Blog Archives
Sophisticated Scent: Chanel Coco Noir
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A 2012 launch I was extremely excited for was Chanel’s new fragrance Coco Noir. The scent is the third in the Coco franchise, joining 1984’s Coco and 2001’s Coco Mademoiselle. As a loyal servant to Coco Mademoiselle, I had to test it’s counterpart.
Created by Jacques Polge, master perfumer at Chanel, Coco Noir marks a return to Oriental fragrances for the House. Recalling his journey to unveil the mystery of black through fragrance, Monsieur Polge explains, “The night vision of the ‘Orient that starts and ends in Venice’ imposed itself upon me, and that is where I wanted to go.”
Striking top notes of Grapefruit and Calabrian Bergamot accentuate the floral accord with Rose and Jasmine, while Indonesian Patchouli, Sandalwood and Bourbon Vanilla notes add warmth to the seductive scent.
The Coco fragrances by Chanel are very personal to me. My mother has worn Chanel Coco ever since I can remember which is why I believe I am so drawn to it’s younger sibling Coco Mademoiselle. As for the newest family member, Coco Noir is an exquisite fragrance that reeks of sophistication and luxury. Saved for a very special occasion, this is no versatile, everyday perfume. One day I will graduate to Coco Noir’s level of sophistication, but as of yet I feel I am still too young.
In The Know: Chanel CC Cream
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CC Cream, also known as Color Control cream, is an improved and refined BB (Blemish Balm) Cream. While BB Creams are manufactured primarily as a skincare product, CC Creams are developed to retain all the skincare benefits of a BB Cream plus added nourishing ingredients and the additional aim to provide more effective skin coverage. CC creams are formulated with technology originating in, industry-leader, Japan and further developed in Korea.
Asian countries have been using CC Creams for some time now and currently have many brands and product available. Just like the BB Cream “craze” – these creams will soon begin to roll out worldwide, one-by-one.
Chanel launched it’s version of a CC Cream (Chanel’s Version: Correction Complete/Complete Correction) to the Asian Markets earlier this year and will soon be available to the USA. No release date set.
READ BB CREAM REVIEWS:
Confirmed: Marchesa Contemporary Line
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The rumors are true, Georgina Chapman and Keren Kraig of Marchesa will bring-out a lower-priced contemporary line sometime next year. The new line does not have a name at this point, but will be priced from $150-$750 and feature much of the brand’s signature embroidery and prints.
Chapman describes the line as “under the Marchesa umbrella, but with a slightly different feel. We envision versatile silk blouses, embroidered and beaded jackets and printed trousers.” Chapman says it will launch around pre-fall 2013 and will likely be the tip of the iceberg in terms of the brand’s expansion into new categories.
About Marchesa:
Marchesa is named after socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati. An heiress, a muse and fashion legend, Marchesa Luisa Casati dazzled everyone she met in turn-of-the-century Europe. Wherever she went, she set trends, inspired genius and shocked the world by wearing live snakes as accessories and parading around with cheetahs on diamond-studded leads.
Georgina Chapman began her career as a costume designer while Karen Kraig focused on print and embroidery design. Georgina’s draping and design paired with Keren’s textile creations resulted in the establishment of Marchesa in 2004. In 2006, the label was named one of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s top ten finalists.
Pucker Up! H&M Fashion Against Aids 2012
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H&M Fashion Against Aids (FAA) collection launches today in 300 stores and online. This is the company’s fifth collection raising funds and creating youth awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Just like all of H&M’s collaborated collections, the store went for on-trend bold prints in both clothing and accessories. H&M commissioned prints from artists and illustrators all over the world – Inuit designs from Greenland, tribal prints from Africa, and Maori graphics from New Zealand – and worked them into 50 pieces, ranging from leggings and dresses to jewelry and ponchos.
Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from all sales will benefit youth AIDS/HIV programs, including the United Nations Population Fund, YouthAIDS, and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
Kiss For A Cause: For every kiss uploaded, H&M will donate $1.00 to HIV/AIDS prevention. Pucker Up!
Upload kisses here: http://campaign.hm.com/faa2012/
Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique
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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.
Sneak Peek: Urban Decay Naked 2
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Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
After much speculation, Urban Decay announced the release of the sought after Naked 2 palette. Just in time for the holidays, a new range of neutral tones have been selected. In true Urban Decay fashion, it looks very sparkly and glittery. If interested, go to the Urban Decay website and signup for up-to-date information on the release. Rumor has it – December 1.
Naked 2 List: Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout
Launch: Zara Studded Sash Belt
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Zara Studded Sash Belt
Zara launched it’s ecommerce site today providing consumers free standard shipping for all 50 states. Items can also be picked-up in-store, free of charge.
First purchase made… Zara’s Studded Sash Belt. I couldn’t resist the edgy and tough texture of this belt. I am dreaming of pairing it with a whimsical/flowing/floral dresses or a simple black pencil skirt and white dress-shirt.
Impatiently, opted for in-store pickup.
Glow-T 