GIGI GOES GAGA: DIFFERENT STROKES

STUFF

Melissa Campana Zig Zag Shoes
I first heard about the Melis- sa brand a few years ago when they began distributing their products -- plastic shoes -- in Manila. Meh, I thought. Until I looked up the company and found myself wishing they were available here. Just recently I found them online and immediately snapped up two pairs, both designed by the Campana brothers: the Campana Zig Zag (in a glittery silver, shown) and the funky jelly Campana Corallo (in smoke). I can't even begin to explain how comfortable these are, how they conform to the foot and just...fit. An added plus is how they lack that smelly plastic odor -- in fact, they smell, quite literally, of candy. I'm hooked.
Shu Uemura Painting Gel Eyeliner
Let me just say that I'm an eyeliner fiend. I may not have that Adam Lambert smoky rocker thing going on, but I've tried pretty much every brand and formulation out there. THIS -- and you can quote me on this -- is one of the best in the market right now. It glides on smoothly and then stays put all day, even through an intense 60-minute cardio workout. It's not meant just for eyelining -- creative professionals use this product for face drawing and painting. With nine colors available, there's lots of room for imaginations to go wild.
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Fast Fix Concealer
I remember when the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty (Inspired by Carmindy) line of makeup products appeared in my local CVS. I thought the packaging was terrific and the colors were wearable -- yet I was skeptical. It didn't help that, as with all drugstore cosmetics, you can't test before you buy. So I passed. Until one day they were on promotion and I decided to purchase the Fast Fix Concealer in Medium. It sat in my drawer for a while until I gave it a whirl. Wow -- what ever was I waiting for? This stuff is terrific; it glides on the skin really smoothly and conceals what I want it to (in my case, redness), and stays put. The line is paraben- and fragrance-free, and I've experienced no irritation whatsoever. Now I'm inspired to try the rest of the line.
Simply Vera Vera Wang Jewelry
OK, I'll be honest -- I wasn't going to list this because I wanted it to be my little secret. Although I wasn't impressed by Vera Wang's first jewelry collection for Kohl's (it was old-fashioned -- and not in a hip vintage way, I thought), I've been all over her last couple of collections since. Now that I'm on a strict clothing budget, I'm spending more on accessories to help spice up my outfits (I suppose I do have all the basics I need at this point -- and more). I've got to admit I've gotten several pieces from this line that look like I paid a lot more for them, and which I always get compliments on. If this isn't smart shopping, I don't know what is.
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
I probably wear tinted moisturizer more than I do foundation -- which explains why I keep trying different ones. I've been a fan of Laura Mercier's for quite some time now so when she came out with this illuminating version last year, I ran to the nearest stockist and got myself a tube. Because my skin tends towards dryness, I love this formula. It gives my skin a touch of natural dewness without making me look shiny. I layer a bit of her Secret Camouflage concealer (which I've been using since the late '90s faithfully) and instantly I have that "skin-but-better" look instead of a mask on my face. Best of all, it's formulated with a skin-protecting SPF 20. I'll definitely be repurchasing this when I run out.
Antik Batik Langoa Flat Sandal
I've been visiting this pair for more than a month now. I wish it were with me instead but I made a vow of shopping abstinence when the year started, so for now I just look and sigh. This would go with so many things in my closet, but it's gorgeous on its own. I imagine myself bumping into people while wearing this pair because I'd be looking down each time I wore them. For now I have to tell myself that just because I love something, it doesn't mean I can have it. But I can still look, can't I?
EcoTools Makeup Brushes
This earth-friendly, cruelty-free makeup brush set has a permanent home inside my office drawer, along with a little foolproof kit I assembled for days when I didn't have enough time in the morning to primp (which is usually the case) or if I have to run out to dinner or a last-minute event after work. At home I keep the foundation brush which I use to apply cream blushes to get that glowing, naturally flushed look. That these brushes are inexpensive and 100% guilt-free are good enough reasons to try them out, but that they actually work is why I use them.
Alessandra Gallo Stalactite Necklace
How many ways can I love this necklace? I actually think it's reasonably priced, especially since it's handmade and each piece is one of a kind -- but because I've put myself on a dramatically restricted budget, I can only covet. Or hope it goes on sale soon.
Freedom T by Yummie Tummie
My solution for this indulge- till-you- bulge holiday season. I don't hang around in tank tops and flip flops -- just not my style. But I do own a couple of tanks to wear under sweaters or sheer tops. I like the ones with a hidden shelf bra so everything looks sleek. Now this one goes even a step further: it keeps things up where they should be, and holds me in so I don't look like I've been feasting on crab cakes. The only "but" is that if the party heats up inside, you can't take your sweater off and dance in your tank top -- this thing looks too much like shapewear up close. But it will make you -- and others -- think that you can if you wanted to.
Grai
I couldn't wait for it to get nippy again so I could start layering. The problem is that, while it's a chilly 50 degrees outside, it's a toasty 80 degrees inside my office (rumor is the person who has control over the thermostat on my side gets cold really easily) but about 70 in the hallways. Which is why I practically live in this vest (pictured); I plop it over a tissue tee and I can survive such extremes in temperature all day long. I really love this relatively new line by Los Angeles-based designer Maya Yogev. An Otis alum, she was mentored by Rick Owens, and her designs are sculptural, textural, and kinda badass.
Pour La Victoire "Eden"
Designed by David Giordano, this French-inspired brand is fierce and fabulous. "Eden" is from his Spring 2009 line (I'm jonesing it in the Nude color, just to rationalize that it would be an utterly practical purchase) and I'm waiting for it to be available. The lace cut-outs are adorable -- but something about this isn't at all saccharine-sweet. I love it!
Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair
This brand has nothing to do with shoe repair and isn't even located on fabled Fifth Avenue -- it's a Swedish clothing label for men and women, founded by Astrid Olsson and Lee Cotter in 2004 and is known as one of the more avant-garde Scandinavian labels. Dedicated to the craft of tailoring, the brand places intense focus on construction, cutting, and fabrics. The clothes are grounded in neutral colors, mostly black and white, but also gray and brown. According to Astrid: "The androgynous stroke is always present in the collections. We find inspiration in conserving tradition as well as breaking those same norms," I am so in love with this brand; this kind of clothing is what made me fall in love with fashion in the first place.
L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray
I've been wanting this forever, at least for about a decade -- and I'm not exaggerating either. But I don't wear a lot of hairspray to begin with, so I thought it would be ridiculous to to pay all that money to get this shipped overseas just so I could see if the hype was real. Well, it's real alright -- and it's now available at Target in three stronghold versions (although I understand that this is not the original European formula and was slightly tweaked for the US market). Anyway, two things I especially love about it: (1) it's not sticky and doesn't make my hair crunchy and (2) remarkably, it doesn't irritate my scalp, which is really sensitive. Also, It gives terrific hold and when I brush it out, it doesn't flake. I might just become one of those women who sets her hair at night and wears hairspray yet.
"Iam" Boot by Nine West
Nine West has been around forever; I don't know one girl who hasn't had a pair in her closet at least once. But what I've been loving about them for the past year is that they've been able to come up with on-trend styles at truly affordable prices. Quality may not be Blahnik, but what you get is hardly Blah either.
Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil
It's been bone-dry here, so much so that I started feeling my skin tightening up and seeing tiny lines. I bought a bottle of this face oil earlier in the year because I liked the way it felt on my skin (it absorbs quickly and doesn't feel slick) and because it smelled heavenly. This is instant comfort in a bottle.
Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen
Tracy Reese is one of my favo- rite dress design- ers; she's my go-to when I need something pretty and fun for a special occasion. So when I got word that she collaborated with Sally Hansen for a limited-edition 10-shade Fall 2008 nail lacquer collection, I immediately jumped on it. Without even seeing a single color -- and not having tried Sally Hansen products before -- I knew it was going to be great. And it is. I'm loving "The Good Earth," a rich reddish-brown, but am also smitten by "Stormy Blue," "Raven's Wing," "Moonstone," and "Alchemy." I was really impressed by the quality of the nail lacquer itself (check out the website for a full product description). It won't take another Tracy Reese collection to get me buying Sally Hansen again -- but I'm breathlessly waiting for the next one anyway.
Olay Definity Color Recapture Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer + Sheer Illuminating Coverage
"Your skin looks really good today," my friend Pia remarked all of a sudden, across the dining table where I was gathered with all my girlfriends. I was surprised, particularly because I was REALLY tired from too little sleep and a long drive. All I had on my face was this new tinted moisturizer from the Olay folks and a bit of concealer. This product has definitely exceeded my expectations, though I can't tell you what I think of its anti-aging properties since I've only started using it -- but I'll say that when I smooth it on I suddenly look like I've had enough sleep even if I've not had any. Note: this barely gives you any coverage, but if all you have time to do on a busy morning is apply moisturizer and sunscreen before you head out, this product is a much better alternative.
NAIL ENVY!
I've worn my nails really short for many years now since it's the more practical, low-maintenance way to go. What I also discovered is that although I always shied away from dark shades, they didn't look quite as scary on short nails. Here are a few of my favorite nail things: OPI's Midnight in Moscow is a gorgeous blackened burgundy with rich shimmer. I also love You Don't Know Jacques, a trendy gray-purple taupe from the new France collection. I never thought I'd wear green-gold voluntarily on my nails but Chanel's Kaleidoscope is so otherworldly beautiful -- depending on the light it can look like pewter or silver or gold. Good thing I snapped it up when I did -- this shade's no longer available except on sites like eBay (and they can go up to about $80!!!). Yesterday I picked up Haute Chocolat, one of Chanel's holiday offerings. It's described as a shimmering chocolate brown with opulent flecks of gold. Yep, I'm staring at my nails as I type this and it's exactly that.
AG "Sweetie" Cropped Jeans
These are my "run around town" jeans be- cause I wear them almost every- where I go (might even need a second pair because I'll wear these out). Cropped and skinny and one of the comfortable pairs I own, this is a lightweight dark-washed denim with a bit of stretch, and the rise is a comfortable 8". I love the new sliding snap instead of a regular button to keep everything secure. I used to ask: why wear jeans when it's just as easy to slip on a pair of trousers? Now I know why.
Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Cologne
One thing I have to say for the Jo Malone fra- grances I wear (and I wear quite a few) is that they may not inspire passion in a true fragrance aficionado -- but they aren't quite uninspired either. In a pinch I can pick up one of her bottles, drop it into my suitcase and know I won't regret it when I get to my destination. Introduced in the spring of last year, Malone's White Jasmine & Mint cologne is fresh and crisp, and dries down to a cool musk. I've been wearing it to work all summer -- it's like my pick-me-up in the morning. And during hot, steamy nights when I want to boost it up with an added dose of prettiness, I mist a bit of her Orange Blossom fragrance over it. Lovely. Some Notes: Mint (wild mint and peppermint leaf), Jasmine, Chamomile, Bergamot, Orange Flower, and Jo Malone musk.
Sonia Kashuk Luxury Lip Color in Sheer Tiger Lily
I always love a serendipitous find. I just happened to be poking around the Sonia Kashuk display case at Target for no particular reason except to kill time and then I found this: gorgeous, sheer, shimmery warm coppery beige shade in a gloss formula. At only $7.99 it's a steal.
Inhabit
If you purchased any piece from its debut collection five years ago, chances are you'd still be wearing it today -- as you will five more years from now, and even another five. If I could, I'd live my life wearing knits. I could live in these knits forever. “INHABIT is about a feeling, an attitude, rather than a trend” says, INHABIT Creative Design Director Susie Cho. “I design clothing that is unique, but in an understated way. I like to challenge existing ideas of knitwear with interesting designs and details. I also think that craftsmanship and quality are as important as the design. I love to explore design boundaries while making sure the pieces remain wearable.”
MAC Starflash Eyeshadow in Smoke & Diamonds
Last month I bought my friend Harvest a little Mac lip kit for her birthday -- and then couldn't resist picking up a little something for myself as well. I finally pulled the pot out of the box the other night, because I wanted to do a little smoky-but-not-too-smoky eye. Smoke & Diamonds is described by the creative geniuses at MAC as a "frosty dirty taupe" but what I love about it is its slight metallic shimmer that just makes it infinitely more glamorous. I just found out it's a limited-edition product. I guess my gift to a friend was one that kept on giving; this will be a staple in my kit.
Belle by Sigerson Morrison
I love Sigerson Morrison, but I have the downtown budget of its (younger) sister, Belle. My birthday gift to myself was this pair of open-toe wedge booties (pictured) and I'm trying to come up with an occasion to justify buying this other pair. I've asked my shoe-loving friends to talk me out of it -- but they're the same ones who said I'd use the booties forever. Maybe Christmas will just have to come early for me this year...
David Babaii for WildAid Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
I've been seeking out eco- friendly products, but I don't stick with anything that doesn't do what I want it to. I'm convinced that with all the choices we consumers have, there's something for everyone. Now I'm very, VERY skeptical about hair products because I've struggled with my mane all my life. Truth is I decided to try this because it smelled good, I liked the ingredients, and I could always return it to the store if I wasn't happy with my purchase. Well, I won't be returning this for sure. I have dry, dehydrated, colored hair -- but my hair hasn't felt this soft and smooth in a long time. Good for the earth, and good for me, too.
Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
As anyone who has ever shared a bathroom with me can attest, I switch around skincare products a LOT. But I know something really works when I seem to keep coming back to it after straying for a bit. This scrub I keep returning to: gentle enough to use every day and never irritates my sensitive skin, yet it manages to keep my pores clear (especially around my nose, which is the oiliest part of my face). I've paid way more than twice its price for other scrubs, but this just works for me. The last time I switched, my husband asked "what happened to the scrub in the green tube? I like that one better." High praise coming from a guy who always responds "It's OK" with an indifferent shrug whenever I ask for his opinion.
NARS Fall 2008
This collection is all about shimmering neutrals with hints of gold -- absolutely lovely. I wanted everything but practiced unusual restraint (for now, that is).

I picked up the Cordura eye shadow duo (shimmering warm brown and sooty dark brown)as well as the Fez single shadow, which truly looks like delicious, velvety cocoa. The Senorita lipstick is described as a "sheer shimmering cherry blossom" and is a warm nude-pink, just a touch of color on my lips. These are colors that are going straight to my kit due to their gorgeous versatility. Another classic NARS collection here.
Shimera Seamless Boyshorts

I know boys have their thong fanta- sies, but I stored all of mine at the bottom of my drawers when I discovered boyshorts a long time ago. They are extremely comfortable, invisible when it counts, and come in different heights so you can wear them under just about everything. I'm always on the hunt for the best -- and this style is a great basic. Not too high nor low and so soft that you don't know you're wearing them. They're a steal right now during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I'm going to go back and stock up on more before they practically double in price.
J.Crew

I fre- quently shopped at J. Crew until I didn't, and then I did again. I love their chinos and cashmere, not so much their flipflops (they're just...OK). I love their catalog more than their stores (I just don't find their associates particularly helpful and things always seem to be in disarray). And I usually find something I love in J. Crew Collection. This is probably what GAP's Banana Republic should be -- but isn't. And if they keep having a strong point of view, I won't disappear again.
Schick Quattro for Women

Known fact: I'm clumsy, really clumsy. I trip over my own feet and drop things. So can you imagine me wielding a sharp razor? Scary, for sure. But many years ago I discovered that Schick started making their popular Quattro (four blades, get it?) for women, too -- and so I quickly got my very own. True fact: I've never cut or nicked myself since. Maybe I've just become more careful, but I suspect this product was designed for klutzes like me.

Sometimes I forget that my opinions can shock people, even those who know me pretty well. I suppose it's easy to think that how we see the world is the same way others view it, although reality or the truth is often exactly the opposite.

For instance the other night I was having dinner with my girlfriends, gossiping and laughing it up as always, when someone revealed how she and her husband were asked to join a porn-viewing group which meets monthly apparently. We were all taken aback, but it turns out my reasons were different from all the rest: I simply couldn't understand the thrill of watching porn with a bunch of other couples in someone else's home; you see, it's something I would choose to do only in private, either by myself or with a special someone. Yet for the others, the word "porn" itself was enough to generate shock, disbelief, and even outrage. "If he asked me to join, I'd tell him to get away from me and then I'd pour Holy Water on him," one of the girls even said.

At that moment I realized my casual nonchalance about XXX-rated films was not so normal, at least in a few of the circles I belong to. Honestly I would much prefer to spend an hour or two watching couples go at it with lust rather than pound each other with hate or violence (and, yes, there are forms of porn that are violent, destructive, and demeaning I admit and I have absolutely no taste for them). In general, XXX is just another genre to me, I suppose, one that rational adults can choose to enjoy or ignore.

Then later, as the night was winding down and only a few of us were left, I had this brilliant idea of introducing one of the guys, who was newly divorced, to a single girlfriend whom I fondly describe as "trisexual" (she'll try anything sexual). My other girlfriend was horrified -- don't do that, she said, you know how she is. But why not, I replied -- he's single, she's single, and they both don't want a commitment? (I then turned to the guy and asked him if was looking for a committed relationship. "Hell no!" he replied almost violently.)

So I turned back to my friend and continued to make my case. "And besides, she's a lot of fun, she makes us all laugh and they might even get along." By now, the guy was intrigued.

"So what," my friend asked, "You think they should get together only for sex?"

"I'm not saying that, but if they do so, that's their choice -- they're both consenting adults after all."

"Ay naku, why even go there, it would only make things complicated!"

"Sex isn't complicated, it's relationships that often are."

And then the room suddenly became quiet as three sets of eyes peered at me curiously. I should really learn how to keep some of my thoughts to myself, especially when I'm sleepy and my mental brakes are slow in halting the words running away from my mouth like a freight train derailed from its tracks.

Good thing for me, too, that my Holy-Water-toting friend had already gone home; she would have given me one shocking cold, damp wake-up call otherwise. I don't know if I would have deserved it, though -- just because I see things a certain way doesn't mean I advocate that others do the same. And really now, I certainly would never invite friends to get together and watch porn or offer a man a purely sexual relationship.

Although I have absolutely no qualms if other people do. There's always the option of saying "No thank you," after all.

Comments

I've known you for so long that none of your comments or opinions really shock me. I find it funny when you surprise others:)

Posted by: Julianne | November 13, 2006 at 03:03 PM

Hi Julianne - I, too, find it funny when I shock people with my words. I really, honestly don't think my ideas are so "out there" -- but I guess it just depends how far left or right I happen to be relative to whomever it is I happen to be speaking with. One of the things I appreciate most about you is that although you and I are on opposite ends of the political/religious spectrum, it never feels like I am when I'm talking to you. You simply respect wherever it is I'm coming from. I suppose, in that sense, you and I are alike.:)

Posted by: Gigi | November 13, 2006 at 03:34 PM

two things:

1. all of a sudden the "blue" in blueeagle is striking (as opposed to "beating"?) a different tone than it normally does

2. the pioneering soul that you are, have you considered being a porn critic?

:-)

Posted by: BlueEagle | November 13, 2006 at 09:18 PM

BlueEagle - Haha, I'm actually reading a book about women working in the porn industry (not just actresses, but "behind-the-scenes", retail industry, and -- yes -- even a critic. One thing's for sure: none of them complain their jobs are ever boring! :)

Posted by: Gigi | November 15, 2006 at 09:52 PM

Hm, tried to set up two people once and it backfired. Never again.

Posted by: Cathy | November 17, 2006 at 05:31 AM

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