Getting Dressed With Zahra Saeed

A few weeks ago when I was packing for a 4-day trip to New York for the Daily Makeover Beauty Bloggerati conference, I did the usual. I loaded a 30" suitcase (which happens to be bigger than many NYC studio apartments) with 10-days worth of wardrobe options. But of all the clothes that I crammed into my luggage, the piece that I was most excited to wear was a dress by Philadelphia designer, Zahra Saeed.

Late last month, I stopped by Saeed's Rittenhouse boutique - looking for something special to take on my trip. Upon entering the shop, I was immediately smitten with the romantic silhouettes, bold prints and intricate details of the designer's spring/summer 2009 collection.

After perusing the racks, I took several dresses into the fitting room. Zahra Saeed's line doesn't offer petite sizes, so I kept my excitement in check until I tried everything on. But to my surprise, most of the dresses fit amazingly well. It was almost as if Zahra Saeed had crafted patterns based on my exact proportions.

Though all of the dresses that I tried on were beautiful, I didn't have a difficult time choosing which one to take home; actually, it chose me. The second I slipped on this high collared, tea dyed dress - with its ruffled sleeves and delicate embroidery - I knew it was meant to be. I adored it so much that I wanted to wear it out of the store that day.

And when I was in New York, I kept waiting for the right occassion to wear it. I didn't want to waste such a gorgeous dress - the perfect summer dress, to be fair - on just any ole shindig. So I saved the best for last.

For my final night in NYC, I wore my Zahra Saeed dress to dinner at Kingswood (the see and be seen hotspot in the West Village), then drinks and dancing at bOb Bar (best hip hip on the Lower East Side).

Joining me were my blogging besties (Amber, Erika and Julia), Heather (from MAC) and Andrea (from Essence Magazine).

Here are some of the highlights:

Erika and me

Julia and Amber


Erika and Heather


Andrea and Julia

Don't drink and tweet

Andrea and Heather

I wonder what our drinks say about us

If you're in Philly, check out the Zahra Saeed flagship store at 1905 Walnut Street. Nowhere near Philadelphia? Don't fret...shop online at zahrasaeed.com.

Kim Kardashian and Lauren Conrad to Judge America's Next Top Model

Remember how I told you that Kim Kardashian would appear on Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model, as a guest judge?

Well, the episode air date has now been revealed. Kim fans, set your DVR for October 21st...when Kim will sit alongside Tyra, Miss Jay Alexander and Nigel Barker.

It has also been leaked that Lauren Conrad will take a turn as a guest judge. Look for her on the September 16th eppy of ANTM. I predict that the elimination challenge will have something to do with LC's clothing line for Kohl's, which hits stores this fall.

YSL Fall 2009

YSL Fall 2009 Beauty Collection: Inspired by the YSL Fall RTW Fashion collection of exquisite tailoring with sumptuous textures, a flawless complexion is offset by magnetic pearl grey eyes and intense plum lips.

FACE:
* Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation
* Touche Éclat Radiant Touch in Luminous Radiance
* Palette Y Collector Palette for the Complexion (limited edition)
* Crème de Blush Cream Blush in Powdery Rose (limited edition)

EYES:
* Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in Midnight
* Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara in Sublime Grey

LIPS:
* Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Exquisite Plum

NAILS:
* La Laque Long Lasting Nail Lacquer in Stormy Grey

Shop Stila at 40% Off!

Major Lash Mascara for $5.10? Lip Glaze Stick for $9.90? Smoky Eye Palettes for $24? Uh, what are you still reading this for? Visit stilacosmetics.com for 40% off select items.

Zip Me Up, Please?

When it comes to fashion, I love anything with an exposed zipper. So when I spied these Zipper Hairbands and Zipper Pull Bobby Pins from Lolo B Design, I fell in luvre. I want them all up in my hair right now.

Jessica Simpson Fancy Love Perfume Giveaway

Introducing Fancy Love, the new, romantic fragrance from Jessica Simpson and Parlux Fragrances. Romantic and alluring, sensual and feminine, Fancy Love arrives at retail in time for summer love. "Fancy Love is fresh and pure, like a timeless piece of white lace – it’s always pretty and innocent," says Simpson. "This fragrance has a hint of passion because after all, a girl has to be a little flirty sometimes."

Fresh, dewy notes of Peach Blossom balanced with the spice of Bergamot and the sparkle of blush Champagne open this warm floral fragrance. Timeless flowers known for their rich exotic essence expand the heart of Fancy Love: Lotus Blossom – the traditional symbol of purity and perfection; Peony – long recognized for its exquisite beauty; Plumeria – prized for its power to entice; Jasmine – symbolic of renewal; and Rose – an everlasting symbol of love. Sensuality heats up as the fragrance lingers; creamy Amber, Blonde Woods and Patchouli add depth and resonance to the floral bouquet.

The Fancy Love package, which has a milky white glaze and the whimsical touch of a butterfly alighting on the bottle façade, takes its inspiration from Jessica’s favorite vintage perfume bottles.

The Fancy Love fragrance collection consists of a 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray ($59.00), a 1.7 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray ($49.00), and a 6.0 oz Body Lotion ($30.00).

This week, I'm partnering with Parlux Fragrances to offer Spoiled Pretty readers a chance to add some Fancy Love to your lifestyle. Five lucky winners will receive a 3.4 oz bottle of Jessica Simpson's new perfume!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Fancy Love Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, August 9. Five winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, August 10th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!

Coming Soon: CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara

This fall, there will be a new addition to the CoverGirl LashBlast family of mascaras: LashBlast Length Mascara! The mascara contains nylon for lashes that are "80 percent longer and won’t flake or break all day."

LashBlast Length ($7.49) won't be in stores until early September, but CoverGirl will make a limited amount available for early purchase starting August 17 at covergirl.com/lashblastlength (the website won't go live until that day).