Winter Sparkle Evening and Everyday Makeup Trends for the New Year

Shimmer and sparkle are ON for evening. Neutral naked palettes for daytime.

Whether you are planning on ringing in the New Year with a bit of glitz or are looking for a neutral, almost naked eye palette for everyday, here's what's trending for 2015. Bold, rich colors for lips and eyes in neutral tones of beige, brown and pink. Most professional makeup artists start with the eyes so let's talk about what's hot right now.

Eyes: Going Naked? No, Try Lorac's Unzipped
I had a chance to see Urban Decay's new Naked3 Pallet this past fall. I saw it at Ulta and the sales woman kept going on about it. Really, it didn't look THAT much different from the first two releases, although the Naked3 had more of a pink, flesh tone to them. 

I looked up a dupe for their palette and Lorac's Unzipped Eye Shadow Palette came up. Lorac is makeup artist quality pigment and often seen on the runway and red carpet. Like the Urban Decay set, the Lorac Unzipped comes with an eyelid primer and has 10 ultra-rich shimmering and matte shadows. The mirrored case has a magnetic closure and this nude eye shadow palette is one you will reach for day after day. By LoracCosmetics.com

Pacifica Natural Minerals Stellar Eye Trio and Lorac Unzipped Eye Shadow Palette

Pacifica Natural Minerals Stellar Eye Trio
Going natural is on trend for 2015 and so this Stellar Eye Trio is 100% Vegan and made from natural minerals. I especially like the Natural Color Eye Pencil which goes on very smoothly in a rich matte black. Likewise the little Natural Eye Shadow Duo is ready to travel with two colors: Unicorn and Moonbeam. Has an almost creamy feel and goes on with a lit from within glow without too much shimmer. By PacificaBeauty.com and available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide.

Another favorite of mine is ELF's Black Shimmer Eye Pencil which comes with its own sharpener. Rather than flat black pencil line, the ELF Eye Pencil looks almost moist on due to the shimmer. You also might want to try Esum Brushes, namely their G27 Brush. So soft, they are amazing for blending pigments. See them at MuseBeauty.Pro

Sparkle and Shimmer for Lips and Nails

Lip Service
Just for evening, a neutral or even smokey eye gives you license to add a bit of glitter to your mouth and nails. I just wouldn't do both in shimmer as it may be too much. 
Glitz Fix by Ciate - London
This is really theatrical but the two part kit consists of primer and top glitter. Comes with a mini fan brush for blending the glitter out from the center of your lips for an ombre look. Definitely rock this look for New Year's Eve! See it at CiateLondon.com

The glitz and glitter squad.

Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tints
Rich in natural oils and botanicals like jojoba and aloe, these lips tints are VERY comfortable to wear and look amazing on. 100% vegetarian, paraben free and artificial color free. Made in the USA. Visit them online at MineralFusion.com

Mineral Fusion Mini Nail Polish Kit
This 100% Vegan Chip Resistant Formula is formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dbp free. The smaller sized pots travel well. They go on very smoothly and dry quickly. This kit consists of:

Galaxy (dark blue glitter)
Royal Rubble (dark purple glitter)
Berried Gem (cranberry glitter)

Another new favorite of mine is from PINK (Victoria's Secret). Nail Paint. Shown here below in sparkly gold, I got it along with the PINK Nation Racer Back Bra that was in this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The PINK Nail Paints are VERY luxe and have a long lasting high wattage glitter. Use them to accent a manicure as they cover extremely well.

PINK Nail Paint in Gold

Victoria's Secret PINK Accessories, Mine
Cosmetics c/o the companies so listed herewith

Snow Daze: Craghoppers Hallmoor Parka & Tubb's Wilderness Snowshoes

Incredibly warm and stylish Craghopper's Hallmoor Parka

NYC, NY All this talk of a Polar Vortex and record snowfall shouldn't keep you cooped up! A super warm and chic outdoor parka is what you need for our seriously cold NY/NJ winters. While you're at it, grab a pair of snowshoes and get outside for some exercise. You'll find that you can grow to love the snow as much as I do when there are fun things to do like snowshoeing, sledding or cross country skiing. First, let's get dressed!

NEW Hallmoor Parka by Craghoppers, UK
Yes, this is my idea of a proper coat for both town and country. Warming pockets keep hands toasty and an adjustable belt helps keep the wind from chilling your core. This parka was comfortable and cozy during our snowshoe hike in 19 degree weather.  

The Hallmoor comes with a detachable faux fur hood

Hood's draw strings can be pulled snug around the face.

Hallmoor Parka Details:

Wrap up in style with our fab new insulated parka. Hallmoor Parka’s sleek cotton outer, with neat belt and stud-fastened bellowed and patch pockets, delivers watertight AquaDry Membrane performance. Inside, the waterproof jacket’s map-print lining is paired with lightweight wadding for added warmth. The zip-off hood has a gorgeous removable faux-fur trim for the full parka effect. Complete with innovative Hot Pockets, it’s a real winter winner.   Also includes knitted inner collar, waxed cord adjusters to hood, zipped handwarmer and inner pockets, O/S map size pockets, stud-fastening stormflap with inner zip guard, self-fabric stud cuff adjusters and inner knitted rib, elbow patches and brushed chin guard.   Craghoppers’ heritage range fuses impressive weatherproof technologies with premium fabrics and top-quality designs in an outdoor clothing collection that delivers peerless performance and timeless style.

 

 

• Map print lined (perfect for Walks on Britain and Britain on Foot!)
• 30' jacket length
• Knitted inner collar
• Zip-off hood with waxed cord adjusters to front, stud adjuster to back and removable faux-fur trim
• Pockets: 8; 2 bellowed stud-fastening lower with 2 zipped hand warmer, 2 stud-fastening chest and 2 zipped inner
• Pocket fits O/S map
• Stud-fastening stormflap with inner zip guard
• Self-fabric stud cuff adjusters and inner knitted rib
• Brushed chin guard
• Self-fabric belt
• Elbow patches
• Hot Pockets
• Cotton with Water Resistant finish outer, AquaDry Membrane liner, polyester cotton lining and polyester wadding 1660g
• Outer: 100% Cotton, Lower lining - 100% polyester, Upper lining - 65% polyester 35% cotton, Padding - 100% polyester, Collar Rib Trim fabric - 100% polyester Trim - 85% polyester 15% aluminized polyethylene, Drop Liner- 100% Polyester, Faux Fur - 100% polyester

Tubb's Women's Wilderness Snowshoes

These are the same women specific snowshoes designed for the Tubb's Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer events. These are the perfect all terrain snowshoe that can go nearly anywhere, even up hill thanks to the ActiveLift™ heel bar.  We have a large estate so we took these out in the woods on our own land which includes uneven gulleys and streams. They handled it all!

 

Tubbs Women's Wilderness Snowshoes work on most any terrain

Built for speed, these modern fitness snowshoes can replace your running shoes in the wintertime. Snowshoeing burns tons of calories, (between 400-1,000 per/hr) and is one of the best outdoor exercises you can do. They are lightweight and you can even choose the degree of float desired according to your weight. The bindings are very easy to adjust with gloved hands, (I wear Scott Snowboarding Gloves).

 

Tubbs Women's Wilderness Snowshoes do it all

Women's Wilderness Snowshoes

The ultimate adventure starts with the right gear. Packed full of great features like the 180Pro binding and the Fit-Step™ frame, the Wilderness snowshoe is the perfect blend of technology, comfort and convenience. And now with the ActiveLift™ heel lift, there’s no adventure this snowshoe can’t tackle! 

 

Parka c/o Craghoppers UK

Snowshoes c/o Tubbs Snowshoes  

Holiday Party Style & Hostess Gifts - Wine and Dine Me

Make your next party entrance with THE perfect hostess gift: The Wine Cork Frame

Kaia South African Wine Bar, NYC It's Holiday time and time to give extra special gifts for extra special friends and family. While most people would appreciate your arriving at a Christmas or New Year's Eve Party with a delicious bottle of their favorite wine, maybe it's time to think outside of the bottle. There are some gorgeous accessories this season to help that special wine connoisseur enjoy and celebrate their favorite wines all the more. Here are a few from my Lucky Gift Guide:

Wine Cork Frame by candlelight. Add corks to remember the vintage you've enjoyed!

Wine Cork Frames
The Wine Cork Company makes beautifully crafted glass covered cabinets which can be filled with corks from your favorite wine bottles. They can also be personalized with an engraved plaque to commemorate a special day or an event making it the perfect present for: Holidays, Bridal Showers, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and more. Have a holiday party and ask everyone to bring extra wine corks to contribute. That way you have memoirs from everyone's favorite wines and your wine cork frames will fill up very quickly. See even more styles and gift giving ideas at The Wine Cork Company online.

Wine Cork Frame in Brazilian Cherry!  Dress: Jennifer in Navy by fashion designer Nora Gardner, NYC.

PackIt Wine Cooler Bag
If you're headed out to a holiday party and want to be ultra chic, arrive with your bottle wine gifts CHILLED. Very easy to do with a PackIt Wine Cooler Bag. It folds up so you can place it in the freezer for a few hours, then pack up to two bottles of your favorite vintage for the gathering. By the time you arrive, your wine will be perfectly cooled and ready to serve. You can even give the host the cooler bag with the wine for a reusable wine lover's gift. Works great for your BYO wine option for dinner at your favorite restaurant too!

My Zebra PackIt fit right in at the Kaia South African Wine Bar!

Box for a Bottle
Let the happy recipient decide if they have been naughty or nice! Beautifully handcrafted wooden Box for A Bottle Wine Box has roomy compartments for two bottles of wine and decorated with this embossed Holiday motif and can also be personalized. The perfect presentation for your wine gifts or can be used at home to display your favorite bottles.

The Box for a Bottle can be engraved with a personalized message.

South African Vintage Wines

Coming on the scene and competing with some of the more established wineries of Europe, are those fragrant offerings from South Africa. I was invited to the Kaia South African Wine Bar, 1614 3rd Avenue, NY who specializes in South African Inspired Small Plates Seasonal menu, local Meats and Cheese. They offer Southern Hemisphere New World Wines, with a focus on South African Varietals and Craft Beer.

I've had Australian Yellow Tail, and the Wit (White) Sauvignon Blanc I sampled reminded me a bit of that.  Pictured below is the Red Jasper, Raats Family Coastal Region, South Africa 2010 which I had at the bar. It was so fragrant and delicious! I'm looking forward to trying the Creation Whale Pod next.

Two Rooi (Red) wines that would make perfect gifts from Kaia South African Wine Bar

All of these make wonderful gifts for the wine lovers on your list or for yourself this year. Merry Merry!

Designer Dress c/o Nora Gardner, NYC
Wine Cooler c/o PackIt
South African Wines c/o Kaia Wine Bar, NYC

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.

British Tweed Vancouver Style #LFW

These stylish Vancouver ladies know a thing or two about Tweed. The Vancouver Charity Tweed Ride rolls out on September 15th 2013.

Vancouver, B.C. The lovely cycling dames and gents of the Vancouver Tweed Ride know a thing or two about this traditional British country style. While it's London Fashion Week, there are some very fashionable offerings going on across the pond in British Columbia. These members of the Vancouver Tweed Ride show that it's perfectly possible and pleasurable to be active while "dressed up". Their style is impeccable with a nod to tradition. Who knew you could look THIS chic riding a bicycle? They did.

Beige Herringbone Tweed Bicycle Helmet by Lazer

Getting Tweedy
Tweed is a rough, unfinished woolen fabric that resembles cheviot or homespun. I used to spin wool from our Finn Sheep on the estate and softness as well as texture can vary depending on the breed of sheep used. Tweed was popular in Great Britain for outdoor activities such as hunting and horseback riding. Two common forms of Tweed you'll see today are plain or twill weave which can have a check or herringbone design as you can see in my cap below.

Herringbone weave detail is shown in this wool cap. Rain Logic Jacket by ExOfficio

Subdued Tweed
No, this isn't Tweed Gone Wild that had to be arrested! This is a different pattern that comes from twisting different colored woolen yarns to form a heather design that is more subtle. Most Tweed is associated with the Edwardian gentry who wore it in the country for shooting and hunting expeditions. As wool is naturally wicking and water resistant, it's perfect for walking in the elements when an occasional downpour is likely.

 

Example of a subdued Tweed in this Aiden Bucket Hat by Carve Designs. Eyewear by Ray-Ban

Warmth for Fall
Tweed woolens are very warm and getting a hat made of this fabric is both a smart and fashion forward move. The most comfortable caps are those which are fabric lined. Same thing for jackets and skirts. Look for a very fine weave for skirts and pants so as not to add a lot of bulk. The Vancouver ladies in the lead photo and here below have the right idea in these Tweed trousers, (far left) and the very fine wool high waist pencil skirt.

Tweed can be very fashion forward as well as a durable outdoor fabric. PHOTO: Courtesy of the Vancouver Tweed Ride

You Need the Tweed
So this fall, think about accessorizing with a touch of TWEED! It will add texture, interest and warmth to nearly any outfit and the tawny tones are perfect for autumn. Not only that, Tweed and other wool garments are toasty warm. I wear fine Merino wool base layers that are soft next to the skin by Smartwool and Bluey Australia for bicycling, hiking and skiing. Tweed is always on trend, always classic!

Aiden Tweed Cap and Beige Tweed Cycling Helmet c/o Carve Designs and Lazer Helmets respectively.

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

   

Stars & Stripes 4th of July Picnic Chic - Synergy, Horny Toad Organic Cottons

Stripes done right. Striped Tank Dress made of 100% Organic Cotton by Synergy, Santa Cruz, CA

Kick off the summer with a bit of picnic chic that is both comfortable and good for the environment (not to mention sexy)! I'm talking about organic cotton dresses which have come a long way from the beige burlap sacks I remember from years ago. Nowadays textures and hues go way beyond boring brown colorways.  Organic dresses are also expected to support an active, outdoorsy lifestyle many of us are taking to, so fit and ease of movement are going to be things to look for.

Synergy's Tank Panel Dress works on your bike (with shorts underneath)!

What I wear under it all. These Terry Liner Shorts turn anything into bikewear!

Synergy Clothing makes all their 100% organic cotton dresses right in Santa Cruz, CA and offer a fresh take on west coast design. You can take this dress from your Fourth of July Picnic and bike ride to dinner at the club afterwards. Very versatile, flattering diagonal cut with straps wide enough to cover underthings. This is a stretchy cotton dress so you may want to order a size down.

Synergy Tank Panel Dress in Navy/White from Terry Bicycle's Catalog

Lead Photo:
Straw Fedora Tinsley & Daphne Scarf by Pistil Designs
Tank Panel Dresses C/O Synergy Clothing of CA
Gladiator Stiletto Sandals by Mossimo of CA for Target

Horny Toad Dizziness!
First the stripes and now the stars. This organic cotton number by Horny Toad is one of my season favorites.  The Dizzie Dress shown here in Nectar offers soft cotton comfort with a bit of posh sundress flair - perfect from the beach to a dinner date. This is active-wear that just looks beautiful and fresh with an airy fit and two sweet pockets. Adjustable straps and a ruched back make for a perfect fit around the bust-line. Add a little cotton 3/4 sleeve topper for the evening's breezes and the fireworks you'll be (making) watching.

Organic Cotton Dizzie Dress in nectar by Horny Toad

Raffia Sun Hat by Helen Kaminski - Australia
Dizzie Dress C/O Horny Toad 
See my full Dizzie Dress Review on Lucky
3/4 Sleeve Topper by Cotton On
Vista Calf Leather Wedges in Alpaca Available at Nordstrom

HornyToad Dizzy Dress in Lapis