Swagulous in the City

Best. Product. Ever! Napoleon Perdis Barely Blushing

2009-02-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

Remember a few years ago when everyone was going gaga over Stila Convertible Color? Yeah, I never got that. I bought a pot of poppy, and it never blended right for me. I resolved to stick with powder blush - until a box arrived in the mail for me from the publicist for Napoleon Perdis. I got this groovy box of product called The Butterfly Effect ($75), which contains a collection of mini-products like a foundation primer, a mini foundation brush and a wee bento-box of concealers meant to be a DIY blend. I plan on writing about it, and I have to admit, I nearly sent it over to the photo studio without opening it. I am so glad I did -- the concealer (the pro-palette concealer) is like a magic potion, the brush is decadent, the mascara is good, but the product de resistance of this grouping is the Barely Blushing gel. Love. This. Gel. It goes on like gel frosting and in two seconds of finger-swiping, it mellows to a just-pinched radiance. A touch to the lips provides a nice color boost for under glosses -- when the gloss fades, there's still color there. But back to this Barely Blushing stuff, this is really the bomb (I received the Barely Rouge shade, there's also a Barely Buff shade) and I plan to pay for a full-sized tube of it ($19) when my mini tube's up, which actually won't be that soon because this stuff lasts a long time. Bravo Napoleon! And Merci!

Fashion Week Teaser - Rebecca Taylor

2009-02-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Designers, start your collections! New York Fashion Week kicks off next Friday, showcasing what's ahead for fall. I am happy to report that I will be there for most of it and reporting for my blog and also the Fort Worth Star-Telegram! I just received this sneak-peek from Rebecca Taylor, one of my favorite designers personally, and professionally a really great company to work with (note I used several samples from RT in last month's Indulge shoot). Anyway, below is the perky New Zealander's inspiration for what she'll be sending down the runway, and above is a sketch of how she's putting it together.

The Rebecca Taylor Fall 2009 Collection is inspired by imagery from Northern European fairytales. The palette is intense with pastel shades of field flowers and the Scandinavian sea; contrasted with deep hues of violet, beetroot and pomegranate. Soft oversized wrap coats are belted to emphasize the waist and are worn over cool ruffled blouson tops tucked into wide leg trousers. Ultra feminine languid tops and playful dresses inspired by 1940s bias cuts are embellished with artisanal metals that complement the ethereal layers of luminescent chiffon. Chunky lucite jewelry is layered to juxtapose the delicate fabrics.

Well I had a small panic when I read "pastel" but was pleased that it would be paired with richer hues. And of course I love the lucite and own a lot of it, so you know I'll be kicking that trend early! An early bravo Rebecca T.!

Lookin' Fine in 2009!

2009-01-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yee-ha! It's been a few months since I last posted, months filled with work, work, work and work -- another cover fashion feature for Indulge (cover is above, see the rest at www.indulgedfw.com) along with two stories on high heels, one for Indulge, another for the Chicago Tribune's Style section. Closed an issue of the trade magazine I edit and also finished my last and final column for Dallas Child (on suitcases, including some nice quotes from the lovely folks at Clava who loaned me the vintage-looking suitcase that landed on the cover of the November Indulge). And of course, there's the day job, which is fun if not at all fabulous.
So the writing gig that pays the least -- ahem, not at all -- takes the brunt of the neglect. Sorry Bloggie!
My next shoot for Indulge is in two weeks, and I am looking forward to pulling some looks from Priestess NYC, which is owned by a Dallas native Cody Ross. His style is retro, romantic yet utterly modern, and Ross is possibly the nicest guy designing today (due to his Texas upbringing?). I will be proud to give him some props, it's tough out there today in retail land, people. Not that I am paying full price for anything, mind you. Here are some of my latest, greatest good deals:
M Missoni knit skirt from Neimans for $140
Unworn, tags attached Liz Logie oxford from eBay for $45
Two cashmere sleeveless sweaters from the Harold's Going Out of Biz Sale, $40 each.
What I haven't seen yet are any deals on Make-up or accessories. My desert-island essential Shu Emura eyelash curler just bit the dust (did you know you cannot buy replacement rubber strips for them?), so I am getting ready to hit Sephora.com ... then I'll hit the gym. NY Fashion Week is less than two months away and I will be there, so stay tuned!

October photo shoot

2008-10-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

My terrific new assistant, Abby

Getting ready in the basement of The Ashton

You know it!

2008-10-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Swagulous Baracks the Vote!

2008-10-29T03:59:00.000-07:00

Our (empty) house & my brother's wedding cake

2008-10-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

My new kitchen

2008-10-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Oh Oh Oscar!

2008-10-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

two snaps from my interview with de la renta. love him!

BACK FROM THE BRINK!

2008-09-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

I KNOW, I KNOW, Swagulous in the City's been, ahem, out of pocket as they say in the fashion biz. But I haven't been home boxing shoes, people -- I've been swamped with a move, work, work, work, work and family visits (much love Dad!). I am currently scouting for royalty-free celeb fashion fotos, anyone have a good source?

Meet Me in St. Louis-La La!

2008-09-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Who says fashion is elitist? Who thinks haute couture clashes with hops and barley? For anyone who said Miss Dior and Missouri couldn't coexist, hold onto your catwalk for ...

ST LOUIS FASHION WEEK!

Movers and shakers of the fashion world will meet in St. Louis from Oct. 6-12 for shows, soirees and boutique presentations. As the fashion history majors out there know, this town is where the 'juniors" division was born, which may not be couture, folks, but it pays the bills! It's also the birthplace of Baby Phat's Kimora Lee Simmons and the hometown of Nelly and his Apple Bottom Jeans line. Which all may not be couture but again, pays some billz, yo.

Debuting at SLFW will be Nelly's new Red Label line, a boutique-only collection, and the world premire of a line called U. C. Me by Murphy Lee and Kyjuan. All afterparty merriment sponsored by Budweiser ... Select, of course.

Geren Up for Spring! Backstage at Geren Ford's S/S 09 Show in New York City

2008-09-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

Dateline Sept. 3 -- Backstage at Geren Ford, this snap captures five of his runway looks for next spring. In a word? Love. Or rather, lovely -- lovely layering and soft fun colors for spring, wearable mixes of complementary hues (think mustard and pumpkin popping off grays, royal blue paired with sunny yellow) and also luxe textures (silk gauzes over twill over shimmers and loose weaves) that should define -- and really refine -- a well done layered look. It's a nice evolution from some of his earlier, flirty looks. (Note from the real world: a big no-go on the very Bavaria socks -and-haute-sandals look his models were sporting; IMHO that only really ever works on the runway and maybe on Sienna Miller.) But what I mostly love about Ford's spring looks is that I can rock them now (although not yet from Ford -- unless, ahem, some samples happen to become available). I am especially thinking about those long scarves, they're a terrific way to add color, texture and a long, lean line down your torso. Ford showed the scarves draped, pulled and bow-tied, accenting every outfit, from these hot pants to baggy capris to too-cute dresses. I plan to put this blue and white silk number on my must-buy list, asap! (Do you hear that, retailers? Buy these scarves!) Actually, what's nice about this collection is that a working gal like me actually COULD buy these scarves and much more -- Ford is infinitely affordable, found on sites like Shopbop in the $250 - $400 range, and with looks this versatile, can a fun capsule collection for, say, Target, be far behind? Keep us posted!

Marc Bower's Online Show = Dire Recessionista Trend?

2008-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

So in the midst of the paper and electronic invites I've been receiving this week, both "in-tent" and "off-campus," I got an email from Marc Bower announing that everyone's sitting front row at his Sept. 9th show: Because it's online! His 2009 Spring/Summer collection, called "Goddess by a Pool" promises 70-style retro styling in shades of bright poppy. OK, I can do op and pop! What's harder to ascertain is what to do next: From the email, it seems that I just click on a link at noon on Monday the 9th and through the magic of cyberspace, I'll be transported to the House of Bower, right? It sounds groovy, but I do hope it's not a harbinger of recessionista trends to come ... ??

Waiting List Open NOW for Lancome's Limited Edition Black Gloss

2008-08-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Black lipstick is fabulously gothy on the runways and gloriously sinister in magazines, but just how does this haute trend translate in the real world? Enter Lancôme, which just announced the November debut of Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black, created by the company's new artistic director for makeup, New Zealander Aaron de Mey. Black gloss is much more wearable than lipstick, says Mey, and he's even created the perfect undershade to accentuate his dark sheen: Color Fever Lipstick in Piha Red. A true, eye-popping red, it's inspired by the sole of a Christian Louboutin shoe and named for a beach near his childhood home. Wear the colors alone or customize your own shade by mixing them together. (Check out the lips above to see just how that looks.) Mey also suggests using the black gloss on the eyes. Love it? We thought so. Here's the catch:Only 500 of the sets ($48 each) will be available in the United States come November, and only at Bloomingdale’s NYC location on 59^th Street, at www.lancome-usa.com and at the company's five boutiques (click here for locations). Don't panic: The waiting list at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street has just opened. CALL NOW -- 212-705-2886 to add your name to the list!

Swag factor: Zero. Lancome publicists told us there were no samples available. Editors just gotta git in line with ev'ryone else!

Berlin's MYKITA: Made for Shade & the Pix to Prove It!

2008-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to find out if you look good in a pair of sunglasses? Try them on of course. And that's just what we got to do at the MYKITA event during Berlin Fashion Week. MYKITA's the creation of the Berlin-based design team of Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling; each pair is handmade and the line boasts the street cred of having recently won a top European design award. Besides the Champagne, the biggest draw at the ultra-minimalist boutique (all white walls adorned only with sunglasses racks, extra stock held in tricked out metal airplane galley storage containers) was the chance to check out the glasses. Not only did MYKITA execs help you choose the primo frame for your face, but they took a Polaroid of you in them, too -- two of 'em, in fact: one for you to take home and another for the company's "frame of fame," which they emailed to all of us the other day. Check it out: GET FLASHED WITH MYKITA PHOTO GALLERY. You can see how good the shades look on all types of wearers, cool cats and an actual K-9! But the photo gallery's also a neat picture essay in Berlin street style. Think you can find me in the line-up? Let me know and I'll send you some Fashion Week goodies. I have to say, I rocked my MYKITAs. They were red powdercoated metal in an oversized aviator style and they were fabulous. Even better, these shades were indestructable. So well designed are these MYKITAs that you can bend the arms every which way and even smoosh the glasses entirely (no more sunglasses-in-the-driver's-seat-surprise!) and they won't break. Alas, what MYKITA can't design against is my forgetful nature. Over the years, I have found that the price of my sunglasses is inversely proportionate to the speed at which I lose them. Which is why I still have a crooked pair of black Ann Taylor shades, circa 1996, and the amount of time I got to enjoy my rimless, rose-tinted Chanel wrap-arounds could be measured in hours. So, no MYKITAs for me. But for anyone looking for an ubercool pair of $400 sunglasses made to the highest production and optical standards, check 'em out.

NY FASHION WEEK - FOUR WEEKS AND COUNTING!

2008-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

The credentials have been approved, now I am just waiting for the morning when the designer contact list comes out and I -- along with tens of thousands of colleagues de plume -- will bombard publicists with our invite requests. In the mean time, the tentative spring 09 participant list was released this morning with several new and exciting names (Welcome Charlotte Ronson! Shout out to you Lela Rose!) -- here's the list:

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule begins with Michael Angel and is followed by BCBGMAXAZRIA , Perry Ellis, Duckie Brown, Rubin Singer, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Academy of Art University, Venexiana, Lacoste, Charlotte Ronson, Tony Maticevski, Abaeté, Andy & Debb, Rosa Chá, Verrier, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Rock & Republic, Macqua, Lela Rose, DKNY, Tracy Reese, Terexov, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Y-3, Akiko Ogawa., Tibi, Miss Sixty, Thuy Diep, Twinkle by Wenlan, Carolina Herrera, Peter Som, Jill Stuart, Sergio Davila, Diesel Black Gold, Luca Luca, Yeohlee, Tony Cohen, Ports 1961, Gottex, Cynthia Steffe, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, Iódice, Betsey Johnson, Dennis Basso, Joanna Mastroianni, MAX AZRIA, Vivienne Tam, Brian Reyes, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Richard Chai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carlos Miele, Pamella Roland, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Mara Hoffman, Malan Breton, Vera Wang, Naeem Khan, Rebecca Taylor, Reem Acra, Calvin Klein, Leifsdottir, Chris Han, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Aurelio Costarella, Project Runway, Ralph Lauren, Tadashi Shoji, Sabyasachi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Donna Karan Collection and OmniaLuo by Zheng Luo.

This is my first season as a freelancer, without the power of a masthead mention to support my application. So I was thrilled to get the nod, and to all of you out there in PR-ville, please don't overbook your shows but please do let me in --I will be spinning queries like there's no tomorrow!

Auf Wiedersehen Berlin Fashion Week!

2008-08-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

More looks from Killian Kerner

2008-08-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

Love the belt!

Le fin!

Cutie KK

Killian Kerner -- Berlin Fashion Week Day 3

2008-08-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

What an exciting final day! I'd seen Killian Kerner's January BFW show on You Tube and was excited to see it for real. He didn't disappoint. It also didn't hurt that Kerner & Co. gave us amazing seats-- hello front row! -- and neat KK tote bags filled with a CD, a small brush and a handy sewing kit. Like his earlier show, Kerner had a live band in the house. But not just any group -- this one, an electro-emo group called SpinterX, was more like a band inspired by a designer inspired by a band. Basically, it was a true creative collaboration that was readily apparent, as the band's lead singer, Ben Ivory, looked a hell of a lot like all the male models in the show, who all looked a hell of a lot like Killian Kerner. But I digress. Kerner showed a mix of mens and womens looks, with the mens stuff all pretty on-trend (think weird drop-crotched pants and walking shorts paired with tall socks). The women's looks were uniformly simple, gorgeous and wearable. I loved one of the belts, and appreciated how he played with pleats and construction. I also loved the back pockets on the jeans he sent down the runway, the tops of which were finished with the top outline of his double-K logo. The show's final look, a grayish-lavender gown, left the entire audience breathless. But it was the appearance of KK himself -- boyishly cute and YSL-shy -- that sent the audience into wild applause and a standing ovation. Want to see more? Check out Killiankerner.de. And if you yearn for Depeche Mode and believe in your heart that Curiosity Killed the Cat deserves a comeback, check out SpinterX's singles, "Head over Heels" and "I am", both of which were written especially for Kerner and this show, at splinterx.net or myspace.com/splinterx.

PureBerlin - Berlin Fashion Week, Day 2

2008-08-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

This show, featuring streetwear by local designers pureberlin, was one of the hottest tickets of the entire week. Everyone seemed to know everyone, and one of the models even high-fived a frontrower as she tromped down the runway. Yet the familiar tone seemed to fit the casual line to a T, since the collection is largely T-shirts, hoodies and jeans, all made from 100 percent cotton. The inspiration is simple: Berlin. But the graphics used on the pieces is pretty cool -- designs feature postcodes for the city; for example, 10117 for Berlin-Mitte, 10997 for Berlin-Kreuzberg, 10623 for Berlin-Charlottenburg and 10245 for Berlin-Friedrichshain. Depending on which district is being featured, the matching areacode appears on the garment. Unfortunately, the local focus means the brand can only be found locally. I for one will be checking the website to see if any distribution points pop up in the states or the site gets ecommerce enabled.

Berlin Fashion Week: Name that Celebrity!

2008-08-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

OK folks, correct-seeming answers win a prize. Looks like Mila Jovovich, right?

But not really here, and if it were Mila, why would she be canoodling with the K.D. Lang type next to her? Anyone have an idea who these folks could be? Enquiring minds sure wanted to know, they were much photographed prior to the Pure Berlin show.

Maybe-Mila, Quasi-KD and to their left, I think are three of the four members of the German pop group No Angels.

Perhaps the most photographed guy at the shows -- anyone know who he is?

Berlin Fashion Week: My American Fashion Selection

2008-08-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Berlin was ... cold. Last I checked with the folks at Weather.com, the predictions were in the mid-to-high 70s. I estimate the true temps were about 10 degrees colder than that. One H&M jacket later, I was happy as a clam. That said, it was sunny and 70 degrees in the tents. The first day, I mixed high and low with a shirt and jacket from the Gap accented with a nautically inspired double-brooch that I absolutely love that was made by Chicago designer Cyndi Chan (www.cyndichan.com), a big yellow leather Botkier bag and modified gladiator heels from Cynthia Vincent. Day 2 was a paisley silk shirt from NYC-based Nieves Lavi, a years-old Adrienne Vittadini silver and wood necklace and an oversized 80s clutch courtesy of eBay. Day 3, the cold took hold and I paired that new dark gray H&M jacket with no-name bootleg jeans from Nordstroms and my favorite favorite favorite white T-shirt from Rogues Gallery, which I bought at Koros Art & Style in the West Loop of Chicago. (If anyone from Koros is reading, please contact me if you have any more of these shirts, especially with the rabbit, size XS!). So with the exception of the jacket, I kept it All American, folks.

Eastpak - Berlin Fashion Week Day 2

2008-08-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Why an American-based backpack company is showing at Berlin Fashion Week is beyond me but who cares! The show featured a kickass band and everyone attending the show scored funky little Eastpak bags. This was the SECOND ROUND of freebie bags -- Eastpack also provided the press swag bags, which were amazing: large, multi-handled black bags tricked out with several pockets inside and out and embroidered -- yes, embroidered! -- with Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2009. The show featured packs and streetwear (hoodies, windbreakers, etc.) designed by cutting-edge stylesetters, Eley Kishimoto and Raf Simons -- Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto are of course the designers behind the Cacharel label and Simons heads Jil Sander. Perhaps the coolest thing about the show, though, was a feature that seems to be unique to Berlin Fashion Week: a show soundtrack courtesy of a live band instead of a recording. Eastpak's house band was insider Berlin fav MIA. It was my first encounter with MIA -- actually when I saw the announcement on the invite, I thought the label had scored the M.I.A., the American MC who mixes hip-hop with Bollywood beats. Imagine my surprise when instead a red-plastic-clad white chick named Mieze Katz came down the runway instead, mic in hand, belting out the electro-punk band's newest single, "Mein Freund." What I didn't realize until later was that Eastpak in Germany is quite expensive -- and actually quite fashion forward. Thumbing through their catalogue, they've collaborated with more than a few designers and have a range of fashion-forward fabrics printed with everything from McQueen-esque plaids (or more recently, D&G) to rows of barbed wire. The kids are definitely alright!

Smeilinener - Berlin Fashion Week Day 2

2008-08-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

The word here was charming. This mother-daughter duo sent out a sweet collection of brightly colored knits and fabrics, baggy fits and sweet patterns like stars and stripes. It can all be found at the Smeilinener flagship store in Berlin on Schroederstrasse (www.smeilinener.de), but I found a small selection at a popup fashion week boutique at Gallerie Lafayette. I loved one of the shirts and considered making the acquisition, but the combination of limited-edition designer piece and a crazybad exchange rate intervened. I do love this stuff, however -- just don't make me pronounce the name!

Basso & Brooke - Day 2 Berlin Fashion Week

2008-08-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Day 2 was by far the busiest day for us: Starting the day was an 11 am show from Brit wonderduo Basso & Brooke that was more showcase than show. Rather than debut a new collection, B&B sent a retrospective down the runway, a gathering of wildly artistic costumes that brilliantly displayed the duo's uberinventive combinations of textiles, patterns and colors. It was an exciting presentation, with models coming down the runway and posing along its side instead of exiting. Not an inch was missed here, from bound ankles to wrapped wrists to extra-drama hats and hair notions. For a city that revels in its grunge-slash-biker look (hello, was there a Berliner in the house who was NOT wearing boots, a motorcycle jacket and a neck wrap or scarf!?) this was a welcome shot of good old fashioned GLAMAH!

SP- Susanna Peric Show Photos

2008-08-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

This was our first show upon arriving in Berlin -- unfortunately we missed three earlier shows that first day, Lac et Mel (which the NYC-based editor of Lyramag.com said was a super showing), Sisi Wasabi and HUGO. But as I said in the posting below, it was definitely the one to see, as it will likely be a preview for SP's NYC debut. The photo of the attractive couple is a Teutonic starlet who was much photographed from her front row perch (anyone who can identify her gets a goody bag of Berlin Fashion Week swag!) along with the city's fashion week host, rocking the dapper Alec Guinness look. And finally, some runway looks from SP. I can't say much about these looks or any others because one thing that was nowhere to be found this fashion week was a bill of fare. A few designers placed vision statements on chairs, but no one provided a laundry list identifying the looks and the models coming down the catwalk. No press kits either and all told, a general low level of schmoozing taking place, unlike the common and near constant card-exchanges in NYC.

Aufstanding! Berlin Fashion Week Recap

2008-08-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Back from Berlin! What a wunderbar event this fashion week was. First, the photos, then some parting thoughts. Here, a word from our sponsor: A massive. building-long Mercedes Benz billboard marking the fashion week locale. I think that the featured model was the winner of Deutschland's Next Top Model -- can anyone out there confirm?

Inside the Big Tent

Suzana Peric -- Berlin Fashion Week Day 1

2008-07-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

Next Up, New York for Belgrade’s Biggest Designer
Quick: Name a famous fashion designer from Belgrade. Stumped? I’ll give you a hint: She’s wild on multicolored silk maxi-dresses and easybreezybeautiful designs that seem to scream Palm Beach (or is it LA?). The answer is Suzana Peric. Don’t worry if you didn’t get it right, you’ll nail it next season. That’s because Peric expects to show at NY Fashion Week in February, 2009. And if her runway show last week on the opening day of Berlin Fashion Week is any indication, she won’t be unknown in the States for long.

Peric already enjoys name recognition and editorial respect across Europe, along with the requisite celeb following, natch. She splits her time between Belgrade and Salzburg right now; she has a popular boutique in the German city and plans to open a second, larger site in Belgrade in the fall.
Peric’s show was fun, festive, packed-to-capacity and also quite swagulous thanks to the lovely silk scarf she gifted everyone. It’s a swath tailor made to accent fall fashion, with a lovely Pucci-swirl combo of browns, creams and mustards. But many couldn’t wait to show it off -- the scarf could be seen throughout the week around at least one show-goer’s neck or handbag.
And to anyone who doubts that Belgrade’s Best is ready to take on the Big Apple, take note: Peric started and ended her Berlin show with the jazzed up theme song from Sex and the City.
Check her out for yourself at www.suzanaperic.de or at
http://www.mercedes-benzfashionweek.com/shows/suzana-peric.html to see her entire runway collection.

Don't Tell Eloise, But The Plaza's Got the Best Cognac on the Block!

2008-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last month, Louis XIII de Remy Martin hosted an invite-only event at the new Rose Club at NYC's glorious Plaza Hotel to unveil the ultimate taste of luxury: the extremely rare Black Pearl Magnum. And Swagulous was there!
Handcrafted by Baccarat in black crystal with platinum accents, the spectacular carafe catches and refracts light, creating flashes of silver, black, chrome, blue and mahogany brown -- just like actual black pearls of the South Pacific.
It's actually the second coming of the Black Pearl; its debut, in a smaller decanter, sold out in less than a month. But the magnums won't be hitting the market -- they're exclusive to luxury properties like The Plaza and the St. Regis Hotel in Washinton, D.C.
So enough about the booze -- how was the PARTY! Fab, fab and glam, reports our Swagulous scout. Especially cool was when residents of The Plaza (which as you know recently went Condotel) joined the exclusive fete -- always interesting to watch the SuperWealthy get a sneak peek at their next drink order. And just how much will a snifter of this stuff set them back? If you have to ask ...

vini, vidi VIVI! Swagulous talks to Elezar Co-Owner Esther Barron

2008-06-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Niche luxury bag design company Elezar is behind one of the most exciting new lines this season, Vivi. The name comes from the Latin verb "to live" -- as in, no animals died so you could hang your wallet from your shoulder in style. Every bag in the vivi line is completely not leather. Yet completely sophisticated and elegant -- words not often applied to pleather. (Although the vivi material is HARDLY pleather -- it's Italian!) Swagulous sat down with Elezar co-owner Esther Barron to talk with her about her fabulous new line, including my favorite design, the rockin' tote ($408 at www.elezar.com).

Swagulous: Why vegan?
Esther Barron: I am a vegetarian and really wanted a beautiful, unique, non-leather option. The vivi bags offer all of the style and luxurious feel of the leather bags. We just wanted to provide fashionista women with another choice.

S: What's your favorite design feature of the line?

EB: I love that you can fit a laptop computer in the tote, but it still looks sleek and fabulous.

S: What's next for the line and when?
EB: We will be adding new shapes and fabrics in fall 09.

S: When will it be available in more states?
EB: We hope really soon. We are entering new markets every week.

VIVA RESORT!

2008-06-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's that time again for that beloved inbetween season, resort. To those of us who must work and are therefore, unfortunately, rarely actually resort-bound, this season represents something entirely different: The chance to snap up designer frocks that: 1) no one else is going to have; and 2) are often less expensive (or at least on sale sooner) than s/s or f/w collections. Posted are some fab looks from Reem Acra's latest resort collection. Gorgeous!

Berlin Fashion Week Update

2008-06-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Who's showing? So far 18 designers have confirmed, including Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, LAC ET MEL and Susanne Wiebe. Also included in the sked but showing offsite is Lagerfeld fav, Michalsky, plus JOOP! and HUGO. More spaeter, amigos ... am on deadline. Actually deadline has passed. A big mea culpa to my editor!

Guten Tag Berlin!

2008-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Auf-standing! I just got my credential request approval for Berlin Fashion Week! It'll be held downtown at Bebelplatz on July 17-20. No word yet on the designer lineup -- is Jill Sander based in Germany? Escada? Joop? Helmut Lang? Who's designing outta Deutschland these days?-- but will post as soon as its released. I'm trying to find a decent (and cheap) hotel right now and am gearing up for some kind of wunderbar!

Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008)

2008-06-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

A moment of silence for one of the greatest designers of modern times. I distinctly remember when I was little, snagging my mom's Town & Country and marveling over photos of his decadent, mosaiced Morocco estate. To an elementary school misfit stuck in a suburban-Phoenix rancher, it was like a window onto possibilities. In middle school, I saved for weeks to buy fantasic golden YSL lipsticks and nail polishes to display on my dresser and use -- albeit sparingly. And as an adult, I would regularly troll eBay, looking for affordable baubles to buy (and finding only disappointment, as YSL vintage is highly sought-after). I even purchased a black silk double-breasted evening jacket this season, hoping to channel the look of a Le Smoking. Austin Scarlett, are you ready to step up?

Own a Piece of the Queen of Mean: Behind the scenes at the Leona Helmsley Couture Auction

2008-05-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Leona Helmsley's vast couture collection was cast to the winds thanks to the auctioneers at Leslie Hindman. When the final gavel fell, the total take was some $120,000 -- about $40,000 more than presale estimates. And what a collection it was! I was fortunate enough to view it the week before at a Cocktails and Couture preview on May 13. Here are snaps of my favorite pieces. Sure much of it was totally 80s -- and a lot of it sort of looked like it was bought by an old lady, natch -- but it was still breathaking. Helmsley may have been a convicted felon, but she sure had style. Although I registered to bid, I did not end up participating -- tempting as some of the handbags were, especially this lovely green Hermes number.
Have you ever seen so many Hermes boxes in one place? The arrangement was replicated further back in the room, only this time the building blocks were Vuitton bags.
One of three cases filled with purses. One case was filled with exotics, another Chanel and Vuitton, yet another Hermes (can you say Birkin? Buyers did -- the sale prices for these reached as high as $9,600 each). Then there was the wall of zany, Totally 80 Moschino bags (patent leather watermelon slice anyone?).
A display of Helmsley's countless ballgowns, a frothy, sparkly mix of designer labels and custom creations sewn just for her. Seems the Queen of Mean was also the Queen of Seam -- she employed her own in-house dressmaker who created one-of-a-kind ballgowns from an "attic atelier"! Helmsley's clothes garnered some impressive sale prices: A J. Mendel brown fur coat fetched $12,000, her iconic (and so fabulously dated it's seriously unwearable by anyone unrelated to RuPaul) pink and denim Chanel suit -- yes, the one she wore to prison in 1992! -- went to one undoubtedly good-humored bidder for $850, and the rows and rows and rows and rows of Ferragamo shoes in every imaginable color (all size 8.5) brought in a total of $3,000.

Curiously, there were no pet items for sale ... I wonder, will Trouble will be taking a bite out of the proceeds?

The Slippery Slope: Are Wedge Heels Over? THE GREAT WEDGE DEBATE

2008-05-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

This past week I had a spring-summer wardrobe session with the EXTRAORDINARY stylist Heather Kenny.

Thankfully she was able to pluck from my piles of clothes n' stuff a solid collection of supercute outfits. She kept some things, she suggested I part with some things. And then there were those things that just defied her ability to categorize, I guess. She'd just look at the item, look at me and chuckle a bit. The biggest shock was not that she hated my stripper-esque lucite heels or my vintage full-length skirt with multicolor macrame inserts (come on, who doesn't love yarn?).

No, the biggest shock was the news that -- and don't hate the messenger here -- WEDGES ARE OVER. OK, not all wedges. "Modified" wedges are OK, i.e. anything with a triangular or rounded divot out of the general wedge area. But the true wedge? Over.

She let me keep my cork wedges because cork is in, but everything else hit the Goodwill Bin, per her recommendation. When I protested, she eyed my tiny pile of wedges with pity and said, in a tentative voice, "Well, maybe they'll come back ..." Enough said.

Somewhere, there's a homeless woman teetering down Division St. on my Michael Kors platform kicks.

SO, What do you y'all think? Is it times up on the wedges?

Simon-etic! Simon Doonan Talks About Time, Work, Love & Balance

2008-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

If I had a dollar for every time I read something Simon Doonan wrote and said, Damn, I wish I could write like that, I'd have ... well. clearly it would be something fabulously clever, were I able to write like Simon Doonan. And so he's written another massively hysterical book, and he stopped by the Barney's on Oak Street to sign books, make hysterically funny chitchat and espouse general pithy cleverness is the most erudite, clenched-teethed British accent ever. I was fortunate enough to interview him as he was signing books for fans ranging from Brooklyn hipsters to old guys in trucker caps, but here's some Q&A just for you:

SWAGULOUS: Your position at Barneys, the NY Observer column, the books -- how do you fit it all in?
DOONAN: I am very organized, and I am very disciplined. I never procrastinate about writing. I am insanely productive.

SWAG: Really? Are you kidding?
DOONAN: No -- when I wrote my first book, I'd get up at 5 am, write, and go to work at 8 am. I am just very compartmentalized -- when I am at the Barney's Design Studio, I am completely focused on what 's in front of me, it's the opposite of ADD. I just interviewed Madonna for the cover [of Interview magazine] and she has an insane level of drive and discipline. She's on a whole different level.

SWAG: How do you make sure you have time for your relationship, too? [with design guru Jonathan Adler, as if anyone doesn't know!]
DOONAN: At the end of the day, this is it. Jon and I sit and watch trash TV. We entertain a lot. In the evening, I don't work. Like these people who are always checking their email at night -- that's not work, that's neurosis.

Reyes of Light: Hanging out With Fashion Designer Brian Reyes

2008-04-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

When you meet him in person, Brian Reyes is quiet and unassuming -- not the kind of guy you'd expect to launch his own fashion design house at the tender age of 24. Get him around a client, however, and his reticence turns into intensity. He's focused, exacting and yes, even charming.

I caught up with Reyes yesterday during a two-day trunk show at Simone's Boutique in Winnetka, a lovely little jewel box-sized shop of stunning one-ofs and very-few-ofs from labels like Malandrino and Alessandro Dell’Acqua.

Simone and Reyes are long-time friends, but there wasn't a lot of chit-chat going on when I was there. Reyes was busy, and the NorthShore dames were buying.

It's been a whirlwind couple years for Reyes, whose company has gone from just two employees to seven thanks in part to prestigious awards and America -- as in actress America Ferrara, who accepted her Golden Globe for Ugly Betty while wearing his perfectly tailored corseted gown. He shows three collections a year right now, and sells to big luxe stores like Stanley Korshak and Barney's, plus fabulous boutiques like Simone's and even trendy shopping sites like Shopbop. So far he's just fashion, but surely an accessories line can't be far (he's already experimenting with belts). When I asked whether there was a Target line in his future, he demurred, but added that he would be open to creating some sort of secondary, more accessibly priced line if the right opportunity arose.

For two months every year -- including April -- Reyes and his sales director hit the road, making personal appearances and doing custom fittings for clients, working with the current season and also samples of the next one, which can be preordered. Before chasing a rainstorm to arrive in the Windy City, he'd just logged time in Dallas ("They're a hoot, those ladies!") and San Francisco was next.

Reyes doesn't take a hard-sell approach to these fittings. "We just look at their body type to see what's going to look good," he says. He'd done a pretty good job of sizing up the woman he was working with when I was there. The magenta bow-pleated dress ($1488) he chose for her was smashing. Its clean lines and georgette pleats flattered her curves, and Reyes showed her how to rock the versatility of the train-like slip of fabric along the back, looping it around her neck for a more casual look, and bustling it two different ways to create a more elegant sense of drama in the back of the dress. When she seemed unsure of how to recreate what he had just done, he reassured her that she couldn't go wrong: "It's not meant to be precious."

Versatility showed up in another of his designs, a short, full skirt ($575) done in a silk cellophane. Reyes calls the grey-ish hue "washed lilac." The skirt is rocker-cool with a white T, morphs into an elegant dress when paired with a matching lingerie-like top and light-as-air long silk cardigan and even works well with black for an equally refined look. It's this versatility that allows his line to be such a hit with the women of Winnetka while also appealing to the hip, indie-fashionista set that shops at Jake, another local boutique that will begin to carry Reyes in the fall.

Reyes made sure his client stepped into one of his fall dresses -- a jet black shirt-dress accented with elongated epaulettes and an ingenous roll collar. The dress was crafted from a Japanese jersey that had a stiff substance to it like a thick, crisply starched linen, yet the client insisted was so light she felt as if she were naked. Reyes accented her waist with a wisp of a gray snakeskin belt, and the client's own black patent Jimmy Choos added the finishing touch.

So how does this ever-busy fashion entrepreneur find time to come up with his innovative designs? "I don't," he says, laughing. "I never have time to design." Which only means he doesn't get to sit down while he's designing. Instead, he says he carries a sketch pad with him wherever he goes so he's always ready to jot down ideas and inspiration.

Meanwhile Reyes has found the time to custom design gown for Someone Famous -- although he and his sales director were mum on the details. "There is something brewing but it's not confirmed," he says of his next red-carpet celebumodel. "You never know what's going to happen, so we never confirm anything," he says. "It can change two minutes before they're set to go on."

SWAG-STAGE PASS! SNAPS FROM THE BROOKLYN BALL!

2008-04-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

Dateline: April 4, Brooklyn Museum of Art

BOBBIE FISHER'S BROOKLYN BALL PHOTOS -- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

You saw it splashed across every major fashion site -- Elle, InStyle, FashionWeekDaily -- Louis Vuitton's ultra/uber off-the-hook mashup of art, fashion and music called THE BROOKLYN BALL that rocked the borough last Friday.

And Chicago's Bobbie Fisher WAS THERE, in full LV effect and beyond chic!!
Once again, the most excellent Ms. Fisher is sharing her front-row fabufotos with Swagulous!

YES that's Marc Jacobs
YES that's Takashi Murakami
YES that's Kanye West (who used Murakami's art on his album and loves himself some LV)

Swag report: Attendees reportedly got nude-leather card-holders embossed with the brand's new Monogramoflauge design, which debuted that night. Post if you know it to be true!

NINA GARCIA OUT AT ELLE!? Here's what I know:

2008-04-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today, WWD is reporting on its website that Nina Garcia is no longer fashion director at ELLE. Here's the gist of the report, blocked and pasted from the site:

"Elle is said to have parted company with its fashion director and “Project Runway” star and author Nina Garcia sources said late Friday. Neither Garcia, Elle editor in chief Robbie Myers nor a spokeswoman for Elle could be reached for comment. On Tuesday, Elle hosted a dinner with Moschino to celebrate Simon Doonan's new book, "Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fashionable You", but Garcia was notably absent. Speculation about Garcia's departure has swirled for months, especially after the arrival of Joe Zee at the beginning of 2007 as creative director. Last spring, Garcia left the magazine on maternity leave, and began writing a monthly fashion column for Elle upon her return. Garcia was in the office on Friday morning, but by the afternoon, sources close to the building say Hachette’s Midtown offices were abuzz about the rumor."

Hmmm. Here's what I know: Last month when I interviewed Garcia, I had a nice discussion with her about a store here in Chicago. She seemed very interested in the store and we gossiped a bit about its famous owner. She said, "Oh I must write about that in my next column" and I believe at that time one of her staffers wrote it down, or made some sort of note. Fast forward two days ago, I happened to be emailing the PR person who worked for this store and I told him what happened and said, so did ELLE ever contact you? And he said no, not at all. Hmm ... Anyway if Nina stays with Project Runway and it's new lucrative leap to the Lifetime channel, she likely doesn't need her ELLE paycheck (or edit deadlines) anymore. More money + more fame + more flexibility = good. Baby Lucas, Mommy's home!

SIDENOTE: I have an interview request in with Barney's to lob some softballs at Simon Doonan, I love love love him and can't wait to meet him and read his new book (autographed, of course!)

CALLING ALL MAKEUP ARTISTS: Help Me With the New Nars "Exotica" collection! THE BEST ANSWER WINS A FREE NARS GIFT!!

2008-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

HEY MAKEUP ARTISTS AND EXPERTS! POST YOUR COMMENTS ON HOW TO WEAR THIS STUFF AND ENTER TO WIN A GIANT (UNOPENED, OF COURSE!) TUB OF NARS BATH SALTS!!!!!

BLOGGER NOTE: IN LIGHT OF THE NYTIME PIECE A FEW MONTHS AGO ABOUT COSMETIC BLOGGERS POSSIBLE IMPARTIALITY BECAUSE OF A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MAKEUP COMPANIES THAT SUPPLY FODDER FOR THEIR REVIEWS, SWAGULOUS HAS PLEDGED TO BEGIN EVERY REVIEW WITH A "HOW I GOT IT" LINE SO YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW I LUCKED INTO THE SWAG -- OR WHETHER I SADLY HAD TO SHELL OUT FOR IT MYSELF. CARRY ON ...

WHAT: New summer shades from Nars called "Exotica," just released this month! HOW I GOT IT: Nars sent me the collection, unsolicited

In general, I found this collection to be uneven. Of the makeup I tried, two items are the best ever, two items pretty much suck -- although if any readers are makeup artists, please know that I could be persuaded, so please post your thoughts.

Galapagos single eye shadow ($21) -- LOVE LOVE LOVE! Talk about shimmer! This coppery sliver delivers a glitter punch that worked perfectly as a liner. With a moistened flat brush, I used this shadow to box out my eyes and then used a small dry brush to lightly accent the crease of the eye. Fa-ierce. Even when sparingly applied, the power is surprisingly dimensional and impactful , making it a perfect choice for an evening look. I would buy this, definitely, and have already used it three or four times since I got it.

Portobello duo eyeshadow ($31) -- these shades are like nude and nuder. Not sure what to do with them, and they hardly showed up when I used them. Maybe I would use them during the day for a matte appearance, but imho, there has to be something that can do that for less than $31.

Unconditional love duo eyecream shadow ($31) -- OK here's where a makeup artist could really provide some insight. This is one of those products where I go to use it and I am like, huh? The first eye cream -- the peachy beige-- is OK, although didn't really show up on my skin. It wasn't light enough to highlight, and it didn't really do much else, colorwise. Is it the matte finish that's the benefit? Even more vexing was the second color, the minty ice blue. I couldn't figure out what to do with this, perhaps it's not for sallow white chicks like me. It didn't work as a shimmer highlighter, so I just left it alone ... any comments from out there in cyberspace?

Supervixen lip gloss ($23) -- This is the pale shimmery mauve one, and I can't say enough amazing things about this. It looks very neutral but it goes on dewy and shimmery, with just enough color to add drama to a daytime look, but not enough to overpower a smoky evening eye. I love this and will definitely buy it when this tube runs out (I am rationing it right now).
The Roman Holiday & Dolce Vita lip pencils ($23) -- didn't care for either color, but the dusty pink shade (dolce vita) looked better under a clear gloss. The roman holiday was way too Malibu Barbie for my taste.

Behind the Scenes Scoop at Cynthia Rowley!

2008-03-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Talk about attention to detail -- I popped into the Cynthia Rowley boutique in Bucktown the other day and was chatting with the salesclerk about CR's fabulousness. A small TV screen was playing footage from her fall/winter show, and we started talking about that, how cool it was with the diorama door that dropped down to reveal a "pop-up-book"-like backdrop. That's when the clerk let me in on the drama that unfolded literally behind the scene. It seems that -- moments before the show opened -- Cynthia decided she didn't like one of the colors used in the backdrop. Rather than live with it, the pixie-sized designer grabbed a paint brush and went at it herself. Of course she got covered with paint! A mere moment before the music started, as the lights dimmed and the audience prepared to be wowed, Cynthia was scrambling to change into a completely different outfit -- lest she launch a paint-splattered look! Love it!

True Blue? Chanel vs. Cha-not

2008-03-29T14:03:00.001-07:00

How much more hype can there be around Mme Chanel's latest coup de nail, Blue Satin (Love last year's Black Satin? You'll Love Blue Satin!). So much that it's sold out in Chicago -- and running nearly $40 a pot on eBay. So what's a trend hound like me to do? Improvise, of course. Today I headed down to the corner nail salon -- you know the one because there's one in your town, the one with the sign that reads simply "NAILS." I figured these low-cost, low-drama shine shacks were the most likely spots to have the ingredients I needed in absence of true Blue Satin, specifically black nail polish and blue nail polish. Score! Fast forward an hour or so, past a bottom coat of black and a top coat of blue and my nails are ... dark metallic blue. Except maybe more royal metallic blue than a deep, rich shimmery Chanel blue. More Rockin' 80s than Rue Cambon, I am afraid. I'll take a photo later and snag some of the true blue to do a side-by-side (hopefully I won't have to resort to eBay). Until then, it's too late for me, I'll have to live with these ten (rather loud) blue notes until I can snag a polish change. Who knows, perhaps the trend will be over by then anyway. Truly.
NOTE: A swagulous shout out to the ladies next to me at the salon -- it was great to meet you both!

Quasi Reality Star Sighting Today

2008-03-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Bumbling through the Merchandise Mart Luxe Home floor (I know NUHTHING about interior design), I spied with my reality-jaded eye one Matt Lorenz, sitting on a sofa in a big reception area. As you may recall, Lorenz won last year's Top Design reality competition on the Bravo network -- making him the Christian Siriano of interior design and home decor. Tray chic!

HELP ME FIND A SHADE -- Need a nail color, can you , er, lend me a hand?

2008-03-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am desperately seeking a nail polish that's gunmetal gray -- preferably with some light shimmer. Anyone out there ever seen a color like this? Psst, pass it on ...

"LV" Paris Fashion Week -- Photos from Marc Jacob's Louis Vuitton Show

2008-03-21T20:20:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU BOBBIE FISHER!Mother. Style maven. Friend of the House of Louis Vuitton. There's one more thing Chicagoan Bobbie Fisher is, and that's nice. Oh, and generous -- case in point, she was kind enough to share these photos from her personal album, snapped at the March 2 Louis Vuitton show. Good thing Fisher is also punctual -- rumor has it the show started a mere 15 minutes late! Thank you Bobbie for thinking of Swagulous, and to all the Marcophiles (or Vuittoniacs) out there ... enjoy!

Bliss Vanilla & Bergamot Body Butter: PUTTING THE 'THRILLA' BACK IN VANILLA!

2008-03-21T19:49:00.001-07:00

Thanks to freelanceapalooza, my Product Pile has become quite formidable. Now that I have a couple days before I have to resume the writing life, I am redoubling my efforts to apply, sniff, spray and try everything I can before my next wave of freelance hits.

So let's start with this delightful blue and white tube, shall we? True story: The other day, I was in my office working when suddenly, I had to stop what I was doing and remark, "Something smells amazing." And then I realized the good-smellin' something was ME! I pressed my arm to my nose, inhaled deeply and remembered that morning I had applied some Bliss Body Butter in the new vanilla + bergamot scent ($35 for 8.5 oz). Bliss lotions are always nice, with a heft to the lotion and a powder-soft coverage that's light and nongreasy. The lemon sage, of course, is the line's classic combination. And it is nice in a Lemon Pledgy sort of clean way (love the body buff). But this lotion -- a mix of rich nutty vanilla and light orangy bergamot (the oil comes from an Italian citrus fruit, and it's supposed to have depression-busting aromatherapy attributes) makes you smell like a cookie. And this sweet-tooth likes it. Very much.

OF MODELS AND MONEY

2008-03-21T19:33:00.001-07:00

Eye4Style was kind enough to comment recently on my Project Runway record-straightening post. She (he?) said that many models aren't getting paid for their runway work; instead they're getting to keep the clothes. Eye4style: You're exactly right. And how wild that I was just talking about this the other day with model-slash-businesswoman Uduak Oduok of Ladybrille.com, a blogozine dedicated to bringing the high fashion of the African continent to U.S. Audiences. She was telling me that same thing, about how it's getting harder to make a living in the modeling biz because everyone wants you to work for free. Kinda like journalism! While it's true Swagulous approves of free stuff in general, I have to say this is not a good thing. Last I checked, landlords were not accepting emerging designer garments as rent! Good thing I never had to rely on my, ahem, gazelle-like height and beauty to land a job.

I MET NINA GARCIA -- AUTHOR, ELLE MAG EDITOR & PROJECT RUNWAY JUDGE!

2008-03-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you what we talked about because I am writing a story on the interview, but I CAN tell you that she is LOVELY. I have seen her before at fashion week (see previous posts) but had never met her. She's very funny and gracious. I'll post my interview after I get my story done. Freelancingpalooza is almost done and then guess what: It's that time again -- FAKE TAN TIME! I just got a new aerosol can of summertime glow from Urban Decay. I am scared yet intrigued ...

Bravo Christian! My Fashion Week Scoop on Project Runway Finale

2008-03-06T18:29:00.001-08:00

Kudos to Christian Siriano, who sah-wept Project Runway's top honors last night with his dramatic Fashion Week runway show. You go, girl! As a NYFW attendee, here's my two cents on the Big Show:

-- There were actually two Project Runway shows that week, one on the 2nd and the finale. I got a spot to the first one, which I was not able to attend, and then was shut out of the second one - it was cray-zee hard to get invites, pretty much you had to be actively writing about PR to snag a seat (if in fact your invitation even got you a seat, which it doesn't always, case in point the egregiously overbooked Rebecca Taylor and Ports shows!).

-- Remember when everyone was kavetching about Christian's model being late? OK, she was probably late and yes that sucks. But just for the record, people, that show was at NINE AM on a FRIDAY on the last day of fashion week. Everyone was exhausted, and yours truly was still asleep at 9. By 10, however, I was throwing up and hung over all to hell thanks to the Zac Posen afterparty. But the fact remains: 9 am is early for ANYTHING to start in NYC. Obviously the show didn't start at 9, but I'll bet it was a mob scene by 8:30. Lord only knows what the call time was for that show. So cut the chick some slack!

-- I was interviewing a model today and she pointed out that the latest trend is not to pay models for shows like this, where they'd get great exposure. True? Not sure, but if anyone in the blogosphere knows, please post your thoughts.

- Didya catch Tyson Beckford in the front row looking all dapper in his suit n' tie, like he's all into the runway? Yeah, Swagulous readers know the truth: He's rude, and hardly dressed to the 9s for the other designers whose shows he "graced" that week. (See my Fashion Week coverage.)

-- Nina Garcia, love you love you love you and I hope to meet you in Chicago on the 20th. Interview request is in -- fingers xed!!

Meanwhile, freelancingpalooza is underway so I must off ... ciao y'all!

Indulge me one last Posh ...

2008-02-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

Just got some photos from the V.B. P.A. via email from one of the women I met at the reception (she and her gorgeous RICHARD PRINCE bag are in one of the photos). This is the LAST TIME I will mention Posh, I promise. This weekend I will try to write-up the giant tub of Nars bath salts that I just got in the mail ("I get the most wonderful things in the mail" -- Andy Warhol, as translated by Barneys, 2006)

Memo to Big Tobacco: Don't Disrespect Swag! (And leave our girls alone!)

2008-02-22T10:11:00.001-08:00

Dear Camel Execs:

Smokes and runway fashion often go hand-in-hand. We get that. And we understand you're a business, albeit one that kills people.

But the InStyle spin you've put on your latest branding and marketing push hits below the Hermes belt. I resent that you've shanghaied the swag bag to fill it up with Camel-branded stuff (stuff that I might add is not even cute -- case in point, a tragic record-shaped purse [see link below]). Most egregious, however, is the intended audience for your swag: young girls.

I'm not alone in my suspicion that you're enticing girls to smoke -- read this: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=79137

Because if you were serious about courting the of-age, fashion-forward female market, you'd ditch the pink-and-black/cellfone bling approach and go for something a bit more, well, refined -- perhaps a black-on-black color scheme or color-on-chocolate brown. And fill those swag bags with aromatic soy candles and Creme de La Mer.

Sincerely, Swagulous in the City

How Do I Love Victoria Beckham? Count One More Way ...

2008-02-21T07:39:00.001-08:00

I just got a thank you from VB's publicity dept. for the story I wrote:

"I wanted to thank you for the incredible piece that ran. It was perfect! The Chicago PA was a tremendous success and I have no doubt your interview contributed to the success."

The note closed with a nice offer to be of assistance if I ever needed info on VB or dVb for a story.

Attention Business Owners/Celebrities/Wanna-Bes: THIS is how you run a business. As a reporter, time is money, and if I know I can get hold of someone fabulous very quickly (as I am often running on deadline), I know they'll respond and actually be *helpful,* well, I have to say that, for many of my markets, this determines whether someone gets my ink or not.

Not only is VB personally lovely and amazing, but she values that in her team members. Did I mention I was a fan? Double that.

The Great Posh-Off! Victoria Beckham PA at Saks

2008-02-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

There are hundreds of people in Chicago right now who love Victoria Beckham more than they ever thought possible. On Friday, the Girl-Group Chanteuse-turned-Lifestyle Brand appeared on the fifth floor of the Michigan Ave. Saks Fifth Avenue to promote her new denim line (editor's note: You can't call them jeans when the average price is $300).

And what a line it was: About 1,000 people strong, snaking around each bank of shut-down escalators, down to the bottom floor. And she met with as many as she could in about a two-hour period. And I say "met" -- she greeted everyone, had an assistant who comped at least 100 polaroids (until they ran out), hugged most everyone, chatted a bit, and signed everything from canvas portraits to Marc Melanoma Ts (these folks got special treatment) to a girl's forehead.

There was a kid there who had driven 12 hours from Florida to meet her, another girl there had VB's signature tattooed on her upper back. Still more had her books, products, that infamous W magazine, many issues of her cover turn on Elle, and bouquets galore. There were club kids, young women and even a big dork or two, but surprisingly, everyone appeared to be of the age and income bracket to at least buy something that she could make -- and they weren't dipping into their babysitting money to buy it, either. Which is good news for the longevity of her brand, I predict. Not to mention that everyone she interacted with had to have walked away a die-hard fan.

Even better: She didn't just allow photos to be taken as she interacted with her fans, she POSED for photos with almost everyone -- AND let her fans gather their wits for a moment to pose along with her. It was so great to watch the Posh pose in action, whipping her hair forward, chin lowering, eyes narrowing,, and see it TIMES TWO, as everyone mimicked her signature pout, was amazing. VB even allowed fans to lean close in to her, as if she were just another clubbing buddy mugging for a myspace album pix. Even after VB started visibly losing steam after about an hour, she pressed on and was still going strong long after the event was supposed to have ended. I don't know how many jeans were sold that day, but she earned every penny from that promotion.

PS -- Did I get my VB experience? You bet I did, at the VIP reception before the signing. She was lovely, lovely, lovely. I may not shell out three hundred clams for the denim, but yes, I became a fan forever.

And yes, I did get my picture taken with ... wait ... that's my phone ... it's my agency on the line. Not the passport agency, honey, the modelin' agency! (Name that song and I'll send you something fabulous)

NY Fashion Week: Tales of Starvation & Swag

2008-02-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Last night, a foodie friend of mine -- actually, Juliette Rossant of the amazing SuperChefBlog.com -- asked me to regale her with the details of where I ate when I was in New York. I had to laugh. Juliette, I said, I was there for FASHION WEEK. I ate mints and drank vitamin water! Actually, not totally true. At the Zac Posen after-party, in the VIP balcony, I snagged a hamburger the size of a quarter (it's true!) and two crostini. And on Thursday afternoon, I ate the banana that I had put in my bag that morning around 4 am.

Fashion Week is just. that. hectic. You're standing in line, you're trying to figure out where the hell the line starts, you're trying to figure out how to get a seat assignment if you don't have one already, and if you have an off-site show, you're trying to figure out how to get there -- or get back to the tents in time for another show. The shows are always late, but the rub is, you never know HOW late.

Also, I was talking to other friends -- shout out to Liz and to Molly of virtualfarmgirl (except she's kind of a real farm girl, the girl really owns a farm!) -- who asked, have you blogged about the swag yet? Which is funny because my blog is called Swagulous in the City. And yet, I have written nothing on the swag. The reason? Next to no swag. I am serious, NY Fashion Week was as UNswagulous as they come. I got pieces of paper printed with descriptions of the outfits (helpful) but in at least one case (you know who you are Custo Barcelona), I got but a single sheet with a paragraph-long mission statement on it. I blame Ben Bernanke. Ben, lose the Grizzly Addams beard and start fixing this economy so a hardworking girl can load up on product thanks to corporate largesse!

When there was swag, it tended towards the unfabulous. The press bags this year topped last year's droopy Snoopy duffel only in their heinousness. Think clunky rectangular tote in thick navy plastic with wide straps and some zippers on the front. I am afraid this IS your grandmother's gimme tote. The American Society of Pocketprotectors must have been thrilled when they unloaded their convention bag overstock!

What was inside? Prepare to be underwhelmed:

-- A bottle stopper

-- A bottle opener

-- Another bottle opener

-- a tiny blue plastic OB tampon purse holder, avec tiny tampons

-- Judith Ripka gift cert. for $250 (bringing down the per-bauble cost to only few thousand $)

-- Bliss Spa body cream, actually great stuff that smells yum, so I am v. excited about this giftie!

-- A kind of cool spiral notebook (although sadly the cover's printed with a LadMag-worthy cheese shot of a leggy model straddling a Mercedes)

-- A nifty American Apparel T-shirt (size M -- thank you whoever ordered these, for knowing AA runs microscopic) that is printed with the DHL logo and is, sadly, DHL orange (why not red?)

-- Strivectin stretch mark cream (a hint, forsooth?)

-- Two samples of cream (one of which looks like Smurf-blue frosting, see post below)

-- A nice MAC make-up bag with a brush, a lipgloss and liquid eyeliner inside. Bravo MAC!

-- Two small booze bottles, Chambord & Bombay Sapphire.

Other than that, I got a small gift bag with a NARS compact and two nailpolishes in it from the Willow show (only given to the folks in the front row -- and yes I did snag such a seat, thankyaverymuch!), a Bumble & Bumble fabric tote that's kinda nifty from the Rad Hourani show (filled with a bottle of vitamin water and a notebook, which was cool and very much appreciated). But the best swag bag award goes to ... cash-register-caching chorus please ...

P. Diddy! Everyone at Cipriani -- and that was a whole lotta folks, let me tell you! -- got a big black gift bag with two packages of his fragrance, Unforgivable for men, and Unforgivable Woman for, er, women. Plus two samples of another fragrance, Unforgivable Black, which may be coming out soon. Oh, and some vitamin water.

Oh, and I got a bottle of BORBA skin water at the Zac After Party -- some chick was handing out Borba fabric totes with the bottles at the coat check (a logical swag distribution point, right!?). The Borba tasted like watered down Kool-Aid, which was fine, but the bottle used so much plastic it made me feel like an environmental criminal, and the color was this odd blue usually reserved for the type of cheap kiddie candy that incorporates "blueberry," "fizzle" and "blastoff" into its packaging. Is my skin better for it? Maybe. But I will back Amore Pacific to the end.

2008-02-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

Puffy taking a celebratory lap at his Sean John show. He led all his models, which was a pretty cool way to do it.

Pre-Sean Jean, some of the cast of Make Me a Supermodel.

Adieu, dear Bryant Park ... until September!

Pix & Raves

2008-02-14T19:58:00.000-08:00

@Bill Blass, a stunning turn from new lead designer Peter Som, who is actually quite good looking. Pretty, refined and feminine. This collection will put Blass back on the map, I am sure. Note on the right-hand side, front row: Nina Garcia and Rachel Zoe chatting about Zoe's oversized clutch.
Som's confections coming down the runway.
Tyson, giving interviews. Was a bit disappointing to see him taking up a front row seat, yet not able to get off the phone during the show. And he had his sunglasses on the entire time.
Cynthia Rowley showed lots of cool coats. Note P.S. Hoffman in front row, looking quite different from the sweaty, palid lump I expected him to be. He was actually sort of clean and normal-looking.

2008-02-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

Backstage @ Zac -- not sure what was up with the black cranial puffballs, but hey.

Backstage @ Zac. GORGEOUS!

Zac and his big velvet tie.

Rachel Zoe @ Zac

My Fabulous Life (For Two Days): NY FASHION WEEK REPORT

2008-02-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ah, where to even begin ...
I'll start with the details
Shows I attended: Bill Blass, Reem Acra, Cynthia Rowley (at Gotham Hall), Chris Han, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Rad Hourani (At Bumble & Bumble Loft), Carmen Marc Valvo, Willow, Zang Toi, Sean Jean (at Cipriani).

Celebs I saw: ANNA WINTOUR!, Nina Garcia, Rachel Zoe, Grace Coddington, Veronica Webb, Hamish Bowles, Sophia Bush, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Parker Posey, Tyson Beckford, the cast of Lipstick Jungle, minus Brooke, Ellen Pompeo, Richie Rich, Dale from TopChef, Jack from Project Runway, the cast of Make Me a Supermodel, Christian from Project Runway (I think).

BIGGEST MOMENT: Watching a model bite it on the Zac Posen runway -- and watching Anna Wintour watching it.

BIGGEST MOMENT #2: Standing next to Zac Posen as he was getting interviewed backstage (thanks for the pass, Patti!).

BIGGEST MOMENT #4: When Richie Rich walked by me at the Zac Posen afterparty.

BIGGEST MOMENT #5: Just being there.

More later, I am immersed in deadline hell. I HAVE SO MANY PRODUCTS TO REVIEW -- including a moisturizer that looks like frosting (ew!), Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Leave-in conditioner and skin moisturizer (love it, it smells like the beach), Urban Decay goodies (the Brow Box is the BEST EVER PRODUCT!), Biotherm mega-moisturizer, and some Donna Karan Cashmere Mist moisturizer -- beware the moisturizer, in a pinch I put some on my hands and realized sometime later that the stuff is FULL OF GLITTER! Ack.

In the mean time, chew on this bit of info: Hermes on Oak St. is set to RAISE its already stratospheric prices. Yet the lip gloss stick at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store in Bucktown remains under $2.

Does swag make you bad? A response to the NYT story on beauty blogging gone stinky

2008-02-02T20:06:00.001-08:00

The beauty blogosphere's been abuzz about the recent NYTimes story about supposedly unbiased Internet scribes losing their objectivity when treated to freebies, swag and junkets. Is it true? I hope not ... actually, I know it's not. There are a handful of sites like Beautychic 101 , run by Jamie Sanders, and the cadre of sites linked to hers that pride themselves on objectivity, regardless of how they source those objects. What does that mean for the readers out there? Same as it does when we talk about criticism in print media. Don't believe everything you read all the time, read around until you find a writer whose style you like and whose opinions you trust. There's good stuff out there, there's bad stuff out there. Beauty bloggers who are simply on the take will soon find their readers taking their eyeballs elsewhere. Does swag make you bad? Not necessarily, but it should make both a writer and a reader extra careful. Now, in terms of my swag -- do I accept it? Duh! My blog is called Swagulous in the City! But I am also careful to note that I am not getting swag as a result of my blog, it's in relation to my other editorial work. Here, on this blog, I post my true opinions, albeit anonymously. And the two are definitely related. If I don't write about it, it's because I haven't gotten to it yet. Give me a break -- the paid writing gets the priority, people! Also, I do happen to pay for a lot of stuff that I write about (which I do lament, because I really wish I didn't have to plunk down $400 for Amore Pacific!). I also share my celeb sightings with all of my readers. And you know who you are. Love you, Mom.

My Phone Convo with Victoria Beckham

2008-02-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Say what you will about the Marc Jacobs T-shirt, the slashedtothere Versace and her friendship with the Cruises. (And don't even THINK about slagging on her haircut because you KNOW you asked your hairdresser to copy it!). I spent 15 minutes on the phone this week with Victoria Beckham and here's what I have to say about her: nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice. Another word? Sweet. Add to that smart, articulate and passionate about what she does. And I was mightily impressed that she had her kids with her and they weren't stuck with some army of caregivers back home. OK, so she was a bit rehearsed, but bottom line, she did not have to be so nice to me on the phone, and I was really, really impressed. Actually, everyone I dealt with on her publicity team was just as nice and professional as could be. And as a freelance journo given just 15 minutes to get the money quote for what they knew would be a short story, that felt, well, pretty nice.

Thank you Crabtree & Evelyn! A Complete Swag Bag Review

2008-01-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Happy early valentine's day to me from Crabtree & Evelyn! Here goes, my opinion of every last yummy smelly treat:
1. Nadira Body Oil Spray: Hands down my favorite. The box is colorful, far fancier than the few-frills clear plastic spray bottle inside, but what's great here is the actual product. There's no better beauty product for winter in Chicago than body oil, and no better way to deliver its intense moisturising punch to ashy skin than via spray pump. And the scent here --sweet almond and fig -- is blended with Moroccan argan, a rare oil famous for its moisturizing power. It reminded me a bit of Chanel #5. Verdict: A must-buy!
2. Natural botanical body butter: Very lemony -- almost overpoweringly so, as if I had been mystic-sprayed with Lemon Pledge. That's probably due to the inclusion of lemongrass, as trumpted on the label. Although this isn't the subtle scent of the true stuff. The packaging, however, is lovely: brownish-redish glass with a brown metal lid embossed with the brand name and an olive branch. Patch test: skin was noticibly silkier, and the lemon smell subsided into a sweet, sugary smell after about 10 minutes. And lord knows I love me some cosmetics in a pot! Verict: If you like lemon, buy it -- use it and keep it out on your vanity for display.
3. Lip conditioner: Giant box contains a plastic tray holding a smallish tube of lip treatment. Hardly eco-sensitive packaging, folks. So already I am a bit annoyed -- what's the purpose of the box again? Why not just sell this stuff as is? Also vexing is the condition of the tube -- the stickers affixed to both sides of the tube extend past the surface area. leaving the corners sticking up ... the box is lovely enough but the whole shebang seems a bit off. That said, the lip conditioner smells wonderful -- lightly fruity! -- and goes on smoothly. Once on the lips, though, I have to say it's a bit unremarkable. But you know how I feel about lip conditioners and remedies (see post of a few months ago entitled "Battle of the Balms"). The SPF factor seems to be the sales point here, and the back of the box is set up like something you'd see on a prescription medication, with "Active Ingredients" -- yet they are all sunscreens and nothing seems to say it's higher than SPF 15. Verdict: Caveat emptor, I'd say.
4. A duo of perfumes, one called Lost, one called Found. I have to admit, this is a supercute idea. The Lost package is an eau de parfum, a squat, square bottle containing a light blue liquid that is, as its tagline suggests, actually "fresh, reflective, unique." Actually, I am no expert on this, but the scent is light and not bad. A good scent to give as a gift because the bottle is pretty and the scent is mild. Verdict: Great gift. The Found packaging mirrors the Lost packaging except this one is pink. The Found product I was given was the solid perfume, a tall stick of shimmery yet non-greasy fragrance, like a non-powdery stick deodorant. When I applied it, it left a light shimmer -- I wish I'd used it last night's Marc party. I liked this scent -- on me, it went on lightly fruity and mellowed to more of a vanilla note. I will definitely use this, probably when it gets warmer out. My usual summer fragrance is Mimosa from Christiane Celle, but I will make room for this one, too -- a real, ahem, FIND! Verdict: Buy it!
5. Rose & Glycerine Soap: Inside the creepy, Miss Havisham box is a beautiful perfectly shaped heart soap that would be cute, cute, cute if the box weren't so hideous and the soap reek like an old lady. Hey C&R -- keep the mold and fill it with cherry vanilla-scented soap, put it in a cute box (recycled paper maybe?) and market it to tweens. I promise your sales will triple. Verdict: Smell so overpowering you can't even keep it in your house. If you don't like rose, take this outside and leave it there.

I MET MARC JACOBS! The Full Story on the Party Celebrating the Opening of his New Bucktown Boutique!

2008-01-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

Last night, Marc & Co. swooped into town for a 700-person sit-down dinner dance celebrating the opening of the new Marc by Marc Jacobs boutique on North Ave. in Bucktown. It's a very Armitage-Avenue-looking outpost, but perhaps I am biased because I used to live down the street and lament the area's de-gritification. Anyway, back to me and Marc and the moonlight ...

The party went down on the third floor of a raw loft space near the five-points intersection, the kind of space marked at streetlevel by a single metal door and a single thick-necked, earpiece-wearing sentry. I wore my copper-satin accented sparkly knit Just Cavali dress because the invitation called for a dress code of "glitter and glamour." The crowd only half complied, but everyone gets a bit of a pass because the weather was so damn cold. The invitation instructed that it was to be a sit-down affair, starting promptly at 8 pm -- which came and went with nary a salad. But no matter, everyone was having fun, mingling and hoping that soon St. Marc would be there. And then, he was.

No ceremony surrounded his arrival -- no announcement, none of the pomp that could be expected to swirl around one of today's most influential designers. He just sort of walked in the door and surveyed the scene. The PR rep hustled to his side and brought him to one of the circular tables in the center of the room, all of which were identically decked with large rhinestones, votives and wooden airplane toys. A few other people appeared to clasp his hand and shoulder, then they disappeared. And suddenly, Marc was alone at the table. I lept into action. I was not going to have a repeat of the Rowley incident, where I stood feet away from a Major Designer and did not budge!

I ambled over to Mssr. Jacobs, extended my hand and said, "Welcome to Chicago!" He reflexively took my hand, which I clasped again with my other hand. His eyes wandered around the room and his hand stayed limp in mine. "Hey" he responded vaguely. Undeterred, I chirped "Cold enough for ya?" He looked at me -- right ... at ... me --- and became at once a real, animated person. "I know! I just got off a plane and I can't even deal!" I sure hope he meant that he couldn't deal with the cold weather, and my goofy, fear-infused enthusiasm wasn't the offense. Here's what he looked like: slim, small-boned, taut, close-cropped hair, beautiful eyes, earlobe bling, tan, midnight-blue slim-fitting suit with a touch of sheen.

And then, it was over.

Word was out that Marc was In the House, and I could see people coming. I said, "Well, welcome and thanks for everything," and speedwalked back to my table.

The rest of the party was nice, we decided it was like a big ole fancy wedding, minus any sort of announcement, program, agenda or otherwise. Bizarre but not unwelcome. Met lots of nice people (shout out to the women of Tangerine!), enjoyed the company of my lovely dinner companion, the ever-stylish and fashion renaissance woman Heather Kenny, and gobbled up every morsel placed in front of me: balsamic-drizzled salad with blue cheese followed by fish on a bed of couscous and with a chunky Mediterranean tomato sauce, then a trio of miniature desserts: a leaf-shaped butter cookie dipped in green tea white chocolate (superb), a small shortbread tart (tasteless) and a demitasse cup filled with orange-infused chocolate mousse (divine!) topped with a sliver of what appeared to be a clementine peel. Perhaps not. Pacing was a bit erratic, but the Voss water was flowing and Champagne (OK, Segura Viudas Cava) came often enough, and life was good.

I collected lots of interesting gossip tidbits including: Marc flew in about 200 people from NYC for the event, putting them up at the James and the Penninsula (guess which venue Marc was staying at!); for the opening of the store, he staffed it entirely with male models, also from NYC (they were leaving today); and the entire store was assembled in just four days.

Then the event wound down and it was time to descend to the second floor for The Disco, complete with a top-shelf open bar and Perry Ferrell spinning the tunes. Yes, the very same Perry, of Janes Addiction/Lollapalooza fame, sort of looked like Marc Jacobs with bad skin. Truly uncanny. (Gossip alert: I heard he was donating his time & talent because he was a Friend of Marc.) I wondered first whether they could swap Hedi Silmane suits, but then I couldn't help wondering why the music he was playing was such crap. OK, not crap, just ... ordinary. Gay disco standards mixed with 80s standards like White Lines. Yes, Funkytown was played. By Perry Ferrell. I was a bit disappointed. But only a bit - the entire evening was like a fairy tale, especially since Marc and I shared such a bonding moment. I should have hit him up for an invitation to his show, since my NY Fashion Week dance card is still pretty empty. Maybe next time. Marc. Maybe next time.

Swag-o-meter: Medium. Lots of yummy food and fabulous people watching more than made up for allowing guests to leave empty-handed. That said, Marc's party was a benefit. He has a long track record of loaning his talents and marketing pull to design and sell T-shirts to benefit worthwhile causes like the HRC, and last night was all about Common Threads, a terrific local organization that puts kids in the kitchen and teaches about nutrition and cultural heritage through food. Viva Marc -- an excellent choice. The short-sleeved grey Ts were $35, and yours truly bought one. They came in a cool Marc Jacobs Chicago tote that was also stuffed with a giant American Flag towel that gave me sort of the Ralph Lauren heebie jeebies, but had the address of the Damen Ave boutique emblazoned across the back in the signature Copperplate font, so guess which side I'll be displaying poolside! So, not a bad deal for a mere $35 -- I actually wish I would have bought more. So despite the fair-to-middlin swag factor, the value-added factor was high. Nice ROI for me, yo!

what's next

2008-01-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

am posting remotely from a city very remote from my beloved chicago. hint: Starts with a T and ends with a great big EXAS!! It's rodeo season here, and already I have spotted a snakeskin bomber jacket and several gold leather jackets. And here I thought the Ewings no longer exerted an influence on today's women ... sigh ...
A few things since i have been caught up in the holidaze aka familial dysfunction junction:
A yummy package of wonderful products from LUSH arrived that I will be trying out next week and of course reporting on.
A charming package arrived from CRABTREE & EVELYN including the new India Hicks scent arrived, test and reporting to follow ...
Also I want to give a shout out to http://beautychick101.blogspot.com/, a great blog whose blogmistress (blogtrix?) is MUCH more dilligent than moi. Jamie, much love -- see you at NY Fashion week in a few?
Which reminds me, must ... buy ... ticket to NYC.
Unfortunately, I sold my place and the closing is on the day of the Rachel Roy show, then I can't get moved into the new place in time to make the start of the shows but will be there for the last three days.

I stood next to Cynthia Rowley!

2007-12-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

... at the opening party for her new Bucktown salon on Thursday night. It's an adorable, jewel-boxed-sized shop that's tricked out for girly girls and sophistiachicks. I stood next to Ms. Rowley several times and yeah, I should have introduced myself but I chickened out.

Amore Pacific Gift with Purchase

2007-12-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

Neimans Promotions Department to Me: Enjoy an amazing free facial from the Amore Pacific experts flown in from the brand's New York City spa!
Who knew a free facial = a $400 bill for products.
Gulp. My face is a wreck, so this stuff better work, and fast.
Photoshoot on Thursday.
Got fake lash corners glued in today and am frightened -- I look like the love child of Divine and Liza Minelli. Have been hacking away at the Cher-like lashes with a set of fingernail scissors. They are so ridiculous they are actually CASTING A SHADOW on my face. I am pissed off. Or maybe just lashing out ...

Lip Service: Battle of the Balms

2007-12-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a post about a lip treatment that soothes, and one that sucks. First, the good stuff. I got a sample size of Relish Beauty's shea butter lip balm, and I have to say, it was love at first smell -- a light orangy waxy frangrance. It went on smoothly and felt great. Unfortunately it didn't last very long, but it was darn cute and did I mention the nice aroma. It wasn't enough to sway me from my beloved Kristin Balm (which I think actually helped heal the chapped skin between my nose and my upper lip, a souvenir of a recent cold). But, it was a miracle balm in comparison to the glop that gurdles forth from the Kinerase Lip Treatment tube. I got a sample size from a Mercedes Benz sales event swag bag (the company was one of the sponsors of the "lifestyle event" surrounding the cars) and I was optimistic at first. I mean, Kinerase's pitchwoman, Courtney Cox always had nice (albeit small) lips. No thanks to this stuff. The package promises to smooth and plump while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Huh? It tasted like vanilla extract toothpaste and seemed to evaporate off the lips upon impact. Then I read the rest of the label and thought, well, what do I expect from a skincare company from Costa Mesa, California? Of course I could be persuaded otherwise if, say, the full line of products arrived at my door to test drive ... along with the Mercedes of course!

Swag to Purchase: the MicrodermaMitt

2007-12-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

I first discovered the MDMitt tucked into the Chicago fashion week swag bag (did I mention it was the best ever?) and I have used it so much it's now come apart at the seams. It is now MicrodermaRagg. So I am buying a new one, cost is $22 at the brand's online store. I can't tell you how much I love this, though, and it makes my Dove Self Tanning Moisturizer go on better, and you KNOW I love that!

BUY THIS MOISTURIZER NOW!

2007-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

It's called Bordeaux Balm from a tiny little company called Kristin: Skincare from the Vine. This grape seed-based allover wunderbalm smoothes out hands and feet, moistens chapped lips and even controls flyaway strands of hair. I love anything in a pot (my fav. Biotherm lotion and Carmex, for instance) and this little pot du balm is actually thin enough to fit into my large wallet. Full disclosure: Kristin is actually a friend of mine, she is fabulous and glamorous and nice, a great dog mom and a new baby mom whose family owns a vineyard in my home town. Hence her access to the vines. But that doesn't mean I'd blog about her unless I really loved her stuff. The balm is kind of hard to find right now -- it's only in four or five stores -- so Web ordering is your best bet right now. But sourcing hurdles only make this balm more of a must-have for beautynistas like us. Especially as we enter the Windy City's cruelest month. BUY IT HERE: www.kristinskincare.com. It's $12 per, plus s/h. A "grape" deal! This pot will last you FOREVER!!

Now, on a different note, I have a PILE of products to report on, I have just been on deadline, but here's a (free) sample of what's to come as I catch up on my cyberreporting:

-- TONS of Urban Decay goodies. Loved the mascara, lipglosses are a bit too tacky for my taste (tacky as in sticky, not tacky as in tasteless).

-- Dr. Michelle Copeland skin cleanser, am using this now thanks to the Lucky party gift bags (seriously one of the best gift bags, kicked NY Fashion Week's ass). I have been using this for about two weeks and I love it. Although it's hard to get used to the non-foaming aspect. Although, hey wait, I just realized, this product also comes en pot. Viva le pot!

-- More biotherm reviews on the way.

-- Got some news about the spa opening up in the Palmer House Hilton -- will look like this: MMMMMMMM. April, people. Hold on.

-- Got some news about the Trump spa that's under construction. Debut is set for March. I wanna meeta Ivanka. I love her and wish I had a cool, sexy low vox like she does.

See what you're getting intobefore you go there

I met Rachel Roy!

2007-10-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

I can't give away any secrets because I will be pitching a story about her soon, but let me just say, this woman is so incredibly gorgeous and so funny and genuine and just NICE, I was bowled over. She's so comfortable in her own skin and I really felt like I sensed how much she enjoys what she does. It was an honor to meet her.

No Swag, but Lots of Nick (Verreos, that is!)

2007-10-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

I just got back from the Lucky Magazine party in the West Loop -- it was the best of times (Nick Verreos sighting!) and the worst of times (gift bags disappeared before I was able to snag one!). But the free food kept coming (my favorites were the mini red cupcakes with tart cream cheese icing and the duck carpaccio nibblies) and so did the friends. I saw so many people that I really liked and hadn't seen in a long time. With my book and the rash of freelance I had this summer, I was an email-only friend for a while. Lots of catching up. Common discussion point that night: What, exactly, was supposed to happen at the party? There was no announcement, no presentation ... but heck, it was a good time! Did I mention I saw Nick Verreos? I was a total Gawker Stalker, pretending I didn't see him yet angling for a spot standing next to him. He's really good looking, exactly like he looks on TV -- perfect complexion, perfectly turned out. Short. Beautiful smile.
Rumored to be in the swag bag:
Cosabella thong -- yeah! -- courtesy of Isabella Lingerie (a gorgeous store)
but size was L/XL -- wahh.
A big Grey Goose box -- yeah! -- but we suspected inside was only a shaker,
no actual booze -- wahh.
Bottle of Figi water (how many natural resources were burned carting this
stuff across the frickin ocean from Figi!?)
A bottle of Jil Sander perfume - saweet!
A compact from Cynthia Rowley -- yeah! -- for Avon -- eh?
A cute Lucky Magazine tote bag
A pair of fugly yet comfy socks
A keychain from Ugg (opening a store on Oak Street next week, Padma Lakshmi is promised to be at the opening)
OK, now that I write this, I am bummed I didnt get one. And I am thinking, this was better than the sad swag sacks passed off, er, I mean passed out to journos at NYFW. Ah well, que sera la swag.

Urban Decay Update

2007-09-16T09:26:00.001-07:00

I just started using this eye makeup remover that I snagged via post back in April. In some words, I love it. Why? Well, the stuff works, but I suspect it's not too hard to make a good eye makeup remover. (Although I do prefer the clear gel of this version more than a milky formula like Kiehls.) What makes this great is the product design, specifically the cool pump/spout. This lets me control the amount of product I squirt onto the end of my Q-tip -- more pressure, more product. You see where I am going with this. Most of the makeup I am removing is old mascara racoon-eye stuff, and just a dab will do me. The Urban Decay is perfect for this, and when my free stuff is gone -- which won't be anytime soon, as it's a great value -- I may actually buy some more.

Can you find the hidden words? Take a break and play Seekadoo!

US Magazine Fashion Week Update

2007-09-16T09:20:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my new issue of US Magazine (with TristaBaby on the cover --ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ) I learned that my Fashion Week celeb sighting prowess fell short. Specifically, I failed to take notice of Demi Moore, who was sitting a mere six or seven rows away from me at the Temperley show. I don't know the exact number of rows simply because I am not positive which row I was seated in. I know where Demi was: front row. There were throngs of photographers snapping the front row, where Molly Simms and Rachel Zoe were parked. I did not realize Demi was there, too. I didn't see her come in during the media frenzy immediately preceding the show -- she must have been a late arrival. How very A-list of her to slip in when the lights went down! Question: Can I brag about our time together if I didn't realize she was there until after the fact!?

Discover sweet stuff waiting for you at the Messenger Cafe. Claim your treat today!

Sept. 8/Rosa Cha

2007-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Two videos of the March of the Glamazons. Enjoy!

Sept. 9/Rosa Cha

2007-09-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

By far the biggest tent, the event was grande -- who knew a Brazillian swimwear designer could have so many best friends? Really a great collection, though -- the level of beading and handwork reminded me of Chloe and also Luca Luca. I'd wear it all, if I were a Brazillian SuperGlamazon, like every. single. one. of. her. models. It was unreal. The swag was wonderful -- a throw pillow and a big canvas beach bag. Fun -- yet not entirely functional. I snagged two pillows (for some reason, many people did not want to walk around the tents with throw pillows!?), stuffed them into the bag, and dropped a five-spot to drop-ship the package home, courtesy of the DHL kiosk. Yup, DHL is a major sponsor. Who knew. And really, who cares -- they were giving out Elini's cookies frosted to look like tiny DHL vans. I ate like 50, since there was no other food in sight. Just booze. Lots of booze, coffee and chilled tubs filled with energy drinks. Quelle Fashion!

The photographer end of the runway. They were all packed like sardines into the space. They knew where they were stationed because the entire tiered space was sectioned off with masking tape into squares, and the name of the publication was written on the tape. NY Daily News? WWD? Just look for your name on the quadrant of tape!
The radiant former model, now TV hostess Veronica Webb. Alas no Tim Gunn!

More Temperley

2007-09-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Stylist Phillip Bloch channelling Jay Gatsby

Hopefully this movie will load -- note Nick Rhodes sitting between Simon and Jacquetta (bleached blonde bedhed and black button-down), and also note how long everyone is clapping. That's Fashion Show etiquette -- keep the clapping going during the entire Finale Parade of Models. It's OK to pause, but you must resume clapping until the designer peeks his or her head from behind the scrim, signaling furious clapping, then the lights go up and you haul out of the hall.

SIMON LE BON!

2007-09-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

In white shirt with black skinny tie. Padma is to the right of the model. She could not have been more gorgeous, honestly.

Sept. 9/Temperley

2007-09-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Alice's show was by far the biggest, most star-studded affair I attended. Of course I overslept so I had to rush to the show -- thankfully this stuff runs on Garment Time. Like, each show was a minimum of a half-hour late, and that was just to start check-in. Add another 30 for seating, and you've got your hour delay. With Temperley, there was an additional half-hour or so for celebrity interviews, seatings and general hub-bub. The biggest splash was Rachel Zoe, celeb stylist and contender for fright-night impersonator. Also in view was Molly Simms, Phillip Bloch, Padma Lakshmi, Jaquetta Wheeler and ... drumroll please ... Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran.

Me, before I finessed another s-2-s-2-s maneuver. Sadly, only the first two rows got swag -- a Temperley bag, not sure what was inside.

Far left, Padma and Jacquetta (the two never spoke) and Nick's head (blonde). This is actually the first still from a video I shot where I got some good D2 footage.

Supermodel Agnyss Deyn opened the show. I loved this dress -- SO Temperley.

My lovely home-away-from-home

2007-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

My hostess with the mostest has always had a knack for finding the most gracious homes, regardless of the city. And she did it again in NYC. In a word, lovely. Some more words: quiet, precious, serene, Parisian, perfect.

The Tents, inside and out

2007-09-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sept. 7/Cynthia Rowley

2007-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

This show was off campus, as it were, in Gotham Hall. It was a bit of a walk, and I ended up standing in a crowd for about an hour in unbearable heat. Realized about a half-hour into it that I had forgotten to eat that day (how fashion week of me!) so I had a nice blogger hold my spot in line while I grabbed an apple and a Diet Coke from a pushcart on the corner. The blogger was a copywriter for a major fashion label that I can't mention (starts with an R and ends with an Alphlauren) yet she had no pull. Not even to get an invite to her own boss's little show! Jeesh. But we were cheered by the sudden appearance of Ken Downing, the fashion director for Neiman Marcus. Sir Ken was Just Like Us, sweating in his fall fashion, trying to get through the very same front door. He was pretty good natured about it, even when I was really dorky and said, "Hey, are you from Dallas?" Like I didn't know exactly who he was. CR's show rocked. Note the swag on the benches: It was a small picnic basket with a taupe fabric hotel napkin that was prettily knotted at the top, concealing a mini Fiji water bottle and a small bag of Garrett's popcorn! A delightful touch of home for our Chicago native Miss Rowley. The show was packed packed packed but yours truly was able to move from standing to seating to swag in short order. This show had such a great vibe -- great summer tunes (Bordelaise, anyone?) and for the finale, several models careened down the wide runway on bikes! The front row started squealing as the models lurched and swerved, and everyone in the house was laughing and clapping. Then when Cynthia herself pedaled out, nearly everyone jumped to their feet, clapping and cheering. I am going to buy something CR this season and Tivo her Design Star show, just as a "thank you" for such a great show.

2007-09-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

NINA GARCIA!!!!!!! She was everywhere on Friday, being interviewed and just walking around. She's tall and super glamorous. But what I thought was cool is that she had this look of happiness on her face -- dare I say bliss? Like, no matter how many times she had to make the fashion week rounds, it was still exciting and new. God bless her. I just got her new book (birthday gift) and am on page five or so (give me a break, I have a job), but it seems good already, if not a bit generic (self confidence is sexy -- duh!). Anyway, Nina rocks. And I will devour the upcoming PR season as quickly as you can say TiVo!

Sept. 7/Tracy Reese

2007-09-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Viva La Reese! This show was wonderful -- wearable, colorful and whimsical. Got my first lesson in How To Move from Standing to Sitting. Once you check in, you either get an index card with a seat assignment on it or a big fat "s" -- meaning you stand behind the rows of chairs, in a row of standing people. And you get no swag. But the alert fashionista can move from standing to sitting (to swagulousness!) by following a few simple rules. Rule #1: Get in line early. #2: Rush past crowd and park yourself to the immediate side of an aisle (not in the aisle, very important or you will get yelled at). #3. Be quiet and wait. #4. Get a fix on the intern who is coordinating seating for your section; it is her job to make sure all seats are filled by the time the houselights go down. #5. Make eye contact with this intern and make sure she sees you have your purse in your hand and are ready to move to an open seat before she can even finish barking "You!"
What I loved most about this show was the girliness of TR's vibe. Pretty Easter colors, and lots of layered jewelry (mostly lockets, mental note: must buy layering lockets). Lots of fitted garments and cute fitted jackets, no tent dresses (hurrah!) and heavy on the light grays (like Terexov, actually).

Sept. 6/Gottex

2007-09-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

This show was amazing -- fantastic seat assignment plus ... tadum! ... my first swag del dia, a big mesh beach bag accented with shiny black plastic strips. Not unlike the first suit down the jetway, one the program said was some sort of homage to 007 chic. Inside said bag was a full-sized Redken hair duo, shampoo and conditioner. Niiice! Much better than Terexov, which sadly I missed entirely (I had a seat, where was the swag bag!?). I heard it was a nice paper shopping bag with a small can of hairspray. Which I could have used, as I lost mine to the TSAzis at O'Hare. Anyway, Gottex was nice -- especially the suits with the small triangles in shades of green -- but I was somewhat surprised that the models were not without cellulite. Although the jiggling was probably more pronounced 1) because of the harsh light; and 2) because models were in teeny bikini bottoms and clomping down the runway in heels. A great evening of shows! And onward to Friday!

NYC Fashion Week! Sept. 6/Terexov Show

2007-09-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Flirty Girl Fitness -- I'm Hooked on the Pole!

2007-06-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight I took a free class at Chicago's newest fitness concept, Flirty Girl Fitness, just down the street from Oprah's studios in the West Loop. O indeed! The class? Pole dancing, in a chic rustic dance space tricked out with 14 poles. The results? My body is aching and my right foot is bruised, yet my ego is strangely unbruised. I survived the hour -- and swung around on a pole! It rocked. Oh yeah I sucked. Badly. Sadly I have no shimmy in me -- I blame my Cohen side -- and I was never a cheerleader, hence I missed out on the part of life where you learn to mimic peppy choreographed routines. Believe it or not, I picked it up, more or less, and didn't completely embarass myself. Not that anyone was looking anyway -- all the other women in the class were concentrating equally hard on hanging on for dear life. And when we weren't concentrating on Le Pole, we were mesmerized by the instructor. I would like to know how many classs I need to sign up for and how many meals I need to vomit up before I can be that amazing. I actually think I might join the studio, but if I don't, I will definitely return on the per-session pass (5 classes for $100). Interesting to note: The poles in the front of the class room are "regulation" width; the poles in the back are specially designed by FGF to be a bit smaller -- easier for tiny hands to grasp. Also interesting to note: The instructor told us to take off our shoes to do the class. Not for safety or technique, but rather because "gym shoes aren't sexy." My thoughts exactly!

That's Amore -- Amore Pacific, that is

2007-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was invited to preview this new line of luxury botanical skincare out of Korea that's made with green tea harvested on the company's own private island. Got a free facial, it rocked. But the bag of samples I got sat in my bathroom until about a week ago. Amore Pacific gets most of its props for its superultramega moisturizers. And that's cool, for people who don't break out just by touching the lid. So pretty much, I didn't touch any lids. About a week ago, I couldn't find my special facial cleanser, which I buy from my best friend in Savannah, who is a plastic surgeon and runs a med-spa. I bought a whole face system from her but since it was prescription, she told me I had to read the directions before starting. Yeah, I'll get right on that. At some point. So I don't do much beyond using the cleanser. And last week, I couldn't find it. So I broke out this cleanser from Amore Pacific. I have to say, I was really impressed. It took off makeup instantly and without any residue whatsoever, even though it's called an "oil" on the container. It goes on as an oil, but then you add a bit of water and it soaps up like a, well, like a soap. Removing it gently with a damp face cloth, I couldn't believe how clean my pores were. And anyone who knows me knows I tend towards the Kabuki with the make-up. I may actually start buying it once my sample size draws to a close. It's $50 at Neimans. I will slather on some occasional Retin A and call it a clean, clear day. That's amore!

Free Stuff Slowdown

2007-06-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Clearly I need to get out more -- I have nothing free to show for myself lately. Other than a bottle of St. Croix water I swiped at a shopping event last night. My swagulous life in somewhat in slowdown mode as I furiously scribble for money, deadlines nipping at my heels. So far my over-scheduled self has resulted in skipping two boutique openings (and I got needled by a publicist for flaking on my rsvp, whatever!). The only free stuff I've picked up lately is an array of magazines -- comp copies of House Beautiful, Elle, VF from a recent media show that I didn't attend but clearly my friends wish that I would branch out from the US Weeklies wadded up in the bottom of my Marc Jacobs Softy Bag (which was decidedly NOT free, sadly). I must make time to try the Biotherm anti-cellulite cream soon. Recent actual purchase that I love: YSL Bronzing Powder Compact in velveteen pouch ($40 @ Saks) -- adds the right amt of shading when I am Neutrogena tan.

PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best Web mailaward-winning Windows Live Hotmail.

Biotherm is Biobeautiful

2007-05-26T23:38:00.001-07:00

Just got a box from the Biotherm rep, who is LOVELY, of anti-celutite stuff. Looks complicated to perform so i will try to get to it tomorow night. But I eagerly await transformaion. If it's anything like the Essential Benefits lotion pot, I am sold. This fab lotion comes in a squat tub -- refreshingly free of squirty tops and spitting dispensers. Delivery is easy -- dip fingers into pot, twist finges and pull up. The smell is divine and it's moisturizing, too. Price: $18.

Bliss Tan -canned

2007-05-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

It was perhaps the most heinous thing that could ever happen to a girl in the United States. Like a mutant form of zebra, I was a tanimal gone wrong. It all started when I decided to give the Bliss Tan can another chance. Maybe I made a mistake when I carefully followed the directions on the cheerful blue box. So I decided to take my own approach to aerosol bronzing. I am sure I am not letting loose any previously bagged cats when I reveal to you that my second stint with the Bliss did not go well. And said Bliss is now in my bathroom garbage. (But I continue to use and love the exfoliant scrub!) OK, what follows is not pretty. It is, I suppose, a sort of mea cosmeticulpa. That involves a sock. See, I had come to the logical-seeming conclusion that the reason I had spray marks and stripes was because I did not blend enough. And the reason I had tan-stains on my nailbeds was because I blended with my hands. So I attempted to remedy both issues with a single item - a clean white sock. The plan was to spritz in short bursts then quickly blend, blend, blend. It worked OK -- except when it didn't. In fact, the results were pretty similar to the first time -- face, neck and decolletage turned a pretty, odorless brown. But the back, legs and ass could only be described as, well, dire. My husband hasd a nice laugh at my striped ass. But otherwise, its trashcan city, baby. Last night I slathered my body with Neutrogena graudal tan. It stunk to high heaven and I had to pay for the bottle myself (grumbe grumbe) but it works like a charm. I am not tan, but neither do I glow in the dark. Mission accomplished.

Gilette Venus Breeze razor

2007-05-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

First of all, I don't think I got this swank razor because of Who I Am or What I Do. Especially since it was addressed to, ahem, The Jewel Osco Shopper at ...blah blah my address. But, it arrived in the mail, I tried it, and therefore I shall blog about it. Also I loved it. Generally I am not a fan of razors. Yet I am a fan of shaving. You see the issue. I tend to look for a single thing in a razor: cheapness. If it comes in a sack with many other razors and it's an Everyday Value at Target or, yes, the Jewel-Osco, I will buy it. So long as I don't cut myself to shreds, a razor is a razor is a razor, right? Well, probably yes. But this Venus Breeze is very, very nice. First of all, it's shaped all ergonomic, so it feels not unlike my favorite pen. It's purple, whatever, but also texturized and ribbed - -for her pleasure? -- but again, whatever. But this Unique Dual Action moisturizing and soap strip, while very stupid-sounding, is actually very cool, and it never occurred to me how cumbersome it was to lather up, then shave. I think I'll stop doing it and continue to use the Venus until it, uh, peters out. Will I buy it? Probably not. But I will definitely suffer from Venus Envy.

Bliss Spa: A Tan for All Seasons

2007-05-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

Free? Check. Tan-tastic? Maybe. Well, 24 hours apres tint, it's a lot better. God bless a great faux finish, and I was super excited to get this delish box in the mail from the BlissFlack, contents being one shallow pot of lemon sage body scrub and one aerosol can o'tan (a $36 value). To avoid Le Streak (so not chic!) I followed the directions to the letter. I vigorously exfoliated with said scrub, even applying granules to face. Then I aimed the nozzle of the spray n' tan can the requested six inches from my skin -- starting with the left leg, no idea why -- and letter rip. The freezing cold spray sort of sucked but ho! it got worse. Que Horror -- Stripes! Down My Leg! Unblend-in-able stripes that would not dissapate, despite frantic rubbing and desperate swirly palm motions. So I said, no way can I have two candy-cane legs, so I applied the mist to my right side by spraying a cold blast into the palm of my hand and appying in the prescribed circulare motions. Smell factor was very low, as promised. Got tired midway through and spritzed the arms, but very small jets at a time, and the spray seemed to blend better. The next day, for some reason the smell had intensified, but the stripes and the florets on my arms from my short spritzes were largely gone. Thank God I had panicked for nothing! The color is very subtle and nice. There are a few spots where I could have blended better but it's definitely 100 times better than the seemingly indelible pattern I had created on myself the night before. But I did notice the bronze rim around my nailbeds, and a slight discoloration of my palms, which was frustratng because I scrubbed my hands with both antibacterial soap and a ton of the lemon sage scrub. Will I do this again? Probably, because I still have plenty of bronze left in the bottle. But when it comes to shelling out my own hard-earned clams, I plan to go back to Kiehls.

2007-04-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Got a package today from my friends at Urban Decay. The shadows were a bit too high on the shimmer factor, but I loved the tattoo-you look of the eye makeup remover ($18 value!). I will open it tonight and check out how well it swipes away the smudged remnants of my day. In the mean time, it certainly adds some street cred to my vanity! Stay tuned ...