Fashion Week Coverage Starts Tomorrow--bookmark or subscribe to this blog

Tomorrow is the official start of Fashion Week. Watch this blog for daily coverage of the shows, events, and the backstage. Boomark this blog at: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesisters.blogor even better, subscribe in a reader or by email.

I will be your eyes and ears at the shows...so check back at least once a day for the latest!Like what you see for Fall 2008? Hate what's happening for Fall? Leave your comments!alison[/b]

4:00 p.m.: I just got back from the tents in Bryant Park. I can't tell if this season's theme is the parthenon, but if you look at the tromp l'oeil columns and sculptures on the frieze of the building, done up in muted tones of beige and white, it's definitely "Greek inspired."

I usually go early and expect a long line. This year, I decided not to go too early. I waited a few hours and then started out for Bryant Park. To my surprise, the line really wasn't long, with only a couple of dozen people ahead of me. The sun was out, I had on a warm jacket. I actually enjoyed being outside, chatting with two line-mates from Japan. We talked about the fact that no two fashion weeks are ever the same, and while it's exciting to be a part of it, we really prefer the designer press previews (such as the one I attended at Reem Acra in December) that lets press get up close and personal with the clothes and the designer. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities like that for press, so we don't have to compete for seats that generally are going to celebrities and those who love to watch them.

This year, IMG really got it right. THANK YOU IMG! Photographers who already had uploaded their head shot credentials were singled out and brought inside (or at least some of them were). And, lucky for me, a woman woman with a clipboard and a very thick list of names was giving out press badges to writers who really had no need to go inside the registration area at all. I was in and out in less than an hour! Fantastic!

With a little time on my hands, I wandered over to Lord and Taylor, just to see what was on the sale racks. Nothing really excited me. But I began to think about what outfits I'd be wearing in the next 7 days inside the tents. The first season I attended I pulled out all the stops, from hair to makeup to clothing to shoes, I selected the most fashionable clothes I had in my closet each day. By the end of the first day I had painful blisters. The next day I wore an outfit that was so hot in a crowd, I thought I'd faint. By day three, my feet were not only blistered, but burning.

In subsequent seasons I toned down the look to meet the reality that I'm I have to work the room, literally. I'm not being whisked to one show a day in a Town Car or Limo, and escorted to a front row seat at the last minute. Last season, I admit to wearing the Havianna flip-flops being given out at the tents during more than one long, hot, hard, day. By now, I can tell the "regulars" from clients of the designers and other favorites by what they wear: low-heeled shoes and loose clothing, with a lightweight handbag or a tote.

This season my wardrobe is veering off the fashionable path more than usual, because it's also cold in NYC, and we're all going to be lugging coats as well as everything else. I'm not trying to capture the attention of "The Daily", so I might as well get through Fashion Week in comfort. Perhaps I should want to be part of the fashion parade, but I'm not the entertainment, I'm working press.

Tomorrow I'm planning to attend just one show: Venexiana. Then, let the games, begin!

Copyright Alison Blackman Dunham

I can't wait for Fashion Week to begin

Destination Wedding? Baby on the way? Can't Sleep? Need to Unplug? Little Palm Island is your answer

The other day I attended a press event featuring new spa treatments and packages at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. After listening to Spa Director Tessa Kienow (on the left) describe daily life in this very exclusive resort, I can only imagine that for the fortunate few who can experience this luxury retreat (including a US political candidate who was there last week), the experience must be absolute relaxation heaven!

The island resort is so exclusive and unhurried, it can only be reached by seaplane or boat. No one under the age of 16 is allowed. To enforce the notion that guests are at Little Palm Island to relax, there's a drop box (a lobster trap) at the dock, with the suggestion to give you cell phone a vacation, too. Computers and cell phones are not allowed in public areas. In fact, Tessa mentioned more than once that there are signs everywhere with old cell phones tacked to them warning: "use it and lose it."

Not surprisingly, the majority of guests are couples, wishing to unwind on the beach, or perhaps, to make romance happen in one of just 70 suites. There are no telephones or TVs, but there are four-poster beds with canopies and mosquito netting, whirlpool baths, candles, and views of the ocean. There's no cruise-ship style showroom, but there are outdoor showers and amazing spa services. The four-star Spa Terre is Thai/Indonesian/Internationally-themed, with products and treatments suited to an individual's preferences and needs.

People come here to get married, and also to conceive babies, admitted Tessa. In fact, the resort now has "Babymoon" pregnancy packages. Parents-to-be can enjoy very special themed Maternity packages. Barefoot & Pregnant $6,220 double occupancy, features three nights in a bungalow suite with all meals, a couples massage, and special, individual treatments for "mom" and "dad." Baby Makes Three ($10, 200 double occupancy) features five night in a bungalow suite, an 80-minute couples massage, and special, individual treatments for "mom" and "dad." SpaTerre's staff is not only of long-standing, but each therapist underwent extensive training and preparation to understand the needs of expectant mothers. The programs not only cater specifically to their needs, but offer extras such as Belly Casting and Belly Mapping, Prenatal Thai Yoga, and even special massage mats to make the mommies more comfortable.

For those who simply want to get away from life's stresses and hopefully, break bad sleep patterns, the resort also offers a Sleep Sanctuary Getaway ($5,775 per couple). Tessa told us that it took her more than a year to create this package, because everything had to be just right. Apart from the overall, relaxing atmosphere, guests get custom spa treatments such as the MoonRise massage (a combo of Thai and Swedish massage) plus scented spa creams and body mist, a an eye pillow, Sleep Garden Zmusic CD , and a 60-minute ZMovie are bound to help you re-set your bio-rhythms.

If you don't want to do a complete package, you can be a guest and just order a la carte day spa services while you are at the resort. There are plenty of unique and relaxing services to choose from, as well. I sampled products from some of the lines featured at Little Palm Island, including Sundari, Pañpuri, Acadayspa,and Colorscience. All are blissfully pampering. Reports are that Little Palm Island may be only an hour away from Miami, but it feels like you are in the South Pacific. Ah, paradise! If I were there, I'd be smiling more and sleeping better. Well, maybe someday!

Vist http://www.littlepalmisland.com/ for more information and to enjoy the photos and take yourself away from your workweek, if only for a few minutes. Or call 800-3-GET LOST

A Look Behind the Scenes at UNVOGUE Magazine

Today, at the brand new Dex New York Studio (224 West 30th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues), I had the unique opportunity to watch the beginnings of a photo shoot for a unique new, bi-monthly online magazine called UNVOGUE http://www.unvogue.com/, and get some one-on-one time with the people who really make it happen, including the charming Editor-n-Chief K. Tyson Perez, and Dexter Phillips, founder of Dex NY Studio. It was really an unusual, all-access opportunity for some of the industry's top fashion bloggers and online press to check out a new publication that is definitely going place.

Tyson Perez, a Parsons-trained celebrity fashion stylist says the concept of UNVOGUE was born after last season's Fashion Week. Perez says he was completely turned off by the bad behavior and exclusivity of the tents. "I couldn't stand the anger and the bickering, and the push to be in the front row," he explains. "What does this say to my generation (he's 30) and younger generations? So the stylist gathered a talented team, and decided to target the 15-26 year old crowd who is interested in fashion, but not into the rigid, status-quo. What kind of magazine is UNVOGUE? Well, as the name suggests, it's not trying to be "Anna's" mag. It will provide information about fashion, cultural issues, music, and entertainment (and, beauty/wellness was my suggestion for a needed addition). The vibe is fresh, the attitude, almost communal in it's open-ness. With humor and style," the magazine offers reader interaction, and encourages suggestions for future content (when was the last time you found anyone at Vogue asking what do you want to see or wear?").

Talking to Tyson, you get the feeling that his new venture just has to succeed. He's intelligent, and very, very genuine about his efforts. he needn't worry--it seems that UNVOGUE is on everyone's radar. And, although the demographic is young, I didn't find it unwelcoming or exclusionary for those over a certain age. The models are gorgeous, the photography, creative and pleasing. But UNVOGUE is the anti-Vogue, as described in the Editor's opening letter: "“A magazine that dictates your every fashion move is UNVOGUE. An editor who tells you what you must have to be apart of the “In” crowd is so UNVOGUE. If you are clearing out your closet every six months because a journalist or stylist said to, that is soo UNVOGUE… A magazine that realizes that its readers are of many races, sizes, colors, religions, economic backgrounds and that they too would love to see themselves represented in the pages they dash to purchase is so UNVOUGE."

And what do UNVOGUE readers want? Hip, young designers such as Mal Sirrah and Malan Breton, and other designers catering to wardrobe budgets ranging from anywhere from $200 to $2000 for a single piece, to $5000-$10,000 for a total look. While the pages are filled with pricey duds and accessories, there are some modestly priced pieces, too. UNVOGUE doesn't mean "poor." The magazine "suggests" a look, but never tries to insist that it's a "must-have."
Do you want a taste of UNVOGUE, too? You can read the first issue online at: http://www.unvogue.com/ You'll find the website user-friendly, with some interesting touches. The first issue is small, but there is still plenty to enjoy. Since it's an online publication, it's eco-friendly. Once you've finished reading and re-reading it at your leisure, you don't have to dump it in the recycle bin, so you're saving time, and trees, too.

I wasn't going to be able to stay for the actual photo shoot, but when I asked what was in store for future issues I was told: "bigger and better." So here is a glimpse of what you might expect to see in the next issue of UNVOGUE, at least:

After speaking to Tyson, I got a chance to chat with Dexter Philips. The spacious, Dex New York Studio is 7th Avenue's newest 6000 sq. ft. production studio for editorial and commercial photography (a music video was shot there just last week). The space has a 805 sq. ft. photo gallery, 16.5 ft. ceiling, on-site equipment rental, client area and studio lounge, beauty atrium with natural lighting, access to hair and make-up artists, pro make-up studio and styling stations, wardrobe equipment and dressing area, Mac computer station, extensive music library and Wi-Fi access. The full service salon is open to the public and I promise: sitting in the spacious makeup studio, you can't help but feel like you're a star or model, preparing to be runway-ready

and there's a brand new Dex line of cosmetics, too. Launching this Spring, the all natural minerals makeup line is unique. Instead of just the usual, "natural" and "earthy" colors, Dex's line takes runway trends and transforms them into trendy cosmetics with the same benefits as traditional minerals makeup. The cream foundation is antioxidant and anti-aging properties, and SPF 15. The pressed foundation has SPF 8. A bunch of loose powder minerals eye colors are intense and colorful, with hues ranging from purple to hot pink. You can see some of the lip gloss pots in the photo, too. To the right in the photo above you can see a light-reflecting Shimmer Lotion, a sheer liquid that gives skin a pretty glow, and it has SPF 20. An all natural, sunless tanner is also a plus in the line. The AdviceSisters will be giving you a more thorough review and a "sneak peek" at the entire product line in an upcoming What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review column, so watch for it.

Of course, these cosmetics were used on the models for the UNVOGUE Shoot. Here is makeup artist (and Production Manager) Alice An, with model Topacio. According to An, the UNVOGUE issue that this shoot was for is The "Pink" Issue, and the look was pink, clean and fresh. Naturally, pink was used on the models, including a clear, bright, sheer pink blush that looks universally flattering.

Amanda models the finished look. Hair Stylist Naomi Borto said the look for the hair was young, loose waves, not too serious, and just a bit "teenagerish." Echoline F-1-2 was used for shine and to protect hair against heat styling. I also noticed some Matrix product being used (for shine and control) as well.

The shoot is just minutes from beginning.....!Subscribe to UNVOGUE http://www.unvogue.com/, and see the results!

Spring/Summer '08- Moda Mahattan, Fame, Accessories the Show-What's New?

This week, The Javits Convention Center in New York is home to three professional trade shows produced exclusively for the fashion retail trade. Accessories The Show, Moda Manhattan (ready to wear) and Fame (Junior, Young Contemporary) , showcasing more than 3,000 juried collections of accessories and Ready to wear fashions for Spring/ Summer 2008. The organizer is Business Journals Inc (BJI), a business media company producing 5 business-to-business magazines, 8 trade shows, and seminars and web sites.

When you walk into the shows, the sheer size and variety is nearly overwhelming. The three shows running together take up 90,000 square feet of the convention center. It's hard to imagine that the first show in January of 1998 had just 150 booths. It takes hours to walk even one show, and days to really do it right. While the Fame , Moda Manhattan and Accessories shows are specifically for buyers who want to find the newest and best items for their stores, as a member of the press, I also get the opportunity to see and share trends. It's the ultimate window shop! I get a chance to see the same trends as the buyers, and I always find a few, new and nifty companies that I will feature in this Blog, the Advice Sisters Enews, and of course, in the Advice Sisters monthly "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns.

Last season, for example I met Susan Brandt of Anntelle Jewelry. Her wonderful jewelry was reviewed in our December/Holiday 2007 What Works Column, and there are also some pieces in our Current (January/February 2008) What Works column. The designs are lovely, and reasonably priced. We will be reviewing more Anntelle in our March/April and upcoming columns as well.

And, I also met Headband Designer Rebecca Michaels of Violet Love, who designs soft, stretchy, versatile, fabric headbands in a dizzying variety of designs. We will be reviewing the latest and greatest--the Organic Line of Headbands - ECO by VL, made from eco-conscious bamboo fibers, in our March/April What Works column.

Of course, it is nice to take a break when you're up on your feet for hours. Fortunately for show attendees, there was a Jose Cuervo Lounge where guests could enjoy a margarita and meet lifestyle professional, author and Food Network chef, Sandra Lee. She was there to dish secrets to making meals simple, and to greet her loyal fans. I didn't have the time to wait to have Sandra sign a poster or bottle of Cuervo Gold (and I really would have prized that bottle of tequila), but I did take this photo. FYI: Jose Cuervo isn't just the name of a tequlia, he was a real person. Jose was granted a license in the 1700's, from King Carlos IV in Spain, to commercially produce Tequila. After one, small, but very delicious, Margarita (I did have to work, after all) I went back on the floor. I walked, and walked, and walked, and talked, and looked.

I came across Craig Williams and his Kakadu Traders Hats from Australia. These fantastic hats for men and women come in a variety of colors, fabrics and styles. One I particularly like is called "Florentine." It may be difficult to see from the photo, but the super-feminine, Florentine women's hat in beige has a lacy insert that makes this "down under" hat a hit in the big city as well as for Western weddings. "Cheetah" has a wide, canvas, band of "animal" print -- but it's a ventilating mesh to keep you cool, too. Keeping the sun off your face while making a fashion statement is a definite thumbs up! We hope to bring you a review in the March/April What Works column.



Another trend I like because it is so much fun are the bright, soft, flowing, silky, scarf-top "fashions from the Aris Ai line shown here with one of the Shennel Trading Corporation's owner.



I'm happy to report that for Spring/Summer 2008, the outlook is bright, bold, colorful and cheery. Orange, red, yellow, bright green, bright blue, white, and turquoise were everywhere, and subdued, brown, grey, black and brown was hardly in sight. Sequins, chains, beading, ethnic designs, flowers, and lots of whimsical accessories will be in your stores and will make you smile. I'm sure I must have been a raccoon in my last life because they love shiny objects. Cubic Zirconia, gold chains, and Swarovski crystals adorned everything from tank tops to tote bags, belts to baggage tags. I wish I had unlimited funds, because my closet would be full of these precious, shiny objects! Fashions ran the gamut from flowing tunics to tight fitting stretchy tops, but I didn't see anything that looks amazing different from last years' "must-haves." You'll be in the know if you wear bright colors, animal or ethnic prints, beaded items, caftans and tunics, floral prints, stripes, belted dresses and coats, retro/vintage, and the ever-present, denim. The chances are if you purchased bright, or white, last year, it'll still work this year, too....but trust me...when you see the fashions, jewelry and accessories flooding the stores in the very near future, you'll want to add at least a few new items to your wardrobe and accessories drawers!

I can't wait for Spring!

PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH FOR JANURY--MAC ORIGINALS COLLECTION REVIEW AND CONTEST--HURRY!

In the Advice Sisters "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Columns we feature new products, colors and trends. But the "tried and true" classics in beauty and fashion endure because they work and people love them! M.A.C. Cosmetics knows that it's legion of fans clamour for M.A.C. classics as well as the new, nifty and trendy, so this Winter they launched the "Classics Collection," with a nod to celebrities from the glamorous Carol Channing to shape-shifting, Bowie. The AdviceSisters received the collection too late to include it in our January/February What Works review column, but we making the M.A.C. Classics Collection the Products of the Month for January on this blog.

One of the things I've always loved about M.A.C. Cosmetics is that while their colors can be totally trendy, they're also totally wearable. When I look at the colors in this large collection, I realize that everyone old is really still new. We got a chance to check out some of these products that have stood the test of time. If you're a die-hard M.A.C. Cosmetics collector and fun, you will recognize some of these products, and perhaps, you've been seeking them without success. If you're relatively new to M.A.C. you'll find pleasing wearable colors in high-performance formulas (M.A.C. tweaked the formula just a bit to make them better than ever) that will make you love them instantly. MAC switched formulas around just a bit to give them an extra ‘push’.
Now, through the end of January, they're yours for the taking!

Here's the entire line-up:

LIPSTICK: (Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN) Bold reds were big for the holidays, and they're big huge for Spring, too. For those with cool complexions, the M.A.C. Lipstick in "Russian Red" is an intense, rich, bluish-red that looks ladylike and bold. Slightly warmer and more pink than red, but no less glam is "Rozz Revival Watermelon" a lustre red/pink that reminds me of a color starlets wore in the '50's.

Rozz Revival Watermelon reddish pink (lustre)
Chintz on Chintz Sheer mid-tone yellow brown (lustre)
Utter Pervette Soft pastel pink (lustre)
Back to Del Rio Deep brown red (lustre)
Nouveau-Frou Beigey grey pink with white pearl (lustre)
Retrofluid Sheer Dirty deep plum with gold and red pearl
Supersequin Plummy pink with silver pearl (lustre)
Twig-Twig Neutral brown plum (lustre)
Sandy B Light shell pink
Russian Red Intense bluish-red

TINTED LIPGLASS: (Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN). These lip glosses give you a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen that can be worn "as-is" or over a lip pencil or another product. My favorite is "Avarice" (interesting name) that is a mid-tone yellowed-red with a soft red pearl in a creamy finish that shows up as the perfect, sexy rose on lips. I also have a soft spot for "Nico Now," a creamy, mid-tone grey/purple with parti-colored shimmer that shows up on lips as a beautiful, shimmery, soft pink.

Full on Lust Neutral brown pink (cream)
Avarice Mid-tone yellow red with soft red pearl (cream)
Real Desire Deep plum with red plum
Nico Now Mid-tone grey purple with multicoloured pearl (cream)
C-Thru Soft peached-beige with shimmer (cream)

SINGLE EYE SHADOW: (Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN) the eye shadows are mostly muted, blendable and intense, with colors such as "A Little Folie," a mid-tone, matte red/brown that looks perfect all year long no matter what colors you're wearing on your body, and the much beloved "Parrot," a frosty, mermaid blue/green that will look nice with Spring's tropical tones, too.

Daisychain Soft yellow beige with soft white pearl (satin)
Ochre Style Mid-tone yellow brown with gold (frost)
A Little Folie Mid-tone red brown (matte)
Memorabilia Dirty purple (matte)
Clue Mid-tone dirty grey with silver (matte)
Alum Mid-tone blue grey with soft blue pearl (frost)
Charred Deep steel grey with silver pearl (frost)
Frisco Soft pastel pink (matte)
Parrot Deep aqua blue with bright green and blue pearl (frost)

PIGMENT: (Suggested Retail Price $19.50 U.S./$23.50 CDN) The Pigments (highly concentrated loose color powders with ingredients to help it adhere to the skin in a subtle wash or intense color) still look pretty and trendy, with colors such as Kitschmas, a shimmery pink/mauve pearl and "Melon," a frosty golden peach that managed to be both bright, and soft.

Kitschmas Light airy shimmering pink/mauve pearl (frost)
Violet Vivid bright violet-purple (frost)
Melon Soft bright golden peach (frost)
Golden Olive H High frosted green gold (frost)
Steel Blue Rich deep turquoise green-blue shone with small pearl particle (pearl)

GLITTER: (Suggested Retail Price $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN) Standouts from the Reflect (glitter) offerings include: "Very Pink," a shocking, sparkling fuchsia pink that I like mixed with lip gloss (but you can wear it on eyes or cheeks, of course) and a very wearable and glam " Antique Gold," a sparkling taupe that is universally flattering and versatile in every season.
Reflects Blackened Red Sparkling burgundy
Reflects Very Pink Sparkling fuchsia pink
Reflects Transparent Teal Sparkling white with turquoise
Reflects Antique Gold Sparkling taupe

EYE PENCIL: (Suggested Retail Price $12.50 U.S./$15.00 CDN) These slim pencils are soft and blendable, but stay put. A fine point lets you apply a fine line without struggling! They're "must-have" in every makeup bag.

Ebony Soft black
Coffee Muted brown
Indigo Muted greenish-blue

MASCARA X: *Suggested Retail Price $12.50 U.S./$15.00 CDN) I wish it came in as many colors as the other products! Mascara X coats lashes without clumping or smudging and makes lashes thick, long and glossy, thanks to a soft-fiber (football-shaped) brush.
Black Black
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MAC ORIGINALS CONTESTS! ENTER THIS WEEKEND JANUARY 4-6, 2008:

National Contest – How to Enter:
To enter the “Are You A M·A·C Original?” contest on a national level, consumers can visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/ beginning December 26th to submit a picture of themselves wearing their favorite M·A·C products, along with 50 words on what makes them a M·A·C Original. The winner will be determined by votes online. The winner will receive a $1,000 M·A·C gift card and the complete Originals collection.

Regional Contest – How to Enter: On a regional level, M·A·C will hold the “Are You A M·A·C Original” Contest in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Houston on the weekend of January 4th-6th. M·A·C customers can visit designated M·A·C locations for a complimentary makeup application and get a professional photograph taken. Customers can then enter to be the MAC Original winner of the city and will also be automatically entered into the national contest. The regional winner will receive a $250 M·A·C gift card, the complete Originals collection and a story in a local publication. For contest rules and regulations, please visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

....AND, DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE ADVICE SISTERS NEW YEARS' RESOLUTION CONTEST: What's your #1 New Years resolution for 2008? Whether it's a traditional goal such as losing weight, being more communicative at work, reducing stress, being more considerate or more charitable, or something totally different, the AdviceSisters want to give you extra incentive to stick to it and be the champion we know you are. So, we're giving away a fantastic collection of Champion Sportswear! All you have to do to win is tell us your top New Years Resolution for 2008 with a brief explanation of how you intend to reach your goal. If you win, you will receive a women's Super Hoodie, sports pant and sports bra along with a bonus goodie: a Men's Hoodie! Go the the CONTEST PAGE read the Official Rules, and then complete the ENTRY FORM *now through March 1st, 2008. The winning entry will receive a Champion sportswear collection worth over $200.

Le Soin Noir by Givenchy - Bumping Skincare Up Another Notch

Every year, a few superstar players in the cosmetics industry produce something exceptional....and expensive. The newest entry is Le Soin Noir $360 1.7 fl. oz. by Givenchy.

The packaging features a stark, clear cube with engraved Givenchy logo on the front, and a sharp, smooth, black top, making this look like sci-fi cube weapon. But it's actually a "weapon" against aging, a moisturizing treatment that has an exclusive Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate. It took five years to engineer this vital black algae sap into a skincare ingredient, and it's being used the first time in cosmetics. That already makes this product one that fashionistas will covet. But black algae Sap was chosen at least in part, for it's ability to survive under the sea in hostile environments, because it is rich in vital fatty acids, and because it contains a molecule that is said to help cells connect and communicate with each other. This restorative function helps keeps your skin cells healthy for longer, and packs parched (and mature) skin with moisture.

Another unique feature of Le Soin Noir is the color. "Le Soin Noir" sounds like an independent film title, but it simply means: "The Black Care" in French. While most skincare is clear, white, or ivory, this one appears fashion-week ready, colored pure black with tiny silver sparkles, in the jar. The lightly scented gel appears a sheer black to start on your skin, like "goth gloss," but the color vanishes the moment you massage it into your skin. The feel of the product is extraordinary, too. While many serums and gels feel oily or greasy until they are absorbed, this one just feels like liquid silk.

Should you purchase this pricey product? You have only one skin so you should do all that you can to take care of it, but do you need a cream with this particular, exotic ingredient? I sample so many skincare items, I know when I've discovered something truly special....and this product definitely is fabulously special. But I'm basing my judgement on a few days with a small sample, and I didn't use it for long enough to determine whether my skin would get better and better if I used this longer and longer. My first trials with this product showed immediate results: much ssofter, much smoother, much silkier, and somehow, calmer looking skin. I didn't turn back the hands of time twenty five years, but my skin did look really nice. There's also the intrinsic, "wow" factor of opening the top of the gorgeous jar and applying something rare and expensive that few have the means to enjoy. If I had no budget restrictions I would most definitely consider this my newest "must-have-at-any-cost." But before you go out and plunk down your hard-earned wages for this product, be sure it's the one you like the best, given your age, skin condition, and skin care goals, If you love it, then it's maybe worth cutting back on other things to own and use it. There's absolutely no doubt that this is a unique, cutting-edge, fascinating, luxury item that has bumped skincare up yet another notch.

Le Soin Noir is available online only at www.sephora.com and at Sephora 5th Avenue in New York City. Visit http://www.parfumsgivenchy.com/ or more specifically to Le Soin Noir: www.lesoinoir.com for more information

What Works January/February 2008 Column is up--along with a fantastic new contest!

Happy New Year! I am pleased to announce that the Advice Sister's first What Works Beauty Cosmetics & Fashion review column of 2008 (January/February 2008) is now up at: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html . To see all the previous columns going back to 1999 visit our archives at: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.htmlThis January/February column focuses on Winter skin solutions and Valentine's Day, but we are already hard at work, reviewing products for the March/April column, which will feature new, trendy categories for Spring 2008.

NEW ADVICE SISTERS CONTEST FOR 2008: WHAT'S YOUR #1 NEW YEARS RESOLUTION? SHARE IT, AND YOU CAN WIN A FABULOUS COLLECTION OF CHAMPION SPORTSWEAR WORTH OVER $200!

What's your #1 New Years resolution for 2008? Whether it's a traditional goal such as losing weight, being more communicative at work, reducing stress, being more considerate or more charitable, or something totally different, the AdviceSisters want to give you extra incentive to stick to it and be the champion we know you are. So, we're giving away a fantastic collection of Champion Sportswear! All you have to do to win is tell us your top New Years Resolution for 2008 with a brief explanation of how you intend to reach your goal. If you win, you will receive a women's Super Hoodie, sports pant and sports bra along with a bonus goodie: a Men's Hoodie! Go the the CONTEST PAGE read the Official Rules at: http://www.advicesisters.net/newyearscontest.html, and then complete the ENTRY FORM at: http://www.advicesisters.net/newyears.html *now through March 1st, 2008. The winning entry will receive a Champion sportswear collection for women, plus a bonus Hoodie for men worth (a $65.00 value). If you can't wait to win, purchase your own set of Champion Sportswear online now at: www.ChampionUSA.com