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Fashion Week Wrap-Up

Date: September 17, 2011 • By • Comments 0

Blogging during fashion week is always ultra-tricky…there’s the running from show-to-show, party-to-party, and press “retreat” to press retreat. It all sounds very glamorous, and believe me, some of it is, but it’s mostly exhausting, especially if like me, you’re trying to balance a full-time college schedule and a part-time job. I did significantly less fashion show attending (5 shows? ha.) and (OMG!) no backstages this season, but instead hit more of the media-geared events to learn about the things I can actually share with you now–instead of 6 months before their affordable knockoffs hit a store rack near you. Despite my significant decrease in fashion week activities, I still managed to catch the cold we bloggers have named the “Fashion Week Flu”, (I’ve blogged about it before) which I’ve been battling since Tuesday or Wednesday and can’t seem to shake. It’s tough being sick near the end of fashion week, especially because there are usually a million things to do the weekend following (and of course, there are) and I’m stuck trying to catch up on sleep.

My message on the Rue La La/It Gets Better Lounge board

My fun (until I got sick) week kicked off with the Nicole Miller runway show. Saturday afternoon, I hung out at the It Gets Better lounge and retreat where I chatted up new friends from OSoChic and Lacee Swan, caught up with old ones like Pretty Connected (one of the hosts), Orange Juice and Biscuits, and Tineey; got pampered with an eyebrow cleanup from Lilibeth Beautiful Brows (and can honestly say I’ll never wax my eyebrows again), got a makeup touch-up from the always wonderful Kevin James Bennett, met the ladies of Rue La La, hung at Mario Badescu, got my hair did at the Barrett Braid Bar, and most importantly, filmed a PSA for It Gets Better, courtesy of the Sundance Channel–which I will post as soon as it’s available.

The gorgeous final look at Blanc de Chine s/s 2012

After that world-wind pampering session, I headed over to the Blanc de Chine S/S 2012 show in their 5th Avenue store and had a front row seat for some of my favorite (and especially refined) spring fashion! While I was there, the fabulous team at Kmart Concierge delivered a fabulous fashion week survival kit and Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats for my tired feet (believe me, I needed them!). After the show was over, I watched the 9/11 parade come down 5th ave, which you can read about here. Later that night, I attended Cocktails and Couture, hosted by my blog-mama Lianne Farbes! I caught up with tons of friends behind some of my favorite brands and blogs and met some new ones including The Curvy Fashionista, Miss Merli, The Gorgeous Ingredient, The Runway Times, and The Style and Beauty Doctor! After that crazy day, I was too tired to hit anymore parties.

Jim O'Connell, Yours Truly, Kevin James Bennett (who did my makeup!), SanTara Cassamajor (The Gorgeous Ingredient) at Cocktails & Couture (photo by Sherry Blossom)

A sampling of plates at the Goodness Pop-up

Sunday I met with Elettra Weidemann to chat about her new pop-up restaurant “Goodness” which called Ed’s Chowder House home from Sunday-Wednesday, just across from the Lincoln Center. Elettra, who has some crazy advanced college degrees (most models don’t even finish high school, so I was super impressed by her), came up with the concept to have a spot to get healthy, delicious, and nutritious food during Fashion Week, after experiencing the crap she usually was subjected to eat, and seeing how awful it made her body feel during one of the most important weeks of her life. The lounge is also media friendly, offering free wi-fi via Orange Hat Group. While I didn’t get to sample anything at Goodness (well, besides mimosas), it’s going to become a regular pop-up during fashion week and hopefully I can get the info out sooner next season so we can all experience it!

Products from Travertine Spa!

After the Goodness press review, I hit The Luxor Media Lounge Media Retreat co-hosted by Travertine Spa, coordinated with L’elite Magazine, with Christine, where Alex from The Real Housewives of New York was hanging out. I got a lovely hand massage and learned about Travertine’s product line, sampled the latest collection of dresses from one of my favorite brands, Taylor Dress, and sampled multiple mini-cupcakes from the fabulous cupcake catering company JJ’s Rockin Cupcakes! (I had the French Toast, Red Velvet and Chocolate Peanut Butter..nomnomnom!) I cut my Sunday short and decided to head home post-retreat to relax.

One of my favorite pieces from the latest Taylor Dress collection!

The setup from JJ's Rockin Cupcakes! So much to choose from!

Monday called for work, work and more work, but I luckily made it in time to catch Avril Lavigne’s latest Abbey Dawn collection (for Kohl’s) where multiple Kardashians, Kris Humphries and Brody Jenner were present to catch Kylie Jenner walk the runway. While Avril’s collection isn’t really my taste, it’s definitely geared toward the angsty teens of today, and is sure to sell. I caught up with new friends from Sennheiser Sound, BeautiControl, and Monster. I decided to stick around for Samantha Black’s collection which attracted a bunch of celebrities I didn’t know, (with the exceptions of Solange Knowles, Omarion and Teresa from The Real Housewives of NJ), but was not assigned a seat. I was forced to fight with the other 900 people invited in standing room (way too many people were invited), and the collection was such a load of crap (sorry, I had to–I winced at 90% of what I saw come down the runway) I decided to leave before look 20 even hit the runway. Lucky for me, Tiffany was waiting outside to whisk me away to the uber-fabulous Rebecca Minkoff after-party, where Nicki Hilton followed her to, Matt Settle from Gossip Girl stared us down, and a bunch of other really fabu people were hanging out. We had the opportunity to congratulate the wicked-preggo Rebecca and spot my favoritest PR person ever, the one and only–Kelly Cutrone. I also passed my new crush (who I’d discover the next day) Matt Nordgren.

Kylie Jenner celebrates look 40 from the Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne S/S 2012 show

The next day (Tuesday, if you’re counting) would be my last day of NYFW this season. I skipped the shows to hit the Lia Sophia Social Suite and check out their new, fun and fabulous collection (which I wanted all of). I’ll recap in another post (this is long enough, right?). After that I hit the GBK Lounge where I met so many people, my head spins just thinking about it. My highlights included Bellezza, Croton Watches, Saachi and In-Things (who you may remember), Revitalash, and Melanie Harris; I had another really delicious cupcake there too, by Stuffed Cupcakes, and how could I forget–a staring contest with my newest crush, Matt Nordgren, who asked one of the girls at the Hard Candy display where she was from after she tried to reach a product on a high shelf and he tried to help her. When she replied, “New York,” he said, “no wonder–you New Yorkers have no idea what a gentleman is!” Swoon. (Speaking of Hard Candy, did you know they retail at Walmart and their whole collection is under $10 now? I had no idea! Amazing.)

So that is my lamest fashion week recap to date. I promise spring (F/W 2012) will be way better and I will recap beauty and fashion trends soon!

 

 

 

 

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The Fashion Week Flu

Date: February 14, 2011 • By • Comments 2

 

Backstage at Monique Lhuillier

The Fashion Week Flu, as my dear friend Aly likes to call it, is about midway through fashion week when you just start to feel like well…you know, not so great. I felt the fashion week flu coming on around Saturday or so, but continued on my show-hopping, party-non-stopping ways across NYC.

Today, I may have hit my breaking point.

So I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I have this really strange allergy to all blue eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, etc. unless they are all naturally derived. If I use such a product that is not naturally derived that has that crummy blue dye in it, in some way shape or form, whether or not I get all of my makeup off the night before, I wake up with pink-eye type symptoms, where I cannot see, my eyes are gross and bloodshot…the whole bit. Anyways, I’m still sifting through products that do this to me, and apparently I used an purple eyeliner with said dye in it last night and woke up bleary-eyed, unable to see, and looking like I had one too many drinks for several hours this morning.

 

A favorite look from Jenny Packham F/W 2011

Besides that, I’m so tired, I basically wanted to cry all day long, which is very uncharacteristic for me. I went to my favorite designer’s show today, (Jenny Packham) invited on behalf of this site…and I sat in the 3rd row, which Kelly Cutrone would say doesn’t matter (nothing past the 2nd row matters) but it mattered to me. It was amazing. It was gold and glitter and sequins and it had 31 looks. I thought it might never end. I loved every piece of all 31 looks too.

I wasn’t sad because it was Singles-Awareness Day and every guy holding a bouquet of roses or every person making out on the street made me want to cry or puke, but rather because I am just so exhausted. While hanging out in the Looksbooks.com/FashionIndie.com/Spa Week Daily Blogger Breakroom today, it dawned on me that I’ve been going nonstop since last Tuesday when I attended the Lucky FABB conference…and not only have I been going to conferences and shows, but I’ve been trying to get work done for my real-life job (which doesn’t include blogging) and go to school and do my homework.

Yeah, so I’m a little tired, right?

All of this occurred to me after wearing brand new shoes that ripped my heels apart, trying to get seated for a show that didn’t start for two more hours, walking into oncoming traffic in Lincoln Center and then getting dressed for, spending $16.40 on a cab ride for, and getting all the way to Lincoln Center for…a show that isn’t until tomorrow night.

I definitely have The Fashion Week Flu. Despite the fact that it is not a true form of the flu, it’s definitely something that makes me incur over-exhaustion, irritability, forgetfulness, and well, the whole walking into oncoming traffic thing is just plain dangerous.

So, I apologize if there are any strange typos, missing words, or things that just don’t make sense in this post. I’m looking forward to sleeping tonight.

I’ll end with this note, that I tweeted regarding Singles Awareness Day, better known as Valentine’s Day:

You should love someone that you love every day, not just on Valentine’s Day and you should let them know that you love them. You should buy them little things like cards, or candy or flowers, “just because”…not because once a year flower companies, chocolate companies and Hallmark tells you that you should.

 

Hope you all had a better day than I did! (And please, don’t try the walking into oncoming traffic thing at home…it’s seriously not cool!)

And a little something…the finale from Carlos Miele F/W 2011!

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Cala Ossidiana S/S 2011

Date: October 21, 2010 • By • Comments 1

Way back when, during fashion week (which seems like eons ago at this point),  tucked away in the fabulous and sexy, newly opened Covet Lounge, I viewed Cala Ossidiana’s Spring/Summer Collection of gorgeous swimsuits.

The island of Lipari

Cala Ossidiana, which literally means “Obsidian Beach” was inspired by a volcanic cove on the Aeolian Island of Lipari, just off the coast of Sisley. Inspired by the incredible color of Obsidian (a rich navy blue-black with oil-like sheen) and the other beautiful colors of the intense blue sea, in combination with the obsidian of the volcanoes and sea glass on the waters’ floors, designer Anne Pachan nails the sophistication of the island.

With many years behind of her in technical sweater design, the elements of creating a well-fitting swimsuit, “are more similar to designing sweaters than you’d think,” says Pachan. Had it not been for the explanation that followed, I might’ve sat there scratching my head for awhile…

Cala Ossidiana Knot-Back Maillot in Turquoise

It makes sense, in a way, despite the fact that they are almost polar opposites—in that a sweater adds bulk, whereas a swimsuit is something that shows off the body’s shape—the fibers and fabrics are different than traditional garments for both and both are extremely technical in flattering the body’s shape.

Double Layer Tank in Lapis & Deep Sea

Because of her background, Pachan nails the fit, from teeny-bikinis to flattering form fitting one pieces, that will make any girl, no matter what her size, feel sexy and confident on the beach…to prove it, a “larger” model (I found out later from Pachan she was a size 8…huge, I know…read: sarcasm…she looked amazing) strutted the runway in the standout teal hue bikini with Japanese knots and looked incredibly amazing whilst doing it.

Mesh Inset Triangle Bikini in Turquoise

With ties that create ruching and some that feature Japanese knots, each suit is adjustable to your specific body type, creating a better fitting bottom and top, giving the pieces a “tailor-made” fit. The hand-tied Japanese knots featured on some of the one-pieces and bikinis offer an almost couture element, in that each knot is hand-tied (read: a person ties these knots, not a machine) and because the knots are hand-tied, each one becomes perfectly adjustable, offering you more or less coverage, based on your comfort level/need.

Diagonal Inset Tank in Obsidian, Quartz and Chiffon Mesh

Additionally, bikinis with a glimpse (a tiny triangle) on the backs of the bottoms in complementary colors and one pieces with extra Speedo-esque straps, give a solid swimsuit a sophisticated update. Other pieces include hints of peek-a-boo mesh, offering a sexy, but refined look.

My favorite thing about the line is that it’s all created here in the U.S., right over the bridge in Brooklyn, in fact! Although the cost of having them made in the U.S. is higher, this way, Pachan is able to oversee every aspect of the design process, ensuring that every suit is hand-cut, hand-dyed and hand-tied, for excellent quality and fit.

Seaweed Knot Back Bikini in Turquoise

Additionally, the fabrics used to create the suits are made with Xtra Life LYCRA® fabrics. Xtra Life LYCRA® is an almost zero-impact fabric, which means it’s better for the environment and better for the life of your swimsuit. It’s resistant to suntan lotion and body oils better than traditional spandex, resistant to chlorine 10 times longer than traditional spandex, resists bag and sag and because of that, keeps your swimsuit fitting like it’s brand new much longer.

The line features 22 pieces in the colors inspired by Lipari and pieces range in price from $125-$300, which is very reasonable considering it’s made in the U.S. and is made with Xtra Life LYCRA®. Right now, Cala Ossidiana is available in select retail boutiques around the country, as well as online.

I can’t wait to wear my Cala Ossidiana Knot-back Maillot in turquoise to the beach…it literally is going to be the suit I wear from now on…oh summer, where did you go and when are you coming back?!

Be sure to check out Cala Ossidiana and shop online and “Like” Cala Ossidiana on Facebook! The line is also sold at Seven New York, and on Etsy.

The jewelry for the show was provided by Amanda Pearl. Photography courtesy of Hunter Muse, Elimar Coelho and BlaBlaBlaNYC. Photography below, courtesy of calaossidiana.com.

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A tour of Nicole Miller Soho…with your host, Nicole Miller!

Date: October 9, 2010 • By • Comments 0

 

Myself, Nicole Miller and Lara of PrettyConnected.com

A week or so ago, I had the pleasure of joining the fabulous Nicole Miller in her Soho store for an evening soiree to view her current collection and chat about, what else? Fashion!

 

Nicole’s latest collection is mainly sportswear for fall and is being sold as separates, unlike her past collections, which have been mainly eveningwear, and wear-to-work pieces.

The latest collection, made up of well-tailored, and finely detailed skinny pants (amazing leather panels and zippers), easy to wear flowy, fun-printed tops, and classics with a modern twist (think white button down with ruched sleeves!) are perfect for fall…and since I’ve still been trying to wear my summer clothes by throwing on tights or a sweater, I think a shopping trip for some fall fashions to Nicole Miller is in my future.

Nicole told us that her collection was inspired by New York City…the lights, the streets, the subways—the imperfections that make NYC what it is. Is there any way to be more fashioned for the city than by wearing a collection inspired by it? Probably not. (Unless, of course, you want to sport and I <3 NY t-shirt…).

In addition to the fabulous ready-to-wear in Nicole’s fall collection, were some amazing pieces of jewelry and some bangin’ shoes that are being sold in the store. Less than 24 hours back from New Zealand Fashion Week, Nicole already had pieces of jewelry showcased that she had purchased there and brought back to sell in the store.

I personally can’t wait to get my hands on some of the pieces in this collection. The white button-down, is a must-have for work, and the tops are so easy to wear for work, a day on the town, or to dress up at night! I especially loved the jewelry and the shoes.

See for yourself!

xoxo, E

 

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Fashion Week: Get the Look – Dick Page for Shiseido at United Bamboo S/S 2011

Date: October 9, 2010 • By • Comments 0

Backstage at United Bamboo, Dick Page sited the clothing of the collection as his inspiration for the makeup. Since the runway was so close to where the guests would be sitting, Page wanted to make the models look flawless, carefree and almost like they weren’t wearing any makeup at all.

Page created a dirty smoky eye first by applying lip balm to the models’ lids and then by dusting on the “Snow Shadow” palette (GY901, $36.00 available now) a mix of navies and grays.  The balm helps amplify a “melting, defined eye” and should look like a little has worn off. Mascara and eyeliner not used. He suggested that to translate this look from runway to street…..to read more visit The Makeup Girl

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Effortless & Elegant Chignons at Costello Tagliapietra by Rita Hazan Salon MBFW S/S 2011

Date: October 6, 2010 • By • Comments 1

Can’t get enough of the latest hair from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011?

Well…I am sensing a trend!!!

Nelson Vercher of Rita Hazan Salon spent a few minutes backstage at Costello Tagliapietra to tell me a little bit about the effortless and elegant chignons (read: ANOTHER BUN!!) he created for the show.

Inspired by the classic 1940′s chignon, Vercher wanted to create a modernized bun, that almost resembled a “hat” on the top of the head; placed just behind the left ear slightly off-kilter, keeps the look modern, but elegant.

Nelson started by blow-drying the model’s hair straight and then brushing it back into a sleek ponytail, which was then teased all over. He sprayed Phyto Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray at the roots to help achieve the volume necessary to create the chignon. To create the chignon, he  began wrapping the hair, the same way you would wrap any chignon, but instead, kept his palm on top of the bun’s center, to flatten it out. He recommended not wrapping the chignon too tightly, since it keeps the look more youthful and less stuffy….

Read the rest on The Makeup Girl!

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Fashion Week: NARS Cosmetics for 3.1 phillip lim MBFW S/S 2011

Date: October 5, 2010 • By • Comments 0

Talk about easy makeup for spring! NARS Cosmetics created the look for 3.1 phillip lim at the women’s s/s 2011, “Youthful elegance was what we were aiming for,” said lead makeup artist Lisa Butler.

Depending on the model’s skin and look, some of them wore next to no makeup for the show! Everything was colorless, and “beige-y,” as Butler described it, with very, “defined, sculpted cheeks and virtually nothing else. We’ve even taken down the lip on all of the models to give them a faded look.”

To learn more about the makeup used to create this look, read the rest on The Makeup Girl!

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Fashion Week: Get the Look – Chic & Modern Buns at Vena Cava by Ted Gibson MBFW S/S 2011

Date: September 17, 2010 • By • Comments 0

Live from New York….It’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!  TMG has all the scoop on the latest in beauty trends from the runways, giving you a heads-up on what’s hot for the spring!

The always fabulous Ted Gibson shared the secret that the top hairstyle for the spring is….drum roll, please…the bun!!  Here we have ANOTHER unstructured bun (we think this is a really relatable runway/realway trend to watch!)

Ted Gibson's "Modern Bun" at Vena Cava (photo by me!)

What could be a better hairstyle for spring? Simple, chic, and easy to do at home, this look definitely translates perfectly from the runways to the streets and we’ve got the scoop on how you can get the look too!

At Vena Cava, Ted was inspired by 1970′s Halston, creating a chic woman, wearing a classic bun, but modernized with texture…

Want the rest of the scoop? Read more on The Makeup Girl.

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