Lionsgate Releases Mad Men Star Jessica Pare’s Recording of ‘Zou Bisou Bisou’
Posted 03/26/2012 by Lara
Last night, like many of you, I tuned in for the highly anticipated 2-hour premiere of AMC’s “Mad Men”. Now in it’s 5th season, I think we can all agree the most unexpected moment (or for all you men out there, highlight) of the episode was Jessica Pare’s sultry performance of ’60s french pop hit ‘Zou Bisou Bisou’.
Loved her rendition? Well good, because it’s available for download. Lionsgate Television Music, the music arm of the studio’s TV division, is releasing Pare’s recording of ‘Zou Bisou Bisou’ (which loosely translates to “Oh you, Kiss, Kiss”). The single was released digitally at midnight on iTunes, with special limited edition vinyl to be sold through the AMC store.
“Zou Bisou Bisou” was originally recorded in 1961 by British actress and pop star Gillian Hills. This new single of “Zou Bisou Bisou” is produced by Mad Men creator-executive producer Matthew Weiner, Lionsgate TV Music Head Russell Ziecker, Mad Men composer David Carbonara and recording engineer James T. Hill.
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Smashbox Be Discovered Collection for Spring 2012
Posted 03/26/2012 by Lara
Smashbox Founder, Davis Factor introducing the "Be Discovered" Collection
Smashbox has blown it out of the water for their Spring 2012 “Be Discovered” collection and shade extension to their Be Legendary Lipstick range.
I was introduced to the Spring 2012 collection by Smashbox Founder + Photographer, Davis Factor, and their Global Pro Lead Artist, Lori Taylor, who we’re beaming with excitement over the new Smashbox packaging and new lipstick formula for the Be Legendary line.
After playing around with the collection over the past few weeks, I can understand why! The Spring 2012 collection consists of the “Be Discovered” Eyeshadow Palette, Cream Blush Trio (2 shades), Jet Set Eyeliner & Brush Set (2 shades), and 3 new Be Legendary lipstick shades including Pink Petal, Honey and Melondrama.
{The Spring 2012 Be Discovered Collection}
Smashbox Be Discovered Eyeshadow Palette ($44)
The “Be Discovered” Eyeshadow Palette, it’s a great mix of 8 richly pigmented neutrals and pastel shades, perfect for spring. The formula is silky (plus it’s crease-resistant!) and goes on so smooth that it’s incredibly easy to apply, even with your fingers (although I do suggest brushes). Check out Lori and her how to tutorial on how to get a pretty spring look using this palette.
Smashbox Be Discovered Cream Blush Trio ($29)
If you avoid blushes (powder or cream based), because you find them to be too cakey then you need to try the Be Discovered Cream Blush Trio. It comes in two shades, In Lights an Show Biz which can be worn alone or the trio shades can be mixed together. Show Biz made me re-fall in love with blush. It’s so easy to apply and blend, it’s genius! I start with the pink shade on my cheekbone and then start working the highlighter shade and it’s like you can’t miss! It’s so easy to darken and lighten to the perfect shade and get anything from just a light pinched cheek to a stronger blush look.
Smashbox Be Discovered Jet Set Eyeliner & Brush Set ($22)
I’ll admit I’m not the biggest cream or gel eyeliner fan that’s not an eyeshadow, mainly because I find pencils easier to apply and I’m always on the go and pencils easier to carry. That said, creams are easier for a smokey eye look or thicker line along my eyelid and the curve of the brush in this set makes it glide so perfectly that it makes it easy to keep control and get a Continue Reading…
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Sneak Peek at Sue Wong’s Fall 2012 Collection
Posted 03/25/2012 by Lara
For all of you Sue Wong fans take a sneak peek into her Fall 2012 collection, for what you have to look forward to!
I had the pleasure of joining the designer on a walk through her showroom and tour of the collection. The theme for her fall link “Autumn Sonata.” She continues to bring out her staple 20s and 30s inspired silhouettes and flapperesk beading and movement. Sue is all about the details! Hand-died chiffon, embroidery, beading all fitting for as she says, “her warrior goddesses”. Her designs are powerful and exudes such confidence for any woman walking into a room in one.
When asked about her loyal following and what brings women back to her designs she attributes it to her strong understanding of the feminine physique (something a lot of designers don’t have), and how she designs to accentuate the positive and cuts her dresses for real women.
{Sue Wong shows us her Fall 2012 collection}
{I Love the back on the number}
{This flapperesk mini-dress is one of my favorites! Look at that bead work.}
{Fall 2012 room view}
{Bridal…}
Sue Wong is also the first designer to have designed a pen collection with Acme pens!
{Sue Wong with her Acme pen collection}
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New Blogger Advice: Join IFB (+ sign up for their conferences) #IFBCON
Posted 03/23/2012 by Lara
IFB Conference
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of tweets and emails from new bloggers asking advice on how to grow their blog, work with brands and break into the social media world. And while I want to be as accessible as possible to my readers, it does get challenging finding the time to respond to every request and often find that much of the advice I have to offer can be found on the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) website.
Me with BryanBoy!
IFB is a really great resource for all levels of beauty or fashion blogger that needs advice or has question on how to navigate this world. They regularly post articles on how to grow your blog and have an extensive community of bloggers as resources. Additionally, twice a year IFB hosts a conference in NYC (in September and February) to examine the evolving influence of the online blogging community. They host a variety of speakers and panelists and it’s an excellent opportunity to ask the experts.
Me with Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere
For beginner blogger it’s an especially worthwhile conference, for most of us mid-level bloggers it’s more of an opportunity to network. In any case, if you haven’t signed up with them (it’s free), you should!
For this years conference IFB hooked me up with Buyosphere, the platform that helps individuals, help their fellow virtual piers shop. You would simply go on their site and make a statement about what you’re looking for and then other members have the opportunity to comment on your question and give you advice. For instance if you saw someone on the street carrying a bag, you could take a picture asking the community where you can find something similar, or without an image you could pose a question like, “I’m looking for fun, patterned tights under $15, does anyone have any suggestions?” You get the idea… In between panelists, I tweeted with the bloggers in the room asking for their style wants as well as share their street style.
The whole experience was a lot of fun! Plus I got to meet some AMAZING bloggers like Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere, BryanBoy and…
{Joshua Kissi & Travis Gumbs from Street Etiquette}
{Panelists Karen founder of Style Musee, Macala founder of FMM, Tom and Lorenzo, Bryan of Bryanboy and Aliza Lichy from DKNY}
I need another minute to obsess over TOM and LORENZO!!!
{Susan Cernek of Glamour, Jessie Thorpe of Denimology, La Carmina, Lauren Tasar from LifeBooker}
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Isaac Mizrahi for Proper Attire Condoms: Safe Sex Never Looked So Good
Posted 03/22/2012 by Lara
Fashion designer extraordinaire, Isaac Mizrahi has partnered with Proper Attire Condoms to design the packaging for these 3 pretty little individually packed condoms pictured below. Proceeds from the sale of this capsule collection will benefit Planned Parenthood.
{Isaac Mizrahi for Proper Attire Condoms collection}
People’s Revolution put on the launch party for the event, so no surprise that founder, Kelly Coutrone came to support Isaac on the launch.
{Isaac Mizrahi with Kelly Cutrone}
Safe sex never looked so good!
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Fashion Week Saviours: Lounges + Perks
Posted 03/20/2012 by Lara
New York Fashion week may have ended last month, but it’s only this week that I’m finally caught up with all of my posts and stories from then. While in theory it’s every bit as glamorous as you’d expect; beautiful clothes, exotic stages, fancy gift bags, front rows filled with celebrities… the part that’s rarely featured by us bloggers is the ultimate first world problem of how absolutely exhausting the experience actually is. Covering both backstage and front; running from uptown to downtown, then back uptown only to go home and update my blog. Plus balance all of my consulting gigs and personal life at the same time, if only it were as simple as showing up, looking fabulous, blowing air kisses and taking in a show.
That said, there are loads of Fashion Week revival lounges and programs that take place that I owe a very special thank you to for making Fashion Week that much more fun and enjoyable!
Barbie Dream Closet – Adult and kids alike can agree, WE LOVE BARBIE! Stepping into her 9,000 sq foot Barbi Dream Closet, kind of amazing! Her closet includes 36 pairs of high heels and 6 live Barbie fashion models wearing her iconic looks. Did you know Barbie’s real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts?
Lia Sophia Social Fashion Suite – I joined the likes of Lia Sophia’s Creative Director Elena Kiam and Red Carpet Collection Designer Dani Stahl to preview the latest jewelry selections, including the debut of the boudika Red Carpet Collection.
{I brought Mom! I’m modeling my NEW Lia Sophia Ring}
{How fab is my new Lia Sophia ring?}
ELLE Magazine’s GLSEN Fashion Lounge – Being pampered while making a difference in someone’s life, the GLSEN Lounge gave attendees a chance to draw a picture or write a message to stop bullying via the use of art at the Royal & Langnickel Beauty Art Studio. John Barrett set up his braid bar as well and gave guests the most amazing braid updos in literally 10minutes or less.
{My John Barrett Braid}
American Express Skybox – Overlooking all of the major shows during Fashion Week in Lincoln Center, Amex opened it’s Skybox to their card members + select influencers to give them the VIP Fashion Week experience. Drinks, snacks and a slew of Fashion Weeks finest designers pass through and host private events. I was lucky enough to join Amex for the blogger tweet-up and Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 2012 RTW show!
{The View}
{Makeda from Glamazon Diaries and I playing host at the Amex Skybox}
{The bar}
GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels -I’ve talked a lot about the New York Fashion Week pop-up restaurant founded by Elettra Wiedemann, since I’m on the GOODNESS PR team. While the restaurant was happening on the 9th floor of the Museum of Art and Design, I spent a lot of my time at the lounge we created on the 7th floor which included makeovers by Lancome, massages by Equinox, tunes by DJ Travisty, a comfortable living room space complete with internet thanks to CIRCA and a stacked bar of three beverage staples in my life, Kusmi tea, coconut water and Ty Ku sake.
{Elettra Wiedemann with mom, Isabella Rossellini at the GOODNESS launch party}
Kmart to the rescue! Kmart was literally there to solve all of my #fashionweekproblems. As part of a special fashion week service, I just needed to tweet to them @Kmartfashion with what I needed using the hashtag #fashionweekproblems and they would purchase it and deliver (free of charge). I forgot my makeup case one day and they brought me a black eye pencil, bright fuchsia lipstick and flats — just what I asked for! #Lifesavers
Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory Fashion Week Retreat – The Luxe Lab is the ultimate fashion week retreat. Robert is a super host and literally has a lineup of makeover treatments and gifting booths there to spoil his guests! I had an amazing blow-out by T3, makeover by Neutrogena, and manicure by Sinful Colors (which has 150 nail shades that all retail for $1.99!).
{Robert Verdi playing host}
{Playing with bamboopink by JudeFrances jewelry collection}
{I got me a POP phone – they plug into iPhones to give that home phone feel}
{SinfulColors gave me a manicure and preview of their POPtastic Summer Collection}
{Lorna from The Fabulous Report and I getting silly at the snapfish by HP photobooth}
Also while at the lounge, I stopped by the SENSA® by Dr. Hirsch table (remember my post on them last year?) to learn about some of their new products available; SENSA® QUENCH and SENSA® CHEWS. These are supplements you can take in addition to the program which helps people further reach their weight-loss goals by boosting the metabolism and controlling their appetite. Other highlights included getting the fun, new, REACH by Design toothbrush! REACH partnered with Shoshanna Gruss and Interior Designer + Reality TV star Jeff Lewis to design a line of super designed toothbrushes.
I’m not sure how I missed it but the lounge also debuted Robert Verdi’s Sunglass collection for HSN. They are incredibly affordable with most styles priced below $30. Check them out on HSN.com.
{Robert Verdi for HSN Sunglass collection: I WANT THE BROWN ONES ON THE TOP RIGHT! }
The Glamazon Diaries Fashion Week Media Retreat – Hosted by Makeda of The Glamazon Diaries and Touch of Pink PR, this retreat was the perfect conclusion to fashion week. I got to hang out with all of my favorite fashion + beauty bloogers and just relax and unwind. The event took place at this really cool hostel, called the The Bowery House. I’ve probably walked by that spot dozens of times and never even knew it existed.
The highlight was indulging in JJ’s Rockin’ Cupcakes who makes the most amazing cupcakes and let us custom select our icing to the cupcake of our choice (I ate about 6), and then proceeded to attack the Popcorners. Chips and cupcakse for lunch — it was like being on vacation! And in addition to the great company, we have Chandon (sparkling wine) and Nine Walks Wine (sauvignon blanc) to thank for a very good time. After a long few weeks, we were all very ready to kick back and have a drink!
{My fellow bloggers and I taking a moment to appreciate the event’s sponsors, gift bag compliments of Kmart}
Surprise package from The oneCare Company! How nice is this? A travel size, Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Lint Roller and Tide Odor-Absorbing Travel Bag compliments of The oneCare Company showed up at my door with a lovely note to help me get ready for Fashion Week!
Thank you to all of you wonderful people and brands for taking such great care of me!
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Mark Your Calendar: Events from A|X, Dior + Harper’s Bazaar, Mally, Cynthia Rowley + Amika, and Spa Week
Posted 03/19/2012 by Lara
What: Shop the A|X Armani Exchange PopDown. Womens Styles Only
When: March 19th – April 20th, from 9:00am – 9:30pm
Where: A|X Flatiron Store. 129 5th Avenue (at 20th St.), Lower Level
Starting March 19th, A|X Armani Exchange will launch its first-ever A|X PopDown Shop at the Flatiron store. With all items marked at 40% off, the new A|X PopDown Shop is an exclusive women’s only private sale that will serve as an underground hotspot featuring some of the most stylish A|X wear-now pieces, including dresses, denim, accessories and outerwear.
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What: Meet with a Dior Beauty Consultant to determine your new Dior beauty look, and the complementary makeup products.
When: March 21-31
Where: The Dior counter at participating Macy’s nationwide
Harper’s Bazaar and Dior launch a new program that makes it easy for readers to update their look for spring. From March 21-31, women can meet with a Dior Beauty Consultant at participating Macy’s nationwide, to discover their new look, get beauty tips and expert makeup tricks. To sign up and find the next available appointment nearest you, go to bazaarconnect.com.
On Bazaar Connect, readers can also experience the rich history that Dior and Harper’s Bazaar have shared since Dior’s debut of the ever-iconic New Look in 1947, with videos, illustrations, slideshows, product recommendations, and more.
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What: Join The Powder Group and Michael Duenas, Founder of Hair Room Service for Hair Styling Education.
When: March 24th
Where: Make Up For Ever studio, 8 East 12th Street, NYC, NY 10035
COST:$45 for TPG Pro members for all each class, $65 for non-members
*Product is supplied for use in the program. A product gift from Schwarzkopf will be provided to all attendees.
Hair Room Service founder Michael Dueñas will be presenting two amazing events this month in NYC - Building Your Basic Hair Kit and On Set Hair Styling!
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS:
Building Your Basic Hair Kit 03/24/2012 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Having at least a basic understanding of hair is essential for many makeup artists working today. In this first time seminar celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas demystifies the many tools and products of professional hairstylist and makes it easy for beginners to understand what they need to form the foundations of a basic styling kit if they are looking to add styling to their resume.
On Set Hair Styling For Every Artist 03/24/2012 3:00pm – 5:00pm
As budgets tighten and the makeup market becomes more saturated, building a skill set that differentiates you from other makeup artists is necessary. In this seminar celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas takes you through some basic on set styling that works for bridal, editorial or any area of the industry. From understanding a blowout to a simple up-do Michael teaches you the techniques that have him working with celebrities including, Kim Cattrall, Lady Gaga, the cast of Glee and Padma Lakshmi. To register for our hairstyling events click here or email Jeremy@thepowdergroup.com
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What: Join Mally at Henri Bendel
When: March 29th, 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Henri Bendel - 712 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
The ultimate girl’s night out, Mally is hosting a Master Class, where she will be spilling all her secrets and sharing her must have beauty products!
Private One-On-One Sessions: 10am-6pm
• Hour-long private lesson with Mally
• $500 fee, completely redeemable in product
• Consumers should book appointments via Gabriel@Mallybeauty.com
Master Class: 6pm-7pm
• Hour-long class hosted by Mally, revealing her tips and tricks
• $75 fee redeemable in product
• Consumers should book appointments via Gabriel@Mallybeauty.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/389683644394075/
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What: Meet Cynthia Rowley at Sephora
When: March 31st, 12 pm – 6 pm styling// PA with Cynthia Rowley starting at 3pm
Where: Sephora Meatpacking - New York, NY 10014
Meet New York City designer Cynthia Rowley and celebrate the launch of the Amika X Cynthia Rowley Styler, a limited-edition tool designed by Cynthia Rowley, featuring an exuberant floral design straight from her Spring 2012 runway collection.
After meeting Cynthia Rowley for the first time at her show this season, I can attest this is an event not to be missed! If you’re a fan of her clothes, you’ll LOVE the designer behind her namesake brand.
Get your hair styled by the Amika team, meet Cynthia Rowley, plus enter to win a dress from Cynthia’s spring collection (no purchase required). The raffle will be held at the event. Winner must be present at the time of the drawing to win.
Space is limited. Speak to a consultant to book your appointment.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/376339405723209/
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What: Spa Week! Booking starts now for $50 Treatments on spaweek.com.
When: April 16 – 22nd
Where: Salons and Spas nationwide in the US and Toronto
Spa Week booking has begun! The list of participating spas and their $50 treatments is now live on spaweek.com. It is recommended for consumers to book ASAP, as many spas book up within just a few days.
Spa Week is celebrating its 16th edition of delivering the spa and wellness lifestyle to millions, and the nation is ready to SPA-rty. Famous for biannual $50 spa treatments since 2004, Spa Week has proven that they only get better with age. It was born in NYC with just a few spas, and in just 16 Spa Weeks they have brought their week of spa and wellness to hundreds of spas in just about every major city across the US and Toronto, helming as the most popular spa marketing event in the country.
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PC at The Blonds Fall 2012 Show + Video of the Show
Posted 03/19/2012 by Lara
As I posted yesterday, everything from backstage, to the audience to the actual The Blonds Fall 2012 show was electrifying! What a scene, there could have been a fashion show just out of the outfits in the audience.
Unpredictable as ever and just as over-the-top show as we like to expect from a The Blonds Show it unforgettable with the Tron-like motorcycles draped across the stage, Phillip Blond taking the runway, blond ponytails coming out of laser cut motorcycle helmet’s, crystal corsets, models that actually seemed to be having fun, Sebastian Suave… I mean really, does it get any better then that?
Shoes by Christian Louboutin and jewelry by one of my favorite avant garde brands, nOir!
THE SHOW (watch my youtube video!):
{Phillip Blond takes the stage}
THE AUDIENCE:
{Robert Verdi takes a break from being photographed to be the photographer}
{Nigel Perry admiring the bike}
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PC Backstage at The Blonds Fall 2012 Show + Hair & Makeup How-To
Posted 03/18/2012 by Lara
Looking back at New York Fashion Week (which ended last month), I need to take a moment to share how exceptional it was concluding the festivities by going backstage to The Blonds Fall 2012 show. The Blonds has been a show that I have sadly missed in preview years due to conflict issues or logistics but never again! It was such a scene and the energy was electrifying. Backstage to the audience outfits to the actual show was beyond an experience!
I was going to make the backstage and show 1 post, but there’s too much amazingness to cover so I’m putting it in two separate ones.
A GLIMPSE BACKSTAGE:
THE HAIR –ahem blond ponytail wigs coming out of helmets!!
The Blonds hair was done by lead stylist, Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble
Inspiration: Biker chicks and Johnny Depp in Cry Baby
Styling Methods: For guys: Wet hair with Thickening Hairspray and blowdry. Warm up Sumowax and apply all over the head. Style as needed to create a swoosh in front.
For girls: Create a wig wrap by spraying hair down with Prep then wrapping hair in sections around the head using Bb.Gel. Pin hair so it lays flat around the crown. Put on a wig cap and put on the helmet. Did I mention the wig was steamed to keep hair perfect?
Bumble and Bumble products used: Thickening Hairspray, Sumowax, Prep, Bb.Gel
{Phillipe Blond, founder and head designer for The Blonds backstage getting her hair done by Laurent Philippon}
{Backstage with it model Sebastien Suave — he showed me his Nintendo belt buckle. Jealous?}
THE NAILS! The team spent 130 hours on them!!!
The Blonds hair was done by lead stylist, Kristina Estabrooks for CND. She and her team spent 130 hours hand detailing biker babe manicures. No nail set was alike – crystals, glitter, leather, Phillipe Blond faces, crushed glass shards and acid washed denim designs were just a few of the styles to grace the runway. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
THE MAKEUP! Look at this incredible green cat eye!
I’ll just let you read off the MAC Cosmetics face chart to see the products used:
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March 20th: Join me in talking Social Media at the PrestaShop Barcamp
Posted 03/18/2012 by Lara
Date: March 20th, 2012
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: 82 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
http://barcamp.prestashop.com/
For all you web designers, advertising goons and platform junkies, PrestaShop, one of Europe’s leading e-commerce platforms is hosting a Barcamp event to better introduce themselves to the US market in NYC on March 20th. Prestashop has planned keynotes speakers, workshops, cocktails, and I’ll be hanging out at the Presto-Changeo Agency booth discussing Social Media integration throughout the day. And with all the recent fan mail of readers asking to take me to coffee to pick my brain, here’s the perfect opportunity to do just that!
So if you’re around, stop by and say hello! Registration is free:)
Get all the details and register here: http://barcamp.prestashop.com
