Situational Beauty and Fashion: The Office Crush

Just as there's a time and a place for "no makeup" makeup, there's also a time and a place for office crush beauty and fashion. It can be difficult depending on the level of conservative dress code at your office. I've worked in several work environments ranging from I'mTrying to Make This Suit Look Sexy in the Least/Business to I Promise I Dress Well Outside of Here - Here's a Glimpse/Business Casual. Also, as I've worked in finance for the past five years, there's been no dearth of office dudes for crush fodder. There's something very Jordan Catalano about the whole thing that makes it more exciting than a normal crush. Even if you do have to send him emails that end with a "Please advise."

Makeup should be somewhat minimal; this is an office, not a club. I'd use only as much foundation as you require, concealer, a liquid or cream blush, mascara, a good liner, and a stain or lipstick. Gloss is doable, but I find people take me far more seriously (I know, can you believe anyone takes me seriously?) when I don't wear gloss. My recommendations:

Concealer theBalm TimeBalm Concealer ($17)
Provides excellent color pay-off thanks to its high pigment formula.









Foundation Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40)
My holy grail foundation of 2008. I LOVE it. It diffuses light for a soft-focus effect and yields light-to-medium coverage.








Blush Benefit PosieTint ($28) I forgot about this for a hot minute, and then last week, we were suddenly "reunited and it feels so good." This petal pink liquid blush is the perfect lit-from-within pink for a playing-in-the-snow glow. I also love it on lips topped with a smidge of Aquaphor.







Liner Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil ($16) I have yet to find something that tops MUFE's waterproof iteration. And yes, I'm having a mage love affair with MUFE of late.









Lipstick Three Custom Color's The L Word Collection's Lipstick in Alice ($20)
First of all, what an excellent inspiration for a makeup collection. I've fallen in LURVE with Alice, a warm, nude rose infused with champagne shimmer. I know. Just do yourself a favor and get yourself one.




If your office's dress code is business casual, I'd steer sartorially toward ruffles a la Johanna of Stylista fame and previously, blogger/founder/editor of A Serious Job is no Excuse. Knee-length (or just above) dresses and pencil skirts make me feel far less frumpy at my fab post-work events, especially when paired with a cute sweater, blouse, or silky tank/cardigan combo. I rock a lot of low-cut sweaters with a cami underneath for nonscandalosity. I'd also recommend investing in fab work shoes. Because unless they're too revealing (and they shouldn't be at all, in a biz casual work environment), it's pretty easy to rock some seductive ones that are totally appropriate. My personal stash includes SEVERAL flat knee-high boots (I have a ten-minute walking portion of my commute), patent high heels (the Cole Haan Nike Air collection especially rocks - like that '80s commercial that discussed shoes that "look like a dress shoe, FEEL LIKE A SNEAKER!"), and fun Chanel-esque (I hope to be able to drop the -esque sometime soon) tweed pumps.

What are your best tips for an office crush situation? Tell us in the comments!

Thakoon for Target Hits Stores

I mean... Target waited until the exact MINUTE I left the suburbs to bring in the Thakoon. I'm considering ordering some goodies online (maybe this adorable T?), thanks to Melissa's excellent review of the collection in i heart daily. Check it here.

Be back soon with some beauty reviews!

What's a Snood?

This MINT Jodi Arnold Snood ($101) is so GD ador, is it not? I hosted a private sample sale at the brand's showroom last night thanks to Deenie, who does PR and marketing for the label. Per her advice, I plan to rock it with a similarly-hued long sleeved T and it looks as if it were ONE garment. It's literally a cozifier. It makes anything warm and snuggly. LOVE.

I'm also likely picking up this little gem.

Click here to access the sample sale's home page.

NO. WIRE. HANGERS.

Remember the campiness that is this scene?

I say it every time I hang up my dry cleaning in my closet.

Anywho, I went wireless with my Internet with a lot less intrepidation than I did my bras, initially. When I heard about Spanx Bra-lellujah! Wireless Front Closure Bra ($62), I thought, that sounds lovely. For gals with A-cups. I'm toting some Cs and the girls need wire. Spanx, I stand corrected. When I wear this bra, there is no difference from the standard Bra-lellujah other than with respect to the comfort my ribcage feels. There's no lack of support at ALL AND the garment maintains its guerilla war on backfat. LOVE. Well done, Sara Blakley!

MINT Jodi Arnold Sample Sale

Diva dollfaces, I nearly forgot to tell you to hit up the MINT Jodi Arnold online sample sale! It runs until November 30th. OR, if you're in NYC, hit up the brick and mortar sample sale:

When?
Tuesday, November 11th-14th
9AM – 6PM

Where?
MINT Jodi Arnold Showroom
230 West 39th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

Big kiss - MWAH,

Amber

Isabella Fiore Sample Sale in NYC

Isabella Fiore will be hosting its first ever New York sample sale on November 19^th and 20^th.
When:

10AM – 5PM

Where: 80 West 40^th Street, Floor 8

What: Great clutches, handbags and small leather goods available at 50%-70% off retail prices!

Enjoy!

Miss Oops Mishap Tape to the Rescue!

So I have this dress that I ADORE. It's a brown Tahari short-sleeved wrap dress with a modern floral pattern. It's very rare that I wear a pattern (I adore a solid garment in bright colors most of the time), but this one won me over. Anywho, if I wear this dress and, you know, WALK at the same time when there is the slightest wind chill factor, it totally blows wide open, showing the world my underpants. Not chic, n'est-ce pas? I've been avoiding wearing the dress because I loathe holding the bottom of the dress together with my HANDS all awkwardly when I walk. But it's gorge. And why should it live a life of punishment inside my closet just because of a little wind?

Enter Miss Oops Mishap Tape ($7 for a pack of 36). This double-sided apparel tape is PERFECT for adhering the dress together so I can relax. It's also divine for keeping plunging necklines from being too naughty. Luckily, Daneen had some on hand for me to borrow before I interviewed the dead sexy Tommy Dunn in my somewhat low-cut Ali Ro dress.

Wardrobe malfunction averted!

15% Off and Free Shipping on Cha Cha!

Cha Cha has generously offered BBJ readers a 15% discount AND free shipping on their glorious merch!

Use code beautybloggingjunkie at checkout today until March 29 to redeem. Also, note that Cha Cha prices are in CAN $$ which makes this an even better buy for American shoppers.

I think I need to make that handbag a reality. The signs are CLEAR.

UPDATE: I just bought it. And I'll be living on vegetarian chili for lunch AND dinner until... June.


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Ruffle Rouser: A Round-up of Ruffled Riches

Friends know this about me: I never met a ruffle I didn't like.

My impending move (next Monday, wish me luck!) has left me with zero disposable income, so a couple weeks ago, I decided to make this Hawks by Geren Ford Ruffle Tank from Urban Outfitters ($78) my swan song purchase before moving to my stu stu studio. PS If you buy it, get it a size or two up. I'm normally a small, sometimes a medium, but I needed a large in this.





This Dani Ruffle Boot ($100) from Free People is haunting me. HAUNTING. I know it's going to be one of those things I think about years later, plagued by the OPPOSITE of buyer's remorse. Its hidden wedge heel enchants me. I'd rock it with the shirt above and have a whole ruffle SITUATION. It IS on sale. Just saying.







Lastly, I present thee with the Cha Cha Entourage Bag in Blueberry ($365 - just a dollar a day for a YEAR, right?) I mean, DEATH. Truly, it's not exactly ruffled, but its nonlinear silhouette is EVOCATIVE of a ruffle, right? If this bag graced my closet, it'd surely be the Vincent Chase amongst the other Dramas, Turtles, and Es in my wardrobe. The braided straps are PRESH, n'est-ce pas? I normally don't love to rock blue (I sort of live in a warmer palette), but this cornflower-purple hybrid awakens something in my very SOUL.

What ruffled items are you loving of late? Share in the comments!


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New Offerings from Spanx and Assets

So, let's be real with each other.

I'm moving, as you know, and that entails going through ALL of my stuff and separating out the stuff that's seen better days. I just weeded out my tights and camis and I have to tell you that pretty much the last brand standing is Spanx/Assets. Seriously. That shiz is just DURABLE. I have Spanx camis from five or six YEARS ago and Spanx and Assets tights from two years ago that are going to be joining me in my new stu stu studio. In "tights years" especially, that's an eternity. SATC's Miranda Hobbes couldn't even use her "I've had pantyhose longer than their relationship" joke with regard to Spanx and Assets. Because anyone who's rocked either knows they're super strong. Spanx has launched several new patterns:

New Patterns: Trinket, Houndstooth, Corset, Gate, & Garter; Colors: Black, Bittersweet, & Charcoal
New Open Weave Patterns: Damask & Chain Stripe; Colors: Black & Nude

I'm loving the Trinket pattern in the gorge Charcoal. I've gotten tons of compliments on them.

Also, Assets (Spanx's more budget-friendly line) has launched its own website at loveassets.com. I recommend you stock the heck up on:

Assets Fantastic Firmers Adjustable Strap Cami ($20-22)
These suck you in and boast a curvy shape to take your hips into account (because Assets acknowledges that we HAVE them).





Lastly, Spanx's high end lingerie-inspired line, Haute Contour, has launched! Hailed "the dessert of shapewear," this collection is both pretty and powerful. The line boasts lace and sexy sheer shaping camis with flattering necklines and soft, supporting micro-fiber. They can be worn inside or outside the boudoir. Saucy. There are also two mid-thigh shapers and a luxe lace thong. Haute Contour pieces come in Blush, Sterling and Pitch, sizes XS-L. Prices range from $88-$198.

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Foot Petals = Foot SAVIOR

Fashion Week is my fave time of year, but it wreaks unbelievable havoc on my tootsies. My friends know this about me: I LOVE to sit. And I hate to stand. I love to walk. But I hate to be stationary, standing up at a party. I knew my FW sched was going to include a lot of lines, parties, and long hours on my feet. This time, I came prepared by reinforcing all of my shoes I wore with Foot Petals. They're PHENOM. The brand offers a wide range of solutions to your stiletto situations, but my favorites are their Amazing Arches (2 pairs for $13, for arch support) and Heavenly Heelz ($5, for pinchy heel collars). Their Stiletto Survival Kit is $50 and contains all you need to end foot pain situations.

You'll have to come up with another reason to stop talking to that loser at the bar.

#NYFW

On the Catwalk: Chris Benz

Chris Benz also was not a runway show (he did a presentation in Chelsea), but his Fall 2009 collection was my favorite, hands down. It was very Rainbow Brite in a good way. Check my photos from the event.









The best part? I spotted the designer at the event drinking... a juice box! Hilar.

Image credit: Beauty Blogging Junkie
#NYFW

Fashion Week: BBJ Backstage at Tibi

While this look is GORGEOUS, isn't it just a tad reminiscent (in a GOOD way) of Mimi of The Drew Carey Show fame?


Hilarious, right? Lead makeup artist Makky for MAC (it was DESTINY that he work with makeup with a name like that, n'est-ce pas?) headed up the makeup team backstage at Tibi. There's a LOT of eye going on, and I love it. In fact, I just about flew over to the makeup station to find out WHAT was happening with that turquoise eye I could see from across the room. Makky drew from a Pantone palette of bright blues with an '80s vibe. "The Christy Turlington in '80s VOGUE era," explained Makky. He managed to keep it from being too retro Barbie, though. There need only be one Barbie show this season at Fashion Week.

To give the eye a futuristic vibe, the shadow was neatly "boxed off" by chopping off the excess shadow at the ends, lending a geometric effect. Victor Cembellin, MAC makeup artist who was on hand backstage told me that you can simply use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to remove shadow in a flash JUST where you need to.


The products involved: Makky mixed a sky blue mixed with aqua shadow over a cobalt purple (like a cobalt blue mixed with purple) shadow before layering MAC standby Electric Eel Shadow (part of my makeup collection, and probably yours, too) on top of it all. The effect was a kaleidescope of blues that were saturated, not powdery. MAC's new Tinted Lip Conditioner in Pink Fish from the Hello Kitty collection was slicked onto lips. Skin was primed with MAC Face and Body Foundation and Studio Sculpt Concealer. The result was a dewy, beautiful canvas. No blush was used ("too circus-y," said Victor), and lots of mascara was applied to the top and bottom lashes.

Hair was headed up by my FAVE backstage buddy Kevin Ryan for RSessions, but he was a bit busy this time, so I chatted up his business partner, fellow Philadelphian Frank Rizzieri who gave me the deets on the look. Using their Pin-up Girl Kit (see below for pics) to be sold at Ricky's, Kevin instituted a look based on Dr. Zhivago. The effect was very Breck Girl With a Bit of Hat Head, with a ponytail just on the brink of falling out. The elastic was pulled to the last three inches of hair. To achieve the look, hair was prepped with Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, teased along the crown, and then curled with a curling iron and secured into pincurls. A deep side part was created before the hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail.

Frank creates curls backstage

The pin-up girl kit! I will DEFINITELY be investing in one of these. That tiny, skinny-handled brush is absolutely ubiquitous backstage at Fashion Week. Why don't I have one?

Read my coverage of Tibi backstage in September 2008 and February 2008.

Image credit: Beauty Blogging Junkie
#NYFW

Fashion Week: BBJ Backstage at 3.1 Philip Lim

Ayako, International Makeup Director, NARS Cosmetics, was the lead makeup artist backstage for 3.1 Phillip Lim's Fall 2009 collection. The look? Wispy bottom lashes and translucent matte skin.

The Fall 2009 collection drew inspiration from the spirit of rock and roll, while the hair and makeup was created to emulate Tao Okamoto’s look, a Japanese model (pictured, left). Phillip wanted the makeup look to mirror Tao’s mod style with a touch of rock n’ roll. With this in mind, Ayako created a look centered around “poetic mod-rock.” "It's very... girlfriend of Mick Jagger," Ayako reported.

False lashes were placed on the outer half of the bottom lash line and was the central focus of the look. For an exaggerated effect, matte charcoal shadow was used with a wet eyeliner brush to draw lashes beneath, as if to create a shadow effect. “This is the poetic part of the look,” said Ayako. Shimmering pink and gold shadows covered the lids, while the lips were muted with concealer. Skin was made flawless with the newly formulated sheer matte foundation (NEW for Fall 2009) to counteract the sleepy look of the lengthy bottom lashes. A gentle sweep of shimmer was added to cheekbones to catch the light.

Here's how to recreate the look:

Face

Apply NARS Concealer generously, to cover any imperfections

Use a small amount of NARS Sheer Matte Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009) to create even, beautiful skin

With NARS Yachiyo Brush, dust NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bombshell (a glimmering SILVER--can you believe? That Ayako is a MAGICIAN) from apple of cheeks up to temples for a light shimmer without pigment

Eyes

Line lower lashes with NARS Glittler Pencil in Danceteria

Smudge with finger to bring out gold shine

Use NARS Eye Contour Brush to layer rose gold with golden flecks side of NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Silk Road (NEW for Fall 2009) over Danceteria

Apply frosted champagne side of NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Indian Summer (NEW for Fall 2009) over entire lid, blending up to brow

Cut a set of false eyelashes in half and apply to outer half of lower lash line

Apply NARS Larger than Life Volumizing Mascara (NEW for Fall 2009) to lower lashes

Wet NARS Liquid Eyeliner Brush and apply matte charcoal side of NARS Duo Eyeshadow in BrumesNEW for Fall 2009), drawing lash shadows on outer half of lower lash line (

Lips

Apply a generous amount of NARS Concelear to entire lip

The fabulous Odile Gilbert led the hair team backstage at 3.1 Phillip Lim. NARS' PR Directrice Julia (A.K.A. my college roommate), who's French, introduced me to Odile (also French) en Français. I majored in French, dolls, but conducting a backstage interview using a lexicon I have limited knowledge of (my French lexicon is very in depth when it comes to analyzing literature and film - my French beauty lexicon is embarassingly small) especially in such a loud area was just not happening. Let's just say the French part of the interview lasted, appropriately enough, about 3.1 minutes. Odile told me that the models were wearing very dark brown/almost black wigs made of real hair. She cut them into a bowl-cut à la Diff'rent Strokes' Sam McKinney.

When I asked if she'd applied product to the wigs, she looked at me in a most apropos "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" manner. Italo Gregario did it backstage at Betsey Johnson last season! And on synthetic wigs, no less. But anywho, Odile confirmed that there was no product involved with this look.

Ayako's dog gin-gin, named after NARS Concealer in Ginger, took a snooze on a chair whilst his mistress tended to her biz.

Can't get enough of Ayako's makeup talent? Read my coverage of the look she designed for Tibi's Fall 2008 collection last year here. Check the look Odile created for 3.1 Phillip Lim's Spring 2009 collection last season here.

Stay tuned for Marchesa and Tibi backstage coverage!

Image credit: Beauty Blogging Junkie
#NYFW

Fashion Week: BBJ Backstage at Chris Benz

Hair at Chris Benz was GORGEOUS... but highly complicated.

"Is this math?" I asked REDKEN lead stylist John Ruidant when he explained how he achieved the highly intricate, very complicated look he designed based on an uptown girl in the late '70s/early '80s headed downtown for a night on the town. I haven't been this confused since my mandatory Calc class I took my freshman year at BU.

And I KNOW from hair, girls. But even the most copious notes didn't allow for a good step-by-step how-to on this one. I'll put in a request to REDKEN for deets for that. Stay tuned. I do think it's lovely, however difficult it may be for a lay(wo)man to pull off at home. I can tell you that it incorporated REDKEN Hot Sets 22, REDKEN Fabricate, REDKEN Workforce Hairspray and a lot of backcombing.

The best part is that all the while, John is explaining this 'do (which just SOUNDS so hard to do), he's actually DOING the 'do, I'm assuming, under pretty high pressure. And he's ALWAYS cool as a cucumber. Every time I interview him. I'm not unconvinced that he's not actually at the tents. I think he's actually in Tahiti and is mentally projecting himself at New York Fashion Week in hologram form or something. Like Al from Quantum Leap. I've never seen anything like it.

Daniel Martin, Lancome makeup artist interpreted the "uptown girl gone downtown to a danceteria" vision using Lancome cosmetics. Complexions were intended to look blown out, as they do when photographed by a polaroid camera. To achieve this look, Daniel used powder and foundation two shades lighter than the models' own skin tone. Eyes were enhanced with three colors: Lancome Cream Liner in Indigo (smudged on with fingers), Lancome Eye Shadow in The New Black, and famed Lancome Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black for a "slept in" effect. Tons of Lancome Hypnose Mascara was used on both top and bottom lashes. Lips were a matte beige that mixed Lancome Cream Blush in Chic Cassis applied with fingertips with Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Lipstick in Beige Cashmere.




Deborah Lippman headed up the nail team on staff backstage at Chris Benz. Three colors were incorporated, reflecting the primary color focus of Chris' collection. The not-yet-named Lancome shades used are an electric blue with shimmer, a temperate red, and a soft gold metallic. "The red is not warm, but not cool," Deborah explained.



The back of John's hair concept.


















A close-up of the "danceteria eye."


Image credit: Beauty Blogging Junkie

#NYFW

Stay tuned for my coverage of the Chris Benz presentation!

François Nars Leads Makeup Team at Marc Jacobs

After a ten-year hiatus, François Nars, founder and creative director of NARS Cosmetics, returned to the fashion runway by leading the makeup direction for Marc Jacobs’ Autumn/Winter 2009 show.

It included working with 65 models, and creating 65 different makeup looks. Check one of the many that I liked most pictured at left. I imagine REDKEN's Guido (lead stylist for hair for Marc Jacobs) had his work cut out for him with regard to the myriad of hair looks as well.

Nars’ unexpected return to fashion week can be attributed solely to Marc Jacobs. “We’ve known each other since the beginning so it was really fun to work with Marc again. I really love what he does,” said Nars.

TREND: Night clubbing – theatrical makeup – strong eyes, porcelain skin

Inspiration: The Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 collection paid homage to the New York night club scene of the 1970s and ‘80s. Drawing inspiration from these decades and the works of Sprouse, St. Laurent, and Halston, François Nars took into consideration each model’s individual beauty before creating a separate edgy look, reminiscent of the past but still very modern. "We are doing quite an eclectic look," he said. The inspiration for diversity came from Nars’ book XRAY. “[Marc] wanted to keep that feeling,” said Nars, “the variety of looks, the same way we do the campaigns for NARS.” Overall, it was important that each girl look beautiful, even with strong theatrical looks. Much like the fashion, Nars emphasized having fun with makeup for the coming year, despite the times we live in- “It’s a good antidote.” Francois, I like your attitude!

Strong eyes and bold color were a major theme. Black shadow laid the foundation for creating the dramatic eye, to which the artists added cobalt blues, deep greens, bright purples, reds, fuchsias, and glitter. See the photo of the various NARS colors used, left. “There is a wide variety of color,” said Nars, “it’s whatever looks good on the girl.” For many of the models, porcelain skin was a key component, allowing the black eyes and bright colors to pop.

“You want to play with makeup,” says Nars, “makeup is a great accessory - that is the message.”

Image credit: NARS Cosmetics

#NYFW