Tired of sacrificing your regular beauty routine when traveling — or having to check a bag on short trips — because your favorite products aren't packaged in containers that are 3 ounces or less?

Enter 3Floz.com, an online store that carries luxury beauty and grooming products exclusively in travel-friendly sizes.

Founded by Kate Duff and Alexi Mintz, two former beauty executives who met while working at Archipelago Botanicals, the site carries over 50 luxe brands — including DDF, Malin + Goetz, Oscar Blandi, Weleda, Jack Black, Phyto and Molton Brown. 

But its goodies aren't just for those racking up a gazillion miles on Delta. The store's tagline — "For those who travel, those who are curious and those who can't commit" — says it all. We do our fair share of traveling, but the smaller (and cheaper) sizes on the site mean we don't have to sink as much moola into test-driving new products.

Nab a two-ounce bottle of Blow's texturizing mist for hair for $8 or a two-ounce cucumber and grapefruit body wash from Tocca for a mere $7. Even if neither ends up being your cup of tea, the investment is minimal.

Best of all, 3Floz.com ships internationally — including directly to hotels — and if you submit your itinerary showing travel within 72 hours, the site upgrades you to overnight shipping for the cost of ground.

Never be without your swanky shampoo again.

-- Emili Vesilind

Photo: A custom-designed volumizing hair kit from 3Floz.com's co-founder, Kate Duff. Credit: 3Floz.com.

GQ magazine just announced the following six finalists for its annual "Best New Menswear Designers in America" competition:

Warriors of Radness (designer Rick Klotz)
Patrik Ervell
Riviera Club (designers Joe Sadler, Derek Buse and Greg Ullery)
Gant by Michael Bastian
Miller’s Oath (designer Kirk Miller)
T by Alexander Wang

Two of the finalists are based right here in Southern California (Warriors of Radness is headquartered in Los Angeles, and Riviera Club's home base is Santa Monica) with the rest hailing from New York City. 

All six finalists will be featured in the March issue of the men's magazine, and selections from their Fall 2011 collections will be showcased at a New York City event on Feb. 10 (which happens to be the opening night of New York Fashion Week).

Although one winner will take home a $50,000 cash prize (and bragging rights), all six will have the opportunity to contribute looks to a limited-edition Dockers capsule collection that will be exclusive to Bloomingdale's for a month this fall and featured in GQ's September issue. This is a significant change from past years in which just the ultimate winner collaborated on a capsule collection -- with the Levi's brand (the parent company of both brands is San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co.)

Now in its fourth year, past winners include Billy Reid (2010), Robert Geller (2009) and Engineered Garments designer Daiki Suzuki (2008).

-- Adam Tschorn

Photos: Looks from the runway collections of designers who have won the GQ competition in past years, including Robert Geller in 2009 (at left, Credit: ©Dan and Corina Lecca) and Billy Reid in 2010 (at right, Credit: Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times).  This year, two of the six finalists hail from Southern California.

We’ll be seeing quite a few ad campaigns shot in and inspired by the L.A landscape and its history come spring. As we mentioned recently, J Crew shot its entire spring catalog at various L.A landmarks and styled its wares with an old Hollywood twist. And Juicy Couture’s campaign channels a dreamy Laurel Canyon of the 1970s.

Originally an L.A-based brand (and now owned by the N.Y.-based Liz Claiborne), Juicy Couture tapped into its West Coast roots to conceptualize the bohemian feeling of Laurel Canyon. The ad was shot by Steven Meisel in New York City rather than in L.A, and though the floppy hats, acoustic guitars and crochet details certainly nail the era and locale, you can’t really fake that golden Southern California light.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Juicy Couture’s spring ad, inspired by Laurel Canyon/Steven Meisel

Wow, am I glad to be in California right now! Just took a quick look at Google Trends and as I write, it seems that 16 of the top 20 searches have something to do with how to commute through the snow in the Northeast, which was pounded by a major storm overnight. If you're stuck in those conditions -- or soon to travel to a colder clime -- All the Rage can at least help with what to wear. Our Jenn Harris explains some options for creating one of the cutest cold-weather looks seen at Sundance in her Frugal Fashion column. [LAT] 

Other looks at Sundance involved animal print scarves, like the one Elizabeth Banks is wearing here, puffer coats and adorable kooky hats. [WWD]

But for really bundled-up-to-stay-warm style, check out what guys were wearing last week when they hit the slopes at Aspen's Gay Ski Week. [WWD] 

The stunning engagement ring on Natalie Portman's finger is more than just beautiful. It's also eco-friendly and socially conscious. Designed by her choreographer fiance Benjamin Millepied and jewelry designer Jamie Wolf, the stone is an antique round diamond; the pave diamonds are certified as conflict-free, (meaning no one was hurt or treated unfairly in the mining) and the platinum is recycled metal. [InStyle]

Emma Watson has unveiled her third collection -- it's supposed to be her last -- for ethical fashion label People Tree. The British actress made famous by the "Harry Potter" series started the collection after she began college in the U.S.  [Telegraph]  

Meanwhile a somewhat more established designer is the subject of a just-announced retrospective, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk." The exhibit is scheduled to open at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) on June 17 and will be on display there through Oct. 2. The retrospective marks the 35th anniversary of Gaultier's label. [Vogue]

Does this put the "gag" in Gaga? Sources say Lady Gaga is developing a new fragrance that will smell like bodily fluids. Ewww! [Fashionista]

Italian fashion house Prada plans to go ahead with an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

--Susan Denley

Photo: Elizabeth Banks with Paul Rudd at "My Idiot Brother" afterparty at Sundance. Credit: Michael Buckner / Getty Images for Bing  

These days, fashion houses are rolling out short films faster than you can say, "Action!" Chanel has produced several, the most recent being the bizarre "Window World" directed by Karl Lagerfeld; Dior's  "Lady Grey London," starring Marion Cotillard, premiered in December; and L.A.-based photographer/director Lisa Eisner teamed up with Devendra Banhart on a short film for eyewear brand Oliver Peoples released earlier this month.

But what about the quality of these pieces? Are they really any more than 3- or 4-minute commercials? Do they really qualify as entertainment?

Miu Miu is the latest to join the fashion film fray with "Powder Room," directed by Zoe Cassavetes,  best known for her 2007 feature film "Broken English." Out this week, it's the first in a series of "Miu Miu Women's Tales," which will be unveiled on the brand's website in the coming months.

Miuccia Prada, who designs both the Miu Miu and Prada lines, was early to the fashion film genre. And she's been behind at least one film that has artistic, not just commercial value. That would be "Trembled Blossoms," created around the spring/summer 2008 Prada collection. The CG-animated, fairy-in-the-Prada forest tale was directed by James Lima, with concept artwork by Los Angeles-based illustrator James Jean. And it is engaging (even the second and third time) in an acid-trippy kind of way.

 
Cassavetes' film for Miu Miu, on the other hand, isn't nearly so impressive. The action takes place at Claridge's Hotel in London in -- you guessed it -- a powder room.  And the players are model-actresses, which may be part of the problem.

Audrey Marnay enters, takes a mint, slides her finger across a glass table and crumples down onto a white sofa. Then, two mean girls come in. Marnay steals furtive glances at their fab Miu Miu shoes. They spritz perfume, powder their noses and take off. Marnay gathers herself, slides back into her own fab Miu Miu shoes (black glitter heels), and prepares to head back into the night. Reads like a commercial to me.

You can watch the film at www.miumiu.com and see interviews with Cassavetes and the cast, if you are so inclined, as well as behind-the-scenes footage. (There's lots of discussion about the powder room as sanctuary, etc. )

Studies have shown that several fashion films have increased the number of visits to designer websites. But are they attracting new eyeballs or just the people who are already fans? Maybe it doesn't matter.

Still, if the future is branded entertainment, let's make sure it's really entertaining.

-- Booth Moore  

Photos: Top and bottom images from the Zoe Cassavetes-directed short film "Powder Room." Courtesy of Miu Miu. Middle image from the James Lima-directed film "Trembled Blossoms." Courtesy of Prada.

It’s that time of year again, when Hollywood and heavy snow descend on Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival. Prepare to see plenty of stars in puffy jackets, enormous sunglasses and, God forbid, furry Ugg boots (It should be noted that these oversized boots look like a Sasquatch has swallowed each of your feet whole and won’t let go but if you need to keep your toes from turning blue, they get the job done). Sure, the stars are battling frigid conditions but is that a reason to look less than chic?

Thankfully, Liv Tyler ignored the cold when she ditched the eskimo jacket look in favor of some lighter attire for the premiere of "The Ledge" at the Eccles Center Theatre. Tyler created the perfect balance of comfort and style in a dark gray coat, patterned tights and tall, black suede boots. I love the jacket because it's not your typical peacoat. The oversized lapels look dressy, create the illusion of a super blazer/coat hybrid and give the piece a distinct menswear vibe. The patterned leggings are just plain fun, and the suede boots are functional. The fact that they don't bring to mind a certain furry animal is a definite bonus.

If you're tired of the classic peacoat styles, spruce up your winter wardrobe with one of these fun finds: The Adam by Adam Lippes coat on Yoox.com for $59, Globetrotting in Grey coat from ModCloth.com for $79, the Plush College coat from Zara for $59 or the coat with gathering on the side for $39, also from Zara.

Draw some attention to your legs without leaving them bare in a pair of patterned leggings. You can find them at most stores for $20 or under but here are our picks for the top four under $10: Split pattern tights by Free People for $9.95, Fashion-forward patterned tights from Charlotte Russe for $7.50, Basketweave tights from Anthropologie for $9.95, and the Hue Bold lace tights from Lord and Taylor for $9.44.

As someone who will willingly kill my feet all night for a divine pair of shoes, I'm always thrilled when I find a pair that looks great without the pain. These frugal finds should keep you warm and still turn some heads: Merona Kamiyah suede boots for $39.99 and the Mossimo Kailli Over the knee boots for $39.99. Victoria's Secret proves it can tackle more than just sexy lingerie with the Report Side-tie boot for $49.99.

Happy Shopping.

-- Jenn Harris

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

Photo top: Actress Liv Tyler attends "The Ledge" premiere at the Eccles Center Theatre during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 21 in Park City, Utah. Credit: George Pimentel / Getty Images.

Coat photo from left: The Adam by Adam Lippes coat. Credit: Yoox.com. Globetrotting in Grey coat. Credit: ModCloth.com. Plush College coat. Credit: Zara. Coat with gathering on the side. Credit: Zara.

Tights photo from left: Split-pattern tights. Credit: Free People. Fashion-forward patterned tights: Charlotte Russe. Basketweave tights. Credit: Anthropologie. Hue Bold lace tights. Credit: Lord and Taylor.

Boots photo from left: Merona Kamiyah boots. Credit: Target. Mossimo Kailli boots. Credit: Target. Report Side-tie boots. Credit: Victoria's Secret.

Today's royal wedding news: Noble families all over Europe are receiving faxes -- faxes! -- telling them to hold April 29 open for Prince William and Kate Middleton's big date.  Sheesh. If the royals can get away with this I'm wondering if I was wrong to tell a friend recently she absolutely could NOT send baby shower invites via Facebook. "There are just a handful of occasions in a person's life that are so special they require -- deserve -- real, old-fashioned, printed stationery," said I. And I'm blaming Kate, even though the faxes came from Buckingham Palace. You gotta take charge and stop the madness; step up and act like a princess!  [People]

What's Heidi Klum thinking? Heidi, the world loves you on "Project Runway," but a new show whose premise is playing pranks on children? It's set to debut on Lifetime Feb. 1. Let's see. Adults setting up children to be fall guys. On TV.  Sounds pretty tacky to me. [People]

Tsk, tsk, ladies. On to better news.

Did you notice all the stars-- like Annette Bening, pictured here with husband Warren Beatty -- wearing chic eyeglasses at the Golden Globes? Now model Kate Moss is doing her part to show that glasses can be a great accessory, appearing in ads for Vogue Eyewear. [WWD]

Kristin Bell has signed on to be the new face of Neutrogena Naturals, a skincare line that contains no dyes, chemical sulfates, parabens or petrochemicals. “I strive to live a healthy lifestyle, and … to be able to represent a line that I actually use and like to incorporate into my daily routine is ideal,” she explains. [People]

Vanessa Hudgens slipped into Britney Spears' shoes, taking over for the pop star as the new, um, foot for Candies. [USA Today] 

Gucci celebrated the renovation of its flagship on Paris' Rue Royale with a cocktail party and dinner hosted by Carine Roitfeld, who recently left her 10-year post as editor of Vogue Paris after putting the March issue to bed. Glittering guests included Diane Kruger, Jessica Alba, Olivia Wilde and model Yasmin le Bon. [WWD]

Meanwhile Tory Burch marked the opening of her first store in London with a dinner attended by about 100 people. “We Brits can do hardcore glamour," guest Joely Richardson is quoted as saying. "What this city can use is some casual glamour, and that's what Tory delivers." [WWD]

And finally, people are still talking about the Alexander McQueen gown Michelle Obama wore to last week's state dinner. We told you previously that Oscar de la Renta complained that it wasn't by an American designer. Now the Council of Fashion Designers of America has weighed in with a statement backing De La Renta. “CFDA believes in promoting American fashion,” the statement read. “Our First Lady Michelle Obama has been wonderful at promoting our designers, so we were surprised and a little disappointed not to be represented for this major state dinner.” Mrs. Obama wears a variety of designers, both American and from other countries, but this was the first time she wore a non-American to a state dinner, and that's what seems to be causing the ruckus. [The Cut] 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Annette Bening and Warren Beatty at this year's Golden Globes.  Credit: Katy Winn / Associated Press 

Since Paris Fashion Week served up more noteworthy menswear collections than we had time to discuss in depth, and the Haute Couture shows are now on the fashion world's center stage (soon to be followed by New York Fashion Week), here's  a notebook-clearing laundry list of the ones that got away:

Lanvin

The Lanvin collection telegraphed its duality with a soundtrack that abruptly cut between '70s-era country music and futuristic thumping techno beats. So too the runway was filled with both extremes: skinny-legged pants interspersed with generously cut trousers, technical outerwear pieces such as puffer jackets and bombers followed by double-breasted jackets, and other pieces that combined the best of both ends of the spectrum. But there was one constant -- many looks were topped off with the wide-brimmed hat that had become one of the "it" accessories of the men's fall and winter 2011 shows.

Yves Saint Laurent

"Take me back to England" were the first words we could make out from the soundtrack accompanying

There's no doubting how Michael Gordon, founder of hair company Bumble & Bumble and producer of the upcoming documentary "Vidal Sassoon: The Movie," feels about his subject.

In the first few moments of the film, Sassoon is described as the "Dior of hairdressers," "Einstein" and "the Messiah." It's all a bit tongue-in-cheek, for sure. But the film is still an incredibly flattering portrait of the British hairdresser who changed the look of women's hair in the 1960s, creating geometric, wash-and-wear cuts that were their own kind of liberation and echoed the sharp lines in fashion at the time.

The project started out as an 80th birthday tribute book for Sassoon and became a movie when Gordon brought in director Craig Teper. The result is a rags-to-riches documentary told through interviews with Sassoon and his friends.  

Between the treacly parts, there are plenty of fascinating facts about the man, now 83, who had the foresight to open Vidal Sassoon styling academies around the world and to launch a product empire with the famous tag line, "If you don't look good, we don't look good." [Updated]*

Whether you're just brushing up or reading about Sassoon for the first time, here's a crib sheet:

It's officially Oscar season! The nominations for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards were only just announced this morning but there's already buzz about possible winners. Here at the Image section there's only one award that we're biting our nails over, stressing out about and placing bets for -- just kidding about that last part -- but we're seriously excited about who will take home the Oscar in costume design. Among other places, the films nominated took viewers on an adventure to Wonderland, back in time to visit King George VI and out to the cowboy gunslinging of the West. Here are the nominees in the costume design category: "True Grit" (costumes by Mary Zophres), "The King's Speech" (costumes by Jenny Beavan), “Alice in Wonderland” (costumes by Colleen Atwood), "I Am Love" (costumes by Antonella Cannarozzi) and "The Tempest" (costumes by Sandy Powell). And the Oscar goes to.... Well, we won't know until Feb. 27 but I've always wanted to say that.

-- Jenn Harris

Top photo: A scene from the movie "Alice and Wonderland," nominated for costume design. Credit: Disney Enterprises.

Bottom photo: Jeff Bridges in "True Grit," also nominated for costume design. Credit: Sebastian Lorey / Associated Press.

Indie boutique the Echo Park Independent Co-op — more commonly known as E.P.I.C. — debuted on Sunset Boulevard last year with the mission of bringing quirky L.A. fashion brands to the fore.

But now the museum-esque store it bringing a bit of the Lower East Side to L.A.'s Eastside.

Convent, a similarly avant-garde-minded boutique that launched, also last year, on Stanton Street in New York, will be erecting a shop-in-shop of its mostly Manhattan-based labels (including Sally LaPointe, Triskaidekaphobia, Coco and Breezy, YC: Ying Chu and Dusen Dusen) inside E.P.I.C.

The shop will only be open Wednesday through Sunday, but Convent owner Travis Wayne insists that's plenty of time to introduce L.A. to his edgy wares.

Wayne met E.P.I.C. co-founder Tristan Scott in 2009, and the pair "always talked about opening our own shops," he said. And "from Day 1," they discussed collaborating with each other so as to have a presence on both coasts.

"I love their collection of L.A. designers," Wayne added. "We thought it would be a nice way to spice things up" in a historically slow retail month.

The sibling stores are also in talks to stage a collaboration in New York in the future — but not at Convent ("They have a lot more room in their store than I do," noted Wayne).

The retailers will host a joint party that's open to the public on Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. at E.P.I.C. — 1712 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

--Emili Vesilind

Photo: a look from New York's Convent boutique. Credit: Convent