All About The Pretty

Black Swan Inspired Beauty and Fashion

Black Swan is a gripping, provocative, and what acting should be ina film.  If you have not seen it run to the nearest theater and see what all the buzz is about.  It's also a film where fashion and beauty intersect.  MAC Cosmetics did the makeup on the film and transformed Natalie Portman from ingénue to the title character.   Read this Q&A with the department and makeup designer.

Tod's Ballerina La Scala puts a spin on the ballet shoe that is fashion forwards and a perfect compliment to Spring romantic fashions.  I will leave the ballerina tutu and take the layers.  I drooled over all the ballerina shoes at Repetto in Paris.  Just looking through the window inspired me to always remember to dance as know is watching.  

{Q&A with Black Swan Makeup Department Head Margie Durand and Makeup Designer Judy Chin}

Q: How does a makeup artist prepare to work on a film? Do you receive guidance from the director or collaborate with the costume designer/art director/key hair stylist on the makeup look?

Margie: When I begin working on a film I speak to the director and all of the creative team if possible.  The directors inspiration and vision really drives the process and I try to deliver that vision in makeup.

Judy: As I read the script, I try to envision the characters, taking into account their background (age, personal history, affluence, profession). As I see the plot develop in the story, I make note of how these events might affect their appearance.  When I’m designing the looks for a film, it’s very important to consider the director’s visual style and tastes. Occasionally, I get to collaborate with the costume or production designers. I always try to find out how the actors will be dressed, as that can have a significant influence on the makeup look.  While our designs are often created independently at first, I find that the hair stylist and I work very closely to be sure that our looks fit together and bring the characters to life.

Pretty Inspiration: Intel Visual Life - The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist is one of those blogs I love to flip through after my workout and having my morning cup of coffee.  His photos are beyond amazing and it is creative expression at its finest.  We all need inspiration and I plan to highlight more individuals who inspire me.

Enjoy!

 

Target’s Designer Collaboration: Calypso St. Barth

Stop the presses.  Hide your credit cards, checks, and your cash if you do not want to get in on the hottest collaboration (in my opinion) that Target has done - Calypso St. Barth.  I am definitely a resort girl and anytime I can get to the beach I'm there.  I've had a few fab finds from their sales racks.  The stores are an experience to visit.  Every time I wear one of their dresses I think I'm in Mustique drinking a cocktail at Basil's Bar. This is going to be a perfect summer collection. 

Photo: courtesy of InStyle.com

Hermès J'aime Mon Carré (I Love My Scarf)

I have been a fan of Hermès scarves for years.  I can dress up any outfit with scarves.  Hermès scarves are a work of art.  The quality and craftsmanship that goes into them are something to behold. My friend Dolores hipped me to the Twillys on a trip to Paris years ago and I have been hooked every since.  Twillys are beautiful silk-colored mini silk scarves that can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or attached to a pocketbook. Imagine my delight to discover the Hermès J'aime Mon Carré website.  If you have ever wondered the numerous ways French women tie their scarves the search is over.  This website shows how to wear the scarves as headbands, halter tops, and so much more.  I'm headed to Paris and as always a stop at Hermès is a must.  A new Twilly for a new year.

Sir Alistair Ray Gayatri Mantra Fearless Wrap

I never travel without a scarf/wrap.  It's not a winter to-do.  It's a year-round to-do.  In the winter it protects my neck and in the summer it protects me from blasts of air conditioning in every store.  I have printed and solid wraps in various colors.  This Sir Alistair Ray Gayatri Mantra Fearless Wrap has my name all over it. This is the perfect pick-me-up when I'm feeling lost.  I can look down and remember to be "fearless." I'm craving one of their caftans too.  The perfect jet-set girl dress. 

 

Monarch Magazine + J. Crew Event in Georgetown, DC

I just got wind that this event has been open to the public.  "Monarch is having an event at J.Crew Georgetown to celebrate the relocation of the magazine to D.C. The event will be hosted by Paul Wharton of America's Next Top Model and author/personal branding authority, Melissa Johnson. Guests will receive complimentary styling tips on transitioning their looks from day to night from J.Crew Stylist and a 20% discount on their purchases. Light refreshments will also be served.

Lanvin for H&M Rocks My World

Watch this video and weep. Fashionistas the world over have been waiting for this collection.  This video is making me happy. 

Anthropologie Accessories Opens in the Washington, DC Area

Anthropologie always puts me in a shopping frenzy every time I look at their jewelry online or in their stores.  I received the email that they are opening an accessory store in D.C. and I am going bananas over what accessory delights I will find. I love mixing accessories that I find all over with what I pick up on my travels.  Anthropologie Accessories: You Complete Me!

 

Lands' End Women Motorcross Jacket

I'm in love with this Lands' End Women Motorcross Jacket.  This is from their Canvas collection and has a modern feel than tradiational LE stuff.  It's lightweight enough that I can layer cashmere tees underneath and still not feel like I'm suffocating from the heat.  Since the temperature has dropped in DC everyone thinks it's blizzard weather and blasting the heat.  I'm naturally hot natured so I have to dress in lightweight layers so I don't combust. This jacket will get me through the next few weeks and work for some jaunts to the west coast next year. 

Fall Transitions

I have finally bid adieu to summer and embracing what has become my favorite season - fall.  Don't get me wrong, I still wear my white jeans, but now I pair them with long sleeve cashmere tees and boots instead of sandals.  I do not want to even think about donning a North Face jacket, gloves, and hats.  I do love my new lightweight cardigan from Green Dragon I picked up in Hawaii, but that's about it.  I should have bought every single color.  I'm enjoying the  early mornings drinking coffee or tea on my patio and not feeling I was on fire. 

One of my favorite rituals is to sit and enjoy the silence in the early mornings reading a magazine.   In the evenings I sit on the patio enjoying a glass of red wine.  I've never been to the beach in the fall when it's crisp and you need a sweater to walk on the boardwalk, but my honey promised me he would take me this year.  It must be love because he's always cold.  Opposites attract don't they :)

I decided I'm going to rock a red lip after listening to Patrice and Felicia discuss it.  I haven't worn red during the day in forever, but why not start.  It's time to shake things up a bit on the beauty front and the perfect red lip product is going to be my first fall beauty purchase. I'm going to read Lipstick Queen to go along with my new red lipstick endeavor.

What are you looking forward to for Fall? Beauty, travel, life, and fashion wise. I would love to hear from you. 

All Access Fashion at Tyson's Galleria (DMV)

All Access Fashion is back.  It's the closet thing DC has to fashion week and it's happening this weekend at Tyson's Galleria.  This year Patricia Field (yes, her of Sex and the City fame) will be a guest of honor tonight.  Saturday is the main event with fashion shows starting at 11:00 am and going all day.

 

Bibiana Restaurant [D.C.] & The Modern Gentleman Saturday Series

Bibiana Osteria my new fave Italian dining destination has partnered with Jason Tesauro’s and his celebrated book, The Modern Gentleman:  A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy & Vice.  This is a four-part serious for the modern gent to work on their lifestyle skills. 

Bibiana's chef and recipient of the 2010 Restaurant Association of Washington's "Rising Star" Award will be serving a delicious menu that corresponds to each class topic.  This is a great book for any man in your life. If you live in the DC area this class will make a perfect early holiday present.  DC is always full of parties, galas, and events and this is a great way for a man who may not have been schooled in the art of being a gentlemen to learn invaluable life essentials.  

Class Topics:

Saturday, October 2, 2010 12pm to 3pm - Sticks & Stones: Cigar How-tos and Whisky Wherefores

• Neat or on the rocks? Kentucky verses Canada?  What's in a mash bill?  Can one light a Churchill with a Zippo?  This class indulges in Bourbon and Canadian whiskies, plus a tobacco tutorial from filler to binder to wrapper that culminates in a smoke-out of cigars.

Saturday, October 16, 2010 12pm to 3pm - Brews & Briquettes: Craft Beers and Deft Grilling

• India pale ales, hops, and barley...deepen appreciation of microbrews and hard ciders as the class explores the grill and chill with Chef Nicholas Stefanelli and a full menu over hot coals.  Learn basic butchery, dry rubs, marinades, and proper doneness while cooking; eat and pair dishes with top-flight suds.

Saturday, October 30, 2010 12pm to 3pm - Fizz & Flash:  Craft Cocktails and Bespoke Tailoring

• Highlighting vintage cocktails and modern mixology, this class demystifies distillation and outlines the beauties of boutique gins, sipping Tequila, rum agricole, and artisanal liqueurs.  Polish those bartending skills and learn to expertly mix and garnish drinks.  The class will also explore the secrets of tailored suits from collars to cufflinks with custom clothiers.  

Saturday, November 13, 2010 12pm to 3pm - Birds & Beards:  Carving, Sabering and the Classic Shave

• Just in time for Thanksgiving, we'll perfect the art of carving as well as the impressive feat of champagne sabering.  Discover the fine points of matching wine and food while enjoying vital varietals and refreshing necessary formal table manners.  After Chef Stefanelli illustrates how to properly hone a blade, the class will learn deft use of straight razors for a classic wet shave.

The classes are individually priced at $125 each or at a discounted rate of $95 per a class when all four in the series are purchased at once. For more information and reservations for the Modern Gentleman series please MGaffairs.com or email Jason Tesauro: Jason@TheModernGentleman.com.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - [LIVESTREAM] Oscar de la Renta - Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

I have always had a design crush on Mr. Oscar de la Renta.  He's refined, elegant, and always perfectly groomed.  This is how older gentlemen should look instead of trying to wear your grandson's Ed Hardy clothing.  He is exquisite.  Today, he is live streaming his spring/summer 2011 - Ready to Wear collection.  Just click the play button and watch the beauty unfold. I will do a follow up with my favorite pieces from the collection.

oscardelarenta on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Tracy Reese Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Tracy Reese is going to have my entire wallet next spring.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Ports 1961 Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Ports 1961 never fails to send down the runway dresses that I will actually purchase to wear as staple pieces over and over again.

Photos: Style.com

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Donna Karan Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Donna Karan's Spring 2011 collection is light, airy, and so Donna Karan.  I've started to embrace the layered look and always look to DK for inspiration.  The colors are definitely "sand" related which was the theme of the collection.  I'm sure it represents her home in the Turks and Caicos.  The colors are the perfect backdrop to the luxe location.  She continues to wow me.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Carolina Herrera Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Madame Herrera, your Spring 2011 collection has me head over heels in love with you again.

This is the perfect dress for a black-tie affair at the Kennedy Center.  Who needs black when you have orange metallic hotness.

This photo is channeling Diane Vreeland for me.  All I need is a wide brim black hat and Rescue Beauty Lounge's Chinoise on my perfectly manicured hands.

 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Derek Lam Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Derek Lam you have slayed me with your Spring/Summer 2011. I need this white dress in my travel wardrobe.  J'adore.

Estee Lauder provided the makeup for Derek Lam.  This is the second season Estee Lauder has worked with the designer during Fashion Week. I'm enjoying the collaboration.

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estée Lauder

• Eyes: Pure Color EyeShadow in Sugar Cube or Sandbar Beige, Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black, and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in Coral.  *To achieve the orange-shaded look on eyes, Tom used two NEW Pure Color Lipsticks launching in March 2011 and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Coral.
• Eyebrows: Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Coffee.
• Lips: NEW Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick tested backstage- launching March 2011
• Cheeks: Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, Signature Powder Blush in Sweet Nectar, and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Pressed Powder. 
• Skin: Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15, Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10, and Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder

Nails: Jin Soon Choi for Estée Lauder

• Nails:  NEW limited edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Extravagant Pearl – launching October 2010

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - DKNY Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

DKNY's Spring 2011 is clean and playful and perfect for a spring look in the office or at the beach. 

This white dress is a particular favorite of mine.

I have never met a one-shoulder ensemble I didn't like. 

Photos: WWD

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Victoria Beckham Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Victoria Beckham once again has caused me to rest my head on the couch because the collection is so bananas. This is one celebrity line I can get behind.

 

Hair provided by Fekkai:

Didier Malige, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai, was inspired by hairstyles of the 60’s—without the tease—for the Spring 2011 Victoria Beckham show.  To create the look, Malige first prepped dry hair with Fekkai Advanced Full Volume Styling Whip to give hair slick volume. Then, Malige created a middle part and tucked the hair straight behind the ears and spritzed with Fekkai Sheer Hold Spray to make the hair more straight and heavy.  He finished the look by using a waiving tool to make an unexpected single crimp across the back of the hair.  The result was a modern take on a mod era.

Products used:

Fekkai Advanced Full Volume Styling Whip Lightweight whip with our exclusive plumping complex elevates every strand, keeping your style all day.

FEKKAI COIFF™ Sheer Hold Hairspray This feather light hair spray holds on without getting stiff or sticky. Spray, spray, spray and stay supple, with this sheer, brush-through finish that lives on all day.

Photo: Guardian UK

Janet Jackson for Blackglama

Blackglama recently unveiled a billboard in Times Square with their iconic “What Becomes a Legend Most” campaign featuring Janet Jackson.  Janet you look hot with short hair. It's definitely a great look to keep for the awhile. 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Thakoon Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Thakoon never fails to disappoint.  Each season his collection gets stronger and stronger.

This skirt is calling my name. I would pair it with a white tank.  I would accessorize like crazy - chunky necklace, cocktail ring, and wedges.  This is a day or nighttime skirt. 

This dress is tres chic and to think that you can latch the skirt to make the slit lower. Genius.

This is a perfect Mediterranean dinner by the sea dress.

Hair provided by Fekkai:

Didier Malige, Frédéric Fekkai’s lead stylist, was inspired to find the beauty in each model and created a light and tousled look with shape, for Thakoon’s Spring 2011 show. Didier started by applying the Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel at the roots, combing it back, with his fingers, away from the face. He then applied Fekkai Coiff™ Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray to the middle and ends of the hair.  To finish the look, Didier teased the back of the hair to keep it light and create shape.

Products used:

Fekkai Coiff™ Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray.  A lightweight styling mist that creates tousled, wavy locks. “Touchable” polymers help form and rejuvenate loose curls with flexible control and zero stickiness.

Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel. A lightweight lifting styler that adds height at the roots or all over for maximum mane. Lift a little or a lot with this alcohol-free water-soluble texturizing spray mist that offers medium, touchable hold.

Makeup looks provided by NARS Cosmetics:

Show: Thakoon
Lead Artist Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics
Trend: Golden luminosity

Inspiration and Look: “The clothes are light so I wanted the makeup to have a little more impact this time – as if the girls were beautiful, cool fairies,” said designer Thakoon. “I wanted the whole aura to feel like opening windows and letting in a breeze- fresh and romantic but tempered at the same time.” “Golden, but not tanned. As if the girls are glowing from within… with, of course, confidence,” said lead artist Diane Kendal.

Face:

• NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (for now-try a light application of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation)
• NARS PRO-PRIME Pore Refining Primer (NEW for Spring 2011-for now, try NARS PRO-PRIME Skin Smoothing Face Prep)
  
• NARS Laguna Bronzer
• NARS Zen Blush
• NARS Etrusque Single Eyeshadow (highlighted on cheeks (NEW for Holiday 2010-for now try NARS Gold Member Cream Blush)

 Eyes:

• NARS Cordura Duo Eyeshadow
• NARS Etrusque Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2011-for now try Goldfinger Eyeshadow)
• NARS Calanque Trio Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2011-for now try Edie Eyeshadow for the lightest shade)
• NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow
• NARS Hollywood Land Soft Touch Shadow Pencil (NEW for Spring 201-for now try Goddess Soft Touch Shadow Pencil)

 Lips:

• NARS Madere Pure Matte Lipstick (NEW for Spring 2011-for now try NARS Bangkok Pure Matte Lipstick)
• NARS Hopi Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil (NEW for Spring 2011-for now, try Striptease Lip Gloss)

Photos: Vogue.com and NARS Cosmetics

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Each season DVF always makes me happy. She is a woman I look up to and if you have never read her autobiography I suggest you go buy it ASAP.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother, yogi, and all around inspiration.  Seriously, she has the best lines ever.  "I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I knew the kind of woman I wanted to become and I became that woman: an independent woman who was in the driving-seat."

 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Christian Siriano Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

Christian Siriano presented wearable pieces on the runway that will actually work in real life.  I'm loving this leather coat and white pants look.  I believe in white, winter white, and cream all year long.

Aveda Provided the Hair for the collection.

“The Christian Siriano hair look for this season is all about different cultures mixing and blending together. The style is a modern bun—full of attitude—with sections of crimped hair cascading over it for texture. It’s a strong, contemporary twist on the classic bun.” — Antoinette Beenders for Aveda

How to get the look:

1. Brush hair with a Mason Pearson brush. Pull the top section of hair — from the hairline to the crown — and clip it out of the way.
2. Comb the remaining hair back into a tight, high ponytail and secure with a bungee elastic.  Spray with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray for hold.
3. Spray Aveda Brilliant™ Spray-On Shine directly onto the bristles of a kabuki-style Aveda Uruku Bronzing Brush. “Paint” the sides of hair with the Uruku Bronzing Brush for shine.
4. Take the ponytail and braid it. Then twist the braid into a bun, securing to the head with bobby pins. Spray with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray for ultra-strong hold.
5. Remove the clip from the remaining top section of hair and comb to the crown. Working with small portions of hair (approximately one inch) at a time, use a micro-crimping iron to add texture from the crown to ends.
6. Brush the hair with a Mason Pearson brush to loosen the crimp. Gently pull the hair over the bun and secure at the base with hair pins. Spray with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray.
7. Pull a few pieces of hair out of the bun with fingers for extra texture. Set the look with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray.

Aveda Products Used:

• Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray
• Aveda Brilliant™ Spray-On Shine
• Aveda Uruku Bronzing Brush

Q: What was your inspiration for this look? How did you collaborate with the designer to create the look?

“Christian’s collection is inspired by world-travel and includes lots of Asian and African inspired prints as well as intricate beading. We wanted to create a look that evoked the elements of his collection, so we created a modern, textured bun.  It's a chic-yet-rough, spontaneous look that pairs perfectly with Christian's Spring/Summer 2011 collection.” — Antoinette Beenders for Aveda 

Q: How could a woman achieve this look on her own?

“This look is surprisingly easy to recreate. Pin the top section of hair up with a large clip so sides and back are free. Next, create a high ponytail with the rest of hair and spritz with Aveda Brilliant™ Spray-On Shine. Secure tightly with an elastic and twist into a bun, fastening with bobby pins. Take the clipped section of hair on top and crimp the ends, in small sections, with a micro-crimping iron. Pull crimped hair over the bun and secure at the base with hair pins. Hold the look in place with Aveda Control Force™ Firm Hold Hair Spray.” — Antoinette Beenders for Aveda 

Q: What is the inspiration for your collection? What is the look you are capturing?

“My collection this season is elegant and opulent, and the clothing has African, Indian, and Asian influences. My muse for Spring/Summer 2011 is a sophisticated yet vibrant woman. We are showcasing a breadth of silhouettes: flowing, wide-legged trousers, safari shorts and jackets, kimono sleeves, structured cocktail dresses, and light, fluttering evening gowns. Our prints were inspired by digital photographs of both Chinese temples and Indian beading. The patterns captivate the eye and compliment the deep red, khaki, and saturated paprika tones of the clothes. The collection is about feeling glamorous in what you wear, whether it’s simple or lavish, and mixing both of those styles together.” — Christian Siriano 

Q: You have made a real effort to “green” your show this season. How do you feel about this accomplishment?

“I try to preserve the Earth’s natural resources and my carbon footprint in any way I can. It’s vital to preserve the world we live in, and it feels great to be able to make a positive impact during Fashion Week. One of the best things about working with Aveda is being able to “go green” in such a fabulous way!” — Christian Siriano 

Photos: Style.com

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - BCBG Max Azria Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

BCBG always has one of the best shows for me. I love most of their dresses because they are fun, flirty, and light as air. 

Maybelline New York provided the beauty look:

• Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation: apply all over face like you would with moisturizer.
  
• Eye Studio Quad in Green with Envy: use the all around cream golden shade to create a subtle chic effect.
• Color Sensational LipStain in Buff: design and fill in your lips with the precise pointy tip.
• Tip: add a dab of lip balm or clear gloss to your lips.

Photo: Style.com

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 - #NYFW

I know we are a few days from the official start of the Fall, season but to the fashion and beauty world it's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 Collections.  If the beauty, travel, food, and yoga reviews are not as prevalent please charge it to my over-stimulated fashion week brain and not my heart.  I will feature as many shows as I possible can.  There are a few I'm always looking forward to such as Oscar, Carolina, Milly, Ralph, Chado, Malandrino, ADAM, DVF, and a host of others.  There are some new ones that I'm going bananas over and will feature those as well.

Fashion's Night Out - Washington, DC Style

Fashion's Night Out may have started in New York, but numerous cities around the world are participating.  I think it's an ingenious idea.  Here in DC Fashion's Night Out is alive all over the city.  If you live in the area it is not to be missed.

Fashion's Night Out - Georgetown

Shop for a cause - purchase a signature Georgetown DC eco-friendly tote bag for $10 during Fashion’s Night Out from participating stores, and 100% of proceeds benefit Labels for Love.  Labels for Love is committed to raising funds and awareness for women's and children's organizations in the Washington, DC Capital Region as well as national and international areas in need.

OVO by Cirque du Soleil is in town - George-town! ~ OVO by Cirque du Soleil's Bug Dance Squad, a colorful group of costumed performers, will be buzzing around the streets of Georgetown during DC’s Fashion Night Out. The Bug Dance Squad will be teaching and performing the OVO Bug Dance to the crowds throughout the night, as well as spreading information and generating excitement for OVO. Test your skills with the Bug Dance Squad and you could win great prizes and more, on behalf of OVO by Cirque du Soleil! TEN pairs of OVO tickets will also be “planted” in ten Georgetown tote bags at participating retailers - will you be one of the lucky ones to win tickets by purchasing the lucky “golden ticket” bag?!

Fashion’s Night Out Lounge by vitaminwater ~ Relax, rejuvenate and rehydrate at our swanky “vitaminwater zero hydration lounge” at Dean & Deluca. Kick off your heels, groove to our DJ and grab a vitaminwater to nourish you with more energy for shopping! 6 -11 pm Dean & Deluca 3267 M Street, NW.

Fashion/Music Night Out with Vince Gray for Mayor GOTV Party/Fundraiser

Chairs: Christine Brooks-Cropper and Carlos Gray

Host Committee: Dr. Ben Chavis Jr (Hip Hop Summit Action Committee), Tiffany Rose, Niki Charles, Maggy Francois, Paul Wharton, Yvonnie Demmerritte, Cherita Whiting, Jessica M. Penzari, Damien Miller and Leslie Green of theYoung Pros for Vince Gray, Chef Lauren Vonderpool, Jennifer Mumford, Jenni D. Izumi (BizMont Entertainment), Dr. Alex Naini, Theo Abbott, Jenny Zinn (Betsey Johnson), Raji Rankins (Georgetown Park Shops- Da Closet), Brandi Dunnegan (The Boutique Agency), Angie Gates, Sheila Cutchlow and the Fashion Delegate bloggers

Please Join the Creative Community for Gray for Mayor as We Begin the Countdown to the Primary and Get Out the Vote Effort and Fundraiser - Friday, September 10, 2010 - 9pm to 1am at Mezza Luna (1140 19th St. NW; Washington, DC  20036)

Donations of $50 or more will receive an evening of Fashion by Kenny "KAS" Flannagan of the House of KAS, Music by singer Ne'a Posey and Band, Musical Artist, Tabi Bonney, DJ Phoenix "The West Coast Female Fuego" and Art by Demont "Peekaso" Pinder iPad Painter to the Stars.  Signature Fashion Night Out cocktails & the featured "Sex and the City"  Mocktini.

RSVP by September 9, 2010 by calling 202.355.3929 or email to president@gwfcc.org

Fashion's Night Out in Mid City (U Street and 14th Street NW Corridor)

Lettie Gooch Boutique and many more

Pull out your "Lettie"-couture for the global celebration of Fashion's Night Out at Lettie Gooch and other MidCity shops.

Strut Lettie Gooch's Runway and get caught by the paparazzi, in true supermodel style. 

• Trunkshow and fashions modeled by Artistic Aya by Dana Greaves  
• Enjoy "Heineken Light" (courtesy of Heineken USA), cocktails and tasty treats  
• NEW ARRIVALS for fall from new designers TOTEM, STACIA & more.
• Pictures taken through-out the evening by our "Gooch"arazzi

Enter to win a swag bag and be placed on Lettie Gooch's "Best Dressed" List by wearing your favorite Lettie Gooch wear! Special Guest "Muse" Anji Corley - On-Air Radio Personality of WPGC

Caramel
Sip wine at Caramel while shopping the newest styles of the season and enjoying art by MidCity artist Dave Peterson (www.branddave.com) during his opening reception taking place the same evening as Fashion’s Night Out.

Destination Pretty: Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa + SCAD Style

Savannah, Georgia has always been on my list of places to visit.  I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil when it first came out and was captivated with the book.  But, I had yet to visit.  On my radar is attending the SCADStyle event and staying at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.  The Spa is the perfect place to recover after eating, shopping, and covering events for SCADStyle.  It will be the perfect oasis for me to rejuvenate and recover from a week of style.

The spa has signature treatments such as Rollerssage - a massage that involves heated crystals rolled over the body for a true calming experience; Celestial body treatments to heal, hydrate, and detoxify; and Heavenly Glow facials to bring the beauty.   The Westin wants you take the spa experience home and products are available at the spa or online created with Bliss Spa. 

Reading Pretty: Look Book by Nina Garica

Nina Garcia's Look Book is her latest tome for every fashionista.  The Look Book - What to Wear for Every Occasion is divided into events such as a first date, interview, or black tie event and what is appropriate to wear at each.

For the past few years Nina has releasee a book during the fall. I wonder if this has anything to do with most major shopping clothing purchases are done in the fall.  I get this.  I didn't have a coat obsession until I moved to DC.  I wear a coat from December to April and I love having different colors, patterns, and textures.  I hate to admit even I have to resort to  wearing a "puffy coat" some days when the temperatures dip to an unbearable temperature to this hot natured girl.

For all my fashionistas, wanna-be fashoinistas or all the fans of RubenToledo sketches this book is for you. 

2010 Primetime Emmys Recap

Better late than never.  Review by AATP Intern Jaime:

The Emmys always ring in the beginning of fall beauty season for me. The show is a great place to pick up  trends that are going to be hot this fall. While we still have a few more hot, sweaty, makeup-free days of  summer left, it's never too early to start figuring out your fall look. Here are some options.  Many of the smoky eyes this season were softer, usually lined with a little silver to make it a more daytime-  appropriate look.

I love that this look can work on any skin tone and can be intensified for the sassy girls  or worn lighter for a more natural effect. Rockin' this look were Glee's Amber Riley and Dianna Agron (all looked fabulous and were two  of my favorite overall looks for the  evening), Toni Collette, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (another of my favorites of the evening). 

Another look I noticed was a more natural face. To combat the heat and humidity on the red carpet and  prevent a makeup meltdown this is a great look. Surprisingly going the natural route was Kelly Osbourne  (who looked fabulous and very grown up), Maura Tierney (sporting a cute cropped cut that I loved) and  Julianna Margulies who spiced up her look with some smoldering black liner.  Of course it wouldn't be Hollywood if we didn't see some bold lips. Going the red route and looking divine  were Maria Menounos, the fabulous Betty White and two beauties who combined their red pouts with  the silvery, smoky eye: Glee's Heather Morris and True Blood's Rutina Wesley (does this woman have  gorgeous skin or what?).  

Overall best looks of the night go to Claire Danes, Kyra Sedgwick and Vampire Diaries Nina  Dobrev. Claire's monotone shimmery pink look accentuated those luscious lashes she's growing  with Latisse, making her look radiant. Her sequined dress really played up the shimmer on her skin.  Nina's sparkly eye look off-set her gorgeous gown and espresso hair and eyes. Everything about  her look wowed me especially for someone so young. Can you believe this girl was born in '89? 

Last but not least the most daring look that paid of ten-fold was Kyra Sedgwick. Her plum lipstick perfectly  matched her gorgeous purple gown giving her an effortless youthful appearance. Both her dress and her  lipstick were to die for. Congratulations on your win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Kyra! 

On the misses side was Emily Deschanel, who's blunt bangs and coppery eye did nothing to accentuate  her gorgeous face. Also missing the mark was Eva La Rue. Her white dress was a little too over the top  while her hair and makeup under-whelmed. Kate Gosselin, oh what can I say? This woman is clearly not  comfortable in the spotlight and her floppy hair and ill-fitting dress only accentuate that fact. I would have  liked to see her with flowing hair and something a little more formfitting. Rose Byrne's dress was fabulous,  loved, loved, loved it but the bird's nest on top just didn't speak to me.

Lauren Bosworth of Hill's fame was  treated to a Mad Men style makeover and unfortunately while trying to be edgy and on trend she missed the  mark. I love the lip shade on her but I just didn't feel that it worked out this time. The pompadour on top  did not help. Speaking of too tall hair, Naya Rivera added about six inches to her height with that beehive  on the top of her head. Her whole look screamed "I don't know what I'm doing".

Last, an in my opinion least, was Rita Wilson. Rita, Rita, Rita! She's so nipped and tucked, dyed and pulled that I could barely tell it was her. If she wasn't standing next to hubby Tom Hanks I wouldn't have had a clue. And that dress and shoes do nothing for her fabulous frame. Next time stop trying so hard.