All About The Pretty

Nina Garcia is Headed to Marie Claire Magazine

According to Fashion Week Daily, Nina Garcia has accepted the position of Fashion Director with Marie Claire Magazine starting in September. 

The Met Costume Institute Gala

Last night was The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala.  The new exhibition is the Superheroes and Super Chic collection.  The Met's Gala represents art, culture, and celebrity.  For me it represents glamour. 

One of my top choices is Eva Longoria in Marchesa.  For some reason the color and detail of this dress blows me away. 

The Oscars 2008: Very Pretty Indeed

Hooray for Hollywood!  It's that time.  My wine glass is full with a great Rioja, the hors oeuvre's are set - a really great (charcuterie) salami and prosciutto, (frommage) - swiss elemental and a triple cream Brie, with additions of jalapeno stuffed olives,  almonds, cashews, and lavender chocolate.

Here are my picks for Oscar worthy pretty.  Everyone played it safe.  Which worked for me, but seemed a little off.  Maybe it was the rush of the writer's strike ending.  Although I was not blown away by anyone, a lot of people looked nice:

• I like the huge and unusual neckline of Heidi Klum's Galliano dress.
• Anne Hathaway in Marchesa.  I really love that dress.
• Ruby Dee in Kevin Hall.  She looks wonderful and absolutely flawless.  This is truly what aging gracefully should look like.
• I love the color of Kelly Preston's Roberto Cavalli dress.
• Amy Adams just looked okay in Proenza Schouler.
• Jennifer Garner looked nice in her Oscar de la Renta, but was in complete and utter shock when Gary Busey kissed her on the neck.  Gross.
• Miley Cyrus looks age appropriate in Valentino.
• Jessica Alba in Marchesa.  Pretty, but I need a necklace.
• Cameron Diaz in Dior and Bvlgari jewels.  Forget the dress, the jewelry was in insane.
• Marion Cotillard fabulous in Gaultier.  Robert Vetica of Frederic Fekkai did the hair, me loves a lot.  He used Coiff Shape, Set Miss, Magnifique Finishing Cream, and Coiff Fini Sheer Hold Hairspray.  I really loved this dress.  It was completely different and one of the few risks on the red carpet.
  
• Katherine Heigl in red Escada.  As always, Hollywood glamour at its best.  She made me want to pick up some hot air rollers and start playing. 
• Jennifer Hudson. I loved the white on the red carpet.
• Penelope Cruz in navy Chanel.  Wow!

Photo:  Oscar.com

Redken is Calling All Fashion Fanatics

Redken is holding a Fashion Insider contest which consumers will have a chance to become Redken's first ever "Backstage Blogger" at the Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Week in New York City.  Each season, Redken stylists create the looks for the most influential runway shows packed with celebrities, editors, and buyers from all over the world. 

Redken is offering consumers the chance to go behind-the-scenes and blog about their backstage experience on Redken.com.  From now until May 31, entrants only need to submit a sample blog entry, a photo of their style icon and a brief essay about how their style icon's hair completes his o r her overall look on www.redken.com/fashioninsider. 

The winner will also receive:

• 6-days/5-nights for two in NYC for Spring 2009 Fashion Week in September
• A backstage pass to the hottest shows at Fashion Week
• A laptop and digital camera to help them blog about their experience; and
• $1000 spending money.

The contest is now officially open and accepting entries to anyone and everyone interested.

The Tyra Banks Show at Fashion Week

If you still haven't gotten over the behind the scenes and front row frenzy action at New York Fashion Week, there's still a little more.  Tyra Banks is going backstage at Bryant Park on her show tomorrow.  Set your Tivos, DVRs, and if you still have them your VHS.  This will be interesting to see as Tyra goes back to her roots.  Check your local listings for times at Tyra Show.

Fashion Week: Tuleh - Fall 2008

Everything was going great backstage at Tuleh, until I whipped out my camera and realized I didn't have the battery. So I'm putting a photo from Style.com to showcase Polly Osmond's work.  The skin was semi-matte with not a bronzer in site - foundation and powder only.  The eyes, I really loved the eyes.  I like to call this a chocolate and gold smoky eye.  Metallic gold, bronze, chocolate, and rose gold were all used on the eye.  Four colors that when blended and applied properly look divine.  Polly used lots of mascara and the look was complete.  If you notice there isn't much blush, because the look was shading.  To top of the look, a toffee lip color was created using MAC's 2N Lip glass from the N Collection.  I love this look and think I will recreate it, but go really easy on the lower lash liner with the metallic gold.

Photo:  Style.com

Fashion Week: Marchesa - Fall 2008

Stila was the makeup line responsible for the clean and understated look at Marchesa Fall 2008.  The look called for lots of lashes, which I love.  If you are the creators of red-carpet ready dresses, you have got to have the lashes to match.  Talia Shobrook has been creating gorgeous looks to match Marchesa's dresses for a few seasons.

Here is the rundown which was provided to me.  Step One:  Skin - the look was matte and pale using Stila Sheer Pressed Powder and Perfecting Concealer.  Step Two:  Eyes - neutron tones with a smoky eye using Stila Eye Shadow in Chinois to brow bones; next apply shadow in Bouquet and Kamet to the creases of the eyelids and lash line.  Line the lower outer rim with Kajal Liner in Smoky Quartz.  Finish with Major Lash Mascara over lashes.  Step Three:  Cheeks - Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain created a bright blush.  Applied with fingertips to the high apples of the cheeks, blending out until the color becomes a soft stain.  Step Four:  Lips - Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain applied directly to lips and topped with lipstick in Caicos using fingertips.

 

Fashion Week: Brian Reyes - Fall 2008

I had to be up so early for the call time at the Brian Reyes Fall 2008 show.  Feeling like "death warmed over" didn't help my situation.  The only reason that could have possible pulled me out of the comforts of the heavenly bed is watching Bobbi Brown work her makeup magic up close and personal.  The color selection was mauve inspired tones on the cheeks and the lips.  The face had a look of no foundation whatsoever, but I saw them put foundation on the girls so it was amazing to see how they worked it to so that the models looked as though their skin was light as air.  The finished look was fresh, clean, and healthy.  Easy makeup which is Bobbi's expertise.  Bobbi used the words "healthy, nude and outdoorsy." 

The nail color was CND Negligee which can be described as a very sheer nude color that reflects off the light.  They only used 1 coat to create this look because they didn't want to distract from the clothes.  Bobbi's team were a delight to talk to as well.  I told one of her team that she is a rockstar in my eyes and she was like mine too.  I completely understand.

Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier - Fall 2008

In my imaginary life I would have a closet full of Monique Lhuillier's suits to wear to church.  The thought of dressing up in one of her signature suits always puts a smile on my face.  Therefore, being backstage to watch the whole "kit and caboodle" of beauty happening has this girl feeling much better.  I have been so busy that I'm starting to feel under the weather.  It feels like someone is river dancing in my chest, a few chills when there shouldn't be are happening, and the pressure behind my eyes is saying to slow down, breathe, and get some sleep. 

ML's MAC Makeup Artists worked their magic for the runway.  ML had thoughts of peacock colors, which were created using MAC Eye Pencil in Indigo and MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder.  The lips were a deep wine stain that the artists feathered on the lips and were super sheer.  [I'm waiting on the product name for that one.  Nails were a diesel black color by CND called NFS, which I must get soon.  GHD provided the hair styling tools and the products.  The hair was a tight ponytail, wrapped around the head and secured with a headband to give it sort of a 30s flapper feel.  I didn't realize GHD products were created to be a system for your hair.  The Miracle Mist looks like it can work wonders on my hair. 

The finished product for ML was elegant, easy, and pretty.  I want one of her suits so bad, that I just might have to fly to LA when they have their sales.

Photo:  AATP

American Express Fashion Network

This is for all my fashion and beauty junkies, who want an insider's view of fashion week.  American Express has created it's own Fashion Network with cameras all around inside the fashion tents, interviews with the designers and celebrities by Robert Verdi (stylist) and Roshumba Williams (model.)  First let me say that Roshumba is so gorgeous up close that it should be a crime to look that good.  Her skin is insane.  There is not one wrinkle on this woman's face.  The legs are still killer.  It's amazing how one week can send all us girls into a frenzy of what we plan to buy for the next season. 

Visitors to the network will see industry-only events from your computer screen with various views of the runways and throughout the tents.  You will actually see live shows.  AmEx has its own sky-box overlooking both the Main Tent and the Promenade, giving Gold, Platinum, and Centurion Card members a way to experience the shows in a truly unique way.  The lounge style viewing room is undetectable from the runway.  Basically if you are in the sky-box you can see out, but no one can see you.  Tickets were sold for this event with proceeds going to the CFDA Fund that benefits up and coming designers.

The sky-box was so swanky that it made this beauty blogger want to plant down her card for a ticket.  On the site you will see card members mingling and having fun.  It makes me want to sing a little Kanye West - "welcome to the good life."

If you are thirsty for more up-to-the-minute fashion - log on using the link above.

Fashion Week: Thakoon - Fall 2008

Blessed be the beauty gods because I was able to see Gucci Westman for Lancome perform her magic at the Thakoon Fall 2008 show.  As many of you know, Gucci is leaving Lancome to pursue other endeavors, but to see her work in action is amazing.  I like that she is a little bit of rock and roll with a twist of avant garde.  I didn't expect to see such intense cheeks or a fabulous face that meshed into each other.  There were no metallics, but the face still had a sort of vibrancy as she applied layer, upon layer, of color.  The skin was powdery, cool, and soft.  She admitted that one of her favorite items in the Lancome family to create was the Destiny Cube.

The finished photo showed a stain that had sheen and texture.  Aveda provided the products for the hair and Pure Abundance was used to tease the hair at the root for lift, next it was straightened so it had structured movement and shape.  Being that this is for the runway, I can't imagine seeing this look for everyday.  The look was great for the runway.

Although, the finished look was gorgeous.

Photos:  AATP and Style.com

Fashion Week: Tracy Reese - Fall 2008

UPDATE:  Video of Mally Roncal explaining her backstage look.

Tracy Reese "oh how I love you."  I love Tracy's designs.  I love her girly fabrics, colors, textures, and I love the makeup from her shows because none other than the lovely Mally Roncal does the makeup.   Mally is all about the most gorgeous and glamorous makeup.  Mally and Tracy have a wonderful beauty collaboration and this season Tracy coined her looked "stormy eye."  It contains layer after layer of plums, lilac, and black shimmer metallics to create the look.   There was a sheer glow on the cheeks that created a luminous face.  Lips were matte, without glass.  The matte wasn't the super drying matte, but more of a stain.  I did a small video to display on the site, but since I am not the most techno savvy person I have to resort to a photo only.  If I can figure out the video I will add it.  It's worth seeing Mally describing this look.

Video and Photos are courtesy of AATP

Fashion Week: Abaete - Fall 2008

Abaete's Fall 2008 presentation was full of gorgeous makeup from NARS Cosmetics with nails created by CND (Creative Nail Design).  NARS makeup artist - Ayako, created a very simple look with beautiful gold lids and a strong eyebrow.  The pigmentation of this shadow is amazing.  I sampled it on the back of my hand.  I can't wait to use this on my eyes.  I wish it was out now, because you could definitely use it for spring.

For the eye, a duo Isolde (available for Fall 2008 and shown above) with no mascara.  The lips featured a new color, Canaille (Fall 2008) and Hindu Lipstick.  The cheeks were blushed with Dolce Vita (Fall 2008).   If you are a fan of the Dolce Vita Lipstick and Lip Gloss, you are going to just fall out when you see this blush. 

CND used a lovely nude color on the nails.  Serenity is a sheer nude which was a great contrast to the clothes.  CND also showed me their Fall 2008 color collections which are so new they don't have names.  Amanda from CND said that the trend in clothes is tonal and that the shiny and matte fabrics of the collections are reflected in the nail colors.  I love the black color with gold flecks.  I know the trend of dark nails will still be going strong for Fall.   

NARS also has a wonderful new nail color coming out in the Spring.  It's going to be a huge hit.  If you want to know what it is, keep reading my dear lovelies.

 Photos:  AATP and Getty Images

Fashion Week: Thuy - Fall 2008

Bonjour mes amies.  Ladies, it's been crazy here in NY.  Yesterday it rained so bad that I was late to all of my appointments, but it has still been so much fun.  Well, it seems that beauty has a beautiful and lady-like glow for Fall 2008.  I want to thank Total Beauty for allowing me to become an Official i-Correspondent. 

At Thuy, Senior MAC makeup artist Romera Jennings did a classic and elegant face.  The focus was long luscious lashes, beautiful stained lips, which were not matte and not too glossy.  Quintessential to fall is the strong mouth.  The hair was long and flowing.   The lips were MAC Lip Liner in Brick with Lipmix in Brown (Lipmix is a MAC Pro product).  Liam of Ted Gibson haircare created an edgy glamour girl.  Think loose full waves that curl at the ends that stayed in place using TG's Beautiful Hold Hairspray which smells like gardenia.

One of the fun things you get to see backstage is to see beauty at work.  You also get to see the artists makeup kits.

This photo makes me want to play dress up.

Photos:  AATP

Liz Claiborne Hearts Isaac Mizrahi

The always fabulous and downright delicious Isaac Mizrahi has been named Creative Director of Liz Claiborne Womens.  Isaac's job will be to bring a little more spunk, excitement, and beauty to the line.  He will also be responsible for brand design and marketing functions.  You go boy.  We love us some Isaac.  I have many items from his Tar-jay line.

HauteLook.com

Former Fox News "Style File" producer Carlota Espinosa is helping my holiday bargain shopping with the launch of HauteLook.com on Dec. 4.  The online sample sale club gives members access to private online sample sales from labels such as rock & Republic, LaRok, Ya-Ya, and Katy Rodriguez.  the first sale will feature Development by Erica Davies.  You must act quick because the items for the sale are only available for 15 minutes once you add them to your basket."  There are so many pieces from Development's Fall 2007 line that I would love to have.  I surely hope I will be able to grab a piece.  The red dress is classic.

Happy Holiday Shopping.

Source:  WWD

Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion

Stylist:  The Interpreters of Fashion is a new book that lists the top stylists according to the editors of Style.com.  There are interviews with each stylist and the introduction is by Anna Wintour.  Only 16 people made the list:  Paul Cavaco, Grace Coddington, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Edward Enninful, Loria Goldstein, Tonne Goodman, Andrea Lieberman, Polly Mellen, Camilla Nickerson, Carine Roitfeld, Venetia Scott, Karl Templer, Melanie Ward, Alex White, Brana Wolf, and Joe Zee.

For all those interested in fashion, this might be something to check out. 

NY = LBD, Prescriptives Bronzer, and Alek Wek

Just in time for fall fashions, some of my two favorite stylists Cristina Ehrlich and Estee Stanley of my Showstopper palette are doing the same for the little black dress.  Because every woman should have an LBD in their closet.  I wear it at least once a week because I can accessorize with chunky jewelry and elegant makeup.  I found it interesting that they took one dress and made 5 different looks.  We can always learn something new.  Us Weekly has a contest going on and the prize is a trip to their Hot Hollywood Party.  I may not be in Hollywood, but I felt like a star today, sunglasses and all.  Hopefully next summer I can add this super cute LBD by Thuy to my collection.  I can even wear this to trial - digging in boxes, up and down for 18 hours a day and running down the halls of the courthouse.  Yes, we run at trial.  The trials on primetime TV are such a joke.  I know this will be accepted with a cute little jacket.  Some judges actually give dress codes to wear to court.  It's their court and they can do whatever they like.  There's a judge in NY that makes the women wear closed-toed shoes.  No sandals or mules. I remember my first ever law firm job.  One of the attorney's said "we have business casual days - Saturday and Sunday."   

This information came in helpful as I attended the Trump Soho Hotel Condominium press luncheon in NYC today.  I actually came for The Ivanka.  I wanted to see what she was wearing and to see if she had anything on from her new jewelry line.  I saw a few photos of the line and my mouth dropped.  I need another job because there is a set of earrings that belong in my ears.  I also got my Prescriptives Custom Blend bronzer by the fabulous Jason at Bergdorf.  He created Erika's custom blended items for FW.  I took her referral and got my new fix.  LBD from years back - free in my closet; Amtrak ticket to NY - $134 on debit card, Prescriptives Custom-Blend items at Bergdorf's and other goodies - don't ask; and book signing with Alek Wek tonight - PRICELESS.

 

I'm Still Recovering From Fashion Week

I have to give a shout out to the women who go the entire FW and survive not looking like "death warmed up."  I'm still new to this.  I'm a person who loves a good 8 or 9 or 10 hours of sleep.  Here's my quick assessment on how I survived four days of non-stop, adrenaline pumping, foot walking, Holy Trinity of B's shopping, and way too much liquid energy.  I'm fully recovered, but I'm headed to NY in the morning, but will be back in time for the Alek Wek book signing tomorrow night.

Face:  Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.  I took this cream with me to FW because I didn't want my face to have that "I've been road hard and put up wet look " that I can have from lack of sleep.  Ann Richards, the former governor of Texas always said that quote.  I was trying not to take the whole bathroom counter with me so I packed this to slather on my face and neck every night.  I admit that I actually went from the neck to the chest with it as well.  I'm trying to stop the girls from sagging as long as possible.  I tend to be heavy handed with creams.  I don't believe in a little goes a long way.  A lot goes a long way.  So even though the jar was brand new two weeks ago, it's getting more use than I could have imagined.

Baths.  Baths are so great because I love the W.  But, there was only a shower, so upon returning home it's baths and more baths.  I have been using Soaptopia Alotta Bubbles in Vanilla which fill the tub so full of bubbles that twice it's almost overflowed.  My body needed to melt in the soft bubbly water for the past few days.  They also have this lovely balm called the 50/50 balm.  I am not a good sleepy and since the scent of lavender is supposed to help my Type A personality relax.  Well, I get why their Lovely Lavender Body Balm works. It's 50 percent oil and 50 percent cream.  Therefore, when I'm whipped from this crazy thing called life.  I don't have to mix.  They did it for me.  After the bath, comes the pleasure of applying the balm.  My, my, my.

Foot Cream.  Plantogen Sole Scrub and Sole Repair Cream.  If you don't like to walk, NY is not for you.  Not only are you walking everywhere, but for long blocks.  I walked in flat shoes, changed into my stilettos for the shows and parties, and changed back into my flats to hit the streets.  After many glasses of champagne, my feet were swelling to the point where we are pass pain, but that numb feeling where you can't feel them anymore.  No matter what time I returned to my room, I slathered on this cream and went to sleep.  My manicurist couldn't believe my feet didn't look as hideous as she thought when I told her I had been in NY. 

Massage:  Schedule a massage for when you return home.  I'm so glad I scheduled a massage.  My body was like "why did we go to NY and brutalize us like this."  Where is our weekly exfoliation/mask?  I usually fall asleep during my massage, but when my masseuse informed me that I was snoring, face down, well Houston we have a problem.

Have a tres jolie day.

The Primetime Emmy Winners

Congratulations to the OLAY Definity Illuminator Emmy Contest winners:  Lys, Chanel, Trixie Star, Coach Wife, and Kavs.  I really thought the Jason Wu would stump everyone.  Ladies please email me your addresses so I can mail your prize.

Here are my some of my favorite picks from last night awards. 

I knew Eva Longoria was not going to disappoint in the gold Kaufman Franco dress.  Short, classic, flawless.  The heels were high and the makeup was on point.

• Ali Larter is the red Reem Acra.  I am still craving that purple dress I saw on the runway.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfuss in purple Narcisco Rodriguez.
• Joely Fisher in lemon yellow Pamella Roland.
• Mariska Hargitay in Zac Posen.
• Kimora Lee Simmons.  Fabulosity indeed.
• Kyra Sedgwick in Oscar de la Renta.
• Nancy Walls (Steve Carrell's wife) in black Carolina Herrera.
• Vanessa L. Williams' skin.  I didn't care for the color of the dress, but my goodness - her skin.  This woman is 44 years old.  I hope my skin looks half as good as hers in 10 years.  I'm trying.  Lord knows I'm trying.
• Best commercial.  Macy's.  I thought to bring all those moguls under one ad was a superb idea.
• I am convinced that Katherine Heigl, in Zac Posen, cannot look bad in an evening gown.

Photo:  Courtesy of Style.com

Pretty + Fashion Week (Spring 2008) - Part 4

To wrap my commentary on Fashion Week is to leave the last swish of wine in my glass after a great meal. It makes me want another round.  Daphne and I attended the Reem Acra show together.  We sat with our mouths wide open as one beautiful dress, after beautiful top, after beautiful dress sashayed down the runway.   We were slapping each other's hand when I said I need this purple dress in my life for the South Beach Food and Wine Festival parties in February.  I can just see it - me all bronze and shimmy shimmy cocoa brown with this dress on - praying that I can breathe and sip at the same time. 

After the show we headed to the champagne booth with Nichelle, Lesley, Rachel, Kristen, and Lauren to watch the DVF show on the monitors.  Watching the DVF show I saw my checkbook getting lighter with so many pieces of me going "I have to have that . . . and that . . . and that."  I met and chatted up Memsor, the Fashion Director Vibe who was so gracious, sweet and kind.  He is fabulous personified.  I even have a photo, but I will have to upload that later.  After all the sipping and chatting, we headed to dinner because we were in desperate need of sustenance.  Julia cannot live by champagne alone. 

Monday is was more of the same and the Elle 360/Mercury Fashion Show featuring Nili Lotan.  There were a few pieces of hers that I have to have.  They can go from the office to the restaurant and still look chic and modern.  After leaving the show we headed to our respective planes and trains for home.  I am still pinching myself because the little girl from Louisiana was in the big city for Fashion Week.  Until next year.  I'm still recovering and of course I will write about which products helped me to do so. 

As always may the lip gloss be with you.

Pretty + Fashion Week (Spring 2008) - Part 3

Saturday rolled around and it seemed like a race to beat the clock.  From meeting beauty bloggers for an eyebrow fix with Elke, to the MAC Blogger Event in the tents, to lunch, then back to shows.  It seems Daphne and I were either running to or hopping out of a cab.  Saturday night's show by the Academy of Art San Francisco was a great highlight.  Here were six student designers showing their final collection. One of the key looks for me was this white linen dress that could go from shopping with girls for beauty products to dinner with the girls. 

The makeup was a deep contrast from what I had been seeing.  Here was color - red stain. I hope that the Laura Lip Stain I purchased will continue to be available in the spring because the red lip looks so amazing with this dress. 

After the show it was dinner with a gaggle full of bloggers.  I would like to thank all the ladies for turning out and the restaurant staff who was so nice despite the loud rambunctious noise coming from our time.  I don't think they saw a party of female that big in a long time.  Grazie.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Pretty + Fashion Week (Spring 2008) - Part 2

Tracy Reese:

There are really no words to express how much I love Tracy Reese. I love all her girly-ness.  I also have to love a woman who in your store you step in the door and there is this amazing chandelier and you want one in your home.  I'm not surprised that I loved everything in her collection.  The suits are so Sunday-go-to-meeting.  I can just see a great clutch and my BYOB (bring-your-own-bible).  The hats are too die for.  I can only wonder how many times Tracy watched the Great Gatsby.  I can just picture Mia and Robert in her head as she sat designing and putting her twist on the entire collection.  The makeup diva that is Mally Roncal created the face and once again beautiful skin, with the faintest hint of makeup is there.  The lips were glossy, but with a light sheen.  They didn't look as though they had a clear coat on top.  There was a splash of pink on the eye, cheeks, and lips on each model.  Of course, I will have to add a little more blush and lips to complete a few of those ensembles. Here's a great post from Flypaper about the show.  I love Bluefly and you know those ladies love clothes.

The District Sample Sale is tonight here in the nation's capital.  The weather is supposed to be perfect.  If you are in the area and haven't bought your tickets, what are you waiting for. 

All the proceeds go to charity so what's to love about pretty philanthropy. 

Pretty + Fashion Week (Spring 2008) - Part 1

Please forgive me for writing so late.  I have been humpin' every since I got off the train on Friday for Fashion Week.  I had a 5 am train on Friday, arrived at 8:15am, dropped off luggage at my hotel and headed to Bryant Park to pick up my press materials and enter the tents.  Before I could even enter, I stood across the street and took it all in.  I literally had to pinch myself and not cry because I know Mama Dear, Pops, and Big Brother are smiling down on me from Heaven.  Of course I could hear Mama Dear's voice "will you please put some lip gloss on and go in."  I adjusted myself and headed up the steps and entered the lounge.  After people watching, which included seeing Anna Wintour enter the Vera Wang show, it hit me.  We are not in Kansas anymore Ellie Mae.

At the Vera Wang show, her line featured an element of structure.  Structured skirts and dresses in various textures.  For spring the palette had gray and black with hints of color, but the makeup and yes, we are here for beauty showed a soft and barely there approach to makeup.  The skin was well hydrated, but not dewy.  Of course the models all seem to have gorgeous skin despite running from show-to-show.  I can't imagine what my face would look like if I had to wipe every stitch of makeup off my face and reapply at least 8 times a day.  The lips were touched with a soft pink.  More stain than gloss, which was a trend throughout the shows.  I can see one of the Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss working well into spring.  I picked the Rootbeer.  Don't let the balm name fool you.  It's a lip balm, with the faintest hint of gloss, which is perfect for achieving this look.  The eyes have a slight iridescent which a really good eyeshadow close to the tear ducts can give this effect.  I use shadow this way all the time and I will definitely be using it this week since I'm whipped.

Photo:  Style.com