BuyABoutique.com: A pretty great deal

We’ve all been there: We put together a great outfit and find ourselves looking for the perfect accessories to complete the look, at a price we can afford. No easy task…until now.

BuyABoutique.com (BAB) is the brainchild of founder Bill Mazhar, whose family business was located in the heart of Manhattan’s wholesale district. “I saw that there were numerous stores with great designs and good prices for accessories but they were only available to big retail shops who had to purchase a large quantity of accessories to even qualify for an order. Luckily, our store allowed both retail and wholesale purchases.” But there was still something missing. Mazhar realized that customers wanted experienced stylists to help them match their favorite accessories and they wanted discounts for purchasing items that matched perfectly together. In addition, they preferred trusted name brands when purchasing their accessories. By combining these factors, he established a new way to purchase jewelry and BAB was born.

BAB has a team of designers that curate jewelry from quality brand names and sells them in a bundled set which we call a ‘Mini Boutique’ at a steep discount. Mini Boutiques are brand name accessories composed of two or more items. BuyABoutique.com is different from other sites because it sells all of its products in bundles prepared by experienced stylists at prices that are heavily discounted. After all, who doesn’t love a bargain? The website provides customers with designer bundles at discounts over 50% off the retail price. Stylists pair up with name brands to offer styling advice and create very trendy mini-boutiques to sell on BAB for unbelievable discounts. Choose from a handful of must-have collections including: BOLD (statement pieces), EDGY (innovative jewelry made of wood, gun-metal, beads and animal prints), BOHEMIAN ( eclectic options) or SOPHISTICATE (a cultured, cosmopolitan look).

Some of our favorite bundles: The Swan Necklace and Bracelet from Elizabeth J’adore. The faux pearl necklace is an edgy alternative to the one your grandmother gave you for your high school graduation and pairs beautifully with the flower white leather bracelet (bundle price, $64). The Luxe Sophisticate features a necklace, bracelet and earrings crafted from a mixed medley of materials, including stunning crystal stones, glitzy rhinestone chains and an ultra-delicate floral motif made from minted gems (bundle price, $144).

The best part: At BuyABoutique.com, you get expert advice on how to wear the items you are purchasing. Let leading industry stylists help you put together a winning accessories look that will take you from work to day to night with ease. Go to www.BuyABoutique.com to choose your favorite jewels.

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: be good to your skin

It’s that time of year again, when we make promises to ourselves that we will diet, exercise, and become more organized! This year, take your resolutions a step further and make a promise to yourself that you will make more of an effort to become “skin healthy.” After all, the skin on your face is your best accessory, not to mention the skin on your body is what holds you altogether. Here, Marina Peredo, MD, founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, NY, offers her tried and true skincare tips.

Skin Rx: Make an appointment to see your dermatologist for a full body skin check, once a year (if there is no history of skin cancer.) If you have melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, you should see your dermatologist every 3 months, the first year and following years, every 6 months for life. This isn't something you should put off. It can save your life!

Treat It Right: Make an effort to see your esthetician on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and get a microdermabrasion or chemical peel to rid your face of dead skin cells and bring on a new, fresh, glowing looking face, regularly. If you cannot see your esthetician, try a home-made scrub with Honey and Sugar. The Honey smoothes the skin and has antibacterial properties and the sugar exfoliates. Follow-up with an egg white to tighten your skin.

Stock Up on Skincare Essentials: Invest in good skincare products that contain essential vitamins and anti-oxidants that can help reduce the negative effects of free radicals, stress and other elements that can impede healthy skin. Start off with a gentle cleanser for most days and an exfoliating cleanser for a couple of days in between to help get rid of dead skin cells (this will hold you over until you can make it to the medi-spa for your facial!) Then, try a good anti-aging serum that contains vitamins and antioxidants to help with cellular turnover and of course, a daily moisturizer that contains a sunscreen.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen: Sunscreen is needed every day, not only at the beach or vacations. That is why it is important to find a sunscreen that provides protection as well as hydration.

De-Clutter Your Stock: Throw away outdated skincare products. Make-up that hasn't been used in a while and outdated skincare products may be hosting bacteria and can cause breakouts. Open the medicine cabinet and empty your make-up bag. If you haven't touched that skincare product or piece of make-up in a few months it’s time to say goodbye. Your skin will thank you later.

Come Clean: Sleep without make-up. Not removing your make-up is one of the worst don'ts when it comes to your skincare routine. Make-up clogs pores and can leave your complexion looking dull. Wash, tone, and moisturize your skin every night before bed this year.

Personal Tip: *My newest discovery is Macha Tea, a type of Green Tea that has antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. Not only do the free radicals break down collagen that cause wrinkles and sagging skin, Macha can also help to suppress your appetite and give you more energy…helping achieve your weight-loss resolution!

For more info, amazing skincare products and great skincare tips, go to www.spatiquemedicalspa.com.

Update Your Fall Beauty Routine, as seen on WPIX Morning News with Beauty/Style writer Susan Redstone

When the season changes, what to do with your beauty routine? as it does? And how much is it going to cost? Do you know when to splurge and where to save? Beauty and Style writer Susan Redstone has the scoop on Fall's newest beauty items that replenish, replace, protect and refresh -- just in time for winter.

SPLURGE on FACE: You can't put a price on great-looking skin. Skinceuticals "Emollience" Rich Brazillian sea-algae moisturizer is great for cold weather, dry skin and skin at altitude that gets dry. $59 www.skinceuticals.com

SAVE on TEETH: White is right. Rembrandt Deeply White (2hr Whitening Kit) The trend to whiten is huge! Lip colors are DARK so you need WHITE TEETH! Mouth applicators that mold under hot water make them custom fit. Just four sessions of 20 minutes gets the job done. $25 at drugstores.

SPLURGE on NAILS: Way to nail it. "Dr.'s Remedy" polish. Formaldehyde-Free colors with fungus-busting Tea Tree oil. Invented by podiatrists and finger nail doctors. Safe if pregnant, safe for kids to use. $17 www.remedynails.com

SAVE on LIPS: Lip service. "Baby Lips" Repairing and tinted lip balms with active Asian botanticals by Maybelline New York, $3.99 at drugstores.

SAVE on BODY: Rx for smooth skin. Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion. Not greasy, this triples moisture reserves and it's unscented. $5.99 at Drugstores.

keep this on file

Tired of your old sandpaper emory board wearing out after just a few uses? Welcome to the world of glass nail files.

I recently came across the Mont Bleu e-shop, the only place to buy genuine glass nail files. Made with the best traditions of Bohemian of Czech strained glass, and decorated with original Swarovski crystals, they are beautiful tools to keep on your vanity or in your makeup bag and, trust me, you'll wear yourself out before they wear themselves out.

I love the crystal decorated versions (shown here), which come in beautiful velvet cases and make great gifts just in time for the rapidly approaching holiday season. I am also a fan of the classic style, which comes in a variety of colors.

Mont Bleu also offers other tools and accessories to keep a girl looking and feeling pretty. Choose from a wide assortment of cosmetic mirrors, makeup brushes, hair brushes, hair pins, key rings, business card holders, letter openers, jewelry and so much more.

Visit www.design-glassware.com to place your order.

it's a wrap

Scarves saturated the runway this fall, from Custo Barcelona's thick necklace styles to Missoni's mohair versions to Tommy Hilfiger's sportswear-inspired capes. Some other coverups that makes a style statement--and a worthy investment--this season: Fine quality scarves, wraps and shawls from ShawLux.

Made from the highest grades of cashmere, silk and wool, ShawLux represents a fusion of traditional luxury fabric, embroideries and craftsmanship from a diverse group of artists hailing from India and Kashmir.

Designer Annu Gyani founded the company by outsourcing the embellishments on her scarves to local artists for whom this work is their livelihood. The Artists practice a specialized weaving technique and embroidery form that is based on ancestral skills that are passed on from generation to generation.

In addition to the existing textiles and designs this fall marks the debut of the Digital Print arm of ShawLux; incorporating iconic landmarks, scenes from history and abstract imagery that will catch the eye of any passerby and have you looking fashionably chic.

Now you can even contribute to the race to cure breast cancer by purchasing one of these beautiful designs. ShawLux donates 30% of the purchases of its Kiss Me Lips scarf to the American Cancer Society--now that's a very good reason to go shopping.

ShawLux has already found a loyal following selling in top boutiques and department stores across the country and internationally including; Nordstrom stores nationwide, specialty boutiques across the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and Germany. Prices range from $50 - $250 for the embellished scarves and capes and $125-$150.00 for the Debut Collection of Digital Prints.

Go to www.shawlux.com for more info.

winterize your beauty routine, reported by Susan Redstone as seen on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta

Time to change your beauty routine and clear out your make up case. With seasonal trends and cooler weather fast approaching, it's time to toss out your summer colors, refresh your regime and protect your face for winter. Stylist Susan Redstone shows us how...

PREPPING FOR WINTER

1. TEETH WHITENING -- the trend to whiten is huge. Dentist whitenening costs a fortune, but this method costs only $7 a piece. No complex steps, or messy mouthguards to deal with. It will give you the confidence you need to wear winter's bold new lip colors. Rembrandt mouthwash and toothpaste, $7 each at Walgreens.

2. SPLURGE ON WINTER WEIGHT NIGHT CREAM Repair your skin with plant DNA technology, a new science trend for skin products. The high tech, doctor brand DNA EGF Renewal, www.dnaegfrenewal.com, costs $130. Save on body lotion too with Vaseline Intensive Rescue, only $4 at drugstores.

3. REPAIR LIPS WITH FLAVORED TINTED LIP BALM -- Say goodbye to chapped lips. Tinted balms protect, repair and tint lips leaving them looking and feeling gorgeous. By Maybelline New York, $4, at drugstores.

MAKE UP TRENDS

4. MATTE BOLD LIP COLORS 'Amsterdam' by NYX Cosmetics, www.nyxcosmetics.com, is a professional line for less, only $6. And it looks best when worn with a flawless face, thanks to NYX Cosmetics Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation by NYX Cosmetics, $9.50 At ULTA.

5. THE RETURN OF THE CAT EYE -- 'Walk the Line' liquid liner by Hard Candy does double duty with a lash growth serum, under $7, at Walmart. Wear it with flushed face Fox in a Box by Hard Candy (an ALLURE MAGAZINE winner), only $6, at Walmart or www.walmart.com.

6. GLITTER GLUE and GRAY FOR HALLOWEEN Try Showgirls Secret Glitter Glue (developed by Vegas showgirls to keep glitter on!) by Hard Candy, $5, and NYX 'advanced salon formula,' $6, at www.nyxcosmetics.com.

fashion week: Maybelline's fashion week retreat

One of the best things about fashion week is trying out all the great makeup out there and, better yet, having it personally applied. This way, you get all the latest and greatest application tips. At the Maybelline's Fashion Week Retreat at Robert Verdi's Luxe Lounge, my personal makeup artist gave me a choice of different looks that either played up porcelain skin, dramatic eyes and other features. Her makeup picks for me included: Fit Me! Foundation, Blush and Pressed Powder in Medium, great LAsh Mascara in Clear, Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black and Color Sensation Lipcolor in Born With It. Armed with a customized face chart that I could follow at home and tons of great new products, I headed to my next fashion week event.