I have a love affair with all things purple, so I was excited to see new Le Creuset cookware available in two new fabulous shades—cassis (named after the sweet, blackcurrant-flavored liqueur) and lilac! The new colors are only available through Sur La Table, which just happens to be a one of SHOP.COM’s great partner stores! Sur La Table is offering some jaw-dropping deals on their enameled cookware…just in time for spring.

The versatile 12-inch rectangular baker (left) is just $29.95. Or,  opt for a two-piece set for $35.95. Le Creuset’s bakers offer all the benefits of cooking with cast iron, a lifetime guarantee, and superb heat retention. It’s microwave-, grill-, freezer- and dishwasher- safe and comes with a five-year guarantee. I don’t know about you, but I think these colorful bakers would look perfect stacked up on an open kitchen shelf. They’re also pretty enough to go from oven to table. Great for small casseroles, roasted vegetables, transferring  veggies and fish, they move effortlessly from the oven to the dining table.

The 6-quart enameled stock pots are just the right size to cook soups, boil pasta or simmer a yummy  chili. They’ll perform well on any cooking surface, including induction. Tight-fitting lid seals in aroma, moisture and flavor in your food, and the stainless steel rim on pot and lid prevents cracks and chips. Enameled interior is easy to clean and won’t absorb odors.

Grill indoors or out with the enameled grill pan! These versatile little babies work great for chicken, steaks, fish, veggies and cheesy quesadillas. The durable enameled cast iron surface is ridged to drain fat away. Best part: unlike other grill or griddle pans, this one requires no seasoning. Just heat and go! At $89.95 you are saving quite a bundle from the regular $125 price.

First there was the Brazilian Bikini Wax. Then the Brazilian Blowout.  And recently, I’ve come across a few products that are touting their Brazilian roots. So here’s a question: Why is it that all the novel beauty treatments are from Brazil?

While I don’t know if I can blame it on Rio, I can surmise it’s probably because they’ve got a reputation for hot, sexy, perpetually tanned women in thonged bikinis. Or that they’re pretty much ground zero for plastic surgery everything (ahem, butt lift, anyone?). 

With all this sudden interest in Brazil, I’m teetering very close to going somewhat native. I’ve seen the smooth, glossy results of the Brazilian Blowout and I’m just about ready to plunk down the money at a salon.  Anything that transforms my frizzy locks into long, luscious strands, and instantly looks fab with the flick of blowdryer (instead of enduring tedious, and time-consuming blowouts) is worth it in my book.  I’m also trying out a few of the fresh Brazil-based products that have come across my desk, assuming they’re worth it too:

Rodial Brazilian Tan is newly reformulated, and gives a gradual, natural glow with moisturizing antioxidants and coconut oil.  There’s also a new airbrush mist if you don’t like a cream, that gently deposits color from head to toe.

The one-step Brazilian Peel (available soon at Sephora) is mistake proof treatment with 30% glycolic acid and Acai, the antioxidant rich super fruit from the Brazilian rainforest. It removes the upper layer of dead skin cells in less than 10 minutes, to reveal a softer, brighter tone underneath. It’s five times stronger than average at-home peels and gives pro results in the privacy of your own bathroom.

I’m now getting kind of obsessed. Maybe a trip to Rio really is in my near future.

If Sunday’s 82nd Academy Awards left you feeling a bit bewildered, you’re not the only one. Not only was I completely stunned that The Hurt Locker walked away with so many awards (yay!) since it was rumored that Avatar would be Sunday night’s showstopper, but I was equally surprised by the ornate Old Hollywood glam elegance of the red carpet fashion.

Luckily, you can easily get this year’s red carpet look for less by shopping online for some of the key trends we saw on Oscar night. I’ve picked five of my favorite Oscar fashions and found a much cheaper alternative for you…let me know what you think! Oscar dresses for less…my favorite blog post to do. Ever.

(note: all photos below are courtesy of Donato Sardella/wwd except for the Robert Downey Jr. shot, courtesy of justjared)

One-shouldered Goddess Style

Tina Fey in Michael Kors; A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz One-Shoulder Dress sale $224.99

One-shouldered dresses abounded on the red carpet — Tina Fey, Sigourney Weaver, and Molly Ringwald are just a few of many goddesses struttin’ the trend on the red carpet. The dignified silhouette of a one-shouldered dress is a great way to show off toned arms, chest, and back while remaining modest, which is why it’s perfect for the classy yet svelte figures of these A-list celebs. A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz makes wonderfully gorgeous designer-style gowns at just a fraction of the price — I love this elegant one-shouldered jersey dress with rhinestone detailing, and at only $224.99 from Bluefly, you’ll still have money leftover for chandelier earrings to wear with it!

Regal Royal Blue

Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa; J.S. Boutique Beaded Cluster Gown only $117.90

Royal blue was certainly the couleur du noir on Sunday — Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’nique, Mariah Carey, and Maggie Gyllenhaal donned some form of royal blue in their gowns, a sharp but beautiful contrast to the spring pastels that I thought’d I’d see on Sunday. Gabourey’s royal blue Marchesa dress featured an interesting twisted bodice design with glittery floral detailing. I wasn’t fond of the detailing on the bodice, so I found a similar style in this JS Boutique beaded cluster gown that features a twisted cluster bodice, but with some sparkly detailing on the hip instead. Tell me what you think about it!

Lacy Days…

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, JS Collection Lace and Chiffon Empire Gown, only $124.97

I was a huge fan of Sandra Bullock’s dress — I loved the delicate lace top, the daintiness and elegance of the silhouette, and even the color (and I’m not usually a fan of beige or golden dresses, especially on lighter skin tones). I found a similar dress from JS Collections, this JS Collections Lace and Chiffon Empire dress for only $124.97. My only critique is that I thought the gown was a bit matronly for Sandra — but she balanced that out with some stunning bright red lipstick which was a bold and youthful move! Wanna know what she used? Chanel Rouge Coco #22 Paris…you can get it here.

Rockin’ Red on the Carpet.

Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan, Laundry by Shelli Segal Charmeuse Dress only $173.80

Let’s face it, Penelope Cruz could wear a dress made out of dirt and still look good. So I guess it doesn’t matter much that I was not that impressed with the red swirling tornado of her Donna Karan dress. It needed something… like another dress that wasn’t so monotone right on top of it. But she still looked great, and I have a warm spot in my heart for people who pull off red dresses well. So I found a similar style in this Laundry by Shelli Segal Ruby Lipstick Strapless Charmeuse Dress for only $199.99.

The Accessory Blues

Robert Downey Jr. in Oliver Peoples Sheldrake Sunglasses; Tommy Hilfiger blue sunglasses, $69.99

I’m pretty convinced that the only reason male actors get invited to walk on the red carpet is to help prevent the ladies from tripping on their own gowns. They get completely overshadowed by all the gown talk — and that’s why I’m taking a special moment to call out two lovely lads that made a pretty impressive appearance at Sunday’s Oscars. Robin Thicke was pretty stylin’, with a perfectly manicured hairstyle, custom tuxedo and Burberry shirt. And who could forget Robert Downey Jr., breaking out the blue Oliver Peoples Sheldrake custom-tinted sunglasses and baby blue bow tie? I found a similar pair of Tommy Hilfiger blue sunglasses for $69.99 at Target and a solid blue bow tie from Krisar Enterprises for only $9.95!

Bonus red carpet look hint: pack it all in nicely with Victoria’s Secret Slimtastic body shaper — the stars swear by it!

What do you think about these 5 red carpet looks for less? Please leave a comment below…

For a long time, I couldn’t understand why anyone would spend more than $30 on a hair dryer. After all, it’s just spewing warm air. Then, in a post-break-up buying spree five years ago, a friend talked me into buying a high-end dryer, insisting that they really do make a difference. She was right. In addition to lasting longer, they make styling your hair faster and easier.

I recently got a Rusk Go Green Hair Dryer, and it’s the best one I’ve used–better than dryers I’ve tried at twice the price. First, it’s eco-friendly. It’s made with 100% recycled materials, printed with soy ink, and consumes 26% less power energy than other dryers. But that’s not why I love it. I love it because it seriously cuts drying time for my long hair, and its high-power, coupled with its 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings and Cool Shot button, make it easy to get smooth, shiny hair without employing a curling or straightening iron. That means less time spent getting ready each morning, and less heat-damage to my hair.

Rusk is a professional products company, which means they market primarily to salons and spas. These kinds of products are high-powered and durable enough to stand up to the use, wear and tear of professional stylists, so you know they can handle any kind of hair you’ve got!

P.S. I found the Rusk Go Green Dryer on sale for $75 (down from $129.99). If you’re interested in hearing about sales and great deals in real-time, follow us on Twitter!

Oscar season is great for a dose of glitz and glamor, but not often helpful in the way of fashion tips. Everyone looks stunning, but most of us don’t have the occasions–let alone the budgets–to copy their style. What we can copy, though, is the fabulous hair. I particularly love Natalie Portman’s beautiful updo at the star-studded Vanity Fair party. Nexxus’s Kevin Mancuso (author of The Mane Thing and stylist to stars like Sienna Miller, Blake Lively, Naomi Watts and Taylor Swift) did Natalie’s ‘do, and he was kind enough to give us some how-to tips so the rest of us can duplicate her chic look at home.

1. Shampoo and condition hair with body-building products to give hair lift. (Kevin uses Nexxus Diametress and Sublime Volume)

2. Apply a volumizing spray gel (his pick: Nexxus Lavish Body) from roots to ends, then blow-dry with a paddle brush, directing hair up and away from face and lifting at the root.

3. When roots are almost dry, switch to a round brush and blow-dry ends, smoothing as you go.

4. While hair is still warm, transfer one-inch sections to Velcro rollers and let completely cool, then remove and tousle hair with a bit of smoothing lotion, such as Nexxus Sleek Finish.

5. Remove a one-inch front section of hair and then pull the rest gently back into a mid-level ponytail, securing with an elastic.

6. Use bobbi pins to artfully sculpt loose ends into a soft updo.

7. Use a flat iron to smooth front curl and help position hair around face, then finish look with a light misting of a hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru.

It sure doesn’t look sexy, but this Powermat charger might be a busy family’s dream.

Whether you’re sick of the tangle of cords from a dozen different devices, forgetting to charge your phone or, worse, grabbing it from the charger only to discover that you’d kicked the plug out of the wall, the Powermat may be the answer to your prayers.

First, it’s easy. Just plop your device on the Powermat, listen for the tone that indicates the charging has started, and go. Your wireless device will charge as quickly as it would if plugged into the wall. But the best part is that it charges up to three devices at once, including Blackberrys, iPhones, iPods, Nintendo DSi or DS Lite, Sony Playstation Portables, some Kodak cameras and more. So you can keep the whole family’s tech gear charged-up and corralled in one location.

While trolling for deals on the Shop.com site, I came across some great new stuff from Victoria’s Secret. I’m particularly lusting after this Linen Scoopneck Sweater: The gorgeous color (“grape jelly”!), easy silhouette and the combination of long sleeves with light, breathable linen make it a perfect go-to top this spring. Light enough to toss over a dress on a summer evening and cozy enough to layer under a bulky sweater on a chilly day, I suspect I’ll be reaching for it over and over (and over) again… even come fall.

As I’m writing this, Hollywood is in Oscar crunch. Starlets are putting the finishing touches on their look, shimmy-ing into their gowns, and waiting for their limos to arrive. After hours of prep, they emerge as a perfectly coiffed A-listers, looking as if it was all effortless and so simple.

But thanks to reality tv shows like The Rachel Zoe Project,  we’ve seen that mistakes can happen, even precious minutes before a pedicured toe gingerly steps out on the red carpet. It’s all high drama,  and seems silly in real life, but for a star who’s career is on the line (and doesn’t want to end up in the Oscar Hall of Shame), this is an emergency of the utmost, high alert kind.  Thankfully, in the red carpet world,  the stylist emerges doctor-like with a fix-it kit–a fashion tool box, if you will–crammed with enough double-stick tape and Spanx to fill a limo. Emergency diverted, and starlet can appear to the crowd as calm, and utterly cool, ready to face the fashion firing squad.

Whether you step out on a red carpet or a beige one, we all have been there, in a fashion 911 that needs a doctor/stylist pronto. While none of us are lucky enough to have RZ on speed dial, having a few disaster-proof items on hand are always a good thing. Here are three to put into your own kit and some are small enough to stash in the tiniest clutch, a good thing to consider when you’re ready for your Oscar moment:

Hollywood Fashion Tape: These double-stick tape strips are lifesavers for holding slingback straps on, fastening up a loose hem, holding a blouse in place or making wrap top stay closed.

Footpetals: The go-to essentials for making stilettos actually shoes you can walk in. The Tip Toes flower petals cushion the balls of your feet and prevent calluses from forming.

Commando Thongs: What’s better than going commando? Fashion insiders love these line-free thongs because they lay flat without seams, meaning no bulges or VPLs.

Stripes are never exactly out of style, but every few years, they step up to take their moment in the spotlight. It’s a great trend: they’re easy to wear, go with tons of clothes you already have in your closet and never truly look outdated. This spring stripes are out in full force, so indulge. You can find great items high (like the Oonagh by Nanette Lepore ‘Martin’ Stripe Jersey Dress, above), low (like the Double Flutter-Sleeve Top, below) and everywhere in between.

Check out a few more favorites:

Gap Stripe Halter Bikini

Tory Burch Stripe Jersey Top

Milly Stripe Bateau Neck Sweater

Stem Stripe Organic Cotton Tee

The cheeky names, the quirky packaging… I’ve always found it hard to resist products from Benefit Cosmetics. They’re really good products, of course, but they’re also just so much fun.

Last month, Benefit launched their latest wonder-in-a-box, Sugarbomb. Like their bronzers (Hoola) and luminizers (Georgia, Dandelion, Dallas), it comes in a cute little box with a wide, easy-to-use brush. Just swirl the brush over the palate of four peachy-pinky shades (peach, rose, shimmering pink and soft plum) and swipe onto your cheekbones to give yourself a gorgeous, natural flush. Like all things Benefit, it’s easy, and looks as good on your bathroom counter as it does on your face.