Fridays with Felicia: An intimate look behind the curtain as I share my favorite style/beauty discoveries and ThisThatBeauty shenanigans from previous week.

What a week…phew! I’ve been so consumed with fashion/beauty press previews that I almost forgot to pick winners for my “The MakeupShow” giveaway. Luckily @meaganshea tweeted *several* times to remind me:). The two lucky winners are:

• GlamGigs
• Tai_Chi (you still need to tweet me back with your full name so that I can put you on my guest list)

Congrats ladies! You get to attend TheMakeupShow and meet makeup greats like my boo to the right, the legendary James Vincent (google him. LOL). You may each bring a friend. So for those of you who did not win…friend these gals on Twitter and try to tag along!

I popped in on several beauty and fashion press previews this week. Some I’ll highlight here and others I’ll cover in upcoming posts. All in all, I was quite pleased with this week’s presentations!

Lipsy London is en route via select Bloomingdale’s stores and bloomingdales.com.

The trend-happy youth inspired UK brand kicked off their US launch with what else?…a British Afternoon Tea Party.

While Lipsy London offers an extensive collection of tops, bottoms, lingerie, and accessories…the strength of the collection appears to be it’s party dress category — particularly the VIP dress collection.

While viewing the Lipsy collection, I thought a lot about the Lipsy US customer. Who is she? Well given the heavy trend influence (feathers, studs, Grecian one shoulder dresses — oh my!) I’m getting a visual on a young woman who is in her late teens to late 20′s…She is celebrity-style inspired (reads US Weekly religiously)…She parties like its 1999 (and likes her ensemble to be reminiscent of said year, 1999.)….She’s never tardy for the party…She has a smoking hot body and legs that don’t quit.

Speaking of fashion, trend, style, etc — Here’s my Accessory Report for the week:

My favorite new headband comes from New London Pharmacy NY ($8). It is extremely comfortable, does not cause a headband-headache, and is great for dressing up a casual hair style. As you can see from the picture below, I am still doing my two loose romantic braids from last week (they’re so easy going and carefree for spring). My DVF cat eye sunglasses are pretty much a daily staple. I rarely leave the house without them.

With the recent drop in temperature this week, I’ve been rocking my mustard yellow lamb skin with suede detail fingerless gloves. They’re by Jypsea.

The best possible start to my day is a beauty breakfast. This week The Body Shop invited me to attend a beauty editor’s breakfast with their top International Makeup Artist, Chase Aston. During the intimate breakfast Chase walked us through the new Italian baked shadows, blushers, bronzers, and nourishing lip products.

Generally not a fan of shimmer on shimmer, the Italian Baked-to-last eye Color ($14.00) product was a pleasant surprise. The multi-tasking shadow duo contains two shimmer shades but the deepest shade of the two is strongly pigmented and creates beautiful contrast against the lighter shade…as opposed to total wash-out like so many shimmery pairs. The shades can be applied either wet or dry to take eyes from fresh and natural to sexy and intense. I love that the products are mom/on-the-go friendly in that they can be applied and blended seamlessly with the fingers. True story. Now obviously for a more polished look, you would use a brush, but for a simple lid color and light crease contour — your fingers will do!

Delipscious Tinted Lip Balm ($10.00) is perfect for the costumer who wants a subtle hint of shine, moisture, and color. The product contains naturally-derived ingredients and natural food flavoring. It is formulated with 100% food grade ingredients. The four shades feature fruit oil to match your chosen flavor and fruity shade – Peach, Watermelon, Berry or Papaya Crush.

The Body Shop’s International Makeup Artist, Chase Aston calls Sheer Lip Color ($12) the next step up from Delipscious Lip Balm and is perfect for the woman who wants to introduce a stronger color influence to the lip. Sheer Lip Color is available in eight mouth-watering shades.

This week I attended an exclusive preview of Women’s Health Beauty Award winners. Cocktails, manicures, and award winning beauty products — oh my!

I spent time with a rep from Boots and learned about the UK based skin care line that’s developed a very loyal following here in the US.

Here’s a sneak peek of the winning beauty products. The full list will be made public in the June issue of Women’s Health magazine.

In looking over the illustrious display of winners, I was as pleased as punch to spy a number of products that have been featured on ThisThatBeauty. Great minds….

Click here for previous coverage of mark. Gloss Gorgeous Lip Stain

Click here for previous coverage of L’Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss

Click here for previous coverage of Clinique Even Better

“Fridays with Felicia” would be incomplete without the mention of my nail color du jour. This week I was invited to cover the launch of some exciting new products from Perfect Formula. As of right now, the products are so new that they are not yet available online. I promise future coverage that includes a polish that changes color with your mood! Can you even? Here’s an exclusive sneak peek of the products. More deets soon…I promise!

Have a good weekend!

xo,

Felicia

With a nasty case of self diagnosed food poisoning barely behind me, it was with much trepidation that I made my way to day one of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Rather than over exert my barely regulated tummy by crazily jaunting from show to show, I decided to play it as cool as a fan and rock the “events” scene.  I’ve got six more days of actual fashion shows so I’m alright with taking things slow and steady Eddie.

My look for Day One was what I like to call “The Deranged Snow Bunny”. The look is built for warmth,  comfort, and functional style. The makeup is simple yet infused with a generous layers of buildable sheer blush to thoroughly reinforce the whole whole “deranged snow bunny” feel.

Complete deets on “The Deranged Snow Bunny”:

• Dress: DVF (its a dress turned tunic to suit the cold temp. It’s paired with a random black fitted long sleeve tee)
• Pants: Tart leggings (what you cant see in this pic is the cool metal zipper that runs up the back. My way of drizzling in a lil rocker chic.
• Necklace: A multi strand gold and silver tone piece that was a Christmas gift from BFF Monireh
• Coat: Vintage Whiskey Mink (You’re not my judge and jury. Thank you:) LOL)
• Boots: Old school J Crew over the knee shearling boots.

The Makeup

• Youngblood mineral primer
• Becca concealer truffle
• Stila creme blush in Fuchsia
• Eve Pearl Loose powder in dark
• L’Oreal Infalliblele  Gloss in plumping red

The started the day with me picking up my press pass and the un-de-iced Bryant Park. Grrr….Luckily I was wearing my older than dirt JCrew over the knee shearling boots. These bad boys predate the Ugg boot craze….yea, I’m ahead of my time like that (that’s why y’all eff with me, right?:))

Where was I? Oh yes. After picking up my press pass, my first stop was the HauteLook Lounge at the Bryant Park Hotel. The HauteLook Lounge is an editor’s oasis. It is a (somewhat) serene media escape from the hustle and bustle of le tents. There I met with representatives from Exhale Spa and Actifirm skin care. Faithful ThisThatBeauty readers know that skincare is my core so I was all ears as reps from both lines talked shop about their respective products and services. More to come, I promise!

From The HauteLook Lounge I had a non Fashion Week related appointment and then it was back to business at 5:00 for the RealBeauty.com event in Tribeca. RealBeauty.com is Hearst’s new beauty and wellness site. The launch event featured a special appearance by Katherine McPhee. In between cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (I had ginger ale..tummy’s still ikky) I managed to sneak in a quick mani at the RealBeauty nail salon. Check out my Zoya mani….drats, I do not recall the name of the polish. Its a purple-blue with irredescent sparkle. Special shout to Carolyn Hsu of The Daily Obsession…we were mani buddies!

After RealBeauty.com’s event, I met up with my NYFW sister for anotha motha, Adriana Nova. We met up at “Beauty Bash”, which was basically, a Botox and Latisse party. Curiosity got the best of me and led me to this affair which was hosted by Advance Derma Laser Tech of Madison Avenue. I arrived at the event as a tight faced cynic…and left with a Latisse prescription. Ha! How ya like those apples? What can I say?…they converted me.  More to come on my adventures with Latisse after I get my prescription filled.

As for BOTOX, c’mon now ya know the kid wasnt going that route. But for $hits and giggles I asked for an evaluation. Upon inspection of my pristine mug, the doc advised me to get the heck outta his face. Love it!

“Beauty Bash” pretty much capped the evening…with six more days of shows to go, I decided to head back to Jersey and rest up for Day Two. More tomorrow…stay tuned!

#NYFW

Hey folks — I’m back from Robert Verdi’s too cool for school Valentine’s Day Gift Idea Twitter party. If you’re anything like me and completely void of crazy, sexy, cool, freakum V-Day ideas, fret not. My Jersey broham, Robert Verdi has you covered [and when I say "Jersey" I do not mean it in the "Jersey Shore" kind of way...Oy, I think I just contracted rabies!].

If times are rough and tough like leather, and you have about 50 bones in your pocket, Robert suggests:

If you’re rolling with Ben Franklin and have $100 to spend, Robert suggests:

If you’re “In the Ferrari or jaguar, switchin’ four lanes Wit’ the top down screaming out Money ain’t a thang“…and have $500 to make rain, Robert suggests:

Other great ideas from Robert Verdi include:

Make Valentine’s Day special with a fun Fragoli Passion Cocktail. During Robert’s event we enjoyed delectable Fragoli and Prosecco libations. YUM!

Don’t forget to bring the creativity. Give a coupon book filled with fun redeemable surprises!

Try a unique way of giving flowers with Rebecca Cole Grows candy dish filled with amazing blooms. It’s a modern take on the traditional gift of flowers.

Instead of a humongous box of chocolates, try:

Or give chocolates with a purpose: Godiva and the Elton John AIDS Foundation have partnered to create a new Limited Edition True Love Gold Heart Assortment. Show how much you care by giving this thoughtful heart shaped box filled with a heavenly assorted caramels, pralines, dark, while, and milk chocolate.

Don’t have enough vacation days for a long romantic getaway? Plan a short jaunt and whisk her away! This hip Eenamaria travel tote holds everything for an overnight stay and wont cost you an arm and a leg.

Here’s a great way to re-invent dinner at home:

For the bella who favors baubles: Swarovski Crystalized Charm Bracelet

R.J. Graziano clear marble-style large lucite beads makes a great statement necklace gift. Show her you’re in the know with this stylish piece!

And she’s going to need a place to keep her baubles….Now her jewelry can travel in style with this patent leather jewelry case from Cole Haan.

The simplest of gifts still say I “LOVE YOU”:

Forget a bicycle made for two, try this: Combine “dress” and “sport” with this modern His/Hers offering from AK Anne Klein.

Throw shade, but in a good way! Now here’s a shameless plug for a gift that would make Ms ThisThatBeauty’s heart melt. The DIANE von Furstenberg eyewear collection has my name written all over it! Mimicking the same geometric patterns and eye catching prints found on DVF frocks, the DIANE von Furstenberg eyewear collection includes shades of colors of Black Merlot, Brown Teal, Teal Gold, and Hot Pink. The vintage cat eye frame is the cat’s meow!

Show your man what time it is! This Kenneth Cole watch is a timeless choice that’s sure to remind him of his boo every time he checks his wrist!

I hope this Robert Verdi approved Valentine’s Day Gift Guide helps to spark inspiration, kindle the home fires, and ignite an evening of fireworks!

xo,

Felicia

Hey ladies – Want to join me tomorrow for an uber hip holiday fashion and beauty experience? Sassy City Chicks, a unique girls only fashion, beauty, and shopping event, is offering ThisThatBeauty readers the opportunity to upgrade!

The first 50 people to enter coupon code ‘THISTHATBEAUTY‘ at checkout will WIN a pair of FREE promo VIP tickets!

Here’s more info on tomorrow’s Sassy City Chick event. I hope to see you there!

Wrap up your holiday shopping and hit the Sassy City Chicks Holiday Fashion Bash on December 2nd at the Hotel Penn (401 7^th Ave.) from 5p – 10p (VIP entry from 5 p-6:30 p). Shoppers will receive a Holiday Gift Guide with gift items under $40!

VIP tickets include early entry at 5p, complimentary open bar courtesy of Xrated, a sassy gift with a lingerie or make up goodie, and complimentary spa services.

Take advantage of discounts up to 80% off designers such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, DVF, Nanette Lepore and many, many more. Don’t miss out!

FOR MORE EVENT INFO CLICK HERE

FOR TICKET INFO CLICK HERE

FOR THE LIST OF PARTICIPATING DESIGNERS CLICK HERE

Hey baby dolls –

GIVEAWAY HINT: SCROLL DOWN

Hey baby dolls - 

GIVEAWAY HINT: SCROLL DOWN

For today’s installment of ThisThatBeauty Pops Lip: Lip Colour du Jour, I am partnering with one of my favorite designers, Diane Von Furstenburg.

I give you DVF “Foreign Affair”. 

Foreign Affair is a bold red 1940′s inspired lipstick. It is described as “matte crimson”. Ever since my brush with Lipstick Queen Red Sinner, I’ve been walking on the wild side and playing around with red.

How about y’all? Who wants to walk on the wild side with me and try DVF Foreign Affair? Well today’s your lucky day because I am offering two lucky ThisThatBeauty readers the opportunity to win a tube of Foreign Affair.

Check me out below showing off Foreign Affair. If this shade is for you, follow the instructions and enter my contest. Its that simple:)

WARNING:

I took these pics really quickly and on a whim. I am wearing absolutely NO makeup and I had just washed and airdried my hair. You’ve been warned….

So do we like? Do we wanna win this?

OK, two lucky ThisThatBeauty readers will win Diane Von Furstenberg “Foreign Affair“.

• Leave a comment with your email address
  
• One reader will be chosen at random
  
• You have until July 5 to enter contest
  
• US residents only
  

Good luck,

Felicia

For today’s installment of ThisThatBeauty Pops Lip: Lip Colour du Jour, I am partnering with one of my favorite designers, Diane Von Furstenburg.

I give you DVF “Foreign Affair”. 

Foreign Affair is a bold red 1940′s inspired lipstick. It is described as “matte crimson”. Ever since my brush with Lipstick Queen Red Sinner, I’ve been walking on the wild side and playing around with red.

How about y’all? Who wants to walk on the wild side with me and try DVF Foreign Affair? Well today’s your lucky day because I am offering two lucky ThisThatBeauty readers the opportunity to win a tube of Foreign Affair.

Check me out below showing off Foreign Affair. If this shade is for you, follow the instructions and enter my contest. Its that simple:)

WARNING:

I took these pics really quickly and on a whim. I am wearing absolutely NO makeup and I had just washed and airdried my hair. You’ve been warned….

So do we like? Do we wanna win this?

OK, two lucky ThisThatBeauty readers will win Diane Von Furstenberg “Foreign Affair“.

• Leave a comment with your email address
  
• One reader will be chosen at random
  
• You have until July 5 to enter contest
  
• US residents only
  

Good luck,

Felicia