Lately, I’ve been having a lot of tweets and emails from new bloggers asking advice on how to grow their blog, work with brands and break into the social media world. And while I want to be as accessible as possible to my readers, it does get challenging finding the time to respond to every request and often find that much of the advice I have to offer can be found on the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) website.
Me with BryanBoy!
IFB is a really great resource for all levels of beauty or fashion blogger that needs advice or has question on how to navigate this world. They regularly post articles on how to grow your blog and have an extensive community of bloggers as resources. Additionally, twice a year IFB hosts a conference in NYC (in September and February) to examine the evolving influence of the online blogging community. They host a variety of speakers and panelists and it’s an excellent opportunity to ask the experts.
Me with Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere
For beginner blogger it’s an especially worthwhile conference, for most of us mid-level bloggers it’s more of an opportunity to network. In any case, if you haven’t signed up with them (it’s free), you should!
For this years conference IFB hooked me up with Buyosphere, the platform that helps individuals, help their fellow virtual piers shop. You would simply go on their site and make a statement about what you’re looking for and then other members have the opportunity to comment on your question and give you advice. For instance if you saw someone on the street carrying a bag, you could take a picture asking the community where you can find something similar, or without an image you could pose a question like, “I’m looking for fun, patterned tights under $15, does anyone have any suggestions?” You get the idea… In between panelists, I tweeted with the bloggers in the room asking for their style wants as well as share their street style.
The whole experience was a lot of fun! Plus I got to meet some AMAZING bloggers like Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere, BryanBoy and…
New York Fashion week may have ended last month, but it’s only this week that I’m finally caught up with all of my posts and stories from then. While in theory it’s every bit as glamorous as you’d expect; beautiful clothes, exotic stages, fancy gift bags, front rows filled with celebrities… the part that’s rarely featured by us bloggers is the ultimate first world problem of how absolutely exhausting the experience actually is. Covering both backstage and front; running from uptown to downtown, then back uptown only to go home and update my blog. Plus balance all of my consulting gigs and personal life at the same time, if only it were as simple as showing up, looking fabulous, blowing air kisses and taking in a show.
That said, there are loads of Fashion Week revival lounges and programs that take place that I owe a very special thank you to for making Fashion Week that much more fun and enjoyable!
Barbie Dream Closet – Adult and kids alike can agree, WE LOVE BARBIE! Stepping into her 9,000 sq foot Barbi Dream Closet, kind of amazing! Her closet includes 36 pairs of high heels and 6 live Barbie fashion models wearing her iconic looks. Did you know Barbie’s real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts?
Lia Sophia Social Fashion Suite – I joined the likes of Lia Sophia’s Creative Director Elena Kiam and Red Carpet Collection Designer Dani Stahl to preview the latest jewelry selections, including the debut of the boudika Red Carpet Collection.
{I brought Mom! I’m modeling my NEW Lia Sophia Ring}
{How fab is my new Lia Sophia ring?}
ELLE Magazine’s GLSEN Fashion Lounge – Being pampered while making a difference in someone’s life, the GLSEN Lounge gave attendees a chance to draw a picture or write a message to stop bullying via the use of art at the Royal & Langnickel Beauty Art Studio. John Barrett set up his braid bar as well and gave guests the most amazing braid updos in literally 10minutes or less.
{My John Barrett Braid}
American Express Skybox – Overlooking all of the major shows during Fashion Week in Lincoln Center, Amex opened it’s Skybox to their card members + select influencers to give them the VIP Fashion Week experience. Drinks, snacks and a slew of Fashion Weeks finest designers pass through and host private events. I was lucky enough to join Amex for the blogger tweet-up and Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 2012 RTW show!
{The View}
{Makeda from Glamazon Diaries and I playing host at the Amex Skybox}
{The bar}
GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels -I’ve talked a lot about the New York Fashion Week pop-up restaurant founded by Elettra Wiedemann, since I’m on the GOODNESS PR team. While the restaurant was happening on the 9th floor of the Museum of Art and Design, I spent a lot of my time at the lounge we created on the 7th floor which included makeovers by Lancome, massages by Equinox, tunes by DJ Travisty, a comfortable living room space complete with internet thanks to CIRCA and a stacked bar of three beverage staples in my life, Kusmi tea, coconut water and Ty Ku sake.
{Elettra Wiedemann with mom, Isabella Rossellini at the GOODNESS launch party}
Kmart to the rescue! Kmart was literally there to solve all of my #fashionweekproblems. As part of a special fashion week service, I just needed to tweet to them @Kmartfashion with what I needed using the hashtag #fashionweekproblems and they would purchase it and deliver (free of charge). I forgot my makeup case one day and they brought me a black eye pencil, bright fuchsia lipstick and flats — just what I asked for! #Lifesavers
Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory Fashion Week Retreat – The Luxe Lab is the ultimate fashion week retreat. Robert is a super host and literally has a lineup of makeover treatments and gifting booths there to spoil his guests! I had an amazing blow-out by T3, makeover by Neutrogena, and manicure by Sinful Colors (which has 150 nail shades that all retail for $1.99!).
{Robert Verdi playing host}
{Playing with bamboopink by JudeFrances jewelry collection}
{I got me a POP phone – they plug into iPhones to give that home phone feel}
{SinfulColors gave me a manicure and preview of their POPtastic Summer Collection}
{Lorna from The Fabulous Report and I getting silly at the snapfish by HP photobooth}
Also while at the lounge, I stopped by the SENSA® by Dr. Hirsch table (remember my post on them last year?) to learn about some of their new products available; SENSA® QUENCH and SENSA® CHEWS. These are supplements you can take in addition to the program which helps people further reach their weight-loss goals by boosting the metabolism and controlling their appetite. Other highlights included getting the fun, new, REACH by Design toothbrush! REACH partnered with Shoshanna Gruss and Interior Designer + Reality TV star Jeff Lewis to design a line of super designed toothbrushes.
I’m not sure how I missed it but the lounge also debuted Robert Verdi’s Sunglass collection for HSN. They are incredibly affordable with most styles priced below $30. Check them out on HSN.com.
{Robert Verdi for HSN Sunglass collection: I WANT THE BROWN ONES ON THE TOP RIGHT! }
The Glamazon Diaries Fashion Week Media Retreat – Hosted by Makeda of The Glamazon Diaries and Touch of Pink PR, this retreat was the perfect conclusion to fashion week. I got to hang out with all of my favorite fashion + beauty bloogers and just relax and unwind. The event took place at this really cool hostel, called the The Bowery House. I’ve probably walked by that spot dozens of times and never even knew it existed.
The highlight was indulging in JJ’s Rockin’ Cupcakes who makes the most amazing cupcakes and let us custom select our icing to the cupcake of our choice (I ate about 6), and then proceeded to attack the Popcorners. Chips and cupcakse for lunch — it was like being on vacation! And in addition to the great company, we have Chandon (sparkling wine) and Nine Walks Wine (sauvignon blanc) to thank for a very good time. After a long few weeks, we were all very ready to kick back and have a drink!
{My fellow bloggers and I taking a moment to appreciate the event’s sponsors, gift bag compliments of Kmart}
Surprise package from The oneCare Company! How nice is this? A travel size, Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Lint Roller and Tide Odor-Absorbing Travel Bag compliments of The oneCare Company showed up at my door with a lovely note to help me get ready for Fashion Week!
Thank you to all of you wonderful people and brands for taking such great care of me!
What: Shop the A|X Armani Exchange PopDown. Womens Styles Only When: March 19th – April 20th, from 9:00am – 9:30pm Where: A|X Flatiron Store. 129 5th Avenue (at 20th St.), Lower Level
Starting March 19th, A|X Armani Exchange will launch its first-ever A|X PopDown Shop at the Flatiron store. With all items marked at 40% off, the new A|X PopDown Shop is an exclusive women’s only private sale that will serve as an underground hotspot featuring some of the most stylish A|X wear-now pieces, including dresses, denim, accessories and outerwear.
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What: Meet with a Dior Beauty Consultant to determine your new Dior beauty look, and the complementary makeup products. When: March 21-31 Where: The Dior counter at participating Macy’s nationwide
Harper’s Bazaar and Dior launch a new program that makes it easy for readers to update their look for spring. From March 21-31, women can meet with a Dior Beauty Consultant at participating Macy’s nationwide, to discover their new look, get beauty tips and expert makeup tricks. To sign up and find the next available appointment nearest you, go to bazaarconnect.com.
On Bazaar Connect, readers can also experience the rich history that Dior and Harper’s Bazaar have shared since Dior’s debut of the ever-iconic New Look in 1947, with videos, illustrations, slideshows, product recommendations, and more.
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What: Join The Powder Group and Michael Duenas, Founder of Hair Room Service for Hair Styling Education. When: March 24th Where:Make Up For Ever studio, 8 East 12th Street, NYC, NY 10035
COST:$45 for TPG Pro members for all each class, $65 for non-members
*Product is supplied for use in the program. A product gift from Schwarzkopf will be provided to all attendees.
Hair Room Service founder Michael Dueñas will be presenting two amazing events this month in NYC – Building Your Basic Hair Kit and On Set Hair Styling!
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS:
Building Your Basic Hair Kit 03/24/2012 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Having at least a basic understanding of hair is essential for many makeup artists working today. In this first time seminar celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas demystifies the many tools and products of professional hairstylist and makes it easy for beginners to understand what they need to form the foundations of a basic styling kit if they are looking to add styling to their resume.
On Set Hair Styling For Every Artist 03/24/2012 3:00pm – 5:00pm
As budgets tighten and the makeup market becomes more saturated, building a skill set that differentiates you from other makeup artists is necessary. In this seminar celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas takes you through some basic on set styling that works for bridal, editorial or any area of the industry. From understanding a blowout to a simple up-do Michael teaches you the techniques that have him working with celebrities including, Kim Cattrall, Lady Gaga, the cast of Glee and Padma Lakshmi. To register for our hairstyling events click hereor email [email protected]
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What: Join Mally at Henri Bendel When: March 29th, 10 am – 7 pm Where:Henri Bendel – 712 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
The ultimate girl’s night out, Mally is hosting a Master Class, where she will be spilling all her secrets and sharing her must have beauty products!
Private One-On-One Sessions: 10am-6pm
• Hour-long private lesson with Mally
• $500 fee, completely redeemable in product
• Consumers should book appointments via [email protected]
Master Class: 6pm-7pm
• Hour-long class hosted by Mally, revealing her tips and tricks
• $75 fee redeemable in product
• Consumers should book appointments via [email protected]
What: Meet Cynthia Rowley at Sephora When: March 31st, 12 pm – 6 pm styling// PA with Cynthia Rowley starting at 3pm Where:Sephora Meatpacking – New York, NY 10014
Meet New York City designer Cynthia Rowley and celebrate the launch of the Amika X Cynthia Rowley Styler, a limited-edition tool designed by Cynthia Rowley, featuring an exuberant floral design straight from her Spring 2012 runway collection.
After meeting Cynthia Rowley for the first time at her show this season, I can attest this is an event not to be missed! If you’re a fan of her clothes, you’ll LOVE the designer behind her namesake brand.
Get your hair styled by the Amika team, meet Cynthia Rowley, plus enter to win a dress from Cynthia’s spring collection (no purchase required). The raffle will be held at the event. Winner must be present at the time of the drawing to win.
Space is limited. Speak to a consultant to book your appointment.
What: Spa Week! Booking starts now for $50 Treatments on spaweek.com. When: April 16 – 22nd
Where: Salons and Spas nationwide in the US and Toronto
Spa Week booking has begun! The list of participating spas and their $50 treatments is now live on spaweek.com. It is recommended for consumers to book ASAP, as many spas book up within just a few days.
Spa Week is celebrating its 16th edition of delivering the spa and wellness lifestyle to millions, and the nation is ready to SPA-rty. Famous for biannual $50 spa treatments since 2004, Spa Week has proven that they only get better with age. It was born in NYC with just a few spas, and in just 16 Spa Weeks they have brought their week of spa and wellness to hundreds of spas in just about every major city across the US and Toronto, helming as the most popular spa marketing event in the country.
For all you web designers, advertising goons and platform junkies, PrestaShop, one of Europe’s leading e-commerce platforms is hosting a Barcamp event to better introduce themselves to the US market in NYC on March 20th. Prestashop has planned keynotes speakers, workshops, cocktails, and I’ll be hanging out at the Presto-Changeo Agency booth discussing Social Media integration throughout the day. And with all the recent fan mail of readers asking to take me to coffee to pick my brain, here’s the perfect opportunity to do just that!
So if you’re around, stop by and say hello! Registration is free:)
Project Runway All Stars: Austin, Modo, Michael and KenleyMe with Mondo!
On Thursday Night, I had the pleasure of joining the surviving cast members of Project Runway All Stars and Nanette Lepore at her store in SoHo for a private viewing party of that night’s episode. With only four contestants left, Mondo Guerra, Austin Scarlett, Kenley Collins and Michael Costello, this was a particularly exciting episode considering it would determine the 3 finalists that would be showing in the finale (for their chance to have their collection sold at Neiman Marcus!).
Nanette Lepore was a guest judge on the episode (along with Gorgina Chapman and Isaac Mizrahi) and the winner of the challenge would have their design sold at her store with the proceeds going to Save the Garment District. Despite some difficulty in hearing the episode from within the store, it was really exciting being with the designers as they showcased their designs, although much more nerve racking over waiting for the announcement of who was in and out. In all honesty, at the level these finalist are at I thought all the designs we’re good. Austin, was safe, Mondo won and Kenley and Michael fell to the bottom. Michael design was a little long but I thought otherwise very LA and wearable (it reminds me of a T-Bags dress I once owned) and Kenley, who despite picking a fabulous print, cut the print a little off and was eliminated.
Nanette Lepore and Mondo surrounded by his design
Once the winner was announced, the designers final garments we’re put in the store for display and Mondo’s mass-produced design went on the racks officially for sale ($298). It’s so cute and spring, and I love that it has pockets! Congratulations Mondo!
{Season 1, Episode 10 Project Runway All Star Dresses}
{Austin adjusting his dress}
{Nanette Lepore and Kenley showing there’s not hard feelings over her elimination}
I am such a fan of Cynthia Rowley from her apparel to Band-Aid collaboration and now her as a person! Minutes before her Fall 2012 show Cynthia Rowley took a break from putting the finishing touches on her show to talk to a few special bloggers *inhale* myself included. And instead of being stressed and in need of a sedative, she was cool and collected and just excited. She talked about the music and the intricate hair style designed for the models and how all the pieces went together support the theme of craftsmanship which was the inspiration for her show.
I’ve never felt so welcome or had as much fun backstage at a show. Generally, I’m in and out, just there to interview the beauty sponsors, however this was no ordinary backstage…
As some of you know after going nut-so over the Cynthia Rowley BAND-AID’s they asked me to be a blogger ambassador last year for the collection! At that time they we’re limited edition, however due to the enormous success and popularity, the duo are collaborating again! And as part of the celebration, BAND-AID hosted a backstage lounge at the show and gave guests a sneak peek at the new collaboration, the BAND-AID Brand Beach Sport Kit. The kit ($10) which will launch May 2012 includes 20 newly designed bandages, 4 NEOSPORIN single use packets, and resealable plastic pouch to hold your beach essentials (and big enough to hold and protect your cell phone!).
Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 Collection
So I hung out, made friends (that where I met my new bff Jenni from ISpyDIY!), and was all around blown away by the texture and craftsmanship that went into the hair created by amika. In contrast, MAKE UP FOR EVER did a nude and natural makeup application to balance the look.
GET THE LOOK! Here’s how to recreate the show’s hair and makeup:
Inspiration: “Cynthia and I wanted the hair to play with texture for the hair look. The clothes this season are so structured we wanted to contrast that with the hair. The idea of this look was for it to be free flowing; there is no beginning and no end.” – Duffy
How Duffy created the hair look:
1. Mouse was applied to the hair and it was rough dryed with the amika NRG Professional Hair Dryer
2. A figure-eight technique was used (around the crown of the head) which was created by pinning the hair around bobby pins
3. The figure-eight shape was sealed in with heat from the amika x Cynthia Rowley styler
4. Tight curls were created using a hot rod
5. The hair was then dragged out and brushed to create volume
6. Pieces were pulled and pinned
Since each girl’s hair was different Duffy selected the final style based on each individual girl, their personality and the clothes they looks they were modeling.
Makeup Look/Inspiration: The look was inspired by the women of the 40s – effortlessly natural, empowered, and clean. The skin had a dewy finish with supple bare lips. To add a slightly masculine edge, Lottie groomed the brows creating a full and fluffy appearance.
How Lottie created the makeup look:
Complexion: Lottie first mixed MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #12. She applied this mixture all over, which gave the models a flawless dewy canvas. To finish the look and set the make up, she used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder.
Brows: Lottie brushed the brows upwards to create a fluffy appearance. For added fullness, she filled in individual hairs with MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Pencil and MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector. The brows were then kept in place using MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Seal.
Lips: The lips were supple and hydrated with MAKE UP FOR EVER Moisturizing Lip Balm.
{SMASH star, Megan Hilty Backstage at Cynthia Rowley}
Last night, was a big day for Hugo Boss (and me)! As some of you saw the invite (I posted earlier this week), Sunham Home Fashions was celebrating the launch of the new BOSS Home bedding collection at Bloomingdale’s. Hosted on the 7th floor, guests had the opportunity to shop the collection and enjoy a musical performances by Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe. I’ve seen those girls do their violin/DJ set probably 15 times in the past year and it never gets old! BOSS Home will be exclusive to Bloomingdale’s for the next 3 months, so go check them out!
I stopped by with Lorna from The Fabulous Report and we met up with the super fun Fashion Indie team to check out the collection; then headed down to the 3rd floor, where Hugo Boss continued the party with the launch of the new BOSS Black women’s shop. If upstairs was all about the jams, downstairs was all about art, with a special appearance by renowned artist, Jeff Koons! Apparently Koons is a big fan of the brand and to mark the new opening, he designed a limited edition shopping bag for Hugo Boss. And guess what? Jeff Koons drew me an original drawing (in front of me) on the bag! It was kind of the best ever!
Jeff Koons drawing me a pic!
I’m freaking out that I have a Jeff Koon’s original, complete with my name on it and his autograph! This bag is totally getting framed. Side note: Samantha, Editor-In-Chic of FashionIndie had this awesome Samsung Galaxy Note phone and was able to pimp out photo with comments after she took the shot (as seen above with her fancy penmanship)! Wish my iPhone could do that.
{HOME Collection}
{Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe Performing}
{BOSS Black women’s shop (Bloomingdale’s 3rd floor)}
Recently, I posted about the exciting GOODNESS pop-up restaurant I was apart of during New York Fashion Week. Founded by Supermodel/environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann and presented by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, GOODNESS is a full service pop-up restaurant that provides fresh, healthy and delicious food to the fashion community, while showcasing regionally sourced seasonal cuisine created by local culinary talent. This season the chef line-up included Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Leo Forneas and Julian Medina and GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.
In addition to launching the pop-up restuarant, GOODNESS also hosted the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels, offering guests a comfortable “living room” atmosphere for reporters, models and editors to relax and recharge. And for guests in attendance there was a an amazing gift bag which we’re giving away to some lucky readers!
Now for the fun part… WIN THE GOODNESS GIFT BAG ($225+ value)!
VITACARE Whitening Gum in Cool Mint Freshness + Pomegranate flavor
HOW TO ENTER:
We’re giving away three GOODNESS gift bags, one on this blog and two others on twitter! There are two ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment under this post and tell me what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness”. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.
2. To enter on twitter, follow @GOODNESSpopup and @DailyFrontRow and tell us what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness” using the hashtag #WinGoodness. Or tweet the following message to be automatically entered, “Fill in the blank: @GOODNESSpopup @DailyFrontRow when I think of Goodness I think of ____ http://ow.ly/9mwh2 #WinGoodness“.
Two lucky winners that entered on twitter will be chosen at random when @GOODNESSpopup reaches 800 followers.
Last week I posted about the new BOSS Home by HUGO BOSS bedding collection, and now you can be amongst the first to experience the BOSS line. Hosted by Michelle Adams of Lonny Magazine. join the HUGO BOSS team this Thursday, March 1st from 6-8pm at Bloomingdale’s 59th St, (7th floor) to shop the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
Let’s go! We can enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and did I mention Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe will be performing?
Complexion: Lottie first mixed MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #12. She applied this mixture all over, which gave the models a flawless dewy canvas. To finish the look and set the make up, she used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder.
