If anyone understands the misery of perpetual skin issues, it's me. I've suffered from intermittent bouts of acne of varying degrees of severity for the past 15 years or so - believe me when I say that I can sympathize with that desperate, I'll-do-anything feeling when it comes to skin care solutions. But when I came across this DermaRoller by Leaf & Rusher, I knew I had to draw the line.

Have you been dying to apply camoflauge eye shadow or even zebra print eye shadow?  Well your wait is over!  Basically eye shadows that you apply by sticker, ColorOn EyeEnvy allows you to "flawlessly" apply even the craziest designs.  And ok, maybe I'm mocking this a little, but it actually would be kind of cool for Halloween.  And their "basics" collection would let you achieve the perfect smoky eye without all the time and labor.  So I'm curious, are you curious?

Okay, I admit it: I'm a bit of a packrat. I've been known to keep things around for ages, particularly if they have good memories associated with them. Case in point? I still have a dusty, nearly empty bottle of Love's Baby Soft in my perfume collection.

So those are my favorites. What were your childhood beauty must-haves?

In other news...the pregnant man gave birth today to a healthy baby girl.  Latest Beauty tie in?  He used to be a beauty queen:

And I find this all fascinating.  

If you are looking for a new powder, I'd suggest checking out Clinique's Almost Powder Makeup.  It has SPF 15, comes in 8 different shades and is formulated for long-wear, which means it won't clog your pores.  What I like about it is the texture:  It is so silky and feels so light on your skin.  

And, if you decide to get it from Lord and Taylor, they are providing an 8-piece gift set with your $25 or more purchase.  I love those kind of bonuses!  The powder is only $22.50, so stock up on your favorite self-tanner too so you can get the set.  

Summer Sales are in full effect in July and right now you can save an additional percentage off online purchases from Gap and Old Navy.  

Take an additional 20% from already reduced prices at Old Navy by entering EXTRA20 when you checkout online until July 10th.  

Get 25% off at Gap sale items by enter GAPSALE25 when you checkout through July 6th.

Everything is already way marked down so this is just added incentive.  I am most definitely headed to Old Navy today to check out those skimmers on the left.  They are only $6.99!  Even without the extra 20%, that's a steal.  Happy Fourth of July to me! 

This is not an ad for the latest in party wear for clowns.  This is an actual couture look from designer Maison Martin Margiela that was debuted at the Paris fashion shows this week.   While this was the most "inflated" look, there are other interesting materials used by the designer, including a dress made of broken records and a jacket made of shredded paper.  At first I thought, this guy can't be serious.  But then I did some research about Margiela and realized that he is known for his rebellious designs and his tendency to revolt against the luxury of the fashion world.  And I kind of started to love his couture collection.  Because it makes a statement about the fragility of fashion, the "here today, gone tomorrow" mentality of trends and reminds us to not take it all too seriously, lest we become "broken records".  Check out the slideshow of Margiela's Fall 2008 Couture from NYMag and decide for yourself:  Is Margiela crazy?  Or are we?

And if you want to have even more fun with the couture from Paris, read the Fug Girls' insightful analysis of Which Celebrities Can Pull of Couture?

Love her or hate her, actress Chloe Sevigny is always good for a little fashion controversy; this recent shot of her clearly shows why.

Looking for a cool way to accessorize when the weather heats up? Get your Pocahontas on with these beautiful, earthy Native American pieces.

Use them to add flair to a simple summer outfit like denim shorts and a blousy peasant top or jeans and a tank. They would also go well with a sundress or the ubiquitous maxi dress in a solid color.

Essential elements of the look:

• Turquoise
• Silver
• Beads
• Fringe
• Leather or suede
• Feathers

The original objective of lip color was to make the wearer look pretty - healthier, younger, more vibrant. To that end, most traditional lipsticks and glosses come in shades of red, pink, mauve and nude, all intended to improve upon or accentuate the natural color of the lip. But I've noticed a recent gloss trend that really breaks with convention, daring women to try something new in the name of beauty: Blue lips. Are you game?

The Kevyn Aucoin cosmetics line, Benefit and the aforementioned Bourjois each offer their own take on the blue gloss phenomenon. All three promise to go on sheer and shimmery, not matte and scary, and supposedly blue lip color even creates the illusion of whiter teeth. Plus, it's July, and my heat-addled brain is automatically drawn to anything that looks like a swimming pool. If blue lips still sound too crazy, you could always try layering the gloss over red lipstick for a more subtle effect. So what do you think?

I'm torn on these wedges from Steve Madden.  On one hand, they are on point with several trends:  gladiator, t-straps, wedge.  On the other hand, I have an awful visual of me taking a step and instead of walking, rolling into a somersault of some sort.  Look how they curve up at the toe! These look too dangerous for me.  Then again, I'm pretty sure I've been scarred from the "Lunch Incident of '95:" 

I was in 9th grade and the entire high school was split into two lunch periods.  I was in the second shift.  So as one half of the high school is exiting the cafeteria, the other half is going in and there was a courtyard outside that people tended to congregate in.  I was walking confidently across the courtyard in my platform sandals when all of a sudden my sweaty foot slipped off my shoe, causing my knee to buckle and for me to fall dramatically to the ground.  In front of the entire high school.  And pretty much everyone noticed.  High-soled shoes have never had quite the same appeal since...

But I want to know what you think!

I've been thinking about backpacks lately.  While I love the practical nature of a backpack, the whole aesthetic of one makes it rather unappealing.   I actually carried my royal blue Jansport (which I've had for 10+ years) to class last month. I'm taking an acting class and my scene involved roller skates (which is another story for another day) and since I walk most places, I needed a way to transport my skates to class.  And no, I was not going to roller skate my way there.  That would just be asking for a broken bone!  A backpack was the most logical way.  So as I was trekking up to Melrose, backpack strapped on, I realized how convenient my backpack was.  And I started longing for a "cool" way to pull one off.  Because my bright blue monster wasn't doing the trick.  I think I found my way:

This roomy, classy version from Urban Outfitters has just the look that I love.  It's slouchy, chocolate-colored, vintage-y and roomy.  I would not feel embarrassed toting this on my back around town.  And it comes in black if that is more your style.  And it's only $58 which is just the icing on my backpack-cake.

What do you think?

Here's a great gift idea:  NARS Mini Monoi Body Glow Set

Reasons the product is great:

• The Body Glow has Tahitian Monoi Oil which naturally quenches your dry skin, with vanilla essence for a divine scent and a chocolate shimmer to enhance your natural glow.
• Body Glow II is a transluncent Monoi Oil, perfect to use as a moisturizer or even as a massage oil.
• They are each in 1 oz bottles and the set is only $35 

Reasons it's a great gift:

• Have a friend that is getting married and going on an exotic honeymoon?  This is fun for both the bride and the groom - from enhancing her tan with Body Glow to giving each other massages with Body Glow II.
• The one ounce bottles makes this perfect for carry-on compliance when flying.
• Have a friend that can't get away for a fun summer vacation?  Give her this set and she can transport herself with the exotic scent. 
• And/or treat yourself to some Tahitian pampering.  I wish I had this set right now...it's one of those days...one where I would love to be laying poolside with a pina colada...this set invokes that feeling...sigh... 

Ever had a pair of pants that were just a little too big - not large enough to warrant tailoring, but definitely enough to cause a bit of a problem? Belts can be a lovely addition to an outfit, but sometimes you just don't feel like adding any bulk to your waistline. And what about longer tops that cover your belt loops altogether? Belting the pants underneath can cause unsightly bulges and lumps. Enter this ingenious anti-accessory: The Invisibelt. Designed to keep your pants up without the heft of a traditional belt, it's see-through and fully adjustable - ideal for use under long, fitted tops. I have to admit that I'm a bit intimidated by the How To instructions, which seem a tad complicated, but I'm sure the belt is easy to use once you actually have it in your hands. Check it out and stop hiking up those jeans!

This recent picture of Katie Holmes and daughter Suri, clad in matching black and white horizontal stripes and sporting identical shaggy brown bobs, struck me as very cute, but it also made me wonder: How do you feel about matching outfits for mother and child? Is it a fun way of expressing family solidarity, or is it just too saccharine sweet for your tastes?

What's the latest jewelry motif that's been popping up everywhere, from necklaces to earrings to rings? The humble key! Forget wearing your house key on a lanyard around your neck - this trend is all about pretty, antique-looking skeleton keys in simple settings. When worn as jewelry, keys are amazingly versatile; they can impart an elegant, Victorian air or a tough, street-wise flavor, and I love the "found object" aspect of wearing vintage keys.

Sephora is currently having a clearance sale on Bourjois cosmetics - word on the Internet is that the brand will now be carried by Target, although I have yet to find any official confirmation of the move. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that now is the time to check this brand out; they have lots of fun, colorful products, and the savings are up to 75% off!

If you've been craving the cute sandals from Ugg that Melissa blogged about, then you're in luck!  They are now on sale at Bloomingdales for $69.99, down from $100.  Just in time for the holiday weekend!

And if you're like me and a fan of flats, Ugg's adorable Cannes Ankle wrap sandals are now $77, down from $110.  Music to my ears...