Cuckoo for Coco

Published October 7, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

Ever since I watched the Lifetime movie “Coco Chanel” starring Shirley MacLaine as the older Coco (a totally lame movie, but it’s Lifetime! I expect nothing else!) I’ve become totally obsessed with the legendary French couturier. I just HAD to know more about “Madmoiselle Chanel” and her rags-to riches story, so earlier this year I read “Chanel: A Woman of Her Own” by Axel Madsen. First, what an amazing book. Well-written and thorough. Second, I’m now extra-obsessed with Chanel because I’ve realized that virtually everything women wear today is because of this amazing pioneer. Those nautical stripes you wear all summer long? Chanel. Menswear jackets and tweed pants? Chanel. Dresses of jersey you can pull over your head? Chanel. Strands of real or faux pearls? Chanel. Black and white? Chanel.

Not only did she revolutionize women’s fashion for all time (yeah right we’re going to go back to wearing corsets, mutton-leg sleeves, bustles and ankle-length skirts!), but she was also ambitious, strong-willed, independent and created an empire that still bears her name today.

Being the Chanel fanatic that I’ve become, I of course dragged my boyfriend, whom I shall call “Hans” (He is German, afterall.) to see “Coco Avant Chanel” starring Audrey Tatou. As the title indicates, it’s about Chanel’s early life before she became the Queen of Fashion. She was so stubborn and feisty! She fashioned her lover’s shirts into lovely outfits for herself and rode horses like a man (you know, one leg on each side). She left the comfort of being a rich man’s mistress (a goal for many women of poorer backgrounds) to start her business in Paris. What an amazing life she led. I want to be just like her.

So now, when I get up in the morning and dress myself for work, I try to think: What would Coco wear? My long strand of pearls has gotten much use since I’ve become cuckoo for Coco.

Who the hell is January Jones and why is she so fierce on the Red Carpet?

Published September 22, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

I watched the last half of the Emmy’s on Sunday night. First, Neil Patrick Harris was amazing, charming and funny and I remembered why I was totally in love with him when he was Doogie Howser, M.D. Second, the show was pretty entertaining, which is suprising for any awards show. Unfortunately, I missed the best part of any awards show: the Red Carpet. Luckily, I turned on the TV the next morning and it just-so-happened to be on the fashion police segment of the CBS Morning Show. Blah, blah, blah,…yeah, Mariska Hargitay looks pretty amazing, as usual…Drew Barrymore was pretty, frothy, nice hair…yawn…Debra Messing in red,…yawn…HOLY CRAP! January Jones! Girlfriend! What are you WEARING!!!!???

Fierce! January Jones at the 2009 Emmy's

That bodice! Work. Of. Art. I love anything that is “different”. With it’s flared out, sculpted hips, it reminded me of a very couture and elegant version of She-Ra’s costume. Wow! If she were one ounce heavier, she would not have pulled it off, but luckily Ms. Jones is the human equivalent of a hanger so she’s able to pull off this sort of dress. I loved the contrast of the hard, geometric bodice with the soft pleated chiffon skirt of the Atelier Versace dress. And her hair and makeup were perfect. Smokey eyes, nude lips, simple pulled back hair that wasn’t too tight. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Hands down, the best dressed of the evening.

I really shouldn’t be so surprised since she totally “brought it” at the Golden Globes earlier this year. I thought she was the best dressed at that event too. That periwinkle gown with column draping and gold piping was so unique. And pairing it with “not quite red” lips and Veronica Lake waves really elegant. She was easily the best dressed and most fashion-forward of the night, again.

At the 2009 Golden Globes

So why isn’t January Jones all over the place? Because she’s on TV. Even though she’s on Mad Men (it just keeps winning awards), it seems that TV starlets never get as much press as their silver screen cousins. I mean, we all remember what Halle Berry wore the night she won her Oscar. And Gwyeneth. And Kate Winslet. And who could forget Charlize Theron’s “Bow Dress” by Dior 4 years ago? Does anyone even remember who won what last year at the Emmy’s? If Charlize had worn this dress to the Oscars, it would be totally buzzed about, but since January ”just” on TV, she will probably not become a Red Carpet trendsetter. Whatever. Keep it fierce, girl! I’m watching you and can’t wait to see what you walk out in at the next awards show!

Pso Beautiful: Staying Moist

Published September 22, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

For most people, the end of summer means chunky sweaters and football games. It also means dry, itchy skin. If you have psoriasis, it means flare-ups and cracked, bleeding skin (and football and chunky sweaters). Ugh. Eventhough I am totally aware that this “cycle of life” happens, I still feel so disappointed when it does. I was at my twice-weekly Exemer laser treatments this week (which have been AMAZING!), and I told the tech that I thought we needed to increase my dosage since my patches had gotten thicker. She said “Well, this is probably the last week before things start to get more difficult. There are patients I haven’t seen all summer and they are already coming back. You know how it goes with the fall and winter.” Ugh, yes I do and I dread it. So here’s my strategy to help you not feel like you want to crawl out of your own skin (or at least feel is less):

1). Take luke warm showers at night. Too much heat seems to irritate my skin and taking showers in at night allows avoids the morning rush, which will make you cut corners on all your post-shower moisturizing, which is super key since your scales will be softer and more able to absorb moisturizers.

2) . While still in the bathroom, oil up. I like to slather on Adara Virgin Coconut Oil from head-to-toe right after my shower in the bathroom so that the water doesn’t just evaporate off my skin and leave me feeling…well, dry. And you’re less cold when emerging from the nice, steamy bathroom into your hallway, bedroom, or in my case, kitchen.

3). Use a heavier moisturizer just on your patches. I LOVE baby butt creams like A&D ointment or Carol’s Daughter Unscented Body Jelly.

4). Wait a half hour to let all the oils absorb before you apply your topical meds. All the moisturizing softens up the scales, so they are easier to remove before you apply your meds.

5). Use a humidifier. Bumping up the humidity at home is a great way to keep from “drying out” and makes for a more comfortable sleep. Everyone knows the more and better sleep you get, the better you feel. For the “pso beautiful” crowd, not getting proper sleep is especially B-A-D because the more stressed we are, the more likely it is we will have flare-ups.

6). Keep a lotion with you at ALL TIMES. Moisturizing yourself throughout your day is key to staying comfortable in the fall and winter. I usually go into the handicap stall during lunch and slather my patches in a layer of plain lotion, like Desert Essence Organics Fragrance Free Lotion.

7). Don’t get discouraged and keep up your treatments. It’s so easy to give up or just use the cold weather as an excuse not to haul your cookies to the derma, but you know what’s worse: cracked, thick, bloody patches and depression. So get your meds, make your appointments and see your doctor.

Hopefully, I’ll take my own advice and be able to feel better this fall and winter.

Makeup Test Drive: Chanel Rouge Allure Laque

Published September 16, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

I was at the Chanel counter yesterday returning 2 products I bought on impulse when I decided to browse the various lip products available. Since I’ve recently dyed my hair back to it’s natural dark brown hue, I suddenly can wear red lips and not look “off”. The Rouge Allure Laque is the newest addition to Chanel’s lip products and I was extra intrigued by #75, a beautiful, deep cherry red. I applied some to the back of my hand (I try not to use the testers available on my face since I have no idea who or what has been touching them.) The formula was creamy and richly pigmented, like a lipstick, but had shine like a gloss. Furthermore, it was not so tacky that you would feel like your lips were constantly sticking together, at least that was my observation from the schmear on the back of my hand.

I officially wore it today and I am so impressed. My assessment in the store was almost spot-on. I love the creamy texture and the level of pigment: rich and deep. The amount of shine is actually less than a gloss, but more than a balm or traditional lipstick. And here’s a nice, subtle touch: the “laque” is just barely pearlized so that you get additional shine, but you don’t look like a teenager. The #75 is the perfect red and will work for anyone because it is blue based. I highly recommend this product and this color. Amazing. I can finally wear red and feel like a 40′s movie star.

Fashion’s Night Out: The Play-by-Play, or more appropriately, the Swig-by-Swig

Published September 15, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

Despite my objections to the concept of Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) (Anna Wintour encouraging the cash-strapped masses to shop ’til you drop to “help” the overpriced and out-of-touch fashion industry), I was certainly not going to turn down an opportunity for free booze and schwag, potential celebrity sightings, and chance galavant through various designers’ shops and high-end department stores without the usual condescending stares from sales staff and rich bitches who have nothing better to do than…well, shop between various “meetings” for “fundraisers”.

I invited my good friend, who I shall call Aubrey, to come with me, since she’s a). currently a little broke and could use a night on the town paid for the designers and stores we can only dream of frequenting, b). is the only person I know who is tolerant of my craziness when I get drunk and c). will get drunk along side me and NOT be the “crazy one”; she keeps it classy.

Aub and I agreed to meet up at Henri Bendel at 7pm; however, I started my night at the Banana Republic in Rockefeller Center at 6pm. I bypassed the open bar and went straight for the hors d’oeuvres. No sense in getting drunk in a store whose stuff I could actually afford; that would be extremely dangerous since I set my spending limit at $50. After I had my fill of the sundried tomatoes with goat cheese, I proceed to actually shop since BR was actually going against Anna Wintour’s orders of “no sales” and was giving a 25% discount on all full-priced merchandise. I decided on a dress on clearance (no discount) and a cute belt (discount!). Well, that’s $80. Great. I’m over my limit. I’ll have a chardonnay.

I rush over to Bendel’s since I was running late from consuming my “pity” chardonnay and Aub and I go into the frenzy. The place was mobbed, I think mostly with people who were looking to get drunk or see a celebrity. Aub and I had to lap each floor before we FINALLY found the bar on the third floor. Bastards, they make you WORK for you drinks and then make you go through the entire store to exit. That is an evil recipe for impulse buying. Well, Aub and I decide on some special “Henri Bendel” cocktail and then get glasses of chardonnay off a server’s tray. So now I’m three drinks in and it’s not even 8pm. I’m feeling GOOD. So good, that on our way out of Bendel’s, as Aub and I pass the perfumes, I start CONSIDERING buying some perfume because it’s “Asian”: notes of lychee and the bottle is frosted to look like a pearl. Luckily, I still have some self-control and getting a free sample of it sated my desire to shop. A few more drinks though and I might forget I’m actually not Ivanka Trump and cannot afford ANYTHING over $20.

We finally get out of Bendel’s and head north to Bergdorff’s. Yeah, the line is around the corner. Forget that, we’re going to the designer stores on 57th. Yves Saint Laurent first. Hooray, champagne! Free perfume sample! This night is amazing. We take pics holding shoes we can’t afford to even look at and “model” sunglasses that cost a third of my rent. I’m four drinks in. Next Miu Miu. Free Vitamin Water. Nice. They’re keeping us hydrated. I start loudly saying to Aubrey when we come to all these fur clothing items, “OH MY GOD! We’re in a cemetary! Look at all the dead bodies! I’m a PETA sympathizer!” Only on this night when the masses are being invited into these stores in hopes of making drunken purchases am I allowed this level of “disrespect”. We decide to take pictures of ourselves with the server boys. Why not? We own this town tonight! Next, Chanel where I officially go from loud to full-on gregarious. I get to the makeup counter (I’m now 5 drinks in) and start FREAKING OUT over the new colors that I’ve seen in my magazine, but are not currently available in department stores. I’m informed that the Chanel boutiques get the new colors before the department stores, a dangerous piece of information for a makeup addict. I’m now thinking that I’m going to buy the entire new collection. I don’t know how I only managed to ask for ONE nail polish and ONE lipstick (an almost black berry color that I tried on and started saying I felt like a character in Twilight and then made hissing sounds) to purchase. By some stroke of luck, the lipstick was SOLD OUT. I pouted on the outside and felt relieved on the inside. I wasn’t getting paid until Tuesday and had only a vague idea of how much money I had in my checking account. Good, still have a little self-control. Another $33. Ugh. Get me another drink.

Our last uptown stop was Dior. More booze. I start saying “I’m brining the trailer park to Dior! I’m the white trash of Fashion Week!” We see Katy Perry and Iman. Celebrities are so weird. They walk into a place just to run out. Like, don’t come when it’s crowded then if you’re going to be horrified by the masses. We finally leave and take a cab to where Aubrey’s younger brother is bartending for the evening: Banana Republic on 16th and 5th.

I have TWO more glasses of chardonnay since Rusty said that he was done was soon as the last glasses were consumed; I was glad to help him out. There’s no one in the store (downtown was DEAD on this night), so I run around and start hanging accessories off of me like a Christmas tree. As I’m putting a necklace on my head like a crown, as saleswoman asks me if I was going to purchase it and all the other stuff hanging off of me. “Yes, ” I answer. “How about I put that stuff at the register for you so you can keep looking around?” She obviously thinks I’m going to either walk out with all this crap hanging off of me OR break it, so I totally call her bluff and say “That would be grrrreat.” After prancing around some more with a beautiful purple purse that I had not intention of buying and grabbing some mini perfumes by the register that I insist on buying for Aubrey, I pay up. $112. Ok, whatever! It’s Banana! It was on sale! The three of us go for dinner. More beer. How did I get home? I left a rambling voicemail for my little brother in LA.

I wake up the next morning sick from all the booze and see all the shopping bags littering my bedroom floor. I might as well have woken up with a strange guy in my bed because I thought, “WHAT THE HELL DID I DO?! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?” Thank goodness for generous return policies.

Fall 09 Fashion Forecast: Desperation is the New Black

Published September 9, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

On the eve of “Fashion’s Night Out” (FNO) and the start of New York Fashion Week 2009, the fashion industry is struggling to lure shoppers back into their stores and BUY, BUY, BUY(!) overpriced clothes, shoes, accessories and jewelry. Uh, yeah. Good luck with that. We’re still in a recession AND with sales being discouraged during FNO, I’m thinking that no amount of free food, music, booze, celebrity and/or designer appearances, or (small) gifts with purchase (Tory Burch is giving a hideous canvas cammo tote with her logo ironed onto it with ANY purchase. Like I’d spend money on something I normally wouldn’t buy just to get the hideous tote!) will convince me or any sane person to spend money, which, unlike the fashion industry’s gall, is in extremely short supply. I predict that there will be large turn out, beauty counters will do well, but not much clothing or accessories will sell.

obviously, FNO is the biggest act of desperation to convince people they need to have a $1,200 handbag, dress, or pants and they shouldn’t rely on sales to stock their closets (for shame!) But another, though less mainstream headline grabbing, is the appointment of LINDSAY LOHAN as artistic director at Emmanuel Ungaro. Yes, the label of on the premier couturiers EVER, a protege of Crostobal Balenciaga. This is clearly an act of desperation and apparent blindness to Ms. Lohan’s inability to actually be a responsible employee (remember the letter the studio head sent to her about her behavior on the set of “Georgia Rule”?) in the hope that her celebrity will help boost the brand’s image among younger consumers. Ugh. There are so many young, stylish, less hot-mess young female celebrities out there, why Lindsay Lohan? Well, I guess she doesn’t have anything else to do since her once-promising acting career has gone the way of the Dodo and she does need to get a paycheck in order to feed her “shopping” (*snort snort*) habits. It would have been more interesting to see someone like Ashley Olsen, who has always shown an interest in real fashion and carries a name with some celebrity, take on this role, but I think she’s too busy with her own clothing lines and mini-empire. I predict yet another Lohan failure on this since I don’t think “leggings” and “tan-in-a-can” are even in the vocabulary or design sensibility of the real designers at Ungaro who are apparently going to be asking Lindsay for “advice”. Rrrrriight.

Back to My Roots

Published September 9, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

I’ve been dying my hair on and off since high school, more “on” since I graduated college. In fact, I don’t think anyone, including myself, has seen my natural hair color since sometime in college. So this Labor Day weekend, I decided that would forgo my usual hair color of some variation of “medium golden brown” and go back to my naturally dark brown hair color. Why? I guess the answer is “Why not?”. I’m not one to shy away from taking chances with my hair. I’ll chop it all off, wear bangs, rock caramel highlights, dye it “light golden brown” (which in some spots looked blonde), curl it, whatever. I figure, it will grow back, out, or can be easily fixed with another layer of color or some hair clips.

Picking out the right “dark brown” was not as easy as you would think. First, did I want “Dark Brown”, “Dark Ash Brown”, “Dark Golden Brown”, “Medium Brown”, “Dark Auburn”, “Almost Black”? The choices were endless! I decided that I wanted “chocolate” hair and figured that before and after pics on the box would be my guide. Next, which brand? I’m partial to Perfect 10 since you literally only need to sit with the color in your hair for 10 mins. But, I was willing to try the new Excellence “To Go”, which is the L’Oreal version of Perfect 10. And L’Oreal’s “Preferece True Brunettes” was another option since I liked its is specifically designed for the darker haired ladies out there and made my usually “medium golden brown” in a beautiful, non-brassy or red”Light golden brown” this summer. Decisions, decisions…

After much deliberation and visits to 4 (!) different stores over Labor Day weekend (Target, Harmon Beauty, CVS and A&P. You would not believe the difference in selection between stores!), I settled on Perfect 10 “Dark Golden Brown”.

Now, I’ve dyed my hair before and have used Perfect 10 numerous times since it came out a few years ago, so you’d think that I’d have my “procedure” down cold. And for the most part I do, except I was totally lazy on Mondy night and got dye ALL OVER my arms, shoulders and my face and DIDN’T BOTHER TO WIPE IT OFF. So I went to work with dye stains all over me, which isn’t too bad for the arms and shoulders since I can cover up with a cardigan, but my face was another story.

I had dripping stains all along my hairline and a little dripping stains on my neck. No amount of scrubbing, self-tanner remover, lemon juice, baby oil, NOTHING, would make these stains go away. I wasn’t used to how dark these stains were because I don’t normally dye my hair so dark. So I had to show up to work on Tuesday with a “dirty” looking face. No amount of foundation and concelaer could cover it up or at least cover it up and also not make me look like I was going to a photoshoot circa 1987. It’s been 2 days and my face it a little better, but there’s still a shadow along my hairline.

Lessons learned: 1). My hair looks amazing dark. I should definitely not be afraid of dark hair. In fact, I may be able to rock RED lipstick and black eyeliner, two products I’ve stayed away from with lighter hair because they made me look washed out. Who would have thought changing my hair color would open up a whole new look for me? 2). WIPE OFF ANY DRIPPINGS so you don’t have to look like you’re sweating ink around your face.

So if you’re looking for a fab new update to your look, get thee to a drugstore and pick up a new haircolor! If you’re unsure, try Natural Instincts since it washes out in 32 washes or something like that and it has the most color options out there. And don’t forget to swipe a thin layer of lotion, conditioner, baby oil or some other creamy or greasy product around your hair line so you don’t look like a hot mess even after you’ve rinsed out the dye.

Product Test Drive: Revlon Double Twist Mascara

Published September 8, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

In it’s attempt enter into the combo “brush/comb” mascara market, Revlon has just recently introduced “Double Twist” mascara. The 360 degree brush alternates between a comb and traditional mascara brush bristles. The idea is that you can get the volumizing from the traditional brush and the lash separation from the comb at the same time.

Revlon isn’t the first company to introduce this concept. The first mascara I can recall that had a combo brush was Clinique’s High Definition mascara. It has 180 degrees of traditional brush and one comb. I of course bought it when it first came out and liked it well enough, although the tricky thing with any comb style brush is that it tends to deposit a lot of product on your lashes because the product tends to deposit at the base of the teeth, especially if the formula is more “liquid liner” in consistency than regular waxy mascara, which Clinique’s definitely is. The next mascara I remember with a combo brush was Chanel’s Exceptionelle, and exceptional it was. Like Revlon’s brush (which is their “version” of the Chanel brush), it is 306 degrees of alternating traditional brush with comb. Whomever engineered this brush was a genius. As you apply the mascara, you get even distribution of the product, both brush and comb can simultaneously work the lashes or you can use each separately. The formula, for the record, is beautifully liquid and volumizing. This mascara is definitely on my top 5 list. Too bad it’s $30, so in my “recessionista” mind-set, Revlon’s newest mascara, at a price of $8.99 at CVS, could be the perfect replacement for my beloved “Exceptionelle”.

Yeah, I could not have been more wrong. It’s like buying a knock off handbag. It might look the same from far away and for all appearances “do the trick”, but Revlon’s formula is too thick for application with a comb. And the brush itself may look like it will be the same as Chanel’s, but it’s not. You can’t simultaneously use the brush and comb, which with Exceptionelle, definitely gives the lashes a beautifully volumized but separated look. With Double Twist, my lashes look short and fat, and with each stroke, my lashes start to wander in “Tammy Faye” territory. Double Twist is an OK mascara and not a total waste of money though I think that Revlon’s Fabulash is the best mascara Revlon makes.

Pso Beautiful- Olive Oil is Awesome

Published September 3, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

Pso Beautiful is going to be beauty tips for those of us who suffer from psoriasis; hence, the “pso”. I’ve learned some interesting tips and tricks over the years to help me manage my psoriasis and make me feel less…scaly.

So for my first post, I’m going to tout all the wonderful benefits of olive oil. I love to marinade myself in the stuff in the winter. It absorbs into the skin beautifully and when applied to the scalp, it helps soften scales and easily rinses out without a ton of scrubbing. (If you use any medications with mineral oil, you know how hard it is to wash oils out of your hair. )

I personally like to make a scrub for the shower. I swear by this combo of sugar in the raw, olive oil (extra virgin or whatever you have in the kitchen), and lemon rind:

Fill a jar (a clean body butter jar or a resealable tupperware jar is good) 2/3 of the way with the sugar and then pour olive oil until it reaches the top of the sugar. Add another little pour for good measure. You can add your favorite essential oil or some grated lemon rind to add scent. If you want a less abrasive scrub, you can add all the ingredients in a blender and pulse two or three times. In the shower, wash your hair, etc, as usual. At the end of the shower, turn off the water and scoop out some of the sugar/olive oil mix (I like to use a small wooden spoon) and start scrubbing at the feet and work your way up. Keep scooping and scrubbing until you reached your neck. Concentrate on your patches. Once you’ve scrubbed your whole body, wait for a couple of seconds to let the sugar dissolve a little. Turn the water back on and rinse so that all the sugar is gone. Be careful not to slip since the oil may make the shower floor slippery. Pat dry. You should have nicely exfoliated, soft, moisturized skin.

Now, if you’re not into smelling like a salad, there is one line whose olive oil products I LOVE: Serious Skin Care Oilve Oil for Dry Skin. It’s amazing and better than any olive oil based products I’ve ever come across, especially the First Pressed Replenishing Body Oil and the Olive Oil Cleanser.

Well, here’s to having pso beautiful skin!

Dear Anna: Really? $550 pants are a bargain?

Published August 28, 2009 by nouveauyuppiebeauty

It’s the end of August and that means all the September issues of magazines are out. I usually pick up whatever women’s magazines I don’t already have subscriptions to and happily spend an afternoon on my couch ”educating” myself on the newest fall trends in fashion and beauty as hosts exclaim “What a steal!” in the background. (I will someday explain my love for HSN.)

Most magazines have realized that there is a recession going on. Yes, they still have luxury items grace their pages, because, well, they’re advertisers, but the message is now, “Wow, it would be so nice to have this fabulous item, but here’s a less expensive version.” So many articles and spreads have been devoted to “recessionista chic”: looking fabulous without breaking the bank.

Unfortunately, Vogue and Anna Wintour don’t really understand that most people can’t afford their mortgages or don’t have a job, let alone have the mindset to think that $950 is a “sensible” price to pay for a “feather and sequin cocktail dress” by Philip Lim. Or that ”the very best skinny stretch-twill pant you’ve ever seen-and it’s $550″ (See the article in Sept 09 Vogue by Teri Agins entitled “What Price Fashion). As if pausing and ending with “and it’s $550″ is really going to impress me and make me want to go out and buy these amazing pants. Unless these pants turn me into Angelina Jolie or Gisele, they’re not worth more than $40 to me, let alone $550.

As if that message weren’t appalling enough, Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenburg have come up with what they think is an amazing idea, where stores and boutiques around the 5 boroughs will be open til 11pm on Sept 10, and there will be celebrity and designer appearances and dj’s and booze called ”Fashion’s Night Out”. The slogan is “Shop for Good”, which would lead one to believe that the proceeds from this event would be going to charity. Nope, unless you count “Help Anna Wintour and other fashion people keep their overpaid jobs” as a charity. To be fair, there will be a t-shirt for sale with only 40% of the proceeds going the Sept. 11 Memorial fund and you can drop off your new and used clothing as certain retailers for “Shop for Good.” (Oh, wow, they’re marketing that more as a slogan for the event than revealing it to be an actual charity.) The whole point of this event is to stimulate the economy and to kick off NY’s Fashion Week. Sales are discouraged. Yeah, well unless those $550 pants are on sale for $50, I’m not going to be enticed to spend a Thursday evening at Saks just to hear some crappy dj, get free ,and most likely cheap, champagne and then get super annoyed with the designers tell me how I’m helping the economy just by being there. Yeah right.

I predict that this issue of Vogue is it’s death knell. If you can’t even keep a reader like myself (stylish, cares about fashion as a personal statement and as an art, etc) then you are sure not going to be getting many readers who don’t even remotely understand fashion to feel “included” or “swept up” in the fantasy and luxury of beautiful clothes and self-expression. When I read a magazine, I don’t want to feel like I’m not who the editor and her minions are talking to; I don’t want to feel alienated. But this issue of Vogue totally turned me off and really made me agree with Ms. Wintour’s critics: She’s out of touch with reality and women and the rest of the world, nor does she really care.

P.S. Get a new haircut.

Nouveau Yuppie Beauty

Just a Jersey Girl Making the World More Beautiful