The Black Dress Traveler

Beauty Inspired by the East: Complimentary Facials from Sjal Skincare

Sometimes navigating a foreign country feels easier than choosing a skincare product. However, once in a while I hear about a new skincare line that makes me want to run out and give it a try. Hello Sjal!

Sjal was developed by mother and daughter skincare enthusiasts Karen and Kristin Petrovich as an alternative to complicated and confusing regimens. Derived from a Swedish word that means spirit, mind, heart and soul; Sjal melds ancient Eastern medicines with western and Japanese bio-technology.

If you would like to give Sjal a try, head over to The Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Saturday, January 23 from Noon - 4:00pm. Attendees will be pampered with complimentary facials using Sjal's Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating Mask (designed to polish and brighten the skin) and Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask (improves tone, elasticity and minimizes pores).

Following the luxurious Sjal facials, popular makeup line BECCA will offer attendees complimentary makeup touchups.

Following this afternoon of pampering, sashay over to the Plaza's Champagne Bar to show off your glowing complexion!

Haute Hands: Ellen Sirot Hand Perfection

Are dry airplane cabins and lugging suitcases taking a toll on your hands? Well, the "supermodel of hands" has a solution for your dry paws and ragged cuticles. 

Ellen Sirot's hands have appeared in countless advertising campaigns and filled in for the hands of major celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Rachael Ray. Clearly, Sirot has to protect her money-making-hands and she developed Hand Perfection to combat the signs of aging and to nourish, tone, and tighten the skin.

The cold winter in NYC seemed like the perfect time to give Hand Perfection a whirl, so I happily accepted the invitation to try the purse size Complete Day Cream ($30) and the Nail & Cuticle Treatment ($22). At 1.7 fl. oz, the purse size Complete Day Cream is a travel friendly lotion chock full of moisturizers, amino acids and antioxidant vitamins A&E. I've been using this lightweight cream for about 3 weeks now and have noticed that my hands remain soft and have a nice healthy glow. Also, I like fact that the cream has no discernible fragrance. The Nail & Cuticle Treatment has done a nice job of preventing the jagged cuticles that often plague me in the winter.

Other products in the Hand Perfection line include Moisturizing Cleanser, Night Solution, and stylish SPF Glovettes that protect hands from the sun. Hand Perfection is a splurge but don't your hardworking hands deserve some supermodel pampering?

For more information, visit www.ellensirot.com.

Glam on the Go: POP Beauty from the UK

For the true glamour girl, a well-stocked makeup bag is almost as essential as a passport when traveling. Fly without lipstick? I shudder at the thought. Since overpacking is a no-no, multi-tasking beauty products that take up minimal space yet deliver great results are a must. 

When I was invited to review POP Beauty, I was immediately impressed by their selection of travel friendly kits that are compact in size but chock-full of color. Founded by British beauty Sara Strand, POP's motto is "shakeup your makeup".

If you want the ability to create versatile looks at home and away, I highly recommend POP's Goddess Clutch. This deluxe kit features coordinated colors for the eyes, cheeks and lips - a total of 11 colors for only $32. The petite Goddess Clutch fits perfectly in your purse or you can even pop out the makeup and use the sophisticated case as a clutch. I added a dab of the golden gloss over my lipstick and a sweep of shadow for a subtle daytime glow. For evening, I look forward to layering the eyeshadows and adding a bit of cheek color for a more va-va-voom look.

If you really want to play up your peepers, try the Pin Up POP - twelve eye shadows snuggled together in a lightweight mirrored case for only $9.99. The shadows are grouped in 3 combos that make it easy for you to create a smoky eye and sexy 1940's style pin-up girl looks.

If you could use some pointers on application techniques, the POP Beauty site has a how-to on taking your face from day-to-play. If you want more personalized help, you can even e-mail Sara and take advantage of her generous offer to save your day with her expert tips. What a gal!

For more information about the full range of POP Beauty products for face, nails, cheeks, lips and eyes, visit www.popbeauty.co.uk.

Beauty on the Go: WEN by Chaz Dean Healthy Hair Care System

In this age of airline fees for checked bags and that annoying Ziplock bag requirement for carry-on lotions and potions; beauty products really have to earn their passage. There is absolutely no room for products that take up precious space and deliver lackluster results.

Today The Black Dress Traveler is shining my spotlight on the WEN by Chaz Dean Healthy Hair Care System. Does this cleansing conditioner really deliver gorgeous hair AND eliminate the need to travel with both shampoo and conditioner? I enlisted the help of my friend Deanna from New Jersey in reviewing this popular hair care line that you may have seen on QVC and in infomercials. Deanna has lovely hair and I knew that WEN would have to be something really special for her to give it a thumbs up.

What is WEN?

WEN is the first hair product line to exclude traditional shampoo. The brainchild of Hollywood hair stylist Chaz Dean, WEN is described as "a revolutionary new concept in cleansing your hair that has Hollywood buzzing! It’s special because it cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos — it is designed so it won’t strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention." WEN is suitable for all hair types from coarse to fine. In case you're wondering about the name, WEN is NEW spelled backwards and reflects the fact that it is a completely reverse approach to washing the hair.

Does WEN deliver?

WEN was recently awarded the Shecky's Beauty at Its Best Award as "Best Shampoo and Conditioner" and actress Jenny Garth is a fan and celebrity spokeswoman, but what did my friend Deanna think?

"From the first day I started using the product my hair felt wonderful. I saw my hair more shiny and healthier from day one. You have full body and management of your hair without the necessity of drying products. I would recommend in a heartbeat. I loved WEN. I really think it is one of the few products that I have tried that lives up to its name."

Wow, sounds like Deanna really liked WEN. In fact, she told me that she has gone on to purchase the product and recommended it to several people. Next time, I'll keep it for myself! With a review like that, WEN has earned a spot in my luggage!

Do you want to give WEN a try? A 30-day supply of WEN Sweet Almond Mint scent that includes the cleansing conditioner, styling creme, hair repair mask, texture balm, and a shower comb can be ordered online at www.wenhaircare.com for $29.95.  Although the WEN cleansing conditioner is not sold in a travel size, you can pump some into an airline approved 3 oz. container to take with you on the plane.

Real Atlanta Housewife Lisa Will Attend Opening of New Carol's Daughter Store

The Black Dress Traveler is a huge fan of Carol's Daughter natural and heavenly scented beauty products and I was so honored when down-to-earth-diva and company founder Lisa Price completed her Little Black Travel Diary for my site. So I was thrilled when I heard that Carol's Daughter's newest store is opening this Saturday, August 22 at Lenox Square Mall in Hotlanta (3393 Peachtree Road NE). 

Lisa Wu Hartwell, the gorgeous star of one of my guilty pleasures, reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, will add a dash of Georgia Peach Glam to the opening on Saturday. (Hmm, Lisa's skin does always have that gorgeous glow, I wonder if she uses my favorite Carol's Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub?)  On Saturday from Noon-7:00 pm the public is invited to indulge in some FREE pampering in the Carol's Daughter Mobile Beauty Lounge. The complimentary treatments offered on Saturday will include mini hair, nail and massage treatments. Each guest will also be gifted with a 10% coupon that they can use towards the purchase of products used in their mini-treatment. On Sunday, August 23 at noon R&B singer Keri Hilson will be making an appearance and getting her pretty on and the public is invited to shop.

What an event! Who can resist the lure of Carol's Daughter products combined with the slight possibility that one of Lisa Wu Hartwell's zany castmates might show up to cause some drama! Well, at least they can get a Carol's Daughter manicure after breaking those nails in a catfight! Meow! 

Free AMOREPACIFIC Facials at Sephora in Soho

Baby, it's hot outside and all of this heat and humidity can take a toll on your complexion. AMOREPACIFIC invites you to cool down and freshen up with a complimentary mini-facial at the Sephora location in Soho (555 Broadway bet. Prince and Spring Streets) on Thursday, August 20 from 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Call 212-625-1309 for more information. 

An AMOREPACIFIC celebrity aesthetician will offer Sephora shoppers access to a renowned facialist’s expertise that previously has only been available on the AMOREPACIFIC Beauty Gallery & Spa’s exclusive spa menu. The facials infuse skin with the powerful, nutrient-rich Asian botanicals formulated in every AMOREPACIFIC product, creating the perfect synergy between science and nature. AMOREPACIFIC skin care experts will also be on hand to offer skin care consultations. For over 60 years, AMOREPACIFIC has drawn on traditional Asian beauty secrets and healthy indigenous botanicals to promote beauty and wellness.  Visit www.amorepacific.com to learn more.

 

 

Win Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skincare!

In honor of the return of Project Runway to television (premieres Thursday, 8/20 on Lifetime), The Black Dress Traveler is giving away a starter kit of Heidi Klum's In An Instant Skincare. (retail value $39.95)

Supermodel and super mogul Heidi's product line is designed to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores in just seconds. Heidi states, "In An Instant® is the perfect name for my skin care system because it instantly cleans, instantly polishes, instantly hydrates, instantly rejuvenates, and instantly gives your skin a natural-looking glow. The In An Instant® system is one of the best things I do for myself everyday."

This 30-day kit of six travel friendly products includes:

• - Instant Warming Scrub
   - Gentle Foaming Cleanser
   - Intensive Firming Serum
   - Instant Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
   - Intensive Eye Treatment
   - Instant Wrinkle Smoother
  

(Supermodel contract and a sexy R&B singer husband not included).

Travel Essential: Hollywood Nights Evening Bag Kit

I have a weak spot for travel pouches chock full of cute and useful goodies and this sweet Hollywood Nights Evening Bag Essentials kit caught my eye. Priced reasonably at  $16.50 at Beauty.com, it includes:

• 1 pack 36 strips Hollywood Fashion Tape
• 1 pack of Hollywood Oil Blotting Film to keep your face shine free
• 1 pack of Hollywood Touch Ups- lint removing sheets
• 1 tin of Hollywood Make Out Mints
• 1 travel tin for carrying along fashion tape, credit cards and cash
• Hollywood Light Up Mirror

In case you're wondering, Hollywood Fashion Tape is a clear, double-stick tape that you can use to secure your sexy clothing. Not only is it discreet, but it is also very gentle on fabric. Use the tape to hold your clothing in place, hide bra straps, eliminate blouse gaps, anchor shoe straps, close wrap styles, fix hems fast, secure revealing necklines, and hold up strapless tops.  

Spa Week is a Great Resource Everyday!

Spa Week is always eagerly anticipated by ladies who want luxurious spa treatments but don't want to go broke for beauty. During Spa Week's special promotions around the country, major spas offer deep discounts on their signature services. But did you know that the Spa Week website is a year-round resource for comprehensive news on everything spa related? From bridal tips to spa etiquette, Spa Week has got you covered. You can even buy gift cards for your stressed out friends!

The travel section of the Spa Week site highlights vacation deals and packages in exclusive spas and resorts around the world.  Their current destination of the month is Starwood Hotels and Resorts which has swanky locations in Florida, Aruba, St. John, Puerto Rico and other coveted destinations. If you book your Starwood vacation through Spa Week, you can get a $100 spa credit for each night's stay. Click here for more details.

So You Think You Know Proactiv? : A Great Skincare Solution at Home & On the Road

Enter to win a Proactiv Solution Mini Maintenance Kit. (retail value $15)

Is there anyone who hasn't been mesmerized by those Proactiv Solution commercials? More than any other skincare line, I credit Proactiv Solution for emphasizing the point that acne does not discriminate and that even rich and beautiful celebrities like Serena Williams, Vanessa Williams, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Love Hewitt aren't immune to the frustration and shame that unsightly pimples can cause. These ladies are all proud Proactiv users. If they are bold enough to share their skincare woes, I feel that I can too.

I have had sensitive and acne-prone skin since my pre-teens. I was picked on and teased about my condition - sometimes to the point of tears. From over-the-counter treatments to prescription medications, over the years I have spent a small fortune on my face.  A break-out is a downer anytime but I really remember feeling so angry and embarrassed when my face would betray me on a special occasion or a vacation. As an adult, my skin has vastly improved but I have to remain vigilant.

When I was invited to try Proactiv, I was suprised to learn that their famous 3 step combination therapy system has expanded to include a wonderful array of products, including anti-aging and makeup. The hot and humid weather can even wreak havoc on skin that is generally trouble free so this seemed like the perfect time to give Proactiv a whirl. Here are some of the Proactiv products you may want to try and that have really worked for me. If you are also a ProActiv user, I would love to hear from you!

In case you are not familiar with Proactiv Solution, let me start off by sharing their basic 3-step maintenance system - Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion. If you've never used Proactiv, I suggest starting with this regimen. I began with this and the results were pretty dramatic. In just a few days, my skin was less oily and noticeably clearer. You can order a mini-maintenance kit for $15 at QVC.  This kit is perfect for travel.

After using the standard regimen for about 10 days, I decided to swap out the Renewing Cleanser with the Deep Cleansing Wash. I am crazy about this cleanser and pray they never stop making it. At first, I was a little nervous about using a product that was designed to be used on the face and body. However, the Deep Cleansing Wash is remarkably gentle. Like the Renewing Cleanser, it also has microbeads that give the skin a gentle exfoliation and the salicylic acid has a nice brightening effect on the face. You can get two 8 oz. bottles at QVC for $33.50.

Moisturizing is an absolute MUST when you are using Proactiv because overly dry skin will start to go crazy producing oil and that will lead to the very break-outs you are trying to avoid. Oil free moisture is the solution. For daytime, Proactiv's Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 is the BEST oil-free moisturizer I have ever used. ($27)  Lightweight and moisturizing, this gem also has also oil absorbing Nylon 12.  My face is visibly less oily and I have to powder my face less frequently.  For night time, try the Green Tea Moisturizer ($24.50) and for extra oil control during the day, you could also put on a sheer layer of the Daily Oil Control ($20).

During the day, I use the Repairing Lotion that is a part of the three step maintenance system but at night time I have quickly become devoted to the Clarifying Night Cream. ($28.75). Addressing adult acne and aging simultaneously can be a real drag but this cream combines retinol, vitamins, and salicylic acid to effectively and gently fight pimples and wrinkles. No zits + a great smooth glow = LOVE IT!

That's all for today. The second part of my review  next week will feature the Proactiv makeup, eye cream and some other treatments. To learn more about Proactiv, visit www.proactiv.com.

Beauty Giveaway: Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup

Let the real you shine through with Sheer Cover! Enter for your chance to win the Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup 30-day intro kit (retail value $29.95). Perfect for travel, Sheer Cover is made from 100% pure minerals, offers natural sun protection and is lightweight and long lasting. I received my Sheer Cover intro kit last week and I have been having so much fun with it. The coverage is very buildable yet natural and gives the skin a great glow. I love all of the extras in the kit: especially the Sheer Color compact (lip colors & highlighters) and the Pocket Duo Kit. The sleek and snazzy makeup case is also very-travel friendly. The always gorgeous Leeza Gibbons is the celebrity spokesperson for Sheer Cover. Like Leeza says, "Know where you're going and look good when you get there."  Sheer Cover offers shades from fair to dark and the winner will get to select the ideal shade for their skin tone. The Sheer Kit Intro Kit contains all of the items in the picture - a true beauty bonanza! Visit www.sheercover.com to learn more about Sheer Cover.

Little Black Travel Diary: Lisa Price (Founder, Carol's Daughter)

Lisa Price

www.carolsdaughter.com

 

Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub, Mango Melange Body Butter, Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie; Carol's Daughter sweet hair and skincare concoctions are fragrant proof that food is not the only tasty creation to come out of a kitchen. Lisa Price, the founder and president of Carol's Daughter started the company in 1992 with $100 in her Brooklyn kitchen. Named lovingly after her mother, today Carol's Daughter has outgrown Lisa's kitchen and is a multi-million dollar company with stores throughout the United States, including the flagship store on Harlem's legendary 125th Street.

Fragrant, luxurious, effective, and affordable, Carol's Daughter has a loyal customer base and a devoted celebrity clientele. Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith and singer Mary J. Blige are such big fans of Carol's Daughter that they even became investors in the company. Recently, Mary took a little break from singing to whip up a sea salt scrub with Lisa on the Rachel Ray show. Jada said, "I attribute my long, beautiful hair to Lisa's Hair Elixir and Hair Balm." With such rave reviews, success is very sweet indeed for Lisa Price and Carol's Daughter.

Let's peek inside The Little Black Travel Diary of Lisa Price!

I never travel without Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, my must have hair product.

My favorite destination is Miami, Florida– even if just for a moment. As soon as I get a sense of the sun, I’m immediately relaxed.

The taste of lychee reminds me of Costa Rica.

My favorite traveling companion is my husband, Gordon. He is adventurous and I am not, so I always see new things and do new things. I love to travel with my best friend.

Traveling alone is great at times. I travel for business and while I do miss my family, I like to be in the hotel room alone with the remote. No dishes or laundry to do.

I dream of visiting Bali.

A film, book, or song that awakens my wanderlust is “Like Water For Chocolate.”

My favorite traveling outfit is a comfortable, but stylish pair of knit pants and a soft knit wrap.

My most unforgettable traveling experience was in Costa Rica and Beach #3 in Manuel Antonio State Park.  Breathtaking!!!

When I have been away from home for a long time, the thing I miss the most is the sounds of my children.

If I could travel back in time, I would go to Ancient Egypt.

My travel icon is Joy Mangano of HSN (Home Shopping Network.)

My must have beauty product when traveling is Carol's Daughter Hair Milk.

My words of travel wisdom are be true to who you are wherever you are and make the most of your time.

Click here to read the Little Black Travel Diaries of other dynamic women.

Giveaway: Luxe FACE Travel Kit from Om Aroma & Co.

 

Pamper your face with Champagne, Caviar, & Truffles -3 Step Organic Skincare System^TM, Enter for your chance to win the Luxe FACE Travel Kit from Om Aroma & Co. ($30 retail value).  The Luxe Face Kit won the 2008 Beauty Olympics  - Best 3 Step System. The Luxe FACE Travel Kit meets airplane carry on guidelines and includes the following.

• Elixir de Beaute
• Creme Luxe 1, or Creme Luxe 2, or Creme Luxe 3
• Extrait de Caviar

Supply should last approximately 5 to 10 days.

"Sexy Green Has Arrived™" with Om Aroma & Co. -  luxury organics that are gentle on the skin and the planet.  They take ultra-sensual ingredients—Caviar, Champagne, Truffles, and Chardonnay—and fuse them with organic ingredients to create products that are deliciously sexy and naturally great for the skin. 

Spicy Georgia Peach: Savannah Inspires the First Black Dress Traveler Custom Scent from Bath Junkie

If you've seen me wandering around the Big Apple with a dazed look, don't worry, I'm just daydreaming about Savannah. My recent three-day getaway to the "Hostess City" has been on my mind since I returned to New York a few weeks ago. Thanks to my friends at Bath Junkie, I've been able to recapture the essence of my low country adventure through the magic of scent.

 

Me at the new Bath Junkie store in Soho with mom and daughter founders, Judy Zimmer and Jocelyn Murray.

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours last Friday with the Bath Junkie founders, dynamic mother-daughter duo Judy Zimmer and Jocelyn Murray, at their new New York City store in Soho. The NYC store has only been open a short while but New York Magazine just named them as "Best Beauty Store." When the conversation turned to Savannah, Jocelyn suggested creating a scent inspired by my trip. Of course, when I think of Georgia the first thing that comes to mind is peaches. And then I think of peach cobbler. Voila, and my first custom scent, Spicy Georgia Peach was born. A blend of peaches, buttercream, and cinnamon; Spicy Georgia Peach is a sexy balance of sweet and spicy.

Look for more custom Bath Junkie scents inspired by my favorite places! Trish Rubin, Brand Manager for Bath Junkie says, "Savvy women unite. Follow the lead of Wanda Mann as she travels in style and with smart sophistication! We can't resist! Choosing the right fragrance that creates the memory of Wanda's every junket is Bath Junkie's pleasure.  Bath Junkie's unique blend for Wanda, "Spicy Georgia Peach", captures the elegance of her Savannah journey. Wanda's travel memories live in luxury baths and lotions long after she returns home to NYC. We can't wait to theme Wanda's next journey with scents that embody a world of fragrance and her vibrant personality!"

              

     Yummy! Bath Junkie mixes up my body butter and scrub with Spicy Georgia Peach. I opted to add a dash of color to the scrub.

Bath Junkie launched in 1996, franchised in 2000 and now has 70 locations with more scheduled to open soon. The beauty of Bath Junkie is that their products can be customized. With more than 200 fragrances to choose from the possibilities are endless. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, scrub, air fragrance, home cleanser, and even dishwashing liquid can be infused with the aroma combination of your choice. You can even choose your favorite tint. Safe for even the most sensitive skin, Bath Junkie products are never tested on animals and most are paraben and SLS free. 

Think of Bath Junkie as a drop-in spa where you can pick up a tiny indulgence to pamper yourself at home.  Guests at my launch party on March 13 will receive a gift of Bath Junkie bubbling bath crystals scented with Spicy Georgia Peach. So if you haven't RSVP'd yet what are you waiting for!

The Ziplock Files: Travel Friendly Beauty Products

Dear Transportation Security Administration (TSA):

I know you have our safety in mind but must we travel like plain janes? I used to pride myself on packing like a pro and fitting all of my essential beauty supplies and clothes for the week in one stylish carry on bag. That was until you decided that each liquid carried by passengers onto an airplane could not exceed 3 ounces. And just to keep it interesting darling TSA, you insisted that those skimpy 3 ounce containers had to fit into one lonely, clear, plastic, totally unchic Ziplock bag.

Ooh, you are mean TSA. I have seen grown Gucci clad women reduced to tears by your cavalier tossing away of those dangerous lip glosses, mascaras and perfumes that did not meet the requirements. Try as you might you won't make me shed a tear while I am standing there humbled and shoeless in the security line. For most trips I have started checking in my bags just to make sure I can bring all of my favorite lotions and potions with me.  (Of course, this means I am counting on my luggage not getting lost.) But with so many airlines charging to check even one bag, I can no longer justify this extra expense.

So I called on my other traveling beauty addicts to get some tips and product suggestions that meet your pesky specifications. TSA, we're playing by your rules. We'll travel light but we won't travel ugly. Feel free to share these pearls of wisdom. Smooches!

Stick with What You Know

Perhaps a vacation is not the best time to experiment with a brand new skin care regimen. For those items that you normally buy from a department store, always ask for sample sizes of your favorite items so that you have them on hand when you are ready for travel. Sephora is always generous with samples. And, perhaps your favorite skin care line already makes a travel set. The popular ProActiv Solution sells a 30 day trial system in the perfect size. Caren sells try-me sizes of their natural and chemical free beauty products.

Replace your liquid foundation with a stick, mineral powder or creme compact. You will get the same great coverage without taking up precious space in your Ziplock bag. MAC and Prescriptives both offer their full color spectrum in non-liquid formulas. If you must use a liquid, I recommend THEVI. This mineral liquid powder with SPF 15 gives natural but long-lasting full coverage that lets you skip the concealer.

Replace your liquid cleanser with a cleansing cloth. Olay and Dove offer some great options.

Try Something New

Cindy Crawford and Heidi Klum aren't just gorgeous but these two beauties have probably racked up at least a million frequent flier miles each. Since they make a living from their picture perfect faces, any skincare line that bears their name deserves a look.

Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty not only helps to diminish the visible signs of aging but the introductory kit features travel friendly sizes of the entire line. In addition to the Skin Softening Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer and Night Fluid, the kit includes a unique decollete and neck creme.

Heidi Klum's In an Instant introductory kit features your must have cleanser and tinted moisturizer in TSA friendly sizes along with an Instant Wrinkle Smoother Pen that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles quicker than you can say auf wiedersehen.     

Actifirm also sells a 30-day discovery kit that includes skincare essentials and a skin peel.

Do More with Less

Going on a romantic getaway? Massage Oil Candles by Lano not only warm your room with a fragrant glow but can also be used as a luxurious body oil.

  Skip the perfume and pack a fragrant body lotion, oil or body wash from Bath Junkie. Customize your choice with a choice of 200 fragrances from classic vanilla, flirty bubble gum, or even earthy dirt! You can even select a water based tint.

Pack a multi-tasker like Carey & Co.'s Ultra Moisturizing Scrub. It does not contain any liquid but this triple threat cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes. 

Setoso's (Italian for silky) luxurious EyeBalm and SerumBalm pack powerful skin nutrients and moisturizers like olive and grapeseed in a handy solid stick form.  

Faux Dry from the New York Blow Dry Bar uses micronized corn starch to absorb excess oil without leaving a powdery residue.  No liquid, no fuss.

Available in major drug stores, Bio-Oil comes in a 2 ounce bottle and can be used to moisturize your entire body while helping to even skin tone.

Soapourri Butter Bar provides lush moisture in a solid form with 25% shea butter. 

Healing Anthropology's Face and Body Mist combines essential oils and aloe vera juice in a petite but potent 2 ounces.

Stay tuned! Each month the Black Dress Traveler will feature a new selection of travel-friendly beauty products. E-mail me at wanda@blackdresstraveler.com with your suggestions.

Have Dress. Will Travel!

Save the Date!
Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo
with Guest Speaker Pauline Frommer. 
February 18, 2010 in NYC. Click here for more details.

No matter where I travel, I always have at least one little black dress in my suitcase.  I don't   pack a dress just in case. I bring a black dress as a PROMISE to myself that my trip will include at least one outing that is elegant and special. There are very few places in the world where a little black dress and simple jewels don't fit the bill for proper attire.  And, being a "dressaholic", I tend to have a few more dresses, of all colors, in my valise.

The little black dress is not just a garment but a reminder to live life with a dash of flair whether you are traveling to work or circling the globe. Try to have a little black dress approach to life no matter where you are or what you are wearing.

I  love exploring my hometown of New York City just as much as venturing to far-flung destinations and I truly believe that travel is a state of mind.  There are places right in our own backyards that can elicit powerful feelings of wonder and inspiration. Films, food, books, fashion and music can all transport us to new places.  

Remember, adventure is always in fashion!

Wanda

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Brazil It Up: Sexy & Stylish Fashions by Ana Maria

Don't waste your time debating this simple fact: everyone loves a Brazilian girl. For us non Brazilian divas, this universal truth can cause fits of jealousy that no amount of potent capirinhas can cure. But thank goodness that Brazilian bombshell and designer Ana Maria Macedo shared a bit of that South American je ne sais quoi at her first fashion show in the United States. This red-hot catwalk was staged at Tavern on the Green in September 2008.

As a little girl Ana use to spend much of her time in Brazil designing clothes for her dolls. These childhood playmates were such an important inspiration to Ana as a designer that many of her current fashion designs are named after them. Ana's professional career in fashion began as a top fitting and showroom model for renowned Brazilian fashion designers. Ana's sexy and  "wrinkle-free" designs came to life while she was traveling the globe working as an Elite model. Sexy and stylish celebrities like Vanessa Williams choose Ana's designs for instant glamour without the fuss.

The NY fashion show featured Ana's signature dress style, Mara, worn in many different ways. Ana said, "Comfort and versatility is my main focus when designing my collections.  My designs come to life when worn by a woman who is not afraid to let her clothes speak for herself.  I want my clients to exude confidence and feel as if they are taking flight while wearing my designs."

Dahlings, the right dress has the power to change your attitude, so get dolled up in one of Ana Maria's vibrant and sexy dresses to awaken your inner femme fatale.  Obrigada, Ana Maria!

For more information and to shop, visit www.anamariastore.com.

Signature Look or Stagnant Style?

Have you ever imagined Goldie Hawn without her tousled beachy blond tresses?

  Anna Wintour sans her surgically precise schoolgirl-all-grown-up bob? 

Susan Taylor minus her flowing  yet sculpted braided tendrils?

Ruth Reichl without her mass of modern Medusa curls?

From Tina Turner to Donatella Versace and even Queen Elizabeth, why are so many powerful women still sporting essentially the same hairstyle they wore for most of the last century? Is there a thin line between a signature coif and a stagnant time capsule?  Are these hairstyles marketing tools to ensure that the wearer is always recognized? Are they security blankets for women who have to deal with constant change and flux in their professions ? Or maybe a woman who maintains a signature hairdo is actually more confident? She's found her look, loves it, and could care less what the trends are. She's too busy taking care of business to bother changing her hairstyle!

As you can see, I've come up with more questions than answers. Just looking at my own hair history, I've probably had 4 different hairstyles in the past five years. Yet, over the past two years, I've become very attached to my Cleopatra inspired bangs. Is it my best look? Some friends love it and some don't. But at this time in my life, it is the style that makes me FEEL the best. What about you? Are you a hair chameleon or a coif curator? 

Goldie, Anna, Susan, Ruth, Tina and Donatella are all leaders in their respective fields. (Ok, Goldie hasn't done a movie in awhile but she is still a star.) And, the Queen is the Queen, enough said. They are smart, fearless, talented and bold trailblazers.  With all of their impressive accomplishments, why the hell am I blogging about their hair?