Mercedes Benz and Christian Siriano take on NYC Fall 2010

“Details within each look translate amazingly to unique and wearable designs for today’s women, which is the best part about making women feel fabulous.” Christian Siriano

I was very fortunate to attend Christian Siriano’s fall fashion show at Bryant Park tent this year. It’s my understanding that this collection was inspired by the women of the 1960s, European sense of style. You know, in the time where Parisian woman dressed everyday in suits, coats, gloves, the perfect bag and of course shoes, all the while making it look effortless. His show reflected soft and romantic styles that can easily go from day to night with a splash of something special. The lines are strong yet streamlined for today’s contemporary women, in other words I could see myself and you my lovely brides, wearing these outfits.

In his fourth trip down the runway, there is a true evolution in his style and design. In my humble opinion, he is trying to create a collection that is true reality for women, everyday, everywhere. I also loved the fact that all the shoes were from his Payless collection. That means affordable chic footwear. Love it!!

As brides there are quite a few pieces that I love and can easily see them going from their rich plum, grey and red color into bridal white. Hey Christian, have you thought about doing a bridal line? Now that would be ‘fierce’! Ladies check out the hair, which is soft, and romantic curls side-swept or beautiful French knot. The makeup is soft with full eyebrows and dramatic lips. A great look don't you think?

Have you ever wanted to see what an actual fashion show looks like? These beautiful dresses from his collection would be lovely alternatives to bridesmaid and of course bridal wear in still photos below.

Congratulations Christian, I can’t wait to see what you have in mind for next season.

Protect your skin on days like today

Sothys Hydroptimale THI3 Hydrating Serum

Has the crazy winter winds and frigid temperatures can cause your healthy skin to go dry, dehydrated and dull? With this winter’s varying weather patterns, it is easy for skin to become confused and unbalanced heading into the warmer seasons. Going in and out of your office; from the warmth into the cold can really cause your skin to go into daily shock.

Legendary French skincare company Sothys, who also has a great spa here in NYC on 57th street, offer the ultimate solution for dried-out skin: Hydroptimale; a product created to reinforce the skin’s water reservoir. Simply, it helps keep the moisture in your skin even when the wind tries to strip it.

The skincare experts at Sothys have engineered the Hydroptimale line to regulate water flow through the skin and create a positive sensorial effect on well-being. By working to correct fluid retention within the skin, Hydroptimale delivers a superior hydration system that is convenient for every day care.

What does that mean for you my brides? Let’s just say this is just the beginning of what will be a long, cold, and dry winter. I’m sure you want your skin to be clear, soft and supple for your wedding day and especially for your pictures. This means you have to start protecting it with products that do the trick ASAP.

The entire Hydroptimale line is a revolutionary multi dimensional hydration program containing patented active ingredients to reestablish optimum moisture levels in all layers of the skin. Once hydration is restored the skin will appear "more youthful, the metabolic functions are improved, the skin is radiant and balance achieved.”

I pair that with another great winter product from PHYTO-C called Moisture Cream. Where the Sothys product is “revitalizing,” the PHYTO-C product is “healing,” so the PHYTO-C focuses on correcting the damage that comes with the harsh winter weather. Another great aspect of this product is that it promotes holistic ingredients such as jojoba oil and chamomile oil, which have natural, calming effects on the skin.

Using both of these has really saved my face so far this winter. I mean really, just how much can one cover up and still be ‘fashionable’ right? I’m not a doctor but I would recommend that you drink lots of water, limit the caffeine and try these products. If you are interested in either of these products you can find Sothys at www.skin-one.com and PHYTO-C at licensed spa and doctors offices.

Rosa Chá brings heat to swimwear in 2010

I know that on days like today, summer and swimsuits can seem months away, but in reality it will be here before you know it. As you are planning your wedding don’t forget to get a special swimsuit to celebrate your new beginning and there is none better than Rosa Chá to provide you with inspiration.

U.S. top model, Chanel Iman models the Rosa Chá Fall/Winter 2010 collection during Sao Paulo fashion week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on January 17, 2010. Rosa Chá is back to Brazilian catwalks with its women's collection. It will be the first fashion show in Brazil since Alexandre Herchcovitch has become in charge of the style. The brand will introduce many novelties and new concepts.

Herchcovitch has worked on different themes, mixing diving clothes and lingerie with references from the beach and the feminine body. The fashion designer points toward a winter with lots of personality, performing a combination of beachwear and outwear, exploring new paths without losing track of Rosa Chá’s roots and outstanding features. Rosa Chá takes an important step. Starting from its genesis, the beachwear, the collection evolves to an elaborate tailor work. “This is a fundamental moment for us to be able to use the brand’s DNA in a larger number of pieces that go from fitness, spa, and the beach, to outwear,” says Herchcovitch. The fabrics used for this collection had the feminine body as the starting point for their development; lots of elasticity and more dryfit.

While Rosa Chá is not showing during this fashion week, the styles is perfect for those brides that are looking for unique beachwear. If you are the type of bride that is “Mad Men” inspired, you will love the retro lingerie-inspired swimsuits. With separates that can go from the gym to the beach to outerwear, there is something for everyone. As a bride you want to stand out and these beautiful, fun and sexy pieces will certainly do the trick. I can’t wait until September, when Rosa will be showing; it’s sure to be spectacular.

Celerate Fat Tuesday or your Mardi Gras themed wedding

Let the good times roll

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday") or Shrove Tuesday is the last day of feasting before the Christian celebration of Lent begins. Embraced as a day to indulge, Mardi Gras has long been known for inspiring great celebrations around the world. Because the weather is so bad today, why not plan your own carnival-themed bash at home tonight.

Purple and green beads, flashy sequined masks, and bright costumes are only part of the experience; no Mardi Gras is complete without delicious and colorful cocktails. Embracing old cocktail favorites like the “Red Rooster” and introducing new ones using southern classics like sweet tea, SKYY is ready to celebrate this decadent holiday in style with cocktails featuring its new all natural Infusions. Infused with succulent real fruit, sweet and vibrant, the line of SKYY Infusions vodkas is an easy way to ensure your home bar is stocked and Mardi Gras-ready.

Whether your ideal celebration of debauchery is Bourbon Street, Rio, Sydney, uptown or the village, these cocktails will have you screaming, “Laissez les bon temps roulez,” or if you don't speak French, "Let the good times roll!" Just remember no texting or drinking and driving.

{All photo's of these yummy drinks are at the bottom so check them out!}

Mardi Grape
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Grape
2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
2 oz. Grape Juice
0.5 oz. Club Soda

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice. Garnish with green and red grapes on a toothpick.

Southern Belle
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Pineapple
0.5 oz. Light Rum
0.5 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Coconut Rum
1 oz. Gin
1 oz. Raspberry Liqueur
1 oz. Triple Sec
3 oz. Orange Juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a hurricane glass with ice. Garnish with cocktail umbrella and straw.

Beaded Lady
1 oz. SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit
0.5 oz Gin
0.5 oz Triple Sec
0.5 oz Lime Juice
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
Dash of Bitters
Soda water

Combine all the ingredients (except the bitters and soda) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into iced tall pilsner glass. Top with soda & bitters. Garnish with pineapple star.

Red Rooster
1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Raspberry
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
0.5 oz. Orange Juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with cherry and orange slice.

Fat Tuesday Iced Tea
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 oz. Lemonade
3 oz. Sweet Iced Tea

Combine all ingredients over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Fall Fashion Week: the beginning of the end

Richard Chai Fall 2010

It seems the final Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park will go down in the fashion record books. Record-breaking snow storm just days before the final show begins, and then the untimely death of a designer have set a tone that won’t soon be forgotten. While it may have started off slow, true to fashion (pun intended) it’s been a smokin’ first few days. With so much going on, I’m going to share just some of the highlights now. There will be some interviews and surprises in the coming weeks.

Richard Chai was the first show I attended and his LOVE collection is pure fluid-motion. If you are the kind of girl that loves floor-length skirts and buttoned-up shirts with a sweater thrown over for the ‘layered look’ then his collection is for you. This look creates a long, lean elegance and the soft grays, coppers and greens were fitting ‘comfortable’ colors. There were quite a few outerwear garments but the boyfriend coat was truly a favorite for many. How could I tell, there was lots of nodding and oooh-ahhhs going on. Richard’s collection captures “nonchalant elegance”.

My next stop was Ports 1961 and I loved, loved every piece in the collection. Tia Cibani described the collection as “inspired by the relationship between discovery and invention”. There were surprises at every turn. Some of her coats were backless and asymmetric cuts, yet all were strong fabrics and styles.

So what do these two designers have to do with bridal (I know you’re asking)? There is a fluidity of movement that we’ve seen with gowns last season and I believe that this style will continue. Not taking anything away from ball gowns, the trend seems to be movement and gowns that move like pure liquid and feel like (and probably are) silk.

The La Perla event was wonderful and I was able to view their newest collections. Inspired by “Film Noir” and the iconic women of the 1940’s Hollywood, this collection was an ode to both the mystery and dramatic beauties of this glamorous era.
La Perla Studio collection is a modern, dynamic and metropolitan style that featured lace and various textures.
La Perla Villa Toscana, is designed for the woman who appreciated luxury and timeless casual elegance. These are soft luxe cottons with beautiful details in silk and satin.

Ladies I promise you these are the type of undergarments you want to wear before, the day of and every day after your wedding.

While there is always a lot of excitement the first day of Fashion week, the 2010 Fall season was deeply sadden by the sudden and apparent suicide of Alexander McQueen. Mr. McQueen’s designs were years ahead of his time and way before ‘Lady Gaga’s unique style. Some would say that his ascent in fashion was meteoric and in some ways it was. While others would challenge his style, no one would dispute that he was talented, kind and incredible visionary. He truly walked on the very edge of fashion, mixed fantasy and reality creating the “WOW” factor. There may never be another like his, and he will be sorely missed.

There are lots more shows to write about, as well as lots more to see. I really have loved my first few days under the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tent. There are still lots more to see and so much more to tell you. However, let me share some of the color trends that may carry over to your bridesmaids dresses, or your event location:
Stainless Steel, Copper, Shimmer Black, Royal Blue, Cargo Green and Warm Burgundy.
Looks to consider for yourself or your bridal party: Off the shoulder, layers that equal fluid layers, cut-outs and peak-a-boo lace.

More to come....