A Girl Must Shop

magnetic vases = you are sassy

2008-07-23T17:24:42Z

Holey Moley! This set of five magnetic vases is so neat and unique and is sure to impress everyone at your dinner party.

It is just too easy! Just place tablecloth between vase base and metal plate to arrange on your table and you'll have a vase that seems to defy gravity.

Each golden vase measures 9.5" inches high and holds a single flower. Get yours at AandKuniquegifts and check out even more fun, cool gifts.

BONUS COUPON CODE
Get $5 off a purchase of $25 or more and with coupon code summer08!

Get exclusive access to designer sales up to 75% off!

2008-07-21T13:00:24Z

Want access to special on-line private sales from premium fashion and luxury lifestyle brands at huge discounts of up to 75% off?

We thought you would. Just head over to Hautelook.com. Sign up (it's FREE!) and you'll have insider access to these amazing sales. I just stopped by for a look-see and fell in love with this owl-y chemise, normally $80, on sale for $32! How can I pass that up?

Sales change every day, so stop by often!

PS - You can also refer your friends and when they make their first purchase you'll get $10 toward your next Hautelook.com purchase.

Don't forgot to tell them that we sent you (megan@agirlmustshop.com).

Fashion and function in one shoe

2008-07-18T16:00:34Z

I buy a lot of shoes. But just because I buy them, doesn't mean I wear them. I have a closet filled with shoes I've only worn once because I just can't bring myself to suffer the torture of sore feet and blisters or the indignity of limping home after a night out because my shoes are slowly draining me feet of all feeling.

I recently bought a pair of shoes that not only look great and has a heel (a bonus for me as I'm only 5 feet tall) but that can actually be walked in without causing excruciating pain. Terra Plana makes stylish, sexy and comfortable shoes out of recycled leather or sustainable material.

I bought the Kashmir and I love it. The heel is slim but sturdy and the rubber on the sole makes walking or standing for long periods of time a lot more comfortable than doing so in most heeled shoes. This particular style is open on one side, which is a very flattering look for many a foot.

Terra Plana makes shoes for both men and women and the styles available are extensive. It's a great bonus that the company is environmentally conscious. I'll definitely be buying more from them, especially heels!

Summer spritzing

2008-07-17T17:58:27Z

I use spray toners all year round, but it's summer when I really up the ante.

I find they really cool me down and give my face the refreshment it craves during hot, humid days. I always have one on hand, and even carry one in my purse for an instant pick-me-up. I find they're especially useful if you're out all day (say, at the beach or a music festival) and then have evening plans that don't factor in time to go home and freshen up. A few sprays on your face and neck and even in your hair is usually enough to make you feel fresher.

I thought I'd give a run-down of three of my favourites. I've tried a countless number and these are the ones I continue to go back to.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
This spray is both refreshing and moisturizing. It has a light, flowery scent and gives your skin a nice, dewy glow when applied directly after foundation or tinted moisturizer.
John Masters Organics Lavender Hydrating Mist for Skin and Hair
This soothing spray has anti-inflammatory properties, which I find essential in the summer. Skin can get red and blotchy from the heat, but a quick spritz can help calm the skin's surface. I also love that this spray is meant for both skin and hair.
Refresh Me Rosewater Toner
I like the light scent and fine mist of this toner. It's great for setting make-up, and if you keep it in the fridge, I find it makes for a great morning refresher for your skin. Don't get me wrong, I still need my coffe, but this is a nice bonus!

Get your soap on 4th ave

2008-07-15T11:37:27Z

I just came across the 4th Ave Soap Co at Etsy. Go check it out - they sell soap (of course) lip lustre, lip balms, moisturizer, floral water sprays, aftershave and lotion bars.

I'm in love with the designs on the soap, the packaging and the scent names like Lime Sugar Babassu Oil Soap which is infused with a gorgeous lime sugar fragrance that's bright and bubbly sweet with a lovely lime kick.

I don't think I can pass that up! Could you?

What's pretty and pink and perfect for the summer?

2008-07-14T11:11:49Z

Why, it's Aquolina's Pink Sugar, of course! Light, sweet and lively, it's my favorite summer scent.

I was just browsing Sephora and came across this adorable pink swirly beach bag containing:

Body Spritzer
Shower Mousse
Hair Perfume
Deodorant Spray.

Just about everything I need for summer!

And, don't forget your 7 Free eye samples with any $25 order. Just enter code EYESAMPLES at checkout. *While supplies last.

Salty chocolate

2008-07-13T19:22:24Z

Whoever thought up the idea of combining sea salt and chocolate was brilliant. Why didn't I think of it first? I could be a millionaire!

I've been a lover of this combination since my good friend Janet introduced me to the barcelona bar by Vosges - and now I'm an addict. Everywhere I go I search high and low for salty chocolate.

I found this Organic Milk Sea Salt and Almonds Chocolate Bar in Vermont at the Lake Champlain chocolate store. It's chocolatey, salty and even has almonds.

You can feel good about eating it, too. It's organic!

Straight Ahead Hair Styling

2008-07-10T18:15:18Z

I love my new haircut, but I don't love blow-drying and flat-ironing my wavy hair straight. It really is not that big of a problem, except on the days that I wake up late. But the good news is that I found a line of styling products that really do help me style my hair faster - John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Straight Ahead Style-Activating Shampoo (and conditioner).

I probably would not have normally tried this shampoo because I don't consider my hair frizzy at all, but these products really help by reducing the time I have to spend flat ironing my hair.

Not only that but I notice significantly less fly-away strands of hair, my hair is shiny and soft and has a pleasant scent. I highly recommend for those with slightly wavy hair like mine.

Nice shave

2008-07-09T16:49:52Z

If you are like me, you have tried all the ways out there to get rid of unwanted hair, including shaving, waxing, hair removers, etc. And with summer in full swing, smooth skin isn't just nice -- it's a necessity.

If you aren't into spending $80 on a wax and would like the type of shave you only can get from a men's razor...try the Schick Quattro for Women. With four blades, a pivoting head and conditioning strips -- the Quattro gives a smooth, close shave every time. And it looks pretty, too! The Quattro even works well with just water. For summertime purposes, you may still need to shave everyday or every other day, but your effort will not be in vain.

The Quattro for Women can be found in most discount and drug stores. You can also go online and find out more information at quattroforwomen.com.

FREE samples for Sephora Beauty Insiders!

2008-07-06T18:56:53Z

Sephora Beauty Insiders only!!!
Get 7 free eye samples with any $25 purchase. Enter code JULYEYES at checkout.

Not a Sephora Beauty Insider?
Head on over to Sephora.com, and click on the Beauty Insider image on the bottom left of the web site. It's free and you get:

Beauty Bank points with every Sephora purchase, then redeem them for a free deluxe sample each time your Beauty Bank balance reaches $100.
First dibs on the hottest new beauty products with Beauty Insider-only pre-launches.
Score invites to private shopping nights and Insider-only events
Personalized beauty ideas, tips and products based on your favorites.
Get a FREE gift on your birthday!

Purely Decadent coconut milk "ice cream"

2008-07-04T11:29:21Z

I've got "ice cream" in quotes up there because this Purely Decadent non-dairy frozen dessert isn't ice cream. No milk, baby. No soy, either! Say hello to ice cream and bye-bye to lactose intolerance!

How can that be? Easy! It's made with coconut milk instead of cow's milk, which gives it a taste of coconut that blends well with the main flavor. It's also decadently creamy with a consistency even smoother than ice cream and half the fat and contains only 65% of the calories in "regular" ice cream. It wins over my frozen yogurt any day.

Other great stuff about it?

Dairy Free
Lactose Free
Cholesterol Free
No Trans Fats
Certified Vegan
Certified Made with Organic Ingredients

Where do you get it? Check out the fancy store locator. I've been able to find them here in Massy-chusetts in Hannaford, Market Basket, Roche Bros, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods and Wild Oats.

It's so easy to find, there's no reason not to try it out on this July 4th weekend! You'll be the hit of the BBQ!

These clothes rock

2008-07-03T17:06:26Z

From the moment you hit the site, you realize you aren't in Kansas anymore -- you're in DuvNic Industries.

DuvNic Industries is an Encino,CA-based specialty clothier for the girl looking to push the boundaries and bring a little piece of L.A. into her wardrobe. Think of it as vintage L.A. chic. DuvNic creations are like nothing you will find at the local mall. DuvNic currently has over 30 designs with over 25 more on the way. And these designs are not your wannabe-cool graphics. The designs, all created by DuvNics Todd Maidy, are intricate, unusual and a little bit on the dark side.

When you slip on a DuvNic Industries creation, you are ready to hit the club, rock out at a concert or simply hang with friends (although, you'll have the coolest shirt!). DuvNic fits are flattering; require almost no ironing and the fabrics are so comfortable. They feel as if they have been through the wash a million times, without looking like they have. I have the Burnout Crest tank, the DuvNic Couture T and the Scoop Neck Skull long-sleeve T. I found the Burnout Crest fabric the most interesting. It has the most unusual treatment. Throughout the fabric there are sections that look worn -- to the point one can see skin -- like the favorite shirt you simply can't part with. Yet, the tank doesn't look old or tattered.

The construction on DuvNic Industries apparel is solid. You won't find threads hanging off or fabric imperfections (unless they are supposed to be there). And you can't shrink these shirts -- I tried.

DuvNic.com has all the styles you're looking for, including tops and bottoms. And their clothes aren't just for women. Looking for a hot shirt for your boyfriend -- DuvNic.com has great styles for men, too.

Guide your way with Style

2008-06-26T12:40:30Z

Do you love to travel, but dislike having to flip through the same travel guides your parents and grandparents use? Good news -- now you don't have to. StyleCity guides from Thames and Hudson are the ultra chic city guides for the young, discerning traveler. From New York to Paris, San Francisco to Rome and London to Istanbul -- just to name a few -- StyleCity guides can help you plan your next escape to some of the trendiest cities on Earth.

I love StyleCity because they contain the most gorgeous visuals; photography you will not see in any other guides. Thames and Hudson have taken conventional travel guides and turned them into books worthy of your coffee table.

StyleCity lets you in on the secret places locals don't want tourists to know about. The guides break down destinations with maps, restaurants, hotels, museums, shops and more.

I was given the San Francisco guide as a gift. Now, having been a resident of San Francisco, I didn't think there was anything I didn't know about it. StyleCity proved me wrong. And not only did it offer some of the tastiest insider treats, but it also did an excellent job of slicing up each neighborhood, so even someone from a small town would feel comfortable in this urban wonderland.

Whether you are a tried and true traveler, or just starting to explore this amazing planet, check out StyleCity guides. I guarantee you will find no other guides more visually stunning or containing the information you really want to know.

Remembering back in the day

2008-06-23T11:34:21Z

Dudes, I just spent waaaaay too much time surfing for shirts at 80sTees.com. That place is like Target - it sucks you in and won't let you out without spending at least $60 because the STUFF IS SO DAMN GOOD.

And you know, it transports me back in the day. Before conference calls, reports, and responnnnnsibility.

Remember these?

1. Weebles 2. Fraggle Rock 3. Snuffy 4. Animal 5. Super Mario 6. Peanuts

Why paint when you can stick?

2008-06-20T17:10:36Z

Recently I moved from a house I owned to a house I rent. I was happy to get rid of the mortgage, but moving back into a rental property did not allow me the freedom to paint rooms as I saw fit.

I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on artwork or punch countless nail holes into the walls. Nor did I want to live in a big cream box with no character.

So I searched for alternatives and discovered removable wall decals and found two excellent sites to get high quality, creative options.

The first is AdZif out of Canada which produces gorgeous and funky decals with endless options. I purchased "Wind of Love" by Lucie Gauthier (see image on right).

I was a bit nervous about applying it to the wall -- I don't have the steadiest hand, but no worries. With a little elbow grease, the decal applied beautifully and looks awesome!

The second site I recommend is dVider. It's decals are wild and outrageous. I chose the Mini 01 in red. Application was even easier than AdZif and it looks so cool! This time, just $16 brought whimsy and inspiration to my office space.

You cannot beat the imaginative forms and figures available from AdZif and dVider. If you are looking for something to make your home pop with originality - look no further than wall decals from these two great online retailers.