September 6, 2012

Fashion’s Night Out with Lancôme

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (611 Fifth Avenue, NYC 10022) – 12pm to 8pm
Experience Lancôme’s newest fragrance La Vie Est Belle and discover why Life is Beautiful at Saks. Get Julia Roberts’ look from the campaign and find out how to amp it up for night. Customers are invited to enjoy personalized engraving and embellishments on their favorite Lancôme lipsticks, compacts and fragrances.

BLOOMINGDALE’S (1000 Third Avenue, NYC 10022) – 12pm to 8pm
Light up your night and illuminate your eyes with Lancôme’s latest skincare innovation, new Génifique Eye Light-Pearl. Learn how to brighten your face and receive eye-illuminating makeovers with quick 2-minute touchups or full makeovers from Lancôme’s National Makeup Artist Manuel Villegas and the Pro Team.

LORD & TAYLOR (424 Fifth Avenue, NYC 10018) – 12pm to 8pm
Light up your night and Illuminate your Eyes with Lancôme’s latest skincare innovation, new Génifique Eye Light-Pearl. Learn how to brighten your face and receive eye-illuminating makeovers with quick 2-minute touchups or full makeovers from Lancôme’s National Makeup Artist Tarek Abbas and the Pro Team.

SEPHORA
Stop by and get the star treatment with Lancôme’s newest mascara, Hypnôse Star. Inspired by the playfully mischievous Betty Boop and top model Daria Werbowy, learn how to get the most show-stopping, glamorous eyes ever.

SEPHORA FIFTH AVENUE (597 Fifth Avenue, NYC 10017) – 6pm to 9pm
SEPHORA TIMES SQUARE (200 West 42nd Street, NYC 10036 ) – 6pm to 11pm
SEPHORA SOHO (555 Broadway, NYC 10012) – 6pm to 11pm

MONIKA CHIANG (125 Wooster Street, NYC 10012) – 6 to 10pm
Be among the first to see Monika Chiang’s latest collection fresh off the runway. Lancôme National Makeup Artist Darais and Lancôme Makeup Artist Andrew Sotomayor and team will bring the beauty of the runway to life with Monika Chiang-inspired painted jewelry and makeup looks that shimmer and shine.

Tweet Lancôme at @lancomeparis and share your good times and favorite FNO moments using the hash tag #LancomeFNO.

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September 5, 2012

Solve Your Problem Hair With Infusium 23

Infusium 23, the problem hair experts have been transforming “damaged, dry, frizzy, chemically treated and fine hair into shiny, managable hair” since 1924. They has been around for 88 years because they do their job well.  What is unique about Infusium 23 is that is offers customized solutions for a wide range of hair problems.

I am using Infusium 23 Repair and Renew Collection and it’s as easy as to use as 1-2-3.  1-Renew, 2-Replenish, 3-Restore.  I chose this collection because I have a combination of chemically treated/dry frizzy hair with some damage from the summer sun.  Infusium 23 Repair and Renew will help eliminate residue and buildup while nourishing the hair from root to tip helping to prevent breakage. As stated by Infusium, “Fortified with hair-healthy elements to strengthen and reveal hair’s true beauty, while diminishing the damaging effects of the past.  An i-23 Complex enriched with pro-vitamins, proteins and amino acids promotes resilience and renewal for even the most troubled hair, leaving it radiant and richly transformed”.

Infusium 23 Repair and Renew  Conditioner is important to me because my hair is so thick and curly and conditioning makes my hair softer and more manageable with added shine.  Infusium 23 Conditioner infuses the hair cuticle to alleviate breakage caused by brushing and styling“. Infusium 23 Conditioner is “an i-23 Complex enriched with pro-vitamins, proteins and amino acids infuses and conditions hair, while protecting against future damage”.

Infusium 23 has a fantastic Leave-in Treatment.  I consider Leave-in-Treatments a bonus conditioner  hepling me to protect my hair from future damage.  Leave-in Treatments have become part of my hair care regime, and Infusium 23 has a great one.  Infusium 23 is “blended with an i-23 Complex enriched with pro-vitamins, proteins and amino acids to nourish and restore overall hair health and shine.  Protects against breakage and future damage”.  Another great reason to use Infusium 23 Leave-in Treatment is that  it works to instantly detangle wet or dry hair.

Infusium 23 offers several collections, depending on your own hair care needs.  Visit infusium23.com to learn more about their Moisture and Replenish Collection, Volume Builder Collection, Frizz Controller and Color Defender.

Infusiun 23 is priced just right with 16 oz. bottles selling for under $10.  Infusium 23  and is not tested on animals. I always like to see that.

Solve your hair problems, whatever they may be with Infusium 23.

 
 
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September 5, 2012

Chic and Sensible USA Style

I’m so thrilled to be in my hometown, Charlotte, NC this week for the Democratic National Convention!  I’ll admit, I’ve always been especially fascinated by politics.  And apparetly, I’m not the only one!  There are celebrities everywhere…Jessica Alba, Common, Hill Harper, Dave Navarro, Ashley Judd, Eva Longoria and Brad Pitt to name just a few.

I was especially excited to have the chance to be in the convention arena last night when Michelle Obama spoke.  The first lady looked absolutely stunning in her pink floral dress by American designer Tracy Reese paired with matching J. Crew pumps.  Chic and sensible.  She definitely gets my vote for great style!

 

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September 1, 2012

AMERICAN BISTRO AT THE STRAND HOTEL NYC

DEBUTS ‘FOOD IS FASHION’ MENU CELEBRATING BELOVED DESIGNERS AND COLLECTIONS AND HONORING STYLE ICONS HELEN GURLEY-BROWN, ZELDA KAPLAN

-Fashion forward menu offers a tasteful celebration of the connection between food and fashion –

The Strand Hotel NYC’s Strand American Bistro Restaurant will unveil its Fashion Week menu celebrating iconic fashion collections and designers along with specialty cocktail tributes to the late stylish magazine maven Helen Gurley-Brown and fashion icon Zelda Kaplan, September 8 – 30, 2012. The three-course menu, created by wunderkind Executive Chef Kelvin Fernandez, is complimented by specialty cocktails served in both American Bistro Restaurant and Top of the Strand rooftop bar and lounge. ‘Food is Fashion’ menu pays tribute to notable designers and fashion houses with a pairing of appetizers, entrees and desserts in the signature hues of noted designers and fashion houses: Christopher Kane, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermés, Max Mara, Robert Rodriguez and Valentino. The menu is priced at just $38 per person and will be served daily Monday through Sunday 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. for dinner. Price excludes tax and gratuities. Reservations are required and can be made by calling restaurant 646-368-6395.

The popular Top of the Strand rooftop bar and lounge will also feature fashion-inspired cocktails, available for $15 each, celebrating the long and storied lives of two of New York’s beloved fashion icons Helen Gurley-Brown and Zelda Kaplan. Zelda Kaplan and Helen Gurley Brown were revered for their storied careers and trendsetting styles. Ms. Kaplan passed away during fashion week in February 2012 and Ms. Gurley-Brown passed away this August.

FOOD IS FASHION

First

Cauliflower Soup

Parmesan Crisp, White Truffle Essence, Chive Oil

Valentinoʼs 1960 White Collection

Butternut Squash Risotto

Squash Puree, Sage Butter, Maple Smoked Bacon

Hermès Fall 2012 Collection

Second

Seared Diver Scallop

Crispy Spiced Florets, Cauliflower Puree, Orange Brown Butter

Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

Braised Beef Angus Short Rib

Spinach Custard, Parsnip Trio

Robert Rodriguez Collection

Third

Crispy Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Streusel, Caramel, Tahitian Vanilla

Max Mara Fall 2012 Collection

Chefʼs Chocolate Molten

Crème Anglaise, Dulce de Leche

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012 Collection

* * * * *

Top of the Strand – Fashion Week Cocktails – $15

The Five Point Cut

Bulldog Gin, Lillet Rouge, Solerno Blood Orange

Liqueur, Absinthe Rinse

The Gurley-Brown Show

Prosecco, Rhubarb Bitters, Sugar, Rose Petal

The Legend of Zelda

Jalapeno-infused Avion Silver Tequila, Fresh

Cilantro, Ginger & Lime

* * * *

Located in the heart of New York’s fashion district on West 37th Street off 5th Avenue, The Strand American Bistro Restaurant in the Strand Hotel NYC is a favorite haunt in the fashion district. New York Fashion Week is among the busiest periods for both the hotel and restaurant. Since its opening nearly three years ago the Strand Hotel NYC and restaurant American Bistro have hosted Fashion Week events. The Strand American Bistro is a 115-seat venue with a signature alabaster bar and lounge featuring classic American cuisine. The restaurant features original artwork and fashion photographs throughout; including a stunning backdrop in the main dining room is a 6 x 28 foot masterpiece entitled Hemaspora by San Francisco-based artist Rex Ray.

Top of the Strand rooftop bar and lounge is a hip urban retreat; Manhattan meets Nikki Beach, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. An intimate glass-enclosed bar lounge designed by Sex and the City”, “Devil Wears Prada” set designer, Lydia Marks, Top of the Strand features unobstructed views of historic New York City buildings, landmarks including the Empire State Building. Live entertainment is featured weekly along with an extensive selection of custom drinks.

Opened in 2009 as New York’s first fashion hotel, The Strand Hotel is considered an homage to the iconic fashion figures, décor and style that defined a generation and an industry. Throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms are black and white vintage prints from the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair, taken by photographers Clifford Collin, Richard Rutledge, Eduard Steichen, John Rawlings, Toni Frissel and Lusha Nelson and others. The fashion theme is continued through the guestrooms, each capturing the glamour and elegance of Old Hollywood with Bogart-style furnishings, art-deco style boudoir chairs, decadent color schemes, luxurious baths outfitted in imported slate and marble; high-end bedding and linens, and plush bathrobes and slippers. The piece de resistance is the New York City views from all 177 guestrooms; views of true New York City-scapes including legendary water towers and the Empire State building.

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August 31, 2012

Look Beautiful With Mally Beauty

To celebrate the launch of Mally Roncal’s newest website mallybeauty.com, my daughter Adrienne took out her favorite Mally eye makeup to demonstrate what she learned from Mally Beauty’s tutorials.

For those of you who are not familiar with mallybeauty.com, this newest website offers a wealth of information.  You will find Dashboards where you can receive Mally updates all in one spot, Auto Deliveries, Ratings and Reviews of products, Wish Lists and our favorite, the How To Library.  The How To Library is loaded with detailed demonstrations on how to use Mally’s “High Performance Makeup” and learn Mally’s secret beauty tips and tricks using the  various kinds of makeup in Mally’s Cosmetics line.

Looking at the photos below, Adrienne is a quick learner.  Using the tutorials and then adding her own touches, Adrienne created her own unique look using the following products to achieve her beautiful eyes.

To achieve this delicate and eye-popping look, Adrienne used the following products;  Ever Color Eye Shadow/Duo in “Twilight”,

Eye Shadow Duo in Pretty Lady, Evercolor waterproof eyeliner in Midnight and Mally’s best selling make-up item, Volumizing Mascara.

Adrienne says that “The Volumizing Mascara definitely volumizes and it  brings the whole look together”. Mally says her Volumizing Mascara is “made with an Italian base, Japanese pigments and a secret brush, it helps you build WOW lashes to the hilt”.

You definitely want the WOW! effect and you can achieve this with Mally Beauty Products which can be found at mallybeauty.com and qvc.com.

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August 25, 2012

Lisa Hoffman Combines Fragrance with Elegance

Just when I thought  jewelry couldn’t be any more unique, I found Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Jewelry. Lisa Hoffman has brilliantly created a line of jewelry  that combines fragrance and fashion.  I have been wearing one of Lisa Hoffman’s  beautiful Fragrance Necklaces with a filigreed charm attached. What is unique about my necklace is that inside the charm are tiny scented beads. The beads carry the fragrance inside the charm.   As I wear my Fragrance Necklace, every so often I can smell the subtle but fragrant scent the charm carries.

The Fragrant Beads come in 5 intoxicating scents; Tuscan Fig, Tunisian Neroli, Japanese Agarwood, French Clary Sage and Madagascar Orchid.   You can refill the charm with new beads every few weeks, more or less, depending on your preference.  As an alternative to the Fragrance Jewely, these 5 scents are available in Eau de Parfum.

Tuscan Fig is the scent I chose through their unique application called iscentify.  At http://www.lisahoffmanbeauty.com/iScentify  a video is featured that explains exactly how iscentify suggests the fragrance that is perfect for you.   It is an amazing application, one that you must try, especially if you are not sure of the scent you would like.   You can choose more than one scent  in your charm or alternate scents depending on your mood, the choice is yours.   Another nice feature about Lisa Hoffman’s  Fragrance Jewelry is that the fragrance never touches your skin.

The Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Jewelry Collection consists of Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings. They are available in a variety of finishes, like antique bronze or  14 kt gold plated  as well as a variety of charms.  View their exquisite line of Fragrance Jewelry at http://www.lisahoffmanbeauty.com/shop/fragrance-jewelry.  Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Jewelry is also found at www.HSN.com

Refills for your Fragrance Beads are also available at both websites.

Combine Fragrance with Elegance with Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Jewelry.

 

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August 22, 2012

Salon Grafix Introduces Healthy Hair Nutrition

Over the past several months, my daughter Jenna felt that her hair was becoming damaged from the sun and constant use of hair spray. I told her to try Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser  and it ended up being exactly what she needed. Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser  not only is a great smelling shampoo but it also fixed her sun-damaged hair and is keeping it moisturized and shiny every day that she uses it. Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser  has helped to keep her hair looking and feeling soft and luxurious.  She has acknowledged what great shape her hair is in, “its feels soft and smells great even throughout the day”.  She especially likes the fact that it is an All-in-One cleanser, as it acts as a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner with one washing.  Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser is also suds free so it does not lather.

As stated by Salon GrafixHealthy Hair Nutrition will maintain hair health and color while removing dirt and product buildup, leaving a brilliant natural shine”. ” This sulfate free cleanser has been formulated for all hair types including color treated, coarse, and curly hair”.  Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition line was designed to “replenish moisture lost in the shampoo process.”  

Salon Grafix  has created another great hair treatment,  Healthy Hair Nutrition Intensive Hair Repair Masque  which can be used as little as once a week and is suitable for every day use. This deep conditioning treatment is designed for dry or damaged hair.   It is intended to Deeply hydrate, nourish and protect dry and damaged hair, without weighing it down“. Jenna is using  Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Intensive Hair Repair Masque only once a week and has noticed the softness and shine to her hair.  Following the directions, Jenna saturates  her wet hair from roots to ends with Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Intensive Hair Repair Masque and leaves the masque in for 3-5 minutes. She can leave the masque in  15-20 minutes for  a maximum condition and shine if she chooses.

Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition is a perfect choice to use after chemical treatments or after excessive heat styling and can be used as often as needed. Jenna was amazed at how affordable Salon Grafix is, after all, being a College student, every penny saved counts. Salon Grafix is available at local retail stores, and  many online stores.

Visit http://www.salongrafix.com/ to view their extensive hair care line including, shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, and dry shampoo to name a few.

Treat your hair to some Healthy Nutrition with Salon Grafix

 

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August 21, 2012

Summer Splurges…

It’s a Glam Thing Kathy Hodge interviews Lifestyle Expert Merilee Kern – “Summer Splurges”

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August 20, 2012

Eva Chen of Teen Vogue!

“Back to school” Saturday is over but Eva’s expert “Back to School” Style tips and suggestions are still a go! Thank you Eva Chen. It is always a pleasure to see you.

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August 19, 2012

Custom Nail Solutions is the the Ulltimate in Acrylic Nail Fashion

I recently had the opportunity of having a Custom Nail Solution experience, and I must say it was a pleasant one.  At first, I was a little hesitant to try them.  I was skeptical about acrylic nails because they have been very damaging to my nails and nail beds in the past. I had seen Custom Nail Solutions on a beauty feature on television and thought I would give them try. After all, who wouldn’t want nails that are  guaranteed to “never break, chip, crack, change shape or stain and will last you a lifetime“!  Cost was also a major factor.  When I thought about how much money I had spent in the past on Acrylic nails  Between full sets, fill-ins, repairs, baby sitters not to mention travel time, wait time, not having time…There were definitely more pros than cons with this decision.  Did I mention that Custom Nails are reusable?  The investment was worth it.

Custom Nail Solution assures you that the acrylic nails are made of “PlastiFlex” -“An indestructible, high impact thermoplastic that is UV protected, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and applied with a medical grade, non-toxic adhesive. ”

When my Custom Nails Kit arrived, it contained everything I needed to make my nail impressions, 10 plastic forms (one for each finger) and the  molding clay needed for the impressions.  Included in the Custom Nail Kit  is a throughly detailed DVD, narrated by Katie Sexton herself  The DVD gives easy to follow,  step by step instructions for making your impressions, applying, care and removal of your new nails.  Hang on to that DVD, it will come in handy.  I did have my daughter help me with the impressions. Having an assistant was helpful but not necessary.  I  suggest you view the DVD before making your impressions, it will help make the  impression making process easier when watching the DVD a second time.

After the impressions were made, I was able to choose my nail length, smile line and nail shape. I  also had a choice of either Solid Pink or French Tip, I chose French Tip.  I mailed the impression forms back to Custom Nail Soulutions in the postage paid label which was included in the Custom Nails Impression  Kit.  Custom Nail Impressions are scanned by their state-of-the-art laser and created in their computer system.  If you ever have to replace or reorder nails, they already have your scan.  There is no need for another impression. A tracking number was sent to me as soon as my nails were shipped from their plant and I knew exactly when they were going to arrive. Everything was handled so professionally, I was very impressed.

I was very excited when my nails arrived. Each one of the nails fit exactly to the natural nail it was fit for (they are numbered as you will see when the impressions are taken).  As Custom Nail Solutions assured me “This nail product is designed specifically for  me and can’t be worn by anyone else”. “Your nail bed is as unique as your fingerprint”.  That is another reason why they are so elegant looking, they look real.  The nails also came with easy to read instructions and a complete Maintenance kit which included everything needed for the care, maintenance and removal of my new custom nails.  At their website http://www.customnailsolutions.com/ you can see the various supplies and the different kits and  prices. You can select the kit which best fits your needs and your budget.

One of the highlights for me was that I could set up my nails on the nail stand (included) and I could polish my nails thoroughly before hand. With Custom Nails, you can keep them as you ordered them or paint them with any kind of nail polish you wish. Nail Art and nail wraps can also be applied to your Custom Nails. I chose to polish them, and after 2 coats s of nail polish, I was able to let them dry thoroughly for one day before I glued the nails on.  I could never have done this at a nail salon.  I have never left a nail salon without the slightest smudge or scratch.  My new Custom Nails looked perfect and the polish was hard as a rock. Here is the astonishing news! After wearing my Custom Nails for over a week, I enjoyed them so much that I ordered a second set in a shorter size.  That is how impressed I was.  I was just as impressed with the removal of my nails.  My nails and nail beds looked great.  There was no damage which usually occurs from the drill used in salons.  I could go without my Custom Nails for a few weeks and not have my nails looking unsightly until they grew out.  I took my nails off to do some gardening and put them back on two weeks later to attend a wedding.  I also want to mention that you can use regular nail polish remover on your Custom nails and I polished them ahead of time so they were ready to wear for the wedding. It was nice to put my nails on at home and not worry about finding the time to make a nail appointment.

Custom Nails was the perfect solution to my nail dilemma.  It was easy, convenient,  extremely cost effective but most of all, my acrylic nails look fantastic, and when your nails look fantastic, you hands will look fantastic, therefore you will feel fantastic and that truly is the most important aspect of all.  Look and feel fantastic with Custom Nail Solutions.

https://www.facebook.com/customnails

http://www.customnailsolutions.com/

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

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