Recap: New York Fashion Week F/W 2018 Shows at Angel Orensanz Event Space

  This past weekend I took in a series of incredible shows by a mix of international designers as part of this season's New York Fashion Week.  Hosted by Oxygenetix, this season's official NYFW sponsor, the shows were held at the Angel Orensanz Event Space in downtown Manhattan and included designs by Tisharth By Shivani (India), House of Byfield (Netherlands), Light and Shadow Global Fashion Design (China), George Styler (Serbia), Randa Yousrey (Egypt), Anthony Rubio (USA). 

Each show was starkly different from the one before it and very thought provoking.   The collections ranged from vibrant reds and golds, elaborate head dresses, to muted blues and blush tone pinks.  I had favorite looks from each, but my favorite was definitely the dapper looking pups that totally melted my heart :)  Scroll down to check them out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

What do you think of the collections?  Which is your favorite?

Lion & Lamb Collection for NYFW

I kicked off this season's New York Fashion Week at the Lion & Lamb show at The Mezzanine in downtown Manhattan.  The evening included an exclusive dinner and cocktail reception, live DJ, and professional dance performance, followed by the anticipated debut of Lion & Lamb's newest collection down the runway.  The evening was also benefiting The Dream Foundation.   

 

 

 

 

The Dark Lamb by Katerina showcased two dancers performing choreography by Reid Newtown.  

 

Guests danced and mingled to music from a live DJ while having dinner and waiting for the show.  And once it started.. what a show it was!  The collection was described as "playing with the darker side" and showcasing various patterns and hues of black.

 

 

 

Courtney Alexander Russell

  The night was so much fun and the collection was amazing.  The color scheme was perfect for my taste.  I tend to lean towards dark, bold colors when I'm clothes shopping and saw several pieces I would love to wear. 

What did you think of the collection?  Which is your favorite look?

Selena X MAC Collection: Dreaming of You Dupes

If you’re a Selena fan like myself, then you probably went as cray cray as I did when MAC released its limited-edition Selena X MAC collection back in October of 2016.   Selena Quintanilla, the ahMAZingly talented and beautiful Tejano singer, was tragically killed back in 1995 but is still wildly popular to this day.

Selena was not only a successful singer, but a huge beauty and fashion icon.  She was often referred to as the Mexican Madonna because of her creative style.  She was known for her sparkly bustiers (which she made herself), and signature red lip (her rumored go-to was the now discontinued Chanel Brick). 

The collection was a collaboration between MAC and Selena’s sister Suzette, which resulted in a pretty well rounded line. It had everything including mascara, eye liner, applicator brushes, a blush/bronze duo, five eye shadows, three lipsticks, and a lip gloss, each one affectionately named after one of Selena’s hit songs. 

The line sold out FAST and was insanely difficult to get a hold of if you weren't camped out in front of the nearest MAC.  I didn't pre-order because I’m someone who needs to swatch it before I buy it.  

 

 

 I schlepped myself to three different MAC stores and each was completely sold out.  Fortunately, one of them still had the display samples and kindly brought them out so I could at least swatch them.

I mentioned my dilemma to a friend in LA who shockingly, was able to snag not one, but several products and ship them to me ( ukwur- Thank you!)   I got the lip gloss, pink eye shadow, and- the reason I'm writing this post- "Dreaming of You" lipstick.
 

 

"Dreaming of You" is a deep, red wine matte that goes on smoothly and has a light vanilla scent.  This has become my all time favorite lipstick, hands down.  I have never gotten as many compliments as I do when I wear this color. 

That being said, I realized I was going to need a replacement for when it runs out.  Since it's now extinct (much like Selena's Brick) I started watching for brands with similar shades and found four.  I decided to share them in case any of you have run into the same issue, or weren't able to buy it the first time around.  

 

 $17.50

Clinque Different Lipstick in A Different Grape 

This a slightly lighter, less intense version.  It's a bit sheer and has a subtle sheen, but the color is very close.

    

 $20.00

Jane Iredale Play On Lip Crayon in Naughty

This has warmer undertones, but its payoff is more bold then it is vibrant.  Definitely a worthy alternate.

 $20.00

Chella Lipstick Pencil in Wondrous Wine 

Chella pencils are amazing because the formula is lightweight and super pigmented.  This color is almost identical in a lighter formula that's easier to apply.  

$23.00

Vincent Longo Velvet Rich Lipstick in Rain Dance

 This one is the closest on every level.  It has the same smooth consistency, the color is on point, and the intensity is just as rich.  

 

 

 Do you own any of the Selena X MAC Collection?  What product is your favorite? 

Free Beauty Events February Giveaway

FreeBeautyEvents.com is back this month with another amazing giveaway.  For anyone not familiar with FBE, the site is a great tool for all beauty addicts.  It helps you stay up to date on the latest beauty happenings in your area and serves as an awesome way to snag killer free samples. Best of all, each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's best must haves.  Let's check them out!
 

 

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Conair, Simple, Aquaphor, Ban, Sally Hansen, Revlon, Milani, NYX and more! The contest runs from now through 2/28/18, winners will be chosen on 3/10/18 and notified by 3/15/18.  Entering is simple!  Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.    

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended a past event listed on the site?