The Artist Summit Miami and Chicago

Remember back in May when I attended The Makeup Show NYC? Well, those same people are bringing us The Artist Summit being held in Miami and Chicago later this year.

If I could take a trip to any one of those cities, I would!

The Artist Summit will bring together celebrity artists from beauty, fashion, film and television, top pro-beauty brands and educators with pro makeup artists, hairstylists, business owners and students from across the globe for three days of education, community building and networking. The events are open to pros from any are of the makeup and beauty industries.

At these summits, there will be over 70 educational experiences, including seminars, hands-on workshops, keynotes and panel presentations. In attendance, there will be some of the makeup industry's most inspirational educators including: brand owners Eugenia Weston of Senna, David Klasfeld of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and Alison Raffaele of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics; MAC Cosmetics Senior Artists Romero Jennings and Fred Vellon and celebrity artists Matin, Johnny Lavoy, Eve Pearl and Davide.

Whew!

The Artist Summit will be in Miami on October 3-5 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and The Artist Summit Chicago will be held October 10-12 at River East Art Center.

Tickets start at $65 advance purchase and range up to $290 for an All Access Summit Pass. For more info on ticket purchase information along with a complete listing of The Summit Shop participating brands, updated education listings, presenter bios and other program details can be found by visiting www.theartistsummit.com.

NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil

Skincare is one of my top priorities when it comes to my beauty routine. That means I am quite religious when it comes to removing my makeup. I may get lazy every now and then but I make it my business to remove makeup and any other impurities that may lie underneath this epidermis of mine.

NARS' new Makeup Cleansing Oil is a weightless and silky solution to the first step in getting amazing skin. It eliminates makeup traces and flushes out pores, prepping the skin for cleansing. Excess oil coating the skin surface is eliminated, and clarity is visibly improved. Unlike most facial oils, NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil can be applied with wet or dry hands and rinses off effortlessly with zero residue, all while being gentle and effective enough to use on the eyes and lips.

Amazing.

NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil will be available for $40 in September 2009 on narscosmetics.com.

Avant Gaudy Friends and Family

A while back, I interviewed and introduced you to Deborah Umunnabuike, creator of Avant Gaudy, the online vintage retailer.


Well, just in time for fall, they're having a Friends & Family event going on now until September 7^th. You get a 40% discount off all purchases made from the web store between now and Labor Day, September 7th, 2009. Simply use this promotional code, AGFF_2009 during checkout at www.avantgaudy.com

Enjoy!

Happy Weekend!

It's the weekend!! I couldn't be more excited considering this was my first week of classes and I'm already begging for May to arrive. But rather than complain about the week that past, let's celebrate the weekend...

I've been listening to Shakira's new hit "She Wolf" nonstop for the past week (I go to sleep with it playing on my iPod) so naturally I'd share this with all of my readers.

Have fun this weekend gals!

Shakira - New Music - More Music Videos

(More) Events During Fashion's Night Out

As promised, here are some more events going on in NYC on September 10th as part of the shopping initiative set forth by Vogue and the CFDA.

Rag & Bone

The Christopher Street (100 Christopher Street) location witll turn into an Irish Pub, set with free beer, a sawdust floor, and a live Irish band.

H&M

The Herald Square (1328 Broadway) store will party harder than any other H&M in the city. Get syled by one of their very own stylists and allow the onhand "celebrity photographer" to snap pics of you. Your photo will then be projected onto their big billboard overlooking the Meatpacking District. Are you ready for your close up??

Juicy Couture

The brand I love with every fiber of my being is celebrating and I'm going NUTS! Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue, will be at the be at Juicy Couture store on upper Fifth (650 Fifth Avenue) to read from the works of Noel Coward. Shoppers get to lounge in a "gentleman’s club", reminiscent of founder Gela Nash-Taylor’s eccentric English manor (the same manor that was featured in Vogue’s September issue).

Fashion's Night Out official website here.

Flip It. Flip It Good.

New from mark are the new Urban Neutrals Fall 2009 Flip For It!


Why carry a full makeup bag and weigh your purse down chicas??

Get gorgeous on the go by carrying all your essentials in this cute little case that includes the season’s perfect hues for lips, cheeks and eyes. The collection is filled with neutral tones that work well together or alone an give a soft, flirty, and truly feminine look. This lovely kit contains two (2) Lip Color Shades, two (2) Lip Gloss Shades, two (2) Eye Shadow Shades and one (1) Cheek Shade.

Available now at http://shop.meetmark.com or through a mark Rep.

Spotted: Model Sessilee Lopez at the Diesel Only the Brave Concert

Last night, Diesel Only The Brave celebrated their newest fragrance launch with an intimate live performance by the face of the fragrance, Common (who is currently filming "Just Wright" with Queen Latifah in NYC).

Our favorite new model, Sessilee Lopez, was in attendance looking quite radiant and fierce (of course!)

Aveda Celebrates Fashion's Night Out! Check it Out:

Between 5pm and 11pm, Check out what Aveda has got in store for Fashion's Night Out.

The Aveda 140 Fifth Avenue Experience Center invites guests to indulge in a complimentary makeup or hair consultation, along with product sweepstakes valued at $250 each. Guests can hop on a pedicab for a free ride to their next FNO destination in the neighborhood. Limited number of free appointments available with Global Makeup Director, Rudy Miles and Master Stylist, Brent Crisp. Call 212.645.4797.

Aveda’s Lifestyle Salon at 20 Vandam Street will introduce its global hairdressing talent, including Aveda VP and Global Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders, for complimentary hair consultations. Other treats include organic wine, raw specialty foods, sample Aveda products, and more. No appointment necessary.

Fashionistas can cool off with $1 Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream cones made with organic and locally-sourced ingredients. An ice cream truck will be at both locations. Yummm...

Where will YOU be on September 10^th??

Mackage Pops Up in the Meatpacking District

(Right click to enlarge)

I love it when brands I love finally open up a store (temporary or not)...especially in this little ole' town of mine known as New York City (do we remember the stalking of Kate Moss and the Topshop opening?? Yeah. I'm dedicated)

Needless to say when I found out about Mackage opening up it's first retail location, a pop up store that will be located in Meatpacking District, I got a little bit excited.

Mackage Fall/ Winter Campaign as seen on stylecrave.com

Mackage is an outerwear brand known for impeccable tailoring with a sexy edge. The pop-up location will offer the entire range of what Mackage is known for- think wool coats, sleek trenches, unique puffys (LOVE!) and packables- all for the month of September.

Huzzah!

Mackage Joelle Coat in Black from Revolve Clothing

The pop up store will be located on Washington Street (between Little West 12th and Gansevoort). Not in NYC? Check out their website

Better Than the Pros: Origins Brighter by Nature Skin Tone Correcting Serum Takes the Cake (Away)

The biggest compliment one could ever give me is "I love your skin". Not "I love your makeup" or "Your foundation looks great" but actually telling me that I'm doing something right when it comes to skincare.

And I would hope so after the amount of time (and money) I spend on this mug of mine.

For the past week, I've been using (and loving) Origins' Brighter by Nature Skin tone correcting serum.

With only twenty one (and a half) years under my belt, my face has taken a beating. Like most youngin's my age I stay up way too late, party a bit too much and don't eat as well as I should. I'm too busy cramming for exams and taking late night trips to McDonald's for their $1 menu to sleep. Pair that with the intense NYC sun, harsh winds and natural pollutants, you've got one big mess north of my collarbones.

New from ORIGINS is Brighter By Nature Skin tone correcting serum which promises to help undo the past to restore clarity and a uniform skin tone to any complexion regardless of age or individual skin behavior. It contains Japanese Basil Leaf, Cucumber & Vitamin C and has shown 73% instant improvement in skin's clarity & 42% visible reduction in dark spots (source).

I've been using it morning and night, religiously, for a week and I've fallen in love with its smooth texture and light, non greasy feel. It's perfect under my moisturizer and doesn't make my face feel heavy (perfect for this 80-90 degree weather we've been having). There's no need for me to cake on the foundation in an attempt to make my skin look more uniform- and therefore normal.

My skin does look brighter and somewhat more even tone, though it's only been a week and I can't tell if I'm suffering from delirium or if this product is just that good.

I prefer the latter.

Avon Saves My Summer Skin

Lazy is as lazy does.

Is that a real saying or did I totally just make that up? Either way, it should be.

I'm all for products that can multi task and do double the work for less (in terms of pricing and time). If a product can offer me more than one purpose, I'm down. So it's no wonder that I have fallen for Avon’s SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus IR3535® EXPEDITION™ SPF 30 Aerosol Spray ($14).

I love this dual purpose repellent because it is both water resistant and doesn't have that disgustingly gross bug spray smell but it also contains SPF30. Sun protection and no mosquito and other bug bites makes one very awesome summer at chez MissWhoever You Are.

Wild Things: Naomi Campbell in September US Harper's Bazaar

Get the Look: Mila Kunis at the Premiere of "Extract"

Mila Kunis has come far since her days as a prissy young Jackie on "That 70s Show". She's climbed the ranks as one of young Hollywood's one to watch in the best dressed category.

At the premiere of "Extract" her fun laid back look completely stole the show.

Mara Roszak, TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist, created Kunis' gorgeous hairstyle. At under $15, Mara proves that you can look red-carpet ready without going broke (thank God).

Get the Look Ladies!

1. Apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse on damp hair from roots to ends. Rough dry hair until it is completely dry, parting hair slightly more
to one side.

2. Use a 1" curling iron all over the head, rotating the direction of the waves. Spray each section with TRESemmé Frizz Shield Finishing Spray, and tousle waves with fingers.

3. Pull hair into a low pony towards the opposite side of the part, securing with an elastic. Twist into a loose bun, and secure with criss-crossed bobby pins.

4. Leave soft pieces around the face and around the bun, keeping one side cleaner with fewer loose pieces. Finish by misting TRESemmé TRES Two Ultra
Fine Mist Hairspray for a long lasting look.

5 Places You Should Check Out During Fashion's Night Out

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is Vogue's global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In this fair city of ours (NYC) over 300 stores will stay open late to entice consumers in spending money, having fun and show their love of fashion. Check out the full rundown of events, programs, and learn how to volunteer at fashionsnightout.com

I've spoken about Fashion's Night Out before but in case you've forgotten (and now that it's about 3 weeks away) I'm sharing five events going on that night that you should definitely check out.

1. Alice+Olivia
The alice + olivia boutique (Bryant Park location) will be turn into a photo studio where model hopefuls (*ahem* me *ahem*) will have a chance to compete for a coveted spot in the alice + olivia Fashion Week presentation the following week. Attendees will be treated to professional hair and makeup as well as wardrobe styling before posing in front of photographer Brian Boulos’s camera. The photos of the contestants will be posted on the alice + olivia Web site, where a winner, to be chosen by designer Stacey Bendet and Cheri Bowen, head women’s booker from Marilyn Agency, will be announced the following day.

2. OTTE
OTTE will be hosting “Art of Layering: A Night Out with VPL” at its flagship West Village location. VPL, best known for its chic, undergarment-inspired sportswear, will explore the notion of layering and new femininity in a visually compelling window display. Also, designer Victoria Bartlett will create limited-edition pieces of her trademark Breaker tank exclusively for this event. Champagne and beverages will be served.

3. eryn brinié
Recording artist Kate Earl (check her out on iTunes) will be performing live at eryn brinié’s ART OF STYLE program (7pm-11pm). During this intimate performance, Earl will perform songs from her self-titled debut album at the eryn brinié global flagship.

4. Bumble and Bumble
Update your look with a free styling session at the Bumble and Bumble Salon (Uptown location). You can get a consultation from a rising hair talent and learn the backstage secrets of Bumble's editorial team. Choose a style straight from the fall runway and they'll recreate it for you on the spot. Nice, eh? Email [email protected] to book an appt or just stop by the salon.

5. Sephora
Visit the Soho location for a chance to win a makeover with Oscar Blandi (!!) and his salon team who will be on hand to transform the locks of 2 lucky ladies (or dudes, I guess) between 7-9pm. The winners will receive a cut, color, and style valued at..get this..$1500!!! Blandi's team will also be there for dry styling appts and custom product prescriptions between 6-11pm.

There are tons of other events going on that night and I'll be sure to share a whole lot more with you as the weeks go by!

Channel Paul Varjak With AXE Sleek Smooth & Sophisticated Look Shine Pomade

If we're seriously friends, you would have no doubt heard me say (several times) that I was born in the wrong decade. I'm truly obsessed with the 60s (and the 80s...two completely different times, I know)

In the 60s, you dressed up. You looked good. The guys were quite dapper and the hair was serious. I'm truly convinced in finding a guy who sports a side part and side part à la George Peppard (aka Paul Varjak) in Breakfast at Tiffany's (natch).

To help me in my quest, AXE Hair (my new favorite hair care line for dudes), is on top of it. Their new Sleek & Sophisticated Look Shine Pomade ($6) helps guys get the sexy slicked back hair sans hard, crusty gel. Gel is just a hot mess in a jar, baby! With a seriously smooth, polished look and long lasting shine, this pomade gives more bang for your man's buck. Inspired by the ad men-era, this new pomade will be perfect to use to replicate the look.

Just whip out the comb to create a deep side part and pull the rest back honey!

AXE Sleek Smooth & Sophisticated Look Shine Pomade will be available in September at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

Intermix Warehouse Sale

Intermix, a.k.a one of my fave but expensive stores, is hosting its semi-annual warehouse sale. You can get up to 80% off retail prices.

!!!!

Label include Stella McCartney, Chloé, Matthew Williamson, and more. Break out the credit cards ladies! I have sworn on my Vogue that I won't be shopping with credit cards anymore and I don't get paid until the 31^st so I am DYING! I want to go sooooo badly (and considering Fashion Week is just around the corner I MUST go) but...unfortunately I'll have to search the blogs to check out what others have scored.

If you do got SPILL IT! I wanna know everything!

Sunday Fun: Love Your Thighs

I mostly spend my weekends browsing the interwebs and sleeping my life away (or shopping my life away at Sephora). But classes start this week and I have to get into that school/ learning state of ind. Just thinking about the upcoming year, my heart beats into a frenzy and I immediately have to turn to something fun to do.

Thankfully, the ladies at Purple Lab put up this video of their latest Tweet Up encouraging women to Love Their Thighs (that's totally the name of one of their fab lipglosses)



Don't you just instantly feel better watching this?

P.S.: did you see the guy in the thong?? Craziness!

P.P.S: Jimmy Choos and Sumo suits...that's what's up!

Don't Forget! Tarte Friends and Family Going on 'till August 24!

Hey girls,

I was literally sitting here doing nothing (LIES...I' being nosey and reading people's Twitter updates!) when I something hit me: did I miss the Tarte Friends and Family sale??

A quick browse on the web allowed me to breathe deeply and calm down.

Turns out that the Friends and Family sale was extended through August 24th. 40% off EVERYTHING?? Yes, please! In addition, you get free shipping on all orders over $60. My kind of deal. For real.

After testing out their ReCreate foundation, I've fallen in love. I'm a foundation lover 'till the end of time and as a woman of color my biggest issue is finding a shade that not only matches but doesn't turn me into some funky shade. And yes, I have gone into Sephora just to test it out again and again (and again) but never bought it because the $37 price tag is bit much for me. But now...my mind hss been made up. It's MINE!

Check it out at http://www.tartecosmetics.com/ and enter code FF09 at checkout.

D&G Anthology

D&G is releasing Anthology and above is one of my many icons, Naomi Campbell. Let's take a moment, shall we??

.

.

.

This fragrance collection is inspired by Tarot Cards. The ad campaign features models Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzagovia, Noah Mills, Fernando Fernandes and Tyson Ballou. The scent Naomi models is L’Imperatrice 3, a succulent blend of exotic fruits and bright pink florals that evolve into a musky, appetite-arousing base.

The fragrances will be available in 3.4 oz (100ml) bottles and it's currently available at Nordstrom.com

Back to School Week...the '90s Edition: Hot Nails, You Can Bank on It!

It's the end of Back to School Week...the 90s Edition over here on MissWhoever You Are! I had to week of with just about the coolest mom in Hollywood- Vivian Banks (the original...) from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air". Playing an upper class, wealthy African American woman (whose chocolate skin looked beautiful on camera) made me wish that my mom could be as snazzy as Mrs. Banks.

Vivian (and daughter Hilary) were very put together ladies and I often wonder what color would these impressively chic ladies wearing their nails. In all honesty, you can have the cutest outfit but if your nail polish is chipped and peeling- fuhgeddaboudit! Manicures and pedicures punctuate a woman's look and a jacked up mani/pedi situation is a jacked up outfit altogether!

I imagine something very lady like and this fall there should be no reason for you to step out of your door with less than spectacular nails!

Later this fall, Creative Nail Design (CND)- the runway trend experts and leader in professional hand and foot beauty- will be releasing their latest collection, Colour & Effects. Colour & Effects consists of a full spectrum of 50 new crème colours includes sheer, semi-sheer and opaque neutrals, pinks, darks and brights. There are also three chrome colors available. Designed to be layered and customized, the colors are complemented by 15 tantalizing Effects. Effects come in sheer hues of three categories -Pearl, Shimmer, and Sparkle- which can be layered over or under the crème polish in order to achieve any desired look.

These promise to be fast drying and super rich and creamy. Best part? They're 3-free, meaning that it doesn't contain any toluene, formaldehyde, or DBP.

CND's new nail Colour & Effects will be available in top salons and spas in late fall 2009. Suggested retail price for Colour is $9.00 a bottle; for Effects $11.00 a bottle, for base and top coats $8.00 a bottle. For more information or to find local availability, visit cnd.com.

You're Invited: Carol's Daughter ATL Store Opening

Listen up ladies! For all of my ATL honeys, you're in for a treat! This weekend the newest Carol’s Daughter skin care store opens at the Lenox Mall and they want you to come and celebrate with some amazing grand opening festivities!

• Saturday August 22nd (12pm - 7pm): a Mobile Beauty Lounge will allow you all to meet Lisa Price (founder of Carol's Daughter) and experience Carol’s Daughter mini treatments (hair, nails and massage). Each guest will receive a 10% discount coupon to shop for the products used. Lisa from The Real Housewives of Atlanta will also attend. I'm DYING to go just for this! The ladies of The Real Housewives of Atlanta are just too much fun and that show is addictive beyond repair!

• Sunday August 23rd (12 pm): you're invited into the Carol’s Daughter store for a celeb appearance by Keri Hilson (!!!!) and for a chance to shop the store. If you've been reading this blog long enough, you'll know that I'm OBSESSED with Keri Hilson, so me not being able to attend is quite the bummer.

As always, if you do go/ plan on going, let me know! I'd love to hear of what you think of the store/brand/event!

Back to School Week...the '90s Edition: A Lippie to Have You Bursting Out of Every Seam

Laura Winslow was my role model. Period. I kind of wanted to be her- so much so that I tried out for the cheerleading squad, did my best in school and secretly love nerds.

Yup.

In fact, I think it was partially Laura Winslow's fault I fell in love with lipgloss and lipstick. Her lips were always a perfect shade of red and while you may not rock red on a daily basis, there's no reason for you to go lippie-less this school semester. I always say it's a rare condition, this day and age, for me to go without a gloss on these lips.

Lately I've been loving Lancôme Juicy Tube Pure in Red Peppermint. Lancôme Juicy Tubes Pure is the brand's first natural lipgloss and is created with naturally derived oils and shea butter emollient. These guys gives my pout a perfectly glossed look, while at the same time, conditioning my lips. Red Peppermint does the job of a gloss but give a hint of color. What more could a girl ask for?

I don't know about you but when I'm at school, I'm too busy worrying about getting to class on time while making a quick trip to the on campus Starbucks (which, I might add, is way more expensive the real Starbucks...). With that in mind, Pure lasts a long time on my lips and there's no need for constant reapplying.

I'm already a fan of the Juicy Tubes so when I found out that Lancôme came out with one that's paraben-free, I was slightly elated. Just one more step in my journey towards being more environmentally friendly!

Now if you're more adventurous (or you don't attend a private school like my former high school where lipstick was frowned upon), be daring with Illamasqua's lipstick in Maneater.
Maneater is described as a matte classic red, much like the one Laura Winslow rocked back in the day. Illamasqua's lipsticks are super pigmented but not for the faint of heart. What I love is that as the color gradually fades, it leaves a slight stain on the lips so just adding a bit of gloss over it revives your lip situation.

Not that you should be doing any of this at school anyway...I'm just sayin'...

"oh my this is wonderful..."

The Almighty Oprah has given her seal of approval on her new best friend, Jay Z's, newest fragrance.

While talking to current BFF, Gayle, on her radio show Sirius radio show, Oprah dished about how wonderful Jay Z smelled during an interview.

"oh my this is wonderful..." her words, not mine

Turns out Jay was wearing his new fragrance celebrating the 10th anniversary of Rocawear called X Rocawear. It won't be out until September but if it has The Almighty Oprah swooning, we definitely have to check this out and by it for EVERY guy in our life ladies.


And yes that includes your mailman.

Only The Brave Gets to See This!

In lieu of it's latest launch, Diesel Only The Brave, Diesel in partnership with Macy’s, will host a SUPER exclusive concert with rap superstar/ legend Common.

**swoon**

Common is the face of Diesel's newest fragrance and he's celebrating with the people.

The first 500 people-starting August 10th- to make a Diesel Only The Brave purchase of $117.50 or more at Macy’s will get not one, but TWO general admission tickets to this exclusive concert.

“I’ve always thought Diesel was a progressive, fresh brand—it has a classic feel, but pushes the envelope,” says the hip hop superstar. “I wanted to partner with Diesel because that’s really what I’m about too—to be an individual and an artist, it takes both bravery and courage.”

WHO: Diesel and Common
WHAT: TWO tickets to see Common perform live in NYC!

WHEN: Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
HOW: Visit Macy’s Herald Square, Rego Park, Kings Plaza, Garden State Plaza and Cross Country to be one of the first 500 people to make a Diesel Only The Brave purchase of $117.50 or more

Sienna Miller at the Premiere of "The September Issue"

Last night, New York's chicest celebrated the premiere of THE MOST HIGHLY anticipated movie EVER (at least in my mind) “September Issue”. The September Issue is the documentary following legendary Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and her team as they prepare the September 2007 issue of Vogue.

Think of this as "The War Room" but for the fashion set.

If you remember correctly (or still have your copy of the '07 mag), Sienna Miller graced the cover- the cover of the magazine’s largest issue to date. Walking down the red carpet last night for the premiere, Miller looked radiant all with the help of celebrity hair stylist Kevin Mancuso.

Here, Mancuso teaches us how to get her loose, bohemian-chic waves for our everyday red carpet...a.k.a the Real World.

Prep:

• Enhance your natural texture by applying a volumizing or curling mousse, such as Nexxus Mousse Plus or Nexxus Gorgeous Curls, at the root and spreading to the ends.
  
• Flip head over and blow hair around while massaging the roots with your finger tips. This will help build texture into the style.

Style:

• Once dry, flip head back up and brush out to remove major tangles.
  
• Create a center part and smooth out the top 1/3 of hair with fingers.
  
• Tilt head to side and taking random sections of hair drag medium curling iron down to ends. This action helps to create long, loose, uneven waves. Let the natural fluff come through for an of-the-moment look.

Finish:

• Finish look with a misting of a light hold hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru. It will help maintain the look on and off the red carpet, while allowing the movement of the style to shine through.

The September Issue opens in NY on August 28 and on September 11 in Los Angeles and select cities.

Picture from http://justjared.buzznet.com

Slatkin & Co. for Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works is having an online promotion on select Slatkin & Co. scents. For a limited time the 4 oz. candles by the renowned home fragrance expert, Harry Slatkin, are priced at $6.00. Choose now from over 20 scents from the Bath & Body Works website.

Into the Wild with LUSH Jungle Soap

Everyone's socailly responsible beauty company, LUSH Cosmetics, is continuing on with it's eco friedly ventures. This time around they're cutting back in an effort to save the Indonesian rainforest as well as the animals and people who live there.

To raise public awareness on palm oil and the devastation caused by it, LUSH has launched Jungle Soap ($5.95). This limited edition bright green, tree-shaped soap is made with LUSH's palm-free soap base and has a sweet grassy scent. Proceeds from sales will go to the Rainforest Foundation.

Available in LUSH stores nationwide and online at www.lushusa.com.

Behind the Seams, MissWYA Interviews: Avant Gaudy

In the summer of 2005, Deborah Umunnabuike (left) launched her own business (along with sister Jessica) and now, four years later, it has proven to be one wise decision made. At the time Deborah was a political science major at the University of Chicago and Jessica was an undergrad at Hofstra University.

Way to make the rest of the undergraduate world look like under acheivers, eh??

Avant Gaudy offers vintage clothing for the modern guy and girl. With all things new again, the demand for vintage clothing over the years has risen and become something fashionistas everywhere crave. Your mother's old Bill Blass jacket is this year's key staple. And Deborah understands fully understands this concept and well known fashion truth. "Simply put, vintage is the only way to construct a truly one-of-a-kind look," says the young entreenuer. Read on to hear her story:

MissWhoever You Are: How and when did the idea come about to start Avant gaudy?
Deborah Umunnabuike: My sister Jessica and I founded Avant Gaudy in the summer of 2005. Essentially, we wanted to find a way to occupy our time during the summer. We wanted to do so in a way that was meaningful and that allowed us to connect with people over something we were passionate about. Avant Gaudy was the perfect way to channel this enthusiasm.

MissWYA: As a current college student, I can imagine running a business isn't easy. Tell about the process of starting up and running Avant Gaudy?
DU: Prior to starting Avant Gaudy, I wasn't sure what it took to run an online boutique. Learning HTML, CSS, and about shopping carts was the most difficult in starting up, but I think the little touches make the shopping experience fun for our customers.

MissWYA: How do you find the unique pieces you sell on your website?
DU: All of our items are sourced from across the US. For our full-time buyers, research is most important. What we're looking for varies (one day it may be shoes, mens' clothing the next), yet I tell my buyers to look for the “wow” factor. My team is intuitive and knowledgeable - they know a great find when they see one. Some of their recent finds include a pair of collapsible shoes, an acid-washed denim dress, and a bag with collapsible handles.

MissWYA: Why sell vintage pieces?
DU: Many online stores sell vintage because it's eco-friendly, and others still because vintage is a link to the past. Our approach is a bit different. So many retailers (TopShop, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel) are adding vintage pieces to their stores. Forever 21 and Urban are almost entirely comprised of vintage-inspired clothing. Why compromise? Our customers are true trendsetters, and prefer to stand out and purchase authentic vintage.

MissWYA: How has Avant Gaudy grown over the years?
DU: The most notable changes involve our inventory and our internship program. This summer, we're adding 300+ items for men and women to the new store. Meanwhile, our business has grown from a two-person team and has added a group of seven interns. They experience all aspects of our business, from photo shoots to social media. It's been a wonderful experience and has provided a foundation for so many of them. One of our current interns is heading to New York to intern for Christian Louboutin in the fall, and we couldn't be more thrilled.

MissWYA: What is your personal style philosophy?
DU: Looking good does not equate with shopping at mainstream stores, nor with spending a lot of money. Creativity and inspiration matter.

MissWYA: What is it like being so young and running a business? What are some obstacles you face?
DU: As a student, I'm continually reassessing my priorities in order to maintain balance. The most important question is: “Am I still doing something that I am passionate about?” I consider anything that detracts from my vision and my passion an obstacle. Time is one. As with any entrepreneur, I've become more cognizant of time management, and have learned to not be my own worst critic.

MissWYA: One of your goals is to run a "socially responsible" business. How do you aim to do this?
DU: We're involved with Global Entrepreneur Week, and will be mentoring future entrepreneurs via the Internet this fall. We're also looking to partner with the community by accepting donations of vintage items. For every donated item sold on our site, 10% of the revenue will go to Dress for Success, a non-profit that matches underprivileged women with appropriate careerwear and career resources. As far as fashion goes, vintage is a less wasteful choice than mass-produced, disposable clothing. Finally, we provide free shipping and a no-questions-asked return policy. It's our way of showing respect for the customer and individual circumstances.

MissWYA: Can you share a little about what's in store for the future of Avant Gaudy?
DU: Today, Avant Gaudy is in transition. We used to focus on the DIY aspect of vintage clothing and on underground fashion. Our new online boutique showcases fashion-forward looks with widespread appeal among urban fashionistas. Now, we'd like to encourage a wider variety of visitors to visit the boutique and the blog, all while encouraging interactivity. By managing social media, we'd like to create a unique voice across a variety of social media platforms, making it easier than ever for our customers to connect with the looks they love.

The Avant Gaudy website was recently relaunched and are adding new items daily. Check it out ladies!

All the Cool Kids Are Doing It...

I seem to be the only person who misses handwritten notes. There's nothing quite like getting an invite in the mail but with life basically revolving around the interwebs, people are moving towards e-vites.

While I may reminisce about the times I sent birthday party invites via snail mail, these new ecards from pingg and world renowned fashion/society/nightlife/ everything photographer Patrick McMullan (did I ever tell you the story about how I squealed when I saw my picture on his website...check it or how about the time they spelled my name WRONG..kind of don't care haha).

McMullan's collaboration with pingg consists of 30 fashion-themed online invitations and ecards- just in time for Fashion Week..holla!

This is bsically an all-access pass through Patrick McMullan’s skilled lens. We see it all from bustling backstage hair and makeup chairs, to photographers assembled at the end of runway, images capture the beauty and chaos that happens inside that Tents at Bryant Park, a.k.a Fashion Week.

Want more? Check out pingg.com.

Fun and Flirty with Erika Hendrix

Lately my personal style has shifted from comfy but casual to feminine and flirty. I want things in my closet that are wearable and girly- but not too cute and "frou frou". Sensibilty is key.

I've fallen in love with independent designer Erika Hendrix and her Autumn/Winter 2009/10 collection. This collection, titled "A Fashion Tale", recently launched on her website (www.erikahendrix.com). It's the perfect mix of femininity that doesn't give up on comfort.



The German born designer launched her clothing line in 2005 and really has an eye for design. The collection features feminine and tomboyish looks with skirts, dresses, and baggy hooded sweaters.


Sizes run from XS-L, and prices range from 35€-140€ (which is roughly about $40-$200). International shipping is available (YES!) through her website, www.erikahendrix.com.

my personal favorite

Back to School Week...the '90s Edition: Nexxus Gives You Sister, Sister Worthy Curls

Welcome to the first installment of Back to School Week...the '90s Edition. Today's inspiration comes from the one set of sisters that made me pray (every night) for my older brother to wake up as a girl.

Tia and Tamera Landry (neé Mowry) were two of the most hilarious teenagers I've ever met (yes, met) in my life. I wanted nothing more than to have a sister who I can share funky hats with and talk about boys. Alas, that never came to be because my older bro never did become that girl I prayed for.

I also envied Tia and Tamera's gorgeous head of curls. Their hair was the envy of me and all my friends. I was always a little mad at my mom for relaxing my hair at such a young age because that meant I could never replicate the hair the girls of Sister, Sister had.

Thankfully, now, Nexxus can help me in my quest for curls Tia and Tamera would be proud of. For this new school year and fall season update your look with a new 'do.

According to Nexxus Salon Hair Care Creative Director Kevin Mancuso, “Texture is the real star this season. Whether it is polished, soft and natural or sharp and edgy, there are great options for everyone’s hair type.”

Curly hair has a voluminous shape yet there's still a sense of polished structure with marked definition. Build bounce into hair by applying a curl enhancing mousse, such as Nexxus Gorgeous Curls Curl Enhancing Styling Foam, to wet locks. Blow-dry hair upside down using a diffuser to maximize volume and curl. Once dry, use a medium-sized curling iron to randomly add defined curls throughout.

Gorgeous Curls promises to define curls and defy frizz for up to 24 hours. It locks out moisture, locks in curls, and defies frizz for long-lasting curl definition containing a special blend of Marsh Mallow Root, Sweet Almond Protein, and Lavender Oil that leaves curls touchably soft and naturally gorgeous.

The Hottest Hair in NYC...

On a typical Saturday, one will find me going to my local Dominican hair salon for my routine wash and set (and the $7 conditioner). Upon arrival I go to my stylist (or my "girl") and let them work on my head. There are no conversations- unless its between the girls in the salon but they're speaking Spanish to each other about their personal lives. They don't ask you how you want your cut or if you want to relax your hair or let it grow. You sit there and wait until it's time to go.

For years I've been doing this despite reading all the mags and tips that urge you to talk to your stylist.

Yeah. yeah yeah..I go to the Dominicans. That doesn't apply to me...

So imagine my shock when I walked into Hair Rules New York, the first salon where all hair textures can receive service from an elite team of stylists and colorists, and was asked what I wanted.

Hair Rules New York offers the healthiest approach to hair care and styling based on clients’ natural texture. No texture is viewed as problematic to them. Services are available from the kinkiest of kinks to “won’t hold a curl” straight and every texture in between. Hair Rules salon is for a "multi textured world". Not ethnicities.

When getting your hair done, communication is key. Tell your stylist what you want. Going in and not saying anything is dangerous. You're the one that leaves the salon and wakes up with the hair style/ cut. Not the stylist...

It was there I confessed my biggest hair sin to Dickey, celebrity stylist and creative director of Hair Rules: I haven't had a cut in over a year (well its really been 3 yrs). I really should have been smacked with the comb. But he was nice.

We chopped off all of my "long" hair- which in reality were split ends from years of not cutting it. Dickey recommends cutting hair dry if you have relaxed hair, like I do, because wet hair stretches and you think you're cutting your hair in it's "long" state but really you aren't.

While washing Dailey, a stylist at Hair Rules, told me to start using a gentle, sulfate free shampoo on my relaxed hair. Shampoo with sulfates strip hair leaving it weak and susceptible to damage.

"Shampoo really strips your hair and everything you use after kind of doesn't have a point," she told me. "It's kind of like using detergent on your hair."

Not cutting hair further damages hair. Dickey recommends cutting hair every three months- which is only four times a year.

Having gone to Hair Rules, I'm seriously considering going natural once again and appreciating my hair's kinky texture. So often we're told that kinky or curly hair isn't truly "beautiful" but Dickey preaches otherwise. The staff at Hair Rules (whom I noticed also had beautifully textured hair) teaches you to embrace your hair and not fight it (Dickey even wrote a book about it hair rules!: the ultimate haircare guide for women with kinky, curly or wavy hair).

If you can't make it to New York to the salon, fret not. They also sell their products on their website. Hair Rules New York is located at 828 Ninth Avenue (between 54^th and 55^th Streets). To book an appointment, call 212.315.2929.