The new MAC Cremesheen Glass lipglosses are now avail. Too fabulous indeed.

Pretty pretty pretty.

Colors on deck include -
Fashion Scoop, clear pink; Richer, Lusher, peach coral; Just Superb, dirty neutral pink; Deelight, mid-tone neutral; Over Indulgence, neutral brown; Loud & Lovely, blue pink; Double Dare, coral red

It’s the perfect time to get in SHAPE!

And don’t you want to do it in style?!

Now you can, with these fit & fabulous home workout accessories.

I personally handpicked the palette just for all you women who work out to look good and also want to look good while working out!

The full launch line is available NOW on theSHAPEstore.com and we will soon be introducing a Pilates for Pink line benefitting breast cancer research along with other fun, feminine and functional fitness products.

Pretty please let me know your thoughts…!  xox

Because everyone knows having to go to the ladies is really code for – we need a minute to go talk about you and fix our makeup and tell secrets and maybe even tinkle. But best believe we’ll be dishing about something in there.

I better like what I’m sipping on these days – it’s all I’m doing day and night.

Sip sip sip.

Started BLUEPRINT yesterday in hopes of inner health translating to outer beauty. 

I am a firm believer that what you put into your body greatly affects the luminosity of your skin, the shine and strength of your hair, the snow-whiteness of your eyes and your overall energy. Just as fitness is a means to fashion, diet and nutrition is a means to beauty.

So I will sip for 3 days straight. No food at all, no skim in my morning tea, no caffeine for that matter, no sugar, no alcohol, no nothing but these six (6) pre-packaged, pre-ordered prepared juices a day.

Completed Day 1. Pretty interesting.

Some big news in the office made me desire an overflowing glass of wine at the end of my long day. Not allowed on Blueprint. As a second choice, really wanted something nice and sweet even if in liquid form. No Splenda allowed on Blueprint and no milk either – which strips away the joy of how I like my late night tea. So I figured I would just close my eyes and be closer to Day 2. Except that’s not allowed either. You need 2 hours after the last juice before you hit the sack. Hmmmmm.  Grrrrrrr.

Day 2 has just begun and I’m minutes away from cracking open Juice 1. Sipping my room temp water first, like a good girl.

Surprisingly, awoke with high energy and absolutely no desire to snooze. (WHO am I??)

And of course, what female wouldn’t like the benefit (temporary or not) of a flat stomach. Although I’m pretty sure I’d take good wine and great food over it for long term :)

Anyhoooo – will keep you posted on Day 2 and 3… I’m determined to make it through.

Made by me while seat-dancing at the table and enjoying the artwork at Gallery Bar in the LES, NYC.

Good times – yes! A career in professional bartending or mixology - not so much….

However you wanna wear it, believe me you’ll be wu’d be the duality of its equal parts simplicity and fabulosity.

I personally never met a bow that didn’t long for some rock-n-roll edge. And York Wu fulfilled on that wish at the NYC presentation of his cleverly named WUYORK accessories line on Tuesday night.

Beautifully displayed and more beautifully hand-crafted, York blurred the lines between fashion and art. And as anyone who has a love for either recognizes as well, when done properly they are often one and the same.

wuyork presentation, soho nyc, 2.16.10

I was LOVING the makeup palette at the Vivienne Tam show this past weekend. And now that I’ve temporarily left my fellow nudists to embrace bold color on the lip, I’m so happy to see the trend continue into fall with rich reds and deep berries.

My most favorite valentine – 35 beautiful brights from miss Bobbie Brown paired in a perfectly edited eye palette.  (Muchas gracias VL!)

That, and this amazing Estee Lauder lipstick from Dee-Licious in Cherry Kiss. Be forewarned: It’s as bold as love should be.

Of course, the most surprising valentine was the huge bouquet of flowers my dry cleaner showed up at my door with… Who knew he loved me so??

She’s here.

And here.

And soon to be everywhere…

Lady Gaga for MAC VivaGlam . Perfection.

Like this one -

Thank you Zoe @ bigcakephotography.com!!!!

Having just been in South Beach, my skin’s feelin a little dry from sun exposure – so I’ve been dabbing and patting on generous amounts of Creme de La Mer morning and night atop my Lauder Advanced Night Repair (exclusively at night, natch).

Not exactly a recession-friendly combo, but I’m well aware that skincare is an investment.

No issues there.

But when my skin is feeling a little dehydrated or, worse, I see a small area of parched skin just begging for moisture throughout the day after my makeup is perfectly put together, I’m at a loss for what to do and, honestly, at a loss for focusing my attention on anything else.

When I got the spray in my hands I was doubtful; Evian is not best known for its cosmetic benefits. But after further thought, it clicked – consumption of water actually is a beauty requirement for good skin (not to mention, a slim figure) and hydration is a pre-requisite for proper skin care.  So I spritzed. And spritzed again. And I got spritz-happy, it felt so good.

Better yet, it didn’t ruin my artfully-applied liner, shadow, blush or lipstick – it actually worked to preserve it like a set powder or a fix spray. Think of my beloved Clarins Fix’ Make-up as a reference only at less than half the price point.

Best of all, it comes in adorable travel-size minis for those of you like me who require a little sun & sand every few months.

Anyone else excited for MAC’s new limited edition Spring 2010 RIVETING collection, on sale and at counter in only 12 days (2/18/10)??!

I spy a few products I can’t wait to get my hands on to test…. including:

LIPGLASS in TRUE BABE

LIPSTICK in SHOW ORCHID

POWDER BLUSH in FULL FUCHSIA

NAIL LACQUER in STUDDED

I tried on several signature bandage dresses while on a shopping spree this past weekend. The price points are so steep it’s kind of hard to breathe up in that altitude. Still, there is something unabashedly feminine and sexy about a dress that wraps you up and holds you in exactly where it counts. And that something I like.

Not to date myself, but I had my prom dress custom made by a professional in the exact likeness of a Leger that was featured in W magazine back when my idols in life were the unstoppable and unparalleled Glamazons - Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Stephanie Seymour, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Bridget Hall.

When Herve (and some of these supermodels as well) recently returned to fashion and fame, I could not have been happier or more nostalgic.

Happy in the general sense of course.  Not so happy that I’m not at the point yet where dropping a few thousand on a cocktail dress on a whim while on a long weekend escape is digestable. I was, after all, seeking warm weather not credit card debt.

I ended up getting a roseblush (the new “IT” neutral) Max Azria dress that I am madly in lust with (@ $298) and passing on all the Herve at the shop. It was painful but practical.

So – curious fashionista friends - here’s what I did NOT come home with…

The most magnificent of the bunch.

The one I had to try on first.

The blinding bling.

The one that I was too terrified to try on for fear I wouldn’t be able to leave without it.

For those willing to commit fashion suicide, available at Saks as the glaring black sheep in an otherwise gorgeous and coveted spring collection.

Side Note: I seriously would like meet the woman who pays $995 plus tax for these atrocities.

Taken verbatim from today’s Daily Candy…

Ricky’s Beauty Emergency Hotline
What: The professional cosmetics mecca can now deliver any product to your door in under an hour.
Why: “Call 911. I think I might be having a hair attack. Get pomade and a beauty EMT here, stat.”
When: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Order via phone at 877-447-4259.

***************************************

Precisely why I love Ricky’s! Except on Halloween. But every other day, precisely why.

MAC PRO party 1.15.10, NYC

Purchase or Pass?

LaRok Electro Clash Kitten Print Dress * billed as ‘part strapless, part goddess’ * originally $218, now $131

Every day I’m inundated when the email floodgates open and countless “e”tailer messages pour in.

This bacon, unlike spam, is email you do want but don’t really have time for nor is it a priority to make time for. Sometimes it gets sent straight to trash. Sometimes it’s opened then deleted. Only occasionally is it acted upon.

But that’s not to say it’s doesn’t evoke lust every time.

That there’s no wanton desire, serious smoldering temptation, an urge to throw caution to the wind and just be bad.

That merch from Shop It To Me, Gilt, Ideeli, Billion Dollar Babes, HauteLook, Rue La La, Bloomies, Saks, Neimans doesn’t call to me.

What holds me back?

Cash and closet space.

I simply don’t have endless reserves of dinero and more, I don’t have the room for these would-be-warmly-welcomed additions to my well-edited wardrobe, jewelry collection, accessories stash and so forth.

My rule is every item in means an item out. And you know how hard it is to part with beloved personal effects.

But a girl can dream.

And starting now, I’ll be regularly posting things I’d so snap up – if money were no object and closet space were limitless.  I’m hoping you’ll help a sister out.  Should I act now and fast & furiously type in my credit card number, exp date and security code, click ‘complete purchase,’ sigh and smile to self.  Or should I click delete even faster and never look back?? 

Let the games begin.

While waiting for a conference call to start, I opened my bi-weekly Shop It To Me alert.  Emotionally, I was stressed and primed for a moment of retail therapy. 

[Note: it is ill-advised to open emails from "e"-tailers when stressed, sad or sloppy drunk.]

I liked a lot, a loooooooooooooot, of the highlighted sale items but two things really caught my eye.

Exhibit A: LaRok Stretch Cotton Vest * badass with studs and personality * originally $278, now $167

Exhibit B: Juicy Couture Tie-Waist Jersey Dress * simple and chic with slit cape sleeves  * originally $178, now $89

Ladies – what’s a diva to do???

I got me a new jewelry making and repair spot in 2010 and I’m sooooo happy.

After Femmegems left the hood, I was pretty distraught.

Not like this place is in a neighborhood I’m so happy to frequent (dead smack in the heart of Times Square), but a walkable distance from my office and prices so low any cab fare is justified.

Anyhooooooo – much like clothing, I’m the queen of alterations with jewelry. 

Who says, por ejemplo, if the necklace is 36″ you can’t shorten it to 30″ so as to not allow it to obnoxiously situate itself in the middle of your not-so-small ta-tas all day long despite your repositioning efforts? 

Why struggle,wasting precious morning minutes when you’re probably already late, to clasp a bracelet when you can simply get a new clasp?

Why not, if a pair of earrings is outdated, take the stones and make something entirely new?

I do this with clothing all the time and it works wonders because me & my tailor are a killer team. Marco is my man. If it won’t work, he tells me but he also offers other solutions and ideas. The same is true of Kat at Genuine Ten Ten. 

I’m the kind of girl who wants what she wants, if you haven’t gathered as much so far. I love someone who can give me exactly what I want, but even more, I love a pro in the field with an even better idea. Take it up a notch. Surprise me. Wow me.

I brought a not-so-valuable necklace to Genuine Ten Ten as a test piece and they did such a great job that I went back the very next day with 3 more plus 1 from a friend. Hers was from her grandmother and one of mine was from my Great Aunt Millie, who is my heart more than you could imagine. I actually agonized a bit leaving the stones there. My dry cleaner just lost a favorite pair of jeans of mine… would they lose Millhouse’s  long beaded rose quartz necklace?? But as my aunt would be first to say, there’s nothing worse than having beautiful jewelry and not wearing it. So I left with faith in Kat. And Kat delivered.

I picked up the goods today and was overjoyed. 

Beyond simple repairs and alterations, the store is a kaleidoscope of beautiful semiprecious stones and beads. I’m already designing some resort and spring pieces in my mind…

Genuine Ten Ten @ 1012 Avenue of the Americas btwn 37th & 38th Street * 212 221 1173 * Open Mon-Fri 10:30-7:30, Sat 11-6:30, Sun 12-6:30

They currently appear on the homepage on the bottom of the right column and are presently sorted as follows:

Beauty Booty…licious – all my favorite beauty brands & retailers

Glam Squad – who I go to when I wanna get gorge – includes hairstyling, brow shaping, day spa-ing, and more to come

I’m Not The Only One With Something To Say – blogs with serious POV for beauty and beyond

Where To Spend That Money, Honey – your prescription for retail therapy

It’s like an open relationship.  I encourage you to go at ‘em. Have your fun. But I hope you always come home to me.

xox

Your typeface.

Answer four easy personality questions here and find out the font that matches your fabulous personality.

I’m an Architype Van Doesburg. Naturally.

Note: The password is “character” – without the quotes of course.

Here are some seasonal tips from NYC celebrity hairstylists Helio De Souza and Andrea Piccolo.

1. Need more volume?

“Don’t use conditioner at the root of your hair. As far as product goes, most hair gets flatter in the winter and needs a volumizer. One of my absolute favorites is Goldwell Dualsenses Ultra Volume line. It is a new obsession of mine because it doesn’t make the hair static (another winter hair issue) and it was developed for colored as well as natural manes.” 

2. Done with dryness?

“Don’t wash your hair every day and if your hair is oily at the base, try a dry shampoo. A great dry shampoo is KMS Hairplay Makeover Spray.”

3. Want color to stay fresh & vibrant?

“Never wash colored hair with very hot water and avoid rinsing out conditioner completely to preserve color.”

Try this sheer and shimmering combo>>>

Apply Chantecaille Lip Sheer in Coralline with a lip brush for precision.

Top with MAC Dazzleglass in Rue d’Rouge.

So fun & festive!  XO

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY.

Also sold at Astor Wines.

Salut!

But when a blizzard strikes, sometimes the best bet is to stay close to home and simply get around on two well-soled and well-protected feet.

Of course this principle didn’t come to mind last night when I ran out to Whole Foods to pick up some snacks for a guest and some remedies for a sick friend. I didn’t think much of the weather when I hit the streets in some sneakers. I figured they were better than my heels. Only a few blocks away and my feet were totally dusted in snow, not to mention the few near wipe-outs I had. Perhaps not so practical, or functional, or smart.

Especially since I got these admittedly borderline-sensible Kamik’s last year and have never once worn them even though they take up precious space hidden in the back of my closet. Best believe they’ll accompany me on my commute tomorrow morning.

I was so annoyed by my lack of city-sensibility, that I made use of the time shacked up inside on a Saturday night to buy two more pairs of  winter warrior boots.  I intend to make good use of them, and even the forgotten Kamiks too.

I love these grey smoke OTK boots because my skinny jeans, leggings or tights will fit snugly inside them and since the wedge is so minimal, they’ll function as flats. While not my top choice for a wintry mix (due to minimal sole gripping),  they’re absolutley perfect for comfortably trekking around town in arctic temps! 

And these black wedge Elsey Uggs are actually attractive despite their all-weather classification.

Turns out, if you want snow or rain boots that are even close to cute, prepare to pay a pretty penny.  These were $300 as compared to the $70 Kamiks. But in the event that a shoe switch isn’t possible once you arrive at your destination, a cute boot is mandatory.

So when you’re up at Brooklyn, when you’re down in Tribeca, right next to Di Nero, you can be sure you’re lookin good foreva.

Hairdresser & hottie, Adrian De Berardinis, is now hosting Thursday Groom n’ Groove Sessions at the salon.

Every Thursday from 7pm-10pm, DJ Josh Sparber will be spinning while you’ll be sipping cocktails and checking you out in the mirror while getting glamified. You know you do it. And you should. Your hot hair paired with hot beats and cool drinks is the ultimate in confidence- and mood-boosting. What a perfect way to start your night!  And in this city, who knows where the night will take you….

De Berardinis Salon * 155 West 21st Street @ 7th Avenue * 212 967 0927

Terrible I know.

I have not been sharing nearly enough with you these days…

Here are some excuses that I hope will get me back in your good graces:

* SHAPEbride officially closes THIS thursday! I am consumed by it… Yes, I am that girl and yes, it looks AMAZING.

* I’m on the board of directors for a charity that almost didn’t have a real holiday party this year for all the little boys and girls in the shelter… NOT COOL and not gonna happen… now every child who attends said party will be showered in gifts… in fact, we collected enough for TWO shelters!

* I’m working on some new and exciting additions to the blog that I’d like to unveil over the holidays… OH, the suspense… One I’ve been teasing for a while and it pertains to video…. and the other will support the first but also serves as the soundtrack for a diva, who amongst you doesn’t need one?? Seriously now.

In the meantime, I’ve also been tasked by Mama Diva, aka Rosy-licious, to supply a comprehensive Christmas list.  She’s a strict Santa, that one.  While some families do stuffers & small stuff and some have informal scribbled down notes and some solely do surprises, not us Divas. Naturally, I was asked to submit a spreadsheet.

And in the spirit of sharing and since I now know exactly what I’m getting, I figured the least I could do was share some glimpses of my personal wish-list with you in case you’re still at a loss for what you may want with less than 10 days to go.

1. I am diva, hear me roar. Then see me roar over and over and over again.

2. I’m with the band.

3. I am a 90s throwback and give this one two SNAPS up….. gingersnaps.

4. I am not a girl looking to blend in but still I’m always blending.

5. I am badass, see me text and bbm… even. with. my. gloves. on.

No, not that.

But something almost equally as good.

I’m obsessed with everything Supersmile and this product is like a spa treatment for your teeth and gums, and while that may not sound glamorous or indulgent- try it and get back to me…

I want to use it all day long. (I know, something’s wrong with me.)

The best part – once charged, it can last for 2 weeks so it travels without the plugin stand.  AMAZING. Irwin Smigel is a genius.

My friends at Supersmile were generous enough to give me mine, but I would glady pay the actual price of $229 or the reduced drugstore.com sale price of $158.99 having experienced this product. As with everything they make, this is a Best in Class addition to the category.

As Dr. Smigel’s wife Lucia always tells us at the Supersmile offices, you should care for your teeth… if you want to keep them :)

Which is so unfair.  I love mostly everything I ever get.  

Unless it’s from an unthoughful boyfriend.

But the truth of it is, I’d rather give than receive in the gifting department.

I don’t know if it’s just that I love to shop.  Or if it’s my one-for-you, three-for-me approach to it.  But it gives me such a high to find something I know the recipient will absolutely die over.

And this holiday season, I’m loving me some of these, which means possibly some of yous will be receiving them.

1. Nothing quite like Guatemalan love.

2. If it has the word sexpot in its name, you know I’m all about it.

3. Good scent = good mood. (scroll to #3)

4. Germs… You may have gotten your shot, but has your bag?

5. Who couldn’t use a little hanky panky?

6. Your tunes should travel if you have to.

7. Who says you can’t buy happiness?

8. So fresh and so clean.

9. We all have our baggage.

10. Mix tape goes modern.

11. Sometimes you gotta let off a little steam.

12. It ain’t easy being a working girl.

13. It’s always wise to bag it up.

14. Something up your sleeve?

15.  Hot studs wanted.

Elizabeth’s Lip Kit

Evelyn’s Lip Kit

What I didn’t realize was how much time I would spend thinking about whether knowing whose was whose affected my choice in which kit to use – or if the colors just so perfectly represented their namesake and her unique (and couldn’t-be-more-different-than-the-other) image - or if I just happened to like the different shades for different women as I do all shades when doing makeup.

Then I started wondering if women who didn’t work in beauty would even immediately recognize that Elizabeth is for the insanely gorgeous Elizabeth Hurley and Evelyn is for the insanely powerful Evelyn Lauder.

And then I started thinking about names of products in general and how I myself was a little put off buying a lipstick called Shy Girl from MAC’s new collection even though I loved the color on me.  Shy Girl? No way. “Not once, Not never.”

Which boils down to – would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? Or look as pretty on your lips?

When choosing a color palette and makeup look, I consider a woman’s face – it’s structure, skin tone, lip color, eye color and then I consider her personality and self-image.

But with these kits, I couldn’t even see them as individual lip products.  They were the Elizabeths versus the Evelyns. 

One set was boldly screaming sexy, confident, look-at-me.

The other was eloquently articulating traditional, polished, sophisticated.

Call me crazy, but soon enough I was looking at all women and assigning them a kit. With no middle ground in between, it wasn’t always an easy task. 

Check it out for yourself.  Starting with you -  Are you an Elizabeth or an Evelyn?

And if you’re makeup-mental like me, I recommend this game for the subway, train, bus, plane, classroom, business meeting.  Seriously.  Great for all ages.  No batteries required.

I’ve been wearing a whole lot of little black dresses lately – accessorized with either a major statement necklace or chunky cocktail ring, heels or OTK boots, red lips or smoky eyes.

Some are asymetrical one-shoulder goddess styles, some are micro mini requiring stockings or leggings styles, some are frighteningly form fitting styles and some are simply strapless styles.

But whatever the style, there is always some skin.

And while I keep that skin as tight as I can come summertime, it’s not always its tightest come seasonal soirees.

Which is why I love working where I do.

Right in time for holiday season, we are launching an iphone app just for girls like us – who work out to look good (and sometimes begrudgingly).

Our latest app, called The LBD Workout, is available now on itunes for $1.99.  It brilliantly offers area spot-training so that no matter what your little black dress reveals, you’ll have all the confidence to show it off.

Why stress over getting into perfect shape head-to-toe? Little Black Dress provides 12 total body strength training and cardio workouts specifically designed to sculpt, shrink, and strengthen a women’s figure in all the right spots — ideal for slipping into whichever little black dress style you desire this holiday party season.   

Slipping out on the town in a halter?  Select the workout plan that promises the sexiest shoulders and back.

Hitting the party circuit in an asymmetrical one-shoulder LBD?  You’ll be given step-by-step instructions for getting your biceps and triceps in tip-top shape.

Rocking a mini? We’ve got the lower-body moves to flaunt those gams.

Any true diva knows fitness is a means to fashion. 

And I’m so excited because this is the first-ever app that delivers custom fitness AND fashion advice together.  It’s like having your very own personal trainer and stylist right there in your pocket.

LBD features step-by-step still images AND video/audio content to make workouts easier than ever. And, all our apps include tools that enable users to log, track and share their fitness programs with others.   

The only bad thing about it is that you can only get it on the iphone and ipod touch!! I may just have to make the switch…

NOTE: I can’t stand when people have nothing to talk about other than their jobs, but lately my life has been my job with the upcoming launch of SHAPEbride on Valentine’s Day and now these amazing iphone apps -  so I apologize… But if I didn’t LOVE it,  I wouldn’t share it. Bible – as the Kardashians would say.

(See previous post. I am referring to hardware here!)

However, the ones I was LUVin me some of  in ‘07 were large and in charge and high shine to boot.

Date back to ’08 they were somewhat smaller, sure, but scattered allllll over.  And none to subtely I may add.

So……. since the economy is the scapegoat de jour and topic de annoyance, I can’t help but wonder if my current preference for the flat-finish, petite pyramid studs is somehow influenced by the lingering socioeconomic sitch.

Meaning, is over-the-top simply over??

And some gold… doesn’t.

And that’s more and more often the kind I prefer.

To complement this fall’s lip trend, I’m loving the season’s matte gold.

Because sometimes dull is really diva-lish in disguise.

Like these hot little pyramid studs I ordered online.

They arrived at the office today and made me smile. 

And even though I had but a nanosecond to enjoy them before getting back to the bottomless pile that is my current workload :) , it was a well-timed reminder to appreciate the small and subtle things.

So make the most of your goods by entering to win a 5-year modeling contract with Wilhelmina!!

The search is on to find the next Hot Body. And there are only a few weeks remaining to enter, so act NOW.

Applicants can enter through on-line sign up or in-person casting calls or by mailing in headshots and resumes.

Not sure you’ve got the stuff??

Ideal contestants will have the potential to be icons of health & wellness — The next  Hot Body is not super-skinny but rather fit, toned and strong, representing the changing standard of beauty.

Plus, a panel of judges consisting of Wilhelmina talent scouts (including Sean Patterson, President of Wilhelmina), Shape magazine editors and Men’s Fitness magazine editors will review all entries, providing contestants unparalleled exposure to key executives and editors.  You never know who will be the one to discover you!

What’ve you got to lose??

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! So stop reading and go sign up!!

I was putting on my makeup.  My eye makeup was perfect…even you [ldiva] would have been proud.  As I applied mascara, for some reason, I twitched.  Aside from my fear of developing facial turrets, I was livid!!  My mascara was still wet so my upper & lower lids were covered with black lash marks.  I had to wipe off my eye makeup & start all over again…and it NEVER looks the same.  Sometimes something better can come out of accidents but that just wasn’t the case last night!  Is there anything I could have done instead of wiping it all off and starting over? 

A from LDIVA:

This happens to the best of us from time to time and it KILLS me.  You’re right, it hardly ever looks the same when you start anew.  And sometimes it looks even better but then doesn’t match to the other, untouched eye. Of course, this always happens when you’re already running late.  Grrrrrrrr.

There is one main product I use religiously to avoid starting fresh, which if you must, I personally feel you should do then for both eyes even if only one gets smudged – especially if the eye look is anything more complicated than simple liner and a single wash of color.  And even still, I might clean the slate on both sides.  So if you follow rules, the rule is if you’re going to fully redo one eye, save yourself the heartache and just redo the two.

But back to the alternative…

MAC PRO CLEANSING TIPS 

Many mistakes would be fixable if there was only a way to precisely remove the exact affected area and no more.  What usually happens is that, without the proper tools, the whole area becomes a hot mess.  Women use their fingers or tissues or traditional, dry cotton swabs and they rub to correct, which only makes matters worse. 

These MAC professional cleansing swabs have oil-based make-up remover in them (so even waterproof or longwear will come off) and they are small enough to get into corners and creases.  The key benefit here is control.  One end has a round shape while the other has a fine point.  I cannot tell you how many times that fine point has come in handy when I’m applying longwear eyeliner or waterproof mascara to a cannot-stop-blinking bride who  needs to make it to the church on time.  The MAC cleansing tips allow me to fix any smudge with precision and ease.  I then fill in the small areas with the color products I had been using and make sure to match both eyes.  This is usually all I need to fix mascara and other mistakes on the eyelid. 

As for under the eye, it’s more about adding than removing.  So instead of stripping the area fully (and giving myself the near impossible task of perfectly matching the rest of the skin), I press with a tissue - or finger if I’m really pressed for time – to pick up as much product as I can.  Since it’s usually wet and hasn’t set in, I can cleanly lift it.  The key is to press and not rub.  For whatever is left (if anything), I super lightly dot the round tip of the swab to pull up, using minimal pressure and releasing minimal remover.  Lastly and most importantly, I pat on the concealer I used for the under-eye in the basic face stage. For the best coverage, I prefer a cream (pot) concealer to a liquid (tube) concealer.  I then tap what is left of the concealer on my finger under the other eye to make sure it’s even.

You can pick up the swabs, which come 30 to a pack, at any MAC PRO location as well as various MAC stores.

I hope this saves you time and eliminates future frustration, Marley!!

xo, me

I got a sneak preview of the line while it was being developed and let me tell you, it’s INSANE.

It’s what I would consider a nearly perfect palette.

Lately I’ve been getting into bolder colors and more mattes as the trends have been dictating, but I’m truly a sheer lip and glowing cheek kind of girl.  I long to be a year-long bronze goddess with perfect little pops of pink and peach and coral.  Michael Kors got it right, right out the gate.

Well done!!!

There’s this one.

This one.  (the inside of the bow is hot pink)

This one. (i personally wouldn’t suggest it be worn over a white tee)

And this one!

Oh, the joys of accessorizing.  So much fun I need a nap.  Or maybe I just need a nap.

And, no, this is NOT a halloween reference, as we think halloween is best served for girls who are dying to be sexy but don’t have the guts every day.

Since we bring it on all the time, we don’t need a special occasion to dress up ;)

We also recognize sexy has nothing to do with whether you’re a nurse, a schoolgirl or a french maid… again. And definitely doesn’t not equate to how much skin is showing. Desire to look super sexy most often ends up looking super desperate.

Sexy is all about confidence and attitude. Modern day swagger.

Which is why even my little devil can look sexy parading around my apartment in this little gift I got her, as kind of a punishment and kind of a joke.

It’s her very own cherry red shower cap, complete with corn-on-the-cob yellow devil’s horns.  Trust me, it’s quite a look.

She has to wear it when she visits and wants to extend her blowout because when she borrows mine – get this, ladies – SHE DOES NOT DRY IT for when it’s my turn to shower.  And somehow, this mischevious lil devil gets water not only on the outside but also it’s dripping wet on the inside.  I mean, what the….???

Two words: Un. Acceptable.

So now she has to don this instead and leave my fabulous Spa Sisters bouffant shower cap to me and my other besties who know how to properly care for it and who respect who’s next in line for showering at our girls weekends.

So this little gift is really one for myself, a little devil in other ways I suppose :)

I’ve been looking for a gold skinny belt and have had no luck at Bloomies or Saks or any of the Soho/Nolita shops.  Which makes me that much more intent on finding one.  

Rather than search through a million sites, when I know exactly what I want I use ShopStyle.com.  ShopStyle doesn’t have its own e-commerce but links directly to the retailer’s site once you’re ready to buy.  And they have EVERYTHING there at every price point from Forever21 to Ferragamo.  It’s the most comprehensive shopping site I’ve ever experienced.  Sometimes even I am overwhelmed by it and I live for this stuff.

So, at about 2am, I found myself perusing ShopStyle for belts.  They currently feature 3,113.

ShopStyle allows you to refine by Brand, Store, Sale, Price and Color. And my tired eyes and I wanted so badly to narrow down by color – Gold – and limit my options to only 187. 

But the shopping bug paralyzed me.  What if there was a gorgeous belt in black or silver or chocolate or camel that I would never know I wanted if I tailored the search to only what I needed.

3,113 belts later, I ended up buying 3.

Of all the belts and brands I reviewed – from YSL to Gucci to Prada to Alexander McQueen to Valentino – the gold belt I ended up liking most (without considering brand or budget) was from………… OLD NAVY???? 

The fleece capital of the world that in no way reflects my personal style, despite being a destination for affordable practicality and functionality loved by the masses.

But believe it when I say, I liked their belt so much I got it in TWO colors.

WHAT is this world coming to?!

I got this simple double-wrap metallic bow belt in Gold, as shown above, and in Rosegold – which they call Rose Pink so as not to confuse their consumer. 

I liked it for its simplicity, since I need something versatile that my outfits would pop around.  And I always appreciate a good bow plus the double-wrap element was on-trend.  I did find it amusing though that Old Navy used the words “sassy” “funky” and “fashion-forward” to describe it.  But perhaps to the Fleece Fashionistas, it is all those things.  To each her own.

So anyhooooo – Old Navy won the online belt battle, but the moment of truth will be when it arrives.  For $14.50 (!!!), will it be soft, will it be durable, will it look… cheap??

And most importantly, will I follow-up to even let you know??  ;)

And for the nonconventionalist like myself….

In summary and in the words of my good friend F, Is it bad to want to get married just to wear the dress?!?!?!

Yes, even laundry can be fabulous.

My girl D always gets a kick out of my hankypanky handwash. 

But why should they only look good when they’re on??

I proudly display mine to dry.

As with all pretty things, they deserve some attention and good company :)

by Angela Marklew, taken from here

You have GOT to be kidding me.

To add insult to injury, the issue is dedicated to supermodels yet not one black model appears in it.  Unless you count the white one with heavy face and body makeup.

Not cute.  In fact, horrific and shameful if you ask me.

So buy up ladies and then yes, we beauty girls can say we are curing cancer to anyone even slightly dismissive of this inspiring, creative and magical industry. 

Here are 5 all-time faves that I was lucky enough to score at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation event @ the Lauder building…

AVEDA HAND RELIEF – my most favorite hand cream

BUMBLE & BUMBLE CLASSIC HAIRSPRAY - it’s genius and should be renamed Cult Classic Hairspray

CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION - a beauty staple

LA MER CREME DE LA MER - seriously if you’re gonna spend this kind of money on skincare, isn’t it nice to know a portion of your hard-earned cash is going to breast cancer research??

ORIGINS PEACE OF MIND ON-THE-SPOT RELIEF - i dab some on my wrists when doing bridal makeup, it instantly calms the bride on her big day

But as an added bonus, I was given a personal tour of the late, great Estee Lauder’s office!! It was a major moment. Entering the big leagues. A career moment worthy of pinching myself.

Here are a few pics in an attempt to share the experience with you guys :)

Where magic happened- Estee Lauder’s desk!!

The handpainted walls and beautiful couch…

Her prized compact collection…

And true genius, a wall in Mrs. Lauder’s office opens when pressed to reveal a private bathroom…

Women dish ALL to their hairdressers at incredibly high volume to overcompensate for the roar of the blasting blowdryer.

Get the next chair and you’ll get the goods on her man (or men), her coworkers, her family, you name it.  It’s better than her uncensored diary.

I know this because I too am guilty of being a little too…. audible, so to speak… in my stylist’s chair.

I gab with him, he gabs with me, with little to no awareness of other clients or stylists.

It may as well be the therapist couch, because – hot damn - it all just comes flowing out.

I recently had a “confidential” convo with my tress-tamer extraordinaire and the woman one seat over actually looked at me, smiled and got on her blackberry to send a message. Hmmmm.  WTF.

But I went on carelessly chatting because it was our 45 minutes together for the week and we had to cover all the bases.

Enter Centrix’s new Q-Zone Quiet Dryer.

With patent-pending Insanely Quiet ™ technology, it claims to dry as quickly as other pro dryers minus the loud noise – allowing for “inside voices” to be used while conversing in the chair.

Amazing.

According to one of my all-time favorite hair heroes – Adrian Deberardinis of Deberardinis Salon in NYC, “Now it’s possible to powerfully blast your hair dry without blasting the noise.  The discreet Q-Zone Quiet Dryer won’t disturb the sleeping husband and it does a great job of making our salon more conducive to client conversation.”

Available at ulta.com for $179.99 and hopefully introduced soon at your salon.

So skip the cream blush and go get a new crush.

Beauty from within – it’s so recessionista!

Classes sold out in advance :) but you can still check out the Pavilions for sampling, demonstrations, and the infamous and beloved Spin & Win Wheel!!

Enjoy!!

Sponsors include Under Armour, Asics, Havaianas, Powerade Zero, Equinox, Conair and more.

My beloved Sumptuous mascara (yes ladies – it actually lengthens, thickens, darkens AND curls your luscious lashes) now comes in COLOR!!!

Amazing.

I’m obsessing over the Sapphire.

Do we LOVE??!

Yes, this morning WWD ran an exclusive on what else but…

JUST CLICK ON PAGE 5 within MEMO PAD once directed to WWD

But I really like it that much.

LOOK – Pretty (Powerful) in Pink

LIP - Chanel lipliner in Nude, MAC lipstick in Lovelorn topped with MAC dazzleglass lipgloss in Steppin’ Out

Best believe Robert Palmer was onto something…

And if you’re among the latter, do I have a product for you!

I recently got my hands on Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Anti-Persperant after being informed of its cult following.

Interesting.

While I of course like to smell good and while I don’t think underarm sweat is necessarily a hot look, before I had it in my possession I couldn’t fathom how deodorant could really get anyone all that excited.

I mean, I like the feel of the Dove deodorant I’ve been using most recently and I also can appreciate Mitchum’s commitment to banish white marks left by most brands.

But the deodorant category as a whole just doesn’t inspire me like many others in Beauty. 

A lipstick, for example, can bring me joy and the opportunity for self-expression and glamour and straight up sex appeal.

Deodorant, well, it brings me nothing more than its function.

And then the product arrived at my desk.

Both a deodorant and anti-persperant, this DKNY Cashmere Mist solid stick is super silky and just glides on.  And stays on and works.  And although I don’t have sensitive skin, it’s gentle enough to be used immediately after shaving.  And of course, it smells amazing. 

The best part – it’s not an overpowering scent, it’s reallllllly light – so it doesn’t compete with my own signature scent.  Of course, it’s best when paired with Cashmere Mist and I plan to layer it with Cashmere Mist Luxe on occasion this fall (the latest in the line-up, created in celebration of the scent’s 15 year incredible success story).  But my signature fragrance and I have been going steady for years and years now.  I may have flings here and there but we always get back together and I can’t have a scented deodorant come between us.

The DKNY team at Lauder did it right, no surprise.

I put DK Cashmere Mist deodorant on now every day after I shower and it immediately evokes my femininity.  That’s really the best way I can put it.  I feel like a girl. 

I really do love it and can finally understand the buzz…. AND it conveniently also comes in a small travel-sized version for us fabulous jet-setters! LOVE!

I encourage you all to check it out to find out just how excited you too can be about deodorant.

But to backtrack for a second, as some of you know my ‘dayjob’ is at SHAPE magazine where I manage the beauty & fashion team and also work on brand extensions, integrations and opportunities.  Sometimes the workload forces me to neglect you – especially when we’re crazy busy, which is almost always… (so sorry loyal readers!!!)  But in this instance, I am so beyond excited for an upcoming launch that I actually intend to blog about the process from start to finish.

Yes my virtual friends, as the leader in the Active Lifestyle Category and as a brand that consistently sets and resets the bar (in both good and bad times), SHAPE is launching a new magazine that I jointly conceptualized with my publisher, SF, and will manage. 

On Valentine’s Day weekend 2010, along with our fabulous and talented Editor-in-Chief VL, we will proudly introduce SHAPEbride.

The above announcement went out to the industry just days ago and the instant reception it’s received from our brand partners has been tremendous from travel to jewelry to beauty to lingerie to diet&nutrition companies and more.

For years we’ve known every woman wants to get in SHAPE, so to speak – but it couldn’t be more important than for a bride-to-be!  Being fit & fabulous is of the essence and we’ve got the comprehensive plan for her to get slim, stay sane and be show-stoppingly gorgeous for the big day. 

If you’re a bride-to-be or will become one this fall/winter, we ask that you make a vow to yourself.  Be a bride who can say on her wedding day – I DO love my SHAPE.

If you can say…

I DO want my dress to fit like a glove.

I DO want the aisle to be my personal runway.

I DO want to be healthy, radiant and beautiful on the big day.

I DO want to know the secrets of Hollywood brides.

I DO not want to become a Bridezilla.

… then you’re soon on your way to becoming a fit & fabulous SHAPEbride!!

To accompany the magazine, of course, will be an interactive web site, an iphone companion application, sweepstakes and prizes and more!

So while I haven’t been able to commit to a man yet, I’m giving you my word that I’m 110% committed to this project. And as with any worthwhile relationship, I know it’ll take time and energy and hard work and passion. But I have a good feeling we’re a perfect match!

Basic Bun -

Bridal Bun -

Remember – anything too tight or perfect reads as severe – bridal should be soft and feminine.  Loosen up – literally.

As mentioned in a previous post, I’m going OTK this fall.

As seen on Mary J. Blige in her latest video, The One, and on a superhot fashionista at the Badgley Mischka show earlier today.

I confess – I covet.

Although for $700, badass don’t come cheap…

Under the infamous tents at Bryant Park today for the Badgley Mischka show, there was a wow factor.

Among the pieces in their Spring 2010 Collection, BM showed tweed, shantung, silk, jersey, lace, organza, satin, chiffon, taffeta, tulle, and sequin ensembles… in that order.

The energy was high, the music was pulsating, the designs were gorgeous, the models were fierce, and the fashion elite were in attendance.

But all I could focus on were the two SHOCKING PINK frocks parading past me both during the show and in the finale.

And naturally, I just LOVE LOVE LOVE me some pink.  This particular shade was ultra-bold yet ultra-feminine.  And beyond criminal – as it simply stole the show.

Makes me want to skip Fall/Winter and dive right into next Spring.  I’m already envisioning the perfect makeup to accentuate the pop of pretty that is this pink.

Can’t we pleeeeeease just fast forward??

As beauty trends come and go, the colored mascara category is having its moment and is on-fire HOT for Fall 09….

And yet try as I may to move all about my apartment in search of various degrees of light while testing flash and non-flash settings, neither I nor Dee-Licious could really capture the full effect of the new YSL Faux Cils in Sublime Grey. 

Above & below are the best of the bunch:

Nothing really does it justice – and truthfully the effect itself is incredibly subtle, especially on someone with dark lashes like mine. 

I may just have to make Little Miss M test it so I can compare on my fair-skinned cutie.

Overall, I prefer the look for day although I tested it for night.  While it may be more interesting,  it’s also softer than black and therefore less dramatic and intense.

But there is something to it that I’m really into…

Even if it can’t be caught on film.

To Be Continued with a new tester/model >>>>>>

Brazilian Blowout and Keratin Treatment Expert Jordana Lorraine (Los Angeles), who has added tremendously to the discussion already on Divalicious Blog.com, makes some suggestions for different hair types and results.

By Jordana Lorraine

Brazilian Blowout?  BKT?  Brazillian Blowdry??  Coppola?!  Global?!  With all the buzz about the newest craze in hair straightening, and so many similarities between products and their names, it’s easy to get confused!  Knowing that web-savvy clients have probably been bombarded with information, misinformation, and conflicting information, I’ll try to break it down and make some sense of it.

In general, keratin treatments use the proteins naturally found in the hair to strengthen it and relax the curl, and a variety of botanical extracts to smooth out the cuticle and add shine.  Afterwards, the hair can be worn wavy (sans frizz) or blown straight with a fraction of the time or effort. 

Wearing my hair  straight used to require 45 minutes, 2 round brushes and a flat iron; now it take less than 10 minutes with a flat brush and I am silky-smooth!  If I want a beachy look, I air-dry using some leave-in conditioner, or for va-voom I can use rollers, a curling iron or a round brush, because the hair does take a curl (unlike with Japanese straighteners).  And perhaps best of all…it’s impressively weather-proof, so no more dreading the beach! 

All of these effects are temporary, lasting anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.  Lasting power depends on your hair’s condition, texture, and curl pattern, the type of treatment you have done, and your aftercare regimen.  If you have it done again before it has faded completely, it will build up and begin to last longer. 

These treatments virtually eliminate frizz, reduce bulk and curl, and leave previously unruly hair healthier, shinier and more manageable than it has ever been before.  They are safe for colored, highlighted, and even bleached hair; in fact, the porosity created by prior chemical services makes the keratin treatment last longer! 

You’ll want to have your color done fresh before a keratin treatment, as you will not be able to color it for two weeks afterwards.  Redheads and brunettes may consider asking their colorist for just a half-shade deeper tone, as they may lose a small amount of deposit with the keratin treatment.   All keratin treatments are non-damaging if applied and processed correctly.

So what’s the DIFFERENCE? 

Chemical makeup and compatibility with different hair types/lifestyles. 

For example, some treatments contain varying levels of formaldehyde, which has caused understandable concern amongst consumers and technicians.  I choose to only work with products which are FORMALDEHYDE-FREE.  Why?  The effects of formaldehyde being used in this way are unknown (it is too new), and a significant percentage of the population has mild to moderate allergies to it. I do several of these treatments a week and I want to protect my clients and myself, and also…I have had brilliant results without it!  Read on…

BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT™

As seen on Nicole Richie, Halle Berry, Lindsay Lohan and Ashley Tisdale (and probably many more celebs who haven’t yet admitted it), Brazilian Blowout™ is the most popular keratin treatment on the market.  While previous incarnations of Brazilian Blowout™ did contain formaldehyde, that product has not been sold for over a year.  The newest formula is in a light cream base with a gentle açaí scent. It is the most semi-permanent of any I have tried, going slowly but surely back to the natural texture.  There is no line of “roots” as this happens, because the treatment fades off the hair at about the same pace as your hair grows in.  For clients with first-time nerves, or who might want to go back to wearing their hair curly, I almost always recommend Brazilian Blowout™.  It is also the ONLY one which allows the convenience of washing your hair that night, the next day, whenever you want to.  No rules about ponytails, clips, etc!  All other keratin treatments require a 24-96 hour waiting period while the keratin settles in, during which time you must be very careful to adhere to strict precautions to ensure success of the treatment.

BEWARE: Brazilian Blowout™ is a brand name, but is often misused to refer to a whole category of hair relaxing treatments.  Ask to see the bottle or printed materials if you aren’t sure what you’re getting; and/or ask when is the next time you can shampoo your hair following the service.

GLOBAL KERATIN TREATMENT™

Global Keratin makes treatments with 4% formaldehyde, 2% formaldehyde, or formaldehyde-free.  I choose only to work with the latter for the reasons mentioned above, though I have been told that the solutions which contain formaldehyde do give wonderful results which last longer than the treatment done without (up to 5-6 months instead of 3-4).  Global Keratin Treatment is very flexible, and can be used to smooth frizz while maintaining curl, or to smooth and relax curl and bulk.  On coarser hair, I have found that the Global product provides superior results with smoothing, although it still does not make the hair completely straight.

Global Keratin’s formaldehyde-free solution is also free of any other “hyde” family ingredients, so if you have a known allergy or particular concern regarding formaldehyde, you may want to choose this treatment to avoid any exposure to related chemicals.  The solution contains ultra-fine keratin molecules in a moisturizing base that comes in a variety of scents, such as strawberry, chocolate, açaí and mint. Global Keratin Treatment should be left in the hair (unbent and not clipped or wet) for 72 hours for maximum results.

KERATIN COMPLEX BY COPPOLA

Keratin Complex by Coppola comes from the creative mind of hair guru Peter Coppola.  Based in Florida, KC knows a thing or two about fighting frizz and humidity!  Keratin Complex provides a slightly more rigid result than some other treatments, which I believe may be a result of its gel base (as opposed to some others, which are creamy). I have seen in my testing, that Keratin Complex results may weaken, but are visible in the hair for 4-6 months, even more in one case, making it hard for the client to wear her hair curly again.  For this reason, I mostly use Keratin Complex for clients who are in “Japanese Straightener rehab,” because it is much gentler on the hair but will provide a reasonable blend as the Japanese treatment grows out.  This treatment should also be left in the hair (unbent and not clipped or wet) for 72 hours for maximum results.

BRAZILIAN KERATIN TREATMENT BY MARCIA TEXTEIRA

“Brazilian Keratin Treatment” is also sometimes incorrectly used to refer to the entire category of services.  Because its name is out there so much, I thought this product deserved to be on the list even though I choose not to work with it.  It does contain formaldehyde, which I have expressed my concerns about; this means that the stylist and the client are recommended to wear a mask during the process.  However, that makes the treatment work well and last as long as 6 months.  And, it is a less expensive ingredient, so the treatment is sometimes offered for less if you don’t mind the exposure.  Salons have been using formulas with formaldehyde for years in Brazil, though my research has shown they often do this outside so that the fumes are not trapped in the air to be breathed in by clients and employees. BKT needs to stay in the hair for 96 hours to fully process and develop, making it the longest of any treatment I’ve researched.

I hope this has helped you understand the differences between the most popular and widely-used keratins treatments available, and maybe to decide which one might be best for you.  Consult your stylist, or if s/he doesn’t do keratin treatments, google the names of these treatments along with your city to find someone who does. 

No one product can be right for everyone, so look for someone who works with a few of them and can do a personalized hair analysis/recommendation.

See more photos, testimonials, and FAQ on my website, http://www.jordanalorraine.com.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR DIVALICIOUS READERS: Receive $50 off your first treatment if you mention Divalicious when booking your appointment!

LDIVA NOTE: The information provided above by Jordana Lorraine is intended to clear up general confusion plus educate women on the newly popular Brazilian hair treatments. As with any hair treatment or beauty product, individual sensitivities and reactions should be considered prior to use.

LDiva A: It’s not the method but the technician that matters. 

Too many women trust their brows to inexperienced, unskilled technicians.  I have seen disastrous work resulting from waxing, tweezing and threading.  Conversely, if you take the time and energy to find a brow genius (for me this is Eliza Petrescu) it doesn’t matter the method.  Eliza happens to think that there isn’t enough control with threading and often the thread picks up hair it’s not intended to resulting in a brow that is too thin or uneven.  Eliza’s method includes waxing following by tweezing to create the perfect custom shape for your face. 

Given the economy, you may think you can’t afford Eliza.  And, believe me, ten minutes with her costs a pretty penny.  But I only go 2-4x a year and pluck any obvious strays in-between visits, following the arch and shape she created.

Note: You must grow out your brows for at least 4 weeks prior to your first visit with Eliza.  She needs to know what you’ve got to work with.  So no plucking, tweezing, waxing, threading or grooming of any kind for a month.  It sounds painful but the result makes it well worth it.

Brow Tip – Even if it’s a stranger on the street, if you see a brow you love, ask the woman who she goes to.  Most likely, she loves her brow specialist and will be happy to pass on the contact info!

Odds are low I’ll be pairing my skinny jeans and faux fur vest with these flats come fall, but clearly to no fault of their own.  They are obvi SUPERCUTE for those of us who don’t need help in the height department…

Not that I’m jealous or anything ;) 

I can already envision them on my BFF, EE, who has long lean runner’s legs and can parade around town sans heel in her flats and tar-jay denim like the cutie she is.

I think she’d go for the brown if shopping alone but under the influence of her favorite diva, I’d persuade her to buy blue.

SO much more fun.

But two paragraphs is enough already on EE, right?! 

As for me - odds are high I’m making an OTK (over-the-knee) statement this season.

Perhaps also better suited for our tall friends (damn them!), I still tried on a pair and fell madly in lust. 

Fall 2009 is all about making a strong statement (hello, the return of shoulder pads?!) — but OTK boots are beyond strong, they are dangerously powerful.

Fiercely feminine.

And with a modest heel, you can downplay the dominatrix factor. 

These in particular translate more as weekend warrior. Strictly for the girl who’s going for hers. No apologies. No fear.

And where better to shop in NYC for fall footwear than SHOEGASM, where you’ll undoubtedly have an Oh! moment…

As in, Oh my god these are so hot AND so affordable?!!!

Stop by the Meatpacking/Chelsea, Flatiron or Soho/Tribeca locations to see more and play the odds yourself.

MEATPACKING/CHELSEA @ 71 8th Avenue, New York NY 10014 (212) 691-2091

FLATIRON @ 20 W 23rd St, New York NY 10010 (212) 741-3288

SOHO/TRIBECA @ 383 Broadway, New York NY 10013 (212) 925-3800  

About SHOEGASM (recently featured in WWD):

The boutique that Farshad Noraani and Eddie Cuevas opened in 1999 began as “Ubu,” but quickly became better known by its slogan, Shoegasm. Cuevas and Noraani deliberately picked locations where Shoegasm’s moderate price points and trendy selection would stand out from its more luxury-focused neighbors. Shoegasm now has three locations in Meatpacking/Chelsea, Flatiron and Soho/Tribeca and stocks both men’s and women’s shoes. Its eclectic collection is not dependant on the brand-specific but instead on making sure its inventory is always up-to-date and interesting. The stores’ soft lighting, rugs, and comfortable furniture create a vintage, cozy atmosphere that invites customers to spend time there. Shoegasm is committed to keeping a carefully curated and always-changing inventory.

But amongst us girls, don’t we all admit size matters??

Well the ladies over at Maybelline must agree…

Reintroducing cult favorite and award-winning classic GREAT LASH… BIG. 

Yes, BIG.

The formula is proven.

Big Brush = Big Big Lashes.

And while some of it’s direct competition that you guys know I already love (Maybelline’s own Colossal, Cover Girl’s LashBlast and the late Max Factor’s Volume Couture) work wonders as well, I am seriously loving how Great Lash Big does… not… clump. 

Oh quite contrary. 

It glides on like a precision mascara and yet just a few coats bring out the va-va-voom of a volumizing, thickening, lengthening mascara.  With miraculously no need for an eyelash comb to separate post-application.

To which a busy girl like me who’s always running late and could use a few shortcuts says YAYYYYYYYY!

Here’s to another instance where bigger is unquestionably better!

And a steal at $5.99 now on drugstore.com in Blackest Black, Brownish Black and Very Black.

As they also say – go BIG or go home.

We recently did hair & makeup for a picture-perfect NYC wedding and couldn’t help ourselves as we set our sights on the photo booth at the reception…

Our inner divas came out to play after a verrrrrry long day of work.

Cheers to looking and feeling beautiful, not only on the big day, but every day!

xo, LC & CC

When I was a little girl, I started a ‘business’ with my friends where we personalized… stuff.  It was cleverly named Personalized Stuff.  We designed seashells, towels and other random items using bubble letters and the customer’s name.  Millionaires we did not become off this brilliant concept, but I did learn early in life that people are, simply put, really into things that are personalized. 

Fast forward to last week, and  a girl I volunteer with shot me an email about her budding business that takes personalization to a whole other level. 

F designs jewelry that mirrors the size and shape of people’s scars.  At itsmyscar.com, the philosophy is to turn you personal history into a one-of-a-kind and meaningful piece of jewelry.  All designs are custom and allow for something potentially negative (the history of the scar) to turn into something positive, beautiful and empowering.  Consumers are encouraged to own their scars. Literally.  And I think that’s pretty amazing. 

F had thyroid cancer herself, which resulted in a sharp scar across her neck.  Rather than cover and hide it, she designed a necklace in its likeness and other women with scars were inspired and started asking her to make unique jewelry for them.  And a business was born.

On the site, there are some samples along with photos of the real scars they replicate and the wearer’s individual story.

The cost of your original piece can vary from $200 – $1500 depending on the design. 

All you need to do is provide a clear photograph of your scar, and you’ll be able to proudly wear you personalized… stuff.

They toured with Kings of Leon in Europe and are now signed to their label. 

As promised, here is the final cut!

Lions, by the Features…. ENJOY.

xo

Made with fruit purees and vodka, it’s more dessert than cocktail.

I had one last weekend and amazed myself at how fast I can throw down a tasty treat. 

And, as we all know – location, location, location. 

There are truly few things better than downing a delicious drink  surrounded by beautiful blue sea & sky and a serene sandy beach.

So what if it take two hours to get there? After a few of these, you’ve already long forgotten the hellish commute. 

You’re ready to party, karamu, fiesta, forever! Come on and sing along…

Are these not the CUTEST mini emory boards ever?!

You simply pop off a fruit segment to file your tips and toes.

LOVE them :)

And for only $2.50, Diva Stamp of Approval is granted.

LK invited me over to show her some new looks but rather than taking my own kit that overflows with the latest and greatest in skincare, haircare and cosmetics, she instead wanted me to go through her own stash to show her what should stay, what should go and how to use it all. 

When I got to her place, she had all her goodies out on display. 

As most women do, LK had a nice mix of department store, specialty store and drugstore brands.  And as most women don’t, LK hardly used three quarters of it.

And when women get overwhelmed with their choices and insecure about their application abilities, they tend to reject the fun of makeup altogether by sticking to one basic look they’ve worn for years. 

This is boring.  Make that TRAGIC. [Don't be this girl!]

So we went through alllllll her stuff and immediately I saw a few things that could be edited out of her collection.  They got tossed.

Then after pulling out key items for her basic face (concealer, loose powder, highlighter, bronzer, blush and eyebrow pencil), I created two easy color palettes for LK to recreate on her own. 

Since purple is beyond the rage for Fall/Winter 2009 and since, as you all know, I’m a huge fan of purples on all skin tones – we picked out a few products for a really fun, vivid purple eye.  Think “Night Out on the Town with Your Girls.”

Then we went through and pulled a more sophisticated yet smoldering palette of taupes, browns and creams.  Think “Romantic Restaurant with Your Man.”

And then we got right to it….

The basic face took but a few minutes and LK was instantly glowing. 

Next we rocked the purple eye, and I taught LK how to cheat (fake) a crease on an Asian eyelid by feeling where the eyeball ends and the browbone begins.  Once you know to look for it, it becomes your trusted guide. 

For the first look, we used it to determine where color should not extend above to keep the pop of purple contained.

For the taupe look, we followed the “crease” to deposit the darker pigment halfway into the eye and slightly above to create the illusion of dimension (where a crease would actually fold).   

LK could not get over how such quick, simple eye makeup could give such drama to the eye.

This is something LK can do herself everyday, and she tells me she’s getting really good at it. 

LOVE that!!!

Absolutely love when someone who only occasionally plays with makeup becomes a cosmetics convert and starts experimenting and realizing untapped beauty potential.  SO so so so so exciting :)

Being a super-successful girl about town, LK timed our consultation perfectly to meet friends after and show off her hot new look.  Of course, she first had to choose an eye!!!

Both looked amazing (if I do say so myself!!) and she ultimately went with the taupe.

Our Queen Bee was most definitely all the buzz that night… 

Special thanks to LK for letting me document the process.

And a million hugs and limitless Thank Yous to SCB, my good friend & photographer, who did her thing and captured the experience so I could share it.

Love you ladies!!!!

I’m happy to report that each year I get better at revealing my true colors.  And still I must tell you, I may always prefer showing off those of others.

Namely MAC, Nars, Shiseido, Bare Escentuals….

This year, I decided to rock true (cosmetic) colors for my nighttime bday festivities.

Friday into Saturday was Party Purple at neighborhood bar 108 in NYC’s Soho followed by a little Griffin action in the Meatpacking.

Saturday into Sunday was Birthday Blue down the shore at Avenue in Long Branch.

Sunday into Monday was Going-Out Green at Stanton Social and then Goldbar back in downtown NYC.

My makeup kit may as well be my adult carton of Crayola, and this weekend I pulled out the fun shades only.

I was coloring outside the lines and loving every second of it.

I cared less for precision and more for pigmentation and pop.

I spent lots of time on the eye and conversely, hardly any on the lip.

And of course, I whipped out my highlighter like any studious schoolkid with a backpack full of supplies.

I had a good time.

And I think the makeup both provided it and communicated it.

Let me know if this is the kind of look you’d like to see on video…

It corrects.

It contours.

It smooths.

It rejuvenates.

It acts as a primer for shadow even though it doesn’t even claim to.

The only thing this new eye concealer from Chanel doesn’t do is tell you how gorgeous and young you look when you’re wearing it…

And truthfully, there may be some non-verbal communication of that going on.

It may cost $45 but you still may need to go get some.  I am a big fan.  BIG.

I feel it working and tightening and covering… and, surprise, it also provides this great base for liners and shadows and creams to stick to and not go sneaking up into the crease.

WHAT could be more satisfying?!

This Chanel product comes in Apricot Lumiere, Beige Lumiere and Rose Lumiere.  I personally use the Rose, perhaps subconsciously to honor a certain Rose in my life :)

According to Chanel, “this silky glide-on formula does more than mask your skin’s imperfections. It features a Tetrapeptide to target the fluid that builds up under the eyes and makes them look tired. The appearance of puffiness and dark circles is measurably reduced, so your eyes look beautifully refreshed.”

I’m just not sure I can go back to regular concealer.

Chanel, again, has raised the bar.

Our beloved De Berardinis Salon is now offering $30 blowouts for the remainder of the summer.

Any stylist, any time!!!

You can even ask for Adrian De Berardinis himself – who is a hair GOD here on earth to glam up mere mortals…

Even in sweltering NYC summertime, he was able to tame our tresses and work our waves.

Former Assistant/Current ROCKSTAR, Little Miss M

LDiva-licious

Even though we were Shiny in the City due to heat and humidity, we were still blown away!

Heavy hands in beauty are dangerous hands – and in my opinion, too much structure denies a woman her softness and sensuality.

I know it’s a cardinal sin, but truthfully the most amazing makeup sometimes reveals itself  (GASP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) after you’ve slept in it. I know this because my lifestyle doesn’t leave much time for beauty sleep let alone a multi-step daily nighttime skincare routine.  On occasion, and I’m not proud to admit it, I finally get to see my bed at the end of a lonnnng day and there is nothing that will stop me from getting right in it and closing my fully-made-up eyes. 

Before I go any further, I should state I don’t propose sleeping in your makeup.  Although it does happen, it is on a rare occasion - and I know it’s not doing me any good. 

Having said that, on those rare occasions, I wake to find the makeup more smoked out, more sultry, more WOW than when first applied the night prior. 

So I decided to do a little test to see if I could make fresh makeup look like morning-after makeup. 

And I really got into it.

- I made sure to blend, blend, blend because morning makeup never shows hard lines, even with liner.

- I made sure to pull the color down below the eye where it naturally falls overnight.

- I extended the inner corner highlighter below the inner lashline just a touch where I see it ends up in the AM.

- I applied lipliner and two shades of lipstick, fully blended the liner until it all but disappeared, then added the gloss and pressed it so that the shimmer blended into the lipstick without any remaining stickiness.

And here’s how it turned out:

LOOK: Morning After

EYE & LIP – Coming soon… on VIDEO!!!! :)

But sadly, Cargo Classic Lipgloss in Halifax does nothing for me – a brunette with olive skin and pink-toned lips.  The sheer wash, while beautiful in consistency – not sticky or tacky - just disappeared on me.  It may as well have been clear. 

Good thing my former assistant turned ROCKSTAR since her big promotion last winter is my beauty opposite – a redhead with fair skin and light-toned lips.  We’re perfect for one another in oh-so-many ways, so it’s really no surprise we compliment each other in this regard as well.

She wasted no time in snapping it up and dabbing it on.  (Is it any wonder why I love her so?!)

And it looked great!

You know what they say – One woman’s waste is another woman’s wonderful new addition to her beauty cabinet.

Oh wait… only I say that??!

Anyhoo – also awesome about the gloss, it contains timestrip technology that allows wearers to insert a strip into the cap that turns red over time alterting women to replace it.

So little Miss M can get herself a new one after her Halifax expires and I can go online now to find a shade more suitable to my liptone.

Good Times, Ladies.  Good Times.

M’s pretty pout

This product seriously claims it will suppress your appetite. 

Safety is the first thing that comes to my mind – especially as the cosmetics world shifts more and more towards organics, naturals, minerals and botanicals – keeping the chemicals at minimal levels. 

And yet it does kind of sound appealing…  Huge Lips Skinny Hips.

The gloss contains Vitamins E and B3, lemon peel oil, orange peel extract and, well-known and somewhat controversial appetite suppressant, Hoodia.

Each of the six colors has its own cute name:

*No Tan Lines

*Kitty Poledancer

*Red Sole

*Love Your Thighs

*Lychee Martini

*Worship Kate

Here’s the 411 directly from the company website.

Thoughts?!

1. He may not notice his not-so-microscopic blackhead situation, but I’ll bet you do.  Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips to the rescue.
2. Unibrow is so 80s, in the bad sense. Pin him down and take care of it with your Tweezerman Slant Tweezers. Even if he cries like a baby, you’re doing him a favor.
3. Talons are so prehistoric, also in the bad sense. These dangerous weapons have potential for unintentional but serious injury.  Clip ‘em with Revlon’s Manicure and Pedicure Prep & Shape, then file rough edges.
4. He may be doing you right by keeping it tight, but if dry, tough, calloused hands are the result of his hardcore workouts, let him borrow your Barielle 60 Second Mani-Pedi Scrub.  Or better yet, offer to give him a hand-massage and sneak it in so he won’t resist.  Even if he fusses like a child, you’re doing you a favor.
5. Say No to Old School Drying Agents like soaps, astringents and medicated acne pads.  Unless he’s in the midst of preteen hormone changes, there is no reason for him to suffer this kind of severe facial moisture loss.  Particularly if a daily moisturizer is not part of his regimen, which better not be the case. Cause if you’ve taught him anything, it better be proper skincare.  If he won’t stand for the fancy lotions and potions you’d like to buy him, hook him up with light, fragrance-free Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.

There is a hot new Brazilian in town!  Ooooh la la la la….

And since they say the proof is in the pudding, this post will begin as a photo-essay – followed by commentary and treatment details. 

As I’m sure you can relate, very few things are as upsetting as a Bad Hair Day.  I believe this process to be a non-damaging promise of Good Hair to many women who desperately seek it and struggle in achieving it every  day.

BEFORE & AFTER: the front

BEFORE & AFTER: the side

BEFORE & AFTER: the back

I don’t think words can speak to the stunning transformation that took place in 90 minute’s time in Midtown NYC.

And note, the BEFORE pics are after the model’s own at-home blowout .  My fearless guinea pig naturally has some serious, tight, unmanageable curls.  In contrast, the after pictures look like a girl who wakes up to shampoo commercial hair every day.

My friend for years, who happily agreed to test the treatment for me, has NEVER had better hair than when we left the salon.  No professional blowout even compared to the softness and shine this process imparted.  And make no mistake, we pay a pretty penny for some of the best stylists in town. 

There were many times at which I thought she would cry – happy tears.  This is a girl who would travel to beach destinations but take any and all measures to never get her hair wet.  Who needs to spend a significant amount of time whenever her hair did get wet to properly blow it out.  There was no such thing as wash & go for her.   

Now she is liberated. 

It may only be hair, but the confidence she exuded leaving the salon is something I wish all women could experience.

Something as simple as Good Hair, when it never came easy to you,  can truly rock your world. 

THE PROCESS

Details on the process, done at CONCEPT SALON IN NYC.

- This is a NEW Brazilian semi-straightener. 

- The treatment softens and relaxes hair but doesn’t not promise stick-straight hair.  You can still wear you hair wavy or curly.  The quality and texture of the hair is changed, so your blowout (if you chose to go straight) will take hardly any time at all.  The treatment promises to eliminate frizz.  Hair becomes tame and manageable.  A professional blowout for my model pre-treatment took at least 60 minutes.  Her post-treatment blowout took TEN.

 - The treatment takes 90 minutes from start to finish.

- The treatment is keratin-based, like the Brazilian-straighteners used in many salons, however this one uses a substitute preservative called glutaraldehyde that makes it safe and gentle on the hair.

- There is NO formaldehyde in the treatment, making it non-carcinogenic.  There is no mask you need to wear while it is applied.

- The treatment is so gentle you can do it the same day as your color.

- You do not have to wait 3 days or any specified amount of time to wash you hair after the treatment, as you must with other kinds.  Having said that, it is recommended that you wash less to preserve and extend the treatment. 

- The treatment lasts 2-3 months depending on how well you care for your hair.

- The treatment ultimately washes out so there is no regrowth issue, as there is with Japanese straightening, which requires growing out the hair.

- The treatment costs $280-300 depending on hair length.  IF YOU MENTION DIVALICIOUSBLOG.COM, YOU WILL RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT.

- The salon is located at 1107 2nd Avenue 212*644*6366… Ask for brazilian hair goddess Jo.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES  

To complete the makeover, I couldn’t help but offer a touch of foundation, a pop of color and a wash of gloss to my radiant model who couldn’t stop staring at her new look in disbelief.  So much so that it felt fitting to keep the mirror in the shots when it originally only served as a light source.   

THE SHOUTOUT

 THANK YOU JO!!!! YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB.

CONCEPT SALON  1107 2nd Avenue  212*644*6366

DISCLAIMER: I happen to personally love curly hair, so much so that I choose to deal with the unpredictability of my own rather than professionally relax it for easy wash&wear. But my hair works with me and does what it’s told.  This new process is for women who struggle and fight their curls or their frizz every day, who constantly look for new products and treatments to show their hair who’s boss.

I kind of really want them for my birthday.  I also kind of think, even as a gift, no pair of shoes is worth that money.  Then again, I think they totally reflect my personal brand/style.  Then again, I also think I have successfully been able to reflect it for a lot less.

I looked in my closet at my latest shoe purchases and realized that randomly they are all totally budget.  I must have some sort of high-low cycle for my purchases because at my last trip to Heaven on Horatio I walked out with four fabulous pairs of red-soles.  But my latest additions come from Guess, Tar-Jay and the esteemed Forever 21, and are all remarkably $50 or less.

These denim cuties cost me $50 on sale at GUESS in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.

These flirty fuscias cost me $26.99 on target.com.

And these gold metallics cost an unbelievable $26.80 at Forever 21 on the Santa Monica promenade, Los Angeles.

The best part is that I had been looking for gold platforms all summer and after months of no luck, was prepared to pay any price.  I nearly fainted from reverse sticker-shock.  I couldn’t believe there were shoes this cheap worth placing on well-pedicured feet.  They look great, I might add.

It just begs the question – Is there really any justfication for $1000 heels when I can find THREE pairs I’m totally happy with for approximately $100?!

I get there is a quality factor here – but I just wonder could  the Louboutins really offer 20 times the quality of the GUESS?  Are they truly 33.3333333 times better than my Mossimos or my 4Evas??

Ok, maybe yes, but do I even notice the difference?

It’s not like they are any more comfortable or durable.

So, I am publicly proposing that someone who reads this blog who has friends in footwear pretty please come out with something very similar at a price point that doesn’t make me feel so guilty!!

Even $500 would be far more palatable, and I’m wincing as I type this because that too seems a little much in these times.

$200?

What is even a reasonable price for hot heels these days??

I’m so confused.

Did I mention there is just one pair left in my size…….

What can I say?

I’m flashy like that.

So forgive me any typos.

Isn’t a slight slur so much more fun in the written form – especially when reviewing your texts the next morning. 

But back to Thursday.

I drank too much.

And I certainly was n0t the only one.

The bartender (to be renamed Satan on Friday morning) made the best vodka gimlet I’ve ever tasted, using grapefruit-infused vodka and fresh grapefruit.

It was insanely deeeeeeeeeelish.

We couldn’t help ourselves but to order another, and another, and why not one more.

And isn’t it funny how music just sounds better and your dance skills suddenly improve with each round?

Oh, I was seat dancing like a Huxtable at Macao Trading Company.

There was no shame in my game.

We were having a gooooood time down in Tribeca.

And then came Friday morning.

And we were having a baaaaaaad time down for the count.

But we pulled through like rockstars able to embrace the weekend and sip some more.

Because that’s how we do.

So I just can’t comprehend how in 80+ degree heat and 90+ percent humidity, NYC girls are frolicking around midday in skinny jeans tucked into slouchy high leather boots… ?!  With layered tops and tons of accessories.

I’d just as soon leave my apartment in a snowsuit and call it Christmas in July.

Is there something here I’m missing?

Replacement: Ted Gibson.

Wow. Changing the formula of one of my favorite shows… 

I wonder what the impetus for such a change could be?

Is WNTW looking for a celebrity angle?  Ted definitely boasts an A-list clientele.

And I wonder if they kept Carmindy after reading my glowing (literally) review of her Sally Hansen cream blush.

Maybe they should switch that up too and, to contrast the celeb hairstylist of course, use an up&coming NYC makeup artist/blogger/magazine executive with a beauty background??  ;) 

I mean, they did say they are looking for new and “fresh”….

And I’d like to add, if I may, that It is better to die in your heels than walk comfortably in your flats. 

Like 99% of the time.

Especially for little chiquitas like me.

Which is why I feel an overwhelming appreciation for  footcare that is both luxuriant and reparative.

Enter stage left Barielle’s 60-Second Mani Pedi.

This scrub was made for girls after my own heart.  In a minute’s time, it reverses so much of the daily damage we do.  It softens and nourishes, it  hydrates and repairs, it exfoliates and it even smells good too!  Adios Mio.  Me encanta!

For $25 bucks a tub, it keeps your soles pedi-perfect. Plus, it includes superingredients like Dead Sea Salts, Grapeseed, Avocado and Jojoba. Each has its own benefit but all you really need to know is that it works. Real good.

… And mine came out in the form of a high-waisted pencil skirt, fitted top and my new FIERY RED dazzleglass from MAC in Rue d’Rouge.

My inner 1950s pinup girl released herself, and there I was stomping the concrete runway of Manhattan with feminine authority.

Don’t be afraid of this powerful color, be afraid of the bombshell you’ll become wearing it.

I am loving these new cheapie hairclips from the sanctuary of budget divas everywhere – Forever 21.

Cost: $2.50, for a set of 2

Value: Measured in smiles they bring

I am shocked at how many people smile at a girl with a flower in her hair.

I kind of like it.

And more, they are so cute on dresses and tops.

They are totally my new thing…

Until I’m so completely over them. 

And then when I do end up tossing them, I won’t lament all the money I squandered.

HAIR – Simple elegance, crafted by CC

HAIR – Heavenly hair by my partner-in-crime, CC,  for a bridal test

LOOK – Shimmer & Shine

EYE – Lauder Double Wear Liner in Onxy along top lashline rimming entire eye and inside bottom lashline, Stila Eye Shadow in *7 on lower half of top lid (lashline to crease) and around bottom lashline smudging against Onxy liner, Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara topped with Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara to emphasize inner and outer corner lashes

LIP – MAC Style Warrior Collection lipstick in Sunsational, coated with MAC Dazzleglass gloss in Moth to Flame

LOOK – Moody Blue 

EYE - MAC Pigment Colour Powder in Cornflower on the lower half of the top lid (lashline to crease), Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder in Sapphire for the crease, Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Glimmer in 2000 under the brow bone and in the inner corner, MAC Pearlglide Liner in Fly-By-Blue, Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara

LIP - MAC Style Warrior Collection lipstick in Brave New Bronze

Sorry if you came for something new and found something old.  Still, I love you for being here!  Really really.

This was a soft smoky eye I did back in May.

LOOK – Smoky Glow

FACE – MAC loose powder NC40, Paula Dorf Bronzer in Bronze Glimmer, MAC Concealer in NW 35 under eyes, Sunrush Lustre Drops as highlighter on cheekbones and bridge of nose

EYE – MAC Tempting eye-shadow on lid and under eye, MAC Blonde’s Gold loose pigment under brow bone and in inner-corner, Estee Lauder DoubleWear eyeliner in Onyx, CoverGirl LashBlast mascara in Very Black

LIP – MAC Sunsational lipstick, no liner, no gloss

SCENT – Hypnotic Poison by Dior

___________________________

COMMENTS (previously posted)

2009 June 9 Marley

thanks so much!wiggling the wand back and forth did the trick…the technique separates the lashes while coating them…my lashes even feel more natural, not as stiff

i was probably also applying too many coats…i tend to be overzealous w/ my mascara…well, with everything :-)

2009 June 3 ldiva  

Thank you!  This is two coats of Lashblast.
I think the key is this – if you are NOT interested in simple lengthening or precision, meaning if you want drama and volume and thickness – you must move the wand in a sideways motion as you coat the lashes from lashline to lash tip.
Most women coat in a straight upward motion, and that is when mascara can look clumpy. (It also may look clumpy when it is getting old and you need a fresh tube).
You need to get from the base to the ends of your lashes, so of course you do need to coat upward; However, while getting there you want to wiggle the wand back and forth as well.
(I may need to start uploading video!)

I do not use an eyelash curler personally, but for added oooomph I think they can work wonders. My lashes tend to curl upward, especially when I apply mascara.

I find that the new Lauder mascara Sumptuous enhances lash curl and is definitely worth a shot for those who are eyelash-curler-shy like myself.

xoxo

2009 June 3 Marley

I think I need a mascara lesson from you! I love the way the top lashes look in the eye shot. Is that just one coat of mascara? Did you use an eyelash curler? It looks very soft and feathery when that mascara can be clumpy. It’s very pretty.

And I’d like to, politely, call bullshit.

Armed with the right tools and techniques, a pretty palette can be produced within minutes.

Sure, I can spend over two hours perfecting a bridal beauty look – that’s when it counts and is absolutely necessary.  But I can also stipple some shimmer and line some lids in under 60 seconds flat. 

Don’t believe me? Just wait til I start uploading video.

Until then… here is a basic eye look that took less than a min.  (And the rest of the face took but a few more.)

Deconstructing the 60 Second Eye

Start with a Stila Convertible Eye Color.  This ingenious product has a liner on one end, a smudger on the other, and shadow in between.  I’ve blogged about it before and used Stone here.

Line lower lashline fully from outer to inner corner. 

Line upper lashline on the outer quarter only.  (Literally think of the length of your eye as four individual quarters and just line the very outer fourth.)

Twist the convertible stick to release shadow and simply sweep across lids from lashline to crease.  Be sure to blend into the eyeliner on top so there is no longer a defined line.

Dust MAC eyeshadow in Shroom in the area above the crease right to the brow and down through the inner corner.  If you have a nice medium-sized fluffy brush, this can be done in one quick motion.

Then finish the look with Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black.

Done.

So we spent a day playing with color with the intention of proving her wrong… and making her drop dead gorgeous.

The look we achieved was so fun and totally rock-n-roll (electric purple enhanced with browns for eye, a pale nude lip and flawless, soft skin).  In fact, it was such an ode to brights, we decided to shoot the finished beauty look outside in NYC amidst a kaleidoscope of urban colors.

D loved her new look so much, she didn’t want to wash it off come bedtime. And I couldn’t blame her.  She looked radiant but sultry, glamorous but badass. And she clearly felt that way too. She was stealing glances at herself in reflective surfaces all day and hitting poses for her little blogger friend :)  

 What do you think?

Can blue go bright??

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss (with vitamin e) in POUT.

It may just be the most perfect pretty pink for summer. 

Besitos!! xxxx

AUTUMN/WINTER 2009 TREND REPORT OVERVIEW
If there’s one thing that A/W09 makeup is about it’s a point of view. And a point of power. We’re past a point of girlish innocence and barely-there makeup, especially in a season where beauty is working alongside fashion that holds no bars in terms of brazen styling and attitude. Artists are talking about ‘emotive makeup’, and the spirit they are channeling is that of a woman who’s upbeat, in charge and in control. The main energy? Eighties. Hence, Artists found their way to ultra-amplified lips and exuberant hues on the eyes (Who’s that Girl?) and an underground clubby elegance to black eye makeup (Lid Vicious) but also the more nuanced side of the era, picking up on the contoured, carved face that dominated the decade (Sculpture Club) or the satinized perfection and couture feel that moved makeup into the early Nineties (New Romantics). Speaking of technique, what’s back is one of absolute precision and accuracy. “Whatever the final look this season, it was always pretty obvious that the girl was wearing a structured, deliberate makeup” says Gordon Espinet. So, five minute makeup is over, for now. Time to roll out those brushes and get perfecting….

[Divalicious note: I wonder if the author is referencing Carmindy's branded "5 minute face" here?? Hmmmmm....]

MINX manis and pedis!!

So fun, so fabulous, so flashy.

Not for the tame or timid, these fancy foils are the female answer to grills.  

No drying time, no nicks or chips and no need for messy cotton and remover to easily peel them off.

Next time I’m going for the golden cheetah, in keeping with the sexy beast name for these nails.

Available at Bliss Spa locations and, due to their instant cult following, most likely at a nail salon by you in the very near future…

Is anyone else offended by this contradiction and hypocrisy?!

Probably not…. but it’s been annoying me so I’m putting it out there.  Stop rubbing your eyes.

Taking a reader poll and would love to hear what you think!

(A) Violet & Navy (disregard mascara, wasn’t great formulation)

(B) Bronze & Emerald

(C) Lavendar & Jade

Opinions? Preferences??

Digame!

It’s not that I’m not easily impressed – which is maybe kind of true –  but more often, I am deeply focused and not aware of my surroundings.

So I was walking home from the beloved internet cafe last week (update: I now have wireless back in my apt!!) and I literally did a tailspin and my heart stopped.

No, it was not the guy from Twilight who supposedly is staying in Nolita (I likely wouldn’t even notice him)… and no, it wasn’t a girl in way too much makeup and far too little clothing (although I probably would notice her).  No, better than those two, it was the coolest jewelry store I’ve ever seen. 

It was as though the designer handmade each item just for me, so perfectly it matched my aesthetic and my style. 

I was elated.

And, naturally, it was CLOSED for the day.

I snapped the above shots with my blackberry to remind myself it wasn’t a dream.

And in the time it took me to return, I dreamt of owning some of the window pieces.

I popped in yesterday to browse more and was overwhelmed by my deep desire to buy almost every one of the displayed designs.

The lovely and uber-sophisticated storeowner came over and it was only a matter of minutes before we were playing dress-up and she was snapping photos of me for the blog and telling other customers who were staring that “we’re modeling” :)

My favorite design, for those of you who remember a previous jewelry post, unsurprisingly is called Constellation.  I was very excited to “model” it.

The 4 layer version costs $480 and the 3 layer version, $420.  Think I’m considering a little pre-birthday gift to myself…  (Anyone have a strong preference on which version? Or better yet, want to remind me we’re still in a recession?)

The price points vary but everything in the shop is unique and interesting and, as the name suggests, edgy.

Metal Pointu’s translates to Edgy-Metal and there are shops all over Europe.  This is the first and only US location, perfectly situated on Elizabeth Street in New York (252 Elizabeth Street, 646.454.1539, www.metal-pointus.com).   

The fabulous storeowner told me all about the history of the brand and the designer.  But rather than relay our detailed conversation in my words, I’ll give you their words:

“Metal Pointu’s which literally translates into Edgy-Metal was born in Paris 15 years ago.

The designer and artist Bernard Bouhnik has imagined a jewelry line exclusively conceived and realized around the metal notion.  The base of the beautiful and original creations is the metal.  Tin, Bronze and Silver are designed and worked in all the shapes and combinations possible in an atelier in the center of Paris.

The pieces are multiplied, assembled, welded in infinite and startlingly impressive interpretations.

Sometimes they are married with handmade beads of pate de verre and sometimes they are cheating with sparkling crystals.

Already established all over Europe, principally in Paris with many stores in the best fashionistas’ streets, in the Netherlands, in Spain, in Italy, the brand is now spreading out to the US with its first flagship store opening in one of the best bourgeois boheme streets of Manhattan.”

If you’re downtown, you have to pass through.  And if you’re uptown, you do too. 

And while you’re here in the area, of course, there’s my must-shop Young Designers Market to check out as well.

I know, not wise.

Being surrounded by poseurs, narcissists and other self-important types isn’t exactly my idea of a good time.

Having said that, it was for a specific purpose and ended up being invaluable market research.

I find it fascinating how young adults posture and pose.  I’m amazed at how a dull exchange suddenly turns wild and lascivious when the camera comes out.  I love the inverse relationship between skirt hem and time spent waiting for the door guy to lift his velvet ego… I mean, rope. 

Good thing we were on the VIP list, as in Very Important-to-know-the-right Person so as not to wait on line.

Inside, it was human psychology at its finest… and by finest, I mean most pathetic.

The  favorite in-field finding of Divalicious MD was the way fashion and beauty served as costumes rather than creative outlets for these chickens (who were way too affected and jaded to be called chicks).

A truly incredible observation. 

Perhaps they never got the memo, but self-expression only serves a purpose when it expresses the self.

Maybe it’s just my own pet peeve – but some of these girls had so much makeup on, there isn’t a chance in hell you’d be able to recognize them clean-faced.

And yet they certainly weren’t afraid of being bare… because they showed so much skin you’d successfully argue their dresses were glorified tops.  Bands of fabric covering only those parts which would warrant an indecent exposure citation if revealed.

My initial assessment of this special group.

Really. Classy.

It’s such a shame, too, because no one deserves judgment and no one needs haters – but I contend these ladies were begging for both.  Agressively.  And against my own inclination and desire to accept, I had to oblige.  Truthfully, their bad attitudes and negative energy were the culprits more so than their clownish appearances.  Although that too contributed.

Maybe I’m being harsh, but I don’t think makeup should be applied as spackle or paint and I don’t think style should be solely about showing skin.  Take it for what it’s worth – coming from someone who loves cosmetics and has no issue with women looking/feeling/being sexy.

I just personally think there is a point in which it all looks so foolish and desperate.

Thoughts??

Hair & Makeup means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. 

Some like messy undone hair and natural makeup.  Some want structured up-dos and pops of color.  And some aren’t satisfied until a bottle of hairspray gets put to use or unless an inch of makeup masks their silently suffocating skin. 

And still others just want to get it done with and get out of your chair.

These ‘others’ are usually boys.

In May, I did Hair & Makeup with CC for the video of the next Features single called Lions.  Only with boys, the industry often kindly refers to it as Male Grooming. 

To enhance the features of The Features, we lightly groomed away.  We moisturized and matted and trimmed and buzzed.  They each provided a nice palette to work with – so all went flawlessly, so to speak.

I must say they happen to be four really cool and really mellow guys who bring it on and turn it out when it’s showtime.  They are currently doing US gigs and recently toured Europe with Kings of Leon. 

CC & I absolutely LOVED the band, LOVED their music and LOVED knowing every word of Lions by day’s end.  After all, we heard it over and over on loop during our 9 hours on set.  And the next day we googled it to play for all our friends.

The video should be completed shortly, and you know I’ll be posting it here for you to check out (or, if I can’t figure out the technology required — which is very possible — I will provide a link at minimum).

Because there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys… “Not even lions could tear us apart.”

@ the shoot w/ CC for THE FEATURE’S new video: LIONS   (yes, it’s May… and yes, we were freezing!)

Inside the new Plaza location of Warren Tricomi swirled a colorful and flavorful dish of eye candy. 

Despite the A-Listers and Cat-Walkers in attendance, Color and Attitude revealed themselves as the evening’s true stars.

And I could n0t get enough.

I love love love personal expression and have full appreciation for anyone who has fun with fashion and beauty.  I happen to think taking a chance and failing miserably in this low-stakes arena is far greater success than safely existing in blandness and mediocrity.  Being in a packed space where every single person subscribed to that same mentality was somewhat intoxicating.   

Enhancing the natural high was the evening’s liquor sponsor, Nuvo – the world’s first sparkling liqueur. 

Befittingly, Nuvo touts itself as a brand that “celebrates ‘Joie de vivre’ – the Joy of Life.” 

A philosophy to which the party-goers and I were happy to toast!

But a partner-in-crime none-the-less.

Meet CC -

She has been the hair to my makeup of late and her work will now appear along with mine on the BEAUTYlicious page.

The empire is growing….. World domination is soon ours :)

ps…. if you like the natural beauty look above, i’ll of course take credit for the work… if you don’t, go read someone else’s blog ;)

Despite the lack of blog posts recounting my adventures, I’ve been sipping white wine all over town and just not telling.

Despite the chilly temps and unrelenting rainfall, I’m sticking to my summer special… One fun cocktail (mojito, caipirinha, caipiroska, sangria, or the mixologist’s choice) followed strictly by chardonnay or reisling. 

Despite my distaste for an overcrowded bar scene, I’m gonna tell you where I’m going.

WINO WHEREABOUTS

*Cooper Square Hotel Bar and Outdoor Patio – East Village

*Table 8 in the Cooper Square Hotel – East Village

*Thompson LES Hotel  Shang Outdoor Patio - Lower East Side

*Apoteke - Chinatown

*Macao Trading – Tribeca

*Kingswood - West Village

*Gottino - West Village

*Bar 108 – Soho

*Vig – Nolita

Max Factor, a brand synonymous with Hollywood glamour, will no longer be sold in the US.

It is an ever-changing beauty world out there, but this is a sad and major loss.

I am very excited to showcase  new color palettes and beauty looks and will occasionally throw them up on the home page as well as a reminder to check out the Beautylicious section.  So if you see something in two locations, that’s why.  I’m telling you now, so I don’t want to hear about it later :)

Unrelated – this rain is doing nothing for my hair…

I’m so sorry for being MIA.  Again.

Blame it on the al-al-al-al-alcohol?? The economy? The lack of EFFING internet access in my apartment building these days? 

Take your pick.

I’m over it. 

I’m back on the blog, whether I have to travel with laptop ALL THE WAY to a cafe with wireless blocks away from my apartment, hung over and feeling a little guilty that I have to spend money to be here when it should be free at home.

You all know I’ve been called a commitment-phobe, but I’m publicly posting my newfound commitment to you. (Have I said this before? I know. This time it’s for real.)

So….

I’ve been sipping this month – and yes, you’ll be hearing about it.

I’ve been shopping (shame, shame, I know) – and yes, you’ll be seeing some of my fabulous purchases.

And most importantly, I’ve been powdering, highlighting, contouring, lining, glossing, smudging, spritzing and then some.  And yes, you will be admiring the end result ;)  I plan to start posting and detailing products used.  I originally was thinking of using face charts with color swatches but since I’ve been so neglectful I may just give you the real thing.  Actual photos of the work.

In the tone of my hero Chelsea Handler, WHAT could be more exciting.

Please accept my formal apology and stop hating. That is – if you even care at all.

How can they let Ann Curry on air everyday with those ridiculous brows????

She seems lovely and is obviously an intelligent, accomplished woman. 

Still, every morning I wake up wondering if “Today” will be the day someone lends Ann a helping hand.  And the cynic in me questions if they purposely don’t tell her as some cruel inside joke.  Is the hair & makeup team in on it?  Because just a little powder would do wonders.

Worse, where are her girlfriends??  If Ann was in my inner circle, best believe I’d be buying her some Anastasia stencils or dragging her to Eliza. 

And then I could finally watch the AM news without my eyes fixating and my thoughts focusing on this beauty blunder. 

Maybe then I would blog about international affairs and social justice, the environment and the economy, health care and H1N1. 

Until then, I remain as divalish as ever, dedicated to these inconsequential yet seemingly urgent issues.

While scarlet may be her namesake and signature lip look, I fully suggest Miss Johansson go nude more often.  A lot more.  All the time really.  Because this ad for the recently launched Dolce & Gabbana Makeup is MESMERIZING. 

Captivating.  Enthralling.  Absolutely and painfully gorgeous.

I cannot take my eyes off of the almost naked but perfectly painted lip. 

This is the fantasy and the artistry of cosmetics brought to life via glossy paper stock. 

A total iconic transformation from arresting and powerful beauty to subtle and seductive beauty. 

A lip need not be crimson red to command attention and evoke sensuality.  Sometimes less is more.

Why there is no product information detailed in the ad or on the site is beyond me. (The inset palette does not appear to be the one used, and is shadow-specific.)  A total shame, as I would buy every single item.

In case you too are inspired, every single item is sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.

Heavy square block in the front, short thick stub in the back.

These heels almost made me sick. 

Then I thought to myself, could this just be the aftermath of one too many Cinco-de-Mayo cocktails??

And then I got a grip.  No, it was most definitely the shoes.

I do not understand why my campaign platform is not resonating but I’ll say it again: Say No to Sensible Shoes.

And while we are at it, Say No to Sensible Anything.

Ten products that launched between May 2008 and May 2009 to test for the Beauty Awards issue.

I was given products from the lip, cheek, hand and eye categories.

Being a bold personality, I tend to crave color and practically dove into the bag fishing for the cosmetics. 

My first catch was a bright cream blush from Sally Hansen.  Its packaging revealed it was from the Carmindy Natural Beauty Line.  And needless to say…….

I was none too impressed. 

Let’s be honest here.  Carmindy is so super saccharin on What Not To Wear, particularly in contrast to the tough love that is Stacy London, style guru.  Carmindy is so vanilla.  So white paper.

And while Carmindy does a fine job on the show’s contributors (their language, not mine), I just fail to see even a glimmer of the artistry that first seduced me and made me fall madly in love with this industry. 

Cosmetics, yes, can bring out natural beauty and, yes, a face can be done in “5 minutes” – but where’s the drama, the creativity, the passion, the personal expression, the interpretation.  Where’s the freakin fun??

I understand the show is a platform for women in transition who are fearful of color and/or unskilled in technique – and that it sticks to a fail-proof formula - but if I see one more ‘contributor’ with a single-shade eye and stark white highlighter in the inner corner, the boredom alone may cause a full-fledged narcoleptic collapse.  So effin dull.

To spell it out in no uncertain terms, no matter how nice she may be, I’m just not president of the Carmindy fan club. 

And with that, I tried the blush.

And I really wanted to hate it.

I wanted it to be too creamy, too greasy, too much color, too little staying power and on and on. 

I wanted to validate my feelings on Carmindy as a mediocre makeup artist.

And you all can guess what happened next.

Despite myself, I absolutely loved it.  With my proverbial tail between my legs, I wore it ALL weekend. To add insult to injury, I got tons of compliments.  A friend even tried to steal it.  It was that good.

Alert the press: Carmindy is vindicated.

The Sheerest Cream Blush in Beaming is super sheer, it is light, it is soft, it is buildable color that is shockingly vivid in the compact but gorgeously natural on the skin.    At under $10, it’s a home run for less than half the price of most of the blushes in my vanity (and I have quite a few… dozen…).

I would buy it myself, I would buy it for a friend, I would recommend it… hell, I’d even publicly blog about it ;)

To quote the noble words of Baby’s father in Dirty Dancing – When I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong.

And this blush now ranks among my favorite mistakes.

(Photo: www.sallyhansen.com)

Being a nudist myself (solely in the lip arena), I immediately gravitated towards a pretty pale shade called Skinny Dip.  According to the (very well designed) press materials, it’s a fave of Hillary Duff.  And, well, we all know what that means….

Absolutely nothing beyond a nice fact to include in a blog post.

I very carefully squeezed the tube to deposit precisely the right amount.  As some of you know, I have an OCD-like compulsion to spare wasted product caused by the clumsy and careless hands of overzealous junkies.  I often have to turn away when the tip of a tube has post-application left-over product and the user obliviously twists its cap back on.  Ummmm…. Disgust.

But back to me and my Skinny Dip… ;)  I applied this sheer, shimmery wash of nakedness and was pleasantly pleased to pucker up to the scent and taste of Butterscotch, a candy I have no interest in now as an adult but reminds me of my grandmother, which makes me smile.  And any gloss goes best with a smile.

Another happy fact:  Tallulah’s glossary line is “100% paraben-free, with minerals and a natural humectant [say what??] that work together to draw and lock in moisture.”

I have to say, my luscious and tasty lips were moist all day.

Tallulah is available online at tallulahcosmetics.com and the gloss has a $16 price point, not including tax or shipping fees.

“Dear Guru,
I bought the waterproof version of Dior Show Mascara for the first time. I absolutely love it, but I’m having the most awful time taking it off.

I’ve tried Shu Uemura cleansing oil (which typically wipes anything), regular eye make-up remover, and even Vaseline. No matter what, I have big black splotches on my pillow in the morning. Any ideas?

Sincerely,
Helpless Lash Girl

xoxo”

I promptly replied to the sender on her wall even though it was 2am and I was several drinks into the “evening.”  

Obviously, a guru need not be sober to dispense beauty advice :)

The next day, beneath her thank-you and original post read this comment:

“What was the remedy??? I have the exact same problem!!!!! Share guru :) Even my no fail old fashioned Ponds has let me down….”

Who knew so many women had issues with the new formulation waterproofs??

Not this guru.  Had I known, I of course would have crafted my final response (that then appeared on my own wall for all my curious female FB friends to see) into a pithy and fun blog post months ago. 

So here it is, just for you, minus the pith and fun but chock full of the necessary info:
For a stubborn waterproof, I suggest Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel.
But I also don’t simply apply by hand and then wash off (Helpless Lash Girl - I think I may have failed to mention this part at 2am on Saturday night)…
I use the Shiseido brand [facial] cotton. It’s sold at Shiseido counters, and it’s a LIFE saver. It’s specially designed so that it does not absorb and waste product like most cotton. So you get much more shelf-life out of things like makeup remover, nail polish remover, et al.
You can apply the Pure Melt gel by hand or using the cotton. Either way, though, you must use the cotton to wipe off – DO NOT JUST RINSE – and continue to very gentle wipe (you don’t want to compromise those gorgeous lashes) until you do not see ANY residue on the cotton…
And the fabulous recessionista spin is that you save not only on product by using the Shiseido cotton, but also you keep clean pillowcases and save on laundry!!
Ladies…… budget is the new black!

(Photo: maccosmetics.com)

Note: Stock up while the collection is at counter.  Only some of the shades will join the permanent product line.

….Men’s Fashion???

Call me crazy but I don’t think that’s what they are there for.

Phenomen’Eyes Mascara by Givenchy.

For the fearless, for the talented, for the ready-willing-&-able to  rock out those lashes.

Sexy amplified.

Photo: sephora.com

Jane Pratt leaves Jane magazine.  Not long thereafter, Jane magazine folds.

Nicole Scherzinger leaves the Pussycat Dolls to go solo.  Not long thereafter, she’s clawing her way to get back with her feline frenemies but no one cares about them anymore.

Cornelia Zicu leaves Cornelia Day Resort.  Not long therafter… Spa Chakra is set to open in its place??

I get that when a name represents a spa’s owner and famed facialist and that businesswomen leaves the operation, it may be time for a name change. 

But Spa Chakra???

I’m not so sure it will attract like bees to honey the elite clientelle Cornelia once enticed and boasted.

Truth be told, Cornelia made its bed, not necessarily when Cornelia herself left, but the day facials no longer came with two aestheticians.  Insert nails in coffin.

Plus, in this economy, women with money to spend no longer felt responsible or guilt-free spending it on facials that cost upwards of several hundred dollars. 

Add in frozen expense accounts and even the creme de la creme of the industry got iced.

So how will Spa Chakra compete?  Perhaps capitalize on an offer of  zen and tranquility and serenity in a world of chaos and uncertainty?  For several hundred dollars a service, I’m sure.  Even with an image overhaul, inner and outer peace still come with a pricetag in NYC’s prestige spa business.

How… dull.

A quick & easy tip for the boys: Even if you’re a banker, don’t dress like a banker. 

So bland, so conservative, so lacking any sense of style or personality. 

According to the article, “The solid white shirt is particularly of the moment.”

Is a solid white shirt ever “of the moment“??  This I have to challenge. 

I fear the stifling return of pleated pants, a true testiment to masculine hopelessness.

Please gentlemen and players alike, no matter how fat or thin your wallet these days, do not abandon self-expression.

OH HELLS NO.

Hammer Pants and now this. I’m continuing to lose faith.

Women want clothing not costumes.

This weekend I shopped some more for Spring ‘09. 

Out of my own closet. And I am happy to report I found the BEST stuff.  I had no idea.  Think I’ll keep shopping there until good taste comes back into style.

It nearly takes all the joy out of being a girl. 

Who wants a blowout when the forecast predicts high winds, rain or snow?  Who wants a sumptuous coat of gloss that winds up making out with your favorite scarf , leaving you with the dry cleaning bill? Who wants a manicure that smudges inside your cashmere-lined gloves?  Who wants to freeze their tootsies off following a pedi because you know that saran wrap situation never really works with boots??

Not me, and I am sure not you either.

Which is why I was pleasantly surprised to find a package on my desk that revealed Pedicure Socks.

Someone out there really gets it.  It may be 15 below outside, but you don’t have to neglect your pretty little piggies. 

Slide these on while your manicurist is running your card or getting your change (right before polish), and then toss on your sandals before heading back to the office or home. 

They may not exactly scream high-fashion but occasionally function wins in the fashion versus function debate.  Fine… rarely… but in this instance definitely.

Added bonus: You won’t be called an asshole by my former manager who disdainfully dispensed the label to all girls who wore heels without socks in the dead of winter. 

She was kind of right…

Other strategies for surviving the last months of winter:

Vacation.  Get the hell out of  Dodge when Dodge is utterly undesirable.  Go somewhere with palm trees and umbrella-embellished cocktails.

Wine.  Lots of wine will undoubtedly warm you up.

Hand-warmers.  Genius.

Self-tan.  Fake it.

Hybernate.  Come out come spring.  I’ll see you then.

I have to say that while an avid blush fan, I just don’t think it’s good enough alone. 

If blush has an inferiority complex, I’d have to say it’s warranted.

Bronzer remains queen in my (fairytale) book.

It just seems to me slightly easier to be a couch critic in the comfort of your safe home than to fearlessly go out and do your thing, live and on a worldwide stage, with passion and heart.

So show a little love and respect and appreciation for these artists and performers who do what very few of us can.

Stop hating.

“Cause this isn’t just another love story
Together we’ll make history
I know because it’s destiny
They’ll be no end to our love story”

And so it goes, as I perused the handbag department and first made eyes with the Marc Jacobs “Love Story” resort 2009 collection in person.  I had been admiring it from afar in the glossy pages of monthly magazines.  And I will not lie, it was undeniable – an immediate, overwhelming, wanton longing.

I mean, honestly, how could any girl not heart this pretty purse literally covered in signature Marc hearts?!

I tried to consider the economy and my recent purchases. 

I tried to convince myself it was an unnecessary and extravagant expenditure. 

I tried to keep composed when I modeled it in the mirror. 

I tried to…. ignore all that nonsense and claw for my credit card somewhere deep in my wallet somewhere deep in my daybag.

It was urgent.

They only had one left.

And that one is now mine :)

And then… then there is the PURE JOY that comes when it’s The Real Thing.

Yesterday, I went with a trusted but dangerous accomplice to Heaven on Horatio Street. 

And it was in Heaven where I fell in love.

It was exhilarating.

My accomplice was quickly enrapt as she entered euphoria. I was encouraged to meet her there, and despite my feeble attempts at playing hard to get, I soon did.

Bliss seduced me.

And as it is in the real world, Love does not come free in Heaven. 

Instead it comes in the form of insanely gorgeous, sky-high, red-soled stilettos. 

I woke up to four new pairs today. 

We’re cuddling still.

It’s not because I’m tired.  I have no headache.  And I’m not adverse to doing the work and exerting the effort. 

It’s just that I take pride in my performance which I believe to be equal, if not superior, to the real thing.

Today alone I put on quite a show.

From head to toe, I worked it. 

Here’s how.

BEDHEAD. People pay for this.  Just google Drew Barrymore at this year’s Golden Globes.  But I say – why get taken for a (pricey) ride?  Instead, DIY.  How to?  Sleep.  Wake.  Don’t wash. It’s…. genius.  To amp it up a notch, and give the crowd what they really want, generously cover your strands with Pantene Texturize Spray.  You can even flip to give the underside a shot for major volume.     

www.drugstore.com

FAUX GLOW.  Sure, I just got back from vacation, but no one (besides you divas) needs to know that while I lightly apply spf 15 to my body, I liberally coat spf 30 all over my face and eyes.  I admit in my ‘older age’ I’d like to avoid sun damage and wrinkles at all costs, but I still can’t run around town with an ivory face and a caramel body.  Instead, I even the score with Paul Dorf’s Bronze Glimmer. 

www.beautyencounter.com

MULTICHAIN NECKLACES.  Before JLo was spotted in hers, I had mine.  Except these were $34.50 with a Buy 1, Get 1 50% offer at Express.  Buy two and layer them on with the other silver chains I’m sure you can dig through a jewelry drawer to find.  Own the look for under 50 bucks.  Ain’t no shame in being budget these days.  And even if there were, NO ONE will know.

www.express.com

FANCY FOOTWORK. These boots are from the “high-end” Nine West line called Boutique 9.  They were originally $250.  I found them on sale at Bloomies for $180 or so.  WHAT a steal.  I got on line with my two $25 Bloomies bucks that came with my credit card bill this month.  My total, yes total, for the transaction: THIRTY SEVEN DOLLARS AND FOURTY NINE CENTS.  The boots were additionally reduced and still are (currently $87.49 without the coupons).  RUN to get yourself a pair.  They come in this butterly black leather and a creamy camel version.  They are on-sale at ninewest.com too but not nearly as discounted as the department store deal.  Women have asked me if they are (INSERT VARIOUS HIGH END LUXURY GOODS BRAND HERE) and I think I may stop confessing the truth and just start nodding yes.  The show must go on, right?!

www.ninewest.com

Would you, like many of Manhattan’s uber-elite, have designer stores wrap your merchandise in plain white bags versus branded shopping bags?  

Are designer logos no longer a badge of honor but a mark of shame?

Does you kind of feel like a super-savvy shopper, and not totally low-rent, when hunting for steals?

Is….. ON-SALE the new GREEN???

- i’ve been in back to back meetings.

- swamped at work.

- it was a family emergency.

- ugh, the traffic on 6th Avenue.

- my blackberry died.

- there was no service in the bldg.

- feeling totally uninspired.

- dog ate my homework.

Whatever the excuse, I apologize for leaving you.  I would like to say I’m coming back…. but that isn’t exactly true either.

I will be departing for a quick escape (you know, to ensure mental sanity) and then returning to long hours at my ‘real’ job. 

I will blog whenever I can and, in the meantime, blame the economy.

Virtually send away.

(Younger readers, google this reference before continuing on.  Non-NYC readers, you may want to pass altogether, like a flustered contestant in a wide-lapel suit.)

In years past, it would go something loosely like this…

Celebrity: Foul language defined by length

Contestant: FOUR-LETTER WORDS

Celebrity: Pedestrian poor judgment in the apparel department

Contestant: FASHION FAUX PAUX

Celebrity: Stopping in the middle of the street after blowing a red, causing gridlock

Contestant: BLOCKING THE BOX

Celebrity: Headache-inducing scented accessory dangling from rear-view mirror

Contestant: PINE TREE AIR FRESHENER

 And so forth.

Now we all agree those lessons were preeeeeety valuable, but WOW has Taxi TV changed the game.  As in, GAME CHANGER.

In recent days, the game has been taken to the next level.  And it would go a little something like this…

Celebrity: Proper way to scrutinize a Little Black Dress

Contestant: SQUINT!

Celebrity: Everyone’s favorite store

Contestant: LORD & TAYLOR!

Celebrity: If steak were a religion, this would be its cathedral

Contestant: SMITH & WOLLENSKY!

Celebrity: What I’m for, we’re for, and most notably Al Roker is for…

Contestant: NEW YORK!

Celebrity: The only thing on Taxi TV that’s actually useful, excluding of course completely outdated news and weather reports

Contestant: STOREADORE.COM!

Ding Ding Ding.  It’s true.  There is something useful I learned from Taxi TV other than Regis Philbin’s instructions on how to mute it.

According to its website, “Store Adore is an online forum for passionate shoppers to find and share insights and information on the very best boutiques and specialty stores in [SPECIFIC NEIGHBORHOODS IN] the cities where they live, where they travel, and online. As both a practical resource and an online shopping community, Store Adore is a place where shoppers can discover new stores (or find out what’s new with their long-time favorites!) and have the opportunity to talk shop(ping) with likeminded individuals.”

Considering where I first learned about it, I am shocked at how often I visit StoreAdore and what a great resource it is.  Oddly enough, I find myself looking up my own neighborhood most.  I just can’t believe that a girl like ME (gasp!) could have missed some really cool shops only steps away. 

I love the walking maps and also the edited selection of online sites (really the only civilized way to survive holiday shopping.)

StoreAdore.com earns an LDIVA AIRKISS, a coveted endorsement indeed.

I’ve been all about the warm, corner restaurant in the Bowery Hotel since it opened.  I’m there at least once a week and I have to admit I order the same thing every time.  In the food department, that is. 

But lately, instead of a simple white wine from the extensive and predominantly-Italian selection of grape regions, I’ve been getting a little wild.   

It was only this fall that SCB first introduced me to a red that is both sparkling (frizzante) and served chilled.  And it was love at first sip.  I rarely see it on a wine list or in a wine shop, making it all the more appealing and intriguing.

And I’m proud to announce, it’s on the menu at Gemma!

Last week, I had one, then two, then five glasses of the oh-so-delicious Lambrusco.

And I recommend you all to do the same.  (Plus two advil, water, and your skincare regimen before bed.)

SUGAR PLUM LIDS.

Guilt and calorie free.

1. From lash to crease, gently pat and blend MAC Paint Pot in Painterly, a nude beige that offers a barely-there-flesh-color and also serves as a lid primer and skin evener.  If preferred, apply to full lid – from lash to brow.  Use a foundation brush or even fingers.

2. Along the lash line and up into the outer corner of the crease of the eye (to form a sideways V), brush on MAC Fluidline in Macroviolet, a deep creamy violet, and softly blend.

3. Finally sharpen and pencil on the ever-so-sparkly and festive and fabulous MAC Pearlglide Eye Liner in Miss Fortune – an eggplant shade with light pink glitter – to the upper and lower inner lid.  If you have small or close-set eyes, apply from outer corner halfway to below center of iris. 

4. Layer on several coats of mascara.  A pretty plum-hued mascara would be perrrrfect.

I happen to love this eye paired with the super subtle MAC Dazzleglass lipgloss in Sugarrimmed, worn alone for sheer, sparkly finish.

 And I also happen to encourage you to flutter freely and dance about as only a sugar plum fairy would.

Mistletoe Makeovers launched today, and it is SO MUCH FUN.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

More addictive than Facebook, you can spend hours selecting your best shot and then watching the Sephora pros do their virtual magic on it – testing out the season’s hottest shades and products and leaving you with four divalicious custom holiday e-cards to send to friends, family, distant acquaintances and even strangers.  

(Only ex-boyfriends are off limits – they don’t deserve your holiday cheer.)

Anyhoo – stop reading now and check out how Sephora is redefining the magic of mistletoe this holiday season!!

Click on his homepage tab The MANE Man above and inquire away………..

Photo: SCB

Hot new heels are better than the best boyfriend. 

They keep you lifted.  They make you feel sexy.  They support you.  And you are better with them, than on your own two feet.

There’s never any doubt you’re the right fit.

You’re always prepared for when they unintentionally hurt you in the beginning.

They like it when you walk all over them.

If you love them, you’ll invest in them and commit to the required maintenance.

And if you really love them, you’ll want to hold onto them years later – weathered and scuffed and nowhere near the original condition you met them in.

Let’s face it, there’s never any cold feet when you’ve found your sole-mate.

But right now, whether by intent or by a brilliant stroke of luck – you are here…

And similar to any fabulous shopping destination, you happen to be here with all the other divas. 

So relax and unwind.  Take a leisurely tour.  Make yourself at home.  Stay a while. 

LDIVABLOG.COM welcomes you.

(Card: Papyrus - sent to me by one of my all-time most favorite divas ever, who unapologetically commands the center of any dance circle and fearlessly dominates the karaoke mic)

Because it is officially MOVING time!!

And I welcome guests (LOTS of them) at my new spot. 

You’ll find me now at LDivaBlog.com.

Come by.  The more the merrier!

[Note: Automatic redirect enabled.]

Well, all ten of you loyal readers and then the others who happened upon a random post and keep coming back.

Either way, I thank you. 

Divalicious turned 1 this October!!!

It’s our anniversary!

And in our 12 months of being together, we’ve received over 12,000 hits and that, my friends, is a WHOLE LOT OF ACTION.

I am beyond appreciative and plan to profess my love to you in the form of a promise…

In the months to come, I promise to take this relationship to the next level.

Some things I am working on, to give you what you deserve:

-Buying a real URL so when you forget to type in the ‘wordpress’ part, you still end up on my site (just need to find an available and appropriate domain name and am wide open to your opinions although will probably just do what I want in the end anyway)

-Creating a platform within the blog for my hairstylist Robert to do his own Q&A column that will answer all your hair questions and concerns… he is after all, My Mane Man, and our client/stylist relationship is naturally an open one… and if that’s successful, perhaps rolling it out with other experts (makeup, fashion, mixology, etc)

-Considering streaming video for How To posts (you cannot CONCEIVE of how many women… and men?… who come here solely in search of leggings advice, instruction on how to create a smoky eye and pathetic desire to copy my voice and writing style).  Because I am a nice person, I’m considering helping out on two of three with instructional video.  You can guess which

Of course I welcome open communication, as is key to any successful relationship. 

So please, publicly or privately, let me know what you’re thinking and feeling.

MUAH. XOXO

“I love you like a rose loves rain water, like a leopard loves its partner in the jungle.”

Hot damn… he must still think I’m a SEXY BEAST… or… ok, at the very least, still recognize the quote from the film of the same name.

Unrelated, and I swear I’ll tie this back together eventually, my friend (and loyal blog-reader) saw my post on Rock & Republic cosmetics and told me she had gotten a lipgloss in a giftbag she’d happily part with for me to test.

We arranged a meeting for the handover.

Once in my possession, I waited until I had an outfit worthy of a new beauty look.

When I finally applied, I felt it was indeed true to the R&R brand.  It was rich, creamy, intense.  It was bold color that lasted as a stain ALL DAY. 

And when I finally thought to glance down at the tube to see what shade I had on, as inevitably someone would ask, I had to smile when I realized all this time I had been wearing Sexy Beast.

As Tesla once poignantly pointed out in song: Signs, signs, everwhere there’s signs… ;)

Photo: MAC

Do I have time to consider these ridiculous questions??

Of course not.

But what blondes do have for certain is an absolutely AMAZING pigment color named in their honor - Blonde’s Gold.  And this brunette has no problem stealing it for herself!!

You can use it as a shadow (natch!) but it also substitutes fabulously as a highlighter for under the brow and the inner corner of the eye.  I personally start by dipping the brush in the pot and tapping lightly to rid excess pigment, then apply to the inner corner of the eye, pull the brush straight up to the inner edge of the brow and finally run the brush right under the arch of the brow extending to the very tip of the outer edge of the brow.  It gives gorgeous shimmer that catches the light and illuminates beautifully. 

Do blondes have more fun?? I can’t IMAGINE any more than I have with this product ;)

Sigerson Morrison for Target Studded Peep-Toe

I am wearing these Tar-JSHAY “gold” studded peeps today and feeling like a million bucks.

Especially since they cost me only THIRTY-SEVEN.

Seriously.

I love them and they are the most comfortable heels ever. 

Obsessing… :)

 … then have no fear.

I picked up this silver necklace at Lord & Taylor recently (yes, it’s true, I was inspired by Robert Verdi and the “Everyone’s Favorite Store” taxicab tv campaign) to remind myself to live up to the star quality we all possess but too rarely tap into.

I’m not talking about fame or fortune by any means.  Just simple and universal greatness within. 

To rise to the occasion, to take chances, to embrace risk, to dance to the beat of your own very sexy drummer (whether or not she has rhythm!) - these are all things we have to push ourselves to do more often.

If you want to be a superstar, public or private, you have to walk towards your fear and stare it down with unyielding conviction.

I was moved recently by the words of the Lipsick Queen herself, Poppy King, who at 18 years old started a multimillion-dollar cosmetics company with no business acumen or experience.  And 10 years later, when it ultimately failed (after great success), she dusted herself off, reapplied, and started anew.

“I have spent a lot of time trying to run away from those things that scare me, assuming that the farther I get from them, the smaller they will become and the less they will worry me.  But I have found the exact opposite to be true.  If I can turn around and actually walk toward the fear instead of rush away from it, it begins to diminish in size.” – Poppy King, Lessons of a Lipstick Queen

Befittingly, Poppy proves it’s beautiful to be brave.

Photo: SCB

Ok, more like golden RULE of arches.

And what is the rule??

How are you supposed to know!  You pay someone for that.

But in between professional help, I love these stencils!!

Available in high, slim high, medium and petite arch.  Online at sephora.com and anastasia.net.

Photo: SCB

Have you ever for a moment not loved your breasts? 

Too big?  Too small?  Too high?  Too low?  Too pointy?  Too flat? 

If ever for a second, you took them for granted… if ever you felt they were imperfect… if ever you wished you could trade them in… READ THIS BOOK.

Geralyn Lucas’ personal story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27 and the loss and then reconstruction of her right breast is a must-read.  As in, you must read it.

I promise you will put it down with a newfound appreciation of your set.

And an immeasurable, immense respect for all women who have had to part with theirs. 

www.whyiworelipstick.com

Find your “inner cleavage.” 

1. Cheryl Burke is NOT fat.  Period.  Cheryl Burke is not fat, Jennifer Love Hewitt is not fat, Tyra is not fat.  What is fat is the paycheck given to the paparazzi and tabloid press for bashing healthy, feminine physiques.  Curvy women are goddesses and anyone who says otherwise is just a hater.  And we all know what haters are… jealous.  And we all now what goddesses are… regal - and above all haters who, try as they may, can never bring them down.  So continue hating at the foot of their pedestals.

2. Since I am not a hater, I won’t name names, but there are some women on Dancing With the Stars (past and present!) who could use a good meal.  Maybe they should make headlines. 

3. How is it that some women, like Cheryl Burke, put on a couple pounds and it’s complete hysteria – yet others are applauded for their sexy silhouette.  JLo, KDash, AKeys, Kimora and Beyonce all come to mind.  Seriously, who gets to do the picking here and how do I single-handedly take these sadists down on behalf of curvy women of the world??

I’m so ready for the fight.  After all, I’ve been resting up all day.

I’m admittedly a lip girl.  I love glosses and sticks and liners and tubes and pots and balms and jellies and treatments and scrubs and exfoliators and more.  I like shimmer and shine.  I like the mystique of matte.  I like clear and I like color. 

But lately… lately I’m falling for eyes.

And here are three reasons why…

1. Make Up For Ever Professional Metallic Eyeliner: Every cloud has its silver lining. 

2. Benefit Chubby Pencils: Offer a quite comprehensive Benefits package. (Sold separately.)

3. Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder in Saphire: It’s never been sexier to be in the navy.

Photos: SCB

Casadei Photos: Revolve , Miu Miu Photos: SCB

I will be planning entire outfits around these beloved new additions to my shoe collection. 

Studs are the fierceness.

There are no words.

Just drool.

Here are some executions of the brilliant ad campaign they just launched.

LOVE.

Click on individual ads for full-size fabulosity.

Photo: SCB

I think Peter Thomas Roth is channeling Shakespeare in his use of the word “die” in this skincare set. 

In that he’s referencing the ‘good’ way.

Because after this three-step lipcare process, your lips will absolutely be worthy of… “death.”

Step 1 is a sugar scrub that exfoliates.

Step 2 is a clay mask that moisturizes.

Step 3 is a sweet balm that conditions and enhances your natural lip color.