Showing posts with label Neiman Marcus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neiman Marcus. Show all posts

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Wake Up And Smell Prada’s Infusion de Rose


I’m a sucker for pretty packaging.

A fantasy scene of wood nymphs at play among giant rose petals entwines the Prada Infusion de Rose Eau de Parfum box, sourced from a Prada Spring/Summer 2008 collection print.

The perfume inside is equally delightful: “imagine fresh rose petals mingling with tea, roses, and honey, crushed in the hand with mint leaves.” It’s an unexpected and modern take on the typical rose fragrance.

While I don’t love it as much as my beloved Prada Infusion d’Iris (my signature scent), it’s a refreshing and feminine fragrance that is perfect for Spring (and a vast improvement from 2009’s Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger - which I felt veered into little old lady territory).

Prada Infusion de Rose ($105, 3.4 oz) is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Kristen Stewart Debuts Red Hot Hair at Letterman and NYC Eclipse Premiere

Fekkai Celebrity Stylist Adir Abergel transformed Kristen Stewart's tresses from day to night (for her David Letterman appearance and the New York premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), and collaborated with Marie Robinson to color her hair strawberry blonde.

DAY: Abergel created a feminine and flirty style for Kristen's David Letterman appearance.
GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and working throughout the hair. Using a round brush, he blow-dried the hair straight, and spritzed the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist for added shine. Adir curled the hair using a 1-inch curling iron, and sprayed with Fekkai Coiff Ocèanique Tousled Wave Spray to create the flirty texture. He then pulled the hair back loosely and secured it by knotting at the nape of the neck. To finish of the look, Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray.

COLOR: Adir teamed up with Clairol Celebrity Stylist, Marie Robinson, to dye Kristen's hair strawberry blonde. Abergel encouraged Stewart to return to her natural roots, and pulled images from the 1950's for inspiration.
GET THE LOOK: To achieve Stewart's strawberry blonde color, Abergel suggests using the Fekkai Salon Color 6R Copper-Lucy.

NIGHT: Abergel created a soft and romantic braid for Kristen Stewart’s Premiere in New York for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and dried her hair with his hands. Next, Adir applied a dime of Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax for added texture. Creating a side part, he braided the hair across the side line towards the opposite side of the head. With his fingers, he carefully pulled pieces of hair to soften and shape the face. To secure the look, he tied the hair into a loose knot. Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai products are available At fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Get The Look: Kristen Stewart at Eclipse Premiere

Avon Global Creative Color Director and Hollywood Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey prepped Kristen Stewart for the Eclipse premier. "We made her eyes pop with shimmery, icy tones and added definition with black liquid liner," she said.

Opting for a more classic look, Dempsey wanted to keep Kristen's look fresh, while playing up the eyes. For the premiere, Dempsey used:

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer in White/Jet Black Price ($9.00): One end of the Eye Enhancer contains a creamy, smooth eyeshadow, and the other has a perfectly coordinated luxurious liquid eyeliner.

Avon SuperExtend Mascara in Black ($8.50): The innovative stretch-formula contains triangular-shaped fibers that visibly lengthens lashes up to 55%.

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Multi Pencil in Raspberry Radiance ($8.00): A double-ended pencil includes a soft, smudge-proof eyeshadow on one end and a complementary cream lip and cheek color on the other.

Frederic Fekkai's Adir Abergel tended to Kristen Stewart's tresses for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere.

INSPIRATION: A soft take on the 1950's pompadour

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots throughout the hair. Using a round brush, Abergel blow-dried the hair away from the face, and placed it in pin curls. He allowed the hair to cool before removing the pin curls. He then styled the hair by hand raking the hair into a side pompadour securing with with pins. To shape the face, Abergel pulled a few pieces in front. To secure the look, he then applied Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip ($23) and Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray ($35) are available at Fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne

If you surveyed the perfumes on my vanity, you'd surely notice that the common thread amongst my favorites (the half empty bottles) is vanilla.

Most days, I smell like some variation of vanilla. But as I get older, I'm constantly searching for a more sophisticated take on the scent. I love vanilla, but I don't want to smell like cake frosting 24/7.

So I was thrilled to recently make the acquaintance of Vanilla & Anise, the latest fragrance from Jo Malone - a spicy, modern interpretation of my favorite flava.

The Composition

Top notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, Wild Fennel Flower, Star Anise
Middle notes: Oleander. Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid
Base notes: Madagascar Clove, White Amber, Vetiver Bourbon, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Tonka


The Vanilla & Anise collection consists of a 1 oz Cologne ($55), a 3.4 oz Cologne ($100). The fragrance is available at Jo Malone shops, jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Do You Smell What The Karan Is Cooking?

Don't you just love when you jump on a bandwagon just at the right moment? Like when you read a book right before the movie comes out...or you get behind a team right before they win the Super Bowl...or when you embrace a hot new trend just as it becomes available at Forever 21? Score! That's how I feel about Donna Karan Cashmere Mist.

Cashmere Mist has been around since 1985, but I just discovered (and was seduced by) it this summer - when I picked up the Mini Deodorant/Antierspirant at Sephora. After using the deodorant for about a week, I found it impossible to live without the perfume. And I'm not alone - millions of women have also fallen under its spell; Cashmere Mist just happens to be the number four best-selling fragrance in the United States.

A few weeks after wearing the perfume religiously, I felt compelled to expand my personal Cashmere Mist collection, and I am now the proud owner of the Body Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner.

This fall, Donna Karan celebrates the fragrance's 15th birthday and gives me yet another reason to praise my perfect timing: Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition Eau de Parfum, a modern, enhanced version of the original. "Cashmere Mist is the ultimate Modern Icon," Karan says. "For 15 years, it has been a worldwide passion - a soft, sensual indulgence for women to wrap themselves in year round. Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition adds a whole new level of luxury. It is my thank you to women for making Cashmere Mist what it is today."

Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition Eau de Parfum features heightened notes of Watery Elements and Bergamot, mingled with two Jasmine absolutes, Orange Flower, Ylang and Muget, enveloped by the creaminess of Moss, Blonde woods, Amber, Labdanum and Vanilla. Simply put, it's a saucier and more decadent version of the cult classic; wear the original during the day and spritz on the Luxe Edition for a night out, when you want to turn up the heat and turn on the charm.



The Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition collection consists of a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray ($48.00) and a 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray ($70.00). It is available in Donna Karan stores, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Sephora.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Kristen Stewart at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards

Adir Abergel, Frederic Fekkai celebrity stylist, tended to the locks of Twilight/New Moon star Kristen Stewart for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.

Inspiration: 60s rock and roll pompadour with a spiky ponytail.

How to get the look: Adir first started out by applying the Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax to the palm his hands and then added the Fekkai Coiff Extra Control Styling Gel for extra texture and shine. He applied this to her damp hair until it was full saturated.

To get the right texture with short layered haircut like Kristen's, you must apply enough products until you get it to look right and feels right. It is important to fully saturate the hair with product.

Once the product was in the hair he took a blow-drier and hand dried into his desired style, directing all the hair with his fingers back to the nape of her neck.

To finish the look, he took the back of the hair and pulled it into a twisted ponytail letting the ends out and then spraying the front with the Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. Make sure to leave random pieces out for a more chill vibe.

Fekkai products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and fekkai.com.

Photo: gossipcenter.com

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection: Greige

The new fall dress code for Giorgio Armani is “Greige.” Subtle but distinct tones accentuate a deep smoky eye contrasted with a fresh, luminous complexion and a muted, but intense lip color.

Manta Ray Eye Duo Palettes, $38
The star product of the season is the eye duo palette, which is dressed with an exotic Manta Ray pattern. Inspired by the precious and luxurious materials used in Giorgio Armani fashion accessories, the palettes offer a beautiful selection of color harmonies inspired by nature. The collection features subtle hues that offer a new take on the timeless color “Greige,” create by Giorgio Armani. The rich filtered eye tones, presented in a matte Greige compact, give depth and mystery to the eyes with subtle contours and highlights.

n° 1 – charcoal and Greige: the ultimate eye shadow combination for this season’s smoky eye
n° 2 – deep ocean blue and intense ocean green
n° 3 – pale lilac grey and luminous fuchsia
n° 4 – light blue stone and sandy beige
n° 5 – shimmering lilac pearl and pale green pearl


Liquid Silk Eye Liner n° 1 and n° 2, $30
Armani Liquid Silk Eye Liners in matte charcoal grey or midnight metallic blue contrast the softer Greige tones with a smooth high precision stroke. The formula, which contains microdispersed waxes and micro-fil™ polymer, boosts the deep intense color and ensures a long-lasting, quick-drying application.


Armani Silk Lipstick n°92, $25
This season’s must-have Armani lipstick accentuates the natural lip color, keeping the focus on the eyes. The grey-blue tones in this soft plum lipstick add intensity to the lip without giving a dark contrast, the new alternative to beige. The Armani Silk lipstick formula dresses the lips with a hydrating and silky veil. Specific oils allow the shade to reveal intense and radiant color, resulting in a luminous blush on the lips.

The “Greige” Eye Look by Linda Cantello: “Eye shadow is about shading. Rather than adding shadows, these muted tones contour and define, accentuating the eye and the pupil; the focus is actually on the eye itself. My favorite is the Greige and charcoal duo shade palette, but the pale lilac grey and fuchsia offer a really beautiful pop of color.”

Application Tips:
* Use the Greige shade to contour the eye by sweeping the shadow along the crease of the eye. Follow by sweeping the shade under the lower lash line and over the upper lash line. Use charcoal to add intensity.

* A second option is to sweep the charcoal shadow over the whole lid and use the Greige to blend. For added intensity, apply midnight blue eyeliner along the upper lid lash line.

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection is available for a limited time online at giorgioarmanibeauty.com and at selected fine department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Ten Questions with Tory Burch

It’s hard to believe that Tory Burch launched her eponymous label only five years ago.

In 2004, she opened a flagship store in the NoLIta neighborhood of New York City; the boutique, filled with ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry, sold out on the first day. In 2005, she was endorsed by Oprah; the following day, toryburch.com received 8 million hits and Oprah’s prediction became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Since then, Tory Burch has become the unofficial outfitter of celebrities and soccer moms alike. With its zesty color palette, striking prints and forgiving cuts, the brand furnishes fashionistas with stylish yet wearable clothing and accessories, sans sticker shock. And her much-imitated Reva ballet slipper are on many a girl’s wardrobe wish-list (including my own).


Recently, I had the much envied opportunity to chat up fashion phenom and fellow Philadelphian, Tory Burch. So if you want to know more about the brainy beauty behind this chic lifestyle brand, try this interview on for size.

SP: When did your fascination with fashion begin?
TB: It would have been impossible not to have developed a passion for fashion and style growing up with my mother and father. They have both always had an amazing and innate sense of style. I did not always dream of being a designer, but I think the fashion industry was a natural fit for me. After over 15 years working in marketing and public relations for great designers like Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez, it became clear that my passion was in the design process and I knew it was something I wanted to do.

SP: What was your first big break in the fashion industry?
TB:
Eight months after our launch I got a call from a producer at Oprah saying that they were doing a show dedicated to the "next big things" and Oprah wanted to feature the line. I was sure it was some friend of mine making a prank call, but it wasn’t. After going on Oprah’s show everything changed. The day the episode aired we got eight million hits on our website and suddenly women in America seemed to know who we were. It was amazing. I can definitely say we owe a huge part of our success to Oprah’s support.

SP: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
TB:
We design timeless yet modern American sportswear with a bohemian sensibility. I design clothes that I want to wear myself and being a working mom I need easy pieces that work well with my busy lifestyle. I think most women can identify with that and they want to look chic and fashionable without having to spend a lot of time putting an outfit together.

SP: In your opinion, what makes a woman stylish?
TB: I think everyone probably has their own idea of what is stylish, but the best guide to looking chic is to focus on what looks well on you. I like to mix unusual colors and prints and have learned what silhouettes suit me the best. I love fashion and pay attention to trends but don’t necessarily always follow them too literally, again I think it’s best to know what works on you. I like when women show their individuality and put a bit of their own personality into their style.

SP: Favorite color combination?
TB:
The combination of pink and orange is classic yet unexpected. Our signature 3T print is done in pink and orange on everything from our shopping bags and shoe boxes to flip flops and cosmetic bags. The chairs in our showroom are orange with pink velvet cushions and I love the way they brighten up the space. They are both uplifting and vibrant colors that go well together on everything from accessories to clothing to furniture.

SP: I absolutely adore your double T logo. It’s genius! How did it come about?
TB:
We worked with a branding company called MODCO who showed me about 200 different logo designs. I was drawn to the one we chose because it didn’t look like a traditional logo. I see it as more of a design element that we incorporate into our prints and our signature hardware.

SP: Favorite places to shop in Philadelphia?
TB:
Anthropologie is one of my favorite places to shop for unique gifts and I love their home section. Blue Mercury has the best selection of candles, lotions and beauty products. They have a mix of both well-known and up and coming brands so I always find something new to try. My step-daughters love to shop at Boyd’s and Skirt. They have great denim brands and a terrific mix of designers at all price points. Neiman Marcus in King of Prussia has everything. Definitely one stop shopping.

SP: If I were to search your handbag, what beauty products would I find? And what is your signature fragrance?
TB:
NARS Lipstick in Mitzi. Signature fragrance - Vetiver by Guerlain.


SP: What is your everyday beauty routine?
TB:
My beauty regime is very easy. I don’t wear a lot of makeup and often leave the house with wet hair. My style is very natural and easy and my beauty regime is similar. Not too much effort goes into it.

SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
TB:
Protect your skin from the sun.

Tory Burch is available at 16 free-standing Tory Burch boutiques across the US, toryburch.com and over 400 select department and specialty stores worldwide. Follow Tory on Twitter at twitter.com/toryburch.