 Do you really wanna put this guy on your eyelids? Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. While mink eyelash extensions aren’t exactly new (Madonna caused a buzz in 2005 when she sported a pair encrusted with one carat’s worth of diamonds), the trend has left the exclusive clutches of celebrities and trickled into spas all over the country. The lashes, lauded for their natural look and lightweight feel, can cost you upwards of $400. And most salons claim that the fur is a cruelty-free product that’s harvested by “gently brushing” the animals.
So when a local salon recently contacted me about their PETA-friendly mink eyelash extensions, I decided to do a little extra research to find out whether or not the claim was true. I have to admit I was skeptical — and having a hard time imagining anyone “gently brushing” these relatively aggressive animals (related to weasels and badgers) and returning them to a natural habitat. READ MORE
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 Photograph by Anne Vickman With the ombre hair trend on its way out, a new option has taken its place: the gradient manicure. I spotted a charcoal-tipped version on Sweet Talk on the Spot and set to work recreating it. All told, it was pretty simple. All you’ll need are two colors of polish (I used Catherine by Rescue Beauty and Maybelline Salon Expert nail polish in Sheer Whisper), a sponge eyeshadow applicator, and some sort of plastic (read: disposable) surface that you can pour the polish onto. READ MORE
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San Francisco-based Giftly, which launched last month, is a new way to give gift certificates. The web-based company allows buyers to give gift certificates redeemable at up to three separate locations. The best part? No cards, paper scraps, or e-mails to keep track of. Put simply, after a receiver is notified of their Giftly, they choose where they prefer to redeem it, spend the amount gifted, then log into Giftly’s website and with the click of a button the company puts the amount directly into the recipient’s bank account.
So what does that mean for us here in Boston? A Giftly can essentially be used at any retail location in town of the gifter’s choosing — without the need to purchase a gift card directly from that business. Which means that once the snow storms hit, as they most certainly will, you can do all your Christmas gift certificate shopping this year without even leaving the house. Plus, they never expire — unlike “real” gift cards.
Tim Bentley, CEO and Founder of Giftly answered a few of our pressing questions: READ MORE
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 Charlotte Ronson, left, with Liz Sells. Photograph by Lisa Richov Liz Sells, of Winchester-based Sells & Co., teamed up with New York fashion designer Charlotte Ronson Monday night for an evening of fashion, food, and music at Red Lantern Restaurant in the Back Bay.
Boston-based models were decked out in Ronson’s latest spring looks from her namesake line, which incorporated diverse textures from white lace to patchwork denim to earthy suede. Overall, the pieces were feminine and subdued and seem like the perfect pieces for transitioning into a sticky East Coast summer.
Showing her support and tag-teaming the fashion show was twin sister and DJ Samantha Ronson, who performed a live set to guests at the Lolita after-party and provided attendees with a runway mixtape to take home. READ MORE
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 Look ma, I did it all by myself! Also, Angela Chase, you're my hero. (Photo by Anne Vickman.) Earlier this summer, I came across this article on xojane.com about Streekers and, given my affinity for bright streaks , felt compelled to give it a go.
“Get ready for a Wild Weekend …with no commitment!” says the press release. While I noodle just how wild things have to get to qualify for this sort of gratuitous capitalization, I have to admit I’m excited to try temporary color — not a spray or flaky mascara — that will wash out with shampoo. READ MORE
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 - Photo courtesy of H&M
We figured when Missoni’s Target collection short-circuited the retailer’s website that the frenzy for discounted designer duds had reached its peak.
But we could be wrong. Starting November 17, Italian design monolith Versace will be offering a collection of women’s and men’s clothing and accessories both in stores and online.
What to expect? Dresses and separates with the designer’s signature bright, graphic prints and studded detailing over leather, silk, sequins, and suede. The line includes accessories, too: think oversized gold medallion chokers, silk scarves, patent heels, and metallic belts. The men’s line focuses on tailored pieces like patterned button-down shirts, polished blazers, and one bright pink suit we can’t wait to see in person. The entire collection ranges between $19.95 and $299.
We’re particularly fond of the metallic mesh dress — New Year’s Eve frock, check — but also can’t help but wonder: with an aesthetic that’s clearly more Miami Beach than Massachusetts, will the Versace collection fly here in Boston? What do you think, Bostonistas?
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 Sweet, old-school goodness. (Photo by Anne Vickman.) While shades of red, polka dots, and colored denim are the star trends of the fall fashion stage, I’ve been pining for a new accessory: a vintage-style ID bracelet, preferably something gold, chunky, and used. After spotting versions in Elle and at J.Crew and Endless.com, I went on the hunt. And thanks to the modern miracle known as eBay, I found precisely what I was looking for: a men’s bracelet for less than $30 and free from any engraving, though I did briefly consider upping the antiquarian factor by sporting a nameplate etched with “Bill.” But plain and simple won — and I’ll be pairing this bad boy with just about everything I own.
What about you, Bostonistas? Spotted any ID bracelets around town?
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Move over, crackle polish, there’s a new topcoat on our tips, and it has the luxe look of crocodile leather. I was never crazy about the shattered polish trend, but now, thanks to a sneak peek at Germany-based cosmetics company LCN’s newest polish line, my fingertips are looking like a shiny patent Birkin bag.
 Base coats, from left: LCN In Focus, LCN First Date, Borghese Palermo Plum, Sephora by OPI Metro Chic, Sephora by OPI Don't Feed the Hand Models. (Photo by Anne Vickman.) The polish works just like a crackle topcoat. I did a test run first, using five different base shades to see which one I liked best, and finally settled on LCN’s “In Focus,” a matte gold. After applying two coats, I waited four minutes before brushing on a medium coat of Croco Top in Ruby Forever so that the base would be dry, but still a little tacky. Not another four minutes went by before my nails bloomed into a reptilian pattern — one that felt decidedly classier than the jagged shards achieved with crackle topcoats. READ MORE
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Editor’s note: Boston magazine is a Tent at Boston Fashion Week partner.
The much-anticipated Daniela Corte show Friday night at the Tent was a perfect finale to Boston Fashion Week. The collection was beautiful, bold, and sexy. Take a look at the fun mixed prints, sheer fabrics, and slimming silhouettes that made this show truly shine.
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 Photograph courtesy of Dolce Vita Thanks to a recent move, I know exactly how many pairs of shoes I own. (Hint: A lot.) And yet, as soon as I saw these DV by Dolce Vita suede pumps, I knew I’d be buying them as soon as the next payday rolled around. The chunky, sculptured heel lends visual interest (and hopefully eliminates teetering), and the lipstick-red hue will add the perfect punch to everything from neutrals to fall’s richer hues. Do they remind me ever so subtly of lady-clown shoes? Possibly. But a mini circus on my feet? That makes me like these babies even more.
$99, dolcevita.com.
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