Archives for November 2010

November 29, 2010

Goldfaden SkinCare

Leave it to my friends at The Plaza Beauty to introduce me to another fabulous product line! I was showing an out of town friend the boutique, and Tami Kreidler, the Retail Manager, said that she had a new product to show me.  As we walked to the product, she was telling us the story behind it.  It seems that there is a well know celebrity dermatologist who was always telling his patients to eat properly, get enough sleep, no smoking, drinking and of course all of the things we all know to do to help keep our skin in top condition.  It seems however, that his mother-in-law, a woman who even in her 90’s had beautiful, magnificent, and radiant skin was the antithesis of what he preached.  She, a women who had a less than perfect lifestyle, diet, and even smoked, had the complexion of someone decades younger……good genes perhaps?

While good genes may have certainly helped, our doctor found the answer when he raided her pantry and the cupboard of her caretaker.  He found tin, after tin, after tin of Red Tea (roobis) that her caretaker, a South African woman had been giving her for decades.  Red Tea has been grown on the mountains in Cape Town for centuries. Long respected by native South Africans, and studied by South African scientists, as a daily source of powerful nutrients, Organic Red Tea contains an extremely high concentration of Super Oxide Dimutase, (SOD) which provides an ultra-protective barrier from oxidative damage, functioning as a prime scavenger of the free radicals that contribute to the skin’s aging process. Studies have found that Red Tea has 50 times the antitoxidant power of Green Tea. 

I am very happy that the man who discovered his mother-in-law’s anti-aging secret was armed with a medical degree and 40 years of dermatologist experience!  Dr. Gary Goldfaden was able to use his expertise, background and vast clinical experience to lead to creation of these advanced formulas, combining the best of botanicals with the highest levels of potent natural nutriceutical solutions used in his medical practice, including Organic red tea, hyaluronic acid (fine line filler), acetyl hexipeptide-3 (topical neurotransmitter inhibitor for deep facial lines), and ruby crystals (used in micro-dermabrasion).  Dr. Goldfaden’s breakthrough skincare collection employs the organic antitoxidant of Red Tea in its purest form.  The result is a system of skincare for all skin types and concerns while it rejuvenates the skin and prevents the re-occurrence of skin damage.

Goldfaden Skincare (www.goldfaden.com) is made only from organic and natural ingredients.  It contains no parabens, artificial colors, alcohol, mineral oil, petrochemicals, or silicone.  It is 100% vegetarian and not tested on animals.  And being developed by a dermatologist, it is hypo allergenic, and has been tested for all skin types.  One sample of the daily scrub was all it took for me to believe!

 

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November 26, 2010

Traveling Tips With Polly Blitzer

We are now at one of the busiest travel days of the year.  Thanksgiving! And the rest of the holidays are not that far behind.  The holidays for many of us, means a lot of travel.  Whether you are taking a train, plane, bus or car or going Upstate, cross country or some exciting exotic locale, chances are that you will be living out of a suitcase for a couple of days.  

Living out of a suitcase is never easy! Even for us seasoned travelers—I still tend to over-pack! However, it is much easier to travel light! And with all the travel restrictions on luggage, traveling light is a necessity in helping to keep your sanity! There is less to lug, check in and keep with you so there is no chance of it being lost or delayed.  You want to travel light, but how in the world are you able to pack everything you need into a tiny suitcase?

What should you wear when traveling? Is it possible to travel while being comfortable and chic? What is my fashion checklist for the time I am gone? What should I have in my carry-on tote? How do I make the travel time productive for my skin and body? How do I recreate my daily beauty routine without bringing the whole bathroom??

For answers to these questions and more, check out my interview with Polly Blitzer, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Beauty Blitz, the #1 online beauty magazine.  You can see the interview on our homepage.  Polly is a regular on local and national television, including Entertainment tonight, Showbiz Tonight, Fox News, CNN, CBS News and HSN.  She regularly hosts satellite media tours for major beauty companies.  She has also appeared as a beauty expert in such publications as The New York Times, the New York Post and New York Daily News.

When traveling, it is important to get not only your wardrobe streamlines, but also your beauty routine.  Multi-task, multi-task, multi-task!

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November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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November 25, 2010

An interview with “Dancing With The Stars” Professional Dancer ~ Chelsie Hightower


I couldn’t wait to catch up with professional dancer Chelsie Hightower, and find out about all of the exciting things she’s been up to.
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I had first interviewed her in June when she was starting the LATISSE® wishes campaign, benefiting Make-A Wish, as an ambassador and team leader along with Bobbie Thomas, and Kathy Ireland. I was interested in finding out how her team was doing.

To date, Team Chelsie has 1210 members, and along with the joy of raising money for a great charity to help grant wishes for children with life threatening illnesses, she is delighted with her beautiful full lashes as a result of using LATISSE®. See how Chelsie’s lashes have grown since she started using LATISSE , by going to:

www.latissewisheschallenge.com
1. Click About the Campaign
2. Click Team Updates
3. Click Team Chelsie
4. Click See my Latisse® Lashes

As a professional dancer on, “Dancing With The Stars”, I had to ask Chelsie what it was like on the day of a show.

Chelsie told me that they start at 8AM with hair, makeup, and then dress rehearsals.

Everything has to be checked out before they go on the air. For instance, their beautiful costumes are worn for the” first time” at the dress rehearsal, and often adjustments have to be made so the outfits work and move well, on the dancers, when they perform their dance routines.

Once alterations have been made, hair and makeup needs to be touched up, and it starts all over again. Camera angles and placements are going on, and this continues until all the dancer’s moves work with their outfits, the hair and makeup is just right, camera shots are perfect, and everything is good to go! Chelsie also mentioned that things can get a bit chaotic

I wondered if there was a particular product, that Chelsie, as a professional dancer, really liked, and she said,”TopStick®.” I had never heard of it before, and she explained that it’s a product used as a “quick fix” for costumes. It’s a tape that keeps things in place with all of the movements that go on, and works great for both women and men.

Here is the website:www.fashionfixtape.com TopStick® looks like a great product with all kinds of uses for clothing issues, and it’s been around for quite some time. Take a look for yourself. I know I’ll be getting some for my personal use and my makeup case, as well! Thanks for sharing that, Chelsie!

With such a busy career, Chelsie found the time to appear on the cover of the September 2010 issue of Fitness Magazine.

When the Dancing With The Stars season is over, Chelsie loves competing in Professional Dance Competitions, as well as teaching dance, and she is extremely thrilled about her “Dance/Activewear clothing line, the Chelsie Hightower Collection for Sugar and Bruno”. Be sure to visit and check out her designs…
www.sugarandbruno.com

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November 23, 2010

Halo Air Salt Therapy

Growing up in a seaside town, I was familiar with the benefits of sea air.  Have a cold? Or a sinus infection?  A walk on the beach, regardless of the time of the year works wonders.  If you were close enough to be breathing in the sea air, tinged with salt, you were going to feel better.  Diagnosed with adult onset asthma after 9/11, I try to spend as much free time as possible close to a beach.  I find it soothes the lungs; they are less irritated.  My breathing is freer, deeper and for the most part all of my symptoms seem to disappear.

When I saw that Norma Kamali was going to have a presentation about Himalayan Sea Salt and its health benefits in her fascinating series of topics in her Wellness Cafe, I was intrigued. Included in the presentation was a segment about Halo/Air Salt Rooms in Chelsea. I had heard a bit about them, having seen the articles in Reuters, The New York Times, Glamour, Vanity Fair and several other magazines.  It helped that I had a friend in visiting who in addition to having asthma, had stage 2 COPD and we felt spending a few hours learning about ways to improve the health of our lungs would be well spent.

We learned that halotherapy (salt therapy) is a therapeutic use of dry aerosol salt particles has been around for centuries.  This is related to Speleotheraphy, (speloeos is cave in Greek), which is the prolonged exposure to the specific microclimate of salt caves, mines and grottos.  Speleotheraphy has been practiced in the salt mines of Europe for centuries.  Patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory disease spend days or weeks breathing in the salt air and benefitting from the other aspects on the mine’s microclimate as well.

We also learned that salt is a natural antihistamine. Salt is vital for the clearance of mucus from the lungs. When you breathe in salt air, it decreases the inflammation of the respiratory tract and works as a “bronchial brush” for the airways.  In addition to helping people with respiratory problems, it helps those with allergies as it eliminates airborne pollen particles from airways.  It also helps those with skin problems.  Spending time in a salt cave can help clear up acne, eczema, psoriasis and it is even said cellulite.

Created by Ron Rofe’, Halo/Air (www.haloair.com) is bringing the salt caves of Europe to New York City. The rooms, which are salt, encrusted, make it similar to actually being in a salt cave. Since we had some free time the next day, we booked a session.  Appointments are pretty booked, so I felt fortunate to have gotten one!

You arrive at the pristine Chelsea location and are taken to a room covered in salt. Caked in it, inches of it all over the floor… the room looked as though it was a retreat from the world.   Sink into the elegant leather massage chairs, read, meditate, watch TV, listen to music, dim the lights and take a rest from the world.  We started watching television, but got lost in the tranquility of the experience and ended up napping. And napping for this type A, always ready, on the go, and never take a nap New Yorker doesn’t happen! Extremely relaxing experience!

We awoke when our session was over feeling relaxed, recharged and invigorated. Our skin was slightly flushed and radiant. Even though they say you need a series (10 to 14) to completely get the health benefits and see dramatic results, we immediately noticed our lungs were clearer and our breathing easier. The verdict? While I know that I cannot substitute the salt caves for my asthma regiment, it is nice to know that I have a natural treatment that I can use in conjunction with treatment.  Not to mention, the added benefit of just being able to close off the world and completely relax, means that I’ll be making a monthly visit.  And my friend’s thoughts? We will book a session whenever she is in town!

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November 20, 2010

Shout out to Santa Monica

For those of you lucky to be in Santa Monica tomorrow, you have a fabulous beauty event at The Wellness Store, 1412 14th Street, tomorrow Saturday November 20, from 2-4 pm.  Peter Lamas, of Peter Lamas Products (see my last post for more info on Peter) and Dr. Mao Shing Ni of the Tao of Wellness, experts in the field of natural health and beauty, will be there to teach you how to naturally beautify yourself.

See demonstrations of facial toning acupuncture, learn about natural skin and hair treatments, purchase gift baskets for the holidays, receive samples and a free gift with purchases of over $20, all while enjoying Dr. Mao’s seasonal herbal teas and other refreshments. 

I wish that I was in the area so that I could attend! For those that make it, please let me know how it went!

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November 16, 2010

Elegance….It’s Back In Style…….

Conversations with Peter Lamas

Of course with the holiday parties and get-togethers coming up, we all want to look our best.  How do we achieve that feat? After all, we live in an age where we get to see daily the beautiful celebrities and models.  At times we are left in awe of their fashion sense and perfection.  I have to remind myself that if I had a hair and make-up person, as well as a stylist, perfection and a great sense of style would be much easier to achieve.  What can we as normal, everyday people do to achieve that sense of glamour?

Who better to ask that question to than Peter Lamas, the best-selling author and leading beauty guru to the Hollywood and fashion elite?  Peter is one of the leading international beauty experts in the world and has been for the past 30 years.  Peter started doing hair and make-up part time as a way to help earn money to finance his education.  He soon learned that not only did he have a flair for doing hair and make-up, but he truly enjoyed helping his clients look his/her best.

His resume in the hair field is quite impressive…..working for Vidal Sassoon, training under Paul Mitchell, and working at the legendary Kenneth Salon Townhouse.  Kenneth’s Townhouse not only drew the Hollywood celebrities, but also many of the leading figures in the recording industry, society and the arts.  Peter became quite adapt at make-up while at Kenneth’s as the Townhouse had its own make -up line.  He gained a reputation in make-up wizardry by combining his talents in hair, styling and color, with make-up that made the most of the woman’s natural beauty assets.  He was able to make over a client for a certain event as well design a look for their everyday life.

As if that experience wasn’t enough, he regrouped with Paul Mitchell and became his right hand man at Henri Bendel Salon. His work there gave him the opportunity to also work with famed photographers Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Francesco Scavullo.  Peter was in high demand to do hair and make-up for editorial photo shoots, cover work and national print advertising work  at Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Mademoiselle etc.  Impressive resume to say the least…………..and oh yeah, some of  his clients …….Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall, Twiggy, Gloria Vanderbilt, Elizabeth Taylor, Faye Dunaway, Diana Ross…..just to name a few!  He certainly has seen glamour and beauty! You can read more about his impressive resume at www.peterlamas.com

So when Peter wants to give me a few ideas on how to look glamorous for the holidays, I am all ears! (And I will have more on Peter’s advice on all natural products, the latest in hair and make-up trends, and making the most of your assets and coloring, not working against them in upcoming segments!) I am grateful to Peter for taking the time out of his schedule to talk to me.

One thing that Peter has been seeing, and I agree completely with, is that we are seeing a resurgence of Old Hollywood glamour.  Elegance seems to have been missing in fashion and glamour.  It is making a comeback.  Perhaps the success of MadMen has helped.  Perhaps it is the economy. What I found interesting was that elegance really does not revolve around a lot of expensive clothes or jewelry.  While elegance is a very chic look, it really is very simplistic and tailored. (Take a look at those pictures of say Jackie, or in Katie Holmes’ re-creation of Jackie for the upcoming television series on the Kennedys to see what he means) It does involve a finished look, but it tends to be understated.

And it isn’t about overkill in hair/make-up as well as clothing style either.   It is picking what you individually want to emphasize.  Have great eyes, make those your feature to highlight…..downplay everything else.  Have a gorgeous handbag that you want to show off?? Don’t overpower it with jewelry.   How to get those vintage/glam looks? Seriously look at vintage shops.  Like Peter, I have become a thrift store convert.  I am amazed at how unique some of the jewelry and clothing items that I have been able to find.  I would say that 99% of time, if I am complemented on an item, it was a thrift store purchase. You could have a closet that consists of 3 outfits.  But with accessories, you can take those three outfits and make them into a spectacular wardrobe!

Step one to getting some elegance and Old World Hollywood into your look??  Start consciously incorporating a more polished look.  Whether it involves laying out your clothes the night before or playing up your best beauty feature……practice makes perfect.  And it gives the wearer a sophisticated , feminine and very confident look……………a look that is not only perfect for the holiday parties and get togethers, but also one that  you can incorporate and transcend into your everyday life!

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November 15, 2010

Only two weeks left to participate in the Latisse® Wishes Challenge

It’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the Latisse® Wishes Challenge that will benefit The Make-A Wish Foundation. Looking back, it was June 15th when I first interviewed the newly announced Campaign Ambassadors and team leaders for the Latisse® Wishes Challenge: Chelsie Hightower- Professional Ballroom Dancer, Bobbie Thomas – Style Guide, and Kathy Ireland – Fashion CEO.

Chelsie, Bobbie and Kathy all use LATISSE® and enjoy their beautiful lush eyelashes. They have had much success ,as well, with the LATISSE® WISHES CHALLENGE! To date, they have raised $400,169 for Make-A-Wish!

Considering each child’s wish costs $7000.00, a lot of children will get their “Wishes” as a result of the LATISSE WISHES CHALLENGE.

If you’ve always wanted beautiful eyelashes you can still join a team by donating a minimum of $20 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Allergan, the makers of LATISSE®, will double your donation and send you a LATISSE® free trial certificate that can be taken to a doctor to see if LATISSE® is right for you. LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker for those with inadequate or not enough lashes.
You can still get involved until November 30th! http://www.latissewisheschallenge.com

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November 15, 2010

How To Work The Camera………….

Posing 101……….

Technology makes life better………..correct? Well, we all have computers, we all have cell phones and staying in touch and sharing more timely information with each other is so much easier.  Of course a downside is that almost all cell phones have cameras, and most of them are able to connect quickly to facebook and many other social pages.  It used to be, that maybe there was a photographer at an event or party.  Now we all are photographers……and we all are models.  How do you overcome the urge to run out of the room when someone says smile??? What are the secrets to taking a good picture?

I remember one of my first industry events in my previous career.  Even though it was over 20 years ago, it seems like yesterday.  I was attending a big, worldwide industry event.  I had a phone relationship with many of my clients; I had spoken to them for months (years) but had never actually physically met them.  Ii also didn’t help that I was one of the few women, was on the wrong side of the industry, and was from New York…..basically in addition to being very green, I felt like I was persona non grata.  What to do, what to do? I saw I had 3 choices; sneak out of the room and go hide in my hotel room; hide in a corner; or take a swig from my drink and pretend I was Paulina Porizkova and work the room.  I did Paulina proud! It was also a turning point for me personally because I learned that it was good to get out of your comfort zone and prevail!

And it is all about learning how to get comfortable when you are out of your comfort zone.  Chances are when you see people who seem to be completely natural when posing in front of a camera, it is something they learned.  Go in front of a full length mirror…..strike a pose or two. Observe how your face and body look as you change poses.  Which ones do you like? Practice them , and most likely, it is a pose you will automatically go into once you see a camera.

So what happens when someone says “cheese”? If you are lucky, you are one of that blessed creatures who is photogenic and never takes a bad picture!  Or you’ve been to supermodel camp and can really work the camera. Then there are those of us who can’t wait to get it over with! For those of us in the latter category, here are some tips from Irina Smirnova of Sigen Photography (www.sigenphotography.com) on how to turn on the charm and work it girl!

First, do a quick scope of the background……you may not want to have that pole growing out of your head.  If it doesn’t work for you, nicely suggest that the group move to “better background!” to ward off any problems that you may have with the picture location. 

Next, you want to create a long, lean profile.  It isn’t as difficult as it may seem.  Do not face the camera directly.  Try to make a 45 degree angle with you and the camera.  The body seems leaner from that bit of an angle that you create.  Also, bend the leg that faces the camera.  And lean back……if you reverse it and lean on the front legs, the legs will appear shorter and heavier.  Pictures look better when they are taken from the middle of your body, not your top.

Keep your face at an angle as well.  It should face the camera more than the body, but it should have a slight tilt to it.  Your nose will look smaller if it doesn’t leave the cheek area, so don’t overly tilt your face.  There should also always be the symmetry. There are two eyes on the face.   If your body is fully showing, the same applies…..two hands, two legs…..if a limb is hidden, it will look strange.

Try not to talk, blink or eat while the picture is being taken.  Most amateur photogs and even event photogs don’t always have the time to compose the image or spend time posing people.  They just click.  Remember, it is your job to look good and show your style. Flaunt it and have fun with it.  Because when you look like you are having fun and are happy, it really shows. 

Here is a pic Irina took of me last month…..

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November 12, 2010

For Those who love to Accessorize….

Spratter’s & Jayne

Imagine that you are walking down the streets of NYC.   A stranger comes up to you and admires your scarf.  You’d probably smile politely, thank her, and when she asks where you bought it, you nicely say that you made it.  You walk away. You think it’s sweet.  This scene however, keeps replaying itself….. over, and over and over again.  One woman, who you met, even offers to buy the scarf that you are wearing on the spot.  Hmmm…..maybe you need to make more of these…..obviously there is a demand in the market that you never knew about! Time to start a business and meet that demand!

This is exactly what happened here.  What had started as a hobby and resulted in creating something unique became the company Spratter’s & Jayne.  Rachael Warner had started crocheting as a hobby.  And Rachael, who grew up on a farm in North Dakota and now lives in New York City as a fashion and entertainment photographer, turned her hobby into a business.

Spratter’s and Jayne, a company named for Rachael’s boyfriend’s turtles began in 2009. And wow, has she come a long way in a year!  The demand for her scarves are so high, they aren’t easy to find.  Henri Bendel alone has scoffed up tons of them. They are no fools!  It is easy to see why. A fashion statement, a multi-use accessory, fabulous wools, great texture, and colors that will go with everything…..her scarves have become an Indy fashonistas dream! 

Rachael says “I was basically making things that I couldn’t find in the marketplace.  The response has really been nuts.”    You can check out the styles and shops at www.sprattersandjayne.com.  Rachael makes her scarves in a chunky knit of Peruvian Highland wool.  The buttons are made from fallen trees by a North Carolina artisan.  The woods used are oak spaltwood and bocote.   Even the buttons are a work of art!

The merino wool collection consists of:  1) the tubular infinity scarf which is circular.  There are no ends and it can be wrapped around the neck or worn as a hood-and-scarf combination.  2) The infinity chain scarf which is similar to the tubular infinity scarf, except it is made in long chains.  It can be wrapped around the neck, worn as a hood –and-scarf combination, and as a wrap.  3) The cowl is a smaller loop and can be worn as a scarf, hood-and-scarf, or wrap.  There is also a two button cowl. 4) The kerchief bib has a one-button closure and can be worn as a scarf or a wrap.  All of these styles are available in 5 colors: Black, Charcoal, Lapis Blue, Chocolate and Muted Lavender.

Rachael has also created a studio line, which is crocheted in double bulky merino wool.  The studio line consists of two styles: 1) The infinity chain and 2) The two button cowl.  The studio line is available in the 5 colors listed above and can also be made in custom colors.

Entrepreneurial as well as philanthropic, Rachael went to Peru over the summer to teach the native women how to make the scarves.  She created a women’s cooperative in order for the women to have a fair working environment.  It will be a pleasure to see her design line grow as well as see what else she is capable of…………….you go girl!

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