New York Fashion Week SS2016 with Project Runway, Ten Tomorrow and Calvin Klein

New York Fashion Week SS2016

New York, NY 
SS2016 New York Fashion Week kicked off in Midtown on September 10th. No longer centered around the hub of Lincoln Center Plaza, the shows now are all over with Givenchy holding his first NYC Show at Hudson River Park.

I spent my time running between shows and events but was able to catch 4 runway shows at Gotham Hall at Broadway and 36th. 
One of the events I attended, NEXTPERTstyleXTech, was hosted at Studio 450 where runway shows are also on tap. However this was a special media invite from the producers of the hit TV fashion reality show, Project Runway.

Project Runway star & fashion designer, Anthony Ryan Auld

Brother Fashion
Also on hand - Brother Sewing Machines which are the official sewing machine for Project Runway.
Brother has amazing printing, embroidery and sewing machines including the ultimate bling machine shown below.

Brother Sewing and Printing Machines: My new tee hot off the press.

My NYFW SS2016 Outfit: Truth, NYC -Ten Tomorrow, HI and Calvin Klein NYC

On the Red Carpet at the Project Runway VIP Event

Top by Truth, NYC. Skirt by Ten Tomorrow, HI

Lucette Mirror Metallic Leather Shoes by Calvin Klein

My Accessories
My black and white colorways had a touch of sheer, especially on my Alexis skirt from up and coming designer, Ten Tomorrow. So perfect for SS2016! To compliment this outfit, I worn a crystal watch by Issac Mizrahi and a diamond bracelet with earrings by Cate & Chloe. This sparkle was complimented by the smooth silver of my Lucette Mirror Metallic Leather shoes by Calvin Klein. These shoes are a medium height and ride snug at the heel. They give a log legged look by leaving the foot open from the toe, all the way up the leg. Smashing! I was seated in the front row for ALL the runway shows at NY Fashion Week.

Watch by Isaac Mizrahi. Bracelet and Earrings by Cate & Chloe.

Metallic Leather shoes by Calvin Klein

.

Diamond and crystal jewelry. Fanfare Painted Peruvian Box & Tray by TenThousandVillages.com


Next up...the fashion show-stoppers from the runway at NYFW SS2016!!!!

FashionXTech New York Fashion Week After Parties with Project Runway Designer

Meeting with fashion designer Anthony Ryan Auld, Grand Prize Winner of Project Runway

New York Fashion Week 2015
One of the most fun things about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week are the after parties where models, designers and journalists get to mix and mingle in a more relaxed atmosphere. So there is more to a fashion show than what you see presented on the runway.

I was invited to FashionXTech's VIP Cocktail Party at the Tender Lounge on 47th. They picked us up after the shows at Lincoln Center Plaza with The RIDE, a crazy cool tour bus with stadium seats! Traveling from Lincoln Center along 9th Avenue, we went to pick up our host designer, Anthony Ryan Auld before going to the party.

Anthony boarding The RIDE in route to the after party.

So the celebration officially got started on thetour bus as we were entertained by our host Katlean DeMonchy of CNN and fashion designer Anthony Ryan Auld, Grand Prize Winner of the hit television series, Project Runway. Anthony shared his unique style tips and said: "It's all in how you put it together" meaning you can combine pieces from various fashion outlets to put together an amazing outfit. This was the first ever New York Fashion Week Mobile Lounge and it was a fantastic way to make use of our time while in route to shows and events. The RIDE has a killer sound system, pulsating multi-colored lights, 24 plasma screens with floor to ceiling windows to take in all the street action as well.

Anthony gives some useful insider secrets and fashion advice.

Once we arrived at the Tender Lounge on 47th street (between 6th & 7th Avenues), we were all warmed up for the cocktail party. There were floating hot horderves, asparagus risotto, mineral water and flavored vodkas. I had a chance to talk with Katlean and Anthony one on one as well as other journalists, photographers and VIP attendees.

New York Fashion Week Party People

Busy bartenders at the VIP Cocktail Party

Lovely runway models Ammalie Overbeck (L) and Bo 'T Jong (R) 

Jennifer Suh, VP of Snowman NYC

Active big screen showing our real-time Tweets from NY Fashion Week.

We also got to see some pretty tricked out Brother sewing machines. Brother is the official sewing machine for Project Runway and the embroidering work these new machines can do is simply amazing. 

We all received really sweet Goodie Bags with lifestyle items such as:  Coco-Mat Sachet and Slippers,Insomnia Cookies, Chic Buds, BigT NYC,  BARE New York, GirlyGoGarter, p.i.a. pouch and electronic accessories like the pink portable Razor Plus phone charger by MyCharge.

Special thanks to FashionXTech and The RIDE NYC for providing transportation to and from the shows and hosting us at the Tender Lounge after party. Thank you also to all the sponsors who contributed to the Swag Bag for this event.

NYFW Runway 500 Eye Makeup Designs Esum Brushes, Pur Minerals and Sephora's Makeup Forever

500 Eye Makeup Designs and some of my favorite tools to do it.

Kicking off Fashion Week, you can't help but envy some of the exotic eye makeup designs we see on the runway. Well, I've walked the runway and know how much a beautiful eye makeup application can do to compliment an outfit. So here are some tips and tools to add some pop to your eyes and wow to those brows:

NEW! 500 Eye Makeup Designs by Kendra Stanton
Kendra is a nationally renowned makeup artist with her work being seen on the covers of Fast Company, Los Angeles Magazine and the pages of Muse Magazine, Runners World and the New York Times. Just published in August 2014, Stanton's book offers everything from the more subdued everyday work looks to more artistic high fashion eye makeup seen on the pages of Vogue and Harper's. I really like the variety of designs and the choice to go a bit crazy for Holidays or even cos-play. 320 pages with a brief tutorial in the back of the which acts as the basis for all eye makeup applications. Book is available at FairwindsPress.com or Amazon.com and retails for $24.99

New fall eye makeup colors from Pur Perfect Fit Eyeshadow Trio

Pur Perfect Fit Eyeshadow Trios
New for fall, these Pur Perfect Fit Trios shown here are: Jet Setter, Bohemian Bombshell and Lady Luck. This Belgium formula describes itself as, "Luminous, long-wear colours that correct the look of lines and creases. Beauty - pur and simple."
I don't have serious lines but it's good to know that this formula will not make matters worse! Feels almost creamy when blended but it is truly a powder formula. Reminds me of my Bare Minerals Eye Duos, (my favorite is The Top Shelf). If you want perfect eye shadow application that doesn't crease, first prime your lids with something like L'Oreal's Miracle Blur and set with a silicon powder like Elf's High Definition Powder. Check the new Perfect Fit Trios out at PurMinerals.com

My Favorite Eye Makeup Tools - Esum Pro Essential 14 pc Set
If you are looking to move up to makeup artist quality brushes, you'll want to check out Muse Beauty Pro. You will need serious brushes like these to pull off the looks in the book. Some of my favorites from this pro set include:

S33 Medium Round Eye Contour Brush
B15 Angle Brow Brush
W21 Small Filbert Shader Brush
T05 Square Liner Brush
G09 Extra Small Scallop Liner Brush

Esum brushes are available at MuseBeauty.Pro

Make Up Forever Smokey Extravagant Mascara & Sephora Colorproof Liquid Eyeliner in Navy Blue
This season, navy blue is the new black so you might want to check out how to wear this with a subdued smokey eye. I like Sephora's Makeup Forever Mascara as well as their namesake Colorproof Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. Always use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. What's hot now also are eyelash extensions. Add them in one by one for the most natural look with less mascara clumps and cleanup. Many spas like J n K at Commisso and Co. Hair Salon in Port Washington, Long Island offer this service so check around.

Sephora Colorproof Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Navy

Boots Botanics Eyeliner Pencil
I received this is my BoxyCharm subscription box this spring. It is made with skin conditioning jojoba oil but the label says made in China! Boots is a UK drugstore brand and I have used this eye pencil quite a bit. I like that it comes with its own sharpener, similar to the Elf Eyeliner Pencils. The color does seem to stay put and if you pop any pencil in the fridge before sharpening, you can get a clean, tight line. Clean up of all this eye makeup needn't be a horror either. Very heavy eye makeup comes off easily with Lumene Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. It comes from Finland and is made with 100% Organic Arctic Linen Seed oil and can be used on eyes and lips. Use this or gently massage some organic coconut oil over your lids and wipe gently with a flannel or face cloth.

Makeup Forever Mascara and Boots Botanics Eyeliner

Book and Eye Shadows c/o Fairwinds Press and Pur Minerals respectively

Dansko Soho Shoe Show - Springing for Comfort #NYFW #SS2014

Gorgeous models showing off both the current and spring Dansko 2014 styles at this post NY Fashion Week event!

Soho - NYC: New York Fashion Week continues with this lovely event hosted by Dansko Shoes at Sweet Lily's Natural Nail Spa & Boutique on Wednesday, September 18th. This invitational had some of the top magazine and blog editors enjoying a day of pampering with a foot massage and pedicure while seeing the current fall and upcoming spring-summer Dansko 2014 line. This was such a wonderful concept and much appreciated as THIS editor walked all the way from Midtown at 34th street to Soho!

New for fall 2013: The Franka in Brandy is a burnished leather clog with thumbnail detail.

Fall 2013: The Franka Clog from the Havana Collection
In the lead photo the model to the far right is wearing the Franka in Slate. It's in the grey colorways and looks fantastic with off-black to black colored tights. Likewise the warmth of the burnished leather Franka in Brandy is beautiful due to the full grain leather. These are extremely comfortable shoes (I live in my clogs during the winter), and transition from walking to riding my bicycle or traveling. Dress them up or down, these are a fashion staple for your closet this fall.

 

Nappa Leather Bethany Boot in black.

Fall 2013: Bethany Boot from the Bordeaux Collection
These are the boots being worn by the model in the lead photo to the far left. I used these very stylish boots in my Newport Mansions series. They look very elegant with dresses due to the tapering toe and moderate heel. The stretch panel in back keep the boots up on your calves and is quite forgiving for a number of different sizes. They feel like butter and are toasty warm for the cooler temps to come. 

Light and right tasty noshes at the Dansko fashion event.

Dansko Spring/Summer 2014
I'm sure you want to know what's coming up from Dansko for Spring 2014? It all started when wife and husband team Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup discovered the first Dansko shoe while on a horse buying trip to Denmark. Instead they discovered the Dane's love of clogs and brought the idea back to Pennsylvania. They know how to design a comfortable shoe for women in a variety of professions who are required to be on their feet. However now we are seeing a greater interest in design that makes us women want to wear the shoes for their esthetic purposes alone.
I really don't think you should have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. The Spring/Summer 2014 Dansko line underscores that mindset.

Colorful and fun. Beautiful details and bold colorways accent the Dansko Spring/Summer 2014 collection. New to the line is the addition of a walking shoe with a non-slip 100% rubber sole.

Dansko's Secret Weapon
I think what sets Dansko apart is that they have a team of dedicated women who really enjoy wearing not just any shoes but fashionable shoes. I think their input is visible in the evolution of the design offerings. This is definitely apparent in their Spring/Summer 2014 collection and quite refreshing in the fashion world.

Dansko Spring and Summer 2014 sandals offer pretty design details without sacrificing comfort and support.

Editors Celebrate Fashion Week: Drink and Cocktail Ideas

Some specially crafted cocktail party ideas just in time for Fashion Week 2013!

Fashion Week, NYC Going to fashion shows, meeting with retailers and interacting with PR people are all part of an editor's day. Multiply that times TEN during Fashion Week which kicks off in NYC today!  This is the time of year that I like to do loft parties and late evening get-togethers with my editor colleagues (shout out goes to Madam Editor of GaveThat.com & Magda my super assistant!), photographers and technical people whom I rely on all year.

Entertaining Thoughts
Fashion Shows are known for their high-powered music...and that's just on the runway. After parties are even more crazy. Rather than hire a DJ, I have a Karaoke Machine that docks my iPod for endless song selections. This is being done at a lot of store events too. The tower speakers are amazing for sound quality and with two microphones, everyone gets a chance to step up to the mic and belt one out. Easy to read lyrics appear on a full color 7" screen. This is so much fun!

My Singing Machine Karaoke System with be rocking my Fashion Week Parties!

Cocktails Anyone?
You can go the Skinny Girl Cocktail route but I prefer to craft my own drinks and keep the alcohol light. Always have some hot or cold hor dourves available buffet style so your guests can have something to eat with their drinks. You don't want the other editors waking up the next day with a headache! Here are some special drink recipes just for NYC's Fashion Week!

To go with your cocktails: Delicious Pears, Cheeses, Crackers and Salami fresh from Harry & David Orchards

Fashion Week Cocktails!

THE PUBLICIST

Intense and long-lasting. That’s the inspiration for this sparkling later afternoon highball.

1 part vanilla vodka

1 part Drambuie

Polar® Orange Vanilla Seltzer, and lots of it

Lemon peel, garnish (because it’s easy, otherwise use orange peel)

Build the drink in a highball glass, by pouring vodka and Drambuie over crushed ice. Top generously with Polar® Seltzer and stir gently, taking care to not bruise the bubbles.

 

 THE MARKET EDITOR

Anyone who spends half their time on an airplane searching for the newest designs always looks forward to the comforts of home. In this case it is a sparkling version of a “whiskey sour”.

2 oz quality American Bourbon (Whiskey)

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Egg white

Polar® Vanilla Seltzer

(if you need to sweeten it add a teaspoon of agave)

Vigorously shake the whiskey, lemon juice and egg white in a shaker. Once there is a bit of froth pour over ice in a double old-fashioned glass. Top generously with Polar® Seltzer.

THE PATRON

Every young American designer needs a sparkling European patron. A perfect combination of old world and new.

2 parts Campari

1 part quality Gin

Polar® Orange Vanilla Seltzer

Splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Begin by chilling Campari, the gin and the lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into glasses, and then top generously with Polar Seltzer.

THE ASSISTANT

This ultra “skinny” cocktail gets the job done.

2 oz quality lemon vodka

Polar® Lemon Seltzer

Lemon peel, to rim glass and garnish