Smells like Italia!

I can't explain what is happening to me lately, but ever since the breeze of warm weather has slowly crept in, shuffling out Spring and Summer time reminding us that it'll be another fierce season, I keep thinking of my honeymoon in Italy. Which brings me to my scent obsessions for all things citrus.

Recently I received a flyer for a new scent by Dior called Escale a Portofino. The moment I smelled the fragrance I was transported to Capri, Italy. Everytime I say or think Capri, I smell lemons in the air. That is why Dior's Portofino has made my top 3 fave scents for this summer's MUST HAVE!

Why citrust scents in the summer? Italians know that nothing relives you of the heavy hotness like the light and sweet or tartiness of a citrus fruit (Grapefruits/Oranges/Lemons). So spritz on summer scents, and if you still need to cool off, have a Limoncello!

CIAO!

Claude's Summer Scent Picks:

Dior Escale a Portofino $85 available at Nordstrom

Acqua di Parma $98-127 available at BlueMercury.com

Jo Malone's Verbenas of Provedence $55 available at JoMalone.com

Under the Influence

Taking a page from Gwenyth Paltrow's GOOP blog from April 9th, I decided to have a looksy this morning in my closet and do a little "Closet Shopping". Although I do not possess high end items as this leading lady does - to quote Sarah Jessica Parker "Fashion is not a Luxury"! Amen Sister! It's a good idea to do this seasonal (if possible), that way, no unworn goodies get left behind, like my Betsy Johnson belt I got on sale at Lord & Taylor. Also, the continous unworn items you can get rid of.

My finds for this morning:

Geoffrey Beene empire dress $29.99
Aerie black leggings $11.99
Jessica Simpson ballerina flats $39.99
Betsey Johson belt from the "Betseyville" collection $23.99 (not pictured)

I was as surprised as anyone to find the dress and that BELT! Oh I love this belt! I'll have to photograph it and post it.

Take this weekend and go through your closet space and do some of your own closet shopping. Please come back and share your wonder-finds! Oh, and if you haven't already, sign up for GOOP updates...fashion isn't the only thing on this beautiful mind.

The Beauty Bailout

I could never resist a play on words.

Times are tight, and probably bound to get worse before it gets better, but no need to cut-out your beauty regime. You still need your basics like shampoo, body moisturizer, hair tools and makeup. Check out the list below, it's my stimulus package for your basics and much more!

BeautySteals.com - High end sking care on SALE!
RayBeauty.com -Pro Hair tools at great prices
Alconeco.com - Beauty essentials
Luckyscent.com - for $3 mini bottles of posh perfumes
BeautyCrunch.com - Save up to 75% off make-up

These sites recommended and approved by LuckyMag and Glamour.com

Fashion meets Technology

I have a feeling this will be a hit with the ladies (or daring gentlemens) this Spring.

As featured in Elle Décor, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Lucky - It's the first Mini PC laptop shaped like a clutch purse. The laptop is designed by Hewlett-Packard, the purse Asian designed by Viviene Tam. Wonders what two great minds can accomplish when they work together.

Some features include:
- Ultra Sleek 10.1" display only 2.45 lbs and a mere 1" thin
- 1-year Warranty with HP Accidental Damage Protection
- Keep in touch with email, web, IM and hottest fashion trends,
and Beauty Swirl Blogs!

Retail Value $699
HP Official Site

The Year of the EYE

Happy 2009 to you! Here to spill on what's my resolution for this year, it's all about the EYES! I attached a link for you to check out of an exceptional eyemakeup pro named Lauren. She's your average girl with a great talent for colorful eyeshadows and she has inspired me to step out of the neutrals and get into bold and bright colors. A self-professed eyemake-up guru, and with reason, watch a few of her tutorials she has on YouTube and it won't be long before you'll find yourself enchanted and inspired to try some of her ideas.

A Lesser Evil Holiday

How'd you like to eat to your heart's content without the guilt? Welcome to Lesser Evil world. Nothing beats these snack-ilicious treats, read this:

* Just 2 grams of fat per serving
* 120 calories per serving
* no trans-fatty acids
* nothing artificial
* no corn syrup
* gluten free

SHYEAH, and they're SO VERY YUMMY!

Available at Target and Whole Foods. You can also have it delivered to family, friend, doctor, accountant or hairstylist. You won't go wrong, and the recipient will be thankful that you're helping her or him watching their waistline.

LesserEvil.com

Joyful, All Ye Pastries Rise

Article from Daily Candy Some say a holiday without Christmas fruit cake or Hanukkah jelly donuts is a holiday not worth having.

But only because they’ve yet to sample treats from Bake Sale, a new project from adorably coy Nick Hosea (of cult catering biz Bite).

These are sophisticated desserts gaily decked in holiday trim (nuts, berries, bark). Think caramel apple dumplings with chipotle cheddar crust; blond parsnip cake with cream cheese frosting and crystallized basil; mallomars with cocoa macarons, ancho caramel ganache, and dark chocolate glaze.

Toasted couscous fleur de sel chocolate bars and jalapeno butter caramels will cause squeals of delight. As will brunch options like huckleberry and crème fraiche cake with pecan crumble or toasted almond muffins with cider-poached quince.

Hosea’s taking orders by phone and online, 48 hours in advance of delivery.
Hark, the herald angels sing.

Bake Sale (646-649-4334 or bakesalexoxo.com

Make it a Happy Green New Year!

Hello! It's me, Beauty Swirl Girl! Don't worry I did not forget you, how could I, specially during these festive holidays.

This holiday as you check off your gift lists for your loved ones, think GREEN. At the Reusable Bags site they carry plenty eco-friendly reusable items ranging from the popular string bag for those weekend visits to the fresh farmer's market, lunch bags for both kids and adults, and safe water bottles made from materials like Aluminum and Stainless Steel.

Visit the site I think you'll be surprise of the array of items they carry.

When Tim Gunn speaks...Listen!

I do not make it a secret how much I love this man and his talent with fashion. Here is Tim Gunn's list of basic MUST HAVES in every women's closets:

1. Basic Black Dress
2. Trench Coat
3. Classic Dress Pant
4. White Shirt
5. Jeans
6. Cashmere Sweater
7. Skirt
8. Day Dress
9. Blazer
10. Sweatsuit Alternative

In case you wonder what 10 means, Tim says for instance to run out to the groceries or grab coffe and newspapers, something quick and comfy but NOT the sweatsuit! PUHLEEZ

Okay now that you're armed with the essentials, go to the Wardrobe Room and create your new wardrobe at Tim Gunn's Guide to Style site.

I'm confident you beauties will ace it!

Show Your Political Animal Style

With less than a month left to Election Day start showing support to the candidate of your choice with these stylish t-shirts. They must have been thinking of me when they designed these tees, I love t-shirts that look meant to be wear for a woman not a man. Boutique to You has your back! A fave among celebs, and now yours too.

ROCK THE VOTE NOVEMBER 4th!

LuvCharlie

This is THE online boutique for women, they carry the latest and hottest trends from many designers. I bet you'll even discover some new names and fall for their designs like I did, my faves include Bailey 44 and Chulo Pony. Also take a peek at the pretty stylish jewelry by Kris Nation.

Order now through Monday, Oct. 6th, and you'll received a 20% discount by typing the word FALL in the coupon code box.

Go for it!

LuvCharlie

Ring to Watch

Here's a clever little way to to tell time without carrying a wristwatch. Look closer at this vintage marcasite ring, it's has a clock inside. A little clever idea by Jewelry Television.com, an online jewelry boutique. Check out their entire stock of jemstone rings, watches, necklaces, and take advantage of their Autumn sale. They also have nice jewelry boxes to keep your pretty bling organized.

Marcasite Ring Watch $14.99 at JTv.com

If you spot another trendy way to tell time, please share!

Yankee Candle's New Scents

Yankee Candles new candle scents will elevate your senses into a utopian state. At least that's how I felt after enjoying the aroma from Cafe Au Lait. The smell is very warming to any home - sweet coffee bean fragrance with a dash of cinnamon. Aaahhh...

I've always loved how Yankee Candles smell and how they fragrant my house. Stop by a Yankee Candle store and smell their newest scents: Autumn Gold, Cafe Au Lait, Blueberry Scone, Candied Apple (another fave of mine), Chocolate Cupcake, Orchard Pear, and Green Bamboo. And don't forget to pick up Fall favorites like: Fall Festival, Red Apple Wreath and Pumpkin Pie.

Register online to receive coupons and Buy One Get One Free offers!

Yankee Candle's Cafe Au Lait candle jar 22 oz. $24.99

I Have The Body of A God

I'm in love with the shirts from SNORGTEES, an online t-shirt shoppe. A group of youngsters started up this business in May 2004 with a simple idea of combining their sense of humor along with pop culture and print it on t-shirts (and hoodies) for sale. You have to check out their entire stock. A few seconds of browsing through their shirts, I promise you'll find yourself giggling. There's a t-shirt for everyone!

Buddha t-shirt by SnorgTees $16.95

Funny Girl/Makeup Girl

So Ellen DeGeneres confirmed recent reports that she will be Cover Girl's new IT girl for their January 2009 campaign. I never thought of her as a beauty queen type, however she's very photogenic and has soft features. Plus, I do love her AMEX photo ads, specially where she's dressed in a vaudeville suit with a look-a-like ventriloquist. Classic Ellen!

Hush Little Baby

Sometimes it feels like everyone is pregnant these days...at least in my little world everyone is.

So, naturally, Im getting advise from new mommies and moms-to-be. Here's one I had to share. Baby's Calming Oil by Jurlique. One mommy swore that it helped to calm her baby after a crying fit, and she did not want to resort to a prescribed drug, no matter how mild it was. So she did her research and fell in love with this baby massaging oil.

Jurlique is known for their use of organic ingredients, "We believe nature trumps chemistry every time..." This baby's calming oil is infused with Chamollie and Lavender oils, a wonderful combination that can bring any baby, of any age (self included) to a happy, relaxed state. I'm almost tempted to bring this for my next body massage appointment.

Jurlique Baby's Calming Massage Oil $25.00

Saturday with Coco Channel

It's Fashion Week here in NYC and the city is all-a-buzz. So how appropriate is it to watch a TV movie about one of fashion's matriarch Coco Channel, creator and trendsetter of many styles including that famous suit and her signature scent Channel No. 5 (Marilyn Monroe's fave). Conquering with style, yeah that she did and to this day the House of Channel carries on her work very fashionably.

Coco Chanel
Premieres Sept. 13 at 8 pm et/pt on Lifetime TV

Mascara to Love!

While chatting it up with my good friend Ana G., I couldn't take my eyes off her pretty lashes. So long, dramatic, and each lash stood on their own confidently. I HAD to ask her what she was using. She said mascara by L'Oreal and emailed me the 2 models by L'Oreal - Volumnious and Double Extend. So far these 2 are the best mascaras I have used and I'm including the Diorshow (see pasts Blog) and what's best is the cost is under $10.00. Not to put down Diorshow, but I have to lay on a couple of layers before I get the length I want, but with L'Oreal Volumnious I achieve it in 2 strokes. With the L'Oreal Double Extend after one stroke of this magic wand my lashes got plumpy.

Volumnious has that dark edge look yet perfect for daily wear, and the Double Extend is perfect for that 'come-hither' flirty lashes. Try it, I swear you'll love how gorgeous they'll make your eyes feel.

To kick it up a notch, team it up with a lash curler. I will post my fave lash curler tool in a later blog so please come back.

L'Oreal Volumnious $7.49 at Walgreens

L'Oreal Double Extend $8.99 at Duane Reade (my pick)

Mind Your Mouth

Tomorrow I have a dentist appointment so you know where this blog is heading.

Did you know caring for your teeth can provide protection to your overall health? It's true! From cancer to heart problems, clean white teeth can do more than just get you compliments. That being said, another reason to keep a fresh clean mouth is a fresh clean breath. Enter Toothpastes! Top of the list for best toothpaste is Colgate Total. This was the first toothpaste on the market to include the antibacterial ingredient triclosan, which has been proven effective for fighting gum disease (gingivitis), and experts agree with my pick. Pursuant to Consumer Research, "Total contains a copolymer that allows triclosan to remain active between bushings, even after you eat or drink." Researchers have found that Total can provide bacterial protection for up to 12 hours. That's a lot of power for a little dab of paste. I use the Colgate Total Advanced Whitening.

For more details regarding your dental health consult your dentist.

For more about Colgate Total watch video clip with spokesperson Brooke Shields.

Colgate Total $3.99 available in most pharmacies and supermarkets.
Ge a coupon for $1.50 at Colgate Total's website.

The Botkier Bag

Seen on the shoulders of famous beauties like Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum and Rihanna, the Botkier handbag is the IT bag this season (all season for me). Handbag designer (and New York native) Monica Botkier has drawn the attention of many famous ladies with her stylish yet functional beauty bags. Of her collection she has said, "The modern bag is designed to be a tough cookie and a smart buy." Indeed!

You can drool over her lovely Fall collections at Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom, or at your local Target...Nope, that was not a typo. Botkier for Target is the latest addition to Target's upping the bar for ladies with a cheap but chic budgets.

This Hobo handbag is roomy, and even has a front pocket for an easy-access cellphone. Check out her entire line for Target on sale until September 19th.

Botkier Gold Hobo handbag originally $49.99 now on sale $34.99 at Target