Everything from the Jo Wood line is lovingly formulated from the world’s finest organic oils and plant extracts. Luxuriously whipped cream nourishes the skin with antioxidant grapeseed oil, shea butter and sesame oil—and it’s ideal for use as an intensive treatment while you sleep. It also leaves behind a sexy sheen and a scent of mica for a night on the town.
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Chloé is a fashionista about town: fun, flirtatious and at the forefront of the hipster scene. What can we say? The gal has definitely earned her street credibility over the years and she continues to amuse us with her over-the-shoulder bags. This is the quintessential Chloé design, a paradox that’s dashing, yet feminine. The stunning good looks of these leather handbags are timeless and launched just in time for the Summer 2006 collection.

Renè Caovilla has carved a niche as a consummate shoe sculptor of international standing (he’s collaborated with Valentino and Christian Dior). We love the way the heels in his evening collection appear to carve a sexy shape in our calve muscles. This ornate heel makes your gams look positively glamorous (and toned!). What a richly imaginative design and what motivation to keep your toes perfectly painted and primped through the rest of winter.

For a dash of classic Hollywood glamour, even if it’s just over your work clothes, try Anthony Luciano’s luxurious throw. A baby-soft grey cashmere, dotted with hand-woven leather flowers and leaves, with leather stitching at the borders, makes this shawl perfect for a romantic rendezvous on a wind-swept night—or a smidge of vintage sophistication to spice up an otherwise pedestrian day.

Marie wouldn’t be caught dead with a sweatshirt, even on the most low-maintenance of days…at least not just any sweatshirt. Loomstate offers a chic alternative to a customarily banal clothing staple. Take out the bulk and nubbiness of the usual sweatshirt, add ribbed side panels, a snugger fit, organic cotton, and a cropped waistband, and you have the Apostles of the Sun sweatshirt. A screen of palm trees on the front adds a little oomph to it all.

Bottega Veneta is a peddler of some of the most sensuous leather you’re apt to see. We’re accustomed to their sedate yet always graceful line of women’s shoes, but the occasional gem will pop up in their line of handbags. The Multicolor Fenice bag is one of our favorite picks here at C&M for spring. Both the design and ornate medallion-shaped “coat of arms” are vagely Byzantine and look great against a woven backdrop of mustard, tan, and camel. Moreover, the bag’s roomy enough to tote around all your essentials in style.

The urban metro sexual will wax poetic about the allure of a coiffed head of hair. We find that these impeccably well-kempt types have a host of tricks up their sleeve that gals should try for themselves. This wax by Kusco-Murphy is among their dark secrets, primarily because its discreet packaging doesn’t scare away the live-in girlfriend. It also happens to be perfect for shaping short, strong hair. But let us tell you why we love it. When you rub an incredibly tiny dollop of cinnamon-scented product in your hands and apply it to long hair, it controls stubborn frizz without making the hair greasy, like serums tend to do. The controlling wax is made from tree sap, bee’s wax, grape seed oil and fennel. If you accidentally use too much and come down with a case of the build-up blues, pros recommend massaging shampoo into dry hair and rinsing, then repeating this process in the shower.

There’s the slightest difference between plain denim and jeans that scream out for attention with a few auxiliary touches that up the ante on style. Okay, who are we kidding? There’s a world of difference! Blumarine’s stretch jeans hug all the right curves, but throw in bold, exotic floral appliqués that are splashed down one of the legs, and a sexy red rose that wraps around the other, and you have the sweetest spring denim around.

We find that the best way to give the body a midday pick-me-up is to give it a spritz of hydrating mist, such as this fast absorbing Nyakio Dry Oil spray. Exposed areas like the décolletage, arms and legs could use the extra moisture, as they’re exposed to the drying, wrinkling effects of the sun. This blend is a delightful combo of fresh coconut, sandalwood, apricot and amber. It’s accented by a subtle musk scent that seems like a pheromone for its ability to attract compliments from members of the male species.

Nothing brings back skin’s luster like a gentle exfoliation. But lately, we’ve been feeling discouraged. You see, most body scrubs have a tendency to leave a grainy residue in the bathtub. Consequently, we have a preference for colorless exfoliating crystals, like sugar, which does the trick to smooth elbows and knees, but eventually melts away without a trace. Body Sugar Soufflé Scrub in Peppermint smells delicious enough to eat and is awesomely invigorating in the morning. The intoxicating all-natural ingredients are whipped to ensure a consistent texture that never needs to be stirred or mixed. This is music to our ears, as most ingredients encased in a jar eventually separate, leaving a puddle of oil on the top. Absorbent coconut and Vitamin E oils soothe and smooth on contact, leaving skin moisturized without a greasy film.  This scrub can be used wet or dry (the latter is best if you prefer a coarser rub down). To reap the full benefits, make exfoliation the last step of your bath or shower routine. The lovely peppermint smell is likely to wane once you rinse your hair or use scented soap. And guess what? You’ll never need moisturizer again when you step out of the shower.