Mango Launches Lingerie Line “MNG Sweet”

After introducing its men’s line He by Mango, the well known Spanish label Mango will also launch a lingerie and homewear line called Mango Sweet. The stylish collection will be available from February 2009 in selected stores worldwide and will feature 18 outfits and accessories to wear around the house. True to Mango’s dedication of high quality, all of the items from Mango Sweet will be made from natural fibres such as cotton and silk. The color palette will be in soft and sensual nuances such as apricot, lemon, coral and salmon, along with floral prints.

Thai Spa Massages

Thai massages are one of the hottest “new” massages available in spas around the world, but they are well known in the far east as they originated in India where they were developed by Buddhist monks and introduced in Thailand over 2,500 years ago. Known for their healing and relaxing powers, Thai massages are based on Ayurveda and Yoga and use passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines, known as “Sen” to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. The intention of the massage is to guide the body, mind, and spirit into balance and harmony, providing an opportunity for self-healing.

Unlike many other well known massages, the Thai massage is practiced when you are fully dressed and many spas even provide you with a specific outfit to wear. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you feet. The therapist literally uses her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions, so in some ways it feels intimate, but it is by no means to be confused with sensual or sexual massages. Thai massages originated from spiritual tradition and their purpose is to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Coco Rocha’s complete photo spread for Romeo and Juliet

For the December 2008 issue of Vogue, distinguished photographer Annie Leibovitz recreated the Shakespearean love tragedy Romeo and Juliet entitling it “Love of a Lifetime.” Famous model Coco Rocha plays the role of the dreamy Juliet and ballet dancer Roberto Bolle is Romeo. The 33-year old Bolle “possesses an inherent sensuality tempered by an aura of extreme refinement” and the dancer has also made modeling appearances for Salvatore Ferragamo and the Gap. Coco looks romantic and loving with the various dresses she wears in the Italian setting. This incredible play between the star cross’d lovers is brought to life by this beautiful photo spread. The complete story appears in the December 2008 issue of Vogue, which features Jennifer Aniston on the cover.

Penelope Cruz for Mango Winter 2008 Collection

Beautiful actress Penelope Cruz and her just as beautiful sister Monica Cruz continue their collaboration with Spanish’ best Mango. The new 2008 Winter Collection is rich in warm and neutral colors to complement the winter white cold outside. Already available in stores and on their official website, the collection is both stylish and affordable offering a feminine sensuality and exotic elegance. The ad campaign is shot by prestigious photographers Mert and Marcus, who have worked with labels such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Miu Miu, among others. You can find everything from hot winter hats, sexy dresses, stunning coats and the gorgeous croc print black bag. The prices range from $29 for the hats to $319 for the bag. My favorite piece is the stunning black knitted-collar coat featured above which is priced at $225. And if you have ever shopped at Mango, you know that their clothes are made extremely well and can last for a very long time. All these and much more are available here.

Armani’s Oriental Trio Scent “Onde”

Giorgio Armani is introducing a fragrance names “Onde” which is a trio of Oriental scents. Each fragrance was inspired by either the Middle East, India or Japan. “With Onde, the idea is to play on sensuality and refinement,” says Jean-Pierre Charriton, general manager of Giorgio Armani Parfums. The Indian-Kamasutra, “Vertige” is presented in a pink-nectarine bottle complemented by scents of black liquorice, jasmine and patchouli with carnal frangipani flower. The Japan-Geisha, “Extase” comes in a green bottle with scents of sandalwood and cedar combined with heavy florals like narcissus. The Middle East-Harem, “Mystere” is crafted in a purple bottle offering a combination of musk and amber with Moroccan rose and vanilla.

Cleopatra’s Soft Secret: Milk Baths

Throughout history, it has been widely written that Cleopatra bathed herself in milk baths almost every day. The Queen of Nile had the most radiant, soft and young skin and for this, she was known worldwide for her beauty. Today, Cleopatra is still the glowing icon that many women look up to for beauty tips. Even if it means digging in Egyptian BC history. Milk baths however haven’t just been used by Cleopatra. Elizabeth I of England and Elisabeth of Bavaria both have acclaimed the beautifying secret of bathing in milk.

Milk baths utilize lactic acid which dissolves the proteins holding together the dead skin cells and thus, exfoliates the skin. The rejuvenating baths help to exfoliate, soften and smooth the skin, accelerate the skin cell renewal and moisturize and relieve stress. What is crucial though is the use of fresh milk!

Making a milk bath at home is not a hard task and most importantly, it is a misconception that one needs to fill up the entire bathtub with fresh milk. You only need to pour a couple of cups of fresh milk into the tub as the warm water is filling. In general, two to three cups of milk is enough but you may use as much as you want. You may also use milk powder if you would like. For the honey, you may add one or two teaspoons to add fragrance and nutrients to the water. You can also add sea salts, which I love to do, and any other oils you like. You can also add petals and flowers in the tub for that extra sensual luxury and romantic appeal. Definitely worthy of a Queen!

Some people say that the milk baths leave their skin way too oily. You can use fat free milk instead. The oily skin just means that your skin got very moisturized which is a great thing because it cleansed better and you do not need to apply additional moisturizer after your bath.

As an alternative, you can always buy milk powder or milk bath products from beauty stores. Just make sure it is organic and fresh! You may find milk baths in many delicious flavours such as strawberries, vanilla, lavender and the yummy chocolate. I should also note that cleaning your bathtub is a bit inconvenient after your milk bath, but your baby soft skin is certainly worth it!