Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow Blush Duo

Despite claims to be long lasting, I still found I needed a midday touch up, but I'm OK, with one, instead of three or four.

This is my first Kevyn Aucoin purchase.  Kevyn, an extraordinarily talented makeup artist, who was devoted to enhancing women's natural beauty. At the tender age of 21, he was named Creative Director at Ultima 11, and launched The Nakeds, a groundbreaking concept at the time.  He collaborated frequently with photographer Steven Meisel on many Vogue covers. He launched his own brand in Kevyn Aucoin Beauty in 2001

Sadly, he died at 40, from liver toxicity. He had a brain tumor and his dependency on prescription painkillers and acetaminophen killed him. 

A gentle soul, he had many friends in the industry.  A book that reviewed his career, tips, techniques and celebrity interviews, Kevyn Aucoin: The Success, Struggles and Beauty Secrets of a Legendary Make-up Artist was publish posthumosly in 2003.

His makeup line, reflects the aesthetic always favored, soft, natural hues, to enhance the beauty he believed every woman had within her.  

Worthy then, worthy now...a true visionary.  Better late than never...

xox,
DD

Aw... Cut it Out....

Aw... Cut it Out.... by divadebbi featuring feather jewelry

Alexander Wang sleeveless dress, $1,295 / Gianvito Rossi beige shoes / Federica Rettore white bangle / Aurélie Bidermann feather jewelry / 

Cut outs are having a fashion moment...I like this Alexander Wang dress because it captures the spirit, without exposing copious amounts of midriff.  I have no objection to that look when it is age and figure appropriate, but one really has to ask ones self , if they might otherwise end up looking like a Real Housewife.

Of course this trend is also reflected in accessories, a safer, simpler way to be on point, instead of in display...

xox,
DD

Angelina Jolie Pitt: Woman to Woman

Angelina Jolie Pitt

I have thought a lot about Angelina's ovaries in the last two years...I know that sounds strange, but I have also worn her shoes and I have been worried about her.

Ever since this amazingly talented, remarkable woman publicly shared her familial breast and ovarian cancer history with the world and her decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy, I've wondered when she would address the bigger problem--her ovaries.

Angelina did not ignore the fact that they were her next hurdle.  The fact is, that since her mother died of ovarian cancer, an insidious, recurrent disease, (that is often almost symptomless until diagnosed in late stages), her ovaries were the bigger problem.

It was never a question of "if", but "when".

Fashion Flash

This week, Melanie of Society of Wellness is hosting Fashion Flash.  Our talented group of bloggers strive to bring you the best of fashion, beauty, health and wellness each week.  To read more, please click here.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

The Gift of Social Media Friendshps

For dear @divadebbi by emavera featuring magnolia home decor

Victoria Beckham fitted dress, $3,510 / Giorgio Armani cut-out shoes / Pier 1 Imports magnolia home decor / Valentino's New Flagship Opens Up At Fifth Avenue - Pursuitist


Sometimes, I'm just amazed at how my world has been enriched by the Internet and social media.  Yes, at times, I too tsk tsk about how much of our time is spent gazing into our palms when we could and should be more present in the moment.

That being said, I have also made scores of new friends and rekindled old friendships via Polyvore, Twitter, Facebook and more recently Instagram. 

My very talented friend Vera created this Polyvore set to celebrate my blogs 7th anniversary and so nicely, to honor my style.  I am deeply touched. (You can see more of her fabulous sets here.  The lovely "Emavera", as she is known, as over 55,000 followers!).

Maybe the goal should be to balance it all a bit better...remaining "unplugged" in the presence of friends, colleagues and family, yet still recognizing magical connections can and do happen in cyberspace.

I'll work on it...how about you?

xox,
DD

Friendship is the brightest gift!!!

Friendship is the brightest gift!!! by divadebbi featuring a white flower arrangement

Peter Pilotto silk top / Valentino silk poncho / Peter pilotto skirt / Gianvito Rossi d'orsay pumps, $515 / Green purse, $54 / Verdura jewelry / Stephen Webster 18k gold jewelry / Philip B body cleanser / Pier 1 Imports white flower arrangement

NY Chic

NY Chic by divadebbi featuring John-Richard

Equipment shirts blouse, $290 / Brunello Cucinelli leather coat, $2,790 / MaxMara white pants, $305 / Isabel Marant leather shoes, $710 / Anya Hindmarch leather purse, $1,485 / Chain necklace / John Richard home decor

Emma Stone- A Fashion A Lister, Risk Taker and Modern Style Icon

Emma Stone in Dolce and Gabanna
(BTW, WTF was the design duo thinking, recently denigrating surrogacy and in vitro fertilization???)

There are a few young Hollywood stars who consistently get it right on the Red Carpet; to wit, Emma Stone, Emmy Rossum, Taylor Swift and Shaliene Woodley.  One of the great things about not being aligned contractually with one fashion house, (like Jennifer Lawrence and Dior), is the opportunity to explore a variety of looks.

What I adore about all of these women's style, is that they appear effortlessly, confident in their own skin. Largely, I think because  they have an innate sense of their own best looks, they will not be dissuaded to wear clothes that don't resonate with them for the sake of trend.

Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector

Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector
$24

I came to the conclusion recently that I needed a more emollient under eye concealer.  The two I alternate between, Amazing and IT Concealer are both well regarded.  Since they are both heavily pigmented, very little product is required to get the job done.

As a result, both tubes are only half used, though they were purchased eons ago.  I can't be sure if the dryness I'm experiencing is actually my skin, due to this endlessly cold winter, or if the consistency is changing to due to age of the product.

Either way, it was time for something new and I simply got lucky when I chose to sample and purchase Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector...it's superb.

DivaDebbi turns 7!!!

I admit that I am always tickled when I hear that my men friends read DivaDebbi.  Peter Sachse, Macy's Chief for Innovation and Business Devlopment, is a regular, and I am deeply flattered that he finds it relevant.

Two of my friends at Equinox, John and is always trend savvy, stylish son Jack, were asking me just the other day, about my blog and how long I have been writing it....It dawned on my that I probably just hit my 7 year anniversary. Looking back through the archives (available on my front page, by month),  I started writing DivaDebbi in March 9th of 2007.

I'm probably only a hair more tech adept, but along the way, I have met fantastic people, including some powerhouse beauty and fashion bloggers, heard from readers all over the world, created new relationships with many PR, media and marketing partners, earned two Brand Ambassadorship's (RoC and La Peau Skincare), penned a fashion column for a year for WAG Magazine, attended fabulous events, stretched my brain muscles, slathered my face and body with every conceivable lotion and potion and caused my UPS delivery guy a aches and strains along the way.

Its all good and I am ever appreciative of all my loyal readers and partnerships If you will continue to read, I will continue to write.

I thought it would be fun to share my very first blog with you.  As friends have always told me, they "hear my voice" in my writing.  It was interesting for me to reflect on this post and experience the very same thing!

You're the best!

xox and my thanks,

DD

Just Getting Started....

O.K., I have no idea what I am doing yet, not even sure how I will find my own blog again, but gotta give this a whirl...I have been consistently obsessed with all things beauty and fashion related for the last 30 years or so. Happily I have dear friends who can attest to it and fabulous new friends and clients over the years who have all been on the receiving end of my blast emails about my latest discovery that must be purchased pronto. If you will read, I will write...

My first wrinkle creme was Dorothy Grey Night Creme. It came in a lavender jar and I purchased it at age 12. I think even then, it was marketed towards mature skin, but in the spirit of sooner than later, I slathered.

I googled Dorothy Grey and would you believe there are still some 5000 products out there??? I imagine they all have an inch or two of dust on them...scary.

I soon graduated onto pilfering my sister's Clinique 3 Step System nightly (which she will learn about first right here)....ooohhh that fabulous cucumber colored sliding soap dish....As I contemplated taking this on, I mentally went way back and remembered many of my early obsessions...

Yardley Lipsticks, in those adorable orange and pink striped tubes with black scrolls ( I actually found one on ebay)!, Love's Baby Soft and Fresh Lemon Perfumes, Misty Mocha and Misty Lilac Revlon nail polish, Karen Graham of Estee Lauder ad fame, Psssst dry shampoo, Sun In Highlighting spray, Calgon take me away....

So, if any of this rings a bell, I am the girl who thankfully gave up suntanning with Reynolds wrapped double album covers long before I hit my 20's and has learned a thing or two along the way.  I will share all that I try and scour reading, with you, my readers.

My business is fashion, so if you think I will resist writing about Stars on the Red Carpet, I couldn't possibly, not. I am nearly in hives waiting in anticipation of Stars who blow it, despite having the best designer offerings and stylists at their disposal...think Tilda Swinton accepting this year's Academy Award in a Hefty trash bag....

Tilda Swinton

So, I hope you will check in and if you like my blog, share it, put me in your favorites (I would, if I knew how)...

Dish with the Diva anytime....what were some of your earliest, fondest beauty memories and products???

xox,
DD

Glow Getters: A primer from Totalbeauty

Long time DivaDebbi readers know I am all about the glow.  I am also a TotalBeauty Blogger and a fan of their website, reviews and beauty editorials.  For me, it's a a daily must read.  One of today's features was on how to get and maintain glowing skin.

Naturally, I couldn't pass this up.

Basically, it all boils down to one thing; acids.  I have used glycolic pads and peels religiously on my face, neck and hands for the last 8 years, and routinely use Neutrogena's  Pink Grapefruit Body Wash, (actually intended for acne),  which contains salicylic acid, because our bodies are sadly neglected by cosmetics companies.

What I learned today is that there are actually other acids, and they are best used for specific skin types.

Who knew???

Kat Burki Hand Therapy: Your hands circa 2005

My "Girls" Holiday Lunch at the Delamar Hotel Greenwich

Back in December, I hosted a luncheon for a bunch of my favorite clients.  My "Girls", as I like to think of them, are my loyal lovelies, who have relied on me as their Personal Shopper/Stylist from the time our children were in diapers, to my most recent friend, who just relocated back to Greenwich.

Divine...all!

Sweetly, many arrived with hostess gifts, pour moi-unnecessary, of course...the point of the lunch was to offer my thanks to them.

One of the things I received was Kat Burki's Hand Therapy, a delectable cream, that I swear, has taken 10 years off my hands!  Apparently, I'm not the only one having a lovefest with it...W Magazine chose is as their "Best Hand Cream of 2014".

An impressive get, for sure.

Kat Burki Hand Therapy
$42

Lush Brows for Less

Maybelline Brow Drama
$7.99

I was in CVS today to exchange some AA batteries for AAA's that I bought in error...naturally, my visit did not end there.

I was completely out of Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (how does that happen, seemingly overnight, with all self sharpening products???) I still have plenty of A.B.H. Dip Brow Pomade left, but I thought it would be nice to have a product with a built in brush, so I could travel with it in my makeup bag.

Anastasia Beverly Hills is not inexpensive, but she is is the brow guru.  I came very late to daily brow grooming, so I reasoned  go for the best, since I had a lot of catching up to do.

I happened first upon Maybelline's Brow Drama, "Sculpting Brow Mascara". I like that it is described as a tinted gel "mousse" already envisioning pumped up brows and the Soft Brown, one of three shades, (Dark Blonde and Dark Brown additionally) looked like a good match.

Sold...

Cheap and Cheerful: EOS Lip Balm

EOS Lip Balms
3.29-4.99 at Ulta and Drug stores nationwide

.
No...these are not Easter Eggs, just cheekily packaged lip balms from EOS aka Evolution of Smooth.

Mine is Sweet Mint, and it resides on my bedside table.  Applying it, it my last beauty do, every night before I fall asleep.

I picked this up on a whim at CVS a few months back and I'm so glad I did.  Infused with vitamins, Shea butter, and antioxidants it's got all of the good stuff and none of the bad: petrolatum and parabens. It feels luxe, tastes delish and makes my lips feel plump and lush.

In the morning, my lips are perfectly primed for a day of my Holy Grail lip pencil, (MAC Soar) and my latest obsession, Pur Minerals Chateau Kisses Lip Plumping Gloss (a lovely hybrid between a stain and a gloss.)

Can you really ask for more for under $5 bucks???

I think not...

xox,
DD

Prepping

Prepping by divadebbi featuring cushioned shoes

Zara shirt / Moschino print skirt, $690 / Aquazzura cushioned shoes / Givenchy taupe handbag / Dominic Jones gold plated necklace, $355

Fashion Flash

This week, Mirabai Holland MFA, fitness guru, with dozens of videos to her acclaim and blogger, is hosting Fashion Flash.

Our group of bloggers receive over 500,000 pageviews by readers around the world each month. As always, our focus is on beauty, fashion and wellness for women over 40.  ICYMI, my post is about Christie Brinkley's newly launched skin care line...I'm still awaiting my samples!

Click here to read this weeks news from our circle of talent.

xox,
DD

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield
$65

I love a good multi-tasking product, don't you?  How many potions are we truly supposed to layer on our faces each morning...all before we have even applied makeup.

When my friends at Murad asked me if I would be interested in sampling one of their latest innovations, Invisible Perfecting Shield, combining 3 treatments in one, I leaped at the opportunity.  Invisiblur seamlessly combines an anti-aging treatment, primer and SPF 30 in one pump...another big plus???
The sunscreen technology is clear, no tell chalky residue.  

Hallelujah!

Anchors Aweigh

Anchors Aweigh by divadebbi featuring a vintage tin box

Rosetta Getty cotton turtleneck / Rebecca Taylor white crop jacket / Kenzo blue wide leg pants / Burberry platform ankle boots / Christian Dior leopard print handbag / Tom Ford mauve lipstick, $40 / Givenchy eyeliner / FOSSIL vintage tin box

Classic w/ a Twist

Classic w/ a Twist by divadebbi featuring yellow home decor

M Missoni yellow cardigan, $435 / Versace skirt, $500 / Gianvito Rossi suede shoes, $1,595 / Yves Saint Laurent leather bag / Monica Rich Kosann rose gold necklace / Oscar de la Renta clip on earrings / Tom ford lipstick, $40 / Eyeko liquid eyeliner / Ethan Allen yellow home decor

Fashion Flash

This week, Jodell Raymond, who write the Plus Size Blog, Black Cat Plus is our host for Fashion Flash.
As always, a clever group of bloggers seek to bring you relevant posts on fashion, style, beauty and health.

Click here to see what we couldn't wait to share this week.

xox,
DD

What Diva Wore 3/3/15

Dior "Tribal" earrings, VS& You headband (stretched by my seamstress to wear as a collar), Giorgio Armani Maryjanes, Victoria Beckham LBD

Tuesday, was the second year Richards hosted a fashion show exclusively devoted to handbags and shoes. The models boogied down the runway which was partially scrimmed, so all the audience can see is the handbags and shoes.

Anya Hindmach Tote with available to purchase separate "sticky" attached

The purpose of the event, was to kickoff the "Old Bags Luncheon", an annual event hosted by the Greenwich Y, to support Domestic Abuse.  Funds are raised by the generosity of donors and by auctioning both new and used handbags. It is a stellar, quintessential, Ladies who Lunch, luncheon and is already sold out with a long waiting list. Chaired this year by Alease Fisher and her stellar committee, I won't be a bit surprised if they break all previous records.

I chose to wear my newest LBD, a perfectly cut sheath, with a sleeve. by Victoria Beckham.  IMO, it is nearly impossible to put a sleeve on a dress and not have it lose its je ne sais quoi.  It's a mean feat, but VB does it better than anyone, because the fit is still long, lean and body conscious.

Spring Please!

Spring Please! by divadebbi featuring flower centerpieces

Oscar de la Renta fit flare dress, $1,340 / Gianvito rossi booties, $760 / Mulberry evening handbag / Pier 1 Imports flower centerpiece / Crate and Barrel artificial flower

A Girl's Girl

A Girl's Girl by divadebbi featuring artificial flowers

Topshop long sleeve crop top / Brunello Cucinelli mink jacket, $10,325 / Cédric Charlier brown pleated skirt, $880 / Manolo Blahnik sandals / Nina Ricci zip top tote bag / Irene Neuwirth rose gold jewelry / Verdura gold bangle / Elizabeth Arden lip treatment, $31 / Lux Art Silks artificial flower

Christie Brinkley's Authentic Skincare Collection

Christie Brinkley Age 61
2015

Talk about aging backwards!  Christie Brinkley, who was a "Supermodel" 2 decades before Cindy, Linda, Christie T. and Naomi made the term eponymous, continues to capture my awe with her radiant beauty at age 61.

Do I think Christie has brilliant, subtle plastic surgery, fillers and Botox are part of the equation?

Absolutely.

Don't agree?  "Oh grow up!!!", as the late, great Joan Rivers would say.  Neverthless, the tone and texture of her skin is seemingly flawless and now that she is smartly, launching her own skincare line, I am intrigued enough to want to try it (and have requested samples...Stay tuned.)

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Collection
Launching on HSN March 5th and Kohl's later this month

Here is a bit more information that was sent to me from my friends at Tractenberg PR: