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Archive: June 2011

Jun 22 2011 12:00 PM ET
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EXCLUSIVE: Cynthia Rowley Curates the Latest Beauty-Packed Birchbox

Cynthia Rowley for BirchboxCourtesy Birchbox

Cynthia Rowley obviously has an eye for style, but what are her beauty passions? The answers are revealed in the latest Birchbox, which the designer packed with surprises like her favorite hair product, brow pencil and snack (yum!) and wrapped in a custom print. The box, $10 through the subscription-based service, is available to those who sign up at birchbox.com/crjuly through June 30. Though Rowley wouldn’t tell PEOPLE what’s in her Birchbox, she did hint at some of her makeup faves. “I never go a day without Redken Water Wax,” she admits. “But otherwise I’m really low-maintenance. It’s really just mascara, red lipstick and liner in my bag.” The designer, who used to melt Crayola crayons to make her own cosmetics as a child, says that to her, makeup is an integral part of any runway show. “I’m inspired every season,” she tells PEOPLE. “It has the power to change the whole look of the collection.” In addition, Rowley is launching a limited edition Birchbox called ‘Tip to Toe Treats,’ available for $38 beginning July 11. The package includes nail strips she designed, plus “giant” trial sizes of bath salts, body scrub and more. “I may not spend a lot of time doting on beauty,” she says, “but I do think it’s important to have your staples.”

CHECK OUT OUR EDITORS’ BEAUTY PICKS!

Jun 22 2011 10:30 AM ET
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Audrina Patridge’s Advice for Bikini Boldness

Audrina Patridge Bikini Pictures
Courtesy SHAPE

Audrina Patridge is in a bikini just about every day of the week, and it’s all because of one trait: confidence. “I don’t even think twice about wearing a swimsuit because it’s always been a part of my lifestyle,” she shares in the July issue of SHAPE. “But I have girlfriends who are so afraid to show their bodies, they won’t take off their towels at the beach or pool. It’s a shame because everyone can look good in a suit.” Patridge, who started swimming at age 4, credits her bikini-ready body to lots of outdoor activities — biking, beach volleyball and hiking or running with her pup Lady — plus an intense exercise routine, outlined on SHAPE.com. But you don’t have to work out as hard as she does to work a two-piece. Patridge first recommends choosing a bathing suit that flatters your own figure. “So many women will buy one they see a celebrity wearing, thinking it’ll look good on them too,” she says. “Be open-minded. Even if you think you know what works on your body, you may be really surprised by the results.” To get her beach-girl glow, the Audrina star uses self-tanner, and is always sure to protect her skin with sunscreen. She keeps her hair summery year-round, too, by washing it only twice per week and using dry shampoo on the days in between. To fix flyaways, she rubs Moroccan Oil onto her ends. “It smells really wonderful,” she says, “and I have less breakage when I comb my hair.” And to give her body a little boost, she does a quick series of squats and sit-ups before hitting the beach. “I like to get the blood flowing to those areas,” she explains. “I feel tighter and stronger, and it gives my skin a nice rosy glow.”
SEE MORE STARS IN SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL!’

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Jun 22 2011 09:00 AM ET

DEAL ALERT: 40% Off at Banana Republic Stores Today Only!

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Still working on your summer wardrobe? Today is your lucky day! Just for PEOPLE StyleWatch readers, Banana Republic is offering 40 percent off full-priced women’s items* in stores today, June 22, only! All you have to do is say PEOPLE StyleWatch when you get up to the register. So whether you need a new dress for a wedding, a perfect suit for work or great shorts for the weekend, check out the nearest store to you (use this handy locator on bananarepublic.com) and then get shopping!

*Offer valid at Banana Republic stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada on 6/22/2011. Not valid at Banana Republic Factory Stores, Edition by Banana Republic or online. Not valid on shoes, bags, Monogram and Heritage. Discount applies to full-priced women’s merchandise only, not value of Giftcards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes or shipping and handling charges. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount. Discount taken at register.

Jun 21 2011 06:00 PM ET
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The Kardashians Heat Up QVC — Again!

Kardashians for QVCCourtesy QVC: Inset: Denise Truscello/WireImage

Have you set your DVR yet? The most famous sisters in reality television are returning to QVC on Tuesday, June 28 to debut new pieces from their K-DASH by Kardashian line, and we have a sneak peek! Summer looks include ribbed tanks with jersey cascade overlay ($57), patterned maxi dresses with elastic waistbands ($57) and ankle-length gray cargo pants ($54), plus printed tanks and their latest book, Kardashian Konfidential. Kourtney, Kim and Khloé will appear live at 1 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time to talk about the new pieces, and share some of their favorite style tips and ideas, too. Tell us: Would you buy from the K-DASH by Kardashian collection? 

SHOP CELEB STYLE IN ‘YOU ASKED, WE FOUND: STAR LOOKS’

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Jun 21 2011 04:30 PM ET
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Charlene Wittstock Finds Her ‘Fashion Feet’

Charlene Wittstock VogueCourtesy VOGUE

Charlene Wittstock has a lot going for her: she’s beautiful, athletic, set to marry a prince. But the South African native tells Vogue that transitioning into her new life in Monaco wasn’t always so easy. “Finding my fashion feet has certainly been the biggest challenge,” she says, recalling a self-proclaimed fashion mishap at Monaco’s 2007 Red Cross Ball. “I thought I looked great at the time, but looking back, I realize that my debut into Monaco society should have been better executed!” Despite any initial missteps, the bride-to-be has come into her own recently, receiving styling tips from Karl Lagerfeld (who gave her one of his very own smoking jackets) and Giorgio Armani, who designed her wedding ceremony dress. “I’ve reached the point where I know what I like and what works,” she says. “I’m starting to play with fresher, bolder, and more daring looks.” To help share that style with her newly adopted country, Wittstock hopes to establish a fashion week in Monaco. “I want to make Monaco one of the fashion capitals of the world,” she says. “Grace Kelly forged a link between Monaco and the movie world, and I would like to create a strong bond between Monaco and the fashion community.” But despite her passion for fashion, fiancé Prince Albert loves her most when she’s dressed down. “I fell in love with her sense of humor, her simplicity, and the natural way she relates to people,” he tells Vogue. “To me, Charlene never looks more beautiful than when she is natural — without makeup and her hair pulled back.”
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Jun 21 2011 03:00 PM ET
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Gabrielle Union’s Style Essentials: Hoop Earrings, Lots of Sparkle and a Good Bargain!

Gabrielle Union Fashion Must-HavesPaul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Gabrielle Union, PEOPLE StyleWatch‘s July cover girl, is one well-dressed woman — and lucky for us, she’s sharing some of her current obsessions. The actress tells PEOPLE StyleWatch that her style stems from a few wardrobe staples, like classic accessories. “I live in hoops — classic, funky, high-end. I’ve never seen a hoop that didn’t agree with me,” she says. “I’m addicted. I love going to Cost Plus [World Market] — it’s so easy to grab a bunch — funky hoops, ones with splashes of color, all-purpose ones. They’re like $4.95!” And it’s not just earrings Union scores for less. “I like to mix high-end, designer things with funkier less expensive pieces. Even ones under $10,” she reveals. “I call it balling on a budget!” But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have the urge to splurge. “I already did it,” she admits of her latest big-ticket items, two designers handbags. “One is a zippered Alexander Wang, the other is a chain-strap Stella McCartney.” Perhaps she can pair them with her neutral outfits? “I wear a lot of white,” she says. “White clothes just give an air of comfort. And if you don’t go too tight, it looks good on most people.” And what outfit is complete without a little glitter? “My rule for sparkle is that there’s no such thing as too sparkly of a dress! It makes you feel like a princess,” she shares. “Just play down the rest.” Get more of Union’s tips in the latest issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch, on newsstands now. Tell us: What are your style essentials? –Kim Peiffer

STUDY UP ON MORE OF UNION’S SEXY STYLE SECRETS

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Jun 21 2011 01:30 PM ET

Lanvin Debuts Chic Girls Collection

Lanvin KidsCourtesy Lanvin

As if we weren’t already in heaven with the recent launch of the Gucci, Fendi and Versace children’s collections, Lanvin has jumped in the fray with a capsule line — Lanvin Petite. Drawing from the French design house’s history — founder Jeanne Lanvin opened a kids department in 1908 after having daughter Marguerite — current head designer Alber Elbaz has created 25 pieces for girls aged 4 to 10. On sale starting this November, the collection includes everything from silk taffeta trench coats with beaded sleeves to ribbon-embellished T-shirts. Read more in our Moms & Babies section.

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