Is there Still Sex in the City?

After seeing the movie last night at Quintessentially and Marquee's private screening I got to thinking....Is there still Sex in this City? Out of the 500 people present about 50 of them were men and the other woman all in pretty dresses and very sexy shoes a la Carrie Bradshaw. I know it's a chick flick but still.... this was an event and where were the men? And I wondered, is there still Sex in this City?

Sneaker Steeze

Have you ever wondered why sneakers are called sneakers? We don't sneak around in them do we? Maybe it has to do with the soft rubbery sole or the squishy insole. Anyway........here are some shots from last weekend at the Aids Walk New York. This shorty is one of the girls in the S.U.M.M.A program where I am a mentor. She attends the High School for Leadership and Public Service. Below is a house of Vogue(ers)...I'm not refering to people who work at the magazine but a reference to the dance done in doco. films like "Paris is Burning" This look is so hot right now and the emphasis is centered around the shoe and moves up. I never thought I'd want to get "physical" with the 80's style reebox sneakers again but the shock pink color is so tempting. Might try some patent leather Nike Vandals or Dunks though, especially for my hip hop dance class.

Can You Handle your Jandal?

click here to see one of my favorite flip flops

Memorial Day marks the official start to summer here, stateside. Being it's this coming weekend, I thought maybe you'd like a lesson in flip flop 101. When I lived in Australia, I got used to calling them thongs, even though that was a small piece of nylon, cotton and spandex I was used to wearing under my jeans! Then I went to New Zealand, Kevin said, "oh you put on your jandals!" as we headed for the beach house to go surfing. Through context, I got the gist of what he meant and thought does every country and culture have their own name for this beloved summer shoe? And what exactly does the word jandal come from? After some research, I found out it's the combination of the words Japanese Sandal = Jandal. As summer approaches, I love to give my feet a break from the mile high stiletto sandals and chunky platform patent leather variety I've been sporting as of late and slips on my jandals. I love the way a sexy, flowy summer dress looks with flip flops, especially a maxi-dress.

Jandals-New Zealand
Flip Flops - USA and UK
Thongs - Australia
Slippers - Hawaii
Chanclas - Mexico
Tsinelas - Phillippines
Schlalffen - Austria or Flips Flops as the Austrian corrected me on as Schlaiffen are closed toe shoes like mules.
Slops - South Africa
Beach Sandals- Japan






A little D.I.Y. pair of Thongs, Chanclas, Beach Sandals...... or what ever name you fancy! Any other terms for this famous type of footwear please email: contact@sarahshirley.com or leave a comment.

Coffee, Not Your Average Beauty Product!

Primping and prinking is so much a part of my life that I devouted an entire category to it. Usually, we write about a new product or a secret, out of the way, hard to find gel, cream, oil, blush, bronzer that we can't wait to share with you all. However, I thought about all my other secrets and the best thing about them is it's usually stuff you have already but never thought to use it on your bod or face. Low and behold, a great exfoliante and cellulite reducer, coffee grounds! Make your coffee and save the grounds or use it before you brew it, slather is all over your legs, thighs, arms, hips etc. will really help smooth the appearance of cellulite. Caffeine is now being used in many trendy cellulite formulas! Skip the trip to Sephora this week and hit the kitchen to get ready for the beach this weekend! Try rubbing in the coffee grounds and exfoliating your entire body for the rest of the week. You will be smooth for this summers opening weekend!

Return to the Present!

You may have noticed, my head has been of in other lands as of late, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. This morning, I woke up with a sense of clarity that I had not felt for the past week. Did it have something to do with the rain that cleansed me??? Or maybe it was the Oprah and Eckhart Tolle, The New Earth Webisode I just watched. Maybe is was the combo. Sometimes we have to loose ourselves to get back on track. I'm off to yoga and then to meet some friend(s) for brunch. Brunch, one of my favorite pastimes or should I say present times.

Stay tuned for one of my free at home beauty treatments that will have you looking good for summer!

Shibuya Bang!

Harajuku is officially afloat in our distant memory. It's all about Shibuya baby! One of twenty three wards in Tokyo, Japan, the packed shopping and entertainment intersection hosts the swanky "Love Hotel Hill" which is lined with peculiar cottage style rooms for touring couples or hot locals to spend some "quality time" together. The rooms have a three hour limit and offer an array of products and services, depending on what (or who) you want to do. The check in is quick and anonymous(of course after you cough up 8000 yen), close enough to everything to grab a drink and a dance, secluded enough for the world to forget that you exist. Keep this one on your list for that spontaneous red eye getaway!

Bach'n

What a Posh Bach! However, I don't think this bach was built out of stolen stuff as my previous post made reference to from the Wiki paste up. This masterpiece is not to far from Kevin's Bach in Tairua in the Coromandel Pennisula.

this is all from materialicio.us



Coromandel Bach, Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

Coromandel Bach, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. Built: 2002. Architect Ken Crosson designed and built (for himself and his family) one of the nicest beach houses I’ve ever seen…
“A wonderful, innovative work; Immense admiration and respect.”
Architect Glenn Murcutt, Judge: NZ Home of the Decade, 1996-2005





The bathtub slides out to the deck!



The house can be closed up when the family is away.





The house was conceived as a container sitting lightly on the land for habitation or the dream of habitation. The intention was to reinterpret the New Zealand building tradition - the crafting of wood - the expression of structure, cladding, lining and joinery in a raw and unique way.
The construction is reminiscent of the “trip” or “rafter” dams common in the Coromandel region at the turn of last century. Heavy vertical structural members supporting horizontal boarding.
The unadorned natural timber, a sustainable land renewable resource, provides a connection to nature and the natural.
A simple mechanism to the deck allows the “box” to open up on arrival - providing a stage for living - and to close down on departure - providing protection.
The house has a simple rectangular plan that sits across the contour in a patch of cleared bush in the manner of the rural shed, facing north and the view.
The living room is open to the outside and the sun, a metaphorical tent or campsite, while the bunkrooms are enclosed and cool. The large fireplace allows winter occupation and the open bathroom and movable bath allows the rituals of showering and bathing to become and experience connected to nature.
This bach is an attempt to provide an environment to capture the essential spirit of the New Zealand holiday in the New Zealand landscape.
Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

Bach OUT!

This is the View from Kevin's Bach (his comment was who needs t.v. when you have this- meaning the view)


If you did not already know, I returned about a month ago from an epic trip back to my other motherland, Australia. On my way back stateside, I popped in on New Zealand or New Z as I refer to it! Kevin, my super-hunk Kiwi took me to his bach. Wow, I thought what is a bach? Aside from a new word I could not stop saying over and over again, i pondered..... what does it all mean? I berated Kevin for hours on the drive there with questions: "how do you spell bach?" "what is the etymology of the word?" "is it a shortened term for beach house or a bachelor pad?" I even posted on my face book status today wishing I was at the bach instead of shopping for kitty litter for my Wacky Beauty Secrets photo shoot tomorrow!



Here is some info on baches from Wikipedia (i'm mildly obsessed with Wiki)

wikipedia.org

Bach (pronounced Batch, with the alternative of Crib in the southern part of New Zealand) is the name given in New Zealand to structures akin to small, often very modest holiday homes or beach houses. They are an iconic part of New Zealand history and culture, especially in the middle of the 20th century, where they symbolized the beach holiday lifestyle that was becoming more accessible to the middle class[1].
"Bach" was originally short for bachelor pad,[citation needed] but actually they often tended to be a family holiday home. Baches started to became very popular in the 1950s, as better roads and more available cars allowed family beach holidays, often to the same beach every year, and hence to the construction of a bach in that spot. One humorous definition of the bach, is "something you built yourself, on land you don't own, out of materials you borrowed or stole."

Designer Garbage Bags

I am running off to the gym but I have had this blog post on my mind for a while and just have to get it out. Why do people buy trash bags when stores give them away for free? I have not bought Hefty or any other brand of garbage bags because I have Fendi, Prada, J. Crew, Zara, Gap and Bergdorf bags which are beautiful and I am reusing and reducing my carbon footprint.


Any one have any other beautiful earth saving tips???

If so post a comment or write me at contact@sarahshirley.com

Role Mommy

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there. This is Role Mommy and Macy's very festive Mother, Daughter/Son Fashion Show this past weekend in Herald Square. Some before pics during the fitting and then after working it out on the run way!
These moms all had is going on...smart, fun, down-to-earth, successful and were not freaking out if there kid drooled on their dress! That is what I call a Role Mommy. A New York Daily News writer asked for my style inspiration for the show....Very intrigued from my recent travels to Australia and New Zealand, the laid back cool style of the Sydney, Surfing and "shock" pink, hot pink, lemon, orange zest. Also Moms should all stand out not fade. I wanted each woman to wear something she felt sexy and special in even if you are just wearing it in the mini-van!


for more Role Moms go to rolemommy.com

Q&A with Liana Peterson by Sarah

to see what Liana has been doing hit her up at newbrahim.com

Q&A with Sarah by Liana Peterson

Nice Knickers

In the market for nice knickers! Then you've go to stop by this sample sale for Leigh Bantivoglio. There is something about new undies that makes any woman or man want to holler. It's like putting on new school clothes, however sometimes a pick me up can be in the form of fuschia lace boy shorts or and a tangerine mesh cami. Ten dollars and up for thrill. You can't beat this recession special!

Enjoy!

xo

Sarah

Eternal Style

Could this be your style equation? I saw this in the window of Smith and Caughey, a department store in New Zealand and I loved the simplicity of this statement. Looking good is a total frame of mind. When we rid our lives and our closets of all the stuff we:
hate, looks terrible on us, makes up feel frumpy, fat or unsexy, we are keeping because we paid too much for it but we don't really like it, will wear when we loose weight and the list goes on. Why not do some spring cleaning and just get rid of all that "noise" once and for all. Just think how easy it will be to get dressed when you only have items in your closet that you love to wear and you love the way they look but you love the way they make you feel too!


to do more than window shop click here smithandcaughey.co.nz

Sarah's Shangri La Surf Shack

If I had a beach house this is totally what it would look like. My own Shangri La! Not sure if my neighbour's would like my color scheme or my rasta inspired roof or the big bird on the top but who cares. I like it and that is all that matters. I do live in a surf shack, however it's 10 stories up and it's in the middle of Manhattan. I have my big, bold yellow long board up on my wall. My place is small so hence the shack bit. It's very cozy and I am so excited or rather thrilled to be staying in on this rainy day. Happy Friday and may you all find your Shangri La!

xo,

sarah

Mix Master Supreme

I don't know about you, but I'm so ready to stash all nude tops. charcoal grey cowl necks, and black dresses in a lifeless unseen vacuum seal bag underneath the city! As usual, one of the many things I've done for years is surfacing as a new "HOT" runway trend. So I've been loving this "long time", but since it's popular now, I'll state the obvious. I am absolutely enthralled with the whole mix match prints thing! You can look cool and a little to the left without being apart of the FONZIE entourage. The great thing is that you can be as minimal or as severe as you want to in adopting this style. Just follow this simple rule to keep you interesting...(in a good way, not the side show attraction way). When doing mix match, SOMETHING has to match. If you wanna mix and match floral motifs, make sure that the prints are thematically similar. Or if you like the idea of stripes and florals, there should be similar colors or textures within each print. Checkout Dries Van Noten and DKNY Spring 2008 collections for inspiration on how the do gets done right!

For more, visit www.style.com<">

Ask Sarah/A Shoe Style Quandry

Dear Sarah,

I am getting married in August and I've got a wedding dress- it's short and twirly- a bit vintage looking and very fun. My dilemna is this- I need some shoes! I don't want the dyed- to match variety- I'd love some color! What do you suggest?

Love from a cousin in a style quandry across the pond,

Tine D.

Dear Tine D,

Your idea of a colorful shoe with you whirly, twirly gown is bloody brilliant darling! Especially seeing that your dress is short, you will really show off your shoe selection. May I suggest a fun, fuschia, shock-pink d'orsay pump from Stuart Weitzman. Fuschia is everything this season. You will no doubt be starting a trend in the wedding world where it seems like there is little room for interpretation! Hope you turn it out on the d. floor!

x0x0,
sarah

to check out these hotties go to stuartweitzman.zappos.com

The Politics of A Tie

Since Fall 2006, women's fashion has become a gentleman's affair. With the on surge of female power players in today's corporate world, the ladies have been rethinking strength, sex appeal and professionalism via garden style haberdashery. Traditional men's furnishings for women are all about aggressive communication. Be strong and feminine and say exactly who you are without saying a word! With eclectic hodge podge prints and exotic color combos, you can be a little of everything instead of opting for that one dimensional solid that sends one big message. Here's a fresh crash course on spring color comm. Mix it up and send the perfect personality message!
PINK: Calm, Feminine, Faithful; RED: Dominance, Excitement, Sexual Energy; YELLOW: Optimistic, Expressive, Intelligent;
GREEN: Relaxing, Efficient, Prestigious; INDIGO: Knowledge, Power, Integrity; BROWN/NUDE: Reliable, Approachable, Stable

Get Me Some Papaw Please!

If you've ever tried Lucas' Papaw Ointment you will have anyone you know asking you to get you a few tubes if you know they are going Down Under. This wonderful, cure all ointment is only available in Australia at the Chemist(what we call a drugstore like Duane Reade or Walgreens) for around $7 ASD a tube. This non-greasy formula made with papaya is know to cure acne scars, burns, insect bites, cracked skin and is great for baby's bums too. Created by a surgeon in Queensland, Australia, this is one product you don't want to be without as it multi-tasks for moms, babies, surfer dudes, girls with big handbags and just about anyone with dry lips. It's like a Amex card, you don't want to leave home with out it. Or was that Master Card? Shhh, a little secret, I've seen it on ebay, but for much more than $7 USD.

check it out lucaspapaw.com.au

Bittar is the new Bittar!

Alexis Bitar is officially on my top five list of fave jewelry designers. Sarah and I went for a visit to the Brooklyn based showroom and production factory, and seeing the process...the care, creativity, intricacy and delicacy that goes into making each piece transcended my level of appreciation for the utterly unique and gorgeous pieces. Artists literally hand paint and hand do everything you see! It's like the ultimate "made with love" venture! For Spring 2008, everything is done in gilded lucite with notes of punk and 1930's inspirations. The colors are smokey and sensual, and what this man can do with the inside of a rock!!!...... (I can't remember what it's called) OMG! Freaking Brilliant! You have to own something...for the beauty, for the craftsmanship, the genius is absolute dernier cri!

for more, visit www.alexisbittar.com

Doctor's Orders: Golden Kiss

All I can say is that Prescriptives has done it again! I'm sure you've heard about their custom made lipstick and foundations (laboratory matches made exact for ANY complexion) Here's news! They make this lipstick, "Color Scope Custom Color Shifter" that basically customizes and revamps the lipsticks you already have. Want a lil touch of gold on your matte red lips? Or some serious wop and shine on that deep cranberry? The shade stick warms and cools colors, and it's totally individual. No color ever looks alike on any two people. This baby is like two for the price of one. Get yours before it gets so hot, it's not!

for more visit www.prescriptives.com

Try A Little Hei Poa

Here's another wonderful product that is super cheap and nobody knows about it!
Stand by for sharing...I just found out about Hei Poa Pure Monoi Oil. Besides being a Polynesian beauty secret for ages, it's also used for holistic medicine and religious ceremonies (now that's what I call making it work for you!) The formula is a sweet blend of coconut oil and fresh tiare blossoms, along with Monoi, whose properties are naturally restorative. This cool liquid moisturizer is a summertime essential! Get your video girl shine on -without the baby oil stains.

for more visit www.heipoa.com