I am pleased to announce that the AdviceSisters December/Holiday 2007 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column is up on the AdviceSisters web site http://www.advicesisters.net/ .

This special edition, two page holiday column features features seasonal beauty, fashion and gift ideas for virtually everyone with suggestions to help you enjoy the holidays, look great, and feel great, too.

Page ONE http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html features the newest makeup kits & gifts, fantastic holiday fragrances, and great gift suggestions for "the girls," the guys, and couples.

Page Two http://www.advicesisters.net/wwDEC07pg2.htmlfeatures "must-have" products for every budget including: hair helpers, bath & body gifts; holiday home; beauty helpers; products that "give back;" gifts for younger generations; and the most glamorous and gift-able makeup on the market. Our Buying Guide with links to all the products we review, is at the bottom of Page Two. Shop at early and at home and avoid the crowds!

Don't forget to come back to these forums and let us know what you like the best. If your posts catch our eye, you could become one of our official what works reviewers!!!!

The AdviceSisters wish you a beautiful holiday season, and our best wishes for a happy, healthy, joyful new Year!

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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Shecky's Beauty Night Out Fall 2007--Simply Smashing

When you put a bunch of girlfriends together at a shopping event that features give-aways, a killer goody bag worth over $125 in a re-usable tote, adorable, polite guys serving alcoholic drinks, plus the opportunity to sample and purchase dozens and dozens of beauty items, accessories and fashions at deep discounts, you get the recipe for the incredibly successful Shecky's Girls and Beauty nights out. In fact, these seasonal events are always sold out and the search term "Sheckys Night Out" is one of the most popular queries the AdviceSisters receive. Here, eager women wait on a line that moved quickly, but stretched nearly from one end of the block to the other!




Other Shecky's events I've attended were at the Puck building, but this beauty-oriented event was held on several floors of a building on West 37th street. The check-in was on one floor, the other floors held the exhibitors, several bars including a Korbel bar, a Midori bar, and a Bud Light Bar/Lounge area. Trays of drinks were also circulated, adding to the clubby atmosphere and general energy of the rooms filled with girl's night out "eye candy." What's not to like? If you go with friends, you're sure to pick up something special and save some money, but it's a real bonding experience, too. I heard plenty of animated discussions featuring several enthusiastic women cooing: "ooh, that looks so good on you!" Shopping, laughter, drinks, polite, cute guys who are helpful but don't hit on you makes for a great time.......sigh!




One of the nicest things about these events is the opportunity to learn what's new, and often, to meet with the actual designers or entrepreneurs. Here, a representative from NuSkin is demonstrating a device that uses a small current to firm up sagging skin and reduce wrinkles. Her skin was nearly perfect --the Long Island mom says she does use this device. Lots of women gathered around to see her demonstrate the device and a some got a free sample of the treatment.

Shecky's also gives me a chance to meet some of my beauty colleagues in person instead of just by email. This is always the highlight for me. I met some of my colleagues from Bourjois, Coty, Conair, and some of the major public relations agencies. In this photo, the multi-talented Yana Chupenko (fomerly the product developer of the wonderful Tony & Tina Cosmetics and creator of the new, Shiny Mama cosmetics --great glittery first collection, by the way) poses with her partner and fiance!

So many people are curious about the famous, Shecky's gift bags. For starters, they are distributed in laminated tote bags with a snap closure that are perfect for toting everything home, and then for just about anything else. They're large enough to tote a bunch of books, or everything you need for a day at the beach. Of course, they are filled with products . I believe each is a little bit different, but the total of products are supposed to be worth about $125.00 Mine had quite a few haircare products from Redken, Nexus and Sunsilk, along with skincare products from St. Ives, and SkinMilk, plus lip balm, a really cute hipster panty from Jenni, some ponytail holders, a generous sample of Marc Jacob's new "Daisy" fragrance, and a huge (and unfortunately, heavy) beauty magazine I was excited to discover, and two very nice, laminated maps (one of NYC, one showing more than 200 fashion retail haunts). All these beauty products, most completely full-sized, could send you into fashion heaven!!! My only complaint is that they are so full of goodies to begin with, the bags are too heavy and full to add that much more. My tip? Take a small handbag but bring an additional, lightweight tote. You'll be getting free samples, brochures, and buying other items (trust me, no one will force you but you are going to drop some cash...it's so enticing you simply can't help it).

I can't wait for the NEXT Shecky's event, be it the more general girl's night out or the beauty night out. Shecky's holds beauty, fashion, and social events in New York City Atlanta Boston Chicago Los Angeles San Francisco --be sure to check them all out at http://www.sheckys.com/

Looking For A Great Mother's Day Gift? (and Advice Sisters news)

Our latest What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column is up at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

If you're looking for a great gift for a special Mom, this Mother's Day, we are featuring tons of great gift ideas for moms for all budgets and interests. Check out our mini-article that helps you select the perfect fragrance for yourself, or someone else, and look for our first-ever reviews of "intimate" items.

As in every monthly What Works column,we also have reviews of items for men and women from home scents to cosmetics, hair, skin, body, nails, fragrance...and more! Find the newest and greatest Spring products, with a handy buying guide right on the bottom of the column. Don't forget to check the "What Works Archives" for thousands of reviews of products at: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html


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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!

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.