Get the Look: Redken for Rag & Bone NYFW Spring 2014

Redken Creative Consultant Guido kicked off Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 with a fresh and more modern interpretation of the quintessential downtown chic look we know so well. Guido created a simply, yet stylized look by juxtaposing a clean, shellacked finish on top with a more natural and soft finish throughout the ends.

"I wanted to take the Rag & Bone girl and give her a bit more style. By adding different textures and products in the hair, and by using them a bit more extremely, I was able to create a modern element to this more natural, grunge look." -Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken Products Used: 

Satinwear 02 Prepping Blow-dry Lotion 

Forceful 23 Super- Strength Finishing Spray  

Get the Look:

1. Apply satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion to damp hair from root to ends.
2. Create a clean middle part.
3. Blow-dry hair straight until reaching mid-lengths.
4. Spray mid-lengths and ends with a little water, adding more satinwear 02 prepping bow-dry lotion if needed. Allow hair to air-dry for natural texture.
5. Apply forceful 23 super-strength finishing spray to the straight part to create a flat, clean, and crisp look on top, making sure to eliminate any fly-aways.
6. Use a dryer on top of head to set the hairspray and add shine.

All photos and information courtesy of Redken 

First Look at New York Fashion Week Spring 2014: Tadashi Shoji

Backstage with butter LONDON at Tadashi Shoji Show

 

 

Well dolls, the long awaited day is finally here!  New York Fashion Week started bright and early this morning and what better way to kick it off then with a look at some of the nail looks going down the runway.  Below is the expertly crafted looks by none other then butter LONDON's Katie Hughes:

 

 

butter LONDON was backstage at Tadashi Shoji where Global Colour Ambassador, Katie Hughes, created a chic, muted nail look.

 

 

 

Designer: TADASHI SHOJI

Lead Manicurist: Katie Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador

The Scoop: Inspired by liberation and empowerment, the collection allows women to assert confidence with femininity as illustrated through soft, delicate materials

Nail Look: butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Yummy Mummy with butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Hen Party layered on top. Katie completed the look with the butter LONDON Matte Finish Shine Free Topcoat.

 

  

“We wanted the nail to mimic the gorgeous organza fabrics seen throughout Tadashi’s collection,” said Katie Jane Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador. “butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Hen Party and the Matte Finish Topcoat really transformed the nail to give this glistening, textured effect.”

What do you think?  Will you be sporting chicly muted nails come spring??


Also Katie is asking for your help! Check out the looks below and select you think should hit the catwalk in Nicole Miller's Spring/Summer 2014 show.  There is also the chance to win a $100 gift card to shop at NicoleMiller.com . 

Look 1:

 

butter LONDON Fashion Week exclusive shade, The 444 with Black Knight cascading down from the nail tips.

 

 

Look 2:

 

 

butter LONDON lacquer in Yummy Mummy and Tea with the Queen jeweled with gold gems and fabric dots.

 

 

Look 3:

 

 

butter LONDON lacquer in Union Jack with accents of The 444 at the base of the nail and finished with Matte Finish Free Topcoat.

 

Ready, set, vote!  Head to Nicole Miller's blog &/or her Facebook and share your favorite.  The selected look will be unveiled tomorrow, Friday September 6th at 6:00 when Nicole debuts her latest collection!

Review: Jessica Simpson Leve from Zappos.com

 

 

 

I was so happy with my latest purchase from Zappos.com that I thought it would be a shame to keep it to myself.  I went out shopping for a pair of basic black flats.  All I wanted was something simple and comfy that I could wear through the streets of NYC.  Is that asking too much?  Apparently so.  Every pair I tried on was either sorely uncomfortable, didn't come in my size (10) or simply ugly and not worth their asking price.  So what was a girl to do?  This girl had no choice. She took to the internet.  To be honest I am always hesitant when ordering online, shoes especially because of the fear they won't fit and I'll end up having to pay extra shipping to send them back.  But I stumbled upon Zappos.com a few months back and tested the waters with a pair of Nike running shoes and had success.  So I headed back over to try my hand with the flats!  

 

 

Zappos.com:

 

Zappos.com is a really awesome website that has everything from shoes, to clothes to beauty and accessories.  It covers items and sizes that range from men, women and kids.  The site is super easy to navigate and has reliable reviews for every product, with video ads for some.  I love Zappos!  I also want to mention that they have simply impeccable customer service.  There was a mix up with a gift card that I had tried to purchase on line, which ended up getting accidentally canceled.  Not only did they kindly refund me the money, but they gave me an additional $15 coupon to use on my next purchase for my inconvenience!  Best of all, they were easy to talk to and very helpful.  As if this wasn't enough to interest you, each item ships for free-- even if you decide it doesn't fit and want to return it.  They give you up to a year to make the return (as long as there's no wear and tare!) and make the process quick and painless with a pre paid label :)

 

 

 

 

Now, for my thoughts on the most comfortable pair of flats I've ever owned.  Jessica Simpson is certainly known for her songstress chops, but fashion is where this girl excels (in my opinion).  I selected the Jessica Simpson Leve in black.  These are my first official pair of Jessica Simpson shoes and I will state they are a fabulous quality, ultra trendy and amazingly comfortable.  This may sound cheesy but each step was like walking on a pillow top bed.  They certainly provide the most cushion and support I've ever experienced in a flat shoe. 

 

 

 

Their shape has a charming resemblance to a ballerina's pointe shoe right down to the sweet bow, which adds a gentle edge to your look.  While I bought them for convenience purposes, I totally plan to pair them with some fiercely reconstructed jeans, and have already worn them with a chic skirt and flowy top to the office.  They run pretty true to size and while I probably could have stood to go up 1/2 a size, they weren't available :/  So I will admit it took a few wears to break them in, (but then again so have all my flats). 

 

 

 

Also very appealing was their arrival in a chic silver box with JS signature, and delicately wrapped in silver tissue paper.  They retailed on the site for $49.95, but with my coupon I got them for $34.95 :D

 

So to recap, I feel it necessary to emphasize my fabulous experience with Zappos.com and encourage you to try them.  If you're nervous like I was, just be sure to note the product's reviews and start with an easy item to wade the waters.  Hope this provides a helpful alternative when shopping online :) 

 

 

Do you typically shop for shoes online?  Have you ever shopped at Zappos?  Are you interested in it?  If you follow through, please share your experience, I'd love to hear it!

Holiday Preview: EcoTools

EcoTools is an awesome, affordable brand that I recently discovered, just in time for the holidays!  Its items are exactly what the die- hard make up fanatic on your list will love. 

 

EcoTools^® is exactly that: eco-friendly and super creative.  The line began with its sleek collection of cosmetic brushes which are 100% cruelty-free, have ultra soft bristles made of synthetic taklon and chic looking handles made of bamboo and recycled aluminum ferrules.

 

Retail: $16.99

 

The Six Piece Day-to-Night Clutch set is definitely my favorite of the bunch and I can't wait to start carrying it this season.   

 

 

 

 

 

The set includes:

-A Detailed Lip/ Liner Brush

- Stay There Shadow Brush

- Round Powder Brush

- Pointed Concealer Brush

- Smudge Brush

- Clutch

 

 

 

 

This clever item comes packaged with its brushes on display (which we love!) but there's more.  Behind them is the secret gem, a super hot, trendy  little clutch that is sure to be the envy of your friends once they get a glimpse of it.

 

 

 

The brushes sport the brand's new look for 2013 with a new matte, metallic bronze colored ferrule, chocolate colored two toned bristles and deeper colored bamboo handle.  They are every bit as soft and plush as Ecotools  promises, and were so gentle on my skin.  Application was smooth and easy, and the clutch is absolutely adorable.  It is a chocolate brown with copper, metallic leaf shaped designs inspired by the outdoors.  Inside are elastic slips to safely store your brushes, and then it zips up for a convenient way for you to include any other elements you might need for a night out. So cute!!

 

 

Retail: $9.99

 

Also now available is the Collector's Brush Roll with Multi-Tasking Face Brush. 
 

 

 

 

This is awesome for those who work with many brushes on the daily and need a convenient way to store them with easy access.  Also included is an amazing multi-tasking face brush which I loved.  Its quality is just as fabulous as the brushes in the day to night set and feels like a feather against your skin!  I used it to apply blush, bronzer and mineral power and allowed for easy blendability and buildable coverage.  I have very sensitive skin but did not experience any breakouts whatsoever with these brushes.  They've become my recent brushes of choice.  A nice bonus is its packaging uses 80% post consumer recycled paper and the roll is made from eco friendly PET. This set is a great way kick off a collection of fabulous Ecotools brushes!

 

 Retail: $5.99

 

 Finally, what make up fanatic doesn't need a Mini Essentials Set?  Available next month, this sleek little set includes everything needed for an on-the-go girl like a Full Powder Brush, Eye Shading Brush and Angled Liner Brush in travel size.  These slip easily into any purse or makeup bag, and get the job done just as well as the full sized.  They also sport the brand's newest design for 2013 and make for a really fun stocking stuffer! 

Overall, this brand is definitely one to watch for and stay up to date with.  It's totally affordable and doesn't skimp on its quality, which is always something I appreciate.  I'm eager to check out more of their products like the Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone Brush Set Bag which even comes with tips on how to get her glow! 


Have you worked with Ecotools?  Are you interested in trying them out?  I would love to hear your thoughts :)

 

Press Release: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

 

 

I love Laura Mercier products and am totally itching to try the brand's latest: Foundation Primer

It creates the perfect canvas for overactive skin types. Foundation Primer prepares the face for makeup and helps your “flawless finish” last all day. It is a lightweight, creamy gel that is meant to be used prior to foundation, creating an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements.

Just as a painter "primes" a canvas, Foundation Primer - the original - was created by Laura Mercier in 1995 to "prime" the skin. Colorless gel leaves makeup looking fresh and color-true the entire day. Ideal for normal and combination skin Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants and protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment. Cooling Foundation Primer in the refrigerator is refreshing for the skin and reduces puffiness.

WHAT IT IS:
Foundation Primer prepares the face for makeup and helps your “flawless finish” last all day.

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• Refines the skin texture so that the face is properly prepared for the application of foundation and other cosmetics.
• Acts as a “screen“ between moisturizer and foundation, allowing foundation to have a smoother look and longer wear.
• Contains a soft focus ingredient that gives skin a luminous quality.
• Provides protection from the environment with antioxidants Vitamin A, C and E.
• Cools, soothes and refreshes with a botanical blend of Lavender, Orange, Rose, Jasmine, Honey, Green Tea and Geranium extracts.

 

HOW TO USE:
Apply a liberal amount to the skin after moisturizer and before foundation.

LAURA’S TECHNIQUE:
 Gently massage the Primer into the skin until it is no longer wet. This process stimulates the skin and increases circulation, and is one of Laura’s trademark techniques with top models and celebrities.

PRICE:
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer 1.7 fl. oz./50ml Price $ 30.00


Available at:

Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Sephora and Lauramercier.com
 

 

Have you tried this new foundation primer yet?  If so, what did you think? How were the results?