Buying Stock in Your Favorite Brands

If you're a true Chocolate Fashionista who loves to spend, spend, spend like me, consider owning a piece of your favorite retail empire. Investing in stock for your favorite brands is a sure way to not only increase your net worth, but to also be a company insider. Companies send you an annual report as well as information on products, trends, and future projects. How do you buy stock? You can visit your own personal financial adviser or use an online such as Scottrade, Sharebuilder, or Etrade to make your own investments. Find you favorite brand's company symbol (i.e. Gap is GPS) using an online research tool such as Yahoo Finance or the company's online site to get more information about investing.

Here's a stock symbols of popular brands:
ANN - Ann Taylor
BFLY - Bluefly
COH - Coach
RDEN - Elizabeth Arden
GES - Guess
JCG - J. Crew
KCP - Kenneth Cole
M - Macy's
JWN - Nordstrom
RL - Polo Ralph Lauren
SKS - Saks
TGT - Target
TIF - Tiffany
TRLG - True Religion
WTSLA - Wet Seal

Fur Fatale

Just when you thought Naomi Campbell was lying low, the leggy diva is at it again. Campbell will appear in a fall advertising campaign for fur designer Dennis Basso. Basso met the controversial model at his Madison Avenue store opening six years ago. The ads will debut in the September issue of Vogue, followed by appearances in Elle, W, Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country.

Trend Report: Free Spirits

Dress by Nicholas K.

Sandals by Bally

Hat by Hat Attack

Romper by Baby Phat

Shoes by Burberry

Hot trends for the holiday and resort season include safari and nomadic looks.

Costume Jewelry Takes Center Stage

Nordstrom's own brass open spiral cuff, $58, Nordstrom.com

Nadri Micro Pavé Bangle, $98 at Nordstrom

Black Stone cocktail ring, Juicy Couture, $98, Nordstrom.com

Turquoise stone necklace, $125, BananaRepublic.com

Shiny saucer ring, $39.50, BananaRepublic.com

Interlocking oval-shaped earrings, Argento Vivo, $68, Nordstrom.com

Forget about spending thousands or even hundreds of dollars on fine jewelry. Costume jewelry has become a favorite among the Hollywood set and frugal fashionistas alike. With more exquisite designs, bold jewels, and wallet-friendly prices, costume jewelry offers a more practical approach to making a statement. Accessorizing with bold jewelry such as a statement necklace or cocktail ring can make an ordinary outfit extraordinary. Samantha Willis, who retails in Nordstrom for $60 to $1,500, has a collection that rivals the lines of Cartier and other pricier lines. The good thing about costume jewelry is its versatility. Costume jewelry can take you from work to play. A simple brooch can dress up a sheath or cardigan. If you’re like me and lose earrings, owning several pairs of cubic zirconium studs (that I always buy at Nordstrom Rack), can save money and heartache in the long run. Even retail chain stores like Banana Republic and J. Crew have caught on. Consumers are being more conscious of what they spend in certain area, and since costume jewelry is const-effective, you can't go wrong. Some great lines to try: Arielle, Argento Vivo, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, and Alexis Bittar.

Creed Delivers a Taste of Florentine

The House of Creed is presents a taste of Florentine. Acqua Florentina for Women, the company’s newest fragrance will make its September debut on the shelves of Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue's New York Flagship stores. With aromas from pink carnations, bergamot orange, and Calabrian lemon; and subtle notes of Virginia cedar and Indian sandalwood, Acqua Florentina offers a subtle yet pleasurable scent for the woman who doesn’t mind leaving an impression wherever she goes.

August Giveaway: Halle by Halle Berry

As if you didn't need another reason to love her! Halle Berry has created her own fragrance aptly titled Halle. With notes of amber, fig, freesia, and bergmont, this fragrance is the perfect addition to your fragrance collection. In celebration of Ms. Berry's August 14th birthday, we are giving away a bottle of her new fragrance.

Contest Rules: All contestants must send an email to the ChocolateFashionBlog.com at: chocolatefashionblog@yahoo.com

Email Must Include: Name, mailing address, and indicate if you are a ChocolateFashionBlog.com subscriber.

In the SUBJECT line put: I Want Halle! Entries that do not have this information in the subject line will not be considered!

Entry Deadline: August 6th, 2009 11:59 PM

Ideeli.com's Sales for Monday 7/6 & Tuesday 7/7!

Dress by BCBG

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50 Cent to Launch "Power" Fragrance

Rap star and business mogul Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is launching his first fragrance. Power will go on sale this fall and will be sold in Macy's for the first three months of its debut. (Jackson will also do in store appearances.) The fragrance features hints of lemon leaves, black pepper, and artemisia. The fragrance essence also utilizes dark wood (featured in Bentleys), coriander, and a subtle note of patchouli, musk, and oakmoss. Eaux de toilette bottles will be offered in 1.7 oz. and 3.4 oz bottles priced at $50.50 and $68.50, respectively. it's uniquely shaped bottle is modeled after 50 Cent's favorite watch, the Audemars Piguet. The fragrance will come just in time for the holidays for you ladies who are looking for something new and fresh for the man in your life!

Beyoncé & Tina Knowles to Launch Sasha Fierce Line for Fall

The dynamic music/fashion duo are at it again. On the heels of her latest album "I Am...Sasha Fierce", Beyoncé and mom Tina are capitalizing on the singer's alter-ego, Sasha Fierce. The Knowles' new collection will be in stores in time for back-to-school. Sasha Fierce will have a more subdued look featuring pieces such as a one-shoulder dress, bodysuits, faux leather jackets with over-sized collars, leggings, and jeans with mesh and lace detail. Jewelry and accessories will be bold and over-sized. Beyoncé, who helped design the collection says she hopes it will, "reflect the different sides of my personality". The collection will be available in department and specialty stores nationwide.

Meet Dylan: The New Handbag Collection at Linea Pelle

The Dylan Shoulder Bag, $395

The Dylan Zip Tote, $495

Looking for a trusty, sturdy, yet fashionable bag for fall? Linea Pelle would like you to meet Dylan. Newly remade with even better style and amazing new colors, the Dylan collection features 6 new styles priced from $135-$495. All bags are made with the finest washed Italian leather, brass hardware, and gold finishing. Pre-order for fall for an August delivery.

Visit the entire Linea Pelle Collection online.