noticed this Salvage "Stunts" Top I had to have it! I love the fit and how it lays on the body :) The way the J.LaMore stylist styled this top with leggings and heels is such a trendy yet wearable look that any confident woman can pull off! Thanks for the great outfit ideas :)

Kalyn
New York, NY

My New "Party Wear"

Salvage is my long-time favorite brand for my week-day wear. I love pairing long Salvage tops and sweaters with leggings and flat boots- it makes for a simple but fun outfit. Jennifer, I've noticed that lately you've been carrying much more "going out" items from Salvage. . . and I love them!

This top is almost "80's chic". It's got the fun and sexy vibe with the lace, but it's still totally classic. I'd wear this top with leggings and boots out on the weekend. Maybe even for NYE? I always go with sequin and sparkle for New Years, but this year I could definitely change it up with lace!

-Charlotte
Chicago, IL

New hairstyle for me!

Hi Jenifer & Friends! I'm sick of my hair and I want to change it. I have brown hair now and I would love to have this hair color and cut that Jennifer Connelly has. I had long straight hair years ago and now that I'm a little older I think this look would be a nice change.

I've had the same hair style for almost three years and I woke up one day and said, "I need a change!" I started looking in the fashion mags and this idea hit home. I love this look and I think it's sexy. My hair isn't as long as Connelly's but if I straightened it add some length.

Do these look like extensions? I would ever do that but it sure looks good in this picture.

Does anyone have a look they like that's similar? I would love to see what you like.

Sarah
Dallas, TX

Perfect Gifts

If you're still looking for that perfect gift look no further! These Gypsy 05 hoodies and pants combination would make for an amazing and much appreciated gift.
I own a pair of the "Kayla" Sweatpants and I seriously live in them...right when I get home from work the sweatpants are on :)
I have two sisters and they are both receiving some Gypsy 05 goodies! What lucky girls :)

Kalyn
New York

Custody Battle

Have you guys been following the confusing and sad custody battle for the twin infants in Michigan? The involved parties: egg donor, sperm donor, surrogate (and her husband) and the couple who brought them all together. Who should get to raise these babies?

I read about this story in the New York Times recently: In a nutshell, Amy and Scott Kehoe were overjoyed at the birth of their twins, Ethan and Bridget on July 28 in Michigan. The twins, however, who were conceived via in vitro fertilization through a donor egg and sperm and a surrogate mother, are the center of a major custody battle.

After the surrogate mother, Laschell Baker, found out that Amy Kehoe reportedly suffers from a mental illness (paranoid schizophrenia, and before her diagnosis in 2001, she was allegedly arrested on charges of cocaine possession), she decided that she wanted custody of the babies.

“I couldn't see living the rest of my life worrying and wondering what had happened, or what if she hadn’t taken her medicine, or what if she relapsed,” said Baker, the surrogate, who has four children of her own and has since changed the babies names to Peyton and Dani.

Of course, Amy and Scott Kehoe are heartbroken. "We paid for the egg, the sperm, the in vitro fertilization,” Amy said. "They wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for us."

I didn't see any information regarding the legal aspect of this battle. I'm wondering, didn't they have a contract or another binding agreement stating who the children belong to? Personally, I have to agree with the Kehoe's, the babies should be theirs. Had they not paid for the procedure, the babies wouldn't be here. I can sympathize with the surrogate, but it doesn't seem like she has or should have any legal right to the babies. What do you think?

Jennifer

New Indie Beauty Products

Hi Jennifer & Friends! Merry Christmas to everyone! As all of you probably know by now, I'm a beauty product junkie. I was recently scanning my W Magazine and discovered that some of the writers wrote about their favorite beauty products. I was excited to see what they said and who and what they picked. So, here they are:

They described these brands as the six brands you never heard of.

1. The living luminizer cream by rmsbeauty was listed as one of the best creams that can be applied to check bones and around the brow, lips and eye lids. It has a slight luminescent glow to it.

2. Makeup artists often get short shrift in beauty salons, but at Kimara Ahnert they are the star attractions. There, Ahnert and her team attend to plenty of brides as well as regular clients wishing to update their look from season to season. Part of what keeps them coming back is the in-house makeup line. It's a comprehensive tour of tried-and-true mineral hues and ingenious products like the drab taupe pencil that helps lip gloss stay put.

3. For Beca it's all about glowing skin for this Australian brand, which focuses on finding a color for every complexion (The Stick Foundation comes in 30 different shades) Their top picks are the luminous skin color and the mineral bronzing powder.

4. 29 Cosmetics is the vino-themed brand has mined every wine term in existence for products like Late Harvest eye shadow, Tannins blush and Spicy on the Finish lipstick. It's not a big shock once you find out that the founder of the brand is one Lydia Mondavi, wife of Robert Jr. While the colors are indeed crush-worthy and enhanced with grape seed extract, our favorites are the luxe lip treatments and exfoliating stick, wine-tinted balm and grape seed extract and honey moisturizer.

5. Hourglass Cosmetics; The veil fluid makeup is cult hero from this Venice, California line of cosmetics but they wanted to recommend the palettes as a great brand you never heard of. They don't try to be all things to everyone but they focus on some of the best natural colors you can find. A little blush and a little nude color are perfect.

6. W3LL People This line is for anyone who is into simplification, ease, and eco. The line contains none of the nasties like parabenes and sodium lauryl sulfates. The lip balm can be applied to cheeks and eyelids as well and the packaging material is all recycled.

Anyway friends, I hope all of you get the chance to try some of these products and if you don't let me know what you like and I'll try it out myself.

Merry Christmas!

Clare
London, England

New Years Eve Parties in LA

Hi Jennifer & Friends: I have a chance to go to the hottest New Years Eve Party in Los Angeles and I'm torn about what to do.

The party is called New York Night's: The Black & White Ball and it's at the Playhouse Hollywood here in LA. The problem is the price even if you have a FREE ticket. It's obnoxious. Tickets for First Batch at the bar is $125.00! Final Batch is $250.00!

Silver up to Ultimate Package prices start at $1500.00 and run up to $5,000, which does not include tip or gratuity! Seriously, are you kidding me? Bottles of Kettle one Vodka go for $500 if you reserve one of the tables and you have to buy one. Just so you know, Our company did not give out any bonuses this year so I will not be getting a table. I've been to this place before and it's very cool!

How I have the opportunity to go this year is my boyfriends boss was given two first batch tickets to get in and he took the tickets thinking I wanted to go and it would be a surprise. I love the thoughtfulness but I wanted to spend the night at a house party some friends are having which will be a lot more fun. I already have my outfit picked out. The second problem is the other people we would be going with I don't like very much and we have little if anything in common. Even with free tickets it would still cost $500+ to go to this party.

I don't want to go but how to I get out of this?

Anyone?

Lynn
Los Angeles, LA

Snow days

One of my greatest memories of childhood is having a snow day. I remember getting up, watching TV, just waiting for the name of my school to appear. Once it did, I just reveled in the fact that I would get to go back to bed.

I get to relive those memories with my kids. This past Wednesday we got majorly hit. My kids got up and just couldn't wait to play in the snow. We got all of our gear on, and the fun begins!!

I thought I would dread it, being a princess and all, not really liking the outdoors too much. Believe it or not, I had a great time. Sometimes, as an adult, you really need to branch out of your comfort zone. I forgot how much fun sledding is. I forgot how much fun it is to just jump into a five-foot pile of snow. We built a fort, which is just the best. We spent quite a bit of time searching for buttons, a hat, scarf, and other various articles for our snowman.

Sometimes cold weather sucks, but I've learned to appreciate living in Madison, where cold weather can be just a blast.

The best part is coming in when one is all pooped out, and having: You guessed it. Hot chocolate. With lots of marshmallows.

Fashion Show Paris

In previous blog I downloaded some pictures I took at a Fashion show given by a team of very talented Paris based designers from Spain and Copenhagen respectfully. There are lots of designers developing and presenting very creative clothing all the time here.

I found the reaction from two models of the attention they received from paparazzi hanging out after the show was charming.

A little rock fashion tidbit!

Have you noticed that Lady Gaga is now one of the biggest things in music right now and it's because of how she dresses. She's definitely talented but her wild outfits get just as much attention.

I recently went to a marketing school where a Lady Gaga figure was predicted long before she became popular. This was called a "Pendulum Swing" and it happens every 10 years or so where the popularity of such things swing back and forth in and out of popularity. Let's take a recent look at an example of this theory.

The group KISS was formed in 1973 and became incredibly popular and they wore outlandish and bizarre costumes on stage. (Elton John was also hugely popular) KISS stayed popular for about six years before they disbanded in 1982. During their decline regular rock bands swung back into popularity like Guns & Roses, Bon Jovi and Madonna as well as many other normal looking bands.

Then Michael Jackson came along with his incredible stage and video performances with Thriller, Billy Jean, Beat it, and many others. He lasted for some time before the public grew tired of this kind of thing and they swung back to regular bands again like Billy Joel, Maria Carrey, Celine Dion and Shania Twain, even Britney. We really grew tired of them.

Today, the pendulum has swung all the way back again to Lady Gaga. Go figure! Her outlandish outfits and stage antics draw quite a bit of media attention and her music is pop and just "OK" to me. Based on this theory she isn't going to last long before we swing back to someone else a lot less Gaga-like.

Granted, this is a condensed version of the theory but if you can visualize a popularity pendulum swinging back and forth this really makes sense and you can apply this theory to many things.

Jim

Tabloids

I can't recall the exact moment or reasoning behind it, but I also recently declared a moratorium on purchasing tabloids! I believe it had something to do with a sensationalized cover (sound familiar?) that was so obnoxious I had to ask myself why I purchase such junk! Don't get me wrong. I enjoy almost every story in every single rag mag! If I don't read the story, I love the pictures!

I believe it has been two months or so since I last purchased a tabloid magazine. I can honestly say, I miss it! While I'm not ready to go out and purchase one, if anyone has a few copies they're done with, I'll take them!

Jennifer

Tabloids, . . No More!

Hi Jennifer and Friends! I wish I had an iPhone too! I would love to have this App! How cool would that be.

Anyway, I have a pre new years resolution that I'm going to start right now. I'm going to quit reading the Tabloids. Seriously!

This morning the group of gals that I associate with at work were talking over our lunch break and all we could talk about was what was going on with celebrities. One friend actually pulled out "The Sun" which is England's biggest trash rag and was reading quotes out of it like it was really important. I laughed and made a half serious joke about how crazy all of this celebrity nonsense was that we occupy so much of our time with. Don't we have anything better to talk about then Tiger Woods and all his girlfriends he had on the side? What a loser!

I then made a vow in front of my friends to never read another tabloid magazine again! I'm sick of them. It's not that Tiger Woods pushed me over the edge and that I don't find gossip interesting. Believe me, I have participated in countless gossip sessions. It suddenly hit me that it just didn't seem that interesting anymore. I used to curl up on my Sunday's and pour over 4-5 tabloids with a cup of coffee and just relax in my own little world of mindless dribble!

Then (and this is the good part) I added up all the money I spent each month on this stuff and I was amazed. Stunned is more like it! I now started a "Tabloid Fund" and placed the jar on my desk and every week I'm going to put what I would have spent on a tabloid into the jar. If I can do this by mid summer I'll be able to take a weekend trip to my favorite country bed & breakfast.

So friends, wish me luck! If you have any juicy gossip and want to post it on this blog please feel free to do so. The friends blog, doesn't cost me anything, it isn't 'gossipy' and I love it! :)

Clare
London, England

Super cute. . . !

Hi Jennifer! I wished I owned an iPhone! Looks like a very useful little tool!

I have to add that I love the Susana Monaco "Reine" Dress you have on the site. I have several pieces of Susana Monaco (that I got from you actually) and I still wear them. But this little dress really caught my eye.

It is short and sexy and it looks like a different style for what Susana Monaco usually designs but it's beautiful.

Sarah
Dallas, TX

Get a FREE iPhone APP!

The first 20 people with an iPhone or iPod Touch who send Jennifer an email will win a FREE download of My Style Fashion Assistant! Don't wait! Here is their website for you to see how this works! Very cool!

When you send Jennifer and email write "I want the App" in the text box.

Hello Everyone! New Vision Interactive has developed a shopping product for all you App crazy iPhone and iPod Touch users that has been voted a top 100 App by iPhone users. Your fashion assistant will revolutionize how you get dressed in the morning, how you shop, and will literally be your digital shopping assistant! You always wanted a stylist, right?

All you have to do is take a picture of your clothing in your closet or in a store on download an item from website and organize them on your phone using My Style Fashion Assistant. You can then move the items around to create the perfect outfit to wear for that day, week, or month.

You can photograph your entire closet if you like and organize all the items by category such as shoes, pants, sweaters, etc., then you can bring the phone to your local store or send the picture to Jennifer and she will pick out a top or pant that you should wear depending on your needs. It's so simple and easy to use!

J. LaMore was lucky enough to be part of this new project even in the smallest way. (We love working with smart people) Some of the images you see are from J. LaMore and when the video is finalized you will see jlamore.com used as the website for the video demonstration.

So don't wait! Email Jennifer and we will get you a free download of My Style Fashion Assistant.

Jim McCarthy
jlamore.com

Wide Headbands!

Hi Jennifer and Charlotte. I love wide headbands and wear them all the time. This is not a new trend for me but it's one that will last a long time.

I just noticed the new headbands on jlamore.com and I love the colors and the little accents added to each one that make them original. Cute! I understand that in the US there is a big need need for warmth in the cold weather winter states and these headbands are sure look great and they're useful and not just an accessory like you see here with Victoria Beckham.

In London, and like in most big cities I'm sure, people walk everywhere and a warm headband like what you have on the site is perfect. I don't like to wear a full knit cap to keep my ears warm. I wrecks my hair!

Anyway, I love the bold colors you in your selection.

Clare
London, England

Headbands Make a Great Fashion Statement!

Jennifer, I love your selection of Jen Ybarra headbands! I'm finally catching on to the headband trend (a little late). I already have a collection of headbands, but I have to get at least one of those gorgeous ones you got in. None of the headbands I own keep my ears warm, but I know these do! A fashion statement that keeps you warm in winter is almost unheard of. I love the headband look like Mischa shows -->. Super chic and looks great with bangs (yay I'm in luck!)

Hope the party went well! I should have taken advantage of the sale on these great headbands. They'll make great Christmas gifts for my friends and sisters! Hopefully they don't fight over which colors they get;-).
-Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Fashion Show Paris

Scott

Paris, France

Pictures from Farmers Market