Fall is quickly approaching and my wardrobe is much need of some updates. Always looking for great deals, I stumbled upon a new boutique that’s full of high-end fashions without the high-end prices.  I asked my fellow Beauty Chatter, Leeann, to accompany me to the grand opening of The Runway Boutique.

Owner Claudia Prado opened an online boutique in 2005 selling chic clothing to women worldwide.  Last Saturday, after conquering Web site retail, Claudia held the grand opening of The Runway Boutique in the city of Brea in Orange County, California. While shopping, I had a chance to meet Claudia herself.  More »

This Friday, September 12th, “The Women” premiers nationwide. With an all-female cast, it’s sure to be a hit among ladies of all ages. Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Eva Mendes, Bette Midler, and Candice Bergen all star in the remake of the 1939 classic film. Having been in the works for 13 years, the film’s director, Diane English, is proud to see it finally come to life.

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While relaxing poolside, I like to catch up on my Hollywood gossip by reading People magazine. On one particular day, as I was reading the “Style Watch” section, I came across this super cute makeup. As I read a little more, I saw the segment is on celebrity makeup artist Mezhgan (make up artist on American Idol) and her makeup line Me by {Me}zhgan. I was taken by the little bit of info and immediately starting doing more research!

After looking over her site (and loving all her makeup) I decided to contact her to see if I could get info on the glamour girl behind the brand. I got LUCKY! I went straight to the source, Mezhgan, and we had a great conversation. Here’s some of what we chatted about: More »

According to Onamia Chun, the Senior VP of Fuglylab.com: “The name, Fugly Lab, is the antithesis of the typical beauty company; this is exactly why I love the name so much. Fugly Lab is not like any other beauty company and it never will be.”

(Fugly Lab’s very own Onamia Chun.)

Chun also commonly uses this tagline: “Fighting Ugly One Sample at a Time.” Get it? With its catchy (and totally clever) company name, Fugly Lab offers sample-size sets of makeup, skincare, hair care, and bath and body products, while providing the huge benefit of trying before buying. Based in Los Angeles, Fugly Lab held their launch party early May this year, and although I wasn’t able to make it, the pictures from their event are available to the public. I always love that! It’s like a “See what you missed, and hope you can make it to our next event” sentiment. For sure.

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During the Total Beauty blog summit in May, Leeann and I were introduced to this fabulous cosmetic line: Redpoint. Redpoint comes in sassy red packaging and looks super chic, and since I am a huge fan of packaging, it was love at first sight. But, Redpoint goes way beyond its packaging. In fact, the brand is taking cosmetics in a whole new direction.

Because of Redpoint’s Chromactive Technology, it is able to push the makeup’s performance to a completely new level. Each product contains specialized ingredients that work behind the scenes to help improve the look and feel of your skin. Are you looking for that natural, youthful glow? Well, look no further!

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Shaving is a chore that has to be done (okay, it doesn’t have to, but should be), and if you decide to adopt other methods, such as waxing or threading, it can be a little uncomfortable and expensive. Personally, I stick to shaving. My skin is not super sensitive, but does react negatively from time to time. I am on a quest to find that perfect razor, but until then, I have found a fabulous alternative to those pesky ingrown hairs.

Queen Bee Waxing has a product that every girl should have in her bathroom, Buzz off Bumps™ For Pesky Ingrowns. Buzz off Bumps™ is a round, pre-medicated pad that is easy and fast to use. All you have to do is swipe the pad over the area 24 hours after shaving or waxing, and let dry. These little pads can be used everywhere! Your bikini area, underarms, and yes, men can use them too! More »

Today I am sharing my new obsession: toe rings. I had never tried toe rings before because I could never find one that fit quite right. Well I have now, and I am hooked! Being the resident Beauty Chat pedi snob, I have to share anything that makes my feet cute! I am always looking for new and exciting things that provide a sort of non-invasive “foot facelift.”

I located this company called Barefoot Bling (cute name, huh?), which specialize in custom-fitted toe rings. I immediately added them as a friend on myspace before going to their main Web site. After looking through many cute rings, I contact the company’s owner, Amy.

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The way I see it – the heart and soul of a company largely contributes to its success, and I love learning about the brains behind fabulous products. This is why I excitedly wanted to chat with Terry Carter of Travertine Spa – a line of natural botanical body care products and lovely loungewear. With a HUGE celebrity clientele base with products and apparel that is tailored for both and women, Terry wholeheartedly believes in what Travertine Spa stands for. With personal satisfaction using one of his “moisture therapy” products (as well as owning a comfy Yoga Wear top), I have to share one of my new favorite skincare lines with you.

Check out our exclusive Beauty Chat interview:

Elana: How did you develop the idea for Travertine Spa?

Terry: I was a corporate attorney who really didn’t like the atmosphere that I was working in; it was a hostile environment that I did not enjoy. I got away from my stresses in the workplace by going to spas. I wanted to share with people what I had learned and experienced by just taking time to take care of myself, so I decided to create Travertine Spa in 2005. More »

Every woman needs a complementary coat that displays her attitude and flatters her body. However, finding that special jacket isn’t always so simple…until now!

Mackage is an amazing line that values the beauty of outerwear. Never a disappointment, the creators Elise Dahan and Eran Elfassy (who began their design aspirations as grade school friends) consistently develop stylish, yet classic, pieces. Their coats embody sophistication.

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I am not a plastic surgeon, a beauty expert, or a skincare specialist — but I do know when something does not appear healthy. And right now, I’m thinkin’ of Priscilla Presley - a current contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” (on tonight!).

Check out the new column on Your New Body Blog, featuring two Beverly Hills plastic surgeons: Dr. Stuart Linder (“BodyDocBlogger”) and Dr. Robert Kotler (“FaceDocBlogger”). It’s called Tuck N’ Stitch. And I don’t know about you, but getting insider information is always helpful when celebrity plastic surgery results are questionable!

…BUT I still think she’s pretty fabulous. Here’s a recent YouTube video featuring Elvis Presley’s love on “Dancing With The Stars” during Week 1:

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