Ebony Fashion Fair: Luxury Designer Tag Sale

(As mentioned on: The Style Groove Report with Naima Turner featured on Soulful Sunday with Dyana Williams and Derrick Sampson.  You can listen to link: http://rnbphilly.com/tristate/dyanawilliams/kanye-west-fashion-show/#more-2128782 as you read here.)

Eunice Walker Johnson, founder of Ebony Fashion Fair and Designer Yves Saint Laurent

This past Friday marked the kickoff of a selected collection of fashions from the Ebony Fashion Fair Show archives that are now available for purchase through an online tag sale at lesliehindman.com.

Until October 14^th, the sale will include items by Christian Dior, Halston, Lanvin, Carolina Herrera,Chloe and many more!! And the prices of the items are UNBELIEVABLE!!  Afterwards, the online tag sale will lead up to an auction of iconic items from the show. So, if there are any readers out there who collect or are into auctions, or know of collectors –  this is a great way to own a piece of Ebony history and Ms. Eunice Johnson’s vision that high style belongs in the lives of everyday women.  Visit lesliehindman.com for more details.

Model in Ebony Fashion Fair Look

Eunice W. Johnson and Models of the traveling Ebony Fashion Fair Show.

Fashinisto Designer Kanye West: The Birth of a Design Label

Kanye West taking a bow at his Runway show in Paris; Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

(As mentioned on: The Style Groove Report with Naima Turner featured on Soulful Sunday with Dyana Williams and Derrick Sampson.  You can listen to link: http://rnbphilly.com/tristate/dyanawilliams/kanye-west-fashion-show/#more-2128782 as you read here.)

Rapper/Producer, Kanye West can now add designer to his resume.  His runway debut held on October 1st in Paris, France – gave a glimpse of his personal style aestheic coupled with hints of influence from designers whom he admires. There were a number of designers invited to the show, as well as, editors Anna Wintour and Glenda Bailey; style icon Carine Roitfeld.  Celebrities Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen; and Ciara were also present.

Ciara at Kanye West’s Fashion Show in Paris

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen at Kanye West’s Runway Fashion Show in Paris; Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

The collection has received a range of mixed reviews – such is the case with any design collection.  But frankly, everything is not for everyone.  Overall, when it comes to clothing..it should be worn only if you know how to rock it – and if it’s a good fit for your shape.  I personally, think the collection has a few things that are wearable although the price point hasn’t clearly been defined. After the collection for women is set and rolling, I hope that a collection for men isn’t far behind.

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

DW by Kanye West Ready-to-Wear collection; Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Here is a review of the collection from the New York Times by Eric Wilson: “What Mr. West eventually showed was confusing as well. Though designers in Paris are presenting collections for next spring and summer this week, Mr. West’s collection was heavy on leather, fur and coats, some pieces dripping with so much fox you couldn’t tell if they were stoles or backpacks. The show opened with a hot-club moment, with slinky ridged dresses like those of Pucci and Balmain, with slits and zippers cut around the sides, and a heavy motorcycle jacket that had its sleeves sliced in half. A sparkly cropped jacket had so many bits of flare in it that you could imagine Mr. West sampling fashion like he samples different styles of music. There was one good-looking pair of color-blocked pants in blue and coral, but it was obvious that most of the clothes suffered from a poor fit. (That may be because the fittings were rushed. Chanel Iman said Mr. West called her in New York only the day before and asked her to fly over to walk in the show.)”

Judith Ripka Giveaway Starts Today..Read For The Scoop!!!

“I design for every woman. Adding jewelry to an outfit makes a woman feel like she shines. She feels more glamorous, more beautiful, and more confident.” – Judith Ripka

Hey, do you remember those dazzling Eclipse earrings by Judith Ripka that were featured on Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things episode in November 2010?  Well, there is a chance that you could win them!

In commemoration of Assouline’s new stunning tome, Judith Ripka by Judith – Assouline in partnership with Judith Ripka is launching an exciting Social Media contest where ONE lucky woman will win two amazing items.  The winner will receive a pair Eclipse earrings ($625 value) and a signed edition of the new book.  The contest will launch on Friday, September 30^th (the same day that the book will be available on www.assouline.com) and run through Friday, October 7^th.  It will live on Assouline’s Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/assoulinepub) and Judith Ripka’s Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/JudithRipka) and all contestants are encouraged to ‘Like’ both pages to be qualified.

 

The Eclipse Earrings – Oprah’s Favorite

 

 

Contestants are asked to answer, “How do these earrings reflect your personal style?” and submit their answers to judithripka@assouline.com. The winner will be judged on creativity and originality and will be informed the week of October 9^th by email.

Umm..what are you waiting for…Get to it Missy!!  We’re talking about Judith Ripka earrings and a beautiful Assouline book, Judith Ripka by Judith!  I wish you all luck!  Have fun!

 

Judith Ripka by Judith – Assouline

Carmindy of What Not To Wear Shares Perfect Eye Tips For This Fall

As the saying goes, ‘eyes are the windows to the soul’. But, in the beauty world, eyes are the beginning of a great face! So, who better to turn to for the tools needed for perfect lashes and brows? That’s right, Carmindy of TLC’s, What Not To Wear.

Carmindy

 

Carmindy, co-creator of Sally Hansen Natural Beauty and author of “Crazy Busy Beautiful”, has a few suggestions on 3 perfect eye tools – $10 and under from Sally Hansen Beauty Tools.  But, not only does Carmindy have insight on the tools needed, but she also has tips of how the tools can be used.

 

1. The Now Brow Perfect Arch Brow Kit

Enjoy tweezer-free brow shaping from this innovative set. Featuring one brow scissor and one brow shaper, the perfect brow set allows you to refine, define, arch, and accent. ($9.49)

Carmindy says: “If your brows grow straight down, use a curved pair of cuticle scissors and snip them from underneath into perfect shape.”

2. Mighty Mini Tini Tweeze Slant Tip

These travel size slant tip tweezers are perfect for working in-between or above the brows. The platform design inside the tips means even more hair-grabbing capability. ($5.49)

Carmindy says: “To ease your tweezing, pull the skin taut, grab the hairs at the base as close to the skin as you can get, and gently pull.”

3.  Sexy Curls Precision Eyelash Curler

Crimp, curl, widen and wink with the deluxe lash curler. Engineered to not touch the face and easier handling and crimping comfort.  ($6.49)

Carmindy says: ”For extra curling oomph, lightly run a warm hair dryer for about thirty seconds before crimping your lashes.  Touch it with a clean finger before proceeding.  You want it warm, not scalding. Protect that delicate skin!”

As The “Weather” Turns: Get Your Hair & Skin Ready for Fall!

Although it doesn’t feel like it – soon it will be time to move away from the warm summer weather and into the brisk temperatures of fall.  And, as the weather turns,  it’s time to adjust our beauty routine; preparing our hair & skin for the harsh weather ahead!  Here are 3 must-have brands to add to your beauty shopping list!

Davines OI/OIL

Essential Haircare OI/OIL goes to work on all hair types, especially dry, frizzy hair, detangling and smoothing strands. Unlike some oils that weigh hair down, Davines’ lightweight oil blend imparts remarkable softness, frizz-control and shine, as well as significant dry-time reduction when used on damp hair. OI/OIL is powered by antioxidant-rich Roucou Oil, a beta-carotene-rich native Amazonian plant.  

Davines OI/OIL ($39 at http://www.davines.com for salon locations)

Upper Canada Soap Naturally Signature Collection in Golden Maple Sugar

The scent of fresh maple syrup blended with lightly sweetened butter and warm undertones of brown sugar always remind me of the fall.  This line from Upper Canada Soap offers superior nourishment and moisture for naturally healthy, glowing skin! The Hydrating Shower gel is a pH-balance blend of Glycerin and White Tea Extract that cleanses the body of impurities while replenishing lost moisture.   Upper Canada’s lip balm is made with Shea Butter, Beeswax, Cocoa Seed Butter and Vitamin E. 

On Left: Hydrating Shower Gel ($9.99 at http://www.uppercanadasoap.com); On Right: Nourishing Lip Balm ($4.99 at http://www.uppercanadasoap.com)

Atopalm Skincare

Designed particularly for skin suffering from allergies, rosacea dryness and sensitivity in need of gentle yet powerful treatment, each paraben-free Atopalm product is powered by Dermatologist and Ophthamologist tested MLE formulas – plant derived ingredients that mimic skin’s natural structure and restore skin’s protective moisture barrier system.  This unique complex hydrates, soothes and calms the skin in distress, leaving dry sensitive skin visibly renewed.

Moisturizing Hand Treatment ($18 at http://www.atopalmusa.com)

Daytime Under makeup Moisture Cream ($18 at http://www.atopalmusa.com)

Fashion Icon, DVF: Fashion’s Chic Rock Star

Diane Von Furstenberg; DIANE fragrance launch at Bloomingdale’s

Ms. Diane Furstenberg sure knows how to throw a party! Yesterday, she led one heck of a celebration, bringing fashion, fragrance and a very chic flash mob together. Why, you ask? She geared up for the launch of her fragrance DIANE and an appearance at the Bloomingdale’s 59^th Street location, in New York City.  And because she is one who has a phenomenal knack for marketing, Ms. Furstenberg did it with awe-inspiring style. She led a wrap rally of women wearing her original signature wrap dress!!

Diane Von Furstenberg celebrates outside of Bloomingdale’s with the Wrap Dress Rally Crew

Women wearing the classic wrap handed out DIANE scented ribbons in SoHo, Union Square, Times Square and the Meatpacking District. Then, the Wrap Rally participants converged on the flagship Bloomingdale’s location just prior to the event and created a wrap flash mob, which generated excitement about the momentous occasion. As they chanted, “DVF! DVF! Be the woman you want to be!” DVF herself joined in and everyone went wild. For those who don’t know..Ms. Furstenberg’s message for all women is to be the woman that they want to be – How empowering!

Diane Von Furstenberg inside of Bloomingdale’s, 59th Street location.

Now that DIANE is officially available at Bloomingdale’s and everyone can incorporate DVF’s secret weapon of seduction into their lives, we are left with the question: Who is the woman YOU want to be?

Diane Von Furstenberg

Who Wore It Better? Garcelle Beauvais vs. Kara Dioguardi

Just recently, Garcelle Beauvais and Kara Dioguardi both wore a sweet by sexy, lovely navy blue lace dress but Maggy London. Garcelle went the edgy route with strappy black heels and a sleek clutch for the “Haiti after the Earthquake” book launch. And, for the Reeve Foundation’s Night for a Cure, Kara Dioguardi opted to go traditional with minimal accessories. Who rocked the look better?

Garcelle Beauvais (on left); and Kara Dioguardi (on right); Getty Images

Zappos VIP Automatic Membership 411 For My Blog Readers

Zappos.com Paper Doll

 

Until September 30th, Zappos.com VIP, has given me a code that allows automatic membership for my blog readers.  The VIP membership offers the following shopper benefits:

– Free overnight shipping

– Expedited Returns

– 365 Day Return Policy

– A Sneak Peek of What’s to Come before other Zappos users on the Zappos.com site

– A Separate Customer Service VIP phone number

The code is: http://vip.zappos.com/simply-fab

ENJOY!!! 

Zappos.com Outfit Builder

Chokers..a “Yay” or “Nay” for the Fall 2011 Season?

Tyra Banks; Photo by Pacific Coast News

Supermodel extraordinaire, Tyra Banks chose a bright choker to give her charcoal dress that extra pop of color for a recent appearance on Good Morning America to promote her debut novel “Modelland“.

With choker necklaces being a major trend that hit the runway for Fall 2011, is this something that you are willing to add to your look this season?

Model wearing a choker on the Danielle Scutt Fall 2011 Runway.

Model wearing a choker on the Sophie Theallet Fall 2011 Runway.

The next stop after the runway..is yours for the buying. But quite honestly, choker necklaces look the best on those who have long necks. But, if you happen to have a short neck don’t go for a thick choker, instead, try a thin choker.

Premium Rhinestone Casting Choker; $110.00; us.topshop.com

Spiked choker; Forever 21; $8.80

Gold Hammered Metal Choker; $130.00; reissonline.com

Emmy Star Quality Beauty Basics

Actress Julie Bowen; Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

 

What’s the most important foundation that’s necessary before hair, makeup and that special dress?  Moisturizer.  And on Emmy night, Julie Bowen (Modern Family) chose Jergen’s Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer as the perfect foundation for her radiant red carpet look and Emmy win!

 

Julie Bowen getting ready for the big night.

The fast-absorbing body lotion penetrates through 5 layers of the skin’s surface to lock in moisture, instantly doubling hydration and tripling skin’s moisture content with continued use.  By infusing skin with a powerful blend of vitamins C,E and B5, Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer deeply nourishes and replenishes.

Jergens® Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer

 

EMMY Beauty Tips: Kate Winslet’s Flawless Makeup

Sometimes it’s all about the neutral makeup look…see below for the makeup tips used by Jillian Dempsey, Avon Global Creative Color Director for Kate Winslet’s red carpet look:

Kate Winslet on Red Carpet for the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards; Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

 

“To show off her gorgeous skin, we kept her face basic and highlighted her cheeks with a soft blush,” says Jillian Dempsey (Avon Global Creative Color Director). “We accentuated her eyes with a warm taupe eye shadow and lots of lush black mascara. Kate wanted a semi-matte lip so we blended lip liner and lipstick to ground the color and finished off her naturally pretty look with just a hint of clear gloss.”

EYES:

• Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Laced Up (base) and Guest List (contour)

• Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black

• Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Brunet

FACE:

• Avon MagiX Essential Face Mattifier

• Lancôme Blush Subtil Sheer in Sheer Amourose

LIPS:

• Lancôme Color Design Lip Color in Camisole

• Avon Ultra Luxury Lipliner in Neutral

• Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss in Clear

EDITION GEORGES CHAKRA Resort 2012

EDITION Georges Chakra Resort 2012 Looks