The Clock Stops Here...

Monday, April 30, 2012

Unforgettable Nights

Unforgettable Nights

Unforgettable Nights 


Michelle Obama wore a version of this unforgettable Naeem Khan gown to the the White House Correspondent's Dinner on Saturday night.  I think some of her most successful dresses and ensembles are those that she collaborates with NK .

 There were many standouts, Charlize Theron, Elizabeth Banks, Kate Hudson (from the neck down), but of them all, I would have to say the "FLOTUS" was the fairest.

What did you think???


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Spa-tacular II: Equinox Greenwich

Equinox Greenwich Ct.
Mother's Day  is just around the corner.  I'm always surprised at how clueless men can be about what to buy their wives for MD.   For what's its worth, no man, currently married with children, has a way out of a gift.  The old, "but she's not my mother" has zero credibility.

IMO, (besides jewelry), one of the nicest gifts you can give or get is a gift certificate to a soothing and luxurious spa.  It really is a twofer; an opportunity to be pampered and the alone time to enjoy it.

When it comes to spas, I am as picky as they come.  I am only happy if it is immaculate, modern, luxe, supplied with cutting edge products and staffed with expertly trained aestheticians and masseuses.  Paradise has finally been found...

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Cheap and Cheerful Inspired by VB

Cheap and Cheerful Inspired by VB

 (Photo courtesy of Red Carpet Fashion Awards)


I am absolutely crazy about Victoria Beckham's style.  She has a knack for making very simple things look utterly chic.  It doesn't hurt that she is whippet thin.  VB is definitely her own best fashion Ambassador and makes it all look effortless, if when toting a tot.

Enviable!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Updating your L.B.D. This Season

 The powers that be at the website Womens Voices for Change, Dr. Patricia Allen and Style Editor Stacey Bewkes have been enjoying my Polyvore creations.  As such, they nicely asked me to create some vignettes for their Fashion Friday's column.  Here is a reprint:

About a month ago, we discovered that Fashion Friday friend Debbi O’Shea had started creating fabulous fashion vignettes on her site DivaDebbi. We thought it would be fun to invite her to create some for us, showing us ways to update for this spring season the little black dress we all have hanging in our closets. We will let Debbi explain her discovery. —Ed.

I recently stumbled upon Polyvore, a website that allows users to create and share their fashion whims with like-minded fashionistas. Not surprisingly, I’m addicted to creating outfits; it reminds me of my favorite pastime Colorforms from years past.

For the three occasions outlined, below, I chose a classic Moschino Cheap & Chic cotton crepe “Pencil” dress ($495 at Stylebop.com). This dress’s elegant style, weight, and price point was a perfect foil for different style options

Black-Tie Wedding: Unless the bride specifically requests a certain style, I would be much happier adding this spectacular lace Valentino coat to my wardrobe than another gown to hang idly in my closet. I loved the jolt the ruby satin shoes add. Makeup, too, should be thought of as an accessory. A red lip would be a must, “paired” with the earrings.



Thursday, April 26, 2012

Review: Neutrogena's Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads

$6.99- $9.99 (apparently, depending on the rent per square foot of your local drugstore)
(I just want to first put out there, that I am getting a wee cranky about seeing every product I buy priced at least 30% less on the manufacturers website or at retailers in other geographic locations.  NO FAIR.)

I am in search of a great eye makeup remover.  I was hopeful that I would find it in Neutrogena's New Extra Gentle Makeup Remover Pads.  


I am still in search of a great eye makeup remover.
I would rate them a 7.0  Here's what I liked:

Sonia Kashuk: Is Perfecting Luminous Foundation Perfect?

Sonia Kushak Perfecting
Luminous Foundation
Target Stores
I try not to visit Target all that often...It's not that I don't like Target--I love it, but something happens when I enter one.  It's like Alice slipping down the rabbit hole.  Once I'm in, there is no telling when I'm coming out.

All of my senses are overwhelmed as I weave my red cart, in a daze from aisle to aisle.  Naturally, I make a long pit stop in the cosmetics area.  I want to like Sonia Kashuk's products.  I appreciate her palette choices, the sleek packaging and I could never quibble about the price points.

Maybe I've just been less than lucky with my previous picks.

I have decided, to try to avoid bronzing powder if possible.  I find it too drying and mattifying.  I also don't like to see powder settling into fine lines...bad enough to have them, why would I want to accentuate them by making them cocoa?

Hence, I have broken the cardinal foundation rule:  Never apply foundation that is darker than  your natural complexion.  The thing is I don't really know what my, "natural complexion" is anymore...

Because I use self tanner daily, I really do need to go at least 3 shades darker just to match my neck.  Did I dare purchase "Camel" the deepest of all the offerings?

Yes. I did.

Monday, April 23, 2012

To the max....

To the max....


Snakeskin belt








I thought J. Lo looked incredibly radiant, in this fluid, metallic, knife pleated Lanvin "maxi" skirt, a few weeks ago on "Idol".

This skirt is a timeless beauty...something I would treasure in my closet and never give away--If it was mine.

xox,
DD

Student Stars Strut Their Stuff for Breast Cancer Awareness

Co-President Oliva Cohen in Givenchy with a Nancy Gonzales clutch

Breast Cancer Alliance Jr. Committee Fashion Show and Fundraiser
Richards of Greenwich

Despite some students having attended their Sr. prom just hours before, neither rain or sleep deprivation, could keep these dedicated from modeling in the fundraiser they planned.  Four local High Schools came together as one, to raise money and awareness, to fund mammograms for the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven, CT.

The committee of 18, was lead by BCA Junior Presidents Olivia Brindak, Oliva Cohen, Alex Combias, Amanda Lyddane, Caroline Drennen, Caroline Johnson, John Mayberry, James Skinner and Jake Fields.

They girls looked absolutely dazzling, modeling dresses of their own choosing from Herve Leger, M. Missoni, Lanvin, Pucci, Michael Kors, Paula Ka, Yigal Azrouel.  The guys too, looked fashionable and handsome, in Zegna and Cucinelli, a far cry from the Varsity athletic gear they are frequently attired in.


Co-Chairs Dee Mayberry and Virginia Lyddane met with the students monthly to brainstorm  the event and silent auction and were on hand to make sure everything went seamlessly.

 BCA President Debbie Black, charmed and welcomed guests, many of whom were proud family members and friends.

 Event Co-Chair Dee Mayberry and BCA President Debbie Black
                                                                                 
As usual, Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, vice-president of marketing for Mitchells/Richards and his team did a fabulous job organizing the numerous behind the scenes details.

Andrew is also a member of the Breast Cancer Alliance advisory board. He will be instrumental in executing the annual Breast Cancer Alliance Luncheon Show at the Hyatt in October. At it's peak, there have been close to a thousand guests in attendance...no small task!

I had the privilege and pleasure of providing the commentary about each of the students, sharing a bit of their current interests and accomplishments, with descriptions of their bold, colorful choices.

                                                 Andrew-Mitchell Namdar, Debbi O'Shea
                                               
        
David Hennessey of Greenwich Time graciously covered the event. All photos are courtesy of The Greenwich Times as well.  Here are some excerpts from his front page article:

( Quoting Andrew-Namdar Mitchell):

The Breast Cancer Alliance is a cause that is "near and dear to our hearts," he added, saying that breast cancer awareness should not be confined to October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"This is a 365-day-a-year disease," he said.

Richards Personal Shopper and BCA committee member Debbi O'Shea told the audience Sunday morning that she is a 17-year breast cancer survivor.

Early detection and knowledge about the disease are crucial to fighting it, particularly for young people, she said, adding women as young as 19 are now being diagnosed with breast cancer.
"They never think it can happen to them, and it can," she said. "Know and discuss your family history with your mother and father."

Breast Cancer Alliance Board of Directors President Deborah G. Black said the junior committee, composed of students from Greenwich High School, Greenwich Academy, Brunswick and The Stanwich School, holds other events throughout the year, including a spinning, Zumba, and yoga fundraiser at Equinox in February, to raise awareness about the disease".

This is their big fundraiser," she said of Sunday's event. "St. Raphael really reaches out to the under served."Since the BCA's inception in 1996, the organization has provided more than $16 million in funding, and the junior committee plays a major role in BCA's visibility and impact in the community, Black said.
"Nothing can dampen their enthusiasm or our pride in them," she said.

Read more: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Teens-model-for-breast-cancer-awareness-3501441.php#ixzz1stZ4ZHYEBreast Cancer Alliance of Greenwich Fashion Show at Richards of Greenwich.


It may have rained outdoors, but inside Richards, it was all sunshine and smiles.

xox,
DD

Sunday, April 22, 2012

B.B.'s Are All The Buzz

Garnier's "B.B" Cream - Photo courtesy of Musings of a Muse
$12.99 


What prey tell is a B. B.???  B. B. stands for "Beauty Balm" a product that has proven to be be very popular in Europe and Asia.  B.B.'s are the ultimate time saving, multi-tasker, combining skin care, skin protection and a sprinkling of minerals to provide a hint of color and coverage, much like a tinted moisturizer does.. Conceptually brilliant...no?

I was first introduced to a B.B. when I sampled and reviewed Dr. Jart's Water Fuse Beauty Balm with SPF 25. I actually use this everyday, but there is just one caveat--I use it on my hands.  Dr. Jart's Water Fuse BB, unfortunately, only comes in one shade.  If I had to describe it, "grout" might come to mind.  I love how it plumps up my hands and I feel good about using SPF 25 on them, even on cloudy and rainy days. For someone who will spend her remaining days, "fake baking", this is just not something that works for me as a face product.  I look forward to the day they expand their shade offerings.

In the meanwhile, my dear friend and client Susan, who is a devoted DivaDebbi follower, was excited to tell me about how much she is enjoying Garnier's new Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector a.k.a B.B.  Garnier is the first company in the U.S. to produce a B.B. in the mass class.  When she told me it was available in two shades; Light/ Medium and Medium/Dark, I knew I'd be picking it up the latter on my next CVS run.

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