Lela Luxe

April is chuck full o’fabulous giveaways on Lela Luxe, isn’t it? This time I bring you probably the most fabulous giveaway of the year so far.

NuMe, a high-end hair care brand sold in professional hair salons all over Europe, recently launched in the United States and to celebrate they’re giving away over $500 worth of professional styling products in their “Meet and Greet Giveaway”!

NuMe was originated to support professional stylists and their needs, they engineered and manufactured their products based on top leading hair stylist recommendations, and they were the ones that pioneered 100% Solid Ceramic Plates and the first to implement them in Europe.

Basically, these are one of the highest quality professional tools available for home use.  They even offer a re-assuring warranty (5 years on certain straighteners plus optional extended lifetime warranty)…and for the cherry on top—the company actually honors it.

Now…for the GIVEAWAY. Here’s what you get and what you have to do to get it.

HERE’S WHAT YOU GET

The Jetsetter Pro Package valued at $525, which includes:

MINI FLAT IRON – Beyoncé’s secret to taming her frizz on the go.

The NuMe Mini styling tool is perfect for on-the-go styling, whether it’s just a touch up or an essential in your make up bag. The ergonomic design makes it easy to hold, handle and manipulate, allowing you to create the perfect style every time. The Mini is light weight and works with the dual voltage which allows you to use it anywhere in the world, ideal for traveling.

Features & Benefits:

• 100% tourmaline-infused ceramic plates prevent dry and damaged hair
• Infrared heat technology seals in moisture for extra shine and luster
• Negative Ion Technology reduces static and frizz for shinier, more manageable hair
• Rounded Barrels create curls or flips your hair
• Heats up with in seconds, reducing wait time
• Ergonomic design is easy to hold, handle and manipulate
• Built-in converter handles dual voltage from 110v to 240v (you must purchase the country’s proper plug adapter separately)
• Temperature: 410 degrees F

Warranty: One Year

VINTAGE FLAT IRON – loved Gwyneth Paltrow’s stick straight, sexy hair at the Oscars? This is what you need!

NuMe’s best selling classic professional styler is the original 100% solid ceramic iron that brings shine and luster back to the most course or wispy hair. With its rounded barrel design, it’s ideal for transforming your hair to any glamorous look - silky straight, voluminous waves or perfect curls. Great for all hair types.

The NuMe Vintage is a classic Professional Styling Iron with a unique alignment system that ensures ideal contact between your hair and our 100% tourmaline ceramic plates. Using pure ceramic plates ensures even distribution, eliminating the hot spots and chipping associated with conventional irons. Our 100% ceramic plates emit negative ions which seals moisture in the hair cuticle keeping your hair shiny, healthy and silky smooth.

Features & Benefits:

• 100% solid ceramic plates prevent dry and damaged hair
• Precision-engineered 1.25 inch floating plates
• Variable Temperature Control: 140-410 degrees F allows you to set the perfect heat setting for you hair type to prevent overheating
• Ergonomic design to hold, handle and manipulate
• Rounded Barrels create curls or flips your hair
• Infrared heat technology seals in moisture for extra shine and luster
• Negative Ion Technology reduce static and eliminate frizz for shinier, smoother, manageable hair
• 360 degree salon-style swivel power cord allows for easy maneuvering as you style
• Heats up with within six to ten seconds, reducing wait time
• Built-in converter handles dual voltage from 110v to 240v

Warranty: Three Year

19mm CURLING WAND – Remember Anne Hathaway’s curly locks at the Oscars?

NuMe’s tourmaline curling wands lets you have it all by creating gorgeous long lasting curls and voluminous waves. The simple and effective clip-free design gives you silky smooth curls every time without the risk of tugging or breaking your hair. Our exciting technology will give you the healthy, bouncy, luscious curls that you only dreamed about having. Best for all hair types.

The NuMe Curling Wand uses our signature negative ion technology to get you the lasting look you want, quickly and without the damage of conventional irons and curlers. Get perfect frizz- free curls, a cascade of mermaid waves or just some added volume to your locks without the hefty hair dresser bill.

Features & Benefits:

• Available in 13mm, 19mm, 25mm and Reverse
• Heats up to 410 degrees F in seconds
• Tourmaline-infused ceramic wand is smooth and soft on hair, preventing dry and damaged hair
• Infrared heat technology seals in moisture for extra shine and luster
• Ergonomic design is easy to hold, handle and manipulate
• Heat resistant glove prevents you from burning your hand
• Built-in converter handles dual voltage from 110v to 240v

Warranty: One Year

HERE IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET IT

1. Leave a comment below greeting NuMe…let’s give them a fabulous welcome into the states!
2. Follow NuMe on (@NuMeProducts)
3. Retweet the Giveaway with this statement: (just copy and paste it into twitter)

“ I just entered the @NuMeProducts Meet + Greet #Giveaway to win pro hair styling products here http://lelaluxe.com ”

and that’s it!

Contest will run for Two Weeks. Winner will be chosen at random by NuMe on April 22, 2011 at 12:00pm PST.

TIP: The more times you retweet, the more entries you get, which increases your chances of winning the grand prize!

ALSO…

Everyone who enters will receive a very special (shhhhh) coupon that you can use to purchase anything on the NuMe website. The discount is actually so big, I cannot advertise it. Just email me ( lela at lelaluxe.com ) requesting the coupon after you’ve entered the giveaway and I’ll send it over.

Just in time for Earth Day, Project Alabama, is re-launching this Spring 2011.

Newly appointed Design Director Charlotte Greenough has upheld the brand's roots of organic and locally handmade clothing while blossoming Project Alabama into a contemporary, wearable, and attainable collection.

The brand produces globally using certified fair trade factories in India along with handmade knitwear from Peru, promoting sustainability while making the brand accessible to women worldwide.

With a fresh, focused approach to craftsmanship, Project Alabama combines contemporary sensibilities with time-honored techniques of embroidery, appliqué, beading and handcrafted embellishment on natural content fabrics.

“Hand Touched. Community Crafted” is Project Alabama’s mantra which has become an integral part of the DNA of the brand. Project Alabama respects its rich heritage of partnerships with local artisans who are passionate about producing environmentally and socially conscious clothing.

Here is the Project Alabama Spring 2011 collection. You visit their site to view their Fall collection as well as where to buy.

SAN TROPEZ

2 oz CHAMBORD Flavored Vodka

¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice

¾ oz Simple Syrup

8 Mint Leaves

1 Thick Cucumber Slice

Top Ginger Ale

CHAMBORD-Vanilla Foam*

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:

Muddle cucumber and mint in syrup and lime juice. Add Vodka and shake very well with ice. Strain into an ice-filled wine glass. Top with ginger ale and CHAMBORD-Vanilla Foam. Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig.

*CHAMBORD-Vanilla Foam: To a whipped cream siphon, add 1 part CHAMBORD Liqueur, 1 part vanilla syrup and 1 part egg white. Shake very well and refrigerate.

This week’s tune is E.T. by Katy Perry, featuring Kanye West.  Dig her alien wardrobe? Her gown was designed by Viktor + Rolf. 

The video was directed by Floria Sigismondi, who’s also worked with Christina Aguilera, The White Stripes, and Marilyn Manson.

“I just got off stage to AMAZING NEWS. YOU’VE MADE #ET NUMBER 1!!!! THIS IS RECORD BREAKINGLY AMAZING! That’s 4 in a row! I am in tearssss!!!” Katy tweeted the afternoon this video was released.

Get "E.T." featuring Kanye West on iTunes here: http://goo.gl/W4q1o
Get Katy Perry's latest album, 'Teenage Dream' here: http://bit.ly/kpTDdelEX (explicit) or http://bit.ly/kpTDdel (clean)

This is Katy Perry’s second week as #1 on Billboard

Katy Perry featuring Kanye West

Let's get all ruffled up...

I was flipping through Style.com’s images of Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2011 RTW collection and came across this look:

I then felt inspired to rummage through other collections to find other fun pieces that incorporate ruffles.  Some ruffles in the spread are more intense than others and I have a strong belief that ruffles are paired best with beautiful pearls. Hence, the cluster pearl earrings from Banana Republic and the blue bijoux crown jewels ring by Max + Chloe.

That stunning red dress (Runway to Green Notte by Marchesa ruffled silk dress)will have you owning whichever room you walk into.  Red naturally boosts a woman’s confidence.  Giuliana Rancic explored it on her site FabFitFun…it even helps athletes win games!  It really takes extra effort to feel down while wearing such a strong emotional color—add a few feminine, flirty ruffles and you’ll own the town.

Love those t-strap sandals?  That’s one of the sexiest shoe silhouettes. Quaint little ruffles add a nice touch of femininity to these Casadei platform sandals.

IN THE SPREAD:

Button Front Tops by Marni

Artist of the week: Photographer Holger Pooten

I love coming across mind-blowing art. Here are a few images by German born, London based photographer, Holger Pooten.  He takes reality and turns into these monumental pictures that exaggerate action, size, and emotions.

That jumbo vase filled with enormous daisies was the perfect object to place in a dark alley-like setting.  Daisies, similar to sunflowers, have an amazing effect on emotion. See how they instantly change the mood to an otherwise gloomy image.

Told a few lies there buddy-boy? If those pants on fire aren’t incriminating enough, then his facial expression will do the job. 

Want fries with that?

Click here to view images by Holger Pooten, inspirefirst has 16 of his most bizarre.

First Day of Issue: The Gregory Peck Commemorative Stamp

If you will be in Los Angeles, this will be interesting to attend, plus it's FREE!

Actors Laura Dern, Morgan Freeman and singer Natalie Maines will join host Sharon Stone in honoring Oscar®-winner Gregory Peck (1916 - 2003) at the First Day of Issue ceremony for the Gregory Peck Commemorative Stamp.  Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, the ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.  Admission is free.

The stamp is the 17th in the Postal Services’ “Legends of Hollywood” series. It features Peck as he appeared in his Oscar-winning role as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962).

The ceremony will feature film clips highlighting Peck’s career interspersed with remarks from family and friends.  The actor was a five-time Academy Award® nominee and the recipient of the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1967.  He served as president of the Academy from 1967 to 1970 and was a seven-term Governor representing the Actors Branch.

Tickets for the First Day of Issue ceremony are free but must be obtained in advance.  Tickets are available online at www.oscars.org, by mail, or at the Academy box office (8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  Doors open at 10 a.m.

Stamps will be available for purchase from the U.S. Postal Service in the Academy’s lobby from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 28. A ticket to the ceremony is not required to buy stamps.            

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at the 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.  For more information call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

Second image: Gregory Peck backstage at the 1962 (35th) Academy Awards ceremony. Courtesy of AMPAS.

Ellen Tracy Bronze is a captivating new women's fragrance that offers a perfect fusion of youthful attitude and grown up glamour.

Contemporary, confident and naturally chic, this fragrance evokes a rich floral oriental aroma which was developed with Firmenich fragrances. Top notes of vibrant bergamot, exhilarating lemon, mandarin, and crisp green apple are complimented by sun soaked honeysuckle, orange and violet flowers. Vanilla Orchid, Amber, and sensual Musk is warmed by Cedar Wood and hypnotic Heliotrope which captures the warm rays of the sun and breathes its sexy sheer scent into this intoxicating fragrance.

Ellen Tracy Bronze is a luxurious scent with a sparkling fresh sexiness and an intoxicating mood. The fragrance has a seductive aura that leaves a luscious trail of creamy warmth.

Notes: Top: Bergamot, Lemonade, Mandarin, Green Apple
Mid: Honeysuckle, Orange Flower, Violet Flower, Violet Leaf
Base: Vanilla Orchid, Amber, Musk, Cedar Wood, Heliotrope
Category: Floral Oriental

Fragrance House: Firmenich
Perfumer: Pierre Negrin

Palm Beach Beauté entered an exclusive fragrance licensing agreement in January, 2010 with Brand Matter, LLC owner of the Ellen Tracy brand to develop and market Ellen Tracy branded fragrances.

ELLEN TRACY BRONZE Eau De Parfum SRP $58.00 / 1.7 fl. oz
ELLEN TRACY BRONZE Eau De Parfum SRP $78.00 / 3.4 fl. oz
ELLEN TRACY BRONZE Body Lotion SRP $30.00 / 6.8 fl oz

Available in department stores nationwide this Spring.

What: Elie Tahari hosts their Spring 2011 Sample Sale

Date: Tuesday April 12 – Saturday April 16

Time: Tuesday to Friday 8:30am – 7:30pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm

Location: 510 5th Avenue (Entrance 43rd and 5th Avenue) Ground Floor

Tel: 212-398-2622

Payment: All major credit cards, cash, no checks

Deals: 70% off Women’s, Men’s, Shoes and Handbags

Women’s                         

Leather embroidered jackets in leather was $1,198, now $297

Leather classic Alexis skirt was $598, now $79

Wear to work Emory dress was $398, now $99

Lydia sweater with front zip and knot detail was $198, now $49

Gold sequins Kearney evening dress was $598, now $129

Silk charmeuse Frida blouse was $268, now $59

Men’s

Leather Radnor jacket with chest pocket detail was $1,098, now $297

Leather and nylon combo Aiden motorcycle jacket was $698, now $297

Cotton metal Jed Outwear in tonal color blocking was $448, now $149

Norman Knit zip up in black with nylon front panel details was $178, now $39

Jeremy printed check shirt in Queensboro and blue print was $178, now $49

Abel magic wash Queensboro sweater with tonal stripes was $198, now $69

Footwear

Ali sling back patent peep toe was $298, now $98

Frida driver in metallic leather was $198, now $79

Abby classic riding boot was $498, now $129

Juliette career pump in with metal tie detail was $248, now $99

Handbags

Ruby hobo with chain leather wrapped handle was $498, now $249

Paige hobo with chain leather wrapped handle was $698, now $249

Beverly folded leather tote with chain handle was $698, now $249

Jade clutch with leather braided detail was $398, now $79

Lily evening satin clutch was $198, now $79