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And Now, A Little About My Interview with Girls’ Star Allison Williams on the MAKERS Red Carpet

Kristin Booker — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:03 +0000

Even though this post is brought to you as part of my role as a Brand Ambassador with Simple Skincare, the opinions expressed within are strictly my own.

The crew behind the MAKERS: Women Who Changed History docu-series.

The night before New York Fashion Week was a busy one, when I got a chance to attend the advanced screening of MAKERS: Women Who Make America, the new three-part PBS documentary that chronicles women who have changed the course of modern history. You know those nights, those moments in history that inspire you to your own moments of personal greatness?

This was one of those nights. As in, I got a chance to say “Hi” to Gloria Steinem, an integral part of the documentary and a legend in women’s rights.

The legend herself, Gloria Steinem.

Simple Skincare, the sponsor of the MAKERS project, had asked me to interview some of our notable Advisory Board members on the red carpet and to particularly interview our new brand spokesperson, Girls actress Allison Williams. I got a chance to come within inches of my heroes, including Dr. Ruth Westheimer…

DR. RUTH! Sorry, I was positively giddy!

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon and the gorgeous Kyra Sedgwick.

Yes, Kyra Sedgwick is this gorgeous in person. I was inches from her as she was interviewed.

I also got a chance to speak with two Simple Skincare advisory board members who have had a personal impact on me: fitness expert Kacy Duke and nutrionist Ellie Krieger. With a theme of inspiring women at my back, I had a chance to remind Kacy that I had met her almost five years ago at the beginning of my own weight loss journey, that she had told me never to make excuses, that someday I would come into my own. Her eyes brimmed with tears as I was able to hug her and tell her that 80+ lbs later, she was right. I was able to tell Ellie that her ability to modify fattening recipes and to look at food as a source of fuel also helped me achieve that goal. We had a little moment right there.

Oh, and some tips from these amazing advisors were shared. When I asked Kacy what she says to women that are “too busy to exercise,” she said this:

“Movement is a privilege. If you really think about that, there’s no way you can make yourself get up and do SOMETHING. Make the escalator your own personal Stairmaster if you want. If you’re bored, mix it up a little bit. Walk a little bit, but be present in your workout. Celebrate the body you have, get the body you want.”

Ellie had some amazing advice for food that you will love that will love your skin right back: eat salmon. “Salmon is amazing! It’s so satisfying, so helpful in every way and so incredibly easy to make. People feel a bit intimidated by it, but it really is so easy and so good.” Other ideas if you’re not a fish person? “Avocado and all colorful fruits and vegetables! All will help your skin and your overall glow!”

Girls star Allison Williams being photographed as I was speaking with her. So lovely, SO NICE. Oh, and great skin, obviously.

And then, our new spokeswoman came down the red carpet, aglow and looking amazing. I only had a minute to ask her some questions, so here’s what she had to say:

On when she discovered she had sensitive skin: “I figured it out around high school. I started trying different products and I’ve tried them all, and the only thing that won’t irritate my skin reliably is Simple Skincare. Which is why I was so excited when they asked me to represent them.”

Her favorite skincare tip/trick: “I love to use the Simple Skincare Cleansing Wipes on an airplane. You can just sit in your seat and cleanse your face and no one ever has to know! It’s the best trick and it keeps you from getting airplane grimy.”

The screen as the screening at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall began.

But even more important? TONIGHT is the premiere of the MAKERS: Women Who Make America on your local PBS station, starting at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT (check your local listings to be sure.) Honestly, we had a chance to see the first episode and a teaser of the others and the women involved – Diane von Furstenberg, Billie Jean King, so so so many more – will show everything from the Women’s Movement to how women broke ground across multiple industries and events, including Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.

Watch MAKERS: Women Who Make America Trailer on PBS. See more from Makers: Women Who Make America.

It’s inspiring and it’s important. Because what we need right now is more women who aspire to something greater than what we’ve been given, and when you see this program you will understand that we’ve been given a LOT. I’ve written about this series before, and I dont think there’s a more important documentary project out there right now.

Gather the gals (particularly young women) around the tv tonight. This is important. We need more great women to do more great things and hopefully this program will help inspire more of that. I know after my red carpet night, I’m inspired to change, to be better. It’s amazing. It’s just that simple.

Fashion Week Diaries: What I Wore On Days Six and Seven with lia sophia Jewelry

Kristin Booker — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:05:57 +0000

Gals, it’s OVER. Stick a fork in me, I am DONE. 30 separate events in seven days and my arms and legs feel like they’re going to fall off. But while I finish writing up recaps on some of the glorious things I’ve seen (Ralph! Donna! DVF! Michael!) I wanted to show you a little of what I wore with those fab lia sophia pieces. We FINALLY have full length shots, kids!

The look on Day Six at the tents.

I’m kind of obsessed with the combination of these lia sophia bracelets together. You’ll probably get sick of me rocking them at some point. But on this day, I had a bunch of events and video shoots, so I went for a cool look at the top half and comfort down below.

Key pieces: vintage oxblood leather blazer, Tommy Hilfiger silk blouse (no longer available,) Henry & Belle Super Skinny Jeans in Rustic wash, Frye Paige Tall Riding Boots, Brera Eterno Chrono watch, lia sophia Elysian Bracelet, lia sophia Esplanade Bracelet, lia sophia Gypsy Bracelet.

The final look on the final day.

The final look was for one show: Ralph Lauren. The ultimate fashion show, the one where all the major editors come to see and be seen (and on the scene, quite honestly.) Everyone is always in black, slim, tailored, like they just came from the office. Leave it to me to be the quirky kid in the bunch. But when Vogue’s Grace Coddington gave me a nod of approval, I knew I had a winner.

Key pieces: Vintage ocelot print faur fur coat, vintage Aigner oxblood leather driving gloves, Old Navy white tank, Helmut Lang Draped Suiting Jacket, MNG by Mango printed harem pants, Zara studded shoes, lia sophia Curio necklace, Brera Eterno Chrono watch.

I had SO much fun playing with all this lia sophia jewelry and wanted to thank them for sending it along. It was so awesome to show that you can have high style without having to break the bank this Fashion Week.

And since I get to keep it, you’ll probably see some of it again.

Fashion Week Diaries: Getting Glam-y at the Style Coalition GRAMMYs Party, Sponsored by COVERGIRL

Kristin Booker — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:00:58 +0000

Me, in my crazy pants, ready to rock out at the COVERGIRL GRAMMY Glam party!

Let it be known that I have always wanted to be a COVERGIRL. I used to sit in front of my mirror, practicing for my big moment, so when the brand asked me to be their correspondent at their New York-based party with Style Coalition, I naturally jumped at the chance! Because, let’s face it: makeup, music and red carpet commentary are three of my favorite indoor sports. I was in!

The party was so incredibly fun! I got a chance to get my makeup done by makeup artist Jennifer Fleming, who gave me an incredible smoky eye to go with my rocker red carpet look. My favorite products from the look were their new COVERGIRL Clump Crusher by LashBlast mascara (with which I am obsessed – length, volume and no spidery clumps) along with the COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation. The combination of a primer, foundation and concealer in one product not only combines the first 5 minutes of your whole makeup routine, but it stays put all day and gives flawless coverage.

Me at the COVERGIRL GRAMMY Glam party with two of my friends, Katy Atlas of Sugar Laws and Rachel Adler of StyleCaster’s Beauty High.

The party was SO incredibly fun. We discussed the red carpet superstars (Carrie Underwood! Taylor Swift! Kelly Rowland!) and who maybe could have thought differently, but the energy was bright and fun and it was just the break we needed from a long Fashion Week schedule.

The crowd, commenting on all the red carpet fashion.

So, I was an official COVERGIRL for the night and I loved it. With makeup to match and good spirits, it was a fun-filled, easy, breezy, beautiful night.

Fashion Week Diaries: Some of My Daily lia sophia Jewelry Looks

Kristin Booker — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:28:35 +0000

OK, so I’m a little more than halfway through New York Fashion Week, but it’s been a whirlwind already. With a non-stop schedule of backstage beauty coverage, front of house show viewings (and they’ve been GOOD, folks) plus, hey, a BLIZZARD coming through town, let’s just say that getting dressed would have been a bit of a chore without great accessories.

So, without further ado, these are some of the Instagram snaps of my favorite lia sophia pieces I’ve worn this week, my only constant accessory this week besides my Starbucks coffee cup and my Nikon camera:

Day One was coooold! This is a J.Crew sweater and denim shirt with one of those long pendants I love.

Day One evening was a bit more rocker glam. AG Jeans leatherette skinnies, a great DKNY silk shirt with a Club Monaco faux fur collar and ASH Footwear “Trash” boots.

I love stacking bracelets so it creates a layered look, particularly when it’s two thinner bracelets framing a statement cuff.

This Curio Necklace kept spirits up the morning after Nemo dumped 8 inches of snow on Fashion Week. J.Crew denim shirt, thrift store Fair Isle sweater.

Another jewelry look with a cozy Juicy Couture sweater. Love this pendant and bracelet together.

I went a little rocker glam the night of the GRAMMYs. Same DKNY silk shirt, ASOS Jewel Print pants and Zara studded wedge sneakers.

And a bunch of you have asked about the pieces, so here’s a breakdown of all the items and links so you can rock your own lia sophia look:

A full wrap-up of looks coming Friday! I’m off to the tents to cover more shows!

FTC Full Disclosure: As part of my partnership with lia sophia this Fashion Week, I have been gifted the jewelry in these photos.

Dedicated Post: How What You Eat Affects Your Skin

Kristin Booker — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:15:24 +0000

Yes, this is really a photograph of the inside of my refrigerator. All those healthy items inside help me maintain my weight and balance my skin.

Even though this post is brought to you as part of my role as a Brand Ambassador for Simple Skincare, the opinions expressed within are strictly my own.

Many of you have watched me lose a bit of weight on this site, so you know that I’ve really tried hard to treat my body well and get to a healthy body weight. I’m excited to report that I’m SO CLOSE on that goal (18 lbs to go and counting, will be 93 lbs total lost at goal.) But it’s more than just working out like a training athlete, I have to eat right.

Hence, this shot of my refrigerator, taken this week. See all those fruits and vegetables in there? I’m totally practicing what I preach and not only do I look better, my skin is positively glowing. I also recognize that I have a takeout container of brown rice in there from getting steamed chicken and broccoli.

Sometimes, you have to cheat, but if you do, cheat like THAT, know what I mean? Something that feels naughty but is actually nice.

Mmmm…healthy yogurt.

I don’t have to tell you how processed food and other “sometime” foods like extra cheese, sausage, white flour and white sugar can wreak havoc on your waistline and your complexion. Let’s talk about a quick grocery list that can help balance your body and help you save face:

Cruciferous vegetables – Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, cress, bok choy, broccoli, etc.) help eradicate free radicals and environmental damage on the body, helping it repair itself faster. Think of eating them as a line of defense against aging and sagging skin.
Water-based vegetables - Your body needs water to survive and your skin needs water to maintain its balance. When you’re dehydrated or your body has other things in place of water (a pitcher of margaritas or a 6 can of diet soda a day habit) it becomes dehydrated and irritated. Water-based fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and zucchini help you cheat on your eight glasses a day because you’re “eating your water.”
Prebiotics and Probiotics – Those yogurt commercials may make you giggle, but probiotics help keep the stomach stable so it doesn’t results in acid flare up that can result in stomach issues as well as wrinkles, dryness, rosacea, eczema and acne. Among other foods, you can find them in yogurt, kefir, buttermilk and miso. Prebiotics, which are undigestable nutrients that stay in the gut to incite the growth of good bacteria for a healthy balance, can be found in foods like garlic, onions, bananas and whole grains.
Omega-3s – Found in fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as flaxseeds and chia seeds (for those who don’t dig fish,) these essential powerhouses add moisture to the skin to keep it balanced, hydrated and nourished. Think of them as doses of youth.
Spice it up – Certain spices can actually help your skin and digestive tract. Curry contains turmeric, which can reduce skin irritation, while ginger and cinnamon are filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that can reduce puffy skin, bloating and redness. If you’ve not sipped ground ginger in hot water as a relaxation therapy or sprinkled cinnamon on Greek yogurt as a snack, you’re missing out.

And honestly, there are tons of other things you can eat to help your body and help you save your face, but remember that what you put ON your face is actually digested by your skin (it “eats” whatever you put on it.) So make sure that it’s the healthiest, kindest skincare with the best ingredients, like my beloved Simple Skincare. With ingredients found in nature, formulas that are kind to skin and with amazing ingredients that will feed your skin well, it’s a great addition to this healthy regimen.

Because, it’s time to take better care of yourself. It’s just that simple.

Holiday Beauty Rx: 5 Tips to Help Your Skin Recover From Too Much Partying

Kristin Booker — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 14:52:58 +0000

Hopefully, this isn’t you this morning. BUT, if it is, no worries, I’m here to help.

Even though this post is brought to you as my role as a Brand Ambassador for Simple Skincare, the opinions expressed within are strictly my own.

SO. How ya feelin’ today?

I almost posted this yesterday, this whole thought about how to help your skin recover from a night of too much revelry, but then I realized that we’d all be out and who would really see it? So, here we are, the day after the big party and it might be time to do a little recon mision for your face.

Outside of the obvious remedies for hangovers and too much partying (lots of water, eye drops, sleep, food), you’ll also want to save your mug from the effects of what tons of alcohol, sugar, sodium and no sleep can do. Because if you thought you had sensitive skin before, BOY is it sensitive now.

Here are 5 quick tips to help save you from a skin hangover:

1) Lock in the moisture – Don’t even really bother trying to wash your face in your condition (and that is the ONLY time you will hear me issue that advice.) Remove your makeup and any impurities with Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes, then splash your face with water and immediately slather your face with Simple Skincare Vital Vitamin Night Cream while it’s still wet. Allowing your wet skin to air dry with the night cream on it will lock in moisture and will help revive tired, irritated tissues.

2) Soothe your under eyes – Cold compresses (a cool washcloth, slices of cool cucumber) will help with puffiness, but keep Simple Skincare Revitalizing Eye Roll-On next to you and apply regularly to help with the crepe-y, hangdog look. If you have to leave the house, nude liner inside the lower lash line and navy liner along the top will help you look more awake.

3) Sleep and water – This goes without saying. Try sleeping on your back so blood won’t pool toward your face. It’ll help when you’re trying to prevent creases…or, you know, get rid of the ones you created when you fell asleep face down in your clothes last night.

4) Watch your diet today – The morning after is the time when you crave everything that’s bad for you to soak up all the damage you did last night. Since your skin and body are already super sensitive, this may not be the best plan of action. So, just make some simple modifications. If you need bread, try whole wheat and use olive oil instead of butter. Skip the soft drinks, maybe limit your exposure to dairy today. Small changes today will save you a world of hurt tomorrow.

5) Steam, then cool – One of my favorite tricks (once the headache subsides) is to place a steaming hot washcloth over my face before I go to bed, then apply a good toner (love Simple Skincare Soothing Facial Toner) and then seal it with a night cream followed by a cold/cool washcloth to help shock the pores closed. It’s an old school trick that will result in amazing results in the morning.

Even though you can’t stop yourself from enjoy the joys of the season, you can make a quick apology the next day and get your skin right back on track. As a matter of fact, make a New Year’s resolution to take better care of your skin and it’ll take really good care of you. It’s just that simple.

Dedicated Post: How to Handle Your Skin During Holiday Stress

Kristin Booker — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:00:03 +0000

Note: Even though this post is brought to you via my partnership with Simple Skincare as a Brand Ambassador, the views and opinions expressed within are strictly my own.

Ok, so we’re thick in the middle of holiday stress and that can mean everything about your life can take a beating, particularly your face. I mean, how many of us have worried about presents, getting all our work done before our holiday vacation, traveling, parties and crazy relatives (not to mention holiday shopping) and the end result is dewy, glowing skin? Show of hands? Yeah, none of us.

So, in an effort to remind you to take care of your skin this holiday season, I’d like to make some quick suggestions as to how you handle your skin in times of stress, particularly the holidays. Print it out, take it to your mirror, do what you need to do…I’m about to drop some skincare science on you:

Work out – All that sweating raises your endorphins, releases toxins and can give you a glow like no other. If you want to help improve your skin during the holidays, remember that some “me” time is important, even if that means you grab your headphones and take a 30-minute walk. Stash Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes to remove sweat before it dries and undoes all your hard work.

Sleep – HA! I know, worst advice ever, but I SWEAR this works. It doesn’t matter how demanding your schedule gets, YOU are in charge of your change. If you mandate that you’re in bed every single night at 11:30 pm, guess what? You will be. Slather on a good night cream (Simple Skincare Vital Vitamin Night Cream is my go-to) and wake up looking fab. Also, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize the pulling on your skin. We beauty editors swear by it.

Add some steam – OK, so I’m finally about to give you one of my favorite skincare tips that I have never revealed before as to how I keep my skin looking really dewy and relatively line-free: steam then cool products. I tent my head over a bowl of steaming hot water with essential oils every Sunday night before I go to bed (after I’ve washed my face,) then apply serums and said night creams mentioned above which – and here’s the kicker – I keep in the fridge. Cool products + warm skin means that your skin has to work to absorb them, giving you amazing results. There’s no excess and your skin will be newborn soft and supple.

Remove your makeup before you go to bed – Man, I know that pillow looks tempting after a long day-to-night holiday sprint, but sleeping in your makeup will wreck your face. It takes 3-5 minutes and it will save you tons of regret, like wrinkles, fine lines and ruined pillowcases.

Watch your alcohol and sugar intake – Peeps, I know I preach this often, but it bears repeating that alcohol and refined sugars irritate your skin and draw the water right out of your skin. Imbibe, enjoy and then replace it with glasses of water if you must. If you can moderate, your skin will look good and you won’t have to grapple with a hangover and, let’s face it, hangovers are the most unsexy thing EVER.

Say “No” – You know what the best advice for relieving holiday stress is? Saying no. No to overscheduling, no to overdoing it, no to demands that make it seem like if you don’t absolutely do this, the world will end. Say no before you get too drained.

Take care of your skin and it will take care of you this holiday season. Go easy, put your well-being first and remember the reason for the season is to come out the other side with memories and good cheer (and good skin.) It’s just that simple.