What's in Store

This week, we found fun games and toys to arm you with ideas for your holiday wish list:

Engadget talks about Nintendo’s plans to launch Wii in China and South Korea, just as soon as the whole “global shortage” thing gets worked out. Furthermore, its current priority is to deliver as many consoles as possible to existing markets, as these beauties will be a highly coveted commodity this holiday season.

DailyCandy gives us ideas of how to have fun and stay young by playing casual games. Big Fish Games is the master of the casual games universe and the makers of Mystery Case Files, the super-popular hidden object game. With more than 1,000 games to choose from, Big Fish Games spans generations and gender, with many games emphasizing teamwork – making it a great activity for the family. Plus, studies have shown that games help alleviate stress and increase concentration. Check it out!

GeekSugar raves about the release of DanceDanceRevolution Universe2 Song Lineup. All you fans will be pleased with the artists and song list for the game, which is set to release this winter. It will include fun songs by Franz Ferdinand, Outkast, Herbie Hancock, Ferry Corsten, Kool and the Gang, Men Without Hats, and my favorite, The Bangles. It also introduces a Freestyle Mode that allows you to dance without the use of directional arrows, which is great for people with two left feet – or those of us who like to use DDR as an intense workout! A new Quest Mode lets you build your own character to challenge fellow online players via Xbox LIVE, unlock new songs, and download new music for the game.

ShinyShiny boasts about Apple’s Leopard release that is hitting the tech streets at MacLive Expo. Some exciting features include new ways to scan the contents of folders without launching a program – for example, by using Cover Flow, which you’ll recognize in its other incarnation on the new iPods. Also new is Time Machine, a quiet background automatic backup, and now Boot Camp will come pre-installed rather than being a downloadable option. So if you’re determined to run both Windows and Mac on one machine, it’ll be one step easier.

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This week we’re thinking pink as we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some ways for you to help support the cause and show you care:

FitSugar gets excited about this Pink Ribbon Sports Bra as an October must-have. You can support your gals, while supporting wider access to mammograms. The Breast Cancer Site will cover one percent of a mammogram for every bra purchased. While that might not seem like a lot, those percentage points add up!

Splendora shouts to all of us bagistas about the “Shop pink” mantra and Rebecca Minkoff’s pink croc patent leather clutch to help support Breast Cancer awareness, research and survivors. I always knew that shopping could be wonderful and beneficial for everyone!

FabSugar drools over Breast Cancer Awareness Bling and Mauri Pioppo Sundari Necklace. Treat yourself to some adorable pink rocks for the cause. In addition to the myriad BCA cosmetics and makeup offerings, a number of companies have come out with cute jewelry and other accessories that contribute a hefty chunk.

StyleHive boasts about Privo’s limited edition ‘Ribbon’ flip flop, dedicated to finding a cure for Breast Cancer. $2 from each pair sold will be donated by Privo to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The upper straps feature the universal ribbon emblem in full grain leather. The billowy, synthetic wool lining offers added comfort and delicate femininity. The footbed border and embossed outsole feature the BCRF’s commitment to ’stepping toward a cure’. The EVA midsole gives you added cushioning with lightweight support.

eBay Giving Works hosts loads of charity auctions benefiting the cause. For example, Munchkin, Inc. has enlisted the support of a diverse group of celebrities to sign and decorate Munchkin’s limited edition pink bath ducks scheduled for auction in October. All auction proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

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This week we’re exposing celebrity sightings both on the red carpet and on the street. We’re also sharing their brilliant style sense that unveils fall fashion trends:

Constance White, eBay’s Style Director gives us the 411 into the 59th Emmy Awards and what the ladies wore on the red carpet. America Ferrera and Kristen Bell both arrived in blue gowns in hues we’ll see all over this fall. Minnie Driver and Heidi Klum pulled out secret weapons of their own: pleats, another 2007 fall trend. Last but not least, Rebecca Gayheart wore black, which is also following us into fall as the must-have color in your wardrobe.

Jewelry Blogger Sandy Graham also raves about recent red carpet fashion. Marcia Cross and Debra Messing both looked gorgeous in their turquoise and diamond shoulder swipers, and how on trend! Ellen Pompeo wore a strapless gown with a gold vintage tasseled necklace. Hayden Panettiere looked like a princess in her peach taffeta empire waist gown with a built in jeweled medallion, paired with small button earrings.

FabSugar informs us that the Fendi Baguette is baaaaccck! This just in: Sarah Jessica Parker was caught traipsing around Manhattan filming the “Sex and the City” movie, and this handbag that was her faithful sidekick is getting another spin today on the runway. The bag was first launched in 1997, so for its ten-year anniversary, it’s getting a makeover! For Spring, Fendi redesigned the bag in four sizes, from small to extra large. Many feature a detachable strap that turns the smaller bags into clutches and the larger versions into messenger bags. The bags are made in all different kinds of materials - from python to plasticized leathers - and many come lavishly embellished, too. Sounds like one of the original “It” bags may be “It” all over again.

SheFinds talks about chalky lipstick as a growing trend seen on stars such as Rebecca Romijn, Vanessa Williams and Debra Messing. The look is a little mod, but also a little morbid. The key is to compensate in other areas for what you’re lacking on the lips. Notice how Debra Messing worked smoky eyes, Vanessa Williams an allover bronze glow, and Rebecca Romijn bright pink cheeks and full dark lashes. If you want to avoid looking like a corpse, incorporating color and life into the rest of the face is crucial.

Stylehive gets giddy over Hillary Swank as the latest megastar to lend her name to a fragrance, joining the ranks of Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, and JLo. Hilary debuted her scent “Insolence” and its accompanying ad campaign in London this week.

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The engineers at Shopping.com have been playing around with cool new ideas in a place they call the “WorkShop“. I just couldn’t keep this to myself because…here’s the thing…we can get access to them. What’s in store right now?

A Daily Price Drop tool that surfaces items marked down by thousands of your favorite stores. For example, today I was scanning the shoes category (hey, it’s work-related) and discovered a cute pair of Mary-Janes marked down 32%.

Happy hunting, my friends!

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This week we’re celebrating products for people kids or the kid in yourself:

DailyCandy features Bonnie Girl by Bonnie & Evelyn Dresses. Each of these dresses is a handcrafted, reversible frock and comes in two vintage styles for girls’ sizes 12 months to 4 toddler. Whether you choose the breezy Bonnie with two winged back panels or the side-tie Evelyn, they come in lovely antique patterns with matching bloomers or shorts. The next time she spills, a quick flip to the other side is all it takes. No bath time required.

Delight.com talks about the Kitchen Playdates cookbook, that outlines cooking projects that can involve kids. These recipes are meant to be mixed and matched, and come with suggestions for items you can buy ready-made to reduce the workload. The recipes are simple yet stylish, with easy-to-find ingredients with a global range. It’s all about flexibility and fun, not fuss.

DailyCandy recommends starting a new family tradition with the kids’ collection from Room & Board. The company’s handcrafted and American-made furniture features fresh designs for children. Each piece is built to last and can easily take your little ones from their tot years well into their teens. Everything’s in stock and ready for delivery, which means your kids won’t have to endure your old furniture ever again.

Forbes.com reports “Squeals of Delight for Tween” as its shares soar. Tween Brands caters to lifestyle and “fashion-aware” girls between the ages of 7 and 14 through its Limited Too and Justice brands.

ShinyShiny hypes about the Playstation 3 Home to Second Life. Home is its own virtual community that sets you up with an apartment to decorate. Your unrealistically designed avatar can also wear designer clothes and upgrade your initial humble dwelling to a penthouse. This can bring out the inner kid in you. Give it a whirl!

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With all the buzz about Spring Fashion Week, this week we’re sharing runway trends and secrets to tickle your fashion taste buds:

TrendCentral features four collections surrounded by industry buzz from New York Fashion Week:

Erin Fetherston: Best known for her girly princess frocks beloved by Hollywood indie fashion elite like Kirsten Dunst and Zooey Deschanel, Fetherston toned down her signature look for an upcoming line for Target. Done entirely in an icy palette of snow queen whites, ivories, greys and gun metal metallics, the Flights of Fancy collection was a more sophisticated take on her past looks, resulting in a chic minimalist aesthetic accented with kooky seashell prints and of course, Fetherston’s usual ruffles.

Vena Cava: Inspired by Kenneth Anger’s Hollywood Babylon and ’70s print design, the very original collection channeled film noir glamour via modern retro silhouettes, some pieces printed with Art Deco-style beer cans that the old school designers created not from Photoshop but through good old Kinko’s.

Preen: A favorite among fashion insiders and models such as it-girl Agyness Deyn, this British label just presented its New York debut. Done almost entirely in silk, Preen’s simultaneously sensual and graphic looks dressed up ‘80s parachute styles for a night on the town.

Karen Walker: This Aussie designer was doing highwaisted pants long before they became this season’s big trend, so it’s a good bet that whatever she does will be directional. Her Spring ’08 collection included slouchy wide pants and garden party florals paired with dark tights and tough boots.

Splendora goes gaga over the Stuart Weitzman Cambridge Pump as the “what to shoe”. Lots of ladiesfrequenting shows at Fashion Week wore oxfords and wingtip shoes. These pumps are perfectly androgynous; the lace up front is a nod to mens’ footwear, while the high heel makes them more delicate and irrevocably femme. Wear them with a frilly chiffon number or a tailored blazer and high-waisted slim jeans. They’ll work with either ensemble.

FabSugar posts about the Going Tribal trend showing itself on the Spring runways. An array of batik prints, nature-inspired, exotic and tropical prints will provide fabulous fashion fare. DKNY went tribal with a more subdued palette, youthful shapes, and obi belts; Oscar de la Renta knows how to deliver tribal to purveyors of luxury, and Diane von Furstenberg’s “Under the Volcano” theme gave way to vivacious tribal delights.

The Budget Fashionista raves about Spring 2008 fashion trends and shares what is “in”. The list includes: feminine dressing, thin belts, head scarves, long pencil skirts, sequins, metallics, silk jersey and chiffon, hats, clutches, dressing up; the colors orange, rose, lavender, green, and silver which is the new neutral. She says that the key is to focus on fit and quality and to shop now for spring/summer colors like lavender.

Forbes.com pens about luxe for less Laptop Bags and includes the Coach Logan Bag made with water-resistant tanned leather. This case features two pockets in the front compartment, pen holders, a business card holder and an adjustable front buckle closure. Who said that professional, functional and fashionable don’t go together?

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This week we found funky fresh, fun accessories that will soon become favorites:

SheFinds glows over the Light-up Designer Handbags from Solas Fashion. This is an innovative brand that fuses style with function, brings you clutches, totes, satchels and more, all crafted with their unique lighting system. The built-in blue light that lines the edge of the purse opening offers just enough illumination so you can find what you need without a hassle. Open it and it lights up. Close it and the light goes off.

FabSugar goes wild over Steve Alan’s Tartan Ruffled Panty. Why wear blah underwear when there are so many interesting choices out there? This item is seriously fabworthy and a fun undergarment to spruce up the underside of your outfit.

Shiny Shiny brags about the new Pill Paks makeover and its clever alarm system for your meds. They’ve even taken it a step further and have created them in a range of colors. Instead of dull hospital style white, you can choose from leopard print, zebra stripe and the good old stars and stripes to safeguard your contraceptives. Check out the hugs and kisses case — love those lips.

Splendora boasts about Oliver Peoples Harper Eyeglasses as a great accessory to complete your look. Thick, bold, exaggerated eyeglass styles are the in-thing. The ’50s-inspired Harper model from Oliver Peoples is a more subtle take on the trend, but your local lens ‘n frames store will have a bevy of cool ones to choose from. Be proud of your optical deficiency!

Delight spotlights the season of nautical accessories that bring crisp whites and fun kitschy trinkets to fall when most colors are drab and jewelry heavy. Rachel Leigh’s Enameled Anchor Necklace is simple, chic and will be a pretty piece for everyday, or a fun addition to a special outfit. Rachel Leigh’s jewelry has been featured in Lucky, Allure, People Magazine, Elle, OK!, InTouch, Seventeen, WWWD and many other stylish publications. This is the perfect gift for girlfriends and trendsetters!

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So, I can’t explain it…but I felt the need to buy a rocket t-shirt that I saw in the celeb rags this weekend. You know, the Made U Look Rocket t-shirt. Apparently, Jessica Simpson and one of the Bradgelina tots have been spotted wearing them.

Anyway, it’s really ugly and I only plan on wearing it to the gym. Why am I so psyched? Maybe because I won it on eBay. It’s true what they say about windorphins. If you’re interested, there are a few more up there and some Shopping.com merchants are carrying them. I’ll let you know how many looks it really gets me…

What have you bought just because you saw it in a magazine?

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This week we found makeup and pedicure products for fabulous femmes:

Splendora raves about Lipstick Queen by Poppy King as a cult line and a celeb standby. Her newest product, Oxymoron, is just that. The gloss pot contains a creamy formula that goes on smooth but looks totally matte on the lips. It gives you that flushed, romantic, Jane Austen appeal. Come hither Mr. Darcy.

SheFinds touts Hard Candy’s Take Out Makeup Kit, which is chock full of useful goodies—six lip glosses, eight eye shadows, black liner, a tiny tube of mascara, peachy blush and bronzer, and two shades of concealer. This little kit packs a big wallop. It’s about the size of a deck of cards, so it’s not too unwieldy to fit in a night-out handbag, and the color palette is pretty everyone-friendly. This can save the day when a little touch up is in order, or when you need to go from day to night and don’t have the luxury of 15 minutes in front of the makeup mirror.

The Budget Fashionista advises us about Dr. Scholl’s, as the go-to-guy for all things foot, Pumice Foot Scrub and Foot Softening Balm. The pumice scrub boasts the benefit of a pumice stone in lotion form, to exfoliate and moisturize. The softening balm rehydrates dry callused skin. The pumice brings a blast of inspiring peppermint, while the balm contains lavender for a soothing finish. It could inspire your olfactory senses while making your tootsies touchable.

The Makeup Girl Blog gives us the secret of LORAC’s Beauty Insider Palette. What I love about LORAC’s colors is that they hold SO much pigment! LORAC gives you the hottest looks for fall in one cute, sleek little red snake skin case. You get five shadows, two blushes, a dual-ended brush and a red lip polish. Red lips are all the rage for fall and this is the BEST way to wear them without looking overpowered…a nice soft gloss will give you the color that you want without all of the stodginess of traditional red lipstick.

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This week we found cool trends and innovative products for Back-to-School:

Engadget writes about changes to SanDisk’s Sansa media players in order to attract the back-to-school masses. Perhaps the biggest change comes to the company’s WiFi-equipped Sansa Connect, which retains all the same specs but gets a full hundred dollars knocked off its price tag. The other refresh comes to the company’s Sansa Shaker line, which gets a new 1GB model that’ll retail for an average of $50. Of course, while SanDisk is pitching this as a back-to-school promotion, there’s nothing to stop anyone from taking advantage of it for themselves.

Gizmodo goes crazy over Safe Books Ballistic Bookbag, which is actually bullet-proof! These backpacks are claimed to offer as much protection from a shooting as police armor and are aimed to protect kids from all of the 21st century dangers schooling entails.

The Budget Fashionista highlights trends from Paypal’s recent back-to-school survey on the attitudes and thoughts of parents and kids regarding Back-to-School shopping and fashion. Check out these interesting findings:

• - 9 out of 10 high school students expect their parents to pay for most, if not all of their back to school purchases.
• - Kids expect their parents to spend on average $350 on back to school clothing, while parents expect to spend around $250.
• - Girls take their style cues from traditional pop style icons like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, the Olsen twins while boys take their style cues from celebrities they want to hang out with like P Diddy, Justin Timberlake and Jack Black.
• - Also, while boys think baggy jeans are cool, parents and, most importantly, girls don’t think they are appropriate.

FabSugar raves about fall jackets! There are so many different styles and colors one can work with. So, check out the fresh back-to-school outerware options.

SheFinds alerts us about back-to-school deals at eBags. Get an extra 10%-off plus free shipping on orders of $35 or more. Find modern, functional laptop backpacks, messenger bags in funky patterns (they make a great weekend carry-all), and sleek totes for work. The sale ends on 8/26.

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