My Guest/Street Favorites - New York Fashion Week 2012- Classic American Sportswear

Pop Africana Founder Orowa Elewa

N Joos- Flare cords and classic grey coat, Top 3 look for me! Love the bag too!

Shala Monroque

Orowa again, same coat but different look.



New York Fashion Week 2012 just wrapped up and while it was exciting to view the collections ( loved Alturazza), I enjoyed looking at pictures of  the guests and what they wore to the shows.   I loved one pattern which emerged last week and that was that women local and foreign adopted classic American sportswear looks,  "American Classics " . Some women got it right.  The oversized baubles and bright pop colors trends of seasons past are fading. Maybe it was the weather, but I felt the wind shift back towards practicality vs overkill.

Thank you to all of the wonderful photographers and their blogs, they make it easy to track the shows. 

Camel Coat, Baseball caps were also very popular, it is NY after all!

My favorites were:

Denim jackets
Navy blue coats - sometimes with fur at the collar
Classic boot cut denim jeans and lots of jeans period.
traditional boots, high and low 
Simple knee length coats in white, camel, navy and black.

Don't get me wrong, our usual favorites were there and they did not fail to disappoint Anna Della Russo- does not fail us ever! .
but these were my favorite trends this year...
some of my favorites Love the denim jkt and navy coat- Oroma Elewa via All the Pretty Birds blog ,  Jenna Lyons - Relaxed denim jeans - via All The Pretty Birds , Leith Speer Barton- All denim - All The Pretty Birds  and Denim via Garance Dore blog. NY Magazine- Glamour Editor and J Crew Team - NY magazine

Denim with fur ( not sure if real or fake but I am hoping fake)

Navy Jacket and classic boots.

Camel Coat - NY mag, but also loved this red Red Pop but so controlled, love this look! loved this mix of classic colors Classic look,  but then Electra added some shine to her classic white blazer. to this pop of green Love, love love this! and navy with gold Navy reigns! Via style.com back to Jenna Denim jkt as a layer again. Coats draped over shoulders was also de rigeur. http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/020912_Tommy_Ton_F2012RTW/,   
 Vensette Founder in White White layers.

Buffalo Checks

Simple pieces, maximum impact.

Camel and the fast on trend "slouch coat "

London Fashion Week has begun and the entire tempo will change ( more eclectic). FS guests will continue to build their fashion selections to a final crescendo in Paris which is always very exciting! I love that New York gets everyone off to a real " New York " start ( New Yorkers are very together and practical) so that by the time we get to Paris, 10 inch heels will be de rigeur.





On to London!


Have a great week everyone!

My 2012 Beauty Wish List.

One of my favorite beauty blogs is Into The Gloss. http://intothegloss.com/about/ .
 Into the Gloss by Emily Weiss profiles women from the fashion and beauty arena and they share their favorite lotions and potions for face, hair and body.

While reading a few profiles on the blog, I started thinking about my beauty routine and how simple it was... comparison to...  Then, I started a mental list of the products I use and I started laughing because my list was long, very long. Simple? Not so simple!

So here is my wish list of lotions and potions for 2012, and then a summary of my current items.

These are the products I would love to use but for financial reasons have given me pause...plus I like my current list  of productstI have no complaints !

RODIN-olio-lussoThe magic potion I have heard so much about. It is expensive so it will be on my wish list for a very long time.
Giorgio Armani Foundation-  Luminous Silk Foundation  Women of all ages and skin tones sing the praises of this foundation, the incredible natural coverage seems to be real crowd pleaser.
 LANCOME High Resolution Collaser Collagen helps to keep the skin plump, now that we all need!
 Burberry Effortless Mascara . I have to see the brush to really appreciate the rave reviews this product has been receiving.
Valmont Cream- don't look at the price!
SK-II-Facial-Treatment-Essence
sk-II-facial-treatment-mask-sheets- Women everywhere sing praises of this mask, it has to be good.
E45- I have tried this one of the best on the market
Sudocream- hard to find and you will know why.

It's early in the year, I will update this in July the list will be much longer.

My current list ...

Skincare
I wash my face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser , Cerave Hydrating Cleanser,  Purpose Gentle Cleaning Wash or Juvena Cleansing Milk  which I rotate based on climate changes. I have combination to dry skin so I always need something which is  not going to strip my skin of essential oils.  I have tried many different products over the years but these are top of the line. I have used Cetaphil products for over 20 years they are gentle and can be used on any skin type.
I also rotate my moisturizers based on the needs of my skin but I always use  Dr Pat Wexler Universal Anti-Aging Moisturizer.  I think this is one of the best moisturizers on the market,  smooth application, absorbs quickly and leaves your skin with a soft glow along with 30 SPF. Dr Pat also has a tinted moisturizer SPF 30. The entire line is available at Bath and Body Works. Rumors have been swirling that the products may no longer be at B and BW so stock up today, hurry.
My other favorite is Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream . The rose scent is soothing and it seems to calm my frayed nerves. It helps to repair winter ravaged OR sun damaged skin in a jiffy. One downside, no SPF. My solution is to use Mac Prep and Prime Protect SPF 50. before applying foundation.
For eye creams day and night,  I use whatever I happen to have samples of but my favorite is Chanel Ultra Correction Line Repair or Clinique All About Eyes Rich.  Eye concealer application is super smooth with both options.
I also use a day and night serum which I apply as soon as I get out of the shower. I use Lancome Genefique or MMP1 Skin Regernating Serum- Pat Wexler and then apply moisturizer.

Makeup
Foundation is either Perfection Luminere, Laura Mercier OIl Free or  Mac Skin and Body  which gives a fantastic gleaming makeup but no makeup look. Blush is Mac or Chanel. Eyelash Curler is Shu Umeura. Mascara is Voluminous or Lancome Oscillation- It really gives the longest lashes I have ever seen! ( all of their mascaras are excellent ).  Prescriptives had one of the best mascara brushes on the market but they are gone. Gloss is Neutrogena Lip Soothers- Moisturizes like nothing else and gives great color. Goodbye chapped lips. ,
I forgot to discuss concealer, One of the Best Ever- JM Concealer.  The Josie Maran concealer blends instantly into my skin giving superb natural coverage. It does not cake, the texture is not powdery and it moisturizers very well. Her  entire Argan Oil product line is outstanding. The best part is that her line covers many skin tones so there is a shade for everyone.  My other long standing favorite is from the woman who started it all, with dual compacts, Laura Mercier.  Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage. The duo compact blends well into skin and covers dark circles in an instant. If I really want to brighten the area or need extra help the only thing I use is  Touche Eclat. Easy application  and you look alert and alive in two seconds.
For Body care- unrivaled Cetaphil lotion or Cetaphil cream Cetaphil Cream and Lotion , I swear that this is the only product on the market that really keeps dry skin moisturized all day.
For hands the Cetaphil hand cream, Cetaphil-Therapeutic-Hand-Cream- Amazing for hands! absorbs well, stays on and is scent free. Amazing stuff, simply amazing!

Skin care- Last but not least, I use the following recipe when I my skin gets really dry or it needs a lift.

Olive oil
Honey
Sugar ( large or small crystals)

Pat ( not rub) on the face and leave on as long as you can. Rinse off with a washcloth with a bit of Cetaphil. Your skin will glow for days and there will not be a dry spot in sight.

I use the  Clarisonic Mia Brush  if I feel I need to really exfoliate, I don't want to use this every day.... it is a great product though.

Do you have a wish list?  What products are you using now?


All for now! Have a great week!

Merry Christmas! My Gift - Acer Tablet....now what about a cover? accessories? ..for a Fashionista well..

Well, after years and months of budget saving ( DH) , and months of  research by (DH) and years and months of listening to hearing me raging against the IPAD users( I am anti Apple, yes it's out now ). After years of listening to my condemnation of the conspicuous consumption of Americans ( a 10 year old with an IPAD, unreal!), this forty something, got an Acer  (Android) tablet http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-Promotions/Acer+Iconia+A500+Tablet+Highlights/pcmcat239100050005.c?id=pcmcat239100050005&ref=30&loc=KW-3738&s_kwcid=TC|8064|%2Bacer%20%2Btablet||S|b|15568168039 for Christmas from DH and DD.
 DH is in the technology world and spent a lot of time doing research and listening to my needs before choosing the Acer. I know that I am using one of the best tablets on the market.
Thank you DH!

I also received a camera which we will be happy to use again. After a year or two of using our phones we finally realized that everyone taking pictures with cameras had an advantage over us, so sorry the pictures just looked a whole lot better! My blog pictures will be better in 2012!

I have to admit that using this tablet, will change my life...less books to recycle.... it was becoming a serious problem and less hard cover books for my library. I can finally read the NY times and WSJ without thinking that I am about to slap the person next to me in the face and arm with my papers.  I can Skype with our friends in Nigeria and my friends and family all over the world. I am looking forward to reading all my magazines and logging notes for my blog on my notepad. It is very convenient for someone who spends 90 percent of their time as a road warrior.

For current users- Let me know style and brand what you have now and why you like it.



But the big question...what type of cover ? and which part of my fashion persona will emerge with this purchase?  Just like DH it will take me some time to decide and choose my cover because this cover will be an ambassador of sorts, it  which will represent me and my "brand"  to colleagues, friends and family. As you know from reading my blog there are two sides to this fashionista, vintage and modern.  I love minimalist clothing but I also love accessories vintage and modern.  I favor vintage and retro prints for accessories, probably an ode to my mother and a rebellion against the strict minimalist tendencies I try to enforce with  my clothing choices,  so this could be a difficult journey for me.  But it is going to be fun I hope!


Here are some first looks let me know what you think.  Stay Tuned!

Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley- I already have a purse so why not... a little too fussy?


Michael Kors

Kors- Monogrammed case- Slick, Minimalist and Shiny!


Le Sport Sac

Le Sport Sac E Sleeve

Guess Sparkler


Guess Case at Macy's



Casemate at Macy's

Case-Mate 2 with Stand



Coach for IPAD

Coach for IPAD



Love it, love it! for all of my ladies who love labels!

Louis Vuitton for IPAD


Kindle Cover from my favorite folks at Franklin Planner

Kindle Cover by M Edge for Franklin Planner


The team at Moleskin makes wonderful notepads and it IPAD cover is exceptional.

Moleskin

I will keep you posted on my search and final pick, please let me know what you like!

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Fashionmom!

12 Days of Christmas ( for Men )- Maitre Parfumeur Et Gantier - Fleur de Iris

As we get closer to Christmas, I would like to suggest a great last minute gift for your wife, girlfriend or partner if you can get to the nearest stockist or go for fast shipping online.

I first experienced  Maitre Parfumer et Gantier a dozen or more years ago at Aedes de Venustas http://www.aedes.com/ in New York City.  Aedes is one of the finest perfume salons in the world and their customer service is impeccable.  You can test and smell all of their scents without fear of being bothered by OR feeling intimidated by the staff. They are even better via phone.  As I was walking around the store testing and smelling  scents a client came in and asked for Rose Muskissime http://www.aedes.com/Rose-Muskissime_p_643.html by Matire Parfumeur Et Gantier and its famous perfumer Jean LaPorte. I was into rose scents at the time and I overheard her saying that she found that particular scent to be unique. I decided to smell the scents from the entire line. Needless to say I did not leave with Rose Muskissime but with http://www.aedes.com/Fleur-dIris_p_637.html Fleur De Iris, which I still have to today because I refuse to spray more than a drop every month, the scent is wonderful and it cost a small fortune for me at the time.

Fleur de Iris is a blend of rose ( top note) and green leaves. The middle notes are Iris, vanilla, Jasmin and violets. The base notes are amber, vetiver and musk.  I love all of most of the top, base and middle notes and together they create a unique slightly powdery but fresh scent. It is not easy to describe this scent but I love it. 

Maitre Parfumeur Et Gantier Salon was founded in 1989 by Jean LaPorte ( now perfumer for L' Artisan another favorite) a french perfumer http://www.maitre-parfumeur-et-gantier.com/eng/rub2.swf.   The line was based on traditional recipes of the 17th century. He used the rarest raw materials to create fragrances which are the the epitome of class and are very distinctive. You will be the only person in any room with any of these creations at any time, I  can guarantee it. It was then taken over  Jean Paul Millet Lange in 1997 http://www.maitre-parfumeur-et-gantier.com/eng/main.html and he continues the fine tradition set by La Porte.

You can find Maitre online at

http://www.amazon.com/PARFUMEUR-GANTIER-Maitre-Parfumeur-Gantier/dp/B0009MMKIO

http://beautyhabit.com/mpg.html


and www.aedes.com


Stores- Aedes De Venustas New York City


Now if someone would like to buy a bottle of Bahiana for me for Christmas.....http://www.aedes.com/Bahiana_p_629.html

 Oh la, la ! Merry Christmas!!

OPI Winter The Muppets Holiday Collection- Talk about Nail Therapy! Thank you Miss Piggy!

I was in New York last week and a co worker and I compared our green nail polish and enthused over how much we love color on our nails, dark but fun colors.  She was wearing Essie, I had OPI.
She mentioned having to get a manicure and the next day, the first thing I saw was the color....it was a deep red with glitter, gold glitter. It looked fresh, it reminded me of the approaching holidays but it also looked utterly modern.
The color was  OPI "Getting Miss Piggy With It ". She said that her manicurist told her about the line and suggested she try one of the colors.






Fresh Frog of Bel Air




OPI Miss Muppet Collection- Getting Piggy With It!



Getting Piggy With It

If you are feeling a bit blue for any reason or you want to get some holiday spirit started early, these colors are pure magic for your mood!

Here are my other favorites.

Divine Swine!

Fresh Frog of Bel Air!


Rainbow Connection!

These colors are  full of sparkle and verve and will be just what you need  to give your spirits a lift on a cold dark day in winter.

OPI can be found at your nearest salon or online at Amazon and other stockists.

Happy Sparkle!!  Thank you Miss Piggy!

Chanel Foundation For Women of all colors - Perfection Luminere

Finally!  Chanel one of the most venerable fashion and beauty houses in the world has launched a line for foundations for women of color. I was able to get a demonstration and makeover and it was well worth my time.

The Foundation is Perfection Luminere, long wearing flawless fluid makeupLuminere Foundation. The line has 23 shades for women from the very fair to very dark. It has SPF 10 which is a wonderful plus and it lasts up to 13 hours.

My Chanel artist applied my foundation with a foundation brush and advised me to apply and blend the foundation in  immediately in the area of application. Since it is long wearing blending the foundation in immediately is important in order to avoid spots if it dries. Pre foundation application, we discussed my skincare and makeup regimen and needs based on my skin type (normal to dry ). She applied the fluid moisturizer and the Ultra Correction Line Repair Ultra Correction Line Repair   anti wrinkle eye creme ( I am a bit obsessed with eye cremes because of dark circles). She applied the eye cream pressing it gently into the eye area,  I later purchased the creme, it felt wonderful on my eyes and I now use her technique for application, it feels like a special eye treat every time.
She tried 3 shades on my jawline and we decided on #114 Ambre. My request was for a clean, flawless but natural finish. This foundation has the patented Chanel Perfect Light Control Complex. Ambre  was exactly as I requested, it was natural and  flawless and I can now attest lasts all day. She applied a beautiful trio of shages on my eyes, added blush to my cheeks and the finished look was gorgeous.  I looked ready for a day or night scenario, clean, pretty but natural. If applied in heavier amounts the look is finished but semi- matte, lighter application results glorious sheen but still clean and finished.

Please find links below for other great products  I discovered during my makeover.   These will quickly become indispensable during your daily beauty routine, all from Chanel.

Crayon Sourcils- Subtle but gets your brows in super shape ( just a touch and brush)


Joues Contraste Blush - in 55 in Love - Classy with a hint of glitter.


Illusion D Ombre Eyeshadow- Amazing color for the entire eye or a highlighter, great for day and night. One of the best colors of any skin tone I have used in ages.
The eyeshadow was named one of the best in Allure Beauty Best issue September 2011.

Please try the Intense mascara it does not flake and clump!

Head to your nearest stockist and receive a gift with during launch time this month.  I usually alternate between Mac Skin and Body Foundation or Laura Mercier Oil Free but Chanel was just added to my regular rotation.

Happy Shopping!


Stockists
Macys
Bloomingdales
Nordstrom
Chanel.com
Amazon.com

CamBria Cove- The Farewell Sale

One of our favorite sites is saying goodbye. The wonderful Cambria Cove which sold wonderful gift items and quirky pieces is closing it's web doors on July 31st.


http://www.cambriacove.com/

We will miss them and we hope that they return one day soon!!




Wine Aerator.







Best Wishes to the Cambria Cove Team!

Improvement in one week- Lancome's Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate.

Anyone who works in the retail industry often suffers from overexposure to beauty products, treatments, apparel, perfumes among other things. You can become jaded after a while, everything seems the same, they all do the same thing... that was before I tried Genifique by Lancome Concentre Activateur De Jeunesse, Youth Activating Concentrate.
Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate 1 oz / 30 ml
Genifique promises to improve the look and feel of aging skin, very quickly and I have to tell you it was fast.
The official company description ... Genifique is a serum which is infused with a hydrating cream. They promise that" it boosts the activity of genes and stimulates the production of youth proteins"
I used it for the first time a year ago but I my skin felt and appeared dry and even slightly itchy, so I packed away my almost full bottle. I decided to try it again last month when a  Lancome beauty advisor told me to ensure that I used it under a moisturizer. She told me it was one of their best selling products and that I would really see results in one week. I pulled my bottle out of storage. Every morning I put it on before my Dr Pat Wexler Moisturizer and at night I put it on before my Ponds or Yes to Carrots night cream.
After one week, my skin appeared clear, smooth, almost flawless and my makeup glides on my skin.  I am not looking for my lines to disappear, anything outside of plastic surgery or Botox is hard pressed to do that but this concentrate does smooth your skin and really gives it a wonderful glow.  I have not had any flare ups or dry skin, no problems.
I may have to count my pennies but I will be buying a second bottle of Genifique as soon as this one runs out, I don't want to let this one go!

Try it today  see the online link below or try any fine stockists anywhere. You will not regret it!

I also added a few of my other favorite products from Lancome, the Oscillation vibrating primer and Mascara at phenomenal.

Happy Shopping!































































The best Primer on the market, no clumping.























Layer on over the primer for the longest lashes without falsies.


Happy Shopping!

Protect Me Please! Sunblocks for Kiddies!

.It is that time of year again, my daughter's school sent the sun protection notice last week, they will be tracking the heat index daily and  they requested that  parents apply sunscreen every day at home as a precaution, they will reapply during the day but they wanted the children to arrive at school sun ready.

I chose a spray from Aveeno, I like sprays but I am not sure the coverage is even.
Then, I saw these some great sunscreen suggestions in cream formulations in Lucky Kids Magazine and here are their suggestions for you. They promise that these creams are super absorbing, that is very important, no white residue please!


Here they are...

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock



Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, SPF 60, 3 Ounces (Pack of 3)

JR Watkins Natural Apothecary SPF 30 Sunscreen






Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block SPF 30 Sunblock






Aveeno Sun Natural Protection Baby SPF 50 Stick, 0.5Ounce

Sunbow Dora The Explorer Sunscreen SPF 30





Yes to Carrots Hydrating Body Lotion with SPF 30




Yes To SPF30 Body Lotion - 4.2 oz.


Please remember to reapply all day!

Scrub Away! The Best Scrubs for Face and Body!

I am not a big proponent of using facial scrubs, I have not had the best experience using them, but I do love scrubs for  my body.  I tried different scrubs during my teenage years in an effort to make my self into one of the supermodels in magazines. Ha!
As a teenager  my skin would become oily after a scrub and in my twenties I stopped using them because I would experience horrible breakouts post scrub. St Ives was one of my favorite brands and still is today, but the best factial scrub I used was from  Laura Mercier ( no longer available, I use the Olay cloths now). It was light, gentle on the skin and gave a glow post scrub but no breakouts. For body, my favorite is Origins Salt Rub http://www.origins.com/. It delivers a wonderful spa like experience in the privacy of your home.

 The Real Simple Magazine team recently tested a slew of scrubs and came up with their favorites.

Oily Skin
L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Deep Exfoliating Scrub- Contains salicylic acid which helps to penetrate the pores for a deep clean.




Dry Skin
St Ives Moisturing Olive Scrub- creamy fomula helps with hydration.



Feet
CND( Creative Nail Design) SpaPedicure Marine Salt Scrub
Vitamin E and Dead Sea Salt helped to keep heels crack free.



Best for Mature Skin
Clarins Bright Plus HP Gently Brightening Exfoliator. Fruit extracts and mineral microbeads fight dullness.




Lips
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish
Sugar and Shea butter brushes away flakes.




Best Scent
Lather Foaming Body Scrub. Bamboo and Lemongrass fragance.




Best Sensitive Skin
Laboratoire Remede Sweep.  Tiny granules will not hurt or redden skin.



Best Hands
Yes to Carrots Pampering Hand and Nail Spa. Sea Salts and Vitamin E get rid of rough spots.





Best Natural
Mama Mio O Mega Body Buff. No colorants, preservatives and detergents.






Best All Over
Revive Cleaning Body Scrub. Deep cleans skin on your face or body.

Drug Store Beauty Finds

Whenever I head into a Walgreens, CVS, Target or Walmart, I must stop by the beauty department to see what is new. I hope not to pick anything up but I always do.

Here is a list of finds that will not break your budget and they do great things for you! Here a few of  the latest and greatest.

L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Day and Night Cream- being heavily promoted at Target this cream helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, it also has Vitamin C. I love anything from L'Oreal Paris.



Physicians Formula Mineral Loose Powder- this gives a really nice glow, not fake.





Burt's Bees Muscle Mend- just for the small sore spots, you know the ones that just pop up from nowhere!




Jergens Overnight Repair Nightly Moisturizer- Evening primrose seems to hep with healing and the other ingredients calm and soothe any irriation.




Ponds Dry Skin Cream - I decided to test this day or night, just to mix things up, super moisturizer and not a single dry spot, wonderful! May be too heavy for some but now that I have shifted to normal to dry my skin soaks this up!






Iman Second to None- Creme to Powder Foundation- Love the compact and the coverage is super, blends right in! ( select Target and Walmart, Ulta)






Cover Girl Lash Blast Lengths- Full coverage, not fake and no clumping, really!




Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM- great nighttime moisturizer with patented MVE helps to nourish and repair skin overnight. Great results after a few days.





Cerave Hydrating Cleanser - One of the three I alternate each night, I know junkie right? It is similar to Cetaphil my other favorite, soft, gentle and removes makeup and keeps skin moirsturized.


Napoleon Perdis pre foundation primer- Helps smooth foundation application and it is super moisturizing.





Roberts Vitamin C Gel - Gives a beautiful glow, thanks to the antioxidant vitamin C. You can see a visible difference in a few days.




All products are available at your local Target, Walgreens,Walmart or online at Amazon or Drugstore.com


Happy Shopping!