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Advertorial: Get The Look From L.A.M.B S/S 2012 Created By Charlotte Willer

Sarah Conley — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:45:56 EDT

“The beauty look at L.A.M.B. is inspired by a trip to India,” said Maybelline's Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer. “A dark, dramatically lined eye is the focal point– a modern take on kohl.” To recreate the look Charlotte created for L.A.M.B. Spring/Summer 2012, she recommends the following:

Face:

Fit Me! Powder: Charlotte eliminated shine and created natural coverage with this pressed powder. She swept a second, slightly darker shade under the cheekbones to contour and create definition. Next, she applied Fit Me! Blush in Deep Rose to the apples of the cheeks, creating a soft glow.

Eyes:

Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil in Midnight Master: Charlotte created an exaggerated winged eye with this richly pigmented liner. She lined the outer half of the lid and the entire lower lash line. She extended the line out toward the edge of the temple and in toward the inner corner of the eye.

Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in Pink Persuasion: To add a slight shimmer, Charlotte used a liner brush to apply the dark grey shade over the eyeliner, on the outer corner of the eye.

Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil in Soft Black: A straight, strong brow framed the eye look. Charlotte filled in the area under the arch of the brow - creating a straight, dramatic shape.

Volum' Express Falsies: Charlotte finished the eyes with this extra matte, extremely black mascara.

Advertorial Series: CoverGirl Lip Perfection Fashion Week Challenge Finale

Sarah Conley — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:13:56 EDT

(Editor's Note: While CoverGirl is compensating me for my time to create this series, please know that all opinions and experiences are my own.)

Colors from left to right, clockwise: Hot, Delish, Tempt and Euphoria

I knew that I was a makeup whore - ie, someone who loved all different kinds of makeup, across categories and price points, but until I wore the same brand of lipsticks for 7 days straight, I never realized how fickle I am. I won't lie, it was pretty tough to stick with my Lip Perfection challenge, but I am please to announce that another lip product did not touch my lips during Fashion Week. (I chronicled most of the days on my Tumblr.)

Because of my new red hair and complexion, I chose to wear Hot, Delish, Darling, Sultry, Spellbound, Tempt and Euphoria for the challenge. These colors are from the Runway Collection, however the entire collection features 15 colors that complement a wide range of skin tones. I also paired a couple of the colors with Lip Perfection liners in Seduce and Passion.

What surprised me most about the challenge was that I didn't feel like I had to constantly reach into my bag for lip balm. With the exception of Sultry and Delish, the formula didn't need any additional moisturizers (I mixed a teensy bit of balm to keep the more nude colors from laying a bit too flat on my lips). Even more surprisingly, Hot and Tempt lasted dearly all day without needing to be reapplied. Those are some serious pigments!

After a bit of research, I learned why CoverGirl's Lip Perfection lipsticks are so different - the formula uses olive oil as an active moisturizer, plus white tea for it's anti-aging properties, a "butters complex" (ie, shea avocado and aloe) for that smooth finish and a silk protein that helps to improve the condition of your lips over time.

The Runway Collection, which I was focused on for this experiment, features 15 of Lip Perfection's expansive 44 shade collection. I know some of you ladies have had to try these lipsticks. Which shades are your favorite?

Fashion Week Redux: The Blonds Spring/Summer 2012, As Seen By Kimberley Williamson

Sarah Conley — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 08:45:38 EDT

If we're being honest, it'll be a cold day in hell before I miss a show from The Blonds. All the cool downtown kids put on their finest & come out to support the dynamic duo and every piece eventually ends up on some starlet (hello, Katy Perry). There's always some element of surprise that makes actually attending the show far more satisfying than simply reviewing photos afterwards.

This season's surprise? The Spring/Summer 20102 collection was sponsored by Playboy. With the series premiere of The Playboy Club in a matter of days, Phillipe & David tapped right into the heart of the zeitgeist. The collection featured beautiful bejeweled corsets and dresses, the brand's trademark, body conscious dresses, fur, hot pants and even a tribute to Jessica Rabbit.

Click through the gallery below for all images from the collection. Do you have any favorites?

Photos by Kimberley Williamson, exclusively for Style IT.

On The Plus Side: Outfit of the Day 9/9

Sarah Conley — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:16:34 EDT

Well....Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is back, along with tired feet, early mornings and not enough time to spend with friends from out of town. I always wish that I could do more, see more and write more, but hopefully this is a season where I'll actually be able to do all of the above, thanks to being super selective about what I agree to attend. Sometimes less truly is more!

Today's look was shot by Meredith from Retro Diva's Beauty (and my Patricia Field tote was graciously held by Paula of Older Girl Beauty) on our way back from visiting the Glambulance. If you don't follow either of these ladies on Twitter, you're definitely missing out.

This season, I'm trying to keep it relatively easy and definitely a little more casual than seasons past. I've been buying a lot of great pieces (especially skirts) that I love and they work so effortlessly in this weird middle ground between summer and fall. Now for the outfit details:

Neon cardigan: Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart (no longer available)

Tank: Old Navy (no longer available)

Skirt Old Navy

Shoes: Kathryn Kerrigan

Handbag: DKNY (similar available here)

Beauty Bite: CoverGirl, Pat McGrath & Jessica Stam Are Up To Something

Sarah Conley — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:01:18 EDT

Pat McGrath & Jessica Stam have been causing quite a stir on Twitter today, filming how-to videos and more, including collaboration news to be announced during New York fashion week. Pat has also been using NatureLuxe and TrueBlend foundations on set, with NatureLuxe and LashBlast mascaras.

There's no telling what this trio could be up to. Care to share any theories?

Fashion Week Redux: Sergio Davila Fall/Winter 2011

Sarah Conley — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:27 EST

One of my favorite things about Fashion Week is the opportunity to attend a show that you've never heard of before. These shows are generally held in smaller venues and while there may not be an overabundance of "fashion people" seated front row, they're usually a designer worth following. In the case of Sergio Davila, the venue was small, but the future looks bright.

In 2009, Davila was named as Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award for Best Menswear and in 2010, he was a nominee for Ecco Domani's Fashion Foundation. The show featured looks for men and women, with both exuding a casual cool. The menswear looks were strong and seemed to mirror Davila's own personal style.

The twin sisters of pop duo The Veronicas were perched front row, lending their support to the budding designer.

Official collection statement:

Sergio Davila’s Fall 2011 collection is “the style of the men from the Two Americas.”Davila has combined inspiration from his South American heritage intertwined with his life experiences in North America. In one collection, he shows the traditional, the Viceroy, the Gaucho, the all American Boy and the New Yorker.Sergio Davila achieves an intelligent and chic style that although conceived in the USA, employs the millenary techniques used in the Peruvian textiles and knitwear. His line of sophisticated sportswear utilizes touches of warm color, natural textiles, and earthy tones. Davila’s ultra-soft Peruvian fabrics, produced specially for this collection, include wool flannel, camel blend, and pima cotton.

Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards Redux: Song and Dance

Sarah Conley — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:03:25 EST

fashion20 on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

If you missed the Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards (and honestly, could you?!), take a gander at the reply of the red carpet live stream video (above). When I arrived, the lovely (and sneaky) Yuli asked me to host the live video feed. Who am I to say no to a friend? This video is quite long, but if you have 45 minutes to kill, grab a glass of wine and check out cameos from some of your favorite bloggers & internet personalities!

Fashion Week Redux: I Survived!

Sarah Conley — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:06:26 EST

Whew - looking back at the whirlwind that was New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 honestly gives me a headache (really, I have one right now!). I had the opportunity to see so many amazing pieces, fantastic makeup and meet really special people. Being backstage really is an opportunity to see the best, brightest and newest in beauty and fashion. Here are a few of my favorite things that I saw:

Incoco Dry Nail Appliques: A nail polish applique (think sticker, but actual polish) that has lasted 6 days (so far) with minimal chipping - and no peeling. So obsessed. A photo of my leopard print is here.
Ricky's No Frizz Combs: I met THE Ricky of Ricky's NYC (really - he's a real person!) backstage and he introduced me to his innovative No Frizz Combs. These combs have olive oil infused into the product that helps to eliminate frizz and smooth the hair shaft. Really - it works!
Speaking of Ricky's NYC, he also introduced me to new No-Crease Bow Clips that help to keep hair pulled back off your face, without adding the crease of normal clips. Usually the hair teams backstage use clips with tissues underneath to prevent clips, but lets be honest - who wants to see that?
Son Jung Wan: Gorgeous, gorgeous dresses. Any designer who can get Kristi Yamaguchi front row is seriously okay with me.
Starbucks Frappuccinos may not be great for getting my motor going first thing in the morning, but when you mix them with liquor - not so bad!
Side note: The cell reception at Lincoln Center? Truly abysmal. The newly revamped AOL Stylelist Press Lounge? A++!

The Seen: Jeremy Scott Fall/Winter 2011

Sarah Conley — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:55:08 EST

A look at Jeremy Scott for Swatch & Longchamp. That digital pill printed bag will be mine!

The Seen: Backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Sarah Conley — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:35:07 EST

Let's face it - Fashion Week can sometimes feel like a spinning wheel of brands paying an insane amount of money for seasonal media attention. However, getting up at 5am without coffee is generally impossible, so those of us making the hike to Lincoln Center have to rely on whichever coffee sponsor decides to sign on. Starbucks Frapuccinos have been with us for several seasons an while walking to the backstage entrances, I spied this massive palette of caffeine. America may run on Duncan, but for 14 days a year, fashion runs on Starbucks Frappuccinos.