For many women a trip to the cosmetics counter can be a ticket to beauty breakdown! With hundreds of brands and products to choose from in all strengths, colors, shapes and sizes, determining the best deals and most effective buys can be a shopping headache and sometimes result in a beauty blunder!

So what’s the best way to navigate the endless sea of lipstick, blush, lotion and perfume and find the truly top-drawer products with super values? Nordstrom National Beauty Director Debbi Hartley-Triesch has the beauty biz covered. In my exclusive interview we discussed this season’s top beauty items at unbeatable prices. Fall previews of the cosmetics women everywhere will be talking about. And designer brand limited editions, from Gucci and La Mer to Michael Kors and MAC.

Debbi is also a talented makeup artist having worked for brands such as Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Shiseido, La Prairie and Clarins. And she can often be seen backstage during New York Fashion Week doing makeup with industry friends. She has also been seen on television shows including “The Today Show”, “Entertainment Tonight” and “Vogue Trend Watch.”

Jacqueline Hudson Interview with Debbi Hartley-Triesch! Nordstrom’s National Beauty Director

Article and Interview by © Jacqueline Hudson 2009

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson, leaving a restaurant after dinner with her mother, brings together many spring trends in her outfit: the maxi dress, high heeled sandals, denim jacket, tote, and boho jewelry. You can put together a similar look for less by shopping around a little.

Start with this Fire Watercolor Floral Maxi Dress from Nordstrom. This is a style that can be dressed up or down. Featuring a watercolor floral print, layered ruffles detail the top of a floaty strapless maxi dress. $58.00 from Nordstrom.

Add these rhinestone bangles from Charlotte Russe to glam it up a bit (only $4.00!)

Then try these oversized shell earrings in a diamond shape. They’re 4 inches long top to bottom ($4.00 from Charlotte Russe).

Next, this Harlow Denim Jacket from Delia’s will not only top off this look in style, but will work with many different looks and can take you right through summer and into fall. Made of cotton/spandex denim with button front closure and two flap pockets. $54.50.

With a look this fabulous, you need  great looking footwear, like this Ball Inn heel sandal from Diba. In tobacco brown with open-toed, crossing straps at the ankle, a 1 ¼” platform and 5 inch block heel, these sandals are perfect to wear with this spring and summer’s maxi dresses.$84.99

The tote bag is trendy now, making it easier than ever to take your gear along. This purple tote by Angie & Lola is made of PVC plastic with nylon lining, has a slit pocket, interior zip pocket, and a pocket for your cell phone. It has a snap closure and double shoulder handles, too. 14”x16”x4” $39.99

Burberry check newsboy hat in allover Burberry signature check pattern – Retails at $146.25 from Nordstrom, Saks, or Nieman Marcus

Juicy Couture wool newsboy/beret hat – Retails $65.00 from Nieman Marcus

Juicy Couture graffiti wool skull hat ,$55.00 from select Juicy Couture Stores.

Missoni Intarsia-patterned hat in knit wool blend – $198.00 from Nordstom

I love the fall! As it is a really fun time to get your hats on! Now if you already have a nice selection of hats. Then it won’t be too much for you to add a few more hats to your collection. Or if you don’t have any at all for the season change. I have made some wonderful suggestions for you. From the top we have the classic Burberry hat. In their classic signature check pattern which retails at $146.25. You can buy this classic British hat from any of your local Nordstrom, Saks or Nieman Marcus locations. Or even specialty designer boutiques will carry most designer lines such as Burberry. Remember to add that classic Burberry scarf to the mix! Two of of my other choices are both hats from the Juicy Couture collection. Again very functional and fun, these hats are affordable and also look great. Go for the classic wool beret which a nice bow detail. Or stay casual with their skull caps, which are a designer bargain at only $55.00. Match that up with their scarves and gloves. You will be looking Juicy Couture in no time. And to finish this round of hats. I chose Missoni as my last pick. Fun, functional and always colorful. A Missoni Intarsia-patterned hat in knit wool blend, will fit the ticket for all you colorful fashionistas out there.

Source: Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales

Article by © Jacqueline H. – Senior Writer 2008

Jessica Simpson (source)

Rihanna (source)

Sienna Miller (source)

Whether you are a little bit country (or a little bit rock n’ roll), every fashionista will benefit from some Western-inspired pieces this fall. Okay, so cowgirl chic isn’t exactly revolutioinary; many will agree that it was Sienna Miller who created a Western/Boho renaissance a few years ago. Those styles, which were typically limited to just summer wear, are now translating into fabulous fall fashions.

Ready to take the reigns? Then saddle up and add these goodies to your must-have list for your fall wardrobe:

Boots

Sam Edelman “Utah” Boots (source)

The easiest and most versatile Western-inspired piece you can buy has to be a pair of boots. The hottest ones of the season are fringy and covered in luxe suede. Pair these with anything from jeans to skirts to add instant cowgirl flair.

Plaid

BDG Mandarin Plaid Button-Up (source)

While J-Simp has been embracing her love for plaid for months now, it’s just now catching our attention for fall wear. Look for plaid shirt dresses and button-ups for a casual chic look. I especially love what Rihanna has done with hers, wearing it under a snug vest to give her Western wear an edgier appeal.

Also look for brown suede bags and belts with antique hardware to amplify your look. Denim vests (and any denim in general) married with gauzy white cotton tops are perfect for late summer/early fall transitions. So, whether you are looking for a way to resurrect some of your old summer favorites, or simply love the Western wear look for fall, take some cues from these cowgirl inspired styles to put a little yee-haw into your look.