This month I attended the Fall/Holiday preview of Yana Handbags, who have partnered with Office Tramp Jewelry to create environmentally friendly handbags called The Muse Collection.
These luxe waist bags and clutches are accessorized with fringes, chains and vintage inspired roses that can be detached and worn as brooches, bracelets or necklaces. Each bag features luxurious details such as 18k gold plated hardware, Yana's signature doorknocker and hand-sewn jewelry embellishments by Office Tramp Jewelry.
All handbags are made with re-purposed leather and vegetable dyed skins. The Muse Collection epitomizes opulence through its bold style. These bags are perfect for a night out, especially with the versatility of wearing the straps as a layered necklace.
My favorite pieces in the collection are the black/gold and galactic blue metallic quilted lambskin bags, as well as the soft pale pink snakeskin bag.
You can shop Yana handbags at yanahandbags.com and at select retailer/boutique locations listed on their website.
Are you not fond of taking vitamins or pills? You may instead want to opt for Sprayology - herb, vitamin, and mineral based oral sprays. I first learned of Sprayology at a Spa Week kickoff event at The Westin Hotel in April. I tried the C + Z vitamin oral spray/dietary supplement right then and there and wanted to try these sprays out long term.
The sweet C + Z spray enhances your immune system and tastes even better and than those chewable vitamin C tablets. But like vitamins, in order for it to be effective you must spray as scheduled. For this particular spray you must spray it a total of 10 times per day under your tongue (while holding it for 20 seconds before swallowing) - 5 sprays in the morning and 5 sprays in the evening. I've been taking this spray for a little over a month now and I must admit I did get lazy with spraying it for a few days and what happens? I get sick! So now I am making sure I am back to consistently using the spray. I really think it has helped my immune system and have noticed a difference when I started spraying it and when I momentarily stopped.
The C + Z spray ingredients include Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid), 60 mg, Sodium (Sodium Ascorbate), 6mg and Zinc (Zinc Gluconate), 15mg, as well as purified water, fructose, glycerin, citric acid, apricot flavor and potassium sorbate.
I am also currently taking the Brain Power homeopathic spray, which is supposed to help relieve the symptoms of an unfocused or tired mind, including short-term memory lapses, confused thinking, difficulty in making decisions and lack of concentration. I definitely don't get enough sleep so this is definitely a good spray for me to use.
There are so many other sprays Sprayology offers that can just about tailor to anyone's needs - B-12 + Folic Acid (which I definitely want to try next since I am low on B-12), AllergEase (have a friend that is taking this and says it absolutely works for her), City Life Detoxer, SleepEase, Stress Relief, TravelEase (to help relieve jet lag) and many more. There are a total of about 20 different sprays. The sprays retail at either $20 or $24.
These sprays make excellent gift ideas and stocking stuffers for the holidays, so I've already put this on my gifting list. I actually bought the C + Z spray for my mom for Mother's Day and she absolutely loved it! You can purchase Sprayology at sprayology.com.
The 5th Annual Makeup Show took place on May 16th and 17th at the Metropolitan Pavillion in NYC. This trade-only event was open to anyone involved in the makeup industry, including makeup artists, retail artists, aestheticians, hairstylists, fashion stylists, agents and bookers and makeup, hair or aesthetics students.
This was the first time I've been to The Makeup Show. I was excited, yet completely overwhelmed with makeup everywhere, from familiar brands to ones that I wasn't aware of or never tried before.
First, I stopped over at Smashbox. Lori Taylor, pro artistry relations manager, talked about beauty tips and must-have Smashbox products.
I spoke to Geri Giangnorio of Geri G.® Cosmetics about how her Mixer Kit works. I can't wait to try it!
Body painting at MAC Pro
It was a zoo over by Make Up For Ever! It was too crowded to look around but I did make my way over to see the body painting being done.
I'm a big fan of Jane Iredale and was excited to find out that I am one of the first to try the new Beyond Matte HD Matifying Powders! It's not available yet but Jane Iredale hopes to release it soon so stay tuned! There are four shades in this palette shown here - Translucent (use on any skin), Lilac (use to brighten sallow tones), Peach (use to warm up pale skin) and Dark (use on ethnic skins or as a bronzer). Beyond Matte eliminates shine for hours, absorbs oil, lessens transference, makes skin look smoother, refines pores and increases the water resistency of their minerals. What an improvement when I used it! It does wonders in taking away shine, especially in this hot weather! I am definitely going to make sure I use this after applying foundation!
I took a quick peek over at Stila, another one of my favorite makeup brands!
L'Oreal Paris was giving away a bag of goodies including the 24-Hour Lash Boosting Power System, Voluminous Original mascara, Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, HiP High Intensity Pigments Metallic Shadow Duos and HiP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso. I love using the HiP High Intensity Creamy Eyeshadows. I have to find that turquoise color that I spotted (seen in the center of the picture below)! I wish it was available for purchase at the show!
I've been a long time fan of Mario Badescu products. Going back to 11 years ago, I used to regularly go to their spa for my facials when I worked for Bloomingdale's, which is close to their spa. Their Drying Lotion is still one of my favorite products.
Makeup artist Marc Harvey was busy talking to attendees and airbrushing for Luminess Air. I would have loved it if he could do my makeup but it was too long of a wait! I passed by Dinair to see some airbrushing being done, along with stencil art being applied to the face. One of the makeup artists shown below has stenciled baby leopard spots along the side of her face.
My last stop was at Temptu Pro, where they did some airbrushing on me for a natural look using their silicone-based foundation.
On May 15th, I attended The Makeup Show blogger preview. During the blogger preview, makeup artist James Vincent walked us through the latest beauty must-haves. James is the Director of Artistry for The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine and also also oversees education for The Makeup Show New York and The Makeup Show Miami. In this video, James discusses his favorites from Crown Brush.
Kevin-James Bennett, makeup artist and on-air makeup expert on HSN for Make Up For Ever spoke about Make Up For Ever's HD blush and aqua cream. In this video, he discusses the aqua cream, which is an ultra-pigmented, long-lasting waterproof eye cream.
When I sat down for the preview, I was thrilled to see a large swag bag on my seat, filled with goodies from some of The Makeup Show's participating brands. Here are the featured brands/products that I received and can't wait to try out!
beauty for real - Miracle Mascara (Baby Got Black) and See the light! illuminating lip gloss (D Light)
Eve Pearl - Kisses of Pearl Lip Gloss Combo (Moonlight Kiss/Stardust)
Geri G.® Cosmetics - Mixer Kit
Jao Ltd - semi-resealable 10ml Jao Hand Refreshers (Sanitizer) and container of Jao Goe Oil moisturizer
L'Oreal Paris - 24-Hour Lash Boosting Power System (comes with 2-step mascara/lash boosting primer and lash boosting serum), Voluminous Original mascara (Blackest Black), Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, 2 HiP High Intensity Pigments Metallic Shadow Duos (Platinum and Gilded) and 2 HiP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso (Chic and Spunky)
MakeUpMania - pack of pointed swabs, sponge and mini spray container
Mario Badescu - great travel-sized samples of Citrus Body Cleanser, Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Seaweed Cleansing Lotion, AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer and Elasto-Seamollient Hand Cream
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Loose Colour (Wasabi), Lip Tar (Grandma) and Nail Lacquer - ultra matte, ultra flat top coat (Flatline)
Smashbox - Halo Yellow Color Correcting Hydrating Powder (I think this is supposed to come with a brush but mine didn't have one)
Stila - One Step primecolor (Rosie Posie)
Temptu - S/B Foundation Wheel
Three Custom Color - 5 lip color pots
After the preview I also got some samples of Dinair airbrush foundation and eye shadow and Naked Cosmetics mineral pigments.
A big surprise was when attendees received a Luminess Air airbrush makeup machine (since I already have one, I think I may have to hold a giveaway.....stay tuned!). I'm a big fan of Luminess Air ever since they airbrushed my makeup during February Fashion Week at the Haute Look Lounge.
Looking for new skin care products for the summer? I highly recommend Votre Vu's French luxury line, which I've been using for the past two months. I was actually first introduced to Votre Vu back in October at the KMR Girl's Night Out Event at Bruno Jamois, when I instantly became hooked on their Snapdragon Beauty Beverage, which includes mango, pomegranate and acai berry juices mixed with green, white and red teas.
Snapdragon Beauty Beverage, 2-pack, $26 or 4-pack, $42
The creamy milk cleanser contains sunflower seed oil as a base, blended with jojoba oil, natural essential oils and wheat ceramides. This formula regenerates, firms and moisturizes.
Another one of my favorites is the White Flower Toner. It's formulated with essential water, with a White Lily scent that I absolutely love. It supports better cell exchange by strengthening and fortifying the skin. I must admit, I usually don't use a toner as part of my skin care regimen, but it feels really refreshing.
The crème is super soft, containing active hydro-regulating, nourishing and restorative plant extracts and shea butter, along with essential oils that comfort and protect skin.
I apply 3-4 drops of the serum at night, which contains natural lactic, amino and hyaluronic acids. I just love how all of these products work together to leave my skin feeling clean, revitalized and super soft, with natural and anti-aging ingredients.
AMOUR D'ORE Les Vitamines Pour Vous (GOLDEN LOVE Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair, $52) is ideal for use after showering or laying out in the sun. The precious oils leave skin feeling soft and smooth as it protects with Vitamin E. You can spray it on your face, arms, legs and the top of your feet. This is also a great spray for the hair for extra shine.
I am enjoying using all my Votre Vu products. I love all the anti-aging ingredients, natural oils and the fact that it doesn't dry out my skin but instead revitalizes it.
Learn more about Votre Vu products at votrevu.com.
This heart clutch is the perfect accessory for a night out!
Sequin Cross Over Bust Dress
Jewel Waist Grecian Dress
Beaded Pocket Bustier Dress
This month I attended a tea party and preview to celebrate the Summer 2010 launch of British fashion label 'Lipsy' in the U.S. this month. Lipsy is already a favorite with U.S. celebrities and fashionistas, and is now available in select Bloomingdale's stores and online at lipsy.co.uk.
Lipsy is a young British fashion brand founded in the heart of London. Lipsy's core customer is ages 16-30, yet is definitealy appealing beyond age 30. The fitted, sexy, glamorous bandeau, strapless, chiffon and drape front dresses are just what I'm looking for in a party dress.
Lipsy Summer 2010 is all about tropical colors and prints. The tiger sequin jersey dress is a really standout piece. I am all about the fit and accentuating the waist, draping and embellishments so this collection definitely suits me. I think there is a style or print that appeals to everyone in this collection. I heard accessories will also soon be available at Bloomingdale's, including purses and shoes. I can't wait! Now since I'm a size 0 and the smallest size carried is a U.S. size 2, I'll have to see how small the fit is to see if I can wear a size 2 or not. It may require a little taking in and hemming but it would be worth it to wear a piece from this collection! If you are familiar with Lipsy, definitely let me know what you think!
- Kim Weling
Learn about Lipsy London's launch in the U.S. as we discuss sizing, price points and where it's available.
Earlier this month I attended a preview for Diptyque's new e-commerce launch. Diptyque's luxuriously scented candles are my favorite, especially Baies (bouquet of roses and blackcurrent leaves) since I love fruity scents. Through diptyqueparis.com you can shop by personal and home fragrances and body care.
You can shop by fragrance (eaude toilette, colognes or travel sprays), by scent (citrus, fruity, spicy, floral, woody, herbal and more), by ingredient (cinnamon, citrus fruits, fig leaves, grapefruit, jasmine, thyme and more) or check out the best sellers or gifts.
Next year Diptyque will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. In 1961, Yves Coueslant, Christiane Gautrot and Desmond Knox-Leet opened the first Diptyque shop at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris. These three artisans, friends and partners originally showcased their avant-garde fabric designs and textiles and decorative, unique and unusual items from their travels. The name Diptyque was inspired by the two diptychs or windows flanking the front door of the original boutique.
Softening Hand Wash: Lavender honey, rosemary and lemon. $38
Velvet Hand Lotion:Immortelle floral water, sesame seed oil, chamomile, acacia honey, licorice extract, and sweet almond milk. $42
Currently diptyqueparis.com is only available to U.S. customers, but has future plans to launch in Europe and Asia. Every online order is packaged in a cotton bag and tissue-lined box.
Broadway At The Boathouse...Encore annual gala for Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY) took place on May 17th at The Loeb Central Park Boathouse, to honor Dr. Sandra Bloom, creator of the Sanctuary Model® of trauma informed care and the Co-Director of the Center for Non-Violence & Social Justice at Drexel University.
Tony Award winners Cady Huffman and Dick Latessa hosted the evening, with special performances by Kristin Chenoweth, Katie Finneran and Sean Hayes, co-stars of Promises, Promises.
Attendees also included special guest Matthew Morrison, star of the TV series Glee, Anita Gillette, Tony Goldwyn and Gregory Jbara. Festivities included cocktails, buffet dinner, silent auction and gondola boat rides.
For over 25 years, Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY) has been helping children and adults across the New York Metropolitan area whose lives have been fragmented by trauma and mental health challenges by using the art of theatre as a therapeutic tool – helping them to imagine and envision new possibilities and discover their potential for change. Working in partnership with leading social service organizations and health care institutions, CANY provides approximately 1,400 therapeutic theater groups annually in residential centers for children, special schools, psychiatric care facilities, domestic violence safe shelters and community centers serving at risk youth.
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