Ysolt Usigan

I consider myself very lucky. As a beauty and style contributor, I'm constantly trying out different products and adding the best of the best to my beauty bar. I'm one who loves research, not to mention trial and error.

The other day, a friend had asked me what I'm...

It happened -- a dear friend has invited me to a black-tie party. When Michelle and Nick's wedding invitation came, I was delighted. It's going to be the event of the year, say friends. And the best part is, it's going to be uber-fancy. How do I know? The invitation...

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, my boyfriend and I decided to flee New York City and visit his brother who's in the military before he deploys. He's stationed in Virginia Beach. I didn't know what to expect -- I hadn't been to the resort city since I was a...

The September issues are out. Fall, undoubtedly most fashion girls' favorite season of the year, is here again. It's time to buy boots, light jackets, dark and bold hues, and this autumn's "it" jeans. It's also time to reach into your purses, pull out those wallets, and spend some hard-earned...

Hello, Lake George! We have arrived.

When we left our humble abode in New York City, all we knew was where we'd stay. The rest was up in the air. Will we find enough fun things to do to occupy us? What if reservations are necessary? We left our laptops...

I never turn away from a good deal. I'm proud to shop -- well -- cheaply. As much as I love all of those fashion bloggers out there who wear designer and spend three digits (or more) on one single clothing item, I have to keep it real. I just...

This is not something I'd like to admit, but for the purposes of giving you some valuable info, I'm going to say it: I'm an all-inclusive-resort expert. Okay, it's not something I'm proud of. These days it's cool to "rough it" on vacation -- African safaris, volunteer vacations, historical learnings......

In the United States alone, heart disease kills one woman almost every minute. Roughly 430,000 women lose their lives to heart disease each year across the globe, according to the American Heart Association. In an effort to raise awareness for heart health, celebrities walked the runway during New York...

I know what you're going to say... Another shopping site, really? How many more can we have? Going from site to site to find designer stuff on sale is starting to become a second job in itself. It's the online equivalent to those dreadful TJ Maxx clearance racks you really...

In 2005, the New York Times did a story professing Philadelphia as the "sixth borough." Writer Jessica Pressler says, "Philadelphians occasionally refer to their city -- somewhat deprecatingly -- as the 'sixth borough' of New York, and with almost 8,000 commuters making the 75-minute train ride between the...

I set out on My Fashion Week Challenge with very little expectations. I had hoped that I would come up with cool ways to wear my six things -- a pair of skinny jeans, a white linen A-line skirt, a striped button-down dress shirt, a navy blue cardigan...

When the Today show challenged financial editor Jean Chatzky to wear only six items for 30 days, my heart sank. If I was asked to do the same, there's no way I would survive. (Confession: I don't think I've even worn a single item in my wardrobe six...

Last week, I read an article in the New York Times about a couple who gave up luxuries -- two cars, wedding china to serve two dozen people, a two-bedroom apartment -- and started to live the ultimate simple life. Inspired by blogs and web sites,

I spent part of my summer visiting quaint locales in the continental U.S. and discovered there's much to love about thrift store shopping outside of major cities. (Sorry, New York City and Los Angeles!) For one, there are less fashionistas vying for highly coveted pieces. Secondly, in towns like Gloucester,...

I've always wanted an Eat Pray Love adventure of my own. Author Elizabeth Gilbert once told Oprah that your journey can happen right in your own backyard -- you don't have to go far. Although there's much to be desired about traveling to Italy, India and Indonesia for a year...

I stepped out of my car and was greeted by a group of friendly children. "What's your name?" they asked. "Hi, I'm Ysolt," I responded. "Hey, Ysolt. How are you? Hello, Ysolt! Hi!" said the cheery, little voices. And unlike most adults, they pronounced my name perfectly. I couldn't help...

Ladies, it's no secret -- we were all awkward between the ages of 7 and 12. Come 13, we started to develop into women. At 16, we cultivated a bit of an attitude (Sorry, mom!). And from 18 on, we began to find "ourselves." In our 20s, we came into...

I got a press release the other day -- subject line: On Shelves June/July 2010! Jaime Beckman's 'THE FRISKY 30-DAY BREAKUP GUIDE' BOOK LAUNCH... What?! It takes 30 days to get over a man?! Say it isn't so! I beg to differ. On the...

Man or woman, sometimes one just has to shop.

Such was the case for this man who wanted so badly to go into the Eaton Centre, a YouTube clip has made him famous.

The mall was on lockdown due to G20 protesters in downtown Toronto,...