Solessence

We've Moved - www.solessence.com

2009-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

We have LOVED being on blogger for so many years, but we've taken a leap and gone on our own. Please join us over at www.solessence.com

This site will stay up, but we hope you'll reset your feeds and links to the new location. See you soon!

She's Got The Look: Kristen Stewart - MTV VMAs

2009-09-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

New Moon premiere on 11/20, and Twilight's Kristen Stewart was at the VMAs with her co-stars in a classic yet edgy look styled by Celebrity Stylist for Pantene, Hallie Bowman.

You can do this too! Here’s how Hallie created Kristen’s look:

1. Hallie started by shampooing and conditioning Kristen’s hair with a moisturizing formula to create a good base for styling

2. She began by cutting bangs to create roundness around the cheekbones, a look that is complimentary of her heart shape face

3. Hallie applied the Pantene Pro-V Volume Root Lifter Gel from root to tip to begin building volume, as well as the Pantene Pro-V Texture Spray Wax to make hair more malleable for styling

4. Then, she blow dried Kristen’s hair while brushing it away from the scalp, periodically flipping her hair over to ensure lots of volume at the crown

5. Hallie then pinned sections of her hair back with bobby pins to secure it away from the face, leaving some pieces around the face to give the illusion of a bob with bangs – a nod to the bowl cut, but with a modern feel

6. To polish off the look, Hallie used the Pantene Pro-V Smooth Serum to give Kristen’s hair long lasting shine for the night

Mary J. Blige receive's HBA's first Positively Beautiful Award

2009-09-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Mary J. Blige is awarded the first Positively Beautiful Award from HBA Global Expo this morning in New York. On hand to present the award during the even Kick-off Presentation was Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter.

The Positively Beautiful Award annually recognizes the "positive and inspiring" influence a person has on the HBA audience. She's a singer with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, and a face for Carol's Daughter, launching her new fragrance, "My Life", in 2010. Ms. Blige is additionally recognized for her work as co-founder of The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc (FFAWN) whose mission is to help women gain confidence and skills necessary to reach individual potential.

VMA - Beyonce's Minx Manicure

2009-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Lisa Logan "installed" Beyonce's Minx nails, along with 15 of her dancers. What do you think of the metallic manicures?

Lela Rose - ss 10 MBFW

2009-09-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hair by Ted Gibson. Check back for interview.

Herve Leger - ss 10 MBFW makeup

2009-09-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Show is about to start, and there was a lot of orange action going on in the makeup department

Rachel Roy - ss 10 MBFW - makeup

2009-09-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite looks. bobbi brown for Rachael Roy

Yigal Azrouel - ss 10 - MBFW - makeup

2009-09-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

bobbi brown for Yigal Azrouel

Rebecca Taylor ss1 10 - MBFW - makeup

2009-09-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

MAC's Rie Omoto for Rebecca Taylor

Richard Chai

2009-09-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Elle's Joe Zee raved about the Richard Chai show. From this shot I can see the line is lustworthy!

Jeremy Lang ss 10 MBFW - makeup

2009-09-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Chado Ralph Rucci s/s 10 MBFW Makeup

2009-09-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Tom Pecheau, a favorite mua with MAC created one of my favorite looks so far. The drawn down lashes seem to flatter and widen every eye in a very doe-like manner. The faces are clean but accented.

Siriano s/s 10 MBFW

2009-09-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Le shoes? Siriano for Payless. At Fashion Week! He's "all about the runways and the sidewalks!"

Was this meant to be a wedding dress? Because it would be an unbelievable wedding gown.

Here comes the bridesmaid

Vivienne Tam

2009-09-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the glittery finale

Spot the new butterfly Clutch?

All in the details

Vivienne Tam's highly anticipated show revealed a butterfly theme for S/S 10. The winged beauties graced the clothing line as well as the new laptop Clutch. A stark contrast to the first edition red flowers, HP gets a makeover in neutral taupe with several pops of color in the forms of butterflies. That pop of color is what S/S 10 is all about.

I did a butterfly collection when I was in hs, so I have a soft spot for the creatures. Will this translate well to the masses?

Side note: I snapped a photo of this Tam Clutch HP had. Must have been an early demo model from overseas. Check out the Enter key.

Twinkle: s/s 10 MBFW Makeup

2009-09-11T14:38:00.001-07:00

MAC orange lipmix with mua Luc B

MAC orange lipmix

Luca Luca - MBFW s/s 10 Makeup

2009-09-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

**Change Alert** The makeup look had to completely change last minute due to multiple colorful pieces in line.

MAC's James Skaliardos channels the power of pink at Luca Luca. Still very pretty.

Jason Wu preview? MBFW s/s 10 MAC Makeup

2009-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

All about the lips by Romero. Coral Sunset Lip Story with 5 of the newest MAC glosses

Monique Lhuillier - MBFW - s/s 10 shows MAC makeup

2009-09-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

I think this would have been very beautiful on a different face type - asian, Kate Moss type. Something where the eyes are not so deep set and the makeup could have reflected the gradient look.

photo courtesy Heather Park

Ruffian -MB Fashion Week S/S 10 makeup

2009-09-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

MAC's James Skaliardos uses #35 lashes with Graffic liner

Very bold, yet pretty & feminine

photo credit Heather Park

photo credit Roselyn

Preen Makeup - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week s/s 10 Makeup

2009-09-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Fresh off the runway, Preen looks by MAC's James Skaliardos

"Just arrived backstage at Preen. Makeup by James K. Makeup is all about subtle shading with Sculpt and Shape with an added highlight on eyes." ~ Gordon/MAC

Photo Heather Park (check out her Sakura Nail art!)

Fashion's Night Out

2009-09-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Another one rides the bus (courtesty of Payless):

Fashion's Night Out kicked off to great fan fare in NYC, London, and knock off parties around the globe. A much needed reglam of the industry!

Looks like my original FNO post never materialized, but I hope you caught up on the great parties and fashions and makeup parties.

Hope sales were stellar!

Back to Black - Kim Kardashian

2009-09-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

Kim stunned the world when she changed her lush locks over to blond just as summer was wrapping up. Yesterday she went back to her dark roots! What does she have to say about the whole experience?

"Loved the blonde but that is my alter ego, I am back! Feels good to be me again! I swear I was a different person with blonde hair"

Lady GaGa - Heartbeat earphones & billy b

2009-09-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Celebrity makeup artist billy b worked with the one and only Lady GaGa a few days ago! What did he think of her? "2 words........ICONIC+LEGENDARY" A sample shot from that day.

Clinton Kelly: From Fashion Editor to Fashion Police

2009-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm all about the experience. ~ Clinton Kelly

From Fashion Editor to Fashion Police, stylist Clinton Kelly has seen it all - and his eyes are burning! He sits down to discuss the current state of fashion, his Make Over America tour and the search for Worst Dressed American. Is it you?

Where does fashion currently rule & why: New York or LA?
Having just returned from a week in LA, I can tell you with absolute certainty that NY rules, fashionwise. The vast majority of American designers use NYC as their home base, and fashionable New Yorkers tend to take more chances than their LA counterparts. That's not to say that there's a style deficiency in LA; it's just that I found most people in the Hollywood scene to be lacking a little in creativity. Still a lot of bleached blondes with fake boobs and hair extensions. And if I saw another guy in an Ed Hardy T-shirt, I thought I would puke. Downtown LA seems to be where it's at as far as fashion goes.

You are about 1/2 way through to your Make Over America tour with Macys. How are things going?

You have no idea how much I'm loving this tour across America, which resumes shortly. In each city I make over 15 women -- all different ages and shapes and sizes -- and use them as models in a fashion show. There is nothing quite like watching a woman who came to me looking like a frump-a-dump on Friday strut her gorgeous stuff in front of a thousand cheering people on Saturday. And it looks like we'll be extending the tour through 2010. We're working on a list of cities for that now. In the meantime, you can go to macys.com/makeoveramerica to stay informed.

You've been a very positive spokesperson for Macys. How did that relationship come about?
Back when I was a magazine editor, I had made many contacts in the PR world. One day about four years ago, one of those contacts called me about hosting some style seminars for Macy's in what are called "special sizes" in the industry, meaning pluses and petites. I jumped at the chance because I believe very strongly that every woman can look and feel beautiful with the right amount of information and a little inspiration. The Macy's customer has obviously responded to this because I'm going on my fifth year of working with the company. I love it so much, I hope it never ends.

How did you get into this field, and on television? Was it an end goal?
Six years ago (or so) TLC was re-casting the male lead of WNTW and a casting agent named Barbara Barna contacted me. I think she had contacted every man working in the fashion industry. I was working as the executive editor of a very highly regarded men's fashion trade magazine called DNR at the time. It has since been folded into Women's Wear Daily. I decided to go on the audition because I figured I had nothing to lose by doing so. When it was over I thought, "Wow, I just bombed that." But I really didn't care because I already had a good job. The next day, they called me back for a second audition, where I met Stacy and we had chemistry from the first instant. A week later, I had quit my job and was signed on to do 45 episodes. Crazy! Was doing TV an end goal? Good question. Not really. I'm all about the experience. I wanted to try something new, so I did. Every job I ever accepted, I did so because I thought it would either be fun or I would learn a new skill. With WNTW, both have been true.

The wildly popular What Not to Wear is coming up on 250th episode. Let's talk about the "Worst Dressed American" you are hunting down.
Well, it's not so much that I'm hunting her down. It's the producers really. I can't even imagine someone who dresses worse than the people we've already had on the show. I feel like I've re-styled the worst dressed American about a hundred times already. But if you know someone, you can go to TLC.com and nominate them or yourself. It's such an honor that the American public -- and people from other countries for that matter -- have embraced WNTW so wholeheartedly. It's fun to be me! When I walk down the street, people tell me they love me or love my work. It's hilarious. Sure, they also ask me what I think of their outfits, and believe me, if you ask, you're gonna get the truth!

Do you ever get tired of the hot mess, or does it only motivate your mission?
I do get a little tired of the frumpy mom look, only because there are polished alternatives that are just as easy. Instead of sweatshirts and hoodies, wear a cotton jacket. Instead of faded, tapered jeans, get a dark wash trouser jean. Instead of T-shirts, wear a blouse. And instead of sneakers, wear a sandal, ballet flat or boot. This is not rocket science. I feel sometimes like I'll be giving this advice until I'm 103.

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

Natori: Eau De Parfum Spray - New

2009-09-06T00:22:00.000-07:00

This is the second release of self named scent by famed lingerie designer Josie Natori, and is found at Saks Fifth Avenue and at the Natori website.

"A floral oriental chypre, this fragrance opens with an effervescent bouquet of fresh rose petals enriched by deep, dark plum notes. The heart is an exotic and alluring hybrid of Ylang Ylang, Purple Peony and Night Blooming Jasmine. Slipping languidly over pulse points, Black Patchouli, Amber and a hint of Satin Musk complete this mysterious and tantalizing fragrance."

In layman's terms I'll say this: This is definitely a 90's type of perfume lite. For me, at first it is a bit powdery, then as it warms, begins to develop a bit of a candy sweetness. If you liked Dior's original Poison, this is in the same camp, only lighter. Poison is one of the biggest selling perfumes of all time (myself as a customer included), so that's big fan base potential.

In addition, the kicker to making it a "must have" is the packaging. Face it beauty lovers, half of the joy is the product, and the rest is what encases it. Natori knocks it out of the park with a super stunning, deep purple bottle said to resemble the opening petals of the lotus flower. It fans out at the top, yet is narrow and smooth and comforting. It is pleasing to hold, like a worry stone. Toward the bottom, the bottle indents with little glass windows. I don't know what other purpose it provides, but it adds an interesting visual touch, and insight into how soon you will need to replace your bottle. Work. Of. Art.

The silk body creme jar also comes in very pleasing packaging, and I find perfumes often translate very well into cremes. This is worth picking up for the collector.

Make Up For Ever (MUFE) HD Elixir

2009-09-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

There are two schools of thought on glycerin for the face:

1) This powerhouse humectant is so beneficial for dry skin because it attracts moisture, keeping skin soft (think about your best glycerin based soaps and how great your hands feel after).

2)Because it is such a powerhouse at attracting moisture, there are concerns glycerin pulls moisture from deep within the skin, eventually "drying out" from the inside, encouraging the aging process.

Make Up For Ever (MUFE) doesn't fear the latter. Their High Definition Elixir is primarily based on glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, which boosts moisture levels and evens out the skin surface temporarily. It is often found in anti-aging products.

MUFE is genius in packaging this combination as a prep for makeup, because it does exactly what every makeup artist needs - prepares the surface of the skin to become as smooth and even as possible for application. Glycerin gives glide and hyaluronate plumps the surface. MUFE claims a hydration boost of +520% after 15 minutes that lasts throughout the day (+175% after 6 hours).

If you have ever felt pure glycerin, this Elixir has the same silky feel. There is a bit of residual product on the fingers after application, but if you allow it to sink in on the face, it is muss free. Application is via built-in pump on the bottle top. Very nice.

I'm of the school that glycerin is probably not sucking us dry, and I layer this product with my SPF & moisturizer. Only on the hottest days is this too much. This is also a product where you will see improvement in your skin texture over time as you continue to use it. For people who dread to moisturize, you may prefer this lightweight step.

MUFE High Definition Elixir is a must have for your kit to help keep your complexion at its finest.

Girl Crush Quickie: Karen Rabinovitz of Purple Lab NYC

2009-09-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Getting the skinny from Huge Lips Skinny Hips creatrix Karen Rabinovitz in four questions

Cosmetic empire building. Group Pole Dancing. Where do you get all of your energy?

OMG! I would have to say my mom - it's in the genes. She is the only woman I know - in her early-early 60s - who is the last person to leave a dance floor, is able to work all night and function on 4 hours of sleep, run all day - everyday - and still have energy to go out for dinner at 10p.m. Her brain never stops churning!

Sex sells, and that plus a healthy dose of fun, is everything your brand is about. How does that translate to your new cosmetic line coming out? When will all of this be available?

Everything will be about sexy, glamour, fun and double duty beauty - sophisticated formulas with a twist of humor.

By November, we will have a lip color called Luvah (The ultimate dating tool) but details are still top secret. There is a fabulous mascara and foundation, concealer, highlighter. I am bursting at the seams to tell you the ingredients and stories behind them - and their names - but I can't yet!

There are two new colors of Huge Lips Skinny Hips in September - Limo to Lobby (the clothes and shoes that are not meant for anything other than going from the limo to the lobby) and Goji Berry Smoothie (it comes with my favorite recipe).

We will have a new BCA product for October called SWAC that is a really beautiful pink gloss, formulated with Echinaccea, mangosteens which are full of antioxidants, Vitamins E and C, and vanilla which is an anti-depressant. 20% of our proceeds go back to The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. The color is named after a woman named Nancy who lost her battle to this horrible disease. It comes with her story which is incredibly moving.

Tell me about the fab theme music

I really can't take credit. The brilliant team who worked on my site found it and licensed it. And it was just the most perfect fit ever.

You are in talks with MEGASUPERHOTTOPSECRET production company. Spill!

(We can't say names right now!) We are in talks with production companies about a docu-soap. So we'll see what happens. If it's meant to be - it will be. It's exciting though, to even be at the table. As they say, "it's an honor to be nominated!"

When can we see the new colors out for fall?

September, but I can give you a sneak piece if you'd like to show some smears! Mwah!

Thanks Karen! I love this woman and I love this non-stick lipgloss. Try the current beautiful sheers at Amazon or Bliss and keep your eye out for the release of these gorgeous new colors.

Goji Berry Smoothie

Limo to Lobby

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

Mint Buffing Beads by Renee Rouleau

2009-09-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Verdict: Leaves skin feeling Minty Fresh!

Renee Rouleau was voted Best Spa by Allure Magazine Readers, 2008. Products are sold exclusively at Renee Rouleau Spas and website

Summer is coming to a close. That means time to start hoarding up on products to keep the skin bright throughout winter! Renee Rouleau's 'face polisher' is a perfect pick for the job.

Free of artificial fragrance or dyes, perfectly round spheres are suspended in a creamy base that includes Vitamin K and Peppermint oil. When smoothed onto the skin, the result is an awakening to the senses, both through olfactory and topical stimulation. Capillary repair is said to be an additional benefit of the Vitamin K.

Effective without harsh stinging, this is certainly a skin treat that can be enjoyed year round. That just may be the case in my house, where I can't seem to stop smelling, and using, this product.

Love Yourself Into Good Health & Great Shape - Poko Pano Swimwear, Spring 2010

2009-08-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sexy Brazilian swimwear line Poko Pano shares their Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami collection here on Solessence.

Looking at the stunning array of 15 styles, I asked Amy Snyder Hackbart if she would provide a few tips for getting swimsuit sexy. Amy came back with something even better - a "Love Yourself" guide, a reminder that being fit by being healthy is the sexiest look of all.
Styles, L to R - Isabelle, Murango, Parker

Love Yourself Enough to Embrace Your Assets

No one loves everything about their body. It’s true. Whether young, old, famous, infamous, thin, not-so-thin – EVERY woman has something about themselves they don’t like. Accept that this is okay and that you are not alone in your dissatisfaction about whatever body part it is, and you’ll feel better about yourself – truly you will.

Find one part of yourself you are satisfied with. Once you’ve made peace with your imperfections, it is kind of nice to also find at least one thing about yourself you like. It could be your toes, or your hair, or your waist or your shoulders, but find something and then focus on it. Lavish praise upon this part you like– and maybe slowly you can become friends with the other parts that aren’t your favorites.

Enhance the parts you like. Learn to dress to enhance the part or parts you like best. This is true at work, play, at the beach or in the snow. There are SO many designs and styles of apparel available, there is certain to be a dress, shirt, skirt or swim suit style that helps you enhance the parts you like so you feel better about yourself as you are today. Once you gain the confidence that comes from showing off what you like about yourself, deciding to take care of the rest of you seems only natural.

Styles, L to R - Jayne, Hope, Sophia

Love Yourself Enough to Eat Right

Give up Fast Food. Period. There is no such thing as healthy fast food. It is as empty a calorie as cookies and chips only with tons of fats, preservatives and fillers. You deserve better, so eat that way!! Shower yourself with fresh fruits, nuts, lean meats, fish, veggies, cheese (yes cheese!) and you won’t miss that nutritionally deficient fast food filler.

Clean out your cupboards. Like cleaning out your closet of clothes you no longer wear, cleaning out your cupboard of chips, cookies, cakes, pies, pretzels etc. will help you stay on track. Instead replace these nutritionally empty snack foods with better choices. Since no one is perfect, if you do get the urge to splurge, try to limit your intake of these types of foods to ‘special occasion’ single serving sizes – and try to eat just one.

c. Drink water or tea instead of juice, soda or alcohol. By keeping your body well-hydrated, you are allowing it to operate with maximum efficiency allowing you to burn more calories and digest foods more efficiently. Hydration is crucial, but what you use to keep hydrated is just as important - fruit juices, alcohol and even soda are full of sugars that your body metabolizes as FAT. Diet soda is just as bad – it is all chemicals that still cause your body to read the artificial sweeteners as sugar that create FAT. Get bored of water and tea? Buy naturally flavored sparkling water, or buy plain and flavor it yourself with lemons, limes, berries, apples and other fruits.
Styles, L to R - Calient, Serena, Shine
- Eat more foods that are plant-based. Fruits, vegetables and nuts, should be a big part of your daily menu. They taste best when they are freshest (even frozen is okay, just not canned – too many preservatives and sugary syrups). They make you full faster and help your skin, hair and nails look better.
- Had enough on food changes? Not sure you can make them all? That’s okay, just do your best each day, keep track of what you eat and make sure each of your three meals (skipping meals equals a slow metabolism) include fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein and no fast food or snack foods!
Love Yourself Enough to Exercise
- Exercise 30 minutes a day 3 times a week. Even 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Maintaining a healthy pace as you walk, jog or ride your bike will get your heart rate up and blood flowing.
- Add some weight. No, not put on weight, but ADD weights to your workout routine. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so ideally you want to build as much muscle as possible to turn your body into a top notch calorie burner. Small hand weights of 3-5 pounds used regularly whether for bicep curls, lunges or squats make you work harder and help you build muscle as you burn calories. It’s a proven, powerful combination that really helps get you results.
- Park as far away as possible. This is the easiest way to get exercise I know. Parking far from the entrance of where you work or shop gives you the opportunity to squeeze in some extra exercise! It helps you get the extra steps that add up to the 30 minutes of exercise you need 3 times a week. Walk at a brisk pace, and you’ll be boosting your metabolism as you burn more calories. Plus, there are always parking spots!
Styles, L to R - Cabana, Mirage, Madiera
- Take the stairs wherever and whenever possible. This is the second easiest way to get exercise! Waiting in line for the escalator or elevator isn’t nearly as fun as trying to beat everyone up or down using the stairs. The added bonus is it is a great lower body (hips/thighs/butt) work out.
- At work, or when studying, get up and walk around. Lots of us have jobs that require us to sit behind a desk for 8+ hours a day. By taking little breaks and walking around for a few minutes (like to the bathroom because you’ve been drinking water throughout the day) helps you feel more awake and feel better.
Styles, L to R - Aztec, Twiggy, Chile
- Hate the idea of a ‘work out’? Get bored at the thought of the gym or weights? The key to exercise is to move your body for at least 30 minutes. Dance, swim, bike, hike, skateboard, roller skate, volleyball, tennis – the list of options is endless. Try them all till you find one or two you like and, as Nike says, ‘just do it!’ You’ll look and feel better in no time!

Poko Pano swimwear is available on their website and select boutiques worldwide.

LEAKED iphone App for the Lost in Love

2009-08-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

What are blackberry users supposed to do?

Unsung Heroes: Suave Professionals Color Care

2009-08-29T23:28:00.000-07:00

Unsung Heroes is a place to discuss products that may miss out on glamorous promotions, but deliver on their promises.

Emmy nominated celebrity hair stylist Luke O'Connor, owner of LuKaRo Salon in Beverly Hills has gained a gathering for creating Debra Messing's look on "Will & Grace," and has styled Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Blake Lively, Becky Newton, Diane Keaton, Ashlee Simpson, Brooke Shields and Lucy Liu, among others. As spokesperson and consultant for Suave, he was live at BlogHer, doing what he does best. For the masses. I failed to get my hair done (yes, I was insane to miss the opportunity, and no, I don't recall them ever taking a break), but I spent a good amount of time talking with other Suave reps about the new Professional line.

The Suave Professionals line is slated to work as well as a competing salon line with less cost. I left with a generous full size bottle of shampoo and conditioner, and Sleek Cream (to help with frizz - there! I said it!). The comparative salon brand for Color Care is Biolage.

I tried the Sleek Cream the next day and loved the texture and ease of use.

However, it is the shampoo and conditioner that blew me away.

I really liked how the shampoo felt going on, and it definitely cleansed without stripping. As I applied the conditioner, it seemed not to work in as easily as Biolage would (I actually had some in the shower, and felt a little pang of regret not using 'the expensive stuff'). So what was the end result? I has some serious shine going on. As if I had just colored my hair. You know, that bright, healthy, vibrant glow? My locks also felt incredibly soft. Fortunately, it wasn't flat soft (I hate that) but I really could not stop touching my hair.

I don't hear a lot about this Professional Series, which looks like a revision of a line put out around 2007.

Two thumbs way up for the 2009 version. I don't know what performance and true color-treatment protection is like yet if used exclusively over a 30 day period, but it is well worth at least intermixing, if not going exclusive. At $3 a bottle, Suave has done a great job. www.suave.com

The line carries a number of products with corresponding salon matches for different hair types:

Humectant = NEXXUS Therappe
Color Care = Biolage
Damage Care = Redken Extreme
Vibrant Shine = Sebastian Laminates
Sleek = Matrix SleekLook
Volumizing =Matrix Amplify

What Celebs Wear: Dita Von Teese

2009-08-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

L'Oreal True Match Foundation. Who knew?

Christian Dior Red Bingo

Plenty of MAC

Say Yes to this Dress - Couture Designer Gilles Montezin for Kleinfeld Bridal

2009-08-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

"I am always thinking of ways to make someone’s dream dress..." - Gilles Montezin

This interview is transcribed from Solessence Radio.

Today we have couture designer Gilles Montezin. In this new phase to his career, he leaves behind a trail of couture clothing from movies Sex and the City & Confessions of a Shopaholic to design couture bridal for Kleinfeld. His trademark 'Le Cinch' corset helps brides take up to 4" off of their waistline for the happy day. Let’s bring him on the line to find out how it all started.

When did you first get the idea you wanted to be a designer?

I asked my mother when I was a teenager to do a jacket for me. She started, and I finished it. She was very, very proud of me, and I felt it was very rewarding. I thought it was fun, so I started doing clothes for my friends, and they liked it.

You had no prior training at all?

I have a technical mind, and I guess I have the facility to understand what to do, so it was kind of easy.

So then as time progressed, you obviously decided to go to school for this. What helped you select where you going to go?

I get bored easily, let’s say, so I started to do fashion designing, and I worked a lot with fashion industry and theatre and opera. After a while I wanted to do more, and I moved to Paris to study haute couture, which is the highest level of craftsmanship for making clothes. I started working for Christian Lacroix, who is a very, very nice man, and that was it. I was ready to do whatever I wanted to do; I had all the tools that I wanted.

Did it seem like this was it? It just all clicked. It was going to happen?

It was kind of a dream, you know? The school I went to, they only take 10 students a year, and they’re coming from all over, from everywhere around the planet. It is extremely hard to get in. So it is kind of a dream that you are moving closer and closer, and after a while you are there, and it just happens. But it still is a dreamy experience all the way through.

During your time training there, I’m sure they had really creative and fantastic projects to keep you stimulated. Was there one thing in particular that had an impact for you?

One thing I always wanted to do was achieve three-dimensional projects on a mannequin. I was trained to do more designing and more ready-to-wear, which you create with pattern, paper flat on a table. In haute couture I was trained to do clothes on a mannequin, so you have the results right there on the spot, and you can correct it and you can create all of that volume that you cannot do just by doing a pattern. That, to me, was a big, big, big achievement. I was finally able to do something other than everyday clothes – and that was very, very exciting.

So then you are done with school, you have the tools you need. What was your next step?

When I was in school I was working for the opera, Opera de Bastille, and it was fantastic working on all of those costumes, and learning the techniques of previous centuries that you still apply in doing the costumes for the singers. After, when I finished school, I was hoping to go and work for some haute couture houses, whether it was Dior or Gaultier or Lacroix. Lacroix was my favorite, so I was really, really aiming to get to that, the chance to work with him.

What are your feelings on the state of the industry today? It seems many of the houses, there are few that are true couture houses, the number is very small, I think five. But with the economy the way it is, if they are not closing up they certainly have to change business model. You were in at a great time to experience it.

Haute couture, I am very sorry to say this, and I hope I am wrong, but haute couture will probably die the same way as it was born. That is, slowly and slowly, and growing up and it will die just the same way. It is an extremely high level to make clothes. It is very experimental, it is very, very demanding work and craftsmanship and the creation of a dress/coat/suit, whatever it is, is extremely demanding. Not everyone can afford to work, and not everybody can afford to buy haute couture, of course. So it’s the state of art, of making clothes, that is probably very temporary. I wish I am wrong, I wish it is going to last, because it is a very exuberant way of making clothes, very experimental. And you don’t see that anywhere else. You don’t see that in shops, or a regular store, that quality of clothing. It is always enjoyable to look and feel the haute couture clothing.

The skills you acquired then, going back to your life track, at what point did you decide to branch off on your own?

Once again it was when I felt I had tools that I can work with, and in Paris I thought it was time to see if I can start something on my own, and that was it.

You just jumped. You moved to New York. Sometimes that’s the best way to do it or it doesn’t happen.

Yes, I think you’re right (laughs).

So you did move to New York, and were discovered in a sense. Pat Field had seen your creations and pulled pieces for Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic movies. That’s pretty huge. What was it like to be involved in that process?

Oh it is fantastic, another dream come true. Pat Field has tremendous talent in styling and creating looks for the girls and even the crew. It is a fantastic experience – a big machine, and people were very professional. They are appreciative and it was very rewarding to see how they put clothes together – where they use it, and for who. It’s really a big surprise and a big game and fun.

Now you’re transitioning. You have two big movies behind you, and your future is leading into bridal.

Yes! (laughs)

It actually seems perfect for you because of these beautiful, grand designs that you make. How did that come about?

I think you are right, it is perfect for me because I like to create volume, and I like to keep clothes at a beauty level as much as I can. I think it suites me perfectly, I adore doing it very much. Apparently it is pleasing too, so let’s go for it.

Just a little background, Kleinfeld Bridal is a very famous shop in New York City. People come from all over the world to shop here, designers come from all over the world to design for Kleinfeld, to try and get in. This is the shop featured on Say Yes to the Dress show on TLC. Had you done bridal prior to Kleinfeld?

No, what happened, my open door to them, was they came to my workshop one time and selected gowns for their evening department. After a while I said, “Listen, I would like to explore the possibility of doing wedding gowns.” Mara Urshel, owner, took me into her office, and we had a very long conversation. She is the most adorable person on earth, she is fantastic. She gave me all of the ropes of the trade. She told me everything to do and everything not to do, what the brides are expecting, what they don’t like. I felt like I was taught the whole world of bridal at that very special moment. I went back to my workshop and started drawing dresses, and they selected (three). So that is how it started. They are responsible for me doing bridal now.

It seems like such a natural transition.

Well I was brought up to that point, and I was really well cared for. She really wanted me to have all the best information on bridal gowns. She was very, very generous on her knowledge.

They’ve selected three. Discuss the initial designs. Were these the three you would have picked?

You know, I was more interested on getting the “why” of the styles they picked, because they selected thinking of what the bride would look like in them.

The photos are beautiful of the gowns. Can you describe them?

One is in taffeta with a voluminous skirt. It has pleating that creates long lines on the body that goes down to the skirt. Another has pleated lace, which is a little bit see-through, reminiscent of lingerie. You can see a bit of a bustier, and it is very flattering, very sexy too, but it remains elegant. The third one is more Grecian. It is flowing chiffon, falling from one shoulder to the hip.

Let's discuss Le Cinch. Is this built into every dress? This is something new you are introducing.

Yes, that is the result, once again, of the interview I had with Mara Urshel. We came up with the idea of cinching the waist a little more in bridal gowns so the silhouette is more define. Since I worked with Lacroix and I was doing all of the bustiers under the dresses and I was working at the Opera in Paris, and I made all of those fantastic corsets. I’m very knowledgeable about making them. So I came up with the idea of making a very mini-corset that you can put under the dresses. It would remain very comfortable, and it would help to cinch the waist, giving it a little oomph, that a bridal gown needs to take it to the next level.

Yes, that’s what the girls like!

Yes, that’s what the girls like, that is what I was told! That is what Mara told me. When she realized what I was doing she was, “I think you are onto something now.” That was very, very rewarding for me.

It is built into the dress. Is that removable at all?

It is removable. You can wear it or decide not to wear it or remove it to wear with your favorite dress after.

That’s another bonus. A very unique concept.

It is. And it remains very comfortable because it is a short bustier, it doesn’t compress the ribcage, which makes you very uncomfortable. Unable to breath, you have all of those bad feelings when your ribcage is compressed. Le Cinch, the corset I put in, does not do that. It is very localized on the waist, and for most of the people, the waist is very flexible. You just put your hands on the waist, on each side, push in and it is just like you are wearing my corset.

I want to talk about sizing, because Le Cinch is a boon for skinny girls as well as larger sizes, because everyone wants to look as thin as they can on their wedding day. At a time when other designers are pulling out from plus sizing, you are offering up to size 18.

It goes to size 18, and for larger sizes we just need to make sure we have the figure down, to make sure we build up the dress accordingly.

Is that standard in the shop to accommodate?

I just feel confident this is something flattering and adaptable to every silhouette, every size. Corsets have been around for 400 years, it is not a novelty. It is just a question of how to build it, and once you know how to build it, it can be adapted to everybody.

Women will be thrilled with that.

I hope so.

What about materials? Can you give us a little insight into fabrics you are using?

I’m very lucky I have found fantastic fabrics. I do work with very traditional fabrics; silk taffeta and silk satin. But I found fantastic organza and silk chiffon that has a satin face. They are just so generous; you want to bite in it. It is like whipped cream. It is fantastic to work with. I count myself very lucky.

What would you say is your overall design philosophy for this bridal line? What is your goal to make the bride look and feel like?

I think you’ve touched the very core of my questioning doing wedding gowns. I think it is almost an obsession, every little stitch that I do, every little pleat that I make, I am asking myself, “Is this going to be somebody’s bridal dress? Is this going to be a dress that someone will say – ‘This is my dream dress’?” I am always thinking of ways to make someone’s dream dress, and it is very exciting and very nerve-wracking at the same time. You want to do something that is beautiful, but since you personally don’t know the customers it is a little bit hard to touch right in the middle of the target. It is a very fun game of making things that are going to please and guessing what is going to please at the same time.

When & where can we see the line?

We are negotiating possibility of showing in a professional showroom. The deal is pretty much done but we are finalizing the contract. Also we are showing at my workshop, by appointment only, of course. I also hope Kleinfeld will come and want to work with the rest of the collection. We also have the collection online at www.gillesmontezin.com (please use contact page on website for inquiries).

How many dresses total will you showing?

We expect to be showing between 15-18 designs.

Have you stopped your ready to wear?

No, I still have clients ordering the rtw collection. It is just on standby for now, because each is so demanding. I am focusing on the bridal launch.

The Gilles Montezin Bridal collection can be found at:

Kleinfeld (appointment only)
110 West 20th Street
New York, New York 10011
646.633.4300

Gilles Montezin Showroom (appointment only)
325 W 38th Street #510
New York, New York 10018
646.755.3711
646.755.3711
Contact form also on website

If you live outside of New York, you may order dresses through your local bridal shop or forward your measurements to have the dress shipped to you.

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

Anna Wintour Wins Over David Letterman

2009-08-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

"Vogue is not only run by senior citizens." ~ Anna Wintour in response to David Letterman
(complete interview)

CoCoHilton.com launches, but is it a Kimono or a Cheongsam?

2009-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Perez Hilton has launched CocoHilton.com , a new, spinoff celeb fashion site. So far it seems to be pretty friendly, but what is this?

Japanese, Chinese, it's all Asian, right?

Why does Coco/Alexander McQueen call this a Kimono dress when it looks styled after the Cheongsam?

Diamond Nexus Labs: Making History with 2009 Miss Universe

2009-08-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

Today's guest is Brianne Smith, representing Diamond Nexus Labs in Franklin, Wisconsin.

Let’s talk about the crowns. Diamond Nexus Labs created the crowns for Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and now Miss Universe.

Yes we did. Miss USA and Miss Teen USA have already passed, but we did make the crowns for those two pageants. And we’re very excited about the Miss Universe pageant.

Can you start in the beginning and tell us how you got involved with that?

We are based in Franklin (WI) and started around 5 or 6 years ago. We are the world leader in lab created precious gemstones, so pretty much you are getting the same look as a mined diamond. You’re just not getting a blood diamond, and you’re not hurting the environment. We’re trying to save the environment and we’re going green and eco-friendly. There are a lot of good benefits to what we do. We also save (the consumer) a ton of money, which is always good.

Mikimoto, a huge name in jewelry, had designed the previous crowns.

Mikimoto, even Tiffany, has done the crown. One of our customers is part of the Donald Trump organization. He has bought our products before, he loves our products and what we stand for, and he took it to Donald Trump himself. Donald Trump said, “You know? Why not.” So he actually chose us, and we are the first eco-friendly company in history to design the crown for the Miss Universe organization. It is a huge honor for us, especially being from small town Wisconsin.

You did something unique for the Miss Universe crown. You allowed people from all over the world to vote on three different designs. How did that decision come about.

It’s called Choose the Crown, (www.choosethecrown.com) and you can vote for your favorite design. The crown will be revealed Sunday.

So all three models have been completed and the winning crown will be revealed with the winner of the pageant. Will anyone from Diamond Nexus be on location?

The CEO is there, and our Director of Marketing. The Miss Universe pageant is in the Bahamas and they’ll be on location representing Diamond Nexus Labs.

You have a video on your site that shows the progression of the designs. How did your designers feel working on this project?

Well it’s a huge honor for them. They were a little overwhelmed with the Miss USA crown, and then to do the Miss Universe crown, which reaches the entire world - it is a huge, huge honor just to have designed one crown.

Do you have future plans to expand product line or future stores?

Sure, we do plan to expand next year and will be popping up around the country.

Let’s talk about styles that are really popular now. We’re easing into fall. How do styles change, what are you focusing on now?

Part of what we do is engagement rings and bridal sets. That’s still number one in the store. A lot of people are now moving on to the lab created, based on the ethical reasons behind it, going green, saving the environment. Now with the economy, saving money is huge. We have a lot of couples coming in and buying the sets. Right now I would say the vintage/antique style is very popular, which we have a large collection in the store.

In terms of settings, and do you also do the antique cuts like Cushion cut?

Sure, we have all cuts. The Asher cut is also very popular with the vintage style. It brings back that classic look, that antique look, and that’s very popular.

What’s one of your favorite pieces?

I actually wear a ring called the Athala, and it is part of that antique/vintage style. That’s personally one of my favorites, that’s why I wear it.

Can you tell me a little bit about your experience getting into Diamond Nexus Labs? Were you in jewelry before?

I worked for a natural-mined jewelry store before I moved over to Diamond Nexus. I managed a store and Diamond Nexus started to branch out into the retail world. I believe whole-heartedly in what they do and stand behind what they do, and thought it would be a good move for me. I manage the retail store, and the store has been open almost a year now. I have been with the company for a year and managing ever since.

It’s been an exciting time for you.

Yes it has, it has been a very exciting year. Very exciting.
We should mention the store is located in Mayfair Mall.

Yes, down from Panera (in the main, center entrance). Or you can shop www.diamondnexuslabs.com online. And we are renovating the site and our store, going for a more green, eco friendly look.

Congratulations to Diamond Nexus Labs for the winning Peace design, and to Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez.

Sample Sale, LA: Resurrection Vintage, 8/23/09

2009-08-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

85% Off

Resurrection Vintage
8006 Melrose
Los Angeles
Sunday, August 23rd
Cash & Credit Cards
Call 323.651.5516

Katy Rodriguez. Gregory Parkingson. Wren by Melissa Coker.

Including: Never before worn special estate clothing/shoes/bags/jewelry - Marni. Prada. Balenciaga. Ann Demeulemeester. Gucci. Miu Miu. Jil Sander. More, up to 85% off retail.

Upcoming Interviews: Miss Universe Pageant Friday, 8/21/09

2009-08-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Set your reminders for the interview here

The Miss Universe pageant completes the final steps on Sunday, August 23 2009 with a broadcasted competition from the Bahamas. We'll have insider info on Solessence Radio from:

Diamond Nexus Labs - We spoke with DNL earlier in the year when they announced they were taking the reigns from legendary Mikimoto, and had been selected as the first "green" jewelery sponsor in the history of the pageants (Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe). Over the last few months, people from around the world have had a chance to vote on one of three possible designs for the Miss Universe crown at www.choosethecrown.com , and Sunday the winner will be unveiled. Listen in to get the scoop on the jewels valued over $200,000 and the design team from Franklin, Wisconsin.

Stephanie Simons - This stunning Miss California 2004 runner-up will dish on what life is like as a beauty contestant, and how getting pageant ready can translate for the everyday woman. A beauty editor for numerous publications, Stephanie also shares tips, tricks and community at www.taaz.com , and will be sharing exciting news about a joint effort with Estee Lauder. Vivacious, friendly and an expert in this realm.

Carol's Daughter - Casting Call , Monday 8/24/09

2009-08-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Straight up direct, no agency or SAG. If you'd like to be considered for a Carol's Daughter instructional video, you can submit a photo first for consideration.

You must live in the Tri-State area
You must be a size 8 or less
See the post here

PSA: Has your site been shut down?

2009-08-18T13:07:00.001-07:00

There have been a rash of blogs shutdown in the last week.

If your site was recently shut down, note that BlogLinker, a common link on many sites, was found to contain the Beagle worm. Even though your site is not hosting the malware, because the link to Bloglinker is on your site, you will be restricted access until it is removed/cleaned.

What to do?

1. Delete the link

2. Scan your site with one of many software choices available such as Avast, AVG, ZoneAlarm. There are free versions for all of these products if buying is a problem.

3. Once you confirm your site is clean, contact your host site to begin process of reinstating your blog.

Be patient (it may take 24 hours or more to fix the problem) and your site may have been infected further. Be persistent and clear with your information to support to help resolve the issue. Good luck!

He's Bringing Sexy Backe - Jason Backe Redhead Makeovers

2009-08-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Get this limited time offer $5 off coupon for Ted Gibson hair products at website for purchase at Target

Forget all of the stories coming out about redheads feeling more pain, because you will be the only one hurting if you don't jump on fall's most accessible trend.

Red heads are back, and we are talking explosive, take no prisoners red.

Hair highlighting hunk Jason Backe of Ted Gibson Salon was on Twin Cities Live today and did three makeovers using store bought product. The result? Affordable glam!

Apparently his second model made a last minute switch from Lindsey Lohan red to Amy Adams. How did it turn out? Check out the footage and be inspired to get red and go home.

twincitieslive.com - Go Red for Fall

Project Runway Debuts on Lifetime 8/20 10pm/9c

2009-08-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Look who's baaaaaaaaak (here's my previous meet with Tim Gunn)

Project Runway hits new station Lifetime this Thursday! And as if there isn't enough catfighting amongst designers, the show is going to hit up the catwalk by featuring Models of the Runway.The behind the scenes extra expands on the stress seen in previous seasons the models have to endure as mere figurines for trading. The models are trying to win a coveted spot too!

Reflecting on Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect

2009-08-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am a fiend for lip glosses, and Dior Ultra Gloss Reflect is one of the top brands out there that just do. it. for. me.

My current favorite is Lurex Plum, a taupe/plum filled with shimmer without being gritty. The brush allows for easy pull from the bottle, and superior accuracy in application. The color is so flattering.

Upon application, it is a very unique look, completely smoothing out the lips. I find this product doesn't migrate and lasts quite a long time for a simple gloss. It has low stick and extreme shine. For wear, I tend to wipe all gloss off before eating anyway, but it performs well when drinking from a straw. By the time it is ready for re-application, there still remains a soft shade and some sparkle.

I love applying this gloss.

Just a note, but I would try these out before you buy. While all of the colors were pretty, I could see how many of them would be too transparent once put on the lips. I think that is one reason Lurex Plum is so fab, because it seems to be a coat of shimmering latex. Very obvious.

Dior makes glossing divine with product and stunning packaging. Select cream or shimmer (I prefer the unique shine myself) at Sephora.

Too Faced Natural Eyes Kit

2009-08-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

While in the loveliest of chocolate boutiques on a trip, I went for a gift pack, only to get slapped on the hand by my friend.

"Ewww," she said. "Always select your chocolates individually. It is more personable, and always fresher."

I have smart friends, no?

In that same vein, extend that philosophy out to everything in life. I wish I was noshing on a few of those truffles while I admit to you that I have never been a cosmetic kit girl. In my experience, quads and groupings always meant colors that mixed small samples of hits in with product that couldn't be sold individually.

Preference, meet Downfall.
Too Faced is no stranger to kits, but the one that caught my eye was the Natural Eyes. Every color in here is phenomenal. The quality is good. The packaging attractive. And hey, they even give you 3 look cheat sheets for a guide.

One of my favorite colors I've discovered is Heaven, a lash to brow bone matte, that brings a velvety smoothness to the skin. The ultimate reason to grab a good kit? You'll be trialing colors you would probably never have picked up on your own. Take time to explore.

Life, and makeup, is like a box of chocolates. Stick with quality, and it might not matter if you don't know what you're getting.

Natural Eyes has a companion Smokey Eye for the ultimate night looks.

Question: Beauty Sleep

2009-08-15T22:49:00.001-07:00

Is 8 hours of beauty sleep a requirement to look your best? Let me know.

Crest White Strips - It's Always Darkest Before You've Got Somewhere Important to Go

2009-08-15T21:38:00.001-07:00

I'm almost at a loss for words about this product.

It works like a charm.

I went a few years before realizing it had been a loooong time since someone commented on how great my teeth looked. My coffee and tea habits were killing the pearly whites, and I had to do something. I went to my dentist and was fitted for one of the overnight lighteners right before a big soiree. Unfortunately, after all of the custom molding and teeth color PMS matching and expensive syringes filled with bleach, it was just too painful to go through. The solution was thick, but runny, and would leak onto my gums, causing sensitivity. I had to put the mold down and slowly back away.

I recently noticed again my toothy color match was nearing Canary Diamond when I started fretting about places I had to be. But would an OTC whitening solution really work?

Yes! It really works like a charm!

There are two strips enclosed in each Crest Whitestrips packet. Each strip contains a gelatinous mix of solution that adheres to your teeth like gummy tape. The strip is placed on the top and bottom, and you hang out for 30 minutes to let it work. Results are said to be noticeable after 3 uses, but I saw immediate results after the first trial. You can also double up for a full hour of treatment if you need help, like, pronto. There are three different strengths at affordable price points, and I have the middle Premium version.

I really can't figure out how the dental community was beaten to the punch on this one.

Have you had as much success with this product? If you've never tried it before, what do you think about this at home kit?

Urban Decay - Confession of Love

2009-08-14T23:31:00.001-07:00

Use code FNFF1 for 30% savings on all product at Urban Decay until 8/20
Think back, back, back to the 90's when Demi Moore startled the world with (among other things) a manicure of Chanel Vamp. At the time, this black/red color seemed so improper, so envelope pushing! The thrill of being naughty, yet nice, inspired gorgeous knockoffs from Essie and Revlon, and then, a second reissue of Vamp from Chanel.

This fall we move back in time to the dark lips of yore, and ladies, Urban Decay has captured Vamp in a tube. It may not be an exact shade match, but the color is such a breathtaking mixture of berry & black you'll get the chills as you recognize a groundbreaking color introduction.

The looks are extreme this fall - nude, goth. This lipstick is so pronounced you can get a little of both looks because you'll want to go light on the eyes. How to describe it? Rich, juicy, shiny, sexy. It makes lips look like fruit waiting to be bitten. It is that tempting.

Confession by Urban Decay sells for $22 and comes in an unusual package with a "love dagger" you can accessorize with metal casing. It is one in a collection including Oil Slick (sheer black w/sparkle). Even if you think you can't carry a dark lip, you absolutely should try this shade. The hue is almost universally flattering.

Seeking perfection? Exfoliate and use a lip primer to get the smoothest base for application. This product is around a 6 out of 10 for opacity, so rough patches show through.

Find it at www.urbandecay.com and www.sephora.com

MAC Graphic Garden at MayFair - Wauwatosa

2009-08-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

If you live near Milwaukee (Wisconsin), run to Macy*s Mayfair for MAC Graphic Garden. Seems they got a shipment that was meant to go to Nordstrom, so they are unloading the goods where they landed. There are several different collections with a variety of product in the black & white makeup bags. Bask in your good fortune. (brush set pictured)

It's Time for You to Shine

2009-08-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I never have much luck with bronzers. Every summer they promise me the kiss of the sun, but after a swipe or two, no matter how light handed, I merely look like I'd been crusin' for a brusin'.

This is why I am so excited about the abundance of shimmer highlights out now. They are cousins to the bronzer: Think of the promise of health and bloom - not with the strength of the sun - but with the soft kiss of the moon.

Three favorites:

Bobbi Brown Nude Shimmer Brick limited edition
This entire collection makes me weak in the knees, but the shimmer brick is the, er, highlight. This product is as close as I will ever get to glowing like a fresh faced 23 year old again. And god do I miss that.

Handpressed in Italy, it is the perfect combination of 5 pearl piments: pink, gold, bronze, beige, and caramel.

Double duty: All of these highlighters are great for use in the eye area, but this compact especially so as the colors are multiple and defined. Luvs!

P.S. These photos are a better indication of the colors. The website link color is not accurate in the least bit.

smashbox Artificial Light Illuminating Lotion

smashbox first created a buzz with Artificial Light, which leaves skin looking soft and dewy. It's a tiny bit more unwieldy to work with than layering power, but it gives exceptional glow.

Don't forget these all look smashing on your decolletage too.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

With the latest Color Craft collection, MAC has a powder version with triple color, as well as singular sets.

Go forth and glow!

Upcoming: Transcript for Gilles Montezin Interview

2009-08-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to speak with the wonderful Gilles Montezin! This couture designer for Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic has made his foray into the world of wedding gowns with his trademark corset, Le Cinch. Listen to the show here and check back for the transcript.

How Old is Too Old for Trendy?

2009-08-11T00:13:00.001-07:00

Christian Siriano launches his new beauty collaboration with Victoria Secret. It is a sweet little group, and sure to be picked up by many a PYT on a shopping bender.

Watching his video, I was struck by something I've heard for the second time in a month: marketing geared toward the 20-something.

When Christian mentioned the "young, trendy girl" could wear the blue eyeshadow OR the nude look, I had to cringe. After years of companies chasing after baby boomers, are they now tossing everyone aside for "youth"? Haven't marketers spent the last 30 years convincing the world they are eternally youthful? That you can have a wrinkle and wear blue eyeshadow, too?

My second experience is around the relaunch of Gap jeans. A brand that is trying to reinvent itself is focusing on winning the 20 something market. Ok, I get the youth thing, but it seems puzzling Gap would not want to woo back the demographic that put it on the map. They'll put 1969 as a historic point on the marketing materials, but they don't want anything that old pushing their jeans?

Are 30 & 40 somethings merely the lost marketing generation? If you fall in this bracket, do you feel marketers do a decent job of addressing your needs?

Kim Kardashian won't lose any clout as a blond

2009-08-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

When it was exclaimed, live at the Teen Choice Awards, that Kim Kardashian had appeared as a bona fide blond, it was clear it would hit the fan.

Kardashian tried out the flaxen locks with a wig earlier this year, much to public dismay and confusion. True, her signature is sultry brunette, but this girl is young and gorgeous. All of this talk about her brand, people who wouldn't let her color her hair if they were in charge - she is a human being, not (only) a meal ticket (for some)!

I personally love her better darker, but who wouldn't want to have this kind of versatility? She's human, and I bet she'll do more for going lighter than anyone since Marilyn Monroe. If you say she looks like everyone else - hello! I want to be everyone else! She hasn't lost any edge in the looks department.

My only beef? I wish she had timed this better to be blond for spring/summer, not fall/winter.

Beauty & Brains: Christine Mielke of Temptalia.com

2009-08-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Kickin' beauty shots! Insider launch info! Makeup database spanning from 1996! What's not to like for the nearly 200k readers that stop by every month?

This is a transcript from an interview with Christine Mielke on Solessence Radio prior to blogger/BlogHer week.

By day she's a law student, and one of the top makeup bloggers around. At a height of 200k unique visitors a month, Christine Mielke has crafted her blog Temptalia.com into one of the hottest makeup resources. Her signature closeups of eye and lip applications, along with reviews of different brands, are top notch instructionals for readers. Combine that with her willingness to engage her audience, and you often find a lively comment trail for her posts.

You have a very unique signature for your photos, close ups of your eyes and lips, for your tutorials. How did this all come about?

CM: Well first of all, it's great to be here and thank you for the opportunity and interest in interviewing me. Temptalia really started as a way for me to archive all of the different looks I was doing already, posting with friends and sharing with other beauty addicts. At that point there was already about 100 different looks and I said it would be really great if I could just put these in a permanent spot, in one location, where people can look back on them if they wanted to. So I went with the blog format and it just took off from there.

This is actually a second version?

CM: Kindof. I did have another website, which didn't use the name Temptalia. It was more of a personal site and then I migrated and used Temptalia, which has been my internet user name for ten years or so. I just went with that as a brand because people knew me by that.

It has grown; your traffic is tremendous. What do you think contributes to that? Did you intend on growing it this big?

CM: Originally my intent was not anything ambitious. It was to have fun. Then it started becoming more about writing reviews and doing tutorials, and so it became more things to do and more things to write. Then it was, okay, this could be something really fun if I work really hard and take it to the next level. Now our goal is to continue to grow it as much as we have in the past.

I think one of the major reasons we've grown so much is that we post regularly. We post a couple of times a day. The other thing is that it is a community atmosphere. It's talking to readers, it’s answering reader questions. It's all that reader interaction that makes people want to come back and keep reading the site.

It is very fun to read comments on your different looks. People also look to you to find information first hand. How do you feel about that? You're sort of the bearer of beauty news.

CM: It's great that I can deliver that news. I like to share whatever news I have with people, because I feel that consumers and my readers want to know what's coming out. They want to plan for purchases, or they want to get tempted by all the different launches that come out every season. So it is really great to provide all of that information for them. In some aspects, sometimes I get asked questions about upcoming launches, and I might not have information yet, so I feel sad I can't provide the information. But I do my best to provide what I can. I never hold on to information if I can help it.

What has been your number one challenge with this blog?

CM: I think the number one challenge is just meeting the demand. How do I spend my time everyday? What do I do to prioritize what should be done first? Answering comments, writing posts, talking with different brands. I feel like that is my major challenge and sometimes it's overwhelming that there are so many things I want to do and not enough time to do them.

For people who have not been to your site (www.temptalia.com) you really need to visit if you have an interest in beauty. You mention you've expended out to the different brand reviews and giveaways, but you also do alot of what I would call polls. You bring up conversations on how people treat their makeup, or different routines. In terms of that, you've created this tribe of beauty lovers. How would you describe your typical reader?

CM: The reader base is really diverse. I have readers as young as 13, then women over 50. I would say the typcial reader is someone who lives and breathes beauty. They may love one brand or they may love ten brands. But they live and breathe it. They may not spend a lot of money or they may spend hundreds of dollars each month, but they still find something that they love. And if they can't buy it, they still love to hear about it. And they love to share their knowledge with everybody else.

What has been your favorite topic? What was really fun for you?

CM: I think interviewing professional in the industry like Eve Pearl or celebrities like Heidi Klum. I think that stuff is really exciting for me because it is really fun and an honor and so flattering to do it. And I feel like it gives the blog an extra dimension that I can give my readers. In terms of stuff I do on my own, I really do like the basic series. Like "Must Have" blue eyeshadow, or the brush series. These are posts that will be really valuable to anybody that comes to the blog at any time. It's not some fall collection that is only relevent for the fall season, it is information that people will find useful time and time again.

How does this change your future plans, being in law school? Where do you see this going?

CM:To be honest, before the blog started taking off - it has taken off in the last year and a half beyond my hopes and dreams - I have been struggling with law school in sense that that is not something I want to do in my life.

I've always been more of an entrepreneur than anything else. I love working for myself. I've been working for myself since I was 13. I've been writing articles in magazines since I was 13. So I think my calling is writing. Writing quick articles, regular basis, so I would really like to see this go forward in the future. I know for my plans I want to do things like consulting, blogging consulting, social media consulting.

Are you looking to speak? Do you want to work one-on-one?

CM: Right now I am looking to work with people one-on-one, most likely showing them what blogging is about, or how to work with bloggers (depending on the client). Showing them how they can utilize social media in a way that works well for bloggers and works well for the brand.

You recently came out with a book. Can you tell us about that and other projects you have going on?

CM: The book is a print archive of 50 looks that I felt were diverse. I think I have done 400 looks so far, so this is the best of. We've done the book as a response to readers. They wanted to be able to see the photo in the bathroom (where they are applying makeup) where the computer wasn't, so that's been the inspiration. It's great for people to have a piece of Temptalia in their home and be able to use it as they want or show their friends.

In terms of other projects, we launched a product in Photogallery recently, that's been really good. And we also launched a MAC database of all of the previously launched products from 1996 until the present, so people can find that long lost discontinued lipstick. In terms of other projects going forward, I think we would like to focus on YouTube presence being a little stronger, and trying to do more regular YouTube videos.

You are getting so popular you are getting hijacked - I saw some bogus Temptalia videos out there. What do you think of that? They did give you credit and they did use your photos, but it's a little unusual to spend time doing that. I guess it's flattering.

CM: They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I do have to look at this as a business and work to protect my copyright and photos. When they run ads and start profiting off my tutorials or looks it is infringing on my rights. It is one of the reasons we are working to put more of our own stuff on YouTube, so it will be very obvious when people do this. It will be hard pressed for them when we've already done it.

With your talent in doing makeup, why didn't the route of becoming a makeup artist pop up first?

CM: I think where my strengths lie, and what I really love to do, is in teaching and educating people. I love sharing whatever knowledge I have, and in addition to that, I love learning from other people and taking it transforming it and bringing it into my own brain. Going through it, internalizing it, and increasing that knowlege. I love being able to reach so many people in this format, this 24/7 format, that being a makeup artist would not be able to offer those things and would not be as enriching as blogging is right now.

The database had to take an incredible amount of time.

CM: It was quite an ordeal to do all of the data entry. Lot of data entry. But it was helpful for someone like me to see, "Wow, I have this eyeshadow and it's from WHEN?" It was fun putting together as well.

We had a conversation one time where you went through, I can't remember, 80 pounds of makeup?

CM: I did have a point where I went through and gave around 60 pounds of product to a women's shelter, and the remaining 20 lbs to my mom and my aunt, and they enjoyed that.

How much makeup do you go through a month?

CM: I don't think I go through any makeup, ever, but I have alot of it. I can't remember finishing any. That is a problem, it just continues to grow and grow, (laughs) I had to move to a new two-bedroom apartment and it continues growing. I have so much because right now I'm really trying to stay on the edge and I'm always looking for the newest and greatest things. I'm always accumulating and buying all of these products (right now I am going through fall stuff). If I don't use something, I give things away through the blog giveaways, that is how some of that is supplied. If I've used it I pass it on to friends and family. If I can't part with it, it makes way into my personal stash.

In terms of building your site, what has been the #1 thing that has done it for you?

CM: I think photos. In the beginning, that is what set Temptalia apart from the other beauty blogs. Because I posted pictures of myself, which I did not see as many beauty bloggers doing when I first started posting. It made the blog really personal; people could see me and they knew who I was. I had lots of photos and they were very good quality, so people could come and see the colors. They knew they weren't stock photos; it was real product on a real person, so they knew the colors would be accurate with no Photoshop team behind me.

Did you have any photography training? Even in an ad, colors can look one way, but then you compare with the product and they won't match at all. How did you get yours to be true to color?

CM: To be honest, I read the manual. I used to take the worst photos, and I think it was October 2005 when I said, "Let me read my manual." Why couldn't my pictures be crisp and clear? My photos were terrible! I learned macro mode and that set my world aflame, because a lightbulb went on over my head. My makeup literally went overnight from, "That looks okay I guess," to "Wow, that looks pretty good!" I still use the same camera that I used four years ago for point and shoot, and I recently upgraded to a bigger SLR camera in the past 6 months or so. I still use the same point and shoot because it has served me so well, but that macro mode is everything when it comes to taking pictures of your makeup swatches. I can't suggest enough to read your manual.

RTFM. Well it also helps that you are attractive, and you get these super close up shots of your eyes that are so gorgeous. You can see all the details of the makeup, and your eye shape is incredible. Great job.

CM: Thank you.

Can you mention some favorites that you have, or in general trends coming up.

CM: Right now I see a lot of darks for the fall. MAC is putting out a black lipstick, Urban Decay came out with a black lipstick. I then presume that eyes will be a little lighter, because we're not all going to run around like a runway model. So, light on the eyes. I see a lot of liner coming on for the fall, strong liner, liquid liner. But then you've got nude, sheer lids. Black liner, black lips, and of course flawless skin is always in every season.

The Lancôme Indigo collection is probably the best to date. It's just very bold pops of Indigo blue. MAC came out with their collection, which will be dark and vampy, and Goth. I think that's where fall is going.

Italian Vogue and Kim Kardashian sport the no eyebrow & Goth look look
Have you noticed the 'no eyebrow' trend?

CM: No I haven't, I must have missed this trend!

I don't know if it is strictly for shock for runway or they are expecting people to take it on, but they are shaving, covering or bleaching eyebrows out.

CM: Very interesting! I really hope nobody takes that one to heart. It would be a shame for anyone to shave off their eyebrows - those things take forever to grow back.

~~~

To contact Christine for consulting inquiries, please email her at: christine@temptalia.com

Visit Christine's sites at:

blog: www.temptalia.com
book: http://stores.lulu.com/temptalia
guide: www.Gallery.Temptalia.com

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

Anniversary Sale at Renee Rouleau - 15% through 8/16/09

2009-08-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

Renee Rouleau, voted #1 spa in Dallas by Allure Magazine readers, is offering 15% off all products for the annual anniversary sale. With products developed for 9 different skin types, your routine can be customized to your needs. Use code S2009 at checkout. www.reneerouleau.com

pur~lisse founder Jennier Yen launches brand on QVC

2009-08-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is an edited transcript from Jennifer's interview on Solessence Radio.
This morning we have pur~lisse skincare founder Jennifer Yen. Jennifer is joining us from New York City. Her line marries Chinese skin rituals with French technology – and it has taken off fairly quickly. Let’s get her on the line.

Hi Jennifer, you’ve been fairly busy because you’ve got some exciting news to share about this coming Wednesday.

JY: Yes, it’s this coming Wednesday and Thursday AM We’re launching on QVC!

QVC on 8/13 @ 1am EST and 8/12 @ 10pm PST

Congratulations.

JY: Thank you!

So let’s give people a background on the skincare line. You were a working actress, and you started having trouble with your skin. Let’s start there.

JY: Yes. When I graduated college I wanted to be an actress, like so many young women. Moved out to LA, and I did act. I was on a kids show called Power Rangers for about a year and a half, and I was an evil villainous, so they caked on the makeup. There were constant touchups, I had so much make-up on, and within months of the show, four months, my skin went crazy. I broke out in adult acne, I got hives, my skin was very itchy, it became extremely sensitive, and nothing was working for my skin. That’s when I starting asking around, trying everything from natural products to organic products, to high-end luxury brands. Nothing was working. I’ve always been a lover of beauty products and open to trying things, but nothing was working.

That’s when I decided to take a step back and take a very simple approach to skincare. I remembered my grandmother would always talk about the blue lotus flower. She used to use white tea on everything. We drank it, used it as an anti-septic (she would pour it on my cuts and rashes). Then I remembered she would use soy milk. She always drank it, washed her face with it. She believed it left her with a creamy appearance. I wanted to integrate these ingredients she used with advanced French skincare technology, so I found a chemist in 2004/2005, and we started developing it. That’s how I got started. It was a personal need in the beginning. Then I realized there are so many other women, and men, that can benefit from pur~lisse.

I have had a chance to try several items in the line, and it is fantastic. It reminds me of the textures that you get when you’re in Asia, and different skincare lines I would hoard when I would be in Japan. It really is just a different approach over there. I always thought it would be great to see here in the US, and you’ve done that. Now before we go further into the formulations, tell me a little more about how you approached the packaging. Was that outsourced? Was that part of your philosophy with the looks?

JY: Unfortunately I didn’t have the luxury of having a huge budget, so I’ve done everything myself in terms of, I went to every packaging show right before developing the packaging. I sourced each bottle and tube myself because I did, you’re right, I do have a certain philosophy. Because I was traveling so much you can see that. Our stuff is paraben free. We don’t use parabens as preservatives, so we don’t put anything in a jar. Everything is in dual chamber, airless or a tube. It easy for traveling, it protects the ingredients from breakdown of the ingredients. So everything is really protected, travels very well and is functional. So that is number one in what I believe in. Also, from a design perspective, because pur~lisse is inspired by the blue lotus we use a gorgeous blue. But also the product is very clean and natural, so why we use just very simple colors like blue and white, very clean and natural. That’s why we kept it that way.

Packaging is a huge hurdle for most people, initially. Did it come easily to you?

JY: I did work with a very, very talented designer, but she looked to me a lot to me for direction, and of course I had a very specific vision: Clean. Functional. Beautiful.

Also I wanted to focus on the blue lotus because it is (symbolism of) a very powerful flower. It means integrity, resurrection, potential and evolution. It is the flower all over southeast asia, it goes back 5000 years. Chinese women use it, Persian women use it, Indian women use it, to preserve their youth and beauty. It has amazing anti-oxidant benefits, anti-viral, it’s very soothing, and the entire flower can be consumed. Growing up we used to eat the lotus root, and she used to take the leaves and brew it, and also the seeds, she used to sauté and put them in our food. This blue lotus flower is very special because it has amazing detoxifying properties. It is also the flower for yogis. It is a very special flower that has so many positive meanings, and I wanted that to be communicated on the packaging.

Lotus seeds in my pantry, Jen!

I think it does that very well. It’s very striking. You also use peony.

JY:Yes, in the pur~bright, our ultra skin brightening serum. It’s great for skin, creates an overall brightening effect. It’s hydroquinone free, so it safely brightens your skin.

That ‘s very important. Are you full time with the line now?

JY: Yes, I do no more acting! (laughs)

Why don’t you mention some of the locations pur~lisse is in now?

JY: Our first store was C.O. Bigelow in West Village. It is a really great apothecary, they carry the best niche brands. So that was our first store. Now we’re at Studio Beauty Mix at Fred Segal in Los Angeles. We’re at Henri Bendel. We’re at BlissWorld.com, we’re in the Bliss catalog. We’re also on Beauty.com, Drugstore.com, and then we’re also in Woo Skincare & Cosemetics in Tennessee. And then QVC coming up this Wednesday.

How did that happen with QVC?

JY: Last summer I was introduced to a buyer, and we’ve been communicating with them forever. They loved the product, they loved the story, and it was just working out all of the logistics. We had to create a special size for them for a special price. They are value driven, so people can always find quality products with great deals. It took some time to deal with all of the logistics, all of the new production. I met with the buyer in November and it is finally happening this summer.

Are you actually doing the show live?

JY: Everything is live.

And you will be there?

JY: I will be there!

pur~lisse in Ebony Feb 2009 issue
What have you done to create awareness for the brand? How are you using the social media tools? I see you are on Twitter and Facebook. Have you seen things change since you started to use them?

JY: Absolutely, absolutely. We launched September 2007, and during this time I’ve seen so many changes in PR. Since I’ve started, which is two short years ago, all of the press was so focused on hard print. Magazines. The blog world was barely recognized as an important tool.

I love Facebook, I love Twitter. I knew when I started two years ago I wanted to use them somehow to promote. When Facebook started the business pages I immediately got on. Every friend I have, I always tell them to get on and become a fan! But I’ve noticed such a difference with magazines and blogs. Magazines work back five months. Well in five months information can change drastically, whereas blogging is instant, it’s credible. They (bloggers) try the product, and you can get information out fast. And also, one of the most important things is, once you get blogged it is always on this internet if someone searches for you. Whereas a magazine...I’m always traveling so I don’t get my subscription unless I’m at the airport and I get the magazine. So I think that blogging is so important now, and also social media. Twitter is important.

In this day and age, companies need to be transparent and it is a way for consumers to get to know what the company is about if they are authentic. The connection between the consumer and the creator, it builds a lot of trust. Now it is really important for companies to have that trust. If someone is having a problem or an issue, you can address it to someone. Not just call an 800# and get a receptionist. It is so powerful. To me, it builds trust, and is a way I can reach out to people. Because we don’t have an advertising budget. We don’t advertise. Everything we do has been grassroots.

pur~lisse in Lucky April 2009 issue
That is incredible. And it’s great to hear that you are open and embracing (social media) as a way to connect, because consumers do feel it’s thrilling to speak directly to someone they can recognize as part of the entity. When they see the brand rep, like you, the founder, it is a bit of a thrill.

JY: You know, I hope so. Because I enjoy talking to people on Twitter, and I like to hear what they say too. What their skin problems are, what their favorite products are. To me that is just as joyous.

Can we talk about your line? You have seven items. Let’s talk about how you honed in on the seven pieces to showcase.

JY: When I thought about what my needs were in the beginning, I thought “What are the most essential items woman or a man needs?” As you know, it is a very crowded space, there are so many products, there are so many options. For me I needed it to be streamline. I needed it to be essential. So I thought, what does a man do? What does a woman do? She cleanses her face. We have:

pur~delicate, our gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover
pur~protect with SPF 30, so that’s a daytime moisturizer
pur~moist, which is our hydra-balance moisturizer for night
pur~eye adore, which is our quadra benefit serum
pur~lip comfort, which is our daily lip nourisher

So those are the basic essentials. Then I wanted to address beyond that, so we have two serums. Pur~youth preserve, which we are launching on QVC, and pur~bright ultra, our skin brightening serum.

I think there are three main issues we have. Women (as well as men) are concerned about

anti-aging
skin brightening (lackluster, uneven tones)
acne

We don’t address acne, only anti-aging and skin losing glow. I decided to create this because I’m Asian, and a lot of Asians have problems with hyperpigmentation. But I didn’t create this just for Asians! pur~bright is great for all ethnicities, whether you're African American, Hispanic, because it doesn’t make your skin white, it just makes it bright.

For listeners that don’t understand, hydroquinone has been shown to be a cancer causing agent and is banned in many countries, but still seems to show up a lot.

JY: Exactly. You are absolutely right, and people should be educated on hydroquinone. It is a toxic drug that is banned in countries like Australia. All of UK. All of South Africa. Japan. South Korea. Amongst a lot of other countries, and it’s actually causing a controversy in the States. The FDA is considering banning it because it is very toxic, and if it is not used properly with sunscreen, it can cause irreversible damage.

Touching on the “It’s not only for Asians” thing, all races have problems with discoloration; it just has been a focus in Asia.

JY: Exactly. It can be hormonal. If you’re on birth control it can cause more discoloration. Or if you have sun damage from ten years ago! I’m starting to see a little mark and I think, “Oh goodness, this is from when I loved the sun in high school.”

And pregnancy. I know for myself, the reddening of the skin never went away, and they told me that would happen! It only lightened up. Have you had any other big challenges with this line?

JY: Yes. On a consumer level, I never say we’re organic. If you go to our website, purlisse.com, we are very transparent. It is so clear. We are natural, but not organic. Every ingredient is listed on the back of the product. We are natural, but we integrate French technologies, so I think that consumers need to be aware we are natural, but not organic. During my research, I found people love organic. But for me, personally, organic does not work on my skin. There are some organic lines that have irritated my skin, so I knew I didn’t want that for my line. I wanted something gentle, but extremely effective. Natural, with advanced skin technology.

It’s been a hurdle. Some people get confused about whether we’re organic, but in terms of hurdle? Every day is a hurdle, Hillary, every single day there are new challenges! Everything.

(laughing) That’s great, that is a really honest answer.

JY: No it is, every day is a hurdle. (laughing) I love what I’m doing, I really do, and I’m so happy that I did it. But also, I honestly didn’t know what I was doing. And I say that with pure sincerity.

I was an actress going to auditions, and I decided, “Oh my goodness, I have skin problems. I want to start a skin company,” But the reality is, I’ve never started a beauty company, I’ve never worked for a beauty company. I’ve never worked for any company, period. So there were huge learning curves for me, and I just had to go with it. I didn’t have a lot of training. All I knew was I wanted to develop an amazing skincare line and everything else after that I had to learn on a daily basis. That’s why every day is a challenge, everyday is an obstacle, everyday is learning something new. It’s been fun but, (laughs) goodness, I don’t know if I could do this again.

Do you have mentors that are helping you?

JY: Yes, yes. When I have a problem or issue that I don’t know how to resolve, I usually ask someone who is more experienced, you know, what should I do in this situation? I have several mentors who have been extremely, extremely helpful, and it’s great. Because when you don’t know what your doing it’s good to reach out to people that do, so you can make a decision based on their advice.

It’s good to be open. Sometimes you can be so embarrassed or overwhelmed, but really it’s all about networking and reaching out.

JY: Absolutely.

Once you get past this, do you have any plans for other new launches?

JY: Yes. We’re talking to Sephora right now and Space NK, and we’ll have our schedules out for those two launches.

Are thinking of going international?

JY: I want to! If we get in Space NK we’ll be in the UK. We are in one store in Canada. I want to. I definitely need to hire more people. And I would love to bring pur~lisse to Asia. I think it would do phenomenal there, because of the texture and the way it sinks into your skin, and it’s very calming and soothing but good for age prevention. I think it would do really well. Hopefully by the end of 2010.

---SPECIAL OFFER
To celebrate her launch on QVC, purlisse founder Jennifer Yen is offering FREE purlisse lip moisturizer, $22 value! This product is getting rave reviews. Enter your shipping information HERE and mention "Solessence" and your skin type to get your full size lippy. Then get ready to shop next week. THIS OFFER GOOD UNTIL 8/12, 10PM PST (QVC launch)

Don’t forget to tune into QVC on 8/13 @ 1am EST and 8/12 @ 10pm PST. Jennifer will be launching the pur~youth preserve age delay skin serum with unique deals! The retail price on this product is $79, but the special introductory price on QVC will be $59.09 for this event.

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

Solessence Radio: Jennifer Yen of pur~lisse, 8/7 @ 9amC/10amEST

2009-08-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Solessence Radio: Friday, August 7th 9am C/10am EST (click here for link)

To celebrate her launch on QVC, purlisse founder Jennifer Yen is offering FREE purlisse lip moisturizer, $22 value! This product is getting rave reviews. Enter your shipping information HERE and mention "Solessence" and skin type to get your full size lippy. Then get ready to shop next week. THIS OFFER GOOD UNTIL 8/12, 10PM PST (QVC launch)

Jennifer Yen combines Chinese beauty rituals with French skincare technology to create her line, pur~lisse. Join as she shares how she wound up in the beauty business.

Already carried in high end locations, her line debuts on QVC on 8/13 @ 1am EST and 8/12 @ 10pm PST. Jennifer will be launching the pur~youth preserve age delay skin serum, and let me tell you, it is a WINNER. The retail price on this product is $79, but the special introductory price on QVC will be $59.09 for this event.

Leonor Greyl hair products of choice for Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour

2009-08-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Celebrity hair stylist Andy Lecompte is the man in charge of Madonna's locks during her Sticky & Sweet tour. With such a high profile gig, he's not taking any chances.

Lecompte has stocked up on Leonor Greyl products to combat heat, humidity and the need for M to look stylish during grueling 2+ hour sets.

Want to mimic the material girl's looks at home? Pamper yourself with the exact products she's using:

Eclat Naturel styling cream for dry hair
Laque Souple gentle hold setting spray
Voluforme volumizing setting spray

Meeting Tim Gunn (yummy!)

2009-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest highlights of BlogHer was meeting Tim Gunn of Project Runway. My intro to meeting him went something like this:

TG:That is a fabulous cardigan! (Fingering it) What's the label?
S: (Crap! Who is it by? No offense Target, but I hope I'm not wearing Merona today) Thank you. I can't remember.
TG: Do you mind if I look?
S: (breaking a sweat - I think I remember getting this at Macy*s. Boston Store?)
And with that he went to my side and stuck his hand down my back while he fished around for the tag.
TG: Laura Ashley!
S: Not a floral to be found on it.
TG: And that's a good thing.

I think those commercials with Martha Stewart are influencing him.

But aside from being a total label wh0re, WYSIWYG. This impeccably dressed man is exactly as portrayed on TV. Tall & handsome, he almost looks like a work of art. He is so congenial too.

I asked him how he happened into the field of fashion, and he said,

"I actually thought I was going to be many other things when I grew up."

He went through quite a list of jobs, but dreaming of being a pianist and architect came up multiple times. Isn't it funny how life can bring us around to doing things we'd never dreamed of? He just seems so perfect as a spokesperson.

Yes, these are actually Tim Gunn trading cards this woman's husband made for her. And Tim signed them.

Mr. Gunn's appearance was made possible by Tide®, but the all® fairies (competition) took advantage and were spotted handing out samples of product and chocolate stars.

Solessence Radio: Upcoming Interviews for August

2009-08-04T22:34:00.000-07:00

These upcoming Solessence Radio Interviews will be transcribed to the website:

Jennifer Yen, pur~lisse skincare founder: Jennifer Yen combined Chinese beauty rituals with French skincare technology to create her line, pur~lisse. She combined tenacity and social media to help get the line into sales channels. Already carried in high end locations, her line debuts on QVC on 8/13 @ 1am EST and 8/12 @ 10pm PST.

Top Chef Masters, Mark Peel: In college, Mark landed a job peeling vegetables for Wolfgang Puck at Ma Maison. He eventually worked his way up to poissonier before moving to France for stints at La Tour d’Argent and Le Moulin de Mougins. In 1979, he returned to Los Angeles and began working at Michael’s Restaurant. From there he moved north to Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse and, finally, back to Los Angeles to open the original Spago as Wolfgang Puck’s chef de cuisine. In 1989, he opened both La Brea Bakery and Campanile with business partners Nancy Silverton and Manfred Krankl. He has co-authored several books, including Mark Peel & Nancy Silverton At Home: Two Chefs Cook for Family and Friends and The Food of Campanile, both with former wife and ex-partner Nancy Silverton. New Family Classic Dinners, his new cookbook, is due to be released October 2009. His newest project, Glass and Mirrors, a classic bar and restaurant featuring hand-crafted cocktails, is due to open in Hollywood in late 2009. Mark has five children and is married to television host and comedienne Daphne Brogdon. From Top Chef Masters Bio

Couture Designer, Gilles Montezin

He has clothed Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and many other notables. Now couture designer Gilles Montezin enters into the bridal market with designs exclusive to Kleinfeld Bridal (Say Yes To The Dress). Montezin introduces Le Cinch, a built in corset/girdle that can whittle away up to 4" for the happy day.

Style Expert, Clinton Kelly
Macy*s Make Over America host, author of Freakin' Fabulous and What Not To Wear ambusher Clinton Kelly

BlogHer luncheon by Ragu

2009-07-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ragu created a gigantic sauce jar *out of veggies* at the BlogHer luncheon, complete with Pastarazzi to take photos.

Interview: Daphne Brogdon - TV Host, Comedienne, Blogger

2009-07-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

"...that’s always been one of my goals in life, to make people laugh." ~Daphne Brogdon

Daphne Brogdon: Wife, Mother, Fashion TV Host, Stand Up, Blogger & Vlogger. Read on how Daphne Brogdon uses her blog/vlog to unite Moms through humor, her husband Mark Peel's success, & the shock of losing almost all to Madoff.

This interview is part of the BlogHer'09 week look at beauty & fashion bloggers.

Welcome Daphne.

DB: Hello! It might be a little noisy for a minute. I’m at my husband's restaurant picking up lunch.

Yes, we should mention your husband is none other than Mark Peel. He was recently on Top Chef Masters.

DB:Yeah, he’s Executive Chef at Campanile and also co-created La Brea Bakery, which he no longer owns. He’ll be back on Top Chef Masters in the fall as a judge. His episode is early September.

Speaking of blogging & food converging, we just were at the Julie & Julia premiere last night. It was really great because it was really both our worlds. It’s a great movie, and he had done a little promotional trailer because he had met Julia Child. It’s actually on my blog because he does a little something called Scrambled Eggs for Daphne. (Ed note: Would you just melt to have your chef husband name a dish after you? Rawr!)

So do I sense a husband & wife blogging team forming?

DB:(laughs) Unfortunately, he types henpeck, so I think he’ll be my sidekick.

Well you have so many things going on, and I want to ask: How did you get here?

DB: Mostly it’s because I was doing stand up, and I got to the point where I didn’t want to leave my kids anymore, and I was taxing for another creative outlet. At the same time, I was going to a lot of the baby sites, like a lot of moms do, and I just felt like they were so neutered, not me. Also, moms don’t have much time. So I thought, what if we do a 1 minute video and plant them on different sites? One thing led to another, then I realized I had to put a stake in the blog world to get this done and, there you go. I’m a blogger, and I didn’t even mean to be!

You’re actually now a Vlogger too because of these videos. One minute apiece and they touch on different topics, and they’re funny.

DB: Well, thank you. There are a few poignant ones in there too, but that’s always been one of my goals in life, to make people laugh. I think comedy helps connect people, and moms feel so isolated. Unfortunately, television, it doesn’t help. It just becomes a friend substitute. And I live in Los Angeles, I’m so driving averse. If a friend lives more than two miles away I’m like eh, forget it.

Has the addition of another infant into the mix changed dynamics greatly, or is it merely adding another kid?

I’d say the hardest thing of course is the lack of sleep. The sleep deprivation. In a way, it’s less difficult than I thought it would be. Rex is a pretty easy baby, but of course you never know what you’re going to get. What’s difficult, with my daughter, I would try to sleep when she took a nap. Of course, you can’t do that with two kids, and I’m working now, I wasn’t working before. Fortunately my daughter has not been a little psycho kid, she’s been really sweet to Rex, so that helps too. She hasn’t tried to smother him with a pillow or anything.

Do you write your material in advance or is it a lot of improv?

DB: It actually is a lot of improv, which is my background. I did improv for years and I love it. But I think my blogs are better when I can craft them more, but that’s not always possible. I was so pooped for the last few months with Rex, that I felt like some of my blogs were a little flat or just me being extemporaneous. I’d really like to craft them more. My thing is I need three beats in my minute.

What’s your favorite piece so far?

DB: Wow. Sometimes I can’t even remember them all. Well, recently, one of my favorite pieces I did is called “Princesses”. I really like the way we shot it. Either I shoot the pieces myself or there’s a guy I hire and then we shoot about 12 at once and we string them out. It’s the most economical way to do it and look halfway decent. But my daughter was playing in the background in her princess outfit, not knowing what was going on. I was in the foreground, as if I were making a confessional. My confession was that I was trying to keep her off it, I was trying to keep her clean, but she found the princess thing anyway.

It’s going to happen, they’re getting corrupted no matter what

My kicker is, let’s face it, no matter what we do, when they’re teens they’re going to find drugs. I mean, if they find the princess thing. Disney was not allowed in my house until very recently – I just cried uncle.
You live in LA, how can you be anti-Disneyland?

DB: Well it’s not that I’m anti-Disneyland, although it is a nightmare unto itself. You’ve got to time it right – don’t go in the summer. No, we definitely went there all the time when growing up. But it's the big beast of Disney. Like when we were growing up there was Cinderella, there was Snow White. Then some marketing guy said “Hey, let’s put them all together and make The Princesses!” Then it’s a gateway to Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers. So I just sort of resist that. It’s my hippie upbringing.

Speaking of, I like the Spitup King of So Cal. You had a fabulous top on in that, I have to tell you.

DB: Oh! That was one where I made an effort to get clothed, because you know, the body ain’t what it used to be. Then it was, “Well that’s nice but I can’t nurse in it,” and so I did recently go out and spend for new stuff.

Can I ask – are you really breastfeeding?

DB: Oh yes!

I’m impressed.

DB: Well, when I leave the house, my husband or sitter gives a bottle but it’s all breast milk, 100%. I just taped (an episode), give you a little preview here - we started on the rice cereal. Next thing you know he’ll be dating some b*tch who won’t let him come over to the house for Christmas.

Well, I do know mothers that have breastfed up to five, so you’ve got a few more years to choose. I think that’s stretching it a little but..

DB: I breastfed my daughter until two, but I think if you want to do it until five you can’t do it in public because it freaks everyone out.

What has having this blog done for you personally?

DB: Good question. I didn’t think of it and didn’t want it to be a dear diary. It was, hey I can make the funny and connect with people in real life, connect with moms. I would say - god that’s such a good question. I would say, I have to be more honest, because friends and acquaintances are reading the blog. In some ways, obviously, there are things you just don’t say. I don’t say “Mrs. Smith at the nursery school makes my teeth rattle” or whatever because I have to see her everyday. And I think I have to think my opinions one beat through before I put it down, because the blogosphere will slap you back if they don’t like what you wrote. And it certainly in turn has made me more vulnerable.

Have you had any bad experiences?

DB: Oh sure, sure. I’ve had some people say some mean things, and it’s made me want to pick up my marbles and go home. So then I look at it as, well, just don’t come to my blog. If you don’t like me, get lost, go start your own blog.

I don’t know if you want to touch on this right now, but you have been very open on some painful, and personal topics that have occurred. You can mention it if you want, but was it really tough being open that way with a spouse?

DB: Yeah. Are you talking about how we lost so much with the Bernie Madoff debacle? It was, and that’s why I couldn’t even talk about it for a good seven months after we got the bad news. I just couldn’t. I couldn’t. I had to think about my kids, and my step kids. I was getting calls from lawyers and my husband was getting calls from the Times. Complete strangers were coming up to me and saying “I’m so sorry you had to sell your house." I was like, well, there’s no hiding it. I would rather be the one that screams about it than walking into a room and going, “Do people know what happened?” You know? Because it was pretty devastating, the most devastating thing I’ve ever gone through. To in one day drive home from work and be told our retirement was gone, and we have to sell our house.

I have to say it was really brave of you, and it had to be very tough. For people that are reading or watching the blog, we empathize. Obviously you didn’t do anything wrong. Do you feel freer now?

DB: I got a couple of cruddy comments. Like “Well you had a nice house, I don’t have a nice house, so go stick it." Well, last time I checked, robbery is robbery, whatever level, and our retirement is gone. Our children’s and stepchildren’s college fund is gone. Those are the people that can take a hike. I don’t need them around.

But most people were so sweet. And one of the big reasons I decided to be open about it was I started to get clues on my site from other people struggling from the recession. I thought we could help each other. Like how a mom with a special needs child can feel so isolated can meet another mom and they can help each other.

When we first got our bad news, it was like we were hit in the head. In the ensuing weeks, (we were in a feeder fund, we thought it was a little boutique thing) we found out it was a world wide scam. People that were much smarter about money than we were, or are, frankly made me feel better. Then my husband and I came down to this: Bernie may have ruined his life, but he didn’t ruin our life. We still have our family.

I love that, and I think that is important to remember. How does your husband feel? Is Mark comfortable that you’ve shared it with everyone? Has it helped him handle it?

DB: He was always better with it than I was. I think he was down in the dumps five days. He really was “I’m moving forward. I’m not letting this get me down.” I have to say I felt more traumatized, maybe because I was pregnant. Not exactly the news you want to get when you’re pregnant. He did initially say “I don’t want you to blog about this,” and I said fine. We were still coming to terms with it, and also, he’s a businessman. I didn’t want this in any way to reflect on him. It has nothing to do with his business, it’s totally separate, but I didn’t want any stink on him because of it. But you know, you can’t control information, particularly on the web.

Going back to this whole idea of helping people to not feel alone, I want to touch on something you are involved with called Momversation. How did that evolve?
100th episode of Momversation
DB: Well, it’s kind of an offshoot of CoolMom. In order to develop CoolMom, I paired with a company called Decca, because I wouldn’t know how to build a website, even if I was given my Madoff money back. I just wouldn’t know how to do it. So in a sense, they are a business partner for me, and if there are ever an ads on there they will have gotten them for me. So in conversations, I told them there was a big mom market out here and they should tap into this more. They were able to get a sponsorship and asked me to be a part of it, asked Heather Armstrong (Dooce.com) and other people to do it, and that’s been great! So there is another web venture I accidentally started.

It’s really enjoyable to have all of these different takes on topics. I just recently saw the topic on circumcision, which is probably the heaviest topic I’ve seen. There are some very strong feelings going on there, but those are things people don’t often talk about.

DB: Yeah, it’s all different ones. We try to mix it up between heavy and light. We also do some topical ones like “Are you sick of John & Kate + 8?”. My heavy one, because we all start conversations, is “What are you planning for your children if you and your spouse pass?” That was inspired by the whole Michael Jackson debacle. We were in the midst of the Madoff issue and we had to scrap that will, because there isn’t that money to leave anyone. You still have to figure out everything else.

I’m just so sorry that has happened to you. Do you feel like you are getting back on course now?

DB: Oh yeah. You know, there are moments where I just miss my house.

There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s something you had worked for, the place you lived. We do get attached to our homes and that was the place you were creating (your life & coolmom series). It's okay to grieve. It's important to grieve.

DB: I just think, like my daughter, her birthday is coming up and she wants a big, bouncy house. I don’t think we have room for that. But I do consider us extremely lucky. There is a girl who went to my children’s school and she was just abducted and killed and, nothing, there is just no problem that compares to that. You’ve just got to keep perspective. Everything is fine, we live in a fine place, knock on wood we are both working, and Top Chef has been a lot of fun.

The Fashion Team is still going, and I just did a little bit of that at the Julie and Julia event, checking out the fashions. It’s been really fun.

Tell me about it.

DB: Well, it’s like a little hidden gem on the basic cable landscape, because it’s just, get your knife and fork and let’s dig in to celebrity fashion. You know, when you just want to gaze at dresses and fashion and celebrity? And that’s what we do. We do a lot of trying to find the funny, but we also strike a blow for the regular gal. Sure, that outfit could be fine if you’re a size 0, but it’s not going to work if you have hips. It’s just fun. Finding looks for less. Also, if you can only afford one trend for summer, what should it be? BTW, it’s the maxi dress. Things like that. Our average viewer makes about $35k a year, so while we talk about highbrow things we always try to make it accessible.

Thank you Daphne.

What's Ahead?

TV Guide Networks' The Fashion Team airs on Sundays at 7pm/P

Mark Peel has cookbook coming out on Classic American Cooking. He’ll take things like Chicken ala King and make something new.

Thank you Daphne!

Follow Daphne here: CoolMoms.com and here: Momversation

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

Zoya 5000 - follow on Twitter - get 3 free nail polishes

2009-07-28T21:28:00.001-07:00

Sounds pretty good, right? Follow Zoya_NailPolish on Twitter. If they reach 5000 by August 3rd, the nail polish is on them!

Follow us while you are at it too!

Tutorial: False Eyelashes

2009-07-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

I was asking around the other day whether women are wearing false eyelashes, either daily or special occasion only, when someone asked if I could give her a quick guide - four step max - on how to apply them. Sure! This is for you Meg.

Product: For this tutorial I am using Revlon Fantasy Lengths Complete Kit, #91002 Intensifying. This kit comes complete with glue, which makes life easier.

If you want to get fancy, check out MAC or Shu Uemura's legendary lash ba r.

Step 1: Remove lashes carefully. Press on the lash and pull down, not across. Pulling across distorts the form and makes it much harder to apply.

Step 2: Apply a solid bead of adhesive and let it set for 60 seconds or so to get a bit tacky and adhere better.

Step 3: Set the outer corner down as close to lash line as possible. It should butt right up against it.

Step 4: Press. I use a cuticle stick to help get the lashes to the line, as well as pressing firmly against lid. Use caution.

Finished Product. At this point you can add mascara if you like to blend in your natural and the fake lashes.

So what do you think? Will you try it?

BlogHer: Best mani/pedi accessorization

2009-07-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Meet: Melissa Massello , Founder & Editor in Chief of shoestring magazine

Spotted: Revealing a great contrast in yellows and greens while unwittingly striking a pose.

I asked her a few questions about her mani/pedi philosophy:

Those colors look striking with your outfit. Do you usually go with a matching set?

I don't have a specific policy on matching colors, but I do generally "Go bold or go home," since I can get away with it with my Italian coloring and personality. If I'm not wearing yellow or silver, it's classic, lipstick red, although I've done everything from gold to metallic blue to neon green and back again.

As with anything in fashion, if you own it and make it your own and it makes you confident and happy when wearing it, people will notice it in a positive way.

Where can readers get the look?

The polish was OPI. It's a matte*, but they also make a pearlized yellow. I got the mani/pedi for $44 ($49 with tip) at Nail Perfection on East Ohio (Chicago, Illinois). I have a similar color I use at home that is between $7 and $9 at Walgreens and CVS.

*Can't find any lead on a yellow matte from OPI. However, there are a number of matte topcoats available that can be used.

Thanks Melissa. Kudos on the great site you have with shoestring.

How many of you will jump the bold and perhaps matte trend?

Lush Cosmetics, Macy*s and Blogalicious Pamper Party

2009-07-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

What have we here? Gatekeeper to the Lush Blogalicious Party.

Lone sentry to Macy*s Watertower, Chicago.

It was lights out for a while, so we partied in the dark.

The drink of the night was the Kir Royale, aka BombaLushious

Free facials were provided (see woman at counter on right)

The massage guy was super cute, but I'd heard in advance he only 'specialized' in arm massages. That's like getting felt up by someone you don't like.
I did like him though, so that theory didn't hold up.

Foot treatments too!

Veronica Arreola, blogger at VivalaFeminista and upcoming speaker at Blogalicious '09 in Atlanta, GA enjoys a bath bomb.

There was a lot of party hopping on Friday, and the Lush event was one of the best. The downtime gave people a chance to really meet other people. The scents and services were relaxing. Everyone was very friendly.

The Macy*s Watertower location in Chicago was the first US location to allow a Lush buildout. And after three years, this was the first after hours event Lush had ever held. I impressed that they were creating the party atmosphere and providing reminders for travelers ("buy and we ship!"). Many thanks to all involved for a great time.

My favorite experience was the facial. Items selected were for sensitive skin as I am finishing up a face peel. This is what was used:

Cleanser - Ultrabland
Mask - Catastrophe Cosmetic (fresh blueberry) Not available online

Toner - Eau Roma Water

Moisturizer - Gorgeous

Lush products are vegetarian! If you haven't checked them out before, there are stand alone stores and store in Macy*s all across the nation. Or, you can use their website at www.lushusa.com

Ann Taylor - Fall Preview

2009-07-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

From BlogHer '09
I had planned on attending the fall preview at Ann Taylor today, but had a last minute travel change.

There were some lovely pieces at the show. Visit online or one of the many locations for the latest.

Ann Taylor store 8
520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago

(312) 329-1642

Back from BlogHer

2009-07-25T22:46:00.001-07:00

Today was the wrap-up for BlogHer '09 held at the Sheraton in Chicago, Illinois.

Though heavily geared toward Mom Blogs, there was plenty of beauty news to be had! The laptop/internet connection was on overload so I wasn't able to post. In fact, I had to move Daphne Brogdon's interview until next week. So, I will be getting the stories up as quickly as I can process.

On a first up, personal note, people kept asking about my lipcolor! Thanks to MAC Cosmetics. I used a base lipstick Cremesheen (Creme in Your Coffee) with the limited Tricolor Lipglass in Tasty. Oh the limited collections make me weep.

Poko Pano - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim

2009-07-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Poko Pano put on a beautiful show at Fashion Week. Catch the rest of the designers here.

Can't wait to get our Freak on at BlogHer!

2009-07-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight! Estee Lauder's America's Night to Repair

2009-07-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to pick up your free 10-day supply at Estee Lauder counters. Tonight only. If you have never used it before, it is great stuff.

¡Yo quiero Taco Bell! pup passes away at age 15

2009-07-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

As a supporter of LA branch New Lease On Life (NLOL), Sue Chipperton has graced our pages here before for dog lovin' reasons. Last year she was a photo finalist for this shot of her dog Jackson in a national competition and came oh-so-close to winning.

Chipperton has had an exciting history in Hollywood as an animal trainer/wrangler, and one of her most recognizable studies has passed away. Gidget, the Taco Bell dog suffered a stroke and died at age 15.

Gidget lived a comfortable life, and had not only won over the world with her cries of "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" (where she played a he), but also had appearances in a 2002 GEICO gecko commercials, and in 2003's Legally Blonde 2: Red White & Blonde, as Bruiser's mom.

According to Chipperton, Gidget enjoyed going on hikes and relaxing under the sun. She'd happily sleep "for 23 hours and 45 minutes a day" or "lay outside when it's 105 degrees," she said.

But when it was go-time on set, Gidget came alive. "One time, I kid you not, she actually pushed her stand-in out of the way because he was still there when she arrived on set," Chipperton recalled. "Gidget always knew where the camera was."

RIP Gidget! Just last week my son opened up the Taco Bell Dog w/rose that I've kept in the plastic bag for all of these years! Enjoy one of the many commercials.

Designer Gilles Montezin - Sex and the City sample sale, anyone?

2009-07-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Gilles Montezin is a fabulous designer who truly knows women and couture. Patricia Field spotted his talent and sourced his clothing for Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Fine fabrics. Detailing. What's not to love? Seriously. His clothing has been designed for and worn by Sarah Jessica Parker and many other notables.

I was thrilled to find an invitation to this blowout samples sale (making way for his new designs in his newish studio). If you are in NYC next week I ask that you let me live vicariously through you and pick up a few pieces. This chance won't come again.

You are invited...








Gilles Montezin Sample Sale

WHAT: Prices from $50 - $400  (90% off retail)

WHEN: Tues. July 28 - Thurs. July 30 from 12-7PM

WHERE: 325 West 38th Street, 5th Floor. NYC


www.gillesmontezin.com

From A to Z: Amazon becomes sole Zappos stockholder

2009-07-22T13:33:00.001-07:00

Breaking News: $807 million in Amazon stock. $40 million in cash & restricted stock. Break out the bubbly! (this is another breakdown going around)

Letter from Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos:

The following email was sent to our employees today:

Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009
From: Tony Hsieh (CEO - Zappos.com)
To: All Zappos Employees
Subject: Zappos and Amazon

Please set aside 20 minutes to carefully read this entire email. (My apologies for the occasional use of formal-sounding language, as parts of it are written in a particular way for legal reasons.)

Today is a big day in Zappos history.

This morning, our board approved and we signed what’s known as a “definitive agreement”, in which all of the existing shareholders and investors of Zappos (there are over 100) will be exchanging their Zappos stock for Amazon stock. Once the exchange is done, Amazon will become the only shareholder of Zappos stock.

Over the next few days, you will probably read headlines that say "Amazon acquires Zappos" or "Zappos sells to Amazon". While those headlines are technically correct, they don't really properly convey the spirit of the transaction. (I personally would prefer the headline “Zappos and Amazon sitting in a tree…”)

We plan to continue to run Zappos the way we have always run Zappos -- continuing to do what we believe is best for our brand, our culture, and our business. From a practical point of view, it will be as if we are switching out our current shareholders and board of directors for a new one, even though the technical legal structure may be different.

We think that now is the right time to join forces with Amazon because there is a huge opportunity to leverage each other's strengths and move even faster towards our long term vision. For Zappos, our vision remains the same: delivering happiness to customers, employees, and vendors. We just want to get there faster.

We are excited about doing this for 3 main reasons:

1) We think that there is a huge opportunity for us to really accelerate the growth of the Zappos brand and culture, and we believe that Amazon is the best partner to help us get there faster.

2) Amazon supports us in continuing to grow our vision as an independent entity, under the Zappos brand and with our unique culture.

3) We want to align ourselves with a shareholder and partner that thinks really long term (like we do at Zappos), as well as do what’s in the best interest of our existing shareholders and investors.

I will go through each of the above points in more detail below, but first, let me get to the top 3 burning questions that I'm guessing many of you will have.

Click here to read Tony's letter for more info and legalese.

I'm so excited! Daphne Brogdon - 7/24 12:30pm central

2009-07-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

To read the interview transcript please click here
I think of good blogs to write but I don't have the time and I'm too tired. Ah, the irony of mom blogging. ~ Daphne Brogdon

Kudos to the Blogosphere during BlogHer week continues on Friday, July 24 at 12:30pm Central, when Daphne Brogdon joins Solessence Radio. Daphne is co-host of TV Guide Network's The Fashion Team, with Lawrence Zarian.

She's also a very funny comedian, and one of the original mommy bloggers. Author of CoolMom , Daphne vlogs and posts on marriage (to renown chef Mark Peel), pregnancy, dynamics of a second child, feeling out of shape, family vacays and the very revealing and heart wrenching personal loss of their savings and retirement from the Madoff scandal. While she is a blast on her TV show, she especially shines in her writing. Women seem to bond with her. Men declare her MILFy.

This interview will be taking place during BlogHer conference. If you aren't able to catch it live, we'll have transcripts and downloads available later.

Have a question to ask her? Please feel free to post or email to solessencenews AT gmail DOT com.
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Daphne's Bio:

Daphne Brogdon is a comic and a TV host. Daphne used to go anywhere for a job, but now that she is a mom she is glad to have a gig close to home. She is a host of TV Guide Channel's weekly series, The Fashion Team, a fun romp through celebrity fashion. In her segment, "Fashion Mommy Must Haves," she focuses on fashion stories that relate to the mom perspective. She also makes fun of how famous people dress every week in Star Magazine's "Worst of the Week." Daphne is a somewhat regular contributor to CNN Headline's Showbiz Tonight, a contributor to Pregnancy Magazine, and the host of FOX's web show 24 Inside. She's also been seen on Dr. Phil and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

An improviser, Daphne's shtick used to involve dating advice from a woman's perspective, because prior to marriage, she dated a lot. She has appeared on "The X-Show" where for a time she was the only female late-night host on television. She has also hosted the controversial dating reality show "Playing it Straight," on FOX.

As a stand-up comic, she has performed at the Riviera Comedy Club in Las Vegas, the Improv in Hollywood, the Comedy Store in Hollywood as well as synagogues and weddings, countless laundromats, dive bars, and rooms she wasn't sure what they were, but there was a mic.

Daphne is from Culver City, CA where her father John Carl's foray into local politics (Mayor pro tem of Culver City) gave her an interest in politics early on. Another part of her act now is her family. Daphne is married to Mark Peel, Executive Chef and owner of Campanile Restaurant and co-founder of La Brea Bakery. They have a toddler, Vivien, an infant son Rex, and Mark has three children of his own. They reside in Los Angeles.

Tonight: Temptalia.com, Christine Mielke

2009-07-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Check back next week for the transcript of tonight's show.

Set Reminder for Tonight's Show

It's a busy week with the BlogHer conference starting. In honor of all things internet, we'll be featuring Christine Mielke, founder of Temptalia.com By day she's a law student, and one of the top makeup bloggers around. At a height of 200k unique visitors a month, Christine Mielke has crafted her blog Temptalia into one of the hottest makeup resources. Her signature closeups of eye and lip applications, along with reviews of different brands, are top notch instructionals for readers. Combine that with her willingness to engage her audience, and you often find a lively comment trail for her posts. Come for a half hour discussion to find out how this all started, some of her favorite makeup brands, how she recommends creating a buzz for blog brands.

A Good Read: Schiaparelli Shocking - the original Gaultier bottle

2009-07-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

When John Paul Gaultier first came out with his line of "corset" perfumes, they looked all too familiar. That's because two Elsa Schiaparelli bottles have sat on my dressing table since high school, passed on to me by my incredibly fashionable aunt.

As someone interested in design, I instantly fell in love with the dress forms the bottles were mimicking. If you look closely at the smaller bottle, there is actually a measuring tape, and seal underneath. The large bottle had been full of the signature scent Shocking. During a move, it opened, corroding the flowers and ruining the tape. Ah well, it is still lovely.

I love everything about these bottles. The beauty of the forms. The glass and enamel leaves and flowers. The embossed lace design. The velvet lining. The smaller bottle still has the stand, it is just not attached in the photo. The underside is shocking pink. They've got some wear because they were used, but they represent a time when beautiful detailing was crucial to packaging, not a project cost killer. Oh the thrill to touch the throat with the golden, glass stopper. This is part of the experience a simple spritz cannot match.

Schiaparelli was Coco Chanel's biggest competitor, and was known for bringing fashion to the masses. After the war, her perfumes sold particularly well, but the downfall to her line was that it was easily copied. I don't know if this is the case, but I'll give Gaultier the benefit of the doubt and cast his line as a tribute.

If you'd like a good read, check out this designer who pushed the creative envelope for fashion. If you're a fan, give Schiaparelli a shout out!

Crocs about to go extinct

2009-07-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Free falling from a 2007 fiscal year profit of $168.2 million to 2008 loss of $185.1 million, Crocs are nearing extinction.

In a classic example of too much, too fast, the company expanded in multiple locations worldwide to meet sales demands - 100 million pairs in 6 short years. In a waning economy, and perhaps total market saturation, sales have plummeted. Factories and shipping locations that were shoring up now stand empty.

John Duerden replaced Ron Snyder as CEO this year, and believes Crocs have a revival in niche markets for medical, catering and people with troubled soles. It is rumored George Clooney will be on board to rep the shoes.

Does the company really stand a chance? Growing too fast is almost more deadly than no growth.

The image overhaul may not help. One reason Crocs went where others did not is that they were able to entice men and children to buy. I've seen this new style on and have to admit, they were pretty attractive. But decidedly feminine.

By fall, Crocs, with the popularity of Beanie Babies, could just be another chapter of plastic shoe history to add to Jellies. Do you wear them? Would you miss them?

Interview: Syd Curry - celebrity hair stylist

2009-07-14T14:27:00.001-07:00

I am not about a blow dry ~ Syd Curry

He's coiffed an incredible client list, from supermodels to award winning actors to the President of the United States. Now he's opened a new salon in...Aberdeen, Mississippi? Find out who inspires Syd Curry and his take on stylists trying to make it into the business today.

This article is dedicated to Syd Curry's mother, who passed away on March 7, 2009.

This is a combination of transcript from his interview on Solessence Radio and subsequent phone calls and emails.

Hi Syd. Today we’ve got you down in Aberdeen, Mississippi. First, I was wondering if you would give everyone a little bit of background on how you started. Of course, you are a celebrity hair stylist; you had a big break with Mariah Carey.

SC: I did have a big break with Mariah Carey, but I started my career years before her. I started beauty school when I was 16, got my license at 18, and moved to Hollywood from Simi Valley, this small little town in Ventura, California. I got my break from Chantal Cloutier, who owns the Cloutier Agency, and my first editorial was with Matthew Rolston [photographer], who was just starting at the time. I started my career with Paul Starr, who sadly just passed away a few months ago, and we started doing catalog. There really was no fashion work to speak of at all in LA, but there was a lot of catalog, which taught me everything I know. I was fortunate I got to work with girls like Gia, and Jerry Hall, and the young, pre-surgery Janice Dickenson – who is probably the best model I’ve ever watched work, by the way.

Those girls taught me what to do for a camera. I did that for years and years, and I went to Las Vegas to do one of my first videos for Buster Pointdexter, who is David Johanson, lead singer of the New York Dolls, and met my business partner and best friend, [celebrity makeup artist] Billy b. Twenty something years ago. Way longer than we care to talk about. And we became best friends. I found out he was from Mississippi, my whole family is from Mississippi, and we started testing together. I used to go and I’d sleep on his kitchen floor in New York and he’d come to LA and we’d do jobs for free, and years later, he started working with Mariah. They came to LA and he introduced us, and then we spent about the next four years traveling all over the world with Mariah, which was my really huge break.

Did you intend to break into music and fashion?

SC: Yes, absolutely. I like to cut hair, and I like to do color. But styling is always what I love. It’s what I’ve always been best at, and it lets you be creative. It’s what I always wanted. Right about the same time I met Mariah I met Sally Hershberger, who is a very famous hairdresser, who couldn’t do a job and recommended me to Cindy Crawford. At the time Cindy was hosting House of Style for MTV, and that really took my career to another level. She was at the height of the 90’s supermodel.

That was one of my favorite looks – I loved her hair.

SC: It was an amazing time. The 90’s were good to me. Many years before, like I said, there wasn’t a whole lot to do in LA, and I was never interested in living in New York, I don’t know why. And then everything changed.

What do you mean by that?

SC: Well, everything changed for LA. They started shooting fashion there. Then all of the magazines started putting celebrities on the cover. So LA became the place to be. The celebrity thing is a whole other story. It’s a lot of babysitting. It's very fun, I love it, but you know, it’s a lot of babysitting to be perfectly honest.

You started beauty school at a very young age - 16. Were your parents supportive?

SC: My parents were very supportive of me going to beauty school. I didn't do well in school and they were smart enough to know that my talents lay elsewhere and let me go to continuation school. At 16 I went to high school half day and beauty school half day. My ma passed away March 7 and she was my biggest fan. She NEVER got tired of telling people that I did President Clinton's hair, even though she didn't vote for him.

Did you have any professional challenges you had to overcome?

SC:Yeah. Well, it’s well documented, my drug addiction. I’ve been clean, in April; knock on wood, three years. I had a little drug problem that lasted 30 years. You know, it took its toll. And when I talk about this in the context of work, I don’t want anyone to think I’m glamorizing it or anything. But I was able to work. I was on heroin for 30 years. I was also on methadone for 20 of those years. And the methadone allowed me to not be sick at work, so nobody really knew. It had nothing to do with the business – I didn’t do it with anybody I worked with – it was my thing. A lot of people, when they talk to me about it they say, “Well it was the time, there was drugs on set.” I never did drugs on set. With anyone. Ever.

It all came crashing down at the end of ’99. It’s going to catch up with you sooner or later, and it caught up with me. I walked away from my career and didn’t work from 2000 until 2005. It was a very dark time. I thought my career was over for sure. Fortunately, I had a great agent then who realized there was a problem and stopped sending me out before I ruined my reputation. Billy b. thought I was dead. Nobody knew where I was, and Billy finally tracked me down. When I finally went into rehab I had my mom call him and he was just really supportive and there for me.

It was a long process, and when I got out, Billy introduced me to Patricia Field. My first job out of rehab was doing Pat’s hair for her Academy Award nomination for The Devil Wears Prada. What a way to comeback, right? You know, there’s a whole lot that goes into that story. It was a very dark time, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, but the business I’m in is very forgiving. People have been amazing, and welcomed me back with open arms, because it’s about me being clean and sober now, and doing a good job with what they hire me for.

And you are still very definitely in demand. Just last year you did the Oscars.

SC: Yes, I did Daniel Day Lewis for his Oscar win. Long story short, this past year Pat’s been my main client. I bought a house in Mississippi in Billy’s hometown and my whole family was from here. We opened this business, but my mother was also very sick and passed away this past March, just a couple of months ago, so I really focused on being back here with her. Sunday, in two days, I go back to LA to do some fun stuff. It’s an exciting time for me.
Let’s touch on that.

SC: We launched in January. This is Billy’s hometown, Aberdeen, Mississippi, and he’d been trying to get me back for years. I hadn’t been back to see my family since ’86. I’m the only one in my family not born and raised back here, and me and my mom moved back to be with her family. So I came back to Billy’s hometown and found a 102-year-old Arts & Crafts home and restored it and fell in love with it. Billy has a big old Victorian house and one day we were having dinner or something and we said “Why don’t we turn this into a salon?” Just kind of joking around – but we did it. You can see the gallery pictures on www.billyandsyd.com. It’s just great, very steel magnolias. It is a beautiful old Victorian house that we put our spin on. Well, Billy did, I don’t have the decorating gene. Billy’s the kind of person that walks in and says Tear that Wall down, put that up and I just go “ok.”

You’ve collaborated for years

SC: Yeah, close to 25 years

I was just thinking about this. I met him with Arianne Phillips, Madonna’s stylist, and I’m going to work with Ari who I haven’t worked with in, gosh, I can’t remember the last time I worked with Ari and Billy, all three of us. I’m going to do a fragrance campaign for Christian Audigier. The beautiful Guinevere Van Neesus for Numero with photographer Jeff Burton. I’m doing Numero with Ari, and I think Billy, or my friend Katy Young. And then I’m shooting Kathy Rodriquez, LA designer, and three models. She owns Resurrection Vintage stores, amazing stores. I’ve been doing her shows and campaigns and we’re shooting her for Vanity Fair.

With the traveling, how much time do you spend at your new shop? If people want to call up and book, what kind of schedule should they expect?

SC: Originally I was going to spend a week a month, but my house is done, I’ve got a new dog, and I’m getting to know family for the first time. So I’m really kind of here, and kind of loving it. I think this is going to be my base. I say that for now. I will always consider LA home. I was born in Santa Monica, my best and dearest friends are there, but I’m kinda loving Mississippi.

New experiences are good.

SC:I may be 500 pounds when I get out of here (laughs)

All of that southern comfort food

SC:Yes, all of that comfort food, fried which is my favorite. Fry it I’ll eat it.

Do you have a new favorite?

SC:Fried pickles.

Fried pickles?

SC:Yeah yeah , I love friend pickles. My dad always made them, and my mom, my mom moved to California and became my California beach girl and made everything out of a box. My dad fried everything. And down in Jackson, by Aunt Gertie’s house, is a great catfish place I’m in love with.

Do you actually fish yourself or just eat it?

SC:You know, I haven’t fished while I’ve been here,but I grew up fishing, I love fishing. We could walk to the lake. Kind of amazing, everybody should come to Mississippi and check it out. It’s not what everybody thinks. We get a bad rap here. And there’s some very stylish people. And the cool thing is, where we are, we’re about an hour and a half from Memphis. I’ve been getting people from Memphis, from Atlanta, from Nashville, from all over have been coming. Billy is very well known here and I’m kind of guilty by association.

Atlanta’s becoming the next hot beauty hub so I can understand the big traffic draw from there. What kinds of products are you using?

SC:I’m using everything that I love. I keep my backroom stocked with everything I like over the years. I keep (L'Oreal) Elnett Hairspray, I love Moroccan Oil, but we’re in this really small town and there’s not a lot of people who are going to want to spend money on Moroccan Oil, so business wise? It’s not a smart thing.

I love Paul Mitchell Super Skinny line, I love the serum, but you know, you can get it at the drugstore. So I’m not so focused on the product thing, I’m focused on what I use to achieve the look on women and then I tell them what to get. You know, you can get Elnett at Target! Aren’t you the one that told me? You did tell me that! I almost fell over, I was so excited.

Yes, you're right (that was from a conversation in 2008. He’s got an good memory)

SC: I know who we didn’t talk about that I worked with this year – Tina Turner! That might have been the biggest highlight of my career. Little back-story: I never wanted to work with Ann-Margaret, Tina Turner or David Bowie because they are my favorite (celebrities). Tina Turner, I used to hitchhike to go see, by myself. Her music meant so much to me, and I didn’t want that rock star fantasy in my head to be blown. If they were jerks, I didn’t want to know it. Fast forward from age 15 when I used to hitch hike to, well, I just turned 55 this year. That’s a lot of years later. And I get a call to do her hair, and I’m like sure, why not. She was everything I wanted her to be. She had the (Rolling) Stones playing the whole time,

Were you nervous?

SC:No! Which is the cool thing about it. I’m old, you know? I’ve worked with the President of the United States. I’ve done Madonna’s hair. I’ve done a lot of work with nasty people, I’ve worked with amazing people, and when I was a mess, and younger, I would make myself sick being nervous. Things are so different now. You know what? I can do hair. And I go in and do my job.

I was nervous driving over but as soon as I met her she said “What do you think I need?” I told her and she said “You’ve done your homework” and I’m like, “Honey, I know every hairdo you’ve ever had” (laughs). She invited me to come sit on the couch, and I told her about all those times I went to see her as a kid, and what her music meant to me. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

I was talking about Paul Starr, and I hadn’t seen Paul for seven or eight years. He did her makeup, and so I got to spend two days with Paul. He passed away a couple of months later. It was a special memory, that whole job. Paul and I both loved her, and we both used to crack up and sing her songs, you know, lip sync with the little headphone sets. It was a full circle kind of thing.

You mentioned your resume, the names you can drop, yet you are so down to earth.

SC: It’s one of those things like at work, people are, “Well you’re really nice.” Well, why wouldn’t I be? I’m just a hairdresser. You know? It’s like most people think celebrities are going to be nightmares, but in fact, most are just regular people who happen to be famous.
Syd created the raven bob for George Michael's video Father Figure

Now don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of them that aren’t. But on the whole, there’s a handful of people who I won’t name, that I would never set foot in a room with again. But 85% of the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They‘ve been great and decent and really fun. You know, even the drugs, all that stuff, I wouldn’t change a minute of anything. Because it’s all made possible what is happening today, which is living my life, enjoying success and a million things to be thankful for.

For people trying to become stylists today, what are the challenges?

SC: I think everyone wants to become hair and makeup artists now. First of all, we have to go to the times we are in. It’s hard out there for everybody now. To put it into
numbers, without saying what the numbers were, in the 90’s they threw money at us. Stupid money. It was great to get, but crazy. You know, now they pay you for your job. It’s not excessive. It’s a very different time and I think what’s happening, not so much in big fashion, but, if you want to make a living doing catalog , there is always someone coming up that is willing to do it for a little bit less, and that is what I think people are doing. I think it’s a hard time in this industry. I know it’s a hard time for people in the film business, I know that for a fact.

I never was in the union, but I know people in the union and they are losing their benefits because they can’t get jobs to work enough hours to keep them. It’s not a good time anywhere, but I just think there’s a million people that want to do hair and makeup, freelance, celebrity stuff. And again, I don’t mean this the wrong way at all, but I think a lot more need to pay their dues. Let’s put it this way: people who I idolized before I had any kind of a name were Oribe and Garren and Danilo, who are still very famous, and there is a reason for it. Because they all do quality work. They are famous, they make top money, but they don’t slack on anything. They are new and they’re inventive.

You see a lot of people who are new and come on and they latch on – that’s the wrong term - but who get attached to one celebrity, but it makes their career big. But it’s just one look. Do you know what I mean? And I don’t mean that mean spirited at all. I just appreciate someone who’s worked hard and can do more than one thing. Which all of those people I named have proven over and over and over again. And there are a lot of others. Chris McMillan I think is very talented. There is a different person for every job. Sally Herschberger is incredibly talented. Sally’s great at one thing, Chris is great at another, Oribe is great at another thing, you know what I mean? I don’t know, it’s a weird time in the business. I’m just happy to still be a part of it.

What has been your favorite look?

SC: I’ve had a few. My favorite thing right now is in my salon. It's huge, it's almost wall sized. It' - is the story I did for Prestige, the Queen Mary story - the Asian girl with the big white wig I made. Kathy Young did the makeup, my friend Paris Libby, who is now living in Hong Kong and is one of the editors of Prestige, was “Ok, we’re going to put a ballcap on her, and you’re going to need you to make a wig. It was one of those things where I didn’t have time to think about it and I just did it and did it and went “Oh my God, did I do that?” (laughs). And it’s absolutely my favorite thing from the past few years. I love the Pat Field Destination campaign. Tthere are a million other things but, I love stupid little things. Like giving Mariah (Carey) pigtails for the Dream Lover video. It completely changed her look without changing it. I love all my stuff that has a retro feel to it, you know that looks done without being done. I’m not about a blowdry. Even if I’m on the beach. The stuff I did with Chante and Cindy is great, but that hair is work. My first and only Vogue cover was with Chante, with Stephanie Seymour. It was my first job with Chante, we shot for British Vogue and that will always be a huge huge, well, you know, I had no idea it was for a cover. My agency called and said “The Vogue’s out, go pick it up” and it was the cover. It’s one of those moments. So I have some favorites. But right now it’s the Chinese girl. And it’s kind of hysterical in Mississippi. People come in and they go (in a southern accent) “I don’t wanna look like that!” (peals of laughter) I love it.

Thanks so much Syd.

SC:Thanks so much, it was fun and say hi to Billy, well, I’ll see Billy before you will I’ll see him Sunday.

Syd returns back to Los Angeles this week for a shoot with German Vogue.

Directors Cut: Bonus questions answered

1. Billy is such an important person in your life. Have you ever been involved on a personal level?

a. No no no never have been, never will be. He is my best friend.

2. There are always tough customers, the types of jobs you mentioned requiring babysitting. What is the best way to handle this type of customer?

The way I handle it is:
i. Smile
ii. Do your job
iii. Get your check
iv. Don’t look back

3. You are placing an open call here for Los Angeles based assistants. An incredible opportunity. What are you looking for?

SC: I need to find new assistants based in LA. Anybody listening in based in LA? I have been away, or when I work with Pat, I often work by myself. My friend Johnny Stumps works with me all of the time, but he’s a hairdresser in his own right, not an assistant.

I’m looking for somebody who knows what hot rollers are. Somebody that knows how to do something besides blow dry and flatiron, and I’m not being nasty at all. I just feel like a lot of schools don’t teach the old school things you need to know. Like I said, I learned so much from all of those women that taught me when I was very young coming up. Like Jerry Hall, she made me set her hair wet, and had a portable dryer. It’s all of that old school stuff, like everything I learned in beauty school – pin curls and finger waves. It is all stuff I use everyday.

I always love to meet a kid who’s hungry. I love new talent and ideas, which is how I learn, and is also exciting for me. If you show me something new – hey. I love that. That’s one thing that has been good working in a salon for a change. I have some people around me where I go “Hey, I’ve never seen that before.” Because usually when you are on a set, it’s you. You don’t get to watch other people work. When I did Pat (Field) for fashion week, her show, I think I had 18 assistants and it was so much fun watching everyone work. That’s what I want. I just want somebody that’s hungry, that maybe I can learn from too.

To contact Syd Curry about an opportunity to assist, or to book him for a shoot, please use one of the following contacts:

~ Hillary Fry / solessence

kushy job

2009-07-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Oh No He Didn't! - I F*ing Hate Crocs

2009-07-12T20:03:00.001-07:00

I don't usually post an entire rant, but he was on a roll. (start bottom and work up). Next time, tell us how you really feel.

Blinded by the Light: Anti-Paparazzi Clutch Bag

2009-07-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Designer Adam Harvey is releasing a limited edition clutch bag that could be the end all for Harvey Levine meal tickets.

The Anti-Paparazzi Clutch contains a patent pending device that sends a flash of light when detecting another camera flash. The user can use the purse to shield the face and effectively wipe out any possible photos.

Of course, this only works at night, you have to have a quick hand, you don't want to grab the wrong clutch when you are needing to have a quick pic, say at the Ivy or Chow (however, the device can be controlled with on/off switch or by the way it is held). Pretty cool all the same. It will be available in 2010.

Urgent Benefit for Tara Subkoff - Imitation of Christ & BeBe designer

2009-07-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

EMERGENCY FUNDRAISER

URGENT art benefit for Tara Subkoff

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Time: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: DEITCH PROJECTS
SILENT AUCTION
COCKTAILS - RACHEL CHANDLER AND PAUL SEVIGNY TO DJ

WHY: We are very sorry to say that our great friend Tara Subkoff has been diagnosed with a form of brain tumor known as an acoustic neuroma. While benign, it will be fatal to her in approximately two years if not operated on. Recuperation from the necessary operation may take as long as a year. During this time it will not be possible for her to work. We are writing in the hope that all of you can help.

The operation should take place in August if Tara is to avoid deterioration in her mobility and hearing, possible facial palsy and other symptoms. The tumor has exceeded three centimeters, which places extreme urgency on removal and rules out radiation and less invasive methods of treatment. There are eleven specialists involved, due to the extremely delicate area around the tumor. All proceeds from the benefit would go towards covering the remainder of the costs of the operation, and possibly to the care that will be needed afterwards.

Jeffery Deitch has kindly offered his Grand Street space for a benefit on July 15th. We want to put together a really terrific array of artworks for a silent auction. Tara is donating her collection of 200 pieces of Imitation of Christ couture, also to be in the auction.

We realize that this is very short notice and that you are all inundated with benefit requests. If you can possibly help by donating a small work, we would be incredibly grateful. If you are not able to donate a work at this time, monetary donations are also most welcome.

Checks can be made payable to: NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts)

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS EMAIL, WHETHER AN ARTIST OR A NON ARTIST, PLEASE CONSIDER IN AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT THE EVENT, OR IF NOT ABLE TO COME, TO SEND A SMALL DONATION.

Dear Artists,

If you can help PLEASE LET US KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE, AS TIME IS VERY SHORT. We can then email you a donation form.

ART DROP OFF: Art Production Fund has generously offered the use of their offices - and interns for pick-ups - if necessary.

ADDRESS: APF, 299 WEST HOUSTON ST, GROUND FLOOR BTWN HUDSON AND GREENWICH STREETS, NY 10014

PHONE: 212-966-0193

EMAIL: staff@artproductionfund.org

MONDAY - THURSDAY 10-4 (PLEASE NOTE NO FRIDAY DROP OFF)

Artists please be aware that Art Production Fund cannot insure these artworks (yet will treat with care!) so ship/handle/storage is at own risk.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, WHO ARE TO BE THE FISCAL SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT. Reposted from rollingrack.net

Exclusive Offer: $15 off Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment

2009-07-06T17:15:00.002-07:00

This #1 selling treatment has been in celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau's arsenal for 17 years without a reformulation! You have to try the famed Anti-cyst treatment for yourself.

Use code solessence at checkout

Rarely discounted, Renee is offering $15 off for the first 15 customers purchasing from her website. Don't miss out on this exclusive offer. Renee Rouleau Spas were voted #1 by Allure magazine readers last year and focus solely on the art of skincare. See what Jessica Simpson, Lisa Rinna, Coldplay and faithful beautiphiles love about these paraben free products.

Week 2: Brazilian Peel (4 week process)

2009-07-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Advanced Home Actives sent this new Brazilian Peel chemical peel kit to try, and so far I am loving it.

Exfoliation encourages collagen production, which is key to keeping the skin youthful. In general there are different levels of exfoliation:

$-$$ The at home scrubs and mild peels, (granular, clays) which are very safe topically and provide maintenance for skin surface.
$$-$$$ Stronger at-home peels that provide more of a surface peel but can burn if not done correctly. Skin remains red after treatment.
$$$ -$$$$$ Medical strength chemical peel, done on an outpatient basis at a dermatologist or esthetician's office. This peel can be done every 3-4 months and as the name states, the skin actually does peel, turning very red and sloughing off over a period of 1 - 2 weeks. Not a pretty sight during this phase, but the reward is smooth, glowing skin as soft as a baby's bottom.

Some camps of thinking, especially European skincare, are opposed to chemical peels. I personally think that if used minimally, a peel will dramatically improve the current condition.

The Brazilian Peel is five times stronger than the typical peel you can buy for home use. Stretched out over four weeks, you aren't left with the blistering residual as if you'd gone professional. You will actually still show up for work. It is also self-neutralizing, limiting any way you could burn yourself.

So how is it going so far?

Week 1: Slightly red the first day. By end of week, makeup coverage noticeably smoother, but I wasn't sure it was anything to write home about
.
Week 2: I've just done the second peel, and wow. My pores look much smaller. The surface clearly improved. I can't wait to see the results by end of week four.

I've been following up with Pevonia Sensitive Skin cream to make sure it is protected, and use an spf.

Photos: I hope to have photos for you next week as my camera is not working. Stay tuned.

An Original Supermodel - Twiggy back after 25 years for Olay

2009-07-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

Oh No They Didn't! - Joe Zee & Elle

2009-07-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

NY Mag's The Cut squashes rumors of Joe Zee's departure from Elle.

Victoria Stiles Book Giveaway : Simon McConico

2009-07-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Simon McConico, who was randomly selected from the entries to receive a complimentary copy of Victoria Stiles' book, Makeup Artist.

Thanks for entering, and let us know what you think of the book.

Lack of Fashion to Prevent Victims: Air New Zealand

2009-07-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

Everything is a little more relaxed down under, but even so, fashion, or lack thereof, is used to make a statement. In this case, Air New Zealand bares all but body paint to get passengers to do a double take and watch the safety videos.

The actors, all ANZ employees, sport an array of uniform types while hiding sensitive bits behind strategically placed lap belts, doors and inflatable life preservers. It's a great example of a company using a humorous bit of shock value to get the tongues wagging and keep eyeballs glued to the screen.

Interview: Renee Rouleau, Celebrity Esthetician 7/6 @ 6pmC

2009-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Renee Rouleau, celebrity esthetician, skin care expert and founder of her namesake beauty line & spas (voted #1 by Allure Magazine readers), joins in for a half hour segment discussing maintaining a luxury line, the current state of the spa industry, and her unique 9 skin types approach to skincare. She spent a portion of her childhood in Wisconsin, so we're claiming her as a homegirl.

Review: Purely Cosmetics Mineral Makeup

2009-06-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Robyn Bloom's first foray into mineral makeup came at a Los Angeles mall. Succumbing to a makeover for her daughter, she soon found herself paying $60 for mineral foundation, with a brush added for free. The results were so nice on her daughter, she decided to make the hour and a half long drive back to get one for herself. This time it was still $60, but no brush. When it came time to reorder, she tried to save herself a trip and pick it up online - and found it was priced at $85. That's when she took a look at the ingredient list and decided she would tackle the mineral market on her own.

Her company, Purely Cosmetics, celebrates its second anniversary this August, and Bloom couldn't be more pleased. She has focused on a line that incorporates the key ingredients that make mineral makeup such a hit, while leaving out micronized and inexpensive fillers. Why is that important? Mineral makeup is often referred to as healthy makeup due to lack of parabens or other preservatives. Micronized titanium dioxide is a recent, common additive in beauty blends, providing sunscreen and adhesion. However, tests have proven that micronized materials break the blood barrier and can pool in the brain. Scans have shown pockets of titanium dioxide in the brain of participants. While the long term effects aren't known, the presence of makeup on the mind seems far from healthy.

Bloom was also able to tackle the markup issues on the makeup. Purely Cosmetics foundation runs well below the $60 price she once paid. There are a multitude of shades to select from, with a reasonably priced custom blend. It doesn't end at foundation. There is a beautiful array of eye shadows, versatile powders, blushes, makeup brushes and other accessories.

Shipping world wide (read site carefully for details), Bloom sells via her website at www.purelycosmetics.com

Personal Experience:

I try to avoid micronized ingredients, so I was very happy to find Bloom does not use it in any of the products offered.

During pregnancy, I had melasma (skin darkening/reddening) which is quite common. However, it didn't completely go away after giving birth. Because of this I wanted to stay with foundations that provided stronger coverage, and wasn't convinced mineral makeup could provide what I needed.

It took a few tries to get the application to my satisfaction, but here is what I found:

The product is buildable, so you can increase coverage with additional layers
A silk & pearl primer is also available, which increases staying power
You can build this on top of liquid foundation, if needed
This product stops the dreaded sheen
There is no mottled meltdown, a problem with any other type of foundation
The line is very affordable

The shadow colors I tried are very pretty, somewhat sheer. I played with a combination of two colors that reminded me of one of my favorite nail polishes, OPI's Hollywood Blonde

Rose Beige (base)
Champagne (overlay)

I'm also fond of the burnished copper, cappuccino. Blue violet is a spectacular color that reminds me of a favorite creme eyeliner Max Factor used to make.

One of the best things offered in the accesories department?

Brush Protectors

These slip right over the bristles protecting them from damage. I've never seen these before and they are invaluable for protecting your investments!

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Bloom is offering an exclusive 10% discount on minimum $10 orders for any item on the site, including the new Diamond Finish, through July 15, 2009. Use code sol at checkout (lowercase, case sensitive).