Fashion's Night Out The Chicago Version

Last Friday, Chicago joined in the Fashion's Night Out  (FNO) festivities that was a smash hit last year in New York.

Not one to miss anything fashion related, I took a stroll over to Michigan Avenue right after work to meet up with friends for the fashion show at Nordstrom and other festiveness along the Mag Mile.

After the fashion show, we embarked on a walking adventure down Michigan Avenue to check out our favorite stores. 

We went to Neiman Marcus where the highlights for me were drooling over the most gorgeous Manolo sandals that had feathers, Miu Miu spectator pumps with a massive high heel, and a cute pair of Chanel sneakers. I was standing about three steps away from Usher's mom, yes, you read that right Usher's mom, Jonetta Patton was in Neiman Marcus. She was buying shoes. I don't know what kind of shoes she was getting, but we were standing in the Chanel section. A million thoughts were running through my mind. I wanted to yell "Where's your son!?!?" or "Buy me a pair of shoes!!!" (Hey, it's not like she couldn't afford to, lol!) Alas, I said nothing. I did smile when she glanced my way. I tried to get a picture on the DL but there wasn't an opportunity and besides I didn't want to be the girl who got told off by Usher's mom, besides Tameka Foster No-Longer Raymond already has that honor. Let me stop being bad, lol!

The last stop on our FNO field trip was the Water Tower. The party was beginning to wind down by the time we made it there, but that didn't deter us. Stores were still open and we had a little bit of energy left to browse. Surprisingly we didn't buy anything! A group of shopaholics and not one purchase was made. Shocking! I think we were all having too much fun hanging out and enjoying the gorgeous night.

After experiencing Chicago's Fashion's Night Out, I have to get to New York to experience theirs. Something tells me that New York's FNO swagger is on a hundred thousand trillion (yeah I quoted Kanye West there. Just seemed like the right thing to do.)

Here are a few pictures from FNO:
http://alifeofstyle.blogspot.com/p/lightscameraaction.html

Also check out my girl Rai over at Swa Rai, who had upcoming Chicago photographer, Martin Needham snapping pictures for the night.
http://www.swa-rai.com/2010/09/fashion-night-out-chicago-style.html

~Kim

Jennifer Lopez Fashion's Night Out NYC

The always fabulous Jennifer Lopez launched her newest fragrance, Love & Glamour during New York’s Fashion Night Out celebration at Macy’s in Herald Square.

Mrs. Lopez-Anthony looked amazing. I absolutely love her look here. Her mini dress is by Lebanese designer, Georges Hobeika and she’s rocking a haute pair of Christian Louboutins. I like her very on trend greige (gray-beige) manicure also. Say what you will about Jennifer Lopez, but one cannot deny the fact that she has an amazing sense of style. Her dress is both sexy and demure, but most importantly her look is age appropriate.

Check the classic JLo appearance face, smokey eye, all over glow, and a nude lip. Those diamond earrings are may-jah! I for one, am not fooled by the rocks that she got.

For more information:
George Hobeika
Jennifer Lopez’s Love & Glamour

~Kim

Christian Dior Minaudiere {Beauty Swoon}

Is this not the most gorgeous makeup palette you have ever seen in your life?

 

Dior’s limited-edition Holiday 2010 palette Minaudiere (that’s tiny purse in French) is featured in the September issue of Allure and it is pretty much love at first sight for me. I need to see this gorgeousness in person.

The case and gold trim are so elegant and the colors will create the perfect smokey eye and nude lip looks. Honestly if I got my hands on the Minaudiere, I would be hesitant to use it. It’s just too pretty, lol!

The palette includes:

Dior Minaudiere Palette – $ 80.00 (Pricey but sooooo worth it.)
5 Color Eyeshadow in No.001 Five Golds
5 Color Iridescent in No.529 Endless Shine
Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in Gold Edition


Addict Ultra Gloss
Available in 2 colors:

• No.234 Pink Stiletto
• No. 992 Black Lame

Dior Le Vernis
Available in 2 colors:

• No. 226 Timeless Gold
• No. 916 Czarina Gold

For more information:
Dior’s official website

Lanvin for H&M {Fashionistas Everywhere Faint}

Early yesterday, Twitter was abuzz with tweets about a possible Lanvin and H&M collection. Lanvin???? Uber luxe, high end, sky high prices Lanvin collaborating with H&M? Shut the front door!!! Thankfully this was not just a rumor. My heart soars just thinking about it! *squeals*

“H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

On November 2nd, the entire Lanvin for H&M collection debut in a film on http://www.hm.com/

On November 23rd, the pieces will be in 200 stores. I plan to take that day off work and I'm sure there will be a line, so I will be standing outside my local H&M very early.

I can't wait to see the collection and I will be on the lookout for any sneak peeks that may come out before November.

Are you excited about Lanvin for H&M?

Stonewater Cove – A Hidden Gem in the Midwest

When you think about planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon, I bet the last place you think of is anywhere in the Midwest. Well take a look at these fabulous photos of Stonewater Cove Resort and Club located in Shell Knob, Missouri and start planning your trip.

Stonewater Cove is also a perfect destination for the family or a weekend with the girls or guys. There's a spa for pampering and adventure activities like fishing, mountain biking and zip lining.

 


Click here to read the official press release

Make It Last Forever {Protecting Your Pretty Costume Jewelry}

Today I want to share a tip on how to preserve silver tone, gold tone and other costume jewelry. Some people brush their jewelry with clear nail polish but I have found that the polish peels within a few months. Using a clear glaze like many craft artists use is the better way to go and will ensure that your pieces are protected and sparkling for years to come.

Supplies you will need:

• Sheet of wax paper
• 1 can of Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze

This project needs to be done in a well ventilated area or you can wear a mask. The spray has a pungent scent and it may aggravate allergies and asthma. Be careful!!

Gather all your costume jewelry and spread the wax paper out onto a flat surface. Shake the can of Krylon Glaze very well. Lightly spray the front and back of each piece of jewelry, then place on the wax paper. It won’t take long for the spray to dry but I suggest letting the jewelry sit overnight.

That’s all there is to it! Once your jewelry is completely dry, return it to it’s home in the jewelry box!

~Kim

Images courtesy of F21

Let’s Moisturize Our Situation, Shall We????

During my daily commute to and from work, I am shocked at the amount of dry, scaly elbows, ankles, and heels that I see. Where is the lotion? Has the art of applying a lotion or body cream died?? Is that no longer a part of the grooming process??? I don’t know what is going on but I do know that I don’t like it.

Let’s moisturize our situation, shall we? In other words make sure you apply a good moisturizing lotion everyday.

Two of the best lotions I have ever used are Lubriderm and Nivea.

These work best at tackling dry skin. They also have formulas for extra dry skin. I find that the original formulas work for most people.

Dry elbows are never a good look. Apply a nice layer of cocoa or shea butter to them if they are a little on the rough side. Now let’s move down to the ankle and heel region. I highly suggest you apply a generous amount of Bag Balm, baby oil gel, or cocoa butter. What’s the point of wearing a cute dress and your ankles and heels are snow white???

Till next time!

~Kim