When Beauty Chat recently announced the launch of Elodie Otto’s new bath and body line, Jolie en Rose par Elodie, this yummy collection of shower gels, lotions, and bubble baths was only available online. (Don’t worry, it’s still there!)

Now, we are pleased to announce that you can also purchase all of these delectable “flavors,” ranging from coconut to caramel apple to banana, at Nordstrom at the Grove in Los Angeles. To kick off this exclusive launch (of the Nordstrom venture and the holiday season), this former cast member of MTV’s The Hills made a personal appearance at “Nordi” on December 1st.

Much to my delight, she let me in on some highlights of the event. “There was a huge response!” Elodie says. “I was talking to a lot of people about the product, and was definitely happy to take pictures with the fans.” Since I had to know which of the items is the current favorite, Elodie told me that the Noix de Coco  and Barbe a Papa shower gels were the top sellers of the event. (In fact, they actually sold out!)

Also, she says, “A lot of people are LOVING the banana (Banane Flambee), since no one has ever had anything like it…it’s so sweet and yummy!”

Even celebrities turned out to show their support for Jolie en Rose (here she is pictured with “Transformers” star Megan Fox, who brought along fiancé Brian Austin Green). While the crowds were definitely there to support Elodie’s line, some fans just couldn’t resist asking The Question. “Everyone wants to know if I am going back on the show!” Other than the appearance revealed below (you heard it here first!), her response to them is, “The show is reality, so it goes where it goes…we will just have to wait and see next season!” On behalf of those fans, Elodie, we accept that answer. But, if you come back on The Hills, we open our flavorfully-scented arms! 

If you missed Elodie’s LA Nordstrom appearance, no worries! She is scheduled to return there for a second event on December 15th, from 12 p.m. –  4 p.m. She plans to make samples available that day, for those who wish to try before they buy. Jolie en Rose is also retailed at Urban Angels Boutique in Arizona.

Elodie is scheduled to appear on the LIVE red carpet finale of The Hills on Monday, December 10th! Be sure to watch and check back for my Special Edition re-cap!

~ Brook

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elodie combined with my Beauty Chat artistic touch!

With over 55 million records sold worldwide and five attractive ladies sexily-dressed for your viewing pleasure, the Spice Girls have arguably been one of Britain’s hottest imports. But, after divorcing back in 2000, it seems hits like Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life became dissipating tunes of the past, as the only ode to the fivesome’s fame lived on through Posh Spice with her marriage to soccer prodigy, David Beckham.

As with most Bubblegum pop-troupes, the Spice Girls reunited at a largely-broadcasted event that had media gossipers galore in frenzy. At the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last month, they (minus the youthful “Teen Beat” undertone) strutted on stage with synchronized, yet somewhat overly rehearsed, dance moves. I must say, however, since pinup couture guarantees a fashion stamp of approval in my book, their 40s post-war ensembles were absolutely adorable! Now, after their debut reunion performance, it seems like the media can’t get enough of them.

What do you think Beauty Chatters? Has the English-accented gang once again added some spice to your life…or not?

[video]http://youtube.com/watch?v=x7Aeqjdkp4U[/video]

~Mellori V.

How cute is this: a kit made especially for those moments you would like to forget! 

Got a stain that needs attention? The kit has stain remover. Lose an earring back?  They have that covered too! 

It’s amazing the supplies what a Shemergency Survival Kit contains, with solution to potential problems that you don’t think about (or will happen to you!) on a day-to-day basis. 

So what are Shemergencies? They’re the beauty blunders, fashion faux pas, and personal care predicaments that keep women from looking and feeling their best. Say so long to minor mishaps with the Shemergency Survival Kit, new from Ms.  & Mrs. This portable, silver mesh case comes packed with 24 compact solutions for life’s little emergencies. From daytime to playtime, the Shemergency Survival Kit is first-aid for gal’s on-the-go…and for only $20!!!

Each Shemergency Survival Kit contains:

• Folding hair brush with mirror
• Hairspray
• Clear elastics
• Earring backs
• Hand lotion
• Nail clipper
• Emery board
• Clear nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Mending kit
• Safety pin
• Double-sided tape
• Lint remover
• Shoe shine wipes
• Stain remover
• Static remover
• Breath freshener
• Lip balm
• Dental floss
• Pain reliever
• Deodorant wipes
• Tampon
• Adhesive bandages
• Facial tissues

The Working Girl Survival Kit also sounds really cool! Yes – there are tons of other cute kits you can purchase online. (I’m getting great holiday gift ideas as we speak!)

~ Denice

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ms. & Mrs.

Denice’s Personal Story: OK…so on to Pilates’ “Day 4” (…Well not actually “Day 4,” more like week 6, session 4! HAHA!)  So I took off way too much time form Pilates.  It was quite a wake up call to my muscles.  I arrived at the Body Center in Claremont California at 4:45 p.m. with a miserable cold.  I really was having second thoughts about participating today due to not being able to breath, but I thought I had missed so much; I needed to jump back on this horse.

Stephanie came in as her bubbly self (she really gets me motivated!) and I explained I was having some breathing issues and she said to just take it easy.  I said, “OK!” And we were off! 

We always begin the session with leg work.  I enjoy these because it really helps me feel the burn in my quads.  My favorite is when we do “High Toes” on the bar and let our heels fall under.  It really works the quads and hamstrings.  FEEL THE BURN!!!! 

I found myself really concentrating on keeping my focus on the correct muscles and not just going through the motions, and boy did I feel it!  Stephanie had us do a new exercise…not one of my favorites, but I could tell right away I need to do more of them.  It was a mock push-up type of exercise. We were on our knees and facing the top of the Stott reformer machine, and we used ONLY our quads and abs to pull us.  My arms were getting the “crazy shakes” (as she always says) and it showed me how weak I am!  It is my new goal to be able to do this exercise with ease in the next few weeks.

After the session was completed, Stephanie had us stand next to the reformer and reach to touch our toes, then roll back up, and stand on our tippy toes.  I never really understood why we do this; it seemed meaningless to me after such a rigorous work out. But Stephanie explains it like this: “It helps you notice if your body is off balance, like if you overworked your back, you might fall forward, showing you that you may need to work your abs a little more and vise versa.”  I get it now! 

I am excited we are back on track — check back next week!

 Elana’s Personal Story: So my “Day 4” of Pilates was more difficult than our first day! I mean I almost wanted to say, “Stop! No more…I (inhale) can’t (exhale) take it (inhale) anymore (exhale)!” But it’s no one else’s fault but mine.

These are the 3 honest reasons why I allowed my body to move in slow motion and perform poorly:

• Skipped 2 weeks! (one of us was sick at one point, one of us couldn’t gather herself away from the computer to make it on time…wonder who that was?)
• Gained a few holiday pounds that didn’t quite make me feel as flexible and fit
• Grabbed a machine smack in front of the mirror! (Instead of noticing the definition of my arm muscles, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the size of my thighs!)

With these faults in mind, I am still proud of myself that I DIDN’T QUIT!!! But I must have done something right, because even writing this recap now – 3 days later – I can still feel the tightness of my abs.

 So here is what I vow to do in preparation for “Day 5” (which I already started today!):

• Do a 20- minute workout at home before I go to work
• Eat a protein-based breakfast before I get my usual Starbucks or Coffee Bean cup of caffeine
• Drink my 8 glasses of water a day!
• Get lots of sleep
• Return to recording my nutritional and fitness habits on www.dailyplate.com.)
• Forget about having a chocolate milkshake only a few hours before….(tear drop)

So I know I didn’t go too much into detail with my “Day 4” as I did with my “Day 3” details on the practice of Pilates.  So I will turn you to the recent, enjoyable interview with Jeff Fairley, the director and owner of the Body Center.

 Wish me luck for “Day 5!”

xoxox, Denice and Elana (so you probably figured out by now that those aren’t pics of us, but we thought you would get a kick out of seeing the EXACT type of movements we do!)

On this next-to-last episode of The Hills Season 3, the air was thick with tension for just about everyone. As preparations were made for Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge’s Halloween party (the first gathering I’ve ever seen at their apartment), it seemed that Brody Jenner was on everyone’s mind. Throughout the episode, from Whitney to Audrina to Lo, Lauren divulged her hope for a legit relationship with Brody, if only he would retire his player status. Could it happen? In the parallel universe of The Hills on MTV, I suppose anything is possible…

But not on Halloween night! What I did find notable was the costume run-down, as follows: Lauren: 1920’s flapper, Audrina: Huh?, Brody and Frankie: Batman/Robin, Jen Bunney: Huh???, Whitney: applied the “Mean Girls” Halloween rule to ladybug costume (come on Whit, you’re better than that!), and the other guests: more of the same rule with different critters. In my opinion, the male costume of the night goes to Corey, Audrina’s new guy who arrived in sailor attire (and who, it is later noted, bathes and is a keeper, in addition to being an “Aussie”). It looked like a pretty good party (complete with an out of control fog machine) until Lauren’s hopes for a Halloween hook-up were dashed, and  Brody took off.

( Lauren glams it up, but it wasn’t enough to reel in Brody on All Hallow’s Eve. )

Meanwhile, it was same-old-same-old for Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, with a little help from Reality TV’s newest supervillain, sister Stephanie She-Pratt. The big climax before next week’s season finale was yet another wedding fight, ending in yet another Spencer walk-out (where he goes each time this happens is anybody’s guess. If anyone wants to take a stab at it, I’m listening). Finally, Lauren and Brody dined at Off Vine in Hollywood, where talks of becoming exclusive didn’t go very far (but we did get to hear the respectful nicknames that Brody gives to girls on his speed dial). Let’s hope for a more climactic finale next week!

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com
 

My self-professed love for H&M has become much stronger after they announced that they are having a friends and family sale, and making it open to the public!

All you have to do is register for a 25% off coupon that you can print out and take in to any of their U.S. stores Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9. And that 25% coupon is good for your entire purchase, not just one item!

Don’t forget: the Roberto Cavalli collection is currently available at various locations. Hello?! Reduced savings on already budget-friendly designer clothing? It doesn’t get much better than this!

Please do some shopping for me. Unfortunately (and not so unfortunately), I will be vacationing in Riviera Maya, Mexico and Atlanta, Georgia during the sale. 

I guess sandy beaches and historical monuments are good runners-up to this incredible H&M discount…but only barely!  

~ Leeann                    

Photo Credits: www.myspace.com/hm and www.iberostar.com

With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start nailing down gift ideas and placing orders for those found online. If mom, sis, or another special person in your life could use some luxury pampering (men, are you listening?), not to mention an anti-aging boost for the new year, think about skipping the spa certificate this time around – instead, present her with a “new generation anti-aging skin care treatment” — Doctor D. Schwab Alphasomes ™ Rejuvenate and Correct. I think she’ll love you for it!

Alphasomes is a next-generation intensive cream that smoothes, firms, and tones (sounds familiar, I know – but keep reading, it gets better). What really sets it apart from anything else I’ve ever seen is that it begins taking action virtually immediately. Within days, most users notice marked improvement in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Personally, I just started using it in hopes of diminishing the crow’s feet I was blessed with at a very young age (too young!). It’s not a stretch to say that every day since using Alphasomes, they become increasingly less visible. Hey, I’ll take that! 

So how does Alphasomes work? The Doctor D. Schwab brand put together a formula of pure organic oils and other natural ingredients, then spiked it with peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and several unique components (among them, the powerful Euk 134 complex). The combination of these ingredients actually has a relaxing effect on the neuron cellular junction – recognize that language? Yes, Alphasomes has been regarded as a topical Botox ® alternative! One company testimonial states, “It has given me the results of at least two Botox sessions.” As you probably know, that’s no meager claim!

You can order a gift of Doctor D. Schwab Alphasomes online, or at one of the dozens of high-end spas and physician offices that carry it nationwide. In Rancho Cucamonga, CA (hometown of Beauty Chat), Professional Skin Care’s Marlena Colella has used the product for herself, as well as her clients. She tells me, “I saw the results on myself within two weeks. In the first two or three days, I especially saw it on the fine lines around my eyes. My sister was really happy with it as well.” My guess is, yours will be too! Check out the luxury packaging; almost as pretty as jewelry under the tree, right?

P.S. Be sure to check back for a new gift giveaway (stocking stuffer idea?) that you will totally love!

~ Brook

Photo Credit: A Beauty Chat/ PlasticSurgery.com exclusive shot! Product courtesy of Jaime Alyn Public Relations.

…Stephanie Gruelle of Steph’s Beauty Buzz! You may remember the recent interview I had with one of our fave cosmetic experts regarding fashion, makeup products, and a few new rules on what to keep in a mini-clutch!

As for the amazing gift exclusive that Denice (our foot rejuvenation connoisseur) arranged, the Beauty Chat crew chose Steph’s answer due to the great insight and tips she provided. (By the way, check out Steph’s collection of cosmetics…WOW.)

In response to this question:

“How do you keep your feet stylin’ and comfy at the same time?

Steph said:

“I admit, so many of the shoes I love are less than kind to feet. But rather than give up fashionable shoes, I’ve learned to pamper my feet in gratitude for the abuse I put them through. Regular pedicures are a must, and I always make sure to include a callus treatment to repair any damage I may have done. The pedicures are also a must for keeping those pesky ingrown toenails at bay. I also make sure to use an extra rich lotion on my footsies nightly.

Right now I’m loving “Breathe At Night – Intense Hydration Body Cream,” available at Bath and Body Works. Last but not least, I always use Band-Aid’s Blister Block to keep my feet from blistering, especially when wearing a great pointy toe shoe. I think in the end its a fair trade off: my feet look great, and with a little extra work they can still feel great too.”

Our Top 3 runner-ups were:

Terri D.: “I get by with a little help from my friends. Good shoes, good scrubbers and good doctors, my friends don’t let me down. Now with Yogatoes, I’ll need less friends around!”

Beth: “Since I am on my feet all day, I have to wear comfortable shoes. In the classroom, I wear my chic comfy Avon slippers with sequins. I save my ‘big girl’ shoes for when I have to leave the room and look professional. I’m a big fan of Clark mules. I have both black and brown suede.”

Gabi: “This is a perfect question for me as my first contest entry. I am a dancer and didn’t really start dancing until I was older. I never had the usual ballet as a girl. I am going to start ballet soon. I dance NIA, Modern, belly and African. Keeping my feet beautiful has sort of become an obsession for me. I’m a bit prone to obsessions anyway. I absolutely have to have my toes perfect. I have a pedi once a week and sometimes still touch them up.

Your question also touches on another obsession of mine and that is my shoe collection. I have over 50 pair of shoes and probably only 3 pair of flats. Since my toes are such an obsession I wear open toes whenever possible.This time of year that is more difficult however so this is my boot season. 15 pair of those in addition to my shoes. I also take yoga once a week by the way.”

Thanks you for entering Denice’s fabulous gift giveaway (she worked hard to bring you such refreshing products!) We gotta say that it was such a pleasure reading the responses to this question, and although the contest has ended, please feel free to respond with your own thoughts!

~ Elana

Product Images: www.spongeables.com and a PlasticSurgery.com photo of Denice wearing YogaToes from our very own Kevin!