A Little Bit of Spring to Tease Us...

Last Friday, the weather in NYC hit upwards of 60 degrees and just about everyone lost their minds. Coats were shed, legs were bare and heels click-clacked across town. I, ever the weary one, simply changed from my massive puffer coat to a slightly less puffier coat. And I only wore TWO layers of tights rather than the 3+ I tend to wear (I get cold easily okay??).

When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn't help but run out of the office for a moment to take a couple of outfit photos. I had been waiting for the perfect moment to wear my new Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch and this was it ladies. I had been chasing this bag for about a year (including haunting the RM sample sales and a Foursquare hunt that had me running across town). Finally, I snagged my bag at the Lucky Shops event for about $100 LESS than the retail price.

WIN!

My outfit for such a warm day was the epitome of comfort. A beautiful denim top paired with a basic black skirt. While the temperature has dipped (again) I was grateful for the brief bit of spring.

Headband: c/o Vivienne Tam scarf (bad hair solved!!)
Top: c/o Charley 5.0
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch
Watch: Juicy Couture (no longer available)
Bangle & Pearl Bracelet: Forever 21
Bracelet: J. Crew Pave Bracelet (no longer available)
Nail polish: Violet Groove by Lancôme
Lipstick: c/o MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2

Photo taken by the fab Court & Hudson

Please note: Anything marked "c/o" was gifted. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Introducing M·A·C VIVA GLAM Gaga 2

For the second year in a row, MAC has partnered up with Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga, as the spokesperson for MAC's Viva Glam campaign.

The new Viva Glam campaign focuses on self-empowerment and encourages everyone to take control of the HIV/AIDS risk in their lives by using condoms, getting tested regularly, accessing care and treatment, combating stigma and advocating for change. Every cent of each Viva Glam Gaga 2 lipstick and lipglass goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund.

The M·A·C AIDS Fund is committed to supporting programs worldwide that confront the causes of HIV infection including violence, discrimination and unequal access to financial and social resources.

“I feel honored to be part of such an important cause. My new VIVA GLAM lipsticks are intended to be a reminder to people to live passionately, but do it safely. Be your own biggest fan and protect yourself.” - Lady Gaga.

To date, the M·A·C AIDS Fund has raised more than $202 million to support HIV/AIDS programs around the world.

Shot by photographer Nick Knight, the campaign image shows a cleaned up Gaga - no theatrics, crazy wigs or egg in sight - surrounded by a halo of light, clutching onto jewels. The color itself is a departure from last year's shade. This time around, Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick ($14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN) is a light warm beige with a smooth finish -- perfect to serve as a nude for women of color. The lipglass ($14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN) is a light neutral pinked beige which works perfectly when layered over the lipstick.

The new Viva Glam lip products are currently available in North America and will be available internationally in March 2011.

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

NYFW: Backstage at L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani knows how to close fashion week off in style! With her gang of four - Buffalo Girl, London Girl, Soldier Girl Glam and Mod Raggamuffin - Gwen sent down a a runway collection that was big, fierce and outfight bold. In short, it was Gwen Stefani.

Hair was led by Danilo which included bouffants tucked behind utterly lady-like head scarves, dramatically side-swept bangs, oversized buns, theatrical extensions, and an array of headpieces. Makeup was done by Charlotte Willer for Maybelline New York. "The common thread [of all four looks] was a clean, fresh face. We built the dramatic individual statements from there," says Willer of the makeup look for L.A.A.B. There was strong brows, pops of electric turquoise, thick cat eyes, and shimmery eye accents all toned down with a neutral lip.

photos above from beautypress.com

Buffalo Girl
To begin, Willer prepped and lightly contoured the face using Maybelline's new Fit Me! foundation, powder and concealer (read my review of the line here). Next up, she rimmed the upper and lower lash lines and lids with Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in Sapphire Siren (a gorgeous turquoise shade). A shimmery brown was used to create depth around the eye. The eyes were finished off with The Falsies mascara. Maybelline's Color Sensational lipstick in Fifth Ave Fuschia was then applied to the lips to top off the look.

London Girl
Face was prepped with Fit Me! foundation which created a fresh canvas for the makeup to be applied while Fit Me! blush in Light Pink was dusted onto cheeks. Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black was smudged over the lids for a greasy effect (no shadow or mascara was applied). Rather than apply lipstick or lipgloss, Willer applied a dab of concealer (also from the Fit Me! range) with a bit of balm tapped over it.

Soldier Girl Glam
Faces were prepped with an even layer of foundation and powder (a shade darker than the model's own face). Willer blended navy and brown hues of Maybelline's new Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in Sapphire Stylist (out in Fall 2011) all over the lids and lash line. The lightest shade was then used to highlight the brow bone. Along the upper rim of the eyes, Willer lined the model's eyes with Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black for a 60s feel. Lashes were coated with The Falsies mascara and lips were Color Sensational lipstick in Broadway Bronze.  

Mod Raggamuffin
The final look in Stefani's Fall 2011 collection was one inspired by supermodel of the past, Twiggy. As with all of the models, foundation was blended on their face for a flawless look. On the eyes, Maybelline's ExpertWear Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte was used (dark brown hue was worked along the crease while the lighter shade was applied in the inner corner of the eyes). Volum Express One-by-One mascara was then applied, separating the lashes for that Twiggy effect. on the lips, Color Sensational Pearls in So Pearly was applied for a barely there effect.

photos by Ann Lawlor

The nails were done up using Dashing Diva's Limo Service polish for an edgy take on a neutral polish by celeb nail technician Pattie Yankee and the Dashing Diva nail team.

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

NYFW: Tracy Reese Fall/ Winter 2011

One of my favorite shows of during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is most definitely Tracy Reese. Reese, who has been designing her line since the late 90s, is unabashedly girly and has, lately, been really feeling the 70s vibe. Not only does Reese know her customer, she is always one of the few designers who celebrate diversity on the runway just as much as the female form.

Her Fall 2011 collection was full by rich hues, sculptural shapes and interesting textural combinations. With a shot of metallic here, pop of jewel-tones there and bits of fur the end result was something that could leave women everywhere rendered speechless and in sheer awe.

Celebrity stylist, Jeanie Syfu, replicated the same inspiration into the hairstyle which translated to a look that was simple yet totally wearable. To get the look, Syfu worked TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse through damp hair and blow dried upside with a round brush. Next, she sprayed TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray throughout, created a deep side part and made a reverse wave with a 1 ¼ inch barrel curling iron, keeping all the texture below the ear.

Using colored sprays, she created surface highlights on the heavier side of the part and brush it through for a soft finish. Lastly, TRESemmé's Fresh Start Dry Shampoo was sprayed all over for and brushed through the hair with fingers for a matte finish.

Photos from Style.com

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

NYFW: The Look at Cynthia Steffe by TRESemmé

The Cynthia Steffe Fall 2011 collection was all about wearable, modern opulence with rich colors and exotic trims. Designer Shaun Kearney created a collection that not only filled my love of animal print but was chock full of statement coats and necessities for the chill of fall and winter to come.

To complement the sophisticated style, TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist Jeanie Syfu created a young and fresh blow out with a bit of texture using all TRESemmé products. To get the look start of by applying 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse through hair and blow dry upside down with a flat brush, creating volume at the roots. Next flat iron the ends to make them straight and create a deep side part. Afterward, spray Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for texture to pull the length to one side.

Easy as 1-2-3...

Photos from Style.com

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

NYFW: Smells Like Teen Spirit at Charlotte Ronson FW 2011

Charlotte Ronson's Fall/ Winter 2011 collection was inspired by a mix of 90s military grunge and ‘70s influence -- full of layered knits, cropped military jackets, and lots of army green and khaki.

Gracie Carvalho - photo from WWD.com

To play with the edgy looks, TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist Jeanie Syfu created a look that mimicked a punk-like, shaved undercut (which has been recently become "IN" again with celebs like Cassie and Willow Smith rockin' the 'do). The only difference is Syfu created a fun twist to the otherwise rebellious look.

She started off by creating a deep side part that extended just past the ear and sectioned off a diagonal portion toward the back of the head, separating the top portion with a clip. Next she applied TRESemmé Climate Control Mousse to the bottom section and blow dried the hair back pulling it to one side using a boar bristle brush. This kept the section tight and neat hair was braided. Then, hair was lightly sprayed with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray.

Syfu applied TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Crème and created two cornrow braids starting just behind the ear, that went all the way around the head and fastened the braids with a clear elastic. The top section was then released and brushed with a bit of TRESemmé Climate Control Mousse. The hair was gathered and twisted up just above the ear than fastened with a large hairpin - leaving the ends out and diffuse this section until the hair sets and cools.

The top section was released and layered with more Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Crème mixed with TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for added texture.

The end result was a look that perfectly matched the grunge vibe of the clothing and burgundy makeup.

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

Valentine's Day for the Single Gal

It's Monday evening on Valentine's Day and just about every girl I know if touching up her makeup and changing into date clothes. They're headed out to meet their boo/ boyfriend/fiance/husband. I am - not pouting or shouting - but touching up MY makeup for the epicness that could be.

I find myself single EVERY Valentine's Day and this year, rather than pout (or shout), I'm hanging in their with the best of 'em. So if you find yourself alone not held down this year, smile girl -- tonight's your night. As I fully believe in the power of beautiful lips, here's my breakdown on how to shine tonight, tomorrow and everyday after.
 

Before the puckering can begin it's IMPERATIVE you exfoliate and hydrate your lips. Nothing's worst than seeing dry and chappy lips. Grab a toothbrush and slap on some Vaseline to slough off dead skin. Afterward, apply a moisturizing lip balm before you apply your lip color -- your lips will thank you.
1. Mario Badescu Lip Wax SPF 15 ($7)
Contains a blend of Rose Hips, Palm Oil and Vitamin E Oil for an emollient, creamy lip treatment all while protecting lips against UVA and UVB rays.
2. SUPER by Dr. Perricone Lush Lips ($20)
With coconut oil to nourish lips and shea butter to soothe skin, I've been using this all weekend before my lipstick. Great for use in the winter and summer (although there isn't sunscreen so double up in the summer!).
3. KORRES Lip and Cheek Tint ($10)
This little guy hydrates and provides lips with a juicy pop of color.

After prepping your lips, line them with a lip liner in the color of your choice.
1. Stila long wear lip liner (18) goes on smoothly and provides lips with enough pigment to actually skip the lipstick (but what fun is that?)
2. Make Up For Ever. ($17) Enough said.
3. Wet n' Wild Color Icon Lip Liner ($2) if you're looking for something that provides color but doesn't break the bank, wet n' wild is definitely your drug of choice.

1. Lancôme Color Design Lipstick ($22) This lipstick is infused with soothing ingredients, so lips are left feeling soft all day without worrying about reapplication.
2. Bobbi Brown Heart Truth Creamy Lip Color Trio ($59): This limited-edition Creamy Lip Color Trio was created to support The Heart Truth’s efforts to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Featuring Creamy Lip Color lipsticks in three universally flattering shades - Nectar, Blue Raspberry and Uber Pink - it offers long-lasting wear and a soft, creamy shine.
3. LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Tint ($24): I am OBSESSED with this peppermint-infused matte lip stain. It glides on effortlessly and provides coverage for up to five hours (if not more).
4. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24): Other than tarte's lip stain, NARS is the only matte lip pencil I ever apply on my lips due to it's coverage and ability to NOT dry out my lips. WIN!

Happy Valentine's Day dolls!!

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

Afternoon Delights: Spiced Chai Pedicure at Haven Spa Soho

About two weeks ago, after the madness that was a wicked snowstorm, I trekked on over to Soho for a winter pick me up -- a pedicure, something so simple yet totally satisfying. The journey there had worked a nerve as I was pushed into a pile of snow by a woman too oblivious to realize she cannot, in fact, fit into the narrow walkway I was occupying. In addition to that, a friendly NYC taxi cab sped through a ginormous mud/slush pile that landed ever so gracefully on my right side -- waist down.

Fab, no?

I walked into Haven's friendly and calming atmosphere ready to be transported somewhere else. My treatment of choice? A Spiced Chai pedicure ($45 for 45 minutes), a soothing treatment that fixes winter feet (dry, rough heels and bad pedicures, hello?) leaving skin smooth and nails polished. My nail tech (pedicurist??), Emma, spoke softly and worked quickly. A seasonal service, it starts off with a warm foot bath infused with exotic spices. It felt beyond great to soak my feet after having to deal with the sludge of NYC. Next, a Spiced Chai sugar scrub was applied to slough away dry skin followed by a moisturizer, to hydrate skin. Emma applied a hot pink Essie polish (I'm so awesome I forgot the name).My toes thanked me and I thanked Emma for making me forgot (if only for a moment) about the mean streets of NYC to which I was about to return.

Best part of the pedicure? I was given a super yummy Chai Tea Latte - to which I am now addicted to and hunt Starbucks in an attempt to recreate the moment (I have yet to find one as amazing). In addition, you now have the option to play on an iPad during your treatment (naturally, I tweeted). The pedicure reinvented people.

Haven Spa is located at 150 Mercer St. between Houston and Prince in NYC.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary service. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Sneakery Peekery: Custo Barcelona F/W 2011

One of my favourite shows of the season is tonight and when this peak of the line's Fall 2011 collection hit my inbox, I couldn't help but share. Custo Barcelona is known for it's bright clothing combined with massive patterns and graphics. His [Custo] ability to mix fantasy and reality makes his show one that I must look out for (and I must admit the loud, bass thumping music during the show has me dancing in my seat). I can't wait for the show tonight to see what he has up his sleeve. For now, here's a peek...

Clean... but not really

A clean slate was the starting point of this collection. Pure lines and neutral colors reflect this idea. However, as this process progressed, the true essence of

Custo Barcelona emerged in an explosive way: colors, prints and graphics takes over splashing it all.

The result is a graphic and colorist composition that goes from the minimum to the absolute.

Wool is the hero fabric and all its textures are represented: felted wool, fringes, wool based graphic jacquards and open and distressed weaves are used to create an effect of light organza.

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

NYFW: Backstage at Jason Wu FW2011

photo courtesy of Aveda

Backstage at Jason Wu, lead stylist (and MissWYA fave) Odile Gilbert created a sleek and elegant twist using with a touch of gold using all Aveda products.

“The Jason Wu hair for this season is elegantly chic—like a piece of art. The ends of the hair are coated in 24-karat gold leaf and shaped like a feather, echoing the gold accents and feathers from the collection,” says Odile Gilbert.

On damp hair, Gilbert applied Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener to smooth hair and add shine. Next she created a center part using a fine-tooth comb and blow hair dried straight, flat ironing to make hair sleek. Hair was then put into a ponytail at the nape of the neck, secured with an elastic and sprayed with Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray (LOVE!)

For a polished look, hair was coated with Brilliant Retexturing Gel for a lustrous, polished look. The ponytail was divided in half and winded together to created a twist. Ends of the hair were pulled up to the back of the head so the twist loops at the neck and secured with bobby pins — so the ends of the hair fan upwards. It was then sprayed (again) with Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray.

photos courtesy of Aveda

With a fine-tooth comb, the hair was coaxed into a feather shape and set against the head using Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray. A gold leaf was then (very) gently applied to the shaped ends with fingers and sprayed liberally with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray. The look was topped off with a generous layer of Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine for a high gloss finish.

Joan Smalls getting her makeup done backstage

Makeup was done by M·A·C Cosmetics, led by the ever so soft spoken Diane Kendal. She began by applying Studio Sculpt SPF 15 foundation to create a natural finish on the skin. Next she blended M·A·C Pro Light Sweep Shaping Powder to contour over the cheeks.

On the eyes, she used blended Smothered Cream Shadow (out fall 2011) and M·A·C Pro Marine Ultra Chromagraphic Pencil as a base over eyelids and through the lower lashline. Thru the Night Longwear eye shadow and Carbon eye shadow were blended for a smokey intense look through the inner and outer eyelid and crease. Old Gold pigment was then applied as a highlight over the center of the lid and inner corners. Lastly M·A·C Pro Gold glitter was applied over the center of the lid for a jeweled effect.

For the model's lips, Kendal applied Lip Conditioner SPF 15 with a bit of concealer to tone down the natural lip color. Shell Cream Colour base was then applied over the lips for a subtle highlight.

photo courtesy of CND

The nails were nothing short of majestic as CND's Roxanne Valinoti gave each model a sick burgundy manicure using Dark Ruby layered with Bloodline, and gilded with Gold Chrome smile lines.

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

NYFW: Backstage at Rachel Antonoff FW2011

Before the band (The Like) started playing and the arrival of Alexa Chung, yours truly headed backstage to meet with MAC Senior Artist, Keri Blair, to talk about the inspiration and overall makeup look for designer Rachel Antonoff's Fall/Winter 2011 collection. Read on for the full interview.

MAC Senior Artist, Keri Blair

"When I spoke to Rachel she was like 'its a high school dance but more like The Virgin Suicides than Carrie. So the inspiration is a little bit 70s and it's very natural, young and has a little bit of an edge and is gritty at the same time. It's in tune with what I've been seeing this week, it's a little bit 90s - even though it has that 70s influence - it still has that 90s grunge/ glam kind of a feel. The products that we used were classic [MAC] Smolder inside of the waterline, it's like a little bit of a high school approach to makeup. And it's blended so it looks like it's been on for a while and a little crusty. There's a filled in, boyish eyebrow. I always feel like eyebrows are like a time capsule of age and the fuller they are and the more unkempt they are, the younger I think the person looks.

On the cheek we're using a really beautiful, peachy blush called Something Special which is one of MAC's new blush cremes [Cremeblend Blushes] which will be out next month. And then there are two different lips flying around. The bulk of the girls have two Sheen Supreme lipsticks - one's called Full Speed and the other is called Impressive. [Sheen Supremem lipstick are part of MAc's Spring collection out later this year]

Then there's a gaggle of mean girls and they have a stain that we created using Currant and Red lip pencils and we sort of pressed them into the lip and blended off the edges a little bit so it looks like they've been making out with their boyfriend. So their lips give that just been kissed feel and are flushed and sort of swollen feel or look to the lip.

I feel like Rachel is always so creative with the theatrics that she uses for her shows - between the venue, the hair, the makeup and the clothes - the makeup doesn't need to be overstated.

One of the things I love about working with Rachel the most is that she always has a really strong idea of what she wants to do She may not even know it yet but she's like 'It's a dance' and from the invitations, everything is themed. That's in line with my personality and I think that she's not afraid to stick to her ideas no matter what anyone else is doing or thinking. I really respect that about her. I think that it's easy to go with a standard runway show - easy in the sense that that's what everyone is doing, it's an easy idea to follow. By any means I don't mean it's an easy process but having a typical runway show or have all the girls stand on boxes at a presentation is not her style. I really admire that about her and her commitment to her creative integrity, I think that's one of the things that really make her shows successful and people want to work with her."

For more backstage photos of the Rachel Antonoff show, check out the MissWYA Facebook Page! 

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

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week FW11: Backstage at Irina Shabayeva

Welcome to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where fashionistas get all dolled up and beauty lovers like me schlep backstage to get YOU the details of each and every look. As much as I LOVE fashion, I find the most exciting part of fashion week to be backstage. The sound of blow dryers, smell of hairspray and sight of makeup brushes all at once thrills me.

Project Runway Season Six winner, Irina Shabayeva, presented her collection under the tents this week. Her fall/ winter collection is evocative of a fire and ice motif with bold colors, laser cutouts and use of Swarovski crystal.

Backstage, I spoke to Roxanne Valinoti who created a look which she called "retro-modern". Each model sported press on nails with CND's Blackjack. On top of the black polish, the she applied black confetti to give it a texturized look. Several models - those who wore white down the runway - wore press on nails with colored with CND's Studio White nail polish topped with white plastic cutouts (to complement Shabayeva's laser cut designs). These were to sparkle and really catch the light and flash of photographs.

Next, I sauntered over to Jordan M with Bumble and Bumble who created knotted braids. Since the collection seemed to have Spanish influences (Jordan called it "Spanish Matador) and was very strong and masculine, he wanted to create a look the said the same without being too intimidating. Using Bumble and Bumble's Does It All Styling Spray, he began by parting the hair and creating one giant cornrow to the right side. Next, he applied a bit of Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax and swooped the hair to on the left side of the head, bringing it down to a low ponytail and into a bun.

Makeup was done by Mizu, Director of Maybelline Japan. He described the look as masculine but with a bit of intensity at the eyes. He kept the eyebrows natural and face bronzed. To make the eyes pop, he added a bit of beigey-pink lipstick to finish off the look.

For more photos, check out the MissWhoever You Are Facebook page!

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