Red-hot hair color -- s2smagazine.com -- January 2011

When Rihanna first rocked her fiery red ‘do, we turned green with envy. “Rihanna's red is fun and definitely suiting for a performer,” said Aura Friedman, lead color ambassador for hair care brand Wella.

While the everyday gal may not perform in front of sold-out crowds, one might still want to rock bold red tresses like Ri-Ri.

If so, go for a more natural-looking version of Rihanna’s color. Aura suggests adding a shadow of a slightly darker or more natural red at the root. Then, make the ends slightly lighter or brighter to create dimension all over. “Even when creating a bright unnatural color, I still like to emulate nature,” said Aura, who has worked with M.I.A., Lady Gaga and up-and-coming female MC Rye Rye.

Work with your stylist and/or colorist to choose and achieve the right hue for you. Aura recommends that women with medium skin tones, like Zoe Saldana, accompany their red with rich chestnut roots, a hint of dark copper and paprika ends. Ebony skin tones like Alek Wek’s would look great in a true red, like a fiery orange-red or even a bright cool-toned red.

One thing to keep in mind is that reds are known to fade faster than other colors. To deter fading, don’t wash your hair as often, use a cool rinse on your hair at the end of your showers and only use shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair.

While we’re loving Rihanna’s hair right now, we cannot wait to see what the beauty trendsetter has up her sleeve for her next look.

Get the Look: Metallic Nails -- Jonesmag.com

Dreaming of metallic nails for the holidays, but the current budget doesn’t allow for a Minx manicure? A great alternative is the Fashion Diva Chrome Nails by Broadway Nails. The silver and zebra print gives you a stylishly eclectic look, while the $5.99 price tag leaves you with plenty of money for holiday shopping.

A Broadway glue-on nails manicure will last for up to 7 days, and when you want them off simply soak them in acetone so you won’t damage your natural nails. They even come in short or medium lengths for those who dare to partake in the longer nail trend like Rihanna. For those who pause at the thought of press-ons, don't knock 'em until you've tried 'em!


Available at major drugstores nationwide or beautyonlinesupply.com.

Gross Anatomy: Lance Gross -- Honeymag.com -- March 2010

As a promising young actor dripping with sexiness, we’d say get forward to seeing a lot more of Lance Gross, especially on the big screen. Better known as Calvin on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Lance has already won the hearts of many with his humble demeanor and his seemingly wholesome image. He just received his third NAACP award for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, and now Gross is reaching even more hearts in Our Family Wedding.

Starring opposite to America Ferrera, Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia, Lance plays Marcus Boyd, a striking piece of man-goodness engaged to Lucia (Ferrrera). The hilariously comical culture clash between their families makes it harder for them to get married than they anticipated.

Honey asks Gross about his budding career, his penchant for tweeting his horoscope and why real-life Our Family Wedding moments aren’t an issue in his engagement to Eva Marcille.

Honey Magazine: So, you studied acting at Howard University. Is that when acting began for you?
Lance Gross: I always knew I wanted to do it. Ever since I was a kid I was always fascinated with how actors could bring characters to life and how actors play different characters. I was always intrigued by Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn and Denzel Washington, people like that, but I grew up as a very shy kid, so I had to break out of that shyness. It really didn’t happen for me until college. So that was definitely when I made the decision that this is something I do want to pursue.

How did college help you break out?
It was just more about me being on my own and me being independent. I was kind of forced to interact with people, so that was an easy way to break me out of it. I went to school on a full track and field scholarship. Going into college, I wanted to major in theater, but my coach told me I would have to pick one of the two, either major in theater or run track [because of conflicting schedules]. Of course I chose to have school paid for and run track, but all through college I felt like I made the wrong choice. That’s when I decided to minor in acting, and then when I graduated I was going to give up track and pursue my dream of acting.

If given the chance, what would be your ideal role to play?
I would love to play Midnight from The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. If that is ever made into a film, that is the character I would love to play.
 
Read the rest here...

Cover Story with Supermodel/Actress/TV Host Donna Feldman -- ShyMagazine.com -- July 2009

When we say the word “hot,” we actually mean Israeli supermodel Donna Feldman. Where might you have seen her stunning face? How about campaigns for Christian Audigier swimwear, Justin Timberlake’s “Senorita” music video, GQ magazine, the NBC hit show “Deal or No Deal,” Adam Sandler’s "You Don’t Mess with the Zohan," and many, many others.

Currently, Donna can be seen co-hosting the Fox News show “Redeye” commenting on all that is worth commenting on. She just finished working for German lingerie client Quelle and she just won the 2009 Valsport America Model Search to be featured in their first ever North American Valsport Lifestyle ad campaign.

Growing up, Donna was extremely shy (her friends were surprised when she went into modeling) and in the beginning, she didn’t set out to be an actual model. When she was studying Fashion Marketing/Merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she thought a good way to network with designers was to be a fit model—“basically the human mannequin for clothing companies.” It then grew from that to print work, catalogs, magazines, TV, international campaigns, and more.

We got the chance to chat with Donna and find out more about the beauty and her beauty within.

What do you think makes you stand out in the modeling world?
I am certainly the curvier, more feminine and natural-type model compared to many in the modeling world. I get hired as more of a personality and as a real woman rather than just another stick thin alien-looking type girl.

Have you ever been compared to any other models?
The 90’s supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri.

How did it feel to be picked as one of the hottest women in the world by Maxim and FHM magazines?
Very flattering and exciting of course.

What do you like most about working in television?
I like TiVo-ing it and watching it later with my family and laughing at myself! It’s always a fun time!

What are your hobbies?
Lately dancing has become a wonderful hobby of mine along with playing videogames, swimming, and makeup artistry.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have an American Staffordshire Terrier named Lucy.

Read the full article on Shymagazine.com here.

Hair Sugar...How'd You Get So Fly? -- Shymagazine.com -- May 2009

As the owner of Hair Sugar, a premium human hair retailer and blog, Sherri is a young entrepreneur with only bigger and better things ahead of her. The Gaithersburg native now lives between Atlanta and the DMV, and services clients in need of premium hair weave, namely Indian hair, nationwide.

“I’ve always been kind of obsessed with hair,” Sherri said when explaining how she got into the beauty business. With a background in public relations and digital marketing, along with a lifetime love of hair (she really wanted to be a hairstylist), starting Hair Sugar only made sense. And now, dollars, too! With Hair Sugar, Internet-surfers can obsess right a long with Sherri by reading the Hair Sugar blog, on which Sherri posts product reviews, event recaps, weave tutorials and more tips to “sweeten your hairstyle.”

Why create the blog?

“It’s not just about selling hair, but it’s also to provide people with a one-on-one person to talk to. Anyone who gets a weave for the first time, or any new hairstyle, usually has a thousand questions. Customer service is huge to me.”

What are some things you’d like to do in the future with Hair Sugar?

Eventually I have plans for Hair Sugar to give back to the community. There are a couple of different organizations out there, like Locks of Love, and Pantene has Beautiful Lengths. We would like to donate hair or money to those organizations to help women with cancer. I see the difference it makes in a person when they like their hair. And I can see the difference in a person when they’ve lost their hair. As much as we can help give that back to a person, through a wig or through money, I’d love to do that.

What are some of your fave beauty products?

I use a lot of different products and I review products that are good for weaves on the blog. My favorite hair product so far is BioSilk. Just about everything that they make is great for weaves because it doesn’t weigh it down. And if the budget doesn’t allow for that, Dove is excellent.

What celebrities are you loving right now?

I love Vanessa and Angela Simmons. They are such role models. I love Beyoncé. Whoever does her hair needs an award. Just the way she wears it…I know she wears lace fronts and that’s kind of a next step for Hair Sugar. But her colorist and weavologist are the bomb.

Visit www.Hair-Sugar.com to find out more information. Hair Sugar also has a presence on Twitter (@hairsugar), YouTube and Facebook.

Link to original story on Shymagazine.com

D.C.'s Hottest Bartenders -- Shymagazine.com -- April 2009

How would it feel to have the hottest bartender in D.C. make you a drink? You could surely find out by heading over to the third level of The Park at Fourteenth to seek out Matty and Yones behind the bar.


The two, with much talent and now many admirers, were just announced the winners of On Tap Magazine’s Hottest Bartender Competition, each garnering over 2,000 votes. Not ones to take things at just face value, we found out a little more about these hotties.

For someone who considers herself a tomboy, winning the title of hottest bartender really hasn’t even hit Matty yet. “It’s kind of ironic that I won this contest because I don’t even see myself like that,” she said. The Dominican/Peruvian beauty is a D.C. native and is currently a full-time student. Working on a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Marymount University and an Associates in Marketing at NOVA keeps Matty busy, but you won’t find her alseep behind the bar.

Born and raised in Izmir, Turkey, Yones came to America in 2001 on a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Illinois, acquiring a degree in International Politics. After that, the almighty internship brought Yones to the metro area. After realizing politics really wasn’t his thing, he got his second degree in Personal Training. He now services the D.C. metro area as a personal trainer. He got his start spending summers behind the bar at his uncle’s beach clubs back in Turkey.

What do you like about bartending?

Matty: The loud music, the people…just seeing people have fun. It’s an intense yet fun atmosphere. It’s such an exciting job. Everyday is going to be different.

Do you have any crazy bartending stories?

Yones: I have lots! Which one should I say? [Laughs]. Tip-wise, I had these two ladies. Basically, they had a $25 tab and but completed it as $600. I turned to them and said, “Miss, you put an extra zero by mistake.” They weren’t intoxicated, but they came to the bar a little buzzed, so after a couple of drinks, I thought they were mistaken. But she was like, “No, no, no. That’s your tip.”

What’s the best drink you make?

Yones: I make pretty good French Martinis. I make good Berry Blossoms, which is actually a signature drink at The Park.

Matty: I’ve been told my Patron Margaritas are really good.

Since you’re in the clubs, you probably hear the same songs all the time. Are there any songs that still get you hyped?

Yones: There are a bunch of them. The latest one that has been banging right now is “Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy. I like it. It has a good beat. Before that, we had “Put On” with Young Jeezy and the remix with Jay-Z.

Where do you like to go for fun?

Matty: Everywhere SHY is, I pretty much am.

Divine Nine -- SHYMagazine.com -- Sept. '08

Divine Nine

Stop on by Station 9


Station 9 Restaurant and Lounge has combined the history of its building and the international culture of the U Street neighborhood to bring you authentic contemporary American cuisine. Your only regret will be that you hadn’t been there sooner.

Back in 1912, 1438 U Street NW was the post office station for zone nine. Today, amidst U Street’s revitalization and diversification, 1438 is home to stand-out Station 9 Restaurant and Lounge. By fusing its building’s history and its current eclectic surroundings, Station 9 boasts a truly contemporary American menu with international flavor.

The décor of teal walls, complemented by black trimming and wood flooring, is clean cut, but just as inviting as a modern-day version of Grandma’s house. The ambiance is upscale with a casual feel, much like U Street itself. Co-owners Aymeric Saha and Samir Tazi recruited local artist David Rosenberg to design furnishings, like the spherical lighting fixtures made out of plastic cups.

Executive Chef Terrell “Chef T” Danley, two-time nominee for “Chef of the Year” by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, created the sundry Station 9 menu. Some of the sumptuous appetizers are Mama’s Salmon Cake served with a delicious dried pepper mayo and Braised Oxtail. “People are always intrigued by the Grilled Calamari,” said Saha. Frequently ordered main dishes are Big Bob’s Bass with roasted corn, Pan Seared Scallops with lemon potatoes, “U” Street Steak and Mama Laura’s Chicken. It’s real comfort food. You could call it soul food, but only in the sense that you’re eating food that’s comes from the heart.

The drinks have fun, P.O.-oriented names like Goin’ Postal (Jose Cuervo, Chambord, lime, ginger ale) and Special Delivery (Bombay gin, brewed and chilled Earl Grey tea, lemon). The menu prices are reasonable on the regular, so any time is a good time to stop by if you haven’t already.

A big favorite with the restaurant clientele is the big Sunday brunch buffet. Customers pile their plates at any (and all) of the four stations: customized omelets, hot stuff like seafood and fluffy pancakes, fruits and salads, pastries. An R&B and oldies mix of “feel good” music flows throughout the room. “People are shaking their heads all while they are eating. It’s a fun thing,” said Saha.

After dinner, sometimes you get that feeling that you just aren’t ready for the night to end, but you’re not quite sure where to go next. At Station 9, all you have to do is head upstairs to the lounge area, sometimes called The Lounge at Station 9. The entire area, the private booths and single tables are regularly requested for fundraisers, birthdays, corporate events and more.

To check out the menu or to get more information, visit www.Station9dc.com.

CP Style: Lauren Merkin is Workin' -- BeautyNewsNYC.com

Fashion-savvy city ladies (say that three times fast) are always looking for that statement bag that will get them stopped at least three times on the way to dinner and then even more in the restaurant. I don’t know anyone who can get enough of, “I just love your bag!” If you aren’t hearing these words enough, we have something for you: Lauren Merkin Handbags. Eye-catching fabrics and timeless designs are what make women fall in love at first sight.

Merkin is just as intrepid as her beloved handbags. In the summer of 2002, she found herself with an MBA, but without the creative job she craved, so she whipped out her Singer. After creating three bag styles and a portfolio of samples, she cold called buyers at top Manhattan boutiques and by the end of the spring of 2003 Lauren Merkin was one of Bergdorf’s best sellers.

Now, the collection includes day, evening and, most recently, cosmetic bags for all to flaunt and covet. Each shape has a name and personality of its own, which helps you decide what you’re really looking for. Need something bold and bright to punch up your outfit? Take Sadie with you. For the perfect evening accessory, take Caroline in raspberry. A day at the beach? Cassie is game.

Shop now at LaurenMerkin.com and for you’re next dinner, you’ll have to leave earlier to make time for all the compliments you’ll get on the way.

Published July 23, 2008 here in City Pulse on BeautyNewsNYC.com.

The Temptress Four Review -- Kiwibox.com

The Temptress Four

By Gaby Triana

HarperTeen

Four out of Five Kiwis

"Yo, Kill, All, Fee!" Sounds like an ancient Mayan sha-woman chant or something. But it's actually a group of four tight-knit chicas-- Yoli, Killian, Alma and Fiona. Before they get a tarot reading from the creepy Madame Fortuna (or as Alma would say, Fartuna), they had to say their "mantra," complete with hands piled in the middle of the circle of friends. Sounds cheesy, but that's what best friends do. And most of the time, the cheesiest moments are the most memorable.

The girls have just graduated from high school and are about to embark upon a week long Caribbean cruise on The Temptress. Fiona suggested the reading as a way to suppress thoughts that the girls would split ways after the trip, but the reading garnered even worse news.

"One of you will not come home..."

Gaby Triana, author of Backstage Pass and Cubanita, wonderfully weaved a story of four teenaged girls facing life-altering decisions into an excellent page-tuner, great for summer reading. The descriptions of beaches, beautiful sunsets, cute boys and bountiful cruise ship dinners had me on Priceline.com checking out the cruise deals by the end of the book.

One of the qualities I found engaging in The Temptress Four was the dialogue. It was lively, yet still natural. This may also be because I found so many similarities between the voice of the main character, Fiona, and my own. But she's so relatable, that I believe many other readers could as well. And if you don't, there are three more characters that cover all the bases.

There's Killian, the uber-hot one who gets all the guys; Alma, the dark one with a wicked sense of humor and an uncanny ability to know all; and last but not least, there's Yoli, the supposedly "good girl," who ends up surprising everyone. Even though the characters reminded me of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants lassies, it didn't make the book any less interesting to read.

Dyad Royale --- SHYmagazine.com

They’re living the life of luxury and you’re invited...

Champagne. Shrimp. Lobster tails. House party?

In the world of Dave and Ray, that would be a “yes.”

“People couldn’t believe we went to that level of extreme to make sure we built an atmosphere,” said David “Dave” Chandler, 26, of their very first event a house party thrown for friends and family back in 2003. “[Ray and I have] always had a taste for upscale entertainment.”

After Dave met Ray Hamilton, Jr., 28, through a mutual friend at Ray’s graduation party, they’ve been best friends and business partners ever since. Specializing in entertainment, marketing and event planning and promotions, these “lifestyle coordinators” (don’t call them just party promoters) strive for the beautiful, opulent and luxurious in life and bring those concepts to nightlife with Dave and Ray Ent.

Some people who know Dave, a native of the D.C. area, and Ray, who hails from Pittsburgh, might think them an odd pair, but their differences are what work for them. “Different personalities, but we live by the same principals,” said Dave. “The commonality is the pursuit of genuine luxury entertainment and beautiful attitudes,” he added. Their slogan: It’s a lifestyle.

“When you come to a Dave and Ray event, you feel like you are a star,” said Dave. “One of the key components to our start is that any party can be music, alcohol and people. But I think there are little details that you add to a party to make it a successful event. And that’s what we pride ourselves on,” Ray said.

Others are able to partake in this lifestyle at Pandora Thursday’s at Park, one of their many events, but only select others. This is a member’s only party, so if you ain’t on the list, you ain’t getting in.

Another branch of Dave & Ray Ent. is 1693 Luxury Entertainment Group, named for the year Dom Perignon invented the world’s first and most luxurious champagne. Every four to six weeks, 1693, who along with Dave & Ray is comprised of TEAMBBC, IDC, and Talk of DC, put together a one-of-a-kind events that bring out people, from congressmen to NBA draft picks, dressed to the T to the swanky Todd English’s Olives on K Street.

“A lot of people take time for granted and we want the time that you spend at one of our events to feel as if you experienced something. After leaving, you wish it hadn’t been over and that you could get stuck in that moment. It’s something akin to an art aficionado walking through an art gallery and losing track of time. That’s what we want it to be for nightlife entertainment. Where you’re here and you are engrossed and time stands still. [Pause.] That’s going to be our next party,” said Dave. History in the making.

Read the rest here.

Hotlanta Book Review -- Kiwibox.com

Hotlanta

By Denene Millner and Mitzi Miller

Point Publishers

Four out of Five Kiwis

Mirror Louis Vuitton bags, Chanel ballet flats and Saab convertibles. The Duke twins, Sydney and Lauren, live the fabulous life of an upper crust family in Atlanta’s Buckhead. Life couldn’t seem to be any better. But the girls’ lives take a turn in the opposite direction once family skeletons start sneaking out of the closet. Authors Denene Millner and Mitzi Miller weave a suspenseful whodunit story of Dior and deceit in Hotlanta.

Sydney dreams of the socialite life with her “perfect” boyfriend, Marcus, and attending an Ivy League school. Her days are filled with heading the Homecoming Benefit Gala committee, volunteering and her man. But suddenly, Marcus is acting strange. When she finds something that questions Marcus’ faithfulness, Sydney doesn’t know what to think.

Lauren, co-captain of the dance team and most sought after girl in school, has aspirations of being a music video model. But if her mother and step-father found out she went down to the rough West End to audition for the new Thug Heaven video, they would totally kill her. They would then put her another six feet into the ground if they knew she had a boyfriend, Jermaine, down there as well. Its getting hard for her to keep up the lies.

If all that drama isn’t enough, when the girls’ biological father gets out of prison, they start to see that their step-father, Altimus, isn’t really who he seems to be. Because the girls are so different, they don’t always see eye to eye, but these circumstances are showing them they just might have to put the differences aside to get through.

It’s the Gossip Girl of the south.

When reading this book, you might find yourself saying aloud, “Oh, no he didn’t!” So, be forewarned because it gets that juicy. It’s hard not to get sucked into the world Millner and Miller have created. At times, you’re sympathetic for Sydney and other times you want to give Lauren a good shake. All in all, it was a good read. And although this was the first teen novel for the co-authors, I can not wait for the second book of this three-part series, If You Only Knew, coming out in October.

David Evangelista Salon at Cornelia Day Resort -- BeautyNewsNYC.com -- April 2008

David Evangelista Salon at Cornelia Day Resort

Posted By Jan F. Lee

When I was younger, I rarely went to the salon to get my hair cut. Every several months or so, on a Saturday afternoon, I would head to my personal hairstylist/cousin’s apartment. She’d cut my hair, we’d talk, we’d laugh, her Yorkshire Terrier Toto (as in the Wizard of Oz) would bark uncontrollably at nothing and we’d laugh some more. I never thought I’d get a comparable feeling at a salon.

At the David Evangelista Salon at Cornelia Day Resort, I can say that I did. Stylist Patrick Ferrara gave me a fabulous haircut, made me laugh and I felt as though I was at a friend’s Soho loft, albeit it is overlooking 5th Avenue.

David Evangelista, an Emmy-nominated hairstylist, who contributes to CBS’s The Early Show and has worked for Frederic Fekkai and John Barrett, aimed to avoid “the intimidation factor” when designing the look of the salon. David felt that in these “monster salons” clients were shuffled around and felt lost. “ the client will feel like they’ve been taken care of, which is why the salons motto is “Style, Substance and Service,” said David.

It was uncanny how comfortable the intimate atmosphere, warm décor and friendly salon staff made me feel. There was not a scowl in sight! The fluorescent lighting was offset by soft table lamps at the communal station areas and the flood of sun light—great for seeing hair color in natural light noted Patrick—shining through the large windows. Then Beyoncé came on and I couldn’t help but bob my head!

The Salon opened last November. The collaboration between Evangelista and Cornelia is the first time a renowned hair stylist and a beauty expert joined forces to offer its clientele head-to-toe pampering in one prominent destination. Do you realize what that means? Even if you only visit the salon, you have access to the enchantingdare I say itlocker room, which looks more like a spa in itself, and other facilities, such as the Relaxation Library and the lovely rooftop garden.

As I got my hair washed, sitting in an Italian leather massage chair, I was offered a beverage and cookies. (Note: after 4pm, they offer champagne.) And If that isn’t enough, you can order food from the gourmet café upstairs during your services.

Before the cut, Patrick took note of my face shape and inquired about my daily hair routine and regular maintenance to better assess what cut would be best for me. He concluded that I should keep my length, but that we should “open me up” and add some layers, especially to the front.

Because I have naturally curly hair, but am currently wearing it blown-out, Patrick suggested that he straighten my hair with a wet/dry flat iron—a flat iron you can use on wet hair comprised with vents that help seal the cuticles and not burn the hair. The only product Patrick used on my hair was a little dab of Phyto 7 to finish. I couldn’t believe it. My hair looked healthy, shiny and had movement, which was exactly what the goal was.

Mission accomplished, minus Toto!

For more information, check out http://www.cornelia.com/.

Article printed from BeautyNewsNYC: http://www.beautynewsnyc.com/

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Book Review -- Kiwibox.com

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

By C.S. Lewis

HarperCollins Publishers

5 out of 5 kiwis!


If you loved The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, you’re sure to love the next installment, Prince Caspian, coming out in movie theatres May 16th. But I suggest you stop by the bookstore before heading to the theater. The beloved Narnia series by C.S. Lewis has sold over 100 million copies and been translated in 41 languages, which means its obviously good reading, and movie versions of books are famous for leaving out juicy plot details (see: Harry Potter).

Prince Caspian begins a year and a half after the Pevensies (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) had last left Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They are awaiting their train back to school at the train station, when Lucy feels a “magical tug.” Suddenly, they are all transported to a place they’ve never seen before that’s definitely no part of a train station or, for that matter, England.

After some surveying and an important discovery, they rescue a Red Dwarf named Trumpkin, who tells them the story of Caspian the Tenth, the true king of Narnia, and how the true Narnians have been in hiding since the rule of the Telmarines. Their ruler, King Miraz, is an evil, under-handed, mother-shut your mouth and Caspian’s uncle. But family meant nothing to him the moment Miraz had a son of his own to inherit the throne. Caspian had to flee because he found out Miraz was going to have him killed. The Pevensies help Caspian take Miraz down in Narnia’s civil war and restore him rightfully to his throne.

(Most of) the Narnian creatures are fun and will pull on your heart strings, especially mighty Reepicheep. Lewis created a world of characters that generations and generations will continue to enjoy. Its an easy read and a page turner. This edition of the book contains scenes of the movie, so you’ll get a sneak preview before the actual movie comes out.

VibeVixen.com -- May 2007

Peña Coolada

by: Jan Lee

You have three cookouts to roll through on Memorial Day weekend and you need to look especially fly.

Your outfits are still in shopping bags in your closet and now you need the perfect accessories to set them off. Look no further than the adorable adornments by Erika Peña for your outfit upgrade.

For her Spring/Summer Kika collection, Peña (who has custom-designed jewelry for Nicole Richie) used lightweight lucite coupled with beads, charms, vintage pieces and even gold vermeil chains for punky effect. Her jewelry designs aren't just gorgeous and trendy — they reflect her carefree Puerto Rican roots and edgy New York lifestyle and often incorporate religious figures and good luck charms.

If you're a baller on a budget, go for the Lucite pieces so you can rock the same one with all your looks. If your boo is treating, go ahead and grab one in every color. To care for your precious pieces, make sure to store them in a dry, cool jewelry box. If you stash it on your dashboard, the cute little owl on your Amparo necklace ($45) might end up looking like road kill. FYI: Lucite melts. If you have a larger Lucite piece, be careful to protect it from scratches because Lucite is relatively soft and unforgiving of rough surfaces.

Check out the entire collection at ErikaPeña.com and get some of your favorite pieces at shopintuition.com.

(Click on title to view story at the Vibevixen.com site.)

BeautyNewsNYC.com -- Skincare -- February 2008

Skin Care - It’s not just the department store or drugstore anymore...New York women now have more choices than ever!

By Jan F. Lee On 1st February 2008 In Skin Care For BeautyNewsNYC.com

Although we hate to admit it, so much so that we’ve added a French disguise to its pronunciation, sometimes we shop at Target (and we can‘t wait to see who’s the next Go line designer). There are the low prices and then there’s the recent foray into more upscale beauty brands. With the rise of luxury beauty awareness in their consumers, aka beauty junkies on a budget, mass retailers have started to collaborate with exclusive or high-end lines. Target was the first U.S. retailer to carry British sensation Boots No. 9.

But with the invasion, or, uh, rise of the Targets and Wal-Marts, we might be slowly losing connection with Mom and Pop stores around the corner in our neighborhoods. One might be mistaken to believe that in the near future, the only place you will be able to get your skincare essentials will be these humungo chain stores.

Stepping up to the plate, CVS/pharmacy (150 E. 42nd St., http://www.cvs.com/), America‘s largest retail pharmacy, opened its the newest, biggest and beauteous Manhattan store in Murray Hill this past October. “We like to say that we’re going beyond just selling beauty to ‘reinventing’ the way women experience beauty at the drugstore”, says Deb Armstrong of CVS. The beauty section is highly visible upon entering the store, which can be attributed to the illuminated shelving similar to department and boutique stores and there are knowledgeable beauty consultants roaming the area, ready with suggestions and armed with expertise. The store is open 24 hours and (coincidentally) exclusively stocks the 24.7 Skincare line– a new collection of high-tech skincare products that work “quickly to deliver instantaneous and visible results every day, every hour, every minute, all day long“ at prices ranging $19.99-$39.99. This type of product, dubbed “masstige” (a combination of “mass” and “prestige”) by beauty critics, gives consumers “high-tech, low hassle“ products.

Then there are the coveted brands that make us squeal with delight when we pull them out of our shopping bags that started out as the Mom and Pop around the corner way back when.
Kiehl’s (109 Third Avenue, http://www.%20kiehls.com/) began as The Brunswick Apotheke in 1851, serving “the citizens of the burgeoning Lower East Side medicinal herbs, unguents and concoctions mixed to family recipes as a small apothecary.” Kiehl’s sells strictly its own brand, but for the varietal sort, another old school apothecary that still carries its original moniker is C. O. Bigelow Chemists (414 6th Avenue, www.Bigelowchemists.com). The 168-year old West Village apothecary sells upscale skin, hair and fragrance products, “items that have stood the test of time, items that are designed to amuse, and some that are just plain good for you”. Its most popular brands being Diptyque, Geo F. Trumper and Kneipp to name a few, in addition its own very popular house brand. Only a NY store would make a Lip Shine that gives you minty fresh breath after that “everything” bagel!

And now for Mom and Pop’s “Mom and Pop” –the real neighborhood beauty destinations that have stood the test of time. That have stared down the big chains and said, “We offer something different.”

Clyde’s On Madison (926 Madison Avenue, http://www.%20clydesonline.com/) has been serving the UES with a skincare shopping experience that they just can’t resist once experienced. “We have very loyal clientele,“ says Diana Garcia, skincare specialist and beauty consultant of Clyde’s. According to Garcia, the top three reasons people shop there are 1) the salespersons are not pushy like department stores salespeople, 2) the privacy and 3) the individual attention you receive as a customer. If you want to go where everyone knows your name, they are open 365 days of the year. They carry a lot of high end spa lines from all over the world, suiting the international set. They are the only supplier of Carita in the U.S. and also sell the lines of local skincare specialists, such as Alaur Skin Solutions by Dr. Albert Lefkovits.

For you Chelsea Girls (and Boys), stop by New London Pharmacy (246 8th Avenue, Newlondonpharmacy.com). “Beauty.Luxury.Wellness.” is the motto at this apothecary that sells skincare products, including cosmaceuticals, and beyond. The pharmacists, including husband and wife owners Abby Mouzakitis-Fazio, R.Ph., and John Fazio, R.Ph., have a combined 83 years of clinical experience and a staff of well trained specialists who can assist you in over 8 languages.
Savon Orange Verte, their own unique soap, is hand crafted by one of the oldest French soap factories in the heart of Provence “using family methods of manufacture that have been handed down since the nineteenth century.” The lovely soap is “triple milled twice” and contains no artificial colorings or preservatives. You can also find Bioderma, Elnett, Embryolisse, Blue Drops or any other hard to find, but can’t live without products (and we hear if they don’t have it they will try to get it for you).

So we’re just a bunch of lucky spoiled girls who can have our pick, according to our mood or lifestyle. We can now go to the big retailer for that exclusive, but wallet friendly line, or have Mama Pharmacist search for that unknown little indie brand that we must must have! It comes down to the experience we want to leave with. Maybe we’ll share our beauty finds with our BFF or maybe we won’t!

Article printed from BeautyNewsNYC: http://www.beautynewsnyc.com
URL to article: http://www.beautynewsnyc.com/skin-care/skin-care-its-not-just-the-department-store-or-drugstore-anymore-new-york-women-now-have-more-choices-than-ever/