republic of us

I can't remember the last time I wore fragrance. Maybe it's because so many of the other products I use have their own fragrances so applying perfume doesn't seem necessary. Or maybe it's because these days I'm lucky if I get to shower in the morning let alone dab on some edt. But when I heard Banana Republic was debuting a new pair of fragrances called Republic of Us, I was intrigued.

Republic of Women and Republic of Men, two unique scents designed to complement each other, debuted this fall. The concept behind them is to capture our own unique individuality and bring out the strong connection we have with ourselves, with others and with the world.

Playful and romantic, innocent and alluring, the Republic Of Women features notes of Cassis buds, juicy Lychee, Moroccan Rose, Jasmine, and precious woods (EDP $48). Modern and authentic, the Republic Of Men features notes of sparkling Clementine, wet Plum, freshly-cut Hazelnut, Basil, and Cedarwood (EDT $45).

Just a dab of Republic of Women on my inner wrists is a great accessory. The scent is elegant but subtle, a huge plus for non-fragrance wearers. It's alluring but soft with a sophisticated edge. I only got to try a sample--it comes in a miniature bottle that is totally adorable!. But this holiday season, you can experience The Republic of Us Collection ($49) as part of Banana Republic's holiday gift sets.

The women's gift set features a 50 ml eau de parfum and a 50 ml body cream while the men's gift set includes a 50 ml eau de parfum and a 50 ml body wash. It makes a great gift for others or even for yourself. So once your closet is fully stocked with cozy cardigans and pencil skirts, it's just one more reason to hit your local Banana Republic store.

get nude now!

Who doesn't want to look good in the nude--especially when it comes to your face? Luckily, Nude Skincare products revive your skin, making you look and feel younger after just a few uses. I've been applying the Age Defence Moisturizer ($100) and Advanced Eye Complex ($108) for two weeks and couldn't be happier with the results. Here's how they work: Probiotics, the good bacteria found on skin, and prebiotics the natural sugars which bioselectively feed these good sugars, join forces to rebalance and strengthen skin's natural protective barrier. So what's inside? Only good-for-you stuff, like botanicals, peptides, COQ10, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. I love the facial moisturizer and its silky smooth texture. Sure, it glides onto your skin and absorbs quickly like you'd expect a good moisturizer to but it also offers a subtle firming action and leaves skin the way it feels post-facial. It's especially soothing for sensitive skin as well. The eye cream promises its own anti-wrinkle remedies while offering an immediate lift, reducing dark circles and eliminating puffiness. Plus, it increases collagen production to banish that hollow, sleepless effect. The same super-smooth texture left the skin around my eyes feeling smooth and helped soften unfriendly crow's feet. Also available is the Hydrating Water ($34), with prickly pear to lock in moisture, vanilla floral water to tone skin and rose floral water to soothe the complexion. The bottom line: Use Nude products and you'll feel like you can venture out without makeup because your skin looks THAT good. I even got two unprovoked comments from friends...something about a radiant glow! Go to www.nudeskincare.com to view the entire collection and make your purchase...or head to your nearest Sephora, Barneys, or Whole Foods store.

show off your shape

One of my favorite things about fall is digging out my tights and leggings. I love wearing them with slouchy boots and a cozy sweater for day, or sleek boots and a flirty top at night. I've blogged about one of my favorite brands, Scultpz Shapewear, in the past. But I had to write again to tell you about their latest looks. New for fall, you'll find opaque leggings and capris and textured tights in a collection of warm fall shades, like a pretty, dusty rose color (of course, a handful of neutrals match different skin tones too). There are shaper tops that smooth bulges and eliminate panty lines and control tops that tighten your tummy and give your butt a well-deserved lift. I tried the Control Top Leggings and was blown away by the fact that there's tons of support and shaping going on but no thick panels anywhere! I thought I was being Punk'd! Honestly, where did they put the heavy padding and tight waistbands you find in so many other shaper products? Plus, they claim the leggings and capris offer light massaging leg support. All I know is that instead of feeling tight and binding, they feel silky smooth. Go to www.sculptz.com to try them yourself. From $18 to $40, the biggest decision won't be whether to make a purchase but which ones to choose.

curls for a cure: Ouidad

For years now Ouidad, the curl guru, has helped bring life to the curls of many women. Today she is giving life to women everywhere--no matter what their hair status. In 2002, Ouidad was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that took her mother’s life, and was fortunate enough to make a full recovery. This season marks the 5th anniversary of her charity, Curls for a Cure. Ouidad matches dollar-for-dollar any donations made to Curls for a Cure ALL YEAR ROUND to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She hopes to raise a quarter of a million dollars and has almost reached her goal. The great news is that you don't have to make a purchase to contribute. Just make a contribution on Ouidad's website or add a donation to your shopping cart when purchasing any of Ouidad's amazing products. Try the innovative Double Detangler, a wide tooth comb designed to work its way through tangles while maintaining the wave pattern, a must for creating natural looking curls. Or treat your hair with the Climate Control Gel ($22), an alcohol-free formula that protects hair from humidity by absorbing moisture from the air to hydrate hair and prevent frizz. To learn more and donate now, visit www.ouidad.com/bcrf/curls-for-a-cure.asp.

expert advice: Skyy Hadley, As "U" Wish Nail Spa

Last week was my birthday and I actually made some time for myself to get a massage, workout and go out with friends--things I don't get to do too often with two small kids. But as a birthday gift to myself, I promised to make more time for ME! I plan to start by following these simple pampering tips from Skyy Hadley, the owner of As “U” Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Meals for the Heels Mask: Take one cup of regular oatmeal and 1/2 cup of regular milk and heat up over the stove, stir until cooked. Add sugar to thicken the mixture, and then let it cool off a bit. When the mix is thickened, apply to your feet. Leave the mask on for about 5 - 10 minutes. The oatmeal soothes dry, itchy or irritated skin, while the milk acts as an exfoliant to help get rid of dry and dead skin cells. Finish off with pure shea butter as a moisturizer and you’re all set.

Light Cucumber Shell Mask: Just combine 2 cucumbers, 2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice, to exfoliate, and 2 tablespoons of deeply moisturizing Olive Oil in a blender until pureed. Heat up the mixture and split it between two Ziploc bags. Place each foot in a bag and rub the mixture all over feet. Leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse with warm water. You’ll have super soft feet that are just dying to be rubbed.

treatment for a cure: space nk

To recognize 15 years of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Space NK is donating 20% of its spa services during the month of October plus 15% of your second facial if you book this month to the cause. To be honest, while I'm familiar with the amazing collection of products the store carries, I didn't even realize they had a spa. The treatment menu is definitely inviting: An Eve Lom Facial (1.5 hours; $250), a Natural Bisse Age-Defying Diamond Facial (1.5 hours; $200) and an Eye Brow Shaping session ($35--probably the only one I can afford!) Check out the website, http://www.spacenk.com/, for more details or visit the Space NK Soho store to book your appointment.

condition for a cure: Gatsby Salon

When it comes to raising money for breast cancer, every penny counts. It's great to hear that with so much national coverage, local businesses aren't afraid to get in on the action too. Gatsby Salon in East Green Brook, New Jersey, is one of them. On Saturday, October 24th Gatsby Salon will donate 25% of all conditioning treatments to the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Affiliate, helping to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research programs. “At our salon, we have all been affected by breast cancer. Whether it be a loved one, a client or someone that they know, each of our stylists could tell you a story about how Breast Cancer has made an impact on their lives,” says Gayle Giacomo, owner of Gatsby Salon. “That is why it was very important for us to help the cause and, as stylists, what better way to become a part of the fight while getting our clients involved than utilizing our popular conditioning treatment as a way to raise money.” As an additional incentive for employees to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, Gatsby Salon staff are able to participate in “Denim Day” on Saturday, October 24th in which they donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the chance to wear denim jeans to work. The 3,500 sq. ft. space offers hair cutting and coloring, nails treatments, full body waxing, threading, facials and makeup applications. It includes 16 cutting stations, a coloring suite, a retail makeup boutique, three exquisite treatment rooms, hand treatment stations and a foot treatment relaxation room that features the Sanijet pipeless pedicure system which provides the ultimate sanitary and sterilized experience. To make your appointment and contribute to the cause, call 732.752.4247 or go to www.gatsbysalon.com for more info.