Katherine Chloé Cahoon

What’s about the only place that you can find a throng of fashionable ladies early on a Saturday morning looking bright-eyed sans lattes-in-hand? That would be a cosmetic trend show.

And when Alex Chantecaille took the stage, the entire audience had their eyes glued on her. I bet you can see why. She’s intelligent, beautiful and full of information about Chantecaille’s 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio. Each piece represents an animal inhabiting the land, sea and air.

Chantecaille is known for both its excellent cosmetic products and contribution to the environment. After the trend show, I was excited to try out the palette for an event that evening.

First, I dusted the Butterfly all over my eyelid. It’s a luminous vanilla tone that makes the other hues in the trio pop. Next, I put a very small amount of the Sea Turtle copper in the crease of my eye. Then I used the Elephant aubergine as a liner.

I wanted my liner to be the statement, so I wetted my brush to intensify the color and went light on copper. But if you’d like the copper tone to shine through, punch it up. Chantecaille is all about using makeup to flatter your natural coloring.

With this palette, the tones are so complementary, it’s impossible to go wrong. So you can look stunning while helping to save animals. I loved seeing Alex again and catching up with her after the show.

Today, I’m sharing some advice for all of you navigating the road to lasting romance. And…let’s be real…true love isn’t always easy to find and maintain. These tips come from a couple who were happily married for about sixty years. They recently passed away, but for most of my life they were like grandparents to me. When the wife departed, her companion was so heartbroken that he joined her a week later. That’s true love.

When I asked them how they kept their love fresh, the wife admitted, “It didn’t come without effort.” And the husband explained, “Every day, we try to express at least one thing we’re grateful for that the other does. Sometimes couples assume that their companions know they love them, but the sentiment bears repeating.”

With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought this was the perfect advice. We should let our loved ones know that we are thankful for them not only on this holiday, but on every day.

And precede it with a high kick and a cartwheel! That’s Betsey Johnson. She was on Dancing with the Stars this season and showed that someone with decades of designing success can be humorous, lovable and willing to laugh off even a wardrobe malfunction in front of America. In anticipation of Thanksgiving, I’m wearing one of her harvest-colored creations.

I got this dress during my college days, but I still receive compliments on it. This proves that Betsey’s styles live on. Here you can see what she’s selling now.

I’m a sucker for all the holidays. There isn’t one that I don’t adore. So expect to see more holiday-inspired fashions this season.

This Travel Thursday post is about an American couple who traveled to Panama and back for love, and their Central American daughter who used her love of dance to overcome obstacles. Yiselina (Yise, pronounced “GC”) is living proof that happiness isn’t an outcome, it’s an outlook, and setbacks can be stepping stones to success. She and her parents have agreed to let me share their inspiring story with all of you to help others facing tough times. After all, none of us goes through life without roadblocks.

Yise, a member of Panama’s Embara Tribe, was adopted at the age of six-and-a-half. She had spent her life in a series of orphanages in her native land when her future parents received a picture of her with the sentence, Do you want her? That was all the information they had, but they fell in love with that little girl and her infectious smile. When they picked her up, they were stunned to see that she was the size of a three-year-old, enormously thin, and missing half her hair due to a fungus.

Yise was welcomed into her new home and immediately faced more challenges. She fought to become healthy while learning a new language, assimilating into a new culture, and entering school in an environment where all the students her age had started their educations long before she did.

She also had to learn trust. Yise had never experienced a stable life where she could remain with people she had grown to love and there was enough food to eat. For a few months, after each meal, she even took food back to her room in case there would be no more.

As Yise grew stronger, her parents introduced her to sports, but nothing appealed to her until she tried ballroom dancing. Then her love for dance helped her push through the rough patches of life. She let me film her and her partner doing some of their routines.

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Based on her experiences, Yise believes, “Everyone has something she can do well if she keeps trying.”

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Now when she faces a challenge, Yise reminds herself that, “Dance has taught me not to give up and that good things can come out of what seems to be bad.”

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Looking back, Yise recalls, “When I started dancing for myself, just for the joy of it, my dancing got better because I loved how it made me feel… I think just remembering this will help me through hard things that happen in the rest of my life. I now know that good can come from just about anything.”

That was a major turning point for Yise. Her schoolwork became easier, she began winning major titles at dance competitions, she received invitations to join more team dances, and she found the perfect partner, Derek. I got to know him while I was filming the two of them. He is talented and kind, with a gift for knowing the right balance between work and fun. I used him and Yise in this video that I was asked to make for National Dance Day. Now that you know the journey she has made, it will have deeper meaning for you.

I couldn’t be more proud of Yise. I first met this darling when she was adopted and have known her at every stage along the way. At first, we were all teaching her, but as you can see from this clip, she has taught me some steps.

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Dance, combined with her positive attitude and perseverance, has helped this girl overcome hardships against seemingly impossible odds.

Just because we’ve had a cold snap in many places doesn’t mean we have to say farewell to flowers outside until spring. I made a trip to my favorite nursery to pick out plants for my deck pots that will last all season. If you do up winter pots too, I suggest keeping some plant cloth on hand to protect them on especially frosty nights. This year, I bought some collapsible plant tents that are easy to store.

And I couldn’t resist slipping these cold-resistant mini roses into my cart. How many people can say they have roses that will be blooming in their garden when the snow falls? Well, now I can! If you get some, you should be able to keep those buds coming all winter by giving your plant rose food. The same remedy will work for many other winter-blooming plants.

For me, picking out plants is an event. I love considering the options and admiring all the blooms.

I grew up coming to this nursery.

When the owner saw me, he said, “You won’t be leaving anytime soon. Have some popcorn and hot chocolate.” He knows me well:)

And from the level of popcorn in this cart, it seems I wasn’t the only one going for a plant-picking break.

Last February, I posted a fishtail-braid hair tutorial. If you’ve never done this look and want to, check out those easy steps. In that post my braid included colored yarn, but without it, this hairstyle can be thrown together in a measly few minutes.

By happenstance, I discovered a frizz-fighting hair tip involving that braid. This picture was taken right after I was caught in a downpour. I was on my way to meet a friend for lunch. The look I was going for was shiny loose waves, but just walking from my car to the café turned my sleek hairstyle into a perfect imitation of Albert Einstein’s twin sister! Don’t get me wrong. The man was a genius. But that wasn’t exactly the look I was going for.

So I threw my hair into a fishtail braid. When I took it out, I was surprised to discover that my hair had returned to sleek loose curls. I’ve heard that throwing your hair in a bun for a while tames frizz, but I hadn’t realized it worked with a braid as well. I’ve used this trick several times now, so I thought Beauty Trend Tuesday was the perfect day to pass it along to all you girls on the go.

…in my opinion, is not physical attractiveness. This is not to be confused with physical attraction. As long as you are attracted to the person you’re dating, does it really matter if he is destined for the cover of GQ or someone who’s off the so-called hot list?! I have received quite a few emails from girls who are concerned that their friends don’t think their boyfriends match them in the looks department…but they’re happy. That’s what matters. There are so many critical elements that make up a good relationship…like love, respect, compatibility, passion, and trust.

On this issue, a friend of mine confided, “Whenever I see a beautiful girl with a guy who wouldn’t be considered handsome, I always think, There must be something extra special about him and she is lucky enough to have figured it out.” I love that sentiment.

Picture above by Leonid Afremov.

This dress just kept catching my eye. I walked past it three times before I could no longer resist its charm. If you’ve been reading my blog this week, you’ve seen that DVF has many beautiful designs this season, and this is one of my favorites. The fitted waist with the flair skirt adds a flirty quality to a very sophisticated fabric.

I paired the dress with a Halogen clutch, a Kendra Scott bracelet and Ivanka Trump heels that resemble Manolo Blahnik’s for a sliver of the cost.

This shoot was especially fun because my friend Kylee Alyssa, a talented photographer, took the pictures.

My usual photographer is a family member, or friends who – loveable as they may be – are used to clicking pics with the camera in one hand and a drink in the other:) My fallback is myself, with the help of a tripod and a timer.

My camera is about ready for a swan song, and likes to take its time cycling. When I met the Rag & Bone owner/designers, I had to explain that it was a bit finicky so we just had to hold our smiles for a few seconds…or 30. But who’s counting? What great sports they were!

So when Kylee said she’d take these pics, I was ecstatic. I’m in love with the work she did. She is not only artistic; she’s vivacious. The entire experience felt like a party as you can tell from the next shot.

We met so many friends while snapping pics. I hope to team up with Kylee again.

You might be wondering why this Travel Thursday is focusing on a fashion designer. It’s because her iconic wares are sold throughout the world, and you can find them at https://www.dvf.com/stores

It’s also because the journey to her first success, at about the age of 27, took her through several countries. Diane was born to wealthy parents in Brussels, educated in Switzerland, wed to an Austro-Italian prince, and initiated into the world of revolutionary fashion designers in New York, from the dining room of her Park Avenue apartment.

I featured her fashion show yesterday, for Wild Card Wednesday. The only thing missing from the event was Diane herself. After learning about her, I just had to bring her back. The Nordstrom exec who invited me has had the privilege of entertaining many top designers—but says that Diane stands out in the crowd as one of the most refreshingly genuine. She has an effulgent smile that lights up everyone’s day. And she pours as much heart and soul into greeting fans as she does into creating her designs. When small children want to say hi, she’s known to crouch down to their level and treat them with the same respect as socialites, celebrities, and world leaders.

At the age of 67, Diane has proven to be a woman of power with a mind of creative brilliance and a heart full of compassion.

Before attending a Nordstrom DVF show, I snapped this pic with the display and enjoyed some appetizers. Something I’ve learned about most fashion events is that they’re never complete without scrumptious food.

There was still a little time before the first model would work the runway, so I perused the fashions. We always hear about mingling with guests at a party, but at a fashion event, guests are more interested in mingling with merchandise:)

During the show, we had a phenomenal host who let us in on the DVF trends. So I’m passing on her insights, starting with the ballerina wrap. Diane has proven that this style isn’t reserved for the dance studio. She first came to the States carrying a suitcase full of flattering, sophisticated wrap dresses in 1974. That makes 2014 their 40th anniversary. Diane’s celebrating with many new wrap styles, including sweaters.

As the holiday party invites start rolling in, this long-sleeved shimmer gown can take you to any soirée in style.

And the same shimmer comes in more looks. Here’s a sweater paired with a pencil skirt. The color is listed as gold/black, but I’ve noticed that the hue can either take on a golden or dark sheen depending on the light.

For the show’s finale, these three stunners, respectively, showed off a fit-and-flair dress, a long gown in…what do you know?…a wrap silhouette, and a black jumpsuit. In case you haven’t noticed, jumpsuits are a big look this season, and Diane is jumping on bandwagon.

Later this week, I’ll be posting pictures wearing my favorite Diane creation to date. So get excited for Fashion Friday!

I have come a long ways in the art of the cat eye since Fatima, the acclaimed MAC celebrity stylist, taught me how. If you missed her fabulous advice, here’s a step-by-step tutorial with product links.

When I first met Fatima, my cat-eye skills were nonexistent…and it wasn’t for lack of effort. I was forever applying eyeliner and taking it off. One eye would always end up smudged, resembling a cat who had gotten a bit too feisty:) But thanks to Fatima and practice, I’ve honed my cat-eye regimen. The entire look now takes only five minutes with no touchups.

Generally, I like to do a subtle cat eye, but you can easily make this look more dramatic by extending the line, playing with thickness, and intensifying your eye shadow.

When applying the upper eyeliner (the part without the cat-eye wing) I find it easier to start from the inner eye and move outward while increasing thickness. I hardly even touch my brush to my inner eye, making the beginning strokes very thin. If I don’t, I find that the outer eye becomes so thick I end up with a raccoon effect…the opposite of the alluring cat eye I was going for.

With the holiday social swirl ahead, you should have lots of opportunities to use this tip.

I have some male sources willing to pass on dating insights so long as their identities remain anonymous. None of them want to be wining and dining a woman and have her read his mind because she read about him. We’ll call this crew, The Mystery Men. They are a direct contrast to guys I interview on my site who don’t care about letting out their secrets and their identities.

If you don’t want to make the first move in a romance, one of our Mystery Men clued me in to three ways a girl can let the object of her desire know she’d like him to kiss her. He assures me that if she follows any of these tips, he should get the message pronto.

Pop a Mint. Casually popping a mint in front of your date is like saying, “Okay, I’m ready for action.”

Lick Your Lips. Subtle is the key here. You’re just trying to do something to draw his attention to your mouth. Like any other flirting tip, if it’s overdone, the guy can think you’re strange.

Slow the Pace. As the evening winds down and the chemistry builds, slowly move closer and talk less. If he asks you a question, you might pause before responding or give a shorter answer. As this Mystery Man said, “Slowing the pace gives a guy more opportunities to kiss you.”

Last March, I snuck into this No Entrar zone in Cabo and filmed a little Instagram vid. I was wearing a fringed top, and predicted that fringe fashion was about to explode. Look who called it right?! Not like I’m gloating or anything;)

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Autumn styles have been fringe-tinged…in all pieces and price points. Here’s the 1-2-3 of this look…items in the $100, $200 and $300+ ranges. For cheaper options, H&M is ultra-reasonable.

1. In the $100 zone, Carolina Amato has fringe-adorned leather gloves, Riller & Fount flaunts a fringe-lined tunic, and thanks to Kenneth Jay Lane there’s even a fringe chain-necklace.

2. Bringing it in at around $200, the fringe alert begins with a full-on Michael Kors sheath, and is followed by a Fallon Jewelry necklace, and a Missoni scarf.

3. For those wanting a $300+ fringe flash, there’s a Velvet cashmere turtleneck, and dresses by both Haute Hippie and Kate Spade.

If you live in Seattle, or you’re planning a trip there, then you should know that being a Seattleite – if even for a few days – isn’t complete without seeing a Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) production. Director’s Choice, a perennial season favorite, opens tomorrow November 7th. The two ballerinas on this flyer are extraordinary dancers and exemplary people. I know that because I was honored to have danced with them when I trained with PNB.

Director’s Choice features four show-stopping pieces selected by Artistic Director, Peter Boal. Choreographer David Dawson portrays the intoxicating bliss of dance set to the music of Bach in A Million Kisses to my Skin. In contrast, Nacho Duato’s Rassemblement is a powerful portrayal of the yearning to escape oppression set to Haitian slave songs. Before After is a duet replicating another type of yearning—the tumult of the soul when love ends. The program’s world premiere is Debonair, by Justin Peck of the New York City Ballet. Its long, central pas de deux will leave the audience wondering whether they’ve witnessed a romance or a flirtation.

There are many fabulous dancers in this Company, but today I’m focusing on Lindsi Dec, the front lady in the above picture. She is one of the best dancers in the world, but if you met her she would never let on. She’s one of the most genuine people I’ve known.

I danced with Lindsi when I was about 13 and she was in the Professional Division. A visiting choreographer auditioned a number of dancers for a premiere. He took everyone into a studio at once and tested us without knowing what experience we had. I was among the youngest, but in one miraculous moment, he chose me as a soloist. I attributed his decision to too much wine at lunch:)

When he finished assembling his troupe and taught us the choreography, I was terrified! My role required an intricate, upside-down lift, and I hadn’t even begun pas de deux training. Normally, dancers start without having their feet leave the floor, much less being upside down soaring through the air.

Lindsi sensed my concern and immediately came to my rescue. She helped me with the moves, and enlisted other dancers to spot me. Because of her, I pulled off a role that was far above my level. I’ve watched Lindsi’s rise in the ballet world ever since. As she has, the caring side of her hasn’t changed.

Here’s a picture my dad snapped of me at PNB when I was a little older. He snuck outside and did it while I was in the studio taking barre.

So, if you’re able to attend Director’s Choice – or any PNB program – and see Lindsi dance, now you’ll know that she is a gem on and off the stage.

About once a week, my dad sends me a funny picture. But this week, I received two. Both of them were so adorable that I just had to share them. If you’re feeling like the weekend is still an eternity away, these will give you a mid-week pick-me-up.

Here’s a sure way to become the center of attention.

No need for a beach, a towel, and a sunny day. If you’re a cat lounging on a warm engine, it’s summer all year long!