Style Files

Demi Moore & Kate Moss Fragrances

diane — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

A few years ago one of my less than adventurous friends confided that she secretly loved the Brittney fragrance Curious…or was is Believe? I was floored because this was the girl that loved to get her hate on for the Princess of Pop after every decadent headline. I myself have only partaken in one celeb fragrance, that of SJP mainly because I am one of those lucky few whose body turns practically all forms of sweet smelling aroma into bitterness. In fact during college I worked at a fragrance counter where not one scent even remotely smelled delish on me… just try selling under those circumstances. So not since the early days of Dolce & Gabbana Red have I been one to spontaneously gift a scent to others without absolutely knowing that they adore it. But this year I am terribly tempted… that is if I don’t buy them for moi’ instead.

These days it seems that every celeb no matter how A, B, C or D list they are has a fragrance and we the droning masses buy in droves… Flip through any major fashion mag and you can hardly avoid the scratch and sniff envelopes that fill the air with wafting blends of paper, glue and the coveted scent du jour.

All You've Ever Wanted Ad Campaign

Yet this year even after all my belly aching, I am aching to try the latest crop of celebrity aromas, notably the Demi’s inspired Helena Rubenstein EDP called All You’ve Ever Wanted. It was created to reflect Mrs. Kutchers “modern love story” and “addictive allure” and after seeing her latest pictage in W mag I agree there is something addictive… I just can’t put my finger on it. The scent is packed with magnolia, camal iris-cream, and a touch of cedar extract. The scents sounds just as pretty as the ads themselves…and of course we all know if we wear it…we will be as alluring as Demi herself! You can find this little gem at Macy’s and be sure to look for those irresistible gifts with purchase as the holidays approach!

Vintage Kate Moss Ad Campaign

The other A-list fragrance by Coty that I have been enticed by is Vintage by Kate Moss. Billed as a “fruity floriental” and developed by perfumer Olivier Polge it combines pink pepper, freesia, mandarin, heliotrope (the delightful vanilla scented flower) jasmine, almond blossom, tonka bean and vanilla. Why beat around the bush you had me at HELLO! This of course is Moss’ fourth scentsational collaboration. Again don’t we all want to channel a little bit of Kate? I know I do…

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Holiday Web Shopping

diane — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:06 +0000

I know I may be jumping the gun, and maybe I have become one of those embarrassingly silly people who start their Christmas shopping early… but as my schedule has gone from hectic, to busy to mach 1, I had to stop dragging and find a way to get all of the holiday shopping and card writing stresses done so that I can actually enjoy my favorite parts of the season including cookie making, pot lucks, cocktails and old movie watching parties. Don’t get me wrong I have always loved thoughtfully picking out the perfect gift for someone to enjoy or dropping a handwritten card in the mail to say 200 of my closest friends. But over the last few years I have come to realize that a little short cut here and there can relieve some of the anxiety of checking off that to-do list. So I wanted to share some of what I think are the most fun gift giving sites on the web for those fashionable friends and family members.

Rachel Comey

Creaturesofcomfort.us stocks a gaggle of fresh designer duds such as Rachel Comey. The photos are easy to peruse with a variety of angles to get the full view so you can choose little dresses, blouses and jeans with confidence.

Clutch by AO3 Designs

If you have ever attempted to navigate the overwhelming etsy.com only to give in to the crazy crafty world that lies beyond, try ao3designs.etsy.com There you can find the most adorable clutches and handbags perfect for your sister or BFF.

Me & Ro Necklace

If you are on the hunt for super cute jewelry- as- art pieces that any fashionista friend would swoon over try twistonline.com. Though the roster includes some pricier brands you are sure to also find fun lines like Me&Ro.

Vintage Vixen

If you are a retro kind of gal try vintagevixen.com and you can still have a bit of fun finding one of a kind pieces while watching your wallet. I adore the amusing categories that help pinpoint your choices… are you a Grace Kelly or Joan Jett?

Fragrance from luckyscent.com

If you are a fragrance-phile try luckyscent.com. The pair behind the boutique and site are constantly combing the globe for innovative aromas. They stock over 300 brands and more than one thousand fragrances plus you can order samples to be sure that the scent you pick is perfect for you…or uh hem… your giftee..

New Arrivals from flight001.com

And for those jet setters on the list try flight001.com they carry some of my favorite amenity kits, luggage tags, travel bags and in flight comforts.

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Pro Hair Tools

diane — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:40 +0000

As a photo stylist part of the game means that you are often changing a models looks on the spot with little time and few conveniences. In my early days of shooting I can’t tell you how often I was asked whether on the rooftop of a hotel, or in the middle of the desert to perform some spectacular quick hair change. In those moments not only your experience but your tools are your saving grace and even now when in the same situation, I still need a box of tricks that I can rely on in an instant. And it seems that you my lovely readers have no shortage of questions as to how you too can get the same looks at home that you see in the glossy mags. We covered some easy styling ideas yesterday so today, I am sharing the scoop from of the hottest powerhouse stylists in the biz on their favorite heated styling tools..

Orlando Pita backstage

One of my favorite editorial stylists Orlanda Pita helped create a line of T3 styling products for his backstage gigs. T3 Pro EverTwirl has a tourmaline and silver infused barrel that leaves curls looking shiny and smooth. This iron will create the bouncy Jessica Alba waves I spoke of in yesterday’s post Hair Look We Love. www.t3micro.com

Bumble and Bumble’s Travis Peck digs the Turbo Power Turbo 2800 Silverado dryer because of it’s ergomic design and customizable heat settings that dry hair in a snap. Just remember to use the lowest setting you can on a daily basis and save the super hot temps for only when you are in a rush www.turbopowerinc.com

Hair by Jimmy Paul

Jimmy Paul the Celeb favorite whose work has appeared in W and Vogue also a Bumble and Bumble guy uses the Linea Pro C2 Digital Flat iron which features an advanced titanium technology that produces negative ions and far infrared rays for fast even heat. Both work like lightening to smooth and silken hair. But resist the temptation to use it every day to give your locks a break. www.linea-pro.com

Guido Palau

Guido Palau the Redken creative consultant loves the Babyliss Pro GT gold titanium marcel curling iron because it locks in the curl without damaging the hair. If you aren’t a pro you might want to try to spring loaded version but I can say from experience once you get the hang of a marcel style (the barrel clamp without the spring) you will love the results.

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DIY Beauty Part 2

diane — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:13:55 +0000

So darlings part two of the DIY quest to transform those tendrils of dullness into locks of love. As mentioned first you need to choose the right formula, semi, demi or permanent color, depending on whether you are darkening, lightening or covering a little or loads of gray, then pick a shade that’s not more than two hues up or down the chart to avoid any kaleidoscope of color horrors.

Next it’s all about the proper application. First and most importantly read the directions on the package. Though not often, brands may vary in their application timing so always be sure to take each step one at a time and incorporate these tips of the trade to get the best possible results.

Once you’ve read the box, start with an old towel that will never be seen in public, drape it over your shoulders and clip it with a hair clip to secure it. Or better yet pick up an inexpensive cape at the beauty supply along with some clips to section off the hair so it’s easier to work with, and buy a wide tooth comb and a coloring brush. Be sure that you have a reliable timer so that you can keep track of exact timing…you can pick one up at Target or Ikea. Find a disposable plastic bowl…never use metal when mixing hair color…remember this is chemistry and metal is a heat conductor so any activators may heat up which is not good for your mane. Hair should be completely dry, free of products and NOT freshly washed, so give yourself a couple of hours post washing before you start your hair painting project.

At home color kit

If it’s your first time coloring you will want to follow directions for a full application from root to tip. If you are touching up roots or covering gray brush the color on the roots then as directed on box brush color through the rest of the hair. Be sure to get all the hairs in the back and check and check again to make sure that everything is covered. To avoid staining on the skin your can wipe a little facial oil or Vaseline petroleum around your hairline, in case of missteps wash off any dye that creeps onto the face, hands, neck ears etc. Once your time is up, you can jump in the shower and rinse away all the color, or lean over the sink and rinse until the water runs clear. With at home formulas it’s always best to not shampoo post color for 24 hrs but for some it barely makes a difference. Use a bit of conditioner and comb hair out with a wide tooth comb before blow drying.

Once you are done, toss any remaining color and wash out your brush, comb, bowl etc thoroughly. Reserve these items for your next DIY appointment.

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Hair Look to Love

diane — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:53:38 +0000

There is nothing quite like a little trip down hairstyle memory lane. For those of us that lived through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s it was a veritable potpourri of revolving looks that have resulted in horrifying Facebook tagging…(thanks hubby) Thankfully the millennium has been a kindler and gentler era…or perhaps I just don’t have the strand count required to torture myself.

Gisele curls

What I do love however is that the years 2000+ has ushered in a time of carefree styles that don’t require the lacquer or severe gels that other decades summoned. So if you are looking for a little variation to add to your weekly do rotation here are a few looks that take little time and little effort.

Sandra Bullock

Disheveled ponytails or buns – if you have been living under a box and haven’t tried this look, give it a go this holiday season. It works best when hair has a bit of texture. So start with a volumizer at the roots and tease your hair just a bit, spray then brush hair back into a low ponytail. Leave a bit of volume on the top to keep from looking like plain old bed head…and I personally like this one best with hair pulled back in front, but it works well the way Sandra does it also…remember you are going for carefree… but pretty.
Try Redken Layer lift spray get to give roots a boost.

Jessica Alba

Sexy bouncy curls - This look is a must do, if you haven’t already attempted it. Start with dry hair (freshly blow dried works best) Spritz hair with a thermal spray to protect hair from heated irons. Wrap a one-two inch section of hair around a one-inch curling iron. Divide sections size according to the size of curl you want- the larger the section the looser the wave. Mist with a finishing spray like Shaper Plus and shake out curls…don’t brush them!

Anne, Sara Michelle, Jessica

Wraparound braids – This one can be a little bit more tricky but it looks gorgeous for an evening out. Use a lightweight styling crème like Kiehls Cream with Silk Groom and run it through ends. Make a deep side part and divide hair into three sections on either side of the part. Braid each side until you reach the nape of your neck. Take the remaining section of hair in the back and pin it into a bun or ponytail, then secure the two braids around the bun/pony with bobby pins to hide the ends. Finish with hairspray. And if you are feeling adventurous add a festive clip to finish your party hair. J Crew clips add a bit of bling!

J Crew Hair Clip

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Events - Marchesa and Face of Foothills Party!

diane — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:18:32 +0000

Yesterday I had the dubious pleasure of hanging backstage as the key makeup artist for the Marchesa trunk show at Neiman Marcus. I have always been a Marchesa fan (I mean really who isn’t) and have featured some of the lines gorgeous gowns in the pages of AFM, but there is something about racks of silk chiffon, plumes and beading that just really have an dizzying effect on me…in a good way of course.

Marchesa Resort 2010

Two of my favorites were the pink plume strapless number with the silver and glass beaded bodice and the black chiffon swingy shift with the beaded cummerbund, if only I had snapped a good photo, darn my blurry crackberry! Sadly I have nowhere to wear these spectacles of fabulousness and no upcoming red carpet to walk…sigh.

Marchesa Resort 2010

Since I was the first one to arrive in the holding room I was able to peruse the collection without interruption and found a return to the brands Grecian roots but I confess I was also instantly transported back to the heyday of Las Vegas glamour circa 1968!

Marchesa Resort 2010

That was the high time of the Rat Pack era and my parents would often fly to Vegas with relatives from the Big Apple. Those were the days when everyone decked out in eveningwear complete with piles of jewels costume or otherwise. There was no shortage of color or beading and to me this collection embodies, modernizes and pairs down spirit of those times. But the absolute best part, these pieces are so flattering anyone can wear them from fashionable grandmother to young “It” girl! There are so few designers who can bridge the gap and make everyone look smashing… But Georgina and Keren do it sooo very well! Did I mention the Louboutins for Marchesa… Off the charts..come to mama you jaw dropping and ankle snapping ankle straps!

Louboutin for Marchessa

On another note, before I get too wrapped up to mention it.. Last Night AFM held the party of parties at the W Hotel to announce the Face of Foothills winner. In case you have been living under a boulder…. AFM has been conducting the mother of online contests to find the face that would grace our website for the next year. Thousands entered but only one person could take the prize. It was a high energy evening packed to the gills with spectators awaiting the results… The Winner was the lovely Stephanie pictured (coincidentally..no I mean it) front and center. So look for her on our website, and January AFM cover and fashion spread!

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DIY Beauty Part 1

diane — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:20 +0000

A few days ago the girls got together for a little cocktail time (except me of course I skip the drinks and go straight for the hors d’ oeuvres like a practical girl) and during the evening the discussion came around to beauty…of course. In those cases I suddenly become Doctor Glam in a room full of patients. Asking what is your main concern with your skin? Makeup? Eye liner? Hair color? and so on.

I was not surprised to hear that most of my gang was now partaking in DIY beauty rituals in some form or another, be it at- home hair color or at- home facials or peeling kit. The latter of which should be attempted with extreme caution. As for transforming the shade of your locks… here are a few expert tips that you can try in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Ashlee Simpson

Jen Aniston

Mandy Moore

First you need to know what formula to use: Semi or demi- permanent are used mostly when you are going darker, covering those dreaded grays…or just maintaining the color you have… semi’s and demi’s only last for four to six weeks and will wash off gradually.

Clairol Perfect 10

Permanent formulas are for lightening, darkening or covering those domes with lots of gray. These formulas don’t wash out, but they will fade with time and you will notice roots as hair grows. Most importantly is choosing a shade- anything more than two shades up or down the color chart is best left to a professional. I could really insert some great stories from the 80’s when the gang and I used to fancy those lovely Madonna and Cyndi Lauper shades…. And let’s not forget those were the days of Duran Duran when a heavily lightened bang (albeit orange) was just the ticket.

So, now that you have your formula pick your shade from the chart on the back of the box but remember this is chemistry so consider carefully if you are trying to change your shade rather than just adding shine or covering gray!

Dark haired girls should stick with cool or neutral color shades of brown…skip the warm tones if you are going any lighter than your current color or you may end up looking orangey

Medium brunette tones do best with cool or ash shades of brown…but beware if you are a blonde that wants to go darker..NEVER put an “ash” shade on light blonde hair unless you want to look like someone that lives in the same swamp as Gollum…. I made many a midnight color run for roommates in my college days who did not heed my warning!

For fair haired blondes try honey colors and neutral shades but if you are going towards a brunette shade try warm shades not cool. One final tip - Redheads are the only ones who should try red colors at home - blondes or brunettes that want to go firey stick with a pro!

Stay tuned for part two of my DIY tips on application tomorrow!

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Frugalista Finds

diane — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:31:34 +0000

The other day I heard an acquaintance saying I how much they hate all these “discount” words that have come out of the economic downturn. They asked – “What is a frugalista anyway…. Doesn’t that just mean being cheap?” Well that depends on your definition of cheap my trust fund friend…. Personally, I agree on the this- may- be- bothersome front that many of these once darling phrases have become rather an annoyance, but necessity is the mother of invention is it not? And I for one care not a darn what anyone wants to call me…cheap, frugal, tightwad or otherwise, I love a bargain as much as I love luxury but I don’t see any reason to drain my wallet just to be in the in crowd…hmmm sorry Luvs soap box removed! So with annoying words in hand and a currently anorexic wallet I decided to set out on a little fabulous frugal journey myself to see what I could scour at my local superstores.

I can’t say enough good things about Target for wallet friendly finds, after all this is the place where you can fully stock your kitchen cabinets with festive holiday tablescapes, pick up a cute knock off bag and walk out with a darling little outfit for less than $100 bucks. The every day wardrobe essentials abound and I for one am jumping on board…snobby crowd frownage or not….I certainly don’t need a label to feel smashing! Currently I am loving this plaid belted coat for less than $50

Forever 21 sequin knit

Forever 21 has some fun little bits that I can’t resist, even if at times the pieces never make it past two washings… but I found some cute little knit numbers that would look darling with a slinky cami and pencil skirt.

Bebe Belinda bootie

And though I rarely make it into Bebe these days there are always good little finds that mix well with office or evening wares like these fun little Belinda leather booties.

H&M dress

But honestly luv since H& M came to town it’s become rather a challenge to ignore…with Jimmy Choo going live this week if you have a tinge of claustrophobia as I do…it’s best you hit the racks early before the mob. Once I laid my eyes on the Angela Lindvall images from their Back in Black editorial spread I could go no further I must simply have these pieces now… with even the most expensive pieces (like the sequin jacket) still ringing in at under $200 there is no need to persuade….my keys are already in the ignition! Check it out on their site and you too will swoon
www.hm.com/at/#/eyemag/

H&M Sequin jacket and cami

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Scottsdale Fashion Week Wrap Up

diane — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:07:59 +0000

The hustle and bustle is over, the shuffling of makeup cases, wardrobe racks, 6 foot models, backstage coordinators yelling into their headsets, the lights, the cameras, the action… the crowds…Scottsdale Fashion Week is over…

Mainstage Tent

That adrenalin rush is done and there’s always a day of the blues that follows. I for one had a fantastic time…mainly because last year my crew and I did 11 shows both hair and makeup over two days, needless to say we were all on the verge of cracking… This year we scaled it back to four shows- makeup only…a much more manageable number. There is nothing quite like a backstage prep room that houses five teams of hair and makeup. The air is thick not only with bravado, but with a lovely gray cloud of hairspray that seems to linger in your brain longer than the worst itunes song you ever heard. May I also say there should be a camera doing a live feed from the holding rooms that is where the drama really happens… and where all my burning questions were answered as to why Panda’s? Or what is Nole’ Marin really like? The answer to the latter…delightfully nice!

Banana Republic

As always there were some really wonderful shows that graced the runway. Though I had to skip out on my team for a few minutes, I caught a glimpse of the Kevan Hall show which was gorgeous. The pieces I saw were simply marvelous! Kate Spade and Banana Republic were comprised of the expected fare, cute clothes that we all want to buy…right now!

Banana Republic

Bebe showed the perfect blend of Scottsdalisms, fun, funky day and evening wears for the girls that want to get noticed… good, bad or otherwise!

Bebe

Escada and Carolina Herarra were the perfect combination of chic and elegance, again pieces that flatter for every kind of woman… the violet gown, white and salmon colored frock at Carolina or the brightly colored numbers at Escada including the green Miami mafia jumpsuits! There was just something about it I could take my eyes off of!

Carolina Herrara

Of course my fav of both evenings was the Barneys show for wisely choosing Narciso. There are so few masters of construction these days when it comes to Ready to Wear and Mr Rodriguez stands in a category almost on his own.

The photos don’t even come close to giving the full experience…and when you see these within inches, you know exactly what I mean. I enjoyed them backstage, on the stage and wheeling out of the tent, plus as mentioned last week the shoes…Off the Charts!!!

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Scottsdale Fashion Week - Friday and Saturday!

diane — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:49:59 +0000

Today I am happily dragging my little tootsies out of bed. It’s a busy day for the Glam girls and me; we will be rocking the makeup tonight and tomorrow for some of the best shows of the weekend. Yesterday I got a sneak peek at the samples that Barneys will be showing during the finale show of Scottsdale Fashion Week on Saturday night at 10:00 pm. Can I just say…Off the charts! The shoes are insanity… I want them all!

Narciso Shoes

I only wish that I could run around backstage in heels… I have tried it, it doesn’t work. In fact during one of the shows I did this summer I actually witnessed two designer executive go down in stiletto’s right off the back of the stage…. Not a pretty site. It gave the term “break a leg” a whole new meaning.

In any case, I spoke with the (Barneys) shows producer Anastacia “Stacy” Striegel and received this little tid-bit “The Barneys New York show at Scottsdale Fashion Week on Saturday will be a genuine, big-time runway show. From the hair and makeup, to the models, music and styling, we want everything to be as true as possible to the designer’s original show. We look to achieve the same level as a show produced anywhere in the world. My team just arrived in Scottsdale and the final preparations are underway. We are all looking forward to putting on a fantastic show for the Scottsdale crowd.”

Kevan Hall

Tonight I look forward to Kevan Hall’s gorgeous gown creations, Zhao Bandi’s fantastical panda parading… really I just can’t imagine what magical creations based on China’s veritable symbol he will be showing and the unveiling of Escada’s Spring Collection 2010.

Zhao Bandi Show

Tomorrow there will also be a bevy of fun shows to ogle over like Kate Spade and Carolina Herrara. And let’s not forget those hardworking indie designers that will be taking the Southbridge stage tonight and tomorrow like my buddy Angela Johnson who unveils her latest and uber fun collection.

And iuk iuk by Alina Samasuick this year’s Designer of the Year who’s super modern pieces are also super versatile.

iuk iuk

There are also plenty of retailers on the Southbridge stage as well including Destiny’s Bride where I will also be lending a hand backstage in the fantasy makeup… I can tell you that it’s going to be a beautifully romantic show that’s worth a look!
You can still snag some tickets by visiting the on-site box office after 5 pm tonight and tomorrow night!

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