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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Eddie Bauer Catalog

Luckily back in the days of shooting catalogs for Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom’s I learned the essential lessons of layering. Most often the catalog crews were smack dab in the middle of some remote area…usually the more lush or swampy the better. Our days began at the wee hours before sun’s light and let me say that for a makeup artist, shaking, cold fingers are not an option so I learned quickly from other crewmembers how to get good at layering. Believe me, there is an art to it, otherwise ones layers end up looking rather like the bumpy Michelin man. Lightweight tee’s blouses, cashmere turtlenecks, cardigans and a good coat kept me toasty no matter what adventures the day brought.

A really good quality, proper fitting coat should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, but if you are not heading to extreme cold this season or you don’t want to shell out the big bucks, here are a few delicious options for $200 and under that look smart and will get the job done!

Winter Coats

The amazing spotted print coat from Top Shop with wrist skimming sleeves is nearly an exact replica of a vintage one I owned years ago. This little standout number is only $180 a works well with slinky dresses, slim jeans and the retro looks of the season… pair it with rhinestones… and it’s off the charts!

Hopefully you can catch this divine H&M number in our new Scottsdale store, it’s perfectly on point with other belted looks we saw from Bottega Veneta but much less at $129 and it has a chic European vibe to it so it will look great with boots, heels or flats.

Bottega Veneta

Old Navy’s funnel neck coat is a steal at $90 and a perfect blend of fabulous and functional. The sash tucks in just so to give that hourglass look reminiscent of a Hitchcock heroine!

Ali McGraw in Love Story

Lastly Eddie Bauer and American Eagle both did duffle coats ranging from $150-$199 one casual, one proper that make darling basics to go with all your classics like straight leg jeans, fitted blouses and fitted skirts. Add a scarf and a cossack hat and you are channeling Ali McGraw in Love Story.

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On Friday the main stage will be chock full with some of the most fun filled shows of the three day event including Dillard’s who will close out the evening with a highly charged fashion show that will thrill any fashionista anxious to add to their fall wardrobes.

Eva Franco Collection

As master of ceremonies, Nolé Marin from America’s Next Top Model will kick off the runway extravaganza and Eva Franco will close the show with a presentation of select pieces from her stunning Fall collection. Phoenix favorites the professional basketball dance team will be the models du jour strutting their stuff on the catwalk.

Nole' Marin

You may recognize Nole Marin’s credits from ANTM but his resume’ doesn’t end there. Not only was he the mastermind behind the ABC reality show True Beauty, he was also the creative director on Canada’s Next Top Model and three-time coach of MTV’s #1-hit makeover show MADE. Add to that his work as a contributing editor to some of the world’s top fashion magazines and guest gigs on shows like E! and TV Guide for his expert commentary on Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy fashions. His celebrity clients include Claudia Schiffer, Tyra Banks, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keyes, Kanye West, Cynthia Nixon, Ricky Martin, Vivica A. Fox, Gabrielle Union, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Chloe Sevigny.

True Beauty Judges Tiegs, Minillo and Marin

If you are not familiar with the name Eva Franco, you may recognize her face from various acting roles on the daytime soap Passions and guest appearances on Cold Case and Judging Amy which helped support the fledgling designer in her early days. The Hungarian born/ LA-based Franco always loved fashion and credits her design versatility to honing her skills as a design assistant for Etienne Brunel in Paris. She is known for creating pieces that universally celebrate the female form. Her silhouettes flatter while incorporating a playful sensibility that she knows her customers desire. Eva Franco’s wares can be found in 400 stores across the United States, London, Paris and the Orient.

Eva Franco

You can catch Franco’s work up close and personal at her Dillard’s trunk show on Saturday from 12-4pm.

Eva Franco Collection

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Plenty of celebs were in attendance to celebrate the collaboration and the launch of the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. The super soiree’ held at a private residence high above the infamous Sunset Strip in the Hollywood Hills included guests Paris & Nicky Hilton and Hayden Panettiere who stepped out in figure-hugging black leather ‘treggings’ from the collection topped off by a shimmering sequined bomber jacket along with a zebra-print bag with studs and a chain handle.

Paris and Nicky

Hayden Panettiere

Kate Walsh, Sheryl Crow, Cat Deeley and Supermodel Angela Lindvall also attended most wearing Choo/H&M offerings as well. The event featured a Grammy-worthy performance by M.I.A. who I hear knocked the crowd’s socks off….ironic for a shoe designers gig! The stars were given a much coveted sneak peak at the glamorous collection that will be unveiled in approximately 200 H&M stores globally on November 14th. The collection includes JC’s the most drool worthy shoes and accessories. And for the first time Jimmy Choo has also created a women’s clothing line to complement their much anticipated accessories as well as men’s clothing, shoes and bags…. Somebody bring me the smelling salts, I may pass out from all the excitement!

Jimmy Choo booties for H&M

Paris extolled that she loved H & M already but now that they are doing Jimmy Choo she can’t wait to purchase the whole collection. Though I highly doubt Paris ever really purchases half of what she wears…I appreciate her enthusiasm as most of us mere mortals feel the same way!

JImmy Choo collection for H&M

On another note at the 13th Annual ACE Awards in NYC to celebrate the country’s most outrageous accessories, Lady Gaga again managed to leave party goers with tongues wagging and me scratching my head in confusion. The iconoclastic pop princess wore an elaborate Erickson Beamon Headpiece befitting her ever -evolving shock value wardrobe. If you have the inclination or the guts you can purchase your own little number at Beyond 7 (263 11th Avenue, New York, NY 646-619-6857).

Lady Gaga

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Beauty Samples

This was a little Velcro patch that was supposed to hold the hair back (instead of a headband or clip) while you were washing your face, doing your makeup or sleeping without messing up the hair or putting a kink in it…though I loved the theory of not having a three inch kink left in my hair post hair clip, for the life of me I couldn’t figure out what I supposed to do with it, it neither held my thin little baby hair away from my face or seemed to serve any purpose whatsoever except looking like I had glued squares to my head for a Halloween costume. And with a price tag of $9 dollars, I thought a scouring pad from the cleaning isle might do the trick for less money.

Japanese version of hair velcro

In any case, when I do find something that I like, love or swoon over, I am not the type to keep a lid on it. So I just had to share the latest from Stila cosmetics. I have always been a fan, but over the years the brand has gone through three different owners since the fabulous Jeanine Lobell created it and often times that means that there are changes to formulas and products that get discontinued or bomb…but the latest creation from the brand is an ingenious fusion of beauty and technology that I predict other brands will soon be chomping at the bit to copy!

Jeanine Lobell and Liv Tyler

The Makeup Player

The Makeup Player is a darling little makeup train case unlike any other you have seen before. Not only is it stocked with some of Stila’s favorite products but it’s also a media player that you can load with Stila’s newest crop of tutorials that teach you how to be your own makeup pro. This is usually the part where big conglomerates lose me… since I give makeup lessons on a daily basis I am always skeptical that what you will learn is nothing more than how to put on the companies own products…and yes that plays into Stila’s words of wisdom, but you also get a fair share of helpful tips to unleash your inner artist. Visit www.stilacosmetics.com for more details

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2008 featured designer Zang Toi

Let’s face it loves, in Scottsdale it’s about seeing and being seen of course.
Once again there will be dual stages, the Main Stage at the Scottsdale Waterfront and the Southbridge Stage on Stetson Dr that will host over two dozen runway shows. Kicking off on Thursday, November 5 with the Wearable ArtWalk Preview Fashion Show from 6-7 pm at the SouthBridge Open Runway. The Wearable ArtWalk from 7-9 pm features models showcasing one-of-a-kind pieces of ‘art-to-wear’ clothing and jewelry from nationally and internationally acclaimed wearable artists. More than 20 galleries along Main Street, Marshall Way and Stetson Dr will be joining in with provocative shows and exhibits. Last year there were some highly impressive pieces and if anyone needs a little attention this year during the tough economy it’s the art galleries so stop by and take a peek.

Wearable Art

The evenings of November 6 and 7 will be bustling with loads of runway shows. The Main Runway will house New York style tented fashion shows by leading fashion designers and tastemakers on an 80-foot runway. These show will coincide with the outdoor runway under the stars at Southbridge which will feature up-and-coming designers.

Featured Designer Kevan Hall

I’ll be featuring more tid-bits on SFW starting on Monday, so stay tuned until then here’s a list of shows and show times for Friday and Saturday nights Tickets are on sale now - Soutbridge Open entry $25, Main Tent shows $60 per show VIP main stage tickets $200 per night (these are currently discounted by $75)
Nov 6
Southbridge

6:15 - iuk iuk - Designer of the Year
7:00 - Destiny’s Bride
7:45 - Twirl Boutique
8:30 - Angela Johnson
9:15 - Italia Rocks Couture
10:00 - Tikini Hut
10:45 - Ivon Reyes Couture

Destiny's Bride Featured Show

Main Stage
6:00 - Kevan Hall
7:00 - Zhao Bandi
8:00 - Bebe
9:00 - Escada
10:00 - Dillard’s with Celebrity Fashion Stylist Nolé Marin and Designer Eva Franco

Nov 7
Southbridge
Nostalgic Boutique and AGA Couture
6:15 - Joya Bazaar
7:00 - Garage
7:45 - RAW by Amelia Walsh
8:30 - VMarie Fashion
9:15 - Vickilyn’s Closet
10:00 - Art Institute of Phoenix
10:45 - Pucci Salon

Barneys Featured Designer Narciso Rodriguez

Main Stage presented by Scottsdale Fashion Square
6:00 - Banana Republic
7:00 - kate spade
8:00 - St. John
9:00 - CH Carolina Herrera
10:00 - Barneys New York

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Phyllis Diller

I remember looking like some sort of deranged Muppet with a bad smoking habit. Or maybe it was that time early in the 80’s when sporting Madonna-like arms full of bangles, and teased out hair (hey we all did it) that while out dancing one night a few guys said…Hey you are Madonna..Good costume, tragically, I wasn’t wearing a costume at all. So perhaps after that there was nowhere to go but down and I was off the Halloween kick.

Madonna 1980's

But back to you dear, from what I have heard so many of you still haven’t quite decided upon a costume. So for all you procrastinators here are a few simple ideas that you can whip up in a flash without much investment.

Gossip girls - Who doesn’t want to channel their inner Serena or Blair? This is the perfect opportunity to dress up and throw a devilish tantrum… Even if the characters have moved on to more high and mighty designs, blazers, headbands, neckties and pearls will always benchmark the look of GG. So try throwing on these essential pieces and create a little gossip of your own.

Gossip Girl Look

Amy Winehouse – Don’t we all wish that we could act the bad girl without any repercussions? Amy’s look is so cemented in our minds that just by adding a thick stroke of eyeliner and a little “Bumpit” to your locks you can recreate her signature do. Don’t forget the all important British accent and alcohol induced slurring of words, not that I am advocating overindulgence…this is clearly something anyone can fake.

Amy Winehouse costume

Pregnancy always makes good fodder for an easy costume especially an oldie but goodie like Pregnant Britney complete with Starbucks and cigarettes or perhaps the lovable teen preggers queen Juno and her beau. Stop by your local thrift store to stock up on retro athletic garb for this one.

Pregnant Brit Costume

Juno Costumes

And lastly, we can never underestimate the creativity of Paris Hilton on Halloween, (wink, wink) I don’t think she has ever worn a costume made out of more than a yard of fabric,,,but I say live it up honey, you won’t have those abs forever! A few years ago she transformed everyday lingerie into a little bunny costume just by adding ears and a tail which are easily picked up at any local costume shop.

Paris Hilton Bunny costume

If none of these suit your fancy swing by one of my favorite place’s Easley’s Fun Shop at 509 W McDowell rd. This family owned store is stocked with loads of fun accoutrements from pirate swords to crowns, vampire teeth and everything in between. But don’t wait another day lest you want to be stuck in line for hours.

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Drip Coffee Lounge

After a few bites of the P B & J or the Hot Chocolate flavors I think they all but forgot about the standard cupcakes they are used to and I was more than happy to have thrown a little bit of business in the direction of a small biz owner.

Twisted V Cupcakes

More oft than not I get so overwhelmed with my running- here- and- there schedule that I become a vapid creature of habit, perhaps it’s so that my brain doesn’t really have to think about where I am going. Drive through window for green tea at the coffee giant – check, stop for sundries (yes I am grabbing a word out of my grandmothers lexicon) at the corner drugstore conglomorate – check and run to the mall to find a blouse to match that little black skirt – check. But really darlings, what we all need to remind ourselves of in these interesting economic times is that when we spend our hard earned green at locally owned businesses we put money back into our own communities and we create 75 percent more tax revenue. AFM’s prez and publisher Mike Dee smartly spoke to this issue months ago in his Publishers page. Being a small business owner myself I want to help the “little guys” and really if you have ever shown up somewhere wearing the same top as someone else who was at the mall sale that day, you will quickly become a fan of those hidden little one of a kind boutiques. Some of my favorite off- the- beaten- path places to snag cool wardrobe additions are:

Muse Apparel
Nestled a bit of a drive from my own hood this little Glendale shop carries lines with a decidedly downtown vibe. They stock a great jean selection including favs Hudson, Paige Premium and little frocks you will want to snatch up on the spot so stop by the next time you are anywhere remotely in or out of the area.
742 E Glendale Ste 152 602 749 2075

Muse Apparel

Spoken Boutique- Amber and Jodi used to live just a few blocks from me so I got the scoop early as to what to expect from this fun little boutique, which to this day never disappoints. You can often find unique items to spruce up an otherwise dull closet and for a fee the girls will come to your digs personally and get your closet back on track. 610 E Roosevelt #148 Phoenix 602 687 9755

Spoken Boutique

Frances- This favorite CenPho (a.k.a Central Phoenix) shop is a delightful mix of modern and vintage fashion finds along with an amazing collection of handmade jewelry by owner Georganne Bryant, not to mention the fun novelty extras you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t miss Smeeks Georganne’s retro sweet shop just a few doors down…it will transport you back to the best memories of your childhood. I dare you to walk out empty handed! 10 W Camelback Rd Phoenix 602 279 5467

Frances Vintage

Of course I always adore finds in the Scottsdale zips from Lindsay Lou, and Vintage by Estilo, both are worth a peek on a regular basis.

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Babe Paley

At the time when I read it, I could never have imagined myself dressing in mostly neutrals, and I would have never I imagined that black would be my staple color. Growing up I had never met a color I didn’t like…and it still holds true when it comes to makeup or ironically paint on the walls, but not for my wardrobe. I guess Grace Coddington and I have that in common….we love to dress other people but for ourselves, the simpler the better! I suppose those patterned tights from last week would be highly frowned upon by world- class society women, but then again no one ever accused me of being austere. Needless to say there are plenty of high- brow neutrals this season, brought perfectly back down to earth with ultra hip details that any “class” of girl would love. Myself included. These are some of my favorite pieces- chic, cool and anything but boring…

I especially adored these little suede booties at Banana Republic. They’re the perfect shade of camel with a darling buckle detail that reminds me of Ali McGraw in Love Story.

Bootie from Banana Republic

This jacket from Gap is the perfect shade- of –gray and boyfriend cut to go with skinny jeans and pencil skirts, don’t let the crisp blouse in the photo fool you - roll up the sleeves and throw a knit scarf around your neck and you have the perfect week day or weekend blazer.

Gap jacket

Miu Miu did these great little slinky dresses in soft neutral tones that are to die for. They pair well with a wedge heel and an oversized clutch…. but skip the jeweled tights with this one!

Miu Miu

Let’s not forget the magic of a really good bag, this Fendi frame bag featured in Harpers Bazaar is an absolute must if you are looking for an investment piece. It’s an updated twist on a classic carry all and the rest of the outfit is just divine!.

Fendi bag as senn in Harpers Bazaar

And this DKNY camel coat has just the right proportions to work with casual or dressy frocks, belt it for a trimmer look. Add a pair of gloves in tan, gray or black (as shown) and you have the perfect ladylike combo!

DKNY coat

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Being in the beauty biz for as long as I have I have developed what one might call a “physical” reaction to even the idea of dirty lipsticks, smeared eye shadows, unwashed brushes and used mascara wands.
Why even as I write I have to pause (gulp) to regain my composure…

Fresh out of beauty school I did an event for a prominent makeup line at a she-she luxury store, where I was shocked to see that I was the only artist who had alcohol wipes or any means of sanitizing brushes between clients. I suspect this is because so few counter artists have formal beauty school training in sanitary procedures. And, of course over the years I have heard some hellacious stories from models that have fallen victim to unclean brushes and makeup palettes which led to some serious Dr bills…not kidding!

Perhaps there is a germ-a-phobe in my nature but when you work with skin day in and day out you see a lot of things that aren’t so pretty…. Thank goodness I haven’t had the need to sit at a makeup counter and have my makeup done since I was in high school.
At my own beauty biz we sanitize and clean our brushes practically to the point of disintegration…I would rather buy new brushes than cause a public health issue…besides we love our clients too much to have it any other way.

Kevyn Aucoin Brushes

So the next time you are happily trying on makeup at your favorite mall joint, please dear readers keep this in mind:

Brushes accumulate makeup, oil and dead skin cells (and so much more oogy stuff) if they are not cleaned between uses they will harbor bacteria. Opt for using the cosmetic counters clean disposable brushes for lips, eyes and lashes. For everything else use a clean sponge. If they don’t provide these… run … as fast as those Manolo’s can take you!

Anytime you book a makeup application at a makeup counter don’t be afraid to ask questions… Were those brushes used on anyone prior to you? Have they been sanitized? Or How do you clean your brushes at this counter?

At home be sure to clean your brushes at least once a week with a mild organic shampoo or soap like Dr Bronner’s or an organic laundry soap, this will not only rid your brushes of the bacteria but your makeup will go on more smoothly and your skin will thank you.
Though there are several brush cleaners on the market, many contain harsh chemicals and simple cleansers do the trick just as well.

Dr Bronner's soaps

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