Web Snob March 18th, 2011

A bag that is both PETA- and Bag Snob-approved does not come along often - a pure Spring bag!

This luxuriously scented sensuous oil at Beauty Snob is a must-have for anyone who loves getting in bed.

Coquette is drooling over the new Chanel Mademoiselle handbags featuring Blake Lively.

The Jet Set Girls show off the new Kate Moss for Longchamp Faraway Collection.

Second City Style thinks these celebrity trends are tired and well past their expiration date.

Shopping and Info loves the James Jeans seen on Megan Fox in LA on Monday.

StyleHive shows us how to get more designer pieces while saving in the long run!

The Shoe Goddess gets a sneak peek at Nicholas Kirkwood's Fall 2011 Collection!

The Liquid Strength Six Week Challenge

That's me! After 3 weeks at the gym, I'm starting to see the tiniest hint of definition in my arms.

After years of not belonging to a gym, I finally rejoined Equinox to start getting my butt in shape. My goal is to tone up my flabby arms and actually see muscle definition in my thighs again. At the very start of my quest to get in shape, I stopped by Story Von Holzhausen's Liquid Strength Class.

Story is a busy new mom who created the class for women who want to get in shape fast--fast because they don't have time to fool around. (You can check out her exercise videos on YouTube.) By the end of the class, not only were my butt muscles burning, I was so inspired by Story's positive attitude, I found myself signing up for her 6-Week Challenge, without even really knowing what was involved. I just know I want to be in shape for our trip to Miami on April 8 and Story seemed like just the woman to get me there. 

The 6-Week Challenge kicked off on Monday with three days of clean eating, meaning no processed foods (crackers, cookies), grains, dairy, booze or excess sugar. I'm personally committing to going to the gym 3 times a week (for Story's class, Pilates, and body conditioning classes).

Check back in weekly to hear my progress. For more specifics on the Challenge and Liquid Strength, check out Story's blog.

Kenneth Cole Awearness Rain Poncho

This AWEARNESS rain poncho from Kenneth Cole is on sale now through May with 100% of profits going to The Kenneth Cole Foundation in support of HELP USA,  funding housing for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. It's reversible from blue camouflage to solid black and tucks into its own little pouch-- perfect for travel or everyday to keep you dry from Spring's showers.

Available at Kenneth Cole stores or www.kennethcole.com for $60.

Win a Tumi TAG case

To celebrate the launch of its Artist's Proof TAG Case, Tumi is giving away a piece that is signed by graffiti artist John "Crash" Matos. Enter on the Tumi Facebook page before Friday.

One Dress, Three Looks

The key to packing light is finding versatile pieces that can be worn in many different ways. We consider ourselves pros at this, so when Banana Republic asked JSG's Annie to style its new Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress, she was ready for the challenge:

For my first look, I wanted something casual and beach-y. This would be a great outfit to wander an outdoor market in. I'm wearing my favorite vintage cropped Gap jean jacket, Masino scarf, Naya sandals and Kate Spade bag.

I would wear this second look to dinner. I always like to have a jacket in case it's chilly inside. I get cold easily and I hate being cold! This look could also work for the office or a business meeting. I topped the Banana Republic dress off with a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg blazer and Coach high-heeled sandals.

When I'm ready to hit the town, I would lose the jacket and amp up the accessories. In addition to necklaces and bracelets, my new Kenneth Cole heels and favorite Juicy Couture sequin clutch, make the look.

The Banana Republic Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress is available at Banana Republic stores and online. 

Disclosure: Per FTC regulations, JSG has a relationship with Banana Republic.

Travel Tuesday Links

Need a vacation? Enter to win a trip to the Palazzo Las Vegas (Glamour)

East coasters and midwesterners take note: here's how to order an In-N-Out burger like a regular. (A Hamburger Today)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Budget Travel readers share their favorite photos of Ireland. (Budget Travel).

Thinking about opting out of a full body scan at the airport? Find out what happens next. (Wanderlust and Lipstick)

Foodies fare well in Sante Fe! (Boston Herald)

This is for all you droolers out there: Cailin tells us how to look attractive while sleeping on a plane. (Cailin Travels)

Tickets on sale today for the 2012 Olympics in London. Learn about the process. Hint: it's not on a first-come, first-serve basis... (CNN)

St. Patrick's Day Cocktails

Sure, you could order a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day, but why not celebrate with a creative cocktail? Here are a few to inspire you:

CUCUMBER MINT COCKTAIL

3 slices of cucumber
2 large sprigs of fresh mint
1 ½ oz. Moon Mountain Vodka
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
½ oz. agave nectar

To Make:
1. Add 3 slices of cucumber and 2 large sprigs of mint to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release the flavors. Add 1½ oz. Moon Mountain Vodka, ¾ oz. fresh lime juice and ½ oz. agave nectar and ice to fill. Shake and strain over fresh ice into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and mint sprig.


THE GINGER

2 oz Irish Whiskey (Tullamore Dew)
¾ oz Spicy Ginger Beer
Freshly squeezed lime juice

To make:
Pour the whiskey and lime juice in an ice-filled highball glass, top with a spicy ginger beer and stir
gently to mix. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge and add a sprig of mint for garnish.


THE SPICY IRISHMAN

1 oz Russian Standard Vodka
1.5 oz Lucid Absinthe
¼ oz Siracha Hot Sauce
Killian’s Irish Red Beer

Mix the vodka, absinthe and hot sauce in a cocktail strainer. Pour into a beer glass. Top with beer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (2 days early)!