Friday, December 31, 2010

The New Years Eve Outfit

What to wear on New Years Eve???

I'm a little bit over the LBD at the moment, but I found this slice of fabulosity on one of my absolute favorite blogs, The Man Repeller
Its a palazzo pant body suit by the one and only Stella McCartney Isn't it gorgeous??? What more could a girl want? Well, shoes of course!



 How about 4.7 inches of love courtesy of
Jimmy Choo Glenys in black?
Its got the height to manoeuvre the palazzo pant,
is simple enough to not compete with the fabric
but still is stylish and modern, and you can stand in it for hours...
The hairdo will have to go up in order to work the neckline of the pantsuit, and a jewelry free throat will emphasize the shoulders, neck and collar bone, so something lovely has to happen on the ears
Aren't they delicieux??
Then theres the makeup. I like a big dark smoky eye, with a super shimmer over top.



something like this, but with very groomed brows, big lashes, and really blended out through the top so that you don't see those harsh lines where the shadow stops.
A little champagne shimmer in the inner corner will brighten the eye and liven it up a little too.






Maybe more like this... (shot by Kelly Cappelli at Studio 5)

To finish it off, I would use a lipgloss from hwood.beauty.

Maui is the softest of pink glosses, a mere whisper of color, perfect for a paired down lip, or, because it is afterall party night, the dynamic red gloss Cabo.
Whats extra cool about Cabo is that you get a true color pay off, but because its a gloss, its just a hint of color, and won't compete with a big eye. It has enough blue underneath it that your teeth look superwhite, and your mouth looks fresh and lovely.

Voila! Sounds like a plan!

Happy New Year!!!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Girlfriends Guide To Glitter Eyeshadow



With New Years eve almost upon us, and an absolute slew of glitter eyeshadows being hawked to an unsuspecting public, someone's gotta be on your side and guide you through the potential hot mess of how to pull this number off. So it might as well be me.
Not quite feeling the look on Liz Hurley, but it works on Kim Kardashian

First up you need to know that when this look goes wrong, it goes wildly, madly, horribly wrong. And you've still got the rest of the night ahead of you, looking like a lunatic.

Secondly you need to know that especially if you're doing a variation on black, the hawtness that looks back at you in the mirror at the beginning of the night can wind up looking like a drugged out homicidal maniac by mid evening. So proceed with caution...

1. Choosing your glitter
Katie Perry in glitter eye makeup

Don't buy glitter from an arts supplies store. The particles are too big, can scratch your eyes and totally irritate your skin. Instead by glitter from a makeup line.
Look for glitter that has tiny (read tiny) particles. I actually prefer to use Makeup Forever Star Powders and Diamond Powders, or MAC pigments powders instead of glitter. You'll get that super high shimmer without being to "glittery"









Natalie Portman looking perfect.
2. Only Glitter one feature.
If you're wearing glitter on your eyes, don't put it anywhere else. Keep cheeks and lips glitter free. Putting glitter and shimmer on too many areas will leave you looking like a caricature of yourself.
Similarly if you're doing a glitter thing, avoid having too much sparkly bling on. You'll come in handy in a black out or a storm, but otherwise its just way too overwhelming. In an unpleasant way.

3.Build Your Base
A glittered up eye has to be balanced with a full foundation. Your summery, see through foundation wont be enough to carry off this look - it will leave you looking washed out and ill. Color correct your under eye area, and work your foundation to a smooth, luminous finish, completely evening out your skin tone.

4. Soft Cheeks And Lips
When doing a big look on your eyes, keep cheeks and lips scaled back, soft and luscious. I love cream blushes, especially when infusing subtle warmth into the cheeks. Pairing big cheek and lip color with big eye makeup can leave you looking like a clown.


5. Slow and Steady Wins The Race
Banshee Eye & Lip Safe Glitter. Note the tiny particles.

This is not a high speed, out the door in 5 kind of look, so take your time and apply correctly.
Make sure your foundation has set on the eyelid, powder a little to ensure a dry base.
*Start with a good liner such as Makeup Forever Aqualiner pencil or Makeup Forever Aquablack, smudging through the lashline, and blending up onto the lid with a synthetic brush.
*Follow with a flat black shadow, pressing the color in, rather than sweeping it across the lid. This will help build depth to your color, and staying power.
*Next press a shimmery black shadow, such as MAC Black Tied onto the lid. This will start your shimmer, and give it some good body.
*Now place your glitter very carefully on top of your eyeshadow. You want to avoid having it drop all over your face. Conversely use a Makeup Forever Star Powder. Choose a gold tone, or for a change go for an aubergine or purple tone. If you are very pale, a silver can look good, but for most people a warmer color is better.



6. Lashes and More Lashes!

Finish the look with multiple coats of a super lash building mascara like DiorShow Blackout. I put black liner in the upper inner rim of the lid to give an even deeper look. Smudge the liner under your eyes, and finish the look with a full strip of false lashes.
I particularly love these MAC lashes, but they have tons of fabulous, big, wear-it-like-you-mean-it lashes to choose from.







7. If You've Got It - Flaunt It!
If you're going to go the distance with a glittery (or preferably super shimmery) look, then wear it like you mean it! Don't let the look wear you. Bring out all the personality you've got, and strut your stuff!
Pink owns it!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

5 New Years Beauty Resolutions

Are you the girl who makes New Years resolutions? Most of us in the waning hours of the current year resolve to do things such as lose weight, exercise more, or give up a vice or two. However we do tend to be back at square one 365 days later, resolving to do the exact same things we didn't quite get around to the previous year.

So in an effort to end the revolving resolving roundabout, I've come up with a list of 5 New Years Beauty Resolutions for you! 5 Lovely New Year Steps To Fabulous.

1. Facials.
Make getting a regular facial part of your routine. Whether its every month, every other month or even every 3 months, treat yourself to a facial. Not only do you deserve the pampering, but seeing a facialist on a regular basis will help you to stay on top of the changes in your skin, and which products you should or shouldn't be using.

Not in your budget? No problem! Check out the aesthetics schools in your area. Most offer drastically reduced prices on services as their students have to build their clinic hours before graduating.

2. Skin Care.

Make the commitment to sorting through your skin care products, eliminating products that don't work or have passed their best by date, make lists of the products you need to add into your daily and weekly regimens, and commit to both getting, and using them!

3. Makeup.
Make the resolution to inventory your makeup.

Sort through the products you have, clean them, organize them, clean your makeup drawer, and clean your brushes.
Try something new - add a colored mascara, a new formulation of foundation or a bright new lipstick to your makeup arsenal.


Katie Holmes' look came alive when she cut her hair



4. Hair.
Change up your hairstyle. Maybe you're due for a big change, or maybe your current hairstyle just needs a little tweeking.

Getting highlights or side swept bangs, or maybe just modifying your color a little, a change in hairdo can lighten, brighten and revive your look. And there's no time like a brand new year to make the change!










Try Chanel Pulsion for a fun, vibrant change



5. Nails
After years of french manicures its time to explore color again! Try something bold and fun and new. If you wear it around for a few days and don't feel the magic try something more subdued. The main thing is that you at least try!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Leighton Meester Allure Cover

Check out Leighton Meester on This month's Allure cover, shot by Michael Thompson in NYC

Beautious, non?

Here's the behind the scenes video from the shoot

Monday, December 27, 2010

Party Shoes

Few things get me as excited as messages in my inbox telling me there's a sale on at Jimmy Choo. When its followed up by a phone call from my favorite Choo-girl, Sloane, in the Dallas store telling me which of my favorites are on sale, I just know its going to be a super good day!

And now that the biggest party night of the year is upon us there is no time like the present to plan out the fab footwear you'll be strutting on New Years eve.
New Years parties call for a strappy sandal with height and shine, and Jimmy has got you covered. 
The shoe above is the Lance, a mirrored pewter with a 4.5 inch heel.

Option #2 is the ever gorgeous, ultra luxe Glenys, a 4.7 inch heeled permanent style in the Jimmy Choo collection, this time in metallic elaph snake. I would give my right arm for this super glam evening shoe, which costs the same amount as the average mortgage payment.
Lancer (not to be confused with 'Lance') is a 4.8 inch silver metallic suede evening shoe with Swarovski studs.

Newcomer Jigsaw is a 4.8 inch star studded evening decadent disco shoe. Metallic suede and Swarovski crystals guarantee sparkle! Extra beautiful when paired with a moody, dark nail polish.

This year marks Jimmy Choo's 15th anniversary.

The traditional 15th Anniversary gift is Crystal. And, what better way to celebrate 15 years than with a CRYSTAL COLLECTION of high-voltage evening shoes?
Inspired by the original jeweled shoes that made Jimmy Choo a red carpet favourite and Tamara Mellon’s personal collection of vintage jewels, this anniversary offering presents iconic Jimmy Choo skyscraper heels and chic flats bedecked in sparkle; from pavé-style tiny twinkling crystals,to deco-like bagettes, and glittering multifaceted rocks, all promise timeless evening glamour.

Ciara  
Marine and Lana

Niagra and Candy
More like Viagra foot candy! I think I would die if any of my Choos got anywhere near water...

If you're in the mood for a new pair of Choos, call Sloane at the Highland Park/ Dallas Jimmy Choo store (214) 528-6801.
Sloane will track down any shoe you want, anywhere in the country and have it shipped to you wherever you are.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Luxe Life

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?
I couldn't help but notice the glaring omission of the Keurig coffee maker that I wanted so badly, but that was so markedly absent under the tree. Maybe Santa was drunk? or just forgot? - he is old afterall.

Another thing that clearly wasn't there, hadn't actually been on my list anyway, but nevertheless intrigues me no end, is the ultimate statement of the luxe life, the Hermes Birkin Bag

 This 35cm fuchia crocodile gem of a Birkin is actually on ebay right now for a mere $43, 999.00
Bargain.
If you're in the market for one I guess. I have clients and friends who own Birkins, and they are fun to walk around the house with, but I have a hard time seeing the value in them, much as I try.
If you look on the Createurs Deluxe website you'll see exotic Birkins for $75,000.

I wonder if any of my blog readers anywhere in the world got a Birkin for Christmas?

Add caption       



One of my favorite blogs dedicated to the Hermes phenom is Ladyhermezz. You can read all kinds of fun things about the Birkin here.

The luxe perfection that is Victoria Beckham is frequently spotted with Birkins.
Could she even look more fabulous???
(and what on earth is the white stuff on the side of that dude's face? Something About Mary? Looks like he's got new shoes on too)
 Marc Jacobs takes his white Birkin to the beach, at the same time taking decadence to a whole new level.

But if you are in the market for a new Birkin, this one I found on the Createurs Deluxe website certainly does have a spring/summer feel to it, and could no doubt take a girl any place she felt she needed to go.

I do enjoy Mykonos too...

Friday, December 24, 2010

Sparkling Pear and Cranberry Cocktail

 I was looking around for some fabulous drink to serve this weekend, and found this one. I  haven't tried it yet, but doesn't it look lovely?? And, of course, Martha has the coolest glasses!

Sparkling Pear and Cranberry Cocktail

This cocktail is made with icy Moscato d'Asti, which is sweeter than champagne but much lighter than the rich dessert wine also made from Italian moscato grapes. Just the right medium for this fizzy drink, it adds flavor to the silky pear and tart cranberries.

 

Ingredients





  • 2 tablespoon(s) dry cranberries
  • 1/2 cup(s) organic pear nectar
  • 32 ounce(s) Moscato d'Asti wine
  • 8 small sprigs fresh rosemary

Directions
  1. Put cranberries in a small bowl; add 2 tablespoons warm water. Soak until cool, about 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.
  2. Divide pear nectar evenly among eight tall champagne glasses. Add cranberries, and then gently pour the Moscato d'Asti into the glasses. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Cham Pale!

We all know that December 26th is the big day for returning gifts you don't really care for - well in countries that don't celebrate Boxing Day that is, so a girl's gotta have a plan for what she is going to exchange said items for.

Cosmetics giant MAC is on top of the sitch, with a fabulous new collection hitting the stores on December 26th, just in time for you to get your New Years Eve party look put together.

The Collection is called Cham Pale, and will only be available through February 2011.

Only the finest will do for a M∙A∙C toast to the New Year! Cham Pale is a cuvée colour collection that’s cause for celebration – a Champagne smash, shimmering with all the bubbly optimism and golden glow of the best that’s yet to be, in Eye Shadow, from Brule to Et tu, Bouquet?; Paint Pots in Chilled on Ice and Let Me Pop, Lipstick in four shades, especially Quiet Please, and Flustered; Lipgelée from Bubble Lounge to Straight to the Head; two Chromagraphic Pencils (NC15/NW20 and NW25/NC30); Eye Kohl in I Get No Kick; Kohl Power in Feline; Nail Lacquer we call Very Important Platinum!; Studio Fix Mascara, and new Special Reserve Highlight Powder in four shades ending perfectly elegantly in everyone’s favourite: Rosé Olé. All, for every skin tone. To us!

Fabulous champagne shades that are
both timeless and exquisite
Make sure you pick up lashes while you're there! 
There are new lash styles moving into their permanent collection On December 26th.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

6 Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Here are some fun last minute stocking stuffer ideas...

Nars luscious red lip pencil in Cruella.
Velvet matte lipstick, this color is a classic
Chanel Mascara in Rouge Noir
Very beautiful, softer than black
but more alluring than brown.
Essie Nail Polish in Masquerade Belle

Clio Palmperfect Electric Razor
Ideal for sensitive skin, this razor needs
no shaving foam or gel.
And its kinda cute looking.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume
For Daisy fans this one is a must!
Solid perfumes last much longer on the skin.
Trader Joes Swiss Chocolate.
No fat, no sugar, no calories.
OK. So I lied...

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Nars 12 Days Of Christmas


Here are some fabulous slices from Nars 12 Days of Christmas!
Perfect last minute shopping ideas...

“A great way to go from an office look to a party look is by adding a strong red lip & some mascara. The most beautiful reds are very pure, very bright & have the perfect combination of red & blue undertones - like Red Lizard Lipstick… one of the first lipsticks I created,” says François


"Have fun with color! You can’t go wrong with makeup. And, if you don't like the look you've created, wash it off and try something else! Life is short and you should enjoy it," says François Nars.

 "For someone on the run, the Multiple is the best product to use. It has a very velvety & transparent texture that makes you look great in under 3 minutes!" says François Nars.

"When in doubt, gift chocolate! I always, always love receiving chocolates, especially from La Maison du Chocolat," says François Nars

"Blush is one of my favorite products. I think it is because my mother used to be so fond of it. She would never leave the house without it," says François Nars.

You can follow Nars on facebook here and see the rest of the 12 Days Of Christmas

Monday, December 20, 2010

Plum Eyeshadow - Sooo Beautiful!!

I love plum eyeshadow!
Actually, when it comes to makeup, I love plum anything.
Plum comes in many shades, from deep blue-reds to inky almost black tones, and as such is extremely versatile as well as incredibly flattering.

Everyone looks good in plum. It is equally beautiful on pale skins as it is on dark skins.
It makes a deliciously bold statement in smoky sophistication, or can be a barely there subtle nuance. Plum can be the main focus of your look, or a mere accent. Eyes, lips, cheeks all benefit from getting cozy with plum, either worn together or as the one feature on an otherwise neutral face.
Megan Fox in plum lips

No matter what your eye color is, plum will enhance it, whether you're using a plum shadow, or a purple based liner as an accent.
Instead of doing a smoky eye with blacks or grays try using the moodier, lush plum tones.
Mascaras such as DiorShow Plum and Benefit BADgal Plum give you an instant boost, drawing out your eye color and making the whites of your eyes super white while giving you an ethereal aura.

Julia Roberts in plum eyeshadow

Quick tips for plum tones

1.)If wearing a plum eyeshadow, opt for one with a slight shimmer or sheen instead of a flat matte. Try Nars Night Rider (soft plum with a silver glitter) or Nars Ondine (plum with gold shimmer). MAC shades Fig, Indian Ink and Vibrant Grape are beautiful variations of plum.
2.) Plum eyeliners such as Julie Hewett Dahlia and FACE Atelier Velours are perfect for everyday wear, or can supercharge an evening look.
3.) Try a cream blush in plum tones. Cream blushes keep the complexion looking alive and vibrant.
Julie Hewett Cheekie cream blush in Vampie is one of the best blushes I've ever used.
4.) Choose a plum lip with a blue undertone to make your teeth look super white

Friday, December 17, 2010

Black Orchid, Black Magic


One of the things I love most about this time of year (apart from all the presents, parties and gluttony) is the profusion of truly decadent, dark flowers. My favorite Black Magic roses hit their sultry, mysterious stride, with hues that resonate more depth than at any other time of year.

This season I am feeling the slightly gothic, incredibly deviant lure of the Black Orchid.
 Elusive, sexy, a little bit kinky, a little bit wrong.
Completely alluring.

Sexiest man on earth, Tom Ford is feeling their siren song too.
Ford has released a Limited Edition Black Orchid Collection
which includes a deep plum lipstick and matching nail polish, 
as well as a solid version of his Black Orchid fragrance.

"I created the fragrances using the blackest orchid I could find, and notes that are spicy, slightly peppery and incredibly rich" says Ford who considers the reddish plum lips and nail polish "dark, bold and exotic".
Which is reason enough to buy them, even without trying them first.