fashionably petite: August 2015

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Summer Style Post Featuring Bomber & Company

I've been on the lookout for a compact duffel bag to use for the gym, an overnight stay or all day press previews in the city. I finally found a bag that caught my eye - the Bomber Barrel Duffle Bag by Bomber & Company! What makes this duffel really unique is that it comes equipped with a Mini Bomber Traveler Kit to carry essentials or to fold up the duffel bag when not in use. It's great for those days when I know I may need an extra bag, especially during fashion week.

This ripstop nylon Bomber Barrel Duffle Bag ($128) is weather resistant and ultra lightweight. It has an inner and outer pocket, adjustable, padded shoulder strap, wraparound carry handles with a padded velcro grip, military-grade clips, waterproof zippers and emergency paracord zipper pulls. The classic design is modernized with strong hardware, for a stylishly strong look.

As an added accessory, there's also a Bomber Firestarter Paracord Bracelet / Survival Bracelet ($27) to match the duffel bag / traveler kit. I was pleasantly surprised that this sporty unisex bracelet fit my tiny wrist.

The Bomber Barrel Duffel Bag claimed the title as the "Most Successful Kickstarter Bag". To shop or learn more, visit www.bomberco.com.

Tee: Helmut Lang

Skirt: Helmut Lang

Shoes: Be&D

Sunglasses: Roberto Cavalli

Bracelet: Bomber & Company

Bag: Bomber & Company

Check out my makeup must haves, including Double Lines, Skinny Shadow Stick and Lip Lustre from Ciate, Dior Fusion Mono eyeshadow and MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD Foundation.

Photos by Bri Weling

- Kim Weling

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Sir Ivan Celebrates "Kiss All the Bullies Goodbye" Anti-Bullying Anthem with Royal Tea Dance Party

On August 22, 2015, recording artist and philanthropist Sir Ivan celebrated his annual Hamptons extravaganza, celebrating his new anti-bullying anthem "Kiss All the Bullies Goodybe" featuring Taylor Dayne and produced by Paul Oakenfold. Sir Ivan's Royal Tea Dance included 600 friends, VIP guests and media at his 15,000 square foot Castle in Water Mill, New York.

Sir Ivan recreated the ambiance of Studio 54, with guests dressed as one of the Village People, symbolizing the party theme of diversity, acceptance and love. Inspired by the White House, which was lit in rainbow colors after the Supreme Court's decision on Marriage Equality, Sir Ivan's Castle was transformed into the largest disco flashing rainbow light show in the world.

The night also served as a thank you to supporters of his charity, The Peaceman Foundation. The evening featured a 5-hour set from Vienna's Life Ball Resident DJ Sin Morera and non-stop dancing from 28 world class professional Latin hustle dancers from Stepping Out Studios.

Towards the end of the night, Sir Ivan made a grand entrance, riding a custom made Ironhorse Tejas chopper into his castle through a packed dance floor and performed his new song.

Special guests included singer Pras from The Fugees, singer Aaron Paul, grandson of Omar Sharif and LGBT activist, Omar Sharif Jr., journalist Michael Musto, CNN’s Maribel Aber and Midwin Charles, Good Morning America’s Relationship Expert, Donna Barnes, TV host Lucy Norris, Film producer/director, Cedric Hill, celebrity stylist Cesar Gaviria, celebrity groomer, Fran Freeman, androgynous model Rain Dove, Calvin Klein model Harmony Boucher, “Orange is the New Black” actress Farrah Krenek, actor Colin Asercion and The Village People’s former “Cowboy” himself Randy Jones.

Omar Sharif Jr.

Randy Jones of Village People

Calvin Klein model Harmony Boucher

Sir Ivan and DJ Sin Morera

Rapper Pras Michel of The Fugees, Sir Ivan and Singer Aaron Paul

Above photos by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Sir Ivan

Here are some more images taken on my phone from the party:

- Kim Weling

Allure and butter LONDON Arm Candy Nail Lacquer Collection

For my mani, I opted for a Mod Redux design, using Statement Piece, Front Row and Nude Stiletto

Last month, I stopped by Allure's Beauty Closet to get a sneak peek at the Allure and butter LONDON Arm Candy collection. The limited-edition nail lacquer collection includes ten shades, created to complement the top runway and street-style trends of Fall 2015.

butter LONDON nail lacquer polishes contain rich pigments for one-stroke coverage that is high-shine and chip-resistant with added benefits like vitamins B, C and E, hydrolyzed silk and horsetail extract. Additionally, all butter LONDON lacquers are 7-free, containing no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, or xylene.

The collection includes a variety of shades and finishes, including sheer crème, crème, shimmer, textured glitter and metallic. I love all these Arm Candy shades! The colors compliment each other, so they are great to use together and create your own nail design look.

Six limited-edition full size (.4 fl. oz) lacquers for $15 each:

Nude Stilettos - A sheer pink-nude, crème
Statement Piece - An opaque orange-red, crème
I'm On The List - A metallic rose-gold
It's Vintage - An opaque rust, crème
Disco Nap - A glittery charcoal
Lust or Must? - An opaque charcoal-brown, crème

Four limited-edition fashion-size (.2 fl. oz.) lacquers, sold as a set for $30

So Major!: A shimmery loden green
The Sweet Spot: An opaque dusty pink, crème
Violet's Revenge: An opaque blue-purple, crème
Front Row: An opaque wine, crème

Arm Candy is available at all major butter LONDON retailers, including butterlondon.com, ULTA, Sephora, and Nordstrom from August through March 2016.

- Kim Weling

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

DIY Aromatherapy and Essential Oils with Aura Cacia

Earlier this summer, I joined Aura Cacia for a DIY night of hands-on workshops to benefit the mind and body. I learned natural ways to incorporate aromatherapy and essential oils into health and body routines. Guests created natural essential oils, including soothing hand gels, sugar body scrubs, refreshing shower gels, and calming foot soaks while enjoying organic cocktails and amazing food from David Bouley Botanical. Check out the DIY recipes below to create your own natural essential oils at home! They so easy to make yourself and also makes a great gift, too! I haven't made any bath and body products all summer but with fall around the corner, I might have to create some new scented products! I easily find all my Aura Cacia essential oils and ingredients at Whole Foods.

Go to auracacia.com to learn more about essential oils and get aromatherapy recipes for the bath, body, home, kids and pets.