The words “cute” and “whimsical” are definitely ones I’d use when describing my fashion taste, but there is not a single piece of Alberta Ferretti’s adorable Philosophy Spring 2010 collection that I wouldn’t wear. With poppy sheer layers and cartoon lip decals galore, the collection is nothing but fun, flirty and fabulous. Out of any collection shown this season, Philosophy really sings “spring.”

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Philosophy Spring 2010

Thanks Style!

I know we’re all familiar with raccoon eyes. That mascara and eyeliner that just can’t seem to stay put is very often the criminal. If you apply your favorite mascara and step out into the summer heat, chances are the stuff travels down to your cheeks within the hour. So what do you do?

People always seem to advise waterproof mascara and I’m always tempted to grab one off the shelf and head over to the cashier. But the thought of rubbing my eyes with makeup remover for hours upon end always seems to stop me; however, there’s a new product that makes me want to grab that water-proof mascara yet again. Philosophy’s Just Release Me Dual-Phase Oil-Free Makeup Remover uses all natural ingredients and promises to remove even the toughest of products. I’d go grab one!

LINKAGE: NYMag

Lord only knows how many times I passed by this store without the “hmm, maybe I should check this out” thought running through my head. After several  designer budget-saver recommendations and a bit of fashion evidence from some friends, I decided to set my ego aside and pay a little visit to the Loehmann’s Chelsea location. 

The first several visits left me unimpressed. The store was unorganized and crowded, wasting over 45 minutes of my life I was sure I’d never get back. Taking the wise advice of my mother, I gave the store a second chance, stopping in early on a Thursday (aka inventory day) just before February’s fashion week. Heading upstairs to “The Back Room,” the discounted designer label department, I was floored by how many great pieces there were by the fashion industry’s cream of the crop. $300 later, I walked out of Loehmann’s with over $2500 worth of  Robert Rodriguez, Vince, Mint and Helmut Lang clothes and accessories. Happy girl? You bet.

After probably a two month hiatus from the discount haven, I stopped by Loehmann’s this morning, Although I only purchased some jewelry (I got a Burberry-esque spike bracelet and a match necklace for $40. Beat that.) I was amazed to see dozens upon dozens of pieces from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection. The clothes might be two seasons old, but where else are you going to find a Marc Jacobs Americana romper marked down to just $70!? Other great buys included gorgeous Givenchy boot-heels, Comme des Garcons drop-crotch sweats (too bad they were a size 14…), a plethora of springy Philosophy dresses and tons of chunky Miu Miu, Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgely Misckha sunglasses. 

All in all, if you haven’t yet been to Loehmann’s, now is the time to check it out. But be forewarned, be there early on weekdays or be prepared to dig.

If any of you have a Nordstrom in your city and you plan on purchasing $100.00 or more on beauty and fragrance in the next week, don’t forget to pick up your free gift. An exclusive designed Ruben Toledo cosmetics bag filled with 13 deluxe samples from your favorite beauty brands. This offer expires Monday, April 13 or while supplies last.

It Includes:

* Origins Modern Friction™ Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion (0.17 oz.)

* L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate (0.28 oz.)

* Clarins High Definition Body Lift (0.35 oz.)

* Laura Mercier Mini Foundation Primer – Oil-Free (0.5 oz.)

* Smashbox ‘Sheer Focus’ Tinted Moisturizer in Luminous (0.17 oz.)

* Chloé Natural Spray Eau de Parfum (0.04 oz.)

* Bare Escentuals® RareMinerals™ Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer (0.06 oz.)

* Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Refining Essence (0.14 oz.)

* Kate Somerville™ ExfoliKate™ Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (0.16 oz.)

* Anastasia Brow Gel – Clear (0.02 oz.)

* Philosophy ‘the present’ clear makeup skin perfector (0.5 oz.)

* Leaf & Rusher Rapid Resurface (0.10 oz.)

* Bvlgari Jasmin Noir Eau de Parfum Natural Spray (0.05 oz.)