PRODUCT REVIEW: Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

While on my way to the Clarins' spring ‘14 product launch, I was wondering how they could top the success of last years Double Serum. I was pleasantly surprised because I think they might have done it. Their new product, Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, turns your normal daily facial moisturizer into self-tanner. I must admit I haven’t seen anything like this before.

What I love about this product is how easily it fits into your skincare regime. You’re not adding a bunch of additional steps, you’re not even really adding one step it’s more of a half step! All that’s required is mixing 2-3 drops of the product to your moisturizer in your hand and apply to your face and neck. Voilà!

It’s not complicated, it’s not messy or sticky and you can control of the intensity with the number of drops you decide to use. So simple yet effective, resulting in a natural-looking even glow, which I was informed, is because the product adapts to your skin tone!

I think this is going to change the self-tanning industry and we’ll see lots of other companies running to launch a competitive product.

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, $30, is now available nationwide.

CHICAGO WELCOMES ETRO!

Another European brand, Etro, has made its way to Chicago. I just love how the fashion scene here is growing and expanding to include so many fabulous international designers. This high-end Italian retailer, known for it gorgeous Paisley prints, will sell both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear plus textiles, home décor, and perfumes. I love the fact that it’s an outlet store as I’m always after a good designer bargain. However don’t let that put you off as Fashion Outlets doesn’t feel like a typical outlet but much more like a luxury mall! HAPPY SHOPPING!

Opening today at Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018

REAL v DEAL: McQueen v Topshop

REAL: ‘De Manta’ large studded leather tote, $958, by Alexander McQueen at Outnet.com.
DEAL: Daisy cutout tote bag, $76, by Topshop at Nordstrom.

NEW WORK: Condé Nast Traveller UK

My hotel review of Thompson Chicago makes Condé Nast Traveller's 2014 Hot List!

FASHIONABLE DISCOVERIES: H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2014

Out today is H&M’s third ‘Conscious Exclusive’ collection made from sustainable materials. Already spotted on stars like as Michelle Williams, Ginnifer Goodwin and Sophia Bush, this range isn’t just eco-friendly it’s also incredibly stylish, woohoo!!! so it’s a win win!

Lace A-line dress, $249; shoulder piece made of recycled plastic beads, $149.

Silk-blend Kimono Dress $69.95.

Shoulder piece made of recycled plastic beads, $149; woven T-shirt made with 100% organic silk, $59.95; organic leather skirt, $199.

RIGHT: Silk Dress $199; 2-pack Bracelets $24.95, Beaded Shoulder Bag $69.95, Embroidered Leather Sandals $149. LEFT: Crinkled Cotton Blouse $34.95; Embroidered Pants $129.

Ruffle-shouldered top, $49.95; 2-pack Bracelets $24.95; Embroidered Pants $129.

Large Clip-on Earrings $17.95; dark navy organza jacquard dress, $299; embellished mules, $149.

Lace dress with T-shirt body, $549; flat organic leather shoes, $99.

RIGHT: Large Clip-on Earrings $17.95; Ruffled Georgette Blouse $49.95; Embroidered Shorts $49.95. LEFT: Embroidered Cotton Vest $69.95; Wide-leg Satin Pants $49.95.

Ruffled Dress in Lyocell Blend $59.95; Leather Waist Belt $59.95; Silk-blend Shorts $49.95.

Available online and at select H&M stores.

GET THE LOOK: Jennifer Lopez

GET THE LOOK...

I think Jennifer’s black platform heels are too clunky for this dress. I’d go for a more feminine pair and something lighter. Why not even try a floral print, which is a big trend this spring. Also if you love the fullness of the Dior skirt just add one or even two petticoats underneath.

CLOCKWISE: Sleeveless tie belt gown, $495, by Aidan Mattox at Neiman Marcus. ‘Nouveau’ floral print python heel, $625, by Stuart Weitzman at Neiman Marcus. Sleeveless tie belt cocktail dress, $285, by Aidan Mattox at Neiman Marcus. ‘Hangisi’ jeweled heel, $985, by Manolo Blahnik at Nordstrom.

REAL v DEAL: kors v topshop

REAL: Mandarin lizard-print leather peep-toe ankle strap heels, $175, by MICHAEL Michael Kors
DEAL: ‘Roar Tiger’ heels, $85, by Topshop.