Friday, August 15, 2008

An Experiment in Purse sizes

Recently you gave advice to go for the big purse look. Here it goes, be kind:

I am having trouble getting over the fact that it looks like an oversized coin purse. I don't know why I didn't notice that before. It is a Big Buddah, and I can basically carry a laptop if it was more reinforced.


Here is my favorite size, and purse, of all time: Elliott Lucca


So, big purse veterans...what do you think? What are some of your favs?

Vogue, yuli style

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

MFW: Gilles Montezin to design for Kleinfeld



Kleinfeld Bridal, featured on TLC reality series "Say Yes To The Dress", has selected three designs from couture designer Gilles Montezin in their new lineup for the discerning bride-to-be.

Joining such notables as Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra, Montezin is having a banner year, with creations in movies "Sex and the City" and upcoming "Confessions of a Shopaholic". As he is no virgin to screen time, we hope TLC will provide a little Montezin action as well!

Friday, August 08, 2008

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)

"The product is just flying off the shelves, we can hardly keep up. We've got to get an order in!"
~ Well Spa

"Started the day off feeling amazing with @solessence. Everyone needs to buy these products. I am as soft as a new born baby. Thx @solessence 12:23 PM July 25, 2008 from web "

"Here I am ordering your lotion again, I just had to get my fix. Thanks for the amazing products."

"that body scrub is AMAZING!!!!! (I left a review on onmilwaukee and I will be buying some for my sisters too)
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!"


A huge thanks back...you make it all worthwhile.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Friday, July 25, 2008

Monday, July 21, 2008

Carp-e Digits: This ain't your mama's pedicure

To be honest, I feel a little sorry for the fish.





This new beauty find is currently exclusive to VA/DC.





http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,387302,00.html

Friday, July 18, 2008

Meet the Pets




I don't have a daughter, so I always refer to our girl dogs as my 'dogters'. Saatchi, a boxer at almost 9 years old, has been a little out of sorts lately. We go in for another round of tests, but it appears to be Cushings and/or a thyroid issue. She's doing great, although we've got late nights, but just wanted to share a little sweetness before the weekend. Please feel free to share your fur faces too.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

What Other People Are Saying About Milwaukee

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-milwaukee6-2008jul06

Come see the sights this fall during Milwaukee Fashion Week, starting October 3rd.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Wine, Women & Purses Wednesday - June 25

Please make plans to join us this Wednesday for a wonderful time of Wine, Women and Purses, a fundraiser for Gilda's Club. As part of the Pfister Well Spa offerings, Solessence will have a soap cutting table, where attendees may select from freshly made organic coconut milk, olive oil and shea butter soaps to take home. Please see following repost for more information:


Gilda's Club Hosts Wine Women and Purse Event
By Therese Novotny
ShorewoodNOW.com user
Posted: June 7, 2008
GILDA'S CLUB EVENT FEATURES FINE WINE, SPA TREATMENTS, BOUTIQUE PURSES

"Wine Women and Purses"at the Well Spa + Janice Salon inside the Pfister will be premier occasion

Gilda's Club Southeastern Wisconsin, a free cancer support community, will be hosting an "Evening of Wine, Women and Purses" on June 25, 2008 at the Well Spa + Janice Salon. The fundraising event will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the spa and Café Rouge, both located inside Milwaukee's beautiful Pfister Hotel.

"We're thrilled to be hosting the event again with this year's venue being the Well Spa, the first and only private-suite spa and salon in Milwaukee," announced Ann Homstad, board member of Gilda's Club Southeastern Wisconsin. "The Well Spa takes health and wellness services to a new level and is a perfect fit for those of us who want to support Gilda's Club at this exciting fundraiser."

"We are equally excited that the event will feature a chef's station by Mason Street Grill. Guests will also sample delicious hors d'oeuvres and delectable desserts," said Homstad. In addition, wines from around the world will complement the variety of fine desserts and food.

The evening event will feature a silent auction and raffle to showcase an assortment of unique purses and accessories, live entertainment by Veronica Guerra, bags from the specialty boutique, B'Lou, designer and vintage purses, and a Well Spa interactive tour. Proceeds will benefit Gilda's Club Southeastern Wisconsin.

The Well Spa interactive tour will offer demonstrations and information on mineral makeup application, facials, body treatment, chair massages, skin analysis, and hair and eyelash extensions. In addition, each attendee will receive a gift bag and $25 gift card to the Well Spa + Janice Salon. 10% of Wells spa retail sales will benefit Gilda's Club. Purses will be available from B'Lou, with 15% of retail sales benefiting Gilda's Club.

Tickets are $50 per person, and you receive a $25 gift card to Well Spa with purchase. For information or to make reservations, call Emily at 414-962-8201 x. 102 or visit www.gildasclubsewi.org.

ABOUT GILDA'S CLUB

The mission of Gilda's Club Southeastern Wisconsin is a community where men, women and children living with cancer, along with their family and friends, join with others to build emotional and social support. A non-profit organization, Gilda's Club provides education, emotional support, social activities, all free of charge. The Gilda's Club clubhouse is located at 4050 N. Oakland Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

MSNBC The Scoop on Gilles Montezin & SATC brands


‘Sex and the City’ label rundown
by Courtney Hazlett


Attempting to list all of the brands that made an appearance in the “Sex and the City” movie is a daunting task, for sure. VF Daily was brave enough to dispatch two reporters to take careful notes of all the mentions the designers (among them, Louis Vuitton, which got nice play alongside Carrie’s assistant, Louise), services (such as Bag Borrow or Steal) and many more.

I’m compelled to add two more to the list: designer Gilles Montezin ((who is a Scoop friend, thanks to them loaning an amazing gown for the White House Correspondent’s dinner) and Beirn handbags, who not only scored prime placement in many of the SATC posters, but took center stage in the film, too. Kudos to some of these less-flashy brands for breaking into a very elite group.

Full article here

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Take a quick dip, while supplies last...



Two thumbs up for one of the most creative angles ever taken in advertising!

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Our first review in from Pfister



Very cool to be Tweeted, but we also got an email:

"I have to tell you all the product in the new spa boutique looks soo good and it makes it smell sooo yummy in here! Have you seen it yet? If not you have to stop by."


Thanks so much for letting us know! We are excited the likes of Johnny Depp will possibly inhale as he passes by ;)

3xs the charm




So the supposed snafu over SJP's NY dress for SATC was that it had been worn two times before by two other women. True, a fashionista would normally cringe at comparisons, but truth be told, all three wore the frock rather elegantly, and the press only seems to have heightened the experience with a fashion controversy. This brand always deliver, on or off screen.

Monday, June 02, 2008

Update for Pfister Well Spa Lifestyle


(above video: new Lifestyle store to the left on opening shot)The doors are open...but it is a soft opening. The arrival of remaining furniture and wall racks will complete this new space. Sunday there was much unpacking of Solessence and more by the spa staff:

And spa director Mary showed off her new extensions! I wish I had a before photo of her, but I tried to capture the 'highlights' that were woven in. It was so artful and natural I thought she had changed her hair color. All done through Cinderella hair, a service offered at the Janice Salon in the Well Spa. A little background on Cinderella Hair:

According to Mary, the Cinderella system starts as "...virgin hair from India, rarely seeing sunlight because it is covered, washed in rainwater, and blessed during the marriage ceremony. During the wedding, the husband cuts off the ponytail, which is sold and goes to support the new family." Not only is the background a beautiful story, but it was amazing what could be done without actually undergoing a dye process. Mary had 800 pieces to add length and color, but the beauty of the system is that you can add any number to get a small pop of color or subtle highlights. Luvs!

Keep on the lookout for more amazing changes at the Well Spa.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)

"I buy a lot of soap for our spa, but I always come back to (Solessence). Your soap just seems to have the creamiest lather, it's wonderful."

- By the Sea, Connecticut

Billy B, Cannes, Roberto Cavalli & Vogue

What's missing from this list? Oh yeah, RC's YACHT and Sharon Stone. Got an email from Billy last night about his time at Cannes (working, such is the life). He's in Cannes with Ms. Stone, and enjoying time on Roberto Cavalli's yacht.

Today he shoots Spanish Vogue, then another session with Sharon. What does Billy say about all of this?

"I'm tired!"

lol, Life is sweet Billy - you've earned it.

Roberto Cavalli RTW 2008

The juxtaposition of the tight fitting winterish top with the billowy skirt leaves me swooning...

Something sweet for spring.

Not feeling the Homecoming Queen look, but the dress is lovely.


Black and White and to be seen all over...

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Mother's Day Love (customer raves)


"Hi!
I need to order some scrub!! I should have done it when you were running the special for Earth month, but I thought I could get by. Then I used the scrub in the shower and that idea went to h*ll!"


Sometimes it just doesn't pay to be practical. ;) But we understand!

Use 'Mom' for a secret savings of 20%, good through end of May.

I used Really Lovely this morning...

Friday, May 09, 2008

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Pretty City Shea Butter Review



Pretty City, the go-to link for local spa and product beauty info (think CitySearch for all things gorgeous!) had this to say about our butters in their Green-Eyed Girl section:

Serving up smooth, application-friendly shea butter formulas, Solessence Skin care products use organic ingredients and natural scents to moisturize skin. Cruelty free and sans parabens, wheat and formaldehyde, Solessence’s Shea Shea Intense Unrefined Shea Butter in Days of Wine and Roses imparts a layer of moisture and protection that keeps harmful environmental pollutants from damaging skin ($16 at Solessence.com).

Friday, May 02, 2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Surfer Girl Has Spoken. Again.


Surfer girl Shira has responded to our response of a post with "I've been using the body butter every day (LOVE IT)" as well as giving us the link to the surf camp her friend Annie owns in Costa Rica. We noticed a fun MySpace page as well.

Though spring is here, it isn't consistently balmy, to say the least. We could all use a gaze at Split Peaks Surf Adventures. Surfer girl said photos don't even do it justice, but we can feel the ocean breeze just by looking...ahhhh. Wouldn't this be a great place for a company meeting? Forget bonding over 'trust excercises' - go boarding instead!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)

"I'm typing this email to you, freshly doused in Really Lovely SheaShea (and I can barely wait for my shower with the Yuzu Gold Scrub)!...you gotta get the word out about this stuff...one of my friends has a surf camp of sorts in Costa Rica (see attached photo - it's me there last month)...for women and their friends for a birthday gig (among other things). Obviously I thought of Solessence."
Heeeellllooooooo...cool girl with the cool connections...we will humbly go where no spa products have gone before. Get us the hookup! And though Dad knew the guy who wrote the original Surfer's Dictionary, I sadly had to look up 'charging pipe'. Hey, the closest we get to courduroy is that bad 70s fashion sense and one, enormous lake. My roots are also Nor Cal (shout out Goat Rock!), which waters lend better to wetsuits, abalone, and sore necks twisting on alert for sharks and rangers. But looking at your photo, I feel a little jealous. Seriously, let's talk.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Hot off the Press - New Syd Curry story #1 of 6

What a way to enter Friday. Syd sent these images of a story he's just completed - beautiful, seemingly 40's inspired images, just now to share. The clothes! The lighting! The elements! The hair! Did we mention the hair?!

Hot off the Press - New Syd Curry story #2 of 6



Hair by Syd Curry

Hot off the Press - New Syd Curry story #3 of 6



Hair by Syd Curry

Hot off the Press - New Syd Curry story #4 of 6



Hair by Syd Curry

Hot off the Press - New Syd Curry story #5 of 6



Hair by Syd Curry

Hot off the Press - New Syd Curry story #1 of 6




Hair by Syd Curry

Eat this, Matt Damon!

Ah, pop culture and politics. Strange and funny bedfellows.

Yes, but did they get our good side?


Notes from the field:

While in the waiting room...a game show called Temptation was on. The volume was down so I couldn't hear what they were saying but all of a sudden [Solessence] products were on the screen and I got all excited and looked like a complete idiot. That's all.


Hey, we're just as excited as you are! When we were first aired back in September we thought it was a one show deal, but it has been a feature on and off since. We love hearing from Temptation fans!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Update to MAC auction link

I received Myspace messages that the link to the fundraiser ebay auction was not working, and sure enough, the link had been changed by Ebay. So, here is the new link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190216488418

There are 3 or four of these auctions coming up with really amazing sets. Keep your eye out and bid for a massive stash of goods, at the same time helping Meadow Quinn. Thanks beauties!

What Would You Do?



Thanks Mahalo

Monday, April 21, 2008

Auctions for a Cause

Ebay exploded in popularity with the incredible deals and treasure trove of finds. The bloom is back with several auctions listed by Shannon Nelson of A Girl's Gotta Spa!

Proceeds go to benefit Meadow Quinn who needs to attend a clinic to relearn how to eat. Her insurance company denied payment, even though treatment is all but assured after the four weeks. Read more on Shannon's blog.

The first of several auctions is for all of you MAC fans! Bid away and get a stash usually reserved for beauty editors and bloggers alike.

Total retail value of this auction is $502.

This auction is all brand new and unused items from the following MAC limited edition collections:

MAC Heatherette Limited Edition Collection:
Pink Heatherette case
Patent Leather Lashes
Pigment: Jardin Aires
Glitter Brilliants: Reflects Gold
Beauty Powder: Alpha Girl
Eyeshadowx3 Trio 2
Lipglass: Starlet Kiss, Bonus Beat
Satin Lipstick: Fleshpot
Amplified Creme Lipstick: Melrose Mood
Dual Edge Eye Pencil: Blackfunk/Pop Blue, Faborchild/Dashlily
Nail Lacquer: Lola Divine

MAC Fafi Limited Edition Collection:
Powder Blush: Fashion Frenzy
Irridescent Pressed Powder: Belightful
Eyeshadowx4: Fafi Eyes 1
Lipglass: Cultfave, Squeeze It
Lipstick: Utterly Frivolous
Zoomlash: Zoomblack

MAC Finery Limited Edition Collection:
3 Coral Lips

MAC Heirlooms Limited Edition Collection:
5 Basic Brushes
5 Eye Brushes
4 Face Brushes

Sunday, April 20, 2008

We're Vegan, Never Freegan

I was just joking the other day that Wisconsin may not be into composting, but it takes the whole recycling effort to heart with 'dumpster diving'. Massive yard sales and entire containers of good furniture, clothing, electronics, old cds, etc etc etc get tossed or put curbside for whoever wants to claim next. It was a concept I was unaware of before moving here.

Now, we move to a whole other level. Freegans. Dumpster Diving. For Food.

Read On

Earth Day is coming! Earth Day is coming!

Happy Spring. Finally.

Earth Day Blog pimp: We love Ecorazzi

Earth Day approaches on April 22, and though it is a long held tradition, this is the first year it seems that EVERYONE is abuzz about it. How great is it to care about your planet?

Personal ties go back to having bamboo furniture before bamboo was cool (ok, ok, doesn't count), Coastal Cleanup Days, the MASSIVE and impressive recycling programs out of CA (thanks to Jodi and Jim and Mary and MaryEvelyn for the lessens in composting - even out of the fridge - never forgotten) and of course Solessence was founded on the goodness of nature. We've been doing the work on our end with natural and certified organic, vegan formulations. Beautiful but minimal packaging. Recycleable plastics and glass. Making the most of what we have, and sharing with others. No company hybrids yet, but we're working on the wind power credits. We're not perfect, but we're making strides. It's as much about the journey, right?

Have you made steps to the greening of your world, personal or otherwise? Send us your impact via blog post or email by March 22, and we'll randomly select a winner for a SheaShea gift set. What a wonderful, wonderful world!

For those who can't wait, enter the words "green day" during checkout to receive 30% off your order over $20.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Industry Icons - Syd Curry - Men, represent!


I think I saw this in a chain mail version. Yummy.

Industry Icons - Syd Curry - Art for Art's Sake

Truly in awe of this.

Industry Icons: More Syd Curry - Covers

As promised, here are more looks direct from Syd. This is a smattering of current picks. Here are two recent covers:

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)



"OK - your gift box is beautiful! I love the whole vibe of it. The feel of it, the texture, and the absolute care it conveys in the overall presentation is truly beautiful! From the serums to the mask to the brush to the luxurious feel of the entire ensemble, I look forward to treating my skin to this wonderful product! I will also proudly display them because they're just too pretty to hide!"


"I'd like to know if I can order the items seperate from the set. I already have a set, and need to purchase another for a gift, but I am running out, especially the oils. Oh, those oils just make my skin feel wonderful..."

"I need to know if I can purchase the serum set items individually? I am quickly running out!"

Answer: Thank you! And yes! The set items can be purchased seperately!

Case Closed

So if you use blogger, you know the long, drawnout goodbye Blogger was giving to an apparently much loved Eric Case has come to a close. The guy is finally out the door. Which actually saddens me for the fact that they won't be posting anymore photos of his pretty cute mug. It's always a catch 22. Farewell Eric, we hardly knew ye...

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Speaking of Mariah...

We're not one to promote a certain body type or image, but it is hard to deny the amazing transformation of Mimi. This girl is shining. Maybe it was flying in the trainer from St. Barts that gave that extra 'oomph' to her willpower? Kudos, girlfriend, for finding your extra-happy weight. Comes at a good time too...You just know breaking all of those Elvis records would have brought on a certain, late 70's, poly jumpsuit comparison. No one can go there now! Now bring on the music.


Mequon Country Club Spring Boutique - 4/21

Shop for Spring at the Mequon Country Club this Monday night. Admission includes food stations, one hour of complimentary champagne & wine, and more. Say hi to Michelle while you are there and try our fabulous scrubs, lotions, butters to get your skin baby smooth for your warm weather outfits.

Reservations limited and must be made by Thursday, April 17! 262.242.1400

Monday, April 21
5:30pm - 9:00pm
$29.50 per person - guests welcome
Mequon Country Club
12400 North Ville du Parc Drive
Mequon, WI

Monday, April 14, 2008

Is this you?


If you recognize anyone from this video or this event in general, please contact us! Thanks :)

http://www.hummingbirdproject.org/abouthbp.html

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Billy B highlight



Billy b has been busy lately! If you've been keeping track you know, among many other things, he produced a series of looks for Bravo's "Make Me A SuperModel" (including Holly's winning look - which was on fire).

He'd also been working on a pilot for Bravo, which sadly didn't get picked up. Focused more on his efforts to help his town in Aberdeen, MS save their history, it highlights Billy's town facelift project. Following is an excerpt from Shannon Nelson's interview with Billy last year and clip from the pilot:

To be honest, I was not looking for a show, but it was this show came to me.

billy b:I am from Aberdeen Mississippi, which is a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It is struggling like most small towns in America. At one time in the late 1800’s it was rich with cotton etc., which produced tons of gorgeous Victorian and Antebellum houses there. There are more than 250 structures on the National Register of Historic places in this town of 4000. Now there is no industry there and farmers are struggling and these houses were being lost due to neglect and no one having the money to keep them up. There is little opportunity for young people and these houses, which had once been passed down generation after generation, were being left behind, torn down or falling down. I began buying the houses to save them and a writer (Isabel Gonzales) was on a job with me and we chatted about what I was doing there. To make a long story short, she pitched it to The New York Times and my story was featured on the cover of the Home and Garden section. The television producers started calling and I signed a development deal with World Of Wonder productions, and Bravo loved the idea.

The show is about my life juggling doing makeup within New York and Hollywood for magazines, music videos and celebrities on the Red Carpet, but contrasted with my other life of saving these houses with my down home crew helping. It is just me, my 74 year old (pistol toting mom), my ex-con, good ole boy contractor Cecil and trust me the hilarity begins. Who knows if the show will even make it to television, but I am excited about how it might help my little hometown. I am excited about the possibility!

Shannon: Rebuilding your hometown is something you are passionate about, at what point did you decide that this was something you wanted to do and were you worried about how you would get it done?

billy b: I am SO passionate about it and it began a long time ago, actually. I had been living in NYC for years and would go home and see this place where I grew up dying. It made me sad. The houses are so beautiful and so incredibly inexpensive, so I just started buying them. I didn’t have a plan and still don’t LOL! I just do what I need to do as its needed and I worry about the rest later. I have saved about 20 houses and have 17 at the moment. It is a huge struggle, but a struggle I enjoy. It is another creative outlet for me other than doing makeup. Like the name of the show, “The Beauty Foundation,” there are a lot of similarities. I love the art of transformation and making something the best it can be. Whether it is a face or a house, I live for it.



Beautifully, he's saving real estate and helping people at the same time. He's Oprah on a smaller scale!


billy b

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Solessence launches at The Pfister Well Spa

"Solessence compliments our focus moving forward on going green with organic and natural products. I absolutely love everything in this line, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it for myself or anyone else. The scrubs, the creams, are just phenomenal. Even my fiance loves the product." ~ Mary Bronaugh, Spa Director, Pfister Well Spa


The Pfister Well Spa experience has just been taken to a whole new level!

Solessence has been selected for The Pfister Well Spa's new and exclusive lifestyle retail division in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Renovations are being undertaken now at the hotel, a location Conde Nast readers have voted one of the "Best Places to Stay". Three million dollars in the making, the 12,000 sq foot Well Spa is Milwaukee's only all-private suite spa, and features hamman showers, towel warmers, heated floors, crystal chandeliers, meeting/media room, attached Janice Salon, and newly built, 1.5 million dollar fitness room. A vision of Spa Director Mary Bronaugh, the new lifestyle expansion completes the experience, with consumers able to choose spa products for gifting, room use, or to take home and enjoy.

On selecting Solessence, Bronaugh quotes, "In this business, I see a lot of product. This is the best. I love the scents, I love the scrub because it is a one-step process for exfoliating and moisturizing." In addition to Solessence's natural and organic skincare, scrubs, lotions, mineral soaks, and specialty gift sets, The Pfister Well Spa Lifestyle will feature a fine selection of audio/visual & books from HayHouse, organic baby toys, and pet products for the most discerning pet pamperers.




The Pfister Well Spa operates M-Thur from 9am-9pm, F-Sat from 9am-10pm, and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Grand opening is expected in late April, and will cater to the celebrity, business, and local clientele the hotel serves.

Visit The Pfister WELL Spa at:

WELL Spa
424 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53202
414.277.9207

Friday, March 07, 2008

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)

I absolutely ADORE your product. I give it as gifts all the time trying to get others "Hooked" on it too.
Keep the softness coming! MANY THANKS!
MM, Los Angeles

My daughter went through that scrub jar and cried when we ran out. She said her skin had never felt so soft, and I just had to get more! So...here I am ordering!
PF, Los Angeles

Thanks, Left Coast, for the love :)
 
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