Neiman Marcus Fall Trend Event: Fashion & Beauty for Breakfast

Over the weekend, I was invited to Media Mavens and Mimosas at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria. Among a bevy of stylish writers and bloggers, we sat sipping on mimosas and dining in the NM Café on quiche and fruit salad, while we listened to department experts share the latest and greatest in fall trends. From the newest contemporary apparel to must-have accessories and makeup, it was an Instagram-ing fest. I mean, let’s be real: there were designer shoes on the breakfast table (which is totally appropriate for this type of occasion). Normally I try to hold on tight to summer, but thanks to a morning of soft fabrics, must-have prints and a bevy of makeup products, I’m ready to kiss summer goodbye and dive into fall.

On the menu this fall…

Mixed Greens: It’s like… a salad in your closet. Mixing forest greens, emerald, jade, and other hues in the green family is going to be my staple palette. PR maven Carrie plucked an Elizabeth & James dark green blazer and I am obsessed. Bye bye, savings account.
Leather Legs: This coming fall, it’s all about a second skin. I have a few pairs of basic leggings but it’s about time I add a leather-cut trouser to my wardrobe.
The New Neutral, Navy: A couple weeks ago, I thought about incorporating more navy into my wardrobe, but after Saturday, I came to the conclusion that it’s a necessity.
Digital Prints: It’s a digital revolution after all. If you’re closet holds more monotone and neutrals, time to make room for some pretty patterns.
Brooches, Loafers & The Statement Handbag: Sporting pins on jackets, blazers and dresses looks effortlessly chic. And as much as I love a good pump, there’s no denying a comfortable flat. And in my book, you can never have enough handbags. I’m all about structure, shape and size.

Cherry Lips: The beauty expert summed it up best: finding the perfect little black dress is almost as difficult as finding the perfect red lip. Luckily for me it was a bit easier. After answering correctly to a beauty pop quiz, I won myself this gorgeous YSL Beauty Rouge Glossy Stain.


NYFW: Backstage at Joy Cioci

Before going backstage at Joy Cioci, I have to admit, I was a little nervous. I’m a huge fan of NARS and I was thrilled to score an interview with Uzo, NARS international lead makeup stylist.

The chaos backstage is incredible. With all the makeup stylists, nail artists, hairstylists, media peeps, and models, all I could think was how in the world do they stay organized?!

The collection for Joy Cioci is posh and sophisticated (two words so many people use to describe Washington). “I wanted the makeup to mirror that vibe: sophisticated smoky taupe-y grey eyes with playful hints of sparkly nude-pink on the cheek and lips,” she says. The look was smoky with a fresh face.

NARS international lead makeup stylist Uzo in action

The secret? Black liner wasn’t used. Yes, you read that right. “We didn’t want to make it too deep and mysterious, we wanted to keep it fun and flirty.”

Uzo also dished about NARS’ newest product (coming this fall!). “Now we have ‘Undress Me Multiple,’ a pinky-beige with flecks of silver, a must-have for the makeup wardrobe,” she notes.

And voila! The final look:

A smoky fresh face, created by NARS.

The ingredients:

For the skin- Copacabana Illuminator, Orgasm Illuminator and Undress Me Multiple (coming out this fall)

For the eyes- Corfu single eyeshadow, Portobello Duo Eyeshadow, Key Largo Duo Eyeshadow, Cordura Duo Eyeshadow, Madison Ave Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

For the lips- Belle de Jour Sheer Lipstick, Madere Pure Matte Lipstick, Turkish Delight Lip Gloss

All NARS products are available here.

To achieve this look at home Uzo urges NARS girls to layer. “First and foremost, you need a cream shadow to place a powder shadow on top. Our eyeshadows are super easy to use when blending.”

Another new product for NARS, something I already know I need to get my hands on ASAP, is their Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer (think sun protection benefits, all natural ingredients derived from plants and island lagoons, sheer and soft to touch… OK, I could go on forever about this, so I’ll save that for a later post).

Joy Cioci F/W 2012

 

NYFW: Backstage Beauty at Mara Hoffman

The fall 2012 runway collection at Mara Hoffman showcased a bevy of cool prints, neutral colors, flowy dresses and draping. So it was no surprise that the make-up backstage was a perfect dewey/sun-kissed look to complement the collection.

Make Up For Ever artist, Lottie, drew inspiration from the 90s for the look. ”The girls are looking like they’re riding through the desert on horses,” she says. “They’re very drawn and sun-kissed.”

What I love about this look is that not only is it easy to do at home but works for all skin types. Dewey skin is in!

Model Jana with a "sun-kissed" look backstage at Mara Hoffman

Lottie says it’s easy to replicate at home. “A contour and a nice brown shimmer eyeshadow on the lid works great for a day look.”

The run down:

For the skin- Invisible Cover Foundation, Mat Bronze, Shine On Powder, and Microfinish Powder for the T-Zone area

For the eyes- Eye Shadow #17, Aqua Cream #14, a blend of Star Powders (#922, #930, #946), Metal Powder #2 (which will give eyes a metallic pop), Khol Pencil #9, Smoky Lash Mascara

For the brow- Brow Seal (for a simple and groomed brow)

For the lips- Glossy Full #10 (for a natural lip with some shine)

On the counter at Sephora, prices vary.