NYFW Brandon Sun

Looking back today on Brandon Sun's immaculate SS2013 RTW presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Animal prints with beautiful, luscious fur. Sexy, flowy gowns mixed with pencil skirts and sculptured accents. Draped, yet structured and impecably tailored.

I want it all.

My Beauty Must-Haves!

Can we talk about skincare and make-up today?

l've always had problem skin for as long as I can remember. I even had a love-affair with Proactiv for a while, which lasted about six months and then started to irritate my face.

After trying PH balanced products (like La Roche-Posay's Effaclar) the glycolic acid toners like Murad's Clarifying Toner and spending from $5 on scrubs to $100 on treatments, I discovered Boscia.

It's working, you guys.

So, I put together my beauty must-haves, the things I can't do without, from cleansing, to minimal make-up to a full face for a night on the town.

I LOVE Boscia's clear complexion kit because I have sensitive skin that breaks out easily. The kit has been wonderful; it includes the cleanser that you use to wash your face, followed by the spray tonic, then the treatment and finally the moisturizer. I've found it doesn't irritate my skin and has a mild, clean scent.

So after I used that, I of course, wanted to try everything else Boscia had to offer, and absolutely LOVE the black mask - not only is it so fun to peel off, but it really tightens and tones.

On occasion I like to use the Boscia clarifying detox mask, which is a clay mask that I found really took care of excess oil, which was great for my T-zone.

My favorite primer to use is Laura Mercier's Hydrating primer which is water based, not oil based. The oil-free formula didn't feel as good as this on my face.

After this, I like to use a little bit of concealer under my eyes and problem spots. I have tried a. lot. of. concealers. My go-to now, is Dior's Nude, in Honey. Goes on light but stays put and doesn't feel greasy or cakey.

Next, for full foundation coverage for parties and such, I recently discovered (thanks to my sister) MAC's Matchmaster SPF foundation. It glides on easily, blending easily, stays matte all day. I wear it in 6. The SPF coverage is a bonus.

To apply foundation, I use Cynthia Rowley's Beauty Blender, which I found at Marshalls for $5.99! You can find many variations of it at Target and online, and it looks like this. Makes blending a breeze.

For blush I absolutely love NARS in Torrid. Two of my besties use the same shade and we are all very different in skin tones. It's a pretty shade which I think works for winter and summer.

As an all-over powder, I like MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium. I apply it using a great buffing brush from Eco Tools.

If I do a highlighter for my high cheek bones (or lack thereof) I adore MAC's Gana Frost which was a limited edition when Mickey Contractor (Bollywood's most sought-after makeup artist) did a line with MAC. I also like Benefit's High Beam.

For eye make-up, when I do a cat-eye, I rely on Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner - it's waterproof, and really stays put!).

For a smudgy smokey eye, I love using Urban Decays eye liners. They're all so beautiful.

Dior's SHOW is the.best.mascara. I've ever used. Makes my lashes look really long, and doesn't clump.

If I do eyeshadow, I prime my lids first, with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It's so easy to apply, just a dot on each lid really helps shadows stay put.

And if I'm going for a really dramatic evening look and want to darken my brows, Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil is my go-to for a fuller brow. Love having a brush with it!

Can we talk lipsticks for a second? What are your faves? I've recently fallen for MAC's Party Line, perfect for a Wintery look.

After all the fun and games, if washing my face doesn't do it, and even if it does, I go to Korres. LOOOOOVE KORRES!! These wipes work really well and smell so refreshing. And the Pomegranate Toner really picks up dirt and makeup but feels gentle and doesn't dry my skin.

TELL ME, what are some of your beauty-faves?

BFW 2012: Grace Kim, gKIM Studio

Grace Kim showed prowess in her gKIM Studio RTW collection of clean and contemporary silhouettes. The runway show, complete with 1930s inspired blonde wigs, showcased lightweight frocks and swing coats; all classic looks with modern finesses that could be worn by a current day Ginger Rogers. To that, I say, well done Grace Kim!

Here, some of my favorites.

In Memory: My Dad, the Style Icon

25 years ago, today, my Father passed away.

To celebrate his life, I want to share some of his magnificent style. I've shown you some of his tailoring before, but what you may not know is that he was an architect, an interior designer and a photographer. He loved tailoring his own clothes and keeping on trend with menswear as well as hair styles.

Here are some memories of him, but let's not forget my gorgeous Mom who's not to shabby herself! The cutie at the end is my sister (aww!)

Anjolee Diamonds + How To

There's always so much inspiration on the www. Not surprisingly, Pinterest plays a huge roll in giving me my daily dose of inspiration. I came across this image and thought to try it out, myself! And with Anjolee Diamonds sending me beautiful studs, like these diamond stud earrings, I was ready to play a glam roll. Take a gander at Anjolee Jewelry; they make high-end custom jewelry like hoop earrings, and diamond tennis bracelets that add that extra something to any outfit or hairstyle.

Here's my how-to on getting your hair retro chic, and if you have bangs like me, don't worry about them falling out of the clip.

• BaByliss, GT Gold Titanium Straightener
• Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray
• Loreal's Elnett Satin Hairspray
• Goody Spin Pins
• Blingy-brooch-like hair clip from So Good Jewelry

ZOORA @ Bradley & Diegel

The lovely Aubrie Pagano who is the mastermind behind Zoora, invited me to an informal soirée to meet and test-drive what will soon (as of January 28 2012) change the way we shop for ready-to-wear designer clothing online.

We gathered at the gorgeous Bradley & Diegel salon on Newbury last night for a first look at the beta website and a feel of the designs from Emily Muller (of Emily Muller Apparel) and Victoria Dominguez-Bagu (of MariaVictoria Designs).  On hand was Maria Cataldo who discussed the design of the website and let us try it out giving our feedback on its layout and functionality.

Zoora plans to offer access to the latest designer clothing but with the ability for us to custom alter the clothing to our size/shape/preference.  

So far, Zoora has 22 designers who are already on board and offering modifications to hemlines, fabric and colour to their looks which will allow the customer the freedom to pick and choose what will work for them.  

The best part, and the one I'm most excited about is getting a perfect fit.  Zoora (attained from misura meaning "measurement" in Italian) will take your height, weight, bust, waist and hip measurements and go from there.  This ensures that you won't fall under the generic sizing charts found on standard clothing websites.

We were also treated to complimentary hair styling from Bradley & Diegel stylists.  Thanks to Kathy who transformed my head into a bed of luscious curls!

I can't wait for Zoora's official launch next January 2012.  For now, you can sign up here.

Thanks to Aubrie, Holly & Greg, Emily, Victoria and the gang at Bradley & Diegel for hosting such a fun event!

Rainbow tips?

Would you rock these tips? 

Lauren Conrad with rainbow coloured hair. (via styleite) 

Farewell Oprah

I can't believe it's the end of Oprah!  The final show is on Wednesday May 25. Will you be watching? 

People Magazine is celebrating Oprah's BEST hairstyles.  Check out the gallery at People.com.

Here she is in 1986.  (Photo credit: Eric Heinila/Shooting Star)



I think Oprah's aged so gracefully, don't you?  Here she is in 2011 (Photo credit:Barry Talesnick/IPOL/Globe)