15-Minute Fashion Blog

It's with mixed emotions that I write this post. I'm sad to be leaving the About family after covering the topic of 15-Minute Fashion since 2009! I've enjoyed sharing organization strategies and covering trends with an eye towards the busy fashionista.

But don't worry, just because I'm leaving About, doesn't mean I'm leaving you. I'll still be easy to find--I will be focusing more on my own personal lifestyle blog, TheJetSetGirls.com. For those of you in New York, look for me at industry events, like the Style Coalition Fashion 2.0 Awards where I was a presenter this year (shown right). And you can always find me on Twitter or Pinterest. I look forward to catching up with you there!

If you're the type who wants your nail polish to match your dress exactly—or maybe it's a pair of shoes or a handbag you're trying to highlight—you'll want to download the new China Glaze iPhone app stat. Among the app's cool features is "Match a Color", where you can upload a photo (of said, dress, shoes, handbag or anything, really) and the app will suggest the colors that are the best match. How cool is that?

You can also try on different nail polish shades, watch How to Videos and see the brand's hottest products. Download the China Glaze app for free on iTunes.

So the impossible has happened. No, I didn't spot a unicorn (though that would be seriously cool!), but nearly equally impressive, I did find a foundation drugstore that I like. I should say it's more than like--it has me ready to trade in all my pricey formulas, because, it is just that good. What is the name of this miraculous product? Check out my full review here.

One fashion issue you probably don't think much about is counterfitting. That doesn't mean it's not a major issue for designers everywhere. From knockoff bags to having copies patterned, it is an issue that nearly universally plagues the industry.

To help raise awareness and raise funds for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, 60 designers from Diane von Furstenberg to Judith Leiber to Carolina Herrara, have designed one-of-a-kind bags along the theme of "You Can't Fake Fashion" that are  being auctioned of on eBay now through March 25.

If you want to get involved, but don't have hundreds to part with, the "You Can't Fake Fashion" tote, shown top, is a reasonable $50. Happy bidding!

If you stopped by your local J.C. Penney's over the weekend, you may have noticed an affordable, colorful line: Joe Fresh. The retailer opened up pop up shops of the Canadian retailers line at 680 stores across the nation last week.

Joe Mimran, creative director of Joe Fresh, explained the philosophy behind the brand, "[It] is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves fresh style at fresh prices." The pieces, including tunic tops, silk button down, colorful denim and more range in price from $8 to $39.

Check out the brand's Pinterest page for more.

The official start of spring is just over a week away. Do we dare believe it? Regardless of what the mercury reads, you can get a jump start on the season with these trendy spring accessories. The jewelry, scarf, shades and more will help you get in the mood, even if it turns out there's another freak snow storm on the way!

A reader brought to my attention that I failed to include Sole Society in my round up of subscription fashion and beauty sites. In my defense, while Sole Society does features affordable shoes, most for under $60, plus free shipping and returns, it's not a subscription site. Unlike those sites, you can buy or not buy as many shoes as you want, whenever you want.

Sole Society partners with Vince Camuto and Nordstrom to help bring you the trendiest, most stylish shoes out there for an affordable price. The site also recently partnered with Julianne Hough on a collection for spring.

One of my favorite pairs on the site are these Ella flats that feature a skull and crossbones. Aren't they the cutest?

A lot of flack came out about gel manicures after the New York Post ran a story on the popular nail treatment last week. In the treatment, nails are often cured with a UV light. And as most everyone knows, UV rays can lead to skin cancer. The story was based off of a 2009 study, so this is somewhat old news.

If you do want to continue getting a gel mani or a Shellac, bring in your own hand lotion that contains an SPF of at least 15 to make sure your hands are properly protected. You could also try an at home kit, like the Sephora by OPI Gel Shine that uses a LED light, which doesn't cause sun damage.

Read about my experiences with a Shellac manicure.

Fans of the ultimate blonde, take note: Macy's is launching a collection this spring based on Marilyn Monroe. The flirty line includes cherry prints, halter-top dresses and wearable shorts, all for under $89.

"Marilyn Monroe's appeal is legendary, and Macy's is excited to launch a collection that draws inspiration from her timeless style," Macy's chief marketing officer Martine Reardon said in a press release.

The dress, $59.50, and trench coat, $89.50, are available in Macy's stores and online.

Duro Olowu isn't the only one to introcude a lower-priced line at JC Penney this month, you'll also find Pearl by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa. The line is full of pretty party dresses, flirty florals and feminine lace. "The line is for the woman who wants to feel glamorous, beautiful,  wants to go out and have fun," says Chapman in a video about the collection. "We're girls, we should embrace it!"

The line is in stores now with the most expensive piece topping out at $150. Check out the Pearl by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa line on JCPenney.com.