Thursday, September 30, 2010

Piperlime Pop-Up Store Closes This Weekend! Get Shopping!

The Piperlime Pop-Up Store closes on Sunday, October 3rd! I have yet to check it out! I definitely want to do some fall shopping. It's still warm, but it will be time to start layering soon. Hopefully I can find some good deals!

93 Mercer Street at Spring.
11AM - 8PM

Fall 2010 Spa Week is Coming! $50 Facials, Massages & More

It's time to book your appointment at your favorite spa or try a new one! $50 spa services are available October 11th-17th. Go to spaweek.com for a list of participating spas.

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Daily "Beauty Bar" - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011

The Daily "Beauty Bar" was back at Townhouse Spa for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011 on September 13th and 14th. Celebrities, VIPs and members of the press stopped by for their favorite spa treatments, cocktails and food. Take a look at what went on at The Daily "Beauty Bar" last season.

I absolutely love Townhouse Spa. Last season I got the facial and massage, which were both amazing. Services seemed to book up pretty quickly so I wasn't able to get either spa treatment, but I did get their early enough to get a makeover from Urban Decay and a pedicure, since those didn't have to be scheduled in advance.

Robin from Urban Decay did an amazing job on my makeover (Thank you Robin!), especially since I told her I love a dramatic eye and planned on going to the Betsey Johnson show later that evening. She even put on a set of Urban Decay lashes that have just launched. The lashes looked so natural and made such an impact on my eyes! Attendees also got a gift bag filled with the latest Urban Decay product!



By the time I was waiting for my pedicure to dry, manicures were in full swing! Plenty of great nail polish colors to choose from - I went with a cobalt blue - one of my favorites colors.

Here is the friendly staff from Le Souk Restaurant. The hors d'oeuvres were very tasty!



Marcolin Eyewear was there displaying John Galliano, Tod's and Dsquared² sunglasses.


Ouidad, specializing in curly hair, was booked up and busy styling!

- Kim Weling

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Q&A with Ole Henriksen



Here's a follow up to meeting Ole Henriksen for his truth collection launch. Ole has provided some insightful skincare tips and great, informative answers to my questions. Thank you so much Ole and congratulations on the launch of the truth collection!

Q: I love to refrigerate my skincare products, especially when the weather is warm. Can you refrigerate the truth is in the eyes eye peel concentrate? What types of products do you recommend refrigerating? What types of products should you not refrigerate?

Products that come in a gel form tend to retain a cold temperature better than traditional creams that have a base of oils and humectants. There are many of my formulations that I recommend to be kept in the fridge in order to enhance their skin benefits. My african red tea face mist will indeed firm, lift and stimulate skin circulation so much more when kept nice and chilled in the fridge. Among the active ingredients in this formulation is african red tea, green and white tea plus pomegranate. I recommend the same for my other face mists. Products that are gel based like my ultimate lift eye gel, specifically formulated to lift, firm and de-puff the eye region would do an even better job when kept in the fridge – this is a favorite tip from Charlize Theron. My blue/black berry enzyme mask and my latest product truth is in the eyes, eye peel concentrate are also gel based and I highly recommend that you store in the fridge for added benefits.

Q: What tips do you have/what products should be used for people that don’t get enough sleep?

A good night’s sleep is one of the key components to healthy, radiant skin, but we can all have periods where life is so busy that we don’t get proper rest. One of my favorite tricks to revive a dull looking complexion is to fill your sink with a tray of ice cubes and add a bit of water, drench a thin terry face cloth in the ice cube mix and place and hold firmly against the entire face with both palms. Hold in place for 30 seconds at a time and repeat 5X. Your skin will not only look energized, but you will also feel like you’re ready to take on the world when having done this trick. You can follow with your regular skin care routine.

Q: How important is it to change up your skincare regimen every season? What type of products do you switch to every season if you have normal skin?

It’s very important to change your skin care routine based on the climatic changes that go hand-in-hand with the seasonal changes. Weather should often be the indicator of the changes that are necessary to make with your daily skin care regimen. Hot and humid weather require that you focus on lighter textured formulations – especially when it comes to the kind of moisturizer you choose. This is because the humidity will provide a shield of hydration for the skin on its own. One of my most popular moisturizers around the globe for hot and humid weather is my sheer transformation creme because it is both oil free and packed with cell renewing and anti-aging ingredients. As far as the choice of cleansers for hot and humid weather – your skin may be best suited for a foaming or gel cleanser like my on the go cleanser.

Cold weather conditions on the other hand require products that have a rich, soothing consistency. It is a fact that when temperature drops, indoor heating becomes a necessity and additionally it tends to impact the skin by making it dry. Therefore, you want to look for creams that have a higher concentration of essential fatty acids like avocado oil, grape seed oil, soy oil and sun flower seed oil. Those fats cushion, comfort and protect the skin very effectively and will also protect the capillaries in the skin from irritation and potentially breaking. My recommended moisturizer for this weather is my herbal day creme, SPF 15. In cold, freezing temperatures, a lotion cleanser like my apricot cleansing lotion would be recommended.

Q: What is the most common mistake you see people make when caring for their skin and what should they be doing to correct their mistake?

I would say the most common mistake that I observe in my clients at the spa is a tendency to over zealously scrub and cleanse their skin. While it’s important to achieve deep cleansing, scrubbing and cleansing too vigorously can irritate the skin causing mild rashes and permanently broken capillaries. What I always say, is that formulations that are created to achieve thorough deep cleansing are created in a manner that the ingredients will actually go to work and deep cleanse when activated with water. All you need to do is facilitate gliding the product gently over your skin.

Q: What two products should everyone make sure they incorporate into their skincare routine?

Since clean skin is the essential for having healthy skin, I can’t emphasize enough – the importance of investing in an effectual cleanser. Second to having clean skin, environmentally protected skin is a must in order to preserve a youthful and supple complexion. So, a moisturizer that hydrates all day long with an SPF of at least 15 is a must.

- Kim Weling

Ole Henriksen "truth collection" Launch



Last month I attended a cocktail reception at The London NYC Hotel to meet Ole Henriksen, skin guru to the stars and celebrate the launch of his newest skincare line, "truth", which made its debut at Sephora this fall:

truth serum® collagen booster - A high-potency vitamin C complex to brighten, smooth and help prevent aging. It's loaded with anti-oxidants to fight off environmental aggresors & moisture-binding ingredients to hydrate and keep your skin nourished & protected.

truth revealed™ super crème spf 15 - A super concentrated day crème that
leaves the skin with a light sheen and luminous glow. It hydrates and soothes skin while fighting the signs of aging as it firms, boosts cell proliferation, and scavenges free radicals.

truth is in the eyes™ - A peel concentrate for the eye area that offers a natural, gentle antidote to dark circles and fine lines.

truth to go wipes - A travel-friendly pack of gentle cleansing wipes that provide moisturizing and age defying properties. These cleansing wipes gently remove dirt, grime, and makeup while essential fatty acids nourish the skin. Its mild, naturally based cleansing ingredients remove even the most stubborn eye makeup. Vitamin C and micro algae help to brighten, firm, and smooth the texture of skin. With the truth collection's signature citrus vanilla scent, each cloth is a refreshing pick me up.

I look forward to trying out the truth collection!

Also launching this fall are these starter kits that make the perfect gift for the holidays. The different starter kits include normal/combination skin, oily/blemish prone skin, dry/sensitive skin and african red tea anti-aging. There's even an anti-aging/all skin types holiday essentials kit. So if you are looking to try Ole Henriksen's skincare line for the first time, one of these starter kits will have everything you need!


Here are some more products from Ole Henriksen - lavender body oil, body sleek hydrating lotion and muscle comfort lotion.

african red tea collection


- Kim Weling

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Robert Verdi's RV/FW10 Fashion Week Retreat

Robert Verdi's Fashion Week Retreat is one of my favorite stopovers during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. I had such a great time at RV/FW10 in February, I couldn't wait to preview the brands and products being showcased this season. So many exciting launches!

Jee Vice offers a fashionable, luxurious collection of sunglasses. Some of the sunglasses styles even have a heel on the temple.


Vintage Revolution Jeans is debuting this fall at stores including Bloomingdale's and Fred Segal, retailing between $118-$148. I tried on the Black Overdye Bell Flare in a size 24, which has a sexy, snug fit through the leg. I can't wait to try the legging in the rinse wash, which also comes in a faded grey wash. I've been looking for the perfect denim legging for awhile now!


I'm really excited about
Tulle's women's clothing line - sweaters, jackets, skirts, dresses, shorts, pants and accessories. They carry XS/0, but also carry a selection that appeals to all body types, so there's definitely something for everyone. I love this double breasted vintage wool coat that I got from Tulle in black, XS. The sleeves are a little long so I'll have to get that hemmed but getting a fall coat was on my shopping list.


Coca-Cola created Fashion Pops, fashion-forward accessory pairings matching each of the aluminum bottles with a limited edition custom ring inspired by it's own unique personality and flavor. A limited number of Fashion Pops have been created exclusively for Robert Verdi's RV/FW10 Fashion Week Retreat this season. Guests were tweeting the pairing that best reflected their own personal style to #rvfw at a chance to win a full set of Fashion Pops.


I am definitely in need of a new iron and I think I have found it - the lightweight, Panasonic 360-Degree Freestyle Cordless Iron. I love the sleek design of the slightly convex, multidirectional soleplate. The iron also makes it easier to smooth out collars, cuffs and difficult areas around buttons. The iron is set to launch in October and will retail for $99.95.

Other features include:

  • Detachable water tank makes refilling safe & easy
  • Electronic Temperature Control sets precise heat for all fabrics
  • Pushbutton steam feature removes stubborn wrinkles from delicate garments
  • Anti-drip feature protects fabrics
  • Auto shut-off after 10 minutes helps eliminate worry
  • Convenient case with handle





Another amazing product is the Panasonic Massage Sofa Chair. I wish I could replace this with my regular sofa chair! It's available in avocado green or latte washable fabric. The massage Sofa Chair delivers a full body massage, mimics the movements of a massage therapist's hands and automatically adjusts to the height of the user.

I sat in the chair for about 15 minutes and just melted away, feeling the stress and tension leave my body. I really felt the difference than regular massage chairs I've experienced while getting a pedicure. This really did customize to my height, and even pinpointed where my head rested to hit every spot on my head, back, shoulders - you name it.

The sophisticated massage-head mechanism that accurately simulates kneading with the palm of the hand (Swedish massage), soft shiatsu with the thumbs, and gentle tapping with the fist. The hidden Air Ottoman System delivers a more complete, contoured lower body massage of the shin and calf muscles and the feet. The massage Sofa Chair retails for $2495.00. Maybe someday I will get one!



I love Linea Pelle's handbags and accessories. The Italian leather is so soft, and the pieces are so versatile and functional, especially the Dylan Folding Tote, which comes which also comes with a messenger strap. I love that it can be worn folded or unfolded, and has multiple pockets.

Dylan Long Zip Wallet, $135


Left and middle: Alex Zipper Speedy, $455


Alex Zipper Cross Body, $225


Dylan Folding Tote (folded), $535


Dylan Folding Tote (unfolded), $535


Left: Dylan Medium Tote, $435

Guests enjoyed getting primped with hairstyling, manicures and makeovers




I enjoyed a soothing cup of mochachino with the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto™ single-serve coffee machine, lauching in October. I was amazed at how quick and easy it is to make a mochachino! I love the space-saving design of the Piccolo. There are four designs total - Piccolo, Melody™ 2, Circolo and Creativa™.

Left and Right: Circolo™
Middle: Piccolo

Let's not forget to stay hydrated with Glaceau Smartwater, Vitamin Water and Vitamin Water Zero with all the running around.


- Kim Weling

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Diesel Black Gold Spring 2011


Photos courtesy of nymag.com

Diesel Black Gold Spring 2011 is dominated by brown leather jackets and dresses that had a 'trip to the west' or desert air feel. I liked the short, cuffed shorts paired with long boots - a modern grunge look in earth tones.

- Kim Weling

"I Care For Talika" Contest and NYC Giveaways



Join Talika starting this Thursday, September 23rd to kick off the “I Care for Talika” contest, an online competition that gives participants a chance to win a trip to Paris and design packaging for an upcoming Talika gift set. To enter the contest, post your Talika art to facebook.com/TalikaBeauty from September 23rd to October 30th.

For the kickoff, several artists will leave an imprint on the streets of New York City, with Talika street art and giveaways at the following locations:

9:00am @The Today Show/Rockefeller Center
10:30am @Times Square
11:30 am @Columbus Circle
1:00 pm @Union Square
2:00 pm @Washington Square
4:00 pm @The Apple Store (5th Ave)
6:30pm @The Meatpacking District

The first five people to arrive at these locations with the secret password win an amazing selection of Talika products! Don’t worry if you’re not the first on the scene—the Talika cigarette girls will be handing out samples and information about the contest all day long, so you’ll still have a chance to learn about Talika and try some products. Just look for the girls wearing Talika blue!

For updates and secret passwords, follow the action on Twitter (@TalikaCosmetics) all day long and log onto Facebook (facebook.com/TalikaBeauty)to register for the contest.

Good luck!

- Kim Weling

Monday, September 20, 2010

Victoria's Secret "Foundation of Fashion" VIP Suite

Victoria’s Secret hosted a VIP suite at the Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center, just steps away from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, from September 13th-15th. Guests got an exclusive sneak peek at 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show sketches and upcoming intimates & fragrance collections.

The suite was also a place for celebrities and press to unwind and prep, with manicures and massages compliments of Oasis Day Spa and bombshell makeovers. They had great food catered by Restaurant Associates, and scrumptious cupcakes by Billy's Bakery. I hope the Victoria's Secret "Foundation of Fashion" VIP Suite returns next season - it was one of my favorite spots to lounge and check my email!


Here are some of the celebrities that visited the suite:

Gossip Girl's Jessica Szhor


Denise Richards


90210's Jessica Lowndes


Kourtney Kardashian
Celebrity Photos by John Parra, WireImage







Here's a sneak peek at what Victoria's Secret is launching for Spring 2011


Photos by fashionably petite

- Kim Weling

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Thuy Spring/Summer 2011

Thuy Spring 2011 is all about girlish dressing, with pleating details and fun, flirty mini skirts and mini dresses in vibrant jewel tones of yellow, purple, blue, orange and gold. The collection is very wearable, especially for a petite frame, with 3/4 length sleeves on some of the jackets.

I love that the details continue on the back of Thuy's garments, including a cut-out or open back for a sexy look.

- Kim Weling























Finale walk


Thuy Diep discusses her Spring 2011 collection