Gifts for the Lil' Angels ..

With First Communion Season being a hop, skip and a jump away , ( My nephew as well as one of my little cousins will be receiving theirs this upcoming May - So this topic is really really dear to me) besides what to wear, where to throw the reception afterwards, etc.. the most urgent thing that comes to mind is this… What would be the perfect gift for the little angel ????? My pick for girls communion in this case is some really cute jewelry. You can opt to gift it to her a few days before, so that she wears it on her First Communion to Church, etc.. You can opt for a really cute Sterling Silver Heart on Pearls Necklace, or a White Topaz Gemstone Cross , or a Cross on a Pearl Necklace - there is so many pretty options. I also think these items can be gifted “just cause” as well, some of these pieces can be worn for any occasion - whether that be Birthdays, Christmas , etc.. The bracelets I think would look AMAAAAAZING stacked on the wrists for adults as well! Although its children's accessories it could sooo be worn by the over 9 crowd. The chains, would look great on us as well. Of course they'd fit snug, but if they're layered - you may very well be channeling Carrie Bradshaw circa Seasons 4 - when she was wearing about three gold chains for a couple of episodes. This look can be recreated with the Mother of Pearl Cross Necklace, Dolly Mixture Necklace, and the Love Heart Necklace. So this upcoming Communion season gift the Lil' one something from Molly Brown , and you might as well pick up something for yourself too !!!!!!

Fall Trend : Ombrelicious

Christian Cota's Fall 2010 Collection was rich in blues greys and coppers, the key inspiration of hair and nails that were out of this world.



Hair - Sultra's Creative Director Omar Lopez explained to me the inspiration for the hair as ombre with greys and coppers , the clothes color story was the "muse" for the hair color and he used the word "Cubism" as a description for the hair.

The wigs that were hand dye-d by the oh so Fabulous Omar Lopez and his equally fabulous team, you can feel the love while they're working. The wigs (originally) a shade of platinum were brightened even further to a higher platinum level , while keeping the Ombre theme in mind - half of the wigs were Ombre-fied with a brown (copper) while the other half was done in a blue-ish grey.

Another cool fact the models were given either brown or grey according to their ensemble, so the models had to give their names to the Sultra hair-team so that they were given the appropriate wig for their look. So Chic!

Lopez wanted the hair to be a cross between the ultra pretty classic Bob and the anything but perfect rockstar Shag these wigs were styled somewhere in between. Omar wanted pretty hair but not the "hair is all in place - too perfectly styled " persuasion, the use of razors gave the ends movement and moved the style away from the " perfect Bob".

Sultra of course were the products of choice, with complicated hand paint jobs on the hair, the Sophisticate Dryer ( used on the "fine" setting) was more than a saver. Omar mentioned the short amount of time it took to dry the wigs saved him and his "assembly line" as he affectionately called his team when describing the process. They went on to use the Seductress (trust me you will be one if you ever get your hands on one and style your hair) to iron the hair prior to cutting the hair. The wigs were feather razor-ed at the ends to shatter the line. The end result was a pretty/disheveled (who knew you could be both at once) work of art !!!!

Here are some shots of Omar perfecting- those fabulous wigs !!!

Getting that Wig TIGHT !!!!
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The end result - Ombrelicious !!!!

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Omar and his works of art !!!!

Nails - Nail lead Patricia Yankee explained that the clothes were also the inspiration for the nails - which were press ons that were hand painted before hand in a blue/purple Ombre pattern. Patricia also mentioned to me that Christian did not want a short nail, he wanted a nail with some length - another reason to opt for the press on option. The nails were very beautiful , I wanted some for myself !!!!!!

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So Pretty !!!!!
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Tina Turnbow and Tarte Make Waves during Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week

Feb 14 - Lela Rose Fall 2010 Look: tarte for Beauty.com
Makeup Artist: Tina Turnbow

Inspiration: Nature's celestial landscapes-
think of the nighttime sky and imagine
a full moon peaking behind the clouds.

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Tina at work !!

Overall Look: The moonlit eyes are mysterious, while the complexion and lips have a cloudy, hazy feel.

eyes: Silvery, moonlit eyes-a silvery/black smoky eye without edges and just a touch of blue. The eye is almost 3D, rounded and mysterious.

direction: Think of the eye as a rounded sphere or planet. The inner crease of the eye is darkened up to the brow with the shimmery deep blue gray (eyeshadow in lucy I'm home). The outer area is rounded, softly muted blackness. The center of the eye is the lightest, with darker edges (inner and outer corner of eye) ending in black (eye couture palette). Apply blue lagoon only in the center of the top and lower lids. Blend the blue into the gray and then into a bit of the black. There should be a bit of the blue and silver gray (eye couture palette) blended in the center of the lower lashline. Apply smolderEYES in the inner rim of the eyes. Top it off with a coat of lights, camera, lashes! mascara on the top and bottom lashes (no curling needed). Leave eyebrows-do not fill in. After finishing the eyes, clean underneath with the eraser 4-in-1 natural concealer.

complexion: It should feel muted like a hazy, cloudy sky. The mineral powder will matte and tone skin.

· the eraser 4-in-1 natural concealer-use after applying shadows to

avoid fallout.

· smooth operator oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF 20

(one shade lighter than model's complexion)

· provocateur pressed mineral powder

· t-zone travel

cheeks: Just a touch of healthy blush.

· blissful natural cheek stain (warm peachy pink)

· powder over blissful with provocateur pressed mineral powder

complexion: It should feel muted like a hazy, cloudy sky. The mineral powder will matte and tone skin.
· the eraser 4-in-1 natural concealer-use after applying shadows to
avoid fallout.
· smooth operator oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF 20
(one shade lighter than model's complexion)
· provocateur pressed mineral powder
· t-zone travel

cheeks: Just a touch of healthy blush.
· blissful natural cheek stain (warm peachy pink)
· powder over blissful with provocateur pressed mineral powder

Feb 13 - Susan Woo Fall 2010 Look

Lead Makeup Artist: Tina Turnbow

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The brand new LipSurgence Natural Lip Stain in Moody

Overall Look: Effortless beauty-A fresh, slightly-dewy complexion with kohl-rimmed eyes.

complexion: It's all about a healthy, dewy complexion.

• Spot treat problem areas and darkness with the eraser 4-in-1 natural concealer.
• Apply smooth operator oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 all over the face.
• Using rest assured brightening wand apply the sheer pink highlighter on top of cheek bones, over lids before shadow application, on the bridge of the nose, on the cupid's bow and in the corner of eyes.
• Apply natural cheek stain in dollface in a U-shape from top of lids to outer and under eye area (acting as an illuminator).

cheeks: Just a hint of flush.

• Dab natural cheek stain in true love on apples of cheek.
• Highlight cheeks with natural cheek stain in dollface.

eyes: Kohl-rimmed eyes-emphasis on the eyes without being too smoky.

• eye shadows:
• Using the eye couture day-to-night palette apply the shimmery deep gray and top with the silver sheen

• liner:
• Line inner rim and lash line with emphasEYES™ natural high definition inner rim eye pencil in black.
• Using emphasEYES™ waterproof clay shadow/liner smudge the top line. You want to create darkness around the lash line.

• lashes:
• Curl lashes with picture perfect lash curler.
• Coat top and bottom lashes with lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 natural mascara.
• brows
• Using the lash and mascara comb brush brows in an upward motion.

lips: A healthy, natural, berry stain.

• LipSurgence™ natural lip stain in moody (exclusive to Sephora)

Spanx : The Shapewear of the Future

A night on the town is always fun, but what's not fun is the constant thought "does my tummy look big in that?" or " does this dress make my thighs look huge?" - Sometimes it IS all in our heads, but UNFORTUNATELY , sometimes it's not. Your tummy probably could look flatter in that outfit , or your thighs and hips could have been slimmed down a bit. The only way to achieve this in one night sans Extreme Makeover tactics is simple - Spanx !!!

Jumpsuits are everywhere , and to avoid the unsightly lumps, bumps, and humps - Spanx is definitely the way to go !!! This line of shapewear is in a league of its own because 1. there is no binding at the legs - which can be very unsightly under other clothing, 2. it was the first of its kind, with the lightweight high control material. 3. Spanx is continuing to grow as a brand with more products from high (Haute Contour) price point to lower price point line (Assets) - there is something for everyone !!!
Maybe for some odd reason, you don't feel the need to wear a full on shapewear bodysuit, you can achieve the same control with the Spanx Slim Cognito Seamless Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. It reaches just below the bra, with an optional strap to keep your bra and shaper in place. Once you opt for a piece of Spanx shapewear , you will never want to go without again. You honestly will not feel right - trust me !!! These pieces virtually take inches away just by the compression from the seaming of these undergarments.
I personally am a fan of the line of shapewear myself, its all about looking the best you can possibly look.

The LBD , perfect for any occasion - especially a skin tight little number like this one. Most women can benefit by wearing the proper shapewear with something as daring as this dress pictured above. Seamless shape no lines, and control in all the right places , all made possible with Spanx. A great choice in addition to the suit shown above is the Spanx Hide & Sleek Full Slip. Its in the shape of a dress, you will not even feel like you're wearing anything, honest !!

Channel your inner Silver Screen Goddess !!!!

Elegance
- A refined quality of gracefulness and good taste; "she conveys an aura of elegance and gentility" Is the attribute of being unusually effective and simple. It is frequently used as a standard of tastefulness, particularly in the areas of visual design and decoration. Elegant things exhibit refined grace and dignified propriety.

-Grace, refinement, and beauty in movement, appearance, or manners.

-A refinement or luxury

-Gracefully, smoothly, and swiftly; with supreme style

Elegance is what comes to mind when a woman is in a ravishing evening gown.
On the eve of the Academy Awards , where we sit and wait to see what the Red Carpet had to offer this year why not channel your inner silver screen goddess ( Katherine Hepburn, Jane Russell ( I LOVED her in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly etc... you get my drift) with purchasing some evening wear yourself! In a world where we save money , and just about anything else for “a rainy day” , why not have that same frame of mind as far as stunning frocks are concerned.

Roman Originals offers tons of options for women to choose from , when you don't have Badgley Mischka at your disposal to design a dress for you ( although that would be beyond fabulous , but is not a reality for a lot of us). The best part is that there is a huge blow out sale ,which increases the opportunity of purchasing so much more than you intended too! You just have to love a good steal , I know I sure do !!!

CND Nails in Review NYFW Pt. II

February 16, 2010 - Max Azria , CND's leading nail stylist Angi Windle created a fresh, clean manicure using Putty ( I LOVE this color by the way , but I would more than likely wear about 3 coats) to accompany the natural makeup ( Architectural inspired as explained by Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer) and pulled -back low maintenance hair.

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Angi with Putty - the color of choice for the show. Angi explained to me that two coats of Putty is sheer, but for the show she only used one coat - because it was intended for the nail to be VERY sheer with a well-groomed short nail . I asked her what was her forecast for the fall - she said to me "Very well groomed clean look, a more masculine nail this season"
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The Blonds , CND's leading nail stylist Kristina Estabrooks created custom jungle fever manicures using Scarlet Letter, Blackjack, Brilliant White, crushed glass and tons of glitter for wild nails to match The Blonds huge personality which is present in the performance pieces they usually design, and the safari-inspired makeup .

If you look closely, you can see the glitter, glass and the great textured- look on these nails very similar to what was done at Diego Binetti .

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Red Lips Live On !!!!!!

It seems as if everywhere you turned during Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week RED lips were the look. From Velvety textured, to subtle, to FIRE-engine Red. As said by Make up Artist Val Garland backstage at Monique Lhuillier " Red Lips Live On "

Make Up Station

Lead Artist Val Garland explained the inspiration/look for the show to me as -

Breakfast at Tiffany's Brow ( the Brows were extended from the highest arch to capture that Audrey Hepburn-esque essence) , glossy 20's bare lid, no blush - BUT ton's of highlighter to achieve porcelain skin a la "film noir". Last but not least, a lolita lip - my favorite part of the look, which was achieved with lip mix on the lips, with the application of a powder blush to Matte the lip out completely . Garlands forecast for Fall 2010 - "Red Lips Live On ( I love this quote!) , Graphic Eyes ( lots of colors ) , Lots of Liner, Lots of Lash "

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A Close up view of the products of the hour- M.A.C. Pro Lip Mix in "Crimson" along with M.A.C. Pro Powder Blush in "Apple Red" , Highlighter - which was in heavy use for the show as well .

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Val Garland extending the brows : think "Audrey Hepburn"
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Applying the Apple Red Powder Blush to give the lips that pure "Velvet" texture.

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The complete look on the runway
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Other notable "RED" mentions

Diego Binetti - 2/14/10

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The Blonds -2/16/10

Maybelline Setting New Trends At Max Azria

The beauty look at Max Azria was “Purely Provocative” – a perfect balance between a natural complexion and a bold orange lipcolor created specially for the show by Maybelline New York Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer. Radiant skin was the perfect backdrop to the centerpiece of the look which was a bold coral-orange lip. Side-swept “catty” lashes adorned bare eyes, accented only by natural-looking brows. Charlotte used the word "Architectual" a lot backstage in regards to describing the inspiration of the look, she also mentioned that she decided to go with the Orange as the lip color of choice because she thought it would be more interesting this season. I agree !!! I forseee this Orange lip color at Max Azria as only the beginning of this new trend for lips !!!!

Max Aria along with Charlotte Willer (she's so nice !!!!)

with the infamous lip color of the hour !!

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The complete line created especially for the shows.
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The infamous Orange lipcolor "Backtage No.4"
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Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara

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How to get the look

Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation:
Charlotte applied this “as a cream” onto skin for a dewy and natural finish. Use all over, including eye lids and even the neck, for the perfect base.
Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara:

Charlotte added length and volume with this rich mascara, paying extra attention to the corners for a cat-like lash effect.

Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil:
Charlotte used the micro precise applicator to create a natural looking brow, making this intense look more approachable.

Color Sensational Lipcolor (shade created exclusively for Max Azria -):
Charlotte created this special hue just for Max Azria, but if you can’t wait for it to make its debut, Coral Crush is the closest current shade. This chic, modern take on a bold lip was created by mixing bright orange lipcolor with lip balm, applied by dabbing onto the lips with fingertips.
Charlotte finished by adding a little more color just onto the center of the lip straight from the tube for a “blossoming flower” effect. Charlotte mentioned to me this lipcolor is called "Backstage No.4" - which I thought was such a cute name! :)

Diesel Black Gold FW10 Collection

For those who missed the live stream ( including me :/ ) of the Diesel Black Gold FW10 Collection, I've listed the inspiration, description along with three key looks from the stellar show. Enjoy !!! xoxo

Diesel Black Gold FW10 collection

Diesel Black Gold expertise merges seamlessly with creativity, experimentation, craft and technique in the new fall 2010 collection, which skilfully evokes the brand’s roots and know-how.

The collection, industrial in attitude but artisanal at the heart, reveals the Diesel Black Gold woman. Young and urban, with a sophisticated sex appeal, she is assertive and confident with a streak of independent rock and roll spirit.

The deceptively simple pieces seem effortless and casual, yet they have an underlying edge of strength.

Materials are layered or contrasted to express women’s complexity. Leather is combined with soft and artisanal denim in slim dresses and jumpsuits while velvet is covered with tulle to create delicate metropolitan looks. Leather emerges again in stretch mono-shoulder dresses and soft biker jackets. Delicate metal embroidery, inspired by yarn and denim weave, embraces women’s shapes while wool dresses with a bleached out look turn softness into rebellion.

Denim pants are slim-fit, distressed in an artisanal way and hand-treated. Hammered vintage studs reinforce seams while metal rings give jackets a punkish attitude. Tulle is layered on denim to inject outfits with an additional dose of softness.

Diesel Black Gold man is a city rebel. Military uniforms are reworked into tough outerwear. Conversely, knitwear takes inspiration from vintage undergarments. Protective gear features detachable plastrons of leather vests that gleam with metal hardware. Shirts for daytime and evening also glitter with carapaces of sequins or metallic applications. Techno-voile adds an unexpected poetry to jackets, shirts, knitwear and sneakers.

Denim for men is slim-fit, but occasionally shows off this season’s new drop crotch. Tones have the grey or green cast of battledress while a layer of paper and resin is applied on the light Japanese cloth denim.

I LOVE this dress !!!!!

I want my man to be in this coat come September !!! ;)

Shoes are Killer !!!!!! This look is so New York , I LIKE !!!!!!

All these looks and so much more can be purchased here : http://bit.ly/dieselstore

Photo credits : JuJu Ree/ICED Media