Prairie Panache Prevails In The Be Discovered: Design a Dress Competition

In the midst of a sixties revival this spring, dare I say boho chic (Sienna Miller is probably burning her flowy skirts and Uggs after being credited with the trend in '04), an amateur designer proved she too has prairie panache. Katie Spray just moved another notch up the fashion ladder after nabbing the top prize in the national fashion design competition “Be Discovered: Design a Dress” competition co-sponsored by Glam.com and MSN.com. Bravo Katie!

Katie's sweet summer dress is reminiscent of the softer side of seventies chic. Spray channeled her inner hippie and created this adorable soft aqua and cream colored frock that fuses form and function. Adam Lippes, head of ADAM design studio and an element of Katie's prize, applauds her modern spin on patchwork quilting (Katie used silk, organic cotton, and linen), her interesting choice of color blocking, and appliqué detail on the waist.

Recognition by top designers Monique Lhuillier, Tina Knowles (judges in the competition), and Adam Lippes weren't the only thing this up-and-coming designer won: her dress will be auctioned off on eBay and proceeds will go to benefit Dress for Success, she will be flown to NYC this summer where she will act as an apprentice designer for a day at ADAM, and she'll receive a $500 gift certificate to Lord and Taylor. 

Check out the rest of the finalists Katie was up against at Glam.com and tell us what you think here. Was Katie's the best of the bunch? Would you wear this? What would you pay for it?

Wacoal Contour No Wire Bra: Because Underwire Is So Over

What: Wacoal Perfect Contour Convertible No Wire Bra , $44

Why: Like Lindsay Lohan and random criminal behavior, I've always assumed bras and underwire to be a natural pair. I could never have imagined picking up a bra (sports bras excluded) that did not support my chest with two little gravity-defying cresents of wire. Until I came across the Wacoal Convertible No Wire Bra. When I first tried it, I made sure to pick a low-activity day so as not to involve too much bouncing around. However, much to my surprise, this bra kept the ladies in place just as good as any wire ever did. The cut of the cups was flattering and comfortable, and not once did I stop to make those awkward adjustments. 

Now I wouldn't say I'm 100% sold on wire-free all the time (old habits are hard to break), but I am definitely convinced the Wacoal Contour can keep up with its hard-wired brethren.

Get Yours: barenecessities.com

Take our poll below and let us know your favorite no wire bras for an upcoming SheFinds guide! 

Taste Test: Which Link Bracelet Will Leave You Strapped For Cash?

Big bold accessories are the name of the game this season, becoming the focus of the outfit rather than the complement. These link bracelets are great for spicing up a work ensemble or pairing with a simple sundress. But one costs a whopping $1380 more than the other. Are your style skills sharp enough to figure out which is which? 

Test your Fashion IQ with other Taste Tests.

Only 1 Day Left To Win A $500 Shopping Spree At BethChurch.com

Time's flying on the biggest shopping spree giveaway in SheFinds history. This week's Freebie Friday - a $500 shopping spree at bethchurch.com - is a primo chance to nab amazing, one-of-a-kind jewelry that would normally cost in the hundreds. So get off your behind and enter the giveaway before it ends tomorrow. It's easy to enter - just read the rules, go to bethchurch.com to pick out your favorite piece, and then come back to SheFinds and tell us about it in the comments section. We're waiting... 

And if you're itching for some jewelry right now, shop the site for 50% off select pieces this week only. Or get an additional 10% off purchases when you use coupon code SHEFINDS at checkout.  

Deal Of The Day: Up To 30% Off INC Jackets At Macy’s

We know how it goes. As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds and the mercury climbs above 55 degrees, it's officially shorts season. It can be such a drag when your morning forecast checkup reveals rain or, even worse, a spring cold front. Beat your temperature-dip blues by buying a cute spring jacket to stave off the occasional arctic-feeling breeze. With these adorable picks from Macy's house line, INC International Concepts, you may actually look forward to digging into your coat closet for a mid-season coverup.


Ditch the drab beige trench in favor of something a little more upbeat (hey, you have to make the best of a rainy day, right?) Opt instead for something poppy and pink, like this cotton candy trench with lantern sleeves ($96.75, was $129). Frilly pockets and belled cuffs—not to mention the rosy hue—will make you feel demure, even when you're getting drenched.


Harness two trends in one with this dip-dyed belted jacket ($96.75, was $129). Earthy hues are hot for spring (when better to don a little green than in a season of growth and renewal?). And ombré, a subtle gradation of color, is a hip upgrade from hippy dippy tie-dye.


A season's worth of superhero movies should teach you that there's often more than meets the eye. To wit: this mighty white belted jacket ($89.25, was $119) is so much more than a clean, classic blazer. It's got timeless lines, sure, but the funky, unexpected texture is where this versatile wonder really gets its strength.

More deals on the web:

Nanette Lepore platforms are 55% off at Bluefly.

Dresses from Graham + Spencer and T-Bags are up to 70% off at Pink Mascara.

Save up to 60% on MAC, NARS and Stila at Makeup.com.

Scour our forum for sales posted by SheFinds readers.  

The Latest Blog Posts From MomFinds

Deal Of The Day: Half Off Cozy Mommy And Me Bath Robes

• Matchy, matchy mommy and me outfits can be hard to pull off, but that’s not the case with these bath robes.  Slip into one these oh-so-soft robes and have your kid do the same, and both of you will want to wear them all day long. 

• Uh oh! Check the calendar lately? There are just a few days left to find a gift for your favorite mom, but it doesn’t have to be obvious that you left things to the last minute. Follow our last-minute guide and all you’ll have to worry about is getting dinner reservations. You don’t expect her to cook, do you?
  

• New makeup and skin care lines launch every day, and not only is it hard to keep up, but products just seem to be insanely expensive these days. And for those of us to rely on full regimens to keep our moody skin in check, the price tag can be huge.  SircuitSkin solves the problem with a variety of products to help skin look clear, young and vibrant that don’t cost a mint.
  

The Best Beauty Booty Takes Center Stage At An Awards Ceremony Just For Makeup

The beauty world's equivalent of the Academy Awards were given out last week, with more than 600 of our fave products going head to head for coveted CEW Beauty Awards in 27 categories. The beauty editors, cosmetics industry honchos, and other beauty insiders who make up the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) had the tough task of sorting through all kinds of hair, skin care, fragrance, and other beauty loot to determine the cream of the crop in both mass and prestige categories. 

The big winner was Olay, who cleaned up in three "mass" categories. Their soothing, self-heating Thermal Pedicure ($10) took home the best Body Treatment award; the innovative Derma-Pod Anti-Aging eye treatment system ($25) nabbed the top prize for Facial Skincare/Eye Treatment; and firming, amino-peptide-packed Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($24) took top honors in the Facial Skincare/Anti-Aging category.

Other "mass" winners we love: Cover Girl's LashBlast mascara ($8) has a precision brush that rivals that of its CG older sister—and SheFinds obsession—Lash Exact. Also, Almay's multi-purpose Smart Shade Blush & Bronzer gel ($9) has an ingenious formula that allows you to match your skin tone flawlessly.

If you want to ante up a little more for a "prestige" winner, plan on ponying up your cash for Marc Jacobs Daisy ($55), the reigning Women's Scent champ. Or perhaps you prefer something more laid back. Origins' Dr. Andrew Weil Way of the Bath Matcha Tea batch scrub ($45), the big winner in the Body Treatment group, is potent and purifying all at the same time.

And how did SheFinds fare? A few weeks back, we picked our favorite nominees. Two of 'em turned out to be winners: BareEscentuals Rare Minerals Blemish Therapy ($28), a pimple-preventing powder, won the one-and-only award for Facial Treatment/Acne Treatment, and Frederic Fekkai Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm ($25) will likely see a boost in sales when it shows off its new prestige Hair Care and Hair Color award.

For a full list of winners—plus handy links to buy them all—head on over to the CEW Beauty Awards LookBook and start shopping.

And check out our Guide to Beauty Bestsellers.  

News Updates: Barneys Braces For The Target Crowd, Stella May Not Be So Pure, And More…

The Rogan Gregory for Target line will premiere at Barneys New York on Friday but will only be available at the store until Sunday before it heads to Barneys' LA location. Customers are limited to three pieces per purchase. [WWD]

Stella McCartney is facing allegations that her skincare line, CARE, is misleading customers by claiming to be organic. [CosmeticNews] 

Kat Von D launches her makeup line for Sephora on May 12th. Von D is the star of the reality series LA Ink. [NYMag] 

As if she can't afford to buy one, Lindsay Lohan as been implicated in the theft of a $12,000 fur coat. [Gawker]