Have you heard the latest trend? Guys (actually, well-to-do men) are gifting their girls diamonds from Costco!
Before you huff and snuff, listen to this.
I know of a guy who bought a diamond ring for his wife on Costco.com. He’s not a cheap dude. In fact, he has a great job. He paid $1900 for the ring. Then took it to a jeweler, and it was appraised at $3400. Not a bad deal! The best part is that his wife is obsessed with it and says the new bauble sparkles even more than her engagement ring. Warming up to the idea yet? Just wait until you read this:
My very good friend was debating on what to do for his wife for her birthday, which also happens to be on Mother’s Day. This year, flowers just weren’t going to cut it. After hearing about the great experience our mutual friend had with the diamond ring (see above story), he decided to check out the jewelry on Costco.com. He expected to find cheesy options that would not meet his wife’s expensive taste. To his surprise, the designs were impressive, and a diamond tennis bracelet caught his eye. Usually a thorough researcher when it comes to purchasing a big-ticket item, he found the website incredibly easy to shop. All he had to do was select the stone cut, bracelet length and overall carat size, and he was able to pick out exactly what he wanted in minutes. He entered his credit card info, hit send and 2 days later the impulse buy arrived complete with stone certification papers. I’ve personally seen the bracelet, and it’s truly beautiful. He got extra points for this gift, and she’s been showing off her new bling.
If the idea of buying diamonds and toilet paper at the same store still doesn’t sit right, Costco says they do not compromise quality of the stones for the great price: they have gemologists that check every diamond to guarantee the clarity to be VS-2 (Very Slightly Included) and color to be I (Near Colorless) or better.
And it gets better. Once you say “yes” to your man, you can say “I do” with Costco.
Plan Your Wedding At Costco
Have you heard the latest trend? Guys (actually, well-to-do men) are gifting their girls diamonds from Costco!
Before you huff and snuff, listen to this.
I know of a guy who bought a diamond ring for his wife on Costco.com. He’s not a cheap dude. In fact, he has a great job. He paid $1900 for the ring. Then took it to a jeweler, and it was appraised at $3400. Not a bad deal! The best part is that his wife is obsessed with it and says the new bauble sparkles even more than her engagement ring. Warming up to the idea yet? Just wait until you read this:
My very good friend was debating on what to do for his wife for her birthday, which also happens to be on Mother’s Day. This year, flowers just weren’t going to cut it. After hearing about the great experience our mutual friend had with the diamond ring (see above story), he decided to check out the jewelry on Costco.com. He expected to find cheesy options that would not meet his wife’s expensive taste. To his surprise, the designs were impressive, and a diamond tennis bracelet caught his eye. Usually a thorough researcher when it comes to purchasing a big-ticket item, he found the website incredibly easy to shop. All he had to do was select the stone cut, bracelet length and overall carat size, and he was able to pick out exactly what he wanted in minutes. He entered his credit card info, hit send and 2 days later the impulse buy arrived complete with stone certification papers. I’ve personally seen the bracelet, and it’s truly beautiful. He got extra points for this gift, and she’s been showing off her new bling.
If the idea of buying diamonds and toilet paper at the same store still doesn’t sit right, Costco says they do not compromise quality of the stones for the great price: they have gemologists that check every diamond to guarantee the clarity to be VS-2 (Very Slightly Included) and color to be I (Near Colorless) or better.
And it gets better. Once you say “yes” to your man, you can say “I do” with Costco.
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Are You Digging Lauren Conrad’s Tie-Dyed Hair?
This isn’t the first time we’re seeing tie-dyed tips (Niki Minaj turned her mane into a rainbow of colors earlier this year), but Lauren’s take is much more subtle and wearable. Plus, the color is temporary and gets even prettier as it fades out. To create this look, I heard Lauren used Paul Mitchell’s INKWORKS (a professional, semi-permanent color treatment available in 10 shades) to achieve the blue-colored highlights. If you’re interested in giving this trend a try, here are some how-to tips from colorist and Paul Mitchell Artistic Director Lucie Doughty to pass on to your stylist:
1. To get the full effect, have your stylist pre-lighten the hair to a pale blonde by using Paul Mitchell’s Dual Purpose Lightener and then the colorist can apply Paul Mitchell INKWORKS over the top
2. Ask to have INKWORKS painted all the way through the strand or just on the tips like Lauren’s and then isolate each section in foil
3. Countless colors can be created from the Paul Mitchell INKWORKS color collection, so you can decide which color combinations work for you (to get LC’s look ask for Hot Pink, Green and Blue)
4. Your stylist can dilute them with any of Paul Mitchell’s daily conditioners to create beautiful pastel tones (like LC’s!)
- Love it (395 votes)
- Hate it (33 votes)
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What I’m Writing about in the Summer issue of Michigan Avenue magazine
I write the beauty page for Michigan Avenue magazine every month. Here’s my latest roundup of beauty happenings in Chicago. 
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Road Test: Stylish Odor Eaters That Work
While we may be in the dog days of summer, you don’t have to smell like one. I’ve already offered suggestions on how to keep your body parts above the belt and below the belt as squeaky clean as June Cleaver. Now, I’m going to tackle the last potential summer hazard that could make your day less than picture-perfect – stinky feet.
Being that I’m preggo and have to stay off my tootsies, I enlisted my dedicated intern Cody with the task of testing out Silver Linings, shoe inserts that claim to absorb odor and moisture. While they’ve got a cute name and they look more stylish than other odor eaters that have been around for ages, this is a case where fashion must meet function.
So, to see if the technology in these soles really worked, Cody slipped the liners into her ballet flats before leaving her house in the morning. Her initial findings: “They felt so discreet, I forgot I had them on until I wiggled my toes during lunch and realized how dry and odor-free my feet were. Usually, after just a couple hours of being sockless in my shoes I feel like I need to douse my toes in baby powder.”
It’s been a few weeks since Cody first started using the ultra-thin inserts (three come in a pack, each pair should last two-three weeks), and she calls this trial a success. Er, I should say, a step in the right direction.
Being that I’m preggo and have to stay off my tootsies, I enlisted my dedicated intern Cody with the task of testing out Silver Linings, shoe inserts that claim to absorb odor and moisture. While they’ve got a cute name and they look more stylish than other odor eaters that have been around for ages, this is a case where fashion must meet function.
So, to see if the technology in these soles really worked, Cody slipped the liners into her ballet flats before leaving her house in the morning. Her initial findings: “They felt so discreet, I forgot I had them on until I wiggled my toes during lunch and realized how dry and odor-free my feet were. Usually, after just a couple hours of being sockless in my shoes I feel like I need to douse my toes in baby powder.”
It’s been a few weeks since Cody first started using the ultra-thin inserts (three come in a pack, each pair should last two-three weeks), and she calls this trial a success. Er, I should say, a step in the right direction. Comment
Favorite Find: An Undeniably Chic Accessory
After so many years testing products dubbed the “next big thing,” I’ve turned into that skeptical editor who’s heard it all a million times before. Just call me picky Nicki. It takes more than a fancy catch phrase to capture my attention. So on those few occasions when I discover something that’s special enough to get me hooked, I can’t wait to share.
My favorite, new discovery is the Dauphines of New York headbands. In addition to being gorgeous – they double as necklaces. Designer Summer Rej, a young 20-something who got her start working on the advertising side of fashion magazines launched the first collection in 2010, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since.
The headbands retail from $80-$225 and have an adjustable band in the back so you can customize the size according to how you’re wearing the accessory. From Ikat prints to metal chains and semi-precious stones, there are more than enough styles, colors and textures to choose from. I have the red Regal Countess, (shown right in blue) which is understated, simple and works for everyday. I’m dying over the Rock Goddess Bohemian-Luxe (shown above). It would look amazing worn as a necklace! There’s even a stunning bridal collection.
You can buy these headbands online at Shopbop.com. To see all of the latest styles, visit dauphinesofnewyork.com. P.S. The fall designs are set to debut soon!
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Highlights from the havaianas launch event hosted by The Beauty Girl
Here are pics from last night’s event kicking off the havaianas pop-up shop on Chicago’s North Ave. Beach. (from top to bottom) I’m joined by my event co-hosts; posing with my talented intern Cody just before making our own pair of havaianas; my custom beige with pewter strap flip flops I personalized with a blue birdie adornment. Want to make your own pair? The pop-up shop will be open Thurs-Sun (11am-7pm) through July 31st!
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You’re Invited: Havaianas Launch Event with The Beauty Girl!
P.S. Mention you’re a guest of host Nicole Pearl, founder of thebeautygirl.com, when you RSVP! Comment
WGN TV Segment: Summer Swimwear
I stopped by WGN studios this morning for a segment on swimsuits for your shape and fun summer accessories. Press play to watch! P.S. Below are some behind-the-scenes photos taken during the live broadcast. 
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Do You Like Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress?
Watching Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding day on TV made me want to get married all over again. I loved my wedding, and I only hope this couple will have their own special memories of their day. One being the image of how dapper he looked and how royal and elegant she appeared. Critics are already saying the dress didn’t have enough drama. I disagree.
Kate was a vision in a timeless silhouette that reminded me of Grace Kelley’s gown but the new bride’s had a modern twist. Designed by Sarah Burton, the 36-year-old creative director of luxury British label Alexander McQueen, the lace and satin masterpiece flattered every part of her body from her square shoulders to her tiny waist. I would call this Kate a classic from her dress to her flowing hair, simple, warm makeup and stately diamond drop earrings gifted to her by her parents. She looked like the best version of herself and stayed true to her understated, down-to-earth roots, that is as best as a princess crowned with a glittering heirloom tiara can.
- I love Kate’s dress and I want it! (86 votes)
- It’s ok but wish it had more drama (21 votes)
- Not my cup of tea (14 votes)
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Nicole Pearl, The Beauty Girl, has written for national publications including Allure, Cosmo, Marie Claire, Self, In Style, Seventeen, and more. She appears as a beauty and style expert on TV for shows like TODAY, Windy City LIVE, and more. She's covered NYC and LA Fashion Weeks, has been a guest speaker for corporations, hosts events and offers services. The Beauty Girl blog is Nicole's exclusive insider notebook, sharing her V.I.P. access to the latest in beauty. Welcome! Still curious about Nicole? Click here.
To book this beauty expert for parties, events, TV segments, media tours, personal consultations and appearances, email info@thebeautygirl.com
