Clarisonic's Buff and Polish

Sweltering heat, too many decadent cocktails and plenty of sexy swimwear shows kept the FABulous duo on our toes or high heels this weekend in Miami. What’s a girl to do when her engagement list is full of shows and no time for a quick freshen up trip back to the hotel?

We were contemplating the same question when we came across the Clarisonic booth inside the VIP Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim lounge held at the gorgeous Raleigh hotel. I walked around the VIP lounge while our divine MsFABulous sank into facial bliss with the specialist from Clarisonic using the new Opal Sonic Infusion System who was offering demos. The technician lightly applied the cooling Anti-Aging Sea Serum around the eye area before applying the Opal's system which works by applying a gentle sonic 'massaging' action to help penetrate the the serum into the skin. I noticed a subtle difference in Mariana’s eyes after the demo. Her eyes were less puffy and noticeably softened. MsFabulous remarked the next day after our treatments, that her migraine headache was less pronounced. Perhaps it was the serum or the massaging sonic treatment around her eye area that did it, but it certainly was a much needed treat and a product we are coveting and want to get soon from Sephora. This is an mini investment so try it first with a complimentary mini treatment at Sephora.

The Opal

The Opal's results were impressive enough for us to sign up the next day to try out the cleansing system at the demo booth under the fashion tents. The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System system was gentle on my face. The technician cleansed my skin Gentle Hydro Cleanser and finishing off with the the DR. ROBB Renewal Serum. After the cleansing, my skin definitely felt clean,not stripped down, and felt moist and soft for the rest of our hectic day. And yes, we went back again on Sunday for another treatment because it was addictive and much needed before our flight back to NYC to face Monday morning.

The company was kind enough to offer us the Skin Cleansing System to take home for a trial run. We will report back on our results.

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MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Ed Hardy Spring/summer 2011

There are few brands whose motifs are as recognizable as Ed Hardy. The sexy, tattoo-inspired label presented their looks at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim with a HOT show on the runway.

The pieces for women featured signature Christian Audigier motifs in strategically placed prints. Teeny bikinis bore tattoos across the apex, the behind, down the side, in color or monochromatic foil prints. Some studded styles and corset tops made their way down the runway as well.
For men, more elaborate tattoo designs were translated into colorful board shorts. Corde Broadus, son of Snoop Dogg showed these off with cool attitude.

The ladies were styles with full curls and edgy dark eye makeup. This being Miami Beach, the models looked like they just stepped off a motorcycle right into the Cabana Grande.

Actress/accessories designer Phoebe Price outfitted the models with flamboyant feather hairpieces. (Slide Show coming soon!)

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MIAMI SWIM WEEK: White Sands Style from Down Under Spring 2011

Friday evening at the Raleigh Hotel Penthouse, Australian designer Leah Madden debuted her collection to Miami. New to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim lineup, the White Sands collection was founded in 2008. The looks were dominated by illustrative prints of tropical fronds and flora. The silhouettes were feminine and flattering. The cover-ups were breezy and loose.
The hairstyling was casual, as if the models looked like they just stepped out of Bondi Beach. The shoes were high cork-heeled and strappy. Other accessories were mostly black and simple, making the bathing suits the star.
Slide show coming soon.

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Mod Mode for Mad Men...

Summer television often means reruns on the major networks, but all the good stuff starts airing on the specialty ones. The retro-styled Mad Men has devoted fans among history buffs and fashionistas alike. The designers and stylists who create the show are revered for their attention to detail which tell the story as much as the script.

For the upcoming season, costume designer Janie Bryant styled Peggy's character to reflect her newfound independence. The 'mod' haircut was very trendy at that time and a departure from her conservative, shyer years at the beginning of the series. Betty's character starts to take on more Jackie-O type silhouettes. The presidential fashion befits her new role as a politician's partner. Curvaceous Joan continues to show her best assets in a fashion-forward way with pop prints.

If you're a really big fan of the look of this show, there is a fabulous blog called Mad Men Unbuttoned. Each episode is broken down into minute detail with history, style and background behind each piece of the program.

Click here for Instyle's slide show. Season 4 starts July 25th. Photos courtesy of AMC.

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FAB Sales: Kara Ross, Lutz & Patmos

In NYC:
Kara Ross's upscale jewelry and handbags from precious stones is a favorite among celebs.
When: Monday and Tuesday, July 12th and 13th
Where: 225 West 37th Street, 15th floor
Online:
Lutz & Patmos' luxury basics count Sofia Coppola and Liv Tyler as fans...
When: Tuesday, July 13th at Noon via this Link

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Karina Wollinsky - Indie Italian Chic

Far away from Milan, even far away from the city of Florence. I was pleasantly surprised to find a stylish boutique in the tiny town of Panzano in Chianti. This sleepy village was mostly famous for it's butcher and agricultural history...Not fashion.
I walked into the chic space of Verso X Verso, a store that sold custom and handmade shoes on one side. The other side had a small, exquisite collection of sculpted women's clothes. Each jacket, skirt and top were meticulously pieced. The silhouettes were very flattering to the curves.
The woman behind this hidden pocket of glamor was Karina Wollinsky. She started her career in economics, but came back to her dream of fashion design after studying at the Florence School for Fashion.
The designer has a clear passion for her work. Touching the shoes and seeing the clothes, you appreciate her eye for detail too. She can be contacted at info@versoxverso.com

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FAB Paris: My Favorite Shops in 3 hours

I had a pitiful 36 hours in Paris. I was only able to shop for 3 of them. I hit the Place Vendome area after a trip to the Musee Les Arts Decoratifs. You can see museum-worthy antique shops and the home boutiques of the top designers of Paris of course. You can also seek out unique designers at stores that strive to bring you something different.
Colette at 213 Rue St. Honore has a modern, rebellious tone. It houses some of your favorite forward designers like Gareth Pugh and McQueen. It also features bold new names like Mary Katrantzou. Gadget geeks will also find the sleekest of tech accessories for their stylish obsessions.

Podium Jewellery drew me in immediately. This Moscow-based chain has boutiques for fashion and interior decor in addition to jewelry. This particular store on 334 Rue St. Honore housed one-of-a-kind pieces from independent designers. Some designers worked with avant-garde motifs, another re-purposed heirloom items and exotic artifacts into elaborate necklaces.
Over in the trendy Le Marais district, my favorite boutique was Arte Else. This petite shop at 12 Rue de Sevigne housed handmade clothing and jewelry by independent designers. The delicate creations included a multi-darted tulle tunic, a feather embroidered corset and sculpted blouses.

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