Who doesn’t want to shine this New Years Eve? Here are some of my favorite makeup choices to help us shimmer all night long and into the new year.
1. Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Eyeshadow $58 -Featured in shade Amber Design.
2. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Colour Concentrates $11.50 -Featured in shades Cherry Bomb, Pollencount, and Static.
3. Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss $28 -Featured in shade Primal.
4. Girlactik Beauty Star Gloss $16 – Featured in shade Ooh La La Red.
5. Milani One Coat Glitter Nail Lacquer $4.99 – Featured in shades Purple Gleam, Silver Dazzle and Red Sparkle.
6. Milani Jewel FX Nail Lacquer $4.99 – Featured in Silver. Clear nail polish with large silver flakes inside. Add this as a topcoat to your existing nail color to add some silver sparkle.
7. NARS Cosmetics Sparking Pressed Powder $31 – Featured in shade Gold Rush.
While Milani will have your nails sparkling all night (I love the glittery surface texture it has), I should note that it’s very difficult to get off with nail polish remover. I really had to scrub like crazy to get this color off. Pictured above, I’m
Guido and Redken present the Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show looks
Fresh off the Spring/Summer 2011 fashion shows in New York, Milan, and Paris, hair stylist, Guido Palau, took the time to present his runway looks and introduced us toRedken’s new hairsprays, Pure Force 16 ($15.50/6.7oz), Fashion Work 12 ($16.50/11oz.), and the new and improved Forceful 23 ($16.50/11oz), all launching January 2011.
One of the world’s most influential hair stylists, Guido also serves as a Creative Consultant for Redken. Many of us have already lusted over his looks this season, a few of which I’ve covered on Pretty Connected. The impressive roster of shows includes Alexander Wang, Calvin Klien, Jill Stuart, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Valantino, Yves Saint Laurent –and the list goes on from there. A true visionary, with endless creativity he comments, “Without the use of the products I use, I couldn’t create the styles I create.”
While this may seem like an obvious statement, it’s one we often overlook. “Many women I meet are very interested in fashion, they read all the blogs, go to all the websites, and it’s just about encouraging them to take it one step further and try it out themselves” says Guido. As I listened to him speak, his words struck a cord –I am one of those women; your classic New Yorker, always on the go, owns an unreasonable amount of products, drools over every new innovative runway or celebrity hair look, and yet has two styles I do well and never takes the time to experiment with others.
So what’s our problem? Likely for most of us, it’s the intimidation factor; for myself, I’ll also include risk/time management. On any given week, I’ll have a plethora of events to attend and the last thing I want
Taylor Diageo kicked off the holiday season last month with their holiday party, hosted at the Empire State Building. Naturally their drink assortment was superb and I’m excited to share their recipes with you. Perfect for any party you’re hosting this season, don’t forget the garnishes, they add such a nice somethin’ somethin’. My favorites were the King Cider and ROKK Purple Viking! More recipes available at TheBar.com
Nestled up at the Ace Hotel, I took some time with cutting edge designer, Jac Vanekto talk about her jewelry and clothing line and latest collection for Bloomindale’s.
When did you start your line?
Jac Vanek (JV): I started with my bracelets about 2 years ago when I was still in college. I did it on the side until I graduated last May and was able to do everything full force. So it’s been a serious business for about a year and half and I’ve been able to expand into necklaces, rings, and shirts.
How did you get started?
JV: It was actually my mom’s idea (I know that’s really embarrassing to admit). I sourced a manufacturer in China to make my bracelets. I had $200 to put into the launch, and had to just hope that they actually would send me the products I ordered since I randomly found them online. I got 20 bracelets, gave them to some friends and the rest is history.
Jac Vanek Exclusive "You Fit Here" T-shirt at Bloomindale's
What was written on your first bracelets?
JV: ‘Ruthless’. The bracelet is still available. It’s named after the song ‘Ruthless’ from one of my favorite bands, ‘Something Corporate’.
Tell me about the quotes and sayings on your shirts.
JV: I incorporate a lot of different things into my collection, some of it has a party and have fun sort of vibe, and then I have a lot of products with different literary or pop culture references on them. I’ve used quotes from anything from Jack Kerouac’s book, On the Road to the film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s a mix of everything that encompasses my personality.
You recently launched in Bloomingdale’s. That’s so exciting!
Jac Vanek at Bloomingdale's. Photo Credit: Hilary J. Corts
JV: So exciting… I launched with Bloomingdale’s last month and just wrapped up 3-days of in-store appearance at their Roosevelt Field Mall, Short Hills Mall and White Plains locations. I did a special order of exclusive t-shirts for them. They have variations of my existing shirts in different colors and styles.
What’s next for you?
JV: I have so much in the works this summer. In February we’re going to Australia for the music festival, Sound Wave. Otherwise, I’m working on my summer line — It’s going to consist of a lot more v-necks and girly, flowy shirts and everything is going to be custom cut.
Well Jac Vanek, I think you rock! It’s very inspiring to see a young designers getting her name out there and developing a brand so organically, but with a lot of heart and ambition to succeed. Best of luck to you, this really is ‘only the beginning’.
