WIN IT!! Tell us what location that inspires your ideal La Mer watch.

You can almost smell the exotic tanning oil and feel the French Riviera breeze on your neck. Scrolling through La Mer Collections’ watches’ website is like the best part of a Hemingway novel—foreign and dangerous, thoughtful yet very Rive Gauche. It’s time for fall fashion shopping sprees, kill two birds with La Mer time pieces that double as accessories.

Martine Ilana is the creator of the La Mer Collections brand. This is a careful assembly of thoughtful and fashion forward leather watches. The band of each watch is in the rich color palette that you’d only see on holiday, widely influenced by her passion for travel.  The colors are vibrant and rich; there is a sense of intrigue that only a vacation abroad can convey.

Though the design and overall presentation of Martine’s designs carry international mystique, La Mer watches are all carefully crafted right here in the United States. She has a handpicked a team of people who help create, assemble and ship every piece with care to her customers, right there in Venice Beach. The La Mer design and production studio is the last building before you hit the Pacific Ocean. Martine sites the lifestyle and working environment as a serious influence on the direction of her brand.

At the time of our interview, Martine had just hopped off a plane from Costa Rica—they were shooting the pics for the Fall and Holiday 2010 catalog. Martine posed her models and product in the rainforest, dangling off of volcanoes, sunning on the beach and of course, speeding through the city streets. Ilana has devised a sexy way to market not just a stunning accessory, but, a whimsical way of life. Metallic studs dot some and chains dance daintily from others. La Mer is a concise way to say, “Maybe I’m with the band, but I still read books.”

Ilana is a highly educated business owner, splitting time behind both by college books and international itineraries. Her resume is impressive, she’s been making jewelry since childhood, then a degree as an Industrial Designer, and as an accessory designer for Vans, and finally entrepreneur. This has prepared her for accessories that cater to all, without bias toward body image. She creates for the shoppers that want something left of center, original and of course hand assembled. La Mer manages to be personal, quirky, and chic, yet classically elegant. Martine will soon be adding travel bags to her line.

Martine has been careful to devise a line of accessories that fit all women across the board. She has pieces that can add some personality to every woman’s bag of tricks. Personally, my La Mer watch says that I’m a cherry bomb, I’ve been to Italy and maybe I’m hiding an off shore account or two. What will yours say about you?

Do you also have a penchant for travel? Well, Martine Ilana and Buzzbin want to know: what major city in the world would best inspire a new watch for La Mer Collections? Email me: Jara@Buzzbinmagazine.com. If your answer is the best, you’re going to get a brand new La Mer watch—straight outta Venice Beach. Submissions must be received by Sept 10^th, winners notified by Sept 13^th.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Every year you are slammed with pictures of runway clothing that’s supposed to be the “new trend”. The new trend usually includes things that wouldn’t work in a Mad Max movie, let alone in your cubicle. This season I saw a pair of blue stilettos with a leather mohawk growing out of the heel and they were exquisite, but, better on Cameron Diaz than under your bed. I can appreciate art for what it is, and you aren’t investing in these for a run to Target or to work—unless you work for Vanity Fair, or Rachel Zoe.

The title “What’s Hot for Fall” is everywhere, and it gets old. Maybe because we don’t have any money, maybe we feel left out by the runway shows. But, maybe you’re starting to catch on that it’s basically the same few “key pieces” every season.

First, you must have a plan. Decide what your style is. Easier said than done, agreed. This isn’t as hard as you think; you should know what you like. Also, you have to come to terms with your actual size, and its probably not what you would prefer it to be. I just recently surrendered to the “short” length in pants. I also have an awesome tailor.

Also consider your life and what you do with it. Do you live at your office? Are you a last call regular? Be precise, buy for what you do most. Most of all, thin out your closet before you go nuts. Do not leave the house until you sift through the stuff you already have. This was some of the best advice I’ve ever received: don’t buy it unless you could wear it for a week straight.

Realistically, I have digested the “Fall Fashion Trends” and prepared them for you, this is a realistic approach. It is a re-do of the runway trends in a more reasonable medium. Some “must haves” for the new season will include the basic that you probably already have or want really bad.

First off, soft and straight hair is a major trend. Get a quality straightener, it’s worth every penny. We loved the Corlioliss straightener from Misikko. We could even pull off some soft waves with this straightener. It got super hot in a flash! You can even change the temperature so you don’t have to fry your ends. If you want to go full out curly, a new trend is the “clampless” curling iron by Amika. You get soft curls without the pressure that creates harsh lines. This singlehandedly helped me through a horrid hair cut.

Leggings and skinny pants/jeans are hot—again…and still. One caveat: they’re not for everyone. Luckily, tunics are going to stay around for another go. Sweater dresses are a big deal this fall, so are little wool dresses. Pair with leggings and/or rotate tops under the wool dress and keep it fresh.

Boots of all types, specifically the riding boots and ankle boots are popular, ideal with the skinnies and leggings. The “fold over” types are hot or go with classic riding boots.  Suede is popular in the fall. I suggest soft leather, preferably lambskin. If you go too shiny you’re going to like you’re in the German SS. Add elegance with a heel, also I am a garden gnome that needs the height.

Cringe-inducing silk cargo pants are sneakily permeating store racks. These are a distinct look, very easy to mess up. They are a pinch of Audry Hepburn married to the utilitarian nature of cargo pants. You could end looking like you walked out of a Prince video—beware.

A great wool pea coat is timeless, and the camel color is everywhere. Or, get a sweet leather jacket. Nothing gives you the edge of danger that you need like a killer leather jacket, just leave the trenches to cowboys and anime characters. A bright color will give you some flash, pick black and you’re the missing member of The Runaways gone polished career girl.

Miss Oops is a secret product that needs to come out of our secret closets. Miss Oops is built to all of the little mishaps that will ruin your day and your look. Severe climate changes, can give the wrong impression. (Turkey’s done!) If you know your blouse is on the thin side, or you aren’t using a bra, Miss Oops saves the day with Show Stoppers. Stick on this little and no more nips. They have an entire line that is dedicated to keeping your naughty bits under control.

You can have the new trends without being uncomfortable or worse, broke. Take your time, pay attention to fit. Also remember that confidence is important, it can transform your whole outfit. But, please, I beg, don’t confuse “comfortable” with wearing your pajama pants to the mall.

Popularity: 88% [?]

Coming Next Month:

The Misikko Experiment

Does it work?

Will it fry my hair?

What should I use?

Where can I find it?

Can I have one?

Find out how to win big!

Popularity: 3% [?]

May rain clouds burned off, I was left standing in that hot Ohio sun with skin so white I was about to catch fire. Sun damage is no longer a secret, and I don’t have the time to invest in a cinnamon sugar tan. It’s time for a summer pilgrimage through aisles of self tanning products, the smelly, the Oompa Loompa, and the streaky stripe.

You are now the Goldilocks of self-tanners. No one has disposable income, least of all a Self-Tanner Fund; it’s hard to pick and experiment in choosing the ideal shade and brand. If you have thrown your stained hands up because you’ve yet to find a perfect product, sit tight. This summer, we have tried a bunch. In no particular order, we will outline the stand-outs.

If you need a continuous spray, go with the Sevin Nyne brand. If you think you’ve heard that name, Sevin Nyne is the love child of Lindsey Lohan and tanner to the stars Lorit Simon. At first blush, I was super stoked; the color was pretty much immediate. The spray is visible; you can see what you are working with, a nice feature. The next morning, Sevin Nyne had developed into an even sunburst. Sevin Nyne delivered fantastic all-over color. I hate to sound surprised, but, this stuff is pretty kick ass. Before you dismiss “another celebrity crossover”, try Sevin Nyne.

If a continuous stream is too intense, Lavera Glow n Go is a sweet choice. Spritz on, rub in and you have a subtle glow in just a few hours. It is a lighter consistency than their tanner lotion, but still offers moisture that Lavera is famous for. Lavera Glow n Go will also give you just a splash of shimmer—not pole dancing glitter, but a Jennifer Aniston, classy shimmer. Lavera is ideal, as it is a compound of nourishing, organic ingredients. It also features a list of antioxidants, which is instrumental in fighting the effects of aging.

If you want a lotion self tanner, one of the finest thus far has been the Fake Bake. Again, I was slightly apprehensive to try new products, as I am pasty white. What some call “Gallum” white, Renaissance painters called Alabaster, so, quit making fun.

Fake Bake gave me an all-over, “weekend on my buddy’s boat” glow. It also comes with rubber gloves for your application—brilliant. It went on even and was easily spread out, interestingly, it administers as an olive green until you rub it in. If you have overdone it, you can fix it immediately. If you aren’t working with gloves, apply a layer of heavy lotion to your hands, as a barrier and then smooth out your glow. Wash hands immediately, lest you give away your spray tan intentions.

Last, but certainly not least were the Comodynes Self Tanning towelette. The professionals at Comodynes know that you are busy, that your life is constantly on the go. The entire line is built to assist you live a quick paced, rolling stone life.  Unwrap the package; inside is a towelette of sunless tanning lotion, simply rub into your chosen area and you’re done. You could do it at your desk. Literally. When you’re in a pinch, if you’re changing into your skirt, rub one of these towels on those Gallum legs and you’re ready for Happy Hour.

You have more options as far as “safe sun” than ever before. We handpicked these tanners because of their results across the board, from sun junkies to weekend warriors, these are some fantastic ideas to keep you and your life healthy and sun-kissed. To get your started, Buzzbin and Fake Bake want to give away a whole Fake Bake system—the exfoliator, moisturizer, self-tanner and illuminator. Write in and tell us why you opt for self-tanning and you could win!! Email Jara@BuzzbinMagazine.com to win!

Tan lines are SO Spring Break '84.

Popularity: 6% [?]

So maybe you’ve been wearing White Diamonds since 1986…or perhaps your Britney Spears’  Circus perfume is empty, in any event, the summer is a good time to re-think your “signature  scent”. There are more options out there than ever before. However, upon some serious reflection and nose tests, I can bring you some solid stand outs from the pack.

Sorry to offend all of the Patchouli wear-ers out there, but, NO ONE likes Patchouli. Think about it. Today, ask five people what they think of it and you will not only get a resounding “do not want”, you will get the obligatory cringe that goes along with the word. We (everyone) all want you to consider some of these ideas instead.

Perhaps the staff fave was this season’s new Stella. Every year, Stella McCartney reinvents her namesake fragrance, thus, every year we get a limited edition take on her iconic rose scent.  Now, if flowers evoke a “kisses from lumpy Aunt Edna” memory, Stella is ANYthing but old-ladyish. The description is fresh and natural with top notes of green apple, lemon, Bulgarian rose, with a sensual Amber base. In the event that you do not design perfume in your spare time, this year’s Stella smells like a fresh shower. It is effortless and light, almost as if you cleaned up and maybe forgot to put any perfume on at all—the only scent is your intoxicating personality. This perfume definitely presents a “one of a kind” feel; you could totally tell people you bought this at a French open air boutique and pull it off.

If you have a penchant for solid perfumes, I have found a fantastic product. A smaller company out of New York is Soap and Paper Factory. This homespun brand have branched out to include hand poured solid perfumes, carefully prepared with jojoba oil, pure beeswax and handpicked fragrance oils. The Lavender was a top pick; they also have Rosewood, Orange Blossom and more. You can pick these up at their website soapandpaperfactory.com.

For guys, a refreshing summer option for cologne has been the staff pick of Express’ new scent “Honor”. A nice go-to for summer, this is a watery, fresh scent. It’s a little bit peppermint and basil, a snap of grapefruit with some fig and green ivy to make it work, leaving a vanilla musk scent after it dries. Plus, the cologne comes in a snappy, flask-shaped silver bottle. Nice.

In closing, Diesel has new cologne, Diesel: Only the Brave. This is perhaps the coolest bottle that we’ve ever seen. It is literally a silver fist with a metal bar in it. Diesel is a brand that is inspired by artists and rebels alike. This particular scent is a master blend of lemon blossom, mandarin and amber. Not only will you smell like a dude that knows what’s up, it will stand on your dresser as a monument to your styley, ahead of the curve sensibilities.

Scent is one of the most powerful senses. Summer means that you are going to want to stay as fresh as possible as the mercury climbs. With these staff picks, you don’t have to stress about who is standing down wind.

Its summer, hook up some smell good.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Picture it…the early 1990’s…brands like FUCT, FreshJive and World Industries have the t-shirt game by the balls. But one guy had a relatively simple, yet genius idea—a t-shirt line that showcased hot broads in various states of undress.  Two in the Shirt, (T.I.T.S. Brand) may not have invented hot half naked broads on t-shirts, but he arguably perfected it.

T.I.T.S. owner and founder, Marek Grubel sees no honor in competing with his contemporaries. Gruebel says he’d rather have girls admire his swag than peacock with other dudes on whose shoes and hat is hotter. What is his inspiration for using porn stars like Sunny Leone and Tera Patrick on his tees? Because they’re hot. And naked.

The summer is upon us and it seems that T.I.T.S. and its underlying message is perfect for the long hot nights. T.I.T.S. has built an entire line on beautiful women with varying messages. The “Wifey” tee was what initially hooked me on the line. I currently own two—one of a girl (Wifey) vacuuming a bear skin rug in her panties and another one of Wifey drinking while ironing.

Lose your girl to a foreign guy with a headband who loves to dance? Karma is a Bitch.

To properly kick off another rust belt summer, T.I.T.S. has donated a set of tees for a t-shirt giveaway. BuzzBin and T.I.T.S. want to know–have you been wronged? Did your girl just dump you? Did she just move out to “dance” with a headband-wearing douche named Marco? We wanna know. Email us—tell us why Karma is a Bitch, if your story is the best, you can win this set of T.I.T.S. tees, one for you and one for your next “prospect”. If you story is kick ass, T.I.T.S. may make use of it.

And if you have been wronged, keep this in mind: bitches turn 19 every day. Summer is the perfect time to be single, girls are wearing less and you’re about to spend some quality time with some red cups and beer mustaches.

Check it out and shop with confidence: http://www.shoptits.com/

Popularity: 18% [?]

Dirty Pretty Things Jewelry is arguably Ohio’s finest export. Headquartered in Cleveland, the fashion forward, edgy yet polished line of bracelets, earrings and necklaces are quickly becoming the It pieces. Dirty Pretty Things Jewelry is the line that you look to when you want to be a little more polished, yet need to maintain your edgy street cred.

Conceived by creator and former nightclub owner Chrissy LoConti, Dirty Pretty Things was her thesis on the human condition—the power struggle that can ensue between woman and man. Night after night, Chrissy observed the encounters between the sexes, the good the bad and the dirty. The duality of spirit and a marriage of confidence and compassion are clear in every handcrafted piece. Further, LoConti and Dirty Pretty Things strives to connect women through fierce and uncompromising fashion.

Dirty Pretty Things Jewelry is illustrating this feminine confidence and fashion forward sensibility with a menagerie of gun charms, crystal studded skulls and skeleton keys. These symbols are threaded on gorgeous chains—the attention to detail and quality is clear. Also, all jewelry is 100% guaranteed, in the event of your jewelry breaking, it is replaced immediately and for free.

Guarded Heart necklace, your jewelry box is locked and loaded.

Dirty Pretty Things is still small enough to offer you the quality and creative cache that you are pining for. But, don’t sleep on Dirty Pretty Things, as Grammy winner Beyonce was just spotted wearing the Beauty is Pain necklace. It won’t be long before you are the last one without the Guarded Heart pendant.

Team Dirty Pretty Things Jewelry is Chrissy LoConti, President and CEO, Annemarie LoConti, CFO, Andrea Ippolito, COO and Nat’l Sales Manager, and Sarah Piscazzi, VP of Design.

These hometown girls have done something that seems impossible in the rust belt, a creative vision realized in the way of real and true profits. The media has us convinced that nothing great comes from Ohio; Dirty Pretty Things begs to differ.

In the past two years, the Dirty Pretty Things name has found it’s way into international and national boutiques. Rarely do you come across a jewelry line that is both polished and still badass. Even less likely is it that it is coming from a girl that could have sat in front of you in Study Hall.

Do you have a story that you think embodies the Dirty Pretty Things spirit? Are you someone that defines the good, they bad and the dirty? Dirty Pretty Things wants your summer to kick off right! They have offered two of their custom pieces for a giveaway. Email me; tell me why you are a riddle wrapped in a rhyme—how do you manage to stay a sexy little contradiction?

If your story is the best, you could win! Jara@BuzzbinMagazine.com

More on Dirty Pretty Jewelry: www.dptjewelry.com/About-DPT

Shop Dirty Pretty Jewelry: http://dptjewelry.com/Stores

More from the Dirty Pretty arsenal.

Popularity: 15% [?]