Biotherm Launch, Lunch!

Last week I attended a product launch for Moisture Intense Guard by Biotherm. This is a line of skincare and cosmetics that I really like. The line has high-tech, high performance products that are unique, and effective. Their Light! foundation has spf protection, and has become one of my favorites, this Summer.

But the new product that is launching this October is truly amazing. It will offer women a light feeling moisturizer that packs a whallop of a moisturizing punch, without heavy creams or a greasy feel. Himalayan Pink Salt is one of the featured ingredients. It appeared on the tables as a decoration, but it looks like beautiful little crystals of rose quartz. We were treated to a short film featuring Debra kellner, a photojournalist, done by her filmmaker husband, Eric Valli, about the origins of the Himalayan Pink Salt. It was really beautiful. I think this is a remarkable product and I'll be reviewing it in the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column in September or October, so watch for it, and meanwhile, check out the other great products Biotherm makes at http://www.biotherm.com

My First Girls Night Out!

I've been hearing about the magical, mystical "Sheckys Girls Night Out" for a few years. I've wanted to know just what kind of fun goes on behind the closed doors of these events, so I decided to find out for myself. $35.00 gets you entry and a famous, Sheckys, goodie bag.

I was really looking forward to another Sheckys Girls Night Out event, but I got a serious case of food poisoning and couldn't get out of bed...not even for shopping! So I was even more curious when this time, I made it to the Puck Building in Manhattan, for day 2 (or should I say, evening) of a three-day Sheckys Girls Night Out Extravaganza. The doors opened at 4:30 and I got there about half an hour later. There were women of all ages and all types already milling around outside. Inside, I quickly realized that the compelling theme for Sheckys winning formula was "eye candy." First, I was handed a purple wristband by a cute, smiling, young man, and invited to begin my quest, through four rooms and two floors of hot fashions, jewelry, accessories, makeup and just about anything else a woman could want...and at a discount!

Before I say anything more, I'd like to add that as the evening wore on, and the crowds of women got larger and louder and a bit wilder (and did I mention all the drinks are free?), I was impressed with the efficiency that the crowds were moved about and the attention that the staff gave to each "customer." People:, Shecky's format, rocks! What's not to like about a wealth of cute, respectful, smiling guys, free drinks, and discounted "girl stuff" for the perfect combo of great shopping at a discount, and drinks and general social fun--just for the ladies. Even the men's room had been appropriated (it had a "women's room") sign on it!

To get into room one, where visitors were ferried first, I had to pass through a doorway in which another adorable hunk, and a pretty young woman, were standing, giving out cool towels (it was a hot evening) and trays of drinks (in this case, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio from "Little Black Dress," served with a straw, in adorable, plastic mini-bottles). Across the room I spied a bar serving beer, and as I walked from room I noticed a number of bars offering drinks with flavored vodka, and also lots of people circulating with trays of colorful, mostly blue-colored drinks (no food, of course). Booze plus friends plus a bit of disposable income, equals: SPLURGE!

But I was already beginning to love this.

Most of the women were already carrying large, white, re-useable, shopping totes emblazoned with the eye-catching, Sheckys logo. The bags, apparently, are one of the big attractions at these events. I went upstairs to see what the fuss was all about, and was told I couldn't get one because, I guess, it is only by advance purchase and I was there as press, as a courtesy of Sheckys. I'm grateful that they allowed me to attend and cover this event, but when I asked to see what was in the famous bag, I was refused. I continued to protest--after all, if I'm not going to get one personally, at least I'd like to report on what was inside. Still, a polite but firm, NO. But I produced my business card and finally, the senior man relented, although he loudly instructed his colleague to "watch me" (as IF I, a respectable life & career expert, would steal dosh from a goodie bag!!!!). Mildly insulted, I took a quick look through the bag (I wasn't supposed to even touch the goods, but otherwise I couldn't see what the items were, so they let me quickly check). Apparently the items vary, but in the one I look through I found: 3 paperback books (looked mostly like "chic-lit"), several granola-type food items (would have been welcome for shopping energy and for soaking up some of the booze), a pair of pantyhouse in a bright, green color, some inexpensive cosmetics, what I think was a little change purse or covered mirror.....I can't remember what else was in the bag, but I'd gather it would have been heavy to tote around. There was a limited supply, so women were waiting in line to get theirs even though they had to carry it around while they shopped.

And what about the shopping? After all, getting great stuff (5 hours worth) at a discount is the real draw. Looking around the rooms, you could see table after table of young designers with really interesting products that ranged from $5.00 all the way up to $500.00. There was a lot of jewelry, most of it over $100. That might not be a true impulse buy for some, but I could tell that they were good prices for great looking, often unique, items. Ditto with the fashions and accessories. Getting there early might help, but a lot of the designers I spoke to (and most were actually there, selling their own things) said that they actually save inventory for these Sheckys sales, and that a lot of it is overstocks, so they are happy to sell it before the next season, begins.
There seemed to be a lot of milling around, but also a lot of buying and selling going on.
Even I got a bit carried away, and bought a pair of long, heavy, rutilated quartz earrings from M. Levinson (actually, his personable partner was there, not the designer), and a wide, fabric belt made with metallic thread, that I know would cost more than the $10 I paid, just for the fabric.

I spent several hours at Sheckys Girls Night Out. I had a good Time. I had false eyelashes applied by Maima, a beautiful woman who worked for THI (Taylor Pham) cosmetics (nice makeup, by the way--I'll try to get samples to review in my What Works column http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html ). I spoke to Tamara of Tamara Handbags, whose colorful, fabric totes were an affordable splurge, I was captivated by the eye-catching jewelry of IEnchantress www.iEnchantress.com -- a woman who hails from California. She gave me a pair of giagantic (but lightweight) chandelier earrings for my September What Works Reviews...so stay tuned for these--I think they will become one of my favorite acessories since Fall's fashions are so dark and austere (these dangly, sparklers will glam anything dull up in a flash).

By 7:00 or so, the crowds were really getting thick, so I gathered a free sample of self-tanner (actually, it was a full size bottle) by Dove, and moved out into the still-light evening (it was the first night of Summer and the longest day of the year). I blinked my newly-fringed lashes, and sighed.

It might have been more fun with a group of semi-drunk friends, but I'd had a wonderful time. I hope to do it again, sometime!

Dorothy Draper and Beautymags, too

You could hear the cocktail music flowing from a rooftop garden as you approached the Museum of the City of New York last night, where a large gathering of fashionistas (and a few men who looked a bit bewildered and bedazzled by all the fresh-faced beauties sipping the drink of the evening--the ex boyfriend), were celebrating BeautyNewsNYC's third anniversary.

It was a nice night, so I decided to take the train and walk from Lexington Avenue, past the housing project and towards Fifth Avenue, and the Museum, armed with a personal invitation from dynamic Editor-in-Chief Kimberly McDonald. I haven't been uptown past 96th street for a while--it's still a bit "iffy" and I ended up matching strides with a nice looking young man jabbering in Spanish into his cell phone. I was glad to make it right up the steps (nice to be found quickly on "the list") and into the main hall of the museum, where a beautifully arranged bar was waiting, it seemed, just for me. I gathered an ex boyfriend in an elegant martini glass, and thought if the drink had been just a bit stronger, I could name it the "ex husband" and drink two!

Instead, I wandered into a featured exhibit at the museum about the life and work of Dorothy Draper, a true pioneer in interior design who was named the most influential tastemaker in America (in 1960, I think). In any case, her career extended from 1920-1960+ (she lived until age 80). I was aware of her larger-than-life, "movie set" type interiors, filled with oversized design elements, chintz and florals in bold colors, but I didn't know that she even designed wrapping paper, and styled automobile and airplane interiors.

Since I wasn't there to visit the musem (although I ought to visit there more often), I went in search of Kimberly, who, I've been told, started BeautyNewsNYC.com as a hobby. combining her business skills and those of makeup artist. Llike so many cybernauts, we'd never met in person, and I haven't made much of an effort to get out and network (but that's, changing). Anyway, Kimberly was hard to miss, in an eye-catching leopard and floral print dress (sort of Dorothy Draper-esque) with a rapunzel-like halo of light and wavy hair. As I walked up, she flashed me a high-wattage smile, and diverted her attention away from a group of peope to spend a few minutes chatting with me---score gracious points for Kimberly! Of course, she instructed me to plunk down twenty greenbacks for a raffle ticket. Normally, I wouldn't, but it was to support Amnesty International, and even the losers were pretty much guaranteed a take-home of a goodie bag (featuring Osmotics skin care, Stila, Bond No. 9, Crest, and also discovered in my bag: J. Sisters nail polish, DuWop hands to hair, and and a cute travel bag of RUSK products). There was something else...a Dorothy Draper Dinner Bell...not sure who was supposed to get one of those, but I know I didn't. Anyway, I crossed my fingers and plunked my ticket down on a diamond and coral set of earrings from Rockras. I am sure some lucky beauty bash-goer got those...I meant to leave at 8:30, was informed the raffle would be at 9:00, finally left at 9:30, and the raffle hadn't started yet. So much for lucky me in the big city.

I wandered out to the rooftop garden, and felt the pinch of my lime green sandals, so I shifted my weight for a while, and then resorted to sitting on some steps, which gave me a good view of the comings and goings, anyway. While there, a young woman came over and asked "are you Alison of the Advice Sisters?" When I responded with a "yes" she introduced herself as Edie Sherman of Crazy Rumors, the adorable Boutique Brand of lip balms, born in Brooklyn. Her cute husband, Brian Himmel, sheepishly admitted that he'd recognized me from my photos on my Advicesisters.net web site. I'm still trying to figure out which one to use to replace my old head shot, by the way, so visit http://www.advicesisters.net and leave a comment here or send me an email and tell me which one you like best. We chatted about their business for a while, and how hard it is to get out there and promote a beauty brand, but apparently Celebrity Jessica Alba is a fan of their coffee and tea-themed lip products, so there you go!

I enjoyed chatting with Brian and Edie about whether couples should work together (in most cases, I'd say no) and other subjects, but my cell phone rang, and it was my husband, letting me know he'd been waiting for me on the steps of the museum for some times. Dutifully, I walked to the door, to cash in my raffle ticket (who knows, it could have been the winner....) and collect a swag bag. I mentioned to the beautiful, blonde woman giving out the bags that I wrote the What Works beauty reviews and she seemed to recognize me. "Do you know me?" I softly asked. "yes, of course," she said, "you are famous!"

Well, that certainly made my night. I've gotta get out more!

Hapy Birthday To Us

Today is my birthday.

I won't tell you how many years I've lived, because it isn't relevant to this post, really, but if you visit my web site http://www.advicesisters.net you may wonder why I'm called "The Advice Sisters" when there is just ONE of me. Well, it's because my genuine twin sister and I started writing together online and off, more than 14 years ago. We were known for our double-take (two views for every question) Q&A columns. She was "Advice Sister Jessica," and I was and still am, Advice Sister Alison. Together, we created not just a web site and columns, but books, seminars and even a CD series called "Make New Connections." The Advice Sisters have been credited with bringing the advice/information genre, online, as described in the academic textbook: Marriage and Family Experience: Relationships Changing Society 8th Edition by Bryan Strong, Christine DeVault, Theodore F. Cohen (Thompson-Wadsworth,2004) and we were touted as the next "Ann & Abby" for the new millennium (although unlike those famous twins, we really liked one another).

Hardly a day ever went by when we didn't chat by phone, or communicate by email, or see each other in person. We had plenty of disagreements, but in the end, blood is always thicker than water and we made up and moved forward, together.

I've never written about this before, but it seems fitting, on our birthday, to finally break my silence. It's really hard for me, but it's time:

Four years ago, in August, my sister left a message on my answering machine. It stayed there for almost a year, until the battery died and I lost all the messages, including hers. It said "please pick up a copy of US magazine with the photo and quotes about us, in it,
as I'll be gone." She meant the South of France, where she was heading off to the next day.

But she never made it there. And she really WAS gone.

My husband and I were driving on the New Jersey Turnpike when my my cell phone rang. My sister’s friend was calling and insisted that I pull off the road. I had no idea why (truth be told, I didn't like her friend so I was annoyed that she had called me) but we pulled over. In a gas station on the New Jersey Turnpike, my life changed forever. Jessica had literally, dropped dead that morning, in her own bed. In shock, we turned our car around and headed to home to tell my father that his daughter, my twin sister, was gone. It was one of awful days in my life.

In the months that followed, I also lost my favorite cousin to breast cancer (and she was just 50 years old), my 19 1/2 year old cat died, and my father collapsed, near death (he finally recovered, but he's been declining ever since). A book deal my sister and I were working on was dropped (who wants the spectre of a dead twin, the publisher told me a week after Jessica died), and more problems and challenges fell like rain, for the next year and a half.

Jessica and I were fraternal twins. We looked alike to the casual observer, but we were really not. I am shy and a bit withdrawn. You have to want to get to know me before you understand who I am. When Jessica and I were promoting our first book, Recruiting Love-Using the Business Skills You Have to Find the Love You Want, she couldn't wait to be on televison. I'd sit in the green room and sweat! Jessica was a true people person. She loved being with other people, telling humrous stories with an enthusiasm you couldn't help but absorb, and she loved to laugh, enjoy herself, and help you have a good time. Men loved her. She simply had a friendly, approachable look that they couldn't resist. In High School and college when I thought I'd never really meet anyone great, she was being inudated with roses and love poems. She won the Miss Congeniality award at the Miss Syracuse New York Pagent one year that we were in college. I definitely was not surpised. Jessica smiled and laughed so easily, even when things in her own life weren't perfect. She was so much fun to be with! She was a good sister.

As a life & career expert, it is easy for me to help others. Helping yourself through terrible challenges is another story. But, the process of healing as helped me understand that everyday people have extraordinary love connections in their lives, even though they don’t always recognize, appreciate, or access them. Love is nearly limitless and all around us in various forms, if we choose to acknowledge it.

Jessica and I always spent our birthday together...it was just more fun that way, even though when I was little, I resented that fact that we always had one cake that we had to share. Now, I will always have my own cake, but no sister to share it with.

Today is OUR birthday. Happy birthday, Advice Sister Jessica....Happy birthday, to US. Wherever you are, I know you are wishing me, the same.