MBFW Swim 2011- Betsey Johnson

It's no secret I love Betsey Johnson. I mean, I ADORE that woman and her free spirit. Her fashion week shows are always fun and girly, and backstage there's ALWAYS a party! When news Betsey's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011 show landed in my inbox, I knew I simply had to share.

Rodney Cutler and his team of top-notch stylists from Cutler created the look and now we've got the rundown. “The punchy, bright swimwear needed a fun and editorial up-do to go with it,” says Cutler/Redken Stylist Ryan Suhr, the lead stylist for the show. Peep this:

1. Spray Cutler Volumizing Spray onto damp, clean hair
2. Section hair into two asymmetrical sections, brushing the top half into a tight ponytail at the right recession of the hairline, and repeating at the bottom half by brushing it into a tight ponytail at the bottom left of the nape

3. At the top section, create two fishtail braids, loosening the braids by lightly pulling at the sides, then wrapping the braids around each other and pin, replicating the look of a flower
4. Repeat Step 3 with the bottom section
5. Finish the look with Redken 23 Forceful Super Strength Finishing Spray

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Kérastase Friends & Family

Receive 20% off any purchase of your favorite Kérastase products plus complimentary shipping on all orders. Enter FAMILY at checkout to redeem the offer but do it quick! Offer ends tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/28) at midnight. Head on over to the Kérastase website and happy shopping!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

My Lipgloss is Poppin'...

OBVIOUSLY I had to use the wickedly cliché Lip Gloss song heard 'round the world as a title to a blog post about lipgloss.

I mean, when your lipgloss is inspired by some of your favorite drinks, how can it NOT be poppin'? When I heard BECCA cosmetics was releasing a few lippies named after some of my fave weekend specials, I knew that I had to snap them up and test 'em out.

L-R: Coconut Ice, Amaretto, Frisco, Sangria

I've never personally tried anything from BECCA Cosmetics but many of my brown beauty blogging bellas have praised the line for its brown girl friendly foundation shades and long wearing performance. Pair that with my insane love of all things lip product related, it's only natural that I review the line's Glossy Lip Tints.

The Glossy Lip Tints ($23) come in an array of shades, with some deliciously named after a few of summer's best cocktails. The first and most obvious thing you notice is the yummy scent that comes from the tube. It's subtle yet yummy, making it almost impossible from licking your lips to get a taste. If you've ever backed away from gloss for fear of insta-stick, worry no more because the glosses are not the slightest bit sticky. The gloss glides along my lips seamlessly without any clumps or gloopy messes. The wand like applicator ensures that enough gloss comes out of the tube without creating a mess like squeeze tubes often do.

Coconut Ice is a beautiful color in the tube but it does not translate well onto me personally. It would be a perfect color for lighter skinned girls who want peachy pink shade for everyday wear. Frisco is a gorgeous color both in and out of the tube. I thought it would be a shocking, therefore clownish, orange on me but it has the slightest hint of color when applied directly on my lips. If you're looking to get into bright colors this summer without the commitment of a lipstick, Frisco is your gal. Every time I hear Amaretto, I instantly think of one of my friends whose fave drink is an Amaretto Sour. Amaretto is a berry colored gloss that works wonders against my dark skin. Lastly, and my favorite, Sangria. I can wax poetic about this dirty rose colored gloss but for the purposes of a short review, I will say if there's one color to scoop up it is this one. Sangria looks amazing alone but when paired with a lipstick it gives lips that extra oomph.

Even if you can't really have a Sangria at, say, 1pm on a Thursday afternoon while you tap, tap, tap away in your cubicle, it's totally fine to indulge a little and get a gloss that will do the magic for you. If you're a girl who favors options, check out www.beccacosmetics.com/ to pick up a Colada, Caipirinha or even a Daiquiri. And don't worry, I won't tell your boss.

Disclosure: Sample provided for possible review. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Get the Look: Mara Hoffman Swim at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

In all honesty, I haven't been paying much attention to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim primarly because I figured, How exciting can a bunch of swimsuits be?

Dear God, how wrong I was.

When I saw the hair at the Mara Hoffman swim show, not only was I ready to break ou the bikini but I longed for hair long enough to recreate what TRESemmé Lead Stylist Elsa Canedo created for the show. The look is a simple textured fishtail braid that complemented the tribal-inspired collection.

Check out how to get the look babes:

1. Apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse to damp hair and blow dry. The mousse helps to create a beachy texture at the base. 
2. Curl hair with 1/2” barrel curling iron and pin in place. Set style with TRESemmé Naturals Finishing Spray. 
3. Once curls are cool, take out the clips. Flip hair over and use your fingers to lightly to break up the curls for a beachy texture. Take a styling brush to backcomb, loosening curls even more.
4. Begin at the nape of the neck and fishtail braid the hair down the back. To create a fishtail braid, start off by sectioning hair into two. Take a skinny strand from the outside of the left side and add to the right side. Take a skinny strand from the right side and add to the left side. Pull tightly and repeat until you reach the end of the braid and secure with a hair tie.
5. Using a styling brush, brush braid upwards loosening up random bits on the completed braid for a more natural look.

I'll admit a fishtail braid sounds hard to do (so I guess I lied above when I said simple) but once you get used to it, I'm sure it's a piece of cake. So as you trot from beach to beach this summer, why not add a little pizazz to your swim wear?

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Google Wants You

Some may deem this old news but I still want to spread the good word for those who might have missed it.

The tech folks over at Google are looking for a way to promote fashion at Google (specifically fashion and technology) and have reached out to blogger and Googler Tony Wang to spearhead this initiative. Tony and the gang are looking for a few good bloggers who will play a significant role in helping Google improve! While the details are on the DL, you can learn more and/or try to participate by following Tony on Twitter and sending him an @reply saying you'd like to learn more. that you're interested in being a part and getting more information!

#word
Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

5 years later...

My braces are off!!!!! While I certainly got used to having them on my teeth, Lord knows I wanted those babies OFF! I miss eating the simplest things (popcorn, caramel) and biting into food (apples, bread). Now...WATCH OUT WORLD. I'm a free woman. LOL!

RIP Eileen's Braces: August 26, 2005- July 21, 2010

And yes, I know, wear my retainers every night as directed :)

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Tiffany & Co’s 2010 Collection Preview

It's no secret that this blog draws its name from the epic film that is Breakfast at Tiffany's. Having seen the movie enough times to quote it from beginning to end, I have this romantic view of the Tiffany's store located on 727 Fifth Avenue. So it was as sweet as a dream when I was invited to view the fantastic jewels and diamonds during Tiffany's 2010 preview last week.

As I made my way throughout the store, I oohed and ahhed at just about every display- tapping and pointing at pieces that I could only dream of owning. There aren't enough words in the English language to describe the jewels I saw that evening. I can only show you with pictures as everything from the tear drops to the blinged out Key collection sparkled and shimmered in front of me. I partially wanted to sell everything I own, all to be able to purchase something- anything- for I know it will last beyond my years and into generations to come.

The collection is nothing short of gorgeous- a mix of classic style with a modern feel. Tiffany also went into their archives to create a few fun gem and enamel pieces. Between the yellow diamonds and sapphire gems, color was everywhere. In addition, designers Frank Gehry, Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti all created beautiful and simple pieces to add into the well defined collection. A purchase at Tiffany's is an investment. You're guaranteed elegance as well as quality, two qualities that are beyond rare in this age of costume and fast fashion.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Why Don't You...Vol. 6

Hiya peeps! How's your Sunday going so far? I can't believe there are only a couple of more hours left of my weekend :(

But I am super excited for the week to come. My braces are FINALLY coming off!!! After four years, I can finally smile without having to worry if there's too much bracket showing LMAO. And I can bite into an apple...SWEET JESUS! I cannot wait! I've even got some snacks ready to be eaten

POPCORN FTW!!

The weird thing is I have brackets popping off left and right! Just last night one of 'em decided to give up and went flying off in the middle of NCIS (LOVE that show!) Oh well *Kanye shrug*

This week, why don't you...

• Eat some delicious popcorn I know I will ;)!
• Organize your makeup stash for me this is quite the task, but I started over the weekend and it's so much easier trying to locate everything
• Don't buy any makeup at all this week don't you dare go into that cosmetic aisle at CVS!
• As a matter of fact, no shopping at all not pit stops to Forever 21 (LOL)
• Send someone a handwritten note and mail it to them. Am I the only one who loves receiving those??
• Have some Sangria you deserve it
• Compile a list of 100 random things about yourself if you do this on your blog leave the link in the comments!
• Drink 9 glasses of water in one day
• Send a thank you note to someone who did something nice for you I said a note, not an email
• Attempt to say the entire alphabet backwards: Call me stupid but this shizz is hard!

What are you excited about this week? Anyone have anything fun planned? Leave it in the comments! Have a great week!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Summer Reading List

Now that I'm out of school, I actually have time to read more books. As contradicting as that sounds, it's true! During the semester, I'm so swamped with school work, club meetings, internships and work that reading would have just "gotten in the way" (at least that's what I told myself).

Plus, when I'm in school I'm forced to read books. There's always some class with some professor telling me to read some book. Since it's an assignment, I complain and don't pay attention to what the book is actually about (I'm too busy reading in an attempt to answer the essay question or build a thesis around it).

But I'm a changed woman now! I used to love reading so there's no time like summer to reread old favorites and new books that I can potentially love for decades to come. Here are a few books I'm reading in the weeks to come:

From the top:

• Slaughterhouse-Five Kurt Vonnegut (rereading) 
• Wish Come True Eileen Goudge (got this baby for $1 my last week at Iona!)
• The Gospel According to Coco Chanel Karen Karbo
• The Idiot Fyodor Dostoyevsky
• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Stieg Larsson
• The Girl Who Played With Fire Stieg Larsson
• Classy Derek Blasberg
• This Side of Paradise F. Scott Fitzgerald (rereading- I love Fitzgerald)
• If You Have to Cry, Go Outside Kelly Cutrone (Kelly is one bad bitch)
• Persuasion Jane Austen (rereading- yes, I am a big Jane Austen fan)
• The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde

There are a few- ok A LOT- more books that I'm dying to read after receiving recommendations from friends and twitter buds. What are you reading this summer?? Are there any books that I should be reading??

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Chic Happenings: The City Finale Party

Hola amigas!

In about 10 minutes or so, I'm going to be celebrating The City Finale with a small shindig, sponsored by Zeno. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and, wait for it, RIGHT HERE as I'll be LIVE blogging while I watch, nosh, gossip and tweet with my friends.

Consider this your evite.

Staples rewards card FTW!

 Ok, so while I tried setting up my coffee table with cupcakes, I realized that I was slowly running out of cupcakes. Why? Because I'd shove one into my mouth everytime I walked by!!! FAIL. So these lonely guys remain. For now.

Ok, Display fell. We've moved on. It's a work in progress.

10:32pm: It's starting!! BTW who saw that Hills ending? WTF?!

10:33pm: Kelly Cutrone is probably being quoted on Twitter right now! And I remember applying for an internship at Alison Brod PR...didn't get it :(

10:36pm: Olivia is on. I LOVE that girls style!

10:38pm: the rumors are TRUE! Alison Brod PR has CANDY in their offices! Heaven.

10:39pm: Hamptons? Whoa. I don't get the Hamptons vibe from Whit Whit (we're cool like that so I can call her that ;)

10:44pm: I really suck at this live blogging thing. Follow me on Twitter (@MissWhoeverUR)- I'm really good there lol. While you're at it, follow @myzeno

10:50pm: when the hell did it reach 10:50???!!

10:51pm: WHOA! Don't disrespect the color pink Kelly C! Some of us REALLY love it. But I do agree with Kelly- Whit looks bad by "dropping" People's Rev.

10:54pm: commercial time. Attempting to take pictures of my friends but they're acting stupid. I mean, who cares if we're all in our pj's?! It's not like it's going on Facebook *rolls eyes*

10:56pm: Do all PR people have that perma-scowl Erin sports? And how does Olivia's hair stay so impeccable?

10:57pm: WOW!! What a way to say you didn't get the job! In front of everyone?

10:58pm: "Erin you okay with that?" OLIVIA PALERMO MAKES MY LIFE!

11:01pm: wait...it's over?? I missed the ending? I was looking at my computer? Why are the credits rolling??

CLEARLY this season finale didn't give me enough of the drama. But it was fun! Thanks for reading! Thank you to Zeno for hosting this viewing party for me and my gals (and for the Zeno Hot Spots!). Oh and those cupcakes didn't make it past the 10:34pm ;)

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Before you slip on those peep toes...

If there's one thing I hate the most during the summer is seeing women wearing sandals with really icky feet. GET YOUR TOES DID LADIES! You're sandals/peep toes are a lot less pretty when paired with feet that'll make babies cry.

In an attempt to help rid the world of Bad Summer Feet-itis, I got a few tips from the folks over at Tweezerman sent over some tips that will not only make you look good, but save you some dinero in the end.

Step 1: Soak
Soak feet in warm water before beginning your pedicure.

Step 2: Trim
Nobody wants to see your talons. Not you. Not your mom. Not the man staring at you on the bus. So, trim your toe nails. The Combo Nail Clipper ($10) by Tweezerman can work wonders. It has a built in case that catches clippings so they aren't left lying around your house. To prevent ingrown nails, cut toenails straight across.

Step 3: Clean
Yes, clean. Sounds simple but you'd be amazed at what some people DON'T do. Push (don't cut!) cuticles back and clean under nails. The popular stainless steel 2-in-1 Pushy™ and Nail Cleaner ($17) has thin edges that are buffed smooth to prevent scratching while the textured body provides a perfectly secure grip.

Step 4: Smooth
Remove calluses and buff away dry skin with the new Tweezerman's Sole Mates Dual Sided Foot Filer and Smoother ($20). A stainless steel Micro-File removes dead skin & reduces calluses and the equally high quality, nickel Finishing File buffs skin to make it soft and touchable.

Step 5: Polish
It's summer. Go ahead and have some fun with your nail color. Right now, I'm drawn to anything that's bright, punchy and full on color. There's always a party south of my ankles friends, and I ask you to do the same. OPI's Summer Flutter are all gorgeous!!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

You're this much closer to Sandy Linter than you realize...

If you're in NYC, you're in luck. (What else is new!?)

Lancôme’s Beauty at Every Age Expert, Sandy Linter, is available for one-on-one appointments at Rita Hazan Salon in the city. Not familiar with Sandy? Shame on you ;) Sandy has worked her magic hands on Sigourney Weaver, Bette Midler and Patti Hansen- to name a few- and now you, my friends, can go one on one with the Great One.

Get your hair, nails and (now) makeup done at Rita's salon- without missing out on a few of your Lancome products (the salon recently started carrying a "tightly edited" selection of Lancôme goodies). To make an appointment, please contact the Rita Hazan Salon at 212-586-4343.

In the meantime, watch as Sandy schools you on how to get a flawless foundation look sans cakey "I'm clearly wearing too much makeup " look:


Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Tell 'em what you think, get free lotion: easy as that!

Hiya ladies!

Word of a good deal got to me so I just had to share! Thymes wants to hear what you have to say. For a limited time only, tell Thymes what you think about their Kimono Rose Collection and receive a complimentary 2oz Kimono Rose Body Lotion.

This deal starts today (!!) and the offer is good while supplies last or until July 14th. Go to Thymes' Facebook page to learn more.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Fashion Gives Back: Cutler Raises Money for Shoes4Africa

How far would you go for something you blieved in? If you could do something- no matter how physically or mentally exhausting- to help those in need, would you do it?

Well turns out celebrity hairstylist Rodney Cutler and world-renowned runner and founder of Shoe4Africa, Toby Tanser, plan to do just that. This November, Tanser and Cutler will run over 250 miles and up Mount Kilimanjaro (!!) all to build the first-ever public children’s hospital in Kenya.

To celebrate and kick off the event, Cutler held a Shoe4Africa Sea to the Stars Fundraising Event at their SoHo Salon last week. Anthony Edwards, chairman of the charity and wife, Jeanine Lobell showed their support while guests actively donated and bid on a number of exciting silent auction items, generously donated by the new Gansevoort Park hotel, Equinox, Redken, Dr. Fajiram, Starbucks and more. 100% of all proceeds from the evening benefit Shoe4Africa!

Thuy Sea to the Stars headscarf, $45

Fret not if you did not attend. You, too, can help donate while looking stylish by purchasing the African themed, custom-designed headscarves from NY-based designer, Thuy (the same one that was available at the event). To purchase your own Thuy Sea to the Stars headscarf, call Cutler Salon at 212.308.3838. All proceeds benefit the charity.

For more information about the journey or to donate, visit www.shoe4africa.org/toby.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Curly Girls Rejoice! Miss Jessie's Opens Up in Soho

A couple of hours ago, I left my comfy couch in Brooklyn to venture off to Soho. What, pray tell, could make me brave the L train and a bunch of Hipsters? A celebration, of course!

Miko and Titi Branch, co-founders of Miss Jessie’s Hair Care, were celebrating the ribbon cutting ceremony for their newest salon located in the heart of Soho. This luxurious salon caters to curly haired women all over NYC.

Miko giving a client a consultation

For those who lived under a rock, the duo opened their first Miss Jessie's Salon in Brooklyn back in '98. Now, 13 years later, they've moved on up to Manhattan. Miko and Titi (sisters btw!) aim to care for and help the natural and curly-haired sistas, not only with their salons, but with their hair care products. Born to a Japanese mother and African-American father, the sisters had a head full of hair that was multi-textured and hard to be tamed. With the help of their grandmother “Miss Jessie,” they created delectable, nourishing treatments that have revolutionized the industry.

Titi (far right), whose hair is blocking her face (oops!) working on a client

Salon services include Silkeners, Coiling, Twistouts, Angle and Balance Haircutting Method, Deep Treatment and more. Miko and Titi are proud to say, “Wherever we are, we want women to leave the salon feeling beautiful, naturally!” The salon boasts a first-ever brick and mortar retail section in the front of the salon which will be stocked with a full range of Miss Jessie’s Hair Care including Alicia Keys’ favorite, Curly Pudding and their latest creation, Super Sweetback.

If you're like me and in the grey area between relaxed hair and natural, Miko (yes girl, MIKO touched MY hair) recommends you use Crème De La Cleansing Cream which is ideal for hair that's been damaged, dry or chemically altered. Next up she recommended Curly Pudding while putting your hair into spirals (or twists). In addition, she recommends Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback, a treatment for growing out naturally curly, kinky, and wavy hair. Other than that, however, she did say there was nothing one can use if their hair is relaxed.

The new salon/retail store is located at 441 Broadway Suite 2, New York NY 10013

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Why Don't You Vol. 5

Happy Sunday friends!

The World Cup is playing and I'm super sad France didn't make it! Merde! But Spain is playing and *hopefully* they can beat Netherlands (sorry to any fans but I'm so Team Spain- blame it on ancestry).

Anywhoodle, with the World Cup coming to an end, Americans will soon stop caring about soccer again and the TV in my house will soon be mine again :) I'm also prepping myself for the series finale of The Hills...oyyy! For the past six years I've been so involved with this show that it practically became part of my life. I felt like every time LC cried, I cried- maybe not all the time 'cuz she cried a lot! During the Lagna Beach days, I was Tream Kristin simply because she spoke the truth, no matter how harsh, and the fellas seemed to love her.

Damn her.

The City is also coming to an end (though it's not the series finale--yet), and yours truly will be hosting a lil' celebration party, courtesy of My Zeno. Be sure to follow me on Twitter as I dish, cuss, and lament on how stylish these girls always look.

So this week in honor of the World Cup, the end of The Hills and The City, why don't you...

• Wear your highest heels to work. If Olivia can teeter around the offices of ELLE in hers, it should be no biggie for you. 
• Randomly shout GOOOAAAALLLL every time you do something right at work. 
• Paint your nails a dark color. Screw what the blogs and the magazines are saying, the girls of MTV are hardly ever seen sporting neon nails. OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark is a good one. 
• Next time your girlfriend starts to talk about that dude who just won't do anything right, stare at her vacantly à la Whitney and LC. Hey, it works for them.
• Load up on the mascara.
• If mascara isn't your thang, rock a red pout à la Roxy. She wears MAC Red...she told herself. On Twitter.
• Grab a group of your best gals and watch the finale together. Not only do a) you guarantee everyone sees it but b) there's no need to text each other frantically the next day with "giirrrlll did you SEE what Brody did to Kristin last night!??"
• Okay..maybe it's just my friends and I who do that 
• Wear your country's flag colors. Show your pride- win or lose. 

Now, I'm off to paint my face red and scream 'till my lungs fall off. Or fall asleep on my couch. Whichever comes first ;)  What's your face Hills moment? Did you even watch The Hills??

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Happy Three Year Blogiversary To Me!!!!

Three years ago today, I got super bored and decided to share my two cents to the world. I had been a devoted reader of Makeup and Beauty Blog, Clumps of Mascara and Scandalous Beauty- so I decided that I, too, shall blog about stuff my my friends don't care to hear me talk about.

Three years later, I'm still here, even if I'm hardly updating (I SWEAR next week will be better).

In the three shot years that I've been doing this a lot has changed on the interwebs:

• I've attended Fashion Week
• Got an internship because I blog
• Met some amazing women whom I can now call friends
• Twitter rules my life
• Did I mention I've attended fashion week? As PRESS

I don't know what else to say but thank you to everyone who reads, subscribes, follows, tweet, and comment. It means the WORLD that you guys somewhat care about what I have to say. I can write all I want but at the end of the day it's you, the readers, who make it worthwhile. Trust me, I can get all sentimental and emotional. I can talk about how much joy blogging brings me and how it's like an escape- somewhere for me to complete forget about homework, work, drama, and annoying madres. I can talk about how exciting it was when I learned that I wasn't the only one who gets excited about a new lipstick, mascara or blush; or when people (okay two people) recognized me in Sephora and told me to keep up the awesome work.

But I won't bore you ;)

And I enjoy hearing from you! I do this weird squeal whenever I see a comment (and this time it's not my best friend commenting to make me feel better HA!) So how about we keep it going, eh?

Here's to three fabulous years and, hopefully, many more *clinks glass*

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Ashley Greene in July 2010 ASOS Magazine

Having never seen any of the Twilight movies (nor do I intend to...vampires don't glisten), I am shocked at my sudden and intense love for Ashley Greene. She plays Alice or something in the movie but in real life, Greene is a stunningly gorgeous and quite fashionable young lady. I've been stalking watching as her career grows and when your career grows, your clothes tend to get chicer. Here. Greene glams up the latest pre-fall pickings in the ASOS magazine.

Photos

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.