Solution: Solidea + Patience = Beach-Ready Booty

It's getting to be that time of year — the time we all must face the music and look at ourselves in dressing room mirrors… wearing swimsuits. For some, it's an event that inspires chills, fits, and fidgets, due in no small part to the mother of all figure flaws, liposclerosis and lypodystrophy, or, in layman's terms, cellulite. We can be rail thin and still feel (and worse, see) the effects of cellulite due to bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and heredity (thanks, Mom!)

But with a little patience and a kit that promises "magic", we can spare ourselves the costly and painful trip to the lipo clinic. Solidea, the Italian pantyhose manufacturer, is extending its line to include a spa-worthy system of cellulite control. The three step Micromassage Magic set ($110) includes Magic Gel, a special exfoliating glove and one pair of patented micro-massaging Magic Fresh shorts that'll have us ready to bear our beach butts a little more readily.

The process is simple: Start in the shower, massaging problem areas with the natural fiber exfoliating glove, working in a circular motion moving upwards. The glove looks a bit like an industrial scrub brush, but it's a surprisingly gentle way of sloughing away dead skin cells and effectively "waking up" new cells below the skin's surface. This makes skin ripe for absorbing Step 2, the Magic Gel cellulite reduction treatment. The gel, which smells refreshingly spa-like, should be applied post-shower and at least twice a day to speed up visible results.

Finally, give the Magic Gel treatment an extra boost of slimming and cellulite draining power by donning a pair of Magic Fresh panty shorts (you can buy spare pairs for $33, or $41 for maternity sizes). The special wavy weave of the shorts increases circulation in your backside and constantly massages away fatty deposits that make for unsightly dimples. After six to eight weeks, skin feels smoother and looks firmer (read: swimsuit ready), but you've got to be vigilant about maintaining the Solidea regiment. Invest in several pairs of Micromassage Magic panties (they come in pantyhose, capri length and maxi length, too). They're not sexy — it's kind of like wearing a thinner version of a girdle — but the results are worth the potential strain on your social life. It's not often we can beat genetics with spa products, so when we can, we've got to jump at the chance.

I Think You Have A Little Elvis Stuck In Yo’ Grill: Tooth Tattoos Are Actually Happening

You ever wonder,"Geez...if people spent as much time and energy on inane ideas as they did on Diabetes research, there'd probably be a cure."?  That was my first thought when I saw this. Then I realized...I don't really think the people who invented tooth tattoos should be allowed near a medical lab.  

On a certain level, Howard Dental Lab's product makes sense. It's a logical progression from blinged out grills. After all, I have seen words and initials on a series of gold front teeth. So, I suppose this would be a grill for dentally innovative hipsters and art lovers. Plus we've all witnessed some bizarre fashion trends of late (um, Kate Moss forgetting her pants comes to mind) so this might not seem too odd in comparison. 

But, on another level...it's as creepy as those Hello Kitty contact lenses. However, regardless of my hesitation in sporting a portrait of George Washington on my front tooth, you now have the choice. Simply acquire a crown, choose a work of enamel art (you can create or request custom tooth tattoos), and take it to your dentist for installation. So, email over a picture of your loved ones and let them literally be your smile...as well as chew your food. 

What do you think of this new trend? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Clinique 3-Step System For Stubborn, Hard-To-Manage Skin

Recently, I've settled on the fact that I'll just have to live the rest of my life with erratic skin. My mom still has acne in her mid-fifties and has convinced me that she's tried everything, it's genetic, and basically, I'm screwed for life. Thanks Mom!

One positive note from mother – apparently I can look forward to clear skin when I'm pregnant. If you could only hear the sarcasm.

I've tried everything. From dermatologist prescribed creams like Retin A, to Acutane and other oral medications, to every over-the-counter face wash, toner, scrubber, exfoliator, cream, lotion, serum you can imagine. Even the 3-step celebrity-guaranteed system that need-not-be-named didn't work for me. So what's a gal to do?

I've always seen Clinique's 3-Step System in friends' medicine cabinets, but thought, how can something so generic work for my complicated skin? Turns out, Clinique has turned with the tides and created different 3-Step System products for every skin type from oily to dry. Their website has this great questionnaire that helped me figure out which products I needed. Turns out, I needed all three products in the "you have acne" strength. Big surprise.

The Acne Solution cleansing foam ($17.50) is mild yet effective and made my face feel amazingly smooth.

The Acne Solutions clarifying lotion ($13.50) - or exfoliating toner as I know it - cleans off all that extra makep that my face-washing regime missed. It really gets rid of all the excess oil on my face and neck.  

The Acne Solutions clearing moisturizer ($16) has that amazing acne zapper we know as benzoyl peroxide that helps control oil throughout my day. It's lightly hydrating so it is great for my dry cheeks and oily forehead and nose. 

This three step system is bound to last me about two to three months – absolutely worth the price for the beautiful skin it's giving me. All 3 products add up to $47. Or get the 4-week starter kit for just $32. Smaller sizes, but at least they'll let you try it out.

Get Yours: nordstrom.com

Top Five Of J.Crew’s Amazing Gems

I rarely read any of the catalogs that somehow manage to find their way to my mailbox - it's funny, I don't remember signing up for most of them. But I must confess that lately I actually look forward to getting my J.Crew catalog (although, J. Crew is among the guiltiest of the bunch when it comes to wasting that paper). 

When it comes to design, my own inner prepster swoons every season over their argyles and A-line dresses, but I am particularly blown away by this jewelry collection, which seems to have come out of nowhere. The pieces are unique and expensive looking without costing a fortune. Just in case you've been living on another planet for the last few months and haven't seen the collection, allow me to introduce you to it:

1. Jeweled Starburst Cuff Bracelet ($150): A dramatic piece in bright summer colors with hand-painted resin and Czech-glass beads arranged on 18k gold plated metal. Simply stunning. 

2. Wood Bead & Fireball Necklace ($98): Wood beads are very much back in style (as seen in our guide to Celeb Jewelry). J.Crew spices this beaded strand up a little with some interspersed rhinestone "fireballs" that give the necklace a more glamorous and less earthy appeal.  

3. Bubble Necklace ($150): Do yourself a favor and get yourself a statement necklace this season. This bubble necklace made of hand-set enamel stones and beads will make you an instant fashionista. I like to wear mine with a $5 Hanes T-shirt—it still makes me look like a million bucks!

4. Cabochon Bouquet Cocktail Ring ($65): Another statement to be made is on your ring finger. How fun is this cocktail ring with candy-colored resin stones? 

Trend Alert: Toss The Aqua Socks, Try The Keen Roatan

Remember these?

 
The aqua/water/whatever-you-want-to-call-them shoes trend was not exactly fashion-forward. And possibly worse? Crocs!


I mean, I get it…they’re super-comfy and to each her own when it comes to your at-home wear. (You should see my slippers.) Rosie O’Donnell champions them. But would you wear them in public?

But they do serve a purpose. Sometimes sneakers are too much and flip flops aren’t enough for rocky beaches, backyard pools, rafting outings…amusement parks. (I highly recommend wearing something on your feet in the wave pool and on the grody fake beach.) Luckily, there’s now a much more fashionable water shoe on the market.

Check out the Puma-like Keen Roatan:
 
It’s a comfortable, cute and functional shoe designed especially for women that’s been getting quite some buzz around the web lately, thanks in part to its inclusion as one of Forbes 10 Best Shoes for Your Sport. (Forbes points out that they’re great as a Yoga shoe, not just for water business.)

The upper Mary Jane-looking area is made of stretch neoprene, which dries quickly, and the non-marking rubber sole gives fantastic traction on slippery surfaces. The design features a special lateral support system and they’re lightweight at only 12 oz. Keen Roatans also come in five kicky colors – orange, green, blue, black, aqua, bright red, and maroon. And, they’re reasonably priced at $35. Get ready for summer!

Get Yours: nordstrom.com

Deal Of The Day: 25% Off DKNY Intimates At Macy’s

Giving your lingerie drawer a good spring cleaning can be so satisfying. Toss all those bras and panties that have been through the wash one too many times and replace them with fresh sets that fit well and make you feel fabulous and feminine. Prep for a season of sheer fabrics and barely-there tees with a new lingerie lineup that's both sensual and shape-fitting.


You can't go wrong with black lace lingerie, no matter the season. The Belle du Jour set — sweet balconet bra ($24, was $32) and racy, lacy thong ($10.50, was $14) — is a little bit naughty and a little bit nice, with girly bows balancing out the sultry factor.


Feeling flirty but just a bit flat? The café au lait-colored Belle Femme demi bra ($27, was $36) and boy-cut briefs ($15, was $20) offer the perfect boost for less-than-busty babes. Chocolate scalloped lace and bows add volume in all the right spots, while a lifting underwire helps create curves.


Red lace isn't just for Valentine's Day. The Sensual Curves push-up ($28.50, was $38) and frilly tanga ($13.50, was $18) prove that red's alright any time. Create killer cleavage under a halter or wear this smooth set under your favorite tight tee. You'll be avoiding nip slips, but you'll still feel much sexier than you would in your average cotton t-shirt bra.


More sales and deals:

Starting today, take an extra 30% off sale merchandise at Bloomie's.

Stock up on summer tees at Delia's. They're having a knit top 2-for.

Cute Primp PJ pieces are up to 75% off at Tobi.

What To Work For: Gianvito Rossi Yellow Patent Sandals

What: Gianvito Rossi Patent Sandals, $635

Why: We're loving the bright color shoe craze as of late - a welcome change from the past five months of being bound in dark, depressing boots. So it's only natural that this sunny pair of Gianvito Rossi Patent Sandals would be something we'd want to work for this week. Yellow is the hot-to-trot color of the moment, and when we can find it in a demure yet flirty patent sandal, that's the best kind of motivation. So here it is - this week's reason to skip the $3.00 afternoon Starbucks fix and save those pennies for a sunny day. 

And to find out what else is hot for feet this spring, check out our Guide to Spring Shoe Trends.

News Updates: Carla Dresses To Kill, Vogue Has More Body Issues, And More..

French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy made a strong fashion impression during her UK trip last week, decked out almost exclusively in Christian Dior. [Stuff]

Vogue's annual Shape issue has caused quite a bit of controversy for a number of supposed contradictions, including what they consider real female bodies to look like. [NYMag]

David Yurman will venture beyond jewelry to launch their first women's fragrance this August. [WWD] 

A panel of fashion bloggers, including the New York Times' Cathy Horyn, took part in a moderated discussion as a part of Blog:Mode at the Met yesterday. [NYTimes]