Unusual Spring Color Trend

Let's face it, color trends for spring are always the usual suspects. Until now that is... the start of a new decade has brought us the start of a truly trendy spring color combo, tangerine lips & jade nails,  as seen here on the cover of Australian Vogue . Originally posted on Because I'm Addicted's super cool site, I just had to share this with my fabulous followers! What do you think? Super chic or too weird to try?

Big Buddha Style

I know it's a bit soon to be thinking of full body bronzing, but warm weather is bound to happen sometime, right? I've planned ahead by purchasing Urban Decay's Big Buddha Brush. It's an über huge body brush that measures 3"x2" and makes body bronzing a snap. I also love it because it's made from super soft Taklon, which means no animals were harmed in the making of this brush. Not to mention how incredible super soft bristles feel on your body. It turns the chore of bronzing into a sensual experience. My only question is- How soon is too soon to start bronzing???

Get the Glow

When we were little, our mothers  told us that if we ate right we'd grow up to be beautiful. Of course, we didn't believe them one bit. After seeing a picture of Sarma Melngailis on the cover of her raw food recipe book I have officially changed my mind! I've been a fan of the raw food lifestyle for ages. It really does make you glow from within. If you are not up for the raw food experience why not try one of Sarma's organic beauty or skincare lines from her online boutique One Lucky Duck? You'll feel healthy and spoiled all at the same time.

Marchesa does Makeup

I was deeply intrigued when I heard that one of my favorite fashion lines of all time Marchesa had put out a Red Carpet Ready Kit. Free with $150 purchase from Drugstore.com it contains all of the designers favorite makeup choices and a few of mine as well, all inside an ultra girly hot pink hat-box that was inspired by a dress from their Notte by Marchesa line. I was over the moon, however, when I discovered this was the precursor to the spring release of their micro-collection. A result of their collaboration with Le Metier de Beaute. I can hardly wait for it's release. Finally, something from Marchesa I can actually afford!

Fashionista Barbie

Just when you thought Barbie couldn't possibly get more fabulous...SHE HAS! Black Label Barbie is the chicest Barbie to come along in ages. Great for the budding young fashionista or the kid in you. WARNING- it will make you want to buy all the grown-up sized stuff to match!

Discovering Your Inner Hussy

Like so many people I discovered my inner Hussy on the internet and I've never been happier!  Hussy is a funky clothing line based out of Sydney, Australia. Created by then 21 year old Marie Holtz in 1995 with only $2,000, Hussy quickly gained a huge cult following throughout the world.  One look at their fresh and innovative designs and you'll see why celebrities love Hussy!  Warrior Princess, their new collection for summer 2010 just hit the runways and the website. Scoop them up quick before they're all gone.

Take Your Nails to Wonderland

Another cosmetics company has jumped on the Alice in Wonderland bandwagon. O.P.I.  has just come out with their new line inspired by the movie. Who could blame them? The fantasy colors and cutesy names are right up O.P.I.'s alley. Who could resist Off with Her Red! a classic true red, or perhaps Mad as a Hatter? A dark purple with multi-color sparkle. There's also Thanks so Muchness, a deeper vampier red and last but not least Absolutely Alice, a brilliant blue with multi-color sparkles. The most fun of all was trying them on in O.P.I. 's Try on Color Studio. That's where I fell in love with Absolutely Alice, a color I honestly wouldn't have chosen had I not seen it on. While you are there trying on polish enter to win one of 26 fabulous prizes to be given away the day the movie opens 3/5/10.

One Last Chance

Many of you may have heard the news. As of February 1, 2010 two of America's history making cosmetics companies will be no more. Max Factor, a chemist who created his line in the 1920's was the first to coin the term "makeup" and change the world of beauty as we know it. Prescriptives came along 30 years ago and perfected the art of custom blending. Giving women of all races a chance to find their perfect match. Drugstore.com is giving fans of both makeup lines a chance to say goodbye. Stock up on all your favorites while they last.

Seduced by LA

I never thought I'd be seduced by a candle but West Third candles are hard to resist. The first thing I noticed was their looks of course, beautiful brown glass etched with an elegantly trendy peacock feather. Then I discovered their personality. The complete line of 10 candles is named after all the famous streets in Los Angeles such as the Wilshire, Sunset and Larchmont. All of the candles are made with natural coconut wax and the wicks are lead free cotton. The best part of course is their scent, made from the finest oils and perfumes. When I smelled the Montana with it's fresh lemon leaves and cucumber my seduction was complete.

Looking For Love

I have a problem with mascara. No matter how perfectly I apply in an hour or so my brow bone is covered in tiny dots. Oily eyelids are my curse. Many years ago I found an oil proof mascara by Shiseido which was amazing but sadly was discontinued. I then turned to my favorite cosmetics company Prescriptives and found their fabulous 24 hour mascara. It was perfect, just what I needed. Due to the demise of the Prescriptives brand I find myself searching once again. Browsing the aisles of Target I happened upon a display for Maybelline's newest offering XXL Pro 24HR Bold. This is a double ended, two step mascara. Step one creates a full fringe that's better than false lashes. Step two is like lash armor. It creates a lasting waterproof seal. I'm in love once again! This mascara stayed fresh and fabulous for me in some of the worst rainy weather we've had in ages. I'm also thrilled that it's 1/3 of the price of my former mascara loves! But does it last 24 hours? I have no idea.  While parting with such luscious lashes is such sweet sorrow I always wash it all off before bedtime. I will say that it's not quite as easy to remove as Maybelline implies on the packaging. But for lasting fabulous lashes it's worth a second or two of extra work to remove it!

Laughter and Adornment

I can't help feeling my jewelry lacks a sense of humor. Oh sure, it sits there looking pretty and all, but can it make the whole room LOL? No...No it cannot. So what's a girl to do when she needs a bit of  laughter and adornment? She turns to the Demistache necklace by Demitasse. Available in so many styles and price ranges there's sure to be one that's just your style and budget.  Now all you need to decide is how you're feeling. Artsy? Go for the Salvdor Dahli. Aristocratic? Try the King George.  The styles go from Urban To rosary.  The metals go from 14 karat to gunmetal black. So many styles! So many options! Still, I'm a little heartbroken that there's no Tom Sellek.

Today Only Savings at Bloom Cosmetics 1/18/10

Today only (1/18/10) get 10% at Bloom Cosmetics e-boutique using the code: fb190110  While you are there check out their fab keychain mini lipgloss!

Sexy Shoe of the Month Club

Do you feel like you can never have enough shoes? Does a sexy stiletto make your heart soar? Do pumps make your pulse pound? Wish you could afford an new, sexy pair of shoes every single month? Well, girls you can! Just join Shoe Dazzle.  Founded by the very glamorous Kim Kardashian, Shoe Dazzle Is the best thing to happen to shoeaholics ever! Here's how it works: First you fill out a brief survey of your fashion tastes. Then, on the first of each month, Shoe dazzles team of stylists will select five pairs of shoes for you to choose your monthly selection from. Don't worry if you don't like the selections you can request more. Your Monthly fee for the club is a very reasonable $39 which gets you one pair of shoes and shipping is always free. If you are not happy with your shoes or you need a different size exchanges are free. If you just can't afford a pair of shoes that month simply log in to your account before the 5th of the month and click the skip month button.  I joined shoe dazzle in December and I have gotten two pairs so far. I have to say, they are much nicer than I had anticipated. Despite their inexpensive price and the fact that they are synthetic, they do not look cheap at all! So far I've been very impressed. My only complaint would be that I wish they had more sizes. I wear a 5 and the smallest size they carry is 5.5. The stylists are very good about telling you if a shoe runs small or true to size though, so I can make prudent choices. One more thing, Because the prices are so low a lot of women seem to think these are rental shoes. They are not. These gorgeous shoes are yours to keep forever! So what are you waiting for? Go for it! You won't regret it!   Click here to go to Shoe Dazzle

Get a little Good Fortune

One of the best jewelry collections I have seen in ages is the Good Fortune Collection by Ten Thousand Things. It's a huge collection containing good luck charms, birthstones, initials and astrological symbols. Designed to look timeworn the pieces have a soft satin gold finish that glows as if lit from within. The collection is great because the pieces are bought individually so you can make it uniquely yours. You can group them together several at a time on their very dramatic keeper. Or keep it sleek and simple with a single charm on a plain gold chain. You can reinvent your look every day. The Good Fortune Collection is sold exclusively by Ylang23. Prices range from $110 for simple gold charms to $1,145 for the diamond studded variety.   Click here to view the charms or to purchase

The Visual Truth

Is there anything nicer than when Sephora slips some samples into your shopping bag? I couldn't wait to try Ole Henriksen's The Visual Truth Eye Creme when I received it.  The creme is free of parabens, sulfates and dyes. Therefore, it carries Sephora's coveted natural seal. The creme contains African Red Tea and vitamin C, so I had imagined it's scent would be heavenly. It was not. It has a slightly medicinal smell that disappears almost immediately. It also appears very thick but soaks in right away and is good under makeup and it makes an excellent night creme as well. What I love the most about it was the glow it imparts. It also makes the eye area much firmer. Sephora.com users liked it too. They rated it 4 out of 5 stars. I would have to agree. I only wish I had a whole jar.   Click here for more info or to purchase

Project Runway and a Peartini

Project Runway kicks off season 7 tonight on Lifetime. Why not sit back and enjoy it with a cocktail and a few friends? Here is my favorite Peartini recipe to get the party started:          

2 parts Grey Goose® La Poire Flavored Vodka

1/4 part Disaronno® Originale Liqueur

3/4 part simple syrup

3/4 part lemon juice

1 thin pear slice

Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a pear slice.

This recipe and many others are available at Grey Goose.com

Forget Serena and Blair, Lottie Frank is the New It Girl!

Lottie is like a celebrity. She always wears the trendiest looks. She is glamourous and sophisticated yet still lots of fun. She goes to all the best places and everyone wants to be seen with her. Who is Lottie, you may ask? She is the creation of London based Illustrator Lucy Claydon. Lucy is a master at using vibrant colors and eye catching designs that will add a touch of chic to any space. The best news is her designs are easily affordable and available here in the US through her Etsy Boutique. Lucy's work has been featured In magazines and on sites like the wonderful decor8blog.com And because little girls need icons too there's also Little Lottie Ladies.  If you want to know more about Lucy and her Lottie Ladies check out her blog. Obsession ♥'s Lottie Frank

Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows

There's going to be a catfight! On January 15th, 2010 to be exact. That's when Urban Decay launches their very limited edition 3D Pop-up Book of Shadows based on Tim Burton's new movie Alice in Wonderland. The palette contains 16 shadows renamed for the Alice theme, plus 2 mini versions of Urban's 24/7 liner pencils and their fabulous can't live without it Primer Potion! The looks you can create will leave you feeling "enchanted". But there simply aren't enough palettes to go around. So let the games begin...

Lucky Staffer Builds An iPhone App

 Ever forget what's in your closet? I do! It's a jungle in there! Now you can control the chaos and put together fab outfits at the same time with Stylebook. The App was created by Lucky staff member and Art Assistant Jess Moore and her boyfriend. Click on the link to read the Lucky.com article Lucky Staffer Builds An App:luckymag.com

Lady Gaga for Viva Glam

I'm excited for spring. More sunshine, warmer weather and Lady Gaga as the new spokesperson for Mac's Viva Glam Campaign! Joined by the eternally lovely Cyndi Lauper This is sure to be their most glamourous campaign yet!

Please be patient while I redesign my site for 2010!

To all my fabulous followers,
Please be patient while I redesign my site for the new year. You may find that some of my old features are not working properly as I transition. These issues are temporary! Very soon Obsession will have a sassy new look and be more exciting and user friendly! Check back often. I hope to have these updates done ASAP! After all, without all of you, I'm just talking to myself! :)
Happy New Year and much love, Karen Keith

Cynthia Rowley + Roxy = Fabulous!

There are so many things to love about Roxy. They epitomize California surfer girl chic. Their bikini's are not only cute and flirty but you can actually swim and play ( and surf?) in them without worrying about flashing the whole beach! Everything they make is fun and functional. So, when it was announced in October that Roxy would be teaming up with Cynthia Rowley for a line due out this March it made perfect sense. Well, after my initial surprise. Cynthia is also all about fun, functional designs and from the few pictures I have seen so far, Cynthia and Roxy are a match made in surfer chick heaven! Their line will be sold in Barney's New York and Colette in Paris. It will also be available in Roxy boutiques nationwide.  And three cheers to Roxy for keeping things at their usual price points!

Makeup of the Future

 

The Temptu Airbrush Makeup system looks like a ray gun from the future. It acts like one too perfecting quickly and easily. The airpod foundation comes in 12 gorgeous shades and has primer built right in. There are also four beautiful blushes and my favorite option for the system four shades of highlighter/bronzer. You may think that results so glowing and natural will not have any staying power but it is shockingly durable. Much better than regular foundations and blushes.
You may also think the system looks tricky to use but the enclosed instructions are easy to follow. Also available from Temptu are instructional videos like the one above from Youtube (you can also find them on Temptu's site) which makes learning to use it so simple a five year old could use it to play dress up. If you think it all sounds too good to be true watch the video above. You'll soon be a believer!
Click here to go to Sephora.com for more info or to purchase