Last year, I had to battle the marathon of New York Fashion Week almost solely by myself but this year due to demand (and my own sanity), we have a TEAM of writers and editors that will be working with me to bring you all the magic of New York Fashion Week. Want to meet the ladies who will be bringing the magic home for Fall/Winter 2010? Here they are:
First up is Contributing Fashion Editor Bryn Taylor. Bryn is an accomplished editor and writer who will be bringing her fashion and style expertise to many of the shows this season. Bryn has a sharp eye for trends, seasons of experience covering shows and events and she's just as big of a fashion fan as the rest of us. Look for Bryn's eagle-eye, savvy updates from inside the tents and at many of the shows. If you want to follow her updates on Twitter, she's @brynttaylor.
Second is Eileen Dautruche, the editor of Miss Whoever You Are and an accomplished beauty writer. As Contributing Beauty Editor, Eileen will be covering beauty backstage and at some of the shows so all your beauty addicts should follow her updates post-haste. Look for posts on FSB as well as her own site via her Twitter ID: @misswhoeverur.
Last but certainly not least is Lauren Lipsay, aka "DJ Lips." Not only is she an accomplished DJ who has played some of the hottest parties in the area, but she's also a pretty awesome fashion and beauty writer! I'm throwing this University of Pennsylvania student (and Sigma Delta Tau sister - hi ladies!) into the mix to cover both fashion AND backstage beauty AND after-parties with yours truly as Contributing Style Editor. Look for smart, witty updates from our girl Lauren on Twitter at @DJLips.
And then there's me, your fearless (ha!) editor, Kristin Booker, who will be racing from tent to event, bringing you all the magic and happiness known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We'll all be hitting MAC at Milk, Robert Verdi's Luxe Lounge, the Hautelook Lounge, the W Departures Lounge, countless backstage and tent shows...if it's worth reading about, we'll have it here. So follow my ladies and then be sure to follow me on Twitter at @fashionstbeauty for all the coverage. Be sure to use #nyfw to follow the stream of all the online writers from Style Coalition who will be covering anything and everything Fashion Week.
Introducing another contributor to FSB, the lovely Tamara Lukens. Tamara attended the mark./Lauren Conrad event last week for us. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy from the event from her perspective:
I had the pleasure to attend the m.powerment by mark. event at The Crosby Hotel in New York City, where I spent the evening learning about the cause from Claudia Poccia, Global President for mark. and everyone’s favorite reality star/designer/author Lauren Conrad, mark. spokesperson and honorary co-chair for the m.powerment campaign.
The m.powerment campaign is a philanthropic effort that seeks to empower young women to break the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. Did you know that women, ages 16-24, have the highest incidence of partner abuse? Through this campaign, mark. is committed to change this statistic by instilling confidence and courage as well as creating a network for young women to reach out to and discuss these issues. Since launching in 2008, the m.powerment by mark campaign has raised over $400K, with the money distributed to organizations around the country that support awareness, education and service to the problem of domestic partner abuse.
Upon arrival, we were ushered into a screening room and, with popcorn and champagne soda in hand, watched the campaign's new PSA. We also got a sneak peek at the brand new "Have a Heart" bracelet, which features Lauren's signature "faves" heart on one side, and the m.powerment by mark. insignia on the other. Lauren Conrad was on hand for the event as well and I was very excited to see her talk about this incredible movement.
Along with Claudia Poccia, mark. Global President, a mark top seller, and Kristen DiFiore, Peer Educator Leader from the Healthy Relationship Training Academy in New York City, Lauren talked about the campaign and the importance of reaching out to young women who may be caught in an abusive relationship, emphasizing it is not their fault and encouraging them to seek help right away. An inspiring and powerful message from the face of the campaign.
She gracefully answered a set of questions submitted by bloggers and fans, including inquiries about her beauty secrets and her favorite beauty products, which we were all dying to know! I discovered that Lauren shares my love for playing up the eyes, "Eyes are fun!" she remarked, and revealed that her perfect cat eye requires a lot of practice. Her go-to product for the signature look is On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Liner in Cleo (black) ($6). Her other favorite beauty products from the brand are the aforementioned eyeliner, as well as Hook Ups with her favorite combination being the Scanda-Lash mascara ($6) and m.powerment gold lipgloss ($6). Given her busy traveling schedule, Lauren relies on mark Light Bright Lighten & Depuff Gel ($8) to help her achieve a well-rested look. I can assure you, I'll be shopping for these products right away!
I’m very grateful to mark. and the m.powerment campaign for bringing forward the topic of domestic partner abuse among young women to the forefront. If you would like to participate and support this cause, head to shop.meetmark.com and click on the m.powerment link, where you will find an assortment of products, including the signature necklaces and bracelets. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of the sale of these products go directly to the cause. For more information, go to meetmark.com/mpowerment.
It's that time of year again and we're all racing to get ready to head to the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and MAC at Milk. We're all completely thrilled our oasis in the Bryant Park Hotel will return again this year, the Hautelook Lounge.
By invitation only and situated in the swank Penthouse, this is where media, celebs, and other invited guests will take a break, relax, refuel and stay wired during a segment of this fashionable marathon. What to expect this year? Carlota Espinosa, VP of Fashion at invitation-only, online sale giant Hautelook gives FSB readers the scoop:
FSB: We're so excited that Hautelook has decided to create another oasis for all of us during Fashion Week again. Can you give us a little insight into Hautelook's decision to do the suite again? Carlota Espinosa: We’re thrilled to be back at Fashion Week this year. Last year’s event was a success and many journalists commented on how much they enjoyed the suite. This year we’re focusing on beauty throughout the three days of the suite. Makeup artists from top beauty brands including Luminess Air, Becca Cosmetics and Jemma Kidd Makeup School will provide makeup touchups. GO SMiLE will offer complimentary teeth whitening, and Baby Quasar, Exhale Spa, Elave, Sjal and Freeze 24-7 will offer rejuvenating skin treatments and informative demonstrations throughout the suite’s run. We hope all of our media friends enjoy the lounge and come unwind with us during the first three days of Fashion Week.
FSB: What's the one thing you look forward to during Fashion Week? CE: I am really looking forward hosting the HauteLook Lounge. I really enjoy meeting and seeing again the people who write and talk about HauteLook. I also love dressing up for our nightly events at the lounge! I am especially looking forward to checking out Rachel Pally’s Fall Collection and seeing all the incredible designer pieces from our decadestwo trunk show.
FSB: For those with invitations, is there anything we should know to expect (i.e. security check-in, invitation only, etc.)? CE: The event is invitation only. Once guests have rsvp’d they can come in an out throughout the three days of the suite. It will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have complimentary Wi-Fi and laptop stations for media again this season and snacks throughout the day. We are also offering hourly giveaways to guests including Baby Quasar light therapy devices, Jack Rabbit collection clutches, Alisa Michelle necklaces, Lucky Jade cotton cashmere blankets and D.L.& Co. Lady Rhubarb candles. Let’s hope everyone is feeling lucky!
FSB: What can we expect from Hautelook this spring? Any new and exciting offerings coming soon?
CE: We’ve partnered with more than 800 brands since 2007, so expect to see more sales and more amazing discounts on great brands. If you love shopping on our site for fashion and accessories; check out our selection of products in the beauty, men’s, home and kids categories. More and more, the site is becoming a one-stop shopping destination for all of our members' needs.
Looks to be another amazing season. Thanks to Carlota for the inside scoop and we'll see you at the Hautelook Suite!
We get a lot of invitations as fashion and beauty bloggers but there are some that make you giddy for days. Especially when they involve the world's most famous doll. I received a pretty pink invite for one of fashion's legends and dropped everything to be there. Oh yes, folks, we're talking aboutoriginal style icon: Barbie.
The CFDA had twelve designers create their version of the eponymous LBD (Little Black Dress) as part of the Barbie Basics collection in collaboration with Mattel. In order to mark the occasion, fashion and beauty's bloggerati arrived dressed in Little Black Dresses to honor our favorite doll. We had a chance to view the swoon-worthy dolls in person and if you're a lifelong fan of the Barbie like me, you'll pass out. Let's take a look, shall we?
Kate Spade's Barbie has her legendary uptown chic style and it comes with a fabulous necklace.
The Lorraine Schwartz Barbie is covered in almost $10,000 worth of diamonds, including the insignia "B" pendant and diamond insteps on her shoes? And you thought your shoe collection was expensive.
The Devi Kroell Barbie comes with sequined leggings and a signature bag by the designer. As a HUGE Devi Kroell fan, I came close to passing out.
My favorite Barbie of the night was from one of my all-time favorite accessories designers, Justin Guinta, who happened to be on-hand at the event to discuss the doll he designed for his line, Subversive. I even had a chance to speak with him briefly about his Barbie and he essentially translated his mixed material luxe style into something that his customer, Barbie, would wear. It was a dream come true for the designer and, of course, if you buy his Barbie, it comes with one of his signature necklaces. More from Justin coming soon. I feel you need to know more about this designer and his magical confections.
So many other designers, so little time! Betsey Johnson, Phillip Crangi, Alexis Bittar, Isaac Mizrahi and others donated time and efforts to design these amazing dolls. Unfortunately,the auction has ended but it's not too late to get your hands on a Barbie Basics dollfor yourself or a budding fashionista you might know for just $21.99, available at Toys-R-Us locations around the country. The dolls are amazing and come in different skin hues, hair lengths and cute LBDs.
What a night: LBDs, Barbies and my fellow fashion and beauty lovers. It was an occasion that was worth getting all dolled up for.
I love anything eco-chic, especially when it comes to skincare. This is why Weleda products and I have enjoyed a long, loving relationship. I keep Skin Food in my purse at all times, the Wild Rose skincare system is part of my life like a relative but now I think we're ready to make my love for the brand official with their Pomegranate Regenerating products.
Look, I have really bad winter-dry skin. So much so that I've started sleeping with a humidifier next to my bed and it's not making a dent in the situation. I have skin that gets painfully dry, as in it will crack and really hurt if I'm not careful. Weleda to the rescue. Antioxidant-rich pomegranate seed oil renews gray (read: ashy) skin and the addition of macadamia seed oil adds moisture and soothing like nobody's business. I use all three products on a nightly basis: the Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash ($18) is used in the shower, then I follow it up with the Pomegranate Body Oil ($28) right onto soaking wet skin and then wrap myself in a bathrobe to let it sink in. Before I go to bed, I slather my hands in the Pomegranate Hand Cream ($12.50), which is reported to reduce age spots and helps seal the moisture into my hands. After typing, racing around the subways and slamming my hands in and out of gloves, my hands need all the help they can get at night. I'm sure almost ALL of you can relate.
Eco-friendly skincare that's soothing AND helps reduce the suffering from winter dry skin? For most of us, that's a miracle. For Weleda, that's just the way they do things around here.
It's Super Bowl Sunday and some of us will be watching the game like it's a religious experience (GEAUX SAINTS!). For others, it's a good opportunity to eat more than you should, drink more than is advisable and feign some level of interest until the commercials come on. Even though most of us have DVRs now and fast-forward through any advertisement possible, this is the one night a year where we look forward to watching Madison Avenue earn its paycheck. I'd like to mark the occasion by paying homage to some of the best classic fashion, beauty and style commercials of yore:
Who could forget the legendary Cindy Crawford commercial with the denim shorts that she was ABLE TO FIT INTO THE NEXT TIME?
And then, of course, we have the Victoria's Secret Commercial for What is Sexy from 2002.
For you perfume fans, how about the Obsession by Calvin Klein commercials with Kate Moss?
And then, of course, Madonna and Missy Elliot hocking wares from the Gap.
Speaking of the Gap, two of my favorite people ever in a Gap commercial: SJP and Lenny Kravitz. Le sigh, le jealousy...
I would be remiss not to list some seriously old school commercials for fashion and fragrance, especially as a child of the 70's. Who doesn't remember these commercials for Charlie?
And we have to end it with my all-time favorite fragrance commercial: Jaclyn Smith in her ad for Epris. It's my favorite of ALL TIME.
Enjoy the big game and the new commercials for this year's Super Bowl tonight, y'all! WHO DAT?!? GEAUX SAINTS!
Yesterday was kind of a big deal for me. I got a chance to be styled by legendary stylist-turned-designer Lori Goldstein. Not sure what to expect, I shut off all my expectations and step into the Regatta, ready for whatever would happen.
The first thing I have to say is that meeting Lori Goldstein is like meeting your Fashion Fairy Godmother. I was greeted with a warm hug, smiles and some reassurance that I would look fabulous after the day was over (I was nervous, not going to lie). I was introduced to my glam squad for the day: Jimmy Paul of Bumble and Bumble and the man who's done countless magazine covers (Bazaar, Vogue, W, recently did Alexis Bittar's ad campaign, countless fashion shows) would be doing my hair and Ozzy Salvatierra, the makeup man behind Alexander Wang's look book, countless fashion shows and magazine covers as well) would be doing my beauty look. I had a light lunch with my glam squad during which time, they asked the question I've been waiting for all my life: "If we could create a dream look for you, what would it be?" It didn't take me long for my lifelong dream look to come flying out of my mouth: rocker chic.
Game on. First up was hair. Jimmy blew my hair straight and gave me copious amounts of advice on how to care for my medium-length dry hair. After filling in my bangs and giving me a fabulous trim, we came upon a bag of hair extensions. It took about 3.2 seconds for us to make the decision: yes, it was finally time for me to have the long hair I dreamed of my entire life.
This is where the magic happens, people.
Afterwards, Jimmy taught me how to get the world's most magical smoky eye. Lining the inner rim of the eye and then under the lash line with a great sooty liner, I blinked and this was the result. The rocker girl eye is even easier than I thought!
Copious amounts of mascara and some chocolate brown shadow, a dash of concealer, some contour shading at the neckline, and a pop of easy lip gloss for a bitten lip and I was ready for my time with Lori. When someone like Lori Goldstein calls for accessories for a photo shoot/makeover, this is what the table looks like:
I know, right. Here's a little more. These are the shoes from her own line. SICK, I know, right? And so comfy!
Okay, time for the makeover. All of these looks are from Lori's line of clothing for QVC called , LOGO Instant Chic by Lori Goldstein. The system of clothes are made to seamlessly fuse the worlds of high fashion style and pajama-like comfort. Every single item is incredibly soft and makes you look like you're ready to walk the catwalk. This is Look #1: a stylish black dress with a Long Sleeve Brocade Jacket ($78), lace socks and snakeskin-embossed ruffled ankle boots.
Look #2 was something I would never have tried: COLOR! I mean, I just don't do this kind of thing, people. Again, every item is incredibly wearable and they all work together. Did I say soft? It's still blowing my mind how incredibly cozy all the items were.
Look #3 is something I'm saving for the tents but this is Look #4 - a Long Tee With Neckline Detail ($39), sleek Ponte Knit Pull-On Ankle Pants ($46) and that pretty white ruffle layer you see is a genius item that's forthcoming in her spring collection. As yet unnamed, it's a tank top that holds you in around the middle and is meant to be layered under just about anything or worn alone. I wore mine home I was so excited. When this comes out, you'll be the first to know because EVERY woman needs this item in their wardrobe.
I had a chance to interview Lori after the makeover about her amazing QVC line, her career and my experience during the makeover. Here's a conversation with my Fashion Fairy Godmother:
All in all, I'm THRILLED with my new look and I've got tons of options to work into my wardrobe for New York Fashion Week. So, when they stop me and ask, "Who are you wearing?", I can proudly smile and say, "LOGO Instant Chic by Lori Goldstein. QVC, darling. You MUST get some!"
