Lemming Of The Day: Dior Granville Handstitched Tote

Those who know me know that I'm pretty much as bag-obsessed as I am cosmetics-obsessed, and since I don't have the time/energy to start a whole new blog (seriously I can barely keep up with ABS!) I figured it'd be fun to have a few posts here and there on the bags as well. After all, don't we all enjoy a little eye-candy? :)

So my lemming for today is Christian Dior's Granville Handstitched Medium Tote ($2,350.00), a gorgeous, buttery lambskin convertible tote with hand-stitched cannage detailing. Looks like it's a hit with the celebs - check it out below on Demi Moore (unfolded) and on Blake Lively (folded with shoulder strap).


I'm a huge sucker for a convertible bag - I love the look, the practicality, and basically getting two different looks in one bag. This is one seriously hot tote!
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Dior Spring 2010 Lacy Beauty Collection

I'm generally not too wowed by the Spring collections (I'm all about the holidays!) but from what I've seen, Spring 2010 is set to be a stunner (wait'll you see what Guerlain has in store for us)! Dior's 2010 Lacy Beauty Collection is inspired by vintage 20's lace/lingerie and is sure to evoke your inner temptress.



More photos after the jump!


Dior's Lacy Beauty Collection includes:

• 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palettes in Pearl Glow and Coquette
  
• Poudrier Dentelle in Pink Lace and Peach Lace

I'd love to get me hands on one of these quints - loving the lacy floral embossed texture, the soft, sultry shades and of course, the fact that they're Dior. See anything you have to have?

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Dior Cristal Boreal for Holiday 2009

Dior Cristal Boreal ($80)
Dress Up and dazzle for the holidays with Dior's own legendary jewel designs. The greatest star of all, this gleaming pendant necklace inspired by the "Crystale Boreale," a legendary Swarovski crystal-studded pendant designed for Christian Dior in 1955. Influenced by the ornate, corseted gowns and decorative broaches of the 18th Century Louis XVI style and inspired by the delicate light-reflecting qualities of crystal, each product in this exquisite color collection is like a tiny jewel. Featuring shades of petal pink, deep silver and a wide range of purples to create a luxurious and festive look for holiday.

I always look forward to Dior's gorgeous holiday beauty releases that come in jewelry-form, but this revered fashion house has really outdone itself for Holiday 2009 with this Dior Cristal Boreal, a stunning rendition of an 18th-century influenced piece comprised of four aurora boreas crystals and a smattering of 48 additional Swarovskis. Housed within is a crystal-effect gloss in shade Pink Crystal. This is going onto my holiday wishlist, alhtough at $80 it's probably not something I'll end up with.

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Dior Holiday Palettes for Winter 2009

Dior Deluxe Travel Palette ($75)

The hottest shades of the season are inside this limited-edition, black patent clutch! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, this must-have palette features signature cannage stitching and silver 'D' hardware along with a wardrobe of Dior's best travel essentials: six eyeshadows, a DiorBlush, an allover face highlighter and deluxe miniatures of Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Organdi Pink 257 and Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Black 090! The perfect gift for your loved ones—or you!

Every holiday season Dior comes out with one of these deluxe travel palettes, and every year I drool over it, but I've never actually managed to get my hands on one. Maybe 2009 will be my year!

Dior Mini Brush Set ($60)

Treat yourself or a loved one this holiday season with a luxurious mini brush set from Dior. Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, this limited-edition, black patent clutch features signature cannage stitching and silver 'D' hardware along with four travel-size versions of Dior's best-selling brushes (foundation, powder foundation, eyeshadow and lip).

Dior Holiday Eye Palette ($42)

The hottest shades of the season for eyes are inside this limited-edition, black patent palette! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, Dior Holiday Eye Palette features signature cannage stitching and silver 'D' hardware along with four perfectly coordinated shades of eye color. The perfect gift for your loved ones—or you!

Dior Holiday Lip Palette ($42)

The hottest shades of the season for lips are inside this limited-edition, black patent palette! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, Dior Holiday Lip Palette features signature cannage stitching and silver 'D' hardware, along with four perfectly coordinated shades of lip color. The perfect gift for your loved ones—or you!

What are your thoughts on Dior's Holiday 2009 Collection?

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ABS Wants: Dior 'Serum de Rouge' Tinted Lipstick & Silver Nike Gladiateur Mid Sandals

Dior 'Serum de Rouge' Tinted Lipstick ($32)

Discover the most luxurious lip treatment ever created: new Serum de Rouge by Dior. With ten times more active skincare ingredients than other lipsticks, Serum de Rouge features an amazingly creamy texture to moisturize, smooth and pamper your lips day after day. Enriched with mango butter and other natural extracts, this nourishing treatment actually boosts your lips' microcirculation and collagen levels and enhances their appearance with luminous color.

Dior's 'Serum de Rouge' is looking and sounding quite a lot like Cle de Peau's Touche de Rouge Extra Silky Lipstick (click the link for my review) which I absolutely adore, and while it's pretty pricey at $32, I'd say $32 is better than $50! More than anything I'm loving the sleek lipstick tube etched with Dior's classic Lady Dior purse pattern. Gorgeous!

And this is not beauty related at all (you know I like to go off on my random tangents every now and then) but I happened to see these shoes in a little Nike boutique in SoHo on Saturday and while they're as far from my usual style as you can get, I'm dying to own them. I mean gladiator shoes in sneaker form - how cute! Nike's Gladiateur Mid Sandals run $80 but availability seems to be quite limited. What do you think?
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Eye Cream Quest Part 1: Dior HydrAction Visible Defense Hydra-Protective Eye Creme SPF 20 Review & Swatches

Here's installment one of the eye cream reviews that I promised you! I'm wondering if these should have a title like the Mascara Series does, but I'm not entirely sure. Any preferences? I'm leaning towards no.

Dior HydrAction Visible Defense Hydra-Protective Eye Creme SPF 20 ($54)
This SPF 20 hydra-protective skincare that uses Aquaporin technology moisturizes your skin intensely, protecting it effectively against external stresses thanks to the exclusive Dior Multi-Protective SPF 20 complex that acts as a powerful protective barrier. Effectively protected and perfectly moisturized, your skin visibly regains its glow and beauty.

I had my mother pick up Dior's HydrAction Visible Defense Hydra-Protective Eye Creme for me a few years back when she was in Korea (from Duty Free of course), sight unseen, and it was definitely full of surprises for me as it was nothing like what I was expecting.

Age Range: I'd say this particular eye cream is best-suited for those in their teens to mid thirties as it seems to be formulated to address the more preliminary signs of aging and to emphasize preventative measures as opposed to actually remedying fully-formed wrinkles. While it's decently moisturizing, it's also rather light and doesn't provide the heavier moisture your under eye area may be craving once you hit 40.

Sorry for this terrible photo -- these were taken with my old camera which didn't do so well in low-light conditions.

What It's Good For: You'll want this HydrAction Creme is you're seeking moderate hydration and don't suffer from excessively parched undereye skin. This eye cream is good for those who spend a lot of time outdoors as it contains SPF and protects against environmental stresses and pollutants. It'll help address those first few fine lines you're seeing, but it doesn't do much for more deeply ingrained wrinkles, dark circles or puffiness.


The Formula: As I mentioned, I was rather surprised by the formula. Dior's HydrAction Hydra-Protective Eye Creme has the consistency of a thick souffle and therefore is a little disconcerting upon first use. It feels nice and light though (it's almost fluffy) and glides on easily. One aspect that can be either a pro or a con is that this product leaves a bit of a whitish cast wherever it's applied thanks to the SPF (see it sheered out in the photo below to see what I mean). I actually like this since I'm decently pale and it gives me eyes a brightened appearance, but if you're on the darker side it might appear to be a bit odd. The formula is moderately hydrating, non-irritating, very gentle on the eyes and all-around a good solid eye cream. I appreciate that it's non-greasy and therefore doesn't migrate and slide around my eye ruining my eye makeup.


The Verdict: While I don't really see this eye cream providing any heavy-duty anti-aging benefits, I do quite like it for its simplicity and the fact that it's one of the few eye creams to provide decent SPF protection, something that's key for the delicate skin under our eyes. If you're young, have relatively good skin and are just looking for a good solid eye cream that'll provide you with sun protection, moisturization and a brightened, lightened undereye area with some anti-aging bits thrown in this is a good option for you. I like to use this on those summer days when it's just too hot for anything heavier.

RATING: 3.75/5

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Dior Addict Lip Polish Swatches & Mini Review

Dior Addict Lip Polish ($29.50)
To create ultrasmooth, ultrashiny lips backstage at fashion shows, pro makeup artists roll a cotton swab along models' lips to gently exfoliate; then they apply petroleum jelly to prime the surface and multiply the shine of the gloss topcoat. Now, inspired by these backstage secrets, Dior introduces new Dior Addict Lip Polish. Enriched with moisturizing hyaluronic microspheres and ultrareflective mother-of-pearl pigments, the incredibly supple formula instantly recreates the impeccable, glowing look of the runway. The revolutionary and exclusive spin-on applicator, which picks up just the right amount of product and then rolls it uniformly onto the lips, provides a delicate massage that enhances the benefits of the formula.

Swatches (L to R): Radiance Expert, Fresh Expert, Glow Expert

I've been stalking Sephora's Dior counters waiting for these juicy-looking gems to pop up so that I could check out this "revolutionary and exclusive spin-on applicator" for myself, and I have to admit that it's pretty clever. The Addict Lip Polishes contain a rolling gloss brush head ~ basically the gloss head rotates when you glide the wand across your lips, making for smoother, more even application.

The formula itself is somewhere between Dior's usual non-sticky light, semi-liquidy gloss formulation and a MAC Lipgelee, meaning they feel great on the lips. They have a really nice plush, non-sticky feel to them that I really like.

The Lip Polishes only come in three shades: Radiance Expert (a sheer beige that balances and illuminates the natural color of your lips), Fresh Expert (a sheer pink meant to restore lips' youthfulness), and Glow Expert (a light color that adds sheer, warm color to lips to give luminosity and glow). They're all sheer but gives lips a nice wash of color that's great for the summer. While I don't think that these are quite worth the $29.50 price tag, that doesn't mean that I don't want one for mself!

And this is completely random and unrelated, but check out this cute handmade candy! It was handmade at this amazing candy shop called Papabubble, where you can actually watch the employees make candy by hand. Watching them color, flavor and mold candy is so much fun, and it doesn't hurt that they hand out warm, freshly made candy if you happen to be hanging around while they're making some!
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Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lipbalm Review & Swatches

Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lipbalm SPF 10 ($28)

Dior's new Lip Glow Color Awakening Balm enhances and embellishes the natural color of the lips, using its Color Reviver technology to create a customized color result. The Dior Addict Lip Glow reacts directly with the unique chemistry of each woman's lips before releasing its color ingredient, giving lips a revived, radiant, full look.


The formula is enriched with wild mango and luffa cylindirca, cushioning lips in comfort. Dior's Lip Glow moisturizes, smooths, and softens the lips while protecting them from environmental damage with SPF 10.


What I Love: Well I absolutely adore the packaging--the classic Dior lipstick tube done in the sweetest baby pink. The balm itself matches the exterior in shade-it's a slightly translucent light pink that goes on essentially colorless and then ripens into a customized shade on pink on your lips. The formula is long-lasting, moisturizing, and protects your lips from the elements, things that we could all use a little more of. Plus the balm has a nice, lightly minty flavor/scent to it that's really refreshing, and the mintiness also seems to provide some plumping action for fuller, poutier lips.


Not So Much: Well the price for one--$28 is a bit steep for what's in essence a nicely packaged $3 mood lipstick. But that having been said, the product is great as a light lip treatment and really does deliver on its promises. I'm also not entirely crazy about the particular shade of this turns on me--somewhat of a deepish berry pink, whereas I was hoping for more of a soft pink. On others I've seen this develop into exactly the soft pink that I wanted, but on me it teeters on the brink of being a little too close to red for my liking. I do love the way that it looks in the swatch on my hand though.

Hand Swatch of Addict Lip Glow

Lip Swatch of Addict Lip Glow

Final Thoughts: While I'm not 100% crazy about this, I do love the glossy finish this gives my lips, with the added benefits of moisturization and SPF protection. Oh and of course the slightly fuller look this gives my lips is another bonus. I don't think I'd repurchase, but I'll happily use up the tube that I have!

RATING: 3.5/5

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Take Your Pick: Two Sephora Deals, Plus a Beauty Insiders Dior Exclusive!

For all your Sephora junkies, right now there are two great codes to choose from. Receive 10% off your entire purchase by entering code: YG85P at checkout, OR enter code: XOXO at checkout to receive a free Baby Sugar Fresh Lipgloss with any purchase. I'm thinking I'll go for the gloss, although I'm a little annoyed since I just received a bunch of stuff from Sephora =X.

Sephora's also been updating their site with a bunch of great new items including some super cute Harajuku Lovers makeup bags and this (for now) Beauty Insiders exclusive Dior Addict Lip Polish.

To create ultrasmooth, ultrashiny lips backstage at fashion shows, pro makeup artists roll a cotton swab along models' lips to gently exfoliate; then they apply petroleum jelly to prime the surface and multiply the shine of the gloss topcoat. Now, inspired by these backstage secrets, Dior introduces new Dior Addict Lip Polish. Enriched with moisturizing hyaluronic microspheres and ultrareflective mother-of-pearl pigments, the incredibly supple formula instantly recreates the impeccable, glowing look of the runway. The revolutionary and exclusive spin-on applicator, which picks up just the right amount of product and then rolls it uniformly onto the lips, provides a delicate massage that enhances the benefits of the formula.

The Lip Polishes run $29.50 each (ouch I know!) and are available in three juicy shades that look to be on the sheer end of the spectrum.

- Fresh Expert: the pink tone restores lips' youthfulness and promotes fresh-looking beauty
- Glow Expert: the light coral tone adds sheer, warm color to lips to give luminosity and glow
- Radiance Expert: the beige tone optimally re-balances the natural color of lips and illuminates them with radiance

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Some 'Haute' New Products for Spring 2009

Dior 'Haute Couture' Palette ($80)

The inspiration: Dior's luminous spring fine leather accessories. Now, beautifully reinterpreted into a luxurious travel case filled with the ultimate diva essentials for lips, face, cheeks and eyes: a multitone sun powder for allover glowing, a sculpting Golden Touch eye and cheek highlighter, a juicy coral-melon tinted gloss and two brush applicators. Zip it up and get ready to glow.

Dior Addict 'Lip Glow' Color Reviver Balm ($28)

Nobody will ever kiss quite like you with Dior's sensationally sheer lip balm that responds to the color chemistry of your own lips to create a shade uniquely yours. Smooth it on to moisturize, add sun protection and enhance your own natural lip color instead of hiding it. A summer Dior sensation.

I don't think I can live without this!

Dior 'Diorshow Iconic Extreme' Waterproof Mascara ($27)

Dior's classic, lash-curling black Diorshow Iconic Extreme Mascara is now waterproof! Even more long-wearing. Even more smudge-proof. Even more irresistible. Plunge in. Play all day. Beat the humidity. Get swept away with new Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara.

Yay this is finally available in waterproof! Check out my mascara series to see my thoughts on this one!

Yves Saint Laurent 'Trésor d'Afrique' Collector Lip Color Palette ($62)

Inspired by the warmth and exoticism of African shores, this summer's must-have lip palette is filled with five pearlized shades to give your lips a luminous shine. Palette contains three lipstick shades (pearly pink, shiny orange and fuchsia) and two lip gloss shades (pearly plum and light shimmery pink).

Yves Saint Laurent 'Trésor d'Afrique' Collector Eye Palette ($62)

Inspired by the warmth and exoticism of African shores, this summer's must-have eye palette is filled with pearlized shades to give you a luminous look. Palette contains five shades: beige, turquoise, plum, navy blue and toffee.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint ($22)

Bobbi's new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly into skin. Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application.

Bobbi Brown 'Sheer Color' Gloss ($20)

Bobbi's newest gloss formula is super-sheer and super-wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season's punchy shades.

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Dior Addict High Impact Weightless Lipcolor in #359 (Pink Empress) Review & Swatches

Dior Addict High Impact Weightless Lipcolor in #359 Pink Empress ($26)

Dior's newly formulated Addict High Impact Weightless Lipcolor offers weightless, pigmented high-impact color with a smooth texture that allows it to glide over lips for color that lasts and lasts.

I purchased Pink Empress in order to receive this free Dior Diamond Lipstick Case, and honestly it was well worth it for the lipstick case alone as it's pretty stunning, so while I wasn't expecting too too much from the lipstick I must say it's pretty great, and at a very reasonable price point too! I swatched all the shades before settling on Pink Express, a shimmery pearly shade that's pinky with some rose tones to it.


The shade is a little brighter than it appears to be in the photo above--pinks are tough to photograph! The new Dior Addict formula feels very lightweight and somewhat slick and slippery on the lips, yet manages to stay put for hours on end. I wore my Dior Addict in Pink Empress a few days back and it lasted through a light snack, tennis and basketball, and dinner.

Swatch of Pink Empress

Dior Addict, while not really drying, isn't all that moisturizing either. I'd say that my lips remain comfortable while sheathed in this pretty pink shade, but not really hydrated.

Lip Swatch of Pink Empress (with flash)
It's actually a softer pink in person--the close up below is a much more accurate color representation.

Lip Swatch of Pink Empress (Close Up w/o Flash)

My mother and I both happen to be big fans of Dior lipsticks~they come in a great range of shades and formulas, and the packaging is always absolutely beautiful. These are the types of lipsticks that you'd be proud to pull out and reapply at any time. At $26 I really think that they're very decently priced, and considering that they're lightweight yet pigmented, have great shimmer and shine, and are long lasting, I don't see why you wouldn't want to check these out!

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Presenting My Dior Diamond Lipstick Case =)

So after the arguing, the traveling, and the aggravation, here at last is my Dior Diamond Lipstick Case! Isn't she a beauty? I absolutely love it and would have been willing to pay for it as it's extremely well constructed.

When I was growing up, my mother had this intricately beaded lipstick case that I thought was the epitome of glamor and sophistication. Watching her apply her lipstick while peering into its tiny mirror, I vowed to have a lipstick case of my very own when I was all grown up. It seems that lipstick cases have waned somewhat in popularity since that time though, as as nice ones seem to be rather hard to come by nowadays.


Seeing this Dior case renewed my lemming and I simply couldn't rest until I got my hands on it! The dimensions fit Dior's lipsticks and glosses perfectly, and the lid shuts with a satisfying snap thanks to magnets on either end. As far as freebies go, this is definitely up there amongst my favorites, although you'll have to remind me to show you my favorite freebie ever at some point--it's a serious stunner and my other freebies can't even come close.

I hope to have a review of the new Addict lipsticks for you soon, along with some MAC swatches!

I just wanted to add that as Deb mentioned, this gorgeous bejeweled lipstick case matches Dior's Night Diamond Compact which I blogged about back in September of 2008. Meaning if you have it, you definitely need the coordinating lipstick case!

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