Hair and makeup of New York Fashion Week

Though it seems to be the couture shows that bring out the drama and flair in runway beauty, the Spring/Summer 2013 shows in New York gave us some lovely looks to feast our eyes on. Nothing was over-the-top; instead, makeup artists and hairstylists seemed to home in on highlighting natural beauty. If there was a dramatic element to be seen, usually it was focused on a single feature, and the rest flowed gracefully into a more natural domain.

1. Oscar de la Renta's dewy skin and candy-striped bouffants

To be honest, if someone had told me before the show that beautiful, decadent gowns would go hand-in-hand so well with streaked hair, I might have been reticent to think it would look good. But not only did it look good, I couldn't have imagined it any other way. The spark of pink in the hair provides a nice jolt and adds a cheeky touch to the opulent clothes.

(photo c/o Vogue)

(photo c/o Vogue)

2. Nina Skarra's"your-hair-but-better"

Usually, fashion week runway hairstyles fall into one of two groups: the first being the beautiful looks that are completely impractical and/or impossible to recreate on one's own and the second being looks that are...uninspiring, thus not prompting anyone to want to recreate them. Skarra's gentle, cascading waves don't look overdone, prompting me to try these styles out. (Alas, without a professional stylist with me...my waves will probably turn into krinky kinks.) I also like the fact that extensions weren't added to models' hair so as to create one uniform look. Instead, gentle waves were carried out regardless of length or hair type. So democratic.

(photo c/o Getty Images)

(photo c/o Getty Images)

3. Nomia's strong brows

To be honest, I almost always roll my eyes when the new beauty trend of the season turns out to be "strong, defined brows", because I feel that half of the population has strong, defined brows, in which case, the look will always be - regardless of "season" - part of the "in" crowd. But this show stood out to me because it seemed that the goal of creating intentionally uniform, dark brows was to enhance each model's eyes.

(photo c/o Getty Images)

4. Tory Burch's soft fishtail braids

I'll let you in on a secret. Nobody in my family knew how to braid hair, and as a kid I always longed for pretty braids like some of my friends had (looking at you, Jill). I think that I can find some Freudian theory as to why I am still attached to braids even in adulthood. Love 'em. Just recently learned how to braid my bangs and I almost made a cake for myself...I was that excited. And then these hairstylists at Tory Burch come along and make these braids that look sooo easy. Such teases, they are.

(photo c/o WWD)

5. The Row's elegant, yet slightly disheveled chignons

These chignons look like they've been loosened up after a day at the office or after a night of dancing. Either way, they are pretty and seem to indicate relaxed glamour.

(photo c/o Bella Sugar)

6. Marc Jacobs defined brows and Twiggy liner

There I go again with my "strong brow" infatuation. What has this season done to me? But really, the brows work so well with the mod, winged shadow and liner that these models are sporting. Francois Nars, the founder of the Nars cosmetics line, was in charge of the makeup, so it all makes sense as to why it was so perfect.

(photo c/o WWD)

7. Anna Sui's pastel manes

This (and Oscar de la Renta's) show is proof that the trend of My Little Pony-hued hair isn't  slowing down any time soon. Which, personally, I'm quite happy about because I'm obsessed over Kelly Osbourne's lilac 'do (Exhibit A). 

(photo c/o Fashion Rising)

Amazing brand Pinterest pages

Is there anyone in the wide world that hasn't spent a few days hours ahem, minutes on Pinterest, the online "inspiration board" that now serves as a way for people to share their likes, loves, wants, and needs with a slew of other viewers? Pinterest's claim to fame isn't just acting as a website to host users likes, but instead serves as a hybrid of sorts; one part magazine, one part forum, one part instruction manual. Pinterest's function is simply to inspire, which is does by connecting users who urge each other to expand their creative horizons. It is, after all, much easier to get started on a project - be it a clothing DIY or a recipe - when you see (via her pictures posted to her Pinterest board, of course) the success your best friend had with it, as opposed to seeing the project in the pages of Martha Stewart Living, where impossibly perfect projects scare away all but the most experienced crafters.

Brands have caught on to the amazing opportunities Pinterest presents for engaging with consumers. Some have expanded onto the site by pinning pictures of their upcoming releases (example: LOFT) while other brands prefer to pin photos that represent the way that they want their consumers to view them (example: Neiman Marcus) using their brand USP.

Pinterest, like Instagram, is about whetting the customer's whistle to buy or do. Whether it's by taking LOFT's approach and showcasing upcoming designs so as to increase excitement for a launch, or by surrounding consumers with images of what the brand "represents" so that said consumer will buy the product/service in an attempt to gain the same connotations associated with the brand.

Let's break Pinterest down by interests.
Are you a foodie? Why not check out Kraft, Rachael Ray Mag, America's Test Kitchen,
or Nestle?

Kraft

Rachael Ray Mag

America's Test Kitchen

Nestle Kitchens

Interested in magazines? Hop on over to Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, New Beauty, Details, or Womens Wear Daily.

Glamour

Harper's Bazaar

New Beauty

Details

WWD

Some stellar clothing brand pages: Topshop, Marc Jacobs, Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Todd Snyder.

Topshop

Marc Jacobs

Urban Outfitters

Free People

Todd Snyder

How about some beauty brands? Julep, Too Faced, Tarte, and Sephora make the goings-on within this industry very fun to watch.

Julep

Too Faced

Tarte

Sephora

Brands with amazing Instagram accounts

It seems the cat's out of the bag. This is my third post about Instagram, so it is safe to say that I'm a fan of the app. This particular social media platform is great for some brands, but can be near useless for others. Instagram is the photogenic hub for inspiration that comes from the frequently updated pictures that individual users can upload whenever. It's like the mobile, real-time version of Pinterest. And brands that have strong identities and that are able to communicate their brand valus to customers with a simple flash of the camera have done quite well for themselves. For a brand to do well on Instagram, it has to post pictures that inform or, more importantly, inspire its viewers. So even though Home Depot is an incredibly successful store, people aren't dying to scroll through filtered pictures of tractors and two-by-fours, knowwhatI'msaying? Not the ideal type of brand to utilize Instagram. On the other hand, bakeries, cosmetics companies, clothing companies, department stores and generally any entitity whose livelihood is based on the pleasure and "feel-goodness" that its customers gain when they use buy said brand's/store's products - these are the ones that Instagram is perfect for.

Some of the brands that are keeping their presences alive and well on the platform include:

@alice_olivia = alice + olivia by Stacy Bendet - Pretty, colorful pictures showcase the brand's "lovely and whimsical" USP always make me feel happy when I stumble upon the latest Instagram pics. Seriously, see below umbrella picture. Smiled, didn't you?

@rebeccaminkoff = Rebecca Minkoff - Minkoff's line of accessories would be alluring even without an Instagram account to showcase them every day, but the team behind this brand's social media presence cranks out great stuff that makes Minkoff stand our in the forefront of my mind. From the pithy, consistently updated Twitter account to the cheeky Instagram photos, viewers get the idea that those at the helm of this brand are both talented and genuine. And funny. See below photo.

@bcbgeneration = BCBGeneration - Provides an easy mix of down-to-earth, fun-having photos as well as pics that exude glamour and attitude. 

@marcjacobsintl = Marc Jacobs - I've always had the feeling that Marc Jacobs loves to push the envelope just to see how far people will go in their pursuit of fashion. I think that he has a tongue-in-cheek approach to life, taking nothing too seriously, but having fun all the same. The brand's Instagram serves as a perfect way to display images that support my theory.

@targetstyle = Target - Target secures it's place as the country's the foremost purveyor of chic-yet-inexpensive goods with these pics.

@henribendel = Henri Bendel - A store dedicated to providing its customers with decadent, gilt-edged, glitzy odds n' ends (purses, key fobs, jewelry) gives the same e-treatment via Instagram with photos of its in-store offerings and of pictures of NYC. (Side note: The holiday windows of its New York shop are beautiful, as is the holiday catalogue).

@topshop = Topshop - This British import has captured American hearts with its adorable, on-trend outfits and accessories that seem to be a fusion of the H&M, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and Target aesthetics.

@anthropologiecom = Anthropologie - Anthropologie, like J Crew, has mastered the art of "disinterested chic" AKA "I'm going to plan out my outfits so that they look crisp, tailored and on-trend, but by accident. Not like I meant to." And yet I'm hooked line and sinker by these pictures that always make me want to immediately be transported to wherever said pics are taken.

@narsissist = Nars - Using the same username for both the Twitter and Instagram accounts, @narssisist is one to follow as the short statements always leave me intrigued and the pictures never leave me wanting. The fact that Nars products are luxurious and last forever is wonderful in and of itself, but the behind-the-scenes pictures of the brand's artists, events and goodies are always a pleasant treat.

At the Vanity - New Makeup Lines and Collaborations

I love learning about new things going on in the beauty industry, and I'd probably be hard-pressed to find any beauty junkie that doesn't share that same avid interest. And though it always gives me a thrill when a well-known beauty brand releases a new product, nothing can upstage the moment when I hear about a completely new brand, new store or new collaboration in the works between companies. Why? Because a new brand, store or collaboration means A) more than just a single or few new pieces for me to peruse, as instead, there will be many and B) a completely new brand identity that could fill a niche in the market (examples: Benefit's retro-chic appeal or Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' intensely pigmented products filled gaps in the market).

 

 (photo c/o racked.com)

One such new line that I will be tracking obsessively as it nears its inception is Christian Louboutin Beauté, which is popular red-soled heel designer Christian Louboutin's foray into the beauty world. Though his beauty products won't start hitting shelves until 2013, we will no doubt start seeing promotional pictures and catching tidbits about the items that will be offered in the line (a red lipstick will undoubtedly make an appearance), shade names, possible spokespeople or models for campaigns, etc. I wonder if his go-to muse Dita Von Teese will be a top choice for said promotions campaign? The appeal of buying makeup from luxury brands that previously produced items for only one category (be it shoes, clothing, fragrance, etc.) is that we may not all be able to buy the expensive handbag or pair of sky-high stilettos the brand offers, but we can still buy a luxe, decoratively packaged lipstick or elegantly designed compact from the same line.

 

(photo c/o laduree.com)

The French macaron company Laduree announced a few months ago that it would soon be entering the beauty realm with its own makeup line, dubbed "Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée", according to New York Magazine. The brand is known for it's much-clamored-over, pastel-hued sweet eats, and the entire cosmetics line is packaged with the same touch of luxurious and romantic elements found in the sugary confections. The line was recently launched in Japan, so there are a few pictures here and there of some of the line's offerings - but not many - and almost no pricing information is available except that products will be expensive.
However, more pictures and information on pricing should trickle in closer to the date that the range will expand to the rest of Asia and the United States. Here is the Japanese version of the Laduree website where you can see photos of the highly coveted (and highly priced) products. My personal favorite new product is the cheek petal blush (as seen in the photo above), where an egg-shaped container holds blush powder pigment in the form of faux rose petals whereby you sweep your blush brush across the "petals" and then swipe the pigment across your cheek. And...I'm sold.

(photo c/o style.com)

As was announced early last month, designer Marc Jacobs will be collaborating with Sephora to create his own beauty label. This isn't Jacobs' first dabble in the beauty industry, as he already has an established line of fragrances - plus another perfume coming out in July - but it will be his first time delving into the makeup, as opposed to scent, end of the industry. I wonder if Marc Jacobs' brand will stand on its own and be able to expand beyond Sephora's walls at some point in time, or whether it will be a "Sephora Originals" brand, such as Charlotte Ronson and Tarina Tarantino, which means it will have an exclusive contract with the upscale beauty chain. I suppose only time will tell. I am very excited, because if Jacobs' plans to use the beauty aesthetic that he utilizes at his shows, I will be a very happy camper, as the makeup for his runways shows always look amazing.

(photo c/o english.visitkorea.or.kr)

A trendy, urban cosmetics store called Too Cool For School, which currently only has locations in South Korea and Indonesia, will be breaking ground for a New York City store this year, and I am pumped beyond belief. I first saw pictures of the Asian beauty boutique while I was reading Beauty Inc, a monthly magazine published by the creators of Women's Wear Daily, and from the few pictures shown, the store's vibe seems to be MAC-meets-artist's studo feel, as some of the product offerings include lipsticks packaged to look like crayons and tiny sketchable doll heads, faces and hands. In short, Too Cool For School looks like a place where my inner child and my grown-up cosmetic maven can unite.

Met Costume Institute Gala 2012 - "Shiaperelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations"

Yesterdat was The Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala. This year's theme was Shiaperelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, which spotlighted designers Elsa Shiaperelli and Miuccia Prada. According to The Met's website, the goal of pairing these two designers together was to highlight the similarities between their work despite the fact that they lived and worked in different periods in time and thus never corresponded or worked together. The term 'Impossible Conversations' is taken from a popular 1930s column published in Vanity Fair magazine that was titled 'Impossible Interviews'. In the 'Impossible Interviews' column, the author would compose the dialogue for a fictional conversation; what he imagined two illustrious people would have talked about had they ever actual met.
The exhibition - which contains eight themed sections - will be open to the public from May 10 - August 19, 2012. 

Some of the past Costume Institute Gala themes have included 2011's Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, 2010's American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity, 2009's The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion, 2008's Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, 2007's Poiret: King of Fashion and more. 

I excitedly ticked off the days leading up to this year's Met Gala because I couldn't wait to scroll through the photos of each celebrity's gown or tuxedo as they entered into the exhibition.  I am completely fine "oohing and aahing" and sometimes even "eewing" by myself over who's wearing what. At one point I hit the refresh button on my Twitter feed three times in a row to see the latest updates before I realized I was spazzing out.

Here are the looks that I felt were worn/styled to perfection. Sometimes at these illustrious events there are standout gowns that shine of their own merit; the celebrity simply acts as a model to better portray the gown's loveliness (like this Valentino gown from 2010). Other times it's not so much that I'm a fan of the outfit that a celebrity wore, but rather that I dig the confidence with which they carried it off (such as Florence Welch rocking Alexander McQueen). And yet still, at other times there can be a couple (either a romantic couple, or a designer-muse duo) that looked so great together that they could have been wearing paper bags and still have made it work (Gisele and Tom Brady at this year's Gala).

Some of my favorite looks from past Met Galas include Ashley Olsen wearing a tufted-sleeve Christian Dior dress in 2011, Camilla Belle wearing a vibrant red Jason Wu number in 2010, Christina Ricci's Ricardi Tisci Haute Couture Wonderwoman-esque gown from 2008 and Cameron Diaz's brilliant pairing of turquoise jewels with her magenta Dior by John Galliano multi-tiered gown in 2007.

Top four looks:

January Jones' bright yellow Versace gown and light blue jewels (photo c/o popsugar.com)

Karolina Kurkova's glittering gold Rachel Zoe dress and turban (photo c/o ibtimes.com)

I love the dress, but it does look quite a bit like the gold lame dress and turban combo that Kate Moss wore when she went as Marc Jacobs' date in 2009. But I've got to give Kurkova credit as she owned this look. It takes serious glamour to pose like this and not only get away with it, but make everyone else look silly for not doing the same.

Amy Adams' Giambattista Valli Haute Couture one-shouldered gold bow-cinched gown (photo c/o usweekly.com)

Diane Kruger's purple, feather-bedecked Prada gown (pohot c/o popsugar.com)

Other notable looks included Emma Stone looking adorable in a pleated, flower-covered Lanvin dress and Dianna Agron in a teal green Carolina Herrera gown.