November 2023

Fab New Online Shopping Destination: StyleUnited

I love finding the best new beauty products and chic fashion items from season to season! As Founder and Chief Creative Officer of PageDaily, wife, mother of two children (and an adorable Shih-tzu), my days are action packed from morning to night, seven days a week. I find myself more and more turning to the internet for my market research and online purchasing. The daily overload of information combined with too many choices and places to shop, and countless items to buy can be overwhelming at times. I am so excited to have found a solution and can’t wait to share my latest best-kept secret and go-to online shopping destination: StyleUnited. The new online hub is a streamlined and efficient one-stop destination for the most cutting edge beauty and fashion news. They also pick items that are specially tailored just for you!

It is so easy to shop their personalized head to toe recommendations by taking the Style 360 quiz. All you have to do is answer a few fun questions about the looks you like, pattern combinations you prefer, create your own outfit out of styles provided and in a matter of seconds you have your very own customized picks! The Style quiz is highly adept and super smart at selecting the best skincare, haircare, cosmetics and fashion for you. I love how user friendly it is–in fact, my Style quiz continues to be spot on in the “looks I’d love!”

StyleUnited also features exclusive articles, slideshows, blog posts and helpful how-to videos from the industry’s leading experts. Want to create loose sexy waves and top hair styles to do with a curling iron? Check. Want to learn how to do a colorful smokey eye or waterproof your look? Check. Log on and score some of the best beauty and fashion information from influential stylists, top bloggers and online editors. Providing insider tricks, tips and product picks is my motto and I think StyleUnited is an amazing resource.

StyleUnited’s one-on-one live webcam consultations with professional beauty experts give you a department store shopping experience without ever having to leave your own home (which saves you time)! I enjoy chatting with the live consultants because they give you real time recommendations and advice. This is perfect for preemptive shopping or any last minute help you need before heading out the door.

StyleUnited gives you direct access to purchase your recommended beauty and fashion finds with the click of a button. I can shop my picks straight from their site and don’t have to spend hours, or even minutes searching for things. Some of their retailers include CVS, Amazon.com, Walgreens, Target, Soap.com, Walmart, Drugstore.com, Ulta and P&G’s own eStore.

StyleUnited helped me to select the stylish items and products that I truly need and love…I’m addicted! And, with a limited amount of free time each day, it’s not always easy to make the best shopping decisions. Be sure to check out this fabulous new site and take your very own Style 360 quiz–it’s fun and you will be impressed by the results.

This post is sponsored by P&G Beauty. The information included is the honest opinion of our editor.

The Best Shopping Sites

We hunted down the best and most innovative sites to get all your shopping needs done in a fast, convenient way.

TheFind & The Find Mobile APP – TheFind lets you quickly locate anything you’re interested in from a selection of 500,000 stores from Amazon and eBay, to mom-and-pop online shops, and everything in between. Due to its enormous database of products, TheFind allows you to see all of the available buying options for that product available online and in your local store; so you’ll be sure to get the best price possible. TheFind Mobile APP is a free shopping APP that can scan barcodes and QR codes; helping you quickly and easily discover the best price on an item you’re interested in buying. Other great features-user reviews are available and you can also run a text search to see if an item is available in your nearby location.

ModaOperandi – Customers are able to pre-order the latest runway fashions from such designers as Derek Lam, Rag & Bone, Marchesa, and Rachel Roy. So how exactly does this work? A designer presents their fashions on the runway or in a showroom. After the show, M’O shoots photos of the collection. M’O then runs a three-day Trunk show which allows members to pre-order any looks from the designers completed collection (a 50% deposit is required). The designer then produces the pieces that are then sent to M’O for distribution.  An added bonus: many of these looks aren’t available in stores; great for those looking for a special event outfit or love one-of-a-kind pieces. Requesting membership is required.

Suddenlee – This free-to-join site allows you to shop from over 300 retailers (Nordstrom, Gap, and Zara, among others) with one transaction, next day affordable shipping, and all purchases being consolidated into one box. This is the only website to offer this service. How Suddenlee works-once a purchase is made, shoppers are dispatched to buy your items and have them delivered to you in a timely and affordable fashion; great for anyone who dreads the typical 3-10 day delivery schedule or expense of having it overnighted. Since Suddenlee is a shopping service and not an actual retailer, they do not offer deals or specials, however, every Monday they provide a list of new sales on their blog. There is a service fee on all orders (fee includes obtaining the items, packing and next day shipping). To view cost, click here. Purchases from the first two stores are included in the standard rate table, $2.50 for each additional store.


Shop It To Me – Forget spending hours trying to find the perfect look- Shop It To Me (free to join) updates you on your favorite brands in your sizes. To start, you begin by filling out a personal profile including your favorite brands, sizes and what you’re shopping for. Then the Shop It To Me team emails you information based on your profile featuring all the best online sales; as oppose to just listing sales that you may not be interested in. Another great feature-you control how often you receive these emails: daily, weekly, or twice a week. Shop It To Me is a sale aggregator, which means that you make all purchases directly from the brand or retailer.  So how does Shop It To Me differ from other sites?- it takes all the work out of having to scour numerous websites for the rights items and sizes and finding coupon codes and sales; great for those with hectic schedules.When you join, you can get a $10 gift card to your favorite retailer for every 10 friends you get to join.

Bloom – Never again will you have to worry about buying the wrong cosmetics. This free-to-join “social beauty” site gives you the best products that have been most recommended for women by women with your interests and concerns. The Best4You recommendations is a list of product suggestions that are broken up into categories (cleansers, hair-care, make-up, bath & body). Once you choose your category, it asks you about your skin type, sensitivity, complexion type and eye color; a fool-proof way to get the right product every time. Bloom is a great site for those who love deals- consumers get 10% back on all beauty purchases that can be put toward purchasing any products.  Customers also receive a BloomBox gift with every purchase filled with samples and products customized to fit your individual beauty needs. Now until the end of October, Bloom is running a “Share The Beauty” campaign where members are encouraged to invite 10 or more friends to join Bloom for an instant $20 gift code for use on a future purchase of $40 or more on the site.

Shop My Label – This new website lets anyone over the age of 14 to become an online seller (no sales experience required) without having to pay any start up fees, purchase any inventory or create your own website.  Members create their own boutiques by choosing merchandise from roughly 1,000 retailers and merchants from the Shop My Label inventory. Once items are chosen, the store is then promoted through Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and You Tube. Members have the freedom to  choose items that they either personally like or are geared more towards their audience. Shopkeepers will get a 5% commission on each sale and perks for getting others to join; great for creative types and those looking to make a little extra income.

Fab – This flash sale site acts as a distribution channel for emerging, independent, and well-known designers/artists; a great site for those looking for unique home-decor pieces. The site features 3-day flash sales as well as longer-term Pop-Up Shops that stay on the site for a longer period of time (30-45 days). Members of Fab are introduced to at least eight new designers/merchants in each daily email and all items featured on Fab are available for purchase. As opposed to featuring a designers full inventory, Fab focuses on items that are new/in season and offer them at discounted prices. An added bonus: members are also allowed to upload photos of designs they like in a section called “inspiration.” Request membership required.

StyleBook App – The best way to a clutter-free closet starts here. This iPhone App ($3.99)  lets you track your style inspirations, organize your clothes, create outfits and mood boards, and keeps track of your outfits on a daily calendar.

Amazon.com Contemporary Shop Giveaway: Win $200 to Spend On the Latest Fall Fashion

One of our new favorite shopping sites is Amazon.com…and no, not for books or household items but for this season’s latest fashion. Their new Contemporary Shop has some amazing styles from brands like Joie, Halston Heritage and French Connection all in one chic online shopping environment. We are lusting after the Women’s Crystal Dress from Amanda Uprichard and also this great coat by ABS by Allen Schwartz.

Want to get your online shopping fix for free? Click here to enter for a chance to win $200 to spend online at Amazon.com’s new Contemporary Shop.

Simple Summer Hairstyles for All Lengths

Summer is approaching, and Natasha Sunshine, hairstylist and founder of Santa Monica’s Byu-ti Salon, wants to ensure that everyone has an easy summer go-to style no matter the length of your hair! Check out her top three suggestions and look stylish in a cinch this summer.

SHORT HAIR:

Photo Credit: Trend911.com

In the summer months, fresh is the operative word for hair. Using a light styler with a touch of hold like Pureology’s Colour Stylist Nourishing Nectar Sculpting Gel ($24.98 on Amazon), slick hair back while making a side part to keep the look feminine. To ensure that this style stays modern, make your part a little deeper than usual and use your fingers versus a comb to rake hair back. Let hair dry naturally, then run your fingers through one last time to break up any crunch from product. The result will be a clean yet soft summer style, like Victoria Beckham’s picture above.

MEDIUM LENGTH HAIR:

Photo Credit: WavyHair.org

Go for a natural look by skipping the blow dryer. First, apply your favorite styler. I love Pureology’s Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum for Colour-Treated Hair ($20 on Amazon) for most hair types. Use a quarter size for thicker hair and a dime size for finer textures, and evenly distribute throughout.

For hair with a wave or curl like Kate Hudson (above), twist two-inch sections away from the face until your whole head has twists. Let air dry, then scrunch any product crunch away for a shiny, naturally wavy look.

For straighter hair, twist each section, then clip the end into a loop with a pin curl clip (you can find these at most drugstores). Let air dry completely or use a diffuser, remove clips and scrunch. You’ll end up with a fun, new textured ‘do.

LONG HAIR:

Photo credit: Wedding-dresses.tk

For a beautiful and easy updo, start with dry hair. Decide where your part looks best, then break the bottom section of hair into three even sections at the nape. Braid each section to the ends and secure with a rubber band. Then, take the three braids and braid them together. Roll that big braid up or under depending which way looks best, and secure with extra-long bobby pins for a classic low chignon like Jessica Alba’s (above). People will be shocked that you created such a beautiful style on your own!

ABOUT NATASHA SUNSHINE: As Founder of Santa Monica’s premier hair boutique, Byu-Ti Salon, Natasha has run her fingers through some of Hollywood’s most notable manes, including that of Ivanka Trump, Molly Sims and Eva Herzigova. Known in the Los Angeles and New York City fashion circles for her keen sense of style and unique approach to hair therapy, Natasha not only created a six-step consulting system for helping her staff identify and meet her client’s needs, she has also developed her own seven different hair care products, to supplement the line of top-notch goodies already in use at her salon. When Natasha is not helping people feel fabulous from the inside out, or making herself camera-ready for a television appearance (most recently, The Rachael Ray Show), she is working as an industry leader and educator for L’Oreal’s exclusive hair care line, Pureology.

Sheckys.com lets you share your man’s mystifying moments, get easy tips for the healthiest, happiest and most fashionable you, discover our Girls Night Out events and more, all while earning OMG Points toward free goodies!

Hot and New in the Hamptons

Melissa Meyers: What hot Hamptons restaurants should we all be trying this summer?

Samantha Yanks:

Almond
Almond’s move to the former One Ocean Road location comes as delightful news to me: it’s one of my favorite spots to have steamed mussels with shallots and white wine, and is now steps away from my home.  Eric Lemonides and Chef Jason Weiner always deliver delicious French bistro fare using local produce and products, and their bouillabaisse is divine.

Tutto Il Giorno
After the enormous success of Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor, Southamptonites are now blessed with a Tutto to call their own.  With fresh grilled fish set in the most serene environment, the second location from Gabby Karan and Maurizio Marfoglia will be seeing me quite a bit this season. The rustic Italian fare is outstanding and the house made papardelle is a personal favorite.

Nobu
Richie Notar has finally found an East End home for Nobu at the newly renovated Capri Hotel in Southampton.  Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley was enlisted to add her chic perspective to the interiors, as well as an expansive poolside and event area called The Bathing Club and her new on-site boutique. The best part, you ask? Oodles of Nobu catering at fabulous events this summer.

Page at 63 Main
Natural, local organic ingredients are the focus of all the dishes at Page at 63 Main in Sag Harbor.  Try the Soba noodles and Asian steamed buns. They also have a fabulous quick-service cafe and juice bar – Back Page Café – located in back serving healthy, organic juices, smoothies, coffees, pastries, hot entrées, picnic lunches and other pre-packaged fare.

Ruschmeyer’s
N
ew to Montauk is Ruschmeyer’s and its farm fresh restaurant courtesy of the boys behind Manhattan’s Fat Radish. With an emphasis on local ingredients, the menu focuses on clams, mussels and other seafood fresh from the ocean.

La Maison Blanche
As if you needed another reason to visit Shelter Island. The restaurant at this new 8-room boutique hotel near Crescent Beach features a solid French brasserie helmed by Charles le Tous (of L’Absinthe fame) and thoughtfully designed wine and cocktail menus.

Little Red
Red Bar Brasserie is opening a sister spot, Little Red, near Agawam Park. A more casual dining option, the menu promises delicious American fare and an extensive wine list

South Eddison
A favorite that opened last year is Todd Mitgang’s South Eddison, located by the sandy shores of Montauk, with its extensive raw bar, the all-important lobster roll, and other summertime classics.

MM: What gift do you like to bring when visiting friends in the Hamptons?

SY: Two great books to bring if you’re a houseguest this summer: Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet offers a sneak peak into the East End’s most exciting private gardens, handpicked for this visually stunning tome; Savoring the Hamptons by Water Mill resident Silvia Lehrer is a culinary celebration, divided by season and comprising more than 250 recipes as well as stories and photos of local wineries, farmers, fisherman, artisans, and restaurateurs.

MM: What’s your favorite beach read this summer?

SY:  For a fun beach read, check out Katie Lee’s Groundswell¸ a sentimental tale about the healing powers of surfing. It even inspired a Stila makeup palette called Stunning in Sayulita ($14), available at Flying Point Surf & Sport in Southampton, featuring casual hues perfect for warm days on your long board.

Buy Now, Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, $94.50
Buy Now, Savoring the Hamptons by Silvia Lehrer, $19.73
Buy Now, Groundswell by Katie Lee, $15.67
Buy Now, Stila makeup palette: Stunning in Sayulita, $14

MM: Where are the trendy places to get polished and pampered?

SY: 

Paul Labrecque Hamptons Traveling Salon & Spa
Paul Labrecque and his team of expert beauty professionals are now making house calls in the Hamptons. Clients will find the same range of services they can get at any of Paul’s three NYC salons – cuts, colors, spray tans, facials, nails, waxing – either in the comfort of their own home or, if applicable, on their boat.

27 Hampton Salon
This summer sees Bianka Leffert debut an expanded 27 Hampton Salon in Southampton that includes a private VIP room to cater to higher-profile clientele. Of course she still carries lines I love like Oribe, Trish McEvoy and Kerastase, and the complete Ouidad line for curly hair.

Bond No. 9
Bond No.9 opens its first Hamptons outpost, sweetly nestled inside The American Hotel in Sag Harbor. Decked out with a deep-sea-blue chandelier and mirrored accents, the stores carries all 45 scents, including Long Island-inspired eaux like Hamptons and Andy Warhol Montauk. Scented candles, soaps, body cream, body lotion, and other little luxuries are also on hand and a Sag Harbor fragrance is even in the works.

MM: What are some of the chic boutiques and stores we should check out?

SY:

Artisan Workshop Beach Bohemia Luxury
Amongst the reptilian skin-clad beach bags from handbag designer Carlos Falchi lies the ultimate luxury – a python surfboard. And yes, I want it.
38 Main St, East Hampton, 631-324-5859.

Eres
I love Eres for its lingerie and now the East Hampton outpost is spoiling us with chic swim separates.
55 Main St, East Hampton, 631-604-5544; eresparis.com.

Lacoste
There’s more to Lacoste than classic polos in a rainbow of hues; the new store offers jewelry, accessories, beach towels and fragrance.
48 Main St, East Hampton; lacoste.com.

Stuart Weitzman
My one-stop-shop for wedges and sandals this season. Also stocking an array of patterned espadrilles from Theodora & Callum, the great new label by Desiree Gruber and Stefani Greenfield.
53 The Circle, East Hampton; theodoraandcallum.com.

Sunbarth
Still looking for Father’s Day goodies? This swimwear boutique from St. Barth’s specializes in men’s beachwear, with swim trunks from the likes of Orlebar Brown and Sundek.
53 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-873-4121.

Yigal Azrouel
I love the huge Cut25 selection, Yigal’s secondary line of baby blankets and T-shirts made from the excess fabrics of his RTW collections.
2415 Main St, Bridgehampton; yigal-azrouel.com.

Maison 24 Beach Couture
I have always loved Louis and Allison’s modern approach to Hamptons’ homes and knew their fantastic Beach Couture shop would be stocked with great finds.
2424 Main St, Bridgehampton, 631-537-2488; maison24.com.

  SAMANTHA YANKS
Editor In Chief, Gotham Magazine, Hamptons Magazines
Samantha Yanks, Editor in Chief of Niche Media’s Gotham and Hamptons magazines, is an extraordinary talent in the publishing business with 10 years experience in the fashion and publishing fields. As Editor in Chief, Yanks is responsible for overseeing the editorial pages and securing and managing the magazines’ high-profile contributors and covers. She generates content that focuses on New York and Hamptons-based personalities, establishments and the best that the city has to offer in the worlds of beauty, business, culture and dining, entertainment, fashion, interior design, and real estate. Prior to her current position, Yanks was Fashion & Accessories Director for Niche Media where she scoured the country for fashion in every city filling her pages in Aspen Peak, Boston Common, Capitol File, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Michigan Avenue, and Philadelphia Style with the hottest trends around. Before that, Yanks was Senior Accessories Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine where she oversaw the department and assisted Oprah Winfrey in compiling her monthly “O List”. Yanks nurtured and honed her talents at Vogue Magazine in the Fashion and Accessories department where her career quickly blossomed from Associate Accessories Editor to Accessories Editor in her five years at the magazine.Most recently Yanks has become an on-air expert on numerous television segments discussing fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She has appeared on News 12, NBC’s “The Today Show”, “Nightly News” and LX TV, and is regularly featured on Taxi TV.

Samantha Yanks graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelors degree. Today she lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and daughter.

Suit-Up For Summer

Having that “it” swimsuit is an essential element for every summer wardrobe! Now is a great time to make sure you have the best suit for you. Whether you love bikinis, one-pieces, or even the retro look, we’ve got you covered with the most chic and trendy styles available. After scouting out all our favorite retailers that offer this season’s most stylish finds, we rounded up plenty of swimsuits for you at every price point to suit your taste. Looking cute at the beach or pool has never been so easy!

Stylish Prints:

1. Skull Chain Bikini
Stand out this summer with this amazing edgy print! With medium coverage and skull ring details, this swimsuit is hot. We love that you can also choose different sizing for the top and bottom!
Buy Now, $180, Letarte

2. Zebra Twisty Bikini
White and animal print are two must-haves for summer. This is a super flattering bikini and has great tush coverage! Love the beaded details on the bottom.
Buy Now, $176, Letarte

3. Majestic Swim Women’s Gina Triangle String Top and Lana Twist Bottom
(Multi Aqua Cheetah Print)
Cheetah print is so exotic! Strut in style with this sexy bikini and you’ll be the Queen of the Beach. The side ruching detail in the bottoms is great – it runs a bit small so order one size up!
Buy Now, Top: $68, Bottom: $76, Amazon

4. L* Space Women’s Twister Ziggy Bikini Top and Bottom
This flirty multi-colored print is on trend for this season. The bottom is skimpy and will show off those buns!
Buy Now, Top: $60, Amazon
Buy Now, Bottom: $60, Amazon

5. Ikat Underwire Halter Top Bikini
Make a splash with this tribal printed two-piece. It is made with quick-drying and fade-resistant materials, great for girls who like to spend time in the water.
Buy Now, $52, J.Crew

6. Turquoise Banana Print Bikini
Bring out your fun-loving persona with this eye-catching print!
Buy Now, $52, Topshop

7. Black & White Printed Bikini Top and Bottom
This twisted front bandeau bikini with leopard print is the perfect choice if you’re on a budget. Sexy and chic, you can now look gorgeous on the beach without breaking the bank.
Buy Now, Top: $14.95, H&M
Buy Now, Bottom: $12.95, H&M

8. Powder Rose Flamingo Print Bikini Top and Bottom
Subtle yet pretty flamingo print gives off a sexy retro feel. The girly pink is trendy and fun. This is great for any age.
Buy Now, Top: $14.95, H&M
Buy Now, Bottom: $12.95, H&M

Fabulous Solids:



1. Lisa Curran Women’s Valencia U-Bar Halter Top and Scoop Bikini Bottom
The U-Bar ring in the center gathers the bust to create a sexy visible curve. Perfect for ladies who wants that little extra boost!
Buy Now, Top: $88, Amazon
Buy Now, Bottom: $88, Amazon

2. L* Space Women’s Sensual Solid Twister Bikini Top and Twiggy Bikini Bottom (Limon)
Beachy, bright and trendy! This bold bikini looks fabulous on all shapes and sizes.
Buy Now, Top: $60, Amazon
Buy Now, Bottom: $62, Amazon

3. Victoria’s Secret Mix and Match Bikinis
Life is all about having options and your swimsuit is no different. Mix and match styles to make your perfect summer suit. You’re bound to find a style and color that shouts YOU!
Buy Now, Top: $18-24, Bottom: $16, Victoria’s Secret

Trendy One-Pieces:


1. Emilio Pucci Zebra-Print One-Piece Swimsuiticon
Bring out the animal in you! Rock out in this flirty zebra print one-piece with a metallic finish that adds a touch of glam to the already sexy silhouette.
Buy Now, $346.50 (Orig. $495.00), Saks Fifth Avenueicon

2. Amber-buckle strapless tank
This stunning one-piece from J.Crew really caught our eyes for its flattering retro ruching detail. It includes removable halter straps with full coverage for added supported. Great for bustier beach babes.
Buy Now, $105, J.Crew

3. LaBlanca Women’s Solid as a Rock Bandeau One Piece
Whether you’re hitting up a pool party or vacationing in the Hamptons, this simple one-piece is perfect for any occasion. The perfect choice if you want to be a little more covered-up and still accentuate your curves.
Buy Now, $109, Amazon

4. Front Frill Plunge Swimsuit
Have the best of both worlds with feminine ruffles in the front that gives this on-trend monokini a girly-girl vibe and a plunging scoop back that exudes sex-appeal.
Buy Now, $41.37 (Orig. $48.27), ASOS

5. Nylon Tricot Cut-Out Swimsuit
Cut-outs are a major trend in swimsuits this season. This simple yet classy one-piece shows off just-enough skin to stand-out in sophistication. The cut-outs also gives the illusion of a slimmer waist!
Buy Now, $38, American Apparel

Win $100 to spend at the new Amazon Swim Shop where you can shop for many of our picks! With free shipping and returns you can try on swimsuits in the comfort of your own home — no harsh dressing room lighting required! Just follow us on Twitter to enter.