American Express Fashion Week Online Network

American Express is launching a great new online TV portal to view all the goings on at Fashion Week including the runway shows, and interviews with designers, etc.

I love this , it's hard to ever get too see the shows, and this brings them right to your computer screen. I will be at the tents for several days next week, so I hope to get a look at this set up.

It should go live in the next day , in the meantime here's the info:

AMERICAN EXPRESS TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE ONLINE FASHION NETWORK BRINGING UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK IN NEW YORK BOTH ON THE RUNWAY AND THROUGHOUT THE TENTS

Live Streaming Video of Designer Shows and Back-Stage-Action; Fashion Stylist Robert Verdi to Host and Conduct Insider Interviews

American Express® Card members Get Exclusive Access to the Excitement On-site at Fashion Week

NEW YORK (January 31, 2008) – American Express announced plans today to launch the “American Express Fashion Network,” at www.americanexpress.com/style which will provide exclusive, never-before-seen, live access to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Visitors to the American Express Fashion Network will see one of the most exciting industry-only events unfold before their eyes with multi-dimensional views from the runways and throughout the tents, as well as interviews and insights from designers and other industry insiders before and after the shows. The American Express Fashion Network will be the only place to watch shows live with views from around the tent along with insights from designers and other industry insiders before and after the shows through live in-depth interviews.

The American Express Fashion Network launching on Friday, February 1st, will stream live throughout the duration of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and capture archived video footage for fashion fans to enjoy in the weeks to follow.

Also launching is Fashion 360 Presented by American Express, the first dedicated fashion channel on YouTube that will have highlights from the American Express Fashion Network including live runway shows and insider-interviews as well as content from fashion partners and publishers that will include daily party and trend fashion reports.

Robert Verdi, acclaimed fashion stylist and notable media personality, will be the official host of the Network. Broadcast personality and model Roshumba Williams will join Verdi on-site as a correspondent.

The American Express booth in the lobby of the Bryant Park tents will be the broadcast center for the Network.

Verdi and Williams will be on-site for the duration of the event interviewing designers, models and other industry experts, creating an exciting multi-faceted experience for those viewing from home.

“I’m thrilled to be the host of the American Express Fashion Network which will add a whole new dimension to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and bring the excitement to fans of fashion everywhere – like never before,” says Robert Verdi. “There is nothing like being under the tents at Bryant Park and this is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get an inside look at Fashion Week through the eyes of the people at the forefront of the industry.”

American Express Fashion Network Highlights:

· Daily Fashion Forecast – An insider look at Fashion Week and the day’s line up, including a rundown of the day’s schedule and highlights the scene, buzz, what to look for and what people are saying.

· Trend Reports – Robert Verdi reports on the hottest trends of Fashion Week from the booth or behind the scenes. Celebrity bites, runway show footage, insider interviews, and video montages will help track the trends throughout the week.

· Exclusive Interviews – Host Robert Verdi and Roshumba Williams will interview celebrities, fashion and accessory designers, stylists, models and buyers providing a full 360º perspective into the shows

· “Digital Runways”– Streaming footage of all designer shows at the Tents

· Multiple View Points – Web cameras from corner to corner of the tents provide access to the on-site action

Stella McCartney for Le Sport Sac

Stella McCartney is doing a line for Le Sport Sac this spring. It keeps in line with her no leather approach.
I like Le Sport Sac bags, but am unsure about these prints. Would like too see them in person.

The details:

"Stella McCartney's new collaboration with LeSportsac, maker of lightweight, highly functional nylon totes and luggage, makes perfect sense. Not only does McCartney lead the way when it comes to chic, vegan-friendly (i.e., non-leather) accessories, but as a busy mother herself, she understands the importance of a well-designed handbag that can serve as a chic diaper bag, overnight business travel duffle or gym bag without actually looking like a traditional version of any of those things.


The 17 piece Spring/Summer 2008 collection, which launches in February on LeSportsac.com, is a 100 percent eco-friendly collection made from recycled materials, down to the biodegradable dust bags each bag comes with. They feature oversized hardware, or "shoulder jewelry" as McCartney terms it," extensive pockets both inside and out, signature McCartney parachute pulls and quilted fabrics in two color palettes –

"Pop," which features eye-catching oranges and blues, and "Posh," a more subdued, sophisticated palette of soft mauves and dusty pinks.

And for kids, there's even a bunny backpack to keep them happy.

The partnership marks the first time LeSportsac has worked with a well-known designer such as Stella McCartney, and while this collection is a limited edition, future collections from the designer are a possibility."

Lancome event at Short Hills, NJ

For those in the area, Lancome is having what sounds like a very fun event to kick off a preview of the new Christopher Kane designed Juicy Tubes. I have been reading a lot about these lately, and the tubes look very cute. They will be available for this party, but then not until March's release.

It will be at the Lancome Boutique in the Short Hills Mall( a super mall if you haven't been) .

"Want to experience what it’s like to be a Fashion Week model?"

Lancôme invites you to get catwalk ready with Fashion Week and Celebrity Makeup Artist Extraordinaire Daniel Martin, Lancôme Spokesmodel Selena Breed, author of the acclaimed book “Violet on the Runway” Melissa Walker and the
Lancôme Backstage Makeup Team

WHEN: Friday, February 1, 2008
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lancôme The Boutique 1200 Morris Turnpike Short Hills, NJ 07078

Gift Bags, Mocktails and Cupcakes!
Enter to win a luxurious prize!

RSVP: cschramke@lancome-usa.com

(Please include full name, phone number and that you are
RSVPing for the New Jersey event)

Be the first to…
Get your hands on limited edition Juicy Tubes created by hot London Fashion Designer Christopher Kane.

Read Melissa Walker’s newest book “Violet by Design.”

Get the hottest beauty looks for spring, straight from the artists who worked backstage.

Receive a complimentary copy of “Violet by Design” and an official Lancôme Backstage t-shirt with any purchase of a limited edition Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes and a Lancôme Mascara.**

New from DKNY and Donna Karan fragrances

DKNY Delicious Night and Donna Karan Cashmere Mist are both adding some new ancillary products to the lines.

Delicious Night's scent can now be had in a candle, roll-on, , cheek and lip stain, new 1 oz size, lipgloss and my favorite, a bottle with 25 faceted stones at the bottom. This one is LE and only at Bloomingdales.

Cashmere Mist is launching a new Silky Body Creme, which has a mousse like texture and shimmer , and Cashmere Silk, an elixir type serum that moisturizes and scents, and has a dry finish.

Delicious Night Products:

1 oz. EDP $ 38.00

EDP Rollerball $ 34.00

Lip/Cheek Stain $ 25.00( exclusive to Sephora)

Candle $ 25.00( exclusive to Sephora)

2.9 oz Limited Edition EDP $ 75.00 ( exclusive to Bloomingdales in April 2008)

The rest all available in February.

Cashmere Mist :

Cashmere Silk 1.7 oz $ 70.00

Silky Body Creme 4.4 oz $ 55.00

Available February 2008

Would you wear this t -shirt ?

This is the new Marc Jacobs T Shirt to benefit The Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group at New York University.

So would you wear this?? A clothed Posh is scary enough , let alone a naked version.

The $35 T-shirt featuring will go on sale at Marc Jacobs boutiques this week.

SAG Awards Fashion

The stars brought out the glam tonight at the SAG awards. There was lots of color, and strapless looks. There was also a lack of jewele, especially necklaces and many gown could really have benefited from one. Also, whats up with dishwater brown gowns? Edie Flaco and Michele Pfeiffer, both beautiful women looked plainer than plain. Brown dresses, and little jewelry and on Falco almost no makeup. Boring.

Yes Angelina mostly pulled off her muddy brown billowy number, but no matter what you think of her, she looks good in just about anything, even a tent.

Best of the night

- Debra Messing in Oscar De La Renta. It's all there, goddess hair, smoky copper eyes, and a fab dress

-Marcia Cross who's stylist always knows how to perfectly pick a dress to match her coloring

- Kyra Sedgewick in a perfectly fitted bright blue number. Her chignon and makeup were perfect with it. The back view with the lace is not as nice, but this dress is so tailored to her figure.

Cate Blanchett is ,as many said, the most stunning pregnant lady, but I wasn't enthused by her pietra dura printed Balenciaga.Her earrings ,and porcelain perfect complexion on the other hand were total glam. This is what they mean by glowing.



I am bored with Eva Longoria Parker's clipped up hair. She has worked that look in how many shows now? Get creative. Not even putting the pic here. Yes, she looked nice, but nothing very new.

Brittany Snow glowed in a silver gown. She's not going to get as much press as the other big stars but she looked really nice.

Glenn Close looked tan and vibrant.This lady shows how you can be over whatever age she is and still be smokin' on the carpet.


Tan lines. I saw tan lines on several ladies including Vanessa Williams. No way.

Here's hoping for an Oscar's show.

Clinique Lash Power Mascara and new Spring Look

Clinique has launched stateside one of the best selling Asian market mascaras- Lash Power. What makes this special is ingredients called Advance Thermal Technology used especially to keep the mascara on your eyes despite oils on skin, high humidity, swimming, rain etc.

Now I can put any mascara to the test, many or should I say most, run on me. When I read that this was oil and humidity resistant, I was very happy. In my test run Lash Power did hold up all day. No runs or smudges , and a tiny bit flaking by the end of the day.

It doesn't really volumize lashes but does lengthen really well and add curl. The brush is very small to get to the tiniest lashes, and the real acid test for me was using it on my bottom lashes, a no no normally. While it didn't last all day on those bottom lashes, it also didn't run down them either. I can handle that.

Now I keep wondering what else is over in the Asian markets that I could really use?

The mascara removes with hot water, not cleanser, and they do mean hot water, lukewarm does not work.

Lash Power($ 14.00) is part of the new Spring Collection Nude Blush. Trio blushes, matte eyeshadow duos, and new Buttershine lipstick and Creamshaper for eyes shades and an new take on the company's long popular( and great) loose face powder- Blended Face Powder in Invisible Light are part of the Spring line as well.

Nude Blush hits counters in February.

Viva Valentino

Valentino showed his last couture collection last night. He went out well. Full of pretty, wearable dresses that no doubt brought swoons from the many celebs attending the show. If there is an Oscar's telecast, I hear these dresses calling it's name.

photos:elle.com

Chanel and Elie Saab Paris Couture

The most beautiful fashion shows of all are going on this week, the Paris Couture. Chanel showed yesterday. The clothes are a bit skewed young, and as both Vogue and WWD pointed out, perhaps a schoolgirl look, but despite some weird stances by the models, and some misses, most are quite lovely. The grey suit is my favorite. I love the tulip skirt.

Elie Saab showed his strength, ultra glam dresses. While some saw the designs as boring since they aren't a stretch for the designer, you can't beat the beauty in them. They don't need to be unique. They are exquisite all on their own.

YSL Beaute Spring 2008

YSL's Spring look is inspired by one of the greeting cards drawn by Mr. St. Laurent for his friends in 1992. It is a spotlight on Avant Garde Romanticism.

The pattern on the Pop powders inspired by this remain to the very end of the powder, which is nice. No losing that beautiful look after a few swishes of your brush.

Cream blush is a new addition, and I think an exciting one. It has a gel texture and glides on easily.

There are 3 swirled shades of blush:
N° 1 Vanilla / Chocolate with an amber hue, for a tanned effect as lovely as one achieved with a gold-tinted gel.
N° 2 Strawberry / Raspberry for a tender, youthful dewy pink touch.
N° 3 Peach / Blackcurrant for a cooling, fruity coral tone to pair with lips in the same colour range.

Touch Eclat has been formulated for eyes in a waterproof version( I so need this). It has the familar brush applicator and special ingredients to make it adhere to the skin.

Colors:
N° 1 Golden Coral, a natural, glowing skin tone with bronzy mother-of-pearl highlights.
N° 2 Steel Blue, a steel blue grey illuminated with gold and white particles, a basic to coordinate with your entire wardrobe.
N° 3 Golden Jade, a pale green shot with gold, sumptous for women with natural blond hair or light streaks, and light-coloured eyes.
N° 4 Glazed Brown, a perfectly matte taupe to give eyes deep intensity.

Of course there are also new eyeshdows duos, mascara and the cute Nail pens for an instant french mani. ( These are a definite birthday gift for my french mani loving, and always on the go friend ).

The Eye Color Touch ,($ 27.50) Pop Blush sticks($ 42.00) and and Palette Pop($60.00) are all limited editions.

The line will be on counters next month.

The Beauty Alchemist is 1

Today is the first anniversary of my blog. Ok, it's hard to believe a year has gone by. So many great products have been tried and tested, and I hope to have many more in the coming year.

Next month I will be headed to Fashion Week again, and for more shows, so look for those posts.

On tap in the next few days are new items from DKNY , and Clinique, and more.

Today I give you some shoe eye candy. One of my earliest post was on a pair of Gucci booties that I loved, and now we have a new pair of beautiful Gucci booties. They sure know how to do shoes.

From Saks website:

Gucci
Newton High Heel Bootie
Newton 4½" high heel peek-a-boo bootie in black patent leather and light gold leather. Made in Italy.

$795.00 0440960870358

Dog Photo:John W. Banagan /Getty Images

Hermes Silky Pop Bag

Inspired ( or maybe thats enabled) by Jessica's piece on the Hermes boutique on the Now Smell This site, I decided to go to the Hermes site and look around. Of course I had to look at perfume first, but then tempted by the enamel bracelet link, looked at more of the goodies.

This bag is so cute and so practical, albeit it way too expensive at 960.00 ( at least for me). You get this adorable little leather case, and it "pops" open to give you a full size silk bag. Mon Dieu.

I may hit the Hermes boutique when I am in NY next month to pick up some fragrance samples, so I will have to check these out in person. My partner in crime, the Minx, has already agreed that it's a must.

Now many years ago, my grandmom gave me a similar, but cheap, bag. It was not pretty at all, but they way a full size bag folded into a little pocket pouch was great and traveled with me to a few places. This is a great idea, and so maybe, I will stumble upon a more happy medium.

http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=10980&leftCategoryId=10980&topCategoryId=10980&parentCategoryId=10980&nbItem=1

Fashion On Ice

Back in November I attended the Fashion On Ice skating show. An ice show that adds costumes created by top designers specifically for the event definitely got my attention. This years show featured designs by Heatherette, John Bartlett for men, and Tracy Reese and Victoria Bartlett.

Needless to say the Heatherette costumes ( what I most went to see) were wonderful and fun. Tracy Reese did dresses that were unmistakably her, and oh so pretty. The one worn by Joannie Rochettte in bright red with a gold satin underlining was gorgeous.

Heatherette standouts were the opening dress for Sasha Cohen, flowing with feathers, but also with an edge, and the first outfit for Tanith Belbin. Silver hotpants and a pair of stocking adorned with crystal glitter- I want those stockings.

I had the chance to meet and chat with several of the skaters, and they were all not only very nice but thrilled to work with the designers. They get to keep their costumes( I asked), and enjoyed the brush with fashion. They were all happy to talk about it, and Steven Cousins and I talked about his using the Keane song Atlantic in one of his numbers. Seems we are both fans. It's a great number too.

Sarah Brighman performed live and was equally decked out in some beautiful gowns. I do not know if hers were provided by the designers but I would think so. She debuts work from her new album, and althugh I was not a big fan previous to this, after hearing her live, I have to say , she was amazing.

The show airs on NBC this Sunday Jan. 20 from 4-6 PM, with more airings later on the Style Network.

Other skaters include Evan Lysacek, Shae Lynn Bourne, Caryn Kadavy,and more.

Photos by:

© to Andrea "Hoo" Chempinski

http://www.scratchspin.com/

Chanel Night Of Diamonds Gala

Chanel had a gala at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel in NY last night to launch their new jewelry collection. Many celebs attended and some pictures are popping up.

Ellen Pompeo was one celeb and she hit it out of the park. What a great look for her. She has ups and downs in the fashion department, this is totally an up. Love those gloves.

I am not as into Christy Turlington's look, it's nice but not overly glam. Selma Blair, a very Chanel girl, wears a pretty one.

photos: Hello, In Style.com

Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne

In potentially good news for affordable fashion, Isaac Mizrahi has been announced as the new designer for Liz Claiborne. Once upon a time, Liz was the label to go to for many women. It was work wear and casual wear, stylish , priced well, but not too trendy. Somewhere along the line that kind of vanished a bit.

I have always been a Mizrahi fan, and think his Target line is wonderful. Unlike the GO lines, Mizrahi for Target was good quality and seemed designer like. I think he will do great things for Claiborne, and modernize it more.

Heres the official word via WWD,

"Liz Claiborne Inc. has enlisted Isaac Mizrahi to rescue its struggling flagship brand. Mizrahi is leaving Target Corp. — the venue that introduced him to the mainstream customer — at the end of this year and will become creative director for all categories of the better-priced women's Liz Claiborne brand, beginning in spring 2009."

MAC Moisturelush Eye Cream

I am an eye cream nut, and am always ready to try most of the new ones that hit the market. For the past week I have been using MAC's new Moisturelush eye cream. This hit counters back in December, but I was slow to get around to getting it.

The cream has a bit of a whipped texture almost. It has some very fine iridescence to help brighten the eye area, but it's very little. You have to really look. The cream is very moisturizing which is the most important thing to me. I do not have to have all types of anti-agers in my eye cream, although it doesn't hurt. The real thing is the moisture as my eyes get so dry. This sinks in well ,and doesn't burn or irritate at all. In the morning the eye area feels soft and there is some moisture still left there.

Moisturelush isn't going to miraculously take away wrinkles and lines, but it will soften them and make your eye area feel nice and soothed.

Origins Organics Contest

Origins is sponsoring a contest, with the winner getting a free trip to Jackson Hole , Wyoming, which looks like one beautiful place.

Here's the details:

If you think you're the green of the crop,tell us about it, get creative and let us know "What Makes You Eco-Fabulous." Show off your natural talent for environmental consciousness by sharing the everyday steps you take to lighten your carbon count in a photo, video or blog. From January 15 - February 25

Rewards:
Grand Prize: One winner, chosen by Origins Organics�, wins a trip for two to Jackson Hole for 4 nights at Hotel Terra, the entire Origins Organics line and other green prizes!

Most Viral: One winner, who gets the most attention across the internet, wins 3 Origins Organics products and 6 Grenada chocolate bars.

Highest Score: One winner, chosen by the community, wins 3 Origins Organics products and 6 Grenada chocolate bars.

Reviewer Sweepstakes: One winner, who participates by reviewing, wins 3 Origins Organics products and 6 Grenada chocolate bars.

http://www.brickfish.com/Lifestyles/Origins

My Newest Item

In reading a piece on Osmoz featuring items relating to a cold Russian winter, they featured this Pupa makeup Kit called the Puposka, a riff on the Matryoska dolls of Russia. Having always loved those dolls, I really thought it would be great to have one of these. Luckily I located one quite by accident for swap.

My Puposka is the small one, 4 inches tall, and each side opens to reveal the same makeup. 2 purple eyeshadows and 2 lipglosses. The face flips aside to a mirror. I didn't even care what the makeup was like, but the shadows are actually nice. There are also large and medium ones I beleive.

I have used Pupa makeup before, many years ago and loved it. I had a couple plain kits and since one is still around, pictured it here. This line is not easy to find here in the US, but it's fun and decent quaility if you do see it. They seem to specialize in fun and sometimes odd kits, personally I find them fun.

I have a friend ( that would be you Minxie) headed to Italy this summer, so I plan to hit her up for some more things from this line .

http://www.pupa.it/ITA/Catalogo/SchedaProdotto.aspx?IDProdotto=547&IDFamiglia=594&IDLinea=103

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lipcolor

I've been using Bobbi Brown's new Creamy Lipcolor for the past few days. This new lipstick has tons of moisturizers including personal fav shea butter, and is very creamy. It goes on nicely, and really does a great job of moisturizing. More of a balm in many ways, but the lasting power of lipstick, I found the lasting power to be about medium, pretty good for anything with all those emollient ingredients.


A few years ago a friend, knowing my love of shea butter , gave me a set of Mojave Magic lipbalm/sticks. These were so pretty in the container, 2 sided and touting lots of moisture. Well they didn't hold up well. I found them to be almost drying . I was very disappointed.


When I heard about these new ones, I was excited again, and thankfully they live up to it. I gave them the acid test of wearing when I was going to be out for awhile in the 20 degree winds last week. I was happy to see that not only did the lipstick hold up, but no chapped lips later.



I am using Bronzed Pink, which is not pink at all, but a really perfect nude shimmer. I love that kind of nude lip , and it will be even better come summer. I also have Nude Pink which is a nice sheer-ish light pink shimmer. Very pretty. Neither is overly pigmented but they are not sheer either. Somewhere in the middle basically. I find that 2-3 coats of the lipstick is best. 1 wasn't enough color or coverage for me, and no going over your lips 3 times isn't too much either, since these are light.



Currently exclusive to Neimans they hit more stores next month, and sell for 22.00


http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod54800024&parentId=cat000295&masterId=cat000294&grandMasterId=cat4830738&cmCat=

MAC N Collection

MAC launches the N collection tomorrow( on website now). I have been waiting for this one since I love nude toned makeup. It looks good and when I have tested , I will report back. Much of this makeup was used at the Spring Fashion Shows this past Septmeber, and I am posting a face chart from the J. Mendel show.

LIPSTICK
1N Light frosted gold with pink pearl
2N Creamy light pink
3N Milky pastel pink
4N Mid-tone creamy brown
5N Plummy sheer brown
Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

LIPGLASS
1N Creamy white tan
2N Creamy neutral yellow pink
3N Neutral brown with gold and pink pearl
4N Light chocolate brown with red pearl
Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

SMALL EYESHADOW
Nanogold Sheer Yellow beige with pink pearl
Modest Tone Neutral dirty tan
Neutral Pink Dirty mid-tone blue pink
Rich Flesh Neutral warm brown
Remotely Grey Dirty grey brown
Dark Edge Dirty chocolate brown
Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

PAINT POT
Soft Ochre Yellow beige
Quite Natural Dirty chocolate brown
Groundwork Mid-tone Neutral taupe
Suggested Retail Price $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN

CREMESTICK LINER
Creamola Low-down tan
Sublime Culture Pink caramel fusion
Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

TECHNAKOHL
Graphblack Richest graphic-black
Brownborder Deep chocolate brown
Suggested Retail Price $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

PLUSHLASH
Plushblack Black
Suggested Retail Price $11.00 U.S./$13.00 CDN

NAIL LACQUER
N Colour Creamy beige
Demi-Blanc Gold beige with green pearl
Naturally Rich Milk chocolate
Suggested Retail Price $10.00 U.S./$12.00 CDN