Lulus Fashion Lounge - Blog - A La Mode

  • A Few of My Favorite Things...

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    May
    7
    2010

    I thought I would share with you guys my favorite new buys for each week. Most of them are beauty products and face washes (since that's what I'm addicted to), but anything that strikes my fancy is up for game. I'll let you know why I love each item and have added it to my routine. (P.S. I bought all these items with my own money and was not paid for my opinion)

    First up - Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser.

    There's nothing worse than finding leftover foundation hanging out on your freshly washed face. This cleanser takes care of that, leaving you with pure, supple skin. My skin is very dry, and this does leave a slight "tightness," but as long as you follow up with moisturizer it shouldn't be a problem.

    Number 2 - Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss Non-Dairy Dessert

    My sweet tooth seems to go crazy when the weather warms up, and Coconut Bliss really hits the spot. I love that they use Agave sweetener which is gentler on your system. Plus, the coconut milk adds an unbelievable richness.

    Number 3 - Maybelline Great Lash, Clear Lash and Brow Gel,

    I can't believe how long I've gone without this product in life! Keeping unruly brows in place is no longer an issue. I also love using this gel after regular mascara. It helps separate the lashes and add a little gloss.

    Number 4 - DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub

    I bought this scrub last summer and am getting it again! For those annoying dry skin bumps of the winter, this scrub kicks major butt. This is also great for creating a smooth canvas the day before a self tan.  

    Share with me one of your favorite things!!

  • 49 Ways to Save Money on Prom

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    April
    7
    2010

    Did you know that the average prom night costs over $1,000? These days, most families can't afford to spend as lavishly as they used to. So without further ado, here are 49 ways to be a frugal fashionista on prom night.


    GENERAL TIPS

       1. Buy your prom dress (and shoes, and jewelry, and accessories) from LuLus.com, of course! Cute clothes, reasonable prices and free shipping over $75.
       2. Plan everything well in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to feel desperate and buy something too expensive.
       3. As early as you can, start hoarding your allowance (or income from a part-time job) so you can afford to splurge when the big event rolls around.
       4. Always compare prices. Call around to at least 5 different shops before choosing a florist, tuxedo shop, limo service, etc.
       5. When in doubt, DIY. Why spend countless hours searching for something perfect AND affordable, when you can probably make it yourself?
       6. Keep a level head. Movies make it seem like prom is the most important night of your life. But in a few years, you'll probably wonder why you got so worked up.

    DRESS & ACCESSORIES

       1. Raid your best friend's closet! No one will know that she wore the dress to a previous event; and even if they know, why would they care?
       2. Dust off that bridesmaid's dress and give it another whirl. If you don't have one, chances are you know someone who does.
       3. Go bargain hunting at your local thrift stores and consignment shops. In addition to being affordable, you can almost guarantee your look will be unique.
       4. Go bargain hunting online! You can find ridiculous deals on beautiful gowns and shoes on websites like eBay or Craigslist.
       5. Look for a shop that specializes in renting formal gowns, or check to see if your local bridal shops offer rentals.
       6. Choose your own fabrics and design, and make your dress from scratch; if you're not handy with a sewing machine, enlist the help of a friend, relative or affordable seamstress.
       7. Check to see if an organization like Donate My Dress exists in your area; these non-profit groups provide free prom dresses to low-income teens.
       8. Look for a local prom dress exchange event; if you can't find one, take the initiative and organize one for your community!
       9. See if you can borrow your mother's (or grandmother's) vintage jewelry and handbags.
      10. Head down to the bead store and make your own jewelry. If you've never tried it before, you may be surprised how it easy it is.

    HAIR & MAKEUP

       1. Almost everyone knows one friend or relative whose hair and makeup always look fabulous; enlist their help on your big day, and thank them with a lunch or a return favor.
       2. Hit up the local beauty school for bargain priced hair styling and nails.
       3. Schedule an appointment at one of the beauty counters at your local mall. Buy the lipstick so you'll be able to touch up throughout the night.
       4. Plan a Mary K or Avon party at your house the afternoon before the prom, and invite all your friends over for free makeovers.
       5. Host a manicure/pedicure party at your house; it's easier (and much more fun) when everyone helps each other!
       6. Search YouTube for hair and makeup tutorials. Practice, practice, practice!
       7. Don't spend a small fortune on tanning sessions; grab some self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore and fake the bake at home.

    TRANSPORTATION

       1. Have your heart set on a stretch limousine? You'll save money -- and probably have way more fun -- if you split the cost with other couples.
       2. If you live in a big city, consider downgrading to a chic, chauffeured but more affordable Lincoln Town Car.
       3. Make an appointment for a cab. But shop around beforehand, or you never know what might show up at your door.
       4. Really don't want to drive? Ask a responsible older friend (or non-embarrassing relative) to chauffeur you for the night.
       5. There's no law against driving your own car to prom. Just make sure it's clean. Look for coupons to your local car wash, or just bust out the hose and the vacuum.

    DINING

       1. Cook a romantic dinner for two. It's less expensive than a fancy restaurant and sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.
       2. Invite a few couples over and make your own restaurant. Ask mom and dad to cook and serve. Set up a few small tables, add candles and soft music, and enjoy!
       3. Eat a hearty meal before you go out, but splurge on a fancy dessert in a restaurant -- especially if you usually say no to dessert. Prom Night's a perfect excuse to indulge.
       4. If you choose to eat a restaurant, don't go in blind. Look at menus beforehand so you'll know which eatery has the food you want at the price you can afford.
       5. Imagine walking into your local fast food joint wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. If this sounds like hilarious fun, why not do it? It'll make a great story some day.

    FLOWERS

       1. Get a price quote from at least 5 different florists before committing to a purchase. Bonus points for price-checking 10.
       2. Choose less expensive flowers. Carnations are a traditional choice because they're cheap and easy to dye in various colors.
       3. Skip the fancy florist and head to the grocery store. The selection is usually smaller, but you're sure to find something you like. They are flowers, after all.
       4. Don't go overboard with a massive bouquet. A few tasteful flowers will suffice, and it won't weigh heavy on your arm all night.
       5. Get crafty! Make your own corsage and boutonnière using a few inexpensive materials from a craft store and flowers from the grocery store.
       6. Take advantage of your region's natural beauty. Pick some gorgeous wildflowers, or ask your neighbors for donations from their gardens.

    PHOTOS

       1. Let's be honest; a lot of those professional prom photos look awful. Ask an artistic friend or relative to take pictures before prom, and forgo the expensive train wreck.
       2. Don't have a talented photographer in your social circle? Trying recruiting a photography student from the local university.
       3. If your photographer uses traditional film, ask if you can buy the negatives and have them printed yourself.
       4. If you photographer uses a digital camera, ask if you can buy the files and print your photos at home.
       5. This may sound crazy, but consider (gasp!) not taking pictures at all. Just put the cameras aside, get on the dance floor and enjoy your big night to the fullest!

    POST-PROM PARTYING

       1. If you live in a medium to large city, just take a stroll downtown. You may find live music and street performers, or just some great conversation and people-watching.
       2. Find a safe, suitable outdoor space and organize an evening picnic for two. All you need is finger foods, a warm blanket and a sky full of stars.
       3. Grab 10 of your closest friends and head to the nearest beach or lake for an old-fashioned bonfire and barbecue.
       4. Not every prom night has to be romantic. Why not throw some bowling shoes on under that formal gown? Or does evening wear go better with roller skates?
       5. Assuming your parents are cool with it, why not just party at home? They'll be relieved, you'll still have a great time with friends, and it won't cost a fortune.

    What did we miss? Leave a comment below with your best tips on how to save money on prom!

  • Lulus.com Holiday Party!!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    December
    18
    2009

     

    This year the Lulus.com holiday party was held at a local (and divine) family-run Italian restaurant! The event's guests included all of the LuLu*s team members from our warehouse and the employees from LuLu*s boyfriend store, Trucker Deluxe.

    Above (from left to right) is Katie in a head-to-toe Lulus.com outfit, and Lindsay in the Back to the Fuchsia Jumpsuit [sold out!] with one of our models, Serine!

    Above, the lady in red is our customer service guru, Brittany!

    And here let me introduce (above and below) our employee of the year, KELLEN!

    More LuLu*s ladies and their gents!

     

     And from everyone at Lulus.com, we would like to wish all of our amazing customers a HAPPY HOLIDAY!!

  • Model Behavior: Meet Neva Kaya

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    November
    30
    2009

    I had the pleasure of interviewing Neva Keva, not only a model, but a model citizen.

    We first got to know Neva as a model for our vintage line here at Lulu*s. With her deep brown eyes and trendy fringe bangs, Neva has a strikingly beautiful presence, but as you will see, this young woman possesses not only looks, but plenty of heart.

    Here, Neva shares her journey into modeling, what you may find her doing in her spare time and what inspired her passion for man's best four-legged friend.

    How did you make your way into the modeling business?

    My family is originally from Serbia, but I grew up in Puerto Rico. If you asked where I was from and I could only give one answer, I would say I’m from Puerto Rico. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to spend my life as a kid in paradise.

    As a teenager, I spent a lot of time in Montauk, New York, in the summers. One of my closest friends lived there, so I got a summer job and spent a few summers out there, working and hanging out with her. We’d take the train into the city (Manhattan) a lot, because it was so close and fun and easy.

    And one day, I decided to go check out modeling agencies. So I just went to a bunch of open calls, and while I was in the elevator leaving one of the last open calls of the day, I met a photographer who asked me if I wanted to shoot an editorial for V magazine that weekend, which was crazy because I didn’t even have an agency yet but I had just booked a shoot for a really awesome magazine.

    So I guess that’s how it started … a bored teenager with a summer job and a metro card, haha.

    What do you love most about your job?

    The rewards are many, but the best ones to me are the flexible schedules and the travel ... but mostly the travel!

    I’ve had the opportunity go to some amazing locations for jobs, but even more than traveling for jobs, I love that I can pick up and go to New York (I live in L.A.) for a few months and know that I at least have the chance to go out on castings and try to book work. Having agencies in different cities and just being able to pick up and go live somewhere different to me is awesome.

    The summer I was 18, my boyfriend broke up with me, so I flew to Paris. I didn’t have an agency. I had my portfolio, and after a week of running around on open calls, I not only had an agency but an apartment was set up for me. It was a slow time to be in Paris, and I was broke most of the time, but you think I cared? I was running around exploring the city and eating Nutella-filled crepes. :)

    What plans do you have for the future?

    My plans for the future change every day, but I am so happy to be able to say that I have found one thing that truly makes me happy and fills me no matter what else I end up having on my plate a few years from now.

    I recently went to Guatemala with my boyfriend, and although the area we visited was one of the most beautiful places I have seen (Lake Atitlan), the amount of suffering and starvation when it came to the stray dog population there was heartbreaking. I don’t know if it's because I grew up with a dog-crazy mother who was always rescuing stray dogs, or if I just have this intense connection with dogs, but being there hurt me so much.

    I’ve traveled to many impoverished places before (and yes, I have “smuggled” dogs back to the states and gotten them adopted, more on that on my site), but the Guatemala trip was extra hard. So when I came back to the states, I sat down with my boyfriend and figured some stuff out.

    I realized that I have the ability to help on a much bigger level than dragging around a Hefty trash bag of homemade dog food mush that I made in my hotel kitchen and feed to whatever strays I came across while on vacation, and well, that’s how Iheartmutts.com got started. It’s a non-profit group I started to spay and neuter dogs in impoverished areas outside of the U.S.

    I’d love it if your readers went on my site since its fairly new, and I love getting feedback and suggestions on any way to make it, and my charity, as great as can be.

    What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, just for fun?

    For fun, I read. I have so many books that I LOVE. Some all time faves are Atlas Shrugged, She’s Come Undone, Outliers, Ana Karenina, Bonfire of the Vanities, Kitchen Confidential and Same Soul, Many Bodies. It’s a random grouping, but I just looked over my shoulder and picked some favorites off my bookshelf.

    I also love to explore food. A perfect Sunday for me is when my boyfriend and I drive around and try out little food dives. We usually go by word of mouth or an article we've read, where someone will randomly mention “oh I had this great burger,” and we like memorize what they ate and where and then barely hear the rest of the conversation or read the rest of the article.

    I’ve always said, if I didn’t have a high metabolism I wouldn’t model. Food is too big a part of my life to have to obsess about it. I know girls who eat like a green apple, a hard boiled egg and that’s it. It’s gross and sad and lame all at the same time, but mostly lame. What percentage of the worlds population is starving? And you’re starving yourself BY CHOICE?

    Sorry, I just get annoyed because I go to NYC like once a year for few months to work, and I can never find anyone to go explore pizza joints with. So it’s a sore subject.

    Describe your style and any fashion trends you follow.

    Trends, hmmmm. I can live in black skinny jeans (Jbrand), Black Fiorentini and Baker motorcycle boots and a slinky, low-cut black tank, or a black James Perse tank. That’s my outfit, and I’m sticking to it. :)

    I really don’t follow trends. I believe in quality over quantity. I will splurge and pay a lot of $$$ when I see a piece of clothing I love. Since I am not a frequent shopper, I know my impulses are trustworthy. Like a lacy Dolce & Gabbana top that fits the description impulse buy I wore to death.

    I don’t have a statement piece or a specific style, but because of my hair (my bangs), clients always throw me into this weird rocker rebel girl category, and they don’t realize my style is a product of my laziness, haha.

    Check out Neva sporting her cute and stylish looks on our vintage page, and don't forget to visit Neva's website, Iheartmutts.com, to learn more about her efforts to help stray dogs in third world communities.

  • Yummy Peach Pie Smoothie

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    November
    2
    2009

    I love having the Food Network as background noise whenever I'm cleaning my room or checking emails. It's soothing to me in a funny way.

    My favorite show to watch is Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger. I love how she uses healthy ingredients in every recipe and tells you a little bit about their nutritional value. It just makes you feel good about what you're eating.

    This weekend, she made a Peach Pie Smoothie that was just too delicious looking to ignore. I pretty much went straight to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients.

    Here's what you need:

    • 1/2 cup nonfat or 1 percent lowfat milk
    • 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
    • 1 cup unsweetened frozen peaches
    • 1 tablespoon honey, plus more to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Pinch ground nutmeg
    • Pinch ground ginger

    Blend all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy. If you're like me, you'll add a little whipped cream (or Soyatoo) and a straw for a heavenly concoction.

    This smoothie has the essence of peach cobbler with plenty of added health benefits. Perfection. I'm now keeping those frozen peaches on hand for those lazy autumn days.

  • The Most Important Drink of Your Day

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    October
    27
    2009

    Every morning, I wake up and embrace the day with a hot and steaming cup of coffee.

    Although I would not consider myself even remotely informed about good and bad coffee, I do know how to tell when I drink an AMAZING cup of it! For an AMAZING cup of coffee I get a huge grin on my face that lasts most of the day and that = a tell tale sign of AMAZING coffee.

    And that's exactly what happened when I drove down the Northern California Coast to Santa Cruz to try out VERVE coffee. I was thoroughly impressed with the coffee as well as the mission statement of the cafe:

    "It’s important to us to forge genuine connections to place: Our beachfront neighborhood, where roasting and cupping have joined surfing as daily communal rituals."

    Verve Coffee was in GQ this month for the top ten best coffee places in America! GQ describes the cafe as "famous for its Streetlevel espresso, a burly seasonal blend that recently packed Brazilian beans for muscle and El Salvadoran for spice. A single shot delivers a jolting twenty-five grams of coffee, which might explain why so many surfers and Silicon Valley creative types are in line for it at 6 a.m."

    Go get your own cup of the "best coffee in America" online or at any of these locations:

     

    • Verve Coffee Roasters, Santa Cruz, CA
    • The Abbey Coffee and Tea Lounge, Santa Cruz, CA
    • The Delmarette, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Santa Cruz News Cafe, Santa Cruz, CA
    • River Street Cafe and Cheese Shop, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Gabriella's, Santa Cruz, CA
    • New Leaf Market, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Whole Foods, Capitola, CA
    • Whole Foods, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Whole Foods, Monterey, CA
    • Whole Foods, San Ramon, CA
    • Whole Foods, San Mateo, CA
    • Whole Foods, Walnut Creek, CA
    • Bellano Coffee, San Jose, CA
    • Sweet Shop, Los Altos, CA
    • Sightglass, San Francisco, CA
    • Farm Table, San Francisco, CA
    • Bloom Coffee, Roseville, CA
    • Hawks, Granite Bay, CA
    • Modern Coffee, Oakland, CA
    • Second St. Cafe, Watsonville, CA
    • Tin Roof Bakery, Chico, CA
    • The French Press, Santa Barbara, CA
    • American Barista and Coffee School, Portland, OR
    • Cafe Grumpy, NY
    • Tazza De Oro, Pittsburgh, PA

     

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  • Movie Review: Julie & Julia

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    September
    2
    2009

    A movie that cherishes a love of food doesn't come along all that often. Therefore, it's a good time to appreciate the delightful flick, Julie & Julia -- a movie that will not only have you raving, but your stomach growling.

    While this movie is about food -- and I mean a lot of delicious food -- it is also about self discovery.

    Based on two true stories, Julie Powell, played by Amy Adams, is a lowly cubicle worker who can only looked forward to depressing call after call in her frustrating job. The thing that makes her happy is cooking and knowing that she can come home night after night, follow a recipe and create something tasty.

    Investing in her love of cuisine, Julie is inspired by her husband to write a blog about cooking, but not just any blog: a year-long cooking challenge to make every recipe in Julia Child's famous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

    This is where Julia Child's story comes in -- the Julia Child before she became famous. This Julia, played by Meryl Streep, was a bored housewife in Paris. In a desire to use her talent and excitement for learning, she signed up for a challenging French cooking class. Here, Julia discovered her talent in the kitchen, as did those around her, all while her ever-supporting and ever-adoring husband (played by Stanley Tucci) stood proudly by her side.

    Julie and Julia's stories meet in an interesting way that you'll just have to see for yourself :)

    Ultimately, this story is about finding happiness and joy in simple pleasures. It definitely made me want to slow down, eat a few less take-out meals, invite a few friends over and cook a fantastic meal.

    Mmmmm....what's for dinner?

  • Kumquat Cupcakery

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    August
    17
    2009

    When my friend Quinn got an internship/job at a cupcake bakery I was, I have to say, more than a little bit confused. But then one day at her house, on accident, I picked up a bite sized banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting and ... I understood instantly!

    When I found out that these bite-sized delectable treats, created by the wonderfully fashionable Keavy Landreth, were sold down the street from my Brooklyn apartment, they became my favorite! New York is famous for its chic pastry shops and boutiques, especially its cupcakes.

    However, funny thing is, this gal has taken it to a whole new level and made cupcakes taste like nothing they have ever tasted like before. Flavors such as Maple Bacon Pecan, Lemon Lavender, Coffee Carmel Bourbon, and P.B. Banana Honey are catchy not just to the ear, but to your tongue as well.

    She has not only created cool flavors but a new way to eat them. I mean, what is more appealing than being able to pop a cupcake into your mouth like a bonbon?


    With a BFA from the renowned Parsons School of Design, The French Culinary Institute, and the Culinary Institute of America we could even begin to call her Willy Wonka reincarnate!

     My suggestion.... stage a dress up dessert tea party with all your girlfriends this week!

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  • Turks and Caicos: Your Beach Haven Getaway

    Posted by: Holly Brown

    August
    10
    2009

    Need a little R and R? If you missed out on a summer vacation, check out Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, a Caribbean paradise that will steal your breath away. Take a dip in crystaline blue waters, explore an island of iguanas, and relish exquisite beach bars and restaurants. We'll tell you how to budget, where to go, and, of course, what to wear!

    When my girlfriends said let's plan a trip, I said yes. When they said Providenciales, I wondered who won the lotto or lost her mind. Named "best beach" by Conde Nast and World Travel Awards, "Provo" boasts stunning white sands and lavish resorts. Sarah, the ever savvy deal seeker, steered us towards a vacation package that included airfare and four nights by the beach for $520. One look at the water and a bikini in winter couldn't sound better.

    Where To Stay: The Comfort Suites, Providenciales. Understated and clean, this economical treasure is right across the road from beautiful Grace Bay. More opulent hotels include Coral Gardens, Emerald Shore Estates, and Grace Bay Suites but if you're opting for a deal, this simple find will have you next to the water without the cost.

    Where To Eat: Hang out at Jimmy's Dive Bar for great food, including conch fritters and cold, local beer. Stick around and you're sure to meet Jimmy, a native New Yorker who sought a change of pace and serves one mean sandwich. If you're looking for fine dining, dinner at Hemingway's will sate your palette and offer a memorable beachfront view. Located in the Sands at Grace Bay, a luxury resort, Heminway's has live music Tuesdays and Thursdays and delicious food.

    What To Do: Take classes at the Comfort Suites' pool and get scuba ceritified or try your hand at the Casablanco Casino for a fun night out. No visit is complete without a sailing and snorkeling trip through Sail Provo. Not only do you relax on the water but your trip includes a stop at Iguana Island where curious critters await.

    What To Wear: As always, LuLu*s has your back (and front). Stroll the island in the beautiful Lavender Fields Tunic [sold out!], a breezy top perfect for warm days or choose an edgier look with the Obsidian Tunic [sold out!], a raw burnout with attitude. Need to accessorize? Just grab the Bahama Mama Clutch [sold out!] and throw on some spunky bangles and you'll be one Caribbean cutie!

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