Wet your Palette.

Good Morning!I'm getting ready to get to work, on this Sunday morning. However I wanted to do a quick post of something you may want to take advantage of. I ordered this eye shadow palette from Pur Minerals.There is free shipping through today. The colors look good, and you know everyone is on the doggone mineral bandwagon. Pur minerals is also sold at Ulta.I will review when it arrives, but take advantage of the free shipping if you are interested.

Inspiration

Every wanted to know what makes me tick? Reading this blog, or knowing me personally probably has given you a glimpse.I read nearly every fashion magazine the first week of the month.
Next is people watching. I am living in a part if the country where it gets no better.No, seriously these people have style. From the students at Yale University scurring to class in their shabby chic Ivy League threads, to the wealthy women in Fairfield County.Running about town, au pears in tow, with handbags that I could only dream of carrying.Then comes the old money of Greenwich, where it was there I first saw a Crocodile Hermes bag (I nearly passed out in the Gap.)
But while I'm laying in my bed adorned in mismatched socks here are blogs I follow religiously.The Sartorialist,he covers stylish women all over NYC and the world for that matter.I would kill for him to find me stylish enough to want to snap a pic of me.
I actually have a gazillion other blogs to link, but my internet is running at a snails pace on my laptop. Stay tuned and I will do a part 2 before the week is over!

Stay fashionable!

LFM

Helllllooo there, Kitty.

Let me first state a disclaimer. I think it is extremely corny for women to recite the following sentence,"I ONLY wear MAC." It sounds cultish, and I must make you aware, it is not the end all be all.
With that said, I still love the brand. You can count on them for make up art, after all, it's what MAC prides itself on. So what better than this artistry brand to partner with Sanrio (OMG, I feel like taking the train to Times Square- NOW),maker of Hello Kitty (epitome of girliness.)

Check out the deets below.

pics & article courtesy of temptalia.com

MAC Cosmetics has teamed up with Sanrio Global Consumer Products to create a Hello Kitty color cosmetics collection.

The line will arrive on MAC’s Web site Feb. 10, in North American stores on Feb. 12 and into overseas stores in March.

“MAC has been mining pop culture since the brand was founded,” said John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. “This is a sexy and innocent fashion line, and a true MAC moment. In these times, everyone can use a little fun — and a little Kitty.”

“The partnership was a no-brainer,” said James Gager, senior vice president and creative director of MAC Worldwide. “We cater to people who love to play with makeup.”

While in many licensing partnerships, the licensor shops his or her property around, MAC went after Sanrio, Hello Kitty’s owner, to do the deal. “They had never done makeup before, and I was certain that all those women who already own a bit of Hello Kitty would also want to own branded makeup,” said Gager.

“We are thrilled to partner with a brand that shares the vision of offering an innovative, authentic and transforming experience to our loyal fan base,” said Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio. Sanrio’s worldwide retail sales of licensed products for 2007 is estimated at $5 billion.

While the 34-year-old Hello Kitty character is usually assumed to be a cat, she is actually a girl, according to Sanrio. And a girl without a mouth, so she “speaks from the heart,” the company said. “She may not have a mouth, but she’s going to sell a lot of lipstick,” cracked Demsey, noting that a waiting list for the items will go live on Jan. 7 at maccosmetics.com.

“To me, MAC Hello Kitty embodies the ultimate beauty icon,” said Jennifer Balbier, senior vice president of product development for MAC Worldwide. “She’s sweet and sexy, slightly edgy, and appeals to a wide range of customers. We wanted to reflect that through a sweet side, but also something slightly mischievous when it came to the colors. I started out by creating a palette of pinks, since they fit and always trend well in the spring. And this look is so much about the eyes that we did two eye shadow quads.” The Lucky Tom quad has violet blue, brown, gold and pink-coral shades, while the Too Dolly palette has mint, blue-silver, pale pink and magenta shades.

“We incorporated glitter eyeliners because she loves anything that twinkles, and we took the coral and hot pink theme and did pretty, poppy [colored] blush,” added Balbier.

While this collection is intended to have a sophisticated presentation, MAC hopes to appeal to younger fans with two shades of lip conditioners.

The Hello Kitty offerings fall into two collections: the Hello Kitty Colour Collection and the more high-end Hello Kitty Kouture. The bulk of the items are in the former category: six shades of lipstick with names like Fashion Mews and Strayin’, each $14; six Lipglass shades, each $14; and two tinted lip conditioners, $14.50 each; two eye shadow palettes, which each contain four shades and retail for $38; two shades of pigment are $19.50 each, and two Reflects Glitter stockkeeping units — one blue, one pink — are $17.50 each. Four Glitter Eye Liners, each $16.50, two shades of Beauty Powder, each $22; three shades of nail polish, each $11; a black mascara, $12, and false lashes, $12, round out the color offerings. Shades range from pinks and turquoises to lavenders and greens.

Hello Kitty Kouture is intended to be the high end of the collection. Two shades of Dazzleglass, each $28, each feature a reusable silver chain pendant with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals on black with a pink crystal bow. Sheer Mystery Powder, $90 and available in three shades, is packaged in a silver powder compact with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background.

“We wanted to have affordable luxury and a high-low aspect, so it made sense to do the Hello Kitty Colour Collection and Hello Kitty Kouture,” said Demsey.

The Hello Kitty Colour items, a Petite Makeup Bag, $22, and a medium Makeup Bag, $35, will be in all doors, currently about 581 department and specialty stores in North America including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, as well as MAC’s 138 freestanding stores in North America and at maccosmetics.com. Internationally, the items will be in 1,307 doors in 69 countries, including 296 MAC freestanding stores outside North America. Hello Kitty Kouture will be available at MAC stores and maccosmetics.com only. At the maximum, the collection will be available for eight weeks.

A plush doll, $42; purse mirror, $22, and three-brush collection, $49.50, will be available at MAC stores, Nordstrom doors and maccosmetics.com only. A mirrored key clip, $16; beaded bracelet, $34, will be sold in MAC retail stores and at maccosmetics.com only, and a tote, $45 and soft vanity kit, $55, will be exclusive to maccosmetics.com. These items are intended to animate the counter presentation and create an entire Hello Kitty world at retail, Gager noted.

While none of the executives would discuss sales projections, industry sources estimated that the limited edition MAC Hello Kitty collection could do upwards of $12 million in North American retail sales. That projection is slightly larger than that of the hit Barbie collection.



See you ladies 2.12!

LFM

NEVER pay full price.

Yes, this is a motto of New York City's real estate mogul,Donald Trump. And because money doesn't grow on trees, I would have to agree with the Donald. Except, we all know he won't partake in this bargain bonanza.My beloved Miss Jessies has begun their once yearly BOGO sale. I have to level with you all, it is the ONLY time I buy their products.Ok, there times when new things hit the shelves, and I dash to Ricky's NYC for my fix. At any rate, I love their products, and this promo, makes them justifiable.

Happy Shopping!


CB

Something like a PHENOMENON.

Frankly, I'm not dressed until I have on make up. In fact, I'm not fully "made up" until I'm donned in mascara. I have nearly tried them all. I managed to snag Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes in Boston awhile ago (was sold out every where in Connecticut)it is the "Cadillac" of mascara.Carbon black (the blackest mascara), lengthens, curls, and basically is the best thing going.
Look at you! I can see you all shaking in your uggs at the sight of the brush. Don't be afraid.Creative Director at Givenchy, Nicolas, spent countless hours cutting mascara wands.He cut them in half, so that when applying your mascara you would touch every lash. Hunny bunnies, if I had thought of that! It literally gives you panoramic lashes. The mascara is so black, that once you have gotten the application down, your eyes look tight lined! I, for one, can't get the pencil that close to the rim of my eyes to even try to tight line. My lashes look nearly fake! And at press time (lol) it is now available in the tri-state area. So I'm sure where ever you are in the world you can swoon in!

Goodnite!

Carm

Pleasure Principle.

When I grow up, I want Janet Jackson's abs. I find it extremely unfair that even after hours at the gym, AND paying a personal trainer, I have yet to come across her six pack. Perhaps the fact that I would NEVER have my midriff covered if I did, could be a good thing for old ladies staring at me in Fairfield County. Alas, I digress.
But after seeing what Janet will offer us this November in the way of lingerie, I could potentially get back to my crunches, spin classes, and saying no to Cold Stone creamery.It will offer sizes 32A to 44G. So those of you who are more endowed can throw your grannie bras to the wolves! It will be available in department stores such as Nordstroms(note to Santa- wink, wink).

Yours in bloomers,

CB

You kiss, she tells!

Can you just roll with me on this one? My blackberry just went off on my commute to good old New Haven...... A friend of mine reminding me to check out her blog. And doggone it you had better do the same, ARAX RAE'S BLOG

She gets you up to speed up fashion, FOOD :) and many other things that us uber chic New Englanders do for entertainment and what not.


I would also be remiss if I didn't mention my friend from middle school (oh yeah we go back like recliners), Ebony's blog, Eb's Gossip

She is sure to keep you up to date on celeb dirt.


I'm out, because even with my Kinerase eye cream, genetics don't lie.......I can't go to work with BAGS!

Good nite...........


CB

Shine On!

So I have tried many products to increase the "bling" factor in my hair. While my hair gets really dry, I have to be very careful to not use things that will weigh it down. I have begun to color my hair again, with something more permanent. This is safe for color, or chemically treated strands. Frederic Fekkai's Salon Glaze is simple to use. After shampooing your hair, evenly distribute the glaze throughout wet hair. Let it stand for about 8-10 minutes.I shampoo in the shower for the most part, so during that time I shave my legs and sing. It is safe to use every week, and the results are shineful dah-lings!


Good night all,

Carm

P.S. I promise that my posts are going to become more regular! Work has been nuts, I'm just getting back from Manhattan, where I had the pleasure of meeting the creator of a FAB cosmetic brand............Details to follow.

Mattes a Fact

I would be doing the entire country and probably the universe, for that matter, if I didn't tell you all about a foundation in my current rotation.
Make up forever's Matte Velvet , it controls shine, a definite must for moi. It is also water resistant, and provides full coverage without giving you a cake face. All this week I received compliments on my skin. Me being the cosmetic junkie that I am, I had to share my secret. As far as application goes, a LITTLE, goes a long way. I use a foundation brush, as it gives you more control, and you don't waste product. If you use a sponge , in most cases, the sponge absorbs much of the product before it even hits your face. A total no-no, we are in a recession, and I can't afford to waste a morsel of anything. If you are curious, I'm shade 70, and I'm sure this will change after my summer tan fades.
On a one off, Make up Forever, could definitely give MAC a run for their money. For those of you who collect MAC (trust, I own tons) as if it were a cult, I dare you to try this Parisian brand. You can buy it at select retailers, as well as their only store in the US, the boutique in Manhattan. I will actually visit them next week! EEEEKKKK!

Forever in Foundation,

Carmencita

Curly Hair Don't Care.

Actually mines does.So today after working for a few hours I finally ventured back into the Dominican salon. Yes they are open 7 days a week. But this time it was not for one their infamous blow outs (the thought of that heat makes me cringe!).

I was in desperate need of a trim ( my hair has not been cut since last spring-yikes) and why not a deep condition. I may have scared the poor woman, as they looked at my tight curls and coils, assuming I wanted a blow out. She proceeded to shampoo my hair, and then began detangling. So just to back to peddle, if I don't wash my hair at least every two days, it's a rats nest.After the detangling session I received a deep conditioning, and then the much needed trim. Success. My hair looked and felt like fluffy cotton. I didn't even realize that it had gotten so long, or in 'fro terms: BIG.

Let me make a beeline to the point. Now that my hair is natural, it CRAVES moisture, so much that I often "baggy" it in the winter (I will cover this at a later time). I went home to my stash of hair products, and pulled out old faithful.
Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme Love this stuff. It moisturizes without being to greasy, and the smell is HEAVENLY. I plan to use the Restorative Treatment mid week. I have been using Miss Jessies products since transitioning from a relaxer, and the products continue to be a fixture in my bathroom.There were rumors that the two sisters had a falling out,then infamous Curve Salon closed down. However as of August 9th they are back in business. It makes me warm and fuzzy! In a few more months I hope to get my hair cut there, where they will use the "angle- balance" method. If you are ever in Brooklyn, definitely look them up!

Yours in curls,

Carmen

CLEAN YOUR BERRIES

Well that's Blackberries, Sidekicks, Treos, any PDA or cell phone for that matter. You will thank me for the tip later. So I doubt that this is glamorous and lacks information you may find in a fashion mag. But I felt inclined to share, I have been coming down with a cold for the past couple of days. And tonight loved ones, it has finally gotten the best of me. Which prompted me to think, " Who in the heck has been around me with their nasty germs?" It is neither here nor there at this point. But it got me to thinking about how many germs we come in contact with on the reg. It's pretty disgusting when you think about people who refuse to wash their paws after coming from the loo. So do me a favor. Make sure you aren't one of those people.Next every so often (I do it every other day at least), swipe down your phone with a clorox wipe or something comparable. I have had many a break out on my cheek, where I'm sure my dirty phone was a contributing factor, typing countless texts and emails. When I do wipe it down, it is pretty gross, usually revealing foundation and blush from the days prior.I'm sure there is plenty that we don't see! At any rate, I should be back to normal after a day of rest. We will talk about something more stimulating than electronics.

Good night!

Carm

Eye Spy Couture!

Good evening all! I'm going to introduce you to a pallet I have been hooked on for the past month.
Tarte Day to Night Pallet comes with 10 colors, a double sided brush and eye pencil.I have been able to create a variety of looks. From a fab smokey eye, to a soft summertime appropriate look. And the price? You should pick one up for you and a friend! It is also paraben free, for those of you trying to move away from preservatives. I have had the honor of viewing what Tarte's holiday pallette will look like. Let's just say put aside some cash, it will be well worth the wait- its more than double in size!


Good night all,

Carm

Hey Sugar!

So I have finally gotten around to this whole blogging thing. Some of you may have read my myspace blogs, but I wanted something more "official". I'm obsessed with cosmetics, fashion, and skincare..............Welcome to my world. For now, here is my latest love affair.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, It feels like butter.It never leaves my lips feeling flaky, a no-no especially when you are applying some color afterwards. Most importantly it has SPF 15. It may seem a bit pricey to some, but it is definitely worth it every penny!

Yours forever in lipgloss,

Carm