Advice Sisters product of the Month--ANNTELLE JEWELRY-Affordable Luxury for V-Day

THE ADVICE SISTERS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH-ANNTELLE JEWELRY FOR VALENTINE'S DAY



Valentine's Day is February 14th. Forget satin sheets, she'll buy her own if she wants them, and sexy lingerie? That's more for you than for her. And, skip the flowers this year, the florist's prices of posies is astronomical and flowers die. Don't bring candy (she's not eager to sabotage that New Years resolution she made last month, just yet). As far as I'm concerned, when it comes to V-day, bring me some bling! Jewelry is a personal gift that not only says "I love You" or at the very least: "I like you enough to buy you jewelry." It won't fade, and it's not fattening (although it is habit forming).

If the idea of forking over a fortune for a bauble is too daunting, there is a solution. The Advice Sisters have made Anntelle Jewelry our product of the month, because Anntelle Jewelry makes fabulous faux pieces as well as many with genuine, semi-precious gemstones that are not only affordable, they're insanely affordable! And, since you can order online, you don't even have to leave home to go shopping (that should appeal to a majority of men out there). All you have to do to treat yourself, or get your guy to take a look, is visit the Anntelle Jewelry web site: http://www.anntelle.com/ and get glitter for your girlfriend that will make her go "wow" --- and still leave enough for a romantic dinner. In the month of February, you'll get a special sale price, too.

Can't decide what will win her heart? We picked two pieces with a heart theme that can't fail to satisfy:

For the traditionalist: a heart-shaped pendant studded with Swarovski stones, and a delicate allow chain $36.60

For the modernist: a wide-linked oval silver allow chain featuring a rainbow of heart-shaped Swarovski crystal dangles in pink, blue, yellow and green $35.20.

Pair with a sparkling pair of heart-shaped, cubic zirconia earrings.

The Advice Sisters have reviewed Anntelle pieces previously in our December/Holiday 2007 and our current, January/February 2008 so I can tell you that these pieces look expensive. They're fashion jewelry of the level sold in luxury boutiques, with details such as extender chains and lobster claw clasps.

To make your gift more special, package it in something other than that boring, cardboard box you get at the jewelers. Does she loves music? Try a velvet or satin drawstring bag, or put it in a box that's out of the ordinary, such as one that's oversized, or in a re-usable (green) tote, or a tiny jewelry box, or hung around the branches of a ribbon-tied potted plant (a small, rosemary bush or other fragrant herb is useful and fun).

Happy Valentines Day!

I am pleased to announce that the AdviceSisters December/Holiday 2007 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column is up on the AdviceSisters web site http://www.advicesisters.net/ .

This special edition, two page holiday column features features seasonal beauty, fashion and gift ideas for virtually everyone with suggestions to help you enjoy the holidays, look great, and feel great, too.

Page ONE http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html features the newest makeup kits & gifts, fantastic holiday fragrances, and great gift suggestions for "the girls," the guys, and couples.

Page Two http://www.advicesisters.net/wwDEC07pg2.htmlfeatures "must-have" products for every budget including: hair helpers, bath & body gifts; holiday home; beauty helpers; products that "give back;" gifts for younger generations; and the most glamorous and gift-able makeup on the market. Our Buying Guide with links to all the products we review, is at the bottom of Page Two. Shop at early and at home and avoid the crowds!

Don't forget to come back to these forums and let us know what you like the best. If your posts catch our eye, you could become one of our official what works reviewers!!!!

The AdviceSisters wish you a beautiful holiday season, and our best wishes for a happy, healthy, joyful new Year!

Boss's day is October 16th--what should you give?

Although some people think that every day is Boss's day, National Boss’ Day is, October 16th.

If you want to show appreciation for your manager(s), give your boss(s) a gift for this special day. Expect your thoughtfullness to bring a smile (although not necessarily a raise or promotion). Your gift is a personal reflection of you – so to be sure you do it right, the AdviceSisters are sharing some advice from author of The Purple Book (and gift-giving expert)Hillary Mendelsohn. She teamed up with Office Depot to provide advice on office-friendly gifts.
Here is what Hillary shared with us:

Show your appreciation. You do not need to spend a lot for the gesture to make an impact. Set a realistic budget of no more than $20 if you’re giving a gift on your own. For a department gift, have everyone contribute money for one present costing $75-$100.

Personalize the gift and be creative. Does your boss love old movies? Or is there a running joke in the office everyone shares that can be translated into a gift option? For example, if your boss is hard to reach, think about giving him or her a Bluetooth headset along with a funny card.

Men and women like different things. If your boss is a woman, style and color count. So, gifts like stylish pens or desk accessories are good choices. For a male boss, think technology. Both would also probably enjoy a family-oriented present like a digital photo frame.

*the AdviceSisters also suggest relaxation-type gifts (e.g. spa or aromatherapy) or pampering products. Make sure your boss is into these types of items before you splurge, however. Is your boss a brown-bagger or does s/he never have time to eat lunch? Get hini/her a gift certificate for food delivery through a reputable online or local service.

Never give your boss an intimate gift (e.g. lingerie, personal photos, etc.) it sends the wrong message and is unprofessional. If you have more than one senior boss, make sure you gift them all equally If the cost will break your budget, how about sending a card to each one with your personal note of thanks in it?

Gianna Rose Atelier Preview for Fall/Holiday 2007

On Tuesday, August 7th, Lady Mendls Tea Salon (56 Irving Place,, NYC) was the perfect setting for the "Mad Hatters Tea Party" celebrating the debut of the Gianna Rose Atelier Walt Disney collection, and the Fall, Winter and Holiday 2007 Collections. This tea palace is part of the luxurious Inn at Irving Place, and it's a must-go-to-at-least-once with your BFF, Victorian-style tea parlor that makes you feel like you are really in another era.

In this era, my entrance was hot and sweaty. It was searingly hot outside, and I'd just come from the Javits Center (where I was covering FAME, Moda Manhattan, and Accessories, the Show). I revived, when I finally got to meet some of the great women I've been working with on Gianna Rose Atelier. *For past Advice Sisters reviews of Gianna Rose Atelier, check our What Works Archives at: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html or try our SEARCH Box options on the Current What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html

Gianna Rose Atelier is a line of products that is one of my personal favorites, not just because of the high quality, reasonably priced products in imaginative shapes, but also because the packaging is so beautiful, it's like getting more than one item to enjoy. For example, the Holiday Collection (see photo to the left) features Substantial, cardboard gift boxes covered with silver metallic paper overlayed with a "Victorian-style" matte gold paisley design, wrapped with a silvery satin ribbon and a gift card. I can definitely see re-using the box to store special objects from handkerchiefs to hairpins. The holiday collection "Holiday Tower" (*will be $79.50) features three boxes of beautifully embossed soaps, scented with various winter scents such as vanilla, sandalwood, pine, bergamot, Jasmine and Lavender. They are beautifully shaped as holiday ornaments, ripe pears, and flat squares with embossed with snowflakes. The Holiday Tower is also tied with a glittery, snowflake ornament. You can just about see the glittery ornament hanging from the pewter vase. You can also get these products separately, and we will be reviewing them in an upcoming What Works column, so definitely watch for them. Who needs wrapping paper, and why waste the time???

The BIG news for Gianna Rose Atelier is that the company is collaborating with beloved Walt Disney to create a new collection: Gianna Rose for Walt Disney. As the Disney brand is a delight for people of all ages, so too will be this new, Gianna Rose collection. I was delighted to meet Blair Buckley, Vice President of Product Development for Gianna Rose Atelier, in person. Everyone (including the Advice Sisters) loves this new collection, which is debuting at the International Gift Fair next week. My favorite in this collection (and I don't want to give ALL away before we get a chance to review it for you) is the Alice's English Garden, that captures delicate soap "petals" in light rose and white, in a clear,glass, apothecary jar. The paisley box (wrapped with a silky ribbon and gift tag) brings the theme home, with Alice's journey through the garden, and "secret" images of Alice, the white rabbit, the Cheshire cat, and the caterpillar. The other items in the collection feature beautifully scented soaps in "Alice in Wonderland" shapes, all in richly colored "Alice-themed" gift boxes. All the items in the collection will sell for $37.50.

For Fall, Gianna Rose Atelier fans will be delighted to learn about the Fall/Winter Collection. Frogs are considered lucky in a lot of cultures, and I am predicting that everyone will want to have the new, Magic Frog Candle $25.00--a large, green, life-like frog scented with light "water Lilly" that is nestled on his own, white, porcelain "Lilly pad." He is so adorable, you might not want to light the wick, but your Magic Frog will burn in the middle, so he'll be all yours (without the head falling off or burning into the candle) until the candle's end. There is also a lovely, linen-scented, ivory-colored hen candle. For Fall/Winter two news soaps feature La Chouette, A white, lychee-scented owl (really cute--what a nice gift for a favorite teacher or any wise person) and Le Cocker Spaniel $21.00, a black-colored, green tea and bergamot scented doggie.

If you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year at your house, or want to bring something special for your host/hostess, the Collection De Nature are beautifully-packaged, molded soaps with amazing, holiday-scents that come either in lovely, re-usable, cardboard slider boxes $24.00/4 with Victorian designs in harvest colors, or with decorative, pottery bowls $29.50/4. I particularly liked the Pinecone & Acorn-shaped Soaps with their savory, spicy blend of sandalwood, pine and night blooming jasmine. There is also a pumpkin and squash collection featuring sweet brown sugar, pumpkin and fig. Here is my photo of the "Thanksgiving" display at the launch, and a closeup of some of the soaps:













With the holidays coming, you're going to want to check out all the gorgeous Gianna Rose Atelier products available for sale. Visit http://www.giannarose.com or check out The Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns!

Looking For A Great Mother's Day Gift? (and Advice Sisters news)

Our latest What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column is up at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

If you're looking for a great gift for a special Mom, this Mother's Day, we are featuring tons of great gift ideas for moms for all budgets and interests. Check out our mini-article that helps you select the perfect fragrance for yourself, or someone else, and look for our first-ever reviews of "intimate" items.

As in every monthly What Works column,we also have reviews of items for men and women from home scents to cosmetics, hair, skin, body, nails, fragrance...and more! Find the newest and greatest Spring products, with a handy buying guide right on the bottom of the column. Don't forget to check the "What Works Archives" for thousands of reviews of products at: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html


Our FORUMS/Bulletin Boards have gotten a make-over. Actually, an overzealous spammer crashed it, but we're back in business. Check them out at: http://advicesisters.net/phpbb2/index.php Sign up and participate...I created this area, for you.

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