All About The Pretty

Reading Pretty: Look Book by Nina Garica

Nina Garcia's Look Book is her latest tome for every fashionista.  The Look Book - What to Wear for Every Occasion is divided into events such as a first date, interview, or black tie event and what is appropriate to wear at each.

For the past few years Nina has releasee a book during the fall. I wonder if this has anything to do with most major shopping clothing purchases are done in the fall.  I get this.  I didn't have a coat obsession until I moved to DC.  I wear a coat from December to April and I love having different colors, patterns, and textures.  I hate to admit even I have to resort to  wearing a "puffy coat" some days when the temperatures dip to an unbearable temperature to this hot natured girl.

For all my fashionistas, wanna-be fashoinistas or all the fans of RubenToledo sketches this book is for you. 

2010 Primetime Emmys Recap

Better late than never.  Review by AATP Intern Jaime:

The Emmys always ring in the beginning of fall beauty season for me. The show is a great place to pick up  trends that are going to be hot this fall. While we still have a few more hot, sweaty, makeup-free days of  summer left, it's never too early to start figuring out your fall look. Here are some options.  Many of the smoky eyes this season were softer, usually lined with a little silver to make it a more daytime-  appropriate look.

I love that this look can work on any skin tone and can be intensified for the sassy girls  or worn lighter for a more natural effect. Rockin' this look were Glee's Amber Riley and Dianna Agron (all looked fabulous and were two  of my favorite overall looks for the  evening), Toni Collette, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (another of my favorites of the evening). 

Another look I noticed was a more natural face. To combat the heat and humidity on the red carpet and  prevent a makeup meltdown this is a great look. Surprisingly going the natural route was Kelly Osbourne  (who looked fabulous and very grown up), Maura Tierney (sporting a cute cropped cut that I loved) and  Julianna Margulies who spiced up her look with some smoldering black liner.  Of course it wouldn't be Hollywood if we didn't see some bold lips. Going the red route and looking divine  were Maria Menounos, the fabulous Betty White and two beauties who combined their red pouts with  the silvery, smoky eye: Glee's Heather Morris and True Blood's Rutina Wesley (does this woman have  gorgeous skin or what?).  

Overall best looks of the night go to Claire Danes, Kyra Sedgwick and Vampire Diaries Nina  Dobrev. Claire's monotone shimmery pink look accentuated those luscious lashes she's growing  with Latisse, making her look radiant. Her sequined dress really played up the shimmer on her skin.  Nina's sparkly eye look off-set her gorgeous gown and espresso hair and eyes. Everything about  her look wowed me especially for someone so young. Can you believe this girl was born in '89? 

Last but not least the most daring look that paid of ten-fold was Kyra Sedgwick. Her plum lipstick perfectly  matched her gorgeous purple gown giving her an effortless youthful appearance. Both her dress and her  lipstick were to die for. Congratulations on your win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Kyra! 

On the misses side was Emily Deschanel, who's blunt bangs and coppery eye did nothing to accentuate  her gorgeous face. Also missing the mark was Eva La Rue. Her white dress was a little too over the top  while her hair and makeup under-whelmed. Kate Gosselin, oh what can I say? This woman is clearly not  comfortable in the spotlight and her floppy hair and ill-fitting dress only accentuate that fact. I would have  liked to see her with flowing hair and something a little more formfitting. Rose Byrne's dress was fabulous,  loved, loved, loved it but the bird's nest on top just didn't speak to me.

Lauren Bosworth of Hill's fame was  treated to a Mad Men style makeover and unfortunately while trying to be edgy and on trend she missed the  mark. I love the lip shade on her but I just didn't feel that it worked out this time. The pompadour on top  did not help. Speaking of too tall hair, Naya Rivera added about six inches to her height with that beehive  on the top of her head. Her whole look screamed "I don't know what I'm doing".

Last, an in my opinion least, was Rita Wilson. Rita, Rita, Rita! She's so nipped and tucked, dyed and pulled that I could barely tell it was her. If she wasn't standing next to hubby Tom Hanks I wouldn't have had a clue. And that dress and shoes do nothing for her fabulous frame. Next time stop trying so hard.    

  

 

Talbots + Three Custom Color Specialists = Effortless Elegance

I've been going over all the September issues with a fine tooth comb since I am editing my entire closet. This weekend while on the beach in Atlantic City I decided to participate in my friend Felicia's 15:30 Closet Editing challenge.  This is going to be extra hard with Fashion Week events, but I'm going to do my best.  This will also help with the trip to Paris that I hope The Don is planning for my birthday weekend in December (hint hint). Back to school is usually a purging time for me as an adult. 

 

I have been blown away at the new look of Talbots. It is totally effortless, refined, and elegant.  I haven't stepped foot in a Talbots store for years.  I mean YEARS, but now I must venture into the store and make a few classic purchases.  I am loving their new denim collection too.  The trouser jeans are calling my name.  I do realize that a lot of stores are trying to catch up to the fashion juggernaut that is J. Crew.  I've been a preppy girl since I had to get a job to afford the Ralph Lauren plaid oxford shirts in the 80s. My father was like "girl, I'm not buying one of these shirts every week you hear me." I heard loud and clear and got a job so I could buy my own. Also, Talbots has worked with Three Custom Color Specialists to create a limited edition red lipstick called Charmed.  The lipstick is a gift with purchase at Talbots stores from September 9-18 with a $150 purchase or more. 

I'm donating clothes to various shelters and curating my clothing collection. I'm an accessories junkie and when I travel I always return home with jewelry and food items.  But, this camel coat has to come into my fall wardrobe to hang out. I want to pet it like a puppy. 

Photos from Stylist.com

London Fog and Christina Hendricks of Mad Men

Confession.  I have never seen one episode of Mad Men.  What? Are you for real? Yes, I can hear you talking.  It's not like I didn't plan on watching, but I limit my television viewing to certain shows and Mad Men never made it to my rotation.  But, I do know all the actors on the show.  I've admired Christina at award shows.  How could I not? The flaming hair, gorgeous makeup, and let's be real - a smoking hot body that isn't stick thin.  She's a woman.  Imagine my delight to see her in the London Fog ads for Fall 2010.  I have a minor obsession with trench coats.  I have them in black, camel, and camouflage.  Yes the camouflage is my favorite.  I'm always hot so with a trench coat I'm able to layer lightweight clothes underneath them. I haven't paid any attention to London Fog, but with this ad it's about to change. 

CHANEL Les Khakis De Chanel Nail Collection

CHANEL, CHANEL, CHANEL - You complete me.  Look at the nail colors that Peter Philips (Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup created for Vogue's Fashion Night Out.  It's three colors based on a khaki theme.  Khaki Rose, Khaki Burn, and Khaki Vert will be rocking my hand in the fall.  The colors are available September 10.  My pick is Khaki Vert. 

Halle Berry Brings the Hotness for Vogue September 2010

It's almost that time - time to spend the weekend with a stack of September fashion magazines.  I subscribe to tons of magazines, but I always buy an extra issue of the September magazines to make tear sheets of what I plan to buy for fall.  This year I am going to buy a few extra issues of Halle Berry on the cover of Vogue.  The September issue is of course the big issue of Vogue.  They made a movie about it for goodness sake. The beauty that is Halle is undeniable.  This is a beautiful September issue cover.  

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft Friends & Family 30% Off Discount

Ladies as much as I need to bask in the sun until the last minute I can't help but acknowledge that fall is on its way. I've got through my closet and purged many items and donated them to a shelter.  I do this every few months.  I now can make a shopping list worthy of my love for Fall clothing.  I definitely plan to use this coupon to help in that endeavor.

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft are having a 30% off your entire purchase from now until August 8, 2010.

I Love Being a Girl!

It's no secret of my love affair with all things Francaise.  I just read a lovely article in The New York Times about French women entitled "Aging Gracefully, the French Way."  I have a French friend Laetitia from Paris and she really does have that je ne sais quoi.  And she had enough sense to marry a good Southern guy from Louisiana.  I'm smiling with my eyes now. But reading this article made me think of her and that it's high time I grab Erika whose back to blogging and high tale it back home to Paris.  Erika are you with me?  I do understand the belief that everything can be cured with a cream.  That's one of the reasons I slather my skin with every single possible skin care product I can get my hands on.  

My favorite part is this:  "Though Frenchmen are clearly interested — they shamelessly ogle women on the street — beauty is a female topic. When, over dinner, I asked a grandmother of three how she managed to stay beautiful, she deflected my question, saying, 'I never discuss these things in front of my husband.'"

That's how I feel. I try as much as I can to keep my beauty maintenance away from l'homme.  I know it's crazy, but I just can't help it. 

I love reading these types of articles, but I have to say.  I have amazing women in my life who are smart, funny, kind, fabulous, and definitely not French.  But, they are AMAZING nonetheless.  To those women and my non-French women readers you too are fabulous.  

Photos are from The New York Times. 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Elie Tahari- Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup Artist Wendy Rowe for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics:  Tahari’s Fall 2010 collection is all about texture, and the makeup is no exception. Skin is velvety, soft and natural, with a dusting of blush on cheeks.  Bronze and gold shadows are layered on eyes, reflecting metallic hues from the collection. Icy, shimmering lips add the final touch of glamour.

Skin: Hydrating Face Cream, Hydrating Eye Cream, Foundation Stick, Creamy Concealer, Corrector

Eyes: Sandy Gold Long-Wear Cream Shadow and Chrome Eye Shadow in Gold on lower-lid, Bash Metallic Eye Shadow and Indigo Nights Metallic Eye Shadow as liner, Everything Mascara

Cheeks: Pink Rose Blush (Fall ’10, Denim & Rose Face Palette)

Lips: Ice Lilac Glitter Lip Gloss (Fall ’10, Denim & Rose Face Palette)

Brows: Natural

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Peter Som - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup Artist Tom Pecheux:  “The look was Uptown girl meets Woodstock, a shimmery golden eye to contradict the deep, dark purple lip .”

Eyes:

Studio Sculpt Concealer – applied over the eyelid.  Set Powder in Invisible – powdered over the eye area to set concealer.  Pigment in With Legal – swept over the concealed eyelid from lash to brow and in the inner eye corner.  Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk – lightly app lied to the inner eye corner and under the brow bone Studio Fix Lash – applied to top and bottom lash.

Face:  Studio Sculpt SPF Foundation– applied all over the face.  Set Powder in Invisible – brushed over the skin to set the foundation for a matte finish Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk – lightly brushed on cheekbones.

Lip:  Lip Pencil in Curant – lined around the natural shape of the mouth , for perfect lip definition Lipstick in Kittenish – applied all over lip with a MAC 242 Brush Mineralize Eye shadow Duo in My Dark Magic – lightly applied over lipstick with fingertips.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Band of Outsiders - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Hair by Sebastian Professional Lead Stylist Thomas Dunkin

Inspiration:  Woody Allen around the time of 'Sleeper,' an Aspen ski lodge at about the same time, Joan Didion, Supreme Kids, street vendors, and Manhattan submerged after the ultimate snow storm.

The Hair Look:  For a low-slung ponytail that subtly nods to ‘70s style without losing itself to the past, follow these tips from Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin:

• Apply Sebastian Professional Texturizer throughout damp hair.

• Blow-dry hair using only your hands to create unkempt, natural texture and a sporty flair.

• When the hair is nearly dry, spritz Volupt Spray for added texture and then dry hair completely.  For extreme texture add another dose of Volupt Spray to hair and blow dry again.

• Finally, part hair down the middle and fasten it back with a tie just below the eyes.  Create height to the crown by lightly pushing and pulling the hair forward, away from the tie. To add definition or tame fly-aways, apply a small amount of Matte Putty to fingers and style as desired.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Yigal Azrouel - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup Artist Wendy Rowe for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics:  "Youthful, fresh but chic makeup with heavy focus on brows..."

Inspired by a collection rich in texture, the makeup for the Fall 2010 Yigal Azrouel collection is about the texture of the skin. Chic, yet effortless, skin is bronzed with emphasis on cheeks, and eyes are softly defined in beige and brown tones. Nude lips complete a fairly monotone, natural look, with the exception of a strong, linear, defined brow.

Skin: Hydrating Face Cream, Hydrating Eye Cream, Foundation Stick, Creamy Concealer, Corrector

Eyes: Suede Long-Wear Cream Shadow  all over lid, Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Sepia Ink applied lightly and smudged on upper and lower lashline

Cheeks: Bronzing Powder

Lips: Hot Cocoa and Salmon Lip Color

Brows: Clean and brushed up with a touch of Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Sepia Ink

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Marc Jacobs - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

NARS Cosmetics created the makeup look at the Marc Jacobs FW2010 show.

Makeup Artist Francois Nars Inspiration:  I was inspired by the film La Vie des Autres. I wanted the models to have a dirty look as if the hair and makeup had been slept in," said designer Marc Jacobs, who specifically requested Barbarella lipstick to be used on the models’ lips.

The Look:  “This look is what you’d see on a girl from the East Village or St. Germain des Pres-an existentialist with a modern twist,” said NARS Cosmetics Founder and Creative Director François Nars whose application technique included using his fingers to achieve the faded effect. “These girls are sexy and cool. Their makeup looks dirty and worn out as if it has been on all night but still translates beautifully on the runway.”

Face:  Sheer Glow Foundation.  Enchanted Blush (NEW for Summer 2010); try Gina Blush for a similar look

Eyes:  D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010). Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil, Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo, Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

Lip:  Barbarella Lipstick

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Rachel Roy - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup Artist Kim Soane for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics:  "Eyes are intense, covered in rich velvet...Scarlet and black create a modern smolder..."

A 1930s Egyptian influence weaves together fashion and beauty at the Fall 2010 Rachel Roy Fashion Show. Peacock prints are lifted from feminine silhouettes and translated into bold, beautiful makeup.  Iridescent "peacock feather" eyes gleam in denim and burgundy metallic shades from brow to lower lash line with a hint of aqua on inner corners, ultimately lined with a black kohl pencil. An even, dewy finish of the skin, softly defined pink cheek, and sheer beige lip allow the eyes to be the star of this show.

Skin: Hydrating Face Cream, Hydrating Eye Cream, Foundation Stick, Creamy Concealer, Corrector

Eyes: Blackberry Metallic Eye Shadow  (Black Velvet, Fall ’10) all over lid, Dark Rinse Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow (Denim Rose Palette, Fall ’10) in arch, Long-Wear Cream Eye Shadow in Aqua in inner corner, Black Kohl Eye Pencil (Black Velvet, Fall ’10), No Smudge Mascara on lashes

Cheeks: Pink Rose Blush (Denim Rose Palette, Fall ’10)

Lips: Beige Lip Color

Brows: Clean and slightly bleached

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Jason Wu - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup Artist Lucia Pieron:  “The look is fresh-faced and boyish – natural luminescence with a magical metallic eye.”

Eyes:  Pigment in Golden Lemon – applied wet onto the eyelid.  Fix+ - blended with the pigment to activate the colour.   MAC Pro Pigment in White – pressed into centre of the eyelid.  Glitter in Reflects Gold – pressed over the pigment in White into the centre of the eyelid.

Face:  Select Cover-up Concealer – applied where needed.  Strobe Cream – used as a highlighter across the cheekbones, brow and above the lip for a luminous, satin finish.

Lip:  Lip Conditioner – matted to produce a natural, winter lip.

Hair: How to Get the Look

Prep damp hair with Aveda Smooth Infusion™ Glossing Straightener for added shine and straightness, and blow-dry smooth with a flat brush.

Use a comb to create a clean part—either in the center or wherever hair parts naturally. Then pull hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of the neck, allowing hair on either side of the ponytail to cover the ears and rest at chin length. Spray with Aveda Control Force™ Hair Spray for all-day strong hold.

Wrap a 10-inch bungee elastic around the ponytail, criss-crossing it from top to bottom to create a braid-like pattern. Tie securely at the bottom and set with Aveda Control Force™ Hair Spray. 

Wrap the braided ponytail into a flat chignon at the back of the head and secure with hair pins.

Allow a few loose pieces of hair to fall naturally around the face. The sides should be loose and romantic while the chignon is more tightly secured in place. Finish the look with Aveda Control Force™ Hair Spray for lightweight hold.

 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Preen- Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup by James Kaliardos:  “The colours of the collection inspired the face – natural tones, with mauve, pinks and lavender for a pretty, romantic yet futuristic look.”

Eyes:  Eye shadow in Pink Freeze – brushed along the lower lash line.  Eye shadow in Quite Spoiled (available fall 2010) – softly applied to the crease of the eyelid.  Eye shadow in Beautiful Iris and Quite Spoiled– layered and winged out horizontally from the outer corner of the eye.

Face:  Studio MoistureCover Concealer – applied to the nose, eyelids and under the eyes, for a satin finish blot powder – dabbed into the shine areas Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – brushed along the cheekbones and temples to contour the face.

Lip: MAC Pro Cream Colour Base in Pink – dabbed onto the center of the lip.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Chris Benz - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

From Lancome Cosmetics.

Lead makeup artist Daniel Martin for Lancome: (Daniel (helped create the Chris & Tell shade with the designer for Spring 2010) wanted a “makeup” makeup look, so he and Chris settled on what they’re calling Gothic Chic. The eyes and the lips were given equal attention. The eyes were smoky in gradations of shimmery charcoal and chocolate. Daniel used the new Ombre Magnétique, a mousse-like cream shadow, in black, layered with Color Design Eye Shadow in Guest List, an opaque espresso shade. For the lashes, several coats of Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black, and for the eyeliner, Le Stylo Waterproof EyeLiner in Noir along the waterline, completed the look.

The lips were just as prominent. In a surprise twist, Daniel used Le Crayon Poudre brow pencil in Sable as lip liner, to get a specific gradated gothy lip look inspired by a photograph of Kate Moss from the 90’s. Over it, Daniel debuted the new Color Design matte lipstick in Bronze Show. (Available in mid-March, exclusively at Macy’s.) He topped it all with Juicy Tubes in Hallucination just on the center of the bottom lip for dimension.

For the complexion, Photôgenic Lumessence foundation enhanced the entire face (even the models’ ears!), Shu Uemura’s Sheer loose powder delivered a high-def finish that withstood the bright lights of the studio where the presentation was held. Finally, the cheeks were treated with two Blush Subtil shades: Cappucine for definition and Mauve Coquette for a pop of color.

Editorial manicurist Ana Maria gave each model pretty hands and feet using Lancôme’s new polish in Sweet Nude (part of a mini trio, new for fall). As for the hair, Redken stylist John Ruidant wove intricately braided updos that matched the mood of the collection.

The Look:   Play on textures.  Updated 90’s brown lip.  Layers of charcoal and chocolate on the eyes.  Defined cheeks

Products Used:  Lancôme Ombre Magnétique in Black (NEW for Fall 2010), Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Guest List, Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof EyeLiner in Noir, Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black, Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre brow pencil in Sable (used as lip liner), Lancôme Color Design Matte lipstick in Bronze Show (available in mid-March, exclusively at Macy’s), Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Hallucination, Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence foundation, Shu Uemura Sheer loose powder, Lancôme Blush Subtil in Mauve Coquette, Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cappuccine (for the contour), Lancôme nail polish in Sweet Nude (part of a mini trio, new for fall)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Costello Tagliapietra - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Make Up by Lisa Butler. “We tried to reference Courtney Love, translucent, clean, pale skin with a strong red matte mouth.”

Eyes:  Left Bare

Face:  Studio Moisture Tint – buffed with brush and applied to the skin where needed.  Strobe Cream – applied with fingertips to the skin where needed. 

Lip: Matte lipstick in Russian Red and Lady Danger – layered onto the lip.  lip pencil in Redd – applied around the shape of the upper lip and slightly overdrawn at the lower lip line.

Hair: Nelson Vercher for The Rita Hazan Salon 

Look: Modern Geisha 

Scoop:  Asia's influence was apparent in the hair at Costello Tagliapietra, where stylist Nelson Vercher created an extremely voluminous geisha-inspired updo, finished with a knot. Says Vercher, “there's a Geisha influence, but it's not too literal-it's modern and young, but still elegant.”  “It was all about a girl traveling from Russia to Asia but with some form of togetherness-she went on that journey but still came out looking lovely,” he explained. “It's the kind of hair that both your man and girlfriend will love,” said Vercher.

Get the Look:  Volumizer and hair spray are the two key products to create this voluminous updo. Vercher sprayed volumizer (try PHYTO Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray) at the roots of dry hair before setting it in Velcro rollers. Allow to sit for a few minutes, shake out hair, then tease to increase the volume. Brush hair up to smooth, and overdirect it up and forward. Twist at the top and pin in a high knot. Finish with a fine-mist/strong hold hairspray (try Ellnet or VO5).

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: LAMB - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup Artist Charlotte Tilbury:  "The feeling was 1930’s prostitute – trampy, smoky eye, deep “rougeoir” lips and beautiful pale skin.”

Eyes:  Eye Kohl in Sm older and Fluidline in Blacktrack - blended and smudged around and into the eyelid for a feline-shaped eye.  Lip Treatment – dabbed on eyelid over eye kohl for a wet look effect.

Face:  Face and Body Foundation - Applied all over face to give pale, doll-like skin.

Lip:  Lipmix in Crimson (PRO only) and Burgundy – Blended together and applied to the lip.  Lip Pencil in Burgundy – applied around the lip to give an over-drawn shape to the mouth.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Vena Cava - Fall 2010 - #NYFW

Makeup by Lloyd Simmonds:  “The designers wanted the girls to look like they spent a day skiing and horseback riding – fresh, flushed but tanned.”

Eyes:  MAC Pro Powder Blush in Taupe – Softly brushed along the crease of the eyelid.  Style Predator Eye Shadow – Brushed over the whole eyelid.  M·A·C Pro Shine Wax – Applied over the eye shadow on the eyelid.  MAC Pro Lash in Black – Applied only to the upper eyelashes.

Face:  Select Cover-Up Concealer – Applied to the skin as foundation.  M·A·C Pro Cream Colour Base in Bronze and Mid-tone Sepia – Brushed across forehead and cheekbones for a slightly windblown effect. MAC Pro Shine Wax – Applied over the Cream Colour Base across the bridge of the nose to give a dewy finish.

Lip:  Lipmix in Red – Applied to the natural shape of the lip to give a sophisticated matte mouth.

Sneak Peak at Luxe Looks: Saks Fifth Avenue’s Accessories Presentation

By Felicia C. Sullivan  

Whether you’re sporting razor-edge style with zippered stilettos, evoking ladylike luxe with croc-embossed satchels in cool neutrals, or gallery gallivanting with slouchy studded bags in the season’s ultraviolet hues, the fall accessories collections at Saks Fifth Avenue offer covetable statements for every look.  From the conference room to cocktails, we’ve got your covered. Although I adore embracing the new trends, it’s key to select investment pieces that are artful, yet timeless. For the cute and kitsch, I recommend hitting your fast-fashion retailers. My key picks below are high-quality, high-mileage accessory selects.  

Consider the lightweight Kooba Peyton ($495) – a subtly goldtone studded shoulder bag, finished in sumptuous, crinkled leather with a patina of refinement while honing on the season’s deep aubergine, lush berry trend. I’m obsessed with this bag because it not only indulges my predilection for all things purple, but the zip interior and dual cell-phone pockets coupled with the flattering 8” handle drop, is a perfect marriage of fashion meets function.

Carrying this bag for a day, I was deluged with compliments to the point where I felt I might need to invest in low-jack and an armored van, because this bag is en fuego (translation: on fire!) 

BCA 2009: Switchflops BCA

I love flip flops. Yes, I know it's freezing outside, but I still need flip flops when I get my pedicures.I don't care how much snow is on the ground I still wear flip flops from the nail salon.  I can wear flip flops and support Breast Cancer Awareness with thew Switchflops that support BCA. 

Lindsay Phillips’ SwitchFlops line created a limited edition SwitchFlops BCA flip flop. For every purchase of the BCA flip flop, Lindsay Phillips donates 25% to the Young Survival Coalition and Lindsay’s local charity The Mammography Voucher Program at Morton Plant Mease.

Maybelline New York ColorSensational Lip Products

Maybelline New York graced the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard to promote their Color Sensational Lip Products!

During a weekend-long extravaganza, which kicked off  Thursday, September 17, 2009, Maybelline New York launched these appealing pigments that will positively make your  puckers “pop.”  The lustrous new lip shades will make you “fall in love with color all over again!”  NEWSFLASH: No more playing it safe , ladies.  The mantra for the fall season is…..The bolder, the better! 

Attendees of this event were privy to expert color matching services by Top Makeup Artists, complimentary products and lip-overs, style tips, a chance meet & greet with Celebrity Stylemakers and Beauty Editors, special prizes, and the chance to be featured in a National Magazine…..not too bad for a run of the mill shopping excursion, huh?

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Lela Rose - Spring 2010 - #NYFW

I love Lela Rose - not because she makes uber cute clothes, but she's also a Texan and has my fellow Texan Ted Gibson transforming the hair.  Lela's clothes always is girlie and that's one of the reasons I love that Stila provided the makeup.

Ladies my favorite part of the makeup look was the eyes.  We had some major lashes going on thanks to the work of Sarah Lucero.  I love that the eyes had color and look forward to using that green with a nude lip. 

Darphin provided the skin care so the faces were moisturized with only a hint of dewiness.  Not shine. 

Ted working his magic.

Deborah Lippmann provided the nude nails.  I am in love with the color Fashion and must get that color ASAP.  She also declared that "french manicures are dead."  I agree, no one has nail tips that white. 

 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Narciso Rodriguez (Backstage) - Spring 2010 - #NYFW

The theme for Narciso Rodriguez's Spring 2010 collection was “Cool Sheik”, “Reverse Makeup”, “Dirty and Smudged” provided by Dick Page for Shiseido.

Skin:  The models skin was left as pure as possible, using very light foundation where needed.

Eyes:  Dick first applied a makeup remover around the eyes with a fluffy brush to give a wet base and slightly glossy effect around the eyes.  He then blended two shades of the Luminizing Satin Eye Colors from the Fall 2009 Collection, Squirrel (BR303) and Cavern (BR708).  He applied the combination of shadows around the eyes (on top and bottom), right into the lashlines.  He then used this color on the lids to create “dirty looking eyes.”  No mascara or liner is used.

Lips:  To create a matte lip, Dick blended two shades from the new Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte line from the Spring 2010 collection.  Whisper (RD722) and Wink (BR323) were combined to create a flat mauve color, ultimately yielding “smudgy lips”.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Thakoon (Backstage) - Spring 2010 - #NYFW

Lead Artist: Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics

Trend: Luminous skin and contoured cheeks

Inspiration: “samurai-meets-surfer.” The collection consisted of so many sharp edges and aqua-blues that designer Thakoon wanted the girls to look like warriors so that they could really wear and carry the strong clothing. With such bright colors, the goal was to keep the face a bit more monotone overall but still to impart strength around the eyes and cheekbones

Look: A very strong and luminous face is the key to getting this look right.  "...tktktktk...” explained lead artist Diane Kendal. She used a minimal amount of makeup everywhere else but contoured the cheeks and kept the eye deeply set to convey an image of power through minimalism.  

Key products and steps for recreating the look:

Face:  Apply NARS Sheer Matte Foundation to conceal imperfections.  To achieve luminosity, apply NARS Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.  To contour the cheeks, apply NARS Malaysia Multiple Bronzer and blend into the cheek bones.  Highlight the cheekbones and nose with the white side of NARS Hungry Heart Blush Duo

Eyes:  Apply the brown side of NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow on the entire eyelid up to the brows.  Blend both NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010) as well as the light pink side of NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010) into the crease, outer eye and up towards the brow bone.  Apply NARS Bali Single Eyeshadow to the upper and lower lash lines as well as to the crease in the eyelid, blending with the other shadows to create definition.  Dust NARS Night Snow Single Eyeshadow in the corners of the eyes

Lips:  Mute lips by using NARS Concealer.  With your finger, apply NARS Ophelia Lipgloss (NEW for Spring 2010) to the lips

Hair by Wella

Hair Styling by: Eugene Souleiman, Global Creative Director, Wella Professionals       

Hair Color by: Eva Scrivo and the Wella Professionals team.

A sleek, tight-to-the-head “seventh samurai” ponytail is sculpted on the top half, while leaving out loose, textured ends in a knot. Free-flowing, beachy waves left down in back, allows the look to exude a variety of contradictory elements that don’t blend, but balance. 

Colored extensions add dimension and life to help form the overall shape.

Step-by-Step Styling:

1. Blowdry the hair back and away from the face.
2. Brush all the hair from ear to ear back and into a tight pony tail.
3. Apply Wella System Professional Supermousse to the pony for a sleek, satin finish.
4. Incorporate the hair from the center of the nape of the neck, in a 2 inch section up to the pony.
5. Bind the hair in the pony with 1/2 inch thick black elastic or ribbon, folding it back on itself to create a knot of hair.
6. Smooth a silicone gloss into hands and smooth over the hair that has been bound for a sleek finish.
7. Add colored extensions to the hair that is left out of the bind, to add length and fullness, as well as color depth.
8. Then spray this hair with Wella High Hair Ocean Spritz and diffuse for a beachy texture. 

All Access Fashion at Tyson's Galleria in Virginia - September 17-19, 2009

New York isn't the only place to have a preview of Spring Summer 2010 fabulousness.  Let's not forget that the lovely Tim Gunn used to call DC home - literally.

All Access Fashion is happening at Tyson's Galleria this weekend and I will be in attendance at the events. 

I you live anywhere near the DMV this event is a fashion must.

09.17.09

• LUXURY : Reinventing the Dream - Panel Discussion

09.18.09

• Fall/Winter 09/10 Runway Show hosted by Frederique Van der Wal, YouthAids Ambassador, Model & Businesswoman.

09.19.09

• All access: Fashion day
• Exclusive Runway Presentation by Project Runway Co-Host and Chief Creative Officer for Liz Claiborne Inc. - Tim Gunn
• Designer Runway Shows
• Branded Lounges and Couture Experiences
• In-Store events
• Spring/Summer 2010 international Runway Screenings

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Rachel Roy - Spring 2010

I have a girl crush!  You know the kind where you are so enamored of someone's style that you always look to see what they are wearing.  For me now it's Rachel Roy. 

I was able to go backstage at Rachel Roy and check out all the fabulous hair - courtesy of Frederick Fekkai and makeup courtesy of the always on point beauty queen - Bobbi Brown. 

While we were headed backstage we had to take a detour, but I got stuck in the middle as I watched Rachel and her team pour over the final accessories to the collection. 

First let's talk about how tall she is.  But then you see this regal elegance about her,  the beautiful face, super glossy hair, subtle makeup, the classic style, and the thing that to me makes her breathtakingly beautiful - she was nice to her staff. 

You could see them joking and laughing about why each one of them wanted a particular clutch to go with an outfit.  Rachel listened to their opinions - oblivious to me trying to crane my neck for a picture.  You see a lot of things backstage and they are not always people with manners, but my goodness she takes the cake for style and graciousness at a time when it seems manners are so lacking.  Okay I digress. I haven't started my fall shopping yet, but this fall its going to be all about Ms. Roy. Hmm, let's see if we can persuade the potion lady that I need a Rachel Roy trench in my life. 

Makeup - Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Bobbi and her team always work their pretty girl face on all the models.  I love the fresh lips with color on the cheek, eye, and lip. 

Skin:  Natural

Blush: Dusty Flush

Lips: Guava Lip Color

Eye Shadow:  Lower Lid - Warm Flesh Tones

Eye Liner: Gel Jet Creamy

Mascara - Extreme Party (available in November)

Hair - Fekkai

The inspiration was 70s glamour and it veered from many of the shows that had such a carefree essence to the hair.  The look made me not want to cut my hair but to run and get a marcel wave iron.  I loved the deep waves and sophistication of the entire look.

Fekkai COIFF Strong Hold Volume Mousse

Fekkai Au Natural Sheer Styling Gel (I am putting this on my fall beauty list)

Fekkai COIFF Defense Pre Style Thermal UV Protectant

Essence.com's Fashion Report (BCBG) - Spring 2010 - #NYFW

You have to check out Essence.com's Fashion Week Coverage.  It features two of New York's fashionistas who also write the blog The Glamazons: Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Fabulous.  I'm very partial to these ladies.  The entire fashion and beauty team at Essence will be covering backstage and front of the house for all that is New York Fashion Week.  This video features the fabulous lady in charge Mikki Taylor - Cover and Beauty Director.  When I was a teen reading Essence Mikki helped add to my beauty obsession.  Check out her skin - flawless. Mikki is so fab that words cannot express my love for her.  I've seen her at a few events in NY and me who is never speechless cannot even come up with a decent hello.

Sharpie Products Make Their Debut at New York Fashion Week - #NYFW

Sharpie, the ultimate multi-tasking, backstage, must-have marker, is appearing "front of house" at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, writing a new chapter in DIY fashion history.

Most of you all know that I love paper. I can spend hours in paper stores for the perfect thank you card or notepad.  I am also a pen junkie.  I love pens and always try to write in fun colors - hot pink, yellow, orange, or green - you name it - I write with it.  I was so excited to learn that Sharpie (addicted to those as well will be at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week).  I love writing notes with Sharpie’s Ultra Fine Point colors.  I keep a set at home and the office.  But, this year Sharpie has a retractable pen that is high on my pen list. I just need colors Sharpie ASAP okay.

Betsey Johnson is lending her signature style to Sharpie’s official foray into fashion, partnering with the leading marker brand to design an exclusive Betsey Johnson Sharpie Shirt. Johnson’s design echoes the customization trend, letting wearers complete the design she started on the shirt by adding their own Sharpie style.  “Everything I draw, write, sign, doodle is with a Sharpie marker,” said Johnson. “These days, the real fashion trend is all about expressing your individual self and style. Sharpie is the perfect tool to do just that, whether on paper, fabric, or other materials.”

I can’t wait to make my way to their first-ever SHARPIE BAR during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Sharpie is inviting editors and attendees to grab a Sharpie marker and get creative. At the Sharpie DIY Lounge, guests become the designers. Plain white accessories, apparel items and, of course, plenty of Sharpie markers will be on hand for guests to embellish their favorite silhouettes.