Jagged Edge: Asymmetric Sweaters

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Tired of boring, old cable-knit sweaters? Try something new with an asymmetric hemline. It is not a huge change, but a subtle update that gives cold-weather wear a little edge.

These sweaters work best with layers that emphasize the design. Coordinate opposing color schemes to show-off the sleek lines. Then pair with leggings, skinny jeans or leathers for a look that says snuggly not sloppy.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Helmut Lang ~ Asymmetric Sweater: $276.50 (sale)

T by Alexander Wang ~ Asymmetric Ribbed Open-Knit Tunic: $98.00 (sale)

Mango ~ Alpaca Wool Asymmetric Sweater: $59.99

2ND DAY ~ Medium Grey Heather Stinne Pullover: $285.00

Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S 2013 Favorites

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KAREN WALKER: Inspiration – Space-age optimism of the 1950s

Makeup: Jenna Menard for Clinique Backstage Secret: New for Spring 2013, Clinique Chubby Sticks Intense Shades – (launching in February). Color used is a special edition shade for Spring. No name yet, but in the works!

Hair: Laurent Phillippon for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were glued on and a heavy fringe was cut according to each girl. To add texture Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray were used.

BADGLEY MISCHKA: Inspiration – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: Pecheux stressed the importance of prepping the skin when achieving this natural apperance. Using moisturizer, MAC’s Complete Comfort Cream and Studio Sculpt Foundation, he made the complexion appear flawless.

Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil Backstage Secret: To add body to the hair, Moroccanoil’s new Oil Volumizing Mousse (out in October) was used on damp hair. Moroccanoil Treatment was then applied for shine.

EDUN: Inspiration – “A clean youthful, rock ‘n’ roll type girl”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: To showcase cheekbones, MAC’s Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige (limited edition) was used. For some attitude – ‘Feline’ Kohl Powder Pencil was applied to the outer corner of the eye in a “v” shape to connect the top and bottom lashes.

Hair: James Pecis for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were added to the model’s hair and Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray was used to create a consistent texture.

DEREK LAM: Inspiration – Romantic “aqua 3-D” look

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder Backstage Secret: The eyes were the focus in this look. Pecheux first applied Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from lash line to brow. He then applied Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Extreme Emerald with a light hand from. Next, he layered Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Cosmic, a glimmery silver, on top of that for a pale, silvered-aqua look. (Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paints launching January 2013).

Hair: Orlando Pita Backstage Secret: After doing a deep side part, Pita applied Phyto hair products — different for each girl, depending on her hair texture. He used a T3 Featherweight Dryer and a T3 Straightening Iron, then tucked hair behind the ears.

TORY BURCH: Inspiration – Prairie Girl

Makeup: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, as well as Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, were used as needed to perfect the complexion.

Hair: Eugene Souleiman for Wella Backstage Secret: An excess of extensions were used to create the fullness and length of these wheat-like fishtail braids. Hair was set using only Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.

HELMUT LANG: Inspiration – Downtown Surf

Makeup: Hannah Murray for NARS Backstage Secret: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ was used on the models skin for a flawless effect, as well as these products (New for Sprint 2013) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. A lip pencil was used on the cheeks for a beautiful wash of color – Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park (New for Spring 2013). For a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple.

Hair: Paul Hanlon for Fekkai Backstage Secret: The effortless hair embraced the individual look of each model, with kinks and bends made with a styling wand. To give the look a rock-‘n’-roll edge, the front section was swept to the side and hung in front of the face. Hanlon touched up strands with Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, a frizz-fighting serum.

Black Tie on a Budget: Rent the Runway

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Badgley Mischka

Holiday Partys, New Years Eve, Black Tie… Oh My!

This season, when overwhelmed with celebrations, there are only so many party dresses to buy. On that special occasion when you want to look your best, Rent It!

Rent the Runway is an ingenious site that provides designer dresses for every occasion. From Proenza Schouler to Helmut Lang, the mail-order service supplies dresses for one-tenth of the price. From $50 – $300, one can rent a couture gown or party frock for a four-night loan. The dress is shipped directly to your doorstep. After wearing the dress, simply place in the provided prepaid envelope and drop in the mail.

Rent the Runway also provides gorgeous rentable accessories. From Erickson Beamon bib necklaces to Vintage Chanel jewelry and bags, RTR makes accessorizing effortless.

Rent the Runway makes high-end fashions more accessible. Next time you see your favorite celebrity in a beautiful Hervé Legér dress or dream of a Thakoon design in the pages of a magazine, check Rent the Runway, it might be waiting for you.