Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick - New Shades

Dolce & Gabbana just launched 20 new shades of their popular Classic Cream Lipstick. Available in a wide selection of nudes, pinks, purples, oranges and bold reds, you'll certainly find the right shade for every mood and occasion.

Monica Bellucci for the D&G Classic Cream Lipstick campaign.

Like the original shades, the ultra creamy and opaque formula boasts a long wear time, keeping lips very comfortable and well moisturized. Every color I've tried is intensely pigmented with strong, saturated hues. The signature powdery rose scent is still there, evoking old world luxury and refinement.

D&G Classic Cream Lipstick in new shade Daring 310.

Keeping in line with spring and summer trends, the new Chic 230, a warm raspberry, is flattering on most skin tones. Daring 310, another new option, is a dark orchid that's ideal for a sexy date night. Those devoted to bright reds will fall in love with Fire 610, a fire engine hue. For a goth look Dahlia 320, a dark burgundy, will fit the bill. 

Dahlia 320.

D&G Classic Cream Lipstick in new shade Chic 230.

Fire 610.

All 20 new shades are available ($33 each) at Sephora.com.

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

Stones Throw

On a recent visit to San Francisco, I dined at Stones Throw, the newest restaurant in the Russian Hill neighborhood. Already a major hit with the locals, I was looking forward to trying out their California-American driven menu.

Puffed Potato & Egg (Credit: Stones Throw).

Located in the former Luella space, the management had a fairly tough act to follow. However, with Chef Jason Halverson at the helm and a team of stellar talent from Michael Mina and SPQR, the entire evening was filled with imaginative dishes and gracious professionalism. 

The playful Puffed Potato & Egg and refreshing Crispy Tomato Cream Wafers were a fun way to start the meal. The Squid Ink Conchiglie was easily one of the best pasta dishes I've had here, and that's a major accomplishment in a city filled with amazing pasta. The spicy capers added a crucial punchiness, which fired up the palate to ecstatic heights. 

Squid Ink Conchiglie (Credit: Stones Throw).

The Octopus Okonomiyaki was just mind-blowing. Laced with bacon dashi and spicy turnips, the tender octopus was grilled to smoky perfection. The accompanying seafood pancake came with three different condiments, which only added more allure to the unique presentation.

Octopus Okonomiyaki (Stones Throw).

As for entrees, the Crispy 38 North Duck Breast & Crispy Taquito was excellent. For vegetarians, the Toad in the Hole Lasagna with mushroom duxelles, asparagus, green garlic and confit egg yolk was a sublime, richly layered option.

Toad in the Hole (Credit: Stones Throw).

The lovely folks at Stones Throw kindly shared some extra treats, including the highly creative Not Your Grandma's Apple Pie — a deconstructed version of the classic dessert. Spiced maple panna cotta melded perfectly with apple granita, diced apple and cigar wafer. The textures were modern and different, yet the flavors remained comfortingly familiar. 

Not Your Grandma's Apple Pie (Credit: Stones Throw).

Not surprisingly, the Peanut Butter & Jelly Donuts were a big hit. Fluffy pillows of fried dough nestled among tiny mounds of peanut butter cream and grape jelly. We were already full, but it was difficult to resist this sweet temptation. In the end, we succumbed and gave in wholeheartedly. 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Donuts (feteafete.com).To make a reservation, go to stonesthrowsf.com. 

Lady O Shoes

If you love flowers as much as I do, you probably want to wear them on your shoes from time to time. I recently discovered the gorgeous Lady O shoes, which are made with colorful pressed flowers. Each shoe features a unique floral design so no two shoes are alike.

Lady O Full Bloom slingback platform sandals ($338).

Dried flowers are meticulously chosen, arranged, and applied to the shoes by hand. The inner sole is also lined with shock-absorbent Poron memory foam and breathable Italian kid leather to provide maximum comfort to the wearer. 

Floral Power Raffia ($268).

I got to try on both Floral Power Raffia and Flower Power Patent styles. These peep toe wedge heels were so pretty and feminine it was hard to narrow down to just one style. I ultimately chose the Floral Power Raffia as it's more versatile for my wardrobe. The 2-inch wedge heel is also comfortable enough to wear around for several hours. An ideal shoe for casual outfits, it's also a showstopper with any summer dress. Whether you wear them for a date, a luncheon or an outdoor wedding, it will draw many compliments. 

Check out more Lady O styles at www.shopladyo.com. Free shipping and returns are included. 

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

NARS Lip Gloss - New Formula

NARS lip gloss lovers can now indulge in more shades with their new formulation. Available in 30 luscious hues (including 7 new ones), the texture is silkier, way less sticky and glides easily on the lips. I also like the fact that it's scent-free, so those who are sensitive to any scent will like this new formula.

The packaging gets a revamp as well — it contains a doe-foot applicator for better application and the clear tube provides improved color visibility. 

Orgasm & Ophelia lip gloss shades.

Orgasm, a flattering peachy pink with shimmer, is always a cult favorite, but I also love Stella, a flirty raspberry that gives the lips a pretty jolt of color. Istria, a sheer baby pink, is great for a minimal daytime look. Ophelia, a shimmery strawberry, matches my natural lip color but it has a bit more warmth and pigment than Istria.

NARS Istria & Stella lip gloss.

Available at www.narscosmetics.com.

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.