Smudge Pots...Yay or Nay?

Like Prince and Dave Navarro, I too can't leave the house with without a nice, thick coat of eyeliner on. I'm partial to cream liners because I like their rich consistency and pigment. Gel/cream liners tend to last longer, smudge less, and provide a more dramatic look.

Stylish and Pregnant!

Photo Credit Bauer-Griffin

If you're a fan of the Rachel Zoe Project like I am, you too are thrilled that the famed stylist and her husband Rodger Berman are finally expecting their first child. It was painful to watch her devoted hubby struggle to bring his celebrity wife down to reality and practically beg her to start focusing on starting a family. Zoe seemed in perpetual meltdown mode and a baby seemed like the furthest thing on her mind. I think we were all thinking, "cut this guy some slack! have a baby! you're not getting any younger and you've been together for 15 years!" Luckily the couple got pregnant and are now going to be super fashionable, super fabulous parents! I gotta say pregnancy suits Zoe. She needed some meat on her bones in a big way. She looks glowing, calm and honestly younger! Check out Zoe on her way to lunch in some seriously sky high stilettos boots. What an adorable prego lady! Congrats!

New York Fashion Week 2011-L.A.M.B.

Nakima Benjamin is a New York based fashion stylist and creative consultant. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!

 

The L.A.M.B. show felt like a very cool, fashionable cultural studies and world history class.  No doubt (pun intended :)), Gwen Stefani drew inspiration from all corners of the globe for her latest collection.  Beginning with pieces in camo print and army green, Stefani made clear that the military trend is still going strong.  From Vietnam, we then were taken to Jamaica, with girls in large, colorful knit hats favored by Rastafarians.  The color blocked knit vest was a favorite of mine.  After Jamaica, we saw British school girls (with a boyish bent), 60s mod, Japanese innovation (with a nod to Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto), and 70s glamour (with a nod to Halston and the Studio 54 set).  While the looks were a bit more eclectic and unrelated than typically seen at a show, she managed to maintain an underlying menswear feel and influence which made the collection more cohesive.  I also appreciated that the collection stayed true to Stefani's own personal style and persona.  Most importantly, Stefani succeeded in having something for everyone!  Just pick your corner of the globe.

For further information on Nakima's fashion editorials and advertising campaigns and to view samples of her work, go to her website - www.nakimabenjamin.viewbook.com.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Fashion Week Fall 2011-Malan Breton

Credit: Tom Concordia/Elle.com

Nakima Benjamin is a New York based fashion stylist and creative consult. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!

Credit: Tom Concordia/Elle.com

Malan Breton, a former contestant on Project Runway, presented a solid Fall/Winter collection.  Entitled "Kyoto Wonderland", the Japanese inspiration and influence for the collection was strongly displayed throughout the womenswear pieces.  Breton's collection included wrap dresses topped with thick belts that mimicked the traditional kimonos worn by Japanese women, while some of his blouses contain deep V-necks and voluminous "kimono" sleeves thus continuing a strong theme.  Breton was smart to not interpret his theme too literally however.  Pieces were kept modern and current by use of fabrics such as raw silk, lace, and rayon with lurex detailing.  When it came to menswear, I felt as though the feeling of being in Kyoto Wonderland disappeared.  Instead, we were quickly transported to the streets of Rome or Milan where well groomed men in tailored suits are the norm.  Breton has a knack for menswear; his mens suits and jackets were much stronger than their female counterparts.  Breton doesn't follow the very narrow suit cuts that European designers favor, but his suits present nice, sharp lines and are steps above the boxy suits still favored by some American men.  For future collections, Breton should pay closer attention to details.  I noticed that the fit of his pieces were often slightly off (suits often appeared too short and/or too tight on the models).  An easy fix that would make a world of a difference.  Even so, Breton has talent.

Credit: Tom Concordia/Elle.com

For further information on Nakima's fashion editorials and advertising campaigns and to view samples of her work, go to her website - www.nakimabenjamin.viewbook.com.

Antiaging Secret Weapon: Never Leave Home Without...

Isn’t it amazing how you can throw a pair of sunglasses on and look instantly chic? They were a key accessory in and around the Lincoln Center tents and on the runway at Fashion Week this year. A fab. pair of large shades can somehow transform your otherwise tired, washed-out face into the illusion of a glamorous, elusive movie star. I love that and I love my pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs shades. They are so me and I feel so confident when I'm wearing them. 

Credit: Greg Kessler/Style.com

At the Bebe show

A Fashionista's Go-to accessory: shades to watch their fav. shows. 
Check out lady on the left

Here’s the funny thing, the perfect pair of sunglasses definitely add to your cool factor and make you look alluring, but they also protect your eyes and keep you looking young. I’m a tad obsessed with wrinkles and warding them off with a giant dueling sword and on top of obsessively applying sunscreen, I put my shades on whenever I’m outside no matter what. Even if it’s not sunny out, the UVA/UVB rays are out there and ready to pounce on your poor innocent face! My sunglasses are my little secret weapon when it comes to protecting a significant portion of my very precious mug!

Seriously friends, sunglasses actually block harmful rays that can cause wrinkles, cataracts and increase the risk of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 as well as cancer of the eyelids. Creepy. Who knew that even existed?

VSP Vision Care offers up some friendly, important advice when it comes to picking out the right frames to protect those pretty little peepers.

New York Fashion Week 2011-Tibi

Photo Credit: Style.com

Nakima Benjamin is a New York based fashion stylist and creative consult. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!

Photo Credit: Style.com

This season there is something for everyone in Tibi's collection.  The show started with looks for the pretty tomboy -- menswear inspired pieces, such as oversized jackets, were softened with bubblegum pink accessories or a mid-calf pink dress in a silky chiffon.  Then we moved to roccoco inspired pieces in navy and gold -- perfect for the girl who likes to look feminine but not traditional nor cookie cutter.  The last few looks were not ordinary by any means but they were downright pretty...the red pieces in particular were absolutely beautiful!  Other standout features of the show were the pointy toed flat shoes with a silvery glitter finish, the messy ponytails that helped the looks from becoming too stuffy, and the natural makeup used to enhance the faces of an already gorgeous group of girls (kudos to the casting!).  The result?  P-R-E-T-T-Y.

For further information on Nakima's fashion editorials and advertising campaigns and to view samples of her work, go to her website - www.nakimabenjamin.viewbook.com.

 

My Favorite Drugstore Beauty Buys Video

Check out my favorite drugstore beauty picks. I am loving Maybelline, L'Oreal, and COVERGIRL's latest treats.


Mentioned: L'OREAL Visible Lift Serum Absolute in Sun Beige, L'OREAL Magic Smooth Souffle in Sun Beige, Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in Cream Beige, Maybelline Concealer in 35 Deep Fonce, COVERGIRL & OLAY Simply Ageless Primer, COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipstick in Kiss, COVERGRIL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Blue Boom, Maybelline ExpertWear Eyeshadows in Mocha Motion, Golden Halo, and Tastefully Taupe

Costello Tagliapietra Fall 2011 Hair

Whether it's a Mad Men-esque bob or a long seventies mane with a middle part, retro hairstyles are hot and only add to the popularity of their clothing counterparts. Dressing in 2011 means dressing like one did back in 1960 or 1970. I'm ok with that because everyone looked so stylish and unique back then. The latest retro reincarnation comes from the Costello Tagliapietra Fall 2011 show. 

Hairstylist Nelson Vercher for Rita Hazan Salon explains his inspiration and steps used to create this look. 

Inspiration: Suburban housewives of the late 60's/early 70's who were just starting to enjoy their independence. Teasing was starting to go out of style, but women were unwilling to let it go completely - the look is in-between eras; the teased bouffant is tame, semi-disheveled. This look is special because it celebrates the modern woman who typically wears her hair flat and straight - but instead Nelson made it fuller and fluffier, which is unique.

Step by step:

1.        Prep hair with Phytovolume Actif and Phyto Intense Volume Mousse applied to the root for    volume and height.

2.        Rough-dry the hair, focusing on the roots for maximum volume.

3.        Separate strands into pin curls, allowing to set for at least 20 minutes.

4.        Take out pins and tease hair generously at the roots.

5.        Use a jumbo-barrel curling iron to fill out hair with loose waves.

6.        Smooth the look with a hairbrush

New York Fashion Week-Fall 2011 Monique Lhuillier

My lovely and super talented stylist friend Nakima Benjamin is not only an impeccable dresser but also has an eye for details. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway and knows her stuff when it comes to fabrics, textures, and draping. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!
 
 
MONIQUE LHUILLIER 

Aside from Carlos Miele, the Monique Lhuillier show was the pinnacle of my day.  It was hands down GORGEOUS.  Talk about eye-candy...Ms. Lhuillier knows how to deliver.  I would wear EVERY single piece in the collection.  Ms. Lhuillier said she wanted to present a collection that is "dark, sultry, and seductive" and she not only managed to achieve her goal, she also far exceeded my expectations.  Her collection was the perfect balance of feminine with a sexy edge.  Most of the looks were accessorized with velvet bows -- which were never cloying or frilly -- and fishnet stockings -- which were never too va-va-voom or racy -- and strappy sandals in velvet.  Makeup was dramatic (the most dramatic I've seen so far this season), as the models were given heavy, defined eyebrows and dark lids.  I appreciated the concept but the execution fell short because many of the girls (many of whom are still teens) looked pulled and plasticky, a la Heidi Montag.  The hair was delightful -- an elaborate updo topped with a velvet bow.  Until now, I only associated Ms. Lhuillier with beautiful bridal gowns, but now I am more than ready to change my tune and become a loyal follower.

 

New York Fashion Week-Fall 2011 Tracy Reese

My lovely and super talented stylist friend Nakima Benjamin is not only an impeccable dresser but also has an eye for details. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway and knows her stuff when it comes to fabrics, textures, and draping. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!
 

TRACY REESE

 

In my opinion, the highlights of the Tracy Reese show were hair and makeup.  Hair was kept loose and flowing, which sounds ordinary enough, BUT if you looked closely, you'd notice that each model had a streak of color spray painted into her do.  The colors ranged from blue, purple, and pink depending on the natural hair color and look worn.  As for the makeup, it was kept pretty natural, which again sounds ordinary, but there was always a hint of glitter/sparkle, particularly around the eyes.  Ms. Reese knows the beauty is in details.  The clothes were solid.  Some great prints, knits, and pieces with fur details were shown in a broad color palette ranging from black, gray, and white to raspberry, plum, and teal.  Ms. Reese's fans will not be disappointed.


Images by Alessandro Garofalo / GoRunway.com from Style.com

New York Fashion Week-Fall 2011 Carlos Miele

My lovely and super talented stylist friend Nakima Benjamin is not only an impeccable dresser but also has an eye for details. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway and knows her stuff when it comes to fabrics, textures, and draping. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!

CARLOS MIELE

 

Overall, I adored this collection!  The fabrics and color palette were divine.  Mr. Miele began his show by featuring a statement look composed of elegant pants and a blouse in soft gray topped with a textured fur coat and charmeuse hood in cream.  Then pieces in burnt orange and red hues were shown.  Given the hoods, red tones, and fur details, I couldn't help but think of a reference to the Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf whether it was intentional or not.  No matter, Mr. Miele proved that he goes waaaay beyond child's play...he managed to design a refined, elegant version of harem pants in velvet.  I never thought that "elegant" and "harem pants" would ever appear in the same sentence but Mr. Miele should not be underestimated.  Other highlights included the hair -- sleek ponytails with a youthful braid -- and makeup, which was kept natural and pretty.

 

Critiques:  Mr. Miele's is not for the PETA supporters and animal rights activists among us.  Also, looking beyond activist causes, some of the pieces in Mr. Miele's collection are not suited for any woman with a "womanly" figure.  With the plethora of velvet and ruching (which added ten pounds to the models wearing it) I think many women will shy away from such pieces.  No matter, there is still plenty of gorgeous to go around!

 
 
 

Fashion Week Fall 2011 Nail Trends

Happy Fashion Week friends! Can you believe we're already gearing up for the fall 2011 season!? Well, anything to distract me from the frost bite that is this winter, right!?  

Fashion Week nail veterans, CND added their usual "polish" to several shows. It's always fun to see how they collaborate with the designers to create nail art that is as important and influential to seasonal trends as the accessories, hair and makeup. Check out their latest creations:  

Carolina Herrera- Nail pro Wanda Ruiz created a regal Crown Jewel Manicure using two coats of Dark Ruby topped with glossy Super Shiney Top Coat to compliment the fresh faced models and their elegant chignons. Nails were kept short and square, and high shine color contrasted luxurious fabrics in silk, velvet and suede.  

  

Sachin & Babi-Nail pro Angi Wingle used Fall 2011 limited edition Midnight Sapphire Colour (out in September) to accesorize a rough, edgy, and sexy style.  Sachin & Babi showed trench coat jackets and asymmetrical tops in cool prints and luxe jerseys as well as statement T's, and body skimming touches dresses. The collection was inspired by "the true grit sensibility of the jazz age motorcycle culture of the 20's". The deep hued blue was paired with low pony tails and black wing-tipped eyes.

At Monique Lhuillier, Wanda Ruiz presented the Shady Lady Manicure - comprised of Silver Chrome topped with Desert Suede, iced with Fall 2011 limited edition Dark Amethyst Colour. Pedicures were decked out with two coats of velvet aubergine Dark Amethyst for a cavalier finish. This goth, dangerous nail, paired with ribbon-esque hair and deep violet, smokey eyes accessorized nudes, blood red, and cheetah print fabrics on the runway.     

OSCAR Predictions!

With the Golden Globes and SAG Awards behind us, there's one big awards show still to go. It's the main event: The Academy Awards! My inner theater geek comes out every year during this show. I, of course, was a theater minor in college and did as many plays as I could in high school. I just loved everything about acting, the theater and of course movies. I often had Oscar parties and one year even dressed up in my fanciest outfit to watch the show on the couch. I know-totally geek-but I loved it and still do!

 

You probably have a general idea of the nominees but what are your Oscar predictions!? I've tried to see as many of the movies as possible but with full disclosure I must admit I haven't seen True Grit and Winter's Bone YET! Despite that I have made my predictions and made them bold and underlined in the list below. Do you agree with my predictions? What were your favorite movies and performances this year? I'd say it was a pretty good year for the movies! Lots of beautiful films and interesting characters. Love it! You can be sure I'll be glued to the TV on Oscar night with my little Oscar party in tow!

Best Picture

• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The Kids Are All Right
• The King's Speech
• 127 Hours
• The Social Network
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit
• Winter's Bone

Best Actor

• Javier Bardem, Biutiful
• Jeff Bridges, True Grit
• Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
• Colin Firth, The King's Speech
• James Franco, 127 Hours

Best Actress

• Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right
• Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole
• Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone
• Natalie Portman, Black Swan
• Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine

Best Supporting Actor

• Christian Bale, The Fighter
• John Hawkes, Winter's Bone
• Jeremy Renner, The Town
• Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right
• Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

Best Supporting Actress

• Amy Adams, The Fighter
• Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
• Melissa Leo, The Fighter
• Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit
• Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom

Best Director

• Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan
• David O. Russell, The Fighter
• Tom Hooper, The King's Speech
• David Fincher, The Social Network
• Joel & Ethan Coen, True Grit

Best Original Screenplay

• Another Year
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The Kids Are All Right
• The King's Speech

Best Adapted Screenplay

• 127 Hours
• The Social Network
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit
• Winter's Bone

Best Animated Film

• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Toy Story 3

 

SAG Awards 2011-Kyra Sedgwick

In my opinion Kyra Sedgwick looked the best she's ever looked on the red carpet at this year's SAG Awards. Wow! I am in love with her vintage Thierry Mugler dress and loved how confident and comfortable she looked all night. Mrs. Kevin Bacon really knows how to work it!

Makeup artist Robin Siegel was inspired by Kyra's gorge gown. She created a sexy smoky eye with soft rose lips and radiant skin. The look complimented Kyra's Cartier earrings, bracelet watch and rock-n-roll waves created by celebrity stylist Chris McMillan (Jennifer Aniston's dude).

To recreate:

Skin: Create a flawless look with COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Foundation. Then, add a rosy glow with COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Lush Berry and set the look with Chanel Rose Merveille Powder.

Eyes: Apply Chanel Regard Perle Eyeshadow across the lids, and then use COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast in Silver Spark across the lash line, to give a smoky, liquid liner look. For the lashes, create a full fan of long lashes with COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara in Black.

Lips: To complement sexy eyes and rocking curls, create a glossy, polished lip with COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Sandstone.

Image: WireImage

SAG Awards 2011-Amber Riley

Glee's Amber Riley really stepped up her red carpet look at the SAG Awards with a fitted black gown with a ruched bodice and mermaid skirt by Anne Barge. She looked glamorous and sophisticated.

Makeup artist Mylah Morales was inspired by Amber's chic hair and gorgeous gown and created a bold look that focused on a funky fuchsia lip.

To recreate:

Skin: Prep the skin with Black Up primer for a look that lasts all evening. Then create a coral glow, first with COVERGIRL Queen Collection Compact Foundation and build a natural flush with a coral blush and COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer.

Eyes: Keep eyes natural but defined with COVERGIRL LiquiLineBlast in Black Fire and LashBLast Volume Mascara. Use a neutral shadow palette to create depth and definition.

Lips: To create a stand-out lip use COVERGIRL Lip Perfection in Embrace, which you can throw in your purse for touch-ups through out the night. 

Images from Getty, WireImage





 
 

SAG Awards 2011-Sofia Vergara

Get Sofia Vergara's bombshell look (sans the body) from the 2011 SAG Awards.

Makeup artist Kayleen McAdams (Rachel's sister) created a Brigitte Bardot inspired look with lots of lashes and a glam. smokey eye to complement the Modern Family star's knockout royal blue Roberto Cavalli gown.

To recreate:

Face-Dot a touch of concealer under the eyes and then apply COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Chestnut followed by COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder Oil Control in Soft Honey. Add a touch of highlighter on the cheekbones, forehead and the bridge of nose for a healthy glow and finish the skin with COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Classic pink applied on the cheeks.

Eyes-For a smoky eye line the top of the eyes with COVERGIRL LiquiLineBlast in Brown Blaze very close to the lash line and the bottom of the eye from the inner to outer corner. Make the line on the top very thick and smoky and then blend it out to a cat-eye shape. Apply COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Coffee Shop over the liner to soften it and bring that color all the way up to the crease of the eye. Next add a thin line of COVERGIRL Line Exact in Black Brown right at the lash line to add thickness to the lashes and finish the eye with lots of lashes; 3 coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion in very Black on the top and one on the bottom.

Lips-To create a mauve lip use COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipstick in Entwined for rich color with a creamy finish.

Images-Getty