A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS 2013: Monika Chiang Presentation

Although crowded and hectic, the Spring/Summer 2013 Monika Chiang presentation at Lincoln Center was exciting and inspiring. When the doors opened and let everyone in at once, we pushed and shoved to the front to get a better look at the collection. Spring colors, chunky heels and baseball caps are just a few to mention.

Monika Chiang Presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS 2013

Each model had simple, slicked hair and natural make up from Lancome. As the DJ in the room played M83’s “Midnight City”, all guests in the room flocked, phones and cameras in the air to see how close we could get to the models. The collection can be described as structured chic, with a twist of sporty! Drawstring silk pants, crisp spring colors and a touch of leather is what made the collection unique.

Accesories consisted of statement necklaces, simple bags, chunky heels and baseball caps, which suprisingly fit the theme of the collection. Strucuted and tailored jackets and shirts complimented the simple and chic pieces perfectly.

The designer said she was “inspired by traveling”, which is evident in this edgy-meets-sportswear collection. The clothes and accesories for Spring2013 were athletic with a touch of glam, which is so undeniably cool.

 Monika Chiang Presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS 2013Monika Chiang Presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS 2013Monika Chiang Presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS 2013

What do you think of Monika Chiang’s Spring/Summer collection?

 

New York Fashion Week FW 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview

If you are a lover of diamonds and lavishness of New York Fashion Week, than you are in the right place. Lipstick and Luxury attended the fabulous New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview  at the magnificent Soho House! The Soho house was beautiful filled with Moet Champagne, sushi, and cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. The NYFW Fall/Winter 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview showcases some of the hottest jewelry collection for 2011.  The five collections at the preview were absolutely grand. From edgy skulls encrusted in black diamonds to a rose gold necklaces pair with natural materials and diamond, the preview was filled with lux! So let’s talk jewelry!

N.oor

The Riviere Necklace from the Touche Du Bois collection

Noor Fares, a talent and young Lebanese jewelery designer has develop a line that combined the beauty of nature with the opulence of 18k gold encrusted diamonds.  One of my favorite collection is the Touche Du Bois ,which means  “Touch Wood for Luck”,  uses of wooden beads and the opulence of the diamonds and rose gold. One of my favorite pieces from the collection is the Riviere bracelet and necklace. These piece to me have  great Subtle details. One example of that is the sapphire set “evil” eye in Riviere bracelets.  The Touche Du Bois is a beautiful collection. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Here is a look at the sapphire “evil” eye on the The Riviere bracelet from the Touche Du Bois collection

Soffer Ari

One of my most popular items from The Black Collection is the 9mm bullet balled chain necklace. The tip is covered in diamonds and can add the edge to any outfit.

I love this Cabrini green heavy ring. This ring is blanketed in black diamonds with raw silver exposed.

The Soffer Ari collection can be described in two words,Rock glam. Tons of celebrities wear Soffer Ari collection including Taylor from Beverly Hills Housewives, Singer Fergie, and epic rocker Slash. This handmade collection used the best diamonds and raw silver. My favorite collections from Soffer Ari is the Black Collection. The handmade raw artwork from the collection has subtle and dangerous beauty. Soffer Ari has a diverse line that also includes clothing and furniture.

Gayle Grenadier


With a Egyptian influence and beautiful hand craving artwork, the Gayle Grenadier is full of detail. My favorite piece from the collection is this 18k gold cuff with diamonds and emeralds. I personally tried on the cuff and the detail is skillful. I also like that the designer actually studied Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Gayle Grenadier collection is full of history and luxury.

Alex Soldier

Alex Soldier is known for designing beautiful jewelry and fine art including the Prince Rainer III Award given to Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta. One of the premier collections is the Alex Soldier Haute Couture collection. The Haute Couture collection is full of fine art. The meticulous handmade detail and allure. Each item is hand carved with a special made tool for this beautiful detailing. Up close the Haute collection is splendid and interesting.  Every piece from Alex Solider should be in a gallery.

I love the cuffs. It is a great accessory for any wardrobe.

I tried on this diamond locket and I love the structure of the necklace and the precise work. I love the white and black diamonds.

I had a wonderful time at the New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Fine Jewelry Preview. You can never go wrong with diamonds.  I had a wonderful time.

 

KAELEN’s Ready To Wear F/W 2011 Collection

Yes, L&L has the inside look of the Fabulous KAELEN Fall 2011 collection which premiered Saturday, February 12 . It was full of knits, pleats, and splashes of color. I loved how the designer, Kaelen Farncombe, add a vintage touch to her collection. The collection seemed to be inspired by the Wild Wild West, 80’s grunge, and the Victorian period. I love the rustic feel to the clothes and how this collection has some classic pieces that can be worn year round. The color scheme are earth tones with touches of  red, yellow, and blue to add excitement and warmth to the collection. Here is the KAELEN RTW 2011 at the DriveIn24 Studios in Manhattan.


One of my favorite look of the collection was this accordion pleated dress. This is one of the items that I can see on anyone throughout the year.

This is a fabulous coat. Great for any size. Love the use of plaid coat. The hint of red added pop to this outerwear. I also notice the hair, 3 cornrows on the left and a loose side braid, very rustic with a high fashion appeal.

Don’t be surprised when you see Dr. Martens make a comeback at the end of the year. I love the finish on these shoes, very shabby chic.


This printed dress and the red blazer are wonderful. I love that the puff shorts were pair with the midcalf boots and grey tights.

Fabulous red carpet dress. The accordion pleated dress is elegant and would look great on so many celebrities.

One of the huge eye catcher of the show was the yellow/green dress.


I love there Victorian inspired boots with a distressed finish. KAELEN also included stained distressed pumps in the collection. Great styling.

This geometric shape patterned dress is simple and stylish.


Great casual dress, the peek a boo cut out on the sides adding a alluring look.

The cable knit dresses in this collection were especially chic. Tons of layering was seen through out the show.

This color block coat is to die for. As a whole the fit of this collection is  great.

Sweater dresses are a fashion staple for every women, in my opinion. I have a feeling that many stores and designers will include cable knit sweater dresses in their collections.

The show was packed with fashion divas, press, and lovers of the KAELEN’s fashion. The space was reminisce of a in vogue barn party. The space was warm and sophisticated .

The designer Kaelen Farncombe presenting her entire collection to the audience at the end of the showcase. The show was a great assortment of the wearable and stylish clothing. I had a wonderful time at the KAELEN collection fashion show.

Style Watch: The Bib

Originally, when I thought of the word “bib” other words like, “baby” and “spit-up” used come to mind, and certainly never words like “sexy” “necklace” or “funky”. Well the tables have turned for the little word “bib” because now every time I look around I am graced with girls wearing awesome and amazing neckwear with that of the same name as a baby’s spit-up cloth.

The bib necklace

The first hot bib I fell for was in the Roberta Freymann store– a thick blue piece of fabric studded with lots of non precious jewels and stones and 2 fabric ties to close it in the back… I had to have it so badly, but when I saw the price tag– $275, I decided I would find another option. Not that $275 is such an exorbitant for an awesome piece of jewelry, but I’m a frugal shopper so I was determined to find another way. Then while having a fun little shopping adventure at Daffy’s, I found it– the perfect bib. It was a thick piece of black fabric covered in tiny glass tubes with silver coloring inside each one and lots of little goldish brown beads and studs, by Patrizia Pepe. I snatched it for only $19.95 and now I’m able to wear it with everything.

The best part about a bib is that it dresses up even the most boring and simple outfit. If you have a plain white t-shirt or a simple dress on, throw on a funky bib. Since they are usually thick, they take up a good amount of neck and chest room so you only need one, instead of layering a few heavy necklaces. Also, you can tie it to be as loose or tight as you want. And hello, they are the perfect accessory to wear to holiday parties– plenty of necklace without too much glitz, sexy without screaming SEX.

So ladies, embrace the new and improved bib.

by Brooke B.

Rachel Roy wants you to live out loud!

Going on now through September 24th Rachel Roy is looking for 20 women to create a video telling her how you live out loud in your life. The winners of this contest will win a $150 gift card to shop the collection.

Do you want to share your inspiring message with Rachel Roy? Let the world know what your message is!