Numberlab and The Red Dress Collection

By: Shane Terenzi

Fashion Week was kicked off yesterday here in NYC with two fabulous shows: Numberlab and The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection. Numberlab started with a hockey scrimmage outside The Standard Hotel and then continued inside on the 3^rd floor. There was a total of twenty-two looks and each one was better than the next. From perfectly tailored blazers, to electric green jeans, Numberlab truly designed for the well dressed, hip young men of today.  Later in the evening was the Red Dress Collection at Lincoln Center – the first show at the tents. Each year the top designers create a red dress and they pair it with a celebrity.  This year such celebrities were spotted on the runway including Dita Von Teese (wearing Zac Posen), Taraji P. Henson (Naeem Khan),  “Today Show” host Ann Curry, singer Natasha Bedinfield, singer Eve, professional dancer Julianna Hough, and reality star Audrina Patridge – to name a few. Each gown was gorgeous, fit the star to a “T” and more importantly raised awareness of women’s heart disease. A great way to start a crazy week of shows...

New York Fashion Week Day 1!

And the race begins......

Day 1: NumberLab at the Standard Hotel

I am a big fan of this line, they always do something different.  The look was cozy but fashionable.  Loved the mix of bright colors with neutrals.  Here are some of my favorite looks!

                                                            http://www.number-lab.com/

The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner the pressure is on!  So what do you get the love of your life?    The first thing to remember is that not everyone is the same.  I know the holiday of love pushes candy, flowers and jewelry but if your lady does not like any of the above then skip it but do make something about the gift romantic.  This could mean the gift itself or the delivery of how you give it.  Think outside the box!

And ladies don't forget about the men!  Most men are not into the typical Valentine's Day gifts so get them something they love.  If you don't know what that is start snooping around or ask his friends.

The last thing to remember is buying the perfect gift is not about the money it is about the thought.  Some of you may be laughing at this but it is true.  Be realistic about what you can afford and then find out what the person really wants.  Whether it is $5 or $300 if it is something he or she wants they will LOVE IT!

I know this blog is not targeted towards Beauty but I am the Beauty editor so Valentines day would not be complete without throwing in some Beauty/Grooming products that would make the perfect gift!
ENJOY!

Travel Kit and Razor from the Art of Shaving
http://www.theartofshaving.com/

Rouge Dior Lipstick From Christian Dior
www.dior.com

Chanel Platinum Egoiste Eau De Toilette Spray
http://www.chanel.com/

Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her
http://www.sephora.com/

Another Grooming Product!

Anastasia's Pro Wax Kit

To continue with my at home grooming kick!   I have another great product to recommend.   In an effort to save money I decided to explore at home waxing kits for my brows. I decided to try something from the brow guru herself, Anastasia's Pro Wax Kit. This can be purchased at Sephora stores or online.   Sephora knows exactly where to place those travel size items for great prices.  I love how you are waiting on a 15 min or longer line and start looking at every product saying do I need this?  Yes they are very smart and I am an idiot!  

Back to Anastasia!  This was my first time using a waxing kit and I must say not bad.  I used it on my eyebrows which I do not recommend.  Do a test patch on your leg.  Because if you screw up you could seriously have no brows and as you all know brows are the hardest things to grown in.   Overall it was very easy and the outcome was beautifully shaped brows.  Remember when using this to read all the directions, make sure the wax is not too hot and buy new sticks.    I am not a fan of the ones they provide.  The wax takes a little getting use to but once you get it you will be a pro.  I have already waxed 3 times, still have plenty of wax left and saved $15.    This product is meant for eyebrow and lip only.  If you are looking for products to wax other areas please do your research.

If this is the first time shaping your brows here is a good tip.  Look at your brow and research the shape you naturally have and want.  Do not try to create something that is not possible in the end you will regret it.  Celebrities are a great source to look into what shapes look good with certain features.  Once you know what you want take a white makeup pencil (lip or eye) and outline the shape you want on both brows.  Then begin the grooming process.  This will allow you to accurately get the shape you want without taking off to much.  After the brow has been properly shaped its all about up keep.   If your brows are not grown in where you want it to be don't be upset, you can always fill them in without it looking too heavy.  This can be done with a pencil or eye shadow.  Many companies including Anastasia sell products to fill in your brows.   Follow the shape of your brow and the way the hair grows.  I have included an eyebrow chart for your reference.  This shows you how the brow should match up with the eye.    If you have any questions please comment below!  Enjoy

http://www.sephora.com/

WHERE DID ALL THE GLAMOUR GO! by erica maniscalco

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Top Hat

As my obsession with changes of the future continues to grow I can't stop thinking about simple things of the past that we took for granted and now I miss more than anything.   There was a post on Perez Hilton's blog of a video with Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel talking about "What is the Internet" and I couldn't help but laugh.  Remember when the internet was a foreign concept?  NO because it feels so long ago.  I have friends that can't remember when the internet didn't exist because they were FOUR!  All they know is the internet.

Of course I have to discuss beauty and fashion considering this is what I do.  As I was talking to my good friend Mary today about her Sharon Stone Casino inspired Sequin dress, we realized how sad it is that we don't get dressed anymore unless we are going to an event that requires formal attire.  And lets face it where do we really go where jeans are not acceptable besides a wedding.  What ever happened to men in suits and women in dresses.  What did we do before UGGS?  Now, I can not tell a lie I am just as bad as the rest of us but that doesn't mean I am happy about it.  I remember being in high school and wearing 4 inch heels with my uniform.  Never leaving the house without makeup or dressing casual meant black pants with a tight top.   And now I am lucky if I remember to do my hair and makeup or wear something besides jeans,  which is sad considering I am a makeup artist in the fashion industry.   I am slowing trying to eliminate leggings out of my everyday look and it is not easy.   Whatever happened to getting dressed for the holidays?  Now its all about comfort.   While I understand times are different, people are working more and we have busier lives I am very sad at the simple things that only a couple of years ago were so different.   We don't even talk on the phone anymore all we do is email and text.   

When I watch old hollywood movies and see the women in beautiful gowns and their makeup flawless just to lounge around the house I am envious.  Why can't I look like that 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Is it possible in todays time?  And what about the men? There is nothing like seeing a man walk into a room with a perfectly tailored suit!  I can go on and on about this conversation and will probably continue to obsess over it and drive my friends crazy.  I think I have to find a way to bring classic glamour into my life but in a modern way.  Maybe I'll start with the after work cocktail  that is not a beer or start having dinner parties where formal wear is required!  Who knows!

Until I figure it out I would like to take this time to remember  those things that are slowly becoming obsolete if not already! Make sure you check out the video of Bryant and Katie on YouTube!

Goodbye.......

coffee shops and book stores that are not a part of a chain

record stores, CD's, VHS

phone calls from possible dates (no texts, no emails)

no jeans allowed

your sunday best

shopping for a holiday dress

dinner and dancing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nTPX4JW_Ts&feature=player_embedded

Get in the mood for Spring with Loeffler Randall's new line!

I think everyone will be happy to see the Spring 2011 ads especially ones for beautiful sandals like 

Loeffler Randall's collection available now!

With styles for everyone there is a great selection to choose from.   So go shopping and get in the mood!  You may not be able to wear them outside but WHO CARES wear them in the house!

http://loefflerrandall.com/