Sunday, January 19, 2014

"Butterfly" Lashes!

For my fellow beauty product mavens, I wanted to post a quick review on a new mascara I purchased which is absolutely phenomenal.  I'll start by saying that I've been a faithful Maybelline Great Lash user for as long as I can remember.  I also love L'oreal's original Voluminous mascara.  These mascaras continually rank at the top of best beauty products.

I'll admit that the color of the packaging grabbed my attention to start with.  So, I bought a new mascara by L'oreal with no expectation or belief that my lashes would be as beautiful as butterfly wings!  It is called Voluminous Butterfly and the color is Black/Brown 869.

This mascara gives amazing length with absolutely no clumping, flaking and/or smudging and you can literally grab each lash with this brush which is so different than the average straight brushes.  The brush is described as "wing tip" and that is what makes it so great.

L'oreal has developed an asymmetrical wing tip brush with
flexible arches which helps to reach the outer edges of your
lashes.  The effect are butterfly effect lashes with "fringe that flutters."  They create the effect of perfectly placed lashes from top to bottom and as the packaging states, "False Lash Wings" and it works better than your best falsies.

It is about $6-$8 and worth every penny.  It performs better than some of my $30 mascaras.  Try it! I promise that you will love this one.

Cheers!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

SJP, The New Collection is Coming to Selected Nordstrom Stores and Online February 28th! Will There Be "Must-Haves?"

Photo taken from Nordstrom.com
Let me start by saying that in my mind, there is no closer imitation to art than Sarah Jessica Parker is to her role in Carrie Bradshaw.  Many of us fashionistas still watch to see what SJP will pick to wear from one event to the next.  So it goes without saying that her New Collection "SJP" by Sarah Jessica Parker is highly anticipated and will debut at selected Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com on February 28th!  I often confuse the character with what her real life style really is.  Are there similarities? Does SJP take both into consideration for The Collection?

Photo taken from Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread.
I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement until I heard these shoes will range somewhere starting around $200 up to $600; your reaction may or may not have been similar, but I had to scratch my head in deciphering whether or not I would pay this much for a SJP shoe by the real Sarah Jessica Parker verses a Manolo or Choo.  SJP has a fashion perspective and sense of style that could circle me times 1000; but, when I think of many of the great shoemakers who started in their little cobbler shops and worked their way up until they earned the price tag and respect as great shoe designers, I am not envisioning her name (at least not yet).  So let's clarify - SJP is designing her new collection of shoes, handbags, etc. with the support of George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA and launching them in selected Nordstroms.  So with that being said, I am getting a better picture of success, particularly with Malkemus and MB USA supporting her vision.  Will SJP be able to compete with top shoes and accessories designers just because she played a fashionista and lives a real life filled with much style?  I am not yet convinced although she seems to be off to the races.

I am interested in hearing your point of views on this topic.  Part of me expects they will be of great quality because it is SJP, but there is also a part of me that says, really? Would I? They will be Italian-made just like J. Crew swears to a certain quality that only Italian shoemakers can provide. I say this with a smidgen of tongue and cheek.  I was a little disappointed to see that once again we are producing products from other countries because of their reputation for excellence.  How about designing and producing them in New York or Colorado, just sayin'.

The SJP Collection also seeks to provide other wardrobe must-haves such as trench coats?  I am very interested about this, probably more so than the shoes.  Sarah Jessica Parker says, "At long last I am able to share the news of my coming shoe collection and my partnership with Nordstrom in a more official way.  When I initially met with George Malkemus to discuss the idea of a shoe line, one of  the first things I said to him was that Nordstrom was my dream retailer.  And it seems some dreams do come true," says the actress and designer. Well, I agree with her in that Nordstrom would be my dream retailer as well.   This quote was taken from Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread.
From Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread: A Polished PairMalkemus tapped Parker for a shoe collaboration with Manolo Blahnik in 2011 on a reinvention of the coveted ‘Carolyne’ style.

As I sit and ponder about what and who this SJP Collection will be most like, I wonder whether it will incorporate some of the things we loved most about her character Carrie Bradshaw; she often had an eclectic style, sometimes classic and she always seemed to find several hundred dollars hiding around or just charging for a pair of Manolo's when the emotional need came upon her!  Her off-screen style sense at least in my eyes ranges from mommy, jeans and tee to highly fashionable at the Met.  I would say that my style leans toward the character Carrie so it will be interesting to see the female target audience they are most hoping to reach.  Selling at Nordstrom at least initially would lead me to believe this Collection is targeted a bit more upscale possibly alienating many women from purchasing the line.

I am fascinated that Sarah Jessica Parker is taking such a brave leap, again.  Do you all remember the low cost line she initially launched called "Bitten" for discount sportswear retailer Steve and Barry's?
I remember seeing SJP on a morning show wearing these clothes making us all feel like we could look great with pieces all under $19.95.  Something tells me that this SJP venture is a whole new ballgame.  This "Bitten" line was back in 2007 so thankfully we have had time to forget this.  However, the fashion industry was curious during this time whether or not the pieces were from SJP's style or Patricia Fields, who adoring fans of Sex and The City came to know as SATC's successful and unique stylist (still is!).

So again, will this Collection be true SJP, Carrie or too Manolo? Frankly, if I were to purchase upscale Italian pumps, I would go straight to the Manolo source.  I might suggest that landing Nordstroms with price points somewhere in the middle range of Manolo (or slightly less), puts this line smack dab in the MIDDLE.  Hopefully this will not hinder the overall quality.

As Nordstrom heads their post about the SJP Collection, "I need, I want, I will slip on a pair of SJPs."?  I am fairly sure there will be major buzz at least initially, but how Sarah Jessica Parker takes SJP with consideration to her true style both on and off screen into a real life collection remains to be seen.  But hey, Carrie would have given it a major go, wouldn't she have?!

Check out Refinery29 who also covers the SJP's shoe collection featuring a full-length video from The Coveteur as well.  You might get a better sense of why and what is inspiring Sarah Jessica Parker, the real person! :)

Cheers!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Hair Must Haves!

Rita Hazan - Root Concealer For Gray CoverageBy now you know that I love my beauty products.  I have tried so many hair products and have found a few that I love.  When I repeat buy then I definitely love them and so here is a short list of those hair products I adore.

TONI&GUY Dry Shampoo - 5.2 ozIf you color and need quick root touch-ups between coloring or just want to add some depth to your roots then I strongly recommend that you try Rita Hazan's Root Concealer for Gray coverage.  It makes your hair look like you just left the salon.  I use the dark blonde or brown for my roots and then she has a platinum that I like to use to lighten my highlights.  It is worth the money and you may be able to stretch out your salon visits.


I have tried so many dry shampoos to keep my hair fresh between washing and I think that I have finally found a favorite.  You can now find this at Target with the Toni and Guy products.  They sell a dry shampoo called Cleanse/Dry Shampoo and you get a 5.2 oz bottle for $14.99.  It adds volume and smells great!

My next product that I love is Biolage's Detangling Solution which is the best product by far to detangle and can double up as a conditioner.  I actually like to mix my conditioner with this solution and my hair comes out super silky.  My daughter has tight curly hair and this is the only product that works well enough to pull a comb through with ease.  I recommend buying this at Target as well because it is cheaper there than at some of the beauty supply stores.
As far as hairspray, I cannot find a better one than L'oreal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold with UV protection.  It allows strong hold without being sticky or tacky and it is easy to comb through after spraying.  I buy this at Target as well for $12.99 which lasts for a long time!  This is also a favorite amongst professional hair stylists.

Last, my all time favorite shine spray is from Rusk and it is called Thermal Shine Spray.  I love spraying this on my hair when my hair is almost blow-dried and then I cool air my hair with this shine.  It is amazing, not greasy and works well if you are using a flat iron as well.

I may be fickle when it comes to products, but these by far are ones that I use over and over again. Feel free to share your favorite hair products!

Cheers!


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Editorially Speaking, Fashionably Noted v1. December 2013

This is my second piece covering a favorite editorial spread.  I love when pictures can tell a story with raw emotion and visual impact.  This is my last piece for 2013 and then we will move into v2. for 2014.  Enjoy!

Frida Giannini tulle/satin dress
As I researched December fashion editorial, I came across a breathtaking piece from the Vogue UK, December 2013 issue.  It is entitled "Still Life" by photographer Josh Olins.  Models noted were Anna Ewers, Ashleigh Good and Sam Rollinson; styling/fashion editing by Lucinda Chambers.

This piece features designs from Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Valentino to name a few.  What initially drew me to this editorial were the jewel toned colors, rich, dark and very alluring.  These images can be found in the Vogue UK December 2013 issue with cover model Kate Moss by Tim Walker, Editor Alexandra Shulman (top left cover).

Still Life portrays "...a season well versed in dark beauty.  The new masters brim with opulent fabrics, pearl drops and exquisite handcrafted details."

Alexander McQueen's Pearl
Embroidered Silk Dress
Comme des Garcons
Photographer Josh Olins has this incredible talent in capturing emotion, deep and brooding.  You can find some of his additional work on Pinterest - I picked pinner Tranquil who has a nice representation of his work.  There are many other boards devoted to Olin's work.

http://www.clmus.com/photography/josh-olins represents other work including "Still Life" by Olins.  You can see the often dark, emotive feelings from his photographs.  In "Still Life" in particular, the models look as though they have transformed into still life pieces rather than people.  The rich color of the flowers and other set pieces depict the essence of true still life, like a painting.

More details on the shoot include the following:

Models: Sam Rollinson (select), Ashleigh Good (storm) 
and Anna Ewers (storm)
Photographer: Josh Olins (clm)
Stylist: Lucinda Chambers (artpartner)
Hair: Shon (julianwatson)
Manicure: Jenny Longworth (clm)
Make-up: Sally Branka (julianwatson)

You can find more beautiful photography by Josh Olins on his website josholins.com.


"Sarah Burton's spectacular 10-exit pageant looked to great queens and
the ecclesiastical elite: These regal ruffs and pearl- traced silks are for royal reserve only." Vogue UK Dec. '13
Dolce & Gabbana's filigree minaudière
Balenciaga's Cap-sleeved showstopper



 Cheers!