Chanel Short Movies

A little indulgence during lunch break.  This and many other cute short movies from Chanel about their new Coco Cocoon bags.

Enjoy!


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Calling My Name - Fall 2009

It ain't all bad that the weather is changing on us.  All it means is that we we spend an extra minute layering for the cooler temperature and trying out new makeup colors for Fall.  Right now I'm drooling over 2 particular collections from Chanel and MAC.  They are calling my name.

On Chanel:  I would buy anything with the words 'Laque' or 'Lacquered' on them.  Referring to the Chanel Rouge Allure Laque (Collection Noirs Obscurs), this jojoba oil rich glossy lacquer for lips promised color punch and endurance.  Line the lips with The Body Shop's Lip Line Fixer to prevent color migration.

On MAC:  Mac's all black collection, Style Black brings wearing black to another level by letting us wear is without fear of looking too goth.  The sheerness in the selection of items in the collection mean greater freedom in layer intensity from a sheer wash to a glossy opaque finish.  Glimmerglass (gel formula) lipgloss in Bling Black and Black Fire, and Mineralized Eyeshadows in Young Punk and Gilt by Association are particularly standouts. 



Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), chanel.com, maccosmetics.com

Watch Out

Some news to totally follow and watch for.  Chanel's shoot at the Russian embassy in Paris (for Vogue Russia) and Lily Allen as the face for the launch of new Coco Cocoon handbag line (in stores October 3rd).

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), chanel.com

Arrive In Fiat-Style

Quirky yet fun idea:  run from show to show at the New York fashion week with free rides in vintage Fiat 500s.  These rides offer show to show stops and live show streaming to attendees of NYFW (just show your invitation).

“While the fashion community is struggling to find cabs, StyleCaster is providing free rides to make their lives easier. While others are taking pictures and posting the next day, we are streaming runway shows live to audiences across the world,” said Ari Goldberg, StyleCaster’s CEO. “One way or another we are going to bring style to the people and we are not going to stop until we do.”

To get a free ride to your next show look for the vintage Fiat 500’s with the StyleCaster logo and simply show the driver your invitation.

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), www.StyleCaster.com

An eye-catching cover from the Italian Vogue this month with beautiful makeup and styling.  But for some reason, I feel disillusioned by the image. 

And what do you think of this collection of luggage by Viktor & Rolf and Samsonite?  The rolling piece with purse top cost around 700 euros.

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Orange Babies

Looking back at the Amsterdam International Fashion Week now long gone (11th edition), my all time favorite show had to be the one put on by Orange Babies.  Enthusiastic displays of dance, fashion, song and makeup artistry wowed audience who were totally immersed in awe.  You can see in the photos below that all of us could not take our eyes off of what was infront of us.  Not to mention the divinely handsome men that marched out in the first section of the show!  I hope you enjoy these photos and that somehow they manage to convey a tenth of what a spectacular evening it was.
 
 





Orange Babies is not a clothing label (although there are shirts with their logo on it).  But rather, they are an organization established by Baba Sylla (1st photo) and John Kattenberg (the famous Dutch makeup artist and founder of House of Orange) to raise awareness and financial support to mothers and their babies affected by the HIV/AIDS virus in Africa.  Their influence in the fashion, sport, music and art scenes has brought and continues to bring real help to those in Africa through organizing fundraisers and various events.  


Please contact Orange Babies for more information.  For donations, please click here.


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), Orange Babies

Things To Do After A Tiring Day

Feeling tired is not only a physical state but one that is truly tied in with how we feel mentally.  I am amazed at how quickly I can feel revived if I just spend a little time on other and on myself that my outlook is instantly lifted; not to mention my complexion.  And everything good will just follow.

A few suggestions on how I go about getting my groove back:

1.  Trigger fantastic sensations.

We have powerful senses.  Often times they are so over stimulated than it might just need a reset.  I like to do so by awakening one that is not often used.

One method:  Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
This mask contains alot of ingredients to brighten the complexion and to fight off free radicals.  But the best thing about it is that it is a mini version of Bliss' signature Triple Oxygen facials at their salons.  The fluidO2 infusion turns into a bubbling and fizzing foam upon contact with wet skin.  The sensation it creates on my skin feels fantastic that I literally feel my brain releasing happy hormones.  Works just like those scalp massagers that you see.  The citrusy scent is uplifting as well!

2.  Center-ing.

Perhaps the all important key to life and healthy living.  Feeling centered and all over balanced is an important aspect to remembering inner strength.

One method:  Bergamot essensial oil
Rather than being a stimulating essensial oil, bergamot is categorized as an uplifting one.  What it does is that it makes one feel better in a more relaxed way.  It is often used in aromatherapy for people with anxious, tense or depressed symptoms.  Just one smell and you will know what I mean.  Blend bergamont with other oils such as lavender or geranium (if you want even more relaxation) and infuse your bath water, body lotion/oil or your home frangrance system to surround yourself with positivity.

3.  Get a glow on. 

If you don't have the time or the needed manpower to give yourself or receive a massage (face and or body), there are other instant methods.

One method:  Make Up For Ever Professional Compact Shine On Iridescent Compact Powder

I have the compact in #3 and #5.  They are both fine, glowy pressed powders that give an ethereal finish.  #3 is a shell shade and #5 is peachier and both are universally flattering.  I use the lighter #3 to highlight and the slightly deeper #5 shade to round off and give dimension to the glow.  

4.  Give treats.

At times when we are tired, the last thing we wanna do is to think about others.  But when you are tired, it helps to give treats to those around you.  Paying attention to someone else for a change takes the focus off of your own tiredness/malais and being surrounded by happier, more relaxed people just makes better atmosphere and things easier.  Not to mention the fact that the act of giving stimulates happy hormones. Think small and meaningful....chocolates, tea, manicure (not a gift certificate to one!), or even a smile.

5.  Drink up.

I don't mean alcohol.  All it takes is 5 minutes to give yourself that little break.  Drinks containing nutmeg or clove, or foods containing rosemary, thyme, basil, or marjoram feeds the body in the sense that they help us to come back from fatigue.  Add to your latte, tea, or pasta.  Take a few deep breaths in to oxygenate your body along with them and surely you will feel revitalised again!

....and of course you know I'm not a doctor.  These are a few things that I do that help me.  Let your family doctor know if you feel severe fatigue or malheureux.


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)