Blog Archives
Bejeweled: Rebecca Minkoff Jewelry
✤✤✤
Rebecca Minkoff debuted her first jewelry collection last week. The 52 – piece collection features horns of pave crystals, bracelets and spiky bangles, rings, and chain-link earrings. Accented with Swarovski Crystals and Art Deco-inspired glass stones, there is something for everyone.
The designer was inspired by the downtown girl who dresses for her “desk-to-dinner lifestyle.” Portrayed in the collection with great layering pieces and sparkling statement pieces.
The collection ranges from $48-$498 and is currently only available for pre-order – ready to ship on October 19th. It will then be available at select Bloomingdales stores and online at www.rebeccaminkoff.com.
Chain Drop Earrings – $78.00
All Pave Thinnest Bangle – $128.00
All Metal Thinnest Bangle – $98.00
Deco Multi Chain Necklace – $198.00
Pave Horn Necklace – $498.00
Jet Square CZ Earring – $68.00
Heart Bracelet – $98.00
Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S 2013 Favorites
⏣⏣⏣
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.
Beauty Royalty: AERIN Beauty
⍟⍟⍟
This week Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of Estée, launched her own cosmetics and lifestyle brand, AERIN. The brand kicked off the debut with it’s first line of cosmetics, AERIN Beauty. In the future, plan on appreciating new collections of accessories, sunglasses, shoes and home decor.
Stepping down from her role of Senior Vice President and Creative Director of Estée Lauder, Aerin plans on holding a less demanding consulting role. Speaking of consulting… helping her build the brand are Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and former NBC head Jeff Zucker.
AERIN Beauty is nothing short of elegant and feminine. Inspired by Aerin’s own beauty secrets, the lovely range aims to create a daily beauty routine that easily fits into a stylish lifestyle. A delicate signature Rose scent threads through the collection and is all bundled up in pretty pink and gold packaging. The collection features simple, everyday-wearable products that look and feel luxurious.
Get To Know: Angela O’Brien of Cleobella
❂❂❂
Cleobella is a line of eclectic bags, clutches, and jewelry that reflect the gypsy lifestyle. Bringing modern luxury to bohemian style, Cleobella uses washed leathers, vintage ikat fabrics and recycled antique hardwares, to make these hand-made/hand-crafted styles, works of art. Esteemed retailers worldwide have embraced Cleobella, as they continue to uphold a reputation of being impeccable in quality and unique in design.
Angela O’Brien, alongside her husband Jim, officially launched Cleobella in 2008 after traveling the world for a solid year. The name Cleobella comes from Angela’s Northern Ireland-born mother, Cleobelle. While in Bali, O’Brien was inspired by the unique fabrics and beads at local markets and designed the line’s first piece, the Mexicana clutch. A large wallet with several pockets and zippers, the Mexicana was perfect for day and night. It is now Cleobella’s signature piece.
Angela has since added hundreds of bags and clutches to the line, and has evolved into home decor and jewelry. Cleobella’s first retail boutique is located in Sunset Beach, California. The exotic 1,200 square-foot space is steps from the beach and bursting with beautiful bags, jewelry and clothing.
I had the privilege of interviewing local free spirit, Angela O’Brien at her Sunset Beach boutique.
Me: The first boutique/show room you decided to open locally in Sunset Beach, any plans on opening more?
Angela: We live in Seal Beach, so it just made sense. I thought – why not just do it here and maybe branch-out later. I can see us opening a boutique in Bali. We spend so much time there and have all the resources. That would be a dream. I have also thought about opening another location in the LA area – I love the Abbot Kinny/Venice area. Also in New York – we have a show room in NYC and are there 3-4 times a year and it would be so cool to have a boutique in Soho. Someday…
Me: Tell me about CARE?
Angela: In my travels, I see so many women working incredibly hard all-day-long. For instance, in India, women pack the dung patties (manure) all day in their beautiful saris – and in Bali women haul huge, heavy water jugs on their heads. I wanted to be affiliated with a cause that would help these women. After all they are the ones who help make my dreams come true – building and detailing my hand-beaded bags that take weeks to make. So we wanted to give back and specifically donate to Southeast Asia. It just made sense. We also donate to local charities as well because I think that is so important.
Me: Where does your design inspiration come from?
Angela: My grandmother is an incredible artist so I have grown up around art all my life. I have been painting since I was little – I paint with oils. Whenever I am designing a collection, I start with a theme or story. It helps me wrap my mind around a concept. Often times that can be a travel destination we have been to. For example we are heading to India in late October, so Fall 2013 will be inspired by India.
Me: What was the inspiration behind Fall 2012?
Angela: It was Cleopatra goes to Bali. I was envisioning – if Cleopatra was alive – what would her experience be in Bali. The collection is very rich in metallics and suedes, but still has that bohemian, rustic chic feel to it. We just finishing Spring 2013, which was inspired by the South Pacific/Australia and consists of a lot of pastels and neons.
Me: Do you try to keep up with the trends or create your own?
Angela: I don’t have access to the trend reports like bigger businesses do. I tend to sometimes fall into the right trends. For instance, if it is a certain color that I am feeling and it just happens to be the color for the season. I try not to be too influenced because then everything becomes generic and I would rather be inspired by something that is more original.
Me: Who is the Cleobella girl?
Angela: I think she is playful, worldly,whimsical – inspired by life. Our bags are such statement pieces so she has a relaxed, casual style but always adds a “conversation piece”.
Me: Who are some of your favorite designers?
Angela: A lot of my girlfriends are my favorite designers. Right now I am wearing my girlfriends line, Summer of 78. She is a dear friend of mine. I have a lot of girlfriends in the business and love wearing and trading product.
Me: What is your favorite piece you have designed?
Angela: It is still my Mexicana clutch. It is still such a great seller and has become such a signature of our brand. It is very practical and I can recreate it over and over again. The price point is really good for the time and detail that goes into it and I love that no two are the same.
Me: Favorite beauty tip or trick?
Angela: I am a big believer of Organic Coconut Oil. I put it on my hair, my skin – I used it while pregnant to avoid stretch marks, I put it on my baby and even cook with it. I get it from Whole Foods. I have one in my shower, by my sink and in my kitchen.
Me: Where do you see Cleobella in 10 years?
Angela: Well, I would love to expand in other categories. Home decor is my passion. Two seasons ago, we did a collection of pillows for Barneys. We took the inspiration from our bags and made them into pillows, a Mexicana, a studded Nevaeh, fringe, and a chevron design from the Hudson Envelope. Right now we are gearing up for a sale with One Kings Lane. We are doing a collection of Ecote pillows, hand-selected by me. In the future, clothing would be a dream.
Style Your Stems: Floral Pants
⫸⫸⫸
Style your stems in floral prints and patterns. A fun and fresh way to wear pants, these bold and colorful botanicals are truly statement-making.
With a little structure, these pieces look ultra fresh and modern. Don’t complicate things with a game of layers. Keep it simple. Try a cropped sweater or delicate tee for an effortless daytime look and silk cami and blazer for night. Add a great pair of sandals or heels and you have created the 1/2 & 1/2 (part elegance/part edge).
Here are a few beguiling blooms for inspiration:
Zara ~ Cropped Printed Trousers w/ Zip: $19.00 (sale)
Tibi ~ Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $330.00
Ella Moss ~ Rosa Flora Pants: $148.00
DKNY ~ Printed Stretch Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $245.00
Cynthia Rowley ~ Zigzag Floral Bonded Leggings: $225.00
Inspiration: Olympic Gold
⩷⩷⩷
Go for the gold! Inspired by the 2012 Summer Olympics, here are a few gold metals:
Estee Lauder ~ Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Gold: $24.00
Dior ~ Vernis – Golden Jungle Nail Enamel: $23.00
Illamasqua ~ Liquid Metal in Solstice: $26.00
Tom Ford ~ Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust: $30.00
Bobbi Brown ~ Shimmer Brick Compact – Gold: $40.00
Stila ~ Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Koi: $8.00 (sale)
Tropical Inspiration: Aqua Eyes
✥✥✥
Bold, turquoise green eye makeup is a perfect summer look. Tropical inspiration from ocean blues and palm frawn greens will make any eye color pop. This color family come in all sorts of textures and consistencies, choose from metallic, shimmering or pastel shades.
Aqua eyes is great look for both day or night. Start with a vibrant turquoise or shimmering green powder or cream eyeshadow and apply all over the lid. Build for more color or leave for a sheer wash. If you don’t want color on the entire lid, try a simple liner. Draw a thin or thick line on the upper or lower eyelid. For true vibrancy, first line the eye with a white pencil and go over with your favorite kohl, liquid or gel liner. This will bring the color to life.
Brighter colors tend to have more pigment and last longer on the skin – so less is more. It’s easier to build color if more is needed, but harder to remove color if you put too much on.
Here are a few of my favorite tropical-inspired products.
Dior ~ Croisette Edition: $60.00
NARS ~ Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tropic: $24.00
Make Up For Ever ~ Aqua Eyes in 7L – Turquoise: $18.00
Urban Decay ~ 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Siren: $19.00
YSL ~ Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue: $30.00
MAC ~ Fluidline in Waveline: $15.00
Maybelline ~ Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Tenacious Teal & Edgy Emerald: $6.99 (each)
Smashbox ~ Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow: $19.00
Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique
⨳⨳⨳
J.Crew Spring/Summer 2012 launched an exquisite ballet collection “The Ballet Boutique.” The collection is filled with suede, leather and raffia designs, available in a variety of colors, textures and adorable embellishments.
The Cece design is handmade in Italy and constructed for comfort and style. Dubbed as their official “commuting shoe,” these flats have added padding, an elastic top, a shock-absorbing rubber sole and an interior wedge design for additional comfort and control. Fabric swatches, Pantone cards, art books even candy was used as inspiration to create one-of-a-kind colors.
Embrace this hot season trend without sacrificing comfort. With multiple styles and colors, and a price range of $58-$250, everyone is able to join the flat frenzy.
Exotic Eyes: Estée Lauder’s Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette
✯✯✯
Estée Lauder’s Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette
Estée Lauder’s Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette screams summer beauty. The palette provides six beautiful shades that reflect sandy beaches and crystal blue water.
The richly pigmented shades are very luxurious and creamy. They apply with a sheer metallic finish but can be intensified by building the color. The palette is arranged with both cool and warm tones; a dusty green, glittery gold, mediterranean blue, rose gold, deep red bronze and shimmering stone. These shadows can be worn together in a multiple of different looks or applied alone for a single pop of color.
Palettes are perfect for summer travel, so many options packed easily away in a makeup bag. They provide the consumer with color-choices they would not usually buy which motivates experimentation. However used, this palette will provide the sensation of an exotic vacation.
Punch of Color: Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
✯✯✯
Deborah Lippmann
Deborah Lippmann, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, nail lacquer is a creamy coral/pink-colored varnish required for summer sandals. Named after the popular Cyndi Lauper tune, released in 1983, Lippmann developed this shade from 80’s inspiration.
Deborah Lippmann nail lacquers are innovative and on trend each season. The formula is velvety and creamy and applies like a dream. The colors are pigmented and intense, in which one to two coats is all that is needed. The performance of these nail lacquers are adequate, manicure lasts about five days.
This vibrant nail polish compliments all skintones. The coral/pink-hue accentuates the skin instantly, fabricating a sun-kissed glow. The bold punch of color in Deborah Lippmann Girls Just Want to Have Fun nail laquer is universally flattering and essential for Summer 2011.
Glow-T 