Backstage at Honor Fall 2011 Show (plus video of the runway show)

By Heather Wilson, Guest Blogger and Fashion Week Correspondent

“I kept looking back to a moment with my grandmother in a department store. There was a gumball machine that I wanted, but the only one left was housed in a box that was a bit damaged. The idea of something slightly distressed, but still beautiful intrigued me. The colors are warm – there’s a 70s sensibility but in an American sportswear way, ” said designer, Giovanna Randall for her inspiration for the Honor Fall 2011 collection.

James Pecis of Bumble and bumble and lead hair stylist for the show was going for a look that was “light, fluffy, with static fly away hair”. Using all Bumble and bumble products, he began by using Thickening Spray, to help give the hair body and lift for when he blew out the style. Once the hair was curled, he kept the curl soft, and moveable with the Spray de Mode Hairspray.

The other two other must have products to always have on hand for a perfectly styled look is Bumble and bumble’s Surf Spray and Texture Cream. They give your hair that “second day after washing your hair look, and holdability,” said Pecis.

The look for the show was finished off with a makeup look designed by NARS Cosmetics International Lead Makeup Artist James Boehmer. “The look is very punky, sort of like a London ‘club kid,’ but there’s a romantic

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Dermalogica Wants You to FITE For Change

Lara with Dermalogica founder, Jane Wurwand

According to the World Bank, the economic empowerment and financial independence of women is one of the greatest drivers of sustainable poverty alleviation in the developing world. Additionally 70% of people living in poverty are women and despite research that shows women who are financially independent can be the greatest agents of change in their communities, only 2% of all international aid money goes to them. Which is why skincare company, Dermalogica has partnered with Kiva.org (the world’s largest personal microlending website) to help alleviate poverty and created FITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship), a global campaign that promotes gender equality, and helps boost stagnant economies by offering women entrepreneurs in low-income regions of the United States and 56 other countries micro loans.

“We know that the economic empowerment of women is one of the greatest levers for positive social change. What is particularly thrilling about FITE is the opportunity it provides to give that lever a multiplier effect,” says Jane Wurwand, Founder of Dermalogica. As a blogger, I do see (and write about) a lot of philanthropic initiatives, and consider myself a big advocate of giving back—but I often find it difficult seeing this change.  There are so many causes, humanitarian, environmental or otherwise and it feels like just when we ban together to help rebuild one natural disaster, another one hits. At times it can all be rather discouraging but having had the opportunity to meet Jane and hear about her journey to start Dermalogica as well as her devotion to FITE to bring about real change gives me hope.

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Tea Time with Jo Malone and Amanzi Tea

Jo Malone Tea Fragrance Blends

At the beginning of the month I posted about Jo Malone’s NEW Limited Edition Tea Fragrance Blends ($55), which came in five flavors, Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Fresh Mint Leaf, Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk; which can either be worn alone or layered on top of each other. I also updated the post to include an invitation to High Tea with Jo Malone in honor of the launch. Hopefully some of you were able to make it!  Having previewed the Fresh Mint Leaf and Sweet Milk fragrances I was anxious to experience the rest of the collection –especially since they were expected to sell out by April!

Prior to attending the event, my experience with Jo Malone has been rather limited. A candle here, a sample there, but mostly I’ve admired them from afar. My enjoyment of the brand has mostly come from press they have received or from their counters at Saks Fifth Avenue where I’d marvel at the packaging. To be honest, I find fragrance shopping overwhelming. I like to hear about a scent, go to a store that carries it, try it on, walk around for an hour, then decide if I like it enough to go

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Google before you tweet is the new think before you speak

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