GIGI GOES GAGA: WHODUNNIT?

STUFF

Boned Mini T by Future Classics
There's no other way to see this lightweight t-shirt other than on an actual person. Even describing it defies visualization: it's a cropped jersey tee with boning. The shoulder seams are dropped though shifted forward, with boning at front under the bust, back, and sides. Just trust me here: the tee has been reinvented, gloriously.
Tom Ford Beauty Private Blend Neroli Portofino EDP

I first fell in love with Neroli fragrances back in college, because my sweet, adorable boyfriend then wore 4711 eau de cologne. The summer that we were falling in love I came here to the States for a month or so and I missed him so much that I bought myself a bottle to wear. Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, which was released in 2007, is obviously sexier, less straightforward -- but still clean and fresh, with notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, orange blossom, amber, and vanilla. It's my summer scent this year, though in the Fall I plan to blend in with a bit of Ford's Champaca Absolute EDP to add creamier warmth. Perhaps I should return the favor and give my ol' friend a vial of this fragrance. I'm certain he'd love it, too.
Moroccanoil Oil Treatment

I try my best to ignore hype, and that's exactly what I thought it was with this argan-oil-based product. But a few months ago my local beauty supply store had it on sale, and so I decided to see what the buzz was all about. Granted, even on sale this stuff isn't cheap; thankfully, I soon found out it was worth every drop. Now my hair is dry, coarse, color-treated, and slightly wavy -- really difficult to manage. It can look really good if I make the effort; when I don't, it looks so bad that I look unkempt and haphazard even if I'm dressed nicely. Nowadays, however, I simply wash my hair at night, apply a few drops of the oil, and let it air dry. In the morning I simply run a flat iron through my hair for a few minutes and I don't look like I just jumped out of bed and ran out. Even if I did.
LEFT COAST by Dolan
I no longer use a credit card -- I set aside a small amount every week and have to save for everything I buy. This means every penny I spend HAS to matter. I used to think I knew what "value" meant, but now I really do. So I recently found this fabulous brand, consisting of really easy pieces in super-soft jersey fabric, the kind that just caresses yet skims the skin. Casual yet sexy, hip yet classic. The best part? So far, I haven't seen anything that costs more than $80. That might still seem too steep for some, but trust me when I say what you get here is value. Each piece I purchase (and I have a wish list I'm checking off) will definitely outlast this recession by far.
LD Tuttle "The Arc"
I need a moment of silence here. LD Tuttle's shoes, designed by Tiffany Tuttle and handmade in Italy, are made of naturally processed leather. They always leave me breathless; at times I could swear that if I were lucky enough to own every single pair she makes I won't need to wear anyone else's.
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.

Gah -- once in a while I remember something and get the urge to blog about it. Good stories are hard to come by after all, agreed? And especially when they're personal and real, correct?

But when I think about the real and personal faces who read this blog, I quickly change my mind. You can imagine the stories I sometimes am itching to tell; after all, I've already written about how, say, I once dated a guy who claimed he had sex with a girl I knew -- who really was a guy at the time they were supposedly intertwined. Or about how my health professional once instructed me to buy (and, obviously, use) a dildo for post-surgery therapy, and how I ended up with my own mini-collection instead due to my inability to understand simple medical directions. I've even written about the time I needed to move apartments and was flat broke, and so I assembled a crack team of ex-boyfriends who soon discovered their common denominator as they were lifting my dining table (I still cringe when I think about how that conversation started).

So, yes. Those were the stories I could tell, and there are still those I can't.Sometimes I think it's time I start up an anonymous blog. The only danger is ensuring I don't post a story there that I've already told in this one -- and then blow my cover. After all, if I can't follow plain medical instructions, how can I be trusted to know when to keep within my own guidelines? I probably just broke one by writing this post, too -- and so I guess I can't. But it sure would be fun, wouldn't it?