What's in Store

Rihanna has been on the music scene for over three years now. It’s hard to believe that this nineteen year old is already on her third album. Signed to Def Jam when she was just fifteen years of age by Jay-Z, she has already accumulated her share of number one hits. Her latest album, Good Girl Gone Bad is her best received work thus far. Though it’s not in the territory of Janet Jackson’s coming out party Control, the album is being described as Rihanna’s transition from child singer to adult singer.

This album isn’t a large step in a different direction for Rihanna. It’s very much pop music. It’s just that in the realm of pop music and what it means to radio, this album takes a few leaps forward in what at times is a copycat industry. Calling the album “insanely addictive”, Epinions music reviewer, Monnie1976 says the album has all the elements needed to be one of the best of the year.

You can’t talk about this album without starting with first single and big hit, Umbrella. Speeddemon531 says, “From the sludgy synthesizer sound to Rihanna’s stuttering in the chorus, it’s sensual and catchy simultaneously.” Umbrella is currently the number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

The album isn’t a one trick pony though. Hate That I Love You has single written all over it. The duet with label mate Ne-Yo could’ve been released on his new album and no one would’ve batted an eye. It has the signature Ne-Yo singable lyric set and their voices are very well matched together. Don’t Stop The Music is a club track that is reminiscent because of the sampling of the “ma ma se ma ma sa ma ma coo sa” chants from Michael Jackson’s Wannabe Startin’ Something. Shut Up And Drive samples New Order and continues with the pop fun. Rehab is penned by Justin Timberlake and no, it isn’t a quick and dirty Amy Winehouse remake. It’s a scary ballad that compares her love for someone like a disease. Produced by both Timberlake and Timbaland, it’s a very grown up song and musically sounds a lot like some of Timberlake’s ballads.

On Epinions.com Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad has been rated 4 stars (out of a possible 5). Though Floatingcity says the album is all icing and no cake, and is best consumed only by chart purists with a hardened Stefani (Gwen)/Furtado (Nelly) sweet tooth, 6 out of 8 reviewers give it at least 4 stars.

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This week we found wonderful fragrances and makeup for all of you mavens who enjoy getting gorgeous and smelling saucy:

Splendora supports a girl’s quest for the right bronzer and recommends the CARGO Bronzer in Light. There are four color variations available, so if you find your face looks blotchy or pale this product may be for you.

SheFinds spreads sweet nothings about a fragrance called Pacifica Mediterranean Fig Perfume. This scent has a blend of sweet fig, palm, cyclamen and sandalwood starts out sweet and fruity, but melts into a clean, earthy scent. All Pacifica fragrances are made with natural grain alcohol, a less irritating, abrasive and drying form of alcohol that’s safe even for those with sensitive skin or gluten allergies.

StyleBites recaps hype around skincare products such as Famous Dave’s nearly scentless self-tanner and Lamisilk Foot Therapy. Let’s face it ladies, self-tanner that doesn’t leave you smelling like old sunscreen is hard to come by!

Glimpse summarizes skincare made easy! Try the DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser, Laura Mercier One Step Cleanser, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30, and Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion to help you achieve perfect beauty and keep your skin looking soft and healthy.

The Makeup Girl blogs about Touch by Tocca, a perfume that smells of fruit and flowers in a subtle way. Like the perfume mentioned above, this scent is also inspired by the Mediterranean and smells just like the Italian countryside.

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“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.”
Jean Cocteau, 1889 - 1963

Camped Out

Happy 4th of July! I hope you’re out barbequing, watching a parade and waiting for fireworks. These low-key, day-long festivities are always tricky fashion-wise. On the one hand, it’s a casual event. On the other hand, it’s a party and you want to dress up.

My advice? Take a cue from summer camps of long ago and grab a camp shirt. The classic American style button down with short sleeves plays equally well with pants or skirts and can be as dressy as you’d like. And no, you don’t have to camp to wear it. Here are three options and three different styles.

Pam

My friend Pam thinks ‘roughing it’ is drinking non-vintage champagne. She also has pretty streamlined, Lauren Bacall-esque sense of style. Silk twill with ½ sleeves is refined enough for her tastes, but not too stuffy for afternoon beers. She’ll wear it with dark chinos and ballet flats.

Ann

For my sister, Ann, camping is when you don’t wear jewelry. She is also addicted to accessories and has a strong sense of adventure. French cuffs mean she’ll never be camping and the short sleeves leave her ready for anything. She’ll pair it with an a-line skirt, hoop earrings and a slew of bracelets.

Kathryn

My sweetheart is very outdoorsy and, by default, so am I. (Ahh…the things we do for love.) But, I’m also slightly sun-phobic and dislike looking rumpled. A quick drying, anti-wrinkle shirt with UPF 30 will keep me looking as très chic at le campsite as possible. I’ll wear it over the weekend with worn in jeans and Tevas.

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America’s favorite holiday quickly approaches and with it comes the anticipation of sunshine, BBQs, fireworks and fun! Even though we’re now on great terms with the Brits, we can still celebrate our Independence Day with vigor.

This patriotic tee is sure to turn heads even amidst a snazzy firework display. Created by local San Francisco artist Ashley Taylor, of aTaylordesign, Ashley turns her nature-inspired drawings and paintings into whimsical silkscreen prints on shirts, hoodies, and even tank tops.

One of my favorite Food Network stars, Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa, has an amazing Flag Cake recipe that she makes for Fourth of July parties. I actually saw this recreated at a dinner party last weekend and I have to say it looked just like this and tasted even better. It’s a very decadent ending to your BBQ spread, and since it has a lot of butter, cream and sugar, don’t forget to watch your portion size!

Hit the diving board at the Fourth of July swim party in these Sea Captain Anchor Swim Trunks by Ralph Lauren and you’ll never be questioned for your allegiance.

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It’s time to splash into summer, but does the thought of strutting your stuff in a bikini make you cringe? Fear not. One-piece swimsuits are more fabulous than ever and selecting the right cut allows you to show off your best assets, while still covering your less-than favorite features.

Swimwear Boutique offers pages and pages of striking one-pieces. You really can’t go wrong with one of these.

Designer Shoshanna, known for feminine and flirty styles, offers one-piece suits in polka dots, paisleys and stripes. Click here for where to buy.

For a more subdued look, try on this pink sophisticated number by Michael Kors.

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