AdviceSisters Newest Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review is Live Today

We've just posted a fabulous new beauty, cosmetics & fashion review for the month of November! Check out the AdviceSisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html See we're suggesting to take you (beautifully and fashionably) from Fall to the holidays, and beyond.

...and don't forget to bookmark the page...our December column is up the first week in December featuring the hottest gifts, makeup, fragrance, fashion, skin and bodycare, hair, nails, stuff for guys, and even a few suggestions for the younger set! Visit the What Works Archives at http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html for all the columns you might have missed...going back to 1998


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Esther Nash's Party at CAIN Nightclub

Last night, beauty editors, stylists, models, photographers, family and friends attended a party for Esther Nash at the CAIN nightclub on 27th Street and the West Side. This super-hot nightclub has an African safari theme, akin to an African game lodge. You'll get the idea when you spot the amazing, zebra hide bar and large wood pillars draped in imported African beads. The "wildest animals" you'll see here are likely to be of the fashionable kind, well-dressed celebrities, looking to dance the night away in an exclusive atmosphere, without being "shot" at (unless that's what they want).

Multi-talented Esther Nash is a fashion and jewelry designer, stylist, commentator and actress/model. Here, Esther models two of her own jewelery designs, jade necklaces with sterling accents. The AdviceSisters will be reviewing a number of Esther Nash jewelry designs in our November and December What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns *watch for them the first week of each month. Esther Nash designs are investment pieces that will work with everything in your wardrobe, and they're all one-of-a-kind.

I am in the middle of this photo, flanked by the hosts of the party: Esther's talented sister, Shelly Nash, is on the left, and on the right, Esther Nash is wearing her own beautiful, triple-strand amethyst necklace.

In this photo, you just about make out my unique red and black jet earrings --they are also Esther Nash originals.

The action doesn't really get started at Cain until after midnight, but soon, the dance floor heated up. Everyone had a great time chatting and dancing!

Talk Show Host TV Personality Cognac Wellerlane is sharing a laugh with Esther Nash. Cognac is famous for her upswept hairstyle and sparkling personality. You can view Cognac's television show, “Cognac’s Corner” on Manhattan Time Warner Cable Channel 34.

Esther and Model Janine Hill

(from left to right): Businessman Michael Forem, Esther Nash, and former NFL Football Player and Personal Trainer, Carl Ditmars

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 9/8/07- Twinkle by Wenlan Runway Show

For Fall 2000, Taipei native, designer Wenlan Chia launched Twinkle's first collection of cute and colorful, hand-knit sweaters and accessories, followd by a runway show at the February 2003 Gen Art Fresh Faces Fashion Show. Success quickly followed, and I remember the very first show I ever saw at my very first Fashion Week was, in fact, a Fall collection of her signature look: youthful, colorful, chunky knit sweaters (in that collection, with oversized buttons and shapes) and other accessories. The backdrop for the runway was a striking, delicate, almost tribal design in shades of brilliant blue and black (photo) that was carried through on the invitation and press information, which called the Spring 2008 collection: "playful, sportif, and full of energy--from the drama of seascapes and the beauty of nature to the razor sharp edge of graphic prints and sculpted etails, a renewed sense of easy, relaxed glamour and sophistication emerges."

Well, from my vantage point in the Bryant Park Salon, I might not have categorized the collection quite that way, but unlike many of the shows, whose clients are red-carpet focused, this collection will offer Twinkle by Wenlan fans the option to wear her designs any day of the week, for virtually any occasion.

While Twinkle's Spring 2008 collection did have some sweaters, and even some pastel sweater dresses (photo on the left) with a dominant color theme of creamy peach and creamy gray with taupe and white, there were tons of cute, sassy, for play and for day clothes, as well as some short party dresses for evening (photos below):

It's hard to see from my photos, but the models also wore Twinkle-designed Manolo Blahnick footwear featuring flats in suede and patent, tiny mini-straps, peep toes, and of course, glam high heels.

Now that fashion week is in full swing, I'm beginning to see some dominant trends appearing. As you can see from this photo, loose, long hair is coming back into fashion again, but for Spring it isn't glossy and stick-straight anymore. The runways are full of long, loose, bouncy hairstyles with texture in them in the form of loose waves. It looks fresh and modern and slightly edgy, and definitely not as "girly" as in season's past. You can re-create these looks with curling irons and crimpers, or with rag curls brushed out as Johnnie Sapong for Redken did at the Cynthia Rowley show earlier in the week. Thomas Hintermeier for Redken did this hair look for the Twinkle show. Textured hair is important for short styles as well, which I suspect we'll be seeing cropping up (pun intended) in the Spring, as well.

Many of the casual clothes were playful and loose, with cropped pants and swing-y tops, and although the fashion press is raving about the end of the balloon dress and loose clothing, I am happy that there are still options for women who don't want to scrape themselves into tight, super-body-conscious clothes (especially in hot weather, when the proper undergarmets are a must-have). Scarves seem to be a trend for next season. So far I've seen this often forgotten fashion item cropping up in shows as everything from headwraps to cover-ups, to belts, to around-the-neck accessories. At the Twinkle show, a scarf was playfully wrapped through belt loops of shorts, and tied in a bow in the back--adorable! Get out those mothballed long scarves from decades past and do the look at home, cute with jeans, for Fall! Another trend that will not die are super-short minis. These look sweet on the runway, but in reality, you couldn't bend or sit down in them. I am guessing that slightly longer lengths will make it into the stores, or the more modest of us will be wearing the minis with some sort of leggings or pants under them.


The manicures were done by Creative Nail Design. The makeup look that featured pink lips (all I could really see) was created by Charlie Green with the MAC Pro Team. I will get the details of products used and let you know how to do the look, in the more AdviceSisters detailed fashion features I'll be creating after this crazy week is over. Check the AdviceSisters FEATURES page at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html in mid-September, where I will be listing all the Fashion Week Spring 2008 features as they are posted.

*all text and photos by Alison Blackman Dunham -- copyright © 2007 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® No portion of this blog or any advicesisters content, including illustrations, may be copied or used in any without written permission. Permissions: advicesisters@advicesisters.net. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark.

My Stevie Nicks/Chris Isaak Post, copyright considerations-please read

If you have viewed anything I have created for the Advice Sisters online publications over the past 14 (nearly 15) years, you kmow that I am not just a life & career expert, I'm a freelance writer and author of several non-fiction, self help books.

Last week I posted a rather lengthy review of the Stevie Nicks/Chris Isaak concert at Jones Beach. I had hoped that fans, and perhaps the performers themselves, would find the review interesting, well written, useful. And, when the post started appearing on fanzblogs, I had no problem with that at all, until I discovered that a number of these blogs lifted the entire piece and posted it as theirs without ANY attribution to me or this blog, whatsoever. This is simply stealing.

Long ago, I realized that the Internet wasn't quite as tightly regulated as print publishing, and I also realized that it is a wonderful way for people to share ideas and information, network with one another, and get to know my work as a writer. However, there are still rules of "Netiquette" and legal ones of copyright law that must be observed online. Too many people think they that if they can "right click and save" something or simply copy it and paste it, it should be theirs for the taking.

Last year I created a myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/alisonsadvice with information about copyrights, because so many people were taking entire articles and other pieces of my work without any concern or regard. There are obviously people reading my blog (thank you) and I appreciate your attention, but please remember that writers make their living from getting paid, and from the exposure they receive. If you take my stuff without linking to it, mentioning where it is from, getting my permission, and not even using my name as the author, you are stealing my property. As a writer, I find this pretty upsetting.

Since some of you feel frisky enough to continue stealing my work, I have this to say:


"I have been working as an online professional writer and publisher for a long time. Please enjoy all my web content, link to my web sites and my blog, and hook up with me on myspace.com. If you want to use something I've written without linking to it and you really want the entire thing, I might be inclined to offer limited rights to you to use it on your blog or web site or elesewhere, for modest compensation (or maybe even for free in some cases). All I ask is that if you want to do more than link to my work, ASK MY PERMISSION, FIRST and then credit me properly on your site. You can link or send any of these blog posts appropriately through this blog.

The content I create from my own brain is unique to me, and it is very valuable to me. That's why I spent the time, effort and money to protect it with a copyright. If you aren't sure what a copyright is, read on:

A copyright helps people protect their (intellectual) property (the things they personally create). If you see a copyright notice and/or the letter "C" in a little circle that means it is protected by copyright law. You can't legally use it unless you get permission from the person who owns the copyright. If you copy photos, text or anything else off my online sites or any other with a copyright notice, you are stealing it. Please let others know about copyrights and help make the net a great place for everyone to be. Thank you. Alison Blackman Dunham aka. Advice Sister Alison"


copyright © 2007 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No portion of this content including illustrations, may be copied or used in any without written permission of THE ADVICE SISTERS. E-Mail: advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

Where is Your Copy of the Advice Sisters Enews?

you are a subscriber to the bi-monthly, free newsletter, the Advice Sisters Enews, you already received the information below and more, with live links!

This time, I'm not going to put the entire Enews online in this blog. If you want to information in the Enews, I hope you will subscribe. The Advice Sisters Enews is free, delivered to your in-box bi-monthly. It features Advice Sisters news, tips, reviews, expert advice,the latest in style and culture, and more. It isn't too late to get your own subscription, and get the Late Winter, 2007 Advice Sisters Enews delivered right to your in-box. Here are just a few of the highlights:


"The Devil (and You) Wear Prada, Contest: Five lucky people have won more than $1,000 worth of ultra-luxe products from Benefit, Dior, and Z. Bigatti. *sorry, you have to be a subscriber to the Advice Sisters Enews to get the link

Fair Game on NPR with Faith Saile: At precisely 22.30 minutes into the 50-minute+ Valetine's Day "Fair Game" show Black Holes, Neuroscience, and Michael Jackson you will hear a segment about what couples should and should not do behind closed doors. *sorry, you have to be a subscriber to the Advice Sisters Enews to get the link

What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review March 2007 is focused primarily on color cosmetics to add new life to your Spring fashions, along with new fragrances, skin and body-care products, kits and gifts, nail, hair and men's products. *sorry, you have to be a subscriber to the Advice Sisters Enews to get the link


THE ADVICE SISTERS "ABOUT TOWN"


MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK Fashion Week for Fall, 2007, was a busy one, thanks to my colleagues, who facilitated backstage access for me at some of the hottest shows Here are the links to all the posts I created for Fashion Week Fall 2007: Alice Ritter, Akiko Ogawa, Gustavo Arrango *backstage coverage , Alice Roi *backstage coverage , Venexiana, Alexandre Herchovitch *backstage coverage , Araks *backstage coverage, Ellen Tracy *backstage coverage , Vanidades Fashion Lounge, Bill Blass *backstage coverage, Cynthia Rowley Hair & Makeup and Runway Show (& the Cynthia Rowley/Jillian Dempsey Makeup Collection for Fall 2007 for Avon) , Carmen Marc Valvo *backstage coverage, Zang Toi , Alison's Fashion Week "must-haves" *sorry, you have to be a subscriber to the Advice Sisters Enews to get the links

Book Reviews: These non-fiction books are some of the latest titles from major publishing companies. From secrets, to starvation, to sex, they'll educate, inspire, and entertain you *sorry, you have to be a subscriber to the Advice Sisters Enews to get the full reviews. Sign up now: http://www.advicesisters.net/thankyou.html

Write about what you know" is the advice that is often given to beginner authors. Amanda Kerlin obviously listened, and it's for that reason that Secrets of the Model Dorm by Amanda Kerlin and Phil Oh (Atria Books, 2007) succeeds. Ms. Kerlin is a statuesque and beautiful young woman who has "been there and done that" when it comes to modeling....

The Honeymoon's Over by Andrea Chapin and Sally Wofford-Girand (Warner Books, February 2007) is a book of original essays by female writers about love, marriage and divorce. Most of these are short, and well-written, but while they are amusing as stories, the book's main attraction is the way it connects women to women, with powerful emotions that most of us have felt in some way or another, at some time or another. .........


Gaining by Aimee Liu (Warner Books, February 2007) is an attention-grabbing, often intimate look at the life and mindset of Ms. Liu , a recovering anorexic, and the primarily women (a few men too) who she has followed up with after a hiatus of a few decades. Her first book, "Solitare," was about her battle with anorexia, but this one is more like a Part 2, or a sequel.....

Satisfaction: Women, Sex, and the Quest for Intimacy by Anita H. Clayton with Robin Cantor-Cooke (Ballantine Books), could have been a dry discourse on female sexuality, but it is a surprisingly entertaining and empowering book about how why women settle for lackluster sex lives, even though they may be high-powered in all other aspects of their lives.....


Sex on the Brain by Daniel G. Amen, M.d. (Harmony Books, 2007)takes a more cerebral approach to the subject of better sex, with a serious, if somewhat clinical view on the subject matter, but it is no less interesting. The information is irresistible.....


A Perfect Mess by Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman (Little Brown 2006) will not give you the secrets to a tidy desk, but it might make you re-think the costs and benefits of organization......

Welcome to Your Crisis by Laura Day (Little Brown 2006) confirms what I've been told most of my life, that out of adversity, comes opportunity. As it states on the back cover: "The moment your life falls, apart, it is also the moment your new life begins." ....

Vanidades Fashion Lounge Presentations During Fash Week Fall 2007!

On Tuesday night, February 6th, I was supposed to visit the Vanidades Fashion Lounge at the Arena on West 41st Street in Manhattan, with Carl Ditmars. Alas, we were sidetracked at the last minute and never made it to the show.

But the shows by Editorial Televisa in Collaboration with Maybelline and Garnier, featured two talented Hispanic designers: Gustavo Cadile and Rafael Cennamo. Hosted by the new “face” of Maybelline, Danna Garcia, we missed seeing April Hernandez, Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, and even America's Top Model's Jay Alexander.

As you will can see from the photos below, Argentinian designer Gustavo Cadile presented showy, red-carpet worthy dresses that had glamour and romance, but are still quite romantic and feminine. I love this one-shoulder blue gown with graceful draping, and this brilliant red gown that looks like a modern "Juliet" could win anyone's heart wearing it!

Rafael Cennamo, a Venezuelan native, also had a show that evening. The final dress of the show was literally, a show-stopper: a dramatic, red ball gown that literally covered the runway, although it is a bit reminiscent of LaCroix way back when. I mean, let's face it, who wouldn't turn heads in this (even if she couldn't turn around, herself in it! without a bit of assistance from her ladies in waiting?)

There was an auction during the event of the two red gowns that both Cadile and Cennamo unveiled at the Go Red benefit for the American Heart Institution and apparently, Vanidades readers will get the privilege of voting for the winning design.

I'm really sorry I didn't get to this set of shows...it really looked like a great evening. Hopefully I will, next season!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007-ARAKS

I wondered what time the PR staff from People's Revolution had to get up to be at the front of the Altman Building. There they were, and all smiles too, when I arrived at 9:45 A.M. on Super Bowl Sunday. More amazingly, as always, the PR people were beautifully dressed up, even though it was ever chillier today than yesterday and they were sitting right behind the front doors. Since I already knew where backstage was from Gustavo Arango's show on Saturday, I immediately made my way downstairs to the back stage area, to interview James Boehmer, the lead makeup artist for NARS Cosmetics. I met Rachel, my friendly, helpful contact from NARS, and she introduced me to James. I guess I got there a bit later than usual, because many of the models were already "done," but there were still some being made up. James graciously stopped what he was doing to chat with me, stopping our interview only occasionally to check one of the other makeup artists' work.

As you can see from this close-up, this look for ARAKS for Fall is about a balanced, fresh feeling on the entire face. It's not just eyes, or cheeks, or lips. James said the look was inspired by Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice (and that was totally in keeping with the romantic nature of the clothes, too). I loved the slightly flushed, "English rose" cheeks and soft pink lip and you will too, it's just about perfect to add some life to your complexion, especially since you'll be wearing a lot of soft and subdued colors this Fall. The Fall ARAKS look is all about the skin...a flawless but fresh face, NARS "Turkish Red" Cream blush and "Desire" pink powder blush adding a hit of color, but not harsh or brash. "Blend, blend, blend" advises James. On Eyes was part of a new shadow duo that won't be available until the end of August, but worth the wait. "Calahari" is a soft brown" that was blended with another new color "Voyage," a soft fawn with a bit of glitter. On lips, NARS"Tempest" lip gloss --a pink with a bit of mauve, but softened so that it will be universally flattering. It looked beautiful on all the models. This is less about "drama" or making a "statement," and more about bringing your own, natural, glowing, beauty. I'll be posting more photos of makeup and hair, and the clothes, of course, shortly on the Advice Sisters web --- check our FEATURES page http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html for all the latest after Fashion Week, along with "do-the-look" makeup instructions, courtesy of NARS.

After speaking with James, I wandered over to Peter Elofsson and his artistic team from RUSK. Peter did the hair for ARAKS last season, too. When I arrived, he was busy using a straightening/smoothing iron on a model. Peter explained that his look for ARAKS was inspired by the elegance of the clothes--a soft of Catherine Deneuve feel, but with more "street" (meaning; texture) in it. You'll see that in my photos. Nearly all of the models had long hair, so the "texture" was added by "bending" the hair a bit (you can see this clearly in my photos, which I'll be using in my photo essays on the Advice Sisters Web Site. Hair had a side part and some models had a tiny silver barette holding a few pieces back to the side. Then, hair was sprayed with a RUSK hair spray to keep it in place, but still swingy. For Fall, Peter says long hair isn't just going to "hang" anymore, but will have a sharper edge and more details.

FYI: Creative Nail design (they did the nails for ARAKS last season, too) did the model's manicures with "Fedora," a very dark polish, and "Decadence," a translucent red.


and the ARAKS collection clothes? Unlike the Spring season's diaphanous clothes, these were more substantial for Fall, with soft movement from rich wools, silk and cotton fabrics. There was some color in this collection, although it was still subdued and mostly dark shades of blue, berry, green, and silver (plus the usual black, ivory, coal, and white) One that I particularly liked was a wool/cotton double face dress with bell sleeves that was in a color called "Night," just a shade lighter than the color of the sky just before all the light dies after the day is over. Another was a coat in a color I'd call "Raspberry" but I think it was called "Gooseberry" in the show description. It was tailored, but with gathering in the back, so it looked dressy, and elegant. A pine silk twill drop shoulder dress with drop puff sleeve was fresh and young, and very pretty. The fashion critics may disagree with me, but the only "miss" for me were the outfits with knickers or shorts, paired with lace-up boots. "Hot pants" or long knickers are "stage-y" and cute for a party, but not flattering on everyone. A cute look that is easy to wear and modern, were the lace-up ankle boots with traditional "oxford" detailing shown with many of the outfits.

Venexiana-Sat Feb 3rd-Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

My last show on Saturday night was Kati Stern Venexiana. I was tired, but really excited to see this show. I wondered if the super-cold weather and the Saturday night schedule would thin out the crowd, but by showtime, the venue was packed! I didn't have backstage access for this one, but Paul Labrecque did the hair and makeup for this show, and nails were by Creative Nail Design. Front my front-row seat, I could see that the focus was on glossy pink lips, with expressively-done eyes in earth-toned shadows, but very well defined. Hair was side-parted, long, flowing, bouncy and full of body and wavy curls. The look was pretty and modern, but with womanly (not little girl) elegance and a hint of "avant-garde."

Venexiana 's clothes are similar: modern, but especially in the evening gowns, there was a definite red carpet elegance--and just a bit of "off-beat" in a silvery rope draped around a black evening gown and trailing up and over one shoulder, for example, for a beautiful coat cinched with a huge belt. Another trend this season is undeniably socks. At Venexiana, high-heeled suede and leather pumps (some in bright colors such as turquoise,platform "tap shoes," and some in unexpected, grey suede) were worn with ankle or knee socks, even with flowing dresses such as flowing, polka-dot one in the photo I took, below:

I am wondering whether or not you need to purchase new shoes a size larger to allow for these bulky socks. Your budget might not allow for new shoe purchases to fit this trend, but

this "little girl" look is somehow, likeable (not to mention it's got to be warmer than wearing hose).

The designer, Katie Stern studied fashion, architecture and music, and designed costumes for Carnevale in Venice where she also spends a lot of her time. Her collection for Fall, 2007 really did mix a lot of unusual fabrics together in unique ways, such as leather with lace and metal and fur. There weren't any PETA people outside the tents that I could see, and the fur coats going down the runway were covet-able and luxe, some (as I mentioned above) paired with wide belts that made these coats, which could have been otherwise bulky, almost dress-like. The evening gowns were done in luxury fabrics of silk, charmeuse, chiffon, and accented in some cases with sparkling, Swarovki crystals. Predominant colors were chocolate and grey, with some taupe and black and hits of color through accessories. At the end, however, the designer herself took a turn down the runway, wearing a bright chartreuse dress with satin ruffled collar and chiffon flounce at the bottom (for more photos of the show including the designer, check our advice sisters web site FEATURES page http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html in the coming weeks for the link to my photo essay on Venexiana!

Gustavo Arango-Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007

I was really excited to attend the Gustavo Arango show at the Altman Building Saturday afternoon, February 3rd, because I was invited backstage and one of my faves, AVEDA, was doing the hair and the makeup on this show. The backstage area at the Altman building is really spacious compared to the tents, and it was easy to spot and interview Rudy Miles, AVEDA Global Face Color Artist, and others from the Aveda Makeup Team.

Gustavo Arango designs glam clothes for glamorous women, especially Latina woman, so the look for this show was inspired by Hollywood glamour of the 1920's, but not quite as controlled or "done" (check out the model in the photo, below):

The makeup for this show was completely modern, dressed up, but, as Rudy Miles put it, "still whimsical." I called it diva with a slightly "dirty-girl" attitude. A polished, finished face and, like the strong eyes at Alice Roi and Alexander Herchcovitch, Rudy Miles made the focal point the eyes. He ringed them completely in a slightly metallic, deep, smoked blue called "Blue Bell." This color will be available from AVEDA for Fall, 2007. The deep, blue eye look really went well with the soft evening gowns and subdued colors for Fall from Gustavo Arango's collection. To finish the look, Rudy applied a lip liner all over the model's lips, first, and then applied a berry gloss that gave the lips what I like to call a "moistly-matte" look. It's matte, but not that old-fashioned dry that we are used to seeing with matte products. The cheeks were burgundy and berry, but applied in a new way: arched around the forehead and to the cheeks, instead of up from the apples. "It's all about color and technique," explained Rudy. And, as many other makeup artists have always advised me to pass on to you, my readers, this is only makeup. You can always remove it if you don't like the way it looks...so don't be afraid to experiment! Rudy Miles is shown below, holding some new "Petal Essence Accents" eye/blush trios for Fall, 2007 . Rudy said he used to be a teen model (and he's still not only photogenic, but very charming!).

I also spoke to Jon Reyman and his AVEDA hair team. Since the inspiration was the 1920's pin curls and finger waves that define that era's Hollywood glam style, the model's hair was set in pin curls and then loosely pinned in the back to produce a modern, Raphaelite-styled bob. This stunning look was romantic and youthful, but not too "set" in place. The models really did look angelic, walking down the runway. I don't have a list of all the products used but I will get it and add the details to my photo-essay feature, soon (check the Advice Sisters FEATURES page http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html in the coming weeks for all the latest Fashion Week and advicesisters content). ). I do know tow of the products used were Air Control, an environmentally-friendly hair spray, and Pure Abundance Hair Potion to add texture and volume to a model's hair if she needed it. Jon also explained that AVEDA was being much more selective in the number of shows they were doing this Fashion Week season. The reason? Aveda puts their proverbial money where there mouths are. They will only work with designers that are in sync with AVEDA's earth-friendly mission and philosophy: http://www.aveda.com/customerservice/ourmission.tmpl

The makeup artists and hair stylists are working on a short time frame on lots of models at the same time. They have to answer the same, endless questions over and over again. Even so, to a person, all of the backstage teams have been gracious and responsive to me as a writer and reporter. The AVEDA staff in particular were so nice to be around! They seemed to be enjoying their jobs, and their colleagues (special thanks to makeup artist TERRY whose husband was also backstage, on the "hair" team). I didn't interview the team from Pritti Organix Nail Salon, but they did the manicures.

Gustavo Arango came by to talk to Jon for a moment. I was too tongue-tied to introduce myself, but the designer, outwardly very calm, said he hadn't slept much the night before the show (I can just imagine!). He needn't have worried since the collection, although body conscious, was beautiful and quite wearable, even for non-models. Mr. Arango, born in Colombia and raised in Puerto Rico, studied in New York at F.I.T., subsequently working as a fashion designer for Pierre Balmain and then launching his own collection. An interesting but sad note is that the designer's apartment was destroyed during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th. He moved back to Puerto Rico. His collection now is inspired by the exotic beauty of Puerto Rico, and the urban chic of New York. The clothes moved with the body, especially the evening gowns in chiffon and silk charmeuse that were accented with beads in many cases. One I particularly liked was a slate silk charmeuse gown with lizard straps. Shoes were high, high, and higher, from Beverly Feldman and La Favorita. I don't know what the fashionistas will say about the collection, but my personal opinion is that Gustavo Arango designs to make every woman look beautiful, no matter what her age or features.

Check out my "how to do the look" with AVEDA products (coming soon on the advice sisters web site linked from our FEATURES page http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007-Akiko Ogawa

Later in the day, I went to the Akiko Ogawa runway show in the tents. I got there early, and saw my friend Ester Nash on line for another show. How nice to see her! She's such a lovely woman.

As I was checking in for Akiko Ogawa, I ran into another person I know--Steven Bender. He now has his own PR company and is doing lots of interesting things. We had time to catch up for a few minutes. He's one of the "nice guys," too.

But on to the show: the theme is "the masculine look of a British rock star softened into feminine form and laced with elements of 'wabi sabi' (the distinctily Japanese aesthetic of refined rusticity and elegant simplicity considered the highly prized qualities in the traditional arts).

To break that down, the clothes were a mixture of punk bluntness, and soft silk kimono..a perfect fusion of Japanese downtown girls, with geisha elements. Scottish tartan (mostly with green and blue) showed up in pleated skirts, paired with rock-star black.

The audience and the clothes seem "youthful" but in truth, I could see nearly anyone taking pieces from the 39 pieces shown in this collection and making them work. There were skinny pants, mostly in black, along with charcoal gray, but there was some color. The pink used as accents apparently was inspired by the flower of the peony tree. One of the most beautiful pieces was a deep pink kimono tunic, worn with a low-slung Swarovski crystal studded belt. The most beautiful pieces were these silky kimono-styles, worn as dresses and tunics. The models seemed to float down the runway in these. I liked the oversized obi" type sashes that added a distinctly Japanese flair. I also particularly liked a black cropped "military" type jacket with large crystal "buttons" that added sparkle, and some of the jackets and sweaters with faux-fur trim. To add that punk attitude, a variety of platform black leather shoes prevailed. Add a chunky boot to a tartan skirt and you've got just the right mix.

The collection is fun, eye catching, and a welcome relief from the austere. Noda Norikata at MAO did strong, smoky eyes and pale faces. Hair, from Dennis Lanni for Bumble & Bumble was stark -- a sort of modern Louise Brooks short black bob with thick bangs for most of the models. This added a distinct rock star meets the East sensibility that went well with the clothes.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007-Alice Ritter

Fashion Week has begun!

My first show was Alice Ritter at the Players Club in the chic, Grammercy Park area. It was cold and of course, I arrived on the wrong side of the Park and had to walk around three sides of it to get to my destination.

Inside, young girls in white T-shirts with the simple Alice Ritter logo in black letters, were all smiles. I got there close to start time (I know from experience that most fashion shows do not really start on time) and noticed the cozy club was already packed with chattering fashionistas. Two Alice Ritter staffers, chattering in melodic tones, in French, were sitting on one of three available couches, on opposite ends. They moved over so I could sit down, and I gratefully sank into the leather couch for the "wait" (which turned out to be about 35 minutes). While sitting, I chatted with a young woman who said she was there as an Assistant Buyer for the Isetan department store in Japan. So many buyers and press (yours truly included) didn't have seat assigments! We were finally ushered into a "great hall" lined with imposing oil paintings of what I presume were the founders or past presidents of the Players Club, squeezing ourselves through a gauntlet behind three rows of tightly packed (and mostly filled) seats. We filed in slowly, and I realized that there was an open seat right in front of where the line ended. The lights were just about to go out so I sat down. Alas, anyone not in the front row had an obstructed view.

But the clothes (from what I could see of them) were worth the wait. Down the runway came the most romantic if "costumy" clothes I've seen in a long time. They Edwardian inspired collection featured the most fantastic cropped jackets with nipped-in waists and long, tiered, flouncy back treatments. These were paired with nicely tailored, wide-legged, pants, and romantic, full skirts. Alice Ritter uses a mixture of woven fabrics, and since it was a Fall collection, there was a lot of substantial wool, heavy cotton, and silk. The colors were extremely austere: black, black and more black, and some grey, olive green, and a bit of "caramel, plus a bunch of blouses and dresses in silky, royal purple fabrics. What added spark was silky shine, and some sparkle or sheen in the fabrics of the jackets and skirts.

A lot of this collection is what I'd call "party" or special event clothes, but not in the sense of a formal evening gown. These are clothes to turn heads, but without a rhinestone or a bead, in sight. A standout was a "dandy's" outfit, mixing masculine and feminine: a pure white blouse with a huge ruffled front and collar of crystal pleats, paired with blakc pants and a fitted jacket. With an outfit this "showy" all you need is a pair of diamond stud earrings, and you're good to go! Another standout were two coats: one was a boxy, black and white tweed mid-length coat with a very large, shawl color. The other, a creamy ivory wool with a funnel neck and large buttons, that seemed very retro (think: Audry Hepburn in Charade).

I didn't go backstage for this one, but the main theme of the hair reminded me of party girl fone to sleep and this is the result in the morning. The hair was a "messy" bun with long pieces or tendrils deliberately falling out of it to the side. It was romantic, but I'd suspect it might be harder to accomplish at home than simply making a bun, and sleeping on it! The makeup was by NARS. I liked the matte, dark rose or warm red lips as the main focal point. I'll try to get the details from NARS and share them later on.

my Day of Beauty at Warren Tricomi Salon

When I was born, my hair was a bright orange that turned light blonde. As a child, it was strawberry blonde, with coppery strands that glinted like fire in the sun. It was so unusual that my mother sometimes asked me if I "did something" to it to make it that color. I didn't. My hair might be frizzy, curly and sometimes, uncooperative, but it always was a beautiful color.

Nothing lasts forever. When a few strands of silver started to clash with the copper, I freaked! I ran to a swanky (and expensive) salon, thinking I'd whisk away the greys with a few highlights. Alas, the colorist and I were apparently speaking different languages, and when I left, I had dark red hair! I had to admit it was a change (and change is good), but not that good--I hated it! Worse, I quickly learned that you get a "skunk line" down the middle of your head the minute the color starts to fade and your hair starts to grow. I couldn't afford the time, money and effort to keep touching it up and I longed for my own, nautural color back.

A friend (whose blonde hair I always thought was completely natural) came to the rescue with another salon that was the direct opposite of swanky (you change in the bathroom and put your things on a hook along with the stylist's lunch and shopping), but the colorist was personable, and she listened to what my needs were instead of imposing her vision. Best of all, the neighborhood was fun to visit--almost like being in another city entirely. She managed to get my hair somewhat back to "normal" between blonde, and red.

But nothing lasts forever. Too much hair dye over too long a period of time made my hair dry and brassy. Worse, it was splotchy. I waited as long as I could stand it, and when it was not only brassy, but faded, I'd had enough....and that's how I ended up at the Warren Tricomi salon on 57th Street in Manhattan.

I admit I was nervous. The salon is pricey and in the high-rent district off 5th avenye, a far cry from the low-key operation I'd been visiting. But my hair was really a mess, and Fashion Week is coming. I figured I wouldn't look any worse, and with luck, I'd look a lot better.

I felt a bit better being greeted at the door by an outgoing, stylish man named Paul who called me by name (nice touch). He directed to change (not in a bathroom but in a dressing room with beautiful, silk, maroon drapes) and to take a seat. I wasn't seated more than just a couple of minutes when colorist Simone's Assistant greeted me and brought me a glass of ice water (there is a complete "bar" at Warren Tricomi which is a nice touch if you are going to be there a while). Simone introduced herself and was very businesslike. I know that the salon is frequented by socialites, celebrities, and high-profile regulars. The thought was a bit intimidating, so I let it drop that we were both in the "beauty biz" but in different part of it. "Well, then I'd better do a good job," Simone gently joked.

I won't bore you with all the conversation, but Simone (very gently) informed me of something I already knew but didn't want to face: that as you age your hair color and perhaps, even the tone of your skin, changes. Some people go grey, some get darker. In my case, I didn't have much grey, but my strawberry blonde hair was not the same color anymore (is there anything really good about aging?). In any case, Simone suggested that I make my hair lighter without any red.

Red has always been my trademark....I wondered whether I should trust this virtual stranger. But Warren Tricomi is known for amazing makeovers (I've seen them do their magic on tv shows) and of course, they work their magic on models for designers at Fashion Week. The salon uses Redken and Wella products, and also has it's own line of signature products as well (I will be reviewing some of them in the next couple of What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns). Looking around the large salon with it's slightly "Moroccan" and very chic vibe, and assessing the other patrons (who were not at all strange-looking), mostly expensively dressed and attractive, I decided to go with Simone's professional opinion. After, all, I am someone who writes abuot beauty and fashion, who is a certified image consultant, and who is known for giving advice about life and career to others--but when it comes to myself...well, let's just say I can be as myopic as the next person.

In a flash, Simone foiled, mixed, brushed on, and applied color to fix the blotches and turn my straw back into gold. A treatment that I think is one of the new, Warren Tricomi product lines made it soft and shiny. My hair was transformed into a beautiful shade of something that might have been closer to the way it was when I was a child...not blonde, not red...unique..and I got the few, subtle highlights I longed for when I first started this hair-color journey! Before I knew it I also had an amazing cut by Emiliano (adorable to look at and talented as well) that made my hair straight, swingy and stylish.

I walked down the street with attitude...and the salespeople at Bergdorf's were very attentive (they usually totally ignore me). Even the check-out lady at the market seemed a bit friendlier! They say money can't buy happiness...but it CAN buy great hair!

It has been a while since I've looked in the mirror and loved what I see. Now, I do.

trying one more time!

After a few days of burning the proverbial midnight oil, trying to figure out what I did wrong when I moved this blog from the old blogger format to the new one, I finally, after literally hours and hours and hours of experimentation, am able to publish posts again.

I have to say, NO THANKS TO BLOGGER and GOOGLE. True, the third party software they offer is generally user-friendly and it is free, but I would have paid right up front to have five minutes (that is all I needed) to have someone walk me through my settings so I could fix the small problem that stopped me absolutely cold.

Blogger and Google: if anyone on your staff ever finds this blog and this post, please be assured that I think your programs are awesome, but if you are going to put software out there for the general public to use, wouldn't it be reasonable to stand by it, with a help desk? FAQ's are great unless you get stuck and just don't understand it. To refuse even an email address to write to is so, well, irresponsible!

Ok, I know: you would be inudated with people if you just put yourself out there for free and 24/7 for assistance, but I'd have been happy to pay, by the minute, if necessary. I knew I'd only need a few minutes to fix what should have been obvious, but wasn't.

To my readers: What I have learned from this entirely frustrating, time-wasting, unproductive and unpleasant process is that either you have to figure it out yourself (which ain't easy, folks) or give up entirely, or throw yourself on the mercy of user groups (great bunch, but they can't be spending all of their workdays helping people with the same, relentless problems either, and sometimes they do not give accurate direction because they are not profesionals, just folks who know a bit more than the average).

Note that while I was making changes I didn't want, I made one I did want: instead of the old title: askalisonsadvicesistersblog it's now Advice Sister Alison's Guide to Life, Love and Happiness.

I hope you like the change, and I hope this is the last test post I need to make

alison

A New Year, New Start, News-The Advice Sisters

If you read this blog regularly, you know that there hasn't been much activity on it during the last few weeks of 2006...but that doesn't mean that I've been sitting on my you-know-what, doing nothing. Definitely not! Aside from providing personal advice to private clients by email, I've been adding new advice content to The Advice Sisters Great Relationships Web Site. I will continue to add new things regularly as 2007 unfolds, so please visit the FEATURES PAGE often to see what's new including the latest What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Columns, "Double-Take" Q&A, Articles,"Ask Alison-Managing Your Life and Career Columns" contests, Advice Sisters' news, and more!

In December, I was the subject of the latest"Hook Me Up" video show on Yahoo! Tech. You can see my episode: "Dear Alison, Help Me Podcast" at: http://tech.yahoo.com/se . This is your chance to see that there really is an "Advice Sister" behind this computer screen! In this episode, "Emergency Makeover Technician" Byron Este literally brings holiday "cheer" to my life by bringing me the essentials of podcasting. Please watch. You will probably need an updated Windows Media Player or Real Player to get the show (some of my fans and friends with older computers and dial-up may have some trouble...if that happens Contact Me and we will do our best to help you view the video!

Later in December, I was invited to the inagural celebration and first official voyage of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl. The 93,530-ton, 2,384-passenger ship isNorwegian Cruise Line’s newest Jewel-class ship, and quite a beautiful and impressive one at that. Popular talk show host and Emmy award-winner Rosie O'Donnell was appointed the ships' Godmother (every ship has one to name her, and they are usually women of note). The Norwegian Pearl’s slogan is: "Simply Irresistible" and that she is! I'll be posting more information about the Norwegian Pearl, shortly.

FYI: The Devil (and YOU) Wear Prada Contest is Now Closed: The Devil (and You) Wear Prada Contest ended December 31, 2006. We are in the process of reviewing hundreds of awesome entries, and will let you know who the winner are shortly. Five people will receive more than $1,000 worth of ultra-luxe products including some of the beauty products and colors used by makeup artists in the film: The Devil Wears Prada, from Benefit, Dior, and Z. Bigatti. If you missed this contest, Subscribe to our free, bi-monthly Enews and our Advice Sisters Forums , and be among the first to learn about our next contest!

I have added the first Advice Sisters® "Double-Take" Wedding Q&A that I've written since Advice Sister Jessica died. Check it out on http://www.advicesisters.net/ I'll soon be adding the first "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column of 2007. It will be a double-issue featuring the latest skin and body-care products, and romantic gifts (Valentine's Day is coming) to make the start of 2007, beautiful and beat the Winter Blues. The What Works Archives" has literally thousands of reviews and links to beauty and fashion-related items you may have missed over the years.

Also in December, I also posted a new article -- one that I hope will help make our world just a little nicer. If you got a cell phone, MP3 player, or another electronic device during the holidays you must read The Advice Sisters Etiquette for Portable Devices It will give you the lowdown on using these little wonders without driving everyone around you, crazy!

My sister, Jessica Blackman Freedman, aka. "Advice Sister Jessica," loved New Years, as did I. Each year we would make plans for a full-packed celebration weekend, filled with love, happiness, and optimism for the future. After her death, I realized that I couldn't re-create this feeling with anyone else ever again, but I am trying to create new traditions. This year, as I've done the past few years, I celebrated the New Year quietly with my husband and some dear friends. Alas, my 16+ year old cat (*we adopted her 14 years ago and she was at least 2 then), was sick and possibly, dying. On New Years day my husband and I rushed home from our festivities to spend the better part of the day in an emergency room where we discovered our beloved cat had a ruptured anal duct. The cat is miserable, but hanging in there.

One of my new years resolutions (one that I intend to do my best to honor) is to look at the bright side of whatever life hands me. As songester Burl Ives used to say: "watch the donut, not the hole." I figure if we started the year off with something this disgusting, the rest of the year has got to be an improvement. I hope your New Years has started off better than mine, and keeps on the upswing! love, success & happiness to you all Alison Blackman Dunham aka. "Advice Sister Alison"