MEET OSCAR DE LA RENTA AT BLOOMINGDALES ON APRIL 18TH
WHAT: Celebrate the launch of Oscar de la Renta’s fragrance, Something Blue, and meet the designer with your purchase. A scent that makes a woman feel her most beautiful, Something Blue celebrates life’s most magical moments. A woman’s good luck charm for when she wants to feel her most vibrant. Feminine, romantic and full of life, Something Blue is a fragrance to cherish forever.
There will be an opportunity to purchase an exclusive Something Blue gift box, only available during the event. The gift box contains a 1.7oz Eau de Parfum Spray, 7.0oz Fragrance Candle, 4ml Deluxe Mini, 1ml Purse Vial and a Charm Necklace designed by Mr. de la Renta for $150.
WHO: Oscar de la Renta’s gift of making once-in-a-lifetime dreams come true is captured in Something Blue. Join Mr. de la Renta in celebrating the launch and meet with iconic designer.
*Arrive early to see Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine, interview Mr. de la Renta live on Cosmo Sirius/XM Radio at 5:45pm.
WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2013
5:45pm Live Radio Interview
6:00pm Meet Mr. de la Renta
WHERE: Bloomingdales
1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
Fragrances on 1
NOTE: Something Blue is available at Bloomingdales stores nationwide as well as online at www.bloomingdales.com
Perfectly Matched: Custom Blended Foundation
If you’ve been reading this blog long enough you know that I have spent countless hours of time and money trying to find a perfect foundation shade for my hard to match skin tone (See Makeup Felony: Mismatched Foundation and In search of “The One”). I finally decided that it was best to try one final route: have my foundation custom blended. I searched online and came across GIELLA cosmetics, a makeup company founded in 2001 that custom blends cosmetics for the face, eyes, cheeks, lips, and nails. Everything is blended for you on the spot, so you can take home your brand new cosmetics to use right away. The company doesn’t only custom blend makeup, but also matches discontinued colors. In love with a lipstick shade that is no longer available in stores? Bring it to your nearest GIELLA location and they will recreate it.
The Process
I made an appointment with a GIELLA makeup artist in New York City a few months ago. I told her about my frustration of not being able to find a perfect match, and she explained that one of the problems with most foundations out on the market is that most of them have yellow undertones. Most people have blue undertones. She added some blue coloring into my foundation mix, as well as quartz mineral to aid in reducing the size of my pores. Three color mixes were made and tested across my jaw line. After we both agreed that the perfect match was created, the makeup artist painted it on one side of my face, and the result was amazing! I finally had a foundation that matched, felt lightweight, and gave just the right amount of coverage.
Next, we moved on to concealer. In order to make the concealer, the color base had to be melted. Once it was liquefied, my unique color formula was added and mixed. It was tested on me to make sure it perfectly matched, and then the liquid was poured into a small GIELLA container to harden into a creamy consistency.
The Result
I was very happy with my results, but when I used the foundation the next day, it no longer looked great on my skin. The color pigments separated, and no matter how much I mixed the foundation on the back of my hand, I couldn’t get the foundation to blend into one solid color. I emailed the makeup artist, who sweetly invited me to return for a do-over at no cost. At the dimly lit makeup counter, the newly mixed foundation looked perfect; but, once again, when I got home, it didn’t match. I didn’t bother to send another e-mail, so the search for the perfect foundation continues….
Backstage Beauty: Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan Fall 2013
On February 10th, I went backstage at Emerson’s Fall 2013 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Studio at Lincoln Center. The team of Red Door Spa, led by National Creative Director and Master Stylist Zahir Ziani, was responsible for the teased up-do seen on the runway. The hair, as described by Ziani, was created to look effortless and natural, “as if the model put her hair up in the pony-tail herself.” Tousled curls were created first to add volume, and hair was wrapped around the base of the pony-tail and secured with bobby pins. Only one product was used, a dry spray by Kérastase, which allowed Ziani to apply the spray repeatedly while avoiding a greasy-weighed down look.
HAIR
Stylist Zahir Ziani didn’t use any rubber bands to hold the base of the hair in place. Instead, he used the model’s own hair, which was secured with bobby pins.
MAKEUP
All of the make-up used for the show was by Bobbi Brown. Dark, rocker-chic cat eyes were created using Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in black. And, the top of brows here highlighted using Bobbi’s limited edition Sparkle Eye Shadow, a combination of shimmering pearls and fine glitter. Similar to the hair, the makeup was done to look as if the model did it herself.
The final makeup look backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s Emerson Fall 2013 show
NAILS
The nails were just as edgy as the makeup. Inspired by the black lace used in Emerson’s collection, ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party was used to create the fabulous nail detail seen below.
ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party
The nail art was inspired by the fabrics used in Emerson’s fall 2013 collection
Nolcha Fashion Week: Angelys Balek
On Wednesday, September 12th, I attended the fashion show of Thailand-based designer Angelys Balek, as part of Nolcha Fashion Week at Pier 59 in New York City. The show opened with playful patterns, and slowly transitioned to a more subdued style. The incorporation of cut-out leather in bold colors amplified what would otherwise be monotone, black clothing. Though a little rebellious, the leather somehow managed to be sweetly feminine, elegant, and absolutely chic.
William Okpo S/S 2013 Presentation
On September 11th I attended the S/S 2013 Presentation of William Okpo, a women’s wear collection designed by two sisters, Darlene and Lizzy Okpo. The line, named after the sister’s father, takes its inspiration from their parents, Nigerian immigrants, who would often intertwine their culture’s clothing with American styles.
NYC skyscrapers peeked through the glass windows of the The Ailey Studios, as guests marveled at the clothing that seemed to evoke work wear of historic plantation workers mixed with modern-day sophistication. Earthy tones, playful polka dots, color-blocking, and some abstract silhouettes were noticeable trends in the collection.
Click on each photo to enlarge.
Get reFRESHed this week at Fresh’s Beauty Cleanse Pop-Up Truck
This week in NYC, take a break from summer’s soaring temperatures, and stop by the Fresh Beauty Cleanse Pop-Up Truck. As an introduction to the Fresh Beauty Cleanse campaign, the truck will be stationed in two different locations (see map below) on July 25th and 26th, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the company’s new Soy Face Cleanser, while enjoying BluePrint’s signature Spicy Lemonade.
An ultra-chic Fresh tote will also be distributed on the streets near the truck. The tote will be filled with the Soy Face Cleanser, BluePrint Cleanse Spicy Lemonade, and a card for a free mini Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy.
Can’t make it to any of the locations? Then, head on over to Fresh’s Facebook page, where you will have the opportunity to take part in the Fresh Beauty Cleanse by entering a contest for a chance to win $1,000.
Follow Fresh on Twitter for giveaways and prizes @Freshfounder #UltimateCleanse.
Meet Mr. Bones & Enter to win Cool prizes from Kiehl’s
Padma Lakshmi’s “Mr. Bones”
Beauty brand Kiehl’s Since 1851, has skeletons in their closet. Well, okay, they don’t actually hide them in their closet, but skeletons are on display inside Kiehl’s thirteen New York metro area stores from June 2 through July 14th. The skeletons are a public art installation in celebration of the brand’s newest global program Meet Mr. Bones, a philanthropic partnership with celebrity influencers from all genres including Alicia Keys and Padma Lakshmi, who designed their own Mr. Bones for each store. For their participation in the project, $200,000 will be donated to organizations supporting Children, the Environment, and HIV/AIDS causes worldwide. At the end of 2012, each of the Mr. Bones created by their celebrity masterminds will be auctioned off to further benefit each charity.
Where did Mr. Bones come from? Mr. Bones, a life-sized teaching skeleton, became the brand’s mascot when founding family member, Aaron Morseduring, used an actual human skeleton to educate patients on various ailments and how Kiehl’s pharmaceutical remedies would help them. Now, Mr. Bones is a permanent member of the Kiehl’s family.
Get in on the action, by visiting a Kiehl’s store near you, where you will have the opportunity to instantly win prizes if you participate in a complimentary skin care consultation, 20-minute facial, or make a purchase. You can also tweet to win by tweeting your “check in” at Kiehl’s or photo of Mr. Bones from any retail store to @KiehlsNYC and include #MrBones and #KiehlsGives.
Prizes include Kiehl’s gift cards (valued from $25 to $500), full-size Kiehl’s products, T-shirts, and a dermatologist visit with Kiehl’s consulting dermatologist Dr. Adam Geyer. In a game of chance, guests will get to choose a Kiehl’s packette sample from a variety of choices. A total of 206 prizes will be given away – apparently that’s how many bones are in the human skeleton. Who knew?
If you can’t make it to NYC to meet Mr. Bones, you can head on over to Kiehl’s interactive Facebook page to design your own skeleton, while learning more about each celebrity partner and entering to win cool prizes. The skeleton you create can be saved to the Kiehl’s gallery and shared on your Facebook page – now that will make a cool profile photo.
Personalize your own virtual Mr. Bones on Facebook for the chance to win a Kiehl’s shopping spree – or one of nine Kiehl’s gift cards.
Vote for me in Allure’s Beauty blogger of the Year Contest!
I’m so excited to revel that Delialicious Picks was selected as a finalist for Allure Magazine’s first-ever Beauty Blogger Awards. I entered the contest on their website a couple of months ago, not thinking I even stood a chance against the many bloggers I knew would be applying, especially because my blog focuses on more than just beauty. Nonetheless, I was selected among 15 other finalists to compete for the coveted title of Beauty Blogger of the Year! Check out my bio on their website here»
I won’t be able to win this alone. I need YOU to head over to Allure’s website, and vote once every weekday when all the challenges are live. And just for voting, you’ll be eligible for some cool prizes, including a trip to Miami Beach!
The first challenge will be posted on April 23rd, I’m really hoping for all your support!
Here are the cool prizes at stake:
• Win a trip to New York City, with backstage access to a show at New York Fashion Week, attend Allure’s Best of Beauty party (and take home a suitcase stuffed with winning products worth an estimated $2,500), and go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Revlon’s headquarters to see a preview of new products.
• Be featured in a story in the October issue of Allure.
• Allure 2012 Blogger of the Year logo to be posted on winner’s website for a year.
• Have the opportunity to submit work to Allure and allure.com.
I’ll be posting a reminder on the day of the first challenge. May the best blog win!
Scotland Re:Designed New York Showcase
On April 10th, I attended the Scotland Re:Designed showroom launch party as part of Scotland Week 2012 in New York City. The event, held in association with the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland, featured the collections of twelve of Scotland’s hottest fashion designers and textile companies. This new initiative provided the designers a platform to promote, share and expand their work with NYC media and buyers.
The creative work show visibly drew on historic Scottish heritage as seen with some of the pieces by award-winning designer Judy R Clark that were made with tartan cloth; yet, everything managed to be fresh and was far from antiquated (the tartan cloth pieces incorporated lace).
The exhibit of Belinda Robertson immediately drew my attention. Ms. Robertson already has a large fan base in Scotland, especially among celebrities and fashion editors, and after viewing with pieces it’s not hard to see why. The beautiful clothing is made from 100% Pure Scottish Cashmere and some of the pieces incorporated intricate embellished crystals, which provided just the right amount of sparkle.
Belinda Robertson Cashmere
Couture Fashion Week New York – Pietra Banchi
On Friday, February 17th, I attended the Fall 2012 fashion show of Pietra Pizarro called, “Future Feminine,” at Couture Fashion Week New York, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Pietra-Pizarro is a division of Banchi Design, headed by Peruvian designer Pietra Banchi and Puerto Rican photographer Susan Pizarro-Eckert.
The clothing in the collection was soft and flowy, yet some edgy pieces managed to sneak their way in, and eventually the two juxtapositions combined. For example, a smooth, silk black evening dress was followed by a futuristic metallic dress. A gorgeous green, flowing gown that incorporated a black corset with metallic accents then emerged, combining the elements of the two dresses that preceded it.
After a number of daring pieces, a show-stopping white, billowing gown ended the presentation, returning to the femininity that the show began with.
Danilo Gabrielli Fall/Winter 2012 Runway
On February 9, 2012, I attended the Fall/Winter runway show of Italian-born designer Danilo Gabrielli, during Nolcha Fashion Week: New York at the Alvin Ailey Studios in New York City. The designer has certainly come a long way since I covered his Spring/Summer 2012 show last season at Nolcha, where he had to share the runway with two other independent designers. This season, the spotlight was on Gabrielli alone, whose show attracted the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City, who were in attendance, along with a plethora of other Gabrielli supporters.
The F/W 2012 collection drew on references from the 1940s, by using wool and silk fabrics and modernizing popular trends from that era including demure pencil and a-line skirts, modified shoulder pads, pussy bow blouses and fur stoles. The looks were complementary opponents by somehow managing to be powerful, yet feminine at the same time. Unexpectedly, glamorous sparkling creations managed to surface and intertwine perfectly in between the sophisticated subdued hues of a majority of the fashion, making the collection effortlessly chic and stylish.
A model poses after the show holding YouTonics collagen health drink
You can view more photos from the show here
Ice, Ice, Baby – Rafaello & Co.
Celebrity Jeweler Gabriel Jacobs of Rafaello & Co. was on hand proudly showcasing his one-of-a-kind iced-out pieces.
Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the showroom of Rafaello & Company Jewelers. Located in New York City’s Diamond District, the company’s clientele reads like a who’s who in the entertainment and sports industry. Celebrities such as Drake, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Carmelo Anthony (NBA), and Dwight Freeney (NFL), to name a few, have all donned customized pieces by the designers – not bad for a high-end jewelry line that has only been around for three years.
Launched in 2009 by Rafael Aranbayev, Eric Aranbayev, and Gabriel “The Jeweler” Jacobs, Rafaello & Co. has emerged as one of the leading go-to places for luxury jewelry. The company features everything from glamorous iced-out necklaces to watches to earrings, for both males and females.
Their jewelry may be icy, but their hearts are not. Ten percent of the net proceeds from their Blackout collection are donated to international charity, All As One, as an effort to raise awareness to the needs of Sierra Leone.
After seeing some of the magnificent pieces first-hand, I can see why the top stars choose Rafaello & Co. I was left completely hypnotized by the sheer brilliance and intricate detailing of each piece, and if you keep scrolling, you will see why.
BFAM charm made for Derrick Caracter (LA Lakers).
Pictured (L-R): Cufflinks with White Crystals in Yellow Stainless Steel and Cufflinks with White Crystals in Red Stainless Steel ($1,000 each set).
Hands Holding Globe.
Opulent Beaded Cross Rosary Chains.
Pictured above is a special sneak peak of Rafello & Co.’s Red Ruby in Red Stainless Steele watch, which will be delivered to music artist Cee Lo Green.
Reggae Artist Sean Paul's watch.
Earrings blinged out in Yellow Canary and White Diamonds.
Visit their website to see more stunning jewelry, and click here to follow Rafaello & Co on Twitter.
Blog Anniversary Giveaway – Arrojo Salon Gift Basket
It’s so hard to believe that Delialicious Picks will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on October 31st. It’s been an amazing year, and to celebrate the blog’s anniversary, I’m so excited to announce that Arrojo Salons will be sponsoring our next giveaway – a gift basket of beauty products worth $100!
***This contest is closed to new entries***The #52 was selected by random.org. Congratulations to Lori Hart!!!***
Included in the gift basket are:
1. ARROJO Moisturizing shampoo & conditioner (8.5oz)
3. Volume Foam
5. Hair Cream
6. Refreshing Rhubarb Body Wash
Here are the rules to enter:
1. Leave us a comment here with your email (= 1 entry).
For Additional entries to increase your chance of winning:
2. “Follow” Delialicious Picks on Twitter then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
3. “Follow” Arrojo on Twitter then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
Each comment counts as an entry. The winner will be chosen using random.org. For example if the number 4 is selected and your comment is the 4th one down, you will be the winner, so multiple comments increase your chances of winning. You are only allowed one comment for each entry method.
Additional Rules: This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. You must be 18+ to enter. One winner will be chosen at random on October 31, 2011. All entries must be received by October 30th 11:59pm EST.
Visit Arrojo:
ARROJO SALON
180 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 242-7786
Harlem’s Fashion Row 2011 NYFW Presentation
The event's honorees pose with HFR's leaders.
On Friday, September 16th, Harlem Fashion Row (HRF) ended New York Fashion Week by giving four aspiring minority designers the opportunity to present their Spring/Summer 2012 clothing lines at Jazz At Lincoln Center during a presentation amply titled, “Beautifully Out of Place.” The designers were selected during a highly publicized competition, in which the public got to vote for their favorite fashion designers. After thousands of votes, the four finalists selected were Bethune Bros. menswear designer Joseph Bethune; Jakia Handy of Ingram Talley; Onyenauchea Nwabuzor of Ana Kata; and Kellia Rogers of Kebero.
Some of the designers have their samples produced in clothing factories in midtown Manhattan, while others, create their designs in their small apartments. In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their lines during fashion week, the designers will receive mentoring from top professionals in the industry, and have their collections marketed and produced.
Established in 2007 by founder/CEO, Brandice Henderson, the work of HRF is unprecedented, as it gives designers of color the opportunity to be introduced to buyers and editors at the event, offering a platform that was unattainable without the help of the organization.
The organization also works to highlight the success of people of color in the industry, and honored Tyson Beckford, June Ambrose and Donna Williams, all who gave inspiring speeches about their journey during a cocktail reception held before the fashion presentation.
Honoree Tyson Beckford kept his speech short.
Honoree June Ambrose tearfully accepted her award.
Kebero
Bethune Bros.
Ana Kata
Ingram Talley
The 2011 HFR presentation was funded in part by Target. Speciality “Target-Tini” cocktails were provided by Par 7 Premium Vodka.
Seeing Red at New York Fashion Week
As I look back on the fashions that flowed down the runway at New York Fashion week, I couldn’t help but notice that scarlet red made a powerful statement in numerous shows this season. The crimson color may be Spring 2011’s new black. Perhaps the bright hue was meant to add a burst of color to contrast the white slush still lurking on the corners on NYC sidewalks. Here are my favorites:
Elie Tahari's Fall 2011 collection included rich furs and delicate chiffons.
Naeem Khan's Fall 2011 collection featured red patent embroidery and ornate prints.
The Chinese-inspired show of The Blonds' highlighted sparkly headgear, kimono-like gowns, and lots of sequins and beading.
Marchesa Fall 2011 Collection was inspired by inspired by Great Expectations' Miss Havisham.
