While going through my closet I found I have more Nine West than I realized, including what I would consider a holiday stiletto toe with boa trim! Now is the time for you to get a little something for your stockinged feet. Nine West is 30% off through December 7th.
One of a handful of true haute couture houses left in the world, Christian Lacroix has been ordered today to close its custom dressmaking business in a restructuring plan. After 22 years of high profile business, an icon of the fashion world, the label was still unable to turn a profit. In 2008 the company rang up $45 million in sales, but lost $13.6 million. The company is now stripped down to 11 employees.
It is a sad time for the fashion industry, but one we could see coming. Gilles Montezin trained at the house of Lacroix and we discussed the imminent demise of haute couture this summer. Please click here to read the thoughts of this immensely talented artist and his views on where couture fashion is headed.
Lacroix will still operate licensed lines.
It was a beautiful time, and it was your time Mr. Lacroix! Do not let this keep you down for long.
***CHICAGO: MAC Cosmetics sponsored event 12/2/09 – Sushi & Drinks See Below***
Yes, yes. Tuesday was World Aids Day, but what does that mean?
For many of us, it was a day like any other. For those of us who have lost someone to Aids, every day we carry in our hearts the memories and love for people we’ve lost to this aggressive disease. Why single a day out? Because it calls us to act upon those memories toward a greater good.
Two easy ways you can help fundraise by barely lifting a finger yourself:
1) “Say Red” MIX & MINGLE: In Chicago? On Wednesday, December 2rd you can enjoy a FREE mixer put on in part by the fabulous Patrice of Afrobella. Fabulous Sushi and drinks, silent auctions and beauty swag bags surround this evening of Cocktails and Conversation. This is an Aids fundraiser for local organization Project Vida, and featured speaker is Emmy award winning activist Rae Lewis-Thornton.
Come on out, eat, drink, dish, and let’s call it a night on Aids.
2) PUCKER UP: MAC Cosmetics has a loooong history supporting Aids research. 100% of the purchase price for Viva Glam lipsticks ($14) go toward the MAC Aids Fund. Fergie is the most recent goddess for the campaign, and Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are selected for the next campaign, “From Our Lips”. Over $130 million have been raised since Viva Glam was started in 1994.
Lady Gaga for Elle Magazine will front MAC’s next Viva Glam campaign.
Makeup by billy b Hair by Syd Curry Photographer Tom Munro
I’ve known co-workers and acquaintances that have died at young ages, but the memory that saddens me the most is of a little girl named Happiness. Many years ago I had a chance to help build a children’s home in South Africa. Internet is not a dependable form of communication there, but after a long effort there was a reunion of sorts. The home was the first to house children that had been abandoned, and soon, Aids orphans. Happiness was one of the original children to be housed in the new building, and her name was fitting. For some reason she took a liking to me and would visit everyday. She had a blinding smile and was so lovely-I wanted to adopt her. She was one of the first people I asked about when reconnecting, and I was heartbroken to find out last year that she had died from Aids. Although the home helps children that have HIV and Aids, she contracted this later on. She was not the only one.
I still have her little entry in my book. She will always be in my heart, and I will always be thinking and praying for her children and remaining family. 
What can the rest of us do? Certainly there are the big, looming issues. Directly volunteering. Caring. Friending. But what if you can’t wrap yourself around that idea?
We should all do what we can. Two options benefit you directly and put the wheels in motion for the organizations and people that CAN work directly. If your job isn’t on the front lines, than support with pride!
On her romantic future: “In eight to 10 years, I want to have babies for my Dad to hold, grandkids. And I want to have a husband who loves and supports me, just the way anyone else does. I would never leave my career for a man right now, and I would never follow a man around.” Elle January 2010
Meanwhile, she’s treating us to the new knockout look. Lady Gaga looks fierce in the January Elle layout. Makeup billy b , Hair Syd Curry, Style Joe Zee
Mare is blessed as a natural red head, but feels she has always been on her own for ways to enhance her look. Her mom, a brunette, didn’t share the same coloring and wasn’t sure how to guide her. She wants to update her makeup but doesn’t know where to start.
Her second bit of motivation is her redheaded daughter. Nearing her teen years, a time when girls begin exploring the world of cosmetics, Mare worries that she might repeat history and won’t be able to guide her to the right color choices and applications. She very much wants to share some girlie time with her teen. Help is on the way!
There are redheads under those hats!
After viewing photos of her with and without makeup, first impressions made me think of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. This is a professional, quality makeup line that is full of natural tones with rich, but not wild, pops of color. It can be dressy and relaxed at the same time. There are so many variations of metals and colors that would work beautifully on a redhead! This line is also known for having excellent foundations and award winning concealers. The bonus is that it is available online as well as many store locations.
Mare currently buys from a line that markets to redheads only and asked if I had heard of them. I had not. Honestly, I don’t believe one has to be a redhead in order to provide/recommend makeup to a redhead. You do have to have an eye for color, and know what shades are flattering to your skin. Once you figure out what works for you, you’ve got freedom to explore and have fun.
I went directly to Bobbi Brown and asked what guidelines they would offer Mare. Here is what Manager of Artistry at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Kimberly Soane, recommended:
There are a multitude of items that fall in the range, and these are a few I suggest: Honeyglaze palette (above), Earth Metal Lip & Eye palette, Creamy Eye Pencil. Bobbi Brown also makes a great potted eyeliner.
This is just the tip for where to begin. Because she lives within the hour of a Bobbi Brown location, I’m hoping we’ll have a chance to have a makeover encounter one of these days.
Let us know how these guidelines work for you.
Thank you to Kimberly Soane!
