I am thankful for you all, and wherever you are, I wish you the best holiday.
During Thanksgiving dinner, an immense fog flooded Puget Sound. It looked like cotton candy floating on the water underneath a kaleidoscope sky. Our waiter had worked at the Space Needle for 25 years and only seen something like this three times!
Apparently Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, co-founders of the cutting-edge clothing line Rag & Bone, are geniuses at both design and diplomacy. They have a knack for saying what all girls want to hear—“The woman is always right!” That’s what they told me when I met them at an event.
When I asked about this season’s top looks, Marcus and David described those as the ones that ladies they see walking down the street put together for themselves. When it comes to styling, they believe women shouldn’t be told what to wear. Instead, every woman should use her own creativity to explore clothing combinations.
Rag & Bone is designed so that nothing specifically GOES together, but EVERYTHING can go together. Pieces are compatible without being matchy. The designers love it when women pick one feminine piece and build around that. They told me not to be afraid of pairing feminine with rugged and even incorporating items from the men’s department.
As you can see, this event, like Rag & Bone, was not run-of-the-mill. There were hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music and a fashion photo booth where party-goers could pose with their favorite looks.
Laura Mercier’s global makeup artist, Jeffrey Tasker, worked the fall trend show runway like he was the headliner at a comedy club. He got his groove on dancing, told jokes, and even demonstrated his lipstick technique on himself. But when it was time to do my makeover, he was down to business. He has the ideal balance of work and play, and he’s on top of his game when it comes to makeup tips.
Jeffrey is convinced that all women have beautiful features. Some of his favorite products for bringing them out are Laura’s skin perfecting water, eyelash curler, and caviar eye stick. The water hydrates your skin leaving you radiant. As Jeffrey explains, “Use this everywhere, if you know I’m saying!”
Curled lashes draw attention to your eyes, and Laura’s curler is pinch proof. I’m probably the biggest eyelash curler wuss, but I love hers.
Laura’s caviar eye stick can create a quick, hot smoky look. Here’s how it’s done: Start by using the stick on the inner upper rim (that’s underneath your eyelashes on the rim of your lid next to your eye). Then put some on your eyelid, and use a slanted puffy brush to work it back and forth from your lash line to mid-lid. The closer you get to your eyelashes, the less you smudge the product. Add mascara, brows and lips, and you’re ready to wow.
Here are the products Jeffrey used on me: Flawless Skin Perfecting Water Moisture Mist, Foundation Primer, Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, Eyelash Curler, Caviar Stick, and Rouge Nouveau Lip.
Jeffrey even gave me this gift. You may be able to get one at a Laura counter near you. Trend Show Gifts: Chic makeup bag that can double as a going out clutch, samples of Almond Coconut Milk Soufflé, Super Moisturizer, Tinted Moisturizer, and Two Eye Shadows.
The fall garden puts on its final show. John Keats poetically described this time as the “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”
Thank you to Janelle Irvine, the talented stylist from Mollie Michelle Salon, for doing my hair. She is a bohemian enchantress. There is no one better at this look!
Photos were taken by my dad at the Washington Park Arboretum, which showcases 230 acres of gorgeous plants from around the world.
Free People Lace Dress, Seasonal Whispers Bracelets, Jones New York Drop Earrings.
I entered the Kate Spade store because a dress in the window was calling my name. I couldn’t possibly have walked past without trying it on. But I made the mistake of thinking that I could only try on one dress.
After practically moving in, I found that Kate Spade is the perfect destination for the traveling girl. A key piece, like a dress, can be worn during the day with a business-appropriate belt and heels. When the sun sets and you’re ready for a glitzy evening on the town, just change those accessories to add sparkle and you’re ready to dazzle the night away.
And then there’s the Beau Bag, offered in different colors. Not only is it stylish and roomy, but this beau will never break your heart, and will accompany you anywhere, carry your necessities without questioning why two lipsticks are “necessities,” and never tire of seeing chick flicks:) Need I say more?!
Kate Spade’s collections are designed with coordinating hues and trims so that pieces can mix and match. This cuts down on the amount of clothes in your suitcase, leaving more room for trip finds.
Kate Spade Leopard Dress, Black Coat with Pink Liner, Pink-Based Beau Bag, Black Dress with Leopard Collar, Black-Based Beau Bag, Shoes, Belts, Jewelry.
I snuck my camera into this dressing room to snap these pics because it goes down in dressing room history as a prime contender for the cutest. I love Free People’s fashions. They combine feminine elements, like chiffon and ruffles, with strong accessories like jewelry made from something resembling warrior princess armor.
The day I put together this look, the store was hosting a fashion show with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Free People isn’t just a style haven─it’s Party Central!
Last week, I attended a fascinating seminar by Dr. Sarah Reichard, director of the famous UW Botanic Gardens, with its 10,000+ specimens. Sarah’s domain is rare-plant preservation. She travels the world making acquisitions as the guest of dignitaries in places the public rarely gets to go. Now you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join her in Cuba from February 20th through March 3rd for what she plans as her last tour there.
Sarah’s been visiting the cloistered island for several years and was even present for one of Castro’s five-to-seven hour speeches at Havana’s Plaza de Revolución. She’s witnessed firsthand how locals lacking supplies became creative with organic agriculture. The results were incredible.
If you accompanied Sarah, you would learn about horticulture in places like an immense orchid garden carved into beds of limestone, hike fascinating trails that few foreigners experience, meet natives of all stripes, dance and dine in diverse establishments from those frequented by the most humble Cubans, to private restaurants like La Guarida, which was featured in an Oscar-nominated film. You’ll also have the opportunity to leave gifts for struggling natives. To them, a piece of chocolate is like a piece of gold.
Most of those joining Sarah tend to be on the more mature end of the spectrum, let’s call it:) In other words, there probably won’t be many in their teens and twenties. But I’ve been a member of the Arboretum Foundation since I was sixteen, surrounded by plant experts in their forties and beyond. They’ve always given me a warm welcome. Plus Sarah is fun. She’s accustomed to having the younger ones dance their way through the tour and hit the hot spots. She loves it! And don’t worry. With Sarah, you’re safe. For more details, check out the tour’s site or email Sandy Schmidt at Schmidt@holbrooktravel.com
Butterfly wings inspired the pattern on this beautiful bustier. And when you wear the spicy little White House Black Market item on a hot date, you might just get more than butterfly kisses! The moment I put it on, I knew it was perfect for going out, but I was surprised when the stylist said I could throw on a sweater and wear the look in an artsy workplace, like the film industry.
Last time I checked, the words “bustier” and “workplace” didn’t go together unless you were in a business where strip poles were accessories! But I tried the woman’s suggestion and found she was right. The fact that you’re wearing a bustier to the office can be our little secret. And when the workday is done, discard the sweater and change the jewelry. Then you’ll be ready for a romantic date or night on the town.
White House Black Market Bustier (just went on sale), Slim Ponte Pant, Sweater (buy one, get 50% off another), Jewelry.
Here I am at a fall trend event hosted by Lawrence Zarian of Entertainment Tonight, and Cara Crowley, Vogue Market Stylist. For all you fashion-forward goddesses, I’ve condensed their key tips into the acronym FALL to make them easy to remember—Feathers, Accessories, Layers, and Loose Buns. Feathers will be huge this season. Have fun with them. Pair a feminine feather dress, with an edgy Moto jacket to create a hot, Chic Rock Star style. Bold accessories will be big, so you can take your daytime work ensemble into evening by adding a little night magic with jewelry. Layering clothes won’t just be a method of staying warm; it will be a fashion must. And once you perfect that trendy loose bun, you can wear it everywhere—even to set off a sophisticated cocktail dress. Lawrence and Cara were fabulous, and I hope to see them again.
Model on Left: Express Studded Jacket, Plaid Top, Crop Jean, Peep Toe Bootie.
Model on Right: Bebe Moto Jacket, Studded Feather Dress, Peep Toe Pump (similar).
I went from Toronto to a Vogue-sponsored trend show and learned hot tips from celebrity makeup artists like Lancôme’s Darais, who has made up the likes of Anne Hathaway. He went straight from the show to the Emmys, where he made up celebrities.
Darais divulged his mascara secrets before they hit Cosmo. Here are my favorites: For a sexier look, apply your second coat only to the outer lashes to open your eyes. Then before they dry, dust dark shimmer shadow onto your lashes. Darais promises, “Twinkling eyes get all the attention, and as long as a woman has a twinkle in her eyes…the men won’t notice anyone else.” Case closed!
For girls on the go with a short supply of time, Darias says that the key steps are lashes and brows. Doing them frames your face and makes you look polished in a minute.
At the trend show, I got the Définicils Mascara Set complete with makeup remover, an eyelash curler, travel-size mascara base and, of course, mascara. By purchasing the set you save almost $40. I added the brow pencil Le Crayon Poudre. It goes on fast enough to do complete brows at a stoplight. Just don’t tell the officers-of-the-law 🙂
I received the below gift set with a five-shadow and liner travel palette, lipstick, makeup remover, mascara and base, replenishing cream, eye cream, advanced skin corrector, and a blush that goes with a variety of looks. Wow, I feel like Christmas came early! If you ever get to see Darais at a trend show, don’t miss the opportunity to meet him and get his tips especially for you.
I just received notice that But I Do won Best Music Video in Toronto! The film is the true story of someone who read my book, The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men, and used it on her trip to Europe. Big thanks to Steve Veale (pictured), festival director, and the 92 volunteers who helped me make it. I’ve been thinking back to all the fun we had, and how much people sacrificed, and thought you might like to know a little about it. A good example was the ballroom scene. The owner of the club let us use it after hours. Just before filming began, the fiancé of one of the principal dancers was killed in an accident. During filming, another dancer had a fever of 102 and I was pushing through the pain of a torn muscle. When we were done, the dancer suffering the loss said there was no place he’d rather be and many others said they were sad to see it end. I feel so fortunate to have such amazing friends.
Here is a red carpet pic before I attended my But I Do screening. I took my camera and filmed the fun craziness that went down during my trip for you all to see! When I’m done editing the footage, I’ll post the video.
